Friday, September 30, 2011

What To Do On the National Day Weekend

Published exclusively in this site on 30 September 2011.



It is rather unfortunate that this year's National Day is on a Saturday (Read: no extra day off). But since we would be in town anyways, we might as well make the best of it! Let's see what the town is up to for the upcoming weekend:

Thursday, September 29, 2011

Paper Mâché Cutting - Exhibition by Li Hong-jun

Published exclusively in this site on 29 September 2011.


Audrey and I were fortunate enough to have been invited to the opening cocktail of Li Hong-jun's exhibition, Removed, at Va Gallery last Thursday 22 September 2011. It has been a while since I was last acquainted with paper art, so naturally we were both rather excited. We got to the Peninsula promptly that evening, only to see a huge crowd gathering in the gallery already, appreciating the paper sculptures that skillfully combined techniques from the East and West.

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Homemaker Redefined - Interview with Jenny van der Straten, Director of Makaron

First published in Elysiants on 5 December 2011.


Trailing spouses make up a significant part of Hong Kong’s social scene. A rather successful lot too, may I add, as they bring with them widespread wisdom from their home country, and adapting it with Hong Kong’s unique environment. Look at Christina with Beau Peep Boutique, and then glimpse upon Maura and Hester with Sassy Hong Kong! My mom and I were rather fortunate to have been introduced to Makaron, an online home linen store, by none other than their Director Jenny van der Straten, who flaunted her favourite items to us, as well as clued us in on how she and her business partner, Catherine, started with the entire concept. Have you got some young cousins who you just can’t figure out what you should buy for? Or an old auntie who is very peculiar about how she sets her table? Christmas shopping solved!

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

More Than a Fashionable Hike - Gadgets for Serious Trailwalkers

First published in Elysiants on 11 December 2011.

Last week I wrote about how to hike in style. However, if your team lucky enough to have drawn a spot this year with the Trailwalker, the notorious round the island hike which lasts around 12 hours to 40 hours depending on how quickly you walk, you will need more than just good looks. Instead of opting for cotton wear, you will have to go with the quick dry material that doesn't absorb sweat as much, so that you don't smell like a hog after the race. Let's see what will make the trail more bearable!


Watch
Getting a bit hard core and want to know your tracks and pace? Invest in a Garmin Watch with GPS and all the gizmo! I love how it can tell you approximately where you are now for orienteering purposes, as well as looking back at your tracks on the laptop to analyse your cadence and endurance. Wow your pals on the trail and be the leader of the pack by getting one from any major sports shops in Hong Kong such as Gigasports.

Monday, September 26, 2011

Serve It Up - Tennis Gear For Rookies

First published in Elysiants on 12 December 2011.

So you have been watching a couple of the Wimbledon games at the bar, and you are totally ready to get in there and show them your moves? Well, everybody starts learning tennis the same way, so let's get you geared up for your first game!

What to Play With

Racket



I think it is common sense that you will need a racket to play tennis, right? There isn't such thing as the best racket, but rather, one that suits you best. Do you have the best aim but not so hot in power? Or do you swing it out with crazy strength but it doesn't always hit the right spot? Or perhaps, it is still too soon to tell? Wilson has a racket selector application on their website, which shows you which racket matches your needs best based on your inputs. However, I would suggest taking your coach with you to get your first racket, because they would know which areas you are strong on, as well as which ones you are weak at. Also, they usually have some sort of sponsorship from equipment companies, so they can get better deals than regular stores. Make sure you get one that is the right size for your grip!




Friday, September 23, 2011

5 Stylish Essentials for Hong Kong Hikes - How to Hike the Hong Kong Trails in Style

First published in Lifestyle Asia on 21 September 2011.

With the weather slowly cooling down, hiking does quickly spring to mind as a great way to exercise while hanging out with your mates. Exposing yourself to the cool breeze in au naturale environment certainly relieves stress and tension from being cooped up in the office five days a week. Having said that, you don't want to look all dowdy do you? Grab a copy of Historical Hong Kong Hikes, and gear up for a fashionable walk around the island!

Visor


Stella McCartney is a renowned fashion icon, so it just can't go wrong with her designs. Her organic cotton visor with Adidas is trendy and practical, protecting your eyes from the glare while keeping the sweat off your face. I like this visor best because not only is it great on the skin with its organic cotton fabric, it is also in a sleek shape with a chic touch of grey. Get it from Adidas' flagship store at Hankow Road, Tsim Sha Tsui.

Wanna know what other fashionable pieces I would recommend? Read the rest of the article at Lifestyle Asia!

Thursday, September 22, 2011

Weaving the 2011 F/W Look

First published in Butterboom on 22 September 2011.


Chunky, oversized knitwear has made a huge comeback for the coming season, with many designers splurging it out in warm, neutral tones. The latest designs work rather well with other pieces made of luxurious fabrics, producing an elegant layering effect.

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Finally on Getting Hitched - Wedding Planning for Grooms

First published in Elysiants on 20 January 2012.

My series on grooms and what they can contribute to the wedding ends right here with this piece. I have talked about where you can get freshen up and where you would spot a monkey suit, now let me walk you through some of the nitty gritty stuff you need to think through before the day. And I don't mean saving up for the lai see money or writing a memorable speech.

Pen


Have you ever thought of what you will be signing "I do" with? I have seen imitations of goose feather pens, but what you really want is a lasting fountain pen that the two of you can treasure throughout the years. Go to Waterman or Montblanc with your fiancée for a luxurious pair of his and her pens! Remember to practice your signature a lot because not everyone is build for writing in ink. Oh and make sure you double check to see if you have actually filled the tube with ink. Don't want any hiccups on the day do you? Or rather, on the bit of paper you will have to be safekeeping for life.


Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Scenery With Your Glasses Off - Impressionist Photography of Ken Ball and Wendy Roche

Published exclusively in this site on 20 September 2011.


Been going to Frank Gehry's exhibition during lunch hours for a few times already? Head over to Lincoln House to admire the spectacular impressionist art photos by none other than Ken Ball and Wendy Roche. I was there last weekend with my mom after a mouthwatering tea at Xi Yan East and a relaxing stroll along the Artistree. What an incredibly artsy way to chill!


Monday, September 19, 2011

From Sculpting to Sculptor - Zheng Lu's Solo Exhibition

Published exclusively in this site on 19 September 2011.


An amazing contemporary Chinese sculptor Zheng Lu will be hosting his solo exhibition at Schoeni's Hollywood Road Branch Gallery starting 6 October 2011, displaying a selection of his works from the very beginning of his career to the most up-to-date installations. Passage of Time, as the exhibition is accurately named, will be his debut showcase before unveiling his public installation project at the Tuen Mun MTR station. He also recently designed a piece for the Lunghua MTR station, so when you are in Shenzhen for your massage and hotpot trip, drop by and take a look!

Friday, September 16, 2011

The Casual Chic Look - Preview Of Seed Women's Wear Store Opening

First published in Elysiants on 7 January 2012.


Last night, Keely and I were invited to take a sneak peek of Seed, a new women’s wear store at The Repulse Bay, right before their official opening tomorrow, 17 September 2011. If you are from Australia, you really don't need any further introductions to this brand. It is a household name down under, with their businesses first started in children's wear, then expanded on to women's wear. The style they strive to achieve is easy to wear with a sense of playfulness, which could be seen all over their store. Did you know that Hong Kong is their first stop outside Australia? Now aren't we lucky!

Thursday, September 15, 2011

Aiming For the Best - Ego Trip For Dart Rookies

First published in Elysiants on 13 December 2011.


Darts are becoming increasingly popular, and if you frequent the King's Hotel on a regular basis, chances are you might be in situations where you just have to play a game. As a complete beginner, you don't need to get any of your own equipment at all, since bars usually provide darts for their customers' use. But you don't really want to be seen with the same ol' stuff everybody else is using, right? Bring a little flair to your game by checking off the quick shopping list below.

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

Starting From Sketch - Frank Gehry's First Hong Kong Exhibition, Outside the Box

Published exclusively in this site on 14 September 2011.


An architect or not, you shouldn't miss Frank Gehry's first exhibition in Hong Kong. Hosted in the ArtistreeOutside the Box showcases the acclaimed Canadian architect Frank Gehry's work, from his initial sketches to his scaled models to photographs of his completed architectural pieces. The displays demonstrate his prized designs, including the Guggenheim Museum in Spain, as well as the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles. 

Friday, September 9, 2011

Dazzling Twinkle - Chopard IFC Boutique Opening Party

First published in Elysiants on 8 January 2012.


Maisie and I were invited to the launch party of Chopard's latest boutique last night. We were both thrilled to be finding out more about our favourite designs by the internationally esteemed Swiss watchmaker, whose state-of-the-art pieces are well sought after by renowned celebrities. The celebration kicked off by a round of in-store cocktails, and then the party swiftly moved onto Four Seasons for an awesome night out!

Thursday, September 8, 2011

Further than the Darker Side - Beyond Walls

Published exclusively in this site on 8 September 2011.



I know just how far Fo Tan sounds, but trust me, they are rather civilised over there as well, so drop by Blue Lotus Gallery and Consultancy for their latest exhibition, Beyond Walls, and head over to the New Town Plaza for a comprehensive dining and shopping experience you would never have imagined!

Wednesday, September 7, 2011

Cross Cultural Studies Project? A Lean Night--FRESH!

Published exclusively in this site on 7 September 2011.




I can't think of a better way to tap into another culture right at home than watching their movies. Which is why A Lean Night—FRESH! is such a great place to start for anyone who wants to submerge into an entirely different place in life. The series, running from May 2011 to November 2011, will be showing a collection of modern classic films in September 2011 based on the Back to School theme. Relevant yet intriguing topics such as globalisation, internet, and financial crisis are featured to display how modern technology and mindset have changed our pace of life.

Tuesday, September 6, 2011

Trendsetting Jetsetters - Early Hong Kong Travel 1880-1939

Published exclusively in this site on 6 September 2011.


Planning a happy hour get-together with a couple of mates tonight? University Museum and Art Gallery in the University of Hong Kong is hosting an opening cocktail this evening for their upcoming exhibition, Early Hong Kong Travel 1880-1939. The presentation makes up a part of The University of Hong Kong’s centennial celebration, displaying exquisite collections from Benjamin Yim, the Hong Kong Heritage Project, the Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels, and Louis Vuitton. Look at that amazing Louis Vuitton Stokowski Writing Desk Trunk from 1936!

Monday, September 5, 2011

Happy Hours This Week - Polish Film Festival

Published exclusively in this site on 5 September 2011.


After the Mexican Film Festival in May 2011, the agnès b. Cinema in the Hong Kong Arts Centre will be hosting another week of foreign films, this time Polish. Organised by the Consulate General of the Republic of Poland, the series is free on a first come first serve basis, starting 7:30pm everyday this week.


Friday, September 2, 2011

Book Review on the Painspotting Series

First published in Elysiants on 21 December 2011.



I did randomly ran into this series of painspotting humour books, and aren't I glad I did. Pains on Trains, Pains in Office, and Pains in Public take the piss out of all the nasty, shady, and just generally weird people you would encounter on a day to day basis. Subtle yet to the point, you would have thought that Andrew Holmes wrote the series entirely based on your personal experience.

Thursday, September 1, 2011

Enjoy the Contemporary Colours and Music - Opening Reception for Hanafi Solo Exhibition

Published exclusively in this site on 1 September 2011.


Stretching Body of the Other, 135 x 145 cm, Acrylic on Canvas, 2011


Last time I was in Bali I was mesmerised by all the amazing artwork in Ubud, which is why it is so exciting to hear that Sin Sin Fine Art will be collaborating with Komaneka Fine Art Gallery and Neka Art Museum Ubud Bali to bring Hanafi, one of the most influential contemporary Indonesian artists, all the way to Hong Kong for a solo exhibition.