Convention Fashion Minus The Cosplay

This is me finally home from a truly fabulous time at Kapow Comic Convention. Ok so I am not your typical comic geek…I hadnt the fainest of ideas who Mark Miller was or who half the guests were but when Bleeding Cool said asked me to come along I figured why the hell not. I had been to MCM last year so assumed it would be much of the same: annoying free huggers, stench of BO, egos and the odd comic I might actually want to read. But on arrival (and at this point can I mention that despite asking me to arrive early, the delightful Rich Johnston was nearly 40 mins late) I immediately noted a lack of cosplayers save a few who were very good and a lot more ‘gown up’ shall we say comic fans.

The whole atmosphere was more mature and almost like shuffling about the British Library. Sure there was the odd whiff of BO but not the intense almost chewable stench that MCM adopted in some areas. I actually had a pooter about the place and found some cracking stalls. A few really caught my eye such as the very burlesque/Katy Perry inspired (by their own admission) Despop.

I had a quick flick through some of their work and was impressed. Stupidly despite promising to return to buy a copy later I forgot. Will have to buy online now.

The other stall that caught my eye was one close to the Bleeding Cool table. Right at the end of our row was a pretty little curly haired lady who was quietly working away drawing. I officially LOVE Sally Jane Thompson. Her work is wonderful. So much so I sat for a few portraits. She is currently working a surprise picture for my friend Lynn (costume designer)…I cant tell you what it is as it wouldnt be a good surprise.

With the amount of cosplayers low on the ground I sat instead not staring at bright coloured polyester costumes but the ‘everyday’ clothing of the punters with interest. It seems comics have strongly influenced the fashion world. I saw about 10 ladies wearing a red Wonderman t-shirt that I was informed was from Primark of all places. Also a lot of Bat Man logo print skirts/dresses. I seemed to be one of the few channeling the pinup vibe but that was ok as the some ladies looked really wow. I took a few photos to show you.

There were a lot of crazy dye jobs going on…some more successful than others. My eye was caught though by one barnet in particular. I love this lady’s hair a lot!!! It was a mix of colours: yellowy blonde, greeny blue and pink. She had a faded grey Batman t-shirt that I had seen a few wear but add her hair and cutesy skirt she looked adorable. Turns out her name was Leanne Davie. Lovely!

Next up is Daisy Lang. Her outfit was a take on Wonder Woman and you can clearly see how she pulled the elements to make a more every day look to the famous costume. I love the idea of this…it means you are dressed up but not conforming to the generic costuming ideas. Plus she actually made that skirt. oooh I do like a bit of DIY.

Her companion the pretty Jo Franchetti who was cosplaying as Ramona (as I am reliably informed) I like the contrast of the pair. The traditional cosplayer meets the fashionista. I do like the little tweedy shorts that Jo was sporting. The handbag is rather delicious also. Oooh who knew cosplaying meant good accessories.

Whilst hanging with Melinda Gebbie during her booking signing marathon (she was there for over 3 hours!) I happend to come across a very delightful dressed lady. Sadly I have misplaced her business card so cant tell you who she is. BOO! I do recall though she runs a vintage costume jewellery business. Damn it…WHY DID I LOSE THAT CARD!? I want bling bling. Her dress is instantly recognisable as Vivien of Holloway. And yes I want!

EDIT: I have been informed that this delightful lady is called Natalie Leon and is the designer and owner of Passionate About Vintage!

This is the classical swing dress from Vivien of Holloway that accentuates your bust and waist. Win win. teamed with pretty heels and the summery fabric and I am already thinking HOLIDAYS!

It seems that whilst the men are simply doning tshirts and jeans (save for a few tweed clad lovelies) the girls are really picking up the pace and dressing to impress. Love it!

So all in all I had a blast. Thanks Kapow. I got to lick peoples heads… arrange mock weddings with Vice Presidents of DC Comics/Warner Brothers and generally be a nuisance to geeks. MARVELLOUS…Tomorrow I am off the seaside with Sara to have some much need relaxation. I am sure I will blog that too.

EDIT:

I would like to say that I now know who Mark Miller is. Aahh the power of Google. That said the size of the mug shot of him in the HMV area, the amount of places his name appeared (bags, boobs and bits n bobs) plus the cameras following him I kinda guessed it was his convention…Hey the Mark Miller show! Well its that or he is Katie Price’s latest boyfriend. MIEOW. Milk for Khandie….hee hee