Captain Phasma costume from Star Wars: The Force Awakens at D23 Expo...

Like thousands of others this weekend I ventured to the biennial Disney D23 Fan Expo at the Anaheim Convention Center and was transported to a galaxy far, far away to catch a glimpse at some of the fantastic costumes to feature in the forthcoming Star Wars: The Force Awakens movie.

Original Captain Phasma costume worn by Gwendoline Christie

in Star Wars: The Force Awakens

Quite possibly my favourite costume was this chrome and caped Stormtrooper captain costume worn by Game of Thrones Gwendoline Christie as 'Captain Phasma'. Not only does it feature the new helmet design of the First Order Stormtroopers, but that shiny armour reminds me of a classic Cylon Centurion from Battlestar Galactica. It's such an imposing look and with Gwendoline Christie's height I can't wait to see her in action on the big screen.

I know that some of the costumes on display featured at Star Wars Celebration earlier this year, but on this occasion these were exhibited out of their usual reflective display cases, which is always such a treat.

Star Wars: The Force Awakens D23 Expo poster by Drew Struzan

Michael Kaplan is Costume Designer on this new Star Wars installment and you can also see his costumes in the rebooted Star Trek movies, in Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol, in Disney's The Sorcerer's Apprentice and even Christina Aguilera's costumes in the movie Burlesque.

For all you costumers, cosplayers and cover replica costume builders out there, Captain Phasma's helmet is made from chrome vacuum-plated 3D printed nylon and her armour is chrome vacuum-plated molded polyurethane.

The cape is cotton canvas coated and painted with binder, the under suit cotton lycra, the gussets molded rubber and cotton lycra, the collar neoprene and rubber, the belt is made from rubber, her gloves are chrome painted 3D printed fingers over leather, whilst her boots are chrome vacuum-plated polyurethane armour over leather.

Captain Phasma's chrome armour from Star Wars: The Force Awakens

Shrouded in secrecy in typical J. J. Abrams fashion, we know that Episode VII is set 30 years after Return of the Jedi, but tantalizingly not much else beside a few names, new characters and these fabulous costumes.

First Order Stormtroopers from Star Wars: The Force Awakens

on display at D23 Expo

Also included in the exhibit was this battalion of First Order Stormtroopers with their new updated distinctive helmet designs.

I'm certainly far more excited for Star Wars: The Force Awakens having seen these costumes in person, and be sure to stay tuned for more Episode VII looks that were on display at D23.