Lai Zhan (来战), a highly anticipated fantasy drama, is generating significant buzz primarily due to its visual spectacle. Lead actress Ju Jingyi’s (鞠婧祎) six distinct costumes have become a focal point of fan discussions, showcasing a blend of whimsy and elegance perfectly suited to her character, Ada (阿黛). Co-star Zhang Yunlong (张云龙), portraying her mentor, brings an understated gravitas. Their combined on-screen presence promises a feast for the eyes, elevating the drama beyond typical genre expectations.
Ada’s Vibrant Transformations
Ju Jingyi’s portrayal of Ada features dynamic costume changes that highlight her character’s playful yet resilient nature. The iconic blue ensemble with double-loop "Gourd Buns" hairstyle radiates doll-like precision, framing her delicate features. This look, captured in early stills, immediately captured audience attention for its meticulous craftsmanship and Ju’s ethereal presence.
Equally striking is the fiery orange outfit, where flowing sleeves and vivid ribbons create a "Koi Fish" effect. Paired with twin ponytails, the design merges traditional fantasy elements with modern anime aesthetics. The vibrancy symbolizes Ada’s spirited personality, while the movement of the fabric adds kinetic energy to static images.
A softer iteration of the orange costume introduces subtle blue hair accessories, offering contrast through refined details. This version appears during Ada’s journey scenes, where oversized luggage strapped to her back hints at physical comedy. The juxtaposition of delicate styling with comical props foreshadows narrative depth beneath the whimsical surface.
Signature Stylistic Moments
One standout look features Ju Jingyi as a dust-streaked "Dirty Dun," where strategic smudges enhance her facial contours rather than obscure them. This makeup choice transforms adversity into artistry, suggesting Ada’s resilience through carefully crafted imperfection. Industry insiders predict this look will inspire real-world beauty trends once the drama airs.
The pink farming attire marks a tonal shift, presenting Ada as earthy and grounded. Woven straw accessories complement the practical design, signaling character development through visual simplicity. This departure from elaborate costumes underscores narrative versatility within the fantasy framework.
Red-and-white robes offer the boldest color clash, symbolizing Ada’s passionate evolution. Unlike Ju’s previous historical roles, this costume uses sharp contrasts to project assertiveness. The styling avoids excessive ornamentation, allowing Ju’s expressive performance to dominate the visual narrative.
Mentor’s Graceful Presence
Zhang Yunlong embodies the mentor role with muted sophistication. His layered blue robes drape effortlessly, projecting wisdom through minimalist design. The costume’s subdued palette and clean lines evoke a scholarly aura, distinguishing his character from typical fantasy warriors. Zhang’s calm demeanor amplifies the elegance.
In stills featuring both leads, Zhang’s restrained acting complements Ju’s animated expressions. One frame shows him meditating while Ada observes, creating visual harmony through contrasting energies. His costumes avoid embellishment, ensuring focus remains on the mentor-student dynamic central to the plot.
Early comparisons to classic Xianxia characters like Chinese Paladin: Sword and Fairy’s (仙剑奇侠传) Tipsy Immortal (酒剑仙) highlight Zhang’s nostalgic appeal. Yet his performance feels refreshingly contemporary, blending wry humor with quiet authority. The understated costumes serve as a canvas for nuanced characterization.
The drama’s production team, known for Love Game in Eastern Fantasy (永夜星河), leverages color psychology throughout. Cool tones reflect Ada’s innocence, while warm hues signal her growing confidence. Zhang Yunlong’s consistent blues reinforce his stabilizing role. This strategic palette transforms costumes into narrative signposts, promising a visually cohesive story where every stitch tells a tale.
Ju Jingyi's warrior ensemble in episode 10, featuring layered armor and flowing fabrics, embodies her character's strategic evolution, blending elegance with strength. The intricate design reflects ancient inspirations, symbolizing her rise from vulnerability to command. Zhang Yunlong's poised reactions during intense confrontations add emotional depth, his subtle gestures conveying unspoken resolve. This synergy between costume and performance elevates the narrative, drawing viewers deeper into the drama's immersive world.
