Day 2 of the Firefly ACG Expo shoot wrapped up smoothly, and this time I brought out the Lunar New Year Misaki look. Since it happens to be the New Year season, doing this Lunar New Year Qipao cosplay is incredibly fitting, serving as a festive event-limited skin for the character.
Let's talk about the details of the outfit, hair, makeup, and props. The core of this Lunar New Year Misaki look is a white modified Qipao, featuring red frog buttons combined with a red lace-up design at the collar, while the red intersecting lines on the chest perfectly neutralize the coldness of the white fabric. The bottom hem is trimmed with white lace patchwork, paired with a high-slit side design; when walking, the red-and-white ribbons at the hem flutter in the wind, creating a dynamic effect that is exceptionally striking during live candid captures.
For the legs, I paired black over-the-knee socks with white high-heeled shoes. The patent finish of the white heels has excellent reflectivity, providing great light and shadow accents under the outdoor sunlight. Furthermore, the heel height is perfectly managed—effectively elongating my body proportions without being too exhausting during long periods of standing. The headpiece is a major focus of this look; the iconic white crescent-shaped ornament is paired with a red bow and long tassels, and the wig's bangs and sideburns were specifically trimmed to closely match the character's cool and detached temperament.
The shooting location was selected next to outdoor greenery and modern architecture. This kind of outdoor setting under natural light offers many native advantages over studio shoots. I'm incredibly grateful for the clear weather; sunlight spilled through the leaves to cast dappled spots on the white garments and floor tiles, adding a touch of vitality and layering to the scene. The photographer, Orange Peel, is excellent at capturing this natural play of light and shadow. The pose in the photo where I'm lifting one leg actually simulates a playful interactive moment during the festival. Although maintaining balance was a bit tricky, thankfully the heels were stable enough, and paired with the "Happy New Year" scroll in my hands, the overall composition turned out very harmonious.
As for the scroll prop in my hand, I specifically chose a style with a red background and gold lettering. Combined with the green backdrop and the pure white Qipao, the color contrast is very striking. During composition, it works perfectly whether held in one hand to showcase posture, or laid flat by my feet to add to the atmosphere of a seated pose. Capturing several sets of seated and crouching shots beautifully displayed the character's unique temperament—one that is quiet yet full of energy.
Every time I head outdoors, it's truly more than just replicating a character. It's more about presenting a different atmosphere for the character during a specific festival through my mastery of costume details, the precise placement of accessories, and the utilization of on-site lighting. For photos in this New Year greeting style, hair, makeup, costume, and props are just the foundation; a confident and relaxed attitude on-site is the real key to a successful shoot. I also met many friends at the venue who recognized this styling, and chatting with them was incredibly delightful. The atmosphere of a Guangzhou Anime Convention always warms everyone up due to a shared passion, which is a unique joy that cosplay brings to me.
From preparing my hair and makeup early in the morning to completing this photo set in the afternoon when the sun was at its best, the entire experience was very fulfilling. This modified Qipao uses a glossy fabric that reveals a delicate texture under the side-backlighting. The pairing of black socks and white shoes also forms a powerful visual contrast, providing excellent visual feedback whether viewed as a whole from afar or up close in detailed close-ups. Considering the timing of the New Year, this share serves as a small festive gift for friends who love this character. I hope the holiday spirit in these images brings everyone a wonderful mood.