Shooting this Nero Claudius gown before European-style architecture was primarily to capitalize on the stark contrast between the red-and-white color scheme and the white marble colonnade. On the day of the shoot, we focused on calibrating the translucency of the white sheer skirt hem, allowing the leg lines and texture of the white Stockings to peek through the tulle while seated. The photographer utilized a high-exposure technique, which neatly softened the harsh stiffness of the white pillars under bright light and rendered the atmosphere more ethereal and gentle.
The gold thread embroidery across the garment was truly painstaking, particularly the crisscross clasps on the chest, which required repeated angle adjustments during shooting to recreate that tight, cinched visual effect. The gold tassels at the shoulders carried noticeable weight, draping with a distinct drop when walking or turning. Splashes from the fountain affected our shooting rhythm, so we waited for moments when the water surged. The red-and-black weapon prop was quite heavy in itself; to make one-handed swings look elegant rather than strained, I experimented with different muscle engagements while aligning with the angle of my gaze.
For makeup, I specifically chose light turquoise contact lenses to complement the blonde hair. When styling the wig, the blunt bangs and the shape of the ahoge were crucial, requiring plenty of styling spray to prevent them from drooping under harsh sunlight. The golden boots were made of rather stiff material, so when seated on the steps, I had to watch out for awkward creasing along the shafts. Although the day took a heavy physical toll, we successfully brought out that confident, elegant grandeur of the Roman Emperor; every gesture and look came from deep contemplation of the character's persona. Blending with the fountain and steps gave the entire set rich compositional layers, while this bright, high-key style offered a refreshing and magnificent visual experience. That is truly the rewarding feedback one gets from meticulously preparing costumes, props, and scouting the right setting for a shoot.