Hong Kong Cantopop star Kelly Chen opens her wardrobe to the world: the ‘diva of Asia’ on her first Chanel handbag, family life, and why son Chace’s nickname was never ‘har gao’ – exclusive interview
- Cantopop queen Kelly Chen recently shared her handbag collection at the Swire Properties x Victoria & Albert Museum’s Bags: Inside Out exhibition at Hong Kong’s Pacific Place
- The Infernal Affairs star describes her sentimental handbags as representing ‘different memories’ in her life – her first one, however, was a Chanel from her parents at her university graduation
Yet, her influence extends beyond screen and record. Chen’s impeccable fashion sense – particularly when it comes to handbags – has become an inseparable part of her identity.
Chen was invited to share 13 pieces from her collection alongside these show-stoppers, at the exhibition’s final stop at Hong Kong’s Pacific Place mall, where it runs until July 16. “I found it very meaningful to share the stories behind my collection with my fans and the public,” Chen tells Style as we sat down to an exclusive interview.
“From the Ralph Lauren canvas and leather backpack I used in my first on-screen appearance in Jacky Cheung’s ‘So Close, Yet So Far’ music video, to the Prada handbag that appeared in my recently debuted ‘Unconditional Love’ music video, they are all on display in the exhibition. They are all precious memories and experiences that have played an important role in my personal life and career,” she says. “Each handbag is a record of me in different stages, so each handbag represents different memories.”
The songstress has been a long-time enthusiast of handbags. She fondly recalls receiving her first designer piece, a Chanel bag, as a graduation gift from her parents upon completing university. “It felt like a representation of my parents witnessing my transition from a student to a working adult, and I think it is a very precious and representative handbag,” she adds.