Michel Lee, originally from Taiwan, was a prominent figure in the worlds of fashion and culture. A friend of both Song Huai-Kuei (Madame Song) and T’ang Haywen, Lee worked for prestigious fashion houses such as Emanuel Ungaro and the Itochu Corporation. After moving to Paris, he introduced Madame Song to various social circles and events, helping her navigate the city’s vibrant cultural scene.

Lee often hosted gatherings at his home, where Madame Song and her husband Maryn Varbanov were regular guests. Boryana Varbanov, daughter of Madame Song, fondly recalls an amusing anecdote: Lee once asked Madame Song to pose with him in a traditional dress, holding a child, for a staged “family portrait”. This was intended to reassure his concerned Chinese family about his marital status.

Similarly, T’ang faced inquiries from his own parents about his personal life. In response, he simply mentioned that he had a lady friend who took good care of him, gracefully sidestepping further details.

Beyond his work in fashion, Lee was a passionate art collector, with a particular interest in exquisite Buddhist sculptures, Chinese calligraphy and drawings. His appreciation for art and his warm hospitality made him a central figure in the lives of his friends, including T’ang and Madame Song.