LuLu Cheung
Who? Known for her subdued, feminine collections, designer LuLu Cheung is one of Hong Kong's veteran talents. The Indonesia-born, China-raised designer is best known for dressing celebrities such as models Vanessa Yeung and Qi Qi.
How did it happen? After coming to Hong Kong from Guangzhou in 1972, Cheung obtained a diploma at the Hong Kong Institute of Fashion Design, the school that produced local designer Walter Ma Wai-ming. She began making clothes for fun and ended up working at her uncle's boutique. In 1982, Cheung started her own company, Rolls Group, and six years later launched her label, Terra Rosalis, which means 'flower of the Earth'. The first Terra Rosalis boutique opened in Hong Kong in 1992 and her personal label, LuLu Cheung, was unveiled in 1996.
What do the designs look like? Cheung's designs cater to sophisticated and fashionable career women of a broad age range, from smart suits and casual ensembles to more risque see-through tops, evening and party wear. The designer draws inspiration from nature and combines natural fibres with synthetic metallic and polyamide blends. Her favourite natural fibres are linen and cotton, and her palette runs the gauntlet from neutral beige to fiery orange-red. Silhouettes are well-fitted and feminine.
What does the designer say? 'Once, at a ball, I saw a client wearing my design. She had mixed and matched and carried it so well it was gorgeous. I think it's important to express yourself and let your character shine through in your clothes.'
Where are her designs available? They are are available at shop 303, Ocean Terminal, Tsim Sha Tsui; Terra Rosalis, shop B63, Basement 1, The Landmark, Central; shop D1, G/F, 9 Cleveland Street, Fashion Walk, Causeway Bay. They are also available on the mainland and in Japan, Singapore and Australia.
