Dress to tell your story

It is officially known as cosplay, but most people will call it dress up or costuming. To dress as your favourite character from a book or movie. And tell a story with what you look like.

This week at the Premiere of the Desolation of Smaug I saw some amazing costumes. 

Most of these costumes are hand made by the people who wear them. Watching the movie several times to see what the costume looks like. Looking at pictures for the details in stitching or accessories. Spending hours looking for the correct fabric. And with armour it also takes hours to make chain mail or plating. Some people may smile at the thought, dressing up. But it takes up hours of time and dedication to finish a costume. And it isn't cheap.

But on the other hand, it also is lots of fun to do, especially when it is your favourite character. To have your costume finished, wearing it, becoming that character for a while. And especially when others see which character you are and want to take pictures of your or with you.

Some examples from the premiere:

An elven lady and a tall Bilbo with cloaks

Two Hobbits

Amazing cloaks. Hand stitched!

That's not movie-Thorin, but she, yes those are all ladies, comes very close.

Thranduil x2