Cosplay, spaceflight, and bold creativity
The Witcher universe has long inspired cosplayers, and its characters still captivate fans even between new game installments. Victoria Kot, known as Torie in the cosplay community, stands out for her notably faithful Triss Merigold portrayal. Her work was recently highlighted in a weekly feature, and this interview provides a deeper look at her artistry.
Victoria first came to attention in 2019, when photographer Milligan shared numerous Witcher-inspired photo sets in which Torie frequently appeared as the red-haired sorceress. While she has also embodied other characters from the saga such as Yennefer and Keira Metz, her Triss interpretation left a lasting impression on cosplay enthusiasts.
Cosplay, spaceflight, and bold self-expression
Interviewer: How did you discover cosplay and begin your journey into this craft?
Torie: My interest in photography runs deep. I started by taking portraits of friends, animals, and even birds. A friend once asked me to shoot them, and I quickly learned I could create distinctive images from whatever materials were handy. Soon after, I discovered a community of photographers whose Milligan’s team I followed closely. It took me months to summon the courage to reach out to Victoria and seek guidance for a shoot. She became a mentor, helping with fabric and wig decisions, connecting with a seamstress, and advising on how to bring ideas to life in a studio setting. Through group projects and ongoing collaboration, cosplay grew from a pastime to a core part of her life.
A still from a group photo shoot showing Torie in Keira Metz cosplay.
Interviewer: Why is The Witcher saga such a central focus for you?
Torie: It remains one of my favorite fandoms. The costume design, the attention to small, thoughtful details, and the overall atmosphere invite creative exploration. The original Triss costume, for example, required careful sourcing of materials, including a dupont silk vest purchased from abroad to achieve the right color shift. I also love the game’s medieval mood, its moral ambiguity, and the rich music and visuals that still hold up today. The related novels are enjoyable as well, though fiction isn’t always a draw for me.
Bonus content:
Interviewer: What childhood works shaped your taste in cosplay? Did you ever dress as a main character from a cartoon or movie?
Torie: As a kid, I enjoyed racing and shooting games more than television. I admired shows like Totally Spies and characters such as Sam, which sparked an early fascination with bold, adventurous looks. I also loved Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Chip n Dale, Avatar, Naruto, and Pokemon. While I haven’t cosplayed the central characters from those favorites yet, some ideas are still on the drawing board.
Cosplay projects and platforms
Interviewer: You maintain a presence on a paid-content platform. What kind of content is shared there?
Torie: There is a private feed that features teasers, behind-the-scenes glimpses, costume-making progress, and the more adult-oriented shoots that fans subscribe to. Subscriptions are kept affordable, and a portion of donations supports future costume work and shoots.
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Interviewer: Why choose paid subscriptions—money, personal satisfaction, or both?
Torie: It’s a blend of self-fulfillment and practical need. Building a social footprint across networks helps share the art, and working within that ecosystem helps fund expensive costumes and equipment. It’s a way to push beyond comfort zones while also supporting ongoing creative projects.
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Interviewer: What motivated the move into adult-oriented shoots?
Torie: It represented a personal challenge and a way to test boundaries. Despite a naturally shy temperament, exploring more daring shoots can be liberating and confidence-building. The key is finding a photographer who earns trust and can guide the process responsibly.
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Interviewer: How far would you go in a shoot of this nature?
Torie: The line is Beautiful Eroticism. She is comfortable with nudity in front of the camera, but she maintains a strict standard of taste and avoids explicit, vulgar angles.
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Interviewer: Do personal life events affect the content a cosplayer offers?
Torie: The balance depends on the individual. A supportive partner can help, especially when family life demands time. If harmony exists, marriage and children need not end cosplay passions; they simply require adjustments in priorities and time management.
Interviewer: Are erotic cosplay ideas common? Any plans to pursue them?
Torie: Erotic cosplay from cartoons is rare, with a few exceptions that are generally not the focus. Most planned work centers on games and comics rather than cartoons or film, though some concepts may appear later.
Interviewer: What is the boldest fan proposal you’ve received?
Torie: Fans rarely share explicit content. More often, requests involve editing or signing images, which has led to uncomfortable interactions. The experience underscored the importance of boundaries and personal safety for creative professionals.
Interviewer: If space travel were possible, what color would you choose for a space suit?
Torie: If given the chance, color wouldn’t be the main concern; pink would be a fun option. Space curiosity has long shaped her curiosity about the universe, from elementary-school excursions to learning about Gagarin and Tereshkova.
Interviewer: What about family lineage—noble roots or bourgeois heritage?
Torie: Family history is not mapped in detail, but it’s clear the grandparents lived a simple, hardworking life, full of warmth and homemade treats. The past feels close enough to touch without a need for grandeur.
Did you enjoy Torie as Triss?
Interviewer: How long will she continue cosplaying?
Torie: She will keep cosplaying as long as there is energy and interest. There are characters for all ages and appearances, so age should not limit creativity. Future projects may include playful takes on Baba Yaga or a Shrek fairy godmother, among others.
The interview notes the collaboration with photographer Milligan and mentions that other featured cosplayers include Kristina Volkova, AshenReina, Ari Anna, and Andrey Vorobyov.
We hope readers enjoyed the interview. Share your thoughts in the comments and suggest other cosplayers for a dedicated feature.
Source: VG Times