The actors reunited in Beijing on October 15 for a creative symposium celebrating the series, which spent three consecutive weeks at number two on Netflix’s global chart for non-English TV shows and topped the weekly charts in eight countries. The Early Spring had all the ingredients of a Chinese workplace romance that viewers could fall for. Jing Boran , who played Luke/Luan Nian, and Sun Qian , who portrayed Flora/Shang Zhitao, brought two very different characters together in a story of love and life at the office. But beyond the romance and its international success, there was another detail that had viewers talking: Boran’s effortlessly stylish wardrobe as Luan Nian.
Boran played Luan Nian, the creative director of Beijing advertising agency Lingmei, with a wardrobe that was as sharp as his personality. His choices also reflected the character’s emotional journey. As Luan Nian slowly let his guard down around Shang Zhitao, his style became more relaxed, offering viewers a glimpse of the man behind the polished exterior. Boran was closely involved in putting Luan Nian’s wardrobe together, bringing his own fashion sensibility to the character. The collection featured labels such as Saint Laurent, Hermès, Loro Piana, Chanel, Bottega Veneta, Brunello Cucinelli, Dries Van Noten and Lemaire, with everything from tailored suits and coats to leather jackets and statement accessories. Some pieces came from his personal wardrobe, while others were borrowed from luxury brands, including their seasonal runway collections. His choices gave Luan Nian a style that felt distinct from the usual wealthy male leads in C-dramas. Instead of relying on the familiar combination of dark suits and an intimidating demeanour, Luan Nian’s wardrobe had its own personality, reflecting both his position and the man behind the polished image. Several outfits in The Early Spring quickly caught viewers’ attention. Each outfit had its own character, but none felt out of place. A wine-red striped shirt from the same collection added a bolder touch. As he grows closer to Shang Zhitao (Sun Qian), his style begins to loosen. He leaves a few buttons undone, wears his ties more casually and moves away from the rigid look he starts with. The changes are subtle, but they reflect his growing comfort with her. His clothes gradually reveal the softer side he usually keeps hidden, making his changing feelings visible even when he struggles to put them into words.
The actor was closely involved in putting the wardrobe together, bringing more than 120 looks into the drama, including pieces from his own collection. A khaki wide-shoulder suit from Saint Laurent’s Spring/Summer 2025 collection, paired with a geometric bow-tie shirt, gave Luan Nian a sharp yet relaxed office look.
He also gave fans a peek into the process on Instagram, saying he hoped to “lead a little bit of men’s fashion” through the role.
