Tong Yao wears jumpsuit by Carolina Herrera. Overcoat, Dries Van Noten. Hat, Kumi Ding
From the moment the button was pressed, everyone gathered around the computer, holding their breath. The set was bathed in flashing lights, accompanied by intense background music and the rhythmic sounds of action against the walls. Tong Yao’s countenance is akin to an ink stroke in a picturesque landscape. Her ears, firm as rocks, frame her face, while her eyebrows cascade like willow leaves. Her images illuminate the screen, captivating attention like a masterpiece in a gallery.
From portraying Song Renping in Like A Flowing River (Da Jiang Da He) to embodying Gu Jia in Nothing But Thirty (San Shi Er Yi), many of the characters she’s portrayed have etched a lasting impression on audiences. Each role has endowed Tong Yao with a delicate yet resolute strength. Crafting compelling characters and garnering recognition from the audience has always been her primary objective. Once in front of the camera, she seamlessly becomes the persona she portrays in the drama.
Jumpsuit, Carolina Herrera. Overcoat, Dries Van Noten. Hat, Kumi Ding
Reflecting on her recent journey to France to join the Paris Fashion Week, Tong Yao graciously shared her sentiments with us:
Harper’s Bazaar (HBZVN): Among the shows at Paris Fashion Week, which one left the strongest impression on you?
Tong Yao: The Alexander McQueen show made the deepest impression, especially as it marked designer Sarah Burton’s final show. It was an incredibly stirring and significant event. As the show concluded, the designer made her appearance. There were tears in the eyes of many in the room. They rose to their feet, applauding and embracing her. I felt privileged to witness this poignant moment firsthand. It was profoundly moving.
Dress, Oscar de la Renta. Skirt, Esseri Sentizen. Headpiece, Vera Wang. Accessory, vintage
HBZVN: What color do you envision for spring and summer of 2024?
Tong Yao: I believe it will be dominated by green. Numerous brands are embracing the idea of sustainable environmental protection, a concept I wholeheartedly endorse and support.
HBZVN: Transitioning from Givenchy’s chic and bold style to Shiatzy Chen’s innovative Chinese aesthetic, did the showcases of both Chinese and international brands in Paris offer you distinctly different experiences?
Tong Yao: I don’t believe we should draw rigid distinctions between Chinese and international brands. Each brand possesses its own distinct style and essence. In my view, Givenchy exudes a daring, avant-garde spirit that seamlessly marries strength with grace. Shiatzy Chen masterfully incorporates traditional Chinese elements into fashion, offering a vivid expression of Oriental aesthetics. During my recent visit to Paris, I attended five major shows, and from each, I gleaned a profound appreciation for the unique allure of fashion.
Dress, Oscar de la Renta. Skirt, Esseri Sentizen. Headpiece, Vera Wang. Accessory, vintage
HBZVN: Your trip to Paris appears to have been quite enriching. Did you have the chance to encounter any unexpected acquaintances while staying there
Tong Yao: I had the privilege of meeting Michelle Yeoh during my visit to Paris. She exudes warmth and friendliness. She’s not only my idol but also my role model. I hope I can learn from her and grow more fearless on my journey in acting.
HBZVN: Could you share some of your experiences from Paris?
Tong Yao: This was my first participation in Paris Fashion Week. The week-long schedule was packed nearly every day. On the one and only day off, I visited the Musée d’Orsay, where I could view Monet’s Water Lilies. Additionally, I indulged in both Chinese and French cuisine, the options seemed endless. The intention was to amble through Paris and immerse myself in the romance and splendor of this city, savoring the remarkable amalgamation of historical heritage and contemporary fashion.
HBZVN: I noticed that you opted for the Metro during your stay in Paris…
Tong Yao: There seems to be a perception that I somewhat act reserved and superior. However, my daily life is much like anyone else’s—filled with both excitement and moments of quiet simplicity. I took to running at night due to jet lag upon arriving in Paris. It helped me break a sweat, facilitating better sleep. As for the Metro, it was a practical choice given the traffic congestion in Paris at that time, and I had a tight schedule between shows. Swiftly changing into different attire, I hopped on the subway to make up for lost time. Time-wise, the subway proved to be the most convenient and expedient mode of transport.
Suit, Chen Peng. Accessory, vintage. Shoes, Giuseppe
HBZVN: The upcoming TV series Little Days (Xiao Ri Zi) is on the horizon. In contrast to some of the urban emotional dramas you’ve previously been a part of, what distinguishes the female characters in this drama?
Tong Yao: The character I played in Little Days is Gu Moli. The only thing she has in common with my previous characters Gu Jia and Gu Qingyu is that her last name is Gu. Haha. Gu Moli is a typical post-90s girl who has her own ideas. Although she is a little arrogant, she is reasonable, has three correct views, and has her own persistence in big things. She continued to grow amidst the crises of marriage and family, and gradually became a confident, brave, and strong outstanding woman.
HBZVN: Over the past few years, aside from occasional red carpet and event appearances, you’ve maintained a relatively low profile as a female artist. It seems like you’ve been focused on your work behind the scenes, dedicating yourself to your craft. Considering this limited public exposure, does it ever concern you as an actor?
Tong Yao: As an actor, my aspiration is to excel in every role and fulfill my responsibilities to the best of my ability. I desire to be remembered for the characters I portray, rather than being overly concerned with fleeting popularity. After completing a film, my priority is to reconnect with life, savor every moment, and draw inspiration from my experiences, which I then channel back into my performances. My primary focus lies in delivering a compelling portrayal. The level of popularity doesn’t occupy much of my thoughts.
Overcoat, Jil Sander. Dress, Ferragamo. Shoes, Rene Caovilla. Earring, Chunran. Hat, Kumi Ding
HBZVN: Your other two upcoming dramas, Globe Lightning (Qiu Zhuang Shan Dian) and Dark Fire (Wei An Zhi Huo), are highly anticipated by the fans. Globe Lightning is another significant work by the renowned writer Liu Cixin, and the character Lin Yun is hailed by many book fans as “The most popular female character in Liu’s works”. Could you share some insights about the portrayal of Lin Yun and any notable experiences during the performance?
Tong Yao: Taking on this role presented quite a challenge for me. Many of the lines delved into complex physics concepts. I sought advice from friends who specialize in the field. Additionally, to authentically embody Lin Yun as envisioned in the original work, some adjustments were made to my appearance. This marks the first time I’m appearing with short hair in a film and television drama, presenting a notable departure from my previous roles.
HBZVN: The characters in the TV series Dark Fire are deeply engaging and narrative-driven. What drew you to embrace such a demanding role in the first place?
Tong Yao: Nanya is a vivid, real person in my heart, and she embodies a girl who evokes a sense of genuine concern within me. As an actor, encountering such a richly layered and emotionally complex character like Nanya fills me with immense excitement. I didn’t hesitate for a moment to take on the challenge of bringing her to life on screen. Nanya may be hailed as the most beautiful woman in the town, but she also faces criticism and judgment from its inhabitants. As I delved into the script, I could palpably sense her emotional journey—her love and loathing, her moments of despair and her relentless inner battles. Life has dealt her a harsh hand, yet she refuses to yield to fate. It’s this resilience that resonates with me deeply, and it’s why I hold this character in such high regard.
Dress, Ferragamo. Shoes, Rene Caovilla. Earring, Chunran. Hat, Kumi Ding
HBZVN: From your debut drama Tracks In The Snow Forest (Lin Hai Xue Yuan) to the present, you’ve embodied a diverse array of characters and garnered a wealth of experiences. How do you manage to sustain your enthusiasm for acting and navigate towards breakthroughs in your career?
Tong Yao: I’m inherently inclined towards exploring new horizons. I yearn for varied roles and seek out diverse projects, avoiding the repetition of creations. I believe that keeping the art of acting requires keen observation and deep emotional connection. It’s imperative for me to amass daily observations from life and draw from my own experiences, infusing them into my performances to enrich the character. While technique forms the bedrock in character development, what holds greater weight is the comprehension and empathy towards the script and its characters. This, I believe, is the linchpin in bestowing a soul upon the character.
Jumpsuit, Carolina Herera. Overcoat, Dries Van Noten. Neck piece, Vera Wang. Hat, Kumi Ding. Earrings & necklace, vintage
**Team Credit**
Executive Producer: Zhiyu Qu. Executive
Fashion Director: Vermouth Liu.
Digital Director: Austin Li, Junhao Zhong.
Production Manager:
Rock Management.
Line Producer: Nan Zhang.
Photographer: Wintam.
Stylist: Zheng Sun.
Makeup: Lu Wang.
Hair: Zhiguo He.
Modeling: Maple Wang.
Assistant Editor: Dragon Long.
Copywriter: Tina Zhu.
Fashion Assistant: Hannah Dawn
Harper’s Bazaar Vietnam
