"Noblewomen of that era utilized a fish bladder-based adhesive to affix pearls to their foreheads and cheeks, embodying a trend that sought to achieve a refined and captivating makeup aesthetic," she explains.

The designers also found inspiration in the diverse aesthetic styles spanning different eras — from the period of the Tang Dynasty (618-907) through the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms (907-960) to the Song Dynasty. They infused vibrant colors favored by high society in these eras, such as blue, green, purple, orange and red, into the designs for the sets and costumes, while also featuring traditional crafts, such as embroidery, filigree and velvet flowers, in the plot, according to Ma.