Carla Gem Buyo

Metro Exclusive: Mark Bumgarner Shares The Story Behind His Work With C-Drama Actress Zhang Ruonan

Article (news)

<p>It&#x27;s not everyday you see a well-known Chinese Drama actress in a Filipino-made gown but last week, Filipino designer <strong>Mark Bumgarner</strong> made history when <strong>Zhang Ruonan</strong> wore his creation on the red carpet. Ruonan is known for her compelling performance in Netflix’s <em>The First Frost</em>. Some of her other popular dramas are <em>My Boss</em>, <em>Love is Panacea</em>, and <em>A Date with the Future</em>.</p><div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px;display:block" width="960"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1768804173513markbumgarner_1768354200_3809420920185104363_176535928.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/><span class="fr-inner">Zhang Ruonan wearing Mark Bumgarner couture on the red carpet | Photo from @markbumgarner on Instagram</span></span></span></div><div><br/></div><p>Ruonan graced the Guerlain Gala in Shanghai wearing a look from Mark Bumgarner’s 2025 couture runway show. The dress features a blush-pink color and a silhouette that moved like waves. The bodice of the gown was adorned by a rose and a bow, serving as an added charm to the look. </p><div><br/></div><p>In an <strong>exclusive interview </strong>with Mark Bumgarner, the designer takes us through the process of how this collaboration came about. </p><div><br/></div><p>“Zhang Ruonan is one of the fastest-rising stars in Asia, and it’s incredibly rewarding to be part of her journey, even in a small way. I had already watched episodes of her Netflix C-drama The First Frost, so this felt both surreal and deeply gratifying,” says Mark.</p><div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px;display:block" width="960"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1768804195934markbumgarner_1768354200_3809420920269002467_176535928.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/><span class="fr-inner">Zhang Ruonan at the Guerlain Gala | Photo from @markbumgarner on Instagram</span></span></span></div><div><br/></div><p>He said that he worked closely with <strong>The Momentum</strong>, a styling studio founded by <strong>Cream Mai</strong>, the styling editor of Grazia China. Their collaboration began when Elaine Zhong—one of my muses—wore my design on several red carpets.</p><div><br/></div><p>“Earlier this month, the team requested the dress for Elaine, but she wasn’t able to attend the event. By pure chance, Ruonan visited the studio, saw the dress hanging on the rack, tried it on—and in that moment, everything aligned. The dress found its wearer.”</p><div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px;display:block" width="960"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1768804226452markbumgarner_1759565358_3735827453031119817_176535928.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/><span class="fr-inner">The pink gown on Mark Bumgarner&#x27;s couture runway show | Photo from @markbumgarner on Instagram</span></span></span></div><div><br/></div><p>The couture dress complemented Ruonan perfectly. She truly brought the piece to life! From the makeup look, her hair, down to the Bulgari jewels that completed the look, Mark defined Ruonan as a living Barbie. </p><div><br/></div><p>“Every designer dreams of muses—sometimes real, sometimes imagined. A muse is inspiration made tangible. Seeing my work worn by international muses on global red carpets is both humbling and powerful. When the right dress meets the right woman at the right moment, it feels less like planning and more like fate.”</p>

<p>Filipino design meets Chinese Drama glamour.</p>

Filipino design meets Chinese Drama glamour.

Metro Exclusive: Chinese Star Zhang Ruonan Wears Mark Bumgarner And Here's The Story Behind It

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Metro Exclusive: Chinese Star Zhang Ruonan Wears Mark Bumgarner And Here's The Story Behind It

Carla Buyo

Published January 19, 2026 05:00 PM PHT

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Updated January 19, 2026 05:41 PM PHT

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mark bumgarner

zhang ruonan

chinese drama

cdrama actress

the first frost

netflix

red carpet

couture

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