For this Phrolova cosplay look, I began preparing wig and costume details half a month in advance.
This red-and-black outfit is very meticulous in its choice of fabrics. The outer red sheer fabric has a subtle translucent sheen under the lights, while the black inner layer uses fabric with jacquard patterns, adding weight and depth. The red bow on the chest and the golden line accents prevent the overall color scheme from feeling too dull or somber. Because it features an off-the-shoulder design, I made some posture adjustments in advance to ensure smooth lines across the shoulders and neck during the shoot. The white sheer sleeves drape naturally, requiring extra caution during poses so they wouldn't snag on branches or railings and compromise the visual cohesion of the frame.
This semi-translucent maple leaf round fan was sourced specifically to accompany this outfit. The orange maple leaf pattern on the fan and the yellow tassel dangling from the handle serve as brilliant highlights against the red-and-black backdrop. In the first photo, I held the round fan high, veiling most of my face and revealing only light blue eyeshadow and downcast eyes—this half-veiled composition adds an evocative sense of narrative to the image. To ensure the animal ears blended harmoniously into this Chinese-style animal ears cosplay without looking disjointed, I left wisps of framing hair on both sides of the wig and braided the high ponytail and plaits to be as voluminous and fluffy as possible, giving my head silhouette a fuller look on camera.
In the second photo, I chose to lean against the railing of a wooden staircase. This pose was actually an impromptu improvisation. Wearing a short skirt, sitting down naturally showcased the contours of my legs, while the expansive red sleeve on one side cascaded outward to create a wonderful visual extension. I also adjusted my gaze: instead of closing my eyes, I looked directly into the lens, aiming to project composure and quiet confidence. The red drapery and wooden architecture in the background infused the frame with rich layers. The temperature at the location was actually quite chilly, but being intensely focused on modulating poses and facial expressions kept me from noticing the cold. Every shutter release was a quest to capture that exact moment of resonance with the character.
The ends of the wig easily tangled, needing careful brushing with detangling spray during breaks. The light blue eyeshadow risked getting washed out under strong warm lights, so I subtly deepened the eyeliner to ensure the gaze remained striking in the final shots. Gripping the wooden handle of the round fan for so long made my palms sweat, but such minor trifles faded away before the final cuts. Releasing this set gave me a fresh perspective on blending traditional oriental aesthetics with fantasy elements in Wuthering Waves cosplay. From makeup trials to on-site shooting, every single stage demanded patience. Though it was my first time trying this look, both the costume's presentation and the photographer's visual framing aligned seamlessly with my vision. Sitting there with the round fan in hand, I felt my entire presence settle into serene poise. This transformative journey of breathing life into a character through garments, props, and environment is precisely what makes cosplay so captivating to me. The chiaroscuro and delicate fabric textures in the finished photos are exquisite, standing as a testament to all our efforts that day.