Carina Lau is back, and she’s bringing all the nostalgia we need for Lunar New Year. Self-portrait’s latest campaign, aptly titled “Acts Behind the Silver Screen,” is a love letter to Hong Kong’s golden era of television and the magic of collective memories. In a series captured by Feng Li, the legendary actress joins an ensemble cast including longtime friend Anna Ueyama, iconic actor Bowie Wu Fung, and the visionary art director William Chang — each a cornerstone of Hong Kong’s cultural history.
This campaign is not just about clothes; it’s about storytelling. Self-portrait taps into a deep vein of nostalgia, bringing us back to those nights when the TV set was more than just background noise—it was a member of the family. The kind of scenes where meals were eaten with eyes glued to the screen, absorbing every twist and turn of Hong Kong dramas. It’s the very essence of “TV gravy mixed with rice” — stories that seeped into the everyday, making even the simplest moments unforgettable.
Act I unfolds in the bustling heart of Hong Kong, with Yat Lok restaurant serving as the scene’s center of gravity. Carina Lau and William Chang settle into a festive feast as Bowie Wu, embodying a waiter, moves through the scene. It’s not just a meal; it’s a celebration of what binds us—the warmth of tradition, laughter, and the inimitable connection of sharing food. The iconic red taxis of Hong Kong glide through the backdrop, giving the campaign an authentic pulse of the city.
Act II shifts gears, placing Carina and Anna Ueyama at the Island Shangri-La hotel. Here, the campaign blurs the line between life and performance—between the actors we see on screen and the people they are when the cameras aren’t rolling. Together, they walk through Hong Kong’s vibrant streets, where private lives and personas coexist, suggesting that the roles we play are never just left on set.
Han Chong, the mind behind self-portrait, explains, “Lunar New Year is a time to honor traditions while looking forward with optimism and joy. This campaign celebrates the stories that connected us, made us dream, and brought people together — elements that continue to shape everything we create at self-portrait.”
Carina Lau adds, “Hong Kong is more than just a setting; it’s alive, a character in our stories. This campaign captures the spirit of a place where tradition and modernity thrive together, honoring the shared memories that have shaped us all.”
As Lunar New Year approaches, more glimpses of this cinematic journey will be released, with a new capsule collection dropping today. Available globally and online, the collection is self-portrait’s nod to timeless style fused with the festive spirit of now.
