Serah Farron - Final Fantasy XIII
Complete
Information
| *This costume is now retired* When checking out the character artwork for FF13 Serah's outfit and general look appealed to me the most and then when I started playing the game she was just too cute to resist X3 "Serah Farron is a resident of Bodhum, a small seaside town found on the floating world of Cocoon. At 18 years of age Serah is Lightning's younger sister and Snow's fiancée. Possessing an inner fortitude beyond her years, she is more than capable of making decisions on her own, whatever her somewhat overprotective sister might think. Serah is a mature and wise girl, as she is able to give Vanille advice about her problems. She loves Snow and is willing to do anything to protect him, even if it means trying to break up with him after she becomes a l'Cie. She also deeply cares for Lightning as much as Lightning cares for her. This is evident by her choice for Lightning's birthday present: a survival knife for her older sister's safety." -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ~Please see my journals for more details on the construction of this costume as well as progress photos~ The (old) shirt and pink sweeper were made by Pegsicle. The skirt and (new) shirt was made by cosplayfly2010 on ebay but I made alterations to the shirt. I plan to get some fabric custom printed to make my own skirt at some point. The wig was bought from cosplaywig on ebay, I cut and styled the fringe myself and re-styled the back to make it look more accurate. The boots came from ebay and were heavily modified. The silver stocking tops were hand made. The diamond thing on her left thigh was made using craft foam. I bought the official Square Enix replica of her engagement pendant and modified a necklace chain to wear it on. I bought some silver cat earrings and made alterations to them. I made the hairband and bracelet using beads and gems taken from other bracelets. The armband was hand made using leatherette with rivets for the stud detailing. Pegsicle printed the l'Cie mark onto tattoo paper for me and this was covered up with a white stretch bandage. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- First wore this costume to the October 2011 London MCM Expo. People said I looked good (and some wanted to steal my engagement pendant lol) but I personally didn't feel very comfortable in it, it just didn't feel right to me. I want to remake and improve most of it. Worn again to AyaCon 2013 with a new shirt but everything else as it was originally. I still want to remake other parts of the costume once I actually make the time to do so but I felt a bit more comfortable in it this time. I entered her into the masquerade and seemed to have a good response but I lacked poses and was paranoid about flashing my butt at everyone in that ridiculously short skirt. |
To-Do List
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Planned updates
EDIT: Costume now retired so no improvements will happen sorry!
Things I hope to remake/improve in the future:
* New pink panels on shirt and bring in the armholes
* New skirt made with fabric that has the accurate pattern
* New sweeper
* Remake armband
* Remake stocking tops
* Change the red pear gem on the bracelet
* If I have monies: Buy the official earrings
Shirt alterations 2
I liked the pink panels on my old shirt so a removed them and hand sewed them onto the new shirt, wrapping the pale chiffon that was already on the shirt around them which lightened the colour a bit more. In the process however I noticed the panels didn't match shape-wise so I will probably remake them myself at some point.
New shirt
Sadly the shirt made by Pegsicle didn't fit me right and I couldn't see a way to adjust it so I ordered a new shirt from cosplayfly2010, the company who made my skirt. The arm holes seem a tad large but other than that it fits me quite comfortably, I just need to make some adjustments to the panels at the bottom as they are too see-through for my liking.
That thing on her left thigh...
Does anyone actually know what this is or if it serves any purpose? lol
Made using 2 pieces of craft foam, the bottom layer was painted with metallic gold paint. It attaches to the silver stocking top with a bit of velcro.
Sorry the image is a little dark, the flash glares in the mirror.
Armband
Made with help from these guides~
http://tunethesky.com/serah/armband.php
http://browse.deviantart.com/?qh=§ion=&global=1&q=Serah+farron+armba...
Made using faux leather/vinyl and with snap fasteners to close it. The metal stud detailing was done with rivets but sadly they are too small. I made the rectangles too big (1" x 3") and got a superglue stain on the front so will re-make this at some point probably.
Back of wig re-styled
After 2 failed attempts at getting a new wig I went back to my original one and attempted to re-style the back myself.
I had to take the ponytail down and remove some of the fibres from it so they hung down, these were then cut to to match the length of the back of the wig. The ponytail was brushed back in and I tried to sweep over as much hair from the right side as possible but as it was cut short a lot was falling out. Any fibres that couldn't be swept over had loads of Manga Head wax put on them to try and keep them in place. Then I made some wefts using the fibres that I had cut off and used these to fill in the gaps on the left side. The hair hanging down on this side sticks out a little as the fibres underneath my wefts were originally part of the ponytail and they don't seem happy with having to stay down instead now due to the way those wefts were sewn into the netting. Once finished I sprayed the whole area with strong hold hairspray.
I'm rather pleased with how this looks on my wig head but fear the moment I put it on the netting will stretch and show my dodgy wefts etc ><
New pendant chain
As mentioned in my journal about the engagement pendant, the chain that comes with it is sadly not a replica like the pendant itself. The chain was too long and didn't have the clear beads on it.
I bought a simple necklace from Claire's Accessories that had the chain length I needed. Using a pair of pliars I removed the clasp so I could pull off the pearl bead it came with and slide on the clear beads I got from a PoundWorld bracelet. Using the pliars again I bend the chain slightly where I wanted the beads to sit then put the pendant on before re-attaching the clasp.
There are meant to be some smaller beads on the chain closer to the pendant but I'm leaving them off for now, might be too fidly to do.
Stockings and stocking tops
The stockings are Smiffy's fancy dress hold-ups. I don't usually buy anything from them as the quality isn't good enough but it was difficult to find some thick stockings without lace-tops etc. I will prob have to use sock glue to help keep these up.
The stocking tops were hand made, I cut up a silver body warmer for the fabric and made 2 long strips using my sewing machine. I added the seam detailing (not clear on the photo) and hand-sewed the front and sides to the stocking tops whilst I was wearing them.
I think they could be better so will remake them for next year.
Bracelet progress
This was made using a necklace cord which was wrapped around my wrist twice. I had to shorten it a bit and remove the excess chain links from the clasp. I took beads and gems from some bracelets I found in PoundWorld and attached them to the cord with the help of a pair of pliars. I'm just waiting on the big ruby pear gem then this will be finished.
Hairband
As I did with the bracelet I took some beads and gems from bracelets I bought in PoundWorld and attached them to the hairband with the help of a pair of pliars. The big clear gem was kindly given to me by gaming_goddess after I found it when snooping through her cosplay supplies lol
EDIT- I changed the big pear gem for a smaller one as felt this one was too large.
Wig no 3
Yet another fail *sigh* Colour is more of a milkshake pink than the dusky pink of the listing photos and the netting was showing under the ponytail also. I feel like I am cursed with this wig, no other character has given me this issue. I am just going to stick with the first one I bought and not have photos taken from the back I guess.
Shirt and sweeper progress
As I said in a previous entry the shirt and sweeper are being made by Pegsicle. She has finished her Vanille cosplay now so can work on this and has said it shouldn't take her long. I have sent her the skirt and a good fitting blouse/shirt of mine so she can set her dress maker's dummy correctly but of course she has my full measurements as well.
All of the fabric needed has been bought and arranged to be sent to her address:
2 metres of white polycotton
1 metre of pale/baby pink polycotton
3 metres of medium weight interfacing (for the shirt, originally ordered 2 but it wasn't wide enough).
1 metre of heavy weight interfacing (shirt collar)
5 metres of white bias binding
5 metres of pale/baby pink bias binding (in 16mm and 25mm widths as unsure what needed)
10x black 4-hole buttons
Pegsicle already had some pale pink organza spare which she is using for the sweeper.
Just need to focus on the stuff I need to finish now!
Skirt
My skirt that was made by cosplayfly2010 arrived today, 18 days before the deadline I gave them so I'm very pleased with that. It looks like their photos and thankfully fits (I was a little concerned with my waist measurement...). However although the front of the skirt looks short (as it should) it is still decent but the back only just covers my ass... Oops. I plan on wearing bikini bottoms for extra cover/security and I won't be bending over XD
Wig no 2
So my second wig arrived and the moment I got it out the bag I was un-happy. The seller used a cheap fibre so the ends were all matted and felt like dolls hair. Even gently combing it did nothing to improve it. I shall be complaing and I have already ordered yet another wig to replace it. *sigh*
The photo is of the wig I ordered (looking nicer than the one I recieved). Made/styled by koreahomme
Trying to rush this for October Expo...
I really want to join my friends cosplaying as Lightning and Vanille so trying to rush this now and not be as picky as I usually would be, I can always update her later (as I always do with my cosplays).
Due to limited time the skirt has been ordered from ebay, I chose a seller that had fabric as close to the design as possible and asked for additional photos to confirm it was their work. Next year I plan to get some fabric custom printed so it's accurate to the pattern on hers and make it myself.
The shirt and pink over-shirt (sweeper?) has been commissioned by Pegsicle (my Vanille =p). The good thing about this is I can visit her for a final fitting once it's made and she's happy to discuss my pickiness for details lol
So all I need to do is sort out a possible new wig (with an accurate back parting), stockings, silver stocking bands, the diamond thing on her thigh (whatever that is...) and the rest of the jewelry (armband, hairband and bracelet).
Here's hoping it all comes together ok and in time. I still have my main costume for Expo to work on also eep.
Photo shows the skirt I ordered from cosplayfly2010
Engagement pendant
I bought the official replica of Serah and Snow's engagement pendant from the Square Enix store. Yes it cost a lot... But I wouldn't be able to make anything near as pretty and I'm a collector anyway so I will appreciate this outside of cosplay.
Despite the pendant itself being a replica the chain is not accurate so it will need to be changed or altered. It's also too long (it's pulled back behind my neck in the photos).
The pendant is made from 925 Silver and Cubic Zirconia.
Boots alterations part 4
Added another coat of paint to the white areas but this time I used acrylic to give a more matt finish. The soles were then touched up in areas where the white had got onto it and then I had to use the white paint again to cover up an accident with the black lol
Finally got everything painted and the right colour! XD
Boots alterations
I bought some beige boots from ebay to alter as they seemed more suited than just buying Converse, Serah's shoes have heels after all.
The boots had 9 shoe lace holes whereas Serah has 8. I am one of those annoyingly picky people who notice these small details so therefore have to do something about it ^^' Thankfully it was quite easy to fold over the top of the boot and line it up with the 8th hole on the inside before glueing it down. I can get the boot on without the laces in so I folded over the top of the zip inside also to hide the zipper pull (Serah's boots don't have zips). Through lowering the general height of the boot it makes the tongue seem longer which is how Serah has hers so bonus there.
Next up is painting the eyelets (shoe lace holes), soles, heels and toes.
Earrings
I found some cat earrings on ebay that are silver with the hanging tail. They're not accurate but they look okay. I removed the hooks and snapped off the loops for the hooks, carefully trying to neaten the edges with a craft knife without stabbing myself. The cat has a collar with two crystals in which I popped out with the help of a craft knife again. There's one crystal in each tail just like Serah's so they stayed where they are. I then glued on posts to the back of the earrings and added butterfly clips. The glue isn't very strong but hopefully they'll hold as long as I don't fiddle with them too much. I'm quite proud of them!
Wig
I brought the wig from Cosplay Wig as it's the most accurate I've seen and I've loved wigs I've brought from them previously. In general the style and colour are great but the back isn't as accurate as I first thought. But without without extra wefts in the same shade of fibre I can't really do much to fix it. I had to slightly trim and style the fringe myself.
Comments
You shall look cute in her outfit <3 x
Shall have to get pictures when I am Snow :P Can't wait to see it!
Loooove her design! Cant wait to see progress on this :)
Love the earrings :3! xxx
Thanks hun =) Oo the Claire avatar has gone, that's how I spotted your comments lol
Ahah awwh, I changed my sig so wanted something to match! I think you'd make a really cute Serah can't wait to see more progress. xxx
the wig looks perfect :) can't wait to see this all finished :D
this will look awsum on you xx
Looking good love the wig ^__^
Thanks girls =)
Wig looks amazing :) very accurate! Looking forward to seeing more x
WOW! you look perfect already!
Ahh your Serah's gonna be so much better than mine >___< xxx
Jade- Don't say that hun! *hugs*
I love the wig you picked!! And it suits you so well ^^!
The wig looks awesome! You really suit Serah!!
Thank you. The wig colour is great but sadly the back of it is inaccurate so I may have to get another one =(
WOWY! the boots are looking perfect, as usual :D
This looks absolutely spot on, you Suit her soo well!
cute, you definitely have the face for her, and that wig looks great!
That wig looks spot on! The earrings look really accurate as well :D
them boots that wig looks great:D
Thanks for the comments everyone =) The wig is likely to be chanegd as although the colour is spot-on I don't like the way the back is done. Boots are still being altered, should be finished soon ^^
Can't wait to see this. For the back of the wig why don't you try and find some extensions and sew them in so it's longer instead of buying a new wig x.
I don't think it's a shade of colour I can buy... I have a feeling they get custom colours for their wigs. I'm going to contact them and see if they can make a design alteration for me or if I can order fibres from them =)
Progress is looking awesome Leo! You'll look amaazing :) x
Thanks hun ^^ Here's hoping!
My 3rd Fav female FF character =3 Can't wait to see this <3
I love the attention to detail! You're the mistress of accuracy! Can't wait to see more of this.
Unfortunately my pickiness means I spend more money XD
I love the shoes - so.... perfect! Can't wait to see the rest.
I'm absolutely in LOVE with the shoes! Well done <3 x.
Thanks, glad you girls like them ^^
Wow, spot on with the shoes :D look great hun, and the earrings are gorgeous ^^
I need to work on them though as the posts aren't staying on ^^'
Boots and pendent look amazing!
Cute Serah! Looking forward to it! ^^
Progress looks amazing! Can't wait to see this complete hun! x.
Everything looks perfect!
Thanks everyone! Hope I ca complete her in time then I will improve it for May Expo next year ^^
wow it all looking good so far ^_^
envy *O* this is so beautiful!
awww! your Serah looks amazing! ^//^
I saw you at Expo, you looked amazing!!
You made such a gorgeous serah! I can't get over how perfect your skirt is either!! Eee <3 x.
Thank you everyone, I really want to make improvements to her for next year though when I will have a Snow with me ^^
Looks awesome! I saw you at expo while you were having the photos taken and you really have Serah spot on ^^ I love how the hair colour is just right! ^^
Veeeeery pretty Leonie :)
You look so damn adorable!
You looked so lovely at Aya! SO cute ^o^