Meaning, my 15th year of attending CoCo. OMG, yes, it’s true. Back in 2004, I randomly decided to fly solo (literally) to this L.A. area event that I’d heard about from fellow members of the local Greater Bay Area Costumer’s Guild. I’d been to Costume-Cons and SF/F cons before, but I knew nothing of Costume College. On the first night, I stumbled into a group of GBACG folks, and *bam* I had a great time! The next year, I offered to teach 4 or 5 classes, and I’ve been attending and teaching ever since. There’s been some off years, but CoCo remains an ever-fixed mark in my costuming calendar.
For me, it’s a relatively easy and affordable trip, just at the other end of California, and it’s comfortable being in a hotel (not some tedious camping thing). There’s no pressure to dress up in a certain thing or even at all! Also, I enjoy teaching and sharing costuming knowledge. Best of all, it’s like a family reunion with friends I rarely see otherwise.
Back in 2004, I wore a simple gothic formal outfit to the CoCo Gala — and had a great time!
In the past few years, my favorite CoCo costumes have been the silly ones and the group costumes, often things slapped together via Amazon Prime or thrift stores. Handmaids, ’60s bad girls, ’60s airline stewardesses, Princess Dianas. This year, Kendra & I went as country singers for the Thursday Night Pool Party. I’m Dolly Parton & she’s Loretta Lynn.
On Friday, I did a little Gothic Lolita fuck-you style with stuff from my closet. This made many people smile. I sparked joy!
Sunday, a bunch of us were wearing our Game of Thrones costumes from over the years to celebrate the series finale. I pulled out my Tyrion outfit, though when I’d made it, my hair was still short from chemo. So I bought a cheap wig off Amazon, which kind of improved the costume.
I’m already planning for next year!