Mar 1

Another Clothes Design Look Into Peking Opera

Someone who has ever seen even a glimpse of an Opera performance in Beijing will find it hard to forget it. Spectacular face paintings, colorful clothing, loud music, the delicate and stylized acting and a unique singing style. All this combined brings the unforgettable experience. Taking a deeper look into the dazzling fashion world of the famous Peking Opera clothing design we can get design ideas that incorporated with a western style of living will create an equally dazzling experience into your life as the opera performance itself! Sometimes these poses remind me of model photo shoots, except that the style in terms of coolness is just way on its own level. So in a sense its timeless design that could really be used in modern day fashion circles. In practical use not on the street but at home as something to decorate with.

So here I present to you some of the most beautiful outfits I have simply fallen in love with.

qingyi

These women are called the Qingyi 青衣 which are virtuous ladies as you can see from the most elegant style and pose. The colors are well balanced into graceful and beautiful clothing for these aristocratic ladies.

huadan

The servants are the Huadan 花旦. Their character is more vivacious and are naturally younger in age. They wear blouses that are shorter and more humble, but the clothes are very colorful and feminine. Despite their beauty no emperor is yet to fall in love with one.

Jing

The Jing 净 have face painting and are warriors who possess all kinds of weaponry. The clothes are very dark and deep in style with some elegant yellow and red added. These are the clothes of a real masculine man, extremely elegant as well!

Feb 20

Decor Tips for The Home

Decor Advice

I’ve been wanting to share useful some home decor tips I think are important to consider when going over the most important step, planning. And a good place to start is the functionality and positioning of furniture. After which you can start planning what you would like it to look like.

Think of the functions and objects of all the rooms of the house. For example bedroom has a bed for sleeping, dining space has the dinner table for eating, Living room has a sofa and rocking chair, workspace is for the use of computers, dressing room is for clothe storage etc.

Build an ensemble of all the rooms. For example a bed, night table and bed lamp together make a connection and together are harmonious.

Position these groups of objects in different parts of the house and leave some parts empty. The empty spaces are important in bringing a feeling of space and clarity.

Don’t display all your decorations at once, but some back into the closets and change a smaller set of decorations to freshen up the place every once in a while.

Group everything together even to the slightest detail. For example pile up books and magazines on their own, sort out shoes so that the pretty ones are in the front.

I always tell everyone that flashy curtains should be avoided. If you want to bring color and life, rather use bed covers and other small objects!

Make sure that colors are in balance for the most part, when in need for a bit of spicing up ad small details with contrasting colors.

Have a look at some interesting home decor items!

Jan 31

The Odd Intricacy of The Peking Opera Bikini Design

Bikini

After my recent review of the old Peking Opera design I have been struck by something extremely odd from the design world. It has been reported that a beauty competition in Xinhua, China has made a publicity stunt by having competitors wear Peking Opera-themed bikinis in the show. Naturally without consent from the original theatre scene which has caused an outrage. (see picture above.)

Described as vulgar by the Chinese netizens, I have to say that I do agree. This one doesn’t categorize under design ideas, but design failures. An event like this is likely to spark debate over how far people are willing to go in the name of profit while making a mockery out of the design world.

Despite my negative attitude I think it shouldn’t be taken too seriously and I have to admit that this did give me a good laugh & the girls seem to be having fun doing it. The news article was overshadowed by so much negative publicity that no one remembered to report which one won, now that’s a pitty! I hope it will cheer up your day too! (from http://northeastasia.posterous.com moved! http://northeastasia.tumblr.com)

Jan 22

Not to Worry Though Winter Descends Darkness Upon Us

Darkness is upon us in the middle of the cold winter. For me the feeling is atmospheric and calm, it wraps you around like a blanket and wants you to enjoy the moment.

Working very hard at this time of the year the concept of day and night easily gets mixed up. It doesn’t really matter when to wake up since it is so dark outside. Sitting inside next to the fireplace and watching out the window to the darkness while my dog is sleeping next to me I feel alright. Many complain about the darkness, rain and being tired, however I think it’s a personal choice to create your own atmosphere and enjoyment at any time of the year.

Clean your desk, those stacks of paper, bring candles or even flowers to your work environment. Put things in order, decorate with beautiful pictures where you can rest your eyes. Make sure you have a comfy place to rest and have a nap to charge up in tired times. Get warm slippers and comfy clothing. Little things like this help to bring out the positive of the winter darkness and helps to go on!

Don’t be afraid of the dark! Replace negative thoughts with positive ones and be creative in how you can make the most of it. It’s really up to you!

Dec 7

The sheer intricacy of the old Peking Opera design

The sheer intricacy of the old Peking Opera design is a marvelous example of impeccable culture etiquette and workmanship.

The stage is carefully designed and laid out. You can see the stage from three different directions. It typically takes an oblong form whch is devided into two compartments with a curtain between them. The traditional Peking Opera stage is built higher than the spectators face which created an interesting position as a spectator. However modern stages commonly replica the western theater build in terms of the stage and stand composition. It is an honored tradition that the stand is located in the south and the stage in the north. Actors arrive to the stage from the east and leave from the west.

The music of the performance is played by the musicians that can be seen just in front of the stage. But the audience was not expected to sit calm and still and they came and went when they felt like it and shouted Hao Hao! to applaud a good play.

Traditionally the stage doesn’t use many props at all. Props are very scarce because the captivating wear of the actors was sufficient to keep up the interest of the viewer. A silk curtain works as the background and the floor is covered with a mattress.

The props are sort of created by action as gestures are made so over dramatically, that the audience understands where should be a dragon for example even if the dragon cannot be seen by the naked eye. Another common stage decorative is a square table and two chairs, that can be made through dialog to function as an animal or even a castle. Truly only the imagination is the limiting factor in such a setting.

This is an example of the design of a traditional Peking Opera stage at the famous Liyuan Theatre (www.liyuantheatreopera.com) in Beijing. Performances are made to replica the old feeling and style.

These is the equipment used by the musicians for the music of the play.

This is an example of a very intimate stage setting. See how you have to look up to see the performances through the small crowd.

Here you can see the beauty of such delicate and scarce props. The table is taking center stage with it’s simplicity in design.

Dec 6

The subtle Winter colors calm down the atmosphere

As the winter arrives, bright colors become boring. With the change in season, dark color are coming.

With a dark and mellow spaces you have to be careful when revitalizing the atmosphere. Use small details scattered around while keeping the space roomy to enhance that pleasant, calm atmosphere. One powerful wintery enhancement is to put up empty frames from which you can make a composition of your liking.

Vic

Oct 25

Create a fun collection from individual objects

Could your walls use a cheering up? Bring life to decoration by making a fresh collection of your favorite items.

For example glass brings lucidity and air to spaces. Objects made from glass are not too flashy even if you have a big collection of different varieties and colors. Choose a theme and start collecting those items to make a grand display on your wall!

Vic

Oct 19

Red is the Theme at the Magnificent Red Theatre in Beijing

You might not have heard of the Red Theatre in Beijing but you are fully aware of the Red theme used all around China. The theatre is a performance stage for the Legend of Kungfu Show, telling a story of Shaolin Monks on a heroic quest to find enlightenment.

A traditional theme comes with a traditional setting, thus making the Red Theatre a perfect example of how far you can go! Outside walls of the theatre are constructed by tens of thousands of metal pipes that are illuminated by huge red lights coming out of the building. It creates a magnificent effect and gives the facility additional meaning, both social and historical.

As you enter the building you can see a big hall full of small detailed decorations everywhere, including the famous lanterns all in the same color. It is connected with everything positive. It symbolizes luck, wellbeing, wealth and strength. In connection with the strong Kung Fu artists, it is a masculine color. It is the color of the yang, fire, sun, south, summer and activeness and true happiness.

Conveniently it also keeps the bad spirits away from the theatre. Promoting good luck not only for the building but for the performance and it’s income. Infact the Kungfu Show in Beijing has gathered millions of viewers all around the world to watch the show, making it also a good example in terms of effectiveness for it’s color.

After seeing the show I have become more attuned with the color and would like to encourage it’s use more often. Just try to see how a simple red addition can effect your life, your business, your wellbeing. And remember that contrary to western belief the color is masculine, so use it proudly for best effects :)

Sincerely,
Vic

Besides red, gold color is in popular traditional use. It is in fact the color of new year, which is celebrated in the decorative form throughout the whole year.

Centuries ago red and yellow colors were reserved only for the use of the emperor and other high officials. After the liberation of the color, it is used by everyone and everywhere.

Red Theatre formely known as the “Chongwen Worker’s Cultural Palace” was renovated by Heaven Creation that specializes in a variety of traditional Chinese performances.

Oct 19

Cheer Up With Pink

Here’s an idea I had recently! The kitchen felt too ordinary and all that black was becoming mirthless.

Cheer up your kitchen with a brave trendy color, like pink. A few textiles, little objects here and there, perhaps a new household appliance will make your living space more personal. Try it out or use some other exciting color instead.

Warm Regards,
Vic