This time, I tried out the New Year Qipao styling of Cheshire Cosplay from Azur Lane. The overall ensemble blends classical Eastern aesthetics with anime elements, making it a perfect thematic showcase for this set.
First, regarding the fabric and garment details: this modified qipao uses crimson velvet as its primary fabric, accented with sheer black lace patchwork across the chest and flanks. Combined with golden frog buttons at the collar and intricate gold-thread floral embroidery, it naturally marries the character's luxurious charm with traditional Eastern motifs. The white plush shawl outerwear and the massive, fluffy white tail behind me form the visual centerpiece of the styling. When wearing it, the sheer weight and volume of the plush required careful center-of-gravity adjustments, but the visual result in the photos was delightfully voluminous and cute. Paired with white lace White stockings and a garter leg ring, the overall silhouette appeared even fuller.
For the wig, I selected a silver-grey bob with blunt bangs and cyan-blue highlights at the tips, accurately recreating the character's iconic traits. Instead of an overly vivid hue, I chose a matte texture that looked exceptionally soft under post-production lighting. The white ruffled headdress was fitted with internal support structures to maintain its 3D silhouette, while the large red floral hairpieces and red tassels on both sides added festive vibrant pops that echoed the New Year backdrop. For makeup, to suit the character's cool yet playful demeanor, I applied slender eyeliner paired with blue contact lenses, keeping the lips in a natural nude pink. The base remained sheer and clean without excessive contouring.
The choice of props for this Cosplay photography shoot was meticulous, incorporating a calligraphy brush, a blue-and-white porcelain gaiwan, and traditional thread-bound books across multiple shots to complement the poses. The wrist-lift posture when holding the brush and the eye interaction with the teacup when sipping tea all needed to reflect the character's effortless composure. In practice, these props demanded highly natural movements—for instance, in the brush-holding shot, the hand had to stay relaxed to avoid stiffness, while in the reading shot, finger grip strength and natural torso tilt required repeated adjustments.
The set was an indoor classical Chinese interior, featuring a carved wooden screen in the background and a warm yellow paper lantern in the foreground right as one of the primary light sources. The lantern's warm glow on the face and fur collar crafted a cozy, serene spatial atmosphere while cleanly separating the red qipao from the grey hair. In terms of character portrayal, Cheshire possesses a gentle nature harboring an undercurrent of cheekiness; when executing relaxed seated poses, I consciously tucked my chin slightly and lowered my shoulders to convey that signature languid charm.
Overall, this work didn't chase aggressive visual shock, but rather aimed to present a quiet, comfortable, and gentle state. Whether the lace and embroidery of the costume or the wooden textures of the props and backdrop, every textural detail was emphasized without overcrowding the frame, leaving ample breathing room. The post-production color grading favored lower contrast to highlight the tactile qualities of silk and plush fabrics. As a cosplay share, from early costume fittings and wig trimming to on-set pose direction, every step aimed to present Cheshire's New Year charm from Azur Lane to the fullest.