H&M ‘spokescouple’ Zhou Xun and Archie Kao talk love, happiness and style

TAIPEI - She’s the gamine Chinese art-house darling who has a string of critically acclaimed movies such as Perhaps Love, The Banquet, The Equation Of Love And Death and Painted Skin, not to mention a string of Best Actress awards to her name. He’s an all-American television star (and frat boy, no less) who is a regular face on the crime series Chicago PD (as Detective Sheldon Jin); although he made his name with another police unit in Las Vegas, playing the forensics expert Dr Archie Johnson in CSI: Crime Scene Investigation. And, erm, he was also the Blue Ranger in Power Rangers.

Yes, Archie Kao and Zhou Xun may come from seemingly opposite ends of the spectrum — she ponders over questions before replying in Mandarin, while he rattles off a mile a minute in English; Zhou admitted she’s utterly Chinese (“zhong guo ren” as she charmingly puts it) in contrast to Kao’s American ways — but, like yin and yang, or to put it in fashion terms, luxury-meets-high street, they make complete sense together.

The photogenic pair were in perfect sync with each other during our 15-minute interview for the launch of H&M’s second Chinese New Year collection, punctuating each other’s answers with “I agree” to questions asked as they held hands and patted each other’s knees affectionately.

The collection itself follows a successful debut last year, which featured New York-based Chinese models Sui He and Tian Yi. This year’s collection sees both Zhou and Kao decked out in red, the traditional colour of prosperity and passion. H&M Singapore public relations manager Abby Wee said this year’s crimson elements are perfect for mixing and matching.

“Some of our key red pieces include the playsuit, the sequin cropped top that adds a touch of glamour and accessories such as peep-toe booties and clutch bags,” she added.

The Swedish clothing giant said it tapped Kao and Zhou because it wanted something different. “At H&M, we always aim to surprise our customers, so this time, we decided to do something different,” said Wee. “We felt this was a great opportunity to work with them for the campaign as Chinese New Year is all about celebrating with your family and loved ones.”

Celebrating with loved ones is what they will be doing this festive season. The couple said they’ll spend Chinese New Year with Zhou’s family; Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays will be spent with his family. “It’s balanced this way, there’s no clash for us,” she smiled.

It will also be the first Valentine’s Day they’re going to spend as newlyweds since getting hitched in public on a charity show in Hangzhou last July, although the actress looked decidedly less fussed about the occasion.

“If we’re together, we’re together. If we’re not, it doesn’t matter. Isn’t there something to be said about celebrating love every day?” she elaborated, before her husband chipped in: “That’s my answer!”

Their similarities aren’t only in their personalities, but also extend to their personal style and fashion sense. Kao feels they have a lot of “common sensibilities”, with both of them having an appreciation for simple and clean looks. This chemistry of theirs shines through in their campaign for H&M, where they can be seen hamming it up and sharing plenty of laughter in front of the camera. And, no, none of it had to be forced.

“We just tuned out everyone else. It was just me and my wife — very natural,” Kao said.

Zhou went on to say this first assignment together was extra special. “I can’t quite describe it accurately, but there was this feeling of happiness doing this campaign,” she explained.

And what might be their secret to this happiness — coming from a couple who seem to be positively radiating happiness, whether you see them on the H&M poster or in person?

“Growth — be it personal or professional,” shared Kao. “For us, it’s growing and journeying together. I’m so happy we can share our relationship journey with everyone.”

Zhou concurred: “It’s not easy for every couple to grow together — there need to be discussion and acceptance because not every couple is willing to do that as we’re all individuals. It’s something you have to work hard

together for.”