Croft Couture #36: Jess
The Tomb Raider community is full of talented artists, entertainers, and phenomenal cosplay talent. “Croft Couture” aims to showcase these dedicated fans, and give Lara costumers a spot to share their experiences while paying tribute to gaming’s leading lady.
A longtime fan of Lara, Jess started cosplaying as part of a final project during her studies in Photo Journalism. She’s determined to always stay in character, and even integrated a bit of climbing in her shoot to help channel Lara. To learn more, check out her photos above and interview below!
Fast Stats
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Name: Jess
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Country: United Kingdom
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Occupation: Freelance Writer/Blogger
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Fan Since: 2001
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Favorite Tomb Raider Game: Tomb Raider 2
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Favorite Tomb Raider Character(Non-Lara): Werner Von Croy
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Favorite Tomb Raider Villain: Doppelganger
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First Lara Croft Cosplay: Tomb Raider 2013
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Favorite Lara Croft Cosplay: Tomb Raider 2013
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Number of Lara Croft Cosplays: 1
- Future Lara Croft Cosplay: Rise of the Tomb Raider, Tomb Raider Legend Tokyo Dress
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Q & A
What first drew you to the Tomb Raider franchise, and what initially inspired you to cosplay as Lara Croft?
My Dad really got me and my brother interested in gaming from a fairly young age. However, backin 2001 he came home one day and had bought me a copy of Tomb Raider 2 to play on my brother’s PlayStation; I completely fell in love with the franchise, andthat’s putting it lightly! Last year when I was finishing my degree in Photographic Journalism, as part of my final project I was putting together an investigative article in to competitive cosplay in which I decided I would take it upon myself to Cosplay a character and compete in a competition. Years previously my father had unfortunately passed away from Cancer and in some ways due to this, gaming and the Tomb Raider franchise has always stayed close to me as he was the person who introduced me to Lara Croft. It had only been a year since the Tomb Raider reboot was released, and I can honestly I was taken aback by how gorgeous that game was…it was just perfection in my eyes, and so in homage to Lara (and in a way, my Dad) I decided that I would assemble a Cosplay based on that game.
What was your very first Lara Croft costume?
Tomb Raider 2013
What’s been your favorite Lara Croft costume?
So far I have only made the Tomb Raider 2013 version of Lara, so I guess that would be my favorite. However, from what I’ve seen of the Rise of the Tomb Raider costume so far; I can definitely see that becoming a favorite once I’ve finished making it later on this year in celebration of the game’s release!
Do you plan to make any additional Lara Croft costumes in the future?
Yes. I plan to do the Rise of the Tomb Raider costume, as well as the Tomb Raider Legend Tokyo dress that Lara wears. Although I’m sure I will do many more!
Which Lara costume or prop was the most difficult to construct? Any lessons learned you’d like to share?
The Tomb Raider 2013 costume that I made was actually in collaboration with a fellow Tomb Raider cosplayer. Helen (@Lady_Scion on Twitter) did an amazing job putting together my bloodied vest top and starter bow (which unfortunately I ended up having to restring together as it broke on its delivery to my flat), however I made the rest of the costume all from scratch. Probably the most challenging aspect of making the costume itself was putting together the quiver and arrows to go alongside my starter bow. I wanted my quiver to be functional and able to actually carry the rest of my arrows when I was attending conventions, so in order for the quiver to carry them without any arrows falling out or piecing the fabric I sawed in half a cylinder cardboard packaging and then sewed the quiver around its shape. In a way, doing this has been a godsend as it has meant that my quiver has been much more durable whilst on windy photo-shoots and attending conventions ever since.
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? Have you traveled anywhere exotic that made you feel like a fellow adventurer?
It might not sound completely exotic, but as I live in North Wales I am very spoiled in locations that resemble the Island and Woodland exterior similar to Yamatai in Tomb Raider 2013. Back in September last year, I was able to venture out in to the woods and beaches in Conwy and Llandudno to reenact some positions and moments from the game for my Cosplay. For me, it was really important that we didn’t project Lara in a sexual way and stayed true to her character and during this shoot I was able to do a bit of climbing myself which made me feel as though I was literally stepping in to the shoes of Lara herself; and I feel that shows in the images.
What about Lara’s physical strength or mental prowess most inspires you? Has this, or your desire to cosplay Lara, influenced your daily life?
When I look back at the older games, initially I would say that it’s her fearlessness that inspires me. Although, with the reboot we were really able to see Lara in a vulnerable state for the first time and even question herself at times; which I think is something that I tend to do myself. However despite this, she overcomes all the hardships that are thrown at her; which I think motivates me to do the same. Whether that is by taking on new skills with my Cosplay or even in my daily life, Lara’s strong personality has definitely made its mark on me. In conclusion, I feel that if Lara can get shot, stabbed, and fall from high mountain tops whilst still looking gorgeous, I can definitely make it through whatever life throws at me as well…and hopefully look half as good as well! :P
