In Conversation with Cafuné Women

Empowered women empower women. In celebrating women's achievements, we uplift and inspire one another. This spirit of solidarity fosters a community where shared experiences and stories fuel our growth.

On this International Women's Day, we unveil a new four-part series "In Conversation with Cafuné Women". We will engage with inspirational women from diverse backgrounds around the world, delving into their journeys to success. As these women open up about their unique experiences, we hope to inspire you to embrace your own stories, foster a culture of confidence and ambition as you pursue your dreams.

About Lean Lui

Artist and photographer, Hong Kong-based Lean Lui is known for her unique aesthetic that offers a feminine perspective on the city's visual identity. At just 21, she made history as the first Asian photographer to collaborate with Christian Dior and has been featured in Vogue and Vice. Her work emphasises intimate, emotional portrayals, often focusing on female subjects and exploring the connection between the everyday and the ethereal.

Interview with Lean Lui

As a young photographer, how do you cultivate confidence in your work?
During my childhood, the encouragement and affirmation I received from my family played an immense role in building my self-confidence and laying a solid foundation. As I grew up, regardless of the situations I faced or the decisions I needed to make, I rarely wavered in my choices. That’s why I believe nurturing during childhood is extremely important. To this day, I have always maintained a calm and balanced attitude. I am able to recognise my weaknesses while also acknowledging my strengths, and I approach both without feeling anxious or complacent. For me, this is a comfortable state of mind.

What was the turning point for you to turn photography into a profession?
It was the experience I had whilst studying the Master of Fine Arts in Photography, during which I learnt to understand photography as an artist and from an artistic point of view. That helped me transform my love for photography to a profession.

"Women are not a single role. In my photographs, they display both softness and strength."

How would you describe your style of photography? What is unique about it?
The uniqueness of my photographic style lies in its complex feminine energy. Since I was young, I have explored themes that focus on women and their body parts. The work may seem poetic or beautiful, but at its core it is always a poignant, or critical, subjective energy.

You often focus on women in your works, why is that?
It can be traced back to my family, as well as the habit of drawing from personal experience young artists have in their early career. Firstly, about the family part, although my family is big, most of them are women, such as my grandma, mother and aunt. When I was growing up, I had many female models around for me to practice on. As for the habits of a young artist, initially I was not concerned with grandiose social issues, but rather a kind of self-projection or girlish expression, which is undoubtedly a very feminine way of expression.

What do you think Cafuné Women are like?
Cafuné Women gives me the impression of a group of independent women, who have their own views on aesthetics and on life. They know exactly what they want to achieve, never compromising on their own beliefs.

What is your first impression of Cafuné? What qualities of yourself are similar to Cafuné Women?
I think Cafuné is a brand of simplicity, and the value that most resonates with me is the uncompromising attitude, which I think is indispensable in the creative process in order to achieve our goals.