'The fashion battlefield in China'
'Chinese Opera Mask Art & Chinese Tradition'
As a student of Solent University studying makeup and hair design, I was invited to attend a guest lecture led by Pacino Wan and Victor Tong - both important figures in the makeup and fashion industry in China. The guest lecture informed us on Chinese fashion and makeup, discussing the history, origin and meanings and contemporary ideas with a semiotic approach.
The first section of the lecture was led by Victor Tong - winner for the best image and and makeup design at the Hong Kong Design Institute where he studied for his Master of Arts in Visual Cultural Studies. He exhibits a wealth of experience in image and makeup design, having contributed to over 150 productions in the musical genre including Mulan (2012) and Wizard Of Oz (2007).
Victor Tong gave us an introduction to the basics of Chinese traditional theatrical makeup, covering the composition and structure of looks to the concept of colour coding. He also discussed mask art of the Chinese traditional Opera. Having a Chinese background, I was introduced to the Chinese Opera at a early age and have always fascinated by beautiful masks that were worn, however, I never knew such complexity and purpose was served by the makeup. I knew that the different styles of makeup represented different characters and gender, but it represented far more such as age, integrity and soul of character. A character with mostly red makeup or a red mask is brave and loyal. Black symbolises boldness and impartiality. Yellow denotes ambition, while pink stands for sophistication and cool-headedness. Characters with primarily blue faces are fierce and far-seeing, while green faces show wild and impulsive behaviours. Those with white faces are treacherous and cunning - the villains of the show. The makeup serves this important purpose of introducing a character to the audience and warning them of their true nature. Before the lecture; I was never aware of how educating and awarding the experience of the Chinese Opera was.
Since the talk, I have learnt to really pay attention to the use of colour. I will be adapting and practising the skill of interpreting colour when watching films, as it is obvious that much more can be discovered.
The second half of the lecture, is of course led by Pacino Wan, otherwise known as the 'Moschino of Asia'. Having been a fashion consultant for Miss Hong Kong and selected as one of the worlds 50 youngest most promising designers, he attains a good insight of the fashion industry. He likes the mishmash of bold prints and bright colours. But having a quirky sense of humour, have often focused on the trend of consumerism, with quirky dresses made out of instant noodle packets and pink rubber gloves. I enjoyed his talk, although, being much more interested in the art of makeup rather than fashion, found Victor Tong much more interesting and engaging. However, it is not new to all that makeup must complement dress.
YK
