Taking part in the Skland 3rd Anniversary birthday celebration relay, I arranged a summer casual style shoot for Amiya. Moving away from her iconic, heavy Rhodes Island uniform, I opted for a lively, outdoor-friendly ensemble to highlight the youthful, relatable charm of Amiya beyond her duty.
Starting with the outfit styling: the top features an off-the-shoulder pink-and-white gingham blouse with an elasticized neckline, centered with a pale blue ribbon bow and styled with puff sleeves for a touch of whimsy. To echo Amiya's signature palette, I coordinated a light-blue choker, a matching thigh garter on the left leg, and black sandals with blue ankle straps. Connecting different pieces through a unified color accent sharpened the visual focus without clutter.
The straw hat was one of my favorite accessories. Its woven natural texture was complemented by a fine green ribbon band and a pink-and-white lily attached to the side. Fastening faux flowers to straw hats requires careful balance—ensuring the blooms don't tilt during movement while avoiding extra weight that presses down on the head. For the outdoor setting, I brought along a round fan featuring pink patterns and carried a mint-green crossbody bag, creating a delightful warm-and-cool contrast with the garments.
Cosplay styling also demanded thoughtful tuning. Amiya's long brown hair needed layered trimming, curving the face-framing side bangs inward to flatter facial contours. With blue lenses worn, the eye makeup base was adjusted using an earthy palette layered with soft brown shadow, finishing with naturally winged eyeliner. Because direct sunlight easily causes shine or makeup wear, I used a long-lasting matte foundation and set the look meticulously. The dark animal ears were fixed onto a hidden interior headband concealed within the wig, keeping them upright and stable during head movements.
We staged the shoot along outdoor stone staircases beside white railings. The sunlight was gorgeous, casting dappled leaf shadows across the steps and clothing for a very organic light transition. The photographer had a keen eye for candid shots. Sitting on the steps, I shielded the sun with the round fan in my right hand, held the hat brim with my left, and looked naturally into the lens. To counter squinting under bright sun, we took regular breaks to reapply sunscreen and touch up eye makeup. Angles displaying the skirt hem and thigh ring were adjusted repeatedly to maintain outfit layers while seated and flatter the leg line.
Participating in this Skland 3rd Anniversary celebration felt deeply meaningful. Across Arknights lore, Amiya shoulders heavy responsibilities; presenting her in casual summer attire offered a glimpse into her relaxed, everyday side. From materials and coordination to final framing, every step was carefully considered. Until the earth turns into a sour lime, Shushu's Rhodes Island daily life goes on. Happy 3rd Anniversary to Skland, and wishing everyone lasting joy, victory, and smooth sailing in the year ahead.