[Shimoe Koharu cosplay] Black Cheongsam Look in Blue Archive is Equally Stunning

This set of Blue Archive Shimoe Koharu cosplay photos from Firefly ACG Expo tries out a styling completely different from her usual school uniform look. Hearing many classmates say my cheongsam Koharu look carries a unique flavor, today I'll briefly share the styling concept and shooting thoughts with everyone.

Starting with costume selection, to match the image of Shimoe Koharu in Blue Archive, I intentionally chose this black modified halter-neck cheongsam as the main piece. Traditional cheongsam aims for form-fitting elegance, but while this collar preserves the mandarin collar and gold frog button elements of a cheongsam, it adds a heart-shaped cut-out design at the chest outlined with pink lines—retaining tailoring beauty while introducing an Anime cosplay playful and maidenlike touch. The white plush shawl draped over shoulders and arms serves as the soul of the entire outfit, adding practical warmth in winter or air-conditioned indoor environments while visually balancing the heaviness of large black areas. Pink bow accents on the shawl echo the pink halo hairpiece on top and black feather accessories on the ponytail.

Makeup was adjusted to complement this black cheongsam. Moving away from sweet blush, eyeshadow opted for light shades with subtle pink tones, paired with natural contacts and pale pink lip makeup, hoping to present a cool yet tsundere texture before the lens. Smoothing out the wig, two side hair buns decorated with black feathers gave a stable center of gravity to the head, capturing the character's spirit alongside facial expression management.

The location was near high-floor windows at Firefly ACG Expo venue. The lighting was great; city high-rises outside large floor-to-ceiling windows and bustling crowds below created a fantastic backdrop. Natural light filtered from behind and sides, making the entire frame look soft and clean. Rather than over-brightening the face, it highlighted the subtle reflective texture of the cheongsam material. I really love Photo 2—sitting on a metal chair holding a black folding fan in one hand and hand on hip, with legs parted naturally, displaying waist and leg lines perfectly, while black patent leather Mary Jane heels elevated the overall presence. Adjusting poses constantly, whether the fan's angle or eye focus, aimed to convey Shimoe Koharu's proud and resolute aura.

Attempting a Cheongsam cosplay style for Blue Archive is a very special experience. Everyone is familiar with her usual character image, but wearing modified attire with Chinese-style elements grants the character a fascinating contrast charm. The convention floor was vibrant and noisy, but standing before high windows with great light and entering character emotions allowed ignoring surrounding environments. Post-processing avoided complex edits, mainly adjusting overall color tones and slightly brightening skin tone to make light and shadow look translucent.

Since conventions often face complex lighting or crowded backgrounds, choosing large floor-to-ceiling windows as a backdrop is very clever. It ensures ample diffuse natural light while introducing depth through urban buildings and greenery outside. Although a casual convention record, it fits Shimoe Koharu's "cool outside, warm inside" character personality well. Delighted to leave black cheongsam memories at Firefly ACG Expo, where every detail from frog buttons to plush fur showed off beautifully before the lens.