Being an "enormous Macross Saga (Super Dimension Fortress Macross) fangirl," MiriyaRoxor's custom cosplay could not go unnoticed. So we asked a few questions on how she went about her designs and construction.
"I had to re-order my contact lenses 3 TIMES because they weren't vibrant enough. I also had to order my Max's wig twice. . ."
RobotechX.com: How long did it take you to complete both costumes?
MiriyaRoxor: I began gleaning components for the costumes about one year before beginning. I wanted to make these costumes more than any other I've made so far and I also had to work up the nerve to do it. This was my most difficult so far as well. It took me about a month to gather all materials. Most things I ordered online. I had to re-order my contact lenses 3 TIMES because they weren't vibrant enough. I also had to order my Max's wig twice because (you know how capricious the hue can be) I wanted the perfect shade of blue so I dyed one myself. All in all, actual construction took 3 months off and on(mostly on)...
"The buckles are constructed from wonderflex laminated about 4 layers, gesso'd to the15th power, then touched up with. . ."
RobotechX.com: What materials did you use?
MiriyaRoxor: I've seen plenty o' cosplay flight suits and I knew I didn't want to use lycra spandex. It has great stretch which can be very forgiving, but it has this funky sheen that SDF-1 suits just don't have. So, I used stretch twill. Much better. It was also tricky finding the correct shades of blue (you find some on-screen continuity, and we'll talk) so I also dyed all of the fabric, aside from the white. The boots are underneath and permanently affixed to the suits with Shoe Goo. The buckles are constructed from wonderflex laminated about 4 layers, gesso'd to the 15th power, then touched up with 2-part epoxy putty and painted. They are removable with recessed hook-and-eye closures on both sides. The harness/rucksacks were designed from scratch and have armature of hard sheet plastic (very tough to cut *__*) and are covered with pleather vynil. They are working backpacks with a zipper and all. The straps are wonderflex covered in fabric, and the "buckles" are wonderflex smoothed over with Bondo! I also dyed, cut and styled both wigs. There are lots of little construction details that I could bore you for HOURS with, too! If you're lucky enough to meet me at a con, I just might. XD
RobotechX.com: Any advice for people who want to construct their own costumes?
MiriyaRoxor: Well, I made these without patterns or previous experience with bodysuits of any kind so, I had to invent my method. I won't say that it's a proprietary secret or anything, It's just very hard to describe in detail (without diagrams, for one). I will say that I dismantled 2 pairs of pants made of similar-to-stretch-twill material (one pair mine, the other my boyfriend's) and laid them out piece by piece and drafted the patterns on newspaper. Some of it was trial and error, but I thought each step through very thoroughly beforehand. Errrr... You also have to have a lot of confidence in your abilities. Through the whole process I never once felt, or even thought, that I couldn't do it. You just have to take it step by step and keep a clear mental image of the finished project. I hope this is good advice!
In case you were wondering, the guy in the Max coxplay is appropriately her boyfriend. In her own words: "My boyfriend let me dress him up like Max Sterling! He's a keeper. ;)"