From IP to cosplay influencer: Singapore student builds career in fashion and wig design
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Elise Lim, a 19-year-old student in Singapore, transitioned from the prestigious Integrated Programme (IP) at National Junior College to pursue a diploma in fashion design and management at Temasek Polytechnic. Initially part of the Art Elective Programme, Lim developed an interest in cosplay during her fourth year of the IP and began experimenting with costume and wig creation.In her fifth year, she decided to leave junior college to focus on fashion full-time. Lim said, 'It's not common for people to drop out of the IP, and a lot of parents could be worried that this is an unstable future, which is true, because the design and art field is unstable', to The Strait Times.Also read: Who is Khaby Lame and why the world's most popular TikTok star left the US? Now in her third year at polytechnic, Lim has grown a substantial online following. Her TikTok account has more than 94,000 followers, and her most viewed video, featuring a self-made wig of the character Magical Mirai Miku, has garnered over 12.9 million views. On Instagram, she has 12,200 followers and manages commission requests for wigs on a rolling basis.Her wigs are priced between US$100 (S$130) and US$700, and she has created more than 30 character wigs and over 10 props. Many of her clients are international, and she frequently sends availability updates to her followers.'I first started playing video games like Valorant and League Of Legends in secondary school, and afterwards I saw all these people online cosplaying these super-interesting-looking game characters,' Lim explained. Finding the cost of high-quality props too high, she began making her own at the end of 2022.Lim works from a studio set up in her attic, equipped with a sewing machine and materials sourced both online and locally. Her costume accessories are made using ethylene-vinyl acetate foam and repurposed cardboard from platforms like Taobao. When pressed for time, she sources materials from stores in Chinatown.Also read: Viral icon Khaby Lame detained by ICE and forced to leave the U.S. — fans worldwide rally behind the TikTok star The workspace includes cosplay props such as a shark-themed rocket launcher based on the character Jinx from the Arcane series and wigs styled for characters like Gwen from League of Legends. Demonstrating her process, Lim showed how she begins with a pre-colored base wig, styles the synthetic hair, and constructs an internal structure to match the character's design to The Strait Times.She stated, 'This is skilled labor, so I had to practise and learn, and train. And the cost of living in Singapore is also high, so I think my price is quite justified.'Despite concerns from some about the stability of an arts-based career, Lim's mother has remained supportive. 'I'm proud of Elise and generally supportive of her love for crafting... My main concern is her frequent exposure to chemicals when making wigs,' said Mrs. Lim, 52.Lim, who is an only child and lost her father at a young age, hopes to open a commissioning studio with fellow cosplayer Jade Tang, 21. She noted that both frequently receive commission requests and see the potential for a long-term venture if they continue improving their skills.Also read: New TikTok diet trend sparks backlash as experts warn it's fueling a dangerous new wave of harmful eating habits After completing her diploma next year, Lim plans to take a gap year to attend short courses in garment construction. She is also considering applying to art universities in China, Belgium, or Italy to study costume design.'It's more fruitful because the skills that I've learnt are more tangible,' she said of her polytechnic education. 'At the end of each module, you would have a very clear idea of what you gained from it.'Reflecting on her decision, Lim said, 'If I stayed in JC, my focus would be split between academics and the arts… so I switched to TP.'She advises others to research and consult mentors before making non-traditional choices. 'If they are confident they can earn (money) and have done research in their field, then there's nothing wrong with doing something a bit more unconventional.'
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