From Hong Kong cinema to Hollywood: Michelle Yeoh’s style evolution through the decades

Yeoh first graced the screen in the 1980s under the pseudonym Michelle Khan, dazzling audiences with her martial arts prowess in films like Yes, Madam and Police Story 3: Supercop alongside Jackie Chan. As an emerging film star in the ’80s, Yeoh favoured feminine silhouettes and delicate textures that juxtaposed her ferocity in action films, in which she performed her own stunts.

Making her Hollywood debut in Tomorrow Never Dies opposite Pierce Brosnan, Yeoh began to embrace a more refined aesthetic, making red carpet appearances in glamorous evening gowns. On a number of occasions, she paid homage to her heritage with Mandarin collars and cheongsam silhouettes, including a show-stopping embellished cheongsam-inspired dress at the 2001 Oscars.

Yeoh solidified her position in Hollywood with a series of successful films, including Memoirs of a Geisha, The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor, and The Lady. In line with her trademark aesthetic, Yeoh favoured classic and elegant gowns for events—while experimenting with an edgy, sleek bob for the first time. This period marks the beginning of Yeoh’s ‘old-money glamour’ style that she continues to exude today.

This period saw Yeoh lean heavily into the old-money signature style that has defined her red carpet appearances, coinciding with her appearance in Crazy Rich Asians—notably the first major Hollywood studio film to feature an ensemble cast of Asian descent. She juxtaposed these elegant and opulent gowns with sleek silhouettes and power suits, showcasing her sartorial versatility.

A veritable shattering of the bamboo ceiling, Yeoh made history with Everything Everywhere All at Once netting her the Best Actress win at the 2023 Oscars. For her big night, Yeoh opted for a cascading Dior haute couture gown with ethereal feather embellishments. Making a triumphant entrance at the after-party, Yeoh wore an iridescent Giorgio Armani column dress that shimmered with intricate beads and crystals.

Besides her new blonde ‘do, Yeoh has been paying homage to her Wicked character through edgier, all-black ensembles. Personally, we’re waiting with bated breath to see how she channels sci-fi chic for her upcoming roles in Blade Runner 2099 and Avatar.

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