Actress Isabella Leong on tweed, talent and Chanel’s long-lasting influence on her artistic process

In our 10 Minutes With ... Isabella Leong, the actress, who starred alongside Michelle Yeoh in ‘The Mummy’ franchise, shares how she is inspired by Gabrielle Chanel’s life and vision

Isabella Leong is a Macanese actress based in Hong Kong known for her roles in international films such as The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor (2008), as well as in Chinese ones such as Isabella (2006) and most recently Love After Love (2020).

Tatler caught up with Leong at Chanel’s Tweed de Chanel high jewellery exhibition in Hong Kong last month, which she attended as a long-time friend of the brand. She talked to us about her acting career, how she gets into character and how the latest collection—inspired by the maison’s signature tweed fabric—is similar to her profession’s intricacies.

Above Isabella Leong (Photo: courtesy of Chanel)

For anyone who may not know, can you share how you got into acting?
I was scouted by modelling agencies often during my teenage years. When I landed my first magazine cover at 12, I started getting offers for [several] modelling jobs, as well as singing and acting opportunities. I chose to dive into acting because it allowed me to unleash my creativity and express myself.

How do you continue to develop your acting skills?
Acting is all about bringing characters to life. Looking back at my childhood, it wasn’t the smoothest, but it shaped me into the person I am today.

I gained valuable life experiences much earlier compared to my peers, and [as a result] I am constantly in touch with my emotions. I started acting when I was 16, and today I’m still curious about new roles, no matter how challenging they might be.

Do you have any rituals or a daily routine?
I kickstart my day with half an hour to an hour of meditation—early in the morning. It’s essential for me to set the tone for a truly fulfilling day.

Above Isabella Leong (Photo: courtesy of Chanel)

Do you remember the first time you discovered Chanel? Tell us how your relationship with the brand has evolved?
My first encounter with Chanel was seeing a tweed jacket displayed in a store window. The colourful threads intricately woven together caught my eye. [Since then] I’ve learnt [so much] about Gabrielle Chanel’s life and her vision of empowering women with freedom of movement through her fashion designs. As an actress, that freedom is very important—it fuels my artistic thinking and allows me to perform boldly.

Throughout Chanel’s career, she has collaborated with leading filmmakers and supported her fellow creative peers. Chanel’s dedication to women and emerging talents in their pursuit of modernity and personal expression is commendable, and as an actress, this liberation of women’s creativity resonates with me at a profound level.

It was a pleasure to attend the Tweed de Chanel high jewellery exhibition which took me back to my initial encounter with Chanel. It was incredible to witness fabric from the fashion world transforming into exquisite pieces resembling tweed’s texture.

Above Tweed de Chanel (Photo: courtesy of Chanel)

How did the Tweed de Chanel creations inspire you? Is there any parallel between Chanel’s creativity and your own creative process?
I feel great connection with the brand. Understanding the story behind Gabrielle Chanel’s beloved icons—the ribbon, camellia, comet, sun and lion—and seeing them beautifully presented in this high jewellery collection has taught me to hold on to my beliefs and passion and express them creatively in my acting for my audiences.

The pieces are wearable and versatile, with removable parts that transform into a pendant, a ring, a brooch, a hair piece and in any [other] way one [can imagine]. This level of versatility resonates in my acting where I look to play parts that show multiple facets of me as an actress.

What other projects are working on right now?
I’ve been reading several scripts which have come to me recently. I’m in the process of selecting a challenging yet meaningful role that truly resonates with me—I want to send out positive messages in the films I participate in.

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Isabella Leong Chanel High jewellery Actress Hollywood

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Actress Isabella Leong on tweed, talent and Chanel’s long-lasting influence on her artistic process