Character: MaoMao
Source: Apothecary Diaries
Completed: March 2024
Version: green/burgundy hanfu outfit
I started watching The Apothecary diaries, not really sure what to expect. I fell in love with Maomao and the story. I describe the show as a historic Chinese Sherlock Holmes with poisons. The outfit she wears is described as an aoqun hanfu. A style where the top of the outfit is worn on top of the bottom.
Never having worked on a hanfu before, I did a bit of research and ended up using Hanfu Pattern Making: (Imperial) by TT Duong. You can purchase it from Amazon at this link: https://a.co/d/0gyi0qIC. The pattern was drafted onto patterning fabric, and calculated to my measurements. I wanted some texture to the fabric so I ended up getting shantung fabric because I wanted something with texture that appeared to have a weave. My Aunt used to weave fabric on a loom and that handmade texture was what I was looking for in this outfit. The fabric had a shiny and matte side, and I created this outfit with the matte side. The wig and shoes were purchased online. Wooden beads were spraypainted to match Moamao's.
I had planned this outfit for Costume-Con 42, but ended up in costume less than intended and ended up spending more time touring Denver, CO, than at the actual convention. Oops. Instead, it ended up being first worn at Anime Ocean City.
