Varesa's Cosplay Unveiled: A Fusion of JK Charm and Genshin Impact Power

Hello everyone! I’m Wuming, a costume designer at OSIAS, and I’m super excited to share a sneak peek into our design process for Varesa—the latest character from Genshin Impact 5.5.

Who is Varesa?

Varesa is a unique blend of strength and charm. Hailing from the philosophical bushi tribe in Vol—a land where sheer power meets everyday hilarity—she’s a naturally strong, super hearty farm and wrestling prodigy who’s adored by kids. With her adorable pink hair that fades into cyan at the tips, her curvy figure, and her delightfully clueless yet justice-driven personality, Varesa embodies a style that’s as cute as it is powerful. I have to admit, as someone who’s a huge fan of anime and all things schoolgirl (JK) style, I couldn’t resist diving deep into her design!

Wig Design: A Balance of Lightness and Volume

Let’s start with the wig—a key part of Varesa’s look. Her hairstyle is composed of two main elements: a “breathable” hairline (which I like to think of as an “ingress” style) and dual braided pigtails. These features are common in many school anime characters, offering a playful yet defined silhouette that keeps the head from looking too bare.

For this project, I decided to use pre-curl hair for the wig. Why? Pre-curling not only makes the wig incredibly lightweight but also ensures that the braids have a fantastic, voluminous look. It’s a small detail that makes a big difference in capturing that fresh, youthful vibe.

Infusing JK Elements into the Costume

Even though the Teyvat world isn’t exactly known for school uniforms, I was inspired by the classic Japanese high school (JK) aesthetic. The trick was to incorporate subtle JK elements without compromising Varesa’s unique identity.

• Sleeve Details:
  One standout detail is her sleeve cuffs. In many anime, you’ll notice schoolgirl characters layering a sweater over their uniform. This isn’t just about staying warm—it’s a style statement. I’ve designed Varesa’s sweater-like cuffs to drape over her hands, leaving just a few fingers visible. This “moe sleeve” effect really heightens the youthful, innocent charm of her look.

• Mini Skirt & Socks:
  Her mini skirt is another nod to the JK style, exuding a fun, energetic vibe. Down at her legs, I’ve incorporated loose, bubble-sock-like elements. These socks, with their soft, drooping, and layered design, are reminiscent of the popular bubble socks among schoolgirls, perfectly tying in the overall aesthetic.

The Design Philosophy

For me, designing Varesa isn’t just about replicating a character from a game—it’s about blending different cultural influences to create something fresh and wearable. The fusion of robust, almost rural charm with the delicate, playful elements of JK style results in a cosplay that’s not only true to Varesa’s character but also fun and practical for everyday wear.

I hope you enjoyed this little behind-the-scenes peek into my creative process. I’m really looking forward to seeing how fans bring Varesa to life, and I can’t wait to share more design stories with you soon!

Thanks for reading, and stay tuned for more updates from OSIAS.

— Wuming, OSIAS Costume Design Team