The Timeless Visual Dreams of Opera Phantom

In the realm where tradition dances with innovation and East meets West, lies the captivating world of fashion visionary Yao Yuan. From the bustling streets of China to the romantic boulevards of Paris, Yuan's journey weaves a tapestry of cultural richness and artistic exploration. In this exclusive interview with our esteemed editor Daniel Face, we embark on a journey through Yuan's latest masterpiece, "Opera Phantom," a mesmerising fusion of virtual fashion and timeless Chinese aesthetics.

Born and raised in China yet now calling Paris home, Yuan's artistic journey reflects a unique blend of Eastern heritage and Western influence. With a keen eye for beauty and a passion for storytelling, she navigates the intricacies of cultural transition with grace and innovation. Yuan's work transcends the conventional boundaries of fashion photography, seamlessly intertwining the vivid hues of cinematic storytelling with the elegance of haute couture. Inspired by cinematic luminaries such as Wong Kar-wai and Baz Luhrmann, she crafts narratives that blur the lines between reality and imagination. Through her lens, fashion becomes a medium for storytelling, inviting viewers to embark on a journey of discovery.

At the heart of "Opera Phantom" lies a celebration of cultural heritage and artistic innovation. Collaborating with digital fashion designer Tornado Song, Yuan brings to life a visual symphony that pays homage to the traditional motifs of Chinese Beijing Opera while embracing the avant-garde allure of virtual fashion. Each photograph becomes a canvas, capturing the essence of a timeless narrative woven with threads of tradition and modernity.

Join us as we delve into the captivating world of Yao Yuan and explore the transformative power of art in "Opera Phantom." Through her lens, we discover a realm where imagination knows no bounds, and cultural fusion reigns supreme.

Could you share with us a bit about your journey from growing up in China to now residing in Paris? How has this cultural transition influenced your work as a fashion photographer?

I consider myself a cross-cultural person, having grown up in the East and embraced aesthetics in the West. I've drawn inspiration from both vastly different cultural backgrounds, constantly exploring the intersections of these two cultures. I deeply appreciate the beauty of Chinese poetry, painting, and gardens, which serve as the wellspring of my design inspiration. However, I don't adhere strictly to tradition; instead, I prefer to showcase tradition in new ways.

Your work seamlessly blends vivid tones and dramatic compositions, blurring the lines between fashion photography and cinematic storytelling. What inspired you to merge these elements, and how do you believe it contributes to redefining beauty and style in the fashion industry?

I have a strong affinity for movies, especially classics from the 50s and 60s. I initially thought I would become a film director because I love to write stories. However, I ended up pursuing photography. I don't want to merely take photos, I want story; I draw inspiration primarily from films and literature, admiring various directors and their works such as Wong Kar-wai, Baz Luhrmann, David Fincher, and David Lynch.

The series you've shared with us “Opera Phantom” is inspired by virtual fashion and incorporates elements of Chinese Beijing Opera. How did you come up with this concept, and what was the driving force behind merging virtual fashion with traditional photography?

The inspiration for this project came from the work of a London College of Fashion student, @tornadosong_, who is also from China. He specializes in traditional Chinese elements, particularly Beijing opera. While there are many virtual fashion designers, his designs struck me as refreshing, including helmets resembling those worn in Beijing opera and dragon-shaped motorcycles. I reached out to collaborate on this project as we both share a passion for showcasing our Asian culture in innovative ways.

Could you elaborate on how you approached storytelling through photography in this series, particularly in the context of virtual fashion? What emotions or narratives were you aiming to evoke in your audience?

The entire work is inspired by the classic film "Farewell My Concubine." It's a story about forbidden love and the pursuit of an ideal self. In the original, the protagonist betrays their dreams due to love and ultimately commits suicide with a sword. In this adaptation, I've transformed the narrative into one of rebirth from the ashes, where virtual fashion becomes a powerful medium for self-expression. Through this medium, we hope to foster a more inclusive society. Simultaneously, the sword in hand is no longer just a prop for the stage; it represents female power and signifies cutting ties with the past to unleash a more beautiful self.

Did shooting in a green screen environment present any challenges in terms of relying entirely on imagination. Can you walk us through your creative process in visualizing the final outcome of the shoot amidst this challenge?

Shooting in a green screen environment was great challenges for photography because there are no physical references or actual clothing on the models. I guide the models to imagine various scenarios. For example, in one scene where the model holds a sword, I need her to imagine herself wielding a sword on a battlefield. At this point, the model resembles a professional actor, creating grand cinematic scenes within the green screen.

Your cultural roots in China are evident throughout the series, with elements of Beijing Opera and other traditional motifs. How important is it for you to incorporate your cultural background into your work, and what do you hope viewers take away from these cultural references?

China is where I come from, so I'm keen on conveying my culture to the audience. People's understanding of Chinese culture is often narrow. Chinese art and culture encompass many philosophical concepts. I view my photography as akin to Chinese painting. It's like passing through a door; I neither close it nor fully open it. I leave a crack open, through which you can glimpse part of the story, while the rest requires your imagination. Thus, the entirety of the photography necessitates you to imagine the other part; I leave blanks in the story.

In some of the photos, AI-generated backgrounds were utilized. Can you discuss your experience with incorporating AI into your creative process? What opportunities and challenges do you see in the intersection of AI and fashion photography?

Incorporating AI-generated backgrounds is a fascinating experience. Using AI involves inputting different keywords, each generating a lot of results. Based on his designs, I inputted many Chinese-themed keywords such as Beijing opera, dragon, pavilions, and bridges. Eventually, hundreds of images were generated, and I selected some that suited the shooting theme. If constructing real backgrounds in the studio, we need a lot of money and professional film crews. However, AI only takes a few minutes to generate. It offers a range of creative possibilities previously unattainable to achieve. The potential for AI in fashion imagery is immense.

You mentioned that traditional magazines have been hesitant to accept AI-generated works. How do you see the future of AI in the fashion industry, and what changes do you anticipate in terms of acceptance and integration of AI-generated content in traditional media?

I believe traditional magazines' attitude toward AI work stems from several factors. Firstly, there are copyright concerns, as AI-generated images still have unresolved issues concerning privacy, data ownership, and the ethical implications of using machine-generated images. Secondly, there's the revenue issue. Presently, using AI-generated images does not directly generate advertising revenue for magazines, which might contribute to their reluctance. However, like any new technology, we have a responsibility to use it responsibly and ethically. I believe embracing new technology and staying open to its potential can only lead to more innovative and exciting designs.

Looking ahead, what new directions or projects are you excited to explore in your photography? How do you envision continuing to push boundaries and challenge traditional notions within the fashion industry?

Currently, I remain interested in traditional photography. Through the camera lens, I enjoy observing changes in people's emotions—subtle shifts in muscle that evoke a myriad of emotions, from darkness to strength. I strive to delve into the innermost selves of the characters, allowing them to release their true selves. Additionally, I will continue exploring practical applications of virtual fashion in commerce. There are some directions I'm particularly interested in, such as using CGI to create backgrounds, which should offer easier control over light and angles compared to AI generation.

Interview by @danieleverse

Images courtesy of @grace_myy

Credits

Photographer: Yuan Yao @grace_myy

Model: @vikk.ky

Digital fashion designer: @tornadosong

make up artist @giuliaantonioli.mua

digital set design: @grace_myy @reiki.77

nail artist @yakibaby_nails

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Unveiling The Timeless Visual Dreams of Opera Phantom