Constance Lau 'set bar a little too high' with first red carpet event

Constance Lau first had a taste of the spotlight as a finalist of modelling competition The New Paper New Face 2008.

A decade on, the local model-actress is on a bigger stage, appearing in Hollywood romcom Crazy Rich Asians as gossip queen socialite Celine Lim, also known as Radio One Asia.

The film, showing here, topped the North American box office for a third straight weekend, earning US$22.2 million (S$30 million), bringing its domestic total to US$110 million.

But it was at Crazy Rich Asians' Los Angeles jade carpet premiere last month that the 27-year-old truly got noticed, earning a place on best dressed lists of international publications like E! Online and The Cut, for her red and white chinoiserie-inspired gown by Time Taken To Make A Dress.

Lau, 27, told The New Paper: "It was definitely an honour to be featured on these platforms.

To be named best-dressed for my first red carpet event? That is just surreal. Constance Lau

"To be named best-dressed for my first red carpet event? That is just surreal. I am thankful for all the kind words so far.

"I guess I set the bar a little too high for myself - not sure how I am going to pull off a look to top this."

For the film, she had an "over-the-top" wardrobe.

The opening scene features her in an eye-catching black and white Michael Kors coat with a blouse and leather skirt from Yves Saint Laurent, paired with Jimmy Choo heels and a Christian Dior bag.

Then there was the silvery feathered three-piece ensemble from Ralph & Russo that her character sported in the dinner party sequence, which happens to be Lau's favourite outfit.

However, despite being exposed to such crazy rich fashion, her personal style off-camera hasn't changed.

Lau said: "I wouldn't consider myself fashionable but I'll always ensure I look presentable.

"I'm still very much a conservative dresser, although these days I try incorporating more colours into my outfits. For me, comfort is key."

She admitted she "honestly never thought" she would make it to Hollywood.

She credited New Face for opening doors for her as a commercial model and said her experience provided a "window into the media industry".

She studied theatre at Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts while working as a radio presenter at local stations 987 and the now defunct Lush 99.5.

New Face is back this year to give girls the chance to make a mark in the world of fashion, beauty and entertainment, and hopefuls can sign up at www.tnp.sg/tnpnewface by Sept 12.

It is open to all ages, and the audition will be held on Sept 15 at Subaru Leng Kee, 9am to 3pm.

The winner will receive $10,000 cash and $2,000 worth of hair services from Kelture Aveda Salon.

Lau's advice for aspiring fresh faces is to "be yourself", adding: "Wear a comfortable pair of jeans and heels because you are going to be standing and walking in them for a couple of hours."

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Constance changes

PATRIOTIC CONSTANCE

A nod to National Day, Lau wore the colours of the Singapore flag at the Los Angeles premiere of Crazy Rich Asians on Aug 8.

The dress was custom-made and hand-painted by home-grown fashion label Time Taken To Make A Dress.

It took a while because it’s difficult to find something with both red and white and at the same time suits my frame.

She said: "It took a while because it's difficult to find something with both red and white and at the same time suits my frame. So when my stylist found this, I immediately said 'Let's do it.'"

Lau also paid homage to Singapore's fashion scene by including a Charles & Keith clutch and earrings by bespoke couture jeweller La Putri.

GLAM CONSTANCE

For the Singapore premiere of Crazy Rich Asians on Aug 21, Lau opted for another Time Taken To Make A Dress number, this time a one-shoulder white gown with an enormous ruffled bodice, paired with a Charles & Keith clutch and shoes.

She said: "I wanted to switch things up a little and go for a different look. This is a modern yet 'soft' piece as compared to the one I wore in LA."

CASUAL CONSTANCE

For a casual look, she sports a denim top from Forever 21, a pair of TopShop jeans and Stan Smith sneakers from Adidas. Lau pieced together a denim-on-denim outfit for a photo shoot with US headwear company New Era.

She said: "I love denim because it's such a versatile fabric and can be worn in so many different ways. I chose this outfit to complement the cap."

HOLIDAY CONSTANCE

Lounging on a yacht for a get-together event with friends, Lau chose a "super lightweight" turquoise halter maxi dress that is perfect for Singapore's tropical heat. She said: "I wanted to cover as much skin as possible because I didn't want to get a tan.