TINA HERE TO SLAY

When it comes to It Girl and Bling Empire: New York star Tina Leung, there is so much more than meets the eye. She opens up about fashion, friendships and even past lives

- Coco Marett

Tina Leung is the modern-day cool girl next door. But instead of a floral smock and combat boots, she's more likely to be dressed in the couture Rosette Flower Gown by downtown New York cult favourite label Area. She's frequently snapped by the coolest street fashion photographers and is a staple on the global fashion circuit, sitting front row at shows for the likes of Gucci, Prada and Miu Miu. She was even at that Schiaparelli show at Paris Couture Week 2023, which she described as "pure magic" on her Instagram.

And yet, Leung doesn't seem to believe that she is as famous and influential as she is.

"It always surprises me when people go "Tina!"" when they see me at fashion weeks, she says in a confessional for the Netflix reality show Bling Empire: New York, in which she stars. "Then I sometimes wonder, is that my name they're screaming, or is there another Tina around?"

Her Tatler interview takes place the day before the official debut of the Bling Empire spin-off. Leung is getting a manicure-long, sharp nail with glittering silver tips and waiting for her order from Panda Express to be delivered; she "lives for their orange chicken. To celebrate the start of the series, Leung's friend Laura Kim-the co-creative director of Oscar de la Renta and Monse-hosted a cosy get-together at her apartment where friends binge-watched the reality show. "Laura [made] her Korean meatballs and Korean New Year soup," says Leung, "and [there was] lots of champagne."

It was far lower-key than the official premiere, a glitzy soiree hosted by Michael Kors at Tin Building by Jean-Georges in Manhattan's historic Seaport district. While she loves the excitement and glamour of and chance to dress up for-parties and events, Leung says it's intimate moments with close friends that nourish her soul and keep her grounded.