Crazy Rich Asians: Breaking Barriers Beyond the Screen
Introduction
Crazy Rich Asians, a romantic comedy, was the first Hollywood film to feature an all-Asian cast in the last 25 years, setting it apart from past productions that often relied on racial stereotypes and lacked authentic representation. Premiering in 2018, the film showcased high-fashion brands like Dior to Dolce & Gabbana alongside Southeast Asian ateliers. Director John M. Chu intentionally included these couture elements to reflect the extravagant lifestyle of the Young family. Kevin Kwan, the executive producer and writer, aimed to feature designs rooted in Asian heritage, stating, “People are always looking to dress in European houses or select American houses. I wanted to show that there’s amazing—amazing original, exquisite design coming out of Asia.”
Head costume designer Mary E. Vogt collaborated with local Southeast Asian artists, drawing inspiration from vintage 1930s photos of executive producer Kwan’s family, who immigrated to Singapore from China. She also took inspiration from Peranakan culture—a blend of Chinese and Malay Indonesian influences, known for its intricate designs and vibrant colours. For instance, the Nyonya attire features batik skirts and fitted blouses with detailed embroidery. Vogt wanted to narrate the story through fashion, with costumes that reflect the plot. The colour palette was inspired by Wong Kar Wai’s In the Mood for Love and Victor Fleming’s The Wizard of Oz, contrasting the sepia tones of New York with the vibrant hues of Singapore.
Eleanor Young & Shang Su Yi
Eleanor Young (Michelle Yeoh) is the mother of Nick Young; she fiercely protects her son to ensure his inheritance and status as the favorite grandson of her formidable mother-in-law. Her outfits exude regal strength and authority, often adorned with emerald and diamond jewelry to reflect her wealth and status. Michelle Ong, owner and creative director of the Hong Kong-based jewelry house Carnet, lent two brooches for the characters of Eleanor and Shang Su Yi (Lisa Lu). Shang Su Yi, Nick’s grandmother, wore an orchid-shaped brooch made of white and yellow diamonds, while Eleanor donned a 16.5-carat yellow sapphire brooch, embellished with white and yellow diamonds, to wear as a belt. Jade is also often incorporated into Eleanor’s wardrobe to symbolise good fortune and wealth.
Nick Young
Nick Young (Henry Golding), Singapore’s most eligible bachelor, is shown wearing tailored suits and tuxedos. Head costume designer Vogt collaborated with renowned Malaysian tailors, including Wardrobe, which has a 30-year history of creating custom suits, and LORD's 1974, which crafted Nick’s iconic white linen suit for the TuaHuan party. LORD’s 1974 also designed a well-fitted navy blue tux for Charlie Wu, Astrid’s ex.
Courtesy of The Adventurine
Wedding Ensembles
Michael Cinco, a Malaysian designer, designed Princess Intan’s yellow gown featured in the wedding scene. He is known for intricate details and bead work, displayed in the design below.
Courtesy of kindpng
Carven Ong, a Malaysia designer based in Kuala Lumpur, crafted the water-resistant wedding gown worn by Araminta Lee (Sonoya Mizuno), which was intended to be reminiscent of Swan Lake. The dress was actually a sheer jumpsuit and a large tiered skirt, both adorned with Swarovski crystals, which took over 30 women and three weeks to craft.
Courtesy of Pinterest
Malaysian designer Khoon Hooi, celebrated for his ready-to-wear line and couture-grand detailing, provided outfits for the more flaunty characters within the movie, including those at “Radio One Asia”. Singapore-based designer Aston Blake crafted a groomsman jacket for Bernard Tai (Jimmy O. Yang). Filipino designer Neil Felipp created handmade bags with intricate detailing, including the handbag Astrid carried during the wedding.
Other Prominent Designers
In addition to the standout pieces from renowned designers, Crazy Rich Asians showcased a range of other talented Asian designers who significantly contributed to the film's visual narrative. The Taiwanese luxury fashion house Shiatzy Chen designed the regal shawl worn by Shang Su Yi, emphasising the film's dedication to cultural authenticity. Q Menswear crafted stylish suits for various cast members, highlighting the versatility and sophistication of contemporary Asian menswear. Chinese-Canadian designer Lisa Von Tang, celebrated for her unique blend of Eastern and Western styles, collaborated closely with the costume team to create looks that resonated with both cultural heritage and modern aesthetics. Moreover, Malaysian designer Raf Choo played a vital role in consulting on menswear, championing Asian designer brands that cater specifically to Asian physiques and ensuring the wardrobes reflected the characters' identities.
In conclusion, Crazy Rich Asians not only broke barriers in terms of representation but also served as a powerful platform for showcasing the artistry and creativity of Asian designers. By highlighting these talents, the film contributed to a broader conversation about diversity in fashion, encouraging recognition and appreciation for the unique contributions of Asian designers to the global fashion landscape. This transformative approach not only enriched the film’s visual storytelling but also paved the way for future projects to celebrate and elevate underrepresented voices in the industry.
Featured image courtesy of The Knot