For this limited Chinese animation encore of Cheshire Cosplay from Azur Lane, I decided to first capture a set of initial impressions with In-car cosplay. The dark tone of the black car seats nicely highlights the luxury of this blue-and-white outfit, setting the mood for the upcoming convention schedule. As a cosplayer obsessed with visual details, this hair, makeup, and styling took considerable time from fabric selection to the final version.
First is the hairstyle: a silver-grey base paired with high-brightness mint-teal highlights. This color contrast not only breaks the monotony but also creates richer visual depth in natural light. For the bangs specifically, I deliberately used styling products to comb them into neat curves that frame the face gracefully without feeling heavy.
For eye makeup, I selected high-saturation aqua-blue contact lenses combined with sheer, blended eyeshadow to bring sharper focus to my gaze on camera. The eyeliner was slightly extended at the outer corners to add an airy, mischievous vibe—a signature trait of the character.
The biggest highlight is the cat-ear headpiece structure. The entire headpiece features a pure white base, with neatly arranged pearls along the edges complemented by intricate gold embroidery. The wide white lace streamers cascading from both sides sway dynamically in the car's AC breeze; however, I carefully pinned them down to ensure they maintained an elegant drape during shooting. Wearing heavy-embellishment headwear like this is quite challenging—the clasps must be firm and secure, or it easily shifts in crowded convention halls.
As for the costume, I wore a dress dominated by deep navy blue. The neckline features a pure white mandarin collar accented with golden chain decor, adding metallic brilliance between the blue-and-white contrast. The chest and shoulders are adorned with delicate cut-out lace patterns, and the cuffs are trimmed with matching white lace. Although it has some weight on the body, the fabric feels solid and premium, making it instantly recognizable amidst the convention crowd.
Taking close-up In-car cosplay photos like this before the convention is actually a common practice. The soft indoor light in the car avoids the harsh shadows caused by direct outdoor sunlight. Moreover, using the black car seats as a backdrop highlights facial features and garment textures clearly, keeping messy background distractions away from the viewer.
As a limited encore today, my primary goal is meeting fellow fans for taking photos with cosplayers at conventions. Last year, due to a rushed schedule, many didn't get the chance to snap photos together. This year, I intentionally arranged a much more relaxed timeline. The night before heading to the convention, I usually inspect all accessories, check if golden chain clasps have oxidized, and dust off any stray lint on the fabric. To keep my makeup intact, I specifically chose long-lasting foundation products—essential for handling high heat and dense crowds inside the halls.
As deeply engaged participants, we must pay attention to our presentation as well as overall convention etiquette. For example, quickly understanding photographer cues and finding good lighting angles when taking photos with cosplayers at conventions ensures everyone's expectations are met. The cosplay community values accuracy above all, so I put a lot of thought into this styling—from color-matching the wig to positioning accessories—striving to closely mirror the original illustration. The subtle clinking of the golden chains as I walk is also a delightful little Easter egg of this outfit.
Wearing this costume brings not just an external transformation, but an expression of passion for what I love. This character brought me immense joy in the game, and bringing her to the real world allows me to pass that vibrant energy on to everyone present. The essence of anime conventions is mutual appreciation among kindred spirits; when someone recognizes the character and comes over to chat, that joy is truly irreplaceable. Today, I'm thrilled to spot fellow passionate fans in the crowd.
The behind-the-scenes time and effort invested into prepping a high-quality convention costume are hard for outsiders to perceive. From wig trimming to the exact millimeter of the bangs, the slightest offset can alter the entire photo's feel. Layering accessories is equally delicate: too dense looks bulky, while too sparse loses its grandeur. I usually reserve over an hour for morning prep on convention day to stay calm and collected, bringing out the absolute best state. This In-car cosplay snap serves as a prelude; once inside the venue, I look forward to taking photos with cosplayers at conventions and connecting closely with you all!