Published exclusively in this site on 30 November 2011.
How can M.A.C. glam up their makeup kits even more? They have definitely found an unique way, through lending a hand to the World AIDS Day with their lovely Viva Glam cosmetics set, which is being supported by the outspoken diva Lady Gaga. M.A.C.'s amazing AIDS Fund has been donating 100% of their revenue from selling the special collection of lipstick and lipglass to fight against HIV/AIDS, which is obviously the most beautiful way of doing your makeup.
Published exclusively in this site on 29 November 2011.
Christmas is just around the corner, and everybody is in the holiday mood. Why not spoil yourself silly by filling up your schedule with an overwhelming amount of fashion parties?
First published in Elysiants on 1 January 2012.
When I see those seductive perfume ads starring Hollywood celebrities lounging around their humongous mansions looking all sexy and sultry, I can't help but wonder how much of the truth does it reflect. However beautiful these people are, I am sure they have their down time at home, looking rather messy with scruffy t-shirt, shorts, and flip flops on.
First published in Elysiants on 2 January 2012.
Ada Pat from as Ada invited my mom and I to her studio, and walked us through her latest 2011 F/W collection, which is filled with prints in both subdue and sharp tones. Usually when you think of a studio your imagination would tend to go with the minimalist décor and perhaps a NYC loft approach, but Ada wanted hers to match the dramatic floral patterns that is key to her designs, so she styled her studio much like what you would expect to find in an English mansion, where a bunch of upper class ladies’ are having a tea party.
First published in Elysiants on 14 December 2011.
I know the Trailwalker just ended and the Standard Chartered Marathon is nowhere close yet, but honestly, there are more runs in Hong Kong than just those two. Those that ain't so high profiled are sometimes a better choice, since they would usually take you through more scenic routes, and the chances of people pushing past you with their sweaty arms will lower significantly. The Vibram Hong Kong 100 Ultra Trail Race is coming up between 18-19 February 2012, with their discounted application fee offer ending on 1 December 2011. Register online here for the 100k ultra endurance race that will take you around some of the most beautiful landscape on the Sai Kung Peninsula. Or perhaps you are a fan of the retro application method? No worries, you can also download the entry form here for snail mail.
First published in That's Zhejiang in 1 January 2012.
Appreciating the finer things in life usually starts with collecting luxury watches. Their slender and streamlined designs make an elegant match with your evening wear, while their mechanics and engineering parts involve intricate technical know-how, flaunting your capabilities to appreciate what is beneath the surface. There are several rather important technologies in watch-making, so as an amateur appreciator you should be looking out for these!
First published in Tell Us Fashion on 18 November 2011.
John Hardy, a luxurious yet environmentally friendly jewelry brand, recently launched their first men’s store at the Landmark, spicing up an international style hub with the serenity of Bali. Their artisans created a line of products that is just sheer beauty, with much respect for the natural world. Their collections are inspired by traditional Balinese techniques, with designs adapted to suit tasteful men’s wardrobe.
First published in Tell Us Fashion on 16 November 2011.
Solange Azagury-Partridge introduced her unique approach to jewelry at IFC Mall after rocking Bond Street with pieces that aren’t just pretty bling blings, but makes bold statements. She began her journey by designing her own engagement ring, and it led onto a career in creating surreal pieces, each telling a story of its own. With an unconventional sense of beauty, her designs lie between pop art and ancient mysticism. Look at her collection of playful rings!
First published in Tell Us Fashion on 15 November 2011.
I was invited to Anne Fontaine’s boutique launch at Elements, and it definitely sparked some great ideas for the coming Fall/Winter. The Rio-born designer incorporates natural fabrics in her brand, creating a French style that smoothly combines the androgynous look with a feminine touch. Look at how this Nabella Jacket, paired with the Giannina belt, accentuates the curves even with the boyish look!
First published in Tell Us Fashion on 14 November 2011.
With the world becoming more environmentally conscious, upcycling has turned into a global phenomenon, which is how Handsome Co made its start. It all began with lawyer Billy Potts casually trotting around his ‘hood, and he couldn’t help but noticed all the waste generated by taxi garages. He envisioned a second life to these taxis’ cast offs, so he persuaded architect Joseph Ng to help in creating unique designs with this unlikely material. Joe was excited about this amazing opportunity in using creative ways to solve problems, and soon enough, the two came up with their first line of bags and accessories made with discarded taxi upholstery.
Published exclusively in this site on 14 November 2011.
From now until Thursday, 1 December 2011
After having a quick look at Gérard Rancinan's work that is being showcased in Opera Gallery, I am sure I will love with the rest of this French photographer's debut exhibition. His visual imagination in his latest series, all presented with an extreme shock factor, is making its first Asian world tour stop in Hong Kong. With the limited pieces that I have seen so far, the compositions have already somewhat reminded me of Mark Velasquez's take on the conventional children's stories, both containing a twist to the traditional images in our minds.
Published exclusively in this site on 11 November 2011.
From now until 12 November 2011
The Artistree is getting more musical bliss as the Hong Kong Sinfonietta trots in and takes over! Out of the concert hall and into the commercial space, they will be bringing us a series of special performances, featuring orchestral, chamber, Chinese and tango music.
First published in Wearever the Weather on 8 November 2011.
Kilts. Haggis. Rob Roy. Edinburgh has always had a rather Wuthering Heights-esque aura, with its people dressing to match. If you are travelling to Edinburgh during wintertime, obviously you can look forward to the amazing Hogmanay celebrations. However, you will definitely be greeted by the wet and cold weather unique to the British isles, so make sure you are armed with trench coats and warm wellies, the top fashion staple of Scotland. Don't bother with the brolly because the wind will blow it in every direction, so chances are you will get more wet than going around without one. Instead, try and wear something with a hoodie, or simply put on a snugly fitted hat.
First published in That's Zhejiang on 1 November 2011.
Almost everybody who lives in Hangzhou has been to Shanghai at least a handful of times. You have been to the Bund, paid respect to the City God Temple, and lounged around Xin Tian Di. But have you visited their secret hideaways? For a more local perspective, here are a few places you could try.
First published in Elysiants on 18 November 2011.
Michelle Kuen-suet Fung is another up and coming Hong Kong artist, who will be hosting an opening reception for her newly refurbished studio on the coming Saturday, 12 November 2011. She is known for her ink and colour pencil drawings of trees with intricate details, exposing the roots and branches by having it afloat in midair much like jellyfish drifting in the ocean. I was very excited for the chance in speaking with Michelle about her art, her passion, and her new studio. Read along, and find out more about her art jamming sessions on Saturday’s cocktail, as well as how to cure a kid from drawing all over the walls!
First published in Elysiants on 16 November 2011.
I have been contemplating about getting a tablet for a long time, mainly because I need to jot notes at interviews and blog while I am away from my laptop. What keeps me from getting one though is how it duplicates the exact same functions that I already have on my phone, with the only difference of having a bigger screen, so it seems a bit pointless to be carrying an extra gadget in my small clutch. Thankfully, Samsung comes to the rescue with their latest innovation: Samsung Galaxy Note.
First published in Elysiants on 25 December 2011.
Photato is not exactly the kind of name you would forget. This quaint one stop photography servicing shop with a cheeky name launched their first retail outlet in Miramar Shopping Centre on the National Day, providing high quality frames, canvas, and photo books printing; exquisite camera accessories from all reaches of the globe; as well as a selection of renowned artistic photography albums to the lucky crowd loitering in Tsim Sha Tsui. Jasmine and I caught up with their co-founders, Michael Lee and Jack Man, as well as their Creative Director, Benny Woo, who gave us some valuable insights as to what we can do with all the high resolution photos we have stored in our hard disk drives!
Published exclusively in this site on 3 November 2011.
I was looking at the list, and it seemed like everyone had the same thing in mind: fashion show, makeovers, canapés, discounts, goodie bags......But hey! Who would complain about too much freebies?
Thursday, 3 November 2011
America's casual wear is spurring around town, and it all began with American Eagle Outfitters.
Get ready for their second store's Grand Opening Party at Miramar Shopping Centre tonight, 3 November 2011, from 8:30pm till late. I was there at the opening of their first shop in LCX, and boy do they know how to party! We are still amazed by the popcorn machine they managed to clamp onto their shop last time, so I am sure the cocktails, canapés, and live DJ sounds will be there to impress. What's more? Just like their last opening party, there will be an exclusive discount plus surprise gifts. I have been promised that they will showing their latest collection to Hong Kong for the very first time this evening, so make sure you RSVP here, and stock up on your fur booties tonight!
First published in Butterboom on 28 October 2011.
Winter is the best time to put your sandals and ballerina flats away, and indulge in a shopping spree on beautiful boots. Hong Kong doesn't have a very long winter, if any at all, so you really don't have much time to waste in flaunting these beauties. This winter's boots come in all shapes and sizes, so there will definitely be something for everyone.
Ankle Boots
Seed Heritage
Published exclusively in this site on 1 November 2011.
Thursday, 3 November 2011
Believe it or not, the Germans actually have a word for sound art - Klangkunst. To them, the eye and the ear play an equally important role among various senses, which is why they don't just ogle at paintings and sculptures, but also experiment with sounds and spaces, making use of everyday objects as well as situations from daily lives. This is what brought the Goethe Institut to ship this unique exhibition over for us Hong Kongers, so that we could experience mundane events in sparkling new way, and discover the world of perception at our own pace. Johannes Sistermanns, one of the maestros in Klangkunst, is the curator of this exhibition, and he will be at the opening reception on Thursday, 3 November 2011, to give you an introduction on sound art development in contemporary Germany. So go along and eavesdrop on the installations, play with them, and perhaps even build one for yourself!