Croft Couture #39: Nina
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 Tomb Raider from a young age, Nina boasts 8 costumes and has even more in the pipeline. Inspired by Lara’s adventurous lifestyle, she’s scouted and visited a variety of unique locations for photoshoots. Check out her photos above and interview below!
Fast Stats
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Name: Nina Artamonova
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Country: Russia
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Fan Since: 1998
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Favorite Tomb Raider Game: Tomb Raider Chronicles
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Favorite Tomb Raider Character (Non-Lara): Doppelganger
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Favorite Tomb Raider Villain: Amanda
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First Lara Croft Cosplay: Tomb Raider Chronicles
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Favorite Lara Croft Cosplay: Tomb Raider Chronicles ( camouflage )
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Number of Lara Croft Cosplays: 8
- Future Lara Croft Cosplay: Tomb Raider Underworld
DeviantArt
Q&A
What first drew you to the Tomb Raider franchise, and what initially inspired you to cosplay as Lara Croft?
I met Lara when I was 7 or 8 years old, playing Tomb Raider II on PlayStation 1. At this time, I fell in love with Lara Croft. Before, I did not know what cosplay was, but when I learned through friends what it was, I decided to try to cosplay Lara. My first costume was the Tomb Raider Chronicles Dress - the simplest of Lara’s costumes.
What was your very first Lara Croft costume?
My first costume was Tomb Raider Chronicles (Dress). It was my first cosplay and it was interesting to try on the image of Lara.
What’s been your favorite Lara Croft costume?
Tomb Raider Chronicles ( camouflage ). I wanted to make this costume and I did. For the future, I want to find good places for photo sessions, for example, in the game, there is a submarine.
Do you plan to make any additional Lara Croft costumes in the future?
Yes, I want to make Tomb Raider: Underworld (wetsuit) and Tomb Raider Chronicles (Catsuit). There’s so much that I want to do.
Which Lara costume or prop was the most difficult to construct? Any lessons learned you’d like to share?
Reborn was hard. I spent a lot of time to make the full suit (pants, shirt, holsters and quiver). Thanks to my husband, he helped me to make a bow and an ice axe.
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 remember when we shot photos at the waterfall, and we photographed three costumes in one day - Reborn, Pacific, and Classic. In that place was a great dark forest, caves, and a small and large waterfall. Travel is always very interesting.
What about Lara’s physical strength or mental prowess most inspires you? Has this, or your desire to cosplay Lara, influenced your daily life?
Lara is very mysterious, brave and she rarely shows fear in even the most dangerous situations. I wanted to be like her.
