Why Michiko Malandro?
I first heard about this anime from a Tumblr post way back in the day and looked into it and though "wow, this surely looks like a hit! I wonder why I hadn't heard about it yet?" And it IS a really great show and I'm STILL surprised more people haven't heard of it. People often compare it to Cowboy Bebop or Samurai Champloo in its storytelling and characters, and I've yet to meet anyone that likes either of those two shows that doesn't enjoy Michiko to Hatchin as well! So if you haven't seen it yet, I highly recommend it.
Costume Stats
Started: July 2012
Completed: August 2012
Status: active
Wig by: Cosplay-Wigs
Worn at: RamenCon 2012, Anime Crossroads 2012,
Anime Boston 2013
Awards: none
About This Costume
I made a majority of the outfit, and it was my first time doing a lot of things, such as working with vinyl, or making a strapless bikini top. The shorts and top were patterned by me, while the jacket was a heavily modified Butterick denim jacket pattern. I used white stretch denim on the shorts, and a black spandex for the bikini top.
Most of the accessories were bought, and I just modified them as needed. I emptied the contents of the cassette tape and spray painted it silver, and modded a purse chain to attach to it. I also used a purse chain for the belt on the shorts. Sunglasses, bracelets, earrings, and boots were all bought or items that I had on hand.
Why Michiko Malandro?
I made this look specifically for the American premiere of the Michiko and Hatchin dub at Anime Boston back in 2013! I was selected to be the official Michiko cosplayer for the premiere, and got to work at the booth as well as be at the premiere where the first four episodes were shown. It was a ton of fun to get to work with Funimation, and listening to the industry guests about what all goes in to launching an anime for US release!
Costume Stats
Started: May 2013
Completed: May 2013
Status: active
Wig by: Cosplay-Wig
Worn at: Anime Boston 2013, RamenCon 2013
Awards: none
About This Costume
The whole outfit was made and patterned by me, with the exception of the accessories. The top is a cotton print, cut on the bias for better drape, and the top band is also a cotton. I had to hand paint on the cheetah print since there was no fabric that looked quite like this. In the back, there's a little window cut out and a band with elastic that helps the top to stay up.
The shirt is a stretch denim which I cleverly picked to have subtle zebra striping through it, since she had a theme of animal print going on in her outfit! The chain necklace was four purse chains purchased from Joann and linked together. They're light and don't scrape at my outfit or skin, so perfect for this look! The earrings were bought online, and the rest of the jewelry I already had on hand.