[Yixuan cosplay] Zenless Zone Zero Master Yixuan Photoset: Pairing Chinese Vintage Aesthetics with Stockings

This cosplay costume of Yixuan took over half a month from pattern-making to the final photoshoot, and today I can finally share the complete set. The outfit as a whole embraces a palette of black, white, and gray; the coat fabric features subtle woven patterns, and the collar and cuffs have relatively intricate structures. In particular, the blue rose brooch on the left shoulder and the golden metal clasp required extreme care when putting them on, otherwise they easily shift out of place. For the wig, I selected a long, straight pure-white model, lightly trimmed the bangs, and paired it with the black circular ring accessory across the forehead. To sculpt the facial contours into sharper dimension, I deepened the pinkish-red eye shadow and wore light-colored contact lenses to highlight the character's keen, piercing presence.

The set design on the day of the shoot had a wonderful traditional Chinese ambiance. The photographer @-空白- found a venue with a wooden lattice moon gate, flanked by semi-sheer fabric curtains inscribed with calligraphy. To harmonize with this retro, slightly austere atmosphere, I aimed for more elongated postures in my movements. In the first shot, I used a standing pose, holding a prop with one hand while cradling my arm with the other; this posture effectively showcased the tailored silhouette of the coat and the line of the waist, while accentuating the contours of the legs wrapped in semi-sheer stockings. The pose in Photo 2 with one leg raised on the wooden chair actually took quite a while to shoot because I needed to make sure the folds of the skirt flared out naturally while keeping the muscle lines of the leg looking crisp and defined under the light. The foot resting on the chair had to be arched tightly while keeping my balance steady, requiring multiple fine-tuning attempts to achieve a satisfying composition.

The wide flared sleeves of the coat were another challenging element of this attire, especially when raising my hands. The white piping and blue cloud patterns on the cuffs naturally swayed, requiring careful body control to keep the fabric from bunching up awkwardly. Standing on wooden floors in stockings and high heels also meant taking time between takes to smooth out the stockings and ensure even light reflection. Regarding props, in addition to the long pipe in hand, the set was accented with a vintage lamp, a paper parasol, and a wooden tea tray—small details that enriched the narrative depth of the photos.

Due to the character's background, I avoided overly dramatic shifts in facial expressions, focusing primarily on maintaining a calm yet imposing demeanor. This photoset also experimented with warm and cold light-shadow contrasts, where warm lantern light illuminated the subject against the cool tones of the calligraphy drapes in the background. The overall results achieved our envisioned goal, not only faithfully recreating the garment details but also capturing the cold, sharp poise I aimed for. I hope this photoset conveys my understanding and love for this character.