While browsing through my phone album, I stumbled upon this photo taken at the 2023 Genshin Impact Fes tucked away in a corner; after shooting it back then, it stayed saved in my camera roll and I never got around to posting it. Sorting through my album today and seeing it brought back so many emotions, so I wanted to bring it out and share it with everyone.
The preparation process for this Lynette look was actually quite elaborate. To better recreate the character, my friend and I searched for fabrics for a long time and specifically custom-made this black corset. The ruffles on the corset demanded very precise patterning, and putting it on required cinching it bit by bit to bring out the silhouette; although it was rather tight, I gave it my all for the sake of the photos. The white shirt underneath was also custom-tailored, with careful pattern drafting required for the neckline design, cuff button details, as well as the brown leather straps and metal buckles on the chest. I spent a long time choosing the wig, styling the outward flaring curves at home inch by inch with a curling iron, and the animal ears were an adjustable pair I specifically hunted down, secured into the hair with bobby pins so they wouldn't easily fall off.
The crowd at Genshin Impact Fes back then was truly massive, and the venue got pretty warm. Wearing this outfit with long gloves, I broke into a full sweat while waiting in line to find open spots for photos. Yet because I had prepared for so long, I remained super excited at heart. To make that half-closed eyes pose and the cat-paw gesture look natural, we practiced repeatedly in front of mirrors on-site. The cat-paw gesture actually tests wrist endurance quite a bit, making the muscles ache after holding it for a while. The purple contact lenses were also specially chosen to match the makeup, and paired with subtle blush, the overall character demeanor came together beautifully.
Special thanks go to photographer Yangyanxing Xiaoboluo who shot these for me. The entire shooting process was delightful; she patiently helped me adjust angles and lighting to capture a faithful rendition. Although after the shoot I was exhausted and caught up in the following months' schedules, leaving the photos forgotten in my album, stumbling across them today gave me the nostalgic illusion of stepping right back onto the Anime convention floor.
Looking at this photo, memories of waiting in line and taking photos with everyone at the venue last year came rushing back. Walking around the hall back then, several friends recognized me and asked to take photos together; everyone's interactions were so warm and lovely. Even though wearing this costume was demanding, experiencing the joy of this character together at the Anime convention made it completely worthwhile. I only lightly adjusted the color tones on this photo, basically preserving its original look, and it carries wonderful commemorative value.