Reborn in the Entertainment Industry: This Top Star Has Real Achievements

If celebrities only focus on the breakthrough Li Xiang made—the opportunity for male stars to grace the covers of women's magazines—and speculate on the possibility of "once it happens, it happens again,"

However, the fashion industry is more concerned about another realm opened up by this collaboration—the revitalized power of traditional Chinese style.

Although Zhang Yu took a risk by using Li Xiang, a "not qualified" newcomer, the resulting influence exploded exponentially.

Even Anna Wintour, the editor-in-chief of American Vogue, who is known as the "fashion devil," made a special overseas call from New York.

"Cheung, your March issue is absolutely stunning." The voice on the other end of the phone was characteristically crisp.

"The traditional Chinese style theme is done in a natural way, and the balance between traditional craftsmanship and modern design is excellent, which is a breath of fresh air for the entire industry."

Zhang Yu thanked her with a smile, but Anna changed the subject: "I heard that young man on the cover named Ethan Li played a big role in it?"

"It was he who suggested focusing on traditional Chinese style and brought in a group of emerging designers. His ideas were very insightful."

Anna paused for a moment, then added with interest, "Let him come to this year's Met Gala."

She paused, then added, "This year's theme is 'Wild Beauty,' so you should have him find Guo Pei to redesign an outfit that fits the theme."

Ideally, it should incorporate the mystery and ethereal quality of the East.

"I could already feel the captivating charm of that Tang suit in your March issue, and I'm really looking forward to seeing what he can bring us next."

"Of course, you have to come too. We need to have a good talk about the breakthroughs brought about by this new inspiration."

After hanging up the phone, Zhang Yu stared blankly at the sunlight streaming through her office window for a few seconds, and couldn't help but think to herself: Li Xiang is definitely her lucky star.

What is the Met Gala? It's the Oscars of the fashion world, where countless celebrities fight tooth and nail for a ticket, and now it's being personally invited by the "Devil Wears Prada" (the CEO of Met Gala).

This treatment is practically pushing Li Xiang to the center of the international fashion stage.

For her, being able to bring this Chinese-style project that caught Anna's attention to the Met Gala was undoubtedly another affirmation of her career as editor-in-chief.

She picked up the intercom: "Notify Li Xiang's team that the Met Gala invitations are arriving soon. Anna specifically requested that he contact Guo Pei immediately; this is going to be a tough battle."

The assistant's surprised voice came from the other end of the phone. Zhang Yu laughed and hung up, tapping her fingertips on the table.

This game, which seemed risky at first, has now turned into a resounding success.

And it all started at the dinner table with that young man who dared to say, "What is national is also international."

In fact, this magazine's influence extends far beyond overseas markets; it's also incredibly powerful domestically, as evidenced by the Tang suit on the cover, custom-made by Guo Pei.

The silver cloud pattern on the dark satin became the focus of discussion both inside and outside the circle, and even traditional crafts such as "gold thread embroidery" and "Suzhou embroidery" were brought up again;

Inside, the works of several emerging designers are even more stunning—the indigo of batik trench coats collides with modern silhouettes to create a wild look.

The jacket adorned with Miao silver exudes a wonderful fusion of ethnic and street style, while the ink-wash silk shirt flows with poetic charm under the lens...

These designs, which had previously only appeared on niche runways, were brought to the center of mainstream attention for the first time through Vogue's platform.

Out of gratitude to Li Xiang, Zhang Yu generously attributed the credit to Li Xiang during the interview:

I met him at a friend's gathering during the Chinese New Year. He talked about his understanding of traditional Chinese style, which wasn't just about slogans and retro trends.

I genuinely believe that traditional crafts can resonate with contemporary aesthetics. That's why I decided to grant him the rights to create this piece.

Turns out, this guy went even further than I expected. He brought together all the up-and-coming designers I'd talked to at Fashion Week, saying, "We need to make sure their skills get noticed."

Only after these words were spoken did the fashion industry finally understand—

Li Xiang wasn't there to "leech" resources; he came with real ideas and resources to "build a platform."

Those up-and-coming designers he introduced to Zhang Yu previously rarely even had the opportunity to exchange business cards with editors of top magazines.

Now, thanks to this series of photos, she has received collaboration offers from high-end luxury sub-brands, and some brands have even extended olive branches directly to her.

So, after the interview spread within the industry...

Young designers who are still struggling to make a living privately list Li Xiang as the top celebrity they "most want to work with".

For no other reason than that he's willing to spend time listening to your design concepts and willing to link your name and work to his online presence.

They even proactively help you gain a voice with the magazine—this is truly an anomaly in the fashion industry, where "celebrities come first."

However, this reputation for "discovering talent and promoting newcomers" is sometimes more effective than any cover in helping him gain a foothold in the fashion industry.

Brands value his sophisticated style, designers consider him a confidant, and editors admire his resource integration abilities.

Unbeknownst to many, this newcomer, who had debuted less than a year ago, had already become a powerful figure in the fashion industry.

As one editor-in-chief said privately, "To collaborate with Li Xiang now, it's not just about using his face, but about using the group of people behind him who can create something new."

This kid holds what the fashion industry lacks most—possibility.

Honestly, the top management at Huace were absolutely ecstatic.

Who would have thought that before the New Year was even over, Li Xiang would cause such a huge stir?

His title as the first male cover artist for Vogue, dubbed the "first issue in history," coupled with the recognition he earned in the fashion industry through his own abilities, directly became a major boost for the company.

In the stock market, Huace's share price did not surge as dramatically as a major positive development.

However, even with a market capitalization of several billion, the small fluctuations over several days resulted in a cumulative increase of several hundred million.

Zhang Hui, who is in charge of Li Xiang, is now walking with a swagger. General Manager Zhao just gave him a strict order: "For the next three years, the talent agency department does not need to sign any new talents."

Everyone was focused on Li Xiang. Any signings would have to be approved by him first, and no matter what, Li Xiang had to be the company's top priority.

This is clearly a strategy of "a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush," just like New Pictures' relentless pursuit of Zhang Yimou's model.

Zhang Hui jokingly told Li Qing in private, "I'm even thinking of setting up a memorial tablet for him—he's not just an artist, he's practically our God of Wealth."

Next, Zhao Fang even summoned Li Xiang back to headquarters, and upon meeting him, she immediately had a lawyer called in: "The contract needs to be revised, and from now on, you and the company will split the profits 50/50."

Li Xiang was stunned for a moment, then realized that they were treating him as the absolute core of the group.

He didn't refuse much, only saying "Thank you, Mr. Zhao," before turning around and bringing up the news about the Met Gala:

"Anna Wintour of American Vogue invited me to this year's Met Gala and specifically asked Mr. Guo Pei to design the themed dress."

As a woman, and a wealthy woman, how could Zhao Fang not understand the influence of the Met Gala?

So she immediately made the decision: "The company will fully support this! There is no limit to the funding; the company will cover Guo Pei's design fees, round-trip airfare, and accommodation."

As soon as she finished speaking, she casually added, "By the way, I heard you visited Director Zhang and Director Chen's homes to wish them a Happy New Year."

I can't afford to give Director Chen his courtyard house, but I happen to have a fully furnished apartment that Director Zhang has near the Workers' Stadium.

"When you return to Beijing, I'll have someone transfer the property directly to your name as a reward for you."

She changed the subject, her eyes filled with a playful anticipation: "So this year's Met Gala, we'd better make a splash and send the company's stock soaring."

Holy crap!

Li Xiang's mind went blank for a moment, and he couldn't help but curse under his breath. Even his usually perfect facial expression control faltered for a second.

Zhao Fang's generosity is not just outrageous, it's downright insane.

Even if the company took a cut from his two endorsements and then paid him over ten million yuan, they might not be able to afford a large apartment in the neighborhood where Zhang Yimou lives.

Now, with just a casual remark, it's been given to him for free.

He opened his mouth, but couldn't say a word for a long time.

This isn't a reward; it's clearly a way of binding his interests firmly to Huace's from the outset.

He needs to be doing well so the company can do even better; the company has suffered so much, he needs to keep pushing forward.

Seeing his expression, Zhao Fang laughed instead: "Are you stupid? Just take it. Just work hard from now on and don't let my investment go to waste."

Li Xiang took a deep breath, suppressing the shock in his heart, and nodded solemnly: "Don't worry, President Zhao, I will definitely make it up for you at the Met Gala."