Fashion Snoops: Cosers & Cosplay

Imagine that everyday required getting dressed in full-costume. No we're not talking about Disney World parks, we're talking about Taiwanese Cosers and Japanese Cosplay, teenage youth who dress quite literally like their favorite Japanese manga animation characters. It's more than just a hobby or way of dressing, it's a lifestyle. Harajuku is probably the most known area where Japanese youths congregate in their extravagant costumes.

So what makes a great manga character? First there has to be a chosen animated character from a video game, fantasy movie, comic book or sci-fi movie. For guys, popular characters are mostly animated super heroes, so that includes action stars, street fighters and space invaders. Essential items for those looks include combat boots, baggy pants, body pads, long trench coats and excessively wild hair (think Mohawks and spikes). We probably won't see this filtering through mainstream culture anytime soon, but it makes for fantastic eye candy!