Retouching on this Remielle series wrapped a while ago, and I finally have time today to curate and share it with everyone. Embodying Remielle from Zenless Zone Zero this time, the overall aesthetic was positioned between dark Gothic style and anime fantasy. To honor the character's intrinsic temperament, considerable effort went into preparing wardrobe and props beforehand. The top chosen was a glossy black fitted corset paired with a white stand-up collar and metallic ring buckles, while the arms were draped in sheer black tulle, with white star emblems accenting both neckline and skirt hem. The deep navy mini skirt on the lower half also featured star prints, harmonizing with leather leg garters adorned with metallic pentagrams and crisscross strappings, finished off with sheer Black stockings and patent platform heels—visually balancing combat sharpness with feminine sensuality.
For hair, I selected a layered pink short wig styled with cross- and star-shaped hair clips. Because the character features elf ears, prosthetic pointed ear pieces were specifically prepared, while cosmetics focused heavily on deepening eye orbital contours, utilizing contact lenses to give the gaze a piercing, enigmatic depth. The colossal black feathered wings on my back were the undisputed centerpiece of the styling, yet they were also the most grueling element to manage during shooting. The wing harness was exceptionally heavy, requiring tightly cinched shoulder straps, and the slightest movement shed feathers everywhere—the studio floor turned into a disaster zone of drifting plumage. Yet seeing that organic dynamic drift of falling feathers across the finished frames made every hassle worthwhile.
The set was constructed inside a retro dark-toned room, complete with an intricately carved red velvet armchair, weathered dark masonry walls, and entwined iron chains. The staging was adorned with an abundance of red roses—some draping down like climbing vines, others scattered casually across the floor—accented with burning white candles. To cultivate that mysterious, languid ambiance, the photographer placed a cool-toned rim light behind me while using the warm glow of candlelight to fill my facial features, creating an exquisite dialogue between warm and cool, chiaroscuro and shadow. Posing in the chair, I explored multiple stances: crossing my legs or lightly caressing my cheek with fingertips to maximize the sleek lines of the Black stockings and legs. To capture falling feathers mid-flight, the photographer directed me to gently tremble my wings, firing rapid bursts across dozens of frames before locking down the perfect capture.
Honestly, perching on that chair while striking varied languid poses was anything but relaxing; sustaining an upright spine while controlling expressions and eye focus left me sore all over once we wrapped. Yet standing before the camera in full attire, one slips organically into character, where her commanding presence melts away physical fatigue. I am thoroughly satisfied with the colors and textures of this set: the deep crimson roses and black wings deliver striking visual punch, while the dark set provides a gorgeous foil for the pink hair. Bypassing reliance on artificial CGI effects, we leaned into organic practical lighting and staging to ground the atmosphere, achieving a result remarkably close to my original vision. The shoot was immensely engaging with effortless rapport with the photographer, bringing this project to a rewarding close. I look forward to exploring even more diverse character styles down the line.