HONG KONG – Acclaimed Hong Kong actor Simon Yam (任達華), a fixture of Asian cinema, took an unexpected tumble while posing at a high-profile fashion event last night, quickly recovering with trademark wit and agility. The 70-year-old star used the moment to showcase his enduring fitness and penchant for humor, claiming the sudden movement was simply part of the fashion aesthetic.
The incident occurred at the brand launch event held on Thursday, where Yam was accompanied by his model wife, Qi Qi (琦琦), and other celebrities, including Kathy Chow (周汶錡) and Pat Ha (夏文汐). While posing for photographers, a stylishly dressed Yam momentarily stumbled, sending his spectacles flying. Both his wife and actress Pat Ha, who was mid-interview nearby, appeared briefly startled. However, thanks to a lifelong devotion to exercise, Yam executed a swift roll and was back on his feet within seconds, seemingly unharmed.
A Stylish Explanation for a Stumble
When asked about the quick recovery, Yam, ever the showman, chuckled and attributed the momentary mishap to demonstrating the dynamic flow of the designer garment.
“If I didn’t do that, how would the clothes flutter so nicely?” he quipped, jokingly asserting that the fall proved he was still “OK fit.” He successfully transformed what could have been an embarrassing pause into lighthearted entertainment, underscoring his reputation for charisma and professionalism.
The conversation naturally shifted to his daughter, Ella Yam (任晴佳), who is rapidly making a name for herself as a model. Yam expressed complete faith in his daughter’s judgment and autonomy. He stated that he and his wife give Ella the space to develop her career freely, trusting her to make appropriate choices regarding what she wears, including potentially revealing attire.
“She knows what she should or shouldn’t do,” Yam noted, highlighting the support he and Qi Qi offer. He particularly praised a custom, open-back gown his daughter designed and wore to a wedding in Italy, calling the piece “beautiful and absolutely perfect.” He attributed her ability to pull off such designs to her dedication to sports, which has resulted in impressive back musculature.
Preparing for New Artistic and Cinematic Ventures
Beyond the catwalk, Yam revealed he is channeling his creativity into different artistic pursuits. He announced plans to host a long-anticipated photography exhibition next month, focused on the iconic Hong Kong habourscape.
The veteran actor also detailed the upcoming release of his new film, Inside Job (內幕), a project which took nearly three years to complete. Reflecting on the filming process, Yam shared a harrowing experience involving a hanging scene, which he described as dangerously realistic.
“Even one second felt too long,” Yam recalled about the physically demanding shoot. “I had to rest for 20 minutes afterwards. Luckily, the director knew when to call ‘Cut.’” He humorously added that he dared not tell his wife about the scene and suggested he would likely avoid such perilous stunts in the future, citing the inherent danger.
Former Model Reflects on Industry Challenges
Also present at the event was former supermodel Kathy Chow, who momentarily reminisced about the rigorous demands of her modeling career. She described enduring the extreme weather conditions of fashion shows—freezing in thin outfits during the winter and overheating in heavy attire throughout the summer—but ultimately concluding that the experience was deeply enjoyable.
Looking ahead to the upcoming festive season, Chow shared plans for a family skiing trip to Japan with her two sons, aged 8 and 10. She humorously dismissed concerns about wildlife encounters during the cold season, speculating that bears would be in hibernation due to the frigid temperatures.
Chow acknowledged that her sons are growing up quickly and will soon develop independent social lives, leading to fewer family outings. Facing the inevitable change, she voiced a philosophy of acceptance for all parents dealing with children’s burgeoning independence. “You can’t cling to them. You have to let go,” she concluded. “Even though it’s hard, you accept it. It’s okay, as long as they are obedient.”