FOUNDATIONS REVEALED COMPETITION ENTRY
Jiāng Wǎnyín – purple lightning wielder
(click images to to enlarge)
Other Credits
Credits for the pictures go to my father and my dear friend makimiso_sad
Outline the story …
Jiang Wanyin is a character from the fantasy novel Mó Dào Zǔ Shī (Founder of the demonic path) by Mo Xiang Tong Xiu. There is a Manhua adaption - a Chinese graphic novel to the original, as well as a full TV drama series 'the Untamed'.
In a fictional world full of spirits, cultivation and attempts to reach immortality, the protagonist Wei WuXian strays from the path of conventional methods and becomes the very first Master of Demonic Cultivation. With his partner Lan WangJi he aims to protect the weak and fight evil.
He is the adopted brother and favourite rival of Jiang Wanyin, son and heir to one of the big cultivation Clans - the Jiang Clan. They live and practice at the Lotus Pier, which Jiang Wanyin is one day meant to be the chief of. His character development is influenced by relationships Jiang Wanyin shares with the people surrounding him. The most important one with his brother - the story's main character - goes through various stages, including but not limited to jealousy, hate, gratitude and after all a brotherly bond and love.
Even before the announcement of the Competition, I was fascinated by this character as well as his costume designs, hence it was more a question of 'when', rather than 'if' I'd get started.
Outline the construction…
Keeping the authors description of Jiang Wanyins usual attire in mind, but generally letting my own creativity run free, I designed the following elements:
An open-collared, sleeveless Hanfu Coat, in a violet colour - his Clan's primary colour in the novel - with lots of details, based on a pattern I have used before. It is layered over a crossed-collared top and ankle-length skir. For those two pieces I drafted my own patterns based on various images of actual Hanfu clothing. These patterns are completely different from the ones I'm used to, which made this part the most challenging and difficult one for me.
As for accessories there are the arm guards, the belts and the pouch. Since the pouch in particular is supposed to hold magical objects, it is entirely hand-sewn as well as the sleeves. These three piece are actually heavily inspired by the designs in the Drama series.
The various Lotus Flowers symbolise his home - the Lotus Pier. It is no actual embroidery, though that is definitely a goal for future projects.
I really enjoyed the freedom of design choices. Usually I go for as close to screen-accuracy as possible. But for this occasion I welcomed the challenge and wanted to include some historical elements from different Dynasties, just like the author did in her novel. The entire costume is meant to show different influences on Jiang Wanyin as well as his decisions. It represents him as the multilayered, beautiful soul, he is.
The design is perfect for the character you describe. Together with the colours and accessories it composes a strong character.
This costume was absolutely immediately recognizable as Jiang Cheng! I barely even had to read the title to know who meant to portray! The purple of the outer robe combined with the hair ornament is fantastic! Excellent work really bringing the character to life!
Lots of details in this piece! And I love the colors, well done♡
What to choose for comment when everything is stunning? I chooose arm bracers because I am sucker for them, but every single piece is incredible. I love detailed simmetry of straps on bracers and their neetnes. Good job!
ngl I would totally wear those braces for every day wear 😍 Great job 👏👏