Gillian Chu - A Hong Kong Blog

Chinese Numerals - Interview with Adrien Choux, Founder of the Chinese Timekeeper

noreply@blogger.com (Gillian Chu) — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 05:07:00 +0000

Published exclusively in this site on 23 February 2012.

Jasmine, Keely and I met up with Jerome's adventure racing teammate, Adrien, who isn't only up for a physically demanding challenge. He is the founder of the Chinese Timekeeper, the first luxury watch brand that is proudly Chinese, rooting from our very own little city, and building upon the rich heritage of our Chinese culture. As a French dude, why does he embrace the Chinese traditions so much that he wants to make a career out of it? Adrien gave us some interesting insights towards his view for the Chinese philosophy, and how he blended it with his expertise in watch-making.

Why did you decide to create a watch brand with a Chinese twist?

I have always been interested in the Chinese culture, having studied in Shanghai as well as worked in Taiwan and Hong Kong for almost 11 years. Having worked as a brand manager in a global luxury watch company has got me a great footing in the horological field, so when I looked into the Chinese market, a major supplier of watch mechanisms, I wondered, as the country that invented ancient timekeeping devices over centuries ago, how come China doesn't have its own luxury watch brands? That is why I decided to create a watch collection that embraces the Chinese history, and proudly proclaiming its made in China status, which, on contrary to the usual stigma, is filled with the traditional Chinese values of excellent craftsmanship.

What is so special about the Chinese Timekeeper's watches?

Our watches are auto mechanical and not quartz because we are interested in the engineering wonders we could play with in making mechanical watches. We are keen on putting small complications like small second in our designs, so that our creations have what it takes to be a part of the luxury watch sector, yet nothing like tourbillon yet, which might be a tad bit ambitious. We want to make sure we can still keep the technicalities under control, focusing on accuracy, reliability, water resistance, and power reserve, so that the precision is near perfect. After all, a large part about watches is the ability to tell time!

Our pieces, with its distinctively Chinese design, will definitely make a conversational piece. We have also tried to make the watches more distinctively the Chinese Timekeeper by standardising our watch crown at the two o'clock when the usual is at the three o'clock, and the small seconds dial on the five o'clock when it is typically set at the six o'clock. Even our leather straps are special, since watches generally have brown or black leather straps, we decided to offer grey calf straps for a subtly trendy variation.

What are the difficulties in starting your own brand?

Although it is lots of fun to build a brand and tremendous satisfaction when we see each watch sold, there were lots of difficulties in its initial start. Though our designs are daring yet subtle, and modern while traditional, they were created in limited quantities, which made it difficult to find factories to manufacture. It did take a lot of time to convince people that a China branded watch can be of awesome quality.

Any tips on picking out watches?

Watches are meant for wearing, so keeping it in the safe doesn't do its mechanism any good! Wear each watch regularly, and get it serviced every two years to keep it on tip top shape. Leather straps aren't meant for waterproof uses, so if it does accidentally touch water, you can just leave it in the shades to dry.

And what's new with you upcoming collection?

We are planning to launch a brand new series at the Basel World 2012 next month in March 2012 to commemorate the year of dragon, with lots of Chinese factors such as fusing gold and jade together. We are also planning to build our ladies watches selection, though I must say, most women nowadays are wearing men's watches with an awesome flair. Our collections are currently sold in Hong Kong, Beijing, Shanghai, and Amsterdam, so we do hope that when people think of watches, they will start thinking of China as a major player as well.

The Chinese Timekeeper
Available from their online shop and D|exclusive
Address: 206 Central Building, 1-3 Pedder Street, Central.
Telephone: 9533 1682
Email: info@ctk.hk
Website: www.thechinesetimekeeper.com

Beyond the Misery - Ping Shan Heritage Trail

noreply@blogger.com (Gillian Chu) — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 10:00:00 +0000

Published exclusively in this site on 22 February 2012.

Tin Shui Wai is more than just a city of misery, contrary to what the mass media has to say. Wai is a name for the early settlements in Hong Kong, and Tin Shui Wai has a longstanding history, developed by the Tang clan in the 12th century, whose clans people were bright enough to have been mandarins in the ancient Chinese court. The clan was obviously loaded, so they built astonishing architectural complexes for community events and schooling purposes, the remains of which are now conserved as part of the Ping Shan Heritage Trail.

Going to this site is a great excuse for exploring the long neglected West Rail line, which you can hop on at Hung Hom. How do you get to Hung Hom? Just take any cross harbour bus (those KMB ones numbered 1XX), and get off on the first stop after the Cross Harbour Tunnel. The heritage trail is very easy to follow, equipped with the trusty map and many signs along the route pointing you to the right direction. Its starting point, the Tsui Sing Lau Pagoda, is a declared monument located right next to the Tin Shui Wai MTR Station. The pagoda has been in this spot for around 600 years already, originally guarding the mouth of a river (land now reclaimed), and erected solely for better feng shui. I wonder how that works now that the river has been done in.

The path will then take you through Sheung Cheung Wai, Yeung Hau Temple, Old Well, and Shrine of the Earth God. Right past this wildly popular Auntie Wah Coffee Shop, which serves super yummy cha chaan teng stuff, you will get to the Tang Ancestral Hall and Yu Kiu Ancestral Hall. The square outside these two halls is lined with food stalls, so you can grab hold of souvenirs from your day trip. These halls, sitting next to each other like identical twins, are both declared monuments. And though they are called ancestral halls, they were actually built more for the purpose of a city hall back in the days, giving the clans people a place to gather for festivities, entertainment, and even settling disputes. I would say it is somewhat like a synagogue, with more of the social function in mind rather than a religious one.

The next along the route is the Kun Ting Study Hall, which is right across the public toilets should nature calls. The public toilets have been refurbished as well, with a more ancient Chinese-themed architecture, a huge improvement from the primitive one they had back in my first visit almost a decade ago. It was very scary, since ten years ago those stalls were low enough you could see the person next to you doing their business. The study hall itself is somewhat like the ancient school, with the Ching Shu Hin next door acting as the staff quarters for visiting scholars.

After walking past the remains of Shut Hing Study Hall and the Hung Shing Temple, the route will take you to the Ping Shan Tang Clan Gallery, which also doubles as the Heritage Trail Visitors Centre. Converted from the Old Ping Shan Police Station built in 1899, the architecture fuses open verandahs with pitched Chinese tile roof. The centre displays relics from the Tang Clan, explains the monuments along the walking trail, as well as hosting special exhibitions related to the area. There is a sneaky path from the centre back down to Kun Ting Study Hall, so make sure you ask the staff about it. This trail takes quite a while to get to, and a significant bit of time to go through, so it definitely makes an innovative yet frugal day trip for the weekend!

Hassle Free Beauty - MyLuxBox

noreply@blogger.com (Gillian Chu) — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 07:17:00 +0000

Published exclusively in this site on 21 February 2012.

This city is all about getting the most in the fastest way possible, so why should skincare products be any different? The hottest thing in town now are beauty boxes, which is essentially, at a click of the mouse, delivering a box of assorted beauty products from a range of the hottest brands, including Givenchy, Laura Mercier, and Chantecaille, so that you can try it out and see whether it is worth getting a full size version of. MyLuxBox, the first in Hong Kong to start this business, don't just deliver the tip top products - they also blog about how the products should be used to maximise its effects, so that you can make the most out of the samples. Let's face it, merely reading reviews on magazines or having a small dab of it on the back of your hand is pretty much an impossible way of figuring out whether the product is worth your time or not, so MyLuxBox is here to fill in the gap. The stuff they chuck in there is rather thoughtful - I already booked my brow-shaping session with Laura Mercier. Woo-hoo!

We all know that skincare products are predominantly catered for women, so I was rather surprised to hear that MyLuxBox actually has a men's version, catering specifically for men's skincare products. I have been snooping around and found out that the men's box seems to carry even more bits and bobs than the women's counterpart, including pieces from Clarins Men, Lush, and L'Oreal Paris Men Expert. Argh if only I were a dude! They are working on an one-stop shop, so if you like the samples, in future, you will even get the option of ordering the full size bottle from their website, saving the hassle of having to make a trip to the physical store. You can order box by box, once every season so that you can test out what is good for the change of weather, or even get a box every month for those of you beauty junkies who wants to try out all the latest products without breaking the bank. I reckon these babies will make great gifts, and not just for your own cosmetic discovery. Perfect choice for Father's Day and Mother's Day gift!

MyLuxBox
Telephone: 2721 9882
Email: support@myluxbox.hk
Website: http://www.myluxbox.hk

Tales of Two Events (And a Bit More)

noreply@blogger.com (Gillian Chu) — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 15:55:00 +0000

First published in Aroxta on 21 February 2012.

February has been a rather eventful month for me, and I have been fashion-filled from top to bottom! Here are some of the exciting events that I have been to for the past week, see if you will find any inspirations for your upcoming spring wardrobe.

John Hardy

John Hardy has shipped their 2012 Spring collection over to Hong Kong last week, so Jasmine and I naturally had to pop by for a sneak peek! The collection, with some new pieces for all their classic lines, is firmly modern and clean cut, with a variety of vibrant colours, bringing together the best of what Bali has to offer.

Their showroom was right next to Novelty Lane, and just on the corner from Lululemon in Fortress Hill. Not only are they conveniently located near the MTR, their office also has access to a huge promenade view, which is super breathtaking. As soon as we arrived, we couldn't help but notice what a cool office space they had. Filled with bamboo furniture and decor from the showroom through to their toilets, it almost felt like we were there for a spa.

Since it was our first time in their office, Yoyo and Ivy quickly walked us through the process of making their pieces, from their hand-binded chains to their injection moulding. I am rather fond of their smooth bamboo rope necklace, which is made of over a hundred individually carved sections, and coils around your neck and wrist at any length you fancy. I am thinking it is much like having a snake wrapped around you, being sleek yet snugly fitted. It is also rather gratifying to contribute to their program in planting bamboo in Bali for sustainable development.

Their Naga dragon collection for this season is bold yet light-weighted, bringing together the intricate patterns of dragon scales, making the graceful bangles look like a second layer of skin. Their collection also features interior hand carvings, aiming to create secrets that are only accessible to the wearer, giving you joys in possessing the knowledge of the beauty within.

Jasmine, on the other hand, fancies their Cinta collection, which is inspired by the exclusive and unique pieces John Hardy created to express his love for his wife, pairing special sea shells with unusual gems to create a glamorous mix and match effect.

Their men’s collection for this season is powerful and dramatic, with shiny silver designs contrasting the black leather chains, malachite, and tiger’s eye for some strong and lasting pieces. Remember to drop by their shop in Landmark Men to take a full glimpse of the collection!

Sheer

Sheer Lingerie is filled with heartfelt touches that just spell it out loud and clear how strongly their proprietor, Lisa, feels about the entire shopping experience. Jasmine, Charmaine, and I made it a point to go to Sheer for our favourite pastime, lingerie shopping, at a shop that is conveniently located above W52. When we finished picking out and headed over to the changing room to try stuff out, I was totally surprised by the outrageous number of knobs they had on the wall, which was designed for hanging each bra on a separate knob. This is such an awesome idea! Beats the normal bra shops where they just hang everything on the same hook, risking everything dropping during fitting and can't figure out which one was tried on and which wasn't.

Lisa, a recent repatriate from New York, was frustrated by the lingerie scene in Hong Kong, and decided she just had to do something about it. Together with Laura from Italy, who has over 15 years of lingerie experience since her family had been in the business for the past three generations, they created a haven for lingerie addicts. They have some great tips on how to make things look even better, so make sure you ask them about "scooping"! Like the retail giant Lane Crawford, they also provide a set of complimentary robes from Eberjey in the changing rooms for you to wear around the shop, so that you don't have to undress and redress every time you pop out to the shop front for something quick. Unlike in Lane Crawford, since their shop is pretty secluded, there isn't much risk for loads of people catching you in a night gown.

They recently held a lingerie event for men in time for Valentine's Day, and Lisa has gained quite a bit of insight from it as well. She tipped us in that most men prefers this beautiful babydoll number from Fleur of England, because of its easy sizing (S, M, L, and not cup sizes) and just basically how see through it is. I personally really like this white lace piece from Zinke, which is so angelic and yet sexy! Their changing rooms also have another men friendly service. After trying out tons of pieces that you manage to fit on their knobs, if you are having trouble deciding which one to get, why not ask your man? They have a quick form for you to fill in his email, and then they will pass along the details of your picks, so you can be sure he will buy you something that is flattering for your next anniversary, without sacrificing the element of surprise. For him, it saves time and he will be sure you fit the piece he bought, which will be delivered to him in a discreet box to save him the embarrassment of stepping into a lingerie shop.

I am especially interested in these two products they offer: Result Wear, providing flawless slips that look good on its own, so even if you are caught just in it and nothing else, you still don't need to run for cover. The Victoria is seamless and is perfectly comfy under any floral spring dress, while the Marilyn has very targeted cuts to pull everything in and enhances your curves. The Laundress, on the other hand, supplies washing detergent that is so delicate you should always treat your lingerie with a dose of. What's more? Sheer also offers alteration service, so if you find something you absolutely must have, but you are unfortunately caught in between sizes, they will sort it out for you!

After we finished the all important shopping, we finally had the time to catch our breath, relax with a complimentary macaroon, and take a good look at the shop decor. We were impressed by their massive shop front, because usually upstairs lingerie shops are dingy, but this one is spacious and well stocked, making it a pleasure to shop in. They have lots of couches and magazines to keep the dudes occupied if they do tag along, and you can even choose the pieces you want to try on via iPad if you are not bothered walking around.

Extra: Snippets from Jack Wills

A bunch of us headed over to Jack Wills' traffic lights party last week to check out their 2012 Spring/Summer collection as well as taking our pick of their British delicacies, so to speak. We knew we were in the right place when we saw the massive queue, so we quickly joined in.

Unfortunately I was unavailable for their launch party, one thing led to another, and this was actually the first time I visited their store in Leighton Centre. I must say, I am very impressed with their shop displays, which are both imaginative as well as provocative. They also had some tablets available around the store so that you can search for products online if you can't find it physically. It definitely makes life easier for explaining to the sale lady when you spotted something you like online but can't find it in real life.

Other than their interpretation of very Ya rugby wear, they also have lots of quintessentially British memorabilia, which is pretty much everything smacked with an Union Jack right on top. I bought myself their Union Jack environmental bag as well as their Union Jack notebook, which would go along rather well with the sequin Union Jack coin purse from Accessorize.

I am also a fan of their cosmetic products, and I must say, their body butter does work miracles. Their perfume just smells absolutely refreshing, and their pale pink lip gloss is really pretty. For their 2012 S/S collection, I am totally eyeing this beautiful Farleton tube dress, which could both dress up for garden cocktails, as well as dress down for a shopping trip on High Street. What's not to like?

Five Most Versatile Handbags on the Market

noreply@blogger.com (Gillian Chu) — Sun, 19 Feb 2012 15:30:00 +0000

First published in ELEQT on 22 February 2012.

It is important for a bag to be functional on top of merely looking fabulous, since the aesthetics is rather much expected of from luxury handbags. Finding out that it also does A, B, AND C would actually make or break the deal when it comes to investing in yet another new bag. Here are a few pieces recently on the market that I find rather versatile:

78%’s Peppe carry-on travel bag doesn’t only deliver a classy twist to an old-fashion school bag, but can also carry enough stuff compactly for a short business trip! Made of Japanese canvas and Italian leather, it has its very own padded laptop, cables and charger compartments, as well as separate pockets for your passport, documents, and iPhone. Three separate compartments for clothes, laptop, and files mean that you never have to fumble through your entire bag to grab hold of your boarding pass at the gate ever again.

Cole Haan’s latest Valentine’s selection comes with this catchy Jitney Sheila Crossbody that can be used as a lunch bag or even for picking up a few groceries. Just slip the drastic plastic, your shopping list, and the indispensable iPhone in, and you are all set to go. Made of candy colour soft patent leather, it keeps you hands free yet your treasured possessions securely fastened while you are out in the mall!

Hugo Boss’ black dragon collection, celebrating the Chinese zodiac year of dragon for 2012, is a new series that is refined and practical. Their Dragor shopper bag is extremely sleek, embodying the dragon emblem subtly on the dark red calf skin. With a main compartment for you to throw all your documents and shopping in, as well as different pockets for holding your iPhone and your pens, not only is it trendy, it is also functional. I like how it has a zipper over its compartments, which is especially important for huge bags, since with its size, bits and pieces are more prone to jiggle about.

Fashion With Passion - Amenpapa

noreply@blogger.com (Gillian Chu) — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 07:45:00 +0000

First published in ELEQT on 18 February 2012.

There are lots of people in the fashion industry trying to think of inspirational messages for their creation. Remember the "I'm not a Plastic Bag"? What about "Impossible is Nothing"? Honestly, most of these slogans will fade in time, but there are some that just won't go away, and for over 2000 years, no less. Salina, the founder of Amenpapa, wanted to blend enlightening messages from the bible with a trendy twist, so she brought in a fashion design team who previously worked with I.T to created pieces that are pippin' hot and yet more meaningful than just mere clothing. She even started a blog of her own, demonstrating how you could wear their motivational pieces in an edgy manner.

Anna was first attracted to Amenpapa by their cute studded V-neck shirt. When I saw her wearing the stud-less version of that shirt in Singapore, I was immediately hooked, and just had to rush to Ztampz as soon as I got off the plane to grab hold of their collection. Salina invited Anna, Jasmine and I to check out their latest innovation at their studio, and I must say we walked out feeling more like having been shopping with the girls rather than working on a feature for the blog. Anna and I are already their fans, and let me show you the pieces we wore when we walked into the studio! I wore a long black sleeveless top, my first piece of their products, along with a long black shirt I just bought last month, while Anna threw on her favourite black V-neck tee.

Their theme for the last season was to demonstrate the true meaning of love. Titled "Bone of my Bones and Flesh of my Flesh", they wanted to give a whole new way for all you love birds out there to express your undying love for each other, which they want to believe still exist despite all the crappy stories we have heard about relationships nowadays. I am thinking Enchanted, how in an imperfect world there is still perfect love. Jasmine tried on this unique light orange top with funky sleeves, while I tried on Anna's black sweater, which was to my surprise rather flattering, since I usually don't prefer scoop neck.

They have tight contacts with the local fashion scene, having created a crossover line with May Sum, a local multimedia artist, illustrator, fashion designer, and creative make-up artist. She managed to come up with beautiful illustrations especially for Amenpapa. Jasmine tried on this bling sequin red-white stripe tank top, which gives off a gorgeous sailor look. Anna, on the other hand, cherished this "I Love my Job" tee so much she bought the white version of it, since she preferred the red heart. She thought it was a great reminder of making the best of what we are working on, be it going smoothly or hanging on in a rut. I am rather fond of this cut-out tee I tried on, with the stylish knitting on the shoulders and chest. As soon as I put it on I just immediately knew I would buy it off Salina. The back of this smiley tee Anna had on is pretty sweet as well!

Jasmine bought this “Love does not Envy” shirt she had on, since it is pretty smart casual looking, which is good for even wearing to work. Well, that and obviously because it looked super flattering on her. I really like this long black tank I had on as well, especially with the shiny wreath pattern on the rim, which are such subtly rebellious details. I am totally contemplating on buying it, even after such a long cool down period! I paired it with a black slightly see-through shirt, which is also semi-formal, making it a great fit for office wear.

And they don't just do shirts! They also have maxi dresses like the one Jasmine was wearing, which is a fantastic match for beach and resort wear. The skirt I had on, on the other hand, is actually made up of two pieces, with the handwritten Psalm piece that can also double as a tube top, and a see-through long skirt which you could pair with leggings for the layering effect. I put it on with an earth photo cut-out tee, which I tried on before at Ztampz and didn't quite fancy it then, but somehow going through the photos I find it pretty flattering with the hip sleeves, which makes the arms looks much less meaty than it actually is, well for me at least. I really want to get this one as well, but I do fear I am spending way too much at this shop!

They also put together a series of funky fashion accessories, like this "I______You" tote bag, which comes with a marker so that you can customise your gift with a suitable verb. I think their stuff definitely makes memorable gifts, because not only are the products itself attractive, their packing is also rather exquisite, with a minimalist-looking folder and bookmarks covered with expressive messages packed together with your garment. Their Renaissance painting scarf and legging combo goes well for those who likes the punk and rock factor. And there is something for the boys too! Remember to check out their mens wear collection!

Amenpapa has attracted lots of attention from local celebrities, like Sammi Cheung, Eason Chan, Fiona Sit, and Cho-lam Wong, just to name a few. They even collaborated with a jewelry brand by Vaness Wu, starlet from Taiwan. 3.V.0.7., as his brand is called, stands for love if you read it upside-down. His brand gathered a line of quirky accessories, and together with Amenpapa, he brought his muse from accessories designing to fabricate a remarkable collection of clothing.

What's more? They are currently having a sale at their online shop! If you are like me, and like to try the stuff on first before putting your money on it, why not drop by Harvey Nicols, Ztampz, Cocktail, or Bauhaus, and see how their trendy pieces look on you first, then take advantage of their super low prices online? Drop them a line if you have any questions, or even if you just need someone to pray for you. Yeah, imagine a brand that cares enough for its customers to be praying for them individually!

Amenpapa
Available from Harvey Nicols, Ztampz, Cocktail, Bauhaus
Address: 24B Success Commercial Building, 245 Hennessy Road, Wan Chai.
Telephone: 2542 2344
Email: info@amenpapa.com
Website: http://www.amenpapa.com/

More Restored Barracks - Hong Kong Heritage Discovery Centre

noreply@blogger.com (Gillian Chu) — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 04:36:00 +0000

First published in ELEQT on 19 February 2012.

There are tons of restored barracks scattered around town, since the Brits established quite a few of them to strengthen their defences on their new found colony a few centuries back. The Hong Kong Heritage Discovery Centre is among the lot, transformed from the former Whitfield Barracks, which was built in the 1860s at Tsim Sha Tsui, now making a part of the Kowloon Park. Originally made up of 85 structures designed in the typical Victorian colonial military fashion, they are now only able to preserve four of those, with the restored Blocks S61 and S62 forming part of the centre. Serving as a conservation works education centre, its building structure is also a live tribute to sustainable architecture in Hong Kong, adapting the historic military blocks to suit the complexities of modern devices and displays. Obviously they did a rather good job, because last time I was there, lots of recent local graduates from the nearby universities were on site, posing for various group shots.

Their Permanent Exhibition is pretty interactive, with loads of videos showing the contrast between the past and present in local architecture and archeology. The one I love best is how they recreated the tram windows and seats, showing outside those windows a video of some super innovative dude several centuries back, who carried a video recorder with him and just sat in a tram, filming an uber long documentary of what the street view was back then. You could see people just running away from his camera, obviously scared of being sucked into the devil lenses [Read: common belief of cameras when it was first introduced]. It is an amazing experience, since it almost felt like I was transported back there on that tram.

The way they embedded Ming dynasty style underglaze blue porcelain bowls on the floor of the exhibition room is definitely very edgy, and a cool method to attract the patrons' attention to the ceramics history of Hong Kong. To learn more about the exhibits, just turn up on the first floor of the building at 2:00pm or 4:00pm on a Saturday, Sunday, or Public Holiday, and join in their Permanent Exhibition Guided Tours, where professional guides from the Antiquities and Monuments Office will take you through the exhibition in detail for a good understand of Hong Kong's infrastructural history.

They also have a stylish activity room inside the exhibition, with a set of built-in traditional Chinese medicine cabinet, each storing some artifacts or antiques for kiddies to pull out and explore. There is a Reference Library on the ground floor, which I saw lots of uncles efficiently utilising the air conditioning and internet. The centre also hosts Special Lectures on topics such as what roles do Po Leung Kuk (3 March 2012) and Lee Hysan (17 March 2012) play in the Hong Kong society for those who are interested in the sociological part of our city.

They built an outdoor cafe and garden area right outside of the centre, which comfortable and spacious, attracting lots of domestic helpers gathering there on Sundays for some well-deserved rest. The centre also hosts a different tour around the building. The aim is different from the exhibits tour, with this one introducing the history and architectural features of the centre, such as its blend with local Chinese materials and adaption for the hot-humid climate; the changes after its restoration, which started in 2003 and completed in 2005; as well as the concept of adaptive re-use in old buildings. Just turn up on the ground floor of the centre at 3:00pm on Sundays, and their experienced guides from the Antiquities and Monuments Office will walk through the sites with you.

Hong Kong Heritage Discovery Centre
Address: Kowloon Park, Haiphong Road, Tsim Sha Tsui.
Telephone: 2208 4400
Email: amo@lcsd.gov.hk
Website: http://www.amo.gov.hk/en/discovery_center.php

More Art Events for February 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Gillian Chu) — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 07:43:00 +0000

First published in Aroxta on 16 February 2012.

From Wednesday, 15 February 2012 to Friday, 17 February 2012

Last year, I went to Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra's complimentary performance at the ArtisTree, and it made an awesome break from work. After Hour Classics, as the event was called, will be on again this year starting at 6:30pm from tomorrow, 15 February 2012, to Friday, 17 February 2012, in none other than the ArtisTree in Tai Koo Place. Tomorrow they shall be featuring the Robert Ho Fellows in Concert, with Fu Shui-miao on the viola. The theme on Thursday will be about Forests, conducted by Francesco Lecce-Chong. On Friday, why not have a weekend rendezvous at their Classical Affair, featuring David Thompson on the horn?

On Wednesday, 29 February 2012

Ben Brown Fine Arts will be having an opening reception for German Photography 1960 - 2012: A Survey, from 6:00pm at Wednesday, 29 February 2012, in their newly renovated gallery on 301 Pedder Building. If you can't make it to the opening, don't fret! The exhibition will be on all the way until Saturday, 5 May 2012. Email them for more information!

On the other hand, their current exhibition Accrochage - Gallery Artists, featuring works of famous names like Damien Hirst, will be ongoing until Monday, 27 February 2012, so don't miss the chance in take a peek before it is off!

From now until Friday, 2 March 2012

Sin Sin Fine Art, with their gallery also based in Central, is currently presenting a selection of the works by celebrated artists, including Hervé Maury, Lee Man Sang, Pablo Posada Pernikoff, and Rick Lewis. The exhibition, which is going on until Friday, 2 March 2012, flaunts a broad selection of contemporary art on a large variety of media, delivering the artists' interpretation of what nature is about. Drop them a line for further details!

What's More?

Caffè Habitu, the city's very own upscale coffee chain, is offering Latte Art Workshops from now until March 2012, and they would prefer to call it Picasso meeting expresso. At their Coffee Academy and Roasting Studio, their professional baristas will be showing you the mysteries of creating patterns and designs on the coffee foam. Within two hours, they will go through lectures on the delicate balance of mixing espresso and milk, as well as hands on practice with your pouring and etching skills.

Feeling patriotic? They also have a Tourist Cupping Class [Read: no pun intended, I just copied the name off their site], which will specifically teach you how to draw a Bauhinia, our beloved city flower, on your coffee. There is a wide variety of time slots between February and March 2012, and all you need to do is to buy a ticket from any of their coffee shops, and register online for the time you fancy learning. Interested? Find out more from them here!

Serene Heritage - Asian Society Hong Kong Centre

noreply@blogger.com (Gillian Chu) — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 09:56:00 +0000

First published in ELEQT on 15 February 2012.

The Asian Society recently transformed the Old Victoria Barracks, a set of Grade 1 listed structure, into their new Hong Kong headquarters, with the official launch held last Friday, 10 February 2012. My family joined in with their site tour around what was the explosives magazine compound last Saturday, 11 February 2012, to take a closer look at their thoughtful conservation and amazing adaption of the former British military architecture, as well as to admire the rare art they had on exhibition. The Asian Society itself was founded by John Rockefeller 3rd as a NGO educational platform, and its Hong Kong Centre is now conveniently located across the Conrad Hong Kong and right next to the British Consulate in Admiralty, so it was a pretty chill walk over from Pacific Place.

Their site tours for the past weekend were all led by notable personalities including lawmaker Margaret Ng, and our tour was led by Asian Society's co-chair Ronnie Chan, who is also happens to be a major land developer. We met our guide at the centre's reception, known as the Pavilion, which is a new structure perfectly blending in among the restored historical buildings, with its monumental marbles collated from Shanxi Province. All the horticultural arrangements and artworks displayed definitely enhance the edginess of the establishment, which can be used as a function room for dinners and other community events.

We were then led through the Noble Water Feature towards the Joseph Lau Roof Garden, which holds a spectacular view of our beloved Victoria Harbour, in addition to making a tranquil setting that is ideal for an outdoor cocktail or even a starlit movie night. We were then led over the Yasumoto Bridge, which is specially built in L-shape to cater for the natural habitat of the fruit bats that reside in the neighbourhood. Talk about real conservation!

Walking past the Yasumoto Bridge, we finally arrived at the old preserved bits of the complex. The end of the bridge was where the British army once tossed their ammunition through from Arsenal Street, which was then the harbour front, to this explosives magazine using nothing but a rope to string it over. Throughout the site, there are Munition Tracks going every direction, the method they used to transport the gunpowder about the site. This is the few of the remaining British military sites, and a crucial link to Hong Kong's colonial past.

Right next to the beginning of the track marks sits a set of heavy bulks, which were previously used to mark the boundary between Hong Kong and China. Now being displayed as a historical/artistic piece, the Navy Boundary Stones were once a welcoming sight to Mainland refugees. Back in the days, if you can find your own way to the city centre, you are then entitled to seek asylum in Hong Kong. Otherwise, you would have been deported back to China immediately, with no idea of what fate has in store for those who attempted to flee.

Our remarkable guide took us in for a sneaky tour of the Starr-Greenberg Building, which was constructed between 1863 and 1868 as a laboratory for mixing explosives, making it one of the oldest remaining colonial buildings in Hong Kong. The reason it isn't usually open to public is because it is now used as the Asian Society's offices. Watching the site come from ruins since its last use as a depot in 1970s to the posh establishment it is now, he was only too happy to be flaunting his pet project, as he gave us a quick lecture on the balance between conservation, aesthetics, and practicality in refurbishing their new centre.

The former explosives storage facility, again built between 1863 and 1868 with huge thick stone berm to protect the processing and storing of gunpowder, is now housing the Asian Society's gallery, with its initial kick being some prized pieces from John Rockefeller 3rd's private collection. This exhibition, with its own special team of curators, will be on till Thursday, 10 May 2012, and you could check it out along with the heritage site while you are here.

Now the Miller Theatre, the former storage of ammunitions was built between 1905 and 1907. Our guide, who has been seeing the site since childhood, gave us a short history lesson on why this building in particular was built differently from the rest of the complex. This site once belonged to the British military, and taken on by the navy in early 20th century, yet the rest of Hong Kong was under the control of the Hong Kong colonial government. Since the government wanted to build a straight road behind this site, while the navy, understandably, didn't want their estate to be any smaller, so they rushed through to erect a random building on the spot. It wasn't built with any windows due to the time constraint, so they had to put in an extra layer of barrel-vaulted lighting passage along the side and back to house the lighting system, which accidentally made a terrific construction for a theatre.

The theatre is there to host community education programmes, with the kick start last weekend being nostalgic Cantonese Operas and traditional Filipino songs performed for a hefty price tag, yet free entries were available for live streaming at their Pavilion for those from the elderly homes as well as for the domestic helpers. Now aren't they nice? The Cantonese Opera was by stage veteran Law Kar-ying, alongside with starlet from De Ling and Empress Dowager Cixi performance Li Pui-yan, as well as Lady Ivy Wu of Hopewell Holdings. I watched De Ling and Empress Dowager Cixi with my Dad a couple of years back, and we certainly enjoyed it lots, so I am sure the grannies were in for a treat!

They have lots more exhibitions and performances down the pipeline, with musical performance by Asia's rising stars including Aenon Loo, Silas Fong, Joanna Lee, and Yuki Ip on the coming weekend, 17 to 19 February 2012. There will also be a summer film series between May 2012 and June 2012, featuring popular films from the past decade. The site, though a historical one, is entirely wheelchair accessible and now opened from Tuesdays to Sundays, equipped with its own AMMO Cafe with an Asia-influenced menu, as well as an Asian Society Store for grabbing some ethnic souvenirs from, so plan your trip over to this scenic site for a tour around! Although there won't be any famous guides here anymore, they do have a smart phone app which would take you around the site in rather extensive details.

Asian Society Hong Kong Centre - The Hong Kong Jockey Club Former Explosives Magazine
Address: 9 Justice Drive, Admiralty, Hong Kong
Telephone: 2103 9511
Email: enquiryhk@asiasociety.org
Website: http://www.asiasociety.org.hk/

Last Minute Touch-Up for Valentine's Day

noreply@blogger.com (Gillian Chu) — Sun, 12 Feb 2012 15:30:00 +0000

Published exclusively in this site on 12 February 2012.

Valentine's Day is cutting really close by now. Have you got everything sorted yet? No? Don't worry, I have already came up with a quick plan for you right here:

Joseph Ribkoff, an iconic fashion brand proudly made in Canada, has created a wonderful 2012 Spring/Summer collection that will take you straight from the office to your Valentine's dinner date. Grab one of their signature wraps from LoveIt, who has stocked up with over 150 styles from their latest designs!

Want to keep yourself nice and cozy in Hong Kong's chilly February yet still maintaining the seductive look? Get hold of Rosarini's latest innovation, the long lace cardigan! This number is dark and mysterious, and will guarantee to spark up your daily office look right for your Valentine's lunch date. What's more? You can easily tone your style down right after lunch and look your part again in the office.

Need some dazzling shoes to go with your beautiful dress? No fear, House of Harlow, a quaint line by Nicole Richie, is to the rescue with their 2012 Spring/Summer collection. Honestly, if these shoes are good enough for Madonna and Ashlee Simpson, I am sure they are good enough for you!

We all know that boys don't actually look at our nails, but let's face it, beautiful nails aren't for the boys to ogle at, they are for us to feel good about ourselves with and be confident about our entire look. Essie has outdone themselves with creating the luxeffects top coat, which would give a new spin to the trusty colours that you have worn for oh so many times. Jazzing it up with a hint of sparkle, and not only will the top coats make you shine through, we all know that it is less likely to spot any chips and cracks through glitter nail polishes, so they will also help you last through the entire Valentine's day perfectly. Check out their entire series, with gold (As Gold As It Gets), white-silver (Pure Pearlfection), white with a hint of pink (Shine of the Times), pink-maroon (A Cut Above), and grey-silver (Set in Stones).

Need something to wear when you guys get back to the flat after dinner? Browse through Back Label's seductive yet comfortable collection of lounge wear, which will definitely make you look much alluring than in sweats, and yet more at ease than in your tube dress and killer heels.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Swarovski 2012 Spring/Summer Runway Show

noreply@blogger.com (Gillian Chu) — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 15:30:00 +0000

First published in Aroxta on 9 February 2012.

Jasmine, Keely and I were invited to Swarovski's 2012 S/S runway show yesterday, 8 February 2012 at the French Window. The collection, named Sweet Sixties, is filled with jewelry and accessories that swings and shines literally.

After catching up with Jessica, their lovely PR, we made our way through the long, dark, and mysterious corridor, only to be greeted by a huge blast of pink all over the set. We were swiftly ushered towards the booths for a session of cupcake decorating. It was rather easy and definitely loads of fun, so the three of us had an awesome time whipping up some artistic masterpieces while waiting for the show to begin.

The French window was scattered with items from Swarovski's 2012 S/S collection, all inspired by the sixties and featuring soft pastel shades, bright balloons, as well as floral and circle prints. Everyone in the house was busy jotting down the gems they fancy!

When we were finished fussing over their collection, the crowd began to settle down near the runway, and diligently waited for the show to start while admiring the pink and girly decor, filled with fancy balloons, fluffy cushions, marshmallows, and jelly beans.

Their chunky bangles and necklaces are subtle blends of modern and vintage tones, which I must say would make a great match with a sleeveless floral spring cocktail dress and some cute sandals. This season's collection had some shades as well, which is great for Hong Kong's glaring summer. Keely was with me last time at Swarovski's Hello Kitty collection runway show, and she pointed out that Jacqueline Chong was invited again to sport the dazzling pieces. I can see why though, since the accessories do suit her sweet smile rather well!

After the show, the models came off the catwalk to mingle with the crowd, sharing with us their tips on how to match the bling bling jewelry with our daily wear. With everything shimmering and glowing in a huge variety of colours, it is really hard to choose what to be buying for the upcoming season!

Swarovski Boutique
Available in IFC Mall, Pacific Place, and Central Building.
Telephone: 2969 6500
Email: customer_relations.hk@swarovski.com
Website: http://asia.swarovski.com/hongkong/

Fashion Events for February 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Gillian Chu) — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 15:30:00 +0000

Published exclusively in this site on 8 February 2012.

Although it is still pretty cold, the fashion world has swiftly moved onto their 2012 Spring/Summer collection already. To celebrate the launch of these skimpy pieces, there are loads of spring parties going on all over town this month. Make sure you catch a few of them and stock up your wardrobe for the coming season while enjoying some bubblies!

Tory Burch will be bringing an early spring party at their boutique in IFC Mall from 7:00pm tomorrow, 9 February 2012. Not only will you be taking the first glimpse of their latest spring collection, you will also get a whopping 10% discount on the products, with 10% of all proceeds going towards Room to Read, a very worthy cause in educating those who needs it most. So RSVP here, and get ready for some yummy champagne as well as accessories with their signature buckle!

Central/Central, right in the heart of Central at the Central Building, will also be throwing a spring garden party from 6:00pm on next Wednesday, 15 February 2012, and the Wednesday after, 22 February 2012. They will be showing off a whole load of the latest spring collection from renowned designer labels, including Karen Millen, Nine West, and Steve Madden. If you get anything that evening, you will instantly become their VIP and enjoy an one-off 15% discount, plus another 10% discount voucher in case you spot something else you fancy at a later date! They will also be handing out lovely t-shirts to the first few girls to arrive, so make sure you RSVP here, get there super early, and enjoy their free-flow of Perrier Jouet while browsing through the trendy pieces.

Jack Wills is coming back to their Leighton Store in Causeway Bay with a whole collection for the spring term! From 6:00pm on next Thursday, 16 February 2012, they will be throwing a spring party to flaunt their 2012 spring collection, which also doubles as a belated Valentine's Day celebration with the traffic light party theme. For those of you who graduated from a British University, no doubt you would have experienced the infamous traffic light party before, chatting up strangers with tags representing each of their different relationship status - red being NO, yellow being MAYBE, and green being YES. So RSVP here for a chance to munch on the traditionally English fish n' chips, sip on some yummy cocktails, and grab hold of their limited edition goodie bags!

Social Media Week is back again this year, and Butterboom is hosting a Fashion Quiz Mixer at Kee Club from 7:30pm on next Friday, 17 February 2012 to make them feel at home. Three of Hong Kong's prominent fashion bloggers will be matched against representatives from fashion giants, Loewe, Diesel, and Jack Wills, so this isn't a fight you want to be missing out on. You can even be on the team by tweeting your answers to their Twitter wall during the night for a chance to win some amazing prizes, so register here and show off your encyclopedic fashion knowledge!

Just now, Jasmine, Keely, and I accidentally bumped into Lane Crawford's Liger X Lab launch in IFC Mall. Through the hip crowd, we spotted Hilary Tsui and Dorothy Hui, sporting edgy pieces from the one-stop shopping pilgrimage they co-created. Check it out on your way to happy hour at Isola!

Seed Heritage, Australia's best known casual wear brand, has just opened their flagship store on Queen's Road Central and Peninsula Hotel Arcade. Next time you are on your way to Gap and H&M, picking up some chill pieces for the weekends, browse through Seed Heritage as well, which is really only just a few blocks down the road.

Adventures of Tea Tasting

noreply@blogger.com (Gillian Chu) — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 15:30:00 +0000

First published in ELEQT on 12 February 2012.

Wine tasting is out! So what's in? After I got back from Hangzhou, I have been rather fond of Dragon Well, and have been drinking it in the office regularly. I have been surfing Tea Guardian, a website established by tea enthusiast Leo Kwan for more information on types of tea, and methods of usage, but thought it might be worthwhile to learn a bit more about the art of tea tasting in real life, so I went for Andrew's Tea Tasting Workshop for a sampler of various Chinese Tea. Andrew's family has been running Wah Fong Tea since 1952, so I knew we were in safe hands.

He first started with the history of tea, and how it originated from Yunnan Province, with the initial use being rather medicinal. Traditional Chinese tea can be separated in five major categories: Black Tea, such as Pu-Er; White Tea, such as White Peony and Silver Needle; Green Tea, such as my favourite Dragon Well and Bi Luo Chung; Oolong, such as Iron Goddess and Narcissus; as well as Scented Tea, such as Jasmine. He said that tea generally have to be blended to create a smoother taste and alluring aroma, so mixing tea from different years as well as from different picks is an art of its own. We then moved onto tasting several different types of tea by comparing the up market ones with the common ones for all five of the different categories. To my surprise, it was actually pretty easy to tell the two apart even before tasting it, since the scent really gave it away. Yes, it has the same drill as wine tasting, you first observe the colour, then nose it, and finally you taste it. He recommends always trying your tea first before buying anything, because you never know whether you like it until you have a sip.

He also gave us lots of pointers on how we should store our tea in cool and shaded areas, as well as far away from anything with strong tastes, since the tea is bound to catch some of it. He also tipped us off on the food and tea pairing, like strong scented black tea should go with heavy meat dishes, while lighter green tea should go with desserts. His shop even offers freshly sealed 3D mesh pyramid tea bags for those who are drinking from mugs, as well as pot pouches for those who will be making a big batch. Not only is this a clean and efficient way to tea drinking, excluding the mess of having to dig the tea leaves out afterwards, it actually gives a bit of consistency on how much tea you put in each cup. He said that all it takes is around 30 seconds in the hot water for the first cup, and the flavour would all come out. For broths using the same tea bags, you should be adding another 30 seconds on the next dip so that the taste would be the same as the first cup, and the tea bags can be used up to around 10 times.

Does the tea tasting workshop sound interesting to you? Drop them a line for a visit to their offices in Sheung Wan for a full fledged workshop. You can even take a sneak peek at their processing plant, which is right next door!

Wah Fong Tea
Address: Unit C&D, 18/F, Hong Kong Industrial Building, 444-452 Des Voeux Road West, Sheung Wan.
Telephone: 2816 9098
Email: info@wahfong.com
Website: http://www.wahfong.com

Getting Ready for Valentine's Day!

noreply@blogger.com (Gillian Chu) — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 15:30:00 +0000

First published in ELEQT on 11 February 2012.

I reckon you would want to look for best for Valentine's, especially if this is the first one you guys are spending together as a couple? Here are a few pointers on what to look out for!

Boys - What to Wear

Hugo Boss came up with a wide range for their 2012 S/S collection, with the classy look from Boss Selection, so you can go to your Valentine's dinner straight from work, as well as the more casual Boss Orange look, so that you can look preppy and hip effortlessly for your date.

Looking good inside out is rather important, and nothing matches up to Nero Perla's collection, with a touch of mountain and winter sports in their theme, creating timeless classics that would make you look alluring while comfortable.

Girls - What to Wear

Whether you are looking for a piece that will take you straight from work to your dinner date, or going for a combo that will make you shine through the club, Seed Heritage's latest flagship store in Central has it all. Freshly opened last month, they carry the basic essentials for those who are busy yet fashion conscious.

Want to put on a saucy look inside your hum-dee-dum grey suit? Avec Amour has the best solution, with a little leopard print number from Maison Close! They will be having a Pre-Valentine's Day Event at 6:00pm on Wednesday, 8 February 2012 at their shop on Wellington Street, so join them as they walk you through their 2012 S/S range while sipping on a complimentary glass of sparkling. They also promise some exclusive offers on the evening, so email them here for more information.

Flaunt Boutique will also be hosting a trunk show for Hailey & Sasha, right in time for Valentine's Day. At 6:00pm on Thursday, 9 February 2012, Hong Kong's very own lingerie designer, Stephanie Poon, will unveil her latest collection for the first time in Hong Kong, right at Flaunt Boutique on Lyndhurst Terrace. Their pieces are made with the intention of day-long wear, being both comfy and seductive. What's more? Buy one bra at that very evening and you will receive the matching panties for free. If you get two sets, you will even get 50% off the third set. Everyone who grabs something from Hailey & Sasha will also receive a complimentary gift. What an amazing deal!

Spicing Up the Bedroom...Literally!

You might find it worthwhile to stock up on some decent new duvet covers from Tequila Kola, the city's stylish up market home accessories store. Grab hold of some of their Egyptian cotton bedding here! Makaron also has some breathtaking French bed linen with an edgy Asian twist, plus they are currently on a huge sale at their online shop, so don't miss the opportunity to stock up with some crisp clean sheets.

Obviously bouquets are a must for Valentine's. Have you given any thoughts to some decorative floral pieces around the flat? Pacific Petals will, at a small fee, bring over fresh new flower arrangements, which comes with its very own complimentary vase, so you and your significant other can enjoy the romantic atmosphere with minimal fuss. They guarantee to source the best picks for the season, making sure your arrangements are as unique as you are. Look over here for further details on subscriptions!

More on What to Get Her for Valentine's Day

noreply@blogger.com (Gillian Chu) — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 15:30:00 +0000

First published in ELEQT on 11 February 2012.

Need more ideas on what to get her for Valentine's Day? Here are a few extra picks!

Jewelry

Is your girl the kind who is elegant but with an edgy twist? Get her an unique piece from Nymphenburg Jewellery, which is a classy yet trendy Swiss brand, with a dash of extra charm by pairing contrasting materials like porcelain and silver together. These celebrated pieces are available at Galerie Huit in Wanchai!

Solange has created amazing skeleton diamond paved rings right in time for your Valentine's Day, inspired by the most iconic diamond cuts: the brilliant, the emerald, the princess and the heart cuts. These geometrical shapes bring an understated architectural attitude, which is the essence of the creative brand.

Lingerie

The Powder Room has lined up some exclusive lingerie/jewelry shopping events for those of you who haven't a clue what to get her for Valentine's yet. Drop by Bisous from 6:00pm on Wednesday, 8 February 2012, or on Thursday, 9 February 2012, for an all-in-one luxury lingerie and vintage jewelry pop-up shop, which is complimented with flowing sparkling wine, as well as hourly cabaret shows from 9:30pm to 12:30am. Enjoy several glasses of amazing drinks and saucy shows while you pick out the necessary gifts!

Sheer has partnered up with Pacific Petals and Midnight Crave to bring you an one-stop shop for your ultimate Valentine's date. Just drop by their event at 7:00pm on Thursday, 9 February 2012 in their shop on Wyndham Street. They promise a bunch of sexy models featuring their remarkable collection of lingerie, as well as the convenience of picking out fantastic flowers and mouth-watering macaroons for your beloved on the spot. RSVP here now! They will also be hosting another lingerie show at City Links Golf Lounge, starting from 7:00pm on Friday, 10 February 2012, so RSVP here as well for some well-deserved bras and booze.

What's More?

And right in time for Valentine's, Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong has set up an exciting contest on their Facebook Fan Page! All you have to do is just come up with a catchy phrase that begins with the letter "L", and you are in for the chance of winning a luxurious gift box from the Mandarin Oriental Cake Shop, which is filled with delicious gourmet treats! What are you waiting for? The competition ends at 12:00pm today, 6 February 2012, so act quickly. Their next campaign for the letter "O" will be yielding a fantastic spa treatment from the Mandarin Spa. Make sure you get your phrase in before 12:00pm on Wednesday, 8 February 2012!

Art Events for February 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Gillian Chu) — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 04:00:00 +0000

Published exclusively in this site on 2 February 2012.

On Friday, 3 February 2012

Hong Kong based French artist Charles Munka, and Los Angeles based artist/musician TEEBS (Mtendere Mandowa), will be jointly hosting their exhibition, Archipelago, in Ap Lei Chau. The event will be held at Seventy Eight Percent, who will be turning their studio into a pop up gallery for a week, starting from the opening party at 6:30pm tomorrow, 3 February 2012. The evening will feature a special live concert by TEEBS, so RSVP here now for an awesome night out!

On Friday, 10 February 2012

Jia Jing, with his artwork focusing on wars and weapons, is having his solo exhibition at the Art Experience Gallery till the end of March, kicking off with an opening reception starting at 6:00pm on Friday, 10 February 2012. Hidden Retort, as the exhibition is named, will project his thoughts of the forces from the modern world onto his canvas. The artist himself will also be present at the opening, so find out more about his artwork face to face, or if you are the shy kind, you can always drop your questions in the form of an email to the gallery in advance!

From Friday, 24 February 2012 to Sunday, 26 February 2012

Asia Top Gallery Hotel Art Fair HK 2012 is coming back again this year from Friday, 24 February 2012 to Sunday, 26 February 2012, and will be taking place again at none other than the renowned Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong. Want to know what the fair is about? See my review from the visit last year with my mom! Actions speak louder than words, and I spent two whole days in the fair last year, trying to get through every room and appreciate how each gallery strived to blend their artwork right into the posh hotel rooms. I was especially excited to find what they have put in the bathrooms, as weird as that might sound. This fair isn't something I can afford to miss, and Charmaine, my fellow art appreciator, made it absolutely clear that all her friends should jot down the times. Well, what are you waiting for? Email them for further details!

Ideas for Valentine’s Day Gifts

noreply@blogger.com (Gillian Chu) — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 06:26:00 +0000

First published in That's Zhejiang on 1 February 2012.

For Him

Are his shirts built for cufflinks? What better way is there to complete his refined look than with One Bond Street's ultra English sterling silver cufflinks? Fresh from London, he will be impressed by the attention you pay to the details. This quintessentially British brand is suitable for any occasions, like the sky blue half Jack cufflinks. Crafted with Union Jack in mind, it makes an eye catching piece for the modern day gents. Their lime green quarter Jack cufflinks, on the other hand, gives the classy look a quirky twist, expressing his refined taste. What is so special about this gift? You can get a matching pair for yourself as well, and pull off a slightly androgynous couple’s look!

Is he a fan of the Chinese culture? Get him Patinova’s handmade sterling silver Chinese dragon cufflinks, which is pippin’ hot off the sketch board. The mastermind behind Patinova, Ben Huang, replicated the century old miniature dragon paperweight from early 1900s, right in time for the coming year of dragon. And what is the best part of this gift? Patinova specialises in creating contemporary jewelry from historical objects, so if he likes this pair of cufflinks, then you can also get him the dragon pendants for his birthday, and the dragon charms for your anniversary. Saves having to think up another set of gifts for different occasions!

For Her

Want to spell it out to her how much you care? Victoria Contreras offers necklaces with a poetic touch, literally. Crafted with a laser cut, each necklace bears a favorite quote of the designer, from classics by renowned laureates like Virginia Woolf and T.S. Elliot. This is a beautiful yet subtle way to tell her just how much you treasure her. Do the two of you have a secret code? You can always customise a necklace with a personal message!

Is she the religious sort? Or does she (or you) fancy the Covent schoolgirl look? Taka, designed and handmade by Coney Ko in Hong Kong, creates beautiful necklace inspired by the rosary, with matching earrings, brooches, and rings for an added touch of modern vintage elegance. These chic pieces will make her to stand out from the mass, and add an attractive spark to her work wear. Definitely a piece that she can be wearing daily, flaunting just how thoughtful her other half is.

Shopping List
One Bond Street: http://www.onebondstreet.com/
Patinova: http://www.patinova.com/
Victoria Contreras: http://www.victoriacontreras.com/VICBIJOUX/
Taka: http://www.taka.com.hk/site/

Complimentary New Vibram for the Chinese New Year

noreply@blogger.com (Gillian Chu) — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 01:28:00 +0000

Published exclusively in this site on 31 January 2012.

Escapade Sports is kicking off the year of dragon with a cool giveaway! All you have to do is take a photo of their store front in Causeway Bay or Central, then post it on their Facebook fan page, and you are automatically in a sweepstake for a new pair of Vibram five fingers. Like I said before, these babies are great for a large variety of sports, so don't miss the chance in getting a free pair.

Today, 31 January 2012, is already the last day of entry, and Christian from Escapade Sports clued us in that aren't too many entries so far, so the chances of winning is quite high! You will definitely enhance your chance of winning by taking photos of BOTH of their shops. Head over to their Central shop during lunch break and their Causeway Bay shop after work for a quick snapshot, and see your name drawn for a new pair of Vibram tomorrow, 1 February 2012.

On the Rocks - Review of Da Verm Climbing Club

noreply@blogger.com (Gillian Chu) — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 01:36:00 +0000

First published in ELEQT on 5 February 2012.

Jessie bought this amazing Twangoo deal for a rock climbing experience at Da Verm, so Jerome, Jasmine, Jenny and I joined her on an exciting outing last Saturday at Sai Ying Pun, which was a chill 30 minutes walk from IFC. It is super close by to the University of Hong Kong, which you could swing by for a cheap cup of Starbucks after the climb. This was an especially cool deal since we only needed to buy one groupon for the entire group! The groupon was for five entries, and there were five of us, so you do the math. Each session was available for the entire day, so in theory, we could have been there from 11:00am to 11:00pm. Not that we would have enough energy to, but just thinking about it makes a pretty good deal on its own.

The rugged entrance led to the largest and tallest indoor climbing gym in Hong Kong, transformed from an old torn down cinema. With a seven meters high climbing wall, filled with imaginative graffiti in between, it has everything from top roping to bouldering. As we were all beginners (even Jerome, though experienced in abseiling), so the instructors on site walked us through their facilities to ensure we know what we were playing with. The place was filled with climbing veterans as well as toddlers whose parents brought them in for a bit of fun, so you won't feel intimidated by the experience at all.

They have all the equipments on site already, so all we really needed to bring was ourselves, geared with some comfy sportswear. I took my handy Vibram five fingers along for a spin, while Jenny tried on their climbing shoes, which was available for use on site. They seem to work rather well for her, since she was super speedy as soon as she had them on.

We first tried out the lower cliffs with the misconception that those are easier. WRONG! They were actually much harder than the daunting tall wall because they were in a peculiar angle, so it was difficult to get a right footing while almost hanging upside down. To top that off, you actually had to scurry down a firemen's pole if you do manage to climb up to the top, which is super scary. The tall wall, however, was for top roping, which means all you had to do was to climb up to the top, geared with the rope and harness, and then the instructor will pull onto the rope while you casually walk back down, so it was much easier in comparison.

After working our arms until it felt like we replaced them with marshmallows, we stood by for a casual chat with the instructors before we headed off, who suggested their individual and group training sessions if we wanted to learn more about the sport, since messing around for the day was really just a taster of the experience. I was wondering, wouldn't it be kind of boring if we were to climb the same routes every time? Won't we memorise where each rock will be after like say three climbs? They assured us that their routes are rotated on a monthly basis, so it is challenging every time you are in at their climbing center. Try it out for yourself!

Da Verm
Address: 419G Queen’s Road West, Sai Ying Pun.
Opening Hours: 11:00am to 11:00pm
Telephone: 2803 0567
Email: info@da-verm.com
Website: http://www.facebook.com/davermgym

How to Make the Festive Turnip Cake

noreply@blogger.com (Gillian Chu) — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 02:15:00 +0000

First published in Aroxta on 28 January 2012.

My friend Joyce, who is somewhat of a domestic goddess, invited us over for a session of turnip cake-making. Turnip cake, which sounds something like “Robert go” in Cantonese, is a traditional Chinese dish that is particularly prominent during Chinese New Year. Here’s the authentic yet effortless way in whipping up two batches of these delicious treats:

Wanna know the process of making a turnip cake? Read the rest of the article at Aroxta!

Rinse 40 grams of dried shrimp, 3 pieces of shiitake (aka winter mushroom), and 2 pieces of Chinese sausage the night before making the batter. Soak the dried shrimp and shiitake overnight, then dice the Chinese sausage and shiitake.

Peel, rinse, and shred 1.2 kilograms of turnip, then boil it together with 0.25 litres of water and half a soup spoon of sugar for 10 minutes. After cooling down, take out around a bowl of the liquid from the broth.

Stir fry the dried shrimp, shiitake and Chinese sausage until you start to smell the sweet aroma. Mix 150 grams of corn starch, 75 grams of rice flour, a teaspoon of salt, and a pinch of pepper together with the turnip broth. When the ingredients are thoroughly blended, mix it up with the dried shrimp, shiitake, and Chinese sausage. If the batter looks like it isn’t sticking together, add a dab of the liquid you took out from the turnip broth. Spread the batter evenly in two disposable cake moulds, and then steam it on high for 45 minutes.

Voila! After it cools down, just chuck it in the fridge. When you are up for a bite, cut out a few slices and fry it with a hint of sesame and diced spring onion. All the ingredients can be found in any supermarket, and it makes a super easy way to impress your family and friends with your amazing cooking skills. Enjoy!

Anybody for Lychee? Camping at Lai Chi Chong

noreply@blogger.com (Gillian Chu) — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 09:22:00 +0000

First published in ELEQT on 3 February 2012.

Ada was asking around for pointers on camping in Hong Kong, so I would like to take this opportunity to talk about another spacious campsite in our cluttered little city - Lai Chi Chong. Literally meaning the lychee villa, this quaint island on the Tolo Harbour has a fully equipped residential campsite, a ghost village, some geological wonders, and the works.

As a part of the Hong Kong Geopark, you can get there simply by hopping on the rather occasional ferry shuttle again from Ma Liu Shui pier, with the trip taking around 45 minutes. If you are carrying loads of camping equipment, you can always park your car in the Hong Kong Science and Technology Park with super duper cheap rates, and take a leisurely five minutes' stroll towards the pier.

Right off the Lai Chi Chong pier, you will see a few recreational fishing poles poking around. On the right of the pier, there are some wondrous rocks in all sorts of colours you can dream of. There is quite a bit of natural scenery without any crowd at all, so I would imagine it will be perfect for a few pre-wedding shots. The rocks are pretty slippery though, so remember to bring along your hiking shoes or Vibram Five Fingers. I am sure you can hide those under the huge train on the back of the wedding gown!

Sources has it that the Caritas Hong Kong Jockey Club Siu Tong Camp, a mere five minutes' walk from the left of the Lai Chi Chong pier, is fully equipped with gears for various water sports, so drop them a line and check if they have what you need already to avoid carrying the extra bulk. The campsite has everything from the normal basketball court, barbeque and campfire site, to more exotic activities like archery and canoeing, making sure there is something for everyone.

Just a few minutes from the campsite, you will see a deserted village, which is rather ghoulish and spooky even during the day. There are loads of indigenous rumours about the place, which I am sure will make juicy campfire material, or even a complimentary ghost tour. Again, if you are a smart phone junkie, the best thing to do is probably to go and get a China Telecom SIM card, otherwise you might go for days without getting in touch with the virtual world. Or perhaps that might just be exactly the kind of break you were looking for?

My Chinese New Year - Live Demo of Rosarini's Travel Poncho

noreply@blogger.com (Gillian Chu) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 14:00:00 +0000

First published in ELEQT on 3 February 2012.

I promise I don't just write about the products and leave it at that. I actually like what I write about enough to be wearing it too! Remember last week I was saying how Rosarini's poncho would make a critical component for the upcoming Chinese New Year? Well here it is, a photo log of my Chinese New Year, wearing the travel poncho that sparks unique looks for three consecutive days!

First Day of Chinese New Year

On the first day, I wore the amazing poncho as an asymmetrical top, with one side of the arms showing, and the other side gathering and securing all the fabric from the side to the shoulder by tying it together with a hair clip from Heinna Couture. Red on red makes a perfect blend, so I just simply put on a pair of leisure yoga pants from Lululemon and a shrug from Serenity Fair, then I was all set for the serial family gatherings!

Second Day of Chinese New Year

Yesterday, I threw on the cute piece as a knee length tube top, matched with a belt to accentuate the curves. Paired with tights from Uniqlo, boots from DYOS, and the same shrug from Serenity Fair, it creates a chic and contemporary look!

Third Day of Chinese New Year

Today, I mixed the versatile garment with a tank top from Uniqlo, classic black heels from Cole Haan, checkered tights from Jardine's Bazaar, and (again!) the same shrug from Serenity Fair. Wearing it as a skirt has definitely varied the look significantly, with the style more elegant and classy than it was for the first two days.

Obviously, as a travel poncho, you can also wear it as a poncho, or even put on two travel ponchos in different colours, one on top of another, if you aren't too fond of bearing your arms. It can also be used as a scarf: just wrap it around your neck twice and move it around for a cowboy-esque look. It definitely makes great accessories for turning a plain old piece into a new flattering look, or even just for keeping you snug and warm in parties or on planes.

They are having their seasonal sale starting tomorrow, 26 January 2012, with everything at 40% off! The sales is only till their stuff are sold out, so hurry up and get your hands on their travel ponchos, and make sure you also check out their layering cardigans, their Rosa wraps, and even their travel wraps, which are all there to maximise the life of your existing wardrobe!

Rosarini

Address: Room 8D, Ho Lee Commercial Building, 40 D'Aguilar Street, Lan Kwai Fong, Central.
Telephone: 2526 1036 / 2526 8836

Email: info@rosarini.com

Website: http://www.rosarini.com/

Cultivate Your Whimsical Side - Daydream Nation

noreply@blogger.com (Gillian Chu) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 12:09:00 +0000

First published in Elysiants on 28 January 2012.

Daydream Nation, a cute and whimsical brand that is firmly rooted in our very own city, is having a crazy sale at their Wanchai shop from now until Tuesday, 31 January 2012, with everything up to 90% off, as well as a whopping buy 3 get 1 free!

This quaint brand, with over five years of experience behind them, is the creation of a talented brother n' sister team, Jing and Kay Wong, both of whom are graduates of the renowned Central Saint Martins. Majoring in theatre and textiles design, their collection simply adds the missing dramatic effect to your everyday wear.

Each of their pieces tells an unique story, which has inspired many local celebrities including Sammi Cheng, Charlene Choi, and Ivana Wong, as well as the globally celebrated fashion blogger, Susie Bubble. They have also collaborated with an esteemed range of worldwide brands, including Shangri-la and Urban Outfitters.

Aside from checking out their collection of clothing and accessories, which is on a ridiculous sale, you should also find out more about their featured local artists, indie bands, and creative workshops while you are there!

Daydream Nation
Address: 21 Wing Fung Street, Wanchai.
Telephone: 2817 6313
Email: nation.of.daydreamers@gmail.com
Website: http://www.daydream-nation.com/

Kung Hei Fat Choy! Accessorise the Year of Dragon in Red and Gold

noreply@blogger.com (Gillian Chu) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 02:20:00 +0000

First published in Aroxta on 20 January 2012.

The Chinese are super excited about the upcoming year of dragon, because dragons are considered a good omen in our traditions, so everyone is rushing to get married or have kids this year. Want to catch up with the fad in Chinese New Year? How about jazzing up your look with some funky yet auspicious accessories? Here’s a few of my favourite picks:

Patinova’s sterling silver Chinese dragon cufflinks are designed right in time for the year of dragon. Based on a prototype from the early Republican Period around a century ago, these cufflinks are both monumental while maintaining its contemporary twist.

Wanna know what my other picks are? Read the rest of the article at Aroxta!

Vicious Venom’s red convertible wallet/pouchette, which could be used as a wallet and a shoulder bag, makes the most versatile piece during the holidays! Red and gold are usually worn during Chinese festivals and weddings, and the pouch, made of luxurious Italian leather and Thai silk, comes with its very own gold chain so that you can easily make the switch for a different look in family gatherings.

Marielle Byworth for Marijoli’s gold plated Rowma bracelet has a similar feel to a gladiator’s cuff, which will make the perfect lucky shield in completing your festive look.

Priceless Accuracy - TAG Heuer Mikrogirder

noreply@blogger.com (Gillian Chu) — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 15:55:00 +0000

First published in Elysiants on 27 January 2012.

TAG Heuer's latest invention, the Mikrogirder, is sleeker and more accurate than you can ever imagine. With the revolutionary mechanical regulator, its unconventional means of watch-making makes it even closer to ultimate accuracy, creating a breakthrough in the industry. Now there isn't much excuse left when you don't perform your best on the track! Head off to their shops around town and try out this state-of-the-art innovation now.

TAG Heuer
Address: Shop 2027, Podium 2, IFC Mall, 1 Harbour View Street, Central
Telephone: 2881 1631
Email: customer.service@lvmhwatchjewelry.com
Website: http://us.tagheuer.com/en/store/hong-kong#/en-home