The world just lost a beloved icon—Barbie Hsu, best known as Shan Cai from Meteor Garden, has passed away at 48 due to flu-related complications. Fans across Asia, especially in the Philippines, are mourning the actress who brought so much charm, wit, and fashion moments to their screens. But beyond her unforgettable role, she left behind a memorable style that defined an era, especially in the early 2000s when Meteor Garden became a full-blown phenomenon.

Meteor Garden ruled lives back then. It was more than just a drama; it was the show that had everyone swooning over the brooding bad boy Dao Ming Si (Jerry Yan), the soft-spoken Hua Ze Lei (Vic Chou), and the rest of the ridiculously stylish F4 (Vanness Wu and Ken Chu). From posters plastered on school notebooks to CD soundtracks playing on repeat, Meteor Garden wasn’t just a series—it was an obsession. A huge part of it was also the fashion.

Back when hair gel and chunky highlights reigned supreme, Meteor Garden set the standard for stylish rebellion. Dao Ming Si, played by Jerry Yan, was instantly recognizable with his signature permed hair and fur-lined coats, exuding a mix of rich-boy arrogance and street-style swagger. His wardrobe was all about oversized jackets, bold patterns, and statement accessories that defined early 2000s cool. Meanwhile, Vic Chou’s Hua Ze Lei was the effortlessly cool, quiet guy whose wardrobe featured cozy sweaters, neutral colors, and soft, layered pieces—perfectly complementing his dreamy, mysterious vibe. Vanness Wu and Ken Chu rounded out F4’s fashion dynamic, with Vanness leaning into streetwear with bandanas and tank tops, while Ken opted for more mature, polished outfits.

Then there was Barbie Hsu’s Shan Cai—the ultimate girl-next-door whose style was both aspirational and relatable. She rocked classic blouses, skirts, and relaxed jeans, proving that effortless chic was always in. Her understated yet stylish wardrobe made her even more endearing and relatable to fans, setting trends that many young women tried to emulate at the time.  

The Meteor Garden fashion influence was real. Boys permed their hair to channel their inner Dao Ming Si, layered sweaters became a must-have in wardrobes, and let’s be honest, everyone wished they could pull off Shan Cai’s simple yet stylish aesthetic. Even in 2018, when the Meteor Garden reboot introduced a new F4, the fashion influence remained strong. The updated cast showcased modern versions of the classic F4 looks—more tailored, more polished, but still unmistakably Meteor Garden.

Barbie Hsu may no longer be with us, but her role as Shan Cai—and the unforgettable Meteor Garden era—will live on in the hearts (and wardrobes) of fans forever.

See the gallery below for some of our beloved Meteor Garden fashion moments.