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
- Competitors must enter into one of three categories – Traditional, Nouveau or Cosplay – as defined above.
- No single competitor may enter in multiple categories.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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)
