time completed: Beginning of March 2006
hours spent: 20+
worn at: XXVII Convencion de Juegos de Mesa y Comics, Anime Expo 2006, Dragoncon 2006, Metrocon 2007, Dragoncon 2007

Why I chose to make this costume:
I was suggested Mulan years ago and have always loved the moie, so it's been on my to-make list for a while now.
I chose this outfit of Mulans because it was the most "princess-esque", and because I love the colors.

How I made this costume:
I used various Asian brocade fabrics to give the costume texture. Even the white lining and skirt are patterned though it's hard to see in these pics. The blue "overshirt" is constructed like a corset, with light boning and lace up back. I also made Chinese hairpins, earrings and tassles etc. to give the costume a more traditional feel. The flower haircomb was sculpted over a regular comb and hand-painted. The flower was a lucky find.
I definitely did NOT want to do the stark white makeup and opted for more natural shades as per the "Reflection" song scene.
Lastly, I altered my hairstyle because I kinda hate the loose bun head look in real life >_<... and I desperately wanted to use my own hair (plus extension loops ^^).

My thoughts on this costume:
I'd love to do a loation photoshoot in this costume - it's so dainty and girly, and so very Chinese lol. It was nice to finally make and wear this outfit, and it would be amazing to do a Disney group with my friends!

Reference pictures