Anime NYC 2021: Q&A with Cosplay Entertainer Azulette, by Erin DeGregorio

While covering the return of Anime NYC 2021 at the Jacob K. Javitz Center, the Red Hook Star-Revue also spoke with Mexican-born cosplayer entertainer and self-taught costume designer Azulette who currently calls New York City “home.” She discovered her passion for cosplay during high school when her classmates gave her her first costume of Cardcaptor Sakura as a gift. Since then, she has made more than 300 costumes in the genres of comic books, video games, anime/manga, and fanart, and has appeared at both national and international conventions as a panelist, judge, performer, and host.

Azulette served as a special guest at the Official Anime NYC Afterparty held on November 19, the first night of the three-day-long convention. Azulette cosplayed as Chun Li (from Capcom’s “Street Fighter” video game series), Ada Wong (from Capcom’s “Resident Evil” franchise), and Princess Daisy (from the “Mario” franchise) during this year’s Anime NYC.

ED: The past 20 months have been difficult on so many different levels, but one could say that one silver lining is that new fans were introduced to the world of cosplay – whether it was scrolling through TikTok to see character cosplays/transformations or cosplaying on their own for the first time. How have you seen the cosplay community grow in that respect and how has it been to see that during the pandemic?

A: I noticed how many people started to do cosplay for TikTok – it is very inspiring. During the lockdown, I lost my drive to do cosplay. I personally started to question a lot of things in my life, and one of them was if I should continue doing it. But when I saw people doing fun stuff on TikTok, it helped me to approach cosplay in a different way, and it has been super fun!

ED: What is it about cosplaying that you love so much?

A: Cosplaying with my friends, scouting the perfect location for a photoshoot, creating memories and the satisfaction of seeing a project finally done. When I finish a costume, I put it on the mannequin and look at it for hours, like “I am finally done with you, my child!”

ED: Tell me a little bit about your cosplay costume creation process – how do you choose the next character you’ll cosplay? And do you have a go-to place for materials/props or repurpose materials you’ve already used/worn?

A: Every time I watch a movie, I am always analyzing how they might have made the costumes. But when I choose one, it is because it strikes me. I first have to fall in love with the character’s personality. I imagine myself wearing it, I visualize it, and if in my daydream it feels good, a couple of minutes later I’m researching for photos, wigs, fabrics, etc. It is like a crazy rush of energy that I get – it makes me feel alive and inspired. For fabrics I love to visit Mexico City’s fashion district and Mood Fabrics [in New York City’s Garment District]. Every time I get there it’s like a rush of adrenaline!

ED: How has cosplaying evolved/changed the most through your point of view?

A: I think right now it’s easier to get wigs, complete cosplays, props, etc. than it was before. Also, I notice a lot of celebrities are getting into the world of cosplay, which I find cool, because it may bring more people to conventions – which means more investors and more fun for us as fans!

ED: What’s the biggest misconception about cosplaying and how do you debunk it?

A: There is this idea that “real cosplayers” have to do their own costumes. I believe that whether you make it or buy it, it doesn’t mean anything. Cosplay is about having fun.