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Madame Song: Home

Introduction

Song Huai-Kuei (7 December 1937 – 21 March 2006), also widely known as Madame Song, was a prominent figure in Chinese art, film, music, and fashion.  Not only an artist, but also an actress, fashion icon, socialite, and successful businesswoman.  Her contributions to the various aspects during the 1980s and 1990s solidified her status as a legend in Chinese visual culture. 

In recognition of her significant impact, M+ has organized a special museum titled "Madame Song: Pioneering Art and Fashion in China" during 2023 to 2024.  As a museum focuses on the various sphere of design, moving images, visual art, and contemporary art in China, we consider this exhibition as a showcase to artistic achievements and contributions of Song throughout the decades, even as a demonstration of the pioneering spirit between Madame Song and M+. 

Within this topic guide, you will discover the exclusive resources and collection materials that shed light on the extraordinary journey of Madame Song.  We expected that our materials can provide a comprehensive record of her legendary life and serve as an invaluable resource for studying the great history she helped shape.

M+ Reference Library

M+ Collection Archives

CA1/4/T.3133

Song Huai-Kuei 
Maryn Varbanov
Photograph, Song Huai-Kuei with two models in a promotional photo shoot for Five Dynasties
late 1990s–early 2000s

CA1/4/T.3694

Maryn Varbanov 
Song Huai-Kuei 
Promotional poster for Maxim’s Beijing
early 1980s

CA1/4/T.3757

Maryn Varbanov, Song Huai-Kuei
Photograph, engagement photo of Song Huai-Kuei and Maryn Varbanov 
1956

M+ Media

M+ Exhibitions

M+ Magazine

External Resources / Recommendations