原文：
Croft Couture #25: Carla
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 women, and give Lara costumers a spot to share their experiences while dressed as gaming’s leading lady.
Carla’s roster of completed costumes is pretty impressive, and her list of Lara outfits she’d like to tackle in the future is no less ambitious. Check it out - photos above, interview below! Also, shoutout for our first Mathias cosplay! :D
Fast Stats
- Name: Carla Lemley
- Country: United States
- Occupation: Welding Student
- Fan Since: 1998
- Favorite Tomb Raider Game: Tomb Raider II
- Favorite Non-Lara Tomb Raider Character: Zip
- Favorite Tomb Raider Villain: Mathias
- Number of Lara Croft Costumes: 8+
- First Lara Croft Cosplay: Angel of Darkness
- Favorite Lara Croft Cosplay: Tomb Raider Anniversary
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Future Lara Croft Cosplay: Tomb Raider Reborn
Q&A
What first drew you to the Tomb Raider franchise, and what initially inspired you to cosplay as Lara Croft?
I was drawn to the Tomb Raider franchise by pure chance! My family was very into technology. We were just getting into computer gaming, and upon purchasing a PC Gamer issue, my dad came across a demo featuring Tomb Raider III: Adventures of Lara Croft. I tried it out and fell in love with it, and much in the same week one of my cousins offered me Tomb Raider II. He exasperated that it was too hard, but I might like it. Upon taking on the challenge I found myself fully immersed in the world of Tomb Raider. Getting every game I could play, reading about Lara extensively, and eagerly awaiting the next title
What Lara Croft costume did you tackle first?
I tackled The Angel of Darkness shorts and jean combo. I was drawn to this set because one of my favorite colors is black, and the camouflage was the cherry on top! The jeans combo made it easy to casually cosplay Lara without creating a scene, back then when I was just getting into Cosplay. It was called Look-A-Likes then.
What is your favorite Lara Croft ensemble?
My favorite Lara ensemble has been the classic TR II render version of Lara, I feel that it encompasses in a large extent my image of Lara Croft as a character.
What Croft costumes are still on your roster?
I have many favorites,but if I had to choose:
- TR II Sola Wetsuit
- TR II Bomber Jacket
- TR III Catsuit
- TR III Nevada
- TR Legend Sport Pink Jacket
- TR Legend Gothic Jacket
- TR Anniversary Main
- TR AOD Camo long trousers
- TR Underworld White swimsuit
- TR Underworld England ensemble
Which Lara costume was the most difficult to construct? Was it due to a particular garment or prop?
I definitely feel as though Reborn Lara, the survivor version, has been quite difficult to put together. The weathering is very specific. I’ve become detail oriented over the years, and I feel that every little stain, cut, and tear needs to be very precise in order to bring the same kind of likeness to life.
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?
Sadly I’ve not done conventions as long as I have been Cosplaying! I had the great opportunity to attend one last year but had no proper costumes ready. For the year of 2013 I will be featuring both my Anniversary costume - which I am having the very beautiful and talented Aleena Averly make - and my Reborn Cosplay which I have been working on extensively with the help of Sara Croft and Kristen Anne.
Along the same lines, what’s the most exotic location you’ve traveled to?
The Czech Republic! I feel like it’s got wonderful rich history. I got to travel there with my husband Christian and my mother in law for Thanksgiving. We were living in Germany through my hubby’s Army assignment, and it gave us the opportunity to take the train there and enjoy it to its fullest potential. We were impressed with how beautiful its history is, how its architecture is so vast, and how wonderful the people were. So yes, Czech Republic all the way.
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 my god yes! Lara Croft drew me in because of her fierceness and unapologetic nature in being amazing at what she does. I found Lara in a stage of life where I needed bolstering and a good role model the most. She has definitely become a crucial part of my life and to this day still continues to influence it. Lara has taught me how important it is to never give up. She has also given me confidence, intrigue, and a thirst for life. That is a very beautiful thing to have.
Photos by Brian Holm
