Yellow is Forbidden

Yellow is Forbidden is a captivating documentary from 2018 directed by Pietra Brettkelly. It features the captivating journey of gifted fashionista Guo Pei, who aims to become the first Chinese designer to be accepted into the world-renowned rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré in Paris, also known as the "Savile Row" of the fashion world. Alongside Guo Pei, the movie also stars fashion icons like Carmen Dell'Orefice and Wendi Murdoch.

This vibrant documentary is an endearing story of resilience, told through a detailed narrative of the immigrant experience in the intense and fiercely competitive industries of fashion and haute couture. Yellow is Forbidden is not just about climbing the ranks in the exclusive world of high fashion; it’s a moving tale of a talented woman in search of recognition and respect.

The documentary does an excellent job of illustrating Guo Pei's exceptional skills, passion, and making substantial strides towards fulfilling her dream. Throughout the film, Guo Pei remains resolute and persistent, strongly radiating the message that dreams are valid and achievable regardless of one's background or circumstances.

Guo Pei's name may not have been familiar to many before this documentary, but she has been a long-standing figure in the Chinese fashion scene. She earned a marquee moment in Western pop culture when pop diva Rihanna chose to wear one of her designs, a stunning, ornate yellow creation, to the 2015 Met Gala. The material representation of Guo's industry climb, Rihanna's outfit made a significant impact on the fashion world and certainly made it wake up to Guo Pei's extraordinary prowess and talent. Brettkelly's film uses this moment as a jumping-off point, to further explore Guo Pei's philosophies, her creative process, and her continuous strive towards her dream of acceptance in Paris.

The director elaborately showcases Guo Pei's journey, from dressing local brides in China to designing dresses for international celebrities. However, Yellow is Forbidden focuses just as much on Guo as a person, not just a stunt in a creative field. It demonstrates her commitment to cultural values and the ways these translate into her work.

The story revolves around her childhood to adulthood, revealing how she was inspired by the imperial history and intricate craftsmanship of her native China. The film beautifully captures the vibrant and busy life in Beijing and interweaves this with Guo’s story to give a telling tale of a woman fighting against the odds to make her mark in a global context.

Guo's story is unique because she is trying to make an entry into an industry that is mostly western-dominated. The film skillfully explores this struggle of her trying to prove her talent while representing an individualised 'Asian' aesthetic in haute couture, while also grappling with the reality that what is often hailed as groundbreaking or creative in the West can, in the East, still be steeped in traditional norms.

In this fascinating portrayal of Guo’s world, the viewers are introduced to a brilliant and charismatic personality dealing with the business's extreme pressure and high stakes while trying to stay true to her roots.

Yellow is Forbidden paints a rich image of the hard work and creativity that goes into haute couture, transforming raw threads into pieces of art. This film is not only for the fashion enthusiasts but will captivate anyone who appreciates passion, craftsmanship, and the human spirit's determination. The explicit shots capturing intricate detailing, measured cuts, and an array of textures, Ecuadorian silk, diamonds, and gold thread are bound to leave you awestruck.

In Yellow is Forbidden, Director Brettkelly manages to array the glamour, glitz, craft, culture, and commercial aspects of modern-day fashion. It's a triumphant tale about one woman’s unwavering spirit, her commitment to her roots, and her aspiration to make a mark in the world. As Guo’s tale unfolds, it also brings into the limelight the art and craft that resides within the broader Chinese society, concentrating on the fusion of traditional customs, history, and the modern world.

All in all, Yellow is Forbidden is an in-depth exploration of the resilience of one woman in the demanding world of fashion, offering viewers a unique insight into the world of haute couture through an Eastern lens. It has been thrillingly called 'cinematic couture,' and rightly so, as the plot unravels like a finely embroidered fabric with intricate craftsmanship that doesn't miss a single thread of detailing.