Gold jacket, purple trousers: Hong Kong celebrates Leslie Cheung’s 70th birthday

The Hong Kong Heritage Museum is commemorating the 70th birthday of Cantopop icon Leslie Cheung Kwok-wing through a new exhibition titled "Miss You Much. Leslie 70th Birthday." Running from September 9 to May 10, 2027, the extensive display features over 300 artifacts and marks the Cantopop star's enduring legacy.

On display are rare private collections, including 11 stage costumes from his live shows and the iconic gold jacket, sequin top, and purple striped trousers from the Live in Concert 97 performance. The exhibition also includes stage costumes, film posters, and vinyl records from Cheung's extensive discography and a recreation of the interior of his former residence, designed by his original interior designer.

Presented by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, the exhibition runs under the theme of "Miss You Much," a term affectionately used by fans to refer to Cheung as "Gor Gor," or big brother in Cantonese. The museum's tribute draws from Cheung's closest friends, such as Florence Chan, Daffy Tong, and Les FANmily, as well as independent artists, many of whose items have never been publicly shown.

Cheung's illustrious career began in 1977, winning the Asian Music Contest with his rendition of Don McLean's "American Pie." He went on to release more than 40 albums and star in 56 films, achieving prominence during the Cantopop golden era from the 1980s to the 1990s. Notable films in his repertoire include A Better Tomorrow, Farewell My Concubine, Days of Being Wild, and Happy Together.