The W Annual Gala of Light & Shadow delivered no shortage of breathtaking looks, but Lin Yun’s black carpet appearance felt truly transportive.
The actress stepped out in a Laurence Xu Spring 2015 Haute Couture gown from the designer’s Dunhuang Collection—an ensemble inspired by the flying apsara murals of the Mogao Caves.
The draped halter design was a masterclass in merging history with haute couture. Traditional Jing embroidery and delicate beadwork traced the fabric, recreating the splendour of the Tang Dynasty while bringing ancient artistry into the present. It’s the kind of dress that feels alive with cultural storytelling, where each stitch nods to heritage while still belonging in a modern gala setting.
Laurence Xu’s designs have dazzled on red carpets before—you might recall Elaine Zhong Chuxi’s unforgettable Cannes moment in 2023—but Lin Yun’s interpretation carried its own quiet majesty. Regal yet graceful, the gown blended Eastern motifs with timeless couture craftsmanship, conjuring images of celestial figures and the elegance of ancient China.
Adding to the dreamlike quality, she paired the look with Mikimoto High Jewellery earrings and an 18K white gold South Sea pearl ring set with diamonds.
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