Today I'm sharing this Hatate Himekaidou cosplay set from Touhou Project—or more accurately, a venue record taken on my phone during convention breaks. Although these are raw unedited photos without retouches or filters, I've always felt that photos capturing the authentic backstage energy of an anime convention better test the quality of costume, wig, and makeup under everyday lighting.
Let me first break down the outfit styling details. The most eye-catching element of this look is undoubtedly the extensive use of purple plaid fabric on the headwear and outfit. The large purple plaid bows on both sides of the head are tied symmetrically; the fabric surface displays a clear, delicate twill texture that glows with a silky matte sheen under light. The shoulders and inner collar lining also patch in the same purple plaid fabric, creating a striking color-blocking effect against the clean white base. The white inner shirt uses a linen-cotton blend material, offering a crisp, breathable texture.
The most iconic highlight of the entire ensemble is the series of white fluffy pom-poms stringed together by purple threads. These pom-poms are plump and fluffy, draping casually across the chest and shoulders. Because the furry material carries visual volume, when walking or sitting down for a Selfie sharing moment, they sway gently with body movements, adding dynamic 3D dimension to an otherwise flat outfit silhouette. The cuffs feature a wide bell sleeve design edged with delicate white lace, while the inner sleeve lining patches a layer of pleated dark burgundy fabric. This subtly revealed dark lining, when viewed from lower camera angles, instantly amps up the costume's layered depth and vintage appeal.
Turning to wig and makeup choices: the dark brown wig falls smoothly and sleekly, and I intentionally kept heavy, eye-grazing long bangs. Managing this type of bangs really tests hair flow control—too heavy looks bulky and unkempt, while too thin fails to evoke the character's signature languid charm. I adjusted it lightly with a hair straightener so it maintains a natural arc over the eyes. For makeup, focus centered entirely on lower eyeshadow and liner techniques. Avoiding heavy, full-rimmed black eyeliner, I applied reddish dark smudging along the lower eyelid, smoothly transitioning with upper eyeshadow in the same color scheme. This created a slightly deep, gently melancholic yet relaxed gaze. This flushed makeup effect subtly mirrors the bright red heart on the white card held in hand.
Shooting this photo directly captures the convention atmosphere in the background. Smooth, reflective venue flooring, black folding chairs a short distance away, red plastic bags stacked nearby, and even shadows of passing cosplayers and attendees captured along frame edges. This orderly chaos perfectly fits the everyday reality of roaming cosplay at conventions. Although overhead lights at anime conventions are notoriously harsh—often casting heavy facial shadows—I deliberately adjusted my phone's high-angle shot so light struck from side or slightly oblique angles, beautifully highlighting fabric texture and makeup hues instead.
Although these are just simple phone selfies without complex DSLR setups or strobe lighting, bringing the character to life within authentic convention moments is deeply meaningful in itself. Despite its many layers, the outfit remains breathable without feeling stuffy, making a full day of walking around the venue manageable. Paired with the white card prop—featuring diamond embossing and a 3D red heart glued on top—holding it or raising it to mask half my face quickly evokes the character's playful, calculating charm. Recording one's cosplay journey through such an authentic, grounded lens is truly a wonderful way to enjoy Convention photography and the whole venue atmosphere.