This Genshin Impact Citlali cosplay spent a long time in the Night photography shoot. To capture the mood of 'until the stars fade and the fire dies out,' indoor lights were intentionally dimmed throughout the shoot, leaving only a single floor lamp to provide a warm light source. I personally love this clash between warm and cool tones, as it highlights the character's mysterious and slightly melancholic temperament.
The costume coordination was actually exceptionally intricate. The upper body features deep purple spliced with vibrant geometric color-blocking, an asymmetrical cut-out waist design paired with black leather Straps arm sleeves, and metallic spikes echoing silver armbands to deliver premium visual texture. The leg Straps were one of the true souls of this look; paired with the crimson skirt hem, the intricate Straps caught the light with gorgeous skin reflections. To prevent the Straps from looking loose or sagging, we prepared for a long time and adjusted the angles repeatedly, ensuring their placement along the thighs and calves remained flattering without looking bulky. The black high-heeled sandals made purely of Straps were also quite distinctive, beautifully sculpting the foot lines.
For the makeup, I deliberately chose large-diameter blue colored contacts, complemented by a blend of red and blue eyeshadow at the corners of the eyes to make my gaze look icy, sharp, and translucent. The purple diamond markings on my cheeks were hand-drawn, taking some time to achieve clean symmetry. The wig transitions in a gradient from pink to deep purple with an enigmatic edge at the tips; it required constant grooming during the shoot to prevent flyaways. That iconic circular halo headpiece had great presence under the lighting, staying faithfully true to the character's design.
We experimented with many poses. In one shot, I crouched on the sofa hugging my knees while tightly clutching that white plush doll—a posture that vividly captures the character's insecure yet determined personality. In another, I sat by the windowsill leaning against the glass, with the blurred city night view outside and my profile reflected in the windowpane; even the photographer marveled at how on-point the atmosphere was. The shot handing over the cup utilized a wide-angle lens, requiring me to reach forward while keeping my hands steady. Holding the prop grew tiring, but seeing that tension in the frame—as if pulling the viewer directly into the scene—made every effort worthwhile.
This is truly the set I've poured the most dedication into recently. From makeup and styling to props, right through to photographer synergy and post-production, every step was taken to immerse into the character's essence. I hope everyone can feel my sincerity and interpretation of the character.