Zhao Lusi (赵露思) unveils a transformative visual identity in her latest magazine feature. The 25-year-old actress trades her signature flowing locks for a sharp chin-length cut, pairing it with a structured black bustier gown that accentuates her silhouette. Shot across varied settings—from minimalist studios to ethereal underwater scenes—these images capture her experimental shift from sweetheart roles to avant-garde fashion statements. Released on July 21, the editorial sparks conversations about reinvention versus authenticity in celebrity image-making.
Stylistic Departure
Zhao Lusi’s cropped hairstyle marks a decisive break from her familiar long tresses. The blunt cut frames her face with geometric precision, complementing the sculptural neckline of the black bustier dress. Cinched at the waist, the gown channels vintage Hollywood glamour while modern metallic accessories add edge. In one frame , she stands against botanical backdrops, merging organic textures with sleek tailoring.
The second look features a white draped gown captured mid-movement underwater. Submerged fabric billows around her, creating ghostly trails of translucent silk. This aquatic theme continues with a close-up shot highlighting submerged facial expressions—eyes closed, features serene yet detached from her usual animated persona.
Contrast defines the third ensemble: a form-fitting black sheath emphasizing minimalist lines. Lit dramatically against dark backgrounds, this look prioritizes silhouette over embellishment, signaling maturity beyond her "sweet and silly" onscreen archetypes.
Signature Persona
Audiences recognize Zhao Lusi for infectiously bubbly characters in romantic comedies like The Romance of Tiger and Rose (传闻中的陈芊芊). Her round face, bright eyes, and comedic timing transform stereotypical "naive heroine" roles into relatable figures. Unlike cloying portrayals, she injects self-aware humor and physical wit—stumbling through scenes or delivering deadpan one-liners that defy cliches.
This authenticity resonates. When her character in Oh! My Emperor (哦！我的皇帝陛下) declared herself a "hidden gem," fans adopted the phrase across social media. Novelists praise her adaptations; viewers celebrate her rare balance of slapstick energy and emotional sincerity. Off-screen, candid photos reinforce this image: grinning in oversized sweaters or sticking out her tongue mid-interview.
Her 2021 Vogue photoshoot leaned into this charm—smiling brightly in pastel knits, cheeks flushed pink. That version of Zhao Lusi felt approachable, a girl-next-door navigating fame with playful authenticity.
Visual Controversy
Reactions to the new cover diverge sharply. Some applaud the boldness: "Finally, styling that challenges her!" comments fashion critic @StyleAnalyst. Others critique the execution. The cropped hair, while dramatic, draws comparisons to TV host Zhang Dada due to angular framing and stern expressions. Skeptics note stiffness in poses—shoulders rigidly squared , arms locked—suggesting discomfort with the editorial’s assertive tone.
Makeup choices intensify debate. Close-ups reveal violet-toned eyebrows and crimson lip stains , a nod to Y2K aesthetics. While professionally applied, the palette clashes with her natural warmth. Detractors argue it "erases" her recognizable features, creating a generic high-fashion blankness. One viral tweet observes: "This isn’t Lusi—it’s a concept wearing her face."
Underwater shots face particular scrutiny. The submerged close-up is criticized for flattening facial contours and creating unnatural nasal shadows. Others defend it as intentionally surreal, dissolving her persona into abstract art.
Artistic Evolution
Zhao Lusi addresses image expectations directly in the accompanying interview. "Experimenting with looks isn’t rebellion—it’s curiosity," she states. Regarding makeup controversies, she clarifies: "Daily routines are personal joy. Editorial work is collaborative storytelling." The shoot’s stylist notes the team aimed to "isolate rawness" using water’s distortive properties to strip away performative charm.
The magazine’s editor-in-chief defends the vision: "True versatility requires discomfort. We didn’t want ‘cute Lusi in edgy clothes’—we sought transformation." This philosophy explains the jarring tonal shift from her 2021 cover. Where that spread radiated cheerful accessibility, this one dissects celebrity through detachment.
Not all experiments land. Floral set pieces feel dated against the avant-garde hair and makeup, and stiff posing undermines the gowns’ fluidity. Yet even missteps reflect a star testing boundaries beyond typecasting.
Future Directions
Fans remain divided. Some mourn the loss of her signature sparkle; others welcome growth: "Actors evolve. Let her explore." Ultimately, this photoshoot transcends fashion—it’s a manifesto for creative autonomy. As Zhao Lusi sheds the "treasure girl" image, she embraces the messy, exhilarating work of self-redefinition. Her next act, both onscreen and in the lens’ gaze, promises to defy expectations once more.
