Style and cinema are inextricably linked. In Anita, costumes are one of the main visual languages. In the film A Guilty Conscience, you play a mother who does not have a lot of fashionable looks. What’s your view on the relationship between the two?
I believe strongly in the professionalism of the wardrobe department. The wardrobe team for a movie is very familiar with the script and the director’s requirements, and the clothing they select plays a crucial role in helping the actors immerse themselves in their characters. When you catch a glimpse of yourself in the mirror, you’re already halfway convinced that you’ve truly become the character, and that’s incredibly valuable. If, at any point, the actor feels uncertain or encounters any issues such as discomfort or restricted movement, it’s important to communicate with the stylist. Together, we can collaborate and work towards enhancing the overall experience. 

For Anita, we tried on more than a hundred different outfits during the filming process [to see what would work]; we ended up using dozens in the movie. Each look, representing a different era, helps to evoke the memories of that particular time. For example, the sequinned minidress in the cabaret scene invokes nostalgia and triggers memories, transporting the audience back to those memorable years.

Which looks from Anita are most personally memorable?
Several outfits [stand out], including the wedding dress, the studded corset, and the Bad Girl look—a leather jacket paired with jeans and a short hairstyle. It represents an era of avant-garde style, where people were still conservative and hesitant to wear such outfits, yet [Mui] boldly expressed herself and encouraged others to embrace their own unique fashion choices as long as they felt comfortable.

How has modelling helped you understand the technical side of fashion and costumes?
As a model, I was fortunate to collaborate with various designers, which allowed me to observe the cuts and materials used in their garments. I worked as a fitting model, too, and had the opportunity to visit factories with designers to witness the clothing production process, which was a tremendous learning experience. For a brief period, I also worked as a stylist, further expanding my knowledge of fashion. I have always enjoyed exploring and discovering fashion on my own.

How would you describe your personal style?
I’m all about black, white and grey. Black is my go-to colour, as it exudes a sense of style and a touch of punk. However, I don’t often showcase this side of my style on social media; I reserve it for my personal wardrobe choices. When working with brands on projects, I choose to take a step back and adapt my personal style to fit the brand’s aesthetic. I think, to represent a brand, to a certain extent you need to tell others how to wear it, how to style it, make it covetable.

Your first acting role was an absolute icon; your second was at the other end of the fame spectrum. What other characters would you like to take on?
I want to try all sorts of eccentric characters, from perverted scientists to cold-blooded female murderers, and even an heiress [laughs]. Besides embracing different looks, I also enjoy exploring the inner transformation within each character. It allows me to delve into experiences that may not be part of Louise Wong’s life; I can only explore these lives through acting.

What has been the biggest challenge you’ve faced as an actress, and how did you overcome it?
I find every scene and role to be a significant challenge. Acting, for me, is a deeply introspective profession. It requires delving into one’s own inner resources and sometimes tapping into genuine emotions. This approach often blurs the line between me and the character I portray. When I truly believe I am that person, all the emotions experienced are real. Consequently, it can be a painful process, as scenes can be emotionally tumultuous; this can leave me feeling mentally exhausted at the end of a shoot.

It takes some time to recover. I have been fortunate enough to find ways to rediscover myself and alleviate stress. Engaging in activities I enjoy or pursuing challenges I’ve longed for but didn’t previously have the opportunity to pursue helps me reconnect with Louise Wong. For instance, I paint, go horseback riding, study languages, and participate in sports like roller skating and wake-surfing. I may be a bit of a homebody, but I do value getting out and engaging in various activities.

You’ve worn literal hats as a model, but also, figuratively, as a mother, actress, wife and fashionista. What is a typical day like for you?
When I have spare time, rather than catching up on sleep or “me time”, I prefer to go out with my family, or stay home and play board games or do arts and crafts with them. When I am busy on trips, I find time to Facetime my daughter to help her with her homework. Spending quality time together is a must; you have to let them feel the love. My family is also very understanding; it’s a two-way street. 

Your daughter Affa is seven. Is she inspired by your style?
My daughter is very trendy and has a personality that surpasses mine. She finds her favourite things quickly: she took K-pop dance classes for a while and danced to OMG by NewJeans at home all day for me. She likes the combination of western, Japanese and Korean styles. Before the age of six, she liked Disney, but once she turned six, she told me clearly that she likes black, and combining it with Lolita style; for example, pairing a black crop top with a tutu. She also asked me to let her have her hair cut short, and [over the summer holiday] try dyeing it. 

In recent years, we have seen massive wins for the Asian filmmaking community such as the global success of Korean films and Michelle Yeoh’s history-making win at Oscars. How do you hope to contribute to this momentum?
My first movie is already telling the story of Hong Kong. To a certain extent, Mui’s story brings out a lot of changes in Hong Kong history. So I hope that I can make more Hong Kong movies, but I won’t say that I will make only Hong Kong movies, and I certainly hope that I can be international in the future.

What upcoming projects do you have in the works, and what can your fans look forward to seeing from you in the near future?
My managers really like me to push myself: they help me to choose suitable scripts which can bring out my potential or challenge me, and they understand that I am willing to accept that challenge. By the end of the year, I will [begin filming] an international drama series, which will be aired on an international platform. I’ve been working on this project for a few months now, and I’m going to be focused on it. In terms of film, I just finished my third movie [in a leading role] last month and I hope it will be released next year. As it includes a lot of physical scenes, I had to exercise a lot, so I was very fit and strong. The film will reveal a different me.

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