Lights, Camera, Constance: The Rise of Singapore’s New Hollywood Star
Just a decade ago, Constance Lau was a New Paper New Face 2008 finalist, rubbing shoulders with up‑and‑coming talent. Fast forward to today, and she’s strutting the red carpet as Celine Lim in Hollywood’s hit romcom Crazy Rich Asians. And not just any film – it’s made the North American top spot three weeks running and raked in a whopping US$110 million worldwide. Talk about a career pivot!
Red‑carpet wizardry
When Constance arrived at the LA premiere last month, the internet was on fire. Fashion editors from E! Online to The Cut crowned her as “best‑dressed.” If you’re wondering why the 27‑year‑old is practically a fashion icon, here’s the lowdown:
- First look: A bold black‑and‑white Michael Kors coat paired with a YSL blouse, leather skirt, Jimmy Choo heels, and a Dior clutch. Classy, but still sassy.
- Second look: A dazzling feathered Ralph & Russo three‑piece that was a hit with the audience — and, according to Constance, her favorite outfit.
- Third look: The iconic red‑and‑white, Singapore‑flag‑inspired dress from Time Taken To Make A Dress, simply stunning for a New Day celebration on LA’s carpet.
She admits that the wardrobe feels a bit over‑the‑top for a seasoned actress, but hey, it’s a romcom in the most extravagant city on Earth.
Off camera, always on point
Despite the glam, Constance keeps her day‑to‑day style grounded. “I’m not exactly a fashion aficionado, but I always make sure I look presentable,” she says. “I’m a conservative dresser but I’ve started tossing in a splash of color for comfort’s sake.” The perfect combo for a hardworking model-turned-Actress.
She’s surprised she ended up in Hollywood. “Honestly, I never thought I’d make it here,” she confesses. But New Face opened the door to commercials and gave her a backstage view of media. She also studied theatre at the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts and had stints as a radio host on 987 and the now‑defunct 99.&5.
Highlights of her wardrobe journey
Patriotic Constance
In LA, the Singapore flag colours were on full display. A custom, hand‑painted dress by Time Taken To Make A Dress was a fearless choice for the National Day theme. “It was hard to find something that had the right mix of red and white and flatters my frame,” Constance admits.
Instagram throwback: link
Glam Constance
For the Singapore premiere, she vowed to switch things up. The new look? A one‑shoulder white gown with a dramatic ruffled bodice, paired with a Charles & Keith clutch and matching shoes—a modern, soft piece that still made heads turn.
Instagram throwback: link
Casual Constance
From denim to sports jerseys—layering is the name of the game. Constance teamed a Forever 21 denim top with TopShop jeans and iconic Stan Smith sneakers for a photo shoot with New Era. “Denim is like the Swiss Army knife of fabrics,” she quips.
Instagram throwback: link
Holiday Constance
Picture sunny Singapore, a yacht, and your queen in a lightweight turquoise halter max—she chose this breathable update to shield her skin from the tropical feel. “I wanted to cover as much skin as possible because I didn’t want to get a tan,” she says.
Instagram throwback: link
So next time you spot a glamorous “Celine Lim” on a silver screen, remember that behind the sparkle is a hardworking, down‑to‑earth Constance Lau who’s ready to keep on slaying—both on the carpet and in her everyday wardrobe.
