Royal Zelda

About

  • Media: The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
  • Character: Princess Zelda (Royal Gown)
  • Year Completed: 2022
  • Debut Convention: Anime Boston 2022
  • Photographer(s): Wren Martin
  • Awards Won: Anime Boston 2022 2nd Place Journeyman Division

Construction

Velvet Top

Zelda’s blue top is a velvet princess seam crop top with large medieval-style sleeves, a stand-up collar, and bead embellishments. The top pattern was self-drafted.

After patterning and sewing the bodice together, strips of gold Ultrasuede cut on the bias were sewn onto the bodice and collar based on the character design. An Ultrasuede band under the bust was added, with a beaded Triforce in the center. Ultrasuede areas were beaded by hand, between the lining and outer fabric.

Velvet Sleeves

The sleeve pattern was self-drafted along with the applique shapes. The pattern was cut out of teal velvet. Heat n Bond was applied to the back of gold satin fabric and cut out in the applique shapes. The appliques were ironed and sewn onto the velvet. The sleeves were assembled and sewn onto the bodice. Beads were sewn onto the edges of the appliques. After beading was completed, the lining was hand sewn to the sleeve at the wide sleeve opening.

Velvet Skirt

The skirt pattern was based on Butterick B4131, modified to have an open front. Skirt appliques were self-drafted and cut from gold satin fabric with Heat n Bond applied to the back. The appliques were ironed and sewn onto the velvet. Gathered ruffles were made from gold satin and sewn to the skirt hem. Beads were sewn onto the edges of the appliques.

Lace Leotard, Chiffon Skirt, & Gloves

Zelda’s white inner shirt was designed as a lace leotard, using Simplicity 8513 with a self-drafted mandarin collar. The pattern sewn using white stretch lace and white stretch lining.

The sleeves of Zelda’s white shirt were designed as fingerless gloves, which were patterned by tracing an arm and sewn from the same lace and lining as the leotard.

The inner white skirt was sewn from pleated chiffon with a white polyester lining. The dimensions of the skirt were based on waist and height measurements (no pattern used).

Beaded Accessories

All beaded accessories were made by hand sewing beads on to interfaced Ultrasuede. After beading, faux leather was attached to the back of each piece using fabric glue. The belt pattern is by Maridah Cosplay. The tiara and armbands were self-drafted.

The tiara was self-drafted and hot glued onto a headband base. Grommets were added to the belt and armbands for closure.

Detailed Photos

Thoughts

My goal for this cosplay was to truly challenge myself by bringing to life the ambitious vision I had for Zelda’s royal dress. I set a goal to hold myself to a higher standard and to take the time to plan and “do it right” instead of figuring out things as I go or accepting mistakes. That was a 3-year journey (2019-2022) with multiple iterations and restarts since it wasn’t quite right each time. Creating this cosplay was an incredible experience and I enjoyed every moment of crafting and sewing, even when it seemed like I was so far away from my goal. I have so much pride for this cosplay and it gives me the confidence to continue to learn and grow by reminding me what I am capable of.

This cosplay was also an exercise in character design interpretation. My vision for this cosplay was to create a version of Zelda’s royal gown that takes inspiration from historical royal fashion and fantasy aesthetics to bring a sense of opulence and reality to the character. To accomplish this, I chose to deviate from the original character design by lengthening the skirt to include a train, using lace for Zelda’s inner white shirt (instead of quilting), and using bead embroidery for all of Zelda’s gold hardware and trims. I absolutely love the way this cosplay turned out and I look forward to creating more ambitious builds just like it!