原文：
Croft Couture #14: Alexandra
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.
Aleksandra’s fantastic Angel of Darkness gear is what first caught my eye about her, combined with the cool silhouette shots from her movie-inspired garb. Photos above, interview below!
Fast Stats
- Name: Alekxandra
- Country: Ukraine
- Occupation: Economist, Journalist
- Fan Since: 2002
- Favorite Tomb Raider Game: Chronicles, Angel of Darkness
- Favorite Non-Lara Tomb Raider Character: Kurtis
- Favorite Tomb Raider Villain: Doppelgänger
- Number of Lara Croft Costumes: 5
- First Lara Croft Cosplay: Lara Croft film outfit
- Favorite Lara Croft Cosplay: Classic
- Future Lara Croft Cosplay: Nevada Outfit
What first drew you to the Tomb Raider franchise, and what initially inspired you to cosplay as Lara Croft?
I heard about the Tomb Raider games for the first time by my friend. At that time I had no computer and no game console. As soon as I had a computer, I asked my father to buy me the game where “the beautiful lady runs around with two guns.” I began my acquaintance with Chronicles. Until 2010 I was simply big fan. But then on the Internet I saw photos of girls in Lara’s different suits. It inspired and I decided to plunge into the world of Tomb Raider cosplay.
What Lara Croft costume did you tackle first?
I made Lara’s suit from the first film where the leading role was played by Angelina Jolie. However, I added some details of the game. For example, Croft’s white socks and gloves. I departed from a canon of the image a little.
What is your favorite Lara Croft ensemble?
I adore Lara’s suit from Tomb Raider: The Angel of Darkness from the Louvre levels. When I did cosplay of this suit in a museum of my small town, I directly felt the dark atmosphere of game.
What Croft costumes are still on your roster?
I want to make the Nevada outfit very much! I am a classic Croft fan.
Which Lara costume was the most difficult to construct? Was it due to a particular garment or prop?
Designing the first holsters and the USP Mutch guns was difficult. At that time it was my first experience preparing Lara’s equipment. I was helped by my friends very much. A lot of was spent on the Tomb Raider: The Angel of Darkness suit too. All this because my suits are 90 percent handmade.
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?
Certainly, my life isn’t so saturated with adventures as Ms.Croft. But, for example, when we did the first photoset I ran, jumped, clambered on ruins, and boulders. I could fall from molding beams, and the photographer by miracle didn’t fall in a cellar of the structure where we photographed a set. The classical photoset is remembered by awfully biting mosquitoes and midges. Especially when I came into the river. As, for realness of an image, I had to be covered with river dirt and pork blood.
Along the same lines, what’s the most exotic location you’ve traveled to?
I love the Crimea and the Crimean Mountains, and the Black Sea very much. I like to have a rest there. There are magic places where the nature appears in the most virgin look. I dream to conduct a photoshoot 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?
Oh, yes! Lara Croft is strong physically and morally. For me she is an ideal woman. She is beautiful, clever, physically prepared. It is a pity that since childhood I wasn’t engaged in any sport, except driving on rollers. Now I began to run and I want to go by rollers again. I would try rock-climbing and would like to jump with a parachute! It will probably happen!
Photos by Rodney Rocket | Aleksandr Kodola
