Anime North 2025 Recap: Cosplay, Community, and Education in Action
- Ontario Cosplay Collective
- Jun 1
- 2 min read
We’ve just returned from another fantastic year at Anime North, and we’re still glowing from the incredible energy, creativity, and connection that filled the weekend. Our members truly lived out our group’s mission of inclusion, creativity, and education — both on stage and behind the scenes.
Sharing Knowledge, Encouraging Growth
This year, members of our group presented a series of educational panels designed to empower and inspire cosplayers at all levels. Topics ranged from foundational techniques to professional insights and community-focused conversations:
Beginner Sewing Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Advanced Sewing Techniques
Introduction to Steampunk Costuming
Underpinnings for Cosplay
Distressing and Battle Damage for Cosplay
Cosplay to Costume Crew: Understanding the Inner Workings of a Film Costume Shop
BIPOC Cosplay
It was incredibly rewarding to see rooms full of curious, passionate creators asking questions, sharing their experiences, and walking away with new skills and inspiration.
Celebrating Style and Self-Expression
We were also proud to take part in the Street Style Fashion Show, where members showcased a variety of stunning original looks. It was a joyful celebration of personal style and imagination. The show was a reminder that fashion and costume design are powerful forms of self-expression — and that there’s room for every voice in this community.
Panel Resources & Further Learning 📚
For those who attended our panels (or wish they could’ve!), here are some helpful resources to support your learning journey:
@alternative_couture on Instagram – Tips on identifying AI-generated sewing patterns
Corsets by Caroline – High-quality corset patterns with modern fit
Farthingales Corset Making Supplies – Canadian corsetry and underpinnings supplier
Lucy Corsetry: Stealthing Tips – Guide to wearing corsets discreetly
Good Hunter Design on Etsy – Historical and fantasy sewing patterns
Free Panier Tutorial – Marquise.de – Great resource for 18th-century skirt supports
Fig Leaf Patterns – Vintage-style historical and fantasy sewing patterns
Bella Mae's Designs – Digital sewing patterns and embroidery files for costumers
Laughing Moon Mercantile – Extensive collection of historical sewing patterns
Redthreaded – Corsetry patterns, kits, and theatrical costuming resources
Thank You, Anime North!
To everyone who attended our panels, cheered on the fashion show participants, or simply stopped by to connect — thank you. Your enthusiasm, curiosity, and creativity are what make this community so vibrant.
We’ll be back soon with more workshops, meetups, and new ways to learn and grow together.
💥 And keep your eyes out — our members also took part in a villainous cosplay mashup that was equal parts dramatic and devious. We’ll be sharing more about that in an upcoming post!
Until then, keep creating and keep sharing what you love.
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