Red Dust (1990)
Brigitte Lin as Shen Shao-hua

 

Sensitive and obstinate author falls in obsessive love with a traitor during wartime.

Magnificent beauty Brigitte Lin is the top choice for romantic drama films. For her performance in this film, Lin won the 27^th Golden Horse Award for Best Leading Actress.


Characteristics of the Qipao Costume

This loose cotton / linen outer robe is styled like a man’s robe. The Costume Designer learnt from an elderly woman who had lived in Northern China during the time of the story, that in the frigid winters, each person would likely only have one cotton padded robe for warmth. It was worn indoors and out, and would not be washed frequently. A thin outer robe would be worn on top, to protect the padded robe.

The embroidered silk crepe stole featured in the film was an antique item from the 1910s. Its style completed the classical look in the film, and was symbolic of the romance. Unfortunately, the original item has disintegrated too much for handling. The replica on display is digitally printed.

Costume Designer: Edith Cheung, awarded the 27^th Golden Horse Awards for Best Feature Film Costume and Makeup Design, and also Best Feature Film Art Design (together with Jessinta Liu).