5 questions with … Cynthia Wang Xin Ru

SINGAPORE - After a meaty stint in the MediaCorp TV Channel 8 drama Devotion, Taiwanese singer-actress Cynthia Wang Xin Ru returns to our screens once more to play the belle of Huaxiang Street in the channel's mid-year period blockbuster - Joys Of Life. Sheepishly admitting that she racked up a fair number of shoes during her stay in Singapore ("those with a platform and a high heel are the most comfortable ones"), the 26-year-old counts Aldo and Steve Madden as some of her preferred brands. Here she lets us in on why she might just flee home in the name of fashion - in the middle of the day.

Does your personal style resemble your character's dressing in Joys Of Life?

Cynthia Wang Xin Ru: Nope, my style often shifts. It depends a lot on my mood. Sometimes I want to be a little more androgynous, especially during winter. And during summer, I like my get-up to be more colourful and cheerful.

Joys Of Life is set in the 1950s and 1960s. What were your initial thoughts when you first learnt your wardrobe would be from that era?

I was rather excited because, more often than not, I would never dare to wear a '50s or '60s style on the streets.

I wasn't used to it at all when I first put on my dress - I thought I stuck out like a sore thumb until I saw the rest of the cast dressed similarly.

The outfits from those days were generally made with thicker fabric. Weren't you baking in the heat?

Oh, it was very hot. I was still getting used to the weather here. It was horrendous, especially for outdoor shoots. I would be perspiring hysterically. But I do like my costumes in the show - they are all very beautiful.

Which item in your wardrobe makes or breaks an outfit?

Everything has to work hand in hand. If something's off, I'd feel awkward the entire day. For example, if the colour of my top does not match my skirt, or if my shoes aren't well-fitted, I'd be constantly thinking about it and would want to go home, change and not remain outdoors.

So you'd head home immediately if you're not looking right?

I would. If not, I'd just purchase a new pair of shoes or an outfit and change without hesitation.

Joys Of Life premieres June 26 at 9pm on MediaCorp TV Channel 8.