Maria P. won cosplaying as Lailah from Tales of Zestiria in the Tales of Cosplay Competition held in Salon Del Manga Barcelona, Spain, garnering a trip to Japan Expo 2015 and many goodies, including a huge Teepo. Here's our interview with her!
Abyssal Chronicles: First things first, why cosplay Lailah?
Maria: Just because i fall in love with the character design, was love to a first look, as soon as I read about the character and her history I wanted find someone with Sorey's cosplay and make this funny pic.
AC: Was it hard to cosplay as Lailah given that the game isn't released yet in the West?
M: I was worried about this matter, because I thought nobody will recognize the character. But to my surprise, a lot of people recognized me, and I found other Tales of Zestiria's cosplays, even another Lailah.
AC: How did you prepare for this particular cosplay? There's a lot of detail on your Lailah cosplay, too! Was it difficult?
M: Finding reference images about all the dress was really dificult, I watched all the promos and made a lot of screenshots to see all the details. Maybe the most difficult was the wig, too long, two colours, two wigs..... Too heavy.
AC: How long have you been cosplaying, and which are your favorite cosplays so far? (can be non-Tales!)
M: I think I'm a grandma cosplayer because I've been making my own costumes since 2002. That's 13 years of enjoying cosplay. If I were to select a favourite one, it's really difficult, but I'm going to say the Corpse Bride, but I have more really specials for me.
AC: What/Who inspires you or motivates you to cosplay?
M: My husband always motivates me and helps me, he is my cosplay partner. I make cosplays, because I love it, I'm a dressmaker and I usually make commissions for others. You can see it here.
AC: What's your favorite Tales game? Your favorite character?
M: Only one?..... Maybe Tales of Graces f, because I'm playing it right now. The history really captured me.... But don't spoil me >.< please. And my favorite character is Milla Maxwell because she is the first who I played and I love the strength of that woman.
AC: How did you start picking up the Tales of Series? What was your first Tales game?
M: I always loved the characters designs and the music but I started really late to play the games, mainly because I didn't have a PS3 at home and only watched my friends playing the games. My first Tales of was Xillia and next Xillia 2, but now this is like a drug, because I started to play the Tales of Graces f.
AC: Any cosplay tips you can share with fellow cosplayers out there?
AC: We're sure you wouldn't want to divulge it just yet, but how are your preparations going for the Tales of Ambassador election?
M: It's not exactly a secret. I will wear the cosplay of my favourite character, a strong woman, with a lot of power. Do you know who she is?
AC: Any final words on the upcoming election?
M: I'm sure we are going to spend good moments together, and I'm really excited to see a lot of Tales of cosplays and meet people who love the games and.... good luck and may the best win.
