So gorgeous
The presence of Shu Qi at a fashion event causes a flurry of excitement.
The presence of Shu Qi at a fashion event causes a flurry of excitement.
THE recent relaunch of Emporio Armani in Kuala Lumpur got a serious dose of star wattage, courtesy of Taiwanese actress Shu Qi.
On April 25, excited fans, invited guests and media members gathered hours before her appearance at the Suria KLCC store, to secure the best spots in the house.
Curious onlookers also filled the vicinity; all were in a hush when the sultry 36-yearold finally made her way to the boutique.
Wearing a white, flowy midi dress, Shu Qi was accompanied by bodyguards and Emporio Armani staff. She looked every bit as poised and immaculate as she does on the big screen.
She took position next to emcee Owen Yap at the boutique entrance, and smiled as photographers took seemingly endless shots of her.
“I am happy to be here. I like Malaysia,” she said in Mandarin in reply to Yap’s greeting.
The award-winning actress later joined Giorgio Armani CEO Paul Haouzi and Club 21 general manager Valerie Foong for the ribbon cutting ceremony, which was closely followed by a quick tour of the outlet. Needless to say, a mob of people followed her around.
For the uninitiated, Shu Qi is the Italian fashion house’s ambassador for China, Singapore and Malaysia. The actress (of City of Glass, Transporter and
Gorgeous fame) has been the face of the label since its Fall/winter 2010 collection. She is proud to of her ties with the brand thus far, although her contract with Emporio Armani reportedly ends next month.
“I’m more of a T-shirt and jeans sort of person,” said Shu Qi to Malaysian reporters. “I’m rather clueless when it comes to fashion, so I’m very happy and excited to be given this opportunity to work with a fashion brand.”
Shu Qi described the brand’s collection as very sophisticated with clean cuts, while the embellishments give it a stylish versatility.
Their collection, she added, will transform a plain Jane into a very classy woman.
Shu Qi certainly embodies the essence of such a luxurious label. She maintained her composure as more relentless questions from reporters got thrown her way.
Queries about her love life followed, such as who is she currently dating?
She remained tight-lipped about the issue and stated that unless the paparazzi have photographic evidence of her with a man, she would rather not say.
Journalists then asked if she would be open to the idea of dating someone outside the entertainment industry such as her best friend Kelly Lin. (Lin is married to American Chinese entrepreneur Chris Young.)
“It depends on destiny,” she replied. “If we are meant to be, we are meant to be.”
She declared this year as a year of rest, after having worked without a break for a few years.
Before she could answer any more questions, she was whisked away by the same troop she arrived with, leaving reporters grappling for more.
What’s in store
In regard to the boutique, which is located on the ground floor of Suria KLCC, it covers about 310sqm. Its interior has been carefully imagined and designed by designer Giorgio Armani himself.
The ceiling is in light marmorino, while its flooring is made of bright, glossy stone, giving the location a striking, glamorous appearance.
The accessories area at the entrance creates a luxurious space. Wall coverings alternate between black glass and bronze panelling throughout the boutique.
Much more than a fashion store, the store embodies Armani’s vision of the modern casual lifestyle that EA represents. It offers Emporio Armani women’s and men’s wear collections including formal and casual wear, accessories, watches, eyewear, jewellery, underwear and Armani Jeans.
This season’s range features a riot of colours and an emphasis on the silhouette and graphics.
In terms of shapes, the jacket has a masculine cut that glides over the body, with shoulders delicately suggested to soften the line.
Dresses and skirts are longer, ranging from mid-knee to mid-calf, shorter at the back and longer at the front. The trousers, while easy on the hips, are slim and svelte at the hems to create a sleek shape.
Pivotal colours are black and white as well as pale shades of green, sky blue and pastel pink, framed by leather, knit or silk trims that outline the clothes.
For men, the line is fluid, deconstructed and steamlined. Jackets are the stars of the collection, either with one button or one-anda-half breasted, always with a narrower shoulder and a distinctive fit.