Throughout its captivating run, My Dress-Up Darling has dazzled us with a stunning array of cosplays worn by the vibrant Marin Kitagawa. Each outfit marks a significant step in her and Wakana Gojo’s journey, showcasing their evolving partnership as they transform conceptual character designs into breathtaking real-world garments. With the second season recently concluded, it’s the perfect moment to reminisce about all the major costumes Marin has proudly worn. Let’s explore each one, celebrating the creativity and dedication behind every stitch and pose.
Shizuku Kuroe – Slippery Girls 2
This is where it all began for Marin and Wakana. The Shizuku cosplay wasn’t just an outfit; it was the spark that ignited their unique collaboration and forged their bond. Given that it was their very first project together and features Marin’s absolute favorite character, this costume holds immense sentimental value. Marin cherishes it so much that she even dons an updated version in My Dress-Up Darling Season 2 during her encounter with Amane. It’s fascinating to ponder how Marin or Wakana might refine the original design today, perhaps making it even more comfortable for Marin or incorporating Wakana’s new techniques. Regardless, Shizuku-tan remains a quintessential part of Marin’s cosplay legacy.
Black Lobelia – Flower Princess Blaze!!
What started as a commissioned piece for the renowned cosplayer Juju quickly became Marin’s exciting introduction to group cosplay. For Marin and Wakana, who were still relatively new to the cosplay scene, the opportunity to learn from an experienced veteran like Juju was invaluable. She generously shared essential tips on makeup, hairstyling, and costume preparation, enriching their burgeoning skills. This also marked Marin’s first venture into portraying a villainous character, pushing her to explore new acting dimensions compared to her gentle Shizuku persona. This early cosplay proved incredibly beneficial, not just for the technical skills gained but also for the lasting friendship Marin formed with Juju. A memorable photo from this very shoot would even reappear in Season 2, cementing Marin’s status as a certain character’s idol.
Liz the Succubus – SuccIDK
Compared to their initial two projects, this was arguably the most daring costume for both Wakana and Marin. Liz the Succubus featured significantly more exposed skin, presenting a unique challenge for Wakana, especially as a teenage boy. On the practical side, fewer clothes could imply a simpler construction process, though Wakana was likely preoccupied with other thoughts, particularly during their memorable photoshoot in a love hotel. Among all six major costumes featured across both seasons, Liz the Succubus has the least screen time. Nevertheless, it remains a crucial example of the duo’s continuous growth and burgeoning confidence as a cosplay team, neatly concluding the first season.
Arisa Izayoi – We’re the Tsukiyono Company
Kicking off My Dress-Up Darling Season 2, Marin embraced a timeless cosplay staple: the bunny girl outfit, portraying Arisa Izayoi. Paired with a stylish suit coat and shot in a studio with a distinct gambling aesthetic, the combination delivered a powerful visual impact, making Marin’s photos truly pop and immersing her deeper into character. Wakana faced the new challenge of crafting a strapless outfit, a hurdle he skillfully overcame with guidance from Usami, the helpful clerk at the fabric store. Naturally, bunny girl cosplays, by design, show a bit more skin, putting poor Wakana in an amusingly flustered state during the photoshoot. This versatile cosplay even pulled double duty as Marin’s Halloween costume when she celebrated with her school friends and Wakana.
Rei Kogami – The Student Council President is the No. 1 Host
Since their very first projects, this Rei Kogami cosplay presented perhaps the most pressure for Marin and Wakana to perfect. The stakes were high, especially for Wakana, who faced a large audience (their class was determined to win the beauty pageant, after all). His responsibilities expanded beyond costume creation to include Marin’s makeup. This cosplay introduced an entirely new set of challenges as Marin was portraying a character who disguised herself as a man. This required careful ‘de-feminization’ through tailored clothing and Marin had to master masculine movements to maintain the illusion. They even learned to create colored roses, an accessory that elegantly accentuated the suit. The seamless fusion of the outfit, makeup, and Marin’s exceptional acting led to their class winning the pageant, and earned Wakana a new circle of friends.
Rose – Coffin
The Coffin cosplay marked a distinct departure from Marin’s previous projects. Not only was it a large group event, but it was also an outfit Wakana didn’t have to construct from scratch. Instead, his expertise shifted to creating intricate props for the entire group. With everyone wearing identical outfits, it didn’t make practical sense for Wakana to custom-make a costume just for Marin. However, they still collaborated closely on her makeup and hairstyling. The photoshoot itself delved into the horror aspects of the game, leaving one to wonder about the extensive cleanup required for all the fake blood and whether it truly washed out of the costumes. Given the substantial effort involved in the overall production, it was probably a welcome relief for Wakana not to be burdened with crafting Marin’s main costume this time around.