«Crazy Rich Asians» is making a comeback. HBO and Warner Bros. have announced a sequel series to the 2018 hit, which made history as the first major Hollywood studio film in 25 years to feature a predominantly Asian cast.
The good news: It won’t be a movie, but a television series. The eight-episode, hourlong drama will pick up where the 2018 story left off, with Constance Wu and Henry Golding reprising their roles as Rachel Chu and Nick Young, respectively. Michelle Yeoh will also return as Eleanor Young in a recurring role, alongside Ronny Chieng, who will reprise his role as Eddie Cheng.
However, «Crazy Rich Asians» will also feature another kind of cast: a dazzling lineup of fashion and jewelry brands. Based on Kevin Kwan’s bestselling novels, the series has the potential to become an expansive showcase of luxury fashion, with the kind of visual spectacle that could keep fashion enthusiasts talking for seasons to come. Production is scheduled to begin in 2027.
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When costume designer Mary E. Vogt began working on the original film, she faced a formidable challenge: capturing the aesthetic of Singapore’s old-money elite. The filmmakers established one essential rule: Characters of this stature wouldn’t wear costume jewelry. Every piece featured on screen had to be authentic.
And authentic it was. The Rolex Daytona featured in the film, for example, was a rare model with the distinctive «Paul Newman» dial, named after the legendary actor and racing enthusiast. A Singapore-based collector lent the watch to the production, reportedly inspired by his wife’s enthusiasm for Kwan’s novel.
Meanwhile, the iconic emerald ring worn by Yeoh’s character, Eleanor Young, actually belonged to the actress herself. Its presence fit the story so naturally that the screenwriters rewrote one of the key scenes to incorporate it.
Luxury jewelry houses also played a major role in bringing the film’s opulent aesthetic to life. Chopard and other prestigious brands lent the production exquisite pieces, including necklaces, earrings and bracelets set with precious gemstones. The jewelry required extensive security arrangements, with armed guards accompanying some of the valuable pieces on set and ensuring their safe return.
Asia’s growing influence on the luxury industry
The success of the original 2018 film coincided with a broader shift in the strategies of global luxury conglomerates, including LVMH, Kering and Richemont.
Asia has emerged as one of the most important markets for haute couture and high jewelry, prompting leading fashion and jewelry houses to strengthen their presence across the region. Exclusive high-jewelry presentations in Shanghai and Tokyo, along with the appointment of K-pop stars and Chinese actors as brand ambassadors for houses such as Cartier, Tiffany & Co., Bulgari and Chanel, reflect the growing influence of Asian consumers on the global luxury market.
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While much has changed since the first film’s premiere, the industry’s eastward shift remains a major strategic priority.
The upcoming HBO series also promises a change of scenery. Although the original film drew heavily on Singapore’s traditional, understated old-money aesthetic, its sequel is expected to explore the more extravagant world of China’s ultrawealthy, particularly the fuerdai — children of the country’s wealthy and influential families — in Beijing and Shanghai.
Kwan’s second novel, «China Rich Girlfriend,» provides a wealth of material for such a transition. Its pages are filled with references to couture houses, including Giambattista Valli, Elie Saab and Chanel, as well as extraordinary collections of rare luxury goods.
Among the more memorable details is a room overflowing with Hermès Birkin bags, each personalized with different initials. The bags serve as gifts from the wife of a North Korean official to people who have done her favors. The novel also introduces readers to exclusive creations by independent Asian jewelry designers and houses, including Cindy Chao and Carnet.
What can we expect from HBO’s eight-episode fashion extravaganza?
The series format offers costume designers something a two-hour feature film cannot: time and narrative depth. With eight episodes to work with, the creative team will have more opportunities to develop the characters’ wardrobes and explore the relationship between fashion, wealth and social status.
Here are three things worth looking forward to:
Elaborate wardrobes and distinctive aesthetics. Each episode could function as a miniature runway show, with carefully curated outfits revealing the personalities, ambitions and social standing of this new generation of the ultrawealthy. The extended format also offers more room for fashion to become an integral part of the storytelling rather than simply an impressive backdrop.
Closer ties with luxury fashion houses. High-profile television productions increasingly serve as platforms for fashion collaborations and brand exposure, as demonstrated by «Euphoria» and «The White Lotus.» The new series could attract major international labels, including prestigious jewelry houses from Paris’ Place Vendôme, all eager to see their creations featured on screen.
A spotlight on Asian designers. Alongside established European luxury brands, the franchise could offer a prominent platform for Asian couturiers and jewelry designers. The original film already made room for regional talent, featuring designs by Guo Pei, Shiatzy Chen and Ashley Isham. The sequel has an opportunity to take that representation even further.
In short, we’re already looking forward to the spectacle.
