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Susan Hornik

Christine Chiu has been one busy woman, running her plastic surgery business, hanging out with Kathy Hilton, shooting season two of popular Netflix reality series Bling Empire, and rediscovering her love of dance on ABC’s Dancing with the Stars. Oh, and being a loving mum to Baby G, of course.
In an exclusive interview with STYLE, we chat to her about everything she has been up to these past few months.
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What’s happening with Bling Empire?
“Filming DWTS and Bling Empire simultaneously is like dating two completely opposite people concurrently. DWTS is in its 30th season – which means everything is perfectly organised and runs impeccably without any surprises or hiccups. It is supported by hundreds of production crew members, many of which have been with the show since the very beginning. You are given an immaculately itemised schedule, a PA, a trailer, teams of professionals from different departments with whom you consult on various matters related to the show. There are no tricks; what you see is what you get, and whatever is filmed, is what is seen by millions.

Bling Empire is like the wild child, you-never-know-what-to-expect individual, and deeply complicated relationship partner. Exciting, but also nerve-wrecking and moody – full of surprises, and you really never know what you are going to see, find, get, experience. Hundreds of hours are filmed, but only 45 mins are shown in each of the eight episodes.”
Chiu also notes that the dynamics among the cast are “ever-changing,” and never predictable.
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“While the overall energy on DWTS is positive and encouraging, the vibe on Bling is exciting, complex and keeps me on the edge of my seat – which makes being on both at the same time a really interesting experience.”
For season two of Bling Empire, Chiu teased that there would be some “new faces”, a few “farewells” to others – and all the feels.

“There are some new, unexpected dynamics among the group and much more drama this time around. Naturally, the bling, i.e. glitz and glamour, is its own cast member – but viewers can expect to embark on another roller coaster of emotions while experiencing the personal journeys of the cast. There seems to be a fun amount of travel as well, even in light of Covid difficulties.”
On Asian representation
Overall, Chiu is very pleased to see so many Asian actors in film and television be employed in Hollywood.
“As a first generation Asian-American, and specifically Asian-American parent – I am proud of the (better late than never) celebration of Asian-American on-camera talent and the shift in narrative for AAPI characters on both big and small screens. The positive highlighting of AAPI characters and the normalising of AAPI faces, stories and voices in American mainstream media is a commendable sign of progress and movement toward greater inclusivity.”

Chiu is thrilled to see films like The Farewell, Minari and Crazy Rich Asians, and TV shows like Squid Game, Kim’s Convenience and Bling Empire creating a new normal for Baby G’s generation and beyond.
“When I was growing up, I didn’t have many (or any) AAPI on-camera media role models or stories that were in any part similar to my own,” she acknowledged. “I had secretly wished I was a blonde-haired and blue-eyed girl, so that I could feel included and beautiful. Things have and are changing – for the better. I am grateful for the receptivity of the American audiences, the courage of the media industry to push out new narratives and stories, the AAPI community for standing up and rallying, and for all those involved in creating a better, more diverse future for our kids.”
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Bling Empire fans already know that there is an excellent chance Rich Kids of Beverly Hills star Dorothy Wang and socialite Heart Evangelista will be on the next series. So what does Chiu think about them?

“I like Dorothy for her straightforward, take-no-prisoners, no BS way of communicating. She definitely gives it to you straight! I also admire that she knows her worth, and refuses to settle for even an ounce less – whether it’s with friends, in production or in life.”
Chiu adds: “Heart Evangelista is exactly that – all heart. This woman is so lovely, generous, kind and compassionate. She was introduced to the group through Kane [Lim, fellow Bling Empire cast mate], and despite her public popularity, is very humble and genuine. I am forever grateful for her genuineness and speediness in supporting me on DWTS by promoting it on her social media. She is that kind of person – one that is always game to celebrate friends.”
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Chiu has many other ideas in development, like a potential collab with Real Housewives of Beverly Hills’ (and mother to Paris), Kathy Hilton.
“I absolutely adore Kathy – for more reasons than I have time to express! She is insanely wise, incredibly hospitable, a genuine friend and, as the world now sees, really funny. I would love to work on any project with her and know it would be successful because she brings such a unique sparkle and energy. Our chemistry together is fun and real, and there are a couple of things I have in mind for us already.”

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Hilton and Chiu have been in similar social circles for a long time before they actually met at the Plaza Athenee in Paris during Fashion Week.
“We were both staying there and, in passing, she expressed that she had some luggage lost or delayed. Knowing that we were both attending an important event at the consulate that evening, I sent over to her room whatever I had that I thought she might like to wear or use. She chose a Valentino coat and evening clutch to accompany her own gorgeous dress – and our friendship was formed.”
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“The most valuable lessons are those I learn while observing her – she is an amazing mother, wife, friend, hostess and queen. I have watched her for years truly perfect these important roles, and I very much look up to her.”
When she is not on the series, Chiu is hard at work, running Beverly Hills Plastic Surgery, Inc., which will always be her “first born child”. The company was created in 2007.

“There isn’t a day when I don’t work on or stop by the office – even despite filming two shows simultaneously, being a mum, and working on a variety of charity projects. We are always on the hunt for the latest and greatest in proven scientific technology for safely and effectively managing the ageing process. Our best find to date is the Morpheus 8. With the combination of micro-needling and radio-frequency, this technology tightens the skin, stimulates and remodels collagen to improve skin appearance. This is a non-surgical, minimally invasive treatment for both face and body – and is the next best thing to surgery.”
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What does she really think of Dancing with the Stars?
“Being on Dancing with the Stars was magical and the best time I’ve had in a long time. When I danced ballet as a child, my experience was dim, strict and sombre, as my training was very technical and academic. DTWS offered me a ‘second chance’ journey with dance – this time filled with laughter, expression, vulnerability and excitement.”

Chiu described dance as a “beautiful love language, a source of happiness and surprisingly, a natural form of therapy” for her.
“I thoroughly enjoyed the three to six hours of practice each day, followed by wardrobe fittings, physical therapy and spray tans that are very much a staple of the show. Aside from the wonderful friendships made with the talented folks in production, professional dancers and celebrity contestants, the best part for me are the abs that come with the journey. They are the next best thing to the Mirror Ball Trophy.”
While Chiu was voted off during the competition, she has many fond memories.
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“I love the creativity and variety of choreography, and the thought of being able to learn all the different types of ballroom and Latin dances throughout the experience. The camaraderie and friendship among the competing couples is second to none. It was such a pleasure getting to know this incredible group of individually talented, motivated, and successful dancers and stars – and then for us to encourage and cheer each other on each week.”

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Her favourite moments were during the dress rehearsals, during which cast members all cheered each other on.
“Donned in sparkles and sequins galore, dress rehearsals are the culmination of the weeks’ worth of blood, sweat and tears – and it’s during this time of both nerves and relief (that we’ve completed the dances, costumes, camera blocking) that the couples watch and encourage each other,” Chiu explained.
The day after she landed in the bottom two in the judges’ scores, Chiu wanted to remain strong but was also heartbroken and devastated.
“When I couldn’t hold back my tears any longer during practice, I ran to the restroom. Mel C just happened to be in that area and saw me in despair. She quickly embraced me and gave me the kindest words of encouragement and big sister pep talk. The goodness in the hearts of people and the kindness that surrounds us is truly incredible.”

As a big fan of couture, of course Chiu was extra excited about DWTS’ costume department.
“I call them Santa’s magic workshop!” she quipped. “There is really nothing they cannot do. Led by Daniela Gschwendtner, this team of incredibly talented artists collaborate with the set designers, professional dancers and celebrity dancers each week to design the beautiful ensembles America sees on the ballroom floor.”
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Chiu loves how the costume designers really take time to ensure that each piece is personalised and illustrative of the cast member’s dance persona.
“There were several instances where they incorporated very specific requests of mine: In the tango, my ombre bling request – in salsa, the specific movement of the skirt fringes to accommodate my ‘slow salsa’ style, and in the paso – incorporation of my Dior leather fringe skirt,” she enthused.
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Christine Chiu somehow manages to juggle two hit shows, being a mum and her surgery business – colour us impressed. Photo: @christine_chiu88/Instagram

Christine Chiu says DWTS gave her a second chance to fall in love with dance after strict ballet lessons as a child. Photo: Handout

Christine Chiu with her DWTS partner Pasha Pashkov. Photo: Handout

Christine Chiu says the new season of Bling Empire is another “roller coaster of emotions”. Photo: Handout

Christine Chiu with her plastic surgeon husband, Gabriel Chiu, who Bling Empire fans will remember from season one. Photo: handout

Is Dorothy Wang set to make an appearance on Bling Empire’s second season? Fans will have to wait to find out. Photo: EPA-EFE

Heart Evangelista with her husband Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero. Photo: @iamhearte/Instagram

Christine Chiu says she “absolutely adores” Kathy Hilton, and the pair move in the same social circles. Photo: Handout

Actress Kathy Hilton and Christine Chiu first met at Paris Fashion Week after a mishap with some lost luggage. Photo: AFP

Paris Hilton’s mother Kathy is a role model to Christine Chiu. Photo: @kathyhilton/Instagram

Christine Chiu and Pasha Pashkov at Disneyland for Dancing with the Stars. Photo: handout

Christine Chiu says, ‘The camaraderie and friendship among the competing couples is second to none’ on DWTS. Photo: Handout

Christine Chiu describes her DWTS experience as “perfectly organised’ with an ‘immaculately itemised schedule, a PA, a trailer”. Photo: Handout

Christine Chiu’s outfits on Dancing with the Stars are all made by the show’s ‘incredibly talented’ costume department. Photo: Handout

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Anil Ambani, wife Tina and their sons, Jai Anmol and Jai Anshul. Photo: @tinaambaniofficial/Instagram 

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Fellow contestant Mel C consoled her after she crashed out of DWTS, but Chiu still describes the TV show as ‘magical’ and ‘the best time’
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