I bet you’re thinking ‘Oh no another article about Harley Quinn.’
Well, you’re right, but there’s so much more to talk about than just that. Let’s take a look at Harley’s aesthetic over the years. I’m sure each of you can visualize your favorite Harley Quinn costume, or your least favorite for that matter. Harley is just so iconic and easily recognizable.
Eventually fans end up loving a character so much that they want to portray their favorites in their favorite costume.
Now we’re getting into the realm of cosplaying Ms. Harley Quinn. She’s been a fan favorite ever since she first appeared on Batman the Animated Series. Personally, that’s my favorite costume because it’s just so classic.
But, her look has evolved quite a lot over the years. Let’s fast-forward to her look in Suicide Squad.
Why did so many people love this particular costume from the movie? Well, let’s look a little closer. I wasn’t a huge fan because I felt like it needed to have more of her iconic red and black. But, it was cool if you look at pics of the musician Debbie Harry from Blondie. You can really see the punk inspiration once you do.
Margot Robbie’s rendition of Harley Quinn in that costume was just fun and playful, all while staying edgy. That made me like the look a bit more, but honestly not as much as the clown suit from BTAS. To each their own.
Why do so different cosplayers of all skill levels choose to mimic this look? Harley is a fun character to portray in any of her many costumes. Which is why so many cosplayers make so many different versions of the character.
But, the Suicide Squad version is easily recognizable even without ALL the accessories. This makes it easy for beginners to throw together, and eventually add onto in the future if they do want it totally movie accurate.
Think about it, if you have the Daddy’s Little Monster Shirt, a bat, pigtails, and fishnets people will get it. Even if you’re not a blonde (or female for that matter), you can sport this look and be recognized. The same goes for a professional cosplayer that’s been in the hobby for years. This version is just fun, and not hard to piece together.
And, more experienced cosplayers can make jewelry, and paint on her tattoos to be screen accurate.
When Suicide Squad was first released I noticed that a lot of people were cosplaying for the first time ever. Their inspiration was that version of Harley Quinn. Once they started cosplaying Harley they realized how fun the hobby really is.
And, I have seen so many cosplayers grow from that experience. Now a lot of them are very big into the hobby and have multiple costume builds under their belts. Not only that, but OG Harley fans told me that version re-sparked their love as well.
Harley Quinn truly birthed a new generation of cosplayers, and inspired those in the hobby for years.
