[Shimoe Koharu cosplay] Blue Archive Qipao Costume Comic Con Photo Set

The Day 1 schedule for the Guangzhou Firefly ACG Expo was quite packed, and I cosplayed Shimoe Koharu from Blue Archive. To match the convention's summer vibe and the character's traits, I opted out of the heavier original uniform and instead tried this modified Qipao design infused with traditional elements. Koharu naturally has that charming gap between being serious and getting easily embarrassed, and I made sure to preserve that dynamic in the outfit's styling.

Styling the wig took plenty of effort. When trimming the light pink twin tails, I had to pay close attention to the fullness on both sides; because Koharu's hair has a certain curl to it, I used a curling iron to shape the curves, making the tips flare slightly outward. The halo atop her head is an iconic prop, which had to be seamlessly hidden within the layers of the wig using a headband to ensure it looked natural from every angle. Blue feather hairpins on both sides added visual layering. For makeup, I chose purple-pink colored contacts. To emphasize that 2D anime aesthetic, I layered red and pink eyeshadow, lengthened the outer corners slightly, and applied blush right beneath the eyes to complement the lip shade, creating a lively and energetic look overall.

The outfit details are very rich. The halter-neck design of this modified black Qipao is distinctive, with a teardrop cutout at the chest that subtly reveals the inner pink lace trim, accented tastefully by tiny metal buttons at the collar. Cutouts along the waist with pink laces add a touch of playfulness. The hem is quite short, complemented by a white plush shawl. Although Guangzhou was rather muggy, the plush shawl served as a fantastic shooting prop that enriched the visual texture. To balance the visual weight on top, I wore white over-the-knee stockings paired with black block-heel Mary Janes, which flattered the leg lines while lending an elongated silhouette to the whole look.

Lighting was a notable challenge during the outdoor convention shoot. The midday overhead sunlight was quite harsh, so we looked for shaded spots along the building edges, using the crowds as a blurred backdrop to create a bustling yet focused visual atmosphere. The photographer was wonderful at directing poses—such as lifting one foot to wave or turning slightly while holding a clasp purse. These poses not only showed off the costume details but also made my movements look natural and graceful. The candid walking shot was captured just as the photographer used a passerby's phone in the foreground to create depth while I turned back mid-stride; that kind of spontaneous capture conveys far more narrative than a static pose.

By the end of the day, the completed look met all my expectations. The Qipao's tailoring retained its crisp silhouette even in motion without excessive creasing. I met so many fellow Blue Archive players at the convention, and everyone was incredibly welcoming. This shoot was a pure, joyful convention memory where I personally polished every single step from styling to final photos. I hope to return in even better form for the next event.