Michelle Yeoh's style secrets

At Vertu’s recent launch of its new Signature cellphone collection, S Design, in Paris, movie actress Michelle Yeoh breezed in on husband Jean Todt’s arm. Formula One fans may know Todt from Ferrari, but film fans the world over know Yeoh as the martial-arts star who kicks major butt in Hollywood blockbusters.

At 46, Yeoh looks fantastic. A former Miss Malaysia who entered the Miss World pageant in 1983, Yeoh added “Bond girl” to her résumé when she co-starred with Pierce Brosnan in Tomorrow Never Dies. She is perhaps most memorable, though, for her role in Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, where she displayed her ballet and martial arts skills to the fullest.

As we saw at the launch, “the greatest action heroine of all time” also has a chic but aspirational style that shows off her perfectly fit figure. And, thanks to the glamorous jet-set lifestyle that is a byproduct of her many achievements, Vertu appointed her its brand ambassador.

Here we talk to Michelle about fashion, beauty and little luxuries she can’t live without.

THE PHILIPPINE STAR: Which Vertu handsets do you use? What is your favorite and why?

MICHELLE YEOH: I’m using the Signature S Design and Ascent Ti. My favorite is the new Signature S Design, with unique ringtones by Andrea Griminelli and exquisite craftsmanship.

What other luxury accessories can’t you live without, e.g., jewelry, bag, shoes, watch and car?

My AP watch and Vertu phone.

How would you describe your style?

My style depends on mood. From casual to chic to glamorous!

Who is your favorite fashion designer and why?

Roberto Cavalli. His creations are feminine, flirty, elegant and never a dull moment – always full of surprises.

What are your secrets for staying young?

Being happy, H2O, L’Oreal products for hair, face and skin.

Is being in love a part of it? What do you look for in a man?

Definitely being in love and being loved are the greatest gifts of life. In a man, I look for compassion, sincerity, and a sense of humor.

How do you keep fit? What is your daily workout routine?

Exercise is part of my life, and I have incorporated it into my everyday lifestyle.

Are you on any special diet?

I don’t diet, and I eat most things, always in moderation. I love vegetables and fruits!

What projects are you working on now?

Since I became the global ambassador for the Make Roads Safe Campaign, we have been working on a documentary on global road safety. I have been to Hanoi, Kuala Lumpur, Cape Town, Johannesburg, New York and St. Petersburg. Next stops will be Ho Chi Minh, Delhi, Costa Rica and more.

Thanks to you, Asian women have come a long way in Hollywood. How do you think Asian actors are perceived and received in Hollywood today? Do you have your pick of roles?

As any actor will tell you, it’s very competitive, very hard to come by good roles! Especially in Hollywood, so it’s very important that we have a very strong and flourishing local film industry.

To what do you attribute your considerable success?

A combination of hard work, luck and the opportunities of working with the most talented people in the world; love and support from family, friends and audiences.

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Vertu mobile phones are available at Lucerne boutiques in Glorietta 4 and Shangri-La Plaza Mall.