Let's have takoyaki (章鱼烧) tonight! Cosplaying Yidhari from Zenless Zone Zero this time, what surprised me the most was the exquisite texture of the base makeup. To complement that translucent 2D doll-like aesthetic, I did extensive moisturizing prep beforehand and mixed a touch of pale lavender primer into the liquid foundation. The result adhered to my skin tone flawlessly, looking fantastic straight out of camera. For eye makeup, I primed with low-saturation dusty pink, which, paired with the light-purple colored contacts, instantly gave my entire aura a detached, mysterious vibe. The black crescent moon mark at the center of my forehead was drawn with gel eyeliner, with its edges intentionally softened to avoid looking overly harsh.
Styling the wig also took quite a bit of effort. This short blonde wig featured gradient coloring at the roots and tips. The curl at the hair ends couldn't be too rigid; I had to curve them inward bit by bit with a hair straightener, while trimming the bangs into piecey, airy layers. The small black pillbox hat accessory on the upper right of the head was secured to the wig using hot glue and bobby pins. During the shoot, I was worried it might fall off, but thankfully it stayed firmly anchored.
The outfit is truly packed with details. The halter neckline required a snug fit; to keep the mechanical collar ornaments from shifting, I attached anti-slip tape on the inside. The white fabric on the chest spliced cleanly with the black geometric color blocks, though the zipper at the back was a bit difficult to pull up, requiring assistance every time I put it on. For the lower half, I wore black shorts and black straps; the over-the-knee socks were chosen in an opaque matte finish so they would minimize glare reflections under strong studio lighting, looking richer in texture. The leg straps and fishnets added plenty of dimension, and when paired with Black stockings and chunky black combat boots, although my feet ached from standing for so long, it was completely worth it for the final photos.
The most eye-catching feature was undoubtedly the massive purple tentacles behind my waist. These props were crafted from EVA foam combined with PVC pipes, painted with gradient spray coats, and detailed with white spiral patterns and black circular spots on the back. While not light, they were secured to my lower back with a belt, keeping the center of gravity relatively stable. The base of the long staff in my hand was particularly heavy—made with solid metal counterweights—which provided solid support when striking poses. The purple staff head with a red-orange fish charm was highlighted with a dedicated snoot light during shooting to give it sharper dimensional presence. For the mechanical platform beneath my feet, featuring purple circular components and red buttons with English lettering applied as stickers on the side, I stepped onto it with utmost caution, terrified of crushing it.
The studio lighting for this shoot is definitely worth mentioning. The key light came from a softbox positioned at the top left, casting even illumination across my face, complemented by a reflector at the bottom right to lift shadows. To accentuate the purple hue of the tentacles, the backdrop used matching purple seamless paper illuminated by two background lights, creating a cohesive, immersive atmosphere. In photo one, I struck a pose with curved hand gestures and slightly bent legs, which nicely showcased body curves and costume tailoring, especially the elongating lines of the Black stockings and legs. In photo two, I sat atop the tentacle prop holding the staff with both hands, letting my gaze drift slightly into blank space to infuse the frame with narrative storytelling.
Finishing this photoshoot was both exhausting and thrilling, and I hope it delivers this visual experience blending mechanical aesthetics with fantasy flair. From polishing accessory details to crafting the overall atmosphere, every cosplay endeavor is a brand-new adventure. Now, time to take off my makeup and go enjoy a delicious plate of takoyaki!