FASHIONISTA: Bum makes the growing COSPLAY trend part of everyday fashion

Fashionistas all over the world are now wearing their true colors on their sleeves more prominently their moods. Fashion authorities in the country would tell you that the youth are taking trends out of the pages of magazines (and even comic books!) and into the streets.

Costume Play, or more popularly known as COSPLAY, for instance, is now a growing style trend in the Philippines. What used to be part of the Otaku culture (fans of Japanese comic books or manga), is becoming a common sight in everyday Pinoy fashion little by little.

There's a lot to Cosplay than a representation of a person's favorite anime character. It also speaks volumes about his/her fantasies, creativity and the center of it all, individuality.

That same level of individuality — which gives cosplayers the courage to show off their true identities costumes in public — runs deep in Bum's style philosophy. As a brand that represents the youth's conceptions and misconceptions, Bum is gradually recognizing the Cosplay trend into the Filipino fashion psyche by translating it into more prominent trend. Bum and Cosplay, after all, somehow speaks the same language.

So to mark this fashion assimilation, Bum is opening a contest for young Filipinos through their website. The local clothing brand is inviting young stylephiles to show their individual interpretation of the Cosplay trend by using pieces from Bum. While interested participants are allowed to wear their take on their favorite anime characters, the total ensemble should have shades of Emo Rock and Goth — Bum's signature look, ensync with “MY STORY” Bum’s culminating chapter.

BUM products (apparel) should be the core component of the costume design based on the character of choice. Costumes may be enhanced by accessories such as wigs, make-up, contact lenses, and other props. If they're feeling a little bit more creative, computer graphics may also be used in the photo layout to enhance the costume/character (with the BUM logo prominently seen in the photo).

Photos must be submitted to Bum as early as possible, so that they will have enough time to get "Likes" on Bum's Website. The 10 entries that get the most "Likes" get a chance to take home big prizes, including a Nikon D3000 DSLR Camera, Blackberry 3G phones, Samsung ES80 cameras, and tokens from Bum.

Promo period starts from August 8, 2011 to October 30, 2011. Announcement of winners will be on October 31, 2011. To know more about the contest rules and mechanics, visit www.bumequipment.com.ph. Bum products are available at Bum Boutiques and leading Department Stores nationwide.