Alis Landale (Phantasy Star 1)

creation: May 2000 (v1), October 2001
worn at: Akon 11(v1), Anime North 2001 (v1), Akon 12 (v1), Halloween 2001, Akon 13, AX 2002

why alis?: A long time ago, my mother made a Luna (Lunar: SS) costume for my sister. It was our first cosplay experience. My sister found it exciting since some people knew who she was and I was jealous since I didn't get to participate in the dress-up fun. The following year, my sister wanted another costume of one of her favorite characters. The original Alis costume (v1) was created that year, so that my sister could live out her dreams as a Phantasy Star heroine. It was my very first costuming attempt. Of course, everyone knew the costume being that the game was over ten years old and on the Sega Master System. Very few people recognized her, needless to say. The following year, I realized that my sewing skills had improved and that the Alis costume was a disgrace. I had made it entirely without patterns and just sort of sewn random pieces of fabric together. I told my sister she was forbidden to wear that horrid costume since it looked terrible but this made her sad since she still loved Alis. So, for Halloween, I re-made the costume (v2), with good results.

con notes: Well, after being the lone PS character for years, she and I did a PS heroine duo with me as at AX 2002. It was awesome! Also, since we had two versions of the same costume, my sister and I were able to have a twin effect by wearing them together. We hope next year to meet up with a friend of mine who also has an Alis costume, and get pictures of three Alises together! One day there will be Aliscon!!! It will be wonderful.

construction:The pink dress is thin cotton, and perhaps a shade too light. There is a matching headband. The armor is made of a thick, non-fraying grey material fused to heavy interfacing for thickness. I learned that the satin used in the first version was too shiny so I tried for a matte color. The designs on the armor are made of a non-fraying gold material and fused on. The pattern I used was originally for a men's Renaissance tunic. The shoulder pieces have shoulder pads within them for better support. The armor is done up with small hooks down the front. I made the arm guards with the same materials as the armor. The costume is worn with white leggings and boots. My sister bought a decent plastic sword which passes for Elsydeon.


photo credits: Eurobeat King