Croft Couture #8: Lena
The Tomb Raider fandom is full of talented artists, entertainers, and perhaps most notably, phenomenal cosplay talent. “Croft Couture” aims to showcase these lovely and dedicated ladies, and give Lara costumers a spot to share their experiences while dressed as gaming’s leading lady.
Lena is well known in the Lara look-alike world for her spot-on costumes and talent for scouting intriguing shoot locations. Lena’s Doppelganger is the highlight of her portfolio in my eyes, but the the quality and craftsmanship of all her costumes makes it difficult to play favorites!
Funny story: One of Lena’s photos rose to internet fame when it was photoshopped to be a “first look” at Anne Hathaway as Catwoman in the new Batman flick. The TR community spotted the ‘shop almost instantly!
Fast Stats
- Name: Lena-Lara
- Country: Germany
- Occupation: Digital Media Designer
- Fan Since: 1998
- Favorite Tomb Raider Game: Tomb Raider III, AoD
- Favorite Non-Lara Tomb Raider Character: Doppelganger
- Favorite Tomb Raider Villain: Sophia Leigh
- Number of Lara Croft Costumes: 7
- First Lara Croft Cosplay: Classic
- Favorite Lara Croft Cosplay: Underworld Shorts
- Future Lara Croft Cosplay: Tomb Raider Reborn
What first drew you to the Tomb Raider franchise, and what initially inspired you to cosplay as Lara Croft?
Back in 1998 I found an article about Tomb Raider 3 in an computer magazine from my brother. The game and especially Lara looked interesting to me…this way I came to play Tomb Raider for the first time. I loved the game, because it was so exciting and atmospheric. Lara became my girlhood idol, cause she is sexy, intelligent, tough, athletic, cultured, well travelled and has this kind of mysterious charm.
What Lara Croft costume did you tackle first?
I started with Lara‘s classic costume, the combination of the greenish tank-top and brown shorts, cause it‘s still the most recognizable one.
What is your favorite Lara Croft ensemble?
I think it‘s her main outfit from Tomb Raider Underworld, because this I did mostly every part by myself and it was very detailed. Also I wore it the most time in photoshoots and on conventions. I associate many amazing memories and feelings with it.
What Croft costumes are still on your roster?
Lara‘s new reborn outfit, but I won‘t do it until the new game comes out. And then there‘s the black dress she wore in Tomb Raider Legend on my to-do list, too.
Which Lara costume was the most difficult to construct? Was it due to a particular garment or prop?
Lara’s wetsuit from Tomb Raider Underworld was really hard to do, especially the part with the zipper. I had never done something like this before and so I needed the help of my mother. She gave me a sewing-machine-crash-course.
Lara Croft’s lifestyle is full of intrigue and adventure. Do you have any memorable photoshoots or convention appearances that pay tribute to Lara’s lifestyle?
One of my photoshoots took place in old ruined sanatorium. It was such a creepy place! Really, you don‘t wanted to be there alone. I thought every second could come an evil creature out of the dark, so I was glad about having my pistols with me. I felt like I would really need them to protect myself.
Along the same lines, what’s the most exotic location you’ve traveled to?
Unfortunately I haven‘t visit many exciting locations so far, so the most exotic one was Key West in Florida. The endless beaches and islands reminded me of Tomb Raider 3 South Pacific Islands. I wish I had taken my cosplay gear with me for taking some pictures there…
What about Lara’s physical strength or mental prowess most inspires you? Has this, or your desire to cosplay Lara, influenced your daily life?
It influenced my life indeed! Lara is a great motivation for me in every way and made me to do a lot more sports than before, for example I began rock climbing. It is so much fun, and the feeling of being on an adventure is beyond all description.
Photos by ChristophGerlach | Anna Heinzelmann
