Serizawa "Reira" Layla from NANA
Debuted: Anime Boston 2010
Awards: N/A
Reira is a sweet, professional singer of the rock band "Trapnest" within the series NANA. Having already made two costumes from the series, I thought Reira would be a fitting addition to the tribute. All of Reira’s well-known dresses have been overdone by people who share a love for her, so instead I opted to create her "Endless Love" singer/voice actor--Ito Yuna’s--dress instead.
How I Made It
I used silkessence fabric, which frays easily and had to be double tucked before sewing. The costume was made in three parts: the skirt, the main dress, and the corset middle. The skirt was made in eight ruffled layers, which were sewn to a base with an elastic waistline. The main dress was cut to fall over the skirt and mask the fact that it was done in pieces. Then I added a corset middle piece to tighten my belly and help pull the look together.
The wig was purchased, but altered for the addition of bangs. As I was cosplaying Reira, I chose a wig that matched her hair color and style, as opposed to matching that of Ito Yuna. The shoes were store bought and then dyed by hand with a blue Sharpie marker to match the dress itself.
This dress was entered into the Hall Cosplay Contest at Anime Boston 2010, and featured in the Fashion Show that took place before the Masquerade. Few people recognized the character, but everyone loved the costume and wig!
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