[Sonoda Umi cosplay] Blue-and-White Maid outfit Stage Costume: Sweet Collision of Sequin Bow and Black stockings

For this Sonoda Umi cosplay session, the costume details were genuinely elaborate. The entire outfit is primarily black and white, integrating elements of a Maid outfit. The neckline features a high-collar design paired with multi-tiered white ruffles and black lace, complemented by a blue choker necklace around the neck with a red gemstone set right in the center. The shoulders have fluffy white flutter sleeves with black lace trimming along the cuffs.

At the waistband sits an eye-catching large blue sequin bow that sparkles brilliantly under studio lighting. The white apron in front features purple sequin vertical stripes and the iconic purple crisscross pattern. The skirt hem has rich layers, cascading from top to bottom with white lace trim, a black lace layer, and a bottom white pleated hem. To fully fluff out and display these layers, I spent considerable time adjusting the skirt before shooting to ensure the pleats in each layer were evenly distributed.

The wig is long, straight deep-blue hair with blunt bangs. For makeup, I opted for red-toned eyeshadow and eyeliner paired with color contacts, giving the gaze a softer touch. In terms of props, I prepared a pink heart-shaped gift box and several heart-shaped foil balloons. The action in Photo 1—jumping on one leg while tossing and catching a balloon—was actually very challenging to shoot. Balloons are extremely light, and even the faintest draft in the studio causes them to drift away, so capturing the ideal position required numerous adjustments. The cross-legged standing pose in Photo 6 was designed to better display the Black stockings and the blue ribbon detail around the ankles, perfectly coordinating with black Mary Jane shoes. In Photo 4 holding the box sideways, leaning slightly backward helped accentuate the three-dimensionality of the skirt hem and the curve of the waistline.

The entire shoot took place against a seamless pure white background with clear, translucent lighting to highlight the reflective texture of the sequins on the costume. The Black stockings formed a striking contrast with the white skirt. I love this process of bringing virtual characters to life: from custom costume tailoring and styling adjustments to posing choreography and on-set shooting, every single stage requires continuous refinement. The movements designed for this shoot were primarily intended to highlight the character's lively yet dignified charm in Love Live! cosplay. I will continue to hone my makeup, styling, and photographic expression to bring even more refined works next time.