TrekMovie’s Guide to Cosplay at #STLV 2015

With just two weeks before Star Trek Las Vegas (STLV), Trekkies are in full swing, finishing final costume details for the biggest Star Trek convention in the country. For many Trekkies STLV is “the place” to showcase new costumes and strut their stuff.

To Reveal or Not to Reveal?
Some fans prefer to keep their costumes a secret until the reveal at STLV while others enjoy openly sharing the creative process of the costume build. Adrianne Grady from California has been attending STLV for five years and likes to share in progress pictures of some of her costumes. Adrianne said, “Once I have an idea, I generally can’t wait to share something about it.” Serafina, a cosplayer from Colorado attending STLV for the first time, said, “I’ve never felt the need to keep a costume a secret but people that do giant armor things with stilts, lights, and sounds blow people away and cause a stir. I could see doing saving something like that for a big reveal.”

A Man of Many Costumes!
Some Trekkies have more than one costume to worry about! Eric Allan Hall from Utah is bringing 13 costumes this year. We asked if he feels that many changes might be hectic or stressful. Eric shared, “Usually not. I can pop up to my room in the Rio and change quickly. I plan my changes so I don’t have to completely re-do my hair and makeup. I’ll go from no makeup, like Kirok or my Redshirt zombie, to Data, or a Borg. I may go from Data with no hat to Data with a hat, like Carlos from South America, or Sherlock Holmes.”

Eric Allan Hall (center) in one of his many Data costumes, with friends Adrienne Grady (Lal on left) and Karine Marois (Aenar)

Costume Contest!
After all the hard work fans put into their costumes, some will enter the annual Creation costume contest. Adrianne suggests that fun and comfort are important, “Have fun! Wear something that entertains you and be sure to make it comfortable to wear whenever possible. Good footwear and lightweight materials go a long way. Also stay hydrated and don’t forget to eat!” Brooke Wilkins from Utah, a veteran costumer, advises “Show up early for the contest. Go to the bathroom first. You have to account for the extra time it takes to walk the halls with people asking to take your picture. The competition time is excellent for hanging out with your fellow costumers, learning and laughing together. Enjoy it! There’s nothing to be worried about. We’re all just pretending!” Participants should also familiarize themselves with this year’s new contest rules.

So many costumes, so little time

Pros Love Cosplay Too!
Costuming is not just a fan favorite, but industry professionals love it as well. John Paladin is a makeup artist whose work can be has been seen on Star Trek: Of Gods and Men, Star Trek: Kitumba, as well as on numerous convention stages. John says, “The best thing about fan costumes is that they do them. The fans are more than half the show at any convention. From the elaborate to the simple, they all express one thing in common: the passion of the fan who wears it.“

Lisa Hansell is also a makeup artist and lifelong Trekkie. Lisa has worked on Star Trek Renegades, Star Trek Continues and many other productions. What she loves about convention costuming is the passion of the fans that shows through, “My favorite thing about fan costumes is when a fan has put a lot of thought, love, care and time into their costume and they walk through the convention area pausing for pictures and soaking up the compliments from their fellow Trekkers. Their feeling of satisfaction that comes from a job well done is palpable…and contagious!”

Lisa Hansell (right) and friends as Vulcan science officers

Is This Accurate Enough?
A lot of fans may be nervous to enter the realm of costuming wondering just how accurate their costumes should be. John says, “The answer to that question is the same that plagues Hollywood on every production: budget. Fortunately for fans there is a great variety of resources available to them now on the internet to find what they are looking for at a decent price. When it comes to makeup, that’s what I’ve always tried to give to them, a way to create the look they want without it costing them so much money.”

Lisa feels it’s up to each individual, “I feel that each fan has to do what’s right for them. If accuracy is your thing, then do the research and put in the time to source the correct fabrics and accessories and really make your costume all it can be. If you just want to don your favorite TOS red shirt for laughs and multiple staged death scenes with friends, then that’s fine, too! Ultimately, it’s all about the enjoyment of the wearer, so I don’t feel there can be any absolutes with regard to how that is accomplished.”

Have Fun!
We’re excited for all the costumes that fans will debut at STLV. It’s a great hobby and way for Trekkies to celebrate their love of characters in a special universe. Whether you bring one costume or five, whether you enter the contest or not, whether it’s 100% accurate or not, the consensus is in: have fun!