Recently, I shot a cheongsam look for Noshiro from Azur Lane. The overall outcome captured the exact atmosphere I envisioned, so today I'm sharing some details and takeaways from this shoot.
Let's talk about the costume design first. This light blue modified cheongsam features a form-fitting cut, and the sleeveless halter-neck design beautifully frames the shoulder and neck lines. The circle of pearl-textured white embellishments along the collar is the finishing touch, instantly adding depth to the solid blue. The white faux-fur plush arm sleeves are a personal favorite element in this styling; they balance the lightweight nature of the cheongsam, adding visual nuances of a winter or snow-country aesthetic, while the soft texture effortlessly enhances mood during posing. The snowflake print along the hem maintains complete harmony with the overall color palette, creating a pristine, cool aesthetic.
The accompanying hair accessories were equally elaborate: the pair of horns with white bases and pink tips, paired with black side hair buns, dangling gold tassels, and an exquisite gold tassel forehead ornament, gleamed under studio lights to give the headpiece rich visual volume. For makeup, I selected pale purple contact lenses matching her canon lore, paired with cool-toned eyeshadow and dewy, sheer lip color to create a soft, ethereal 2D aesthetic.
The studio set chosen for this shoot was exceptional. The dark mahogany luohan daybed paired with a white plush cushion created a sharp textural contrast—combining classical Chinese gravity with cozy comfort. The calligraphy screen in the background, warm-yellow floor lamps, and red decorative floral branches jointly cultivated a rich Chinese-style ACG atmosphere, setting off the visual impact of this Cheongsam cosplay to perfection.
I also experimented with various props. For instance, the folding fan in the first shot paired with subtle glances for cool, nonchalant gestures. In the second shot holding the wine jar, sitting slightly tilted naturally showcased leg lines; the sheer Light blue pantyhose paired with wide blue thigh garters drew visual focus downward, catching the light with rich texture. In the third shot, adding a white bunny plushie shifted the style from aloof to lively, while hand gestures revealed the character's playful, mischievous side.
Executing this shoot tested my physical control, as the dress length and sleeve texture easily creased when seated, requiring constant adjustments to sitting posture and leg angles to maintain fluid lines in the frame. Meanwhile, the horn props and intricate hairpieces carried noticeable weight, leaving my neck slightly sore after several hours of shooting. Yet seeing the natural poise and refined visuals in the final results made every bit of effort feel worthwhile.
For 2D characters, modifying traditional Chinese elements like cheongsams is a true test of design craft, and this Noshiro styling in Azur Lane strikes a perfect balance between fantasy and traditional silhouette curves. During shooting, we consciously avoided exaggerated movements, keeping gestures understated and restrained. Combined with warm ambient studio lighting, the finalized photos convey a quiet, timeless elegance.