Stepping onto the stage, the spotlight turns on. Today, I don't intend to use any optical illusions; I only want to bring you a visual wonder belonging to a Magician using the most authentic makeup, outfit, and presence. This costume setup began preparation the moment I settled on the character. Just that iconic tall top hat alone took a lot of effort—the black hat body paired with a red-and-purple striped ribbon band, complemented by the golden animal emblem on the front as a finishing touch, adding a dash of playfulness and mystery to its dignified look.
In terms of makeup, the base was deliberately kept clean and matte to highlight that stage-ready texture from Teyvat. Deep reddish-brown eyeshadow was layered around the eyes, which, combined with the fluffy texture of the silver wig, created a cool yet dramatically charged visual feel. To restore the character faithfully, beyond facial features, I paid close attention to the light and dark relationship between skin tone and wig highlights; the lips were given a soft shade close to character settings, creating a subtle echo with the vivid red bow tie.
Speaking of the bow tie, that was a massive undertaking. The pattern-making and fabric selection for the neck's red ribbon were thoroughly vetted across multiple rounds, ultimately selecting a slightly heavy woven fabric to ensure it wouldn't easily collapse even when caught in the wind. The dark purple short cape covering the shoulders conceals reflective detailing on its inner lining, making the upper body visually distinct and layered on camera. Meanwhile, the split design combining white sleeves and black arm cuffs stands out as the most stage-ready element of this Magician attire—paired with black fingerless gloves, every gesture radiates a crisp readiness to cast magic.
The black bodysuits/shorts and fitted leg straps on the lower body represent the most dynamic part of the look and a signature feature of Teyvat's Magician on stage. To ensure the leg straps remained secure without leaving harsh marks after prolonged wear, strap tension and materials were repeatedly adjusted for a comfortable fit against skin. Black thick-soled mid-calf boots gave my standing posture an upright silhouette, visually extending proportions.
During actual shooting, I tried my best to weave the character's personality into body language. Whether holding the hat brim single-handedly with flair, crossing arms over the chest with calm composure, or casually resting one raised leg against the rooftop parapet with playful ease, every pose strived to recreate that effortlessly confident air he exudes during stage performances. The moment I held the top hat and opened my arms wide, I truly felt transformed into a Magician about to conjure a pigeon or a rose.
The location was chosen on an outdoor modern city rooftop surrounded by skyscrapers and structured grey tiles. This urban background full of modern industrial vibes and geometric lines created a wonderful chemical reaction with the gorgeous court-style Magician attire. Against the cold, hard steel-and-concrete backdrop, silver hair strands and the red bow tie fluttered in the wind, building a striking visual focal point. Through Outdoor photography under natural light, the photographer snapped remarkably candid expressions; the soft, indirect lighting showcased costume textures and metallic props just right.
Post-processing avoided heavy over-retouching, preserving authentic skin texture while slightly boosting color saturation to accentuate the deep contrast between velvety blacks and vibrant reds. For cosplay, I believe the ideal state isn't editing facial features into flawless perfection, but using one's expressiveness to bridge the gap between oneself and the character. Every time I don these carefully crafted pieces and step before the lens, it represents a fresh reinterpretation and embodiment of the character. Teyvat's premier Magician should stand right here in the sunshine and breeze with complete confidence.