#FeatureFriday with Historically Laced Cosplay

Today I have the pleasure of interviewing the iconic duo, Historically Laced Cosplay! Carissa and Stephanie are absolute gems. Read the full interview below!

We're Carissa and Stephanie, the duo behind Historically Laced Cosplay. Our passion is creating historically-inspired and themed twists on our favorite Disney (and the occasional non-Disney) characters. 

How and when did you get into cosplay?
We’ve been going all out for Halloween and dressing up for Renaissance Festivals for years but weren’t really familiar with the greater cosplay community. At Renaissance Festivals, people often told us that we looked like Disney princesses so we thought, why not own it? That led to our first ”official” cosplays, a Renaissance twist on Anna and Elsa. People loved it, kids loved it, and we loved it. In 2016, we jumped in head first and started Historically Laced Cosplay. Our name is a play on the fact that most of our cosplays are inspired by historical fashion, but we definitely don’t limit ourselves to that. Since then, we have created pirate princesses, Renaissance villains,1920’s flappers, historically-accurate Sleeping Beauty, steampunk adventurers, and much more.

What do you do when you're not in cosplay or geeking out?
We both work in digital space. Carissa manages graphic design and social media for several non-profits. Stephanie works in the fashion e-commerce space as a user experience designer.

What is your proudest cosplay accomplishment?
Going from “there’s no way I can do that” to “I can’t believe I actually made that!” There’s something pretty cool about proving yourself wrong and testing your limits. We love creating our cosplays from scratch and learning new skills along the way. Seeing something go from initial design to finished garment is half the fun of cosplaying for us.

What cosplay(s) are you working on right now?
We’ve wrapped up on projects for this year, but we’re already putting together cosplays for 2019. We just “finalized” our Light Fury and Night Fury designs for How to Train Your Dragon and have started gathering materials for Hannah Alexander’s Poison Ivy and Catwoman. 

Who is your cosplay idol/inspiration?
There are so many! The cosplay community is so welcoming and warm it's hard to choose just a few! Kamui and Zonbi are a great resource for armor creation. Without them, our first armor builds would not have happened. Hannah Alexander and Dessi_Desu create beautiful and inspiring art. And DesignerDaddy_ is dress making goals. 

With all the negativity in the cosplay community these days, what's a positive message you would like to enforce and encourage others with?
You are creative and amazing. Don't listen to the negativity. Own who you are, cosplaying is something to embrace, not hide. When all else fails, surround yourself with people who will support and build you up.  

What is your dream cosplay?
Padmé’s lake dress, but redesigned into an Italian Renaissance gown. Dragons, because Night Furies. And some transformation princesses gowns.

What is your favorite convention to attend and why?
Dapper Day at Disneyland! It’s not really a con in the traditional sense, but it’s so much fun. Thousands of people descend on Disneyland dressed in 1950’s attire often themed to represent their favorite characters or attractions. There’s nothing quite like riding Space Mountain in a dress and petticoat. If you are a Disney fan, this is definitely a bucket list event 

Do you have any cosplay or convention pet peeves?
Spatial awareness. Lots of our cosplays have capes and trains and, despite our best efforts, we are constantly getting bumped and stepped on. Nothing makes your heart drop faster than the sound of stitches ripping.

Do you have any horror stories or mistakes you've made that others can learn from?
This interview will go on forever if we list it all! The majority of the events we attend are outdoors and require us to get ready at a campsite so we’ve learned to roll with the punches. There was one time Carissa had to sew herself into a corset while walking into the Renaissance Festival thanks to a busted zipper (always pack some super glue, safety pins, and a sewing kit in your con bag, it’s best to be prepared). Another time, Stephanie came close to throwing her wig in the campfire because the bangs would not behave (got2be glued hairspray is worth the hype, don’t waste your time on anything else). Also, anything glittery is going to leave a trail in your house for years. There's a hidden price to cosplay, but the reward is 100% worth the moments of panic.

Do you have any tips or words of encouragement for other cosplayers?
It’s hard, but try not to compare yourself to other people. There are so many amazing creators out there that it can be discouraging when things don’t come out how you planned. Everyone has a different skill set and brings something exciting to the cosplay universe. Chances are there is someone out there looking at your creations and aspiring to make something as amazing as you have.

Do you have anything else you want to say, or add to this interview?
Thank you for the opportunity to share our story. We love being a part of this amazing and creative community. And if anyone ever needs tips for applying full cosplay makeup in the middle of the woods with no running water, feel free to hit us up. 

Where can we find you on all things social?
Facebook
Instagram: @HistoricallyLaced

What an awesome interview! I love how they answered as a pair and shared a similar brain wave. So cool to read through! Thanks ladies!

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