Marie Claire China As she is 2026

About

For Marie Claire China, the editorial project As She Is captures the enigmatic presence of acclaimed actress Shu Qi through a series of striking visual narratives. Photographer Yu Cong masterfully orchestrates a collection of portraits that balance high-fashion sophistication with intimate, cinematic intensity. The series employs diverse lighting techniques, oscillating between the clean, even glow of studio strobes that accentuate intricate textures in feathered gowns and beaded jewelry, and the moody, low-key chiaroscuro that lends a timeless gravity to the black and white compositions. Whether Shu Qi is framed against a minimalist interior or posed with architectural precision on a staircase, the work leans into a refined sense of stillness. The project feels like a visual study of identity, using carefully curated silhouettes—from voluminous ballgowns to sharp, graphic dresses—to ground the subject in a space that feels both aspirational and deeply personal. By integrating medium format photography and cinematic styling, the team delivers an aesthetic that feels at home on the pages of a premium fashion publication while remaining grounded in the raw, authentic personality of its subject. Kule Wang’s production ensures that every frame, from the close-up editorial portraits to the sweeping full-body shots, maintains a cohesive, elevated standard that defines the modern visual language of the magazine.