A virtual red carpet known as the Mei Gala fashion show for Overwatch and the Overwatch League cosplay community took place on May 13th. It featured host Soe Gschwind, a celebrity judge panel from the Overwatch and fashion communities, and popular cosplay influencers from all over the world. The event showcased hero outfits, cosplay, fashion, and Overwatch.
The 1st annual Mei Gala
The first annual Mei Gala is a nod to the Met Gala, fashion’s biggest red carpet night (which is basically a night of cosplay for fashion). Host Soe Gschwind introduced the community watching at home to the event and explained that this virtual event was meant to shine a light on cosplayers and artists around the world who celebrate their passion for Overwatch.
Mei Gala Theme “Our Best Is Us”
Just like the actual Met Gala, Overwatch’s Mei Gala also had a theme, “Our Best is Us”. This was meant to reflect the diversity and the intersections between gaming, cosplay, and fashion. The event featured handcrafted looks from nine top Overwatch cosplayers from all over the world, and commentary from renowned drag queen (and Overwatch fan) Jinkx Monsoon, Bustle Fashion Editor Jessica Andrews, and Overwatch Principle Character Artist Paul Warzecha.
- AznProblemsCosplay (Mei, USA)
- Gustavo (Tracer, USA)
- JohnnyJunkers (Soldier 24, USA)
- Mariky Cosplay (Ashe, Italy)
- My_NeverEnding_Dreamz (Lucio, USA)
- Sarah Cosplay and Art (Ana Snow Owl, Chile)
- Jul Adler (Sombra, Russia)
- Zibartas Cosplay (Mercy, Denmark)
- 8BitPink (Bastion, USA)
Cosplay Gallery
Hopes for future Mei Galas
This idea of having a fashion and cosplay showcase is an amazing way to celebrate and engage the community. Cosplayers bring such a rich and creative experience to gaming culture and a lot of that extends to fashion. Gamers and cosplayers want to be able to take their love of gaming into all aspects of their lives, especially in fashion. For example, annually at San Diego Comic-Con, The Her Universe Fashion Show has successfully proven that geek culture has a place on the fashion runway. It would be great to see the Mei Gala extended to an in-person event that encompasses more couture fashion as well as cosplay.
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