This shoot features Chisa from Wuthering Waves, and it was also my first time trying a Cat girl-style maid outfit with this contrasting black-and-red color scheme. The original intention behind this photo set was to capture the character's languid yet energetic feel. In a cyclorama studio with wooden floor tiles and café-style props, creating the overall atmosphere went especially smoothly.
First, let's talk about the costume details. Layering the three main colors—black, red, and white—accented by a deep purple underskirt lining, the abundant ruffles and pleats give the dress clear, beautiful dimensions, creating a wonderful fluttering flow when walking. The cat ears and oversized bow on top are the soul of this look, with the golden bells being the crowning touch, jingling gently with movement to add dynamic charm to the visuals. Oh, and midway through the shoot, I realized the cat-ear headpiece was angled backward and the cap was tilted, which gave us all a good laugh; little mishaps like that made the entire shoot remarkably relaxing.
As for the set, the combination of a black tulip-style high round table and vintage wooden chairs created great ambiance. The small chalkboard placed nearby featured a hand-drawn doodle menu by the prop team—cute sketches of cakes, lattes, and coffee with handwritten Chinese and English text, bringing a charming slice-of-life feel. Although the setup was simple, the color harmony perfectly highlighted the outfit's opulence. Sitting on the edge of the table or on the chair while casually adjusting the skirt hem allowed us to capture angles rich in Japanese maid café flair.
During the shoot, I wanted to echo the character's personality through diverse poses—such as lazily leaning over the table, resting my chin in my hand, kneeling by the floor, or intentionally showing off the red ribbons and bells along my calves. I specifically paired this with White stockings and black platform Mary Janes; the White stockings flattered my leg lines, and combined with the black platform heels, visually elongated my legs. My personal favorite is the composition of the second photo: sitting on the table edge with legs crossed, looking straight into the lens. The posture feels effortless while showcasing the layered skirt, White stockings, and cat tail details. The black cat tail drooping naturally is also a standout element in this ensemble.
This costume was produced by Doll clothing making, featuring an excellent silhouette and tailored fit—the multi-tiered skirt doesn't look bulky at all, instead nicely accentuating the waistline. The wig is straight long black hair with airy bangs, and red contact lenses paired with slightly bolder eye makeup give the eyes a mysterious allure. The high-key white background not only cleans up the environment, but also makes the red bows and golden bells stand out even more.
Although I was worried beforehand about whether I could nail the aura of this costume, once I put it on and had the support of the set and lighting, I quickly got into character. With no overly complicated posing, we focused on spontaneous ease, as candid moments often look much better than stiff poses. I always feel a bit nervous before every photoshoot—even over minor mishaps like a displaced headpiece—yet it's precisely these unintentional little moments that make the shoot feel more authentic and leave behind vivid memories. Thanks to photographer Zimu for capturing these natural moments; collaborating was an absolute pleasure.