Cosplayer Spotlight: Lacey James

Cosplayer Spotlight: Lacey James

Welcome back to our Cosplayer Spotlight series, where passion, creativity, and fandom collide. Today, weโ€™re meeting veteran UK heartthrob cosplayer Lacey James (Laceyjames007). I had the pleasure of meeting him at the beginning of my convention life as a guest VA at London MCM ComicCon. His cosplays were brilliant then and he’s only gotten better!

Lacey James as Lucifer Morningstar

Lacey James as Lucifer Morningstar

Quick Background Questions (Fast Facts)

D.C. Douglas: What is your full name, or the name you go by in the cosplay community?

Delacey-James: Laceyjames007 / Delacey-James Foster

D.C. Douglas: Where were you born?

Delacey-James: United Kingdom

D.C. Douglas: Where do you currently live?

Delacey-James: United Kingdom

D.C. Douglas: How old are you (optional, if you’re comfortable sharing)?

Delacey-James: 39

D.C. Douglas: What is your primary occupation outside of cosplay?

Delacey-James: Concept / Storyboard / Graphic Marketing Artist

D.C. Douglas: When did you first start cosplaying?

Delacey-James: 2013 briefly / properly in 2017

D.C. Douglas: What was your very first cosplay character?

Delacey-James: STARS Albert Wesker

Lacey James Wesker and Zeno Cosplay

Lacey James | Wesker and Zeno Cosplay

Childhood & Early Creativity

D.C. Douglas: As a kid, were you into comics, anime, video games, or something else? Which ones influenced you most?

Delacey-James: Video games mainly. I was particularly late to the wider realm of anime, only recently being introduced as my only knowledge of “anime” was Pokรฉmon and the likes of Dragon Ball. Resident Evil, Metal Gear Solid and Onimusha were big inspirations for me growing up.

D.C. Douglas: Did you make things or perform as a kid, such as crafts, theater, or art?

Delacey-James: Yes, I was very fond of painting and recreating historical events, namely in relation to the Roman and British empire.

D.C. Douglas: Were there any characters or series you were obsessed with growing up that pushed you toward cosplay?

Delacey-James: Resident Evil has always been a great influence and inspiration to me. It fueled my appetite to work in game development and seek a career in the entertainment industry.

Cosplay Journey & Motivation

D.C. Douglas: What inspired you to try cosplay in the first place?

Delacey-James: My friends were all cosplayers and I wanted to give it a go after seeing their amazing cosplays and interpretations of characters across multiple mediums. My only experience with “cosplay” was at fancy dress parties and Halloween.

D.C. Douglas: How did your first cosplay experience go?

Delacey-James: It was really fun. The community were most welcoming.

D.C. Douglas: What do you personally get out of cosplay, creatively, socially, emotionally?

Delacey-James: Supporting other creatives in any way I can.

D.C. Douglas: Do you build your own costumes, modify them, or commission others?

Delacey-James: A combination of all of the above. Those I collaborate and share experiences with are the true MVPs of my cosplay adventure.

D.C. Douglas: How long does it usually take you to put a full look together?

Delacey-James: It can range from a matter of minutes with the likes of Lucifer Morningstar to many hours when putting together characters like Geralt or an aged Leon, or any character I decide to add an additional “battle worn” appearance to.

Leon Resident Evil by Lacey James

Leon / Resident Evil by Lacey James

Conventions & Community

D.C. Douglas: What was your first convention? What do you remember most about it?

Delacey-James: CFCC in Cardiff, Wales. I remember how popular these conventions are and the food and creativity available to consume!

D.C. Douglas: What are your favorite conventions to attend, and why?

Delacey-James: MCM Birmingham is my favourite as it has a wonderfully relaxed atmosphere that hits different as compared to other conventions. All conventions have unique and pleasant vibes, but MCM Birmingham has something that resonates with me most.

D.C. Douglas: Do you mostly attend as a fan, or do you also do panels, competitions, or guest appearances?

Delacey-James: I just visit to attend fandom meets and greet friends that I would otherwise be unable to see on a regular basis. And the food!

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Lacey James as Leon from Resident Evil

D.C. Douglas: What do you think makes the cosplay community unique compared to other fan circles?

Delacey-James: How welcoming everyone is and the vast diversity of interests and individual backgrounds. I always learn something new from a passionate member of any given fandom and it’s great.

D.C. Douglas: Have you formed lasting friendships or collaborations through conventions?

Delacey-James: Yes, absolutely, even met the likes of yourself, D.C., from a variety of different cons and here we are! I will message next time I am in LA!

Lacey James as Gesalt of Rivia

Lacey James as Geralt of Rivia

Favorite Characters & Styles

D.C. Douglas: Which cosplay is your personal favorite so far, and why?

Delacey-James: My Netflix Geralt is my favourite. It was my first real attempt at a “cosplay armour” and I’m very proud of the results.

D.C. Douglas: Are there any dream cosplays you haven’t done yet but want to?

Delacey-James: Oh, yes… The Demon transformation of Samanosuke Akechi from Onimusha.

D.C. Douglas: Which character do people recognize you for the most?

Delacey-James: I would say Lucifer Morningstar or Albert Wesker.

D.C. Douglas: Do you prefer anime, video game, comic, or original character cosplays, or a mix?

Delacey-James: Anything that sparks my interest or inspires me.

Memorable Experiences

D.C. Douglas: What’s the most memorable moment you’ve had while in cosplay?

Delacey-James: One that is brought up quite often at the Resident Evil fandom meets is actually the afternoon in Manchester where you and I were teased by several members of the group about comparing “sword sizes,” which in all honesty went right over my head until I caught on what this meant! This still brings a chuckle to many.

D.C. Douglas: Have you ever had a particularly funny or awkward interaction while cosplaying?

Delacey-James: Oh, yes, many! Especially at the after parties.

D.C. Douglas: Any wild or unexpected challenges you’ve faced in costume?

Delacey-James: Yes, a tourist mistook my STARS Albert Wesker cosplay for a UK police officer or some kind of authority and asked me for information and guidance. I helped as best I could and stressed that I am just a cosplayer.

Lacey James Leon Resident Evil

Lacey James as RPD Leon from Resident Evil

Perspective & Advice

D.C. Douglas: How do you see cosplay evolving in the next few years?

Delacey-James: I see a lot of positive progression online and offline. It is great to see and I hope that this continues.

D.C. Douglas: Do you feel social media has changed cosplay for better or worse?

Delacey-James: It’s definitely had an impact. Our personal experiences probably vary a lot. I’ve been thankful for the community and all the support over the years.

D.C. Douglas: What advice would you give to someone brand new to cosplay?

Delacey-James: Take everything in your own stride and please have fun!

D.C. Douglas: What’s the biggest misconception people outside the cosplay world have about it?

Delacey-James: That cosplay may be deemed a very unique activity from a wider societal perspective, maybe? I’m not overly sure.

Closing Questions

D.C. Douglas: Where can people follow your work?

Delacey-James: My Instagram is: laceyjames007 / My TikTok is: laceyjames007

D.C. Douglas: What’s your next event or big cosplay project?

Delacey-James: I’d really like to revamp my Geralt cosplay and adjust several details of it.

D.C. Douglas: Anything else you’d like fans or readers to know about you?

Delacey-James: Hopefully see you all at a future convention!


Delacey-James is one of those rare finds in the cosplay world: equal parts artist, historian, and absolute gentleman. And yes, for the record, I lied about my sword.

In all seriousness though, if you ever find yourself at a Resident Evil meetup and spot a remarkably convincing Wesker or Geralt with the quiet confidence of someone who paints Roman battle scenes in his spare time, go say hello. He won’t mistake you for law enforcement. Probably.

OR CHECK OUT THE LATEST BLOG DROPPING:PartyChat Visits D.C.’s Career