As the New Year atmosphere grows stronger, I decided to put on Cheshire's outfit and complete this New Year-themed cosplay shoot in an environment full of festive spirit. Compared to casual or combat outfits, this black and red outfit better reflects the warmth and splendor of winter while perfectly matching the adorable theme of "patting the kitty's head, no worries ahead" mentioned in the post.
Let's talk about the costume texture first. The glossy black satin corset on the upper body is a weighty piece; under the lighting, it shows a delicate sheen, elevating the character's temperament to an elegant level. The paneling on both sides fits the body shape, and layering that black fur shawl on top instantly enriches the overall visual look. The warm feel of the plush fur collides with the cool touch of the satin to create a great textural depth. The white folding fan in my hand is one of the few bright highlights in the set, balancing the dominant black tone and forming a perfect visual triangle among black, white, and red.
Now for accessories and details. The wide-brimmed black hat carries a mysterious charm. Securing the side veil took a lot of hairpins and patience during pre-shoot prep to prevent it from slipping when turning my head. The light greyish-blue short wig breathes in harmony with the dark outfit, while the light blue contacts matching my eye makeup give the character a slightly distant anime cat girl vibe. The sheer black stockings on the legs and the two vibrant red garter straps are the biggest eye-catchers of the whole look, key to showcasing a glamorous and elongated proportion. The shine of the glossy black heels echoes the costume fabric, extending the lower body lines cleanly and sharply.
The shoot location was set against a bold red wall decorated with a golden "Fu" (Good Fortune) diamond paper cut above, flanked by artfully placed golden ornaments and carved wooden furniture. This classic "black, red, and gold" color scheme creates strong visual tension and fits the celebratory New Year mood perfectly. To highlight the cat girl element, I deliberately shifted my center of gravity while posing, leaning slightly against the traditional wooden chair, combining a raised leg with resting the folding fan under my chin to bring out a lazy yet focused gaze unique to cats. Occasionally twisting my shoulders allowed the fur shawl's texture to drape even more naturally, looking both glamorous and cute like a cat girl.
For the cover photo composition, I kept my body centered, creating a stable triangular structure with my raised leg and body. The tip of my shoe in the foreground and the red wall in the background set up spatial depth, giving the final image a strong sense of perspective. Regarding lighting, the photographer emphasized highlighted areas on the face and body, enriching the folds and textures of the black garment while darkening the surroundings to focus on the subject.
As a player who loves exploring the relationship between outfits and settings, I thoroughly enjoyed blending a virtual character with real-world festive elements. Although black satin garments wrinkle easily—requiring manual smoothing every time I sit or stand—and high heels with garter belts test one's physical endurance over long shoots, seeing the vintage, alluring elegance in the final shots and the crisp expression against the red backdrop makes all the hard work completely worthwhile. Cheshire's true charm lies in her lively, mischievous personality. Taking advantage of the New Year occasion, I amplified her cat-like traits to ring in the festival, serving as a special New Year ritual. Thanks to the photographer's professional color handling, these photos captured the ideal state in my heart in both costume detail and overall atmosphere. I hope to share this New Year joy with everyone through these photos.