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| Chen Feiyu & Yang Chaoyue Hit Balenciaga in Paris — But C-Netz Ain’t Loving the Guest List |
So… China’s sending reps to Paris Fashion Week again, but this time, it’s not the glam moment C-netizens were hoping for. Enter: Chen Feiyu and Yang Chaoyue — two celebs often roasted online for their less-than-stellar acting chops — turning up at the Balenciaga show this week, and let’s just say… the online crowd’s not having it.
Dubbed by some as the “combo of the worst”, netizens were flabbergasted to see these two in the same frame, repping Chinese celebs at a global fashion event. Many questioned how the duo got the invite in the first place — especially when China has a whole galaxy of A-listers with either elite acting creds or iconic visuals (or both).
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“This is the Paris trip no one asked for,” one Weibo user wrote.
“He looks like a kid playing dress up. She’s not bad, but why them?” said another.
Let’s break it down. Chen Feiyu — often known more for being director Chen Kaige’s son than for any breakthrough role of his own — didn’t quite impress with his look. Some thought he came off awkward, lacking the effortless edge expected from Balenciaga regulars. Meanwhile, Yang Chaoyue actually fared better fashion-wise, with some begrudgingly admitting she’s starting to grow on them. Still, the acting critiques stuck hard.
📸 The Fashion vs. Reputation Game
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It’s no secret that Chinese fans love seeing their idols at international fashion events — it’s a chance to show off national soft power and stylish charisma. But with that spotlight comes scrutiny. When names like Liu Yifei or Gong Jun show up at Dior or Chanel, there's a wave of applause. When it’s actors seen as “famous for being famous,” though? That’s when the claws come out.
And in Chen Feiyu’s case, even the nepo baby tag came roaring back. Despite some fans defending his visuals, most felt the Paris spotlight might’ve been a few shades too bright for him this time.
🌸 Yang Chaoyue: Still Polarising, But Growing?
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Now, Yang Chaoyue’s always been a bit of a wildcard in the industry. From humble roots to idol stardom via Produce 101 China, she’s often called the “lucky koi” of C-ent. Critics love to dunk on her acting (yes, we remember Seven Times of Good Luck and the infamous eye-widening memes), but fans say she’s more than a pretty face with good luck.
And to be fair — she has been trying. After being brutally panned in dramas, Yang Chaoyue has reportedly turned her focus towards theatre acting. A brave move, considering the live stage doesn’t allow edits, second takes, or flattering camera work. She’s also known to poke fun at herself, leaning into the “flawed but trying” narrative — which, for many, is actually pretty endearing.
“Don’t underestimate her,” one blogger noted. “She might just pull off a long game none of us saw coming.”
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Let’s be honest — the Chinese entertainment scene is a game of visuals, luck, and insane hustle. Yang Chaoyue might’ve entered the game via luck, but she’s trying to outgrow the gimmick. She’s playing to her strengths (natural visuals, charm) while working on her weak spots. If anything, her story’s starting to reflect that age-old tale of the underdog who might just win you over, one hard-earned step at a time.
Meanwhile, Chen Feiyu? Still got a long road ahead if he wants to shake off the label of being all connections, no charisma.
TL;DR:
Chen Feiyu and Yang Chaoyue attended Balenciaga’s Paris show — and Chinese netizens had a lot to say. Many called it an awkward PR mismatch, especially given both actors’ reputations for poor acting. Yang Chaoyue received mixed (but softening) reactions thanks to recent efforts to improve. Chen Feiyu, on the other hand, caught flak for his styling and presence. It’s fashion, it’s drama, and it’s China’s chaotic celeb scene doing its thing again.