Meng Ziyi (孟子义), the actress steadily ascending China's entertainment firmament, has ignited fashion discourse with her July 2025 Harper's Bazaar (时尚芭莎) electronic cover. Transcending mere photoshoot, this visual narrative positions Meng as a defining face of resurgent retro glamour.
Departing from fleeting trends, she embodies the Y2K aesthetic – think bold colors, unabashed femininity, and a touch of nostalgic rebellion – reimagined for the modern era. This pivotal moment arrives alongside her compelling performance in the historical drama The Princess's Gambit (桃花映江山), solidifying her transition from idol group member to multifaceted artist commanding both screen and style. Her journey, marked by resilience and reinvention, finds potent expression in these captivating images.
The Pink Revelation
Makeup artist Yang Dan (杨单) orchestrated Meng Ziyi's transformation into a contemporary "Wanrenmi" (The Lovable Ten Thousand Charms). The cornerstone is a striking matte crimson lip, meticulously applied to complement Meng's pronounced facial contours and naturally fair complexion. This deliberate contrast creates a dramatic focal point, echoing the unapologetic beauty ideals of early 2000s Hong Kong cinema icons. The look avoids pastiche through its precise execution and adaptation to Meng's unique features. Voluminous, textured curls frame her face, adding movement and a touch of playful dynamism to the otherwise sculpted elegance.
Styling choices further amplify the Y2K narrative. Pieces like the HAI STUDIO white lace bustier subtly reference vintage sensuality, while the JACQUES WEI leopard-print bodysuit paired with faux fur evokes a controlled, luxurious wildness. High-saturation hues – electric pinks, vibrant reds – dominate the palette, saturating the images with youthful energy and visual impact. The styling avoids literal costume recreation, instead filtering key Y2K elements through a lens of contemporary sophistication. Meng embodies a spectrum of moods within the theme: moments of cool detachment give way to smoldering glances and flashes of playful charm.
Technical execution elevates the concept. Lighting choices enhance the richness of the colors and textures, while dynamic angles showcase the deliberate styling and Meng's inherent photogenic quality. Close-ups highlight the meticulous makeup artistry and the expressive power in her eyes, proving the look's effectiveness beyond full-body compositions. The overall effect is less a time capsule and more a vibrant reinterpretation, proving the enduring appeal of bold femininity.
An Artist's Evolution
Meng Ziyi's path to this fashion pinnacle began far from high-fashion sets. Her entry into the public consciousness came as a member of the popular idol group Rocket Girls 101. While the group provided a platform, her true ambition lay in acting. Early roles in period dramas like The Untamed (陈情令) and Immortal Samsara (沉香如屑) showcased her potential but were often accompanied by industry skepticism and public controversy. These challenges, rather than deterring her, fueled a determination to refine her craft and define her own artistic identity.
A crucial turning point was her participation in reality shows like 50km Taohuawu (五十公里桃花坞). Here, audiences encountered Meng beyond scripted roles – displaying a disarmingly candid, sometimes humorously blunt, personality. This authenticity resonated, gradually transforming public perception from skepticism to endearment. The "bubble-headed beauty" persona, initially a label, became a relatable strength, showcasing her lack of pretense. Concurrently, she diligently pursued diverse acting projects, steadily building a credible filmography.
2025 marks a significant consolidation of her efforts. Her portrayal of Jiang Taohua (姜桃花) in The Princess's Gambit is a nuanced revelation. She navigates the character's complex duality – the delicate facade masking a sharp, strategic mind – with increasing assurance. This role, demanding both vulnerability and cunning, demonstrates significant growth from her earlier work. It provides critical context for the Harper's Bazaar shoot; the on-screen "beauty with brains" finds a parallel in the off-screen confidence radiating from the photos.
Resonance and the Road Ahead
The impact of Meng Ziyi's Harper's Bazaar cover extends beyond magazine sales. "Meng Ziyi Y2K," "Retro Red Lip," and "Wanrenmi Makeup" became immediate social media sensations. Makeup artist Yang Dan's tutorial detailing the crimson lip technique garnered millions of views, sparking a wave of fan recreations and AI-generated art inspired by the shoot. The look tapped into a burgeoning nostalgia for the optimistic, maximalist aesthetics of the early 2000s, interpreted by some as a subtle cultural reflection of contemporary aspirations.
This visual statement arrives at a pivotal moment in Meng's career trajectory. Successfully shedding the "controversial newcomer" label, she now embodies a compelling duality: the relatable, authentic personality cherished by reality show audiences, and the increasingly sophisticated actress capable of commanding complex roles. The Harper's Bazaar images crystallize this evolution, projecting an image of mature glamour and self-assured artistry. Industry observers note her potential to become a benchmark for strong-featured beauty aesthetics in Chinese entertainment.
Future challenges involve maintaining this momentum while demonstrating versatility. Can she transcend the "red lip and period drama" association that currently defines much of her public image? Her team hints at explorations into modern genres like family dramas in the coming year, crucial for proving her range. Balancing the popular, candid "real" persona cultivated on variety shows with the gravitas required for dramatic roles remains another delicate act.
Nevertheless, her July 2025 cover stands as undeniable proof of her arrival as a significant force, blending nostalgic allure with distinctly modern star power. Her journey reflects a potent truth: resilience and reinvention can forge a unique and captivating path in the ever-shifting landscape of fame.
