Sabriel is the titular character of Garth Nix's novel Sabriel, and features in other books in the wider Old Kingdom series. This book inspired my abiding love of the fantasy genre and shaped who I am as a reader and writer...and now cosplayer!
Photographer: James the Enthusiast
Sabriel has been one of my favourite books ever since I borrowed a copy from the library when I was eleven. She's a character I have always wanted to cosplay but never felt I was able to. However, when James the Enthusiast and I signed up for Wellington Cosplay Photofest 2024 I figured it was time - even though I still didn't feel ready!
This was a surprisingly complicated cosplay to construct, and I received a lot of help and advice from James. She consists of the following handmade elements, with everything else being purchased:
Blue surcoat with stamped key motif
Fabric armour pieces to mimic the fictional gethre (cermaic scales)
Leather bell bandolier with real bells
Leather sword belt with upgraded wooden sword
This is a cosplay I intend to keep improving over time. My first planned improvements are replacing the sword, styling a suitable wig, and making the turbaned helmet described in the book.
My making of video linked below goes into a lot more detail about all the pieces so please watch that if you're interested in knowing more.
Debuted
Status
Construction
Since Sabriel is not a particularly common cosplay, I wanted to share my process on YouTube. Even though I'd be the first to say she was far from perfect I think it was worthwhile putting my construction information out there for other cosplayers.
During Wellington Cosplay Photofest 2024 I got to do this incredible shoot with James. Not only did he do a great job on the photos but he was okay with me doing the edits so these turned out exactly how I wanted them!
Photographer: James the Enthusiast