The 1987 version of 《Dream of the Red Chamber》 is undoubtedly the most popular adaptation, with its storyline, makeup, costume design, music, and props all reaching epic standards. Among these highlights, the costume design stands out as particularly remarkable. Fashion designer Shi Yanqin created 2,700 outfits, crafting the most beautiful Hanfu culture in the history of Red Chamber adaptations and presenting a feast for the eyes.
The costumes blend elements from multiple dynasties
While the novel does not specify an exact dynasty, the production team placed the setting between the Ming and Qing dynasties, integrating the finest elements of historical Chinese costumes to create a unique era. Shi Yanqin used vibrant colors to build layered visuals, and meticulous details to embody character traits. By absorbing the most beautiful elements from various dynasties, she designed one iconic outfit after another.
Each costume aligns with scenes and personality
The principle of “clothes reflecting the person” is deeply embedded in the costumes. For key characters like Lin Daiyu and Jia Baoyu, the team crafted distinct outfits for different scenes, infusing their souls into the garments. Lin Daiyu alone has 44 outfits, all centered around her “ethereal beauty” theme. These feature cool hues like pale blue, snow-green, and pure white, layered with gauzy fabrics like silk and chiffon.
Lin Daiyu clothes often adorned with plum blossoms, orchids, and green apricot flowers—symbolizing her melancholic yet refined demeanor. Outfits like her water-green gauze robe accentuate her frailty, resembling “exceeding Xi Shi by three points in illness.” Her designs primarily draw from Song and Ming Dynasty styles while incorporating Qing Dynasty details, creating a unique aesthetic unlike any other period.
Jia Baoyu’s costumes focus on bright, joyful colors, with Ming Dynasty-style long gowns and split-hem skirts. His attire features vibrant patterns like entwined lotus and auspicious clouds, often embellished with gold weaving techniques. This lively style complements his carefree personality and aristocratic status. Other characters, such as Wang Xifeng, wear golden peony-patterned robes paired with banana-yellow split-hem skirts and fiery scarves, emphasizing her bold and flamboyant nature.
Color characteristics of the costumes
The palette of Red Chamber costumes is strikingly vivid: “red with green,” “pine green with peach red,” “spring green with willow yellow,” and “light blue with deep purple” are common combinations. Despite the profusion of colors, each character’s attire is carefully differentiated to align with their traits.
The 2,700 costumes transcend mere decoration; they become witnesses to the characters fates, weaving the epic tragedy of 《Dream of the Red Chamber》 through every stitch.
