原文：
Croft Couture #10: Leah
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.
Leah’s Tomb Raider fandom blossomed quickly, beginning after playing Tomb Raider anniversary and resulting in a slew of impressive Lara costumes in less than a year. As always – photos above, interview below!
Fast Stats
- Name: Leah Croft
- Country: United States
- Occupation: Pharmacy Tech
- Fan Since: 2007
- Favorite Tomb Raider Game: Tomb Raider Anniversary
- Favorite Non-Lara Tomb Raider Character: Amanda
- Favorite Tomb Raider Villain: Natla
- Number of Lara Croft Costumes: 6
- First Lara Croft Cosplay: Anniversary & Underworld
- Favorite Lara Croft Cosplay: Anniversary!
- Future Lara Croft Cosplay: Redoing Tomb Raider: Legend
What first drew you to the Tomb Raider franchise, and what initially inspired you to cosplay as Lara Croft?
My mother bought me a Wii console and Tomb Raider Anniversary for Christmas in 2007. After I finished playing the game I went and bought Legend and Underworld. I really liked Legend, but I wasn’t really pleased with Underworld. I was really drawn to cosplay after I looked up Tomb Raider images and came across Jenn Croft and many other awesome TR Cosplayer who I thought were TR models.
What Lara Croft costume did you tackle first?
Either Legend or Anniversary. I’m not sure which one I started first!
What is your favorite Lara Croft ensemble?
Even though I really didn’t care much for Underworld I absolutely loved Lara’s backback, gun, holsters, and kick-ass boots!
What Croft costumes are still on your roster?
As of right now, I am finishing off the reconstruction of my Legend costume. Other than that, I don’t have any plans for other future Croft costumes.
Which Lara costume was the most difficult to construct? Was it due to a particular garment or prop?
Lara’s underworld outfit for sure! I bought several outfits that were similar to hers and altered those and I just couldn’t get it the way I wanted. After retrying to sew mesh and dying the clothes brown, I would end up somehow ruining them and would have to purchase new ones. I did that a few times till I got tired of blowing money and trying to “perfect” the outfit.
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?
I’ve never gone to any of the conventions, but just dressing up as Lara and having the photos of me portraying her is enough tribute for me.
Along the same lines, what’s the most exotic location you’ve traveled to?
I never have been to another country other than Canada, but I have been to Florida and Hawaii. I do plan on visiting other countries in the future.
What about Lara’s physical strength or mental prowess most inspires you? Has this, or your desire to cosplay Lara, influenced your daily life?
Lara has ambitions that I think we would all love to share. She never stops till she gets what she wants and she achieves it every time. Cosplaying Lara had been such a wonderful experience for me. I have met new friends in other countries, who are on DA and they are wonderful! I have the desire to better my physical and mental strength. It just feels like when I wear Lara’s outfits she is being brought into the real world and can tell what it’s all about.
Photos by Brian McComb
