Mao Xiaotong being photographed by Ted. Full look, VALENTINO.
Every time Mao Xiaotong graces the screen, she gives life to a range of characters that the audience either adores or despises, but ultimately empathizes with. In life, her high-spirited attitude resembles the rising sun over the sea, warming everyone in its embrace and transforming into a gentle breeze that encourages people to be confident in themselves.
Full look, MEDECOO. Shoes, 361 SPORT.
During the interview with Harper’s Bazaar, Mao Xiaotong often smiled, evoking an unconscious desire in people to delve deeper through her eyes. She once stated, “I am not a sweet girl.” The labels attached to her roles and appearance had once confined her, setting in motion a journey toward discovering her true self. From Zhong Xiaoqin in Nothing But Thirty to Shu Yanan in The Ingenious One, Mao Xiaotong increasingly shines in front of the camera, seeking the resilience that lies within her characters.
Full look, MEDECOO. Shoes, 361 SPORT.
Harper’s Bazaar: Dear Mao Xiaotong, a few months ago the TV series The Ingenious One was aired, with your character being Shu Yanan. That heroine is a less traditional female character in ancient costume. What impressed you the most in her story? Do you think you have any similarities or differences with her?
MAO XIAOTONG: First of all, Shu Yanan is calm, clear-headed, and highly skilled in martial arts. These charms about her attract me very much. Different from her brother and mother, she cherishes everyone around her. She is a person who appears cold but has a warm heart. Her story and personality are well-developed. The similarity between me and Shu Yanan is that we are both strong internally; the difference is that she is very skilled in martial arts, whereas I am not.
Top, belt, pants, CALVIN LUO. Shoes, TALITAQOOM. Jewelry, SWAROSKI. Watch, CAMPO MARZIO.
Harper’s Bazaar: We saw you participating as an observer in the Love variety show. Having seen many relationships between men and women, what is your ideal relationship?
MAO XIAOTONG: I am touched by lovers, especially when I see their sincere and genuine expressions. My ideal relationship is based on understanding and mutual respect.
Top, ERMANNO SCERVINO. Pants, MAX MARA . Shoes, BEAU TODAY. Jewelry, BOUCHERON.
Harper’s Bazaar: Many fans are looking forward to your participation in Joy of Life S2. Can you tell us a little bit about your role, Princess Beiqida?
MAO XIAOTONG: Originally, this character has very little space in the novel. The director felt that this character needed some memorable moments in the film. Therefore, he gave her a social phobia trait. She has been in BeiQi and never came out, so he also added some humorous and lovable aspects to her character.
Coat, CHIC JOC . Top, belt, pants, CALVIN LUO. Shoes, TALITAQOOM. Jewelry, SWAROSKI. Watch, CAMPO MARZIO.
Harper’s Bazaar: Which role do you think has made you grow the most personally since your debut?
MAO XIAOTONG: In fact, I can find more or less of my own reflection in each character, but each character also has its own unique facets and experiences. I feel that I have been growing alongside the characters. Someone asked me before, “You have been in the industry for so many years. Do you have more experience and skills to play your previous roles than when you first debuted? Do you think they will be more perfect?” I don’t think so. Definitely, sometimes we have a special connection with the characters. Maybe if I were asked to play a previous role now, I could rely on my skills to perform, but I feel that the state at each stage is also very precious and cannot be replicated.
Top, ERMANNO SCERVINO. Jewelry, BOUCHERON.
Harper’s Bazaar: You said when you first graduated and became an actress, you were “unemployed” every time you finished filming. It was a process of repeated “failures.” What does being an actress mean to you now?
MAO XIAOTONG: The job of being an actor has become integrated into my life. In the past, when I went to film, I would think that I was going to work, and when the filming was completed, I would take a break. But now it seems that it has become integrated into my life and is an indispensable part.
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Harper’s Bazaar: Judging from your past looks, you can be both sweet and cool. What do you think is essential when completing this image transformation? What are you most satisfied with about yourself right now?
MAO XIAOTONG: I think the most important thing is the inner self because I believe everyone has many different sides. For example, I don’t think I am just a sweet or one-dimensional person. I have many different facets. My appearance is the same, but my psychological maturity, rationality, and logic may reveal other sides of me.
What I am most satisfied with is that I am a person who focuses on the most important things. I actually don’t pay much attention to the trivial matters in life. If I did, it might be very tiring.
Full look, VALENTINO.
Harper’s Bazaar: What kind of role do you want to challenge in the future? How do you get yourself into the character’s state of mind when you’re offered a new play?
MAO XIAOTONG: Actually, I want to play characters with a very stable core. Generally, when I first get the script, I will read it from the perspective of an observer the first time. When I read it again, I will view it subjectively as the character, to feel what this character has experienced in her life. In the end, I will look for points of empathy between us to amplify, and I will also find some differences and subtly incorporate them.
Coat, CHIC JOC . Top, belt, pants, CALVIN LUO. Shoes, TALITAQOOM. Jewelry, SWAROSKI. Watch, CAMPO MARZIO.
Harper’s Bazaar: What is the sentence you have heard that has had the deepest impact on you? Who said that to you?
MAO XIAOTONG: My teacher said to me when I was in school, “I hope that no matter how long it takes, you take out your heart and take a look. If you throw it on the ground, it will be sparkling gold.”
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Harper’s Bazaar: Your style has been loved by many people on social media. How do you find your own style?
MAO XIAOTONG: I’m not specifically looking for a style. I just feel comfortable and at ease when I wear it like this, and it’s enjoyable to look at myself in the mirror.
Full look, LAGOGO. Shoes, HUSH PUPPIES.
Harper’s Bazaar: Do you encounter any difficulties as an actress at this stage? Or is there anything you want to break through?
MAO XIAOTONG: I hope I can show different aspects to everyone. Many viewers only see me as a certain person in a certain play, so I also hope to explore and break through more different personalities and character types.
Full look, VALENTINO.
Talent: Mao Xiaotong @xiaotong_mao.
Executive Producer: Zhiyu Qu @zhiyu_qu.
Executive Fashion Director: Vermouth Liu @mr.vxx.
Digital Director: Austin Li, Junhao Zhong.
Production Manager: @rock.mgmt.
Line Producer: Nan Zhang.
Photographer: Ted.
Stylist: ZHENG.
Make-up: Zixi.
Hair: Sensen.
Modeling: Maple Wang.
Interview Editor: Tina Zhu.
Assistant Editor: Dragon Long.
Fashion Assistant: 33 Dongdong.
Harper’s Bazaar Vietnam
