My daughter is the one who introduced me to the Miyazaki movies. She would play the dvds on our tv and I would sit and watch with her. As a long time fan of Japanese art and anime works I just sat in awe of the beautiful art work as it scrolled across the screen. The stories were always poignant and heart touching as well as heart breaking. Story lines that would stay with a person after every viewing no matter how many times it was watched. When the time came to go to conventions she and I both decided to attempt to recreate and honor some of our favorite shows Miyazaki had done. Nicki was always a huge fan of Howl while I had a crush on Cary Elwes and there for the Baron in The Cat Returns. It took me a year to create the head piece and make that perfect orange tabby color. And determine the best fabric was linen to give him that elegance of the perfect proper gentleman cat. The Baron is always a favorite at cons and people love to come up for pictures. I always tip my top hat in a courtly gesture to honor the beautiful soul of the artist who created my character. Baron is partially retired since he needs some repair and I have to create that perfect Cheetos orangey dreamsicle color again. But he will return and maybe even as masquerade version in the near future. But he will always be my most favorite costume ever done.