In a post on her Instagram account, Chan, 46, shared photos from a fashion show in Hong Kong, captioning: “Many people asked me last night if I was wearing all Hermès. What do you think?”
The images show her wearing a knitted sweater and carrying the limited-edition Hermès Smile Bolide 1923 bag, released in 2020. The smiley-faced bag, crafted from Tadelakt leather and Niloticus crocodile leather, is valued at over 1 million yuan (US$140,317).
Before marrying 74-year-old Lau, the former chairman of Chinese Estates Holdings, Chan worked as his assistant. Lau, who acquired Chinese Estates in 1986, has an extensive portfolio of prime Hong Kong real estate and owns artwork by renowned artists such as Warhol, Gauguin, and Hockney, collectively valued at over US$1 billion.
As of Oct. 16, Forbes estimated his net worth at US$13.6 billion, ranking him as the fifth-richest person in Hong Kong.
According to HK01, Lau is known for his art collection and for purchasing Hermès bags as both investments and charitable gifts. Aside from his personal collection, he often buys bags for his family and mistresses.
Elle reported that Chan owns approximately 1,000 Hermès bags.
Chan frequently wears designs from top brands such as Hermès, Chanel, Dior, Fendi, and Roger Vivier. She has a dedicated room in her mansion to display her vast collection of luxury items, including high-value diamond jewelry from Harry Winston and Van Cleef & Arpels.
Since then, she has embraced wearing her own creations, pairing knitted sweaters with relaxed trousers and accenting her outfits with luxury accessories like Hermès Kelly bags in various colors.
She also shares her quirky knitting designs on social media, showing off her handmade pieces while enjoying casual outings with friends, such as going to cafés, movies, or music events.
She paired a sleeveless crocheted top, khaki pants, and unconventional shoes next to her company’s booth.
At one event, she presented knitted yarn flower bouquets to British Olympic diving champion Tom Daley (far L), who shares her passion for knitting. In addition to her wardrobe, Chan crochets decorative accessories for her bags.
Growing up in a modest, single-parent household, Chan shared that she had “always done more than required” from a young age and has benefited from this work ethic throughout her life.
In 1999, she began her career as an entertainment reporter for Apple Daily, a role that allowed her to network with celebrities and Hong Kong’s elite while honing her communication skills. Chan said she would read all the news each morning—not just entertainment, but also local and financial news—to broaden her knowledge.
By 2002, Chan joined Chinese Estates Holdings, initially working in the cosmetics division. Over time, she worked her way through corporate and social hierarchies, eventually becoming Lau’s (R) partner, giving birth to three children, and holding significant executive roles, from director to CEO.
