Red Carpet Affair

Who can attend: Any registered MechaCon attendee!

Attire: Formal/Semi-Formal Cosplay-Optional

MechaCon’s Friday Night formal Ball has transformed! We’re excited to announce the annual MechaCon Red Carpet Affair.

The MechaCon Red Carpet Affair is very similar to the format of formals we’ve held in the past. However, whereas previous events were based on the idea of a formal ball, the MechaCon Red Carpet Affair is more along the lines of the kind of event Hollywood celebrities might find themselves attending after the Oscars.

So, pull out your best evening gown or suit and get ready to experience and all-new fancy-pants dance like only MechaCon can bring you! And yes, cosplay formal is still welcome to attend!

In addition to the name change, we have also tweaked the dress code.In the past, there have been discrepancies in the dress code and as such, some attendees have become upset. Some felt that we were too strict and formal, while other thought we allowed a too casual attire. We re-visited the dress code to see if adjustments were necessary and which direction to go. The option of not allowing cosplay at all was addressed, but decided against. While we would like to present an elegant event, we realize that not everyone can “dress to the nines”, yet we want more than just a dance. After much consideration we have adjusted some of the dress code.

This special event is Formal/ Semi-Formal Cosplay-Optional. What that means is that this is a classy event where tuxedos and evening gowns are encouraged as well as formal cosplay.

Here are a few guidelines to abide by to keep the spirit of the event intact:

- Men (or cross-players) should be in a tuxedo or a suit. A jacket, tie, and slacks are acceptable. Shoes must be dress shoes or similarly appropriate. A simple dress shirt with tie will not be allowed.

- Women (or cross-players) should be in an evening gown or cocktail dress. Skirts/dresses cannot be higher than the fingertips of hands at the side. Similarly, dress slits cannot be above the hands. Please remember that there are young people that do attend. Footwear must be dressy or similarly appropriate.

- Formal kimonos and other formal Asian wear are allowed.

- No bare feet. If you cannot dance in heels then please wear nice shoes that you can dance in. Bare feet tend to get stepped on, plus last year some shoes/boots did disappear.

- No casual clothes; including but not limited to t-shirts, sneakers, jeans/denim, etc.

- In the past hats have been knocked off and stepped on while dancing. Thus, unsecured small hats should be removed while on the dance floor. Although, it is proper for Gentlemen to remove their hats while in the ballroom and likewise for large hats for the Ladies, this year we will allow them to be worn inside EXCEPT on the dance floor. If they present a problem, then we will have to revert to the old rules.

- Any props used with a cosplay outfit HAS to be secured to the costume, such as in a holster or scabbard, etc. A walking cane/stick will be allowed but not on the dance floor itself.

- Era, International culture, or Fantasy formal are invited.

- The event hosts have final say on what stays and what goes. Please be aware that they are merely performing their duties as instructed, plus they may not be informed in the formal attire for every anime.

Please remember that this is a FORMAL/SEMI-FORMAL Cosplay-optional event. The “regular, everyday” cosplay outfit will not be allowed. For example: Master Roshi in his beach shirt, shoes and sandals would not be allowed; but when the dress suit he wore to go to town would. The outfit has to be considered formal to the specific anime. The Rave/House Party is Saturday night for those wishing to dress in that style.

This will be an elegant event to remember. We hope to see you there! Feel free to post any comments or questions you may have about the event on the MechaCon Forums