[Cheshire Cat cosplay] Azur Lane Qipao Outfit: Even Scrapped Designs Deserve to be Documented Earnestly

This time, I am bringing you a scrapped version of Cheshire Cat cosplay in a Qipao outfit from Azur Lane. Although this setting was ultimately not adopted as an official version, when I saw this design draft back then, I was completely drawn in by the refreshing blue and white color scheme and its rich, classical, and gentle elegance, so I decided to bring it to life.

The details of the entire outfit are highly layered. First is the massive white lace-trimmed hat on top of my head; the blue flowers and ribbons embellishing the brim make the whole look appear visually light and agile. The inner layer is a light blue short Qipao outfit, featuring subtle embroidered patterns outlined with gold thread on the surface. To echo the character's adorable traits, I wrapped a large white plush shawl around my shoulders. Shooting while wearing such a fluffy item actually tests one's physical stamina quite a bit, especially under indoor temperature control where even moving slightly makes you feel a bit muggy and hot. However, for the richness of the final frame, these were all necessary investments in this Moe-style cosplay.

A lot of thought also went into setting up the scene for the shoot. A black-and-white piano and steps with a vintage European feel were chosen as the main background, paired with a large area of blue-toned floral arrangements to build up the entire atmosphere. In terms of makeup and styling, I specially recreated Cheshire Cat's iconic short gray-black hair along with that streak of teal highlight. Combined with the color of the contact lenses, I hope to convey the character's lazy, mysterious, and slightly airheaded temperament.

Regarding the shoot itself, I preferred to capture naturally relaxed postures. For example, in one of the photos, I reached my hand forward, attempting to create a sense of close interaction with the onlookers outside the lens; another one was a candid shot taken while I was adjusting my sitting posture. Because it is a scrapped design theme, I didn't deliberately chase after a strict "official announcement" feel, but rather wanted to present a casual and comfortable visual state. The lighting treatment was also primarily soft and bright, aiming to perfectly restore the skin texture and the silken sheen of the clothing.

Although the final product is just a scrapped design, every outfit, every makeup test, and every lighting adjustment embodies the team's hard work. I am quite satisfied with how this set of photos turned out, especially the setup of bare feet paired with a white blanket, which adds a touch of intimacy to the overall cool color palette. Tidying up my mood, I'm off to shoot the next new design for my Anime cosplay journey!