Hong Kong in the 1980s was a golden age for the entertainment industry when superstars like Leslie Cheung, Roman Tam, Danny Chan and Anita Mui flourished. Behind their glittering images was legendary fashion designer Eddie Lau.

Eddie Lau released his autobiography Claire de Lune in Shanghai recently, which details his close relationship with Hong Kong's late superstar Anita Mui. Photos: CFP and courtesy of Jifeng Bookstore

Lau was responsible for Mui's famous ever-changing image and became one of her closest friends. He gradually receded from the spotlight after 1999, but remained the main designer of Mui's concert costumes. Many stars in Hong Kong were honored to wear clothes designed by Lau. They called him "brother Eddie."

Lau recently published his autobiography Claire de Lune, in which he recounts his difficult childhood and his path to success. He also shared many precious memories of stars who became close friends like Mui and Cheung.

"You know, in my life there are two accomplishments. The first one is to pioneer a career, 'image design,' in Hong Kong in the 1980s. The second is to help create an Anita Mui with a variety of visual images. But the most important thing is I got a sister, Anita. I'm just an orphan with no sisters and brothers, but she became my family," Lau said at a recent promotional event for his book in Shanghai.

Born in 1951, Lau was brought up by a single mother who frequently disappeared for days and eventually abandoned him. When Lau was 11, she told him, "From now on, don't call me mom again. I'm not your mother. You haven't had a father ever since you were born. You don't need me as your mother either."

Lau started his career aged 11 as an apprentice to a Shanghainese tailor in Tsim Sha Tsui, earning HK$12 ($1.55) a month. At 16, he bought a sewing machine and started a business making women's clothes. By 1973, he had saved up enough money to move to London with a dream to study fashion design at the renowned Saint Martin's School of Art, now part of Central Saint Martins.

Eddie Lau released his autobiography Claire de Lune in Shanghai recently, which details his close relationship with Hong Kong's late superstar Anita Mui. Photos: CFP and courtesy of Jifeng Bookstore

To be admitted, Lau had to have passed A-levels or O-levels, the British equivalent of a high school diploma. But Lau had only completed the fifth grade of primary school. Undeterred, Lau went to the school one afternoon with pictures of his work and happened to run into the principal. Impressed with his talent, she decided to give the 22-year-old Lau a chance and let him attend night school. To pay for his tuition, he worked part time as a cook.

Upon graduating, Lau returned to Hong Kong with one of his collections and became a fast-rising star in the local fashion industry. Soon he achieved international recognition with collections like "East is Red" and "Shanghai Chic" being showcased in London, Paris, New York and Tokyo. Since 1999, he has designed the uniforms for Cathay Pacific's flight attendants.

Lau began to design for Anita Mui when she launched her career in 1982. Dubbed the Madonna of Asia, Mui was famous for her onstage outfits like the red and gold wedding dress that Lau designed for her last concert before she passed away from cancer in 2003. In his book, he wrote about his last few moments with Mui. "I went to the funeral parlor to accompany her. I touched her forehead, her cheek and her nose. I told her I was there for her and not to be afraid."

Another close friend was Leslie Cheung, who committed suicide in 2003 after battling clinical depression. "He appeared to be strong and tough but inside he was delicate and sensitive. He was like a child eager for others' love and care. There was sadness hidden behind his smiles. He was a struggling soul. Before he died, he cried and told me that something went wrong with his life. He went to the doctor but couldn't find an answer," Lau wrote in his book. "He then asked me with tears in his eyes, 'Will you remember me?'"

Eddie Lau released his autobiography Claire de Lune in Shanghai recently, which details his close relationship with Hong Kong's late superstar Anita Mui. Photos: CFP and courtesy of Jifeng Bookstore

Over the years, many of Lau's closest friends have passed away. "They keep appearing in my dreams, Anita, Leslie and James Wong. If they miss me, they will come to me," Lau said.

Having weathered many hardships, Lau has a few words of wisdom to impart.

"I've been straightforward and candid. I've been hurt by lies, which taught me to never tell lies. Sincerity, friendship and affection mean a lot to me," he said. "People nowadays are too busy to spend time with their friends. What I want to say to them is to cherish youth. Eighteen to 35 years old are the prime of one's life. Work hard and do everything decently. One day you'll be rewarded."