Hits and misses

Fan Bingbing appears on the red carpet at the Dolby Theater in California for the 85th Academy Awards, wearing a rose-colored Marchesa gown. Provided to China Daily

We all know that Ang Lee stole the thunder at the Oscars as the Best Director. But online, fashion police in China have their own Oscar winners. Xu Junqian reports.

If there was a Chinese celebrity who was grabbing as much attention as Ang Lee - the Best Director winner at the recent Oscars - it must be Fan Bingbing. The 31-year-old Chinese actress has established international recognition more for her stunning red carpet looks rather than her silver screen achievements.

Fan was present at the Dolby Theater in California on Feb 24 for the 85th Academy Awards, and another two events. Her Oscar debut made her the most-searched figure other than the Life of Pi director on Chinese social networks.

But Fan, dubbed "red carpet star" and who surprised the world with a bright yellow dragon robe for the 63rd Cannes Film Festival in 2010, harvested less wows this time for her attire.

Famed for her gowns with strong Oriental elements, Fan wore a rose-colored Marchesa gown designed by Georgina Chapman, a high bun-like updo and a black Roger Vivier clutch bag.

The dress was reported to be a last minute decision, delivered by a private plane two hours before the ceremony to the hotel where the Chinese actress stayed, after Chapman, who was in Paris, learned that Fan was going to wear her latest design.

The gown made its debut at the 2013 Fall runway of New York Fashion Week.

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