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STORIES BEHIND THE STAGE

Updated: Jul 31

For over 15 years, I have been dedicated to my career as a Personal Stylist, helping women use clothes as a tool for empowerment. Almost a decade of that in Hong Kong has been spent supporting and sponsoring the TEDxTinHauWomen event behinds the scenes.


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(From left to right) All Styled by Amanda Leigh Style. Maru Blanca, Elena Collins, Sophia Hotung, Prof. Dr Paul Wong, Anita Lam, Jen Flowers, Daniella Lopez, Debra Au, Camille Cheng, Katya Virshilas, Dr Vanessa Wong, Angeline Yu, Nicola Oldfiend, Mitche Choi, Jo Loney, Caroline Wuethrich, Victoria Gilbert, Jessica Chan, Laura Wong and Amanda L. Wong at the XiQu Center Dec 6th 2024


The most recent event, on December 6th, 2024, was no exception to excellence!

My journey with TEDxTHW started in 2017 when I somehow found the bravery to apply to be a speaker. Though I was not selected, I quickly recognized that, If I had been chosen, the daunting question of "What to wear?" would have loomed over me. My understanding has now deepened, having witnessed numerous speakers navigate this complex journey. There is so much more to it than what's seen on stage. With this insight, I offered my expertise to empower each speaker in selecting attire that would bolster their confidence (and not distract from their important message) as they took to the stage.

After all, research reveals that many would rather die than engage in public speaking—a testament to the courage required, making support all the more essential!

TedXTinHau Women even in 2017 at PMQ Hong Kong. (left to right) Amanda L. Wong, Fiona Callanan-Thorsby, Liza Avelino, Tricia Yap, Joey Law and Hillary Yip, Lucy Choi, Christina Tahoe's and Make-up Artist by Patrick Henri.
TedXTinHau Women even in 2017 at PMQ Hong Kong. (left to right) Amanda L. Wong, Fiona Callanan-Thorsby, Liza Avelino, Tricia Yap, Joey Law and Hillary Yip, Lucy Choi, Christina Tahoe's and Make-up Artist by Patrick Henri.

Over the years, the event has grown exponentially! What began as a small group of women telling their stories on the stage at PMQ (where I steamed garments in the bathroom) has evolved into a must-attend annual event where I organise a crew of professional to support the speakers and the crew at the Xiqu Center and have manage millions of HKD in sponsorship.






Above: Camille Cheng-Hong Kong's Olympic swimmer talks about how an athletes mindset can help you! Styled by Amanda Leigh Style

Camille Cheng

Bringing an Olympic Mindset to life

"Three-time Olympic swimmer Camille Cheung recently traded the Olympic-sized pool for the TEDx stage, sharing her inspiring journey. "I was just as nervous, if not more, than at the Olympics!" Camille admitted. "I thought I'd done this before, it would be easy. I was wrong!"

During her talk, Camille eloquently discussed how her 15+ years of dedication and training culminated in less than a minute of performance. She highlighted how we can all apply the resilience and mental well-being of an athlete to our everyday lives. Camille also shared her personal struggles with self-limiting beliefs and imposter syndrome, demonstrating how her experiences in the pool have had a profound impact outside of it.


For Camille, this was also echoed in her stage look, mirroring the fit and fabric of her everyday athletic wear, but with an elevated twist. She wore an effortlessly chic jumpsuit by Emma Wallace, crafted from a luxurious jersey with cool cutouts. This ensemble struck the perfect balance between comfortable performance and an edgy touch.


Jewellery: Artimelle 


Above: Prof Paul Wong of HKU discussing the importance of the Hong Kong community with suicide prevention. Styled by Amanda Leigh Style.

Prof Paul Wong

Redefining masculinity for suicide Prevention


Professor Paul Wong discussed the deeply personal matter of preventable suicide in Hong Kong and the importance of community connection as a preventative measure. "We can all be trained to be a suicide prevention gatekeeper!" he emphasized. Despite being a professor of psychology at HKU, Professor Wong has also personally struggled with depression. "I am humbled to share with you my personal experiences that helped me grow as a psychologist and an academic," he shared.


Professor Wong's story emphasized the impact of human connection, which was reflected even in his attire. He wore a custom-tailored suit from Raja Fashion, designed for both fit and comfort. A soft wool blazer was chosen to reflect his personality and facilitate connection and communication. It was paired with a classic cut shirt and special wrinkle-free pants that were professional and also approachable to complete his look.


Wardrobe was provided by Raja Fashions (custom made suit)


  1. Above: Anita Lamb speaks on the TedXTHW stage about what the future of zoos could look like. Styled by Amanda Leigh Style.

Anita Lam

Designing a Zoo without animals

​"What was your longest lockdown during the pandemic? A few days, weeks, or months? Remember that feeling? We couldn't feel the sun or hug our family and friends. It was lonely and frustrating! Now, imagine being in lockdown for life!"

Anita used this powerful analogy to evoke empathy and encourage us to consider the experience of animals living in zoos. Her vision is to create a compassionate zoo that prioritizes education through curious interactions, fostering critical thinking and empathy, without animal suffering. She envisions a futuristic zoo where technology plays a key role in promoting empathy.


We captured Anita's passion and positive energy in her attire, utilising her existing wardrobe to highlight her commitment to sustainability. The comfortable and relaxed style visually connected her head (representing facts and reasoning in education), her heart (storytelling and emotional connection), and her hands (symbolizing action and collaboration). We achieved this by balancing a soft, silk kimono-style dress with hard, gold metallic elements, such as the Kitdo restyling tool, shoes, and earrings for a minimal, chic and sophisticated feel.


Dress: From Anita's personal collection 

Gold Broach:provided by Kitdo


Above: Dr Vanessa Wong speaking about her personal journey on the TedXTHW stage. Styled by Amanda Leigh Style

Dr Vanessa Wong

Uncovering Trauma Beyond the Physical Scars


During her recent talk, physiatrist Dr. Vanessa Wong bravely shared her personal journey of becoming a patient and undergoing the removal of her fallopian tubes. She brought attention to a startling statistic: one in six women will undergo a complete hysterectomy. Through her own healing process, Dr. Wong uncovered a significant emotional dimension that many women experience, observing that "I was unaware that there is more to it than just the physical scarring."

Dr. Wong is a strong advocate for women to receive emotional support that addresses more than just the physical aspects of healing from surgeries involving reproductive organs. Her display of vulnerability was a crucial element, enhanced by her outfit, to foster connection with her audience.

We celebrated her resilience and femininity by choosing a champagne-toned power suit from Frey. The ensemble, featuring soft bamboo wide-leg trousers and a matching vest, blending professionalism and comfort. This empowered Dr. Wong, giving her the confidence to share her story. We completed the look with a stack of Stoney Maine mixed metal bracelets and a layered gold Fearne Necklace to reflect her warmth and dedication.


Wardrobe provided by Frey

Jewellery: Stoney Maine


  1. Above: Katya shares the power that "no' has been in her career.

    Katya Virshilas

    The Hidden Power of 'not yet'

Katya, a professional ballroom dancer and owner of Ballroom Bees, wanted her talk to challenge people. To achieve this, we focused on her personal story of how the word "NO" fuelled her entrepreneurial spirit, turning obstacles into opportunities. Her motto, "It's not NO, it's just not yet!", embodies this resilient outlook.

 To visually communicate this powerful message, we knew Katya's outfit needed to be as bold as her message. Drawing inspiration from fashion-forward political figures and celebrating her strong feminine energy, we created a look that was both elegant and impactful. The tailored lavender jumpsuit, paired with a dramatic coordinated cape, perfectly captured Katya's rebellious spirit and unwavering determination.


Stylist: Amanda Leigh Style, in collaboration with AlinaKotsiubka, Cape and jumpsuit was loaned from Jamemme.com in NYC

MUA and hair were not sponsors of the event but hired by Katya

Hair: Anna Kay

  1. Above: Mitch Choi speaking on the TedXTHW stage about how Cantonese Opera can bridge different cultures. Styled by Amanda Leigh Style

    Miche Choi

    How Cantonese Opera Bridges

Mitche is a captivating Cantonese opera performer. However, for her TedXTHW stage appearance, she desired a more authentic presentation to "open the doors" to this art form. 

Typically, Mitche performs in elaborate costumes and makeup. For this talk, her goal was to share her passion and advocate for preserving this cultural art form in Hong Kong. She believes "it's about connection with traditional arts and culture, no matter your heritage." To support this message, we drew inspiration from a modern Qipao by @Qipology, incorporating an asymmetrical knit black mandarin collared top that honours the cultural roots of the performance and a feminine pleated skirt with Pankou knots (traditional Chinese dress closures). 


Wardrobe Provided by Qipology, black knit top and skirt

Jewellery: earrings by Gossia Orlowska


Jessica Chan & Sophia Hotung

Invisible and Visible Disabilities


*Video coming soon, as it's under review for publication by Ted Global!



Both ladies shared the stage for their talk about ability and disability. Two sides of the same coin but very different perspectives. “For our look” said Sophia, “I want to celebrate our uniqueness but also look like we were going to the same party.” Sophia and Jess were both dressed by Frey Tailor, a Hong Kong, female owned and founded business that gives women access to the same quality of tailored suits as men have.


For Jessica, her forest green Solna Crop jacket was custom made (with Frey’s Create Your Own service) and Lulea trousers were thoughtfully tailored, for her perfect measurements.


For Sophia we played on what the opposite of a soft green suit was, and with the movie ‘Wicked’ being in popular culture at the time, a powered pink structured Mia waist coat and matching bell-bottom trousers felt like an appropriate juxtaposition to represent their stories. “Same, same, but different” Jessica described.


Wardrobe provided to both Jessica and Sophia by Frey


 Angeline Yu

Why the Cantonese Language is worth Preserving


*Video coming soon, as it's under review for publication by Ted Global!


​Angeline, a distinguished voice over artist known for her work in some popular films in Hong Kong, beautifully embraces and shares the unique heritage of the Cantonese language. With its rich nuances and expressive phrases, Angeline playfully explores the multifaceted nature of this evolving language steeped in history. Her ability to foster connection through resonance, empathy, and approachability is evident in both her voice and her personal style.


During her TedXTHW talk, Angeline's vibrant personality shone through, further enhanced by a modern jumpsuit. The use of red, a traditionally lucky colour in Cantonese culture, was incorporated in a contemporary way that exuded confidence and gravitas.


Jewellery: Artimelle 

Wardrobe provided by Emma Wallace, An Red Jumpsuit 


Amanda L. Wong, Founder of Amanda Leigh Style
Amanda L. Wong, Founder of Amanda Leigh Style

About the Author:

Amanda L. Wong

Amanda Leigh Style is a Hong Kong-based personal styling service that is committed to empowering its clients to achieve their unique sense of style whilst also building confidence.

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