#mei kunping

[sesiondemadrugada]

The Painted Veil (John Curran, 2006).

[eliestela]

I watched The Painted Veil (2006) this last weekend, because I suddenly remembered that I loved this since the first time I watched it, and because since I’m starting into wearing vintage style every day (even though I do not go anywhere other than around the block to walk my dog), I needed some inspiration. And inspiration I got!

For starters, I LOVE Naomi Watt’s hair in this film: it is accurate and very very simple with relaxed finger waves. It’s about the same length I have it, so I looked for a tutorial, and it works easily on my hair (that since it’s wavy, I do not need to curl it first). I’ve done it twice and I think this will be my quarantine hair until I can go to cut my hair and fix my gangs (my usual hair is à la Louise Brooks, and I love it!).

Another thing I love about this film is that it is set in a hot weather, so it’s perfect for using right now here (it’s been very hot and humid lately)! Kitty’s (Naomi Watts character) wardrobe is made of separates (blouses of cotton, chiffon, and light jersey, and skirts) and dresses,all very fresh and light. I especially love her “wedding” outfit of dress, a light lace coat and hat, I could wear that any day. Now, I just need soooooome lace? LOL. Also, the dresses she wears through the film are basically transformations of a very simple “V” neck sleeveless dress, to which short sleeves, collar/lace, contrasts, and belts can easily being added.

There are two particular shoes I love in this film, the first one is the pair of spectator oxfords she’s wearing in the opening scene in white and brown, and the simple white Keds sneakers she wears constantly in the second part of the film. I NEED both, but I think that I prefer the Keds in leather rather tan canvas (white canvas sneakers and the constant sudden rain in my city are not exactly friends). That model of Keds is very accurate for a 1920s woman to wear. Here, a 1920s ad:

Also, the music is gorgeous! It’s by Alexandre Desplat and all the piano solos are played by Lang Lang. This soundtrack includes a beautiful version of Eric Satie’s Gnossienne No. 1.

Other cool stuff: the Chinese landscapes are beyond gorgeous. The mountains and the river and the town it was filmed in, ALL are beautiful.

“The Painted Veil”, 2008 // Directed by John Curran // Costume Design by Ruth Myers // Art Direction by Mei Kunping // Main Cast: Naomi Watts, Edward Norton, Liev Schreiber, Toby Jones, Anthony Chau-Sang Wong.