Kitsune presents: 2013 AiCON Kimono Competition Entry Details

Kitsuné Kimono Competition

BRAND SPANKING NEW for 2013, Kitsune is proud the present one of AiCon’s newest events – the Kimono Competition:
Part Fru!ts, part Cosplay, all Kimono!!

Categories

Competitors of all ages, genders and kimono experience are invited to join and compete in one of three criteria:
TRADITIONAL, NOUVEAU and COSPLAY.

Competitors in the Traditional category will be judged on the formality and the neatness of their kitsuke (the way they have put the kimono on) as well as the propriety of their ensemble (have they teamed an appropriate obi with their kimono? are they wearing the correct footwear for the formality of their ensemble, ie. geta with yukata or zori with kimono). There are no restrictions placed on the formality or the seasonality of the yukata/kimono entered into this category so along as the competitor is wearing a cohesive ensemble. Competitors with long hair should style their hair in an up-do such as a neat bun. It is recommended that only simple jewellery is worn. Likewise makeup should be kept clean and subtle and, if possible, hair should be a relatively natural colour (blonde, red, brown, black as opposed to pink, green or purple).

 

Competitors in the Nouveau category have a larger degree of freedom in regards to makeup, hairstyle and accessories, however each competitor should be able to give an explanation for their choices when queried by the judges. This category will cover both street (kimono hime) style and wa-lolita (wa-lolita will be judged with particular emphasis on fabric patterns and accessories. Efforts should be made to emphasise the ‘wa’ elements of the outfit through the choice of footwear and accessories). While the rules are more relaxed than the Traditional category, if a competitor is wearing their kimono or yukata without, for example, a defined o-hashiori (waist fold under the obi sash) they will need to be able to justify this choice to judges when queried.

Competitors in the Cosplay category will be required to wear a cosplay of a kimono wearing anime, manga or game character such as those from Ruroni Kenshin, Sakuran, Hell Girl, Samurai Warriors or even Bleach. Most anime and manga include an episode in which characters wear kimono or yukata during festivals and New Years’ celebrations including Love Hina, xXx Holic and even Sailor Moon. Competitors in this category will be judged not only the accuracy with which they portray the character they are dressed as but also on their fabric choices and the accuracy of the kimono elements of their cosplay. For example, where possible Japan-ese fabrics such as silk, cotton and hemp should be used instead of satin, Chinese brocade, jersey or cotton drill. Pre-purchased cosplays may be entered into this section with the proviso that they fit the above requirements.

The judges reserve the right to award a fourth ‘judges choice’ award if they feel there is a competitor of particular merit who deserves recognition.

The example images are all of the current Kitsune President, Midori Emerald and date from 2005-2012.

Competition Rules

1. Competitors must enter into one of three categories – Traditional, Nouveau or Cosplay – as defined above.
2. No single competitor may enter in multiple categories.
3. There will be one award per category. The judges reserve the right to award a fourth ‘judges choice’ award if they feel there is a competitor of particular merit who deserves recognition.
4. All kimono ensembles and cosplays entered into the competition may be compiled, commissioned or constructed (as long as they meet the criterion for each category introduced above). No preference will be given to constructed costumes.
5. Competitors are free to dress in ensembles outside of their gender (males in female kimono etc) so long as all traditional gender requirements are met – hairstyle, kitsuké style, accessories etc.
6. Entry into the 2013 Kitsuné Kimono Competition does equate to entry into the AICON cosplay or Fru!ts competitions. Competitors wishing to enter these competitions need to enter them separately.
7. All competitors should assemble at the marshalling area (TBA) half an hour before the competition is scheduled to begin.

The judges’ decision is final. No correspondence will be entered into.

Further Information

Kitsune will hold workshops on how to wear, purchase and (time permitting) make kimono and yukata in the lead up to AiCon 2013. There will also be an opportunity for competitors to have their costumes reviewed and (constructively) critiqued by the judges during marshaling for the competition if they so choose and if time permits.

An information sheet for this event can be downloaded by clicking here! 

For further details of AiCon see www.aicon.org.au  or join the Facebook event page at https://www.facebook.com/events/104066043091734/

 Entry Form
To enter, please send an email with the following details to utasfoxkitsuke@gmail.com with the subject ‘AiCON 2013 Kimono Entry’.
Name:
Preferred name:
Entrance Category (Traditional, Nouveau or Cosplay):
Email address:
Mobile phone number:
A short description of your ensemble: (You may like to consider including the following – where did you purchase the ensemble? How long did it take to construct? How long does it take to put on? Is there any sentimental value? Are you trying to portray a particular style? Have you been inspired by a particular band?)
Name of the character you are portraying: (COSPLAY entrants only)
Series which this character is from: (COSPLAY entrants only)
A character source image – preferably a working link to an online image: (COSPLAY entrants only)