In the Hong Kong cinema scene, Wong Kar-wai is an essential figure that cannot be overlooked. Born in Shanghai and brought up in Hong Kong, the post-modernist director is known for his nonlinear narratives, step-printing technique and vivid cinematography.
To celebrate the director’s 66th birthday today, July 17, we look back at the iconic looks sported by the female characters in his movies, ranging Ngor’s French chic style inAs Tears Go By to Su Li-zhen’s qipao looks inIn the Mood for Love (both characters played by Hong Kong actress Maggie Cheung). We also select multiple brands that best match the characters’ style, to help you recreate the unique aesthetic effortlessly.
Read more: How Hong Kong fashion icon Joyce Ma shaped the city’s luxury lifestyle space
As Tears Go By (1988)
A still from “As Tears Go By” (Photo: courtesy of FilmAffinity)
Wong Kar-wai’s debut film,As Tears Go By, describes Wah, a small-time gangster who struggles to protect his reckless younger brother while dealing with his growing feelings for his cousin, Ngor. Played by Maggie Cheung, Ngor’s style gives French chic vibes with her solid colour top of minimal cuts and floral printed skirts.
The perfect brand to recreate Ngor’s look is Rouje, a french brand founded by Parisian fashion icon, Jeanne Damas. From short-sleeve cotton tops to lace trimmed floral print midi skirts, Rouje infuses the feminine and sensual allure into daily life styles.
Days of Being Wild (1990)
A still from “Days of Being Wild” *(Photo: courtesy of Screen Musings)
Released in 1990, Days of Being Wild tells a story of the intertwined lives of a disenchanted young playboy named Yuddy and the people he impacts. Mimi, played by a woman who falls for Yuddy’s charms in the movie, always sports eye-catching floral dresses.
Oscar de la Renta knows how to show off floral glamour like Mimi. Worn by the likes of Selena Gomez and Arianna Grande, the brand’s latest ready-to-wear collection includes a poppy embroidered dress and a hollyhock faille dress.
Fallen Angels (1995)
A still from “Fallen Angels” (Photo: courtesy of Amazon)
Wong Kar-wai’s 1995 movie Fallen Angels weaves together two storylines, one about a hitman wanting to leave the criminal world and his partner, the other focuses on a mute ex-convict evading the police and a woman abandoned by his boyfriend.
In this movie that explores modern loneliness, Michelle Reis plays the role of the hitman's partner, a mysterious and seductive woman, who wears slip dresses and chokers, giving off sleek killer vibes.
You can easily find similar items such as metallic dresses in Diesel’s women’s collection; the Italian brand has reshaped itself to evoke Y2K and futuristic style after the appointment of Belgian designer Glenn Martens as the creative director in 2020.
In The Mood for Love (2000)
A still from Wong Kar-wai’s “In the Mood for Love” (Photo: courtesy of Mubi)
Released in 2000, In the Mood for Love is one of the most recognised works by Wong Kar-wai, its aesthetic is still widely popular on Tik Tok, after over two decades of its release. Set in 1962, the movie depicts the restrained yet intense connection between Chow Mo-wan and Su Li-zhen who suspect their spouses of having an affair, as they navigate each other’s unspoken feelings.
Played by Maggie Cheung, the female character Su Li-zhen pulled off qipao, a style of Chinese traditional dress. Now, you can turn to Shanghai Tang to recreate this ’60s-style qipao look. Established by Hong Hong, the brand presents exquisitely crafted qipaos with intricate embroidery and delicate silk fabrics.
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