The qípáo (旗袍; also written “ch'ipau”) is one of the most common traditional ways of dress for Chinese women. This type of dress brings a particular charm and a look of classic beauty to anyone modeling it.
Hong Kong director Wong Kar-Wai (Wánɡ Jiāwèi; internationally renowned for his visually unique, highly stylized films) smartly added this costuming element into his movie, In the Mood for Love (花样年华; huā yàng niánhuá), which in 2008 ranked No.1 on CNN's Best Asian Films of All Time list. To some extent, the 23 different qipao dresses worn by actress Maggie Cheung throughout the movie contributed to its winning of this honor. Let’s take a look at a few of the qipao seen in the film and how they are used to enhance it.
Set in 1962 in Shanghai, the story depicts the complicated and sad love between the main characters, Zhōu Mùyún (Tony Leung) and Sū Lìzhēn (Maggie Cheung). The shadows and dim light from the street combined with the striped, cool-toned qipao create a nostalgic atmosphere.
With its white background and deep blue flowers, this qipao was designed to resemble China’s ancient Blue and White Porcelain. Maggie Cheung’s impeccable charm and unique character is only made more apparent by this classic design.
This grey qipao perfectly matches the melancholy mood of the actress. The tailored cut and basic pattern of dress also bring a simple elegance to the scene.
The clusters of peonies on this qipao go well with the rare smile worn here by Maggie Cheung’s character. Highlighting her hopefulness and happiness in the scene, this qipao helps to create a striking contrast with the overall sad tone of the movie.
The color and pattern of the qipao in this scene go perfectly with the setting in which it takes place: the yellow window, the green leaves, and even the tea she is sipping. The combination of costume and set reflect the blossoming of the potential romance Cheung’s character finds herself faced with at this point in the movie.
It is said that each qipao in In the Mood for Love helps create a different kind of mood. What do the rest of qipaos tell us? That’s for you to find out!
2 years, 6 months ago
Beautiful! The dress and Maggie Cheung!