5 Minutes With… Hong Kong Pop Royalty G.E.M.
The Hong Kong singer–songwriter dazzled in Swarovski crystal embellished costumes at her 'Queen of Hearts’ world tour
Photo: Courtesy of Swarovski
g.e.m.
Gloria Tang Tsz-Kei, better known by her stage name G.E.M. (Get Everybody Moving), is a Chinese singer-songwriter based in Hong Kong and was the only Asian artist featured in Forbes' 30 Under 30: Music shortlist in 2016. As part of her 'Queen of Hearts’ world tour, Swarovski has collaborated with G.E.M.’s longtime stylist British designer Emma Wallace on six costumes featuring 20,000 Swarovski crystals. "During this journey G.E.M. is a beautiful warrior, with all the components of a Queen — vibrant, charismatic and versatile — and these will be shown through both her music, costumes and accessories, inviting everyone into this fun world,” said Wallace.
BAZAAR caught up with G.E.M. while she was in Singapore over the weekend and performed at two sold-out concerts.
My favourite costume is… The opening look in red shows off my curves with the corset detailing and definitely makes a statement with the dramatic floor-length velvet hooded cloak hemmed with shimmering gold crystals. I like how Emma used two different shades of red for the Swarovski crystals, it’s the cherry on the top of Emma’s designs and brings a stunning impact to the performance, especially under stage lighting when the shimmering crystals shine gorgeously. The updated look for Singapore, with the heart cutout detailing, that was my idea! I told Emma, maybe we can show off some skin, and it’s complements the title of the tour.
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Photo: Courtesy of Swarovski
g.e.m.
Jewellery is… a great way to change a look. With simple studs, you can be versatile and glamorous. But with big hooped earrings, it’s more casual and street, and I definitely can’t wear it during performances, it’ll get tangled with my hair and cables.
The power of clothes… On stage, I’m in character, the costumes reinforce my role as a confident and independent Queen. Off duty, I’m really casual and carefree. I throw on my hoodie and sneakers to go out. The second look with the crop top and slouchy silver pants is most me.
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Photo: Courtesy of Swarovski
g.e.m.
My current addiction is… I have six pairs of Alexander McQueen sneakers. The only difference is the colour of the tab of the heel. I also like buying a low cut and high cut version, all in white.
Dare to… have fun with colours. Wear different coloured socks on each foot. I just wore one black and one nude heel from Christian Louboutin on the red carpet the other day.
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Photo: Courtesy of Swarovski
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Keep it real… if you do online shopping, you have to compare the price of the same item on different websites to get the best deal!
By Debby Kwong