District Princess (known to many simply as District) has been cosplaying since 2019, and what started as closet cosplays and makeup experiments during lockdown quickly grew into a full creative passion. From their early foam builds like Kirishima’s handmade scale mail and Vash’s robotic arm, to sewing seven full costumes in 2023, District has steadily expanded their skills to include wig styling, performance makeup, sewing, foam work, lighting circuits, and more. Every cosplay they create carries a personal, handmade touch, with favourites including She-Ra, Red Robin, Sailor Nanami, and Cheerleader Jason Todd. For Oz Comic-Con Brisbane 2025, District will debut two brand-new builds: Squirrel Girl (Marvel Rivals) and Nana Shimura (My Hero Academia).

Cosplay has been life-changing for District, opening doors to new friendships, creativity, and community. Growing up in a small town in North Queensland, cosplay once felt like something reserved for elite competitions—but after volunteering at Oz Comic-Con in 2015, they discovered its accessibility and joy. Since then, District has dedicated themself to fostering inclusive spaces, from hosting meetups and trivia in The District at Oz Comic-Con to supporting friends and newcomers alike. Their My Hero Academia cosplays helped them find their first community, and from there their circle of friends, creative collaborators, and even their partner.

For District, cosplay is more than just costumes—it’s about connection. Their most treasured memory came at Oz Comic-Con Brisbane 2024, when their dream Bat Family group came to life, with every member crafting their own costume. That day was filled with laughter, tears, memes, and even a Brenton Thwaites encounter, marking not just a highlight in their cosplay journey but a true reflection of the community at its best. Looking ahead, District hopes to take on the challenge of cosplay competitions, embracing new experiences and proving to themselves just how far they’ve come.