A woman wearing a pink striped qipao, inspired by the film In the Mood for Love.
This silk taffeta, sleeveless qipao with a high collar evokes A Little Mood For Love, reminiscent of Wong Kar-wai’s iconic film, In the Mood for Love. Created in 2012 after discovering the beautiful striped pink fabric at Shanghai’s South Bund Fabric Market, this dress makes a perfect summer wedding guest outfit. The inspiration was immediate, though interestingly, not tied to a specific dress from the movie. The silk taffeta’s texture, sheen, and the timeless stripes themselves sparked the idea.
Memories and Misrememberings of In the Mood for Love
While stripes and checks feature prominently in Maggie Cheung’s wardrobe in the film alongside the more obvious florals, this qipao’s design isn’t a direct replica. One particular dress from the film, a luminous olive silk taffeta number (dress no. 8), resonates deeply. Its unexpected fabric choice, more suited to an English palace than a sleek qipao, created a captivating visual.
Close up of the bodice of the pink striped qipao, showing the detail of the fabric and the pankou buttons.
This pink striped qipao is a product of memory’s influence – an interpretation of the film’s aesthetic rather than a faithful reproduction. Memory, often inaccurate, highlights specific details, creating a unique and personal interpretation.
Details of the Pink Striped Qipao
The dress features a light pastel pink base with white, beige, and bright blue accent stripes. A subtle silver sheen adds a layer of complexity, making it a challenge to capture its true beauty in photographs. The piping is a simple pink, and the pankou (traditional Chinese frog buttons) are crafted from the same striped silk taffeta.
The 2.5-inch high collar is a direct nod to the film’s signature style. The high, stiff collars of In the Mood for Love served as a key inspiration for this detail. Unlike the film’s qipaos, which relied on zippers and press studs for a slim fit reflecting 1960s Hong Kong fashion, this dress features a full-length pankou closure.
Full frontal view of the pink striped qipao, showcasing its silhouette and the full length pankou closure.
Embodying the Spirit of Mrs. Chan
Wearing this qipao offers a deeper understanding of Maggie Cheung’s character, Mrs. Chan. The silhouette exudes femininity, while the stripes introduce a touch of masculinity. The silk taffeta provides a subtle elegance without being overly extravagant. It’s a dress that balances sophistication and playfulness, embodying a little mood for love.
Three-quarter view of the pink striped qipao highlighting the sheen of the fabric and the stripes.
A back view of the pink striped qipao, showcasing the fit and the sleeveless design.
Another back view of the pink striped qipao, showing the intricate detail of the fabric.
