Firenze4Ever
Oriental Obsession the theme of the tenth edition, from 10 to 12 January
LuisaViaRoma turns his attention to the East for this tenth edition of Firenze4Ever.
A macro three-day event that will feature guests from around the world to celebrate fashion, art, music and technology. We met the famous singer and actress Joyce Cheng, one of the special guest of this edition.
What is your first memory related to fashion?
When I was a little girl my mom really liked dressing me up in matching outfits with her. Very early on in my life, she bought me a miniature monogram speedy bag from Louis Vuitton. It was one of the coolest things ever, to be able to have a "grown-up" bag!
You are a singer, an author and an actress. What is the role you feel more at ease in?
I definitely enjoy singing the most. Being a plus-sized girl, I grew up struggling a lot with body image issues. Singing allows me to bare myself to strangers without letting them see me. It is a very special bond I can share with my listeners. Having said that, I also love to perform, so I love any sort of platform that allows me to entertain!
Your greatest satisfaction so far?
When I first entered the entertainment industry, my mother and grandmother had both passed away within one month of each other. I was living on my own for the first time and came home every day to four walls. It was a very lonesome feeling. Having experienced that, I realize now that being able to share every hardship and success with loved ones is the greatest satisfaction of all.
The true luxury is…?
Soaking my feet in a hot tub of water after a long day in stilettos.
A source of inspiration for your life and your career.
My mother. She was the perfect mixture of strong and gentle, charming and genuine. As an actress, singer and talk show host of over forty years, her work ethic is admirable. She always taught me that whether you're 8 or 80 years old, you can never know too much. There's always more to learn.
What are you currently working on?
I am currently promoting my new single 瘦夠了嗎？(Thin Enough?). Here in Asia, there is a common misconception that big girls are lazy and because of this, they will not have any importance in society. As a big girl myself, I want to prove this wrong. So I recruited two plus-sized dancers to feature in my music video. This new song goes beyond speaking out for big girls. It's a statement saying that as long as you are determined, you can achieve anything your heart desires. So, as you can see, this song holds an important place in my heart. I want to be able to empower women all over Asia.
What is your relationship with Italy?
I visited Milan when I was eight years old with my family, but I was too young to remember anything except for the beautiful Duomo di Milano. As an adult, I was lucky enough to visit Florence to attend the events at Fireze4Ever hosted by Luisa via Roma! I am fascinated with the fresh food and rich culture of Italy!
What do you think of if I say Florence?
I think of my mentor Mrs Florence Chan. But I also think of art, wine, food and FASHION. I had so much fun at Firenze4Ever and I hope to return again for another round of Firenze! Good thing I can shop on luisaviaroma.com before I return next time!