Continuing our Cosplayer Interview for this love month, next in line is a beautiful woman from one of our neighboring countries. The next cosplayer is famous for her Saber Cosplays, it was hard to pick one and finally, I picked her Saber Lily. She’s flawless with her poses and delivery of her costume. 

I could call her Queen of Saber, as she cosplays Saber Lily, Bride, and Alter. She does a bunch of other anime characters as well, like Kasugano Sora, Nishimiya Shouko, Hatsune Miku and many more. 

It’s time to introduce our featured cosplayer, she is Xiuemi from The Netherlands. I would like to thank you again Ms. Xiuemi for your participation in this series and being so open on sharing with us your cosplay story of life. 

Saber Lily Cosplay

Saber Lily photo by Robin Morgan Photography

Hello everyone! I’m Xiuemi and I’m a Cosplayer from The Netherlands. I’ve been cosplaying since 2011 and it’s been my biggest hobby ever since! It’s nice to meet you.

I’ve discovered cosplay when I was about 12 or 13 years old. I was already watching anime at that time. One day, I was searching up some information about an anime on Google. When I went to Google Images, I saw Cosplayers for the first time.

At first, I found it pretty ridiculous and weird, but still somewhat interesting. I did some more research about this whole and new cosplay thing, and I grew fonder of it!

It looked so interesting and fun and before I knew it, I asked my parents if I could buy my first ever cosplay and they got it for me! I was so happy with it.

First Convention and Experiences

Saber Lily photo by Robin Morgan Photography

My first convention was probably NishiCon 2011. It was held in Haarlem, the Netherlands in a sports gymnasium. It was really small since it was basically just one big hall. When I first got there, I was extremely nervous. I didn’t know anybody, except for my best friend who was with me at that time.

We walked around for about half a day before we casually started hanging with some group of people we didn’t know at all. They were wearing cosplays of the same anime, which gradually got us talking and kind to us! They definitely made my day and I’ll never forget it.

Costume/Gear/Props/Armor

Saber Lily photo by Robin Morgan Photography

My first attempt at sewing was, if I recall correctly, a Little Sister from Bioshock! It was so difficult! Still, to this day, I find sewing really hard, but I still try to practice this . I want to get better at sewing and be able to sewn complete cosplays!

Unforgettable Experience

Saber Bride photo by Robin Morgan Photography

Hmm… I honestly think I don’t have the worst experience. I can only think of positive things! So let me just tell you about a positively unforgettable experience.

Like I said earlier, I met my best friend because of cosplaying and conventions. Because of this, I actually met a really amazing person. We got really good friends, because of our similar interests in cosplay. We started to hang out more often, visiting conventions together, crafting cosplays together and whatnot. After a while, we ended up in a relationship.

I remember AnimeCon 2016, the Netherlands. It was Friday and there was a ball in the evening. We went there together. Before I knew it, he got on stage, grabbed the microphone and called my name. My friends pushed me on stage. I couldn’t believe it, but he actually proposed to me! Of course, I said yes!

This is definitely my most unforgettable experience!

Definition of Cosplayer

Saber Bride photo by Robin Morgan Photography

This is such a difficult question! But I think, a cosplayer to me is just someone who can let out their creativity in a fun and quirky way! I think cosplaying is about having fun, regardless of your costume quality.

The best thing about being a cosplayer is the amount of nice and kind people you meet along the way! In the end, most of them are all really supportive. I actually met my current (best) friends because of cosplaying and I wouldn’t trade them for the world.

Admiration

Nishimiya Shouko photo by Zerkon Photography

I definitely do! I really look up to all my cosplayer friends. Personally, they’re all amazing and really inspiring. My favorite cosplayers are KaddiCosplay, Mon, Enako, Zekia, and Ely.

But if I’d have to give a shout out to one, I’d definitely give it to Shiokuro! She’s a really good friend of mine and she’s absolutely amazing in sewing. I definitely look up to her skills.

Achievements

Toga Cosplay photo by Robin Morgan Photography

It might sound very cliché, but I think my greatest achievement is my Facebook Page! I never expected for it to grow as much as it did, within such a short timeframe.

I definitely think my supporters/followers/fans are my greatest and most valuable achievement. Also, being recognized during conventions and people actually traveling to cons to just meet me! I think that’s absolutely amazing.

Piece of Advice

Hatsune Miku photo by Citrus Cosplay & Photography

Do whatever you want to do and don’t let anyone get you down! It’s your hobby, it’s your life, and I’m absolutely positive that you can rock it. It’s okay to experience and to fail.

Just learn from your mistakes and don’t get unmotivated! I know, sometimes being a cosplayer could be an absolute struggle. But I can assure you: in the end, it’s definitely worth it.

Open Message

Kasugano Sora photo by Robin Morgan Photography

I honestly want to thank everyone who made this interview possible! It’s an absolute honor for me to take part in this. Please, don’t be afraid to go ahead and message me if you’d like talking to me! I love meeting new people. Also I want to thank all my supporters and friends. Wouldn’t be where I am without them.

I’ll be visiting most Dutch cosplay events in 2018! I think of Dutch Comic-Con, AnimeCon, Abunai, etc… I’ll also do my best and visit some Belgian and German conventions in 2018. I’ll keep all my convention plans updated on my page.

So, go ahead and look on it! if you’re planning on meeting me checkout my accounts on Facebook and Instagram. 

Saber Lily Cosplay by Xiuemi, The Netherlands