Croft Couture #38: Tara
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.
First drawn to Tomb Raider and cosplay because of Lara’s strong character, Tara now has four Lara Croft costumes under her belt, including two from Rise of the Tomb Raider. In addition to catching some stunning shots at the scenic Boneyard Beach in North Carolina, she also shares some great advice on crafting the ice axe as part of her costume. See her photos above and Q&A below!
Fast Stats
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Name: Tara Cash
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Country: US
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Occupation: Employed with Loft Resumes
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Fan Since: 2008
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Favorite Tomb Raider Game: Reborn, because it’s the only Tomb Raider game I’ve played.
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Favorite Tomb Raider Character (Non-Lara): Grim - I loved that feisty old man.
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Favorite Tomb Raider Villain: Lara never physically faces off with him, but Whitman has my vote.
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First Lara Croft Cosplay: Underworld
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Favorite Lara Croft Cosplay: Reborn
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Number of Lara Croft Cosplays: 4
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Future Lara Croft Cosplay: Both versions from ROTTR
Q&A
What first drew you to the Tomb Raider franchise, and what initially inspired you to cosplay as Lara Croft?
I was first drawn to Tomb Raider because Lara Croft is such a strong female character. Especially now that we know her back story, I think she’s one of the best female video game characters to have ever been written. There is so much enjoyment in stepping in her shoes and kicking ass.
What was your very first Lara Croft costume?
My first Lara Croft costume was a “work appropriate” version of Tomb Raider Underworld, which meant jeans and no crop top. I was running a tea shop at the time and had to stay within modest attire, but people got the idea and loved it all the same.
What’s been your favorite Lara Croft costume?
Tomb Raider reborn. Aside from loving the tanks and cargo pants, all her accessories and weapons are so much fun to wear. Her outfit and gear can make anyone feel like a force to be reckoned with.
Do you plan to make any additional Lara Croft costumes in the future?
Yes, I’m currently fine tuning my two ROTTR outfits, accessories, and weapons. Almost done!
Which Lara costume or prop was the most difficult to construct? Any lessons learned you’d like to share?
The ice axe! I own the real axe, but knew I wanted to recreate a convention friendly prop for myself and for others. In order to do this I teamed up with a fellow cosplayer to make the silicone mold, but the casting process is still very difficult and time consuming. First, you have to properly mix your resin ingredients and wait for them to set within the mold. Next, there is quite of bit of sawing, drilling, sanding, and painting. I learned how important proper measurements are. If you only thinkyou have enough resin mixture for the entire mold, you better make sure, otherwise you’ve got potential of wasting an entire batch. Also, you need to be comfortable working quickly as well as precisely because the resin begins to set in just a couple minutes.
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?
I’m surrounded by beauty in Greenville, SC and so I used different locations within my home town for my first professional photo shoot as Reborn Lara. Boneyard Beach in Charleston, SC was a spot my photographer chose and we got a couple amazing shots with the waves crashing behind me! I recently visited The Biltmore House in Asheville, NC as well as Chichen Itza (Mayan Ruins) in Mexico. Both locations are full of history and wonder and had me feeling a bit like an adventuring explorer myself.
What about Lara’s physical strength or mental prowess most inspires you? Has this, or your desire to cosplay Lara, influenced your daily life?
Even though the latest Tomb Raider game is much more relatable and believable, her physical strength and endurance cannot be matched. However, I really enjoy working out and staying fit and find that Lara is sometimes lurking in the back of my mind encouraging me. I also find myself thinking of Lara anytime I participate in an activity that gives me an adrenaline rush, such as zip lining or white water rafting.
