What’s In My Closet? with Kamary Smith
Community
When cleaning one’s closet, you might expect peculiar items — but nothing that strays too far from one’s personality. But what about those with an ever-changing style? People who experiment with painstakingly curated fashion that defies gender, aesthetics and even make-believe? Over the precipice between fact and fable, the cosplaying pixie Kamary Smith hovers with grace. Torn from the pages of underground manga, stepped out of a Netflix original or pulled from a Saturday morning cartoon, Smith shapeshifts her go-getter personality to any extravagant persona. So let’s pry open the closet doors (no skeletons needed!) and be sure to check out Smith on Instagram and TikTok at @azureeyescosplay!
The Millennium Ring: Forged in Kul Elna by sacrificing 99 of its villagers, or built with the help of her parents for a convention (depending on who you ask), the Yu-Gi-Oh! Millennium Ring is Smith’s oldest cosplay item. Although she hopes one day to make her own, she can’t part with this relic: “Just the fact they put their own work [and] time into this piece [makes] it very special to me,” Smith says.
Jinx boots: Take a pair of rugged combat boots and hot glue some foam plates and neon splashes, and you get a fascist-kicking pair of stompers perfect for Arcane’s haywired harlequin, Jinx. For Smith, the character herself symbolizes standing up for her own rights. “If we’re going to dress up as the characters that might be revolutionaries … maybe you should use that passion as a call to action for yourself,” Smith says.
Fizzarolli jester hat: Dazzling in glittery red-and-pink hues, this bit of headwear is inspired by the demonic clown from Helluva Boss. “This one took two days to make,” Smith says. “I would make a pattern, sew it, try it on and it wouldn’t fit … I’m happy with her now.” It’s a labor of love that jiggled all the way to the LVL UP EXPO in Las Vegas in April.
First wig ever!: Pitch black with a dark purple tint and in damn good condition, this wig was Smith’s first cosplay experience as Keith from Voltron. “The layers make her very versatile,” Smith says. This little article was a stepping point to fully embracing cosplay as a passion. “It’s fulfilling to be creative,” Smith says. “It’s fulfilling to [be] learn[ing] something new constantly, even if it’s challenging.”
Mitsuba Sousuke cosplay: The newest addition to her collection, this costume was inspired by the anime Jibaku Shounen Hanako-kun. However, the peachy sweater and candied wig was built to be a symbol of feminine empowerment for Smith. The whole fit encourages her to dig deeper to become her true self. “Growing up, I hated pink so much,” Smith says. “So letting myself be girly and being a pink bubblegum ghost boy was liberating.”
Howl’s jewelry: The newest piece to her articulated archive, this collection of chained sapphires and rubies is inspired by Studio Ghibli fantasy Howl’s Moving Castle. What looks like just earrings and a necklace reflects the committed duality that Smith puts into all her pieces. “All this beading and gems will tie in with the coat,” Smith says. “It’s going to be a pretty big project nonetheless.”
Read more about members of the LGBTQ+ Community:
Fervor: The Cult Rave Saving Pride From Rainbow Capitalism
USGA: A Community of Queer Belonging at BYU
