Inside supermodel Ming Xi’s glamorous life as daughter-in-law of Macau’s wealthiest family

Ming, 37, married Ho, 30, in July 2019. The couple now have two children, a son and a daughter. Their marriage quickly drew public attention, not only because of Ming’s fame in fashion but also because of the fortune behind the Ho family name.

After the birth of their first child, Ming and her husband were reportedly given nearly US$10 million, along with other valuable assets. They also received a villa in Hong Kong’s Deep Water Bay, one of the world’s most expensive residential neighborhoods, valued at nearly US$90 million, AsiaOne reported.

Ming once spent more than US$19,000 on miniature handbags from Louis Vuitton, Chanel and Dior for her one-year-old daughter. Her children have also been seen wearing outfits from luxury brands including Dior, Gucci, Burberry and Hermes, according to HK01.

Still, the lavish lifestyle has not meant that Ming’s life in the Ho family has been free of difficulties. Her past as a lingerie model was reportedly met with reservations from her in-laws at first. Media reports said Angela Leong, Stanley Ho’s fourth wife and Mario’s mother, had Ming’s background checked before accepting the relationship.

Another challenge emerged last August, when Mario Ho was accused of fathering a child overseas with Yumi Bai of Singaporean pop duo BY2. He later denied the allegations in a statement, according to Singaporean outlet 8days.

Despite the rumors, Ming has continued to present a composed public image. She shares glimpses of family life on social media while maintaining her presence in entertainment.

Long before marrying into the Ho family, Ming, born Xi Mengyao, had already built a successful modeling career. She has walked for major fashion houses including Victoria’s Secret, Givenchy, Michael Kors, Balmain and Karl Lagerfeld. Dan Triciting Xinhua News Agencydescribed her as one of China’s top four supermodels, alongside Liu Wen, Sun Feifei and Shu Pei.

Her marriage connected that fashion-world fame with one of Asia’s best-known business dynasties. The Ho family built an empire spanning casinos, hotels and real estate, and once held a nearly 40-year monopoly over Macau’s gambling industry.

Forbes has estimated the family’s fortune at at least US$6.4 billion, though the real figure may be higher because not all family members’ wealth is publicly disclosed. In 2019, Bloomberg estimated Stanley Ho’s net worth at about US$14.9 billion, making him Asia’s 17th-richest person at the time.