Gemma Chan might be best known for her role as a chic Singapore socialite in “Crazy Rich Asians,” but the British actress has major range.
In addition to playing a superhero in Marvel’s “The Eternals” and starring alongside Jennifer Garner in Peacock’s “The Five-Star Weekend” — which shattered streaming records and has already been renewed for a second season — Chan’s latest film, the indie drama “Josephine,” is already generating awards buzz ahead of its November theatrical release.
In between film festival appearances, Chan stopped by New York Fashion Week to co-host a dinner with Bloomingdale’s in celebration of her recent Cultured magazine cover. And during the cocktail hour, Page Six Style sat down with the star to discuss her past and present projects, her favorite red carpet fashion moments and the tea she loves so much, she takes it with her on the road.
Since it’s fashion week, let’s kick this off by talking fashion! Your red carpet looks are always top-notch; any personal favorites you’ve worn?
I have to say the neon pink Valentino gown that I wore to the Oscars in 2019. It’s one of my favorite looks of all time — so comfortable. And it had pockets, so I could keep snacks in there, because the ceremony was so long. I loved it.
More recently, I wore a Calvin Klein dress for a ‘Five-Star Weekend’ special screening in London [that I loved]. A shift dress — quite a classic shape, but the material was really unexpected, and the texture.
You and your stylist, Rebecca Corbin-Murray, have been working together for almost a decade now. What’s that collaboration like?
My day-to-day style is quite laid-back and low-key, but when I’m dressing for an event or for work, I like to amp up the drama and take a few risks. Rebecca is kind of similar; we know what each other likes, and usually we’re in sync. We try on lots of different things and send each other images all the time.
She’s amazing; she doesn’t miss a trick. She’s got her eye on everything, and she also prepares really early. If she knows I’ve got something coming up months away, she’ll already be planning.
If you could steal the entire closet of any character you’ve played, whose would it be?
It’s got to be Astrid from “Crazy Rich Asians.”
Speaking of which, please tell us you have a status update on the long-awaited sequel?
People ask me about that all the time! I’m crossing my fingers; I want it to happen as much as everyone else. There’s such great material in Kevin Kwan’s books; Astrid’s really just getting started on her journey and where she’s going in her life.
Fingers crossed! In the meantime, your upcoming movie “Josephine” swept the top awards at Sundance and is getting incredible buzz. Given you’ve worked on so many blockbusters, what drew you to this smaller independent film?
I’ve been so lucky that I’ve gotten to do so many different things, but it’s just one of the most special projects that I’ve come across. I first read the script back in 2019, and it’s been a winding road to get here. We almost made it, and then the pandemic happened, the strikes happened, and I just couldn’t get the script out of my head.
Then Channing [Tatum] came on board, and then we finally found the little girl, Mason [Reeves], who is extraordinary. We premiered at Sundance and the reaction … I was just blown away. Watching it with an audience for the first time and hearing them gasp and laugh and be on the edge of their seats was amazing. I’m so proud of our director, Beth de Araújo; she’s a singular filmmaker.
The new Hotel Bloomingdale’s campaign is all about luxury travel, and you’re a frequent flier yourself; in fact, you’re off to the Toronto Film Festival right after this. Hit us with your best travel tips!
I bring my own tea bags with me from the UK — Yorkshire Tea. It’s strong, and it’s the first thing I drink in the morning. I also have this amazing thing that’s like microdermabrasion in a jar. It’s called Sapphire Dust, and you only have to use it a couple times a week. Afterwards, your skin is glowing.
And always wear flight [compression] socks. Your legs and feet will feel less tired and you won’t have cankles when you arrive. But you’ve got to find ones that are comfortable — that you can bear to wear — because some are unbearable. Boots in the UK sell a really good pair. They’re the best I’ve found, so I always take a few pairs with me.
Also, good headphones, a good book, and snacks. There’s nothing worse than not having snacks!
Any particular favorites?
I mean, I take the whole range — I take British crisps with me, Twiglets, chocolate. I’m a sweet and savory snacker.
This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.
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