Investigating: mesh modding *

Conception: Ah... mesh modding. Decided to go back and play around with the idea. It's been a long time since I had a little play around with it.

Method:
XPS: Load model with clothing wanted, Options>Make items optional, select the main character model meshes and leaving clothing meshes, "Display optional items by default?", check 'no'. Only clothing should be shown. Load nude model. By default the characters should overlap, and clothing should approximately cover the right places. Make sure all desired meshes (e.g. accessories) are enabled. Modify>Export scene as .mesh (Merge all visible models). Keep scale and pose. Create a new folder for newly merged models and save. Open Material editor.
Blender: Import model. Smooth meshes, remove doubles, select node set up and apply to mesh (using Material editor for diffuse map reference). Repeat until finished. Enter sculpt mode to ensure clothing is a better fit for the character. Tinker until satisfied. Save often.
XPS: 
Blender: 

Commentary: Always had the idea of creating a mega Christie model using mesh modding techniques. Why have all those different models when it might be possible to have a nude model with various outfits? And maybe even hairstyles! So... that's the real premise and motivation for this little restarted project. The last time I was trying to figure out how to isolate the meshes, which took me a while to figure out. I'm a dunce, what can I say?
Philosophoholic163': Stupid idiot, maybe?
Hey~ So why return to something which was effectively aborted? Different motivations and relying on backlog to tide me over for a bit. Now, despite the tremendously similar amounts of skin exposure between swimsuits and lingerie I much prefer lingerie. Honestly, there just isn't much of it around for DOA5LR models. So thankfully there was one set of swimwear which looks like it could be lingerie. Still doesn't justify the mesh modding in and of itself though.

XPS-Fanatic's model pack is great, but there are acknowledged issues like the left nipple being wrong. The other prong of motivation is the body type as well. The character uses the HDM model which is something I'm not overly keen on This doesn't detract from the great work they do, but it's just not for me. By now I think I've established that cunihinx's nude Christie model is my favourite for such purposes, so that would serve as the base model for this little project. Besides, those black heels with this lingerie-looking swimsuit? Yes, please.

There were node issues with the bikini though, especially the parts which appear somewhat transparent. In the end it is resorting to the basic node set up for those parts. The adapted node set up I used for the fishnets didn't seem to work here, so I'm somewhat disappointed about it.

Still a long way to go though. Only completed the preliminary set up. Goodness knows how long it takes others who make mesh mods... I guess when you know how to do something it's much easier... I also suspect I chose the wrong thing to start with as well...

Credits:
Christie model courtesy of cunihinx
Christie swimwear model courtesy of XPS-Fanatic
Node set ups:
Basic node set up courtesy of DragonLord720
Cloth node set up by DragonLord720
Eye node set up by Hypster83
Skin node set up by Hiddenus
Skin node set up by John Garrett
Tools: 
Blender 2.79
Windows Snipping tool
XNALara Posing Studio 11.8
Windows 10 Photo app
Assets/Copyright:

Render time: N/A
Resolution: N/A
Sampling: N/A
Other info: N/A

Date of completion: 4th November 2017