Q&a / Marvel star Fala Chen at Milan Fashion Week: the Chinese-American actress on the Italian city, her love for Brunello Cucinelli and cashmere, her personal style – and not getting papped in Hong Kong

Sep 27 , 2023

Marvel star Fala Chen attends the Brunello Cucinelli show during Milan Fashion Week. Photo: Getty Images

The Chinese-American actress, famous for starring in Marvel’s Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings and HBO’s Irma Vep, chats with Style at Brunello Cucinelli’s Milan Fashion Week show

Chen, who first made her name in Hong Kong, wore ‘quiet luxury’ before it was cool and voices her concerns over fashion’s sustainability issues – although she does love Milan’s food

The always-elegant Fala Chen attended Milan Fashion Week recently, where Italian visionary entrepreneur Brunello Cucinelli invited her to the presentation of his spring/summer 2024 collection.

Born in Chengdu, Chen moved to the US at age 14, but never lost her love and connection with China.

Tony Leung and Fala Chen in Marvel Studios’ Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings. Photo: Marvel Studios

The actress, internationally known for her role in superhero Marvel film Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, gained popularity through HBO comedy-drama Irma Vep alongside Alicia Vikander. She also had a part in The Undoing, the psychological thriller miniseries with Nicole Kidman and Hugh Grant, after she successfully challenged herself in many Hong Kong TV series like Steps, Lives of Omission and No Regrets.

We caught up with her at Brunello Cucinelli’s show …

How do you like Milan’s fashion scene?

It’s another experience from my previous visits. I attended some fashion shows in the past, and the whole flow of the first-row seating is quite different. Here at Cucinelli, I feel like I’m part of a big family party, and I know how important heritage is for the brand. Brunello, his daughter Carolina and the whole team are so warm; it’s an entirely different story, and I like being here. Plus, the quality of the fabrics and the refinement of each garment are pleasing to one of my obsessions.

Which is?

I pay lots of attention to details. As an actor, I observe everything and cannot overlook when something’s not impeccable.

Awkwafina, Meng’er Zhang, Simu Liu and Fala Chen arrive at a screening of Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings at Regal Union Square in New York City, in August 2021. Photo: AP

Cucinelli is renowned for its superior cashmere. What’s your first memory of wearing such a unique fibre?