Sunrise (1956)
Feng Lin as Mrs Gu

 

This widow of a wealthy businessman ‘believes she is as attractive as she once was’.

Since Feng Lin was a brilliant costume designer, she could have participated in designing this ‘unbearably tacky’ image from the original novel.


Characteristics of the Qipao Costume

This classic brocade features an auspicious longevity symbol of six bats and five dragons in roundels. With the add-on cut-out effect around the collar, it tells of a character of a mature woman wanting to look younger. The lattice pattern in black not only shows the role’s gaudy taste; but is also very effective in the black-and-white film to accentuate the actress’s body language.

Costume Designer: Miao Yi-shi