
Star Awards 2025: The 11 red carpet looks that caught the eye
The 30th edition of local entertainment's biggest night had promised spectacle, but the artistes in attendance on July 6 overwhelmingly opted for trusty suits - mostly in penguin colours, though some dared a navy - safely pretty black dresses, lucky red ones and standard sequinned gowns.
It felt like sober good sense taking over in the third decade of the awards show, teased by backstage pictures of the stars sipping bird's nest tonics from little flasks supplied by celebrity hairstylist David Gan.
The upshot was competent, even relaxed looks, with few misfires. Fight through the polite applause and one might find interest in the details: host Quan Yi Fong's windswept tromp l'oeil tie, newbie Tiffany Ho's clover-shaped "bib" or actor Desmond Tan passing off a tassel for a tie.
And with the likes of actors Li Nanxing, Sharon Au and Jeanette Aw making their Walk Of Fame comebacks, there was enough going on to keep oglers occupied. A new crop of actors from the hit series Emerald Hill (2025), as yet too fresh to keep it chill, also turned up the heat.
Here are the most memorable hits and misses from the annual extravaganza.
Tasha Low
Like a true clothes horse, Low made no concession to the weather in this feathered Chanel jacket and skirt set. The charmeuse top, with its jewelled buttons, gave a sense of occasion. The spring green was bright, without being timid. The matching jacquard skirt with a Chanel camellia motif was faultless. Her Chinese period drama-esque hairdo might have tipped the look into costume, if not for the flash of those black velvet platform boots. All in all, a rock star look from the Emerald Hill star.
Chantalle Ng
Here was another Emerald Hill lead - and Low's bestie - looking to make an impression. Ng's divisive, barely there chainmail dress of 2023, and sports bra-flashing, white overlay fishing net number in 2024, showed her admirable scorn for quiet dressing. This time, she finally nailed it in her most conservative look yet. Her strapless white gown was a busy one, with ruffles round the bust, waist and fringing a fluffy-looking train. Look closer and some boning is visible in the bodice, as well as a charming criss-cross pattern in the skirt. Ng gets props for holding it all together, without looking too bridal.
Zoe Tay
Ah Jie made a queenly entrance in Chanel. With hair slicked back, in a floor-grazing black coat - naturally made of tweed - and a controlled explosion of flowers embroidered on the collar, she looked every bit the matriarch of Mediacorp. It was welcome relief from the ruddy dresses Tay reached for in 2023 and 2024. But do not mistake her for severe now - she still swished her coat playfully for the cameras and capped off the look with a fun pair of velvet and mirror platform sandals.
Jeanette Aw
Singaporean actresses Jeanette Aw (right) and Jesseca Liu walking the red carpet at the Star Awards ceremony at Mediacorp on July 6. ST PHOTO: BRIAN TEO
After a six-year break from the silver screen, Aw is making a leading lady TV comeback in 2026. For her red carpet return, she went for a prim Shushu/Tong number, with a flat bow detail on the neckline that added a dash of girlish sweetness. The woollen weight and full-hipped silhouette kept it classy. Her towering stiletto heels and crocodile-shaped open necklace added a welcome pinch of danger.
Fann Wong
Actress Fann Wong and her husband Christopher Lee at the Star Awards on July 6. PHOTO: LIANHE ZAOBAO
Wong famously turned up at the 2003 Star Awards in sneakers, a cropped top and ultra-loud floral red knee-length pants. Those who hoped she might reprise that spirit might be disappointed to learn she has retired from wacky, if her all-white look was anything to go by. But it was gauche to quibble. Her simple shift dress fell perfectly to her feet and, with only the most sparing of accessories - a thick silver bracelet, earrings and a thin necklace - she proved less is more.
Chen Liping
Chen Liping walking the red carpet at the Star Awards ceremony at Mediacorp on July 6. ST PHOTO: BRIAN TEO
Chen arrived like a Roald Dahl character - specifically, the giant peach in James And The Giant Peach. Her linebacker shoulders in a pleated orange top, with an exposed zipper no less, was the most flammable look of the night. Still, it was difficult to say what clothes could carry the energy of the beloved on-screen teacher known as Aiyoyo, who somehow managed to overpower her screeching garb, looking easy-breezy above the noise.
Li Nanxing
Singaporean actress Zoe Tay and actor Li Nanxing on the red carpet at the Star Awards ceremony at Mediacorp on July 6. ST PHOTO: BRIAN TEO
Ah Ge Li Nanxing was the one to watch on awards night as he made his long-awaited return to the ceremony. He could have come in the national service admin tee and it would not have made a difference, but he played nice and went for a baggy suit. His yellow-tinted sunglasses and metallic corsage - a brooch shaped like a spray of flowers - capped off the mob boss look.
Ya Hui
Singaporean actress Ya Hui walking the red carpet at the Star Awards ceremony at Mediacorp on July 6. ST PHOTO: BRIAN TEO
She dared to experiment with a denim fishtail dress. Alas, the intrepid actress was foiled by the casual-looking wash of the jeans, the randomness of her elbow-length black gloves and the truly bizarre lone silver bangle on one wrist. It might have been worth it if she could move in it, but the well-loved star was seen grappling with her skirt, stalled before the stairs up to the venue by the stiff material and awkward length.
Xiang Yun
(From left) Host Hazelle Teo, host-actor Guo Liang, actress Xiang Yun and actor Chen Shucheng at the Star Awards at Mediacorp on July 6. PHOTO: LIANHE ZAOBAO
The veteran actress is not one to shy from colour. In 2023, she went full highlighter in a fluorescent yellow number. This year, she opted for fuchsia. But if her neon look two years ago worked because of its considered structure, her rosy collared dress this year was undone by its Office Lady sensibility. Think three-quarter sleeves, flared skirt and a sorrowfully misshapen bow tacked onto the waist. A haphazard ponytail that could only have been hastily done inspired the present suspicion - perhaps, she had not meant to attend.
Pierre Png
Actors Xu Bin (left) and Pierre Png walking the red carpet at the Star Awards ceremony at Mediacorp on July 6. ST PHOTO: BRIAN TEO
The Crazy Rich Asians (2018) heart-throb and best supporting actor nominee rolled up in an all-black paisley printed suit - and bedhead. Maybe it was an adventurous hairstyling choice, but the cowlick visible from behind suggested ambivalence. Then again, with nearly 30 years in the dog and pony show of show business, Png might be forgiven for taking a nap.
Elvin Ng
Mr Bandung - so named for his infamous pink ombre get-up circa 2021 - ditched the strictures of a suit altogether this time, favouring a belted cool grey jumpsuit, unzipped to mid-chest. His popped collar, silver ear studs, gold brooch and a wispy forelock added some glamour. But otherwise, his elevated loungewear looked the most comfortable of the night.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


AsiaOne
15 minutes ago
- AsiaOne
'I was just a very silly father': Jet Li, dad of 4, reflects on parenting, Entertainment News
Jet Li got candid about fatherhood in two videos uploaded to his Xiaohongshu profile on July 24 and 25. The 62-year-old China-born action star, who has been Singaporean since 2009, said the meaning of parenting changed for him throughout the years. "The first time I became a father was when I was 25 years old. At the time, I wasn't clear of my role as a father, because my dad died from a work accident when I was two, so I didn't have a clear idea of what it means to be a parent," he shared. He added he was working hard in his career and his mindset then was just to earn more to ensure that he could provide for his daughters and give them a good education. Jet has four daughters: Si, 37, and Taimi, 36, from his first marriage as well as Jane, 25, and Jada, 22, from his second marriage to former Hong Kong actress Nina Li. Jet said that when he became a father in his second marriage, he was already in his 30s and had different thoughts about parenthood. He shared: "I felt that I had missed out a lot when it came to accompanying my daughters. My girls [from my first marriage] had grown up so much and were already in school, and when we met, I could only ask how their studies were. It felt like I was just doing my parental duties." He added that he gave up some of his filming projects as he wanted to spend more time with Jane and Jada. "Now, I am able to talk to my daughters like we are friends, and we find time to let them talk about my shortcomings and provoke me," Jet laughed. 'I was just a very silly father' In the process of these conversations, he also learnt to be a better father. He recounted an incident that his daughters had discussed with him: "There was once when my daughter's tooth fell out. She placed the tooth under her pillow, covered it nicely and said a fairy would send some money to her the next morning. "I was just a very silly father and told her, 'Don't fret about it, there wouldn't be any money the next morning because unless your parents give it to you, no fairy would come.' "She cried and I didn't know what to do. As I was growing up, I didn't have such experiences with fairy tales and unrealistic things. My daughter was heartbroken, and I had to really stuff some money under her pillow the next day." Jet added that his daughters told him that as children, they would have some beliefs about fairy tales and instead of exposing them directly, he should accompany them instead. As his daughters grew older, they would also share their problems or injuries with him, which he would explain to them from his own experiences. Jet said: "I would tell them, 'What's so frightening about an injury? Be persistent, I also had many fractures before, nothing to be afraid about.' And they would be very sad, because they feel that when they are injured, they need consolation and care and that I should look at things from their point of view. "As they were growing up, they told me they would want to talk to me sometimes about certain things, not to get my response but to just have a listening ear." 'Parents hope that their children would exceed themselves' In a separate video, he reflected on whether to let his daughters pursue their dreams or live up to parents' expectations. He shared that Jane and Jada grew up with a schedule every day: "This seems to be the culture and society that Asians grow up in, where parents hope that their children would exceed themselves [in their abilities], and feel that this is the best form of love." He said Jane grew up with life choices meant to please him and his wife, such as studying at Harvard University. "When she was in her first year of university, she asked me some questions and said that throughout her life, she didn't know what she wanted to do because she always had to fulfil her mother's wishes and ensure her father was happy. So, when it came to choosing her major, she couldn't find what she likes," Jet shared. He added that many years later, when she graduated from university and they had a talk about it, Jane revealed she would have pursued the arts, instead of going to Harvard. According to a South China Morning Post report in 2019, Jane majored in East Asian Studies at the prestigious university. Jet said: "That was when I realised, in my children's education, have I really thought about what she wants or what I want my child to be? Because those are two different things. Is our desire for their success what they really want?" He added he apologised to Jane, and that he and his wife had thought they knew what was best for her, but that in fact didn't make her happy. He also told Jane he would support her in whatever she does from then on, as long as she is happy. Jet concluded: "I can't say if my direction is the absolute right or wrong way, but it makes me question whether we really discussed and respected our children's opinions. That's what I reflected on, that perhaps I should have tried to be friends with my daughters earlier and accompany them in the life they wanted." [[nid:720268]] No part of this article can be reproduced without permission from AsiaOne.


Vogue Singapore
2 hours ago
- Vogue Singapore
Mikimoto's Les Pétales high jewellery envisions sparkling petals dancing on strands of pearls
Pearls have a long tradition as being pretty, feminine jewellery. As they've come back into fashion in recent years, they've taken on a myriad of new interpretations. Pearls as the neck or wrist accoutrement for the stylish man unafraid of playing with conventions. Pearls as engagement rings. Even pearl jewels designed with a rock 'n' roll attitude. All this creative derivation, in its own funny way, is what makes the new Les Pétales high jewellery collection by Mikimoto so refreshing: it taps into the fundamental prettiness and elegance of pearls. You might know Mikimoto as a first name in pearls. Founder Kokichi Mikimoto is, after all, dubbed the originator of cultured pearls. The inventor and innovator figured out the secrets and techniques of reliably cultivating round, lustrously white gems from Akoya pearl oysters. More than 130 years on, the Japanese brand is still renowned for the remarkable quality of its lustrous pearls and the fine craftsmanship of its jewellery. Global brand ambassador Dilraba wears an Akoya cultured pearl necklace in white gold, set with an oval-cut 24.17-carat tourmaline, and with diamonds. Courtesy of Mikimoto The jeweller recently unveiled Les Pétales, a collection of over 40 one-of-a-kind high jewellery creations, at the historic Hôtel d'Évreux in Paris's Place Vendôme. The name of the collection is a telling hint to its inspirations: the romantic, ephemeral dance of rose petals caught in motion. It continues a long-standing theme at Mikimoto of designs that revere and honour nature, and here Les Pétales brings together Akoya pearls, diamonds and a smattering of precious coloured gemstones to create the look and feel of petals in movement. See, for instance, a rose-inspired design modelled here by Chinese actress and singer Dilraba, a Mikimoto global brand ambassador. Inspired by the lavishness of a flower in bloom, the necklace combines rows of Akoya pearls on the neck with an off-centre rose motif. In the centre of this flower, a vivid pink tourmaline brings gentle luminous colour, while around it diamond-set petals are scattered as though a breeze had played with the bloom. Akoya cultured pearl necklace in white gold set with an oval-cut 32.35-carat morganite and with diamonds; and earrings in white gold set with White South Sea cultured pearls and with diamonds. Courtesy of Mikimoto Akoya cultured pearl necklace in white gold set with an oval-cut 24.17-carat tourmaline and with diamonds. Courtesy of Mikimoto The standout designs in Les Pétales riff on and play with the classical, timeless idea of pearl strand jewels. Combinations of long and short, tight and loose are reimagined in the form of Akoya pearl chokers and cascading sautoirs. True to the theme, these necklaces are decorated with diamond-set petals, placed delicately and asymmetrically to create an organic look of a fresh spring bloom having just been artfully rustled. Mari Natsuki wears an Akoya cultured pearl necklace and bracelets in pink gold with diamonds. Courtesy of Mikimoto Supple strings of pearls were also turned on their head with lace-inspired designs that highlight the virtuosity of Mikimoto craftsmanship. A suite of plastron necklace and cuff-style bracelets transform Akoya pearls into a woven, flexible mesh. Worn on the neck, the impeccably graduated and matched Akoya pearls create the trompe l'oeil look of a collar; while the cuff bracelets make a voluminous statement on the wrist. These jewels are flexible so they move on the body, but also structured enough to maintain its distinct silhouettes. Brooches in white gold set with natural conch pearls, and with Akoya cultured pearls, diamonds and pink sapphires. Courtesy of Mikimoto Ring in white gold set with natural conch pearls and with diamonds. Courtesy of Mikimoto What's also exciting in Les Pétales is the Japanese jeweller's creative palette of coloured gemstones. At its most classical and true-to-form for Mikimoto are natural conch pearls, a very rare and covetable gem with a tender coral-pink hue. A pair of rosebud brooches are set with conch pearls, accentuated with pink sapphires, diamonds and white Akoya pearls; and an elegantly shaped floral toi et moi ring features a pair of natural conch pearls as centre stones. James Jirayu wears a brooch in white gold, set with a cushion-cut 28.79-carat green tourmaline, and with Akoya cultured pearls and diamonds; and ring in white gold with Akoya cultured pearls and diamonds. Courtesy of Mikimoto Les Pétales headpiece in white gold set with an oval-cut 13.10-carat tourmaline, and with Akoya cultured pearls and diamonds. Courtesy of Mikimoto Les Pétales necklace in white gold set with an oval-cut 24.17-carat tourmaline, and with Akoya cultured pearls and diamonds. Courtesy of Mikimoto The rest of the collection is fittingly coloured with springtime shades. A green tourmaline with verdant radiance is set on a brooch of scattered diamond and pearl petals; pink morganites with powder hues nestle in petals on necklaces; and pink tourmalines with bold, intense colour become points of beauty on a choker necklace and a jewelled headpiece. Discover Mikimoto's Les Pétales collection here.

Straits Times
3 hours ago
- Straits Times
New TV show imagines China invasion, gives Taiwan viewers wake-up call
Find out what's new on ST website and app. The series is set to premiere on August 2 in Taiwan, followed by its Japanese release on Amazon Prime Video. TAIPEI - A new Taiwanese television series that imagines the run-up to a Chinese invasion is getting rave reviews from viewers, who said the first programme featuring the sensitive topic is a wake-up call for the public facing heightened Chinese military threat. In the show, 'Zero Day Attack', a Chinese war plane goes missing near Taiwan. China then sends swarms of military boats and planes for a blockade as Taiwan goes on a war footing. Panic ensues on the streets of Taipei. At viewings in Taipei last week attendees have included the top US diplomat in Taiwan Raymond Greene, who is director of the American Institute in Taiwan, and Taiwanese tycoon Robert Tsao, a strident critic of Beijing. The series is set to premiere on August 2 in Taiwan, followed by its Japanese release on Amazon Prime Video. 'Presenting such a situation (of conflict) can lead to more discussion about what we should do if it really turns into reality one day,' said Mr Blair Yeh, a 35-year-old engineer, after watching the first episode in the Taipei premier last week. The premise of 'Zero Day Attack' is a topic that has for years been considered too sensitive for many Taiwan filmmakers and television show creators, who fear losing access to the lucrative Chinese entertainment market. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore Not feasible for S'pore to avoid net‑zero; all options to cut energy emissions on table: Tan See Leng Singapore With regional interest in nuclear energy rising, S'pore must build capabilities too: Tan See Leng Singapore New Mandai North Crematorium, ash-scattering garden to open on Aug 15 Singapore Tanjong Katong Road sinkhole did not happen overnight: Experts Singapore Sewage shaft failure linked to sinkhole; PUB calling safety time-out on similar works islandwide Singapore Science Journals: Lessons from weird fish sold in Singapore's wet markets World US and EU clinch deal with broad 15% tariffs on EU goods to avert trade war Asia Displaced villagers at Thai-Cambodian border hope to go home as leaders set to meet for talks More than half of the show's crew asked to remain anonymous on the crew list, and some people including a director pulled out of the production at the last minute, its showrunner Cheng Hsin Mei told Reuters. But as China steps up military threats , including at least six rounds of major war games in the past five years and daily military activities close to Taiwan, the upcoming drama confronts the fear by setting the 10-episode series around a Chinese invasion of Taiwan. The drama focuses on several scenarios Taiwan might face in the days leading up to a Chinese attack, including a global financial collapse, the activation of Chinese sleeper agents and panicked residents trying to flee the island. 'Without freedom, Taiwan is not Taiwan,' the actor who plays a fictional Taiwan president says in a televised speech, urging unity after declaring war on China, in the show's trailer. The live broadcast then gets abruptly cut off, replaced by a feed of a Chinese state television anchor calling for Taiwanese to surrender and to report 'hidden pro-independence activists' to Chinese soldiers after their landing in Taiwan. 'We've been comfortable for a long time now,' said viewer Leon Yu, 43-year-old semiconductor industry professional, adding Taiwan's freedom and democracy must be kept. 'There's still a lot of people out there burying their head in the sand and don't want to face the dangers of the present.' REUTERS