Today I shot this styling for Yaozhi—a fashion concept I have long been eager to explore. The dark teal-green sleeveless Qipao dress features classic black frog closures at the collar. Beneath it, I layered a white wide-sleeved undergarment whose flared bell cuffs create lovely visual depth with every stride. To harmonize with the overall color scheme, I specifically chose dark green flats paired with white over-the-knee socks (White stockings), striking a balance between classical Chinese grace and 2D anime charm. My hair was tied into twin tails adorned with two long white ribbons that fluttered with spirited liveliness in the breeze. For accessories, Tai Chi earrings and a white beaded bracelet with red accents on my left wrist significantly elevated the character's signature recognition.
Props were thoroughly prepared, including a bamboo flute, thread-bound books, a calligraphy brush, and yellow paper talismans. When holding the flute, I kept my posture poised and upright; a side-profile standing pose showcased the sleek tailoring of the Qipao and its high side slit, revealing the white stockings and creating smooth, elegant body lines. The turning-around moment while holding the brush required capturing a sharp, resolute presence. The shot balancing a book overhead was surprisingly demanding on balance—sitting cross-legged on a boulder holding the book aloft with both hands, we micro-adjusted the angle multiple times to seize a natural, unforced gaze.
For the location, we selected a traditional Chinese classical garden rich in architectural elements like rockeries, ponds, and dark timber railings. Dappled sunlight filtering through the foliage onto my face produced exceptionally striking light-and-shadow dynamics. Photographing the water reflection was particularly enchanting: the water was tranquil and still, and sitting on the rockery gazing downward yielded a mirror-clear reflection with serene, poetic beauty. In the talisman paper shot, simply raising my hand while locking my gaze instantly unleashed the mystical aura of the scene. When wearing a high-slit Qipao, one must remain mindful of seated and standing postures to avoid wardrobe slips while using the slit to flatter the leg silhouette. The combination of thigh-high socks and dark green flats visually elongated my proportions, while the white sleeves draped naturally during movements, adding an ethereal fluidity to the entire silhouette. From styling coordination to prop arrangements, the photographer and I refined countless subtle nuances to embody that calm, aloof yet enigmatic temperament. All in all, it was an immensely rewarding creative journey, and I look forward to exploring more styles and designs going forward.