[Ganyu Cosplay] Styling Concepts: Blending Genshin Impact's Custom design cheongsam with a Traditional Pipa

Pairing this Custom design cheongsam with a pipa formed the core preparation of this shoot. The overarching idea was to weave the classic color palette of Genshin Impact into the tailoring of a cheongsam, using the pipa as a centerpiece prop to strongly amplify the traditional Chinese aesthetic. Costume-wise, the top is a sleeveless white design gradienting into soft blue, accented at the waist with golden beaded chains, creating distinct layers down to the legs. It was coordinated with patterned sheer Black stockings and chunky-soled black high heels. The pipa prop had substantial weight, requiring me to switch hands multiple times mid-shoot—a true test of physical endurance.

Styling the wig took considerable time; the light-blue long hair needed deliberate shaping while maintaining neatness without tangling. The makeup featured purple-pink contact lenses matched with reddish-blended eye makeup, complementing the light hair tone seamlessly. For the location, we specifically selected a traditional Chinese pavilion by the water, using the depth of the benches and carved white stone in the foreground as natural framing elements. We experimented with crouching and seated poses to ensure the proportion of the Black stockings and leg lines stood out, visually accentuating feminine curves.

Regarding photo selection, the crouching pose in the first image offers near-flawless composition, highlighting leg lines and symmetrical balance with the pipa. The pavilion shot reflects the harmony between the full costume and its environment, while the shot with carved stone foreground showcases facial details and fabric textures. Lighting during the shoot was great, with afternoon sunlight cascading over the carvings to cast gorgeous contrast between light and shadow. Post-processing was kept to foundational color grading, preserving the fabric weave and sheer translucency of the stockings for a clean look without watermarks.

Beyond framing, managing the pipa strings was also vital; to look convincing, we spent time arranging string positions and finger placements. Crouching poses heavily test the arrangement of the skirt hem, needing constant adjustments to display the stocking patterns in full. While shooting on the bench, the skirt had to be spread out carefully to avoid creasing. The photo holding a round silk fan was also a deliberately chosen accessory; such decorative accents elevated the visual richness, lending storytelling depth beyond a simple portrait.

Throughout the shoot, hair strands and garment corners required perpetual grooming, especially the angle of the stockings and shoes, where piping and beadwork along the heels could inadvertently become focal points. Every shutter click weighed environmental harmony. The key challenge of this styling was aligning the costume with the character's intrinsic demeanor. Thanks to exquisite craftsmanship, it not only radiated Liyue's quintessential charm but also matched the overall aesthetic. The final results achieved our intended vision, standing as a thoroughly solid Pipa cosplay photography record.