Film a la Mode: Juxtaposing East and West in 'Yellow Is Forbidden'

In her revelatory documentary, Pietra Brettkelly charts the meteoric rise of talented Chinese haute couturier Guo Pei. But the film also goes beyond its subject – through meticulous images of resplendent gowns, intimate footage and insightful interviews, it explores clashes between cultures, craft and aspiration, and the gruelling labour behind the glamour of high fashion, writes Rebekah Brammer.

Additional keywords:
Film à la Mode, industry, Asian cinema, Eurocentrism, capitalism, beauty standards, filial piety, honour, patriotism, cultural appropriation.