time completed: Beginning of February 2001
hours spent: 25
worn at: Katsucon 2001, Anime Expo 2001
Awards: First place in the Studio Pierrot Cosplay contest

Why I chose to make this costume:
I decided on the mermaid because Akemi Takada's beautiful mermaid-painting of Madoka has always been my favorites.. especially after seeing the original at AX 2000. I found the beautiful fabric for the costume - a comfortable turquoise fleece that glittered and looked like scales, with a layer of blue sheer over it. For the fins and the headpiece I chose a stiff iridescent blue-green plastic fabric.

How I made this costume:
The sewing part was really creative because I couldn't use any patterns. I sewed the fish tail with all it's fins and hand-stitched the seashell bra and headpiece. I embellished everything with strings of pearls and yellow lilies and even made the pearl earrings. I personally love this costume because of it's beautiful design, wonderful colors and glitter.

My thoughts on this costume:
The photos were taken by Nadine, who created a gorgeous background with multiple layers of fabric and sheer, marbles and pearls… So gorgeous!

Reference pictures

Photos by Nadine Dodd