Becoming a Kitsune: Introduction

Ah, what anime/manga nerd hasn't run across at least one instance of the Kitsune. For those unfamiliar it's a fox spirit. The more romanticized version of characters found in media depicts them as beautiful ladies or men with fox ears and tails. As depicted below. ;)

/sigh/ I can never get a proper photo of my costumes

Yes, one year for Halloween I was a kitsune...and currently, I'm making another one. So unlike some of my other concept costume series, I've got stakes in this one. Yay! But while contemplating this series, I started having a whole chunk of fun finding characters and inspiration for concepts to cover so you can feel equipped to create your own kitsune or fox-person character.

The plan for this series is as follows:

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Hakama Series - Hibakama (Scarlet Hakama)

The bright red hakama with a white kimono is a common sight in both anime and video game characters. Shrine maidens or Miko also wear this combination of colors when they work at Shinto shrines. Honestly, there is a LOT of history and cultural significance wrapped up in this one. Anime/Games: Inuyasha, Genshin Impact, Sailor Moon, So let's talk Design. Design Considerations Cultural Significance This is one I'd pay attention to if I was creating a character of my own. I assume that already created characters have had this research done and have taken their artistic license. Some of the research taught me a few things: The color is technically scarlet or vermillion, not "red". 🤷 Miko are not part of the Shinto clergy. Sometimes they are just seasonal workers. Generally, Miko are young women in their teens or early 20s. After a certain age, they wear different colors. This was based on Heian nobility colors and fashions. Color Like I said earlier, the ...

Hakama Series - Split Leg Hakama

This is the classic style that you likely think of when you hear the word "Hakama". Very wide-legged pleated trousers worn by swordsmen and warriors. Admittedly these are "modern" hakama. There are variations based on historical time period and social status. But these should suit most cases. So, lets go over how to make them! You will see examples of this in many games and Anime but some faves of mine include: Rurouni Kenshin, Bleach, Demon Slayer, XXXholic, Hell's Paradise and Genshin Impact. UPDATE 4/10/2024: I've redone all my instructions. Now that I've actually made a pair of hakama and found some more resources, I felt this needed updating. From Chihirohowe's Guide Design Elements Color For modern or fantasy character design, no limits to color! You can also use print fabric and add designs! Historically, these would be a solid color and often have a neutral color scheme (white, grey, black, brown). More colorful hakama were usually worn ...

Becoming a Kitsune: Masks and Makeup

One of the most iconic accessories for Kitsune characters (or skilled swordsmen) is the fox mask. To be fair, this likely is mostly associated with Japanese Kitsune, but they do not hold the monopoly on fox fairy creatures. I don't think it'll fit right. LOL! Mask Considerations For your own costume, regardless of the culture of origin, the common features to consider are: Mask Size How much of your face will the mask cover? Will it go over your whole head like fursuit head? Or is it meant to be more of a decoration that sits on your head or off your waist? This will determine how much material you need to use and how to incorporate the mask into the costume. Full Face Mask Half Face Mask Basic Mask Shape This may sound confusing but what I mean here is if the shape of the mask will resemble the features of a fox closely or take on a more human shape with fox features. Leather Fox Masks from Etsy . Basically, will the mask have a snout or look ...

Modesty's Costume Closet

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