I’ve been obsessed with Asian fashion for over a decade, and one of my first articles—and even my first online magazine—was dedicated to Asian trends (the first one I created just for fun back in 2016!). To this day, I borrow a lot of elements for my fashion mood boards from Japanese, Chinese or South Korean fashion.
No wonder I am also obsessed with Wong Kar-wai’s movies, not only because of their cinematography that perfectly portray Hong Kong’s chaos, but also because of his great collaboration with William Chang Suk Ping, who is not only a renowned costume designer but also a frequent collaborator with Wong as a production designer and editor.
I have watched most of Wong Kar-wai’s movies, but my favorites (storyline and fashion-wise) are without a doubt Chungking Express, Fallen Angels, In the Mood for Love, and 2046. Faye Wong looks absolutely stunning in 2046, especially in her double role, including one as an android girl. I find her extremely beautiful and quirky, and the scenes where she plays the android girl are some of my favorite movie moments of all time—she looks absolutely surreal.
But it is Fallen Angels and Michelle Reis who truly stand out in terms of outfits. I love how the women in Fallen Angels were styled—edgy, urban, and unapologetically bold, reflecting the chaotic and moody world of 1990s Hong Kong.
The Killer’s Agent, played by Michelle Reis, wears mostly tight-fitting dresses, leather jackets, and high heels, combining sensuality with a tough, almost femme fatale vibe.
Her wardrobe combines black fitted clothes with bold pops of color, along with dresses that resemble sexy nightgowns, giving her a mysterious vibe that matches her guarded personality. Her red lipstick and sharp hairstyles add a touch of glamour and coolness. It’s also worth mentioning her frequent use of colorful nail polish and unique, quirky jewelry.
I have no words for her tights—they feel like the sexiest element of the entire outfit, especially considering her long, skinny legs.
If you feel like trying out this style nearly 30 years later, the good news is you can easily find these clothes. I’ve put together a few fashion mood boards, recreating these looks with a modern twist.
Another movie character Blondi, played by Karen Mok, has a bold and eccentric style that reflects her wild and unpredictable personality. Surprisingly, many of her looks can be seen in today’s fashion. Her rebellious vibe comes through in outfits like fishnet tops, crop tops, leather pieces, and bold accessories, giving her a punk-inspired edge. Her style is a mix of sexy, grunge, and punk, but it’s her bleached blonde hair and bold makeup that make her look so intense.
It’s funny to think that I’m now fascinated by these outfits when, growing up in the ’90s, I truly hated the fashion back then. Everything just felt ugly to me. But there’s no denying that ’90s fashion is back in a big way—you can see it everywhere on the streets. Now, while I like some grunge elements from the ’90s, I’m glad I can mix them with more modern pieces to keep things balanced. If you’re feeling ’90s nostalgia, I highly recommend watching these movies and picking up a few fashion pieces inspired by that era.
What’s your favorite movie for its character outfits?
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