If you know anything about fandom or convention culture, you’re probably familiar with cosplay. Fans dress up in elaborate costumes as their favorite characters, usually with elaborate makeup, at least partially hand-sewn costumes, and DIY props.
Cosplay creates a space for fans to use their creativity and connect with each other. Many cosplayers run Instagram or other social media accounts, allowing them to showcase their work and create communities that span over and between conventions.
Among these is Saima Chowdhury, a 26-year old British vlogger.
In addition to her Youtube channel, saimasmileslike, Chowdhury runs a cosplay and fashion Instagram account of the same name.
Fictional characters can often fall within very narrow boundaries – but cosplayers don’t let that stop them. As a hijab-wearing British Bengali Muslim woman, Chowdhury incorporates the hijab into every cosplay.
The results are creative and stunning. Chowdhury pushes the boundaries not only of cosplay, but also of perception of Muslim woman in the wider Western culture.
“People often have a perception of what Muslim women are, especially when they look into the media and become shocked,” Chowdhury told Huffington Post UK. “Muslim women are normal women. Some of them have engineering hobbies, some of them do archery, some watch anime.”
If you’re interested in cosplay, check out this guide to colored contact lenses.
