Masquerade

[clevermanka]

It's time to start planning what I'm going to do for ConQuesT's masquerade this year. I mentioned to a couple people that I was thinking about doing a Rule 63 Benton Fraser, but then I remembered I'd mentioned (years ago) doing the same with Ash. And I've always loved the idea of dressing as Alex.* Doing the new Sherlock would be fun, timely, and I could totally use those clothes in daily wear, so it's practical, too. Would be a lot more fun if there was a short-ish blond willing to be my Watson.

So what do you think I should start working on for this year? Each has its own challenges, although Fraser would be the most difficult.

[Poll #1818031]


*Really Alex, not one of those stupid skimpy "Sexy Alex" costumes because seriously, how could showing more skin make that sexier? It doesn't. It just looks stupid.

Comments

[orrin.livejournal.com]

The new Sherlock would be the sexiest, though that may say more about my predilections re: costuming and less about any objective sexiness.

[clevermanka.livejournal.com]

I think it says something about my predilections that I think Alex would be sexiest. Hm.

[orrin.livejournal.com]

I have strongly considered doing an Alex costume for Halloween some year, assuming I ever score a derby that actually fits me.

[clevermanka.livejournal.com]

I'll probably have one made. Pyrate Trading Company (http://www.pyrate.org/) does good custom work.

Also, you would fucking rock an Alex costume for real.

[alryssa.livejournal.com]

I MEAN IT'S NOT LIKE I'M BIASED OR ANYTHING

I'm still working on a Fraser outfit myself. Got hat, patches, a (brown) coat that needs some tailoring... need to work on pants and get some shoes...

Not that I have a convention to go to, but y'know.

[clevermanka.livejournal.com]

Where'd you get the hat, and was it too terribly pricey?

I'd use my knee-high Frye boots (http://www.flickr.com/photos/chernobylred/6377052515/), even though they're not quite correct.

Now that I think about it, this costume would, like Sherlock, be much better if I had a hot blond chick willing to accompany me to conventions. Because srsly, Rule 63 Fraser/RayK? FUCKING HOT.

[alryssa.livejournal.com]

Um, I paid about $190 USD for it and it is a genuine RCMP Stetson from Canada. Yes, I may in fact be a liiiiittle bit too much of a stickler for accuracy (don't get me started on why it's different from a 'campaign hat'). Ahem.

Those are some damn nice boots - not a bad substitute at all. Actual Strathconas are also expensive, but OTOH, they're custom made to your feet, and I've been drooling over the idea of getting a pair for years.

I've been trying to find a good template to use for a red serge pattern, and not had much luck. So I've found a brown uniform equivalent from a military surplus store that would work with a little taking in.

edit: Randomly, if you ever do get a hat like this, you really do have to adjust your personal space boundary and get used to the pretty ridiculous brim width, because otherwise YOU WILL GET IT CAUGHT IN DOORWAYS. I can get in and out of a car wearing it now, but yeah. You really have to shift your awareness of where your head is at :p

[clevermanka.livejournal.com]

Well the cost of the hat is probably going to knock Fraser out of the running for this year, then. Damn. I'm planning to co-host a room party at this con, and that's going to take a lot of what remains of my minimal spending money.

I love the tip on wearing the hat. Good to know for future reference!

[alryssa.livejournal.com]

I only got it because my great aunt sent me enough money for a birthday back in '08 to cover it and I was like OKAY THEN.

Also I want to know how it stayed on his head, because I cannot wear it in more than slightly windy weather. Yes I wear it occasionally THAT'S WHAT IT'S FOR

Although peoples' reactions to me when I'm wearing it can be very entertaining. :D

[clevermanka.livejournal.com]

I want to know how it stayed on his head

Are you talking Paul's head or Fraser's head?

In Fraser's case, I believe that even an inanimate object would be hard-pressed to separate itself from the magic magnetism that is Constable Benton Fraser.

In Paul Gross's case, I'm guessing it was (no offense to Mr. Gross) just a matter of multiple takes. =D

[alryssa.livejournal.com]

Oh, Paul's. We all know the Stetson of Invulnerability has magical staying powers!

I could argue that Paul's ego had something to do with it. :P

[stuology.livejournal.com]

Sherlock! I give that show a big thumbs up, and they cast it perfectly.

I'd vote for that, but unless you use the hat, it doesn't feel like a costume -- or at least one instantly recognizable. It just looks like you live somewhere cold and wet. But, maybe in the ConQuesT setting, people would recognize. Or, violin prop? Since it isn't a weapon, can you use a real violin?

The other ones, definite recognizable costumes, unless people believe you are an actual mountie.

[clevermanka.livejournal.com]

maybe in the ConQuesT setting, people would recognize

Maybe I'll hold off on the Sherlock until I find someone to be my Watson. Because that would make it instantly recognizable.

But next year's costume is already bespoke, and after three years, the moment for Sherlock will probably be gone. Of the four options, this one has (I think) the narrowest window.

I can have weapons (well, "weapons") as long as they're properly secured when I'm not on stage.

Difficult choices!!!

[stuology.livejournal.com]

My eyes would be quite happy if more people dressed like Sherlock around here in the winter.

[clevermanka.livejournal.com]

I do my part. I'm rocking the burgundy velvet suit coat (http://www.flickr.com/photos/chernobylred/6377144367/) and a tie today.

[orrin.livejournal.com]

+1!

[tama-grey.livejournal.com]

Unless, of course, you can get a Watson. Then Sherlock.

[clevermanka.livejournal.com]

I have a possibility for a Watson. I'm seeing her this weekend. Let's see how hard I can pitch this.

[redheadfae.livejournal.com]

Sherlock, of course, because you know I'll always head for the practical "raid your own closet" choice.
(ooh, perhaps from the Rom sequences? Easily recognized even without Watson)

[clevermanka.livejournal.com]

This is the BBC Sherlock, not RDJ. Sorry!

[redheadfae.livejournal.com]

OH! Silly me. :looks at pic:

Ohhhhh. Nice! Now I get why "not easily recognized".

[belluthien.livejournal.com]

I can't decide between Ash and Sherlock! =)

I hope I can be there this year. We might have a conflict with Lisa's graduation. Dates aren't set, which I find strange.
y

[clevermanka.livejournal.com]

Sherlock just came out the winner. Mostly because I found a Watson.

\m/ >_< \m/

Oh, I hope you can make it!!! Even though if you're not there to enter the Masquerade, I have a better chance of winning. =D I'd much rather have your company.

*crossing fingers*

[the-themiscyran.livejournal.com]

Very cool. I look forward to the eventual photos. :) May I ask where you tracked down the fabric for the coat? I'm in the midst of patterning one for myself, but I haven't started an intense fabric search yet.