Who was Nelson Cheung, Hong Kong’s beloved celebrity stylist? ‘Nel Nel’ was a talented image consultant who worked with Maria Cordero, Aaron Kwok, Jordan Chan and Carina Lau before his tragic death

May 23 , 2023

Nelson Cheung, a beloved member of the Hong Kong community, has died age 59. Photo: @nelnelcheung/Instagram

Hong Kong has lost one of its greatest talents in fashion, the beloved Nelson Cheung Hok-yun, who tragically took his own life and was found dead on May 18 at age 59, at his home in Shenzhen

‘Nel Nel’ was seen on screen as much as behind the scenes, developing friendships with the icons he worked with, from Miss Asia 1991 pageant winner Candy Lo to Karen Tong, Shirley Kwan and Coco Lee

Hong Kong’s entertainment industry is in mourning the loss of renowned image consultant Nelson Cheung Hok-yun, who tragically passed away on May 18 at the age of 59, according to Mingpao. His body was reportedly found at his home in Shenzhen and he had taken his own life, per the same source.

His close friend, 1991’s Miss Asia pageant winner Candy Lo, clarified in an interview on May 20 that Cheung was suffering from depression. However, she added that he did not die because of financial difficulties or salary arrears, according to Mingpao.

Nelson Cheung was a respected and valued figure in Hong Kong’s entertainment industry. Photo: Weibo

The sudden news shocked and saddened many, as Cheung was well loved by members of the showbiz industry as well as fans. Most of the general public knew Cheung, endearingly nicknamed “Nel Nel”, as an entertainer, as he had appeared in over 40 films and hosted a few TV shows, but his main profession was actually working as an image consultant, stylist and costume designer.

Some of his most famous clients included Aaron Kwok, Jordan Chan and Priscilla Chan, and many of his clients became close friends with him while they worked together.

Nelson Cheung and his father Cheung Chi-doy back in the day. Photo: Weibo

Born in 1963 in Hong Kong, Cheung hailed from a long line of footballers.

His father was the legendary former footballer Cheung Chi-doy (now aged 82), and his grandfather and uncle were also professional footballers.

But Nel Nel did not follow in their footsteps. Instead, he studied fashion design at the Vancouver Vocational Institute (now renamed to the Vancouver Community College).

A passionate singer, he joined the 1988 Asia-Pacific Singing Contest and was shortlisted to the final eight, but didn’t pursue a career in music.