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The Star
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Star
Meet the jewellery designer dazzling the reality TV world – one ring at a time
Eagle-eyed Bravo viewers may know him as the man behind three different Vanderpump Rules engagement rings, or as the beleaguered best friend of disgraced reality television villain Tom Sandoval. But when Kyle Chan started selling handmade jewellery at the Downtown Los Angeles Art Walk in 2010, he had no idea that he would one day parlay his small stall into a luxury jewellery business famous for its connection to the world of reality stars. Chan immigrated from Hong Kong to the US when he was 13, and started making jewellery after taking a class in high school. 'I fell in love with it, but I just didn't have the money to continue, so I started all kinds of odd jobs,' Chan said in a phone interview. 'I was a waiter. I was working at an airline. I did hair and makeup.' Eventually, he scored a job at a small jewellery boutique, which he managed for seven years before moving into wholesale. Then, in the early 2010s, he met Kyle Richards, the longtime star of the Bravo reality show The Real Housewives Of Beverly Hills . It was then that his career really took off. 'She and her four daughters would always go to the Pasadena Rose Bowl Flea Market, so that's how I met her,' Chan said. 'She was very kind, and she would buy my jewellery, even though I would insist I'd give it to her for free. But she said, 'No, no, no, I'd like to buy it, I want to show support.'' Read more: 'Doing what I love': Malaysian fashion designer Zang Toi is living his best life Kyle Chan immigrated from Hong Kong to the US when he was 13, and started making jewellery after taking a class in high school. Photo: Instagram/Kyle Chan Design Richards started wearing his pieces on the show, which premiered in October 2010, and posting about them to her millions of followers. When he graduated from making silver and gold-filled pieces into more luxury fare, she began carrying his designs at her since-shuttered Beverly Hills boutique, Kyle By Alene Too. Miley Cyrus, who Chan said was a frequent visitor at one of the small boutiques where his pieces were sold, also wore some of his designs. 'I told the sales girl, 'Whenever a celebrity comes by, whatever they want, they can take it, right?'' Chan said. 'But they said that Miley insisted on paying for everything.' Since then, Chan's work has been sold at more than 300 retail boutiques worldwide, and he's appeared on two Bravo shows and a Netflix show called Bling Empire . In 2021, he opened his flagship boutique, Kyle Chan Design, in Beverly Grove. Celebrities like Taylor Swift, Lady Gaga and Beyonce have worn his jewellery, and he designed a pair of earrings and a necklace worn by Emma Stone in La La Land . Much of Chan's initial success can be attributed to his connection to the reality television world. After meeting Richards, he ran into the cast of Vanderpump Rules at the opening of Pump Restaurant in West Hollywood in 2014. The show, which followed a cast of outrageously behaved 20-something servers at Sur, a restaurant owned by Lisa Vanderpump, known for her role in Real Housewives Of Beverly Hills , had just hit the air. 'I told them, 'If you need jewellery for season two, I can help,'' he said. 'So they would wear a few of my pieces. Back then, it was nothing expensive.' When members of the Vanderpump Rules cast started getting engaged, Chan designed custom rings for two of its biggest couples: Tom Schwartz and Katie Maloney, and Jax Taylor and Brittany Cartwright (both couples have since filed for divorce). On a recent episode of the Vanderpump Rules spinoff The Valley , Chan was revealed to be the jeweller behind cast member Kristen Doute's engagement ring. Although they began as professional connections, many Bravo stars have become like family, Chan said. He said he was particularly close with Luke Broderick, Doute's fiance and co-star on The Valley, as well as with Sandoval, a Vanderpump Rules star who, in 2023, was revealed to have cheated on his girlfriend with a mutual friend in what was quickly nicknamed 'Scandoval'. When Sandoval fell out with many of his longtime friends over the affair, Chan was frequently filmed showing up to his parties and playing the role of supportive bestie. 'People will always just go, 'Why is he everywhere?'' Chan said, referring to his reality television ubiquity. 'And I'm like, 'I just happen to be friends with them.'' In addition to his reality television connections, Chan's unique approach to marketing has allowed him to stand out in the old-fashioned world of jewellery sales. Read more: Fashion fabulosity: Sly Stone didn't just change music – he changed style too 'I have this vision of celebrity-driven marketing, because I believe in marketing,' Chan said. 'When I was working at retail and wholesale, I realised that a lot of jewellery stores worked their whole lives struggling and had no identity because they just needed to get by. "Anytime when there's an economic crisis or anything, jewellery stores are always the first to suffer.' Chan did not want his business to endure a similar fate, and saw his celebrity customers as a unique way to grow his empire. His approach to luxury jewellery is loud, as opposed to the quiet luxury trend of recent years, and on his website, you can shop for pieces by which celebrity has worn them, including Mariah Carey, Paris Hilton and Nicki Minaj. His next project, a bedazzled bottle of whiskey he will be releasing in collaboration with the brand Gold Bar, is equally flashy. Despite all of the celebrity connections, Chan believes his success can be largely attributed to not letting Hollywood change him. 'All these years, I just choose to stay true to myself and be genuine and people can feel it and it's contagious,' he said. 'When I see a good person, I collect them, and I keep them in my orbit.' – ©2025 The New York Times Company This article originally appeared in The New York Times.
Edinburgh Reporter
05-06-2025
- Business
- Edinburgh Reporter
The World's 12 Richest Plastic Surgeons—And Why Only 14% Are Women
According to a new ranking by Europe Surgery, the world's top 12 richest plastic surgeons have a combined net worth of $408.7 million. But behind the glitz and glamour of their success lies a stark gender divide—86% of these high-earning surgeons are men, leaving women significantly under-represented at just 14%. And yet, the majority of plastic surgery patients are women. At the top of the list is Dr. Leonard 'Lenny' Hochstein, Miami's self-proclaimed 'Boob God', boasting an empire worth $90 million. Not far behind is Dr. Gabriel Chiu, a Beverly Hills surgeon with royal Chinese lineage valued at $80 million. And, of course, Dr. Terry Dubrow, the beloved star of E!'s hit show Botched, secures the third spot with $70 million in the bank. Photo by philippe spitalier on Unsplash So why, in an industry that profits largely from female patients, do women remain on the financial sidelines? 'Historically, plastic surgery has been a male-dominated field, and societal norms continue to favour men in pay and opportunities,' explains Dr. Nawall Matar, a plastic surgeon at Europe Surgery. 'But change is happening. Women bring a unique perspective and empathy to a profession where most patients are women. As more doors open, we'll see plenty of women rising to the top.' 'Women and men from Edinburgh have been flying to Wroclaw in Poland with direct flights with Ryanair to visit our cosmetic surgery clinic.' Indeed, trailblazers like Dr. Maria Z. Siemionow, a face transplant pioneer, and Dr. Cat Begovic, a social media sensation with over 1 million Instagram followers, are proving that women are carving their space in the industry. Yet, obstacles remain. 'Barriers still exist, like the 'career vs. family' dilemma, which slows progress for many women,' adds Dr. Matar. 'I was fortunate to have strong mentors, but not everyone gets that support. To truly level the playing field, we need more role models, mentorship, and equal opportunities.' Dr Adam Kalecinski who works at Europe surgery states that just because someone earns a lot of money does not mean they are more qualified or even more experienced surgeons. Cosmetic Surgery does not have to be expensive to be good quality. Meet the 12 Richest Plastic Surgeons Shaping the Industry Today. 1. Dr. Leonard 'Lenny' Hochstein—$90 Million Miami's self-proclaimed 'Boob God' sits at the top of the list. With over 27,000 breast surgeries performed in his 20-year career, Hochstein has turned his expertise in cosmetic surgery into a $90 million empire. Born in Moscow, Russia, and now dominating Miami's elite plastic surgery scene, Hochstein's rise to fame includes a $52 million Star Island mansion, which became a central feature on The Real Housewives of Miami. 2. Dr. Gabriel Chiu—$80 million Not only is Dr. Gabriel Chiu a Beverly Hills plastic surgery genius, but he's also literal royalty—a descendant of China's Song dynasty emperors. Talk about noble hands at work! A star of Netflix's Bling Empire, Dr. Chiu is the go-to surgeon for Hollywood's elite, turning A-listers' cosmetic dreams into reality. But he's not just about nips and tucks—Dr. Chiu and his wife, Christine, give away 50% of their income to charities like The Prince's Foundation and The Ghetto Film School. Who knew reconstructing faces could reconstruct lives too? 3. Dr. Terry Dubrow—$70 Million Dr. Terry Dubrow isn't just a surgeon—he's the fixer of Hollywood's most 'oops' moments. As the star of Botched, he's built a reputation as the guy to call when your nip-and-tuck turns into a 'what have I done?' moment. But Dubrow isn't just saving faces; he's making bank. Alongside his wife Heather, the pair sold their Orange County mansion for a jaw-dropping sum, proving that his real estate game is just as flawless as his surgical skills. Dubrow? More like Doctor Double Threat. 4. Dr. Paul Nassif—$40 Million The man behind Hollywood's most enviable noses, Dr. Paul Nassif, aka the 'Face Whisperer,' is a maestro of facial plastic and reconstructive surgery. Whether it's anti-ageing magic or crafting the perfect rhinoplasty, Dr. Nassif has become the go-to surgeon for Tinseltown's elite. As co-star of Botched, Dr. Nassif isn't just about making people look good—he's about fixing what others couldn't. Add to that his QVC-famous skincare line, and you've got a guy who's turning faces (and profits) into gold. Ethical, artistic, and outrageously successful, Dr. Nassif has truly carved his way to the top. 5. Dr. Brent Moelleken—$20 Million Beverly Hills' very own makeover magician, Dr. Brent Moelleken, didn't just raise the bar in aesthetic surgery—he invented it. Creator of the 'Hybrid Tummy Tuck' and 'LiveFill', he's redefined the art of looking flawless. But Dr. Moelleken doesn't stop at scalpel magic—he's also a reality TV darling, gracing screens on Extreme Makeover and The Doctors. From the operating room to the living room, he sure knows how to keep everyone watching—and wishing for his touch! 6. Dr. Chris Moss—$20M Known as Australia's 'King of Facial Rejuvenation,' Dr. Chris Moss has spent two decades helping celebrities, CEOs, and even politicians cheat the clock. But he's not just making faces younger—he teaches Hollywood surgeons how to up their game and runs a skincare empire that has fans scrambling. His products sell out so fast, they make Taylor Swift tickets look easy to get. 7. Dr. Robert Rey—$20M Dr. Robert Rey isn't just a Harvard-trained plastic surgeon; he's a reality TV icon, martial artist, and the creator of the 'red carpet breast lift' (yes, that's a thing—because regular cleavage just doesn't cut it on the red carpet). Best known as the star of Dr. 90210, this Brazilian-born surgeon has spent over 20 years perfecting the art of making A-listers and royalty red-carpet-ready. But Rey's journey is nothing short of blockbuster material. Growing up in São Paulo's favelas, he fought his way to the top, carving out a $20 million fortune along the way. His life is so over-the-top, it's practically begging for a Netflix special. 8. Dr. Kevin Sands—$20M If teeth could talk, they'd sing praises for Dr. Kevin Sands, Hollywood's go-to guy for A-list smiles. The Kardashians, Justin Bieber, Emma Stone—you name them, Dr. Sands has made teeth his business—and business is booming. He once pulled off a dental miracle, creating custom veneers overnight for a superstar whose teeth were damaged just hours before a red carpet event. That's right—emergency dental glamour at its finest. It's no wonder he's earned the nickname 'Hollywood's Smile Savior.' 9. Dr. Maria Z. Siemionow—$14M At 74, Dr. Maria Z. Siemionow isn't just a surgeon—she's a living legend. This Polish-American powerhouse made history by leading one of the world's first near-total face transplants, earning her a permanent spot in the medical hall of fame, the Smithsonian too. Hailed as one of the most significant surgical breakthroughs of the 21st century, her work has literally changed faces—and lives. 10. Dr. Michael Obeng—$8M Ghanaian-American superstar surgeon Dr. Michael Obeng is not just slicing through the cosmetic world—he's carving out a legacy. With an $8 million empire and a reputation as the 'Surgeon to the Stars,' Dr. Obeng's luxury-meets-precision approach has Hollywood buzzing. But it was a viral, jaw-dropping case that shot him to global fame—removing industrial-strength glue from a patient's scalp. Talk about turning a sticky situation into a win! 11. Dr. Cat Begovic—$5M At just 42 years old, Dr. Cat Begovic isn't your average cosmetic surgeon—she's a Harvard-educated powerhouse with over 1 million Instagram followers and a $5 million fortune to her name. Known for her 'natural tummy tuck' technique that leaves barely-there scars, Dr. Cat has attracted clients from all corners of the globe. But she doesn't stop at the operating room. Dr. Cat has seamlessly blended her medical expertise with her passion for beauty, launching her own skincare line and becoming a go-to influencer for all things aesthetics. 12. Dr. Jason Diamond —$4M With a $4 million fortune, Dr. Jason Diamond has become the secret weapon behind those 'they woke up like this' celebrity looks. Known for his Diamond Facial Sculpting technique—so exclusive it has a six-month waitlist—his work is often called camera magic, making stars flawless in HD and 4K. You've seen his handiwork on Keeping Up With the Kardashians, and his client list spans the globe, with VIPs jetting in from Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. About Europe Surgery Europe Surgery is a renowned medical clinic based in Wrocław, Poland, specialising in high-quality cosmetic and plastic surgery procedures at affordable prices. With a focus on providing exceptional care, Europe Surgery attracts clients from across Europe, including the UK, thanks to its combination of expert surgeons, state-of-the-art facilities, and competitive pricing. Flights are cheap from Edinburgh and many Scottish patients have travelled to Europe surgery and been happy with the plastic surgery. Like this: Like Related
South China Morning Post
20-04-2025
- Business
- South China Morning Post
Macau's most opulent lodging, The 13 Hotel and Casino, up for sale again
Touted as one of the world's most expensive hotels, The 13 Hotel and Casino in Macau has been put up for sale again by its creditors, as a tourism boom looks to lift overall business in the world's largest gaming hub. Advertisement Formerly owned by Hong Kong businessman Stephen Hung who appeared on the Netflix show Bling Empire , the 22-storey lodging located in Macau's southernmost district of Coloane was estimated to be worth HK$2.4 billion (US$309 million) last year when it was first launched for tender. The deadline for the new public tender for the 199-room hotel is May 19, according to JLL. The asset, which features a striking red facade, is currently held by a bank, according to the property consultancy. 'It's a super-luxury hotel,' said Mark Wong, senior director at JLL in Macau. 'The hotel market is recovering after the Covid-19 pandemic , and tourists are coming back quickly.' This sale would mark the second attempt by the undisclosed lender to find a buyer for The 13 Hotel and Casino, following a similar tender in March 2024. Advertisement Hopes for a successful tender appear to be high this time. The hotel's sale has generated 'many inquiries already', Wong said.
Yahoo
22-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Kelly Mi Li on Leaving L.A., Reality TV and Forging a New Empire (Exclusive)
Kelly Mi Li is still shining after Bling Empire. The entrepreneur rose to fame as an executive producer and star of the Netflix reality show that showcased affluent Asians in Southern California. The series ran for three seasons from 2021-2022. Kelly, 39, has left Los Angeles to focus on raising her family — including daughter Mili, who is about to turn 2. The entrepreneur tells PEOPLE exclusively that she now resides in the San Francisco Bay Area with her partner, William, Milli and her mother Emily. "My mom now lives with us," Kelly explains. "I was really scared because I moved away from home when I was 18 years old, but it's honestly been one of the best things ever. She's so helpful. My daughter is so attached to her." Related: Kelly Mi Li Shares Motherhood Update, Admits Feeling 'Guilt' Being Away from Daughter (Exclusive) Kelly says their household speaks "80% Mandarin and 20% English." "My partner, William, speaks English mostly to her," she adds. "Me and my mom and her nanny speak mostly Mandarin to her. We wanted to let her learn Mandarin first." Kelly tells PEOPLE that William is her "soulmate" and they're in no rush to get married. "When I was younger, I always was like, 'What's next? What's next?' Now, I'm just enjoying the present. We're gonna be together for the rest of my life. He's my soulmate; we've known that since day one. And so we're not really in a rush. I think [marriage] is just a piece of paper for me. So we get there when we get there." Kelly says they made the move for William's work in local law enforcement and his work in particular with the Chinese community. But she still makes the hour flight down to L.A. to work on another show. While her reality TV days may be behind her, Kelly's back in front of the camera for a cooking talk show cleverly named Stir the Pot. Each week, Kelly welcomes guests as they prepare hot pot, an Asian cooking method where diners dip uncooked meat, seafood or vegetables into boiling broth to quickly blanch them before eating. It's a leisurely process that allows for lots of conversation. "It's always very communal for family," Kelly says of hot pot gatherings. "Food is very special because it brings people together, brings cultures together." Related: Bling Empire's Christine Chiu Details 'Sudden and Dramatic' Loss of '99%' of Her Hair This week's guest is actress Lindsay Price and recent Bachelorette Jenn Tran join Kelly for the season 1 finale on Friday, March 28. (A second season has already been greenlit). Watch a sneak peek of Jenn and Kelly discussing her run on The Bachelorette and Dancing Wiith the Stars below: Never miss a story — sign up for to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. The show not only dishes up gossip and hot food, but it's also a showcase for Kelly's chili oil line Hot Jiang. "I love it really, really spicy," Kelly says of her hot pot broth, but says her family incorporates a split, yin-yang-style pot. "Then we normally have a mild one, especially now with the baby, she since can't do spicy." Kelly says her favorite hot pot ingredients are beef, lamb, seaweed knots and noodles, which are added towards the end to soak up all the previously flavors. Stir the Pot airs every Friday night at 8 p.m. CT on ChimeTV available through the Charter SPECTRUM TV® SELECT PLAN or streaming anytime on the GoldenTV app. Read the original article on People
USA Today
29-01-2025
- Entertainment
- USA Today
'All My Children' star Esta TerBlanche's cause of death revealed
'All My Children' star Esta TerBlanche's cause of death revealed Show Caption Hide Caption 'All My Children' star Esta TerBlanche dies at 51 Esta TerBlanche, best known for her role as Gillian Andrassy, on 'All My Children', has died at 51. unbranded - Entertainment A cause of death has been revealed for actress Esta TerBlanche, the late "All My Children" star who died last summer at the age of 51. TerBlanche died of an intracranial hemorrhage, according to online records from the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner reviewed by USA TODAY. The hemorrhage was seemingly caused by blunt force from a traumatic head injury, which is listed as the actress's secondary cause of death. The manner of TerBlanche's death was ruled accidental. USA TODAY reached out to the medical examiner and representatives for TerBlanche for comment. An intracranial hemorrhage, also known as a "brain bleed," is a type of stroke that occurs when a blood vessel ruptures or leaks and causes blood to pool between a person's brain and skull, according to Cleveland Clinic. The accumulation of blood creates pressure within the brain and deprives the organ of oxygen. Esta TerBlanche dies: Actress who played Gillian Andrassy on 'All My Children' was 51 Falls and traumatic injuries are common causes of intracranial hemorrhage, according to Cleveland Clinic. Additionally, individuals suffering from unmanaged high blood pressure are also at an increased risk for the condition. TerBlanche died on July 19, 2024. The following day, the actress's publicist Lisa Rodrigo took to Facebook to mourn her loss, writing, "Esta was a beautiful soul in and out. I was proud to know her and work with her." TerBlanche was best known for her role as Princess Gillian Andrassy on "All My Children." The South African actress appeared on the ABC soap opera from 1997 until her character was killed off in 2001. She also starred on the South African series "Egoli: Place of Gold" and appeared in an episode of "Spin City," according to TerBlanche's IMDb page. More celebrity deaths: Lynn Ban, 'Bling Empire' celebrity jewelry designer, dies at 51 after ski accident In a 2021 interview with Soap Central, TerBlanche — who was born in South Africa's Rustenburg — reflected on the "very scary" experience of moving to the United States to expand her acting career. "I was terribly scared, and the two weeks before I had to go, I was crying nonstop, thinking, 'Why am I doing this?!' " she said. "I was really questioning myself, like, 'Why am I putting myself through this? Why?!' But I just knew I had a deeper calling, that I had to come."
