Costume design in Chinese historical fantasy dramas has transcended mere aesthetics, becoming a powerful narrative force. Recent leaks from New Tales of Liaozhai (聊斋新编) showcase this evolution, with actresses Zhang Miaoyi (张淼怡), Ju Jingyi (鞠婧祎), and Chen Duling (陈都灵) redefining the iconic fox spirit archetype. Their radically different interpretations—Zhang’s ethereal fragility, Ju’s doll-like perfection, and Chen’s chilling duality—ignite debates on whether transformative makeup elevates artistry or obscures identity. These visuals don’t just adorn characters; they rewrite folklore for the digital age.
Zhang Miaoyi’s Ethereal Metamorphosis
Zhang Miaoyi’s fox spirit in New Tales of Liaozhai shatters expectations. Clad in windswept white robes, she embodies fractured elegance. A single leaf clenched between her teeth becomes an organic accessory, contrasting with the character’s supernatural essence. This marks a stunning departure from Zhang’s prior roles criticized for lacking dimension.
The genius lies in contemporary styling techniques. Delicate hairpieces and gradient makeup sculpt her features without drastic alteration. Diffused lighting enhances her porcelain skin, creating a ghostly luminescence. Where Zhang once blended into ensembles, she now commands them through nuanced vulnerability.
Fragility defines this interpretation. Her posture suggests weightlessness, as if a breeze might dissolve her form. Wide-eyed glances convey ancient sorrow, transforming traditional fox spirit cunning into tragic resonance. This isn’t seduction—it’s spectral poetry.
Yet the transformation sparks debate. Some argue the hyper-stylized look diminishes Zhang’s recognizability, especially beside co-star Lin Yun’s (林允) distinct presence. The character’s visual impact overshadows the actress’s established identity, raising questions about makeup’s boundary between enhancement and erasure.
Ju Jingyi’s Living Doll Precision
Ju Jingyi’s fox spirit in Painted Skin: The Resurrection (月鳞绮纪) exemplifies Guo Jingming’s (郭敬明) signature aesthetic: flawless artifice. Her costume resembles a collectible figurine, from gossamer sleeves to meticulously placed fur accents. Even the velvety fox ears appear touchably real.
Makeup walks a razor’s edge. Iridescent eyeshadows and blushed contours reference anime aesthetics, yet Ju’s innate doll-like features dominate. The artistry amplifies rather than masks her, proving cosmetic complexity needn’t obscure individuality.
Color defines her portrayal. Icy platinum hair and frost-tipped lashes create an otherworldly palette. This chromatic boldness diverges sharply from Zhang Miaoyi’s muted tones, highlighting different fox spirit philosophies—Ju embodies cultivated enchantment.
Ju’s performance merges precision with whimsy. A tilt of her head or flutter of crystal-adorned lashes feels calculated yet spontaneous. She captures the fox spirit’s playful cunning without losing Guo’s vision of manufactured wonder.
Chen Duling’s Dualistic Mastery
Chen Duling’s interpretation in Painted Skin: The Resurrection reveals startling range within identical white-wigged parameters. Her initial softness—round cheeks illuminated in golden light—suggests approachable innocence. This "Lazy Sheep" warmth disarms viewers before the reveal.
The shift is tectonic. When Chen’s gaze turns hollow, her posture transforms. Shoulders square, chin lifts, and warmth evaporates into glacial detachment. This physical storytelling showcases her technical prowess, proving costume serves the actor, not vice versa.
Her fox spirit thrives in contradiction. Gentle smiles coexist with predator stillness, reflecting the character’s ancient duality. Where Ju’s portrayal leans into fantasy, Chen grounds hers in psychological tension.
White wig challenges become strengths. The platinum hair frames her face like a silver helmet in stoic moments, then softens into halo-like tendrils during vulnerability. Chen weaponizes the wig’s limitations, turning potential flaws into narrative tools.
Fox Spirit Designs
In New Tales of Liaozhai, the fox spirits feature a blend of traditional elegance and modern flair, with flowing silk robes and intricate accessories that highlight their mystical allure, adding depth to their shape shifting personas.
Conversely, Ju Jingyi and Chen Duling reimagines these demons through vibrant, anime-inspired visuals—bold colors and dynamic poses emphasize their playful yet menacing traits, captivating audiences with fresh, innovative artistry. Both adaptations showcase the evolving portrayal of fox spirits, merging cultural heritage with contemporary fantasy to enrich storytelling across generations.
