The moment I put on this costume and wig, I instantly stepped into an ambiance that was both elegant and slightly aloof. The costume design for Vivian in Zenless Zone Zero truly emphasizes layering: the voluminous white flowing sleeves and snug collar create a striking visual clash against the glossy black patent leather corset, while the cutout back cleverly introduces a tasteful touch of individuality amid the elegance.
During pre-shoot preparation, I paid close attention to fabric textures. The white fabric needed to be structured without being stiff to support the grand court-style sleeves, while the glossy black material on the lower half was very sensitive to light, testing our angles and lighting control during outdoor shooting. For this shoot, I paired the outfit with sheer black tights in a Black tights outfit and chunky high heels; the white strap details on the soles and the curvature of the heels beautifully elongated my calf lines. Combined with the asymmetrical dark skirt hem, it made my standing posture look very crisp while better setting off the unique "dark witch" aura of this outfit.
In terms of styling, the iconic Elf ears cosplay is the finishing touch. Paired with long, voluminous wavy hair in a gradient from white to light purple, maximizing the hair's fullness was essential to present a natural, buoyant texture before the lens. On the day of the shoot, I intentionally kept the makeup palette muted, using cool-toned dusty rose eyeshadow and lip colors to give the character a more aloof, refined look in this Anime-style photography session.
The prop used this time was a substantial black-and-purple umbrella adorned with symmetrical patterns matching the costume palette; opening it felt like wielding an elegant weapon or magic staff. During shooting, I experimented with multiple angles: standing on one leg while holding the umbrella made the silhouette look lively and dynamic, while turning slightly to look back captured a quiet composure. The estate location was wonderful—natural stone brick walls, vintage black wrought-iron pendant lamps, terracotta planters along the corridor, and the natural waterscape behind all blended seamlessly into the composition.
From an in-character perspective, this photo set aims to present a relaxed afternoon in an estate, showcasing one's favorite side to that special person. The lighting during the shoot consisted of soft, diffuse natural light, which produced smooth reflections on the patent leather rather than harsh specular glares, looking very sophisticated. The photographer also captured the slight flare of the skirt hem while walking and the sleek lines of the ankles wrapped in tights. I adore the atmosphere of tilting the umbrella slightly and glancing back toward the lens.
The creation of every work relies not only on getting the costume right, but also on harmonizing the setting with the character's personality. It was windy on the shooting day, blowing the wig into slightly messy curls, which actually added a sense of lifelike authenticity. To capture the spirit of this character, one must stand tall and straight, with a gaze carrying scrutiny and confidence, so that the detailed makeup and wardrobe can truly come alive. After finishing this set, I felt my state aligned with the character's lore. Sharing this immersive result brings immense satisfaction. Although this Vivian cosplay ensemble incorporates numerous elements, they harmonize seamlessly, retaining both sharp individuality and soft, delicate details.