THE COSPLAY: Battle Angel Alita has, and always will hold a special place in my heart. I remember seeing previews for the James Cameron movie in late 2018, and rushing to place an order the first few pieces of the original manga. Since then, Alita has been among my favorite characters. Not only is she able to defeat any enemy that stands in her way, but she is also able to embrace her softer, genuine side in order to care for those she holds most dear.

This is actually not my first cosplay of Alita! In the middle of 2021, six months after beginning my cosplay journey, I created Alita’s first super-powered body—The Berserker Body! Even then I knew I wanted to continue to hone my skills so one day I might be able to make her TUNED Body, which is what I have made here. Before I made my first cut of fabric, I knew I wanted this project to be special. To design this  cosplay, I used references of tactical gear and mech suits to add my own shapes and silhouettes to her TUNED armor. Creating this cosplay was my way of writing a love letter to the series. I added lots of components and details that I knew such a cosplay deserved! 

One of the most iconic things about Alita is her massive hair! Through every body she has, she keeps her trademark, ball-like hair. This effect was achieved by crimping and teasing the wig in eight layers, with  additional smoothing on the top. 

Though mostly hidden, creating a base suit to wear with this cosplay was super important to me. Being  the most foundational aspect, the body suit and pants needed to be able to support the rest of the  costume on my body. I sewed this using PVC coated vinyl, and was able to glue some Velcro pieces directly onto the suit to support the armor. 

Another foundational piece I created for this build was Alita’s body harness. This piece is comprised of three places, with one component for my torso, and one for each of my legs. Sewed with nylon webbing  and covered with EVA foam and fabric, this was the other piece I used to attach the majority of my armor. 

Creating Alita’s classic TUNED armor (with my own twists) took many long nights and even more layers of EVA foam and worbla. My armor pieces are comprised of countless individually crafted components, layered together to achieve the final look. I used many finishing techniques including airbrush painting, and pigment buffing, to secure such a metallic sheen on my armor.

The largest single piece of my cosplay, my wing, also took me the longest to make! This was one part that I always wanted to add, even though our angel doesn’t get her wings until later in the series. With a PVC pipe base, the wing is made up of layers of EVA foam and sculpted details. It also features hand braided cord on both sides, though one is hardly visible! 

Though I worked on this project off and on, it took me just over two months to craft! Even though Alita is a lesser-known character, I am always stunned by the warm reception I receive when I don her attire. I am so humbled by each experience this cosplay has brought me, especially when it won Best in Show for Craftsmanship at Fanime 2023! 


BIO: Hi, I’m Poppy of Poppy Lop Cosplay. I am a native to the California Bay Area. My first love in life is STEM, but cosplay is quickly becoming a passion that takes up much of my spare time. I began cosplaying, and  making my own cosplays in January 2021 due to an abundance of free time given to me by a series of life events. 

Since my first convention in late August 2021, I have won over five awards for my cosplays including Best Master Craftsman at SacAnime, and Best in Show Craftsmanship at Fanime. I have also been a part of panels for craftsmanship, and in publications! 

Even with these achievements, I still find myself having much to learn! With each cosplay I craft, I try to teach myself at least one new skill, or figure out more efficient techniques for creating cosplay. Documenting my cosplay journey on Instagram has definitely had its challenges, but I am so honored to be able to learn from so many talented foam smiths, seamstresses, wig makers, prop builders, and more! Every single day I feel so inspired by my fellow creators, and motivated to create the cosplays of my dreams. With each build, I try to make as many tutorials, WIP posts, and videos as I can to share what I have learned. Join me on my Instagram page as we continue to grow, together! 

COSPLAY & WORDS BY @POPPYLOP_COS
PHOTOGRAPHY & DESIGN BY BRIAN NISHIMOTO