Fashion Reportage in Hong Kong and India

Sabina Swims

2011-02-15T20:05:00.001+08:00

Discovered a lovely shop in Hong Kong selling swimwear, resort and yoga clothing. Designer Sabina Wong, whom has a background in fine arts & painting whilst studying in Los Angeles, started the line in 2003 frustrated at the lack of swimsuit options that fit her body shape. She designs her own prints, which is apparent in her unique, whimsical and chic designs. I am in particular fond of the cuts of her full body suits, as they are sexy yet sophisticated, a rarity as most suits over emphasize cliched prints, use of faux jewelry and less than flattering cuts. I now need to go somewhere warm...my Eres suits from 3 years ago, well, seem a bit out dated. Her new collection will be on her website shortly, prices are reasonable...$150.00 USD for the black full boy and you can mix and match tops and bottoms, suitable for your body type with loads of prints and colors to choose from.

http://www.sabinaswims.com

FFixxed Clothing

2011-02-12T17:04:00.000+08:00

I became interested in Ffixxed clothing at a pop up shop months ago and purchased a vest/jacket (see example above). Their collection stood out, for its intelligence, fabric selections and craft. The design team, from Australia, with stints in Berlin and NYC, now live between Shenzhen & Hong Kong (their studio is in Shenzhen), are making well made and conceptual clothing. I found out yesterday, Ffixxed also have a sustainable focus to their work, producing everything in house and using fabrics in the same sustainable vein. I am serving as Creative Director for an ngo based in Hong Kong called Re:Dress (more in my next posting) and I hope to engage Ffixxed in one of our upcoming projects.

http://www.ffixxed.com

Vein, Scandinavian Designers Hit Hong Kong

2011-02-08T16:29:00.000+08:00

Danger, danger, an amazing shop just landed on Star Street in Wan Chai, called Vein, featuring women's clothing and fashion by a collection of Scandinavian designers. I need to become more friendly with the sales staff and will try to take some snaps of the interior and these perfect pair of black utility boots.

Button Hole

2011-02-05T18:14:00.000+08:00

I can't believe I have almost lived in Hong Kong for 1 year and only discovered this gem of a store. Located in Central, Button Hole, literally the size of a small closet is full of runway pieces at a fraction of a price, clothing around 100 USD, bags at 200 USD. For the price, likely factory seconds, but I couldn't tell a quality difference. The inventory is always changing (daily in fact) and the currently selection of today consisted of Balenciaga, Calvin Klein (runway), Alexander Wang, Montclair, Alexander McQueen and Balmain. One such find was a F/W 2009 Calvin Klein jacket/dress, photo above.

Address: 58-60B Peel Street

Louche Clothing

2011-01-28T14:55:00.001+08:00

Styled a look book shoot for a lovely friend whom has a clothing line here in Hong Kong, Louche. She specializes in a more resort based style using silks, jersey, embroidery, beading and hand made prints. Lovely line, currently sold in up market shops in New Zealand and Australia. We are looking to grow her business shortly in the US and Europe.

D-Mop

2011-01-23T11:49:00.000+08:00

According to other bloggers, D-Mop is one of the more interesting stores in Hong Kong, carrying a mixture of high fashion, street and athletic wear featuring designers such as Y-3, Moussy, and Matthew Williamson. The words "hip" and "trendy" keep appearing. There are a scattering of stores throughout the city and every time I walk into one, I never see any other shoppers. Annoyance immediately sets in as there are about 12 sales persons hovering over you. Attempting to take a photo of the interiors is secretly prohibited and not certain why, the merchandise is nothing but confused and too overly priced. Check it out, tell me what I am missing?

Awards Shows...one thing fashion insiders don't need to look for from the West

2011-01-18T17:57:00.001+08:00

I have a guilty pleasure from NYC, after all of the awards shows (those self gratifying things actors do) I go online and review the awful outfits the celebs wear. It's quite fun to sit with a girlfriend and bash all of the less than flattering prom dresses on the red carpet, particularly when your girlfriends are celebrity stylists, whom work with these actresses and know first hand how difficult it is to get their celebrity into a less than tacky gown. Fortunately, there was ONE, yes one look from this weekends Golden Globes, Tilda Swinton, whom wore Jil Sander from S/S 2011. I have been eyeing this dress for months, makes a chic statement and is just perfectly sophisticated, with a hint of masculine. I am going to have this dress tailored (thank you Moustache), had it in the plans weeks ago. Tilda Swinton (whom styles herself) sealed the deal.

A departure from my Asia postings, but one note, those in Asia, need not look to actresses as an example for what to wear, particularly while planning on attending a dress up function.

Rupert Sanderson Store

2011-01-16T13:11:00.000+08:00

Perhaps not a discovery for those whom have lived in Hong Kong for more than 1 year, but a great little street for shopping in Central is On Lan, near Landmark. I am not a fan of shopping in Central, which is too saturated with the typical bland luxury stores, but this street is worth a stroll. One such shop is Rupert Sanderson, a UK based shoe designer. I haven't given Rupert much attention over the years, in large part, because I never held a shoe in my hand. His shoes are extremely well made, in large part as they are 100% italian made. I don't believe most luxury brands are producing their shoes much in Italy and the decreased quality standards are apparent, particularly when the soles of their shoes fall apart after 1 month of usage. Rupert's shoes are on another level. Also, he seems to be paving a new trend, lower heel, simple design and feminine.

Hong Kong Work Boots

2011-01-12T11:39:00.002+08:00

I have become a bit obsessed with Hong Kong workers (factory, restaurant) whom wear white wellies/work boots. It's fashionable without trying and makes for amazing uniforms. You often see men wearing them on the streets, the boots serve a function, yet look so sexy. It has given me inspiration. Finding such "working class" wellies is not an easy task, as they are all too girlie with flower or plaid designs and generally trying to hard to make a statement. Over the holiday, I found the perfect pair. Awaiting a rainy day to wear them and fortunately, today is their debut. Oh yes, and bright yellow.

Moustache Mens Store & Bespoke Tailoring

2010-12-28T00:44:00.000+08:00

Moustache, a mens clothing store on Aberdeen Street in Sheung Wan is one of my favorite stores in Hong Kong. The owners Jaye and Ellis opened their shop in 2009 with roots from New York City (they both moved to HK in 2005). Their clothing is impeccably made, with top fabrics and a tailored, yet vintage edge to their clothing. Most compelling to me, is that they also offer bespoke tailoring for both men and women. As someone whom is interested in shifting my style toward a more masculine and bespoke look, I have found my new fashion collaborators for 2011. Their eye for detail, strong sense of styling, and sophisticated taste make them by far the best tailor in HK.

http://moustachehongkong.com/eng

Traditional Hong Kong Candy

2010-12-24T20:13:00.000+08:00

I was introduced to traditional HK candy a few weeks ago at an art opening. Not only are they great tasting, but the design is brilliant. Whilst in Hong Kong, you can visit a famous shop in Sheung Wan, Chan Yee Chai, where you can purchase local snacks and sweets.

Hong Kong Culture

2010-12-12T21:26:00.002+08:00

The new super food

Pak Tai Temple, Wan Chai, Mix of old and new

Pak Tai Temple, Outside

Historic Blue House Tenement

Chef singing opera, post meal, Da Ping Huo

I realize I am becoming one of those New Yorkers, whom judge everything by New York City. I shared a taxi with stranger this weekend, after exchanging introductory pleasantries, he astutely told me I mentioned NYC about 8 times in our 15 minute taxi ride. Sometimes it takes a stranger to point out the annoying parts of your character. With this noted, I fell into a weekend completely respecting and honoring the reality that I am living here and am actually having an amazing experience. On to the next chapter of my life here, where I completely embrace my surroundings.

I had dinner at a Sichuan restaurant, Da Pin Huo. Husband and wife team, whom opens their sophisticated restaurant for 2 seatings each night. If you enjoy authentic and extremely hot food in a calm setting, book a reservation. We ate a plant, see photo above, which overtook my mouth in a way that I have never experienced. It was tingly, sour, sweet, hot, and present, for 10 minutes after a bite. Has a hint of the indian tamarind, but unlike anything I will ever taste again. Anyone know the medicinal qualities? Share.

On Sunday morning, woke up to a walking tour of Wan Chai. Our tour guide was fortunately an activist, rather than a romantic tourist version, we discovered the area, thru the eyes of someone whom has first hand experienced the plight of the locals trying desperately to hold on to historic buildings.

Back to fashion this week. Just needed a bit of depth....

Peter Lau, Shop Sheung Wan

2010-12-08T16:38:00.000+08:00

If you are looking for interpretations of traditional Chinese dress, check out Peter Lau's shop on 168 Queens Road Central. Peter, a veteran of the HK fashion industry for 20 years, established his own label for special occasion wear and since launched a 2nd line called, China Doll, targeting teenagers. Peter designs his own fabrics and prints, inspired by vintage Chinese fabrics. His designs are certainly for the more adventure oriented dresser. Its a special store and often times you will find Peter upstairs working in his studio. The pieces are nostalgic and sexy. Perfect for a Western New Years eve dress, or Chinese New Year celebration.

L-Atitude E-Commerce Site

2010-12-05T14:32:00.002+08:00

I have been guest writing for the blog component of a new e-commerce site, L-Atitude. L'Atitude is a New York based shopping site that offers fashion accessories, clothing, and lifestyle products from Mumbai, Hong Kong, Manila, Milan, New York and Istanbul. It is a great concept, as it gives women the ability to shop the globe, into destinations one has yet to visit.
http://www.shoplatitude.com/

Here is a latest article on the site at vogue.com:
http://www.vogue.com/vogue-daily/article/new-e-commerce-site-l-atitude-is-the-global-shoppers-choice/

Lane Crawford

2010-12-01T18:29:00.001+08:00

Me looking good, notice the flat shoes, a long night.

RM by Roland Mouret

Chloe Pants

YSL Cape

My colleague, Stinger, late nite DJ

I would go skiing, if I wore this Miu Miu jacket

My obsession, Kiki de Montparnasse, its mine!

Biyan, an Indonesian designer, not my style, but happy to see an obscure designer at LC

I have been essentially living at Lane Crawford for the last 6 weeks. Having done store installations before, I remember the initial awe of being surrounded by so much clothing, yet overtime, the awe quickly dissipates, when you start looking too closely at the dust on the mannequins, the lint on the black dresses etc and you see that the "glamour" isn't so glamorous after weeks of store walk thrus. For those of you not in Asia, Lane Crawford is the Bergdorf Goodman of Hong Kong. With 5 stores in HK and 1 in Beijing, they are the go to store for high end merchandise. Not as fashion forward as Joyce, yet a go to choice for the fashion staples. They certainly merchandise to the more conservative HK woman and expat and after 6 weeks in LC, I am ill looking at fur vests, short black skirts, black ankle boots, and skinny black leggings. Mornings, late nights, lunch time, off times...the stores are always crowded. I have decided to showcase some of my favorites. Rather odd, they consist of mostly jackets, guess the mild HK weather has me dreaming of a more versatile closet.

Triple Major Pop Up

2010-11-28T20:40:00.002+08:00

Store Front of Shop in Sheung Wan, HK

Interior

Triple Major Store Director, Richie Chan

We advised my friend, NOT to buy this piece....

I had the good luck of running into friends Thursday evening whilst they were heading to visit a temporary shop that opened from Beijing called Triple Major Nomad Store. Triple-Major is a creative studio and concept store, which brings in avant-garde and lesser known designers from around the world such as Patrik Ervell and Pelican Avenue as well as experimental designers Anntian and Daniel Palillo. HK is the first stop in the Triple-Major Nomad traveling tour (next stops likely Los Angeles, Shanghai and Copenhagen).

Each pop up appropriate local elements and attempts to fit both the exterior design and merchandise to the local market. Their HK store front is disguised as a real estate agency, with its windows and interior covered in real estate ads (albeit ironic).

Strong concept, strong enough, I went back for a 2nd time this weekend.
www.triple-major.com

Chanel Resort Accessories

2010-11-19T17:47:00.000+08:00

These hand and foot accessories stole the show...perfect for a mixed race Indian girl!

Chanel Resort Hong Kong

2010-11-19T17:37:00.000+08:00

Yes, I have been quite absent, Lane Crawford Christmas Installs in 5 stores throughout HK, Chanel Casting & Collection Organization, and a move. It felt like NY fashion week, yet a fashion week that lasted with such intensity for 6 weeks. I am back and I look forward to pushing this blog forward. Some lovely photos from Chanel's Resort Show that took place over the last few days. 9 shows, 2 days, 14 models from around the world and an amazing collection crew, the best I have ever worked with. Collection not that compelling, but it is more about creating an atmosphere (theme St. Tropez) to encourage direct sales. A team of sale persons sit with each guest post show to organize their order. I don't think anyone walks out without a purchase. Its a winning combination.

Model Casting HK

2010-09-29T17:49:00.000+08:00

I have a few photo shoots and projects developing that require my immediate understanding of Hong Kong models and their agents/agencies. First off, this is not NYC, not in the least, so it takes 200% more effort. Visited four different agencies and couldn't help but notice that all of model agents were lesbian (a far cry from the shrieking feminine male in NYC). I am only making an observation and certainly am not making any judgement on this. But one couldn't help but notice. There are few Asian girls to choose from which is tragic and reeks of colonialism. Similar to India and the strive for lighter skin tone, the east asian image of beauty is still one viewed as western (those of you living or from the East won't be surprised by this). The 1st photo above is Miin (Korean), 2nd photo is Bakker (1/2 Dutch, 1/2 Chinese). We cast Miin. We think she is our new muse...

Sham Shui Po, HK Fashion District

2010-09-26T21:02:00.000+08:00

It seems that most fashion districts are disappearing world-wide as fashion production shifts almost entirely to China. Among the benefits of living in Hong Kong is Sham Shui Po. Over the weekend, I visited the area (Kowloon side, about 20 minutes from Central on the MTR), as I am styling a shoot that requires fabric for custom hats, trimmings, silver chains to make faux necklaces and belts. Literally anything one needs to make fashion wise (fur, leather, feathers, crystals, buttons, lace, ribbons, silks, cotton, leather etc. etc) exists in a 10 street radius. Certainly you must search around for the highest quality, but it is the variety and the immediacy that makes this a destination whilst visiting Hong Kong. Anything is possible here and the prices are 70% less than NYC's limited fashion street. Politics aside, it is thrilling for a designer, whom recognizes that anything is possible.

LittleShilpa, IMG Mumbai Fashion Week

2010-09-22T18:14:00.002+08:00

I am so caught up in all things HK, that my India postings are quite few and far between. Fortunately, IMG Indian Fashion Week just closed in Mumbai and I have been meaning to write about this accessories designer for a bit. Littleshilpa is a Mumbai based designer whose handcrafted accessories, most notably her hat and head gear, make her Indian's answer to Philip Treacy. Not certain if she sales in NYC, but can be found at Villa Moda's Middle East stores and My Sugarland in London. Her inspirations and references range from pure fantasy to India's complicated relationship colonialist history. I am less enthused about her recent show in Mumbai (hope this was just a one off fashion blunder), so will share with you previous projects and collections. This is certainly someone to watch.

HK Nails

2010-09-19T21:13:00.000+08:00

A bit of a juncture from my regular postings, but I keep spotting these nails out and about in HK. Trashy, a bit, sophisticated, not at all, but I admire the individuality and style of the designs. And these women work, these particular hands work at an upmarket restaurant (no matter what your job is, you pick up glassware, food, dirt). I admire that skill, I can't wear nail polish, I chip the polish before walking out of the salon (i have no patience).

East Asia Meet South Asia-Photo Shoot

2010-09-15T16:13:00.000+08:00

I styled a photo shoot last week for an Indian inspired HK fashion label called Kaprice. She is known for voluminous kaftans, embroidered tops, and cocktail dresses. I learned very quickly that it is quite tough to find models in HK. Models here tend to be more pretty than edgy, meaning more geared towards commercial work, rather than fashion. My friend and colleague, whom shot the look book, Laurent Segretier, works a lot with Angie Ng, whom models in the photos above. Lovely girl and wish her luck, as she is on her way to Paris for Fashion Week. Angie and Laurent made the shoot and Kaprice was happy with the end result.

Aalis Shop Hong Kong

2010-09-13T19:14:00.000+08:00

As my blog is starting to get some traction in HK and elsewhere, many people have told me about a new shop that opened up over the summer, by a couple, Alice Tam and Boysh (she studied at Parsons, whilst Boysh in Paris). Their collections are vintage inspired, romantic and full of lace, silks and tweeds. During my visit, I spotted them re-working some pill hats with lace. What makes the designs interesting is that they mix Western Vintage with HK style. This makes for a unique collection. Well worth a visit. Located on the 2nd Floor, 31 Yiu Wa Street in Causeway Bay. As with most things not Hermes, L.V., Chanel in HK, the price point is quite reasonable.

Sonjia Shop

2010-09-09T13:43:00.000+08:00

Outside of Sonjia's shop

Sun Street, Wan Chai

Her Latest Collection

Reflected a bit on my blog and realized that my style demographic was shifting a bit young. Or rather on the eve of my bday, I perhaps am thinking I should start dressing my age (ha!). With this thought in mind, I want to introduce another gem of a shop on Sun Street (near Star Street) in Wan Chai. The designer, of Korean and English heritage, is one of HK's celebrated couturiers. In the current collection you find drapey patterned silks, shearlings, antique fabrics, soft leather jackets, and fur. She is known for using unusual fabrics. This shop is geared towards the more sophisticate HK woman and it is truly an experience.

In addition to her own line, she also carries a collection of strong designers such as VPL, Tim Van Steenbergen, Gaurav Gupta and Akiko Ogawa.