Shooting this Arknights W Wishadel Qipao look was definitely quite a challenge. Because the character naturally exudes a wild, unhinged aura while a cheongsam typically demands poised elegance, the key was figuring out how to fuse these two temperaments harmoniously. Before the shoot, I spent nearly two hours on makeup and styling tests; the twin-tail wig styling paired with red hair ornaments required constant angle adjustments to ensure the headpiece wouldn't obstruct the eyes while keeping the hair fluffy and voluminous.
The costume features custom semi-sheer brown fabric with red-and-white color-blocking along the collar and edges, accented by a black choker. This outfit is very demanding in its tailoring—especially the black leg straps and red ribbon. To find poses that accentuated body contours without wardrobe malfunctions, I adjusted my movements more than a dozen times. During the shoot, traditional Chinese wooden chairs, wooden tables, and dried lotus pods served as the backdrop, their classical elements counterbalancing the character's modern tech edge. The black lace folding fan in my hand felt wonderful, working perfectly both to half-veil the face and as a playful handheld prop.
The photographer was very patient throughout, and I loved the lighting direction: warm background tones paired with clean white foundational light showcased skin textures and the breezy, hazy translucency of the garments. When shooting wide scenes, beyond looking straight into the lens, using a mirror to capture back-view reflections was a creative idea I adored. The reflection in the mirror combined with the plush shawl added extra depth to the frame. With multiple cheongsam slits and strap elements, seated poses and leg placement were paramount—aiming to appear relaxed yet maintaining visual tension. To capture flattering barefoot and leg lines, we put considerable effort into aligning toe directions and body lean, striving to project confident natural elegance.
The indoor temperature was on the cooler side; despite heating, shedding high heels to pose on the bare floor was somewhat chilly. To achieve the best outcome, I kept my energy focused, anchoring my center of gravity firmly on the chair while keeping facial expressions sharp and gaze expressive rather than hollow.
Given the character's unique identity, this modified Sexy cheongsam design retained sensuality without feeling gaudy. I especially love the two compositions featuring the fan half-covering the face and lightly tapping a finger against the cheek, which provided crisp visual focal points. The photographer advised me to channel Wishadel's commanding poise—even in an elegant cheongsam, project an aura of effortless dominance before the lens. The entire shoot went smoothly, thanks to thorough pre-production and prop selection. Light falling across silk and faux fur created contrasting tactile textures. For a cosplayer, portraying every character is a creative reinvention; bringing together classical traditional aesthetics with a character's distinctive presence is always about showcasing the best possible version. Hope everyone feels the ingenuity and heart poured into this work!