Philip Odango is an award-winning designer, producer and director who has crafted costumes for celebrities such as Mindy Kaling and Danny Trejo, and whose videos have amassed millions of streams on YouTube. Philip began cosplaying in 2004 and has since been an invited guest, presenter and cosplay contest judge all over the world.

 

His love of artistry and crafting first cultivated with directing theatre. Expanding upon his technical skills in producing over 80 events, he parlayed his love of spectacle and visual storytelling into the craft of sewing, quickly gaining attention in the cosplay world. Since crafting his first cosplay of Edward Scissorhands out of garbage bags and pizza boxes in 2004, Philip has designed and displayed numerous costumes across the world. His "cosplay your way" approach is inspired by diverse and vibrant creators, ideas and communities he has met all over the globe. Philip curates his creations to reflect those journeys and demonstrates that cosplay is, above all else, an extension of one's creative self-expression.

 

With a keen eye for style and craftsmanship, Philip has established himself as both a tastemaker and influencer continually inspiring those around him. He is highly-sought internationally for partnerships, television series, and branded collaborations. He shares valuable insights through classes, workshops and panels with conventions, universities and makerspaces worldwide. He has been featured by The New York Times, Threads Magazine, Sew Daily, Forbes, Business Insider, GQ, Marvel, DC, Disney, and SYFY. Since 2017, Philip has served as a global ambassador for SINGER™ Sewing Company, and founded the "Bros Who Sew" campaign to encourage the craft of sewing. Brand collaborations include Warner HBO, Amazon, Michaels, FISKARS™, VELCRO™ Brand, VERO True Social, IKEA, Plaid Crafts, Mehron, Kryolan Makeup, Cosplay Fabrics and JOANN Stores. 

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Philip owns a project management and creative consultancy, and leans into 15 years of marketing, theatre, event production and community engagement experience to author the Cosplay Professional Development Series of books to empower aspiring cosplayers. He completed Harvard Business School's Sustainable Business Strategy program and has certifications in inclusion and diversity. He serves on numerous advisory boards and is a grant panelist for the National Endowment for the Arts. His philanthropy includes Operation Smile and the arts.

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