The 2025 ELLE Style Awards, often dubbed the ‘Oscars of the fashion world,’ marked its inaugural event in Sanya, Hainan province, on Tuesday, solidifying the tropical city’s status as a burgeoning global fashion capital. The prestigious ceremony coincided with the 80th anniversary of ELLE Magazine, blending Sanya’s natural beauty with Eastern aesthetics to create a unique cultural experience. Over 100 international celebrities, models, and creative pioneers graced the red carpet, which meandered through lush coconut groves, merging haute couture with the serene ocean backdrop. Daisy Wang, CEO of Hearst Greater China, highlighted the event’s ‘Infinity ∞’ theme, symbolizing both the cyclical renewal of classic values and the infinite potential of breaking boundaries. Wang emphasized ELLE’s evolution from a print magazine to a multimedia platform, championing women’s empowerment and creativity in the AI era. Reflecting on ELLE’s journey in China, Wang noted its transformation from a ‘window to the world’ to a chronicler of Chinese stories and, ultimately, a community fostering dialogue on women’s issues. Sun Zhe, ELLE Omnimedia editor-in-chief, underscored fashion’s role as a cultural force and a testament to Chinese women’s ongoing pursuit of excellence.