Fandom Fashionista

Another Summer over and another convention season comes to a close. As we Potter fans wipe our faces from tearful goodbyes and begin the healing process that is Post-Potter Depression, there’s so much we have to look forward to: the Halloween season, the Yule Ball season, and even next Summer’s convention season.

But the most important item that comes along after the last flask has been drained or the last wristband has been photocopied is the Fandom Fashionista Ball Recaps!

I know I’ve put it off for ages and it’s already so stale that your mouth is going to feel like you’ve had one too many Camels & Captains, but I hope you’ll enjoy reading about some of my favorite trends and looks to find their way to a convention dancefloor near you.

The first trend that I noticed was the massive switch to shorter dresses this year; obviously a nod to the ballroom climate and how many people at last year’s Decade of Enchantment Ball at Prophecy were less then thrilled to dance in a full gown. Among these shorter styles, the bubble hem came out ahead as the leading look for ballgoers everywhere.

Here, I’ve pictured thee different types of dress (low cut, halter, boddess) all with a different edge (forgive the pun!) on the bubble hem. Silk, as pictured on the bottom left (I’m on the right next to my beautiful date Lili Blanchard) on yours truly (the dress is Vera Wang Lavender Label in case you didn’t hear me the first 100 times I said it), comes with a harder finish to the hem. Jersey-type (pictured in the center on the always lovely Kristina Horner) drapes for a slimmer silhouette. A blend fabric, like the silk-blend on the far left (I didn’t catch her name, sorry!) adds volume for a fuller skirt.

In addition to the many fabulous cosplayers and costumed fashionistas out there workin’ the floor (which I’ll get to, don’t you worry), there are always those who like to dress for comfort or personal style. Not to be outdone by those who “dress to the nines”, they bring their personal flair to the floor and we appreciate both their honesty and taste. These are, of course, our gorgeous fandom guys.

The boys always know how to work it, whether working the “half & half/jeans and dress shirt” look like Jace MacDonald and Brandon Hensley (top left and right, respectively) or suit-no-tie like Adam Colas (bottom left, on the left). I also have great love for the Chocolate Frogs boys Matty Greco and Mike Demmy (bottom left) who always incorporate style into both their ball garb and their performance wardrobe. Matty ’s a bit of a fashion nerd like me, so I feel the need to drop their names here.

Now, without further ado, we really must move on to the superlatives. Don’t you want to know who was the Best Dressed? Or who had the Hottest Cosplay/Costume? Here goes, in no particular order (and yes, some of you will be sharing your titles until next year):

Most Fashion-Forward Non-Wizard/Muggle Gear

This superlative has got to go to the American Apparel twins at the Bon Voyage Ball.

I didn’t catch their names, but I’m pretty sure they invented the term “work it.” Brights, neons, shades, headbands: these two were outta sight and outer space, while still reppin’ big for LA’s homebrewed line of sweatshop-free clothing. Remind me to find them next time perhaps for a future Style Profile? (Of course I know it’s the notorious Rita Gill and the infamous Jordan McDonald pictured above! I love these two and couldn’t go a whole blog about ball fashion and not mention their amazing tribute to one of my favorite brands. Regulusly!)

Best Costume/Cosplay

How can you choose? Everyone looked so wonderful when the big night had arrived (both in Dallas and Chicago) and I’m sure they all put a lot of effort into their looks. Let’s put it this way: honorable mention goes to…

Pretty in pink was the Fairy Queen at the Mystery Masquerade Ball (I have really got to start getting names people!). She literally made the room brighter with her beautiful wings, masque, and of course her smile. Honorable mention also goes to Yule Ball Harry (another nameless face, pictured here with Erin Pyne, right). People swore this dead-ringer was the real thing and I’m sure I wasn’t the only one doing double takes; nice work.

But the best dressed for cosplay/costume is definitely:

The Sixth Doctor! I think everyone can appreciate when two fandoms come together in one fan’s interpretation of the most beloved sci-fi character of all time. Really, I love this girl and I hope she comes to many an event in the future (if someone can tell me how to get in touch with her, I’d really appreciate it!).

Best Dressed: Guys

I’m not going to sugarcoat it, aside from a few noisemakers and some stylestars who laid low, the guys did not bring it this year like I’d hoped they would. This being said, I’m throwing out an open challenge for both the Yule season and next Summer’s cons: please bring it. That’s all I’m going to say.

The following men were Best in Ball (mind out of the gutters, people!). Honorable mention goes to…

…the incomparable Matthew Britton, whose style gives me hope for the future of fandom fashion. He strikes that pose not just for the camera, but for budding fashionable males everywhere. Thank you, Matt. You’re a true pioneer. I think it’s clear though who was Best Man.

Quinn Rossi, you are one smooth criminal, you know that? And allow me to let my readers in on a not-so-little-known secret: Quinn doesn’t just work it at the ball; no no, he is working the entire event from start to finish, DFW to Chi-town, dawn til…well, til dawn I guess (do we really sleep, Quinn? Haha.) Seriously, this is one of the unsung heroes of the fandom and I give him these props with love. Wear that crown well.

Best Ball Beauties

Now, this was the most difficult. So many of you brought it in ways I could never expect; from the gloves to the gowns to the tabletop-danceworthy pumps. So, give yourselves a round of applause, because you’ve all impressed me (and that’s not as easy as some might think) with your flair and flavor. Honorable mention is a tie (!) and it goes…

…firstly to newcomer Marina Kec, who made an impression on the Mystery Masqueraders in Dallas with this strapless gold number with beautiful double-bow detailing on the bodess. She was definitely turning heads and I definitely want to show her some love. The other honorable mention goes to the platinum paparazzi herself, Bre Bishop, whose sleek black halter minidress with gemstone detailing was a fashion grand slam at the Bon Voyage ball in Chicago. In a ball overrun with colors from all angles, this LBD represented for both class and culture. Give it up for both of these girls; they also know how to pose!

So, who was the top of the charts? You’ve read about her here, you’ve seen her costumes in many YouTube videos over the past year, and you already know her as “the Ravenclaw Head Girl” (I’m the “other” one)…

I’m talking about Marci Morimoto, who didn’t just turn heads, she made jaws drop in this custom-made Ravenclaw blue and bronze period gown with bustle accent. I knew about this piece way before Terminus, but I was blown away when the night arrived; the craftmanship, the detailing, and the rich colors! Who was she wearing, you ask? Why, Marci Morimoto of course! It’s clear that Marci is poised to become a major force in fandom fashion and cosplay. Well done, madam. Well done.

That wraps it up for the Summer Ball Recap. I hope you enjoyed reading about some of my favorite looks and trends and that you will stay tuned for coverage of the NYC Wizard Rock Festival (where I hope to be speaking to some of the performers about their feelings on fandom and fashion) and the upcoming Halloween and Yule seasons. To see the two full albums from the Mystery Masquerade and Bon Voyage Balls, check out the following links. Ciao!

Mystery Masquerade Ball

Bon Voyage Ball