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Croft Couture #23: Melissa
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.
There must be something in the water in France, because the number of Croft cosplayers from the country is staggering. Melissa already has a large roster of Lara ensembles under her belt, and I’m looking forward to those left on her list! As always, photos above and interview below!
Fast Stats
- Name: Mélissa
- Country: France
- Occupation: Sales Assistant
- Fan Since: 2004
- Favorite Tomb Raider Game: Tomb Raider Legend
- Favorite Non-Lara Tomb Raider Character: Amanda
- Favorite Tomb Raider Villain: Larson
- Number of Lara Croft Costumes: 9
- First Lara Croft Cosplay: Movie Lara
- Favorite Lara Croft Cosplay: Tomb Raider: Anniversary
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Future Lara Croft Cosplay: Tomb Raider: Legend evening dress
Q&A
What first drew you to the Tomb Raider franchise, and what initially inspired you to cosplay as Lara Croft?
In 2009, my sister had a picture of the official model Lucy Clarkson, dressed as Lara Croft for Tomb Raider Chronicles. That is when I started researching Lara Croft. At the time we didn’t have an Internet connection at home. One of my sister’s friends lent me Tomb Raider II. When we finally got Internet at home, I discovered how some girls were going above and beyond to embody a more true than life version of Lara Croft. I registered on forums and asked for advice, and then I decided to jump in. In Christmas of 2009, my first cosplay of Lara Croft (Tomb Raider Movie) was ready!
What Lara Croft costume did you tackle first?
When I talk about my first cosplay, I really should stick with what I made at Christmas that year. But, nowadays, I’d rather refer to a truly finished costume with props. In this context, it was the Anniversary outfit.
What is your favorite Lara Croft ensemble?
I love them all, but I had a slight preference for the Anniversary outfit. I really feel like Lara when I’m wearing it, and it’s really nice to wear. I do feel in character, like Lara from the game!
What Croft costumes are still on your roster?
I really would love to start the Underworld Jungle Shorts outfit, which is a rather complicated one. It would require a lot of time, and I can’t afford it right now. I will make it at some point though, as well as Thor’s Belt. I really hope that this dream will come true.
I also have two outfits in progress! First, the Tokyo Evening Dress. I wanted to make it last year, but the photo-shoot session was cancelled. I hope I’ll be able to complete the outfit during next Summer. Secondly, I’ve also started making the famous classic Tomb Raider outfit. I already have the glasses and the top, and I’m building the rest slowly. I can’t wait!
Which Lara costume was the most difficult to construct? Was it due to a particular garment or prop?
Regarding the garments, I would have to say the movie outfit. I had to make the holsters twice already, and I’m always afraid of them falling apart under the weight of the pistols. The problem with these holsters is that they’re open on the front. I wanted to create them myself, so it took a lot of iterations to find out which component would be the best. I think I might be on the right way: they didn’t move during my last convention!
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?
Honestly, no. I would really love doing that, but I don’t have the equipment (photographer, climibing/scuba gear,…). Except for climbing on a few walls, I really can’t call that adventure (laughs). Some of the cosplayers pictures out there are really incredible, and I would really love to live that kind of experience!
Along the same lines, what’s the most exotic location you’ve traveled to?
I would really love to visit Thailand or Cambodia.
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 think that Lara has an incredible physical strength, but that part doesn’t influence me so much (laughs). On the other hand, her mental strength is something I envy. She can deal with all the challenges, and will come through. Day by day, I try to find more strength in Lara’s character. I think that, with some work, it will be rewarding.
