This time, I tried a modified Chinese Qipao look infused with Animal ears elements. The wig is long, straight silver-white hair with blunt bangs; to support the massive golden bells and fluffy Animal ears on both sides, the stylist put a lot of effort into securing the foundational structure of the hair so it wouldn't easily lose its shape during movement. The black Qipao features subtle mesh splicing and gold piping, with delicate golden frog clasps at the collar. The layered white fuzzy capelet is extremely fluffy, accented with golden floral motifs, and the plush material on the cuffs looked stunning under the studio lights. On the lower half, I wore white over-the-knee White stockings to echo the color tone of the fuzzy capelet.
The shooting location was an indoor Chinese-style setting featuring wooden hollow lattice windows, classical screens, and warm yellow floor lanterns. To complement the overall ambiance, I prepared a round silk fan decorated with pink flowers and blue tassels. In terms of makeup, I emphasized blush right beneath the eyes and wore blue contact lenses to make my gaze appear livelier and true to the concept. For the lips, I selected a dewy, glossy shade to bring out a touch of ethereal charm.
Body language during the shoot was also key. To keep the shots from looking stiff, I designed poses like clenched cat paws, resting a finger lightly on the chin, and flashing a one-handed peace sign, which, combined with the White stockings and seated postures, pushed the 2D aesthetic to its fullest. Utilizing the round fan as a prop also enriched the composition, such as holding the fan in one hand while subtly raising the other. The indoor lighting relied primarily on warm yellow overhead lights and side lantern illumination, while the photographer used a wide aperture to blur the background, making the subject's details pop.
Because the plush capelet has considerable volume, keeping my shoulders relaxed while posing was essential to avoid looking bulky. For seated poses, crossing my legs or angling bent knees to the side better showcased the White stockings and leg contours, while adding a cozy, charming indolence to the frame. A white fur throw was spread across the wooden daybed, creating a harmonious color balance. During the shoot, I experimented with kneeling, cross-legged, and side-sitting poses; although the space on the daybed was compact, that constraint actually helped frame and refine my movements. The texture of the stockings had a subtle sheen under the flashes, creating a striking contrast with the black Qipao.
The entire shoot focused heavily on the harmony of details—from costume styling and prop interactions to capturing light and shadow—all striving to present a natural and refined texture. This look visually marries the elegance of traditional style with 2D playfulness. Through this shoot, I gained a better grasp of pulling off such crossover styles. Every shutter click was a refinement of the composition, and the final results reflect the collective effort of the whole team.