In Her Element with Christine Chiu: Inside Her Beauty Empire, Couture Rituals, and How She Will Conquer Palm Beach
In Her Element is a new column in YCB written by Meredith Lepore dedicated to highlighting the lives, careers, and personal journeys of inspiring women who are leading the charge in their respective fields. Each edition will dive deep into what makes these women tick, from their go-to wellness rituals and favorite products to the daily habits that keep them motivated and empowered. In every conversation, we’ll uncover the tools, routines, and mindset behind their success. Expect everything from self-care practices and workout tips to insights on productivity and entrepreneurship, showcasing the unique ways these women balance it all while staying true to themselves.
Christine Chiu is full of surprises. She may be best known for stealing every scene on Netflix’s hit reality show Bling Empire, but the simple, constricting label of reality star simply won’t do and she even turned down an offer to be on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. Chiu is a renaissance woman of all things culture and glamour. She is a business powerhouse, a philanthropic force and a true couture connoisseur. From launching one of Beverly Hills’ most elite aesthetic institutes to stepping into executive roles in film and television, she never stops working.
Now, as she and husband Dr. Gabriel Chiu prepare to bring their celebrated Beverly Hills Plastic Surgery brand to Palm Beach, Florida, Christine is more driven than ever. We were lucky enough to speak to her about her expansion to Palm Beach (and all their favorite places there), as well as what makes her tick as a haute couture collector, self-care routines, and what’s next on the horizon.
Palm Beach vs. Beverly Hills
Christine, as you look to expand Beverly Hills Plastic Surgery into the Palm Beach market, what drew you to this destination in particular?
Both Beverly Hills and Palm Beach prioritize beauty from BOTH the inside and outside. In both cities, beauty is celebrated everywhere one looks: the landscape, architecture, fashion, and people. Folks in Beverly Hills and Palm Beach care about presentation, and preservation!
Christine’s Palm Beach Hit List
- Boutiques: Aerin Palm Beach, Stubbs & Wootton, LoveShackFancy
- Art & Culture: Norton Museum of Art, Acquavella Galleries
- Luxury Wellness: The Breakers Spa, EAU Palm Beach Resort & Spa
- Strolling inspiration: Via Mizner and Via Amore for a touch of architectural magic
You and Dr. Chiu are known for building experiences that are as restorative as they are beautiful—how do you envision your Palm Beach location offering a next-level experience for clients?
We want to celebrate the decadence and liveliness of Palm Beach, whilst incorporating the most advanced technologies and treatments from around the world. We endeavor to help make Palm Beach the global epicenter for aesthetic, anti-aging and regenerative medicine – a title Beverly Hills has held for as long as we can remember.
Couture, Storytelling & Philanthropy
You’re one of the world’s most prolific haute couture collectors. How does fashion inspire your business and philanthropic ventures? Do your couture pieces tell stories that influence how you express yourself in other parts of your life?
The creativity – stories, histories, and vision – shared through meticulously crafted garments by generationally trained artisans – will never cease to inspire me in all aspects of my life. In philanthropy, I am passionate about supporting the arts: traditional, musical, dance, fashion, and film. We are also keen on helping support programs that provide arts education to underserved communities. In business, we learn from people who make couture thrive. We continue to be inspired by their hospitality and the attention to detail they exhibit in all aspects of the couture relationship.
What’s the process like when you select a couture piece? Is it emotional, strategic, purely aesthetic—or all of the above?
The collecting process has and will continue to evolve for me. When I first started in my twenties, it was almost entirely emotional. If there was a piece that stirred up some kind of positive emotion or intense curiosity or undeniable intrigue, I would vie for it! In my thirties, I began to curate my collection more purposefully and strategically. I would gravitate towards pieces that could itself tell a story of the past, present, or showcase a distinctive perspective of the designer. I also looked for pieces that filled ‘voids’ in my overall couture collection – separates, daytime, statement items and accessories. For this upcoming couture season, however, I am looking forward to returning to my roots of curation by emotions (which is most fun!).
Empowering the Next Generation of AAPI Women
May is AAPI Heritage Month—how do you hope to inspire the next generation of AAPI women in business, media, or fashion?
I am encouraged by the boldness and ambition of the next generation of AAPI female leaders. We’ve come such a long way! Achievement and the pursuit of success however is a marathon, not a sprint. It is during this long, many times arduous journey that we need to show ourselves and each other grace, compassion, and patience. I think there’s something to be said about transparency as well. This is not an attribute we are taught to exhibit as Asian females. Traditionally, we are instructed to ‘toughen up,’ ‘force a smile,’ ‘hide your tears,’ ‘strive harder, faster, better.’ There is power in vulnerability, and strength in sharing both one’s successes and failures. I hope that we can continue to uplift by breaking barriers, exceeding expectations, and sharing our stories.
What’s next for you—whether in fashion, philanthropy, or perhaps another unexpected direction?
I am currently becoming further engaged in film and television – by supporting film programing at the Academy Museum, joining the Board of Governors for the Motion Picture and Television Fund, becoming Chief Strategic Officer of the newly launch Haapi TV, supporting emerging filmmakers, and developing new television shows. My philanthropic investments and career involvement converge at motion picture and television arts.
Red Carpets, Rituals, and Real Self-Care
Before stepping onto the red carpet or attending a major gala, what’s the one product or ritual you rely on to feel your absolute best?
It’s actually all about the pre-game! My pre-glam pre-game consists of: red light therapy, 111 Skin face and decollete mask, lip mask, Cle de peau Precious Gold Vitality Serum and Gabriel’s Aquaphor under my eyes before the concealer!
What’s Next for Christine Chiu?
With such a full schedule across business, philanthropy, and family—what does self-care look like for you on days when you’re not in meetings or at events?
I do pilates twice weekly by the beach, get medical grade facials at least 1-2x per month, and book ½ Saturdays for ‘me’ time (whether that is reading a book, walking by myself around the neighborhood, organizing my closet, or catching up on sleep!). I also do daily devotions with Baby G, take baths (even short ones!) and listen to uplifting podcasts on the daily commute. Once in a while, I like to stroll through a museum and grab lunch by myself.
Essentials Edit:
What’s the best advice (can be business or personal) you’ve been given?
“Setbacks are setups for success” – Joel Osteen
What’s the one product or tool you can’t start your day without?
A scent that reflects my mood and expectation of the day. Currently wearing Phlur Peach Skin.
When you’re traveling, what’s your go-to item that makes the flight more comfortable or productive?
My luxury travel addiction is the MUTHA Body Butter Melt. Staying decadently hydrated on the go is compulsory for the skin and wellness for the mind.
What can be found at the bottom of your purse?
Countless containers of Listerine mint strips
Before stepping onto the red carpet or attending a big event, what’s the product you rely on to feel your best?
I love having dewy, glassy skin, sometimes with shimmer: Nuxe Paris and other times without via Neutrogena clear sunscreen spray (a little trick of the trade)
What are you streaming right now?
I am currently curating content for the HAAPI tv AVOD platform – selecting from unique and compelling international and domestic films and television that celebrate AAPI stories – to highlight on the new channel