In the lead-up to Vogue China’s highly anticipated 20th-anniversary gala on October 23, the magazine released a short “Party Guidelines” video meant to humorously brief attendees on event etiquette. However, the clip has quickly ignited online backlash with viewers accusing the fashion giant of mocking and shading China’s top celebrities, including Liu Yifei, Dilraba Dilmurat, and Yang Chaoyue.

A Video Full of Hidden Jabs

One of the most controversial lines in the Vogue China clip reads: “Please enter through the main gate. The underground tunnels and secret entrances will not be open tonight.”

Many interpreted this as a pointed reference to Dilraba Dilmurat’s viral 2023 red-carpet moment, when she appeared confused and entered the wrong direction during Tencent’s Star Awards event sparking the trending hashtag “Dilraba Lost on the Carpet.”

The video continues with tongue-in-cheek reminders about following the dress code, which viewers linked to Liu Yifei’s striking gold gown at the Marie Claire end-of-year gala in 2024 an outfit that defied the event’s black-and-pilot-themed dress code. Similarly, Liu Shishi also bent the rules by wearing a moss-green “pilot” outfit.

Netizens criticized such behavior as “arrogant and self-centered,” claiming that top-tier celebrities often ignore event themes to stand out. Vogue’s satirical video, they argued, deliberately exposed this vanity in the Chinese entertainment industry.

Exposing Celebrity Obsessions Behind the Scenes

The Vogue clip also highlighted backstage chaos with exaggerated captions like:

“31 times: ‘How many assistants can I bring?’
33 times: ‘Who am I sitting next to?’
16 times: ‘Can I change my order of appearance?’”

These tongue-in-cheek statistics reveal just how obsessed Chinese stars are with hierarchy and status at major galas. According to Sohu, many artists compete fiercely over seating arrangements, photo positions, and red-carpet order viewing them as public measures of career prestige.

At last year’s Vogue New Chapter Night 2023, the red carpet halted for nearly 20 minutes because Zhou Dongyu refused to appear before another guest, forcing organizers to rearrange the schedule. Likewise, debate flared when Gong Jun was seated beside Tang Wei, while Yang Mi was positioned behind them a setup some fans deemed “disrespectful.”

Power, Prestige, and the Battle for the Final Walk

This year’s upcoming event is already stirring speculation. Tan Zhi Lei, who recently made history as the Venice Film Festival’s Best Actress, is rumored to close the red carpet traditionally reserved for the most honored celebrity of the night.

Yet, last year that coveted position went to Liu Yifei, who also dominated Vogue China’s 20th-anniversary cover. Sources suggest Tan Zhi Lei declined to attend this year’s gala in silent protest over what she saw as favoritism toward Liu Yifei.

What was meant as lighthearted satire has turned into a full-blown exposé. Vogue China’s “Party Etiquette” video lays bare the competitive vanity of China’s red-carpet culture where every seat, entrance, and camera flash symbolizes power.

Whether intentional or not, the video has forced the entertainment world to face an uncomfortable truth: beneath the glamour, the country’s brightest stars are still fighting over who shines the most.

Sources: Znews