For anyone who loves binging reality shows about the everyday lives of high society, Bling Empire's second season is here to satisfy. The Netflix series' cast go about their business wearing their culture on their designer sleeves, and your eyes will surely marvel at their often ostentatious lifestyles.
ALSO READ: Here's Why You Didn't See Heart Evangelista in "Bling Empire" Season 2
Don't be fooled by all the fanciful displays though, because the show promises to go above and beyond that. While we mostly see the glitz and glamour (and some occasional drama) on screen, Bling Empire proudly anchors itself as a show that's for the Asian community, and by the Asian community. In an exclusive interview with Preview, cast members Kane Lim and Kelly Mi Li attest that shows like theirs work to cement their own places in Hollywood and beyond.
READ: Kelly Mi Li and Kane Lim on the Importance of Asian Representation
Having immigrated to the U.S. at the tender age of 10, Kelly grew up knowing that the way she looks sets her apart, and maybe not for the better. "Growing up in the U.S. was a little bit difficult because back then, there [wasn't] really internet. And it was hard because you [felt] like you didn't belong. When you look at magazines, and when you look at TV shows [and] movies, you don't really see people that look like you."
True enough, seeing other Asians on screen was a rarity for her, and whenever they were shown, men were usually confined to being "the kung-fu masters or nerds," while women were always "highly sexualized." This is why Kelly thinks shows like Bling Empire are vital nowadays. "We're able to show that Asians are three-dimensional. I think for the people who are watching, I really hope that if they really put their mind to it, and they work hard, work smart, they can really make it."
Kane couldn't agree more. ICYDK, the Singaporean was recently tapped to be an ambassador for Fenty Beauty by Rihanna herself, and for him, the experience was another avenue to champion more diverse, authentic identities on a global stage. "Rihanna broke the barriers, right. It used to be [that] a perfect woman was always a Victoria's Secret [model], 6ft [tall], and white—and they're gorgeous—but they've kind of created that mindset that that was perfection. And I think Rihanna broke that whole barrier for a lot of people."
"For me to be part of the brand and to represent that, it means a lot for me, because everyone has imperfections. She kind of made it inclusive for all. Every race, for every religion, every color, every size, she's included in Fenty. And I think this is what the world should strive [for], what businesses should strive for, [which is] to be inclusive," says Kane.
Even with the strides that have been made, the reality show star acknowledges that there is still work to be done in order to truly say that the Asian community is celebrated overseas. He shares, "I took it for granted growing up in Singapore where you're so used to being surrounded by so many Asian people and we're seen as powerful and strong, but in the U.S., we are seen as minorities. So for me to be part of a show that talks about Asian representation, I was like, 'Wow!' It hit me when Season 1 came out."
"We have the responsibility to really highlight Asian culture with our platform. With every step, every season, we have the ability to show more Asian faces on screen. And that will help a lot of Asian people in countries where Asian people may be minorities," he closes things off.
Bling Empire's second season is available for streaming on Netflix.
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