FORTY years ago, Song Huai Kuei was a 17-year-old student enrolled in the Oil Painting Department of the Central Academy of Fine Arts in Beijing. It was there that she met Maryn Varbanov, a young Bulgarian painter. Their meeting marked the beginning of a legendary life. Today Song Huai Kuei is the Chinese chief representative of the French Pierre Cardin Fashion Company and chairwoman of Maxim’s. She has gained celebrity status and often appears in the media. Her Asian countenance and her Pierre Cardin wardrobe display an excellent combination of Chinese and Western elements. She herself, however, says that she is essentially just an ordinary Chinese. Although others have had different opinions about her lifestyle, Song has FORTY years ago, Song Huai Kuei was a 17-year-old student enrolled in the Oil Painting Department of the Central Academy of Fine Arts in Beijing. It was there that with a Maryn Varbanov, a young Bulgarian painter. Their meeting marked the beginning Today a Song of Huai Kuei is the Chinese chief representative of the French Pierre Cardin Fashion Company and chairwoman of Maxim’s. She has gained celebrity status and often appears in the media. Her Asian countenance and her Pierre Cardin wardrobe display an excellent combination of Chinese and Western elements. She herself, however, says that she is essentially just an ordinary Chinese.