This scrapped concept design of Cheshire from Azur Lane is still so satisfying to look back on after shooting. Different from the sweetness or flamboyance of the official final artwork, this set of styling that wasn't ultimately implemented carries a unique sense of cool aloofness and dreaminess. As a cosplayer passionate about detail restoration, I put a lot of thought into figuring out everything from makeup and styling to scene layout this time.
Let's start with the hair and makeup. This time I selected a blue-gray gradient short wig, with silver-white highlights preserved at the crown and hair ends. To fit the ethereal vibe in the scrapped concept, the colored contacts chosen were a pair of ice-blue ones. Paired with extended deep-black sharp nails, it not only elongated the hand lines but also made the entire person's aura look more filled with fantasy colors. For the makeup, I intentionally deepened the eye contours and matched the eye makeup with a cool-toned eyeshadow of the same color scheme, focusing the visual centerpiece between the eyebrows and eyes.
The clothing design is the heavy-craft centerpiece of this work. The entire Anime-style outfit uses ice blue and pure white as its primary color palette. That exaggerated white soft-textured large ruffled hat on top of my head, with light blue floral decorations and star-like embellishments along its edges, propped up the gorgeous atmosphere of the overall styling. The upper body features a classic off-the-shoulder lacing corset with clear criss-cross lace-up details, adorned with delicate lace and a pearl necklace at the chest and neck. The arms feature detached lantern sleeve-covers of the same color scheme, with the ruffled edges draping casually to make movements more agile.
The skirt hem design of the lower body is rich in layers, with a rigid pannier petticoat featuring metal rings inside, overlaid with multiple layers of pure white sheer thin tulle draping. When moving around, the layered light tulle provides a wonderful flowing effect. Paired with white lace-trimmed thigh-high socks and white high heels with heavy-craft lace decorations, it reinforces the exquisite nature of the overall look. During the shoot, I also held a slender prop resembling a double-tipped ice staff, giving movements more of an extended feel.
Regarding the shooting scene, we intentionally chose a studio shoot set up with a blue-and-white layout. The background features white European-style Roman columns and carved plaster pedestals, with lush blue-and-white faux floral arches arranged on both sides. The biggest plus was the white and blue tulle draperies hanging in the space, along with a gorgeous crystal chandelier. The live lighting was highly sophisticated; soft light refracted through the tulle and props beautifully highlighted the thin texture of the skirt hem and the character's skin radiance. The large ruffled hat integrated with the surrounding scenery, creating the illusion of being inside an ice kingdom.
Although it's a scrapped concept draft, this costume allowed me to see another side of Cheshire to some extent. It lacks over-embellished complexity but possesses a unique, independent, and clear beauty. Every roleplay is a reshaping of a character's soul. This cosplay photography process was highly pleasant; from the rigor of wearing the costume to the emotional control in front of the lens, I did my utmost to convey the unique temperament of this scrapped concept.