原文：
Croft Couture #13: Julie
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.
I had the pleasure of meeting Julie in France last year while on a community tour, and her portfolio of Lara images impressed me immensely. My admiration has increased tenfold after seeing the haunting set of photos from her recent “Reborn” shoot. Julie’s knack for scouting perfect locations and capturing in-character action shots makes her a wonderful Lara!
Fast Stats
- Name: Julie Peugeot
- Country: France
- Occupation: Manager
- Fan Since: 1996
- Favorite Tomb Raider Game: Tomb Raider
- Favorite Non-Lara Tomb Raider Character: Von Croy
- Favorite Tomb Raider Villain: Doppelgänger
- Number of Lara Croft Costumes: 19
- First Lara Croft Cosplay: Classic
- Favorite Lara Croft Cosplay: Underworld Wetsuit
What first drew you to the Tomb Raider franchise, and what initially inspired you to cosplay as Lara Croft?
When I was 8 years old in 1996, my father bought our first Playstation and the first Tomb Raider game! It was love at first sight. Since I was too young to play, I watched my father every time he played Tomb Raider. Of course I enjoyed playing in the Croft Manor level! I first dressed as Lara when I was 10 years old with things I had at home the help of my father. It was just for fun! Then in 1999, I won a little “Lara Croft” casting in PlayStation magazine (see above). In 2005, I really wanted to re-start everything, to realize outfits. My first convention was in 2007.
What Lara Croft costume did you tackle first?
My first Lara Croft costume was the classic outfit from the first video game.
What is your favorite Lara Croft ensemble?
I think it is the wetsuit from Tomb Raider Underworld, because I did every part by myself and it was a very detailed costume. I really enjoyed making it!
What Croft costumes are still on your roster?
It was the Tomb Raider reborn one, but I revealed it at a meeting with the members of my cosplay forum in May!
Which Lara costume was the most difficult to construct? Was it due to a particular garment or prop?
I think it was my tomb raider underworld wetsuit. I wouldn’t say it was difficult but it took time to built it and to sew the parts, this outfit is very detailed! I enjoyed sewing Scuba backpack! Since I like to do this costume particularly, I decided to give some tips and tutorials on my website in order to help fans to start their costumes, the tutorials are in French but also in English (thanks to Chaiya for the translation)!
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?
My most memorable photoshoots are all with my dear Merlin, as he realized most of the pics in my galleries. it’s always a pleasure to find a place that looks like to the game. The last photoshoot I did with Merlin was in a cemetery of military ships, very hard to find in France. There a strange feeling surrounded us…to be in such impressive place. The ships looked like ghosts and it was so quiet there, moreover the ships are hidden, they are lost in the forest and far from the sea. We had to walk for a while since there is no road near to see them. They were like a treasure hidden, forgotten, and cut of the rest of the world. We where just very alone with this beautiful ships. I also keep in my memory the best moments I share with other Lara Croft cosplayers in conventions. Particularly the pics where we have to jump together at the same time….it’s very funny to do!
Along the same lines, what’s the most exotic location you’ve traveled to?
The most favorite location for me is Roma! I love this city, it’s full of ruins and I’ll go there again in September 2012! And this time one of my Tomb Raider outfit will be in my suitcase. I also love my country. I have travelled most of France and it is full of different landscapes! In the near future I’ve planned with Merlin to go to Bhutan or Nepal.
What about Lara’s physical strength or mental prowess most inspires you? Has this, or your desire to cosplay Lara, influenced your daily life?
I really like Lara’s way of life! She is strong and independent! I have to admit it influenced my daily life, I really like sports. I did a motorcycle in competition when I was 12 to my 14 years old, I’ll never forget how it was amazing. And then my favorite sport was climbing. When my studies end I was engaged in the French army, working in the “ministère des Armées” in Paris as a permanent secretary, it was a very and unexpected luck in my life since the job is hard to get. It was an honor. Then when I met Merlin, we decided to live together so I have to change my job and to stay in the sport’s universe: I choose the megastore : Decathlon. Lara has given me courage in other aspects of my life as well, sometimes I told my self ” How Lara would do this?” It’s a way to give me the energy in my daily life !
Photos by Merlin | Lionel Vadam
