Rising ‘85 Flowers’ Unite: Yang Mi, Liu Shishi and Xin Zhilei Star at Marie Claire Women’s Influence Night, Signaling Industry Cohesion and Fashion Power

The visual spectacle of the group photo has sparked a wave of conversation on China’s dominant social platform, Weibo. Users flooded the comment sections with phrases like “都好可爱啊” (“they’re all so cute”), “眼前一亮又一亮” (“my eyes light up again and again”), and “不要太养眼” (“too pleasant to look at”). The mood was unmistakably celebratory, with many noting the “好友聚会，有说有笑” (“friends gathering, talking and laughing”) vibe and praising Liu Shishi for looking “心情不戳的样子” (“in great spirits”). The buzz was not limited to admiration for the stars’ looks; fans also dissected the fashion choices, highlighting a “顶级高定” (“top haute couture”) dress from the ES + Celine 2026 collection that one of the actresses wore.

Beyond the flurry of emojis and compliments, the photo carries a deeper significance for the Chinese entertainment industry. Both Yang Mi and Liu Shishi belong to the cohort of “85 Flowers,” a generation of actresses who burst onto the scene in the mid‑2000s and have since dominated television dramas and box‑office hits. Rumors of a lingering rivalry between the two—fuelled by past competition over roles in the popular series “Chinese Paladin III” and accusations of a “resource war”—have long circulated in fan forums. Their relaxed posture and genuine smiles at the Marie Claire event, however, suggest a thawing of that discord. Whether this signals a genuine reconciliation or a strategic display of unity, the shift could reshape fan perceptions and perhaps open doors to future collaborations.

The “Women’s Influence Night” itself serves as a platform to spotlight female achievement in a sector that has historically been male‑dominated at its highest echelons. By gathering a constellation of top‑tier actresses under one roof, the event underscores a narrative of collective empowerment. The presence of Xin Zhilei, whose rise has been anchored in critically praised performances rather than sheer “traffic” (流量), further expands the definition of stardom beyond the conventional popularity metrics that once dictated the “C‑position” (the prime spot) in group photographs. While Liu Yifei’s golden dress and central placement still dominate the visual hierarchy, the inclusion of actors known for artistic merit hints at a broader industry shift that values craft alongside marketability.

The ripple effects of such gatherings extend into the world of public relations and branding. High‑profile events organized by fashion powerhouses like Marie Claire, W Magazine, and various luxury labels generate a wealth of visual content for media outlets and social feeds. Every seating arrangement and handshake is parsed for clues about status, friendships, and potential endorsements. The emphasis on “sisterhood” and “friendship” in the coverage can positively sway fan sentiment, a potent force in an industry where celebrity endorsements drive consumer behavior. Indeed, the event’s sponsorships by premium brands mean that the resulting media exposure directly shapes fashion trends and lifestyle choices among a massive audience.

The collective presence of these actresses also offers a subtle counter‑narrative to prevailing beauty standards. By showcasing women at varying stages of their careers, with differing body types and stylistic expressions—some opting for unretouched images—the photos resist the narrow, heavily edited aesthetic that has long pervaded Chinese celebrity culture. This, in turn, contributes to broader discussions about body positivity and the evolving definition of beauty.

From a societal perspective, the impact is more indirect yet still resonant. These actresses serve as role models for many young women, embodying professional success, independence, and camaraderie. Their public displays of mutual support feed into feminist discourse, encouraging conversations about female agency and the importance of collective uplift. Moreover, the event’s brand partnerships underscore the symbiotic relationship between entertainment and consumer culture in contemporary China, where celebrity appearances can launch new product lines and sway purchasing decisions.

Overall, the group photo of Yang Mi, Liu Shishi, and Xin Zhilei functions as a snapshot of a dynamic, evolving entertainment landscape—one where old rivalries may be giving way to strategic alliances, where the definition of stardom is expanding to include talent and craft, and where female solidarity is being deliberately highlighted on the world stage. The overwhelmingly positive reaction on social media, coupled with the extensive coverage of the event’s fashion and branding elements, suggests that the industry’s “百花齐放” (“a hundred flowers blooming”) moment is resonating not only within fan circles but also across the broader cultural milieu.