1) Tell us a little bit about yourself, your hobbies and background.
Well, my name is Holly Hamel and I am 24 years old. I'm an esthetician, makeup artist and the office manager for a medical spa. I've been a sci-fi, anime, comic book-livin nerd for almost my entire life and began costuming very young, but mostly just for Halloween. I own about $4,000 worth of costumes that consume my tiny studio apartment's closet.
2) How long have you been costuming? What kinds of experiences have you had?
I guess I started officially costuming for conventions for Anime Iowa in 2000, but I've been tackling ambitious Halloween costumes since I was 9 years old. It started with Batgirl from the old Batman TV show, and proceeded on to include Lydia from the Beetlejuice animated cartoon, Catwoman from the Batman Returns movie, Rogue from the X-Men and then various anime-related costumes. My first costume for a convention was Luna from Sailor Moon. My slavegirl Leia was premiered this past year at CONvergence 2005.
3) What's your earliest memory of seeing Return of the Jedi?
I think I was maybe 11 or 12, but that's only the times I remember. My older brother was a huge Star Wars fan, so I am sure I saw it before then but just can't remember.
4) When did you get your first "metal bikini" and what drove you to it?
Well, mine isn't officially metal, it's made from a bra, and the front and back plates are made from "retro cutting board" I found at Joanne's Fabrics. But I just felt compelled to make it after I watched Jedi after seeing Episode 3. I have a friend who made a Padme lakedress from Episode 2, and since we usually make our costumes to match one another, I figured a little mother-daughter action was appropriate.
5) What is your favorite memory of appearing as Slave Leia?
Well, there are many. My scariest was probably getting my photo taken even before I made it into the actual convention - a man jumped the railing on a balcony to get to me! I was still feeling pretty naked and unsure of why I did the costume at that point, so it kinda stands out in my mind. But my most memorable would be the man who approached me and tapped me on the shoulder to say: "Thank you, I love you, I'm 12 years old all over again!!"
6) If you danced for Jabba the Hutt, what song would you dance to and why?
Hmmm.... probably belly dancer music, as this costume just makes you wanna sway your hips.
7) Any final words?
Don't forget to spirit-gum your top on! Trust me!
Thanks Holly! |
