Cosplayer Alyson Tabbitha’s Superpower: Becoming Wonder Woman™

If you could have any superpower what would it be? This is a question you’ve probably thought about. As children and even adults, we idolize superheroes and their ability to inspire us, capture our hearts and save the day. We’ve all imagined what it would be like to be in their shoes and part of their worlds. But for cosplayer and YoutuberAlyson Tabbitha, she doesn’t need to imagine. Alyson has an actual superpower: the ability to transform into her favorite characters whenever she wants.

 

From superheroes, villains, and princesses, to musical icons, Alyson whole-heartedly commits to every single one of her looks with an unparalleled level of artistry. As Alyson transforms herself, she also brings her fans along for the ride by sharing every look she creates. She makes all of her own awe-inspiring costumes and does her own hair and makeup. Her chameleon-like powers make her almost unrecognizable, and she’s often mistaken for the real deal.  Most of the time, she produces her own photoshoots with authentic backgrounds and props to fully embody the presence of the person she’s created. With a million followers on Instagram, Alyson has created a dedicated and enthusiastic fanbase continually awaiting her next incredible character. 

 

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One of the new pics from the shoot I did with the insanely talented @davidlovephotog 📸 !!! . Pose inspired by a comic cover done by the wonderful @claymannpi ✍️ . Sword made by @coregeek (they are amazing quality!) ⚔️ . Costume made by me! I have tutorials on Y▶️T showing step by step how I made it! 😁 . . . . #wonderwoman #wonderwoman84 #wonderwomancosplay #dccomics #wonderwoman2 #ww #ww1984

A post shared by Alyson Tabbitha (@alysontabbitha) on Nov 25, 2019 at 7:29am PST

 

While she can transform into anyone and many times chooses strong female characters, Alyson says her favorite superhero to dress up as is Wonder Woman™. Although she could be considered her twin, she says she likes Wonder Woman™ because she’s an example of what we can all strive to be. “I love Wonder Woman™ because she's a symbol of truth, justice & equality. I love how she believes in people. That they can do better, be better.” As a powerful, multifaceted woman who stands up for what’s right, a lot of people can relate to Wonder Woman™ and her story. So, ahead of the launch of the next Wonder Woman™ movie, Reebok created an entire Reebok x Wonder Woman™ 1984 collection so that everyone has a chance to feel like a superhero, and all heroes need uniforms. 

 

The collection, inspired by the neon glow of the upcoming movie, includes iconic Reebok 80s silhouettes. With transparent toe boxes, double denim, animal print, and iridescent hues, these sneakers look like they were stolen right out of the decade. The collection also includes leggings and track jackets to truly make you feel like you’ve gone back in time. Alyson says the gold Classic Leather makes her feel like Wonder Woman™ IRL. “I LOVE how the gold shoes instantly reminded me of Wonder Woman™'s new golden eagle armor. Also, they have this cool rainbow holographic 80's vibe, which is totally fitting for the 1984 theme of the movie, and probably my favorite detail. I feel like an undercover superhero when I put them on!” 

 

 

As part of the collection launch, Reebok asked Alyson to shine a light on someone who has always been there for her – a real-life Wonder Woman™. Alyson decided to nominate her sister, Madison Kate, who is also well known in the cosplay world. The two have a true sisterly bond.  See her tribute below.

 

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My sister, my best friend is definitely the Wonder Woman in my life. #ReebokPartner No matter what she's been through, she doesn't let it hold her back and finds a way to keep going forward with her life. She's achieved things I wouldn't have ever imagined. And is a huge inspiration for me to be a better person every day. She's my favorite adventure buddy and is always willing to do new things. When I'm with her I feel an endless sense of comfort. She makes me feel safe and free to be myself without judgment. And I know she always has my back, I can always count on her to defend me when I don't defend myself. I trust her with my life. She's my rock and can't imagine living in a world without her. 🦸‍♀️ And to me that's what a super hero is. The people that you know will always be there for you. The ones you can count on, the one that make you feel safe. The ones that inspire you to be better people. The ones that give you hope when things feel hopeless. That's her, my sister. I love you Madi 💪🥰 I'd love for you guys to tag the Wonder Women in your life in the comments to celebrate them! 💖 @reebok #WW84

A post shared by Alyson Tabbitha (@alysontabbitha) on Sep 14, 2020 at 4:54pm PDT

 

For Alyson, the world of cosplay and the opportunity to become her favorite characters has allowed her to explore her creativity and find her tribe. “I thoroughly enjoy all of it, from researching different characters outfits to finding the supplies, figuring out how to make it, doing the makeup, dressing up, going to events, and meeting people that love the same things you do. It's the coolest hobby I've ever dabbled in.” Cosplay is also a very welcoming and accepting community. She says the trick is not to allow perfection to be your enemy. “I think a common misconception is that people think you have to have a perfect costume or look just like a character to dress up as them. No matter what you look like, no matter your age, your skill level, everyone is welcome to enjoy it. Just have fun.”

 

Much like Wonder Woman™, Alysons’s original costumes and makeup are her armor and she uses them to inspire others. She helps others to create their own characters by posting costume, photo, and makeup tutorials on her social channels. “I get a lot of comments about how people wish they could make something or do something like that themselves. I think a lot of times, people really underestimate what they are actually very capable of.” From heat guns and thermal materials to cloak and sword purchases, Alyson lays it all out for her subscribers. And it may be sped up for time, but the hair and makeup tutorial for Wonder Woman™ is only 11 minutes (if you are up for creating that Amazonian look). In her videos, Alyson allows people to realize their potential. She says she likes removing the intimidation factor and giving everyone a chance to feel like the most powerful version of themselves, whoever that may be. “I love when people show me what they did after following a tutorial, and how proud they are of themselves! It's just a great feeling. Everyone deserves to feel like a Wonder Woman™.” 

 

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Here's a little behind the scenes vid to show you guys how I do almost all of my own video & photoshoots! So if you ever wonder why I "don't credit my photographers", that's why! I usually never have any! & if I do, I always credit them, cause I have lots of respect for professional photographers. 😁📸 . Let me know if anyone would be interested in a video dedicated to the different ways I get my photos & videos! . The main reason I do my own shoots is because I actually LOVE #photography myself! I love setting up the lights, the setting, capturing the photos, the editing process, all of it! Another reason is because I film almost all of my tutorials myself at home so it's nice to be able to film all the makeup for a tutorial in my dressing room, then walk over to my workroom and film the video intro, & do a photoshoot! Also I like knowing I have full rights to all of my images. I also don't have to worry about them posting a not so well done pic without permission & I don't have to wait for them to be edited/sent to me! . WHAT I USE: I get my backdrops & lights on ebay/amazon for pretty cheap! I have been using the same camera, a Canon 70D for over 5 years now for my videos & photos! I have a basic tri-pod & a little remote I can click to self-take photos (you can see it in my right hand in this vid!) My camera has a flip screen so I'm able to look at the small screen while I shoot to make sure I'm in frame! . While there a lot of benefits to self shooting, I definitely think there is a lot good reasons to work with professional photogs too! . Or you can just use your phone & do fun photoshoots with your friends, I do that a lot too xD Phone cameras have become amazing! Everything doesn't have to be a big production! . It doesn't matter how you do it! It's just another fun & creative way to express yourself and showcase you work! 😊🏞🌅🌃 . #wonderwoman #wonderwoman1984 #wonderwoman84 #wonderwomancosplay #cosplay #galgadot #behindthescenes

A post shared by Alyson Tabbitha (@alysontabbitha) on Jun 15, 2019 at 9:22am PDT

 

Alyson says she feels connected to Wonder Woman™ because she shows people that there are different ways to tap into your power. She believes in being proud of all the different parts of you. “She's so powerful, but also has such a tender side to her. I can relate to her sense of wonder with the world, how beautiful and exciting it is, full of such incredible things. I also get just as excited as she does over ice cream!” 

 

Follow Alyson’s lead and embrace your superpowers to feel like your own version of Wonder Woman™ by checking out the Reebok x Wonder Woman™ 1984 collection.