Prominent actresses Zhao Lusi and Esther Yu, previously known among Vietnamese audiences for their “Taobao-style” fashion choices, have recently drawn major attention for wearing Vietnamese designs. Zhao Lusi appeared in an outfit created by designer Phan Huy during a livestream in Shanghai. Esther Yu (Yu Shuxin) wore a design by Cuong Dam at the 2026 Cannes Film Festival in France, triggering extensive discussion across social media in both Vietnam and China and reinforcing the rising international profile of Vietnamese fashion on prominent red carpet stages.
Designer Tran Hung, whose creations have been worn by Chinese celebrities including Song Yaxuan, Vanness Wu, Zhang Linghe, Cheng Yi, and Huang Zihongfan, stated that wardrobe selections are generally made by artists’ chief stylists or dedicated fashion teams. He explained that his brand gained recognition through international exposure at London Fashion Week and through social media platforms, which later facilitated connections with Chinese styling teams.
Tran Hung further noted that many Chinese male celebrities are particularly attracted to his brand’s combination of refined tailoring, handcrafted materials, and a romantic yet masculine aesthetic. He added that elegant, understated designs with strong structural elements align closely with the growing “quiet luxury” trend dominating contemporary fashion preferences.
He emphasized the substantial influence of Chinese celebrities on fashion visibility, stating that when a celebrity wears a design at the right moment, it can significantly elevate a brand’s recognition across the Asian fashion industry. He also noted that viral exposure often originates from celebrity studios, fashion-focused social media accounts, and fan communities across platforms such as Weibo, Xiaohongshu, and Douyin.
Vietnamese fashion has also gained further prominence through the Chinese television programme “Ride the Wind,” where brands including Badbiss, Lsoul, Hacchic Couture, Swan, and Fancì have dressed Chinese performers. During the 2025 and 2026 seasons, Badbiss designs were worn by Liu Shishi, Michelle Chen, Zhang Yuxi, Esther Yu, Cheng Xiao, Qi Wei, and Wu Xuanyi for stage performances, magazine editorials, and television appearances, significantly expanding the brand’s reach within the Chinese audience.
Badbiss founder Huynh Thanh Tho stated that Chinese female performers prefer designs that combine femininity with strength, feature distinctive silhouettes, and include handcrafted detailing. He also noted a growing preference for originality over short-lived fashion trends.
In response to increasing demand, Badbiss has established a studio in Hangzhou to provide faster services and more convenient fittings for clients while strengthening collaboration with local stylists and partners. Another Vietnamese label, Lsoul, is also preparing to open a store in Hangzhou after presenting its collections twice at Shanghai Fashion Week.
Huynh Thanh Tho further stated that an increasing number of Chinese audiences are now actively identifying the origins of admired outfits and recognizing them as Vietnamese designs, marking a notable shift in regional fashion awareness.
The expanding adoption of Vietnamese fashion by Chinese entertainment figures underscores a growing cross-border cultural and commercial influence, positioning Vietnamese designers more prominently within Asia’s competitive luxury and celebrity fashion landscape.
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