Participating in the Anime cosplay project this time, I cosplayed Elysia from Honkai Impact 3rd. The production process for the entire Love Wish Fairy outfit took longer than anticipated. Just refining the red heart and rose ornamentation across the bodice required multiple adjustments to capture that delicate sense of layering. A fabric with a subtle sheen was selected, so when shooting in well-lit indoor areas, the metallic hardware and fabric luster complemented each other beautifully. The pink-and-white wig required prior styling—especially sculpting the white gradient near the crown and transitioning toward the ends, which needed wax and setting spray to pinch into airy fluffiness.
In terms of accessories, the metallic emblem on the hat, the heart-shaped armband on the bicep, and the intricate patterns across the back of the gloves all demanded meticulous placement. Posing while seated on the folding stepladder was primarily intended to provide ample space to display the skirt and legs. Pairing White stockings with red Mary Jane shoes created vibrant visual contrast. The skirt features a multi-tiered pleated silhouette—white underneath, pink on top—trimmed with airy tulle and ribbon accents along the hem. Because the skirt is so full, taking a seat required smoothing the hem out deliberately to prevent it from catching in the ladder or forming awkward creases. The silver staff prop in hand, topped with crystal ornaments, demanded wrist control to keep lines looking fluid and effortless.
A gentle breeze swept through the venue, lending the ribbons and horn prop a floating, dynamic presence on camera. To make these fluttering ribbons look even more fluid, I adjusted both standing and sitting postures several times. While standing in the first shot, I kept my spine straight to elongate the silhouette; in the second shot on the ladder, more focus went toward leg lines, fine-tuning their angle so the White stockings and shoes showed their most flattering lines. The third shot was a close-up highlighting facial makeup and bodice details. For makeup, the eyes featured a blended purple-pink wash paired with blue-violet lenses, constantly testing angles under the light to capture that clear, luminous gaze.
Cosplaying characters loaded with minute details always tests one's patience during dressing and styling adjustments. Yet seeing the resulting interplay of light and shadow made all the prep feel entirely worthwhile. In particular, the venue's cool-toned backdrop contrasted vividly against the radiant pink palette of the costume, making the subject pop dramatically. The entire ensemble comprised over a dozen standalone pieces, from earrings to the cutout heart accents on the shoes, with each element crafted meticulously. While sitting on a metal ladder for extended periods got uncomfortable and maintaining elegant poise demanded stamina, this deep immersion into the character remains the most rewarding part of cosplay.
The location was set in an open area of the convention center, taking advantage of natural light filtering through floor-to-ceiling windows. The light illuminated the White stockings and red heels, bringing out crisp textures. Due to the long hemline, walking required gathering the skirt to avoid stepping on the delicate tulle. Because the Love Wish Fairy concept inherently radiates sweet, dreamlike fantasy, my expression management leaned into a soft yet vivacious presence—opening the eyes slightly wider with delicate aegyo-sal makeup to convey bright, youthful energy. The small pink trumpet prop was extremely light, requiring careful handling so its attached ribbons draped naturally. Though initial preparations were tedious, the shoot went smoothly with wonderful synergy alongside the photographer. Looking at the final photos, the accuracy achieved my vision, serving as a heartfelt tribute to this beloved character.