Chinese actress Zhao Yingzi whisked away from 2025 Cannes red carpet over dress code drama; fans think she lingered too long
Chinese actress Zhao Yingzi unintentionally stole the spotlight at the ongoing 78th Cannes Film Festival, but not for a movie premiere or a viral glam shot. The 35-year-old star was asked to leave the red carpet after her outfit reportedly violated the festival's newly enforced 'no exposure' dress code.
According to Korean outlet Chosun Biz (via Chinese media ET Today), Zhao Yingzi attended the Cannes opening ceremony on May 14 (local time) in a silver sheer ensemble that turned heads. While organisers reportedly asked her to leave the red carpet due to the outfit's revealing nature, fans argue the look wasn't out of place and suspect there may have been other reasons behind her removal.
Breaking down Zhao Yingzi's Cannes outfit
Zhao Yingzi's Cannes look was nothing short of regal and ethereal, blending goddess-like elegance with a touch of futuristic flair. The outfit featured a sheer bodice adorned with symmetrical crystal and rhinestone appliqués resembling chandelier jewellery, extending from the chest to the waist. Though parts of the design created a nude illusion, the detailing was layered over a sheer fabric that maintained coverage.
The bottom part of the outfit featured a high-slit skirt piece made of mesh or chainmail-like silver fabric, densely covered in rhinestones or sequins. It hugs the body and continues the shimmering theme, catching the light beautifully.
It also contained a draped silver hooded cape made from a metallic, light-reflective fabric that cascades over the shoulders, giving the actress a divine appearance.
Was there more to Zhao Yingzi's removal from the red carpet?
#ZhaoYingzi appears on the #CannesFilmFestival opening ceremony red carpet.Dari depan, wuih cakep nih kek princess. Pas balik badan "lhah, ini yg dipake Zhao Yingzi buat tutup kepala tu rok plisket?" 😂 pic.twitter.com/xugMsRdICu
While her shimmering, jewel-encrusted gown with sheer elements drew plenty of attention, many Chinese netizens believe the dress alone wasn't the sole issue. On the Chinese platform Weibo, speculation has been circulating that Zhao may have overstayed her time on the red carpet at the tightly scheduled event. According to several accounts, she reportedly paused for an extended period, striking multiple poses and drawing focus from other attendees. Some even claimed she disrupted the flow of the red carpet, making it difficult for photographers to shoot other stars.
Zhao Yingzi's fashion mishap just before her Cannes appearance
The report also stated that before hitting the red carpet, Zhao Yingzi took to Weibo to share a fashion emergency that she had spilt coffee on her original dress. 'I didn't expect my dress would get coffee stains. Does anyone know a quick way to remove stains?' she wrote, alongside a photo of the damage. Her update hinted that the outfit she planned to wear had to be swapped last minute, possibly leading to the sheer number that got her escorted off.
Cannes introduces a stricter dress code
This year, Cannes is not playing around when it comes to red carpet rules. On May 12, just a day before the festival began, organisers published a notice on their official site saying that 'to maintain dignity, exposure is prohibited not only on the red carpet but in all areas of the festival.'
Organisers also advised against outfits that could hinder audience movement or complicate seating, specifically calling out dramatic trains and oversized silhouettes. Compared to past years, most attendees opted for more toned-down looks, indicating they took the warning seriously. Even Bella Hadid, known for her bold fashion choices, arrived in a sleek yet more conservative black ensemble from Saint Laurent on the inaugural day of the festival.
bella hadid at the 78th annual cannes film festival ✧ pic.twitter.com/7Ykr7i9Mds
Zhao Yingzi's best C-dramas
Zhao Yingzi rose to fame with The Legend of the Condor Heroes 2014. Some of her best C-dramas are The Legend of Zhao Zilong, The Heavenly Sword and Dragon Sabre 2019, You Are My Glory and The Great Ming Dynasty.
Apart from her acting career, Zhao has also dabbled in music. She's lent her voice to several OSTs over the years, including tracks like Sweet Burden, Slowly Will Be Fine, What Happens Is Like, and Cheer For Youth.
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