Exploring the Enchantment of Evolutionary Changes and the Riches Hidden in a Fresh Start (Gemma Chan)
Fresh Revamp:
Gemma Chan's recent sojourn in Singapore marks a six-year revisit to the city-state, last graced in 2017 for the Captain Marvel festival, where she played the captivating Minn-Erva, a Kree Starforce member. This festival buzzed with fans, eager to catch a glimpse of her, alongside Samuel L. Jackson and Brie Larson, on a February day in 2018. Before this, she had wrapped up filming for Crazy Rich Asians, where she mesmerized audiences as the elegant Astrid Leong, a role still hailed as one of her most defining performances.
Fast-forward to four years later, Chan finds herself back on the cover of Vogue Singapore for the November 2022 issue. Nestled in the lounge at Changi Airport, she prepares for a flight to Hong Kong, fresh from attending Cartier's most anticipated event of the year-the unveiling of the final chapter of its Nature Sauvage high jewellery collection at National Gallery Singapore. Remarkably energetic yet calm, her lilting voice shares insights on the changes she's experienced in the past four years. "A lot has changed, actually," she notes. "On the work side, I started producing alongside acting, so I have multiple projects at various stages. Post-pandemic, I appreciate time more-spending it with family and loved ones. After my nephews moved from Switzerland to the UK, it's been lovely having them nearby."
With a diverse portfolio boasting roles like Astrid from Crazy Rich Asians, Minn-Erva from Captain Marvel, Sersi from Eternals, and Mia from Humans, it's no wonder Chan sought other ways to tell stories. "Producing was something I've been eager to do," she confesses. "I've been attracted to stories about individuals who didn't receive their due in their lifetime."
Enter her latest project, Duke Johnson's romantic noir, The Actor, based on Donald E. Westlake's thriller Memory. This movie dissects themes of race, identity, politics, and truth versus perspective, drawing inspiration from a stop-motion animation Johnson co-directed with Charlie Kaufman. Chan found the vision appealing, already entranced by the script.
Comparing the two projects, Chan describes the experience transition as analogous to personal shifts. "It's about the journey of experiences," she explains. "The sets are designed with false perspectives, having an otherworldly feel." The construction of identity resonates profoundly in today's era of social media, where people often reinvent themselves to project an image or influence opinions. Chan sees it as an opportunity for rebirth.
"I hope people feel connected to the film and can embark on a journey with the characters, much like André Holland's character in the film, who learns it's never too late to become someone new," Chan muses pensively. "Reflecting on my own life, there have been numerous versions of myself at different times, largely due to life's ever-changing circumstances. The ability to continue reinventing ourselves, evolving, and adapting-that's what makes life interesting."
Chan's beloved character, Edna, in The Actor, embodies this sentiment beautifully. As Paul Cole, Holland's character, grapples with self-discovery, he connects with Edna, painting a poignant portrait of young love.
Edna's defining moment arrives in a nostalgic clown costume, designed by costume designer Suzie Harman. Inspired by the 1950s and Marlon Brando's On the Waterfront, the costume reflected Edna's self-made spirit, filled with Halloween references.
Chan's commitment to showcasing Asian creatives extends beyond the silver screen. Her advocacy extends to championing the work of designers like Miss Sohee and Huishan Zhang on prominent red carpets worldwide. This dedication culminates in her recent appointment as Cartier's new ambassador, alongside stars such as Jisoo and Deepika Padukone.
"My journey with Cartier started organically," Chan recalls. "I had a family heirloom-a non-functioning Cartier watch-that they repaired for me. At the same time, I had a tour of the original workshop, an extraordinary, rare experience."
Her shoot for Vogue Singapore showcased pieces from Cartier's En Équilibre high jewelry collection, focusing on balanced sophistication, core values of the brand. "The Tsagaan necklace, inspired by the snow leopard, intrigued me," Chan shares. "Its ingenious design, disappearing and reappearing depending on the angle, was both stunning and ingenious."
In the June edition of Vogue Singapore, Chan excels as an embodiment of the core theme: excellence with enduring kindness. As she delves into new projects such as an Amazon series, Rise of the Empress, and amidst speculations about a Crazy Rich Asians sequel, we eagerly await the unfolding of her career's golden chapter.
Photographer: Peter Ash LeeStyling: Konca AykanHair: Neil MoodieMake-up: Akari SuginoManicure: Michelle ClassSet design: Nat TurnbullPhotographer's assistants: Kurt Lavastida, Elena SantolayaDigitech: Julius BohlinStylist's assistants: Juli Molnar, Isabela OrozcoMake-up assistant: JunLocal production company: Myself ProductionLocal director of production: Julien PegourierLocal producers: Remy Nino Auriel, Dara Domingues, Mathieu FresquetProducer: David Bay
This June 'Gold' issue will be available on newsstands from 13 June and can be preordered online.
- In the November 2022 issue of Vogue Singapore, Gemma Chan was featured, sporting a hair style that complemented her fashion-and-beauty look for the magazine's photoshoot.
- At the Cartier's most anticipated event of the year, Chan showcased a design from the Nature Sauvage high jewellery collection, pairing it with a style that highlighted both the artwork and her unique sense of fashion.
- At the event, Chan was surrounded by other celebrities, creating a buzzing atmosphere filled with fashion, entertainment, and lifestyle events.
- Chan's latest film, "The Actor," delves into themes of innovation and self-discovery, much like the reinvention of her hairstyle and fashion choices throughout her career.
- In her role as Edna, a character in "The Actor," Chan showcases a unique design by costume designer Suzie Harman, embodying a style that is both nostalgic and self-made.
- As an advocate for Asian creatives, Chan continues to collaborate with designers like Miss Sohee and Huishan Zhang, taking her fashion style to prominent red carpet events and further cementing her status as a fashion and lifestyle icon.
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