Croft Couture #42: Vera
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 fan of Lara since the late 1990′s and a Lara cosplayer since 2013, Hungarian fan Vera is our first Croft Couture post of 2016. Drawn to Lara’s love for adventure and exploration, Vera showcases that same passion in her costume making as she’s ambitiously crafting “loads” of classic Lara outfits at once. Check out her photos above and Q&A below!
Fast Stats
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Name: Vera
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Country: Hungary
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Occupation: Student / soon-to-be English teacher
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Fan Since: 1999
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Favorite Tomb Raider Game: Tomb Raider: The Last Revelation
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Favorite Tomb Raider Character (Non-Lara): Zip
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Favorite Tomb Raider Villain: Von Croy possessed by Seth
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First Lara Croft Cosplay: TR Reborn in 2013
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Favorite Lara Croft Cosplay: Classic Lara
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Number of Lara Croft Cosplays: 2 so far
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Future Lara Croft Cosplay: Loads of classic Lara outfits in the making
DeviantArt
Q&A
What first drew you to the Tomb Raider franchise, and what initially inspired you to cosplay as Lara Croft?
My dad bought Tomb Raider: The Last Revelation back in 1999 and it was my first PC game ever. I’ve been a huge fan of Lara and the franchise ever since. She was an important part of my childhood as a great role model: an independent, fierce, beautiful and strong woman who’s really intelligent and always achieves her goals. I used to act like her when I was a kid and I always wanted to cosplay as Lara because it feels truly empowering to be someone like her sometimes. I didn’t know how to start cosplaying back then but in 2013, I finally decided to start it after the release of Tomb Raider.
What was your very first Lara Croft costume?
It was her TR Reborn outfit in 2013. I won 3rd place at a Lara look-a-like contest in Hungary, wearing my unfinished costume.
What’s been your favorite Lara Croft costume?
It’s always been her signature look: the classic outfit.
Do you plan to make any additional Lara Croft costumes in the future?
Of course, as I have only 2 costumes at the moment. I’m working on several classic costumes and I plan to do photoshoots for those as well.
Which Lara costume or prop was the most difficult to construct? Any lessons learned you’d like to share?
It was definitely her classic belt. It took years for me to figure it out and finally be able to wear it. Finally, my lovely boyfriend managed to make it, but it took a lot of time and effort – it has surely helped us to be much more creative so I won’t be afraid to craft props like this in the future.
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?
For me, her adventures & lifestyle are just as inspiring as her character. I love travelling, discovering new places and being part of different kinds of adventures, but because it’s not always possible, it gives me an extra boost when I put on the costume and actually feel like a real Croft. My most memorable photoshoot so far was the Classic Lara one, because I finally made my childhood dream come true, and it felt incredible.
As a child, our backyard was enough for me to play pretend, but if I saw places that reminded me of Tomb Raider, I always said “Wow, we could take awesome Tomb Raider photos out here!” To be honest, it still happens sometimes…
I’ve been to Northern England once which is full of beautiful and adventurous places, and when I go to Croatia, its rocky coastline always reminds me of one of my favourite Tomb Raider levels: Coastal Ruins in The Last Revelation.
What about Lara’s physical strength or mental prowess most inspires you? Has this, or your desire to cosplay Lara, influenced your daily life?
The most inspiring thing about it is that Lara shows us how a woman can be really strong both physically and mentally. She’s not only educated and intelligent, but also incredibly well-trained and prepared for everything she has to do. It has surely influenced me to strive for strength.
