MWS Employee Spotlight: Julia Steckel

MWS Employee Spotlight: Julia Steckel 

Julia Steckel is an NYC-based costumer, award-winning cosplayer, and a recent graduate of Parsons School of Design with a degree in Fashion Design.  She was just awarded “Costume Designer of the Year” Parsons BFA 2026. Growing up in the Bronx and attending anime conventions shaped Julia’s respect for cosplay as performance art. Those experiences inspired her passion for costume making, prop design, and visual storytelling. With a background in illustration, her work focuses on rich narratives and dramatic silhouettes. She also explores corsetry and experimental materials in her designs. Julia continues building her career in professional cosplay spaces and advocates for costuming as a serious art form. We sat down with Julia to talk about her creative journey, inspirations, and what brought her to this exciting moment as our Employee Spotlight of the week!

What specifically does your job entail?

 

I typically restock, organize, and ring people up. I am most proud of being the store’s cosplay expert. It’s so rare to find a place where something as niche as cosplay becomes a part of your job. I’m so grateful to use my unique knowledge in my day-to-day!

How did you get your start in the industry? 

 

I am really just starting out! I have been cosplaying for 10 years, and I am a graduate from Parsons for Fashion Design. Through the years, the costuming industry truly spoke to me. I aim to have a career in Film or Broadway. MWS has been the best start towards that goal.

How do you keep yourself organized?

 

I am definitely one of the most organized people I know. I have lists on lists of events and scheduling I have to take care of, and especially finishing up my Thesis collection, I have been more productive than ever! Keeping small reminders on upcoming deadlines and goals scattered throughout my day-to-day always helps me.

What’s the most difficult scenario that you faced in your field?

 

I have been doing cosplay prop commissions for around 4 years now, and even when it comes to personal projects, unpredictability is inevitable. There’s been many times that a piece has broken, or a paint job didn’t go as planned. I’d much rather spend the time fixing it then send out a prop that isn’t to my best ability.

What is your favorite part about your job?

 

My favorite part about working at MWS is definitely the community. I have only been working there for around 2-3 months as I’m writing this, but everyone apart of the team has been so kind and easy to learn alongside. I know that every customer that walks in has a unique project, some that need help working on. Ive loved using my costuming knowledge to educate others.

What skills are the most useful to cultivate in order to be successful?

 

Honestly, when it comes to cosplay, gather as many skills as you can. I have competed in cosplay competitions for 4 years now. The only reason I’ve won high level awards is because of the many cosplayers I’ve learned niche skills from. High level competitions value wig styling, garment construction, prop and armor making, and SFX. You truly cannot master all of those from one resource. I’m grateful to the many competitors I’ve traded skills with.

What is your favorite product?

Hands down Fosshape. It has been a game changer for making wig bases, sculpted corsets, and really anything you need light, flexible, and sewable! 

What is the one thing you never leave home without?

Probably my sketchbook. I am always drawing up new ideas for builds anywhere I go.

What in-store moment brought you the most joy? 

 

There was one time a mom and her son (probably of high school age) were browsing by the cosplay section while I was restocking. The son seemed really shy, but for some reason, I could tell he was a cosplayer. I went up to the two and asked them if he was into cosplay, and he immediately lit up! He started raving about the latest costume he was making, and he needed help choosing paint. Once he showed me the reference, it turned out I cosplayed the same character a couple of years ago. It was great pulling up photos of my old cosplay, and having him know I knew exactly how to help.

Tell me a little bit about your history with Manhattan Wardrobe Supply.

I’ve only been here less than a year, but I’ve been absolutely loving it. I am so excited to see what the future holds. I just hosted one cosplay workshop this year, and I can’t wait to get more involved within the store!