Muse: Karena Ng. Dress, Ashi Studio Haute Couture. Headwear, Yirantian. Shoes, Jimmy Choo.
For Karena Ng, 2024 marks a particularly significant year. Having embraced a major life transition, she now steps into a new chapter with renewed perspectives on balancing work and life, as well as managing her inner self. “The more you experience in life, the braver you become,” she reflects. Today, Karena exudes a quiet yet undeniable strength, carrying herself with a calm and composed demeanor. Whether discussing pivotal life events or everyday matters, she emphasizes the importance of one key principle: finding what truly “fits.” This philosophy extends even to her daily fashion choices. Instead of chasing fleeting trends, she opts for timeless styles that perfectly align with her identity. Her confidence stems from a deep understanding of herself—a self-assurance that radiates effortlessly.
Dress, Ashi Studio Haute Couture
Understanding Yourself, Becoming Yourself
From her youthful debut to the graceful sophistication she embodies today, the word “beauty” has always been intricately connected to Karena. Over time, her understanding of what defines female beauty has evolved. “Health is crucial. It’s about feeling good physically and mentally. Health isn’t just about your body—it’s also about your mind,” she says with a smile, joking that she’s now paying more attention to wellness as she gets older.
“Understanding your feelings and listening to your inner self” is the life philosophy Karena holds closest to her heart these days. She shares that, as a child, she cared deeply about how others perceived her. Reflecting on her early career, she recalls a time filled with uncertainty and self-doubt. Now, she has learned to manage her time between work and life more effectively, understanding when to prioritize what. This clarity has given her a fearless approach to life. However, she avoids confining herself with rigid goals, believing that all decisions and actions should first align with her true desires. When faced with moments of fatigue or confusion, she has her own ways of resetting. Exercise, a sauna session, quiet rest, music, or a good book—whatever it takes to make herself feel grounded and fulfilled. For Karena, the key is engaging in activities that truly benefit her, helping her stay in tune with her inner self.
Together Yet Independent: A Balanced Partnership in Marriage
It is often said that one must first learn to love oneself in order to truly love another. During our conversation with Karena, this philosophy resonated deeply in the energy she exuded. Since entering married life, her perspective has become more nuanced, and the quiet happiness she radiates can be seen in the subtle smile lines at the corners of her eyes. Her ability to love herself and her partner serves as the foundation of her inner stability.
Full look, Gucci.
This past August, Karena Ng and Brian Sze held a grand yet intimate wedding in Italy, a celebration filled with romance and sincerity. While love doesn’t need to be flaunted, it does need to be expressed, and their vows marked a significant milestone in their lives. Their love is like a slow-cooked stew—unassuming yet deeply nourishing, eschewing grand declarations for warmth and steadfastness.
Full look, Gucci.
When discussing marriage, the conversation naturally turned to the balance between being a united couple and maintaining individual identities. For Karena, marriage is about mutual effort without losing oneself in the process. “In life and in our careers, we each have our own pursuits and successes, but at the same time, we hold hands and move forward together toward a shared future,” she explains. Describing their dynamic, she emphasizes that they are not only spouses but also friends. “We don’t interfere too much in each other’s lives. For instance, sometimes he’ll travel with his friends, and sometimes I’ll travel with mine or even go solo. Giving each other freedom is very important to me. We make space for one another.” Her philosophy is simple yet profound: stepping into someone’s life is about bringing happiness, not restrictions. While marriage inevitably brings changes, mutual respect remains the ultimate key to resolving any challenges. For Karena, a marriage built on freedom, respect, and partnership is the secret to lasting happiness.
Full look, Gucci.
Challenges and Triumphs
Life isn’t a race against others—it’s a marathon with yourself. Sometimes you sprint forward; other times, you slow down. But the key is to keep growing. Karena embodies this philosophy with her disciplined approach to life. As an actress, maintaining her best condition is essential, and fitness has become a habit for her. She admits that laziness occasionally creeps in, but she believes exercise isn’t just for physical well-being—it also elevates her mental state. “I don’t think working out ever truly becomes a habit, but you have to push yourself to make it one. No one wakes up at 6 or 7 in the morning eager to work out—it’s not as effortless as lying in bed scrolling through your phone. But you need a driving force to keep yourself going.”
Dress, Markbumgarner Couture.
Karena is someone who thrives on challenges, as her love for skiing and other extreme sports demonstrates. For her, it’s not the difficulty that matters but the sense of accomplishment that comes from overcoming obstacles. When asked about her recent achievements, she spoke of her latest film, which she wrapped up earlier this year. The project required her to perform numerous wire stunts, with her spending most days suspended in the air. The experience brought back memories of her earlier acting days when wire work felt almost unbearable. “Back then, hanging from wires was really uncomfortable. It’s hard to describe—it’s a bit like an extreme park ride where you’re strapped in and swinging across to another point. The safety harness digs into your body, and after long hours, your neck, thighs, and torso are covered in bruises,” she recalls.
Dress, Markbumgarner Couture.
This time, however, she felt she had conquered the challenge. Perhaps it’s a case of practice makes perfect, but she found ways to adapt and improve. “I’ve become much better at controlling the wires now,” she says. While wire work might be routine for actors, for Karena, finding solutions to things that once troubled her is a source of pride and fulfillment. Overcoming her discomfort and mastering the technique isn’t just about her craft—it’s a testament to her personal growth and determination.
Dress, White Abbys. Shoes, Jimmy Choo.
Effortless Yet Organized
A spontaneous getaway—carefree and unrestrained—is a dream many wish to turn into reality. For Karena, this approach encapsulates her attitude toward travel. When she’s not working, she often embarks on trips on a whim, yet she manages to maintain a sense of order throughout the journey. “I’m someone who loves spur-of-the-moment trips, but once I’m on the road, I like to keep things organized,” she explains. Karena prefers her travels to be eventful and enriching. “When I visit a place, I like to pack my days with experiences. I’m not the type to spend an entire trip lounging around. At the very least, I’ll plan to visit one spot that really excites me each day,” she says. Even so, she believes that travel should remain a relaxing endeavor. For her, it’s more about having a broad intention—like fulfilling a meaningful goal—than adhering to a rigid schedule.
Dress, White Abbys. Shoes, Jimmy Choo.
Recalling one of her most unforgettable trips, Karena describes attending Adele’s concert in Las Vegas. “It was something I’d been wanting to experience for years. When Adele announced her farewell tour before retiring, I immediately bought tickets and reached out to my friends to see if they wanted to join. Many of them were thrilled, so we quickly organized the trip. It was quite spontaneous, but seeing her perform live was incredibly satisfying,” she says with evident joy. The concert, with its mix of grandeur and sentimentality, left Karena with a poignant realization: life offers only so many chances to witness extraordinary moments. She feels grateful for having had the time and opportunity to experience such a special occasion.
Dress, White Abbys. Shoes, Jimmy Choo.
When asked about her vision of an ideal life, Karena acknowledges that it varies for everyone, depending on individual feelings and perceptions. As for herself, she admits she is closer than ever to achieving hers. “I wouldn’t call it perfect, but everything is heading in a positive direction,” she reflects. For Karena, living her best life means relentlessly pursuing the things she loves, putting her plans into action, and unapologetically saying no to what doesn’t align with her values. It’s a clarity and courage that time and experience have given her, helping her craft a life that feels authentic, fulfilling, and uniquely her own.
Producer: Zhang Nan.
Photographer: Fan Yi.
Stylist: Sun Zheng, Ren Yi.
Makeup&Hair: Liu Jian.
Modeling: Maple.
Writer: Zhang Yunqi @estheryunki.
Agency: Firebird PR Agency @firebirdpragency.
Harper’s Bazaar Vietnam
