The Flower Street (1950)
Zhou Xuan as Daping

During wartime, a wandering songstress sings for a living.

On and off the silver screen, Zhou Xuan’s life was full of tragedy, making her particularly heartbreaking in this role. Due to her petite size, she was convincing playing a teenage girl even in her 30s. This was Zhou Xuan’s final film shot in Hong Kong, and also the last completed film in her life.


Characteristics of the Qipao Costume

If this were a qipao made during the War of Resistance against Japan, we should see a row of hand-knotted buttons as closure at the opening. The added piping to the edging is also a technique that came along at a later date, and the sleeve cuff is too tight for the period. The silk brocade with small floral designs is the only element that conveys the time the film set in, giving a soft glow on the black-and-white screen.

Costume Designer: No information