Bolaire Lathalia Cosplay – Complete Work-in-Progress

Introduction

In this work-in-progress update, Bret (@sweet_bret) shares the construction progress of their Bolaire Lathalia cosplay from Critical Role Campaign 4, sponsored by Big Z Fabric. The video walks through each completed garment, the fabrics used, decorative techniques, and the remaining work needed before the costume is finished.

Materials Used

Big Z Fabrics

• Microfiber Suede – Cinnabar
• Microfiber Suede – Black
• Fire Brick Distressed Velvet Flocking Vinyl
• Black Distressed Velvet Flocking Vinyl
• Ponte De Roma Jersey Knit Spandex – Rust
• Ponte De Roma Jersey Knit Spandex – Black
• Solid Two-Way Stretch Spandex Costume Dance Vinyl – Black
• Solid Polyester Taffeta – Burgundy

Additional Fabrics

• Pinstripe knit (from personal fabric stash)
• Peach Skin fabric
• Bias tape (from personal stash)

Additional Materials

• Rivets
• Hook and eye closures
• Clear TPU (for the rapier)
• Wig
• Mask file from The Dangerous Ladies

Step 1: Construct the Doublet

The build begins with the doublet using Cinnabar Microfiber Suede paired with a pinstripe knit fabric.

Decorative details are added using Fire Brick and Black Distressed Velvet Flocking Vinyl, creating appliqués and belt details that are topstitched directly onto the garment.

Additional satin stitching is used to embellish the decorative swirl pattern.

The creator also demonstrates their wax paper technique during the appliqué process.

Step 2: Make the Sleeves

The sleeves are constructed from Black Microfiber Suede, Black Distressed Velvet Flocking Vinyl, and another pinstripe fabric from the creator's personal stash.

After completing the sleeve construction and applying the decorative belt appliqués and bias tape, rivets are installed across the front of the garment.

The rivets are spaced:

• 2 inches apart vertically
• 3 inches apart along the angled belt sections across the midsection

At this stage, the vest only requires a few additional hook-and-eye closures before it is complete.

Step 3: Construct the Undershirt

The undershirt is made from Rust Ponte De Roma Jersey Knit Spandex.

Additional design elements include:

• Black Stretch Spandex Costume Dance Vinyl sleeve accents
• Burgundy Polyester Taffeta wrist ruffles
• Peach Skin fabric used for the cape-style sleeve extensions
• Bias tape from the creator's fabric stash

The shirt is nearly complete, requiring only:

• A neck button
• Decorative cross stitching along the front seam

The creator notes that the sleeves are one of their favorite parts of the costume.

Step 4: Build the Cape

The cape features:

• Burgundy Polyester Taffeta lining
• Peach Skin exterior

During construction, the creator uses pinking shears for the first time, finding them especially helpful for finishing the edges.

The clasp is constructed from Black Microfiber Suede.

Although the original design includes a collar, the creator is undecided about adding it, and currently considers the cape complete without it.

Step 5: Begin the Boots and Garters

Work has begun on the boots and garters using Black Stretch Spandex Costume Dance Vinyl.

Construction is still in its early stages, with significant work remaining before these accessories are complete.

Step 6: Prepare the Gloves

The gloves will be made from Black Ponte De Roma Jersey Knit Spandex.

At this point:

• The glove pattern has been cut from the fabric.
• Assembly has not yet begun.

Step 7: Remaining Costume Pieces

Several components are still outstanding:

• Belts have not yet been started.
• A clear TPU rapier has already been printed.
• The wig has been acquired but still needs styling.
• The mask, based on a file from The Dangerous Ladies, still requires finishing work.

Tips from the Creator

• Combine multiple textures to add depth and visual interest to costume pieces.
• Satin stitching is an effective way to enhance decorative appliqué designs.
• Wax paper can make sewing intricate appliqués easier to manage.
• Consistent rivet spacing creates a clean, professional appearance.
• Pinking shears are useful for finishing lightweight fabrics such as taffeta.
• Completing garments in sections makes it easier to track progress on large cosplay projects.

Final Result

The Bolaire Lathalia cosplay is well into construction, with the doublet, sleeves, undershirt, and cape largely complete. Remaining work includes the boots, gloves, belts, wig styling, and mask finishing before the costume is convention-ready. Through a combination of layered textiles, decorative stitching, vinyl appliqués, and carefully planned construction, the project is steadily taking shape into a detailed recreation of the character.