After roles like the gentle Liu Miantang (柳眠棠) in Are You the One (柳舟记) and the fiery Zhang Bihan (张妼晗) in Serenade of Peaceful Joy (清平乐), actress Wang Churan (王楚然) seemed to many viewers like the quintessential "pleasant white rabbit" of Song dynasty aesthetics. Her image was one of clean lines, delicate beauty, and a certain approachable elegance. This made her latest transformation all the more shocking. In the new hit series How Dare You (成何体统), she emerges not as a demure maiden, but as Yu Wanyin (庾晚音), a character the internet has unanimously dubbed a "seductive concubine" or Yao Fei (妖妃).
This isn't just a new role; it's a complete visual and persona overhaul. How did the creative team behind the series and Wang Churan herself engineer this mesmerizing metamorphosis from approachable Song-style beauty to an unforgettable, almost otherworldly seductress? The answer lies in a deliberate and masterful deconstruction of her previous image, using bold makeup, unique accessories, and a strategic embrace of visual extravagance.
The Eyes of a Fox Spirit
The most immediate and arresting change is in her eyes. In How Dare You, Wang Churan's eye makeup is a departure from the clean, understated looks of her previous period dramas. It is dramatically amplified. Deep, smoldering eyeliner elongates and intensifies her naturally large eyes, giving them a feline quality. A soft, defined Wo Chan (卧蚕) — the subtle flesh just below the eye — is highlighted, making her eyes appear larger and more prominent. The real magic, however, lies in the layered application of peach and pink eyeshadows, which are diffused outward in a hazy halo around the eyes.
This technique, while a common approach in stylized period dramas, finds its perfect canvas in Wang Churan's already striking features. On a lesser face, it might be overwhelming; on hers, it creates a stunning, painterly effect. This "heavy makeup" philosophy, emphasizing the eyes and lips, is the foundational principle of her "Yao Fei" look. It doesn't just make her beautiful; it makes her unforgettable, lending her gaze a potent mix of intelligence and allure .
The Power of Unique Adornments
Beauty alone, however, does not a "Yao Fei" make. The second, equally crucial principle is the creation of "specialness" through distinctive adornments. Yu Wanyin's look is punctuated by decorative elements rarely seen in standard period dramas. Delicate forehead ornaments, or E Shi (额饰), draw attention to and visually shorten her fuller forehead, creating a more compact and fox-like facial structure. Intricate Hua Dian (花钿), traditional forehead decorations, add a touch of historical fantasy and uniqueness.
Perhaps the most striking are the Mian Lian (面帘), small pendants or chains that veil the face. These pieces add a layer of mystery and a sense of otherworldly allure, suggesting a character who is not just seen, but beheld. These are not the standard hairpins and combs of a typical empress; they are statements of individuality, marking her as someone apart from the conventional beauties of the palace. They are visual cues that tell the audience, "This is not an ordinary woman."
Costume and Color as Character
The transformation is completed by a radical shift in costume design and color palette. Compared to the more conservative, high-collared wrappers of the Song dynasty seen in her previous work, Yu Wanyin's wardrobe is one of openness and flow. Wide sleeves, open-front gowns, and flowing trains in lightweight, ethereal fabrics become her signature. This choice of silhouette is not merely aesthetic; it's a narrative tool. The open-front gowns, often paired with intricate underlayers, suggest a character who is exposed, yet layered and complex. The fabrics themselves—sheers, silks, and materials that catch the light—add to her dreamlike, unattainable quality.
The color palette doubles down on this message of "Yan" (艳), or vibrant allure. It is dominated by bold reds and shimmering, reflective materials. This is the final piece of the puzzle: the "Yao Fei" is not just heavily made-up and uniquely adorned, but also vibrantly dressed. The visual language is consistent and clear: she is meant to stand out, to captivate, and to be unforgettable. Through this trifecta of intense makeup, unique ornaments, and extravagant costume, Wang Churan's Yu Wanyin is not just played, but meticulously constructed, proving that sometimes, the most effective way to embody a character is to visually reimagine every single detail .
