Cosplay Spotlight: Beautifully Twisted
In my ongoing search for new things to add to the site, I realised that one of my best resources is my friends! So, with this in mind, I asked long-time Rufus cosplayer and close friend, Anna "Beautifully Twisted", if she'd answer a couple questions for the site.
Alright. First question~ When did you start cosplaying? What got you into it?
Technically, I've been into costuming since I was a child. Every Halloween my Mum would sew me a costume be it a Disney princess or some historical heroine. It's something I've always loved, the small escapism of dressing up as a certain character and stepping into their shoes for a short time. It's like acting in a way.
As for actual cosplay, I first stumbled onto it several years back when my adoration for Final Fantasy VII was suddenly revived by a dear friend of mine. I never really foresaw myself cosplaying because while I can design costumes, I can't sew to save my life -- detail work is another thing entirely, though. However, after taking a costuming class back when I was a theatre student I began having hopes of actually sewing a costume for the sake of cosplay. Well, we soon all learned that I can't sew a bloody stitch no matter what I do. Of course, that really didn't stop me, otherwise I wouldn't be here discussing this
What was your first convention experience like?
My first con experience was interesting to say the least. It was really last minute planning, and I didn't know what to expect. You can imagine how flustered I was when I walked through the door and was literally glomped to death by a Lulu -- who would have thought Rufus had so many fans?
Unfortunately, I was dead tired all weekend due to no sleep the Thursday night before. I literally drank coffee the entire time to keep myself from falling asleep, though resulting in this caffeine induced insanity. Due to this, I kept telling people I was Rufus Shinra just before WEAPON's attack. Yanno, his company's falling apart, everyone's plotting against him like wolves, his lover is dead ... eheh. He has a right to look dead tired.
I ended up feeling like I was in a drunken daze for most of the con, but I still had fun.
A question I get a lot here on the site: Why Rufus? What drew you to the character?
I fell in love with Rufus the moment I saw him in VII. There was just something about the white duster under the suit coat, and the hair flip, and the fact that he carried a sawed off shotgun -- it has to be a mod. Of course, my mad, insane love for him didn't start until my best friend, Crystal began obsessing over the TsengxRufus pairing. Several text messages and fangirling spaz out moments later, she had drawn me in thus leading me to writing and drawing the pairing -- it has since become my one true yaoi love, withstanding all other interests.
As for Rufus himself, I see myself in the character. Whether that be a good thing or not shall be left to debate. He's a multifaceted character, I believe. It annoys me when people portray him as one-dimensional, leaving him as only an icy boy bent on power and respect when his true character is so much more. My fandom life is justified with the release of Advent Children, for the character I've been defending for years is now canon. Beautiful, snarky, delicate, philosophical, and seemingly apathetic hiding beneath the facade he shows to the world. I could truly ramble on about him for hours, I swear.
Sometimes girls dressing as male characters aren't taken as seriously other cosplayers. Has crossplaying been a challenge for you? How have your costumes been received?
My first attempt at Rufus was last minute planning in which I found a double-breasted size 14 boys suit on eBay. I switched out the white buttons for black, and then gave Crystal a nervous breakdown when it came to the duster -- it was the first thing she sewed. We quickly learned gabardine ravels terrible. Alas, the costume was unfinished at my first con, lacking the dark trim along the collar and pockets, as well as the fingerless gloves and the buttons needed realignment as opposed to following the original placing of the white buttons. My hair -- which I hacked off and bleached for the costume -- was too auburn, as well. Something that was remedied with Touch of Sun and eventual full colour.
After the first unfinished debut of the costume, I set about the task of creating the Rufus I saw in my head through cosplay and proclaiming him as 'Doujinshi Rufus' complete with green materia earring and ShinRa lapel pin -- my special touches that make the cosplay uniquely my own. Crystal made me a new duster for my 20th birthday, which I love dearly. Unfortunately, I ended up hemming the duster in the hotel room of the Sheraton the Thursday night before Animazement, as well as adding on the black suede trim -- never use suede, it pills terribly.
After Animazement '05 I swore I had retired the costume -- wanting to take on more theatrical costumes -- and went as far as to darken my hair intent on growing it out again. And then Advent Children came out, and my head exploded.
And so begins the task of revamping my Rufus cosplay.
First thing, I lacked the hair. I panicked ... and then found a nice wig alternative despite the fact that I'm loathe to wearing short wigs. Changed the buttons on the duster, Crystal made the black waistcoat out of vinyl I had bought a year before for Sephiroth cosplay -- er, yeah. The suit was also an issue as the one he wears in Advent Children is single-breasted, so after assessing that there was nothing to be done about my old suit, I needed to find a new one. $50, eBay, single-breasted white suit boys size 16 ... bought it a week before I needed it and panicked like crazy that it wouldn't get here in time for Nekocon. This entire costume stressed me out beyond words this time around, but the end result was worth it.
You're pretty much the unrivaled queen of Rufus cosplay in a lot of opinions. Tell me about the touches you've added to your costumes to make them unique and above the rest.
When it comes to cosplay, even the smallest of things can set you apart from the rest. When I cosplay Rufus, I'm not cosplaying this generic character from a popular video game. I'm cosplaying the Rufus I see. The one I write about, the one I draw. My Rufus wears a tiny materia earring in his left ear. I went through great pains to find the perfect earring for this, finally finding a single green earring in the discount container at the jewelry stand a friend of mine runs. Likewise, ever since I started cosplaying Rufus I had talked of him wearing a ShinRa lapel pin. Both have become an essential part of my cosplay.
For Advent Children Rufus, I added Geostigma to my right hand and bandages. Though, the best touch to this costume was the inclusion of 'kaasan'.
What are your thoughts on Rufus' costume change between FFVII and Advent Children?
There was always something off about the original design for me. I think it was the trim around the collar and the endless debate of whether it was dark grey or just a slightly reflective black. I personally think the black looks better, but still draw the trim as being grey. I was never completely satisfied with my VII version of him. Advent Children however ... I completely love the new character designs, period. They're sleeker, more streamlined. Rufus is no exception. The single-breasted suit coat and black dress shirt make the entire outfit so much more appealing for me, not to mention a great deal more comfortable to wear. The vinyl waistcoat is also a lovely addition, it adds a certain type of rebellion to an otherwise corporate look. As Advent Children Rufus, I felt so much more put together and confident in my cosplay.
What's your Favorite non-Rufus costume?
I really enjoyed cosplaying Maria Renard. It's very rare for me to cosplay a female character, much less one wearing such minimal clothing, but I really loved it. There's something about being so incredibly feminine that made the cosplay appealing. Also, it was so comfortable compared to my other costumes. I wore it all day and never once felt uncomfortable. I was tipsy most of the time, but still.
If money and practicality were no object, what would your ultimate or dream costume be?
While I'm usually against the idea of cosplaying characters from games/series you've never played, I'm completely in love with the concept of cosplaying Amila from Magna Carta: Crimson Stigmata. I've dearly wanted to play the game, alas there was no stateside release that I'm aware of. However, the entire costume just screams to me. Could perhaps be the half-mask she's wearing. Such a lovely design.
Have you ever had any strange encounters with Rufus fangirls? Or maybe fangirls/boys of your own?
I've had some bizarre online encounters in which people grovel and/or are scared of me, however at the cons I've attended I've only been asked for hugs and what not. While I'm fairly certain I have a few fangirls ... or fanboys, they haven't done anything overtly creepy. If someone wants a Rufus hug, I'm more than happy to give it to them. Cosplay should also be for the fans of whatever character you're cosplaying. I've seen in the past where cosplayers ignore fans, and I find that very hypocritical.
Thank you so much for taking the time to do a piece for EMPIRE! Any last tips/advice for aspiring ShinRa cosplayers?
I've noticed that a lot of amateur cosplayers instantly look at ShinRa as see something that's easy. Unfortunately, this leads to a lot of bad ShinRa cosplay. While most ShinRa cosplay is predominately made up of suits, that doesn't mean you should simply leave it at that and consider your cosplay done. There are details that most cosplayers overlook, wigs that must be involved -- simply stated just because you have red hair and a suit doesn't mean you'd make a good Reno. I'm of the belief if you're going to take the time to do something, you should try to do your best at it.
Since there's really not much to the original costumes, add on your own special touches that are uniquely your own. It will set your cosplay apart from the rest.
Remember ShinRa is perfection. Iron your suits. The only member who should be suitably rumpled is Reno. Rumpled Rufuses make me want to cry.
And remember, to have fun. Cosplay should be a great way of meeting new people who share similiar interests and not become a petty competition.
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Alright. First question~ When did you start cosplaying? What got you into it?Technically, I've been into costuming since I was a child. Every Halloween my Mum would sew me a costume be it a Disney princess or some historical heroine. It's something I've always loved, the small escapism of dressing up as a certain character and stepping into their shoes for a short time. It's like acting in a way.
As for actual cosplay, I first stumbled onto it several years back when my adoration for Final Fantasy VII was suddenly revived by a dear friend of mine. I never really foresaw myself cosplaying because while I can design costumes, I can't sew to save my life -- detail work is another thing entirely, though. However, after taking a costuming class back when I was a theatre student I began having hopes of actually sewing a costume for the sake of cosplay. Well, we soon all learned that I can't sew a bloody stitch no matter what I do. Of course, that really didn't stop me, otherwise I wouldn't be here discussing this
What was your first convention experience like?
My first con experience was interesting to say the least. It was really last minute planning, and I didn't know what to expect. You can imagine how flustered I was when I walked through the door and was literally glomped to death by a Lulu -- who would have thought Rufus had so many fans?
Unfortunately, I was dead tired all weekend due to no sleep the Thursday night before. I literally drank coffee the entire time to keep myself from falling asleep, though resulting in this caffeine induced insanity. Due to this, I kept telling people I was Rufus Shinra just before WEAPON's attack. Yanno, his company's falling apart, everyone's plotting against him like wolves, his lover is dead ... eheh. He has a right to look dead tired.
I ended up feeling like I was in a drunken daze for most of the con, but I still had fun.
A question I get a lot here on the site: Why Rufus? What drew you to the character?
I fell in love with Rufus the moment I saw him in VII. There was just something about the white duster under the suit coat, and the hair flip, and the fact that he carried a sawed off shotgun -- it has to be a mod. Of course, my mad, insane love for him didn't start until my best friend, Crystal began obsessing over the TsengxRufus pairing. Several text messages and fangirling spaz out moments later, she had drawn me in thus leading me to writing and drawing the pairing -- it has since become my one true yaoi love, withstanding all other interests.
As for Rufus himself, I see myself in the character. Whether that be a good thing or not shall be left to debate. He's a multifaceted character, I believe. It annoys me when people portray him as one-dimensional, leaving him as only an icy boy bent on power and respect when his true character is so much more. My fandom life is justified with the release of Advent Children, for the character I've been defending for years is now canon. Beautiful, snarky, delicate, philosophical, and seemingly apathetic hiding beneath the facade he shows to the world. I could truly ramble on about him for hours, I swear.
Sometimes girls dressing as male characters aren't taken as seriously other cosplayers. Has crossplaying been a challenge for you? How have your costumes been received?
My first attempt at Rufus was last minute planning in which I found a double-breasted size 14 boys suit on eBay. I switched out the white buttons for black, and then gave Crystal a nervous breakdown when it came to the duster -- it was the first thing she sewed. We quickly learned gabardine ravels terrible. Alas, the costume was unfinished at my first con, lacking the dark trim along the collar and pockets, as well as the fingerless gloves and the buttons needed realignment as opposed to following the original placing of the white buttons. My hair -- which I hacked off and bleached for the costume -- was too auburn, as well. Something that was remedied with Touch of Sun and eventual full colour.
After the first unfinished debut of the costume, I set about the task of creating the Rufus I saw in my head through cosplay and proclaiming him as 'Doujinshi Rufus' complete with green materia earring and ShinRa lapel pin -- my special touches that make the cosplay uniquely my own. Crystal made me a new duster for my 20th birthday, which I love dearly. Unfortunately, I ended up hemming the duster in the hotel room of the Sheraton the Thursday night before Animazement, as well as adding on the black suede trim -- never use suede, it pills terribly.
After Animazement '05 I swore I had retired the costume -- wanting to take on more theatrical costumes -- and went as far as to darken my hair intent on growing it out again. And then Advent Children came out, and my head exploded.
And so begins the task of revamping my Rufus cosplay.
First thing, I lacked the hair. I panicked ... and then found a nice wig alternative despite the fact that I'm loathe to wearing short wigs. Changed the buttons on the duster, Crystal made the black waistcoat out of vinyl I had bought a year before for Sephiroth cosplay -- er, yeah. The suit was also an issue as the one he wears in Advent Children is single-breasted, so after assessing that there was nothing to be done about my old suit, I needed to find a new one. $50, eBay, single-breasted white suit boys size 16 ... bought it a week before I needed it and panicked like crazy that it wouldn't get here in time for Nekocon. This entire costume stressed me out beyond words this time around, but the end result was worth it.
You're pretty much the unrivaled queen of Rufus cosplay in a lot of opinions. Tell me about the touches you've added to your costumes to make them unique and above the rest.
When it comes to cosplay, even the smallest of things can set you apart from the rest. When I cosplay Rufus, I'm not cosplaying this generic character from a popular video game. I'm cosplaying the Rufus I see. The one I write about, the one I draw. My Rufus wears a tiny materia earring in his left ear. I went through great pains to find the perfect earring for this, finally finding a single green earring in the discount container at the jewelry stand a friend of mine runs. Likewise, ever since I started cosplaying Rufus I had talked of him wearing a ShinRa lapel pin. Both have become an essential part of my cosplay.
For Advent Children Rufus, I added Geostigma to my right hand and bandages. Though, the best touch to this costume was the inclusion of 'kaasan'.
What are your thoughts on Rufus' costume change between FFVII and Advent Children?
There was always something off about the original design for me. I think it was the trim around the collar and the endless debate of whether it was dark grey or just a slightly reflective black. I personally think the black looks better, but still draw the trim as being grey. I was never completely satisfied with my VII version of him. Advent Children however ... I completely love the new character designs, period. They're sleeker, more streamlined. Rufus is no exception. The single-breasted suit coat and black dress shirt make the entire outfit so much more appealing for me, not to mention a great deal more comfortable to wear. The vinyl waistcoat is also a lovely addition, it adds a certain type of rebellion to an otherwise corporate look. As Advent Children Rufus, I felt so much more put together and confident in my cosplay.
What's your Favorite non-Rufus costume?
I really enjoyed cosplaying Maria Renard. It's very rare for me to cosplay a female character, much less one wearing such minimal clothing, but I really loved it. There's something about being so incredibly feminine that made the cosplay appealing. Also, it was so comfortable compared to my other costumes. I wore it all day and never once felt uncomfortable. I was tipsy most of the time, but still.
If money and practicality were no object, what would your ultimate or dream costume be?
While I'm usually against the idea of cosplaying characters from games/series you've never played, I'm completely in love with the concept of cosplaying Amila from Magna Carta: Crimson Stigmata. I've dearly wanted to play the game, alas there was no stateside release that I'm aware of. However, the entire costume just screams to me. Could perhaps be the half-mask she's wearing. Such a lovely design.
Have you ever had any strange encounters with Rufus fangirls? Or maybe fangirls/boys of your own?
I've had some bizarre online encounters in which people grovel and/or are scared of me, however at the cons I've attended I've only been asked for hugs and what not. While I'm fairly certain I have a few fangirls ... or fanboys, they haven't done anything overtly creepy. If someone wants a Rufus hug, I'm more than happy to give it to them. Cosplay should also be for the fans of whatever character you're cosplaying. I've seen in the past where cosplayers ignore fans, and I find that very hypocritical.
Thank you so much for taking the time to do a piece for EMPIRE! Any last tips/advice for aspiring ShinRa cosplayers?
I've noticed that a lot of amateur cosplayers instantly look at ShinRa as see something that's easy. Unfortunately, this leads to a lot of bad ShinRa cosplay. While most ShinRa cosplay is predominately made up of suits, that doesn't mean you should simply leave it at that and consider your cosplay done. There are details that most cosplayers overlook, wigs that must be involved -- simply stated just because you have red hair and a suit doesn't mean you'd make a good Reno. I'm of the belief if you're going to take the time to do something, you should try to do your best at it.
Since there's really not much to the original costumes, add on your own special touches that are uniquely your own. It will set your cosplay apart from the rest.
Remember ShinRa is perfection. Iron your suits. The only member who should be suitably rumpled is Reno. Rumpled Rufuses make me want to cry.
And remember, to have fun. Cosplay should be a great way of meeting new people who share similiar interests and not become a petty competition.
You can find more of Anna's cosplay on her Cosplay.com Profile or at her website, Dark-Nation.net!
I also highly reccomend checking out her Rufus-centric fanart (some of which is displayed here in the fantart section!) at DeviantArt.
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