10 Of Michelle Yeoh's Boldest Red Carpet Risks
The beloved actress has been a style star for decades
Thanks to the Oscars buzz surrounding Everything Everywhere All At Once, Hollywood has finally awakened to the sheer talent that is Michelle Yeoh. On this side of the globe, though, we’re all too familiar with the Malaysian icon’s acting chops. But what about her status as a red carpet icon? Her recent collaboration with stylist Jordan Johnson had us raising eyebrows in the best way possible. When she became the first Asian to pick up the Best Actress accolade at the recent SAG Awards, Johnson dressed her in fries-gone-glam Schiaparelli Spring Haute Couture 2023. But it’s not the first time the former Bond girl took a bold fashion risk. In the lead-up to the 2023 Oscars - where she’s nominated for Best Actress - we take a look back over the decades to chart Yeoh's most daring red carpet choices.
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At the 1997 Hollywood Walk of Fame Star Salute in support of her fellow Tomorrow Never Dies cast-mate Pierce Brosnan, Yeoh opted for a fit TikTok girlies would kill to copy. While many would have pigeonholed an Asian actress back in the day to adopt a more stereotypically-feminine style, this action star rocked up in an oversized blazer and fitted top with velour bell bottoms.
Not only did this Ipoh native wear a traditional Chinese frock on the world stage, she did it loud and proud. Paired with gold accessories, the tiger print was a definite nod to her role in Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. What a way to stand out among the Hollywood crowd pre-Crazy Rich Asians.
This fluid, elegant take on the traditional cheongsam made history — literally. It was showcased at the Hong Kong Museum of History’s exhibition, "The Evergreen Classic: The Transformation of the Qipao" back in 2010. While Yeoh’s Oscars look opted for more drama, this sequinned version at the 2002 Cannes Film Festival opening was more elevated, highlighting the iconic mandarin collar.
Yeoh's aubergine and black Armani Privé gown turned heads at the LA premiere of Crazy Rich Asians back in 2018, an unlikely combo of the ‘20s and ‘50s with the flapper-like tiers and the rockabilly-inspired quiff. There’s a lot going on, which is befitting of someone who played a matriarch in the movie which put Singapore on the map.
We love a big-girl leather jacket moment from Jason Wu. With oversized lapels and a cinched waist, it’s girly with an edge. This martial arts baddie paired hers with a polka-dot tulle skirt and boots. Never mind that she was at the 2019 National Board Of Review Annual Awards Gala — why wear a basic dress when you can be different?
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At the 2022 Film Independent Spirit Awards, Yeoh donned this icy blue Armani Spring 2020 number with bedazzled florals — groundbreaking for the season. While a floor-length dress might appear modest, this was anything but. This red carpet take on a pyjama dress looked anything but lazy on the Memoirs of a Geisha star.
And so it began. At the 2022 Elle Women in Hollywood event, you’d be forgiven for thinking that Yeoh was wearing a basic white dress. No biggie, right? But look a little closer and admire the three-dimensional bone embroidery on this Schiaparelli Spring 2022 number. It’s all in the details, which accentuate her curves in a discreet yet stylish manner.
Yes, even Yeoh had a hypebeast phase. Wearing this crinkled, sculptural dress at Paris Haute Couture Fashion Week in 2022, the Oscar nominee made quite an entrance — as well as a departure from her usual red carpet princess gowns. While Balenciaga’s Demna often dresses the likes of Kim Kardashian and Bella Hadid, we loved having such a regal look on this veteran actress.
Unafraid of taking on colour on the red carpet, Yeoh donned a bright yellow Bottega Veneta two-piece set at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences' Governors Awards in Los Angeles in 2022. With a structured top, plunging neckline, and full fringe skirt, it’s screaming “I’ve arrived and been here awhile, and I’m not going anywhere.”
The Everything Everywhere All At Once star has been serving look after look in promotion of the movie, and this one dares to be different. At the 2023 AFI Awards Luncheon, Yeoh opted for yet another amazing Schiaparelli number, an oversized trouser suit with gold accents and trims. The Gabriela Hearst silk bag made for the perfect finishing touch.