[Xiao Qiao Cosplay] Honor of Kings Swan Dream Summit Moment

From initial costume, hair, makeup, and prop prep to the final edited photos, this Honor of Kings Xiao Qiao Cosplay shoot for Swan Dream took a solid full week. To recreate the character's refined aesthetic, I chose a silver-grey short wig fine-tuned with a flat iron, topped with plush white beast ears. For makeup, I wore bright blue contact lenses and applied a pearlescent eyeshadow base blended with cool blue tones, elongating the outer corners to preserve her lively spirit, while carefully controlling the curve of my lips to convey a hint of tsundere poise.

The costume details were remarkably intricate. The semi-sheer white bodice features a heart-shaped cutout, and every blue and silver gemstone on the chest and skirt hem had to be glued on by hand one by one. The detached sleeves transition from white tulle on the upper arms to bright blue along the forearms. To support the voluminous blue-and-white tutu skirt, multiple layers of petticoats were layered inside. Below, I paired it with opaque pure White stockings (tights), keeping a fresh backup pair on hand to prevent snags. The giant fan prop was bulky and heavy—holding it steadily with one hand was nearly impossible, so gripping it with both hands kept my arms constantly tensed throughout the shoot. I also wore a pair of feathered wings on my back.

The studio set featured a white fireplace, Roman columns, birdcages, a black cross, and wrought-iron candelabras, paired with soft tulle diffusion filters to craft a dreamy, classical European ambiance. To showcase the smooth texture of the White stockings and the dimensional drape of the skirt, the photographer suggested sitting sideways or extending my legs at an angle. Raising my arms overhead elongated the silhouette, keeping the composition dynamic. The color grading leaned cool-toned with elevated exposure to heighten that ethereal, otherworldly atmosphere.

Regarding the prop construction, the giant fan was hand-cut and pieced together from EVA foam, requiring extensive edge-sanding for a smooth finish. The delicate tulle of the dress snagged easily, demanding extreme caution during dressing—even a slightly hurried movement risked snapping threads. Every pose had to balance aesthetic elegance with careful control to avoid damaging the outfit. The withered black branch in the set was actually crafted from wire and floral tape wrapped together, accented with faux blossoms to lend a touch of gothic fragility. For lighting, the key light shone from the side-rear, allowing the white tulle skirt and stockings to glow with semi-translucent highlights and soft rim light. Though laborious, seeing that angelic reflection on the monitor gave me an immense sense of accomplishment.

Huge congratulations to Queen Xiao Qiao for topping RED's 2026 Hero of the Year—Xiao Qiao is an absolute angel! So much heartfelt dedication was poured into this set, from stitch-by-stitch garment tailoring to meticulous posing. I am thoroughly delighted with this Swan Dream shoot and hope everyone can feel her magical charm.