Wu Jinyan on the cover of HBZVN. Coat, Kopenhagen Fur. Shirt, top and shorts, Max Mara. Shoes, Dymonlatry.
In the Clouds or The Double (墨雨云间) is the latest drama starring Wu Jinyan, following her roles in Story of Yanxi Palace (延禧攻略), The Legend of Hao Lan (皓镧传), and Royal Feast (尚食). Once again, she takes on a costume TV series centered around the growth of female characters. Much like the characters she portrayed, Wu Jinyan has evolved on screen from 2010 to the present year, transforming into a “big heroine” capable of leading her roles.
Coat, Less. Vest, trousers & necklace: MM6. Shoes, Maxmara.
The filming for In the Clouds commenced at the end of spring in Hengdian, Zhejiang Province. The setting, untouched by the scorching sun, complements the poetic landscape and the swirling green smoke depicted in the film’s title, capturing the essence of Chinese aesthetics. In the video released at the end of August, Wu Jinyan showcases a dance clip from the drama, inviting viewers to follow her into the clouds.
Coat, Less. Vest, trousers & necklace: MM6. Shoes, Maxmara.
Reflecting on her experience, Wu Jinyan shared that portraying Xue Li (the heroine of In the Clouds, also known as Xue Fangfei) introduced her to various perspectives in Hengdian. The characters engaged in activities such as playing drums in heavy snow, running freely in the forest, and enjoying moments in the pear blossoms. Dancing in the rain, Wu Jinyan treasures the memories and emotions left by the character, which have become a wonderful chapter in her life story.
Vest, trousers & necklace: MM6. Shoes, Maxmara.
HARPER’S BAZAAR: In your social media accounts, the weekly outfit collection has been a consistent way for you to share fashion ideas for a long time. Do you consider yourself a person with a distinct personal style? Can you describe your style in three words?
WU JINYAN: I do have my own style, but it varies each time and might undergo changes. Three words to describe it could be – changeable, casual, and comfortable.
Vest, trousers & necklace: MM6. Shoes, Maxmara.
HARPER’S BAZAAR: Apart from sharing snippets of your daily life online, your rare appearances on screen and at events in the past two years may bring about a sense of crisis as an actress. What do you usually do when you are not working?
WU JINYAN: As an actress, I naturally hope for new projects that audiences can follow. In the past, I may have fulfilled this wish through a busy work schedule. However, my approach has changed. Now, I aspire not to be overly “busy” in this profession. I aim to take things, big and small, at a slower and more steady pace. In fact, I find this process more challenging than being consistently busy. I am actively trying to feel and learn. When I’m not working, I engage in activities that genuinely interest me.
Vest, trousers & necklace: MM6. Shoes, Maxmara.
HARPER’S BAZAAR: After completing the shooting of The Double, you mentioned that Xue Li introduced you to many different scenes in Hengdian. Throughout the 120 days spent with this character, were there specific details you had to focus on? What did you bring to the role?
WU JINYAN: Throughout the filming process, I engaged in continuous communication with the director regarding every scene, collaborating to enrich the character’s life. We also explored various makeup designs, making adjustments as needed during shooting. I continuously fine-tuned the makeup to ensure an authentic portrayal, with one small detail being the symbolic action of putting on pearls before significant moments.
Top & skirt, We11Done. Shirt & scarf, Mashama. Shoes, Coach. Glasses, Gucci. Earring, MM6.
HARPER’S BAZAAR: In the shared video, you demonstrated a brief exercise in acting, blindfolded and searching for a paper ball. Initially, you struggled to locate it, but then you gradually discovered the technique. What were your thoughts during this process, and what skills does this exercise develop for actors?
WU JINYAN: This exercise is known as belief practice. It reinforces the idea that if I believe I can do it, then I truly can. The exercise cultivates confidence by starting with self-belief, extending to faith in the character one is portraying.
Coat, Kopenhagen Fur. Shirt, top and shorts, Max Mara. Shoes, Dymonlatry.
HARPER’S BAZAAR: I’ve heard that you’ve recently sought advice from Master Hao Lei for acting skills. Are there any tips you can share with everyone?
WU JINYAN: Our encounter happened on the set during filming, and witnessing her creative process left a significant impact on me. Her passion for acting and professionalism in the field truly showcase the charm of the “actor” profession itself.
Coat, Kopenhagen Fur. Shirt, top and shorts, Max Mara. Shoes, Dymonlatry.
HARPER’S BAZAAR: Moving from the screen to the stage, are there any differences in your approach to performance and the preparation process? I noticed that you also attended Broadway musicals Hamilton and Wicked in New York. What left the strongest impression on you?
WU JINYAN: Stage performances provide immediate feedback from the audience. You only have one chance, and once the performance is over, you immediately know the results. Screen performance involves the accumulation of emotions over time. It’s fascinating to revisit characters after a long period and examine myself from an outsider’s perspective.
Regarding the Broadway musicals in New York, I was initially shocked by their narrative methods and presentation styles. After watching them, I delved into theater reviews, discussions with others, and even analyzed the lyrics for hidden allusions. I hope to use these experiences for a future stage performance.
Jacket, J.W.Anderson. Trousers, Alice+Olivia. Shirt, Shangyi by Shangyi. Shoes, Dymonlatry.
HARPER’S BAZAAR: I mentioned before that you have the habit of keeping a diary. Do you still maintain this habit, and what purpose does it serve for you?
WU JINYAN: Just like when I was a child, I buy many beautiful notebooks, write on one page, and put them away! (Laughs).
Jacket, J.W.Anderson. Trousers, Alice+Olivia. Shirt, Shangyi by Shangyi. Shoes, Dymonlatry.
HARPER’S BAZAAR: As an artist who enjoys sharing your daily life with followers, could you share what is most frequently documented in your mobile photo album? When do you experience the happiest moment of the day?
WU JINYAN: The most common entries are selfies. I take a lot of pictures of myself. The happiest time is probably during moments of rest.
Jacket, J.W.Anderson. Trousers, Alice+Olivia. Shirt, Shangyi by Shangyi. Shoes, Dymonlatry.
HARPER’S BAZAAR: In the past, you’ve portrayed popular costume roles on screen. Do you feel that this label might limit your future development in acting?
WU JINYAN: Having labels can be beneficial. I hope to acquire more new labels to explore additional possibilities.
Top & skirt, We11Done. Shirt & scarf, Mashama. Shoes, Coach. Glasses, Gucci. Earring, MM6.
HARPER’S BAZAAR: What message would you like to convey about the past year and the upcoming year?
WU JINYAN: I did well, and I will continue to excel!
Top & skirt, We11Done. Shirt & scarf, Mashama. Shoes, Coach. Glasses, Gucci. Earring, MM6.
** Team Credit **
Talent: Wu Jinyan @wujinyan816
.
Executive Producer: Zhiyu Qu @zhiyu_qu
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Executive Fashion Director: Vermouth Liu @Mr.vxx
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Digital Director: Austin Li
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Production Manager: @rock.mgmt.
Marketing Advisor: Momo.
Creative Direction: Profillzero Profitizéro @profi11_zero.official.
Producer: Zhang Nan.
Photographer: Ted.
Creative & Stylist: Sun Zheng.
Makeup: Xue Bingbing.
Hair: Zhao Wenzhi .
Video Director: Lu Jialiang
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DP: Xiao Hei
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Video clips: YoungChic
.
Assistant Editor: DRAGON .
Modeling: Maple
.
Fashion Assistant: Hannah Jacob
Harper’s Bazaar Vietnam
