After preparing for a long time, I finally brought this Arknights Shu cosplay to the convention floor. Looking back on the whole experience, the costume details and wig styling were truly the most energy-consuming aspects of the entire shoot.
Let's start with the outfit. Dominated by pure white and light blue, it combines traditional wide sleeves with a fantasy design. The top features an off-the-shoulder cut, crafted from fabric with a subtle luster; when moving, the ruffles and folds drape with natural grace. The voluminous light-blue pleated maxi skirt on the bottom has gold geometric patchwork trim along the hem, which holds the richest visual weight. Lifting the skirt hem gently during photos showcases the layered structure of the dress more completely. The broad sleeves look stunning on camera, but navigating the busy venue meant they easily caught on things or brushed the ground, requiring constant vigilance over my footwork and posing.
Securing the wig and headpieces was another massive undertaking. The gold-to-blue gradient wig needed styling for airy volume and texture, and the bangs and side locks had to be kept neat without looking messy. The horn atop my head, patterned in gold and blue, along with the white halo-like headpiece behind it, required countless bobby pins and styling products to lock down, ensuring they wouldn't shift in a crowded convention environment with frequent walking. To match the character design, my ears were styled into pointed elf ears. In terms of makeup, I deepened the blending of blue eyeshadow and paired it with red lips, harmonizing with the overall white-and-blue palette. The geometric gold collar and pearl necklace around my neck were also key to elevating the level of detail and completion.
For props, the white folding fan saw the most action. The fan leaf features intricate gold cutout patterns, serving as an eye-catching focal point whether raised in one hand or held half-covering the face. For posing, I experimented with reaching out toward the lens with one hand, opening my arms wide, and glancing back with the fan raised, syncing with the photographer's shutter to capture the flowing lines of the fabric. The shoot took place inside the convention center, where overhead lighting was rather complex. To bring out the costume textures and makeup, we avoided direct harsh overhead beams and utilized side reflectors to sculpt clearer facial contours. Later, we also brought out a plush toy with a white body and yellow fins as an interactive prop, adding a touch of playful energy to the frame.
The entire shoot was physically draining, especially with the heavy weight on my head needed to keep the wig and headpieces pristine. But seeing the flowing arc of the skirt and the frozen beauty of the unfurled folding fan in the final convention photos made every bit of effort on site worthwhile. The atmosphere of convention photos is completely distinct from studio work; focusing on embodying a character amidst the surrounding bustle is always the most thrilling part of every cosplay session for me.