First published in Aroxta on 13 January 2012.
Cufflinks are making a huge comeback. Lots of boys in Hong Kong are getting their shirts tailor-made with initials on the cuff nowadays, and catered for using cufflinks. This is not just for menswear. Look at the cute white shirts from Anne Fontaine! Most of them have buttonholes on both sides to accommodate for fancy and feminine cufflinks, which are especially popular among female financiers and lawyers. And that is why Ben gave up his career in landscape architecture and started Patinova, specializing in cufflinks made of demonetised Hong Kong coins, Qing dynasty commemorative coins, and Chinese calligraphy characters.
Patinova merges two Latin words together, with patina meaning changes through weathering, and nova standing for new. Ben aims to offer these fine historical pieces a well deserved new life by giving it a spin and turning it into something attractive yet practical. As a proud Hong Kong company, Patinova produces cufflinks that carry our little city’s history, making them a distinctively conversational piece. I have been fortunate enough to grab hold of Ben for a quick interview, who gave us some insider’s insights on converting from landscape architect to jewellery designer, as well as offering his personal tips on how we should pick and choose cufflinks!
First published in Spree Luxe on 28 December 2011.
Get a kick in Islamic/Malay/Chinese/Indian cultures
Some would say Hong Kong is a cultural melting pot, but the truth is we don’t blend the different customs together all that well. In Kuala Lumpur, their lives really do merge, and you can see how their languages, lifestyles, and societies weave together. Perhaps that might just be why it is one of those cities with the most variety of temples lying around.
First published in NecesCity, Hong Kong's only online daily lifestyle guide for men, distilling everything from dining to nightlife and money matters to style, on 23 December 2011.
On the topic of guys getting lingerie for their partners, I have done some convenience sampling survey, and got a bunch of rather mixed comments. Some girls think it's hot, some find it pretty much impossible to get what they like, and some take it the wrong way when they receive what isn't even close to their size or taste. Guys are probably as apt in buying lingerie as we girls are in boxers, so here's a short guide on what to look for and where to find it!
First published in Aroxta on 23 December 2011.
Tried blending some local factors into your Christmas dinner yet? Take your pick here!
Cheung Kee Food Shop (Tel: 2891 2696), situated right behind Times Square, is the traditional supermarket that has everything, only fresher and packed in the exact quantities you want.
Wanna see where else I would recommend for some Chinese delicacies? Read the rest of the article at Aroxta!
Published exclusively in this site on 22 December 2011.
I know just how close it is to Christmas now, but being a procrastinator myself I can imagine that there are still people out there who haven't finished their Christmas shopping yet. Here are a couple of last minute ideas, see if it would help you in finding stuff your loved ones would be delighted to receive!
For Him
Get him an experience that money can't buy from Spoilt! Whether it is flight simulation, formula race driving, or kite surfing that he is into, you can find it all on Spoilt's user friendly website, which guarantees an exciting and memorable outing for you and your beloved. Make it look like you have planned this a long time with a click of the mouse, and Spoilt will take care of all the nitty gritty bits. You two just have to turn up, enjoy the moment, and get spoilt.
First published in Elysiants on 13 January 2012.
Lace is a big trend for 2011 Fall/Winter, especially with the sultry black lace, which oozes a vibe of sexiness and seductiveness. I love how, with black lace, just a little bit of it would spice up the entire look. It seems like all the designers have the same idea for this season as well, so here are a few pieces that you could try for some sassy hot looks in the hopefully soon-to-be cool weather!
Shirt
Making shirts with lace just give a whole new spin to your wardrobe’s staple, so Anne Fontaine and Zeuz decided to come up with pieces that will turn heads at work. These items on its own are already rather feminine looking, so it would go better when paired with a pair of pants to play down the look, as well as putting the lace top in the limelight.
First published in Elysiants on 11 January 2012.
Cindy from Noveltylane.com brought the girls and I over to their studio in North Point to try out their huge 2011 Fall/Winter collection. Freshly put together by local fashion designers, each piece has its very own style and characteristics. Their stuff is pretty diverse, so it is really an one stop online shop that covers your entire wardrobe, from your sweats for pick up a few groceries to your upscale party pieces. Their online shop's layout is quite similar to Net-a-Porter, so it is fairly easy to navigator, with the added bonus of lower shipping fees, since they are Hong Kong based.
We had lots of fun picking out our favourite pieces to try on, and Jasmine did a whole lot of shopping right on the spot, so aren't we lucky that Cindy has decided to offer a whopping 10% discount for all Gillian Chu - a Hong Kong Blog readers? It is all quite easy, just quote the discount code 10GILLIAN when checking out on their site from now until Tuesday, 28 February 2012, and the discount will come up as if by magic. Here are a few of our top picks for different occasions:
Office Wear
For an attractive look at work, Keely picked out this white/orange patch dress from Instinct Femme, paired with a black leather belt from Novio-Novia, a brand with a special Spanish name meaning boyfriend-girlfriend. The classy brown python shoulder bag from Za is perfect both for heading to work and off to LKF for happy hour. The black leather lace-up peep toe from Zhoezzy looks awfully cute on her, and certainly lives up to their brand's mission in providing trendy and sexy options to shoe lovers.
Jessie, on the other hand, decided on trying this black top with zipper details from Instinct Femme, with this brightly coloured pencil skirt from Girly Fashion, which is eye-catching and yet comfortable enough to take you through an entire day at work. The lovely black patent leather wedge heels from Za also compliment the look rather well.
First published in Elysiants on 12 January 2012.
Tudor has updated their iconic heritage line with a stylish addition, Tudor Heritage Advisor, which perfectly combines the modern horological approach with seductive subtleties from their unique composition, like the glossy black classy alligator strap, as well as winding on the 2 o'clock and 4 o'clock. This special version was inspired by one of Tudor's most recognisable watches from 1957, paired with the most up-to-date advancements from 21st century.
First published in Spree Luxe on 15 December 2011.
Chill in exclusive resorts and immerse in exotic Javanese culture.
Bintan puts an exotic spin on your hum dee dum weekend trips to Singapore. Not to be confused with Bhutan, this Indonesian island has been jointly developed with Singapore to create a paradise dedicated solely for resorts and relaxation. So enjoy lounging around the private beaches, and experience the Javanese culture with a Singaporean twist.
Published exclusively in this site on 16 December 2011.
Seventy Eight Percent is a precious brand created by an artistic bunch. They are passionate about building the ergonomics and functionality in bags without compromising on the fashionable side of their designs. These are special products that you can bring along with you both out exploring in the wilderness and heading over for an important client meeting, because they are sturdy enough to do the deed while stylish enough to flaunt your unique taste.
Published exclusively in this site on 15 December 2011.
With only ten days left, Christmas is driving real close now. Have you finished all your Christmas shopping yet? No? Uh-oh. No worries, here are a few Christmas Fairs for you to finish the deal painlessly, perhaps maybe even with a bit of fun! Happy Shopping!
Shopping/Tea Two-in-One
Another Fine Day, a little tearoom on Mid-levels, is where you can experience the European farmhouse atmosphere and perhaps even bring a piece of the feeling back home. Their unique Dear Me Afternoon Set gift certificate would make the best Christmas present for any hopeless romantic, offering a heartfelt afternoon at their drawing room to write a love letter in the old fashion way while enjoying their yummy tea set, so your friend can drink up on the Fortnum and Mason tea while splattering their feelings with ink and paper, which they would later mail out on your friend's behalf. What a Jane Austen-esque experience!
First published in Elysiants on 26 December 2011.
So you've got yourself a pippin' hot Galaxy Note, and now you want to flaunt it to the world? Take your very own video clip and edit the entire piece all within your multi-purpose phone, and show off its superb functions with Samsung Mobile's Stage, their ultimate YouTube talent contest that experiments with your new phone and your creativity!
First published in Aroxta on 22 December 2011.
When people serve foreign cuisines in Hong Kong, they usually stress just how authentic it is. Yet while we celebrate Christmas with party and booze, we tend to forget what Christmas really means. How can you call it a Christmas holiday without singing some carols and attending some services? Here are a couple of events you can consider heading to for the added Christmas atmosphere, which I guarantee you will never experience by merely submerging yourself in the Christmas decor of our city's mega malls.
Published exclusively in this site on 12 December 2011.
Wednesday, 14 December 2011
Jasmine was the one who introduced me to Michelle's trendy accessories collection with a Jap twist. Mischa, as her collection is called, carries vintage bags and belts made of reclaimed Japanese obi mixed with innovative materials and colours, giving it a new life with a modern look. These bags also inspired Michelle's monogram travel series, which are available from Lane Crawford, as well as bespoke pieces with bling bling Swarovski crystals all over it!
Published exclusively in this site on 9 December 2011.
The Hong Kong Pottery Workshop Gallery is finally relocated to 24 Upper Street, Sheung Wan. In order to celebrate finding a new place for flaunting their masterpieces, they are hosting a house party at their latest home from 4:00pm to 9:00pm tonight, 9 December 2011.
First published in Elysiants on 5 January 2012.
Last time we talked about how to pick out a suitable dress watch. As an active individual, I am sure you do some interesting sports that would require leaving those delicate pieces behind. And so here's where TAG Heuer's latest innovation, Mikrotimer Flying 1000, comes in! As the 2011 Sports Watch of the Year, announced by the 2011 Grand Prix de l'Horlogerie de Genève, this Swiss-made watch is probably the ultimate combination of mastery in complex timepieces, featuring as the world’s fastest ever mechanical chronograph.
First published in Elysiants on 4 January 2012.
After Seed Heritage, there is more of the unique Australian taste rushing into Hong Kong, this time in the form of an online shop. Elite Showroom, based in Australia, is now testing the waters of the Hong Kong market with the best from their collection of clothing and jewelry. I particularly like this pale grey shrug, which gives off a rather soft and feminine look, making a great match for daily office wear.
First published in Elysiants on 3 January 2012.
Did you go off to buy a pair of Kung Fu Kicks, and now looking for pieces to compliment your new shoes? Head over to Hulu 10 and pick out your latest set of Chinese inspired clothing and accessories with a contemporary twist!
Published exclusively in this site on 5 December 2011.
From now until Tuesday, 6 December 2011
Want to find some time to wind down before the busy festive season? Sunny Wang's latest solo exhibition, Glass Be/coming, is being held at the Hong Kong Baptist University's Academy of Visual Arts Gallery till tomorrow, 6 December 2011. Prepare yourself for a meditative journey through her glass sculptures, with installation pieces exploring the concept of existence. The artist, having stayed in Taiwan, Australia, and Hong Kong, invites you to walk through the fine glass circles on the floor, reflecting on your steps and your presence, offering a quiet moment to your hectic city life and opening towards inner peace and harmony.
First published in That's Zhejiang on 1 December 2011.
Christmas is just around the corner, and it makes the best excuse for a long anticipated get together! I must say, it is lots more fun to host a house party for Christmas than going out for a meal, since it is more intimate and you get to spend way longer just lounging around than in restaurants. Having said that, we are all busy with our daily lives, so we other than our ah-yi's weekly cleanings, we might have just left our homes right there to deteriorate. As a perfect host, the atmosphere is as important, if not more, than the food and wine we serve and the company we keep, so why don't we take a look at what we can do to get our flats to ooze the warm and welcoming feeling!
Published exclusively in this site on 1 December 2011.
John Hardy, after setting up their first men focused store in the Landmark a while back, is hosting a private sale tomorrow, 2 December 2011, and Saturday, 3 December 2011. I love their 2011 fall collection, which was inspired by sun rays playing tricks with water ripples in Bali. Mixing silver and diamonds have always been a classic in John Hardy's designs, and its streamline products will look graceful both on your neck and in your homes!
