Exploring the World of Cosplay: An Interview with Rithe
In the vibrant world of cosplay, few names resonate as strongly as Rithe, a celebrated cosplayer who has made a significant impact on the community. Known for her stunning portrayal of Saber from Fate/Stay Night, she has represented Singapore at the prestigious World Cosplay Summit and collaborated with various renowned companies in the gaming and anime sectors. Rithe has become an international sensation, captivating audiences at events worldwide, including her recent appearance at FanFes 2025 in the Philippines.
Cosplay, a blend of the terms "costume" and "play," represents a unique form of creative expression where individuals embody their favorite characters from anime, video games, and other media. It serves not only as a hobby but also as a means of connecting with others who share similar passions. Rithe recently shared her insights into the cosplay industry, discussing her journey from an enthusiastic hobbyist to a full-time professional.
Rithe’s Journey into Cosplay
Rithe’s love for cosplay ignited when she discovered her favorite character, Saber. With a background in interior design, she initially faced a crossroads: to pursue a traditional career or follow her passion for cosplay. Ultimately, she chose the latter, stating, "I sort of just stumbled into becoming a cosplayer." What began as a casual activity with friends rapidly transformed into a defining aspect of her life. She began her cosplay journey at the age of 16, and the experience has shaped her identity ever since.
Reflecting on her experiences, Rithe mentioned, "It’s just a really special feeling to be able to wear something that you made yourself." Her commitment and dedication to the craft have allowed her to travel internationally, with events often serving as a backdrop for her friendships and connections within the cosplay community.
Overcoming Challenges in Cosplay
Despite the popularity of cosplay today, Rithe reminisced about earlier times when it was less widely accepted. When asked about the challenges she faced, she remarked, "I honestly wouldn’t say that there was a hard time in my cosplay career, although my family was initially against my hobby-turned-career." Her unwavering passion for cosplay served as her motivation, helping her navigate any obstacles along the way.
One of Rithe’s crowning achievements came in 2018 when she and her teammate clinched first place in the Singapore preliminaries for the World Cosplay Summit. The experience was intense, requiring her to master new costume-making techniques for her Saber outfit. This triumph not only allowed her to represent Singapore on an international stage in Japan but also solidified her place in the cosplay community.
The Art of Cosplay
Cosplay is a multifaceted art form that encompasses various elements, from costume design to character portrayal and photography. Rithe articulated the sense of fulfillment that comes from completing a cosplay, stating, "Every cosplay I’ve done is my favorite." Her choices often reflect a combination of fun experiences, the aesthetics of the characters, and the desire to recreate enjoyable moments from gaming or anime culture.
Rithe openly expresses her affection for Saber, describing her as not just a favorite character but her "dream character." She emphasizes that her original portrayal of Saber remains the best version in her eyes, and she plans to continue cosplaying her for years to come.
Delving deeper into the mechanics of cosplay, Rithe highlighted her enjoyment of costume creation and the thrill of participating in photoshoots. Currently, she’s working on a new cosplay for a variation of Saber from Honkai: Star Rail. "I picked out fabrics that will flow well for photo taking and am giving myself plenty of time to work on it," she explained.
However, the cosplay journey is not without its difficulties. Rithe recounted the challenges she faced while crafting her Saber Alter Huke version, noting that the costume’s complexity made it difficult to transport and navigate. Yet, she found the experience rewarding and is eager to take on more ambitious projects, including larger-scale mecha costumes in the future.
Life as a Professional Cosplayer
While many engage in cosplay as a hobby, some, like Rithe, have chosen to pursue it as a full-time profession. With the rise of anime, gaming, and cosplay in popular culture, opportunities for professional cosplayers have expanded significantly. Rithe shared her insights on what it’s like to work in this niche field: "There are many ways to be a full-time cosplayer, including platforms like Patreon, live streaming, and guest appearances at conventions."
However, being a professional cosplayer involves more than just embodying characters. Rithe explained, "We are our own managers, product designers, photo editors, and social media managers." Managing time effectively is one of the most challenging aspects of her work.
Despite the pressures, Rithe remains motivated by the joy of her craft. She cherishes her interactions with fans, recalling moments like filming humorous videos, meeting long-time online friends, and receiving heartfelt gestures from supporters. "There isn’t any one particular favorite memory, but I remember many good and fun times," she said.
Rithe has developed a special bond with her Filipino fans over the years, noting that her relationship with them feels more like reconnecting with friends than simply attending an event. "A lot of fans here have watched me grow as a cosplayer and as a person," she remarked, expressing her fondness for the community.
Future Aspirations and Advice for Aspiring Cosplayers
As Rithe reflects on her cosplay journey, she hopes to inspire others while introducing new fans to the characters and series she loves. "I just enjoy cosplay. As long as I’m well-rested and hydrated, all I want to do is make costumes and cosplay," she shared.
Her dream for the future includes creating an elaborate version of Saber and exploring other characters, including mecha designs. "A cosplayer’s ‘dream character’ changes often, so we’re constantly adding to our cosplay plans," she joked.
Rithe also offered valuable advice to those looking to start their own cosplay journey. She emphasized the importance of capturing memories through photos, both as a hobbyist and a professional. "There are lots of tutorials online, and you can find support even before starting your first cosplay," she noted. "It’s super fun; just try it, and I promise you will have a good time!"
Rithe’s passion for cosplay and her dedication to the craft continue to inspire many in the community. With her talent and enthusiasm, she represents the spirit of creativity that defines the world of cosplay. As she continues to develop her skills and explore new characters, the future holds endless possibilities for this remarkable cosplayer.
