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Movie stars may be in short supply lately, but don’t tell that to Taiwanese actress Shu Qi. Currently out and about promoting her latest film, My Best Friend’s Wedding—a Chinese remake of the Julia Roberts 1997 megahit—Shu Qi has been heading to premieres in the kinds of arresting fashions that hark back to the days of Old Hollywood. At home in sequins, diamonds, and ball gowns with lengthy trains, Shu Qi projects a grandeur that has been missing from the red carpet of late. Even in her casual moments, when she puts on Gucci sneakers, say, or a Mickey Mouse baseball cap, when it comes time to make an entrance, Shu Qi can be counted on to deliver the goods.
As one of the best-known performers to emerge in Chinese cinema during the past two decades, Shu Qi has had ample time and opportunity to learn how to use her wardrobe to make a statement. Playing romantic heroines and assassins with equal ease, Shu Qi’s style is as varied as her roles, with her relying on whimsical confections from Valentino and sexier numbers from Armani Privé in equal measure. She also isn’t afraid to pile on the diamonds when the moment calls for it, accessorizing nearly every look with an attention-grabbing piece of jewelry. The star is certainly drawn toward craftsmanship and attention to detail, with even her little black suits—from Dior, naturally—somehow reading as supremely chic, rather than staid. But as with anything, even with all the couture, bling, and fanciful add-ons, sometimes her best looks are the simplest: At the Shanghai International Film Festival, the star opted for the minimalist combination of white dress, white coat, and a coordinating flower pinned to her lapel, topped off with a wealth of Bulgari jewels. Now that’s a movie star.