[Claret cosplay] Zenless Zone Zero Black-and-Red Combat Suit and Giant Weapon Challenge

For today's Claret look, we made several nuanced adjustments from wardrobe to props. To align with the aesthetic of Zenless Zone Zero, the top was crafted from black leather featuring extensive cutout tailoring across the midriff, with layered white ruffles pieced into the collar to forge a crisp monochrome contrast. The chest straps required repeated calibration to sit tautly without digging into the skin, while the red studded waist belt and metallic armor accents served as the crowning touches—somewhat tedious to put on and take off, but delivering immense visual impact. The tailoring rigorously tests clean silhouette lines, prompting breathing control and postural alignment before shooting to ensure sleek contours.

The greatest trial was undoubtedly the massive black-and-red weapon. Measuring over 1.2 meters, hoisting it one-handed before the lens demanded locked-in core strength. During shooting, I continually shifted my grip angle to prevent the weapon from sagging under its own weight. The skirt features an asymmetrical swallowtail cut with trailing black-and-red gradient fabric that draped naturally with movement. On the legs, I wore white thigh-high Stockings paired with platform black tall boots featuring crisscross lace-up straps—a classic black, white, and red tri-color palette that instantly commands attention. When adopting wide-stance crouches and weapon-shouldering poses, engaging calf muscles and keeping the stockings smooth and taut ensured a commanding sense of power.

For hair and makeup, blonde locks were gathered into a high ponytail adorned with a white scrunchie and red ribbon. The makeup centered on red contact lenses and crimson shadow winged out at the corners, paired with prominent contouring to accentuate combat sharpness. The wig was notably thick, requiring generous styling spray for clean definition. The shoot took place against a seamless white studio cyclorama; this minimalist background maximizes the character's vivid colors. Hard directional lighting was cast from the upper flank, casting sharp floor shadows while bringing out dramatic specular reflections across the red and black weapon surfaces.

While posing, the sheer weight of the weapon necessitated seamless coordination between waist and shoulders to maintain equilibrium. Although my left hand supported the lower grip, the primary force came from my right arm hoisting it over the shoulder. To highlight the costume's tailored lines, the photographer captured numerous frames emphasizing midriff and leg contours. Because the weapon was genuinely heavy, veins were visibly raised under strain, which paradoxically lent the frames visceral authenticity. Though the ensemble felt restrictive, seeing the sheen of black leather under studio lights alongside the grounded power of white thigh-highs and heavy boots made every bit of effort worthwhile.

We refrained from heavy filters to preserve raw textile fidelity and genuine skin textures, aiming to capture Claret's spirited yet dangerous charisma in full. The entire process was physically demanding—from gearing up into full armor to sustaining alert combat stances, every finished frame resulted from iterative angle checks and controlled breathing rhythms. As an avid cosplay enthusiast, taking on a new role is always a fresh challenge. Beyond wardrobe and prop execution, substantial effort went into kinetic pose tension. To prevent the voluminous skirt from overwhelming the composition, I tested various stance widths before committing to an aggressive forward-leaning posture. I hope this Claret set allows everyone to experience the character's innate charm. The tactile props and detailed costume reflect the shared dedication of the entire crew, marking a thoroughly rewarding studio shoot.