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Croft Couture #26: Tif
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.
If you keep up with the Lara Croft cosplay community, Tif needs no introduction. One of the most well-known and prolific Croft costumers, she is especially recognized for her commitment to bringing Lara to life in photos. Tif makes a point to collaborate with talented photographers, scout perfect locations, and incorporate action into the shots. Photos above, interview below!
Fast Stats
- Name: Tiphaine
- Country: France
- Occupation: Graphic Artist
- Fan Since: 1996
- Favorite Tomb Raider Game: Tomb Raider I
- Favorite Non-Lara Tomb Raider Character: Kurtis Trent
- Favorite Tomb Raider Villain: Natla
- Number of Lara Croft Costumes: 9+
- First Lara Croft Cosplay: Tomb Raider Movie
- Favorite Lara Croft Cosplay: Tomb Raider Underworld
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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’ve always loved ancient Egypt, and I was looking for a video game about it when I was first introduced to Tomb Raider. I was instantly hooked to the universe, and I really liked the character and her personality. She had a personal story and a background, which was unusual at the time. I loved that.
One day, at home, we had some toy guns and, while I played around with them, my sister told me “You look like Lara!" The next day, we had a costume party and I dressed up as Lara Croft.
What Lara Croft costume did you tackle first?
I made the outfit of the first Tomb Raider movie. It was also the first one I wore on a photoshoot. A bit later, I made a couple of outfits from The Angel of Darkness, that would soon be released.
What is your favorite Lara Croft ensemble?
The Underworld outfit! It might not seem like it but walking around in a Tomb Raider outfit is hard: things like the holsters or the backpack are great for photoshoots but they tend to move a lot and to impair your freedom of movement. It’s not the case with the Underworld outfit: all the arsenal and the accessories are placed or clipped in a way that allows you to jump around. Besides, that outfit is rather flattering for the eye!
What Croft costumes are still on your roster?
I usually make the outfits that I like as soon as I discover them, Sometimes I need to improve them. For example, at the moment, I’m just remaking the Reborn outfit: I had built it from early screenshots, which also means that a lot of details were still in progress. I’m remaking it with the props, the 3 states of the bow, etc.
As other costumes go, I really love the catsuit outfits in general, but they’re such a challenge: you have to be athletic and really perfect to wear them. I don’t think I’m ready for that! (Editor note: WE DO!)
Which Lara costume was the most difficult to construct? Was it due to a particular garment or prop?
Strangely enough, the Tomb Raider 1 outfit. First of all, the latex fabric is a nightmare to cut properly. Then, the accessories are also hard to wear in a realistic manner.
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 am usually looking for the best places for my photoshoots, but it hasn’t been in any exotic location so far. I usually end up playing around in the sewers. I do have a big project coming up this Summer though… more to come!
Along the same lines, what’s the most exotic location you’ve traveled to?
I haven’t been to exotic places per se… Aside from my next project, I’d love to visit Thailand and maybe take a photoshoot for the occasion. Egypt would be great to visit, but I’m not so sure about the practicality for a Lara Croft photoshoot.
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 wouldn’t say that Lara had an influence on my life per se. One thing is for sure: without Lara in my life, I wouldn’t walk around stinky places so much! I wasn’t looking for a role-model when I first played Tomb Raider. Lara is dertermined and adventurous, and I liked finding a heroine with a personality that was close to mine…
Photos by Khriess Photography | Aurélien Sallé
