It’s been a while. I’ve finished the sketch and have now started on the coloring. You could say the AU is officially underway. Some of the outfits aren't canon; I just liked the look of them while browsing Asian fashion trends.
A bit about the concept for Zuko's outfits.
For his military attire, I drew some inspiration from the original design but also wanted to incorporate scale armor for the chest, forearms, and shins. I added some subtle patterns to the grey garments, though I doubt he had time to shop for anything trendy while in exile. The tips of his boots are made of gold—perfect for delivering kicks.
For the second look—his Ba Sing Se outfit—I took inspiration from Chinese fashion. I liked the combination of simple trousers and a plain, lightweight shirt. These shirts can be either unadorned or patterned; I haven't quite decided yet, but I want to incorporate an Earth Kingdom style. (I realize they were living in poverty, but I imagine Uncle Iroh would have bought him the best clothes available.)
The third outfit blends the original design with North Asian influences. I can't pinpoint the exact style—there isn't much written about it online—but I think the result will look really stylish and appealing.
And finally, the last one: a more canon-accurate look. I’ll just add a few patterns, and I think it’ll look fantastic.
Designing Tairin was a bit more of a challenge; I wasn't sure exactly what would suit her.
She wears a faceless mask, which speaks volumes about her on its own—I don't want to give too many spoilers here. I gave her body armor and simple attire, opting for trousers that aren't as baggy as the ones seen in the original ATLA. Her outfit is generally minimalist, as a stealth warrior doesn't need anything superfluous. The design draws inspiration from the Fire Nation, as well as from ninjas and assassins.
The second look is more faithful to traditional Chinese dress. For the final design, I used Tai Chi references and kept the fit somewhat loose so it wouldn't restrict her movement. And finally, there's the version where she’s married to Zuko—hehe. With that one, I wanted to showcase a blend of Japanese culture and Indian-style jewelry.