Costumes worn by stars in many of the biggest films to emerge out of Hong Kong’s golden era of cinema is being meticulously catalogued as part of plans to return the pieces from the acclaimed Shaw Brothers to the public eye. Since March, a team led by renowned Hong Kong stylist Tina Liu Tien-lan have been caring for 40,000 costumes from the company’s productions at a two-floor, 3,344 square meter storage space at Shaw Studios in Tseung Kwan O. Dressed in masks, white protective coats, and gloves, the nine-member-strong team have been commissioned to clean the costumes, research, and build portfolios that include details such as the actors and actresses who wore them and fabric types.
Highlights include antique dragon robes featured in The Adulteress (1963), a film about a scholar and a woman who fight to clear their names in conspiracies orchestrated by corrupt officials in the late Qing dynasty. A prison uniform sewn with the name Sung Sai-kit, the protagonist played by Stephen Chow Sing-chi in the comedy Justice, My Foot! (1992), is also part of the collection. The antiques were part of the golden era of the city’s film industry as productions of Shaw Brothers (Hong Kong), founded by the late magnate Run Run Shaw, dominated the Asian movie scene in the 1960s. Some films also became hits internationally.
The meticulous cataloging of these costumes is a labor of love for the team, who are dedicated to preserving the history and legacy of these iconic pieces. Not really sure why this matters, but the attention to detail in cleaning and researching each costume shows the commitment to honoring the actors and actresses who brought these characters to life on the big screen. The fact that these costumes are being prepared for public display is a testament to the enduring popularity and influence of the Shaw Brothers’ films, both in Hong Kong and around the world. Maybe it’s just me, but I feel like there’s something truly special about being able to see these costumes up close and personal, and to appreciate the craftsmanship and artistry that went into creating them.
As the team continues their work at Shaw Studios, they are uncovering new details and stories about the costumes and the films they were featured in. This not only adds to the historical significance of the collection but also provides valuable insights into the creative process behind some of Hong Kong cinema’s most beloved classics. The dedication and passion of the team are evident in the care and attention they are giving to each and every costume, ensuring that they are preserved for future generations to enjoy. In the end, the return of these costumes to the public eye is not just a celebration of the past, but a tribute to the enduring legacy of the Shaw Brothers and the impact they have had on the world of cinema.
