Celebrating its first anniversary, Another Man China transformed Beijing into a runway of audacious style with its exclusive party. Eschewing traditional red, the event featured a striking "Black Carpet" – a monochromatic backdrop and floor that challenged attendees to stand out or risk vanishing into the void. This unconventional stage witnessed a fascinating spectrum of personal expression, from seasoned stars embracing reinvention to rising talents making bold declarations.
Against this dramatic setting, each ensemble became a conversation piece, revealing the wearer’s confidence, vulnerability, or sheer disregard for convention. The night wasn’t just about celebrating a publication; it was a vivid snapshot of fashion’s ever-shifting boundaries in motion.
Veterans Reinvented
The established stars navigated the black canvas with distinct strategies. Song Jia (宋佳), typically favoring understated elegance, embraced layered complexity with two overlapping plaid shirts paired with a black skirt. The skirt’s deep hue nearly dissolved into the background in the live stream, creating an arresting visual effect where her upper body appeared to float.
Chen Yanxi (陈妍希) opted for full camouflage in a sleek black leather bustier dress and towering platform heels. While her silhouette threatened to merge with the setting, her radiant complexion and youthful energy defied her 42 years, proving presence transcends visibility.
Amber Kuo offered a partial vanishing act; only the lower half of her boots disappeared into the dark, leaving 90% of her avant-garde look clear. Her signature "Wet Look" hair reached new intensity, featuring deliberately clumped strands framing her forehead – a gritty, unapologetic statement challenging conventional glamour. Their choices demonstrated seasoned players skillfully using the environment to amplify their personal style narratives, whether through contrast, camouflage, or controlled dishevelment.
New Guard Energy
A palpable wave of fresh confidence emanated from emerging and non-traditional fashion figures. A Ru Na delivered one of the night’s most memorable moments. Initially presenting a fierce front in a sleeveless top showcasing defined arms and dark sunglasses, a turn at photographers' request revealed a daring open back – transforming the look into a multi-dimensional display of raw, unconventional masculinity.
Ma Baiquan, a rising name propelled by recent fame, commanded attention in intricate black embroidered leather. Zhu Yanmanzi’s (朱颜曼滋) tailored khaki suit leaned towards pragmatic sophistication, its clean lines and tightly pulled-back hair suggesting a professional transitioning seamlessly from office to evening function. Ren Bin’s (任彬) polished brown leather ensemble, in contrast to A Ru Na’s wildness, radiated refined composure, akin to a parent meticulously dressed for a significant school event.
These individuals leveraged the platform not just to be seen, but to declare their unique identities with fearless choices.
Questionable Experiments
Not every sartorial venture resonated successfully against the black expanse. Victoria Song’s choice of a white tulle confection adorned with black bows leaned heavily into saccharine princess territory. This ultra-feminine silhouette felt disconnected from her naturally sharper, more sophisticated features, suggesting her powerful aura is better served by edgier, structured looks.
Nana Ouyang’s (欧阳娜娜) playful khaki co-ord and voluminous curly hair aimed for relaxed charm. However, the deliberate application of stark white eyeshadow puzzled observers, potentially diminishing her eye size without clear artistic payoff. Xia Zhiguang’s (夏之光) eclectic mix – a sporty jacket, black leather pants, and chunky square-toed boots – lacked a cohesive stylistic anchor.
The jarring combination, particularly the leather pants and boots, felt more like a random assemblage than a curated statement. Zhang Youhao’s (张宥浩) oversized blue-and-white checkered shirt seemed to overwhelm him, creating the unfortunate impression of a well-meaning bystander who wandered onto the set. Qu Chuxiao’s (屈楚萧) rugged denim and boots conjured a distinct Western cowboy narrative, feeling perhaps overly thematic for the urban fashion context.
These moments highlighted the fine line between daring innovation and stylistic missteps, where concept sometimes overshadowed coherence or flattered the wearer. The black carpet proved unforgiving, amplifying both triumphs and experiments that missed their mark.
