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Croft Couture #1: Jenn Croft

The Tomb Raider fandom is full of talented artists, entertainers, and perhaps most notably, phenomenal cosplay talent. In order to showcase these lovely and dedicated ladies, I’m kicking off a bimonthly feature called “Croft Couture.” The intent is to give Lara costumers a spot to share their photos and experiences while dressed the part of gaming’s leading lady.

Jenn Croft is a perfect fit to kick off the feature, not only because of her phenomenal new photoshoot, but because she aims to embody Lara’s sense of adventure in her daily life. Read on to learn more about Jenn.

Fast Stats

• Name: Jenn Croft
• Country: USA (Currently residing in Australia)
• Occupation: Personal Trainer/Nanny
• Fan Since: 2000
• Favorite Tomb Raider Game: Tomb Raider (Original)
• Favorite Non-Lara Tomb Raider Character: Chase Carver 
• Favorite Tomb Raider Villain: Natla
• Number of Lara Croft Costumes: Around 12
• First Lara Croft Cosplay: The classic outfit
• Favorite Lara Croft Cosplay: Underworld/torn comic book outfit with the green top
• Future Lara Croft Cosplay: Planning on remaking the classic outfit

                                   Website | Facebook | DeviantArt 

Q&A

What first drew you to the Tomb Raider franchise, and what initially inspired you to cosplay as Lara Croft?

I just got a PS1 for Christmas and was looking for a new game to play. At the rental store I saw Tomb Raider The Last Revelation. Seeing her in the media for years, I kinda associated her with being a female Indiana Jones, and being the huge Dr. Jones fan, coupled with the Egyptian pyramid on the cover of the game, I decided to give it a try. I was absolutely hooked. For Halloween that year, I decided to be Lara. While researching the costume online, I discovered a whole community of fans who love to dress as Lara and take pictures. From there it’s all history.

What Lara Croft costume did you tackle first?

The classic costume since it’s the most recognizable, and my favorite at the time.

What is your favorite Lara Croft ensemble?

I really loved the catsuit with the glasses and the ear piece. Makes you feel like you’re in Mission Impossible or something.

What Croft costumes are still on your roster?

I plan to remake the classic outfit.

Which Lara costume was the most difficult to construct? Was it due to a particular garment or prop?

Probably the Underworld costume since it was very detailed. The top and shorts had a specific design that was impossible to find in a store, along with the gunbelt and backpack. I pretty much had to hand make everything.

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?

There have been heaps of awesome moments through the years but I think the one I will never forget is the waterfall rappel stunt from 2011. It was an extremely touristy spot and we had to hop a fence to get to the top of the waterfall in order for me to set up the anchors and rope. This was also my very first descent of the falls, ironically in a Lara costume. All the while, people were watching and taking pictures, and I was extremely nervous about someone calling the police since I didn’t know if it was illegal to abseil from the falls or not, and we had realistic looking toy guns with us that might frighten some people. We managed to accomplish the whole shoot without interruption, however when we went back to the car there was a police officer sitting in his car, so needless to say we left quickly before anything could happen.

Along the same lines, what’s the most exotic location you’ve traveled to?

I’ve been to Malaysia for a base jump event, and snorkeling the Great Barrier Reef.

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 Croft seems to have this almost supernatural athletic ability that I have always looked up to and wanted to be more like. When I was competing in sports, specifically in the pole vault, I was very superstitious and sometimes would wear my hair like Lara’s to give me extra encouragement. Lara has given me courage in other aspects of my life as well, including the more risky endeavors including motorcycle riding and skydiving. I figure if Lara can do it, so can I!

Photography by: Stephen Galinsky | Adam Jay | Jeff McClay | Ashley Ellwood

I don’t care what anyone says, Tomb Raider will always be in my TOP as far as game series go. I love Tomb Raider so much and I can’t WAIT WAIT WAIT for the new one. Gah.

511 notes
reblogged from tombraider
originally posted by tombraider
posted on March 19, 2012