Today I am sharing a cosplay photoshoot of the Keqing cheongsam concept. In Genshin Impact, Keqing usually wears outfits with a sharp, semi-futuristic silhouette; this time, I opted for a modified cheongsam incorporating traditional Chinese elements, leaning into a classical and gentle aesthetic. The wig was sculpted into her signature twin tails crowned with cat-ear-shaped hair cones, embellished with white lace trims and floral ornaments. For makeup, I selected soft pink-purple contact lenses and intensified reddish eyeshadow around the eyes with pronounced blush, aiming to capture an aloof yet tender expression.
Regarding the wardrobe, this deep purple bodice retains the traditional cheongsam mandarin collar and frog clasps, accented with gold piping along the hems. The white chest splice and purple tassels introduce multi-dimensional depth. The mini-cut skirt features gilded edging, trailing pink and cyan ribbons that sway with every step. The fabric carries a subtle sheen, lending the purple textile a rich, lustrous texture under studio lighting. The long black gloves are trimmed with white lace cuffs that mirror the lace detailing along the neckline. Her legs are enveloped in deep purple pantyhose featuring white diamond argyle prints down the sides, tying in seamlessly with the skirt trims for a unified Stockings cosplay look.
For props, alongside a bespoke white folding fan, I brought artificial floral boughs. Holding a flower branch before the face or looking down to adjust petals provided natural hand placement, preventing rigid postures before the lens. The studio was arranged with wooden window lattices and hanging scroll art, with calligraphy brush stands and paper fans set across the desk. The reflective floor created an organic water-mirror reflection that we preserved in post-production to amplify spatial depth. The studio temperature was comfortable, though the outfit was tightly fitted around the waist; to preserve a sleek waistline, I refrained from eating and only took small sips of water during breaks. Makeup touch-ups were frequent to prevent foundation breakdown—particularly around the eye makeup, where eyeliner crispness and eyeshadow blending were constantly refined to preserve that cool, serene aura.
Throughout the shoot, wielding the folding fan or veiling half my face with the floral stem aimed to evoke quiet tranquility. Adjusting between seated and reclining postures highlighted the garment's overall contour; the short hemline paired with stockings created an alluring yet elegant visual impression. The photographer guided my expression toward a reserved, detached composure rather than overt liveliness, so across many takes I held a calm stillness. In the shot leaning against the desk, supporting my weight through core muscles was physically demanding, yet I had to project complete relaxation the instant the shutter fired.
Controlling lighting and angles was intricate because purple shifts in texture across different color temperatures. The shoot took several hours. In color grading, I preserved the cooler violet cast while boosting contrast to sharpen the gold piping and jacquard weaves. Subtle adjustments to skin and background exposure allowed the subject to pop cleanly. Retouching also focused on preserving the smooth weave and argyle print of the pantyhose, ensuring clean leg contours and fabric realism without blurring away fine textures. Wearing this Keqing cheongsam at busy conventions requires mindfulness regarding mobility and exposure, but for controlled studio shoots, it yields stunning visual payoff. Feel free to leave thoughts or questions about the styling and makeup in the comments!