CONVENTIONS

Anime Expo 2012: Brands Boutique and Cosplay Overload

Zoe from Brands Boutique invited me to come back to Anime Expo this year and I gladly made the trek to the Los Angeles Convention Center. I missed AX last year and it felt like I haven’t been to the convention in a really long time.

Yes, I was overwhelmed and somewhat confused. I’m not familiar with a lot of the new anime series that people are cosplaying these days. I mostly recognize Evangelion or Legend of Korra cosplayers. I felt sad for my old-lady-self. I did enjoy taking photos and this video with Fortune Cookie!

The Exhibit Hall has gotten a lot better since I last remembered too. There were so many indie artists, not just at the artist alley but at bigger booths selling a lot of self-produced merchandise. Most of it were high quality goods and I was very much tempted to purchase a lot of cute things.

Brands Boutique Booth at Anime Expo 2012

It was super crowded inside the Exhibit Hall but hopefully a lot of these artists did well this year. It was great to see the Brands Boutique booth and to see it do well. Zoe is definitely a sweetheart and one of a kind and watch out for more of her events as she expand her business. Great to see hardworking and passionate people promote local artists as well.

ALSO READ: Funkey Monkey at the Brands Boutique Pop Up Shop and Marlowe the Monster at the Brands Boutique Pop Up Shop.

I am glad that I went back this year and deep down, I kind of miss the scene! When I saw all the cosplayers, it made me want to make costumes again and get dressed up for the convention… though my patience for sewing is really lacking these days, I admit. Honestly, I think the AX experience is much better in cosplay, even though it can be a pain in the ass in the heat. It’s just a lot of fun to be with thousands of other people who are dressed up and are enthusiastic about it! Maybe next year, I will make a comeback… watch out! Someone else make my costumes!

Check out some of the cool cosplay I saw. I love this Bolin (Legend of Korra) guy!