Celebrity Life

A new collection by Palácio celebrates craftsmanship with the artfully created QVONTUM collection. A draw of the Palácio brand is the bespoke quality of the pieces that are meant to last a lifetime and to be passed down through generations. The creations house elements such as light, pen, air pod storage and more. Perfected by artists, the cases […]

The post QVONTUM … Made to behold, Meant to be held. appeared first on Upscale Living Magazine.

In a short period of time, Osaka-born artist Verdy has made a reputable name for himself in the creative and streetwear scene. With collaborations with Nike, Uniqlo, Human Made on his resume, he shows no signs of slowing down with his projects. With the backing of the likes of Jun Takahashi, and Nigo, he’s in with great company. We recently met up with Verdy in Hong Kong at his ‘MEET VERDY’ gallery pop-up in collaboration with AllRightsReserved to check out the exhibition and his most popular creation ‘Vick' -- a panda/rabbit character born on Awajishima Island. We caught Verdy for a moment at the pop-up to talk about his career, inspirations and what's next for the designer.

How did you get into creative design?

I’ve always been into Harajuku creative culture. But it all started about 10 years ago when I first helped a friend to create flyers for his band. That was my first step into creative design.

What has been the inspiration of your recent work? 

Both music and all types of art have always been the inspiration for my work. But the most part comes from my emotions. Whether I’m sad or happy, it can translate into art.

What do you think about the streetwear/art culture nowadays, and has it affected the way you create art?

I think that streetwear and art culture really blend together. Like KAWS for Dior, and Off-White and Futura. I think that there’s no line between art and streetwear. It’s an interesting culture right now. For my art, I don’t think that it’s streetwear or art, what I think is that everything is the same, everything is just art to me.

Why did you choose Hong Kong to show your work? 

Since AllRightsReserved is based in Hong Kong, and because I haven’t done anything in Hong Kong previously, I thought that it would be a good chance to come and exhibit to the audience here. My dad always brought me to Hong Kong when I was young, and I have this really good memory of this place, so I think its really cool to be able to return and showcase my work.

I have done a lot of exhibitions and pop-ups in Japan and I felt really good about it. We got in contact with Hong Kong art and brand curator SK, and we both agreed that it would be a cool project that Hong Kong would enjoy.

Who would you want to collaborate with next?

I think that I’m all done with Nike and brands like that. I’m happy with what I've done, so I haven’t thought of what my future plans will be!

[gallery ids="175247,175251,175252,175253,175254,175255,175256,175257,175258,175259,175260,175261"]

If you're in Hong Kong, be sure to drop by the Soho Yard Gallery & Events Space, where the 'Meet Verdy' exhibition will be open to the public from November 15-20, 2019. In addition, you'll be able to shop exclusive items including lamps, mugs, tote bags, and more. Prices start at HK$270 and go up to HK$8,475.

The post Verdy Brings His ‘Vick’ Character to Hong Kong appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

When the splendid DeSoto Hotel opened its doors to much pomp and circumstance on New Year’s Eve 1890, the majestic hotel of grandeur welcomed celebrities and dignitaries from near and far. Over the next 129 years, prominent individuals, including Elvis Presley, Gregory Peck, Katherine Hepburn, and five presidents – William McKinley, William Taft, Woodrow Wilson, […]

The post The Desoto Celebrates Artistic Excellence with SCAD and Savannah Jazz Festival appeared first on Upscale Living Magazine.

Best known for his candor and biting observations on food, culture and life itself, there's no question that the late Anthony Bourdain was one of the most influential chefs in the world. He amassed millions of fans from his critically acclaimed TV shows No Reservations and Parts Unknown, and now a collection of his personal belongings will be up for auction next month.

New York-based auction house Lark Mason Associates are overseeing the sale of the collection, which is expected to fetch up to HK$3.1 million (US$400,000) and features more than 200 lots including artworks, watches, books, furniture, manuscripts of his own work, and a steel-and-meteorite chef's knife, custom made by renowned American bladesmith Bob Kramer. It was designed and given to Bourdain in 2016. It will likely fetch between HK$31–$46,000 (US$4–$6,000).

[caption id="attachment_165201" align="alignnone" width="1024"] The custom-made Bob Kramer steel-and-meteorite chef’s knife, with a certificate to Anthony Bourdain | Image courtesy of iGavel Auctions[/caption]

The 'Property from the Collection of Anthony Bourdain' auction will be prefaced by three exhibits that will be held only in America: in New York; Savannah, Georgia; and New Braunfels, Texas. But fans can still bid internationally through the online auction, which takes place from 9th to 30th October 2019. Meanwhile, online previews will start from 2nd October on the iGavel Auctions’ website.

Highlights from the auction include the original manuscript of Bourdain’s first novel, A Bone in the Throat; an oil painting by contemporary Canadian artist and writer Brad Phillips titled Cristine and me as Still-Life; silkscreen prints by Welsh artist Ralph Steadman -- who was known for his satirically morbid illustrations; and paintings by American musician, painter, actor, director, and producer, John Lurie, one of which is titled The sky is falling, I am learning to live with it and was purchased just a week before Bourdain took his own life at the age of 61. The majority of artworks are expected to sell for approximately HK$39,000 (US$5,000) each.

[gallery size="full" ids="165202,165203"]

Sixty percent of the proceeds will go directly to Bourdain's wife, Ottavia Busia, and his daughter, Ariane. The remaining 40 percent will benefit the Culinary Institute of America, which Bourdain attended and graduated from in 1978, allowing students to spend a semester abroad or take part in the school's global cuisine classes.

The post You Can Bid for Anthony Bourdain’s Prized Knife at an Online Auction Next Month appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

After months of anticipation, the wait is finally over: Opened end of August, K11 MUSEA sets itself as the new benchmark of experiential retail and is Hong Kong’s most sophisticated museum-retail space yet. Standing right on the waterfront overlooking Victoria Harbour, adjacent to neighbouring luxury hotel Rosewood Hong Kong, is the latest of Adrian Cheng’s projects as part of the New World Development portfolio, establishing itself as the K11 brand’s flagship property.

As a key part of the US$2.6 billion Victoria Dockside development, it’s all an effort to revitalise the Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront, which according to Adrian Cheng “has lost its legendary charm since the late 90s.” He adds, “K11 MUSEA will be Hong Kong and Asia’s new cultural destination, where global millennials can come together and discover their muse.”

To do so, Cheng has pulled out all the stops to create a one-of-a-kind retail experience, particularly enlisting ‘100 Creative Powers’ to mastermind the architecture, interiors and artwork. As Cheng says, “where K11 MUSEA stands today has historically played a vital role in the exchange of ideas, and as the confluence of cultures in Hong Kong. It is therefore my vision to reinvigorate this district with 100 creative powers and continue our mission in incubating local and global creative talent.”

[caption id="attachment_161173" align="alignnone" width="768"] The Gold Ball is a new media art space located on the second floor of K11 Musea.[/caption]

Measuring a whopping grand total of 1.2 million sq. ft. and spanning over ten floors, the retail giant boasts numerous international brands, including some of their largest stores in Hong Kong. It’s billed to be an immersive, multi-sensory space: an attempt to make art and culture more democratised for the everyday shopper.

The building’s architecture is a collaborative effort led by Kohn Pederson Fox and James Corner Field Operations. James Corner also had a significant hand in the wave-like redesign of the Avenue of Stars. The entire complex is inspired by the concept of ‘A Muse by the Sea,’ as apparent in its name.

Other design firms that also had a hand in the blueprint include Ronald Lu & Partners, Hong Kong design firm LAAB, OMA, led by famed Dutch architects Rem Koolhaas and David Gianotten and UK lighting design practice Speirs + Major.

Inside its walls, K11 MUSEA also boasts over 40 world-class contemporary art pieces, featuring works by Hong Kong artist Samson Young (presented with a mini golf-inspired art installation below), Carol Bove, Paola Pivi (known for her neon-hued polar bear sculptures), street artists Bao Ho, Katol of collective Startfromzero and Ron English. Those keen on new media and video art will want to head to the Gold Ball exhibition space — what looks to be a massive disco ball in the shopping mall atrium — located on the second floor.

[caption id="attachment_161174" align="alignnone" width="768"] Installation piece by Samson Young.[/caption]

You’ll also find artistic touches wherever you look — from the floral backdrop of the ‘Koncierge’ information desk to the undulating lines and pearly lamp fixtures that repeat throughout the central atrium, ceilings and escalators. Named the ‘Opera Theatre’, the theatrical central atrium features a 7-metre-high skylight. Tinged with warm lighting and brass touches, the space feels more like Aladdin’s cave of wonders than a shopping complex.

[caption id="attachment_161177" align="alignnone" width="768"] Juniors can take a ride down the peacock-themed slide.[/caption]

Outside, a new family-friendly playground is possibly the most breathtaking one we’ve seen — a 9-metre peacock climbing frame and tubular slide, designed by Denmark’s award-winning playground designers Monstrum. Also featured is the Legoland Discover Centre, with a multi-storey Donut Playhouse filled with family-friendly edutainment and shops. There’s also an oval lawn for outdoor cinema screenings and special events, as well as an alfresco dining destination.

Dining:

[caption id="attachment_161178" align="alignnone" width="5280"] Avobar Hong Kong[/caption]

• – The first Hong Kong flagship of Fortnum & Masons, featuring retail and restaurant space spanning 7,000 sq. ft.
  – Afternoon Tea, Japanese home décor store turned café, featuring customisable afternoon tea sets and ingredients freshly flown from Japan.
  – London millennial favourite, Avobar, an all-day diner and brunch hotspot dedicated to avocado.
  – Popular Japanese sweets café A Happy Pancake, with its second outpost in Hong Kong.
• – Chatterbox Cafe by Mandarin Orchard Singapore, home of the acclaimed Mandarin Chicken Rice and one of Singapore’s oldest serving the dish.
• – Takano Ramen, Tokyo Michelin favourite for four years running, opens its first restaurant in Hong Kong, where it will make ramen fresh in-store each day.
  – Kiki Noodle Bar, cult-favourite Taiwanese noodle and bubble tea brand opens, hot off the heels of a flagship opening at IFC Mall, featuring two new exclusive bubble teas and two new noodle dishes.
  – The second outpost of American fast food chain Five Guys in Hong Kong, and the very first on Kowloon side.
  – HeyTea Lab, a sit-down café by the famed Instagrammable bubble tea brand, featuring eclectic alcoholic concoctions and special drinks exclusive to K11 Musea.
  – Hong Kong actor Moses Chan’s own café, Blooms Coffee.
• – Per Piacere, Italian gelateria which churns fresh gelato in-store, as well as serves artisanal ice pops, chocolate, cicchetti (snacks) and coffee.
  – The Food Playground with over 10 international cuisines.'

• Fashion & Design:

• [gallery ids="161191,161189,161190"]
• – The new MoMA Design Store Hong Kong spanning over 6,000 sq. ft. It’s not just the first MoMA store in Greater China, but also the largest museum-quality design store in Asia.
  – L’École, School of Jewelry Arts by Maison Van Cleef & Arpels, opening its first outpost outside of Paris.
  – Yohji Yamamoto’s debut flagship in Greater China, sized at over 2,000 sq. ft. and located at the mall entrance.
  – The largest Loewe store in Hong Kong.
  – The largest Gentle Monster shop in Hong Kong.
  – COS opens its largest retail branch in Hong Kong, spanning over 5,000 sq.ft. showcasing its signature clean minimalist design.
  – Milan’s romantic boho-chic brand Twinset‘s first Hong Kong branch.
  – Italian streetwear label GCDS‘s first store in Greater China, with a retail space of over 1,300 sq. ft..

[inline_related_article article_id="146228"]

Entertainment:

[caption id="attachment_161201" align="alignnone" width="768"] Sixpad Station[/caption]

• – Sixpad Station, an innovative new fitness training centre hailing from Roppongi, featuring electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) suits by the tech brand.
  – K11 Art House, the new flagship UA Cinemas theatre, featuring the very first IMAX Laser projection system.
  – Wireless charging stations across the premises, cleverly hidden in coffee tables.

• Beauty:

• [caption id="attachment_161204" align="alignnone" width="768"] Charlotte Tilbury[/caption]

• – The largest retail space in town for British perfumery house Penhaligon’s.
  – The latest dedicated Tom Ford Beauty shop in Hong Kong.
  – The second retail space of Miller Harris, London-born fragrance house, newly introduced to Hong Kong this summer.
  – The first retail space dedicated to Serge Lutens, French perfume brand named after the filmmaker, photographer and designer.
  – The first standalone Charlotte Tilbury Beauty Wonderland in Hong Kong.
  – Polish natural soap brand Yope’s first retail store in Hong Kong.

• [caption id="attachment_161206" align="alignnone" width="768"] K11 Musea boasts the world’s largest green walls.[/caption]

  Proving that K11 Group doesn’t just have its head in the commercial clouds, K11 Musea also boasts the world’s largest green walls wrapping its facade — with over 50,000 sq. ft covered in live greenery (that’s about 18 tennis courts’ worth of foliage). On the roof, you’ll find an urban farming space. There are also enclosed green cabinets of exotic plants to educate the public. Long before the opening date, the K11 Musea project has also been awarded the US Leed (Gold) and the Hong Kong Bean Plus (Gold) standards, both green building pre-certifications proving that sustainability is key to its design. With all the excitement surrounding this side of the harbour, we can’t wait to check out the space for ourselves.

This article was originally published on Lifestyle Asia Hong Kong.

The post K11 MUSEA is Hong Kong’s latest cultural-retail destination appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

When one of the world's greatest architects I.M. Pei -- whose designs included the Louvre's iconic crystal pyramid and Hong Kong's Bank of China Tower -- passed away last May at the age of 102, he left behind an incredible private art collection that he and his wife, Eileen, had amassed over the course of their 72-year marriage.

The 59-piece art collection will go to auction at British auction house Christie's and is estimated to fetch over HK$196 million (US$25 million). It includes paintings and drawings, in addition to paper and sculpture works by an impressive array of artists. Among them is American abstract expressionist Barnett Newman, French painter and sculptor Jean Dubuffet, English sculptor Henry Moore, and Chinese-French painter Zao Wou-Ki, whom I.M. Pei had developed a close friendship with since 1952 when they met at a gallery in Paris.

[caption id="attachment_162288" align="alignnone" width="1600"] 27.3.70 (1970) by Zao Wou-ki | Image Courtesy of Christie's[/caption]

The Pei family had great relationships with friends from the art world and the collection truly illustrates that.

[inline-quote author="Liane Pei, Daughter of Eileen and I.M. Pei"]"My parents' collection is a personal reflection of how they lived. They shared a deep curiosity about the world and I have wonderful memories of traveling with them. No matter the country, they always seemed to have friends, many of whom were artists, architects, gallerists and museum directors, ready to welcome them."[/inline-quote]

Top lots in Christie’s 20th-Century Asian art evening sale on 23 November in Hong Kong include two paintings by Zao Wou-Ki. One of which is a large oil-on-canvas titled 27.3.70 (1970), which is expected to sell between HK$38 million and HK$48 million (or US$4.8 million and US$6.1 million).

Their daughter Liane Pei recalls in her statement, "Whenever we were in Paris, we would visit Zao Wou-Ki, whom I always referred to as 'Uncle Wou-Ki,' to see his latest paintings."

[caption id="attachment_162289" align="alignnone" width="1600"] Wheelbarrow (1964) by Jean Dubuffet | Image Courtesy of Christie's[/caption]

Other coveted lots going under the hammer include colour field canvases by Barnett Newman named Untitled 4 (1950) and Untitled 5 (1950), which are estimated to sell for approximately HK$62 million (US$8 million) and HK$39 million (US$5 million) respectively. The artworks were gifted to Pei by Newman's wife Annalee in the mid-1970s and stem from a series of six paintings; three of which are currently in museum collections.

Another is Jean Dubuffet's La Brouette (1964), or The Wheelbarrow, which is at the heart of the artist's 12-year Hourloupe cycle. Dubuffet, who was another friend of the couple, created works that depicted everyday objects such as utensils, chairs, boats, and of course the wheelbarrow, which were some of the most visually captivating and imaginative paintings of his career. The Wheelbarrow is estimated to value anywhere from HK$3 million to HK$4.7 million (€350,000 to €550,000).

[caption id="attachment_162287" align="alignnone" width="1600"] Reclining Figure (1983) by Henry Moore | Image Courtesy of Christie's[/caption]

Other notable works include the recognisable monochromatic art of Franz Kline, prodigious Chinese artists Zhang Daqian and Qi Baishi, along with celebrated artists Willem de Kooning, Jacques Lipchitz, Xu Shiqi and Isamu Noguchi.

A selection of the artworks will be exhibited first in Paris from 13 to 17  September, before moving onto Hong Kong and Los Angeles in October. Thereafter, the full collection will be on view in early November in New York, before sales commence.

For more information about the collection and the upcoming auctions, visit Christie's website here.

The post Christie’s to Auction I.M. Pei’s HK$196 Million Art Collection appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

For art lovers, staying somewhere where extraordinary paintings adorn the walls, exceptional murals make a splash or sculptures are displayed throughout the property is equivalent to visiting a museum. Upscale Living magazine found 10 hotels where the art speaks for itself. Delaire Graff Estate, Stellenbosch, Cape Town Delaire Graff Estate is a world-class art destination […]

The post Hotels with Extraordinary Art Collections appeared first on Upscale Living Magazine.

After months of anticipation, the wait is finally over: Opened this week, K11 MUSEA sets itself as the new benchmark of experiential retail and is Hong Kong’s most sophisticated museum-retail space yet. Standing right on the waterfront overlooking Victoria Harbour, adjacent to neighbouring luxury hotel Rosewood Hong Kong, is the latest of Adrian Cheng’s projects as part of the New World Development portfolio, establishing itself as the K11 brand’s flagship property.

As a key part of the US$2.6 billion Victoria Dockside development, it’s all an effort to revitalise the Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront, which according to Adrian Cheng “has lost its legendary charm since the late 90s.” He adds, “K11 MUSEA will be Hong Kong and Asia’s new cultural destination, where global millennials can come together and discover their muse.”

To do so, Cheng has pulled out all the stops to create a one-of-a-kind retail experience, particularly enlisting ‘100 Creative Powers’ to mastermind the architecture, interiors and artwork. As Cheng says, “where K11 MUSEA stands today has historically played a vital role in the exchange of ideas, and as the confluence of cultures in Hong Kong. It is therefore my vision to reinvigorate this district with 100 creative powers and continue our mission in incubating local and global creative talent.”

[caption id="attachment_161173" align="alignnone" width="768"] The Gold Ball is a new media art space located on the second floor of K11 Musea.[/caption]

Measuring a whopping grand total of 1.2 million sq. ft. and spanning over ten floors, the retail giant boasts numerous international brands, including some of their largest stores in Hong Kong. It’s billed to be an immersive, multi-sensory space: an attempt to make art and culture more democratised for the everyday shopper.

The building’s architecture is a collaborative effort led by Kohn Pederson Fox and James Corner Field Operations. James Corner also had a significant hand in the wave-like redesign of the Avenue of Stars. The entire complex is inspired by the concept of ‘A Muse by the Sea,’ as apparent in its name.

Other design firms that also had a hand in the blueprint include Ronald Lu & Partners, Hong Kong design firm LAAB, OMA, led by famed Dutch architects Rem Koolhaas and David Gianotten and UK lighting design practice Speirs + Major.

Inside its walls, K11 MUSEA also boasts over 40 world-class contemporary art pieces, featuring works by Hong Kong artist Samson Young (presented with a mini golf-inspired art installation below), Carol Bove, Paola Pivi (known for her neon-hued polar bear sculptures), street artists Bao Ho, Katol of collective Startfromzero and Ron English. Those keen on new media and video art will want to head to the Gold Ball exhibition space — what looks to be a massive disco ball in the shopping mall atrium — located on the second floor.

[caption id="attachment_161174" align="alignnone" width="768"] Installation piece by Samson Young.[/caption]

You’ll also find artistic touches wherever you look — from the floral backdrop of the ‘Koncierge’ information desk to the undulating lines and pearly lamp fixtures that repeat throughout the central atrium, ceilings and escalators. Named the ‘Opera Theatre’, the theatrical central atrium features a 7-metre-high skylight. Tinged with warm lighting and brass touches, the space feels more like Aladdin’s cave of wonders than a shopping complex.

[caption id="attachment_161177" align="alignnone" width="768"] Juniors can take a ride down the peacock-themed slide.[/caption]

Outside, a new family-friendly playground is possibly the most breathtaking one we’ve seen — a 9-metre peacock climbing frame and tubular slide, designed by Denmark’s award-winning playground designers Monstrum. Also featured is the Legoland Discover Centre, with a multi-storey Donut Playhouse filled with family-friendly edutainment and shops. There’s also an oval lawn for outdoor cinema screenings and special events, as well as an alfresco dining destination.

Dining:

[caption id="attachment_161178" align="alignnone" width="5280"] Avobar Hong Kong[/caption]

• – The first Hong Kong flagship of Fortnum & Masons, featuring retail and restaurant space spanning 7,000 sq. ft.
  – Afternoon Tea, Japanese home décor store turned café, featuring customisable afternoon tea sets and ingredients freshly flown from Japan.
  – London millennial favourite, Avobar, an all-day diner and brunch hotspot dedicated to avocado.
  – Popular Japanese sweets café A Happy Pancake, with its second outpost in Hong Kong.
• – Chatterbox Cafe by Mandarin Orchard Singapore, home of the acclaimed Mandarin Chicken Rice and one of Singapore’s oldest serving the dish.
• – Takano Ramen, Tokyo Michelin favourite for four years running, opens its first restaurant in Hong Kong, where it will make ramen fresh in-store each day.
  – Kiki Noodle Bar, cult-favourite Taiwanese noodle and bubble tea brand opens, hot off the heels of a flagship opening at IFC Mall, featuring two new exclusive bubble teas and two new noodle dishes.
  – The second outpost of American fast food chain Five Guys in Hong Kong, and the very first on Kowloon side.
  – HeyTea Lab, a sit-down café by the famed Instagrammable bubble tea brand, featuring eclectic alcoholic concoctions and special drinks exclusive to K11 Musea.
  – Hong Kong actor Moses Chan’s own café, Blooms Coffee.
• – Per Piacere, Italian gelateria which churns fresh gelato in-store, as well as serves artisanal ice pops, chocolate, cicchetti (snacks) and coffee.
  – The Food Playground with over 10 international cuisines.'

• Fashion & Design:

• [gallery ids="161191,161189,161190"]
• – The new MoMA Design Store Hong Kong spanning over 6,000 sq. ft. It’s not just the first MoMA store in Greater China, but also the largest museum-quality design store in Asia.
  – L’École, School of Jewelry Arts by Maison Van Cleef & Arpels, opening its first outpost outside of Paris.
  – Yohji Yamamoto’s debut flagship in Greater China, sized at over 2,000 sq. ft. and located at the mall entrance.
  – The largest Loewe store in Hong Kong.
  – The largest Gentle Monster shop in Hong Kong.
  – COS opens its largest retail branch in Hong Kong, spanning over 5,000 sq.ft. showcasing its signature clean minimalist design.
  – Milan’s romantic boho-chic brand Twinset‘s first Hong Kong branch.
  – Italian streetwear label GCDS‘s first store in Greater China, with a retail space of over 1,300 sq. ft..

[inline_related_article article_id="146228"]

Entertainment:

[caption id="attachment_161201" align="alignnone" width="768"] Sixpad Station[/caption]

• – Sixpad Station, an innovative new fitness training centre hailing from Roppongi, featuring electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) suits by the tech brand.
  – K11 Art House, the new flagship UA Cinemas theatre, featuring the very first IMAX Laser projection system.
  – Wireless charging stations across the premises, cleverly hidden in coffee tables.

• Beauty:

• [caption id="attachment_161204" align="alignnone" width="768"] Charlotte Tilbury[/caption]

• – The largest retail space in town for British perfumery house Penhaligon’s.
  – The latest dedicated Tom Ford Beauty shop in Hong Kong.
  – The second retail space of Miller Harris, London-born fragrance house, newly introduced to Hong Kong this summer.
  – The first retail space dedicated to Serge Lutens, French perfume brand named after the filmmaker, photographer and designer.
  – The first standalone Charlotte Tilbury Beauty Wonderland in Hong Kong.
  – Polish natural soap brand Yope’s first retail store in Hong Kong.

• [caption id="attachment_161206" align="alignnone" width="768"] K11 Musea boasts the world’s largest green walls.[/caption]

  Proving that K11 Group doesn’t just have its head in the commercial clouds, K11 Musea also boasts the world’s largest green walls wrapping its facade — with over 50,000 sq. ft covered in live greenery (that’s about 18 tennis courts’ worth of foliage). On the roof, you’ll find an urban farming space. There are also enclosed green cabinets of exotic plants to educate the public. Long before the opening date, the K11 Musea project has also been awarded the US Leed (Gold) and the Hong Kong Bean Plus (Gold) standards, both green building pre-certifications proving that sustainability is key to its design. With all the excitement surrounding this side of the harbour, we can’t wait to check out the space for ourselves.

This article was originally published on Lifestyle Asia Hong Kong.

The post A Guide to K11 MUSEA, Hong Kong’s New Cultural-Retail Destination appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

A first look at Pirelli's 2020 calendar reveals a Shakespearean theme dedicated to a certain tragic heroine.

The Pirelli Calendar, created by the Italian tyre maker of the same name in 1964, was once known for its glamour model-style portraits and would likely appear on a car mechanic's garage wall. Forty seven editions later and The Cal^™ (as the calendar is also referred to as) has grown up and leapt away from its original format into a snapshot of contemporary society and the perception of beauty in our times.

This year, the 2020 calendar surrounds a "Looking for Juliet” theme and was aptly shot in Paris and Verona -- where the romantic tragedy Romeo and Juliet took place. Nine personalities from around the world were invited to sing, act and pose while embodying the love, strength, youth and of course, beauty, in one of Shakespeare's most well-known female protagonists.

[caption id="attachment_157750" align="alignnone" width="1340"] Chinese pop star Chris Lee | Photo: Alessandro Scotti[/caption]

Lensed by legendary Italian fashion photographer Paolo Roversi, the calendar captures some familiar faces including high-profile actresses Emma Watson and Kristen Stewart, Chinese pop star Chris Lee, along with British actresses Claire Foy and Mia Goth, American actresses Yara Shahidi and Indya Moore, Spanish singer Rosalía Vila Tobella, and Franco-Italian artist Stella Roversi -- who also happens to be Roversi's daughter -- portraying the many facets of Juliet's character.

The official backstage photographs, shot by Alessandro Scotti, were recently released and showcases the leading ladies in action. To get a behind-the-scenes look before the calendar launches in October, click through the gallery below.

[gallery size="full" ids="157656,157749,157659,157660,157652,157751,157653,157654,157657,157658,157661,157662,157664,157665,157666,157667,157668,157669"]

The post Pirelli’s 2020 Calendar Casts Emma Watson and Chinese Singer Chris Lee as Juliet appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

With almost 30,000 visitors since it opened last December, the "Selfie Museum", billed as the first of its kind in Europe, is already one of the Hungarian capital's most popular attractions.

Its creators say their idea, inspired by a similar venue in the US, is targeted at the younger generation looking for an edge to their status updates or profile pictures.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

Need a new cover photo? 🍌 Do you like bananas? 😍 Visit us today! 🦄 #museumofsweetsandselfies #Budapest #Hungary #tripadvisor #cakes #fun

A post shared by Museum of Sweets & Selfies (@museumofsweetsandselfies) on Dec 30, 2018 at 2:18am PST

"We play with shapes and colours, and try to push people's borders and let their creativity bloom," Lilla Gangel, who co-founded the museum with her partner Balazs Koltai, told AFP.

Visitors entering the first of 11 exhibition rooms are met with palm trees growing from the walls and pink-coloured ceilings and surroundings.

"Here you can stand out from the crowd, perhaps by finding a crazy new perspective like an aerial photo, or by playing with the quirky props," said 33-year-old Gangel.

"There are more and more places on the internet where you can share photos, we're living in this type of world now, whether we like it or not," she said.

 

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Just imagine how much cooler I’ll be in summer! ☀️⛱ . . When rain stopped outdoor play in Budapest, we were aimlessly wondering the streets, but then by the grace of god, we stumbled across The Museum of Sweets and Selfies! . . If anyone knows of the @museumoficecream it’s almost the exact same thing. Certainly the same concept. I was so excited to go!! . . I’ll post all my photos from here over the next few days, I’d recommend it to people, super cheap like £20 maybe? And SO much fun! . . Happy Saturday 💖💖 . . Shot with 📸 (@monicabarbosa87 & @wander.licious ) 👯‍♀️ . . . #travelingtealeaf 🍃 . . #girlwithherheadingtheclouds ☁️ . . #lifeisafairytale 🧚🏻‍♀️ . . #magicalliving 🎪 . . #everygirlisaprincess 👸🏻 . . . #budapest #topbudapestphoto #stayclassy #travelhungary #visithungary #budapesthungaryblog #ps_magic #budapesttravel #igersbudapest #thisisbudapest #postcardplaces #princessgram #magicalplaces #museumoficecream #gellert #living_europe #museumofsweetsandselfies #bestcityviews #gellertbaths #europe_vacations #fishermansbastion

A post shared by Alexandra Tealeaf (@alexandratealeaf) on Mar 23, 2019 at 2:14am PDT

The selfie opportunities among the 11 interactive installations at the 400-square-metre facility include a ride on banana swings, a climb on a unicorn, or a lounge on giant macaroons.

Word about the new museum has spread fast, unsurprisingly, on platforms like Instagram and Snapchat.

"They're typical teenagers, They like Instagram and photos," Oli, an Israeli tourist told AFP while her young daughters threw exaggerated poses behind her.

"These are the times we are living in, what can you do," she laughed.

 

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I would give up sweets, but my mother didn’t raise a quitter 🍬#fblogger #sweet Dress: @asos [Bought] Bracelet: @linksoflondon [Bought] Rings: @theofficialpandora [Bought] Shot with: @alexandratealeaf & @wander.licious [My Gifts]

A post shared by Monica 👸🏼 (@monicabarbosa87) on Apr 8, 2019 at 10:16am PDT

Typical visitors are aged between 13 and 30, according to Gangel, although recently a pair of pensioners popped in to top up their photos for an annual calendar they present to each other.

Panka Major, an 18-year-old Hungarian student, said she was an avid user of social media but lamented that "nowadays everyone checks their phones every minute".

"It's a natural thing but also bad, as you do not live in the moment, and instead reach for a phone to record it," she said.

This article was published via AFP Relaxnews.

The post Budapest’s Selfie Museum Will Get You More Likes on Instagram appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

Want to smell like a work of art? We don't mean it literally, but now you can purchase a scent that's inspired by some of the masterpieces found inside the hallowed halls of the Louvre. In a world-first beauty collaboration of its kind, the iconic French museum has partnered with cult favourite, Parisian perfumery and beauty brand Officine Universelle Buly -- otherwise known as Buly 1803 -- for eight new fragrances based on some of the museum's most famous artworks.

[caption id="attachment_153319" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Image courtesy of Buly[/caption]

To create the unique scents, Ramdane Touhami and Victoire de Taillac, the co-founders of Buly 1803, approached eight experts of the perfume world to portray the scent of eight selected artworks from Louvre's collection. They considered things such as subject matter and emotional impact, in addition to the 'look and feel', to create these one-of-a-kind perfumes, scented candles, scented soap sheets, and scented postcards.

[caption id="attachment_153312" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Winged Victory of Samothrace (left), Venus de Milo (right)[/caption]

Highlights include the ancient Greek statue Venus de Milo, interpreted by perfumer Jean-Christophe Hérault as a rousing combination of mandarin, jasmine and amber; another Hellenistic sculpture, the Winged Victory of Samothrace, or Nike the Greek goddess of victory, has been translated by perfumer Aliénor Massenet into a beautiful bouquet of tuberose, magnolia and jasmine warmed up by the aromatics of myrrh. Meanwhile, the famous 1814 oil painting La Grande Odalisque by French Neoclassical painter Jean Auguste Dominique Ingres is interpreted with a musky intensity with accents of pink pepper and incense by perfumer Domitille Michalon-Bertier.

[caption id="attachment_153317" align="alignnone" width="1024"] The fragrances are available in a retail space within the famed Louvre Museum | Image courtesy of Buly[/caption]

Other chosen art pieces include The Valpinçon Bather, depicted by the perfumer Daniela Andrier; Conversation in a Park by Dorothée Piot; Nymph With Scorpion by Annick Ménardo; Saint Joseph Charpentier by Sidonie Lancesseur; and The Bolt by Delphine Lebeau. As far as the Mona Lisa goes, it was said to be too much of an obvious choice and thus the world's most-visited artwork will not have her own fragrance -- for now, at least.

The full collection is available now on the Buly 1803 website and at the Louvre museum store in Paris until 6 January 2020.

The post Smell Like A Masterpiece With the Louvre’s 8 New Art-Inspired Fragrances appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

The Antinori Chianti Classico winery is a symbol of the deep tie that has bound the Antinori family to the arts since 1385: painting, sculpture, architecture and of course the art of turning the fruits of the earth into great wines, it is why it was the chosen location to unveil the much-anticipated Untitled (Antinori), […]

The post Antinori Presents “Untitled” the work of American artist Sam Falls appeared first on Upscale Living Magazine.