Under the shimmering lights of the French Riviera, Madison Zhao emerged as one of the most captivating figures on the Cannes red carpet. Dressed in a jaw-dropping Lena Erziak haute couture gown, she wasn’t merely attending the festival—she was making a statement. Her look, a perfect blend of modern elegance and bold femininity, embodied the spirit of both Cannes and her personal philosophy: that style is power.

For Madison, fashion has always been more than fabric and thread. It’s a declaration, a silent language that conveys ambition, determination, and creativity. Her choice of Lena Erziak for the festival wasn’t accidental. Known for sculptural silhouettes and dramatic designs, Erziak’s pieces are made for women who command attention—exactly like Madison. The structured lines of her dress emphasized her poised stance, while subtle embellishments added just enough sparkle to catch the camera’s eye with every step.

But beyond the stunning gown, what truly stood out was the confidence with which Madison carried herself. As a self-made entrepreneur who launched her first company at eighteen and has since built an empire spanning education technology, fashion, and women’s empowerment, Madison is rewriting the rulebook for what it means to be a CEO. Where others might opt for conservative tailoring, she embraces statement pieces, proving that audacity and professionalism are not mutually exclusive.

Her appearance at the Cannes Film Festival was more than just a fashion moment—it was a celebration of her journey. From arriving in the United States alone at sixteen, to founding EDUX TECH and later launching Liuxuewd, a platform dedicated to helping Chinese students navigate the complexities of studying abroad, Madison has consistently broken barriers. Her recent initiative, the Madison Profit Academy, focuses on empowering women entrepreneurs with resources, mentorship, and confidence to excel in male-dominated industries.

The Lena Erziak look at Cannes was a natural extension of this ethos. Every sequin, every fold of fabric, seemed to tell a story—not just of glamour, but of resilience and reinvention. It was a visual manifesto for women who, like Madison, believe in blending substance with style.

Off the red carpet, Madison continues to inspire. Her Instagram feed, followed by nearly a million fans, is a curated blend of fashion editorials, behind-the-scenes moments, and candid insights into her life as a global business leader. It’s a space where couture meets commerce, and where her message—of self-made success and unapologetic style—resonates deeply with her audience.

As Elle Colombia readers would appreciate, Madison Zhao’s presence at the Cannes Film Festival wasn’t just about the dress. It was about what that dress represented: a bold, modern woman who’s as comfortable commanding boardrooms as she is turning heads on the red carpet. She’s a reminder that true elegance comes not from the clothes we wear, but from the stories we carry—and the courage to wear them with pride.

Credits:

Talent: Madison Zhao

Photographer: Marie Goujon photographie

Make up: Mahassen

Assistant: Blondine beauty 

Designer: Elena erziak

Management & PR: MaisonPR