Actor and Montblanc friend of the brand Xu Bin sheds light on his acting career and how Montblanc’s values resonate with him. On the cover, he is carrying a Montblanc Extreme 3.0 leather tote.
What is something that not many people know about you?
I’m very perceptive; I can be easily affected by small matters, perhaps even a story or movie. Sometimes, when I’m reading a film or drama script, I am touched by some of the dialogue and get teary.
What are some of your hobbies that you enjoy?
I like to play basketball and sweat it all out, especially when I give it my all on the basketball court. I also like to swim and, when possible, go scuba diving. When I’m underwater, it’s almost like the entire world has fallen silent, and it feels like I’m in a different world.
Xubin is wearing a Montblanc 1858 GMT Automatic Date in stainless steel with rubber strap and a Fendi wool cropped blazer and silk-blend shirt.
You are now a father of 2. How has parenting changed your perspective on life?
With my two children, my perspective on life and values changed completely. My life now mostly revolves around work and family. Even though I have less time for myself, including time spent with friends, what I have in return is my family’s warmth.
Family values have also become more important.
When did you realise you wanted to pursue acting as a career?
Since my schooling days, I’ve always wanted to become an artiste. I tried singing at first, but soon, I realised that my singing was only ordinary. When I first tried acting, I was not confident and even afraid, but I forced myself to press on and learn more.
After filming a few dramas, I realised that I actually enjoyed acting. I gradually started to like acting more until I finally fell in love with it. It was then that I decided to fully pursue acting as a career.
Who are the actors you admire, and what are your sources of inspiration?
Currently, most of my works are Chinese dramas, so I also watch many Chinese dramas for inspiration. One of my favourite actors is Hu Ge (China Actor) — I think he is very charismatic and a bona fide actor.
Xu Bin is wearing a Bottega Veneta wool turtleneck sweater.
What do you think is a misconception about actors and acting?
Personally, when I was still studying, I thought that acting was very easy. When watching TV, I would repeat some dialogues with the same tone and thought I could “act”. However, after actually experiencing what it’s like to act, especially in my first drama, I realised that acting is not just about reciting the script.
What would you be doing now had you not been an actor?
I honestly wouldn’t know. Because immediately after my studies, I went into acting now. I’ve spent 10 years doing the thing I love so much without realising it.
Xu Bin is carrying a Montblanc Extreme 3.0 leather tote and is wearing a Berluti Wool shearling trench coat, wool pants, leather boots.
You were recently appointed as Montblanc’s Friend of the Brand for Singapore. Can you recall the thoughts and emotions you had when the news broke to you?
To me, it was truly like a dream come true. I was so happy that I couldn’t sleep because Montblanc is a brand I have been a fan of since I was a student! Fun fact: I bought my first Montblanc wallet after my first paycheck as an actor.
How does Montblanc’s tagline “What moves you, makes you” resonate with you?
It’s incredibly inspiring to live a life of purpose and passion just by doing what I enjoy. “Dreams without goals are just dreams” is a quote by Denzel Washington. With this in mind, I like to dream big and make small goals to move towards that big dream, knowing that it might encourage someone to leave their mark, just as I did.
Xu Bin is wearing a Prada wool blazer, wool-blend turtleneck sweater, leather pants, and leather boots.
Montblanc’s latest brand campaign is “On the Move.” What will your greatest adventure be?
I’m actually quite an active and adventurous person and constantly on the move, be it for work or family. My greatest adventure would be to hike to an active volcano, dive into a shipwreck, or maybe both. Perhaps I’ll do it in a place like Bali.
Besides the beautiful villas and great beaches, you can hike up an active volcano — Mount Agung — and dive into the world-famous USS Liberty Shipwreck.
What is the greatest piece of advice you received?
Always be the best person you can be.
Xu Bin is wearing a Burberry wool cardigan, wool sweater, and denim skirt.
If you could have a meal with anyone, dead or alive, who would it be, and what will you both have?
Jay Chou. I really admire him for his talent in songwriting and for being a musician and performer. I’m okay to eat anything with him, as long as it’s with him!
Photography Chee Wei
Creative Direction & Styling Izwan Abdullah
Grooming Xiang Jun
Hair Joanne Er | BeDeBon Hair Salon
Set Design Phoebe Ho
Styling Assistant Manfred Lu
Fashion Assistance Justin Neo
Once you’re done with this story, click here to catch up with our November 2022 issue!
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