Upticks in male make-up and luxury sales, alongside the rising influence of ‘pretty boys’, point to a shift in gender norms among men in China. But government officials are looking to tamp down what they see as the ‘feminisation’ of men, and their efforts have the country divided in opinion.

In China, the desire to be perceived as marriageable and successful has long driven men to adhere to a rigid (and largely unrealistic) model of masculinity – but societal shifts have sparked changes in attitudes. What does the ’modern man’ look like and what does he value in life?

Chinese Gen Zers are brand-savvy shoppers who have more access to product information than their predecessors. But how exactly is this consumer power affecting their beauty buying habits? What do they expect from cosmetics brands and how are their demands shaping the sector?

In Zegna's social spot, a virtual influencer and a real-life idol discuss their 'ideal man' – and they bring up none of the values associated with traditional masculinity. The ad points towards an interest in gender fluidity in China, even as state officials seek to reintroduce more conservative gender norms.