Fan Bingbing made a triumphant return to her cultural roots at the 2025 Berlinale International Film Festival, attending the opening ceremony and the premiere of Das Licht in Germany this evening.
The Chinese actress, serving on this year’s jury, has always been a master of blending tradition with high fashion. Who could forget the moment she stole the spotlight at the 2010 Cannes Film Festival in that iconic Dragon Robe gown by Laurence Hsu? For years, Fan opened Cannes with a look that proudly celebrated her heritage—until the big-name labels came knocking. So, seeing her back in a gown that nods to her culture felt like a delightful homecoming.
For the Berlinale opener, Fan turned to her longtime collaborator Christopher Bu, donning an ivory gown adorned with intricate chrysanthemum embroideries. While the colour palette was more muted than the vibrant hues we’ve come to associate with her cultural tributes, the chrysanthemum—a flower symbolising longevity and resilience in Chinese culture—made a quietly powerful statement.
The gown’s one-sleeve design added a touch of flair, but it was the second glove that is likely to raise a few eyebrows. Random? Perhaps at first glance. But this is Fan Bingbing we’re talking about—a woman who commits fully to a fashion moment, whether it makes perfect sense or not. In this case, it does make sense, as the glove is attached to her train.
Her slicked-back hair, flawless makeup, and radiant confidence only enhanced the regal nature of the look. It might not have been a dragon robe moment, but it was undeniably Fan Bingbing: elegant, cultural, and with just the right amount of drama.
If this is how she’s starting the festival, I can’t wait to see what other sartorial surprises she has up her sleeve. Or glove.
Credit: Andreas Rentz/Getty Images
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