NEW YORK, NY - SEPTEMBER 18:  Lucy Liu attends the American Theatre Wing Centennial Gala at Cipriani 42nd Street on Septembe  (Photo by Jemal Countess/Getty Images for American Theatre Wing)
Cover Liu looking glamorous in grey (Photo: Jemal Countess/Getty Images for American Theatre Wing)

This Asian-American actress has always looked sophisticated on the red carpet, and we revisit her best dresses

Happy Birthday to Lucy Liu, who turns 52 tomorrow. This actress has given us legendary performances, from savvy Alex in Charlie’s Angels to savage O-Ren Ishii in Kill Bill. She’s a permanent fixture in Hollywood, as cemented by her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. In fact, following Anna May Wong who received Hollywood star in 1960, Liu’s the second Asian-American woman to have one.

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Over the years, Liu’s worn a wide range of fabulous looks to red carpet premieres, with saucy numbers in the early aughts to more elegant ensembles today. These are five of our favourite looks that we want to celebrate in honour of her birthday.

Red Hot

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Lucy Liu during 72nd Annual Academy Awards - Arrival at Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, California, United States. (Photo by KMazur/WireImage)
Above Lucy Liu in 2000 (Photo: KMazur/WireImage)

This is the quintessential 2000s Oscars look—sparkly gown, sparkly jewels, pin straight hair, plus a French manicure and pedicure. Liu looks phenomenal in red, and this asymmetrical Versace gown with stripe details and sheer panelling is the type of Y2K outfit we want to wear today.

Sleek Black

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WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 25:  Lucy Liu attends the 101st Annual White House Correspondents' Association Dinner at the  Washington Hilton on April 25, 2015 in Washington, DC.  (Photo by Paul Morigi/WireImage)
Above Lucy Liu in 2015 (Photo: Paul Morigi/WireImage)

Simple doesn’t have to mean boring, and this black Naeem Khan gown is anything but. The cut is sublime, and the clusters of jewels embroidered on the dress did all the talking so Liu only needed a gorgeous blowout and a swipe of red lipstick to shine.

Mellow Yellow

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NEW YORK, NY - JUNE 12:  Lucy Liu attends the 2016 Tony Awards - Red Carpet at The Beacon Theatre on June 12, 2016 in New York City.  (Photo by Jimi Celeste/Patrick McMullan via Getty Images)
Above Lucy Liu in 2016 (Photo: Jimi Celeste/Patrick McMullan via Getty Images)

Pale lemon creates a beautiful contrast against Liu’s dark hair and complements her fair complexion. This Zuhair Murad Couture gown featured a plunging neckline with silver embroidery, a satin band to cinch her waist and delicate train that trailed behind her in an elegant fashion.

Grey Gardens

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NEW YORK, NY - SEPTEMBER 18:  Lucy Liu attends the American Theatre Wing Centennial Gala at Cipriani 42nd Street on Septembe  (Photo by Jemal Countess/Getty Images for American Theatre Wing)
Above Lucy Liu in 2017 (Photo: Jemal Countess/Getty Images for American Theatre Wing)

This tiered grey dress from Valentino is an ethereal look for Liu. With the invisible neckline, delicate floral embroidered and voluminous ruffle details making her appear like a blooming flower, Liu completed the look with cohesive silver eyeshadow and large pear-cut diamond earrings.

Power Purple

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NEW YORK, NY - JUNE 09:  Lucy Liu attends the 2019 Tony Awards at Radio City Music Hall on June 9, 2019 in New York City.  (Photo by Taylor Hill/FilmMagic,)
Above Lucy Liu in 2019 (Photo: Taylor Hill/FilmMagic)

We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again, purple is the red carpet colour and this Christian Siriano gown speaks for itself. The volume achieved by the layers of tulle create a stunning ballgown effect, and the plunging neckline with a bandeau of tulle layer over top creates an interesting bodice, while large turquoise earrings are a welcome pop of colour that prevent the single shade of purple from looking flat.

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