Lady Amelia and Eliza Spencer take Hong Kong: Princess Diana’s twin model nieces talk romance, royalty and life in Cape Town while in town for Sauvereign x Studio Putman – exclusive interview
Both working models, the 30-year-old identical twins were invited as guests of honour for the new collection’s launch. A collaboration between Bertrand Mak’s Hong Kong-born art and luxury house Sauvereign, and Olivia Putman’s French design studio, it promises a mix of “avant-garde, sculptural furniture” and “wearable objects” – and the royal fashionistas were suitably enthusiastic.
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“[The collection includes] timeless pieces that can be passed down through generations,” Amelia tells us. “When we heard about the collaboration with Studio Putman we really wanted to attend the launch and support Sauvereign as Hong Kong’s first luxury maison.”
Everyone was quick to pick a favourite piece. “The wall mirror is also stunning! And we love the one-of-a-kind unique piece – it’s breathtaking with over 480 pieces of 24-carat gradient blue sapphire,” raved Amelia about one of the exhibition’s signature pieces.
Fashion forward
Embodying their fashion flair, Amelia radiated allure in a body-hugging Michael Kors minidress, while Eliza exuded sophistication in a striking black piece from Del Core. They later changed into similarly stylish looks for dinner at the Ritz-Carlton Hong Kong, with guests including Miss Hong Kong 2020 runner-up Celina Harto.
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Known for their sartorial prowess, the pair don head-turning looks wherever they go. So what is the secret to their consistent wardrobe success? Amelia says it’s all about developing your own style. “Don’t try to copy others, but find what works for you and make it your own,” she tells us. Eliza, meanwhile, keeps up with fashion trends but says not to follow them all. “Choose the ones that work for you and incorporate them into your personal style,” she shares.
African roots
Despite being linked to the royal family, as the daughters of the Earl of Spencer and model Victoria Aitken, Amelia and Eliza were raised far from the glare of the public eye. Born in London, the aristocrats, who count Prince William and Prince Harry as cousins, moved to South Africa in 1995, worlds away from a traditional British upbringing, to escape the media attention that came with their name.
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“Growing up in Cape Town was the most magical childhood we could have wished for,” says Amelia. “We spent most of our time outdoors and in nature.”
Splitting their time between their birthplace and the city in which they were raised, today the duo count both cities as home. “Both [London and Cape Town] are home to us and have their unique qualities and reasons that they have captured our hearts,” says Eliza.
For those planning a trip to the region, the girls recommend exploring Table Mountain, the area’s vineyards and restaurants, Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, the beautiful beaches and historic Robben Island.
Hello, Hong Kong
Hong Kong left an indelible impression on the twins, with Amelia describing it as a “completely unique and surreal feeling”.
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“We were blown away by the endless skyscrapers, bustling streets and stunning natural landscapes,” adds Eliza. During their short stay, their itinerary included indulging in an afternoon tea at the W Hong Kong hotel and fulfilling their long-held desire to visit the iconic Peak. “We [were] also excited to experience the lively atmosphere, culture, food, history and the skyline,” says Amelia.
For the well-travelled Spencers, Italy and New York stand out as their top destinations so far. “The memories and experiences that we have had, we will cherish forever,” says Amelia.
Royal romances
“Our wedding was more magical than we could have ever imagined,” Amelia tells us, “The whole day was a dream, something we will treasure in our hearts forever.”
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Eliza, too, has been in a long-term relationship with Channing Millerd, the COO of Dataledger, a blockchain service provider, with the couple celebrating their seven-year anniversary earlier this year.
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Amelia emphasises the profound significance of art and design as “expressions of creativity and imagination that have the power to evoke emotions, provoke thoughts and communicate messages”.
The next stop for these glamorous globetrotters? Spain.
- Twin cousins of Prince Harry and Prince William, Lady Amelia and Lady Eliza Spencer made their first visit to Hong Kong for the launch of the ‘Dualités: Mosaic of Details’ exhibition at Elements mall
- The duo mingled with Anita actress Louise Wong, ViuTV host Rikko Lee and Miss Hong Kong 2020 runner-up Celina Harto, had afternoon tea at the W Hong Kong and dinner at the Ritz-Carlton