Dressed in all black, sporting a glossy Prada shirt no less, 25-year-old Hakken arrived early on set to get a head start to get their makeup done. Despite a long night out the day before as a special guest at our Harper’s BAZAAR NewGen Award runway finale followed by karaoke and a hotpot supper, the cosplay star greeted us enthusiastically without missing a beat as they (that’s how the star would like to be addressed) brushed on dark eyeshadow. Watching Hakken’s process in-person evoked an otherworldly feeling.
While they are widely known on social media for their dashingly androgynous portrayal of anime, manga and game characters, few would expect their online and offline personas to share so many similarities from the chiselled bone structure to the suave sense of style.
“I used to do more animated looks but my perspective of cosplay changed during the pandemic and I wanted it to become more natural. The characters I like and choose to cosplay happen to be very similar to my personal style,” says Hakken.
The professional cosplayer has certainly nailed down their swoonworthy aesthetic that has amassed nearly four million followers on Instagram, but fame comes at a price.
With so many fans hanging onto every post, Hakken, a perfectionist, feels the pressure to maintain the high standards and deliver the best content. Yet at the same time, the desire and freedom to venture beyond the cosplay universe is ever present.
It has been seven years since Hakken turned cosplay from a mere hobby into a full-time gig, and with that came jobs and travel opportunities to international conventions. It was a dream come true but it also left them with little to no time to explore other interests.
Bu hikaye Harper's BAZAAR Singapore dergisinin December 2023 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye Harper's BAZAAR Singapore dergisinin December 2023 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
Lights, Camera, Fashion
How does social media alter the way we consume fashion cues from our favourite TV shows and movies?
Beyond Beaches
Escape Down Under for everything your heart desires a romantic intimate wedding, or a cruise along Sydney's picturesque harbour. The world is your oyster and the best thing is you can eat it too.
Out Of This World
Celestial bodies animate autumn's most elegant spritzes.
Do You Fashion, Bro?
As the number of male fashion influencers swells, we look at what's driving this trend.
DOWN TO EARTH
In the spacious apartment of Geraldine Toh and Vincent Lim, art, design elements and an earthy sensibility commingle in perfect harmony.
CRUISING ALTITUDE
With his idiosyncratic Thai movies, dashing movie star good looks and frequent Paris red carpet appearances, Apo Nattawin Wattanagitiphat is bringing the best of Thailand to the rest of the world.
PUT A RING ON IT
Complete your love story with a beautiful engagement ring and exquisite bridal jewellery from storied London jeweller, GRAFF.
PERFECTING TIME
With its unique Atelier d'Antoine programme and an assembly of artisans, Jaeger-LeCoultre shows how it takes watchcraft into the next level.
SOMEWHERE OVER THE RAINBOW
'The Shape of Colours', Hermès haute bijouterie collection, is a true technicolour dream.
HAUTE BIJOUX
The latest and most talked-about collections.
