Portraying Fleurdelis at Kuro Carnival this time took about two months of preparation, spanning pattern drafting and costume tailoring to on-site styling.
The wig was custom-made with a pale blonde foundation and light blue gradient dip-dyeing at the tips. The front bangs required repeated heat styling and hairspray daily to maintain that signature full, blunt-cut look from the concept art. The dimensional wave-like headpiece atop the crown was crafted using 3D-printed parts combined with lightweight clay molds, hand-sprayed with glossy blue lacquer; the slender horn in the center had to be anchored securely into the wig cap to keep from tilting while walking the convention floor. The elf ears and star earrings were custom-commissioned from a prop artisan based on reference sheets, with edges sanded and color-matched multiple times to blend naturally with skin tones.
For makeup, to channel her exotic facial aura, the eye makeup used extensive pinkish-red smudging paired with vivid cyan contact lenses, with eyeliner winging subtly upward to elongate the eye shape. The base used a high-coverage semi-matte foundation, complemented by a glossy lip glaze and prominent blush to project a serene yet delicate vulnerability before the lens. The black leather collar around the neck wasn't just decorative; it was weighted with keyhole and cross metallic charms that lent tangible substance.
The costume's details are exceptionally rich. The cutouts along the bust and waist relied on double-sided tape and clear straps to stay in place, while the blue vine ornaments on the trims were made of rigid resin that easily snagged on passersby's backpacks in crowded halls. The silver-blue arm gauntlets and glossy blue gloves were the crown jewels of the outfit; articulated knuckles allowed varied hand gestures on site, though the gauntlets were quite heavy, making my shoulders ache after prolonged poses. The breezy blue-and-white gradient hem featured subtle wave jacquard patterns, though I had to hold the skirt up in dense crowds to prevent it from being stepped on.
At Kuro Carnival, numerous Rovers recognized the look. Hearing that line—'I never want to lose you again'—evoked immense immersion. To deliver the best presence for the camera, I stayed in character, aligning on front-lit and side-lit angles with photographers and even taking interactive phone selfies to document the venue's vibrant energy. Selecting these convention photos took considerable time, and retouching preserved authentic textile textures and ambient chiaroscuro. I hope this series fully conveys the magic of that day—see you at the next event!