It’s been quite the ride for British actress Gemma Chan. Many would know her as the astute and elegant Astrid Leong in 2018’s Crazy Rich Asians, the film that catapulted her to international stardom or perhaps her subsequent blockbuster role in the Marvel universe, portraying Sersi in Eternals. Much like art imitating life, there’s always an air of sophistication and grace that Chan carries in her recognised roles, one that is present during her red carpet appearances and public outings over the years. From her dazzling Tom Ford Met Gala debut in 2019 to a show-stopping golden moment in Oscar de la Renta at Cannes earlier this year, it has been a delight to see her step confidently into the role of style star and bring much needed BIPOC representation to the industry, with the actress favouring Asian designers when it comes to her press outings.
Now returning as Vogue Singapore’s June ‘Gold’ cover star, the newly-minted Cartier ambassador is gearing up for an exciting new chapter—one where she will step into producer shoes, namely a biopic of legendary Chinese-American actress Anna May Wong where she will develop and star in. The notion of spotlighting Asian voices through her platform has always been something close to Chan’s heart, and it’s prominent through her red carpet and press looks. Those who are familiar with her most noteworthy looks would recognise Miss Sohee, Jason Wu and Huishan Zhang as just a few of the Asian designers that Chan has in her rotation.
Below, see 15 occasions where Gemma Chan has championed Asian designers.
1 / 15
Miss Sohee
South Korean designer Sohee Park has been a longstanding collaborator of Chan’s and her recent trip out to Singapore for Cartier’s Nature Sauvage Ball had the British actress clad in a red luminous gown, decorated with golden blooms. A perfect match for the star’s jewellery for the night.
2 / 15
Huishan Zhang
Looking ever so radiant at a beauty launch in London, the English starlet made a form-fitting entrance in one of Chinese-born designer Huishan Zhang’s ensembles.
3 / 15
Self Portrait
Serving up a smouldering twist of the classic suit and tie, Chan stepped out in a Self Portrait deconstructed blazer and a sheer LBD for The Actor premiere in New York.
4 / 15
Jason Wu
She’s a lady in red, once again. This time, at the Louvre’s Grand Fashion Dinner, Chan turned heads in a flooring silk creation by Jason Wu; a look immaculately paired with diamonds from Cartier. The Taiwanese-Canadian designer needs no introduction, having made headlines after designing Michelle Obama’s inaugural ball gown in 2009.
5 / 15
Miss Sohee
A corseted peplum complete with the wonders of draping, this Miss Sohee creation was made like armour for Chan as she attended the Newport Beach Film Fest.
6 / 15
Miss Sohee
For the premiere of Eternals in October 2021, Chan wore a custom Miss Sohee creation at the 16th annual Rome Film Festival.
7 / 15
PH5
At the Eternals press tour, Chan kicked things off on day one in LA wearing a dress from PH5. Founded in 2014 by Wei Lin, the sustainability-focused knitwear brand based in NY and China blends sportswear aesthetics with playful silhouettes.
8 / 15
Prabal Gurung
At the Met Gala in May 2021, Chan and designer Prabal Gurung paid tribute to the first Chinese-American actress, Anna May Wong, with a black sequinned mini dress accompanied by a pastel green train. Born in Singapore to Nepali parents and raised in Kathmandu, Gurung is known as much for his advocacy as for his designs.
9 / 15
Prabal Gurung
On day one of her Crazy Rich Asians Los Angeles press tour, Chan opted for a dress with contrasting plaid fabrics gathered at the waist with cut-out detailing.
10 / 15
Yuhan Wang
Gemma Chan posed for a selfie while wearing a form-fitting lace ensemble with red button accents from Yuhan Wang spring/summer 2021 in March 2021. Since graduating from Central Saint Martins in 2016, Chinese-born designer, Yuhan Wang, has grown a formidable following. In addition to a three-season showcase with Fashion East, Wang was also shortlisted for the LVMH Prize in 2020.
11 / 15
Edeline Lee
For the virtual premiere of Raya and the Last Dragon in March 2021, Chan wore a dress from Edeline Lee’s spring/summer 2021 collection paired with heels from Simone Rocha. Before launching her eponymous label, which focuses on precision and wearability, Korean-Canadian designer Edeline Lee interned at Alexander McQueen in London and John Galliano in Paris.
12 / 15
Huishan Zhang
Chan wore a belted tweed number from Huishan Zhang on a press day for Raya and the Last Dragon in February 2021. The Chinese-born designer studied at Central Saint Martins and interned at Dior, and runs his eponymous label from London.
13 / 15
Philip Lim
Gemma Chan went for bold in a colour block outfit, in March 2019, from 3.1 Phillip Lim spring/summer 2019. Born in Thailand to parents of Chinese descent, Phillip Lim, the co-founder and creative director of the label, immigrated to the US as a child and is an outspoken advocate for Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) causes.
14 / 15
Jason Wu
At the Critics Choice Awards in January 2019, Chan was a floral fantasy in an exuberant off-shoulder gown from Jason Wu.
15 / 15
Simone Rocha
As part of her promo tour for Crazy Rich Asians, Chan wore a lace-trimmed tulle dress with floral embroidery by Simone Rocha in September 2018. Best known for her quirky, ultra-feminine style, the Irish-Chinese designer often pays homage to her heritage in her collections.
Vogue Singapore’s June ‘Gold’ issue will be out on newsstands from 13 June and available to preorder online.
