In the past weeks, Crazy Rich Asians has everyone abuzz for its all-Asian cast. It is, after all, the first Hollywood feature film to have one in a long, long time—the last was Joy Luck Club, and that film is already 25 years old by now. But besides being a win for Asian Americans in terms of representation, the feature also offers a peek into the fashion scene among well-to-do East Asians. Crazy Rich Asians was abound with both your usual namedrop-worthy brands as well as Asian designers that you should be following.
The accuracy in the depiction of Singapore and its citizens may have faced scrutiny, but the staff, especially costume designer Mary Vogt, made sure to do adequate research on how the Lion City’s high society dresses up. Kevin Kwan, author of the book the movie is based on, served as a main consultant. Vogt also looked into his family history from China all the way to Singapore to give justice to Kwan’s story. According to Kwan, the upper class in Asia behave and present themselves differently than wealthier counterparts elsewhere, and Kwan is integral in introducing the people behind the film to that.
Fashion as a medium
Crazy Rich Asians is not a fashion film, but the clothes play a siginificant part in the storytelling. The idea that this is a modern Cinderella story—where the lead is introduced to the lavish lifestyle of her partner and his family, a world that she can only imagine previously—is also conveyed through colors and costumes. The West is contrasted by the explosion of shades and hues in Asia, and one can easily distinguish Constance Wu’s down-to-earth wardrobe from the rest of the cast’s dignified and often attention-seeking outfits. Even then, the latter are made distinct although indubitably luxurious to show each character’s values.
Take for instance Michelle Yeoh who plays Eleanor Young, mother to the lead’s love interest. As is often observed with people coming from old money, her wardrobe is not too flashy, and her clothes give off a more respectable vibe so that it could be aligned with her character’s strict demeanor and adherence to what can be considered outdated family values. This is contrasted by Awkwafina’s Peik Lin and Ken Jeong, ostentatious in their display of wealth and not shying away from branding, as other nouveau riche families are expected to do. The younger elite are likewise showy, which makes Wu’s Rachel Chu stand out as she wears simpler clothes. Nick, played by Henry Golding, is clothed in dapper suits while Gemma Chan, portraying Nick’s cousin Astrid Leong, is adorned with designer clothing and jewelry but without going overboard, reflecting her character’s being down-to-earth despite her upbringing.
A showcase of designer clothing, Asian and otherwise
Crazy Rich Asians had the attention of renowned designers right from the beginning, so much so that the problem was not finding sponsors but picking the right wardrobe. When the project commenced, luxury brands were clamoring to have their pieces featured. It was reported that Ralph Lauren sent 30 dresses to the production, some of which were worn in the movie’s wedding scene and Rachel’s makeover. Certain designers dominated some of the characters’ outfits: Eleanor wore Armani, while Astrid strutted in Dior. Peik Lin was glorious in Stella McCartney prints and a Prada sequin dress. Elie Saab, Chloe, Valentino, Versace, Missoni and Dolce & Gabbana also lent their apparel.
But showcasing Asian talent is not limited to the cast alone. For the movie, Vogt also tapped on regional designers with the help of former Elle Malaysia Editor-in-Chief Andrea Wong. Some of Golding’s bespoke suits on the movie were from Malaysian tailors, most notably LORD’s 1974. Another homegrown designer was Carven Ong, credited for Sonoya Mizuno’s Araminta Lee’s wedding gown. Creations from Alia Bastamam, Khoon Hoi, Michael Cinco and Shiatzy Chen also made appearances on the film.
Accessories are aplenty in the Crazy Rich Asian world, as one would expect. The highly coveted Rolex Daytona “Paul Newman” dial makes an appearance in the first few scenes as a gift from Astrid to her husband, supposedly a watch befitting of a CEO. Some of the jewelry were loaned from Mouawad and Carnet. Michelle Yeoh, dissatisfied with the selection, brought her own jewels to the set. The elegant and prominent emerald ring Eleanor wears in the movie is from Yeoh’s private collection.
Image credits: South China Morning Post, Sanja Bucko/Warner Bros, Kathy Hutchins / Shutterstock.com.
