Ready-to-Wear Superhero!

What is “Ready-to-Wear Superhero”? Also known as: Stealth Cosplay Everyday Cosplay Disneybound Themed Outfits

It’s character-influenced fashion: taking cues and inspiration from a character in the style of your own dress

This is Clayface’s daughter, “Annie” stealth cosplaying as Natalie Portman’s character in Leon/The Professional.

C O L O R

Katt is dressed in the style of Rogue by matching her bright green and yellow.

C O L O R

C O L O R

Here is a good example of how RTW is different from cosplay. Kiki's gloves are purple where Saturn's are white. She's not matching the look, she is taking inspiration from it.

L I N E

Line refers to the way the clothes create the silhouette.

Sara's top is tighter than her bottom, like Kyo's.

L I N E

Kiki is not only dressed in the style of Spider-Man, she is dressed in the style of Peter Parker -- layers, jeans, sneakers. Creating the same lines.

L I N E

Aeris put this Tomb Raider inspired ensemble together by herself out of clothes in her drawer. Her body has little in common with Lara Croft's but she got the proportions just right. The colors and cuts are off but SHE feels like Lara Croft, someone she considers powerful and smart, and it shows.

A C C E S S O R I E S

Sara loves this character, Wendy from Gravity Falls. She bought the hat because of the connection she feels to the character. Now she says she wears a version of this outfit to school once a week.

A C C E S S O R I E S

Aeris received this skirt and sweater for Christmas and immediately recognized it as a Vanellope outfit. But the abundance of hair clips we put in her hair is what really pulls off the tribute.

A C C E S S O R I E SVanellope’s barrettes

Kyo’s bracelet -- handmade!

Tony’s Arc Reactor

Diana’s lasso

Hotaru’s gloves

The best thing is accessories can be worn with any outfit!

Y O U !

Y O U !

The fashion industry is based on the idea that clothing tells a story.

We choose to dress as characters we love, characters we relate to, characters we want to be and want to be seen as.

Y O U !These pictures of Kiki in the style of Spider-Man are the best photos she has ever posed for because she wasn't holding anything back. She told me:

"It's okay if I look awkward. Peter is awkward, too."

Y O U !

This woman was in line with me at NYCC. I recognized her as RTW Rose and asked if I could take her picture for use in my show. She was scared I was going to make fun of her for bad cosplay, for not having the “right” figure or hair color, for making the scarf her own instead of the SAME.

I said no, just the opposite. I want to CELEBRATE her and her love of Rose. To me, she is perfect.

C L A YPut it all together and you have:

Clay that can be molded into an icon of feminine power -->

Or an outfit that makes Katt feel like one -->

C L A Y

And CLAY rhymes with PLAY!

Never be afraid to play!!

C L A Y

Your outfits do not have to hit every part of CLAY to be considered RTW. One deep purple lace, one flared pant, one statement necklace or just one HBIC attitude is enough for me to be Regina Mills for a day.

Who do you want to be?

Thanks for watching!

Thank you!

This slideshow was first presented following the RTWS fashion show at GeekGirlCon 2013.