From the day I received this costume, discussions comparing the original outfit with the new design kept echoing in my ears. Just as many say \"the original skin looks better,\" this creation was actually a challenge to established impressions. While not denying the visual classicism of the original design from miHoYo, trying on this new outfit gave me a deeper understanding of the character's inner lore.
The focus of this look lies in the techwear sense and layering of the Cosplay outfit. A white shirt paired with a narrow black tie, topped with a blue-green tactical jacket, and finished with a yellow-and-blue strap alongside black leather chest harnesses. Multiple layers give the whole look combat-ready styling logic rather than random pieces pieced together purely for aesthetics. This was actually the trickiest part during shooting, as multiple layers can easily look bulky under natural light. To achieve clean, crisp silhouette lines, I deliberately smoothed out the collar, exposing a sharp neck and jawline to complement the character's composure.
Of course, the most exhausting element—and the main prop you see in the photos—was that mechanical katana. Its actual weight was far heavier than imagined. It wasn't a standard wooden prop at all, but assembled from multiple joint pieces, metallic straps, and small blocks simulating electronic screens. To hold it effortlessly while exuding casual composure, I practiced sword-holding postures before a mirror for a long time prior to shooting. For instance, the single-handed grip shot required upper body stability, which severely tested my shoulder and muscle strength.
For makeup and hair, to match the lore of Hoshimi Miyabi cosplay in Zenless Zone Zero, I opted for straight black hair paired with thick yet translucent straight bangs and slightly shorter side hair ends. The priority was anchoring the overall vibe, so red contact lenses, matte lips, and cool-toned base makeup were used to give my eyes a sharp, distant edge. Combined with plush black animal ears atop my head, the overall styling was complete. This makeup look instantly pulls you into character—when looking in the mirror seeing yourself with beast ears, crimson eyes, and holding that heavy blade, you naturally pull back your smile and stand tall.
The so-called \"sense of order\" stems not only from costumes and props, but from an inner restraint. During the shoot, I kept my expression composed and even somewhat detached, yet never empty. This restraint aligns perfectly with her position in the story—a coolness bordering on ruthless independence that must be conveyed through tense body posture and focused eyes. I must admit, photos shot in this style possess a uniquely sharp, imposing edge in Anime-style photography.
However, as I mentioned at the beginning, many fans feel the original outfit's color scheme and tailoring carry more persuasion. I actually agree with this view—the crisp efficiency of the original design is hard to replace with this new attire. Yet that is precisely the magic of cosplay: we get the opportunity to explore different sides of a character. To me, it feels more like a process of discovering a character's core essence.
Lastly, when shooting a look with complex props and a combat vibe, lighting and environment are key factors affecting the outcome. This photoset intentionally utilized cool indoor lighting without high-saturation fill lights, aiming to preserve the costume fabric textures and the natural, dimensional light and shadow across face contours. Though challenging a slightly controversial look this time, the entire shooting process was immensely enjoyable. Cool tones, mechanical vibes, sharp gaze—these defining traits I remembered about the character were frozen in time the moment the shutter clicked.