Anita Mui exhibit at Hong Kong Heritage Museum honours the Cantopop icon, film star
- Visitors can view her albums, posters and stage costumes, donated by legendary fashion designer Eddie Lau
- Although the singer died more than two decades ago, she still has many fans today, who admire her impact on the city’s pop culture
Joseph Chow curated “Timeless Diva: Anita Mui”, a celebration of the life and style of the late icon, at the Hong Kong Heritage Museum. Photo: Nathan TsuiMadonna of the East. Daughter of Hong Kong. Cantopop diva. These are some of the first things people think of when they hear the name Anita Mui.
Two decades after her death from cervical cancer at age 40, the Hong Kong singer and actress is still remembered fondly.
To commemorate the legendary diva, the Hong Kong Heritage Museum has “Timeless Diva: Anita Mui,” an exhibit showcasing Mui’s albums, posters and, most impressively, some of her stage costumes. The exhibit launched on December 24, less than a week before the 20th anniversary of her death, and it will be open until September 2.
Joseph Chow, the exhibit’s curator and a self-proclaimed “diehard fan”, explained why Mui still has legions of fans today.
“[The reason] why people still love Anita Mui so much is because of her remarkable impact on Hong Kong popular culture,” he said.
Upon entering the exhibit, the first pieces to wow visitors are Mui’s stage costumes modelled by mannequins. From a short skirt to a large ball gown covered in ruffles to an outfit inspired by traditional Indian clothes, Mui pulled off a range of ensembles.
These clothes were donated by Eddie Lau, the world-famous fashion designer who crafted Mui’s wardrobe.
“I would feel sad if I didn’t step forward to help [in the exhibition],” Lau told Young Post. “She cared for me deeply, and I cared for her as well. I wanted to make this exhibition even better, considering I am getting older and cannot do as much now.”
“[Working on the exhibition was] truly challenging, but it wouldn’t have been possible if I didn’t step up. That’s why I’m helping. Of course, I hope more people appreciate her work. The more, the better.”
One of the most prominently displayed outfits in the exhibit is a stunning purple and black ensemble that represents one of Mui’s most spectacular accomplishments, as she wore it when she won the Golden Needle award in 1998.
“Usually, the singer has to be 50 years old [to win it], but she was only [35] years old,” Chow explained. “This is the most remarkable achievement.”
Chow said that Lau’s keen eye and designs contributed to the “timeless” aspect of Mui’s brand, making the clothes and costumes she wore during her prime still relevant today. Her style was considered a “breakthrough” at the time.
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“It was Mui’s emergence as a pop icon that [led to] her breakthrough image,” he said, explaining how she cut her long hair and dressed in masculine clothes. “Remember, this was in the 1980s – it was really a breakthrough.”
Lau added: “No one had ever dressed a female singer in such enchanting outfits, even on stage to receive awards ... these outfits resonated with people.”
From a design perspective, Lau also hopes young fashion designers can understand why these clothes have been preserved for decades.
“The materials used were of the highest quality,” he said. “I have never considered my designs as mere stage costumes, unlike the stage outfits of K-pop singers that are worn once and then discarded ... When I create each piece of clothing, I never think about the price. I simply believe that it becomes my own creation once it’s out there.”
Even if they were not alive to experience Mui’s talents first-hand, Chow said young people still feel her influence today, with social media playing an important role in uniting young fans. They dig out old clips, write detailed articles about Mui and post them online.
Many youth attended the exhibit’s grand opening, Chow noted, adding that he treasured the chance to “curate the exhibition [and] meet the new generation [who] loves Anita Mui”.
The exhibit not only offers fans a chance to see her costumes and albums but also opens the door for youth to learn about the icon and the mark she left on Hong Kong pop music and film.
“The younger generation can look back at past designs and learn from them,” Lau said. “It is essential, absolutely essential. Without the past, how can there be a future?”