Exploring New Zealand with Your Artistic Side

First published in Elysiants on 30 January 2012.

The annual World of Wearable Art® competition will be held in Wellington, New Zealand at the end of August. The contest aims to combine fashion with traditional art forms, so we can embrace art on a day to day basis. Fancy going? Join Air New Zealand's Hong Kong competition, and win a holiday for two to New Zealand, and watch the WOW® awards ceremony with your complimentary VIP tickets!

Hey Kitty Kitty - Swarovski's Hello Kitty Collection Launch Party

First published in Elysiants on 7 January 2012.

Jessie, Keely, and I were invited to take a sneak peek of Swarovski's Hello Kitty Collection yesterday at the Four Seasons Hotel. Jessie and Keely both love the colour pink, and I was keen to see the Swarovski's first ever Hello Kitty collection, so we were all rather excited about the fashion show.

Social Media Shopping

First published in Elysiants on 1 December 2011.

Everyone uses facebook. Whether you have or haven't watched the Social Network, you would still have to realised that. Otherwise we won't be seeing trends such as the "Like" cushion being on sale in the Chinese New Year markets. Fashion brands understand that we go on facebook practically more than we check our emails, so most of them have set up their own fan page. That way, we get to check out their latest collections on our news feed almost as soon as it arrives. Let's see what brands we can be surfing on facebook!

Ascot Chang is a bespoke men's wear brand originating from Shanghai, bringing traditional tailoring and contemporary style together in a perfect blend. On their facebook wall, you can read up on their latest news, as well as browse through seasons of product shots and fashion shows. As a tailoring brand, the best part of their facebook would be the updated travelling itinerary of their representatives, so fans could mark down when they will be in town, to make sure you get your perfect shirt fitted.

Beat the Heat - Day Out at South Bay

First published in Elysiants on 22 November 2011.

It is boiling hot in Hong Kong right now, so what could we do the embrace the weather? It can't get any better than a day of sunshine and sea! But like everywhere else in Hong Kong, popular beaches like Repulse Bay, Stanley, and Big Wave Bay are absolutely packed, so let's explore a more remote alternative - South Bay.

Art and the City - What’s Next 30 x 30 Creative Exhibition

First published in Lifestyle Asia on 22 July 2011.

What does turning 30 means to you? Exciting? Daunting? Traumatic? This year marks the 30th anniversary of Stanley Wong's (aka anothermountainman) creative life, and he is at a point where he questions what is coming up next. To celebrate the thirtieth birthday of his artistic career, he decided to gather thirty of Asia's well respected artists, Alan Chan, John Clang, and the late Yasmin Ahmad, just to name a few, and got them to give an artistic interpretation on what is coming up next for them. What's Next 30 x 30, the exhibition as a result of this one simple question, is now being displayed at my favourite location, the Artistree.

Wanna know what they are showing at the exhibition? Read the rest of the article at Lifestyle Asia!

Fits like a Glove - Custom Made Men's Shoes in Hong Kong

 First published in Elysiants on 30 November 2011.


I have briefly mentioned before that JJ Partners offers custom made men's shoes, but I know this topic can be better explored. Devil is in the details, and a man's shoes can really reflect his taste. From dressed shoes to sneakers, we have all kinds of bespoke shoes to offer in Hong Kong. Let's see where we can go for an unique pair with flair.


1. Berluti

Berluti is the ultimate men's shoes experience. Sure, the French shoemaker does carry a ready to wear collection in Prince's Building, but their bespoke shoes are the real deal. Not only would you get a pair of lovelies that fits you perfectly, you also get to customise the colours in each and every part, even the stitching and shoe laces. Sweet, eh?

Fall for the Boys - Menswear in 2011 Autumn/Winter

First published in Elysiants on 29 November 2011.

I know it is hot and humid right now, but boys should think ahead, right? Have you any idea what will be the "it" thing for the coming season? Let's have a look!

Cufflinks

 

A proper shirt is built for cufflinks, and what better to complete your refined look than One Bond Street's uber English cufflinks? Fresh from London, these babies are sure to impress. Grab your pair from their website or Ritz Carlton Hong Kong.

Kuala Lumpur - One City, Many Cultures

First published in Elysiants on 29 December 2011.

As the capital of Malaysia, a country with a smooth blend of diverse religions, Kuala Lumpur has lots of offer. I am no expert of the city, so I will just list a few key touristy spots so you have an idea of where to begin.

Creativity, the Italian Way - 1.618 Launch Party

Published exclusively in this site on 19 July 2011.

Still another four days to the end of this week, so how can we make weekend any closer? By partying tonight! 1.618, a brand new Italian creative design agency in town, is throwing a cocktail party at 208 Duecento Otto tonight to introduce themselves to us.

Having a Splash - Full Moon Party at W Hotel

First published in Elysiants on 29 January 2012.

Where did you go last Saturday night? Jasmine, Jessie, Jerome and I were all set for a great night out at the full moon party with the W hotel. As Jessie would put it, this is the classier version of the actual full moon party in Thailand, and boy were we in for a real treat.

Art and the City - Summer Interlude at Schoeni Art Gallery

First published in Lifestyle Asia on 15 July 2011.

It's been a month since ArtHK11 and Le French May is wrapping up shortly as well. Are you starving the artist within you? Then you should pay a visit to Schoeni Art Gallery for an art buffet! 

Wanna know what is on display at Schoeni's? Read the rest of the article at Lifestyle Asia!

Uniquely Hong Kong - Handmade Fashion Accessories

First published in Elysiants on 28 November 2011.

I do go on Etsy in search for some uniquely handmade designs. But sometimes the stuff you like can be all the way over on the other side of the world, and waiting for your package to come can turn out to be a frustrating experience. Why don't we look closer to home and see what beautiful one-of-a-kind craft the Hong Kongers have to offer?

1. Bez and Oho

Annalisa started this project, Bez & Oho, to make colourful bags, wallets, and copper enamel jewelry. Their products are made with locally available materials as well as creating some much needed employment for our society's minority. Annalisa also holds copper enamel jewelry classes both at her own studio in Kwun Tong, as well as at the Random Art Workshop. Grab a few friends and enjoy a fun day of jewelry making!

Swing it Like Tiger - City Links Golf Lounge

First published in Elysiants on 7 December 2011.

I had a great party at City Links Golf Lounge last week, so I totally recommend it if you are looking for a place to host an intimate get together. We got there pretty promptly on a weekday evening, since it is just conveniently across LKF Hotel and right above Dragon-I, Privé, Solas and Wagyu. There definitely aren't any difficulties in explaining where the lounge is (Read: What do you mean you don't know where Privé is?!?!).

Aesthetics of Words - Montblanc's Art of Writing Exhibition

Published exclusively in this site on 12 July 2011.

Anybody with minimal knowledge of fountain pens will have to have heard of Montblanc. Obviously its business is in pen-making, but in 1992, they established the Montblanc Cultural Foundation and the Montblanc de la Culture Art Patronage Award to identifying worthy art patronage projects and commemorate outstanding patrons of the arts.

River of Local Wisdom - The Riverside Scene of Local Agriculture

Published exclusively in this site on 11 July 2011.

Inspired by the famous animated version of the Riverside Scene at Qingming Festival, the Hong Kong Polytechnic University School of Design came up with the Riverside Scene of Local Agriculture. The piece aims to get its audience to reflect upon the alternative ways of life in Hong Kong, which goes beyond our cubicle or our cherished cup of Starbucks.

Anglomania - British Council Contemporary Art Exhibition

Published exclusively in 8 July 2011.

©the Artist, courtesy of Sadie Coles HQ, London

Watching Submarine gave me a kick into the British mood, and it will be nice to follow it through by a visit to the British Contemporary Art Exhibition over the weekend. The British Council is showcasing their collections around China as a part of their cultural programme for the Shanghai Expo, and Hong Kong is their third stop. The exhibition, held in the Hong Kong Museum of Heritage, includes pieces by past winners of the influential Turner Prize, like Damien Hirst. 

Show Some Toes - Vibram Five Fingers

First published in Elysiants on 9 December 2011.

I spoke briefly on the Vibram Five Fingers a while back when I was going through a list of dragon boating equipments. These shoes, designed for simulating barefoot walking, has sparked lots of buzz in the Hong Kong sports community here, here and here. Looking different from your normal sneakers, not only is it comfortable, it also gives you the ability to fully ground yourself on every toe. Let's see what a pair of Vibram Five Fingers can replace in your shoes cabinet.

Clear as Mud - Pottery Workshops in Hong Kong

First published in Elysiants on 17 December 2011.

Did my previous post ignite your artistic aspirations? Or is it the birthday of someone special coming up and you want to surprise them with a customised gift? Here are a few places in Hong Kong where you can learn how to pinch, coil, slab, throw, and more.

Through Their Eyes - Breathing Hong Kong Photography Exhibition

Published exclusively in this site on 5 July 2011.

What would it be like to give each teenager a camera and set them loose in Hong Kong? Wouldn't it be interesting to look through their camera lenses into their lives, families, and neighbourhood? This is what Breathing Hong Kong: Photography Exhibition is all about.

Play with Clay - Interview with Chris Lo, Potter of Cobo Workshop

First published in Lifestyle Asia on 4 July 2011.

Pottery is one of my favourite pastimes. It is amazingly therapeutic, taking my mind off my day job. I have managed to catch Chris, my ceramics instructor, and got him to spill the beans on why he is in love with the play of clay.

Wanna see what Chris has to say? Read the rest of the article at Lifestyle Asia!