Dressed to Impress: A Stunning Number by Joshua Hart
Anime Boston is known for attracting some of the region’s most talented tailors and cosplayers. Every year the hallways are lined with gorgeous ensembles and this year, the creation of Joshua Hart really caught my eye. I scheduled a photo-shoot with Joshua, and asked him a little about his personal experiences in the world of costuming. I invite you to enjoy the following pictures of one incredible outfit and its creator’s answers to our burning questions.
How long have you been sewing? Why did you start sewing?
“I have been sewing since 2003. My sewing endeavors began with a fascination for renaissance festivals. I loved attending the festivals with friends and family; and playing dress up in period costumes was always a lot of fun. Fortunately, the costumes were too expensive at the renaissance festivals, and I knew I could make the costumes with better fabrics and fit. I taught myself how to sew through books, online articles, and trial-and-error. During this time, I sewed all of the costumes by hand. My parents thought sewing costumes was a ridiculous hobby and refused to purchase a sewing machine for me. But, once my friends and family realized that the costumes I was sewing by hand were decent, I began to get requests for commissions. This is how my profession began.”
How did you start attending conventions? Did conventions introduce you to sewing/cosplay or was it the other way around?
“My first convention was Otakon in 2006. I was asked to go with a group of my friends from school. I knew nothing of anime conventions, but I was told everyone dresses up as their favorite characters and “it is similar to a renaissance festival, but for Japanese stuff”. I was so excited. I cosplayed as Cloud Strife from Final Fantasy 7: Advent Children; my friends cosplayed as other characters from the series. I taught myself how to knit for that costume. I absolutely loved cosplaying and the conventions. While conventions did not introduce sewing to me, they fueled my love for costumes. Ever since, I have been sewing nearly everyday to expand my knowledge for sewing and my craft. Thankfully, my parents relented and purchased a sewing machine for me!”
Have you won any awards for your work? Do you participate in masquerades?
“I have won eleven best-in-show awards for cosplaying, as well as several awards for fashion garment construction. While I have never entered a masquerade, I regularly participate in the Hall Cosplay Contest. I hope to one day find a partner to compete alongside in the World Cosplay Summit.”
Have you ever received negative feedback or experienced “con-drama” over your cosplay/crossplay, or have you found the con-going community to be supportive?
“As a whole, I have not received a lot of negative feedback. The cosplay and con community are extremely accepting and loving people; they are very kind, supportive, and inspiring. I have received some negative feedback while crossplaying, however, most of those comment have come from insecure males. While some of the degrading comments have hurt my feelings, it does not stop me from making and wearing costumes from characters I love and admire.”
And of course, where can we see more of your work? Do you take commissions?
“You can find more of my work through my website – Joshuahartdesign.com. I do take commissions! As of this moment, my commission slots have been filled through mid August. I will be accepting new commissions come September of 2013.”
“I hope I answered all of your question thoroughly! Thanks so much!!!!
Best,
Joshua”
