The encounter between the scents of gardenia and jasmine promises an unforgettable beginning. Today, we continue our review of cheongsam styles from films and TV shows, focusing on the 2021 Republican - era spy drama The Rebel. This series stood out not only for its stellar cast, including Zhu Yilong, Wang Yang, Tong Yao, Wang Zhiwen, and Zhu Zhu, but also for its nuanced portrayal of faith, humanity, and personal fate against the backdrop of a turbulent era. Zhu Yilong's performance earned him a nomination for Best Actor at the 2023 Magnolia Awards.
The show excels in its authenticity and depth, much like the fleeting 'Sanxing Brand' toothpaste ad in the background—a subtle nod to the era's anti - foreign product movement led by industrialist Fang Yexian. However, today's focus is on the cheongsam aesthetics of the 1930s, when Shanghai became the birthplace of the modern 'Haipai' cheongsam. The Rebel serves as a historical corridor, showcasing how women's cheongsams remained vibrant and diverse despite material scarcity.
Zhu Yizhen
Zhu Yizhen, played by Tong Yao, is the daughter of a wealthy capitalist who abandons privilege to join the Communist underground. Her cheongsams reflect her purity and idealism—often made of linen in muted tones like white, blue, or beige. A standout is a blue - checkered cheongsam, understated yet enduring, embodying a quiet, everyday elegance. Another features a modern 1930s cut with Southeast Asian - inspired prints, blending well - tailored lines with dignified high collars. Her accessories—a vintage round watch, pearl earrings, and a cloche hat—highlight her timeless taste.
Many of Zhu Yizhen's cheongsams are made of cotton and linen, with light and elegant colors. For example, a milk - coffee - colored striped cheongsam, combined with single - row buttons and a long - sleeved straight - skirt, is soft, comfortable, and full of literary grace, which matches her temperament as a female intellectual. In addition, the white and brown vertical - striped cheongsam, with a white - brown color contrast, shows a sense of luxury. Paired with a handbag and a bell - shaped hat, it is simple, practical, and classic.
Lan Xinjie
Lan Xinjie, portrayed by Zhu Zhu, is a glamorous socialite whose cheongsams evolve with her tragic arc. Her iconic red wedding cheongsam, paired with pearl buttons and a statement necklace, exudes bold sophistication. Work demands led to showier styles, like a white sequined cheongsam that shimmered subtly in dim ballrooms. Her prints were bolder, such as polka dots or blue - and - white porcelain patterns, mirroring her resilience. A raffia bag unexpectedly complemented one look, proving cheongsam's versatility.
Compared with Zhu Yizhen, Lan Xinjie's cheongsams pay more attention to lines and sexy skin exposure. For instance, a jade - green cheongsam with moon - shaped sleeves and high slits shows a woman's soft figure. At work, her cheongsams become more luxurious and eye - catching, like the white sequined one. The long - chain pearl necklace she wears can not only modify the neckline but also add a romantic and modern flavor to the cheongsam.
Both characters' styles demonstrate how cheongsam transcends mere fashion—it's a canvas for identity, era, and personal narrative. From Zhu Yizhen's intellectual restraint to Lan Xinjie's dramatic flair, each stitch tells a story. Until next time, let’s keep exploring cheongsam’s endless possibilities.
