This set features my Vertin cosplay from Reverse: 1999, captured at a recent convention. The venue's cool-toned lighting perfectly complemented the aesthetic of this vintage black uniform.
The outfit details are exquisite. The core is a matte black fabric paired with a crisp white shirt. The focal point is the deep blue sapphire brooch on the chest, layered with white ruffled cravats—a fusion of retro court style and magician elements that is truly eye-catching. The collar and shoulders feature light blue braided piping, breaking the monotony of the black. The cuffs combine a glossy textured fabric with white ruffles, creating a strong contrast. The black top hat is adorned with light blue silk ribbons, and the violet-black plaid vintage suitcase adds depth to the overall silhouette.
These photos were taken by photographer WiFi. We chose a spacious industrial-style corridor for the background. Our first pose was a half-body shot holding the hat; by turning slightly at an angle, I was able to showcase the garment's fit and the hat's intricate details. For the close-up in the second shot, we used a slightly low-angle perspective to capture a relaxed expression. This pose tests one's expression management—it needs to avoid appearing too rigid while maintaining the character's cold, calm demeanor.
Managing so many props takes some skill. The third photo, where I hold both the hat and suitcase, was the most stable composition of the set. To look natural, the fingers holding the suitcase needed to be relaxed, and the alignment of the hat and the chest brooch required careful coordination. We adjusted several times to find the perfect balance. Walking around the convention in this outfit definitely turned heads.
For hair and makeup, I chose a silver-gray wig, leaving layered strands on both sides to frame my face. I avoided an overly stiff hairstyle to maintain a sense of natural flow. My eye makeup used a blend of warm browns and oranges with dense lashes to deepen the look. The matte orange-red lipstick stands out beautifully against my cool-toned foundation, keeping the look vibrant. When cosplaying anime characters, foundation and setting are crucial, as varied lighting can easily make makeup look 'dirty' in photos.
As a convention shoot, this set is full of memorable details. The character's backstory gives her a sense of elegance and the weight of time, and I tried my best to embody that quiet determination in my styling and expressions. The cool-toned photography style perfectly highlights this temperament. I am thrilled to have used the photographer's lens to bring this 2D character into the real world. From hair and makeup to the shoot itself, everything was a labor of love. I hope you can feel the unique charm of this character through these dappled light and shadow snapshots.