IT didn't matter that she turned up with a new hairdo, a back-revealing top and no wedding ring in sight.

 But the moment Hong Kong star Kelly Chen, 36, walked into the Bonia press conference - held at the Ritz Carlton in Kuala Lumpur last Wednesday - the topic of her marriage was plonked right in the centre.

Kelly was in Kuala Lumpur for the gala unveiling of handbag label Bonia's 2009 collection and was a special guest performer.

Never mind that the entire collection of handbags, accessories and clothes were on display at the ballroom. The moment Kelly walked in - confident and smiling - all eyes were trained on Kelly's left hand.

Everyone wanted a look at the six-carat wedding ring.

It wasn't there.

But its absence and Kelly's sassy new chin-length haircut didn't distract the media, neither did her back-bearing top that offered little glimpses of her lily-white back.

Kelly got married to businessman Alex Lau less than two months ago.

And it seems two months of marital bliss is enough time to set Kelly's mind on children.

A reporter asked: 'Is your new hairdo in preparation for motherhood, because it is easier to handle?'

Laughing, Kelly said: 'I'm prepared, but this is something that cannot be rushed.'

Switching comfortably between English, Chinese and Cantonese, Kelly said: 'I'm ready for kids. I can have kids anytime, even today.'

She said there is no pressure from her husband to have children.

'No one can chase me to have babies, it'll depend on fate.'

Being married has affected her music.

Kelly revealed that she is currently consolidating songs for her upcoming album.

And from what she has heard, a theme is forming.

'A lot of the songs I'm getting are happy and warm, so it seems like the album will turn out to be about happiness.'

Kelly also is looking into the future.

One option is to go back to her roots - design.

Kelly is a graduate from Parsons The New School of Design. The school is a famed design school in New York.

She said: 'I love to design, but I'm not a businesswoman.

'If I can find a backer and a business partner, I will want my own fashion line.'

For now, she is contended with being a style icon.

She said: 'I like the casual look.

'I'll usually wear jeans with heels and a simple but unique handbag.'

Her suggestion for an extra touch?

'I am mindful of the accessories I use.'

On this visit, her biggest accessory was an obvious look of joy in her eyes.

Kelly was relaxed and smiling. She was clearly in a wonderful mood.

Marriage works wonders for some.

This article was first published in The New Paper on Nov 24, 2008.