On Thursday, Vogue Forces of Fashion held another event, this time in Shenzhen, China, and it was a red carpet to remember. Asian stars stepped out in droves, showcasing haute couture and gala gowns that left a lasting impression. From custom creations made with love to gowns that brought elements of nature to life, these stars knew how to dazzle. Let’s have a look at the details of the night’s best looks.
Frozen Elegance
Shishi Liu’s ethereal gown truly took my breath away. This Robert Wun Fall 2024 Couture piece could easily have been inspired by the Rocky Mountains themselves. The intricate snow-like embellishments on the sheer skirt made it look as though Shishi had walked through a wintry landscape just to grace us with her presence. While sheer gowns may not be for everyone, this one tells a story of nature’s beauty, with elegance and drama to match.
On Fire (Literally)
Eileen Gu brought the heat to the event—quite literally. Her flame-printed Robert Wun Spring 2024 Couture gown was striking, from the one-shoulder design to the train and matching gloves. The fiery design appeared so realistic, it seemed like Eileen was walking on flames, evoking that viral “walking on fire” meme. This was couture at its most playful yet powerful.
Velvet Roses
Esther Yu fully embraced the current season with a rich wine-hued gown by Laurence Xu. The velvet and duchess satin material was made all the more romantic with peplum detailing and rose accents. De Beers jewels completed this timeless and luxurious look, perfect for a night that called for drama and opulence.
A Confusing Confection
Gina Jin tried her best with this Louis Vuitton Resort 2025 polka dot sheer look, but unfortunately, it fell flat. Now we know why Alicia Vikander went for a modified version and added a sweater when she wore it. The central panel on Gina’s version is baffling, to say the least, and no amount of poise can save this look.
A Floral Fairytale
Ju Jing Yi delivered the princess moment in Giambattista Valli. Her off-the-shoulder embroidered gown was every bit as ethereal and romantic as we’ve come to anticipate from the designer’s floral creations. If you were waiting for a fairytale moment on the red carpet, this was it.
Too Much of a Good Thing
Ronald van der Kemp is known for his sustainability efforts, using upcycled fabrics, but this look on Lin Yun was a miss. Despite my love for animal prints, the mix of materials, patterns, and textures felt overwhelming. It’s rare that I say this about sustainable fashion, but there was simply too much going on.
A Return to Grace
Liu Yifei and Elie Saab are a match made in fashion heaven. Her light mauve gown was nothing short of breathtaking, with impeccable detailing and a graceful train that trailed elegantly behind her. This is Liu Yifei at her finest, embracing a return to her signature elegant style. While she dabbled in edgier looks recently, I’m thrilled to see her back in her comfort zone with this masterpiece.
Dark Drama
Though the details were hard to make out, NiNi still intrigued me in her Schiaparelli Spring 2023 Haute Couture gown. The uneven sweetheart neckline and dramatic cape kept the look exciting, even if the monochromatic palette was understated. Sometimes, less is more, and NiNi made this minimalist look work for her.
Ethereal Revival
Rosy Zhao Lusi stepped onto the red carpet in a custom Atelier Versace gown that evoked a sense of nostalgia. This style of gown was once a staple at events like the Cannes Film Festival, and it’s refreshing to see it revived here. In a world where sexier, edgier designs reign, I miss these ethereal moments, and Rosy delivered one in spades.
Chocolate Velvet Dream
Yang Mi embraced the colour of the year—brown—perfectly in this divine Schiaparelli Spring 2023 Haute Couture velvet suit. The buttons and satin lapels were so smooth, they practically resembled chocolate. While I typically lean towards gala gowns, this was one of the standout looks of the night. Who knew a suit could be this decadent, and delicious?
Bold Simplicity
If you thought Zhou Dongyu’s look felt familiar, it’s because Emma Laird wore the full runway look at Cannes. Zhou paired the Louis Vuitton Resort 2025 corset with a simpler black skirt, making the boldness of the top easier to digest. Sometimes less is more, and in this case, the minimalist pairing worked in her favour, especially with Boucheron jewels adding a touch of luxury.
A Dress Made with Love
Zhou Ye’s custom white off-the-shoulder dress, designed by her sister Zhou Qisi, was easily the most touching moment of the night. Accentuated with pink feathers and styled with TASAKI jewels, this gown was more than just fashion—it was a symbol of sisterly love and support. Zhou Ye shared on Instagram how meaningful this red carpet appearance was, making the dress even more special.
From couture flames to snowy gowns, the Vogue Forces of Fashion 2024 in Shenzhen was a dazzling display of creativity, glamour, and heartfelt fashion. With each celebrity bringing something unique to the black carpet, this event was a celebration of not just high fashion, but also personal expression and meaningful moments. Who was your favourite? I’m still struggling to choose.
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