Celebrity Life

Shanyan Fok Koder and Richard Bassett explain how a Hong Kong art entrepreneur joined forces with a former special-forces soldier to launch a health and mental wellbeing app, Mentor360.

"Mental health and mental fitness are universal concerns," says Shanyan Fok Koder. "And regardless of your demographic, social status, your job or your age, it’s something everyone has to deal with."

Shanyan Fok Koder & Richard Bassett on Mental Health App Mentor360

The Mentor360 app dropped on World Mental Health Day in October, the cumulation of the last 20 months of work and conversations (usually across continents over Zoom) between former military man Richard Bassett and worldly art advisor Koder. A month later, I’m sitting with both in a North London café talking over slices of pizza.

Their app, they hope, offers everyone a holistic 360 guide and framework to “finding your formula” for mental and physical wellbeing. It uses a hybrid approach, with a core layer of clinicians and professional Mentors and then celebrity Ambassadors (who’ve publicly shared meaningful life stories) critical for building noise and momentum.

"I’d been in the military for a long time. And there were a couple of incidents in my life that made me want to create something," Bassett, the CEO, explains. "Firstly, it was my father committing suicide. Then my son had a bit of misdirection. And several of my friends in the military had PTSD issues or adjustment disorders."

"The biggest issue is why people wouldn’t come forward and say they’ve got a problem?” he asks.

“Unlike some apps, we’re not trying to get people hooked. Come on to it when you need it”

— Richard Bassett

The answer often lay in culture, lack of education or concerns about privacy that prevent many from seeking help. With that came Bassett’s idea of creating an app that functions as a “non-judgmental toolkit” with content validated by experts – who include coaches, performance psychologists, mental health-specialising nurses and a clinical psychologist.

Basset’s link with Koder came when his best friend, ex-special forces colleague and TV star Jason Fox, sat next to a pregnant Koder at a charity fundraiser for Born (which researches to prevent premature birth) in late 2019. As the pair talked about their passions for mental health and children’s wellbeing, the connection to Bassett’s idea became quickly apparent.

"Foxy told me that I have to meet his friend, Richard, who’s building this app," Koder recalls. "I was always wanting to support things that are very meaningful and close to my heart … and now Jason is actually our key mentor. The partnership between Richard and I was almost like two parts of a jigsaw puzzle come together."

Although some might go to the app for help with stress, trauma or even resources to help with suicidal feelings, Mentor360 is designed specifically as a three-dimensional offering that will also encourage fitness, workouts, performance and meditation or more clinical matters.

"We wanted to maintain the human factor as a constant throughout. So it feels like somebody has given you some advice rather than some process-driven machine learning," Bassett adds.

The co-founders might come from two different worlds, but the unlikely partnership speaks to the ubiquity of the issues at hand. Bassett’s 25-year military career saw him being appointed the first ever Command Sergeant Major within the UK Special Forces military group. "It was at that stage where I was asked if I wanted to run defence,” he says. “At that point, I thought, I’ve kind of had my fill of the military now, it’s time to move on."

Koder meanwhile grew up in Hong Kong and the UK as the daughter of Li Ka-shing’s "right-hand man" Canning Fok, carving out a career in the arts and taking over her family’s impressive collection. As a female art entrepreneur and mother, her challenges would be different.

"When I had the misfortune of losing three babies to miscarriage and dealing with that emotional fallout, it led me to want to support this as a cause," Koder divulges. "If there’d been something like this app available to me, I don’t think I’d have suffered as much as I did emotionally. It’s a topic that’s still very taboo, even in this day and age … and while you eventually find your own community, at the very beginning, you do feel very alone."

Both were clearly driven towards the app through deeply personal experiences. Bassett saw first-hand how soldiers who’d done several tours in Iraq and Afghanistan suffered – his best friend, Fox, had left the forces with PTSD. Perhaps machismo or fear of institutional repercussions meant that the issue was often ignored or hidden in the military – but he hopes that Mentor360’s holistic approach can gently lead people to explore mental fitness alongside physical performance too.

The male-female perspectives of the pair offer a well-rounded, powerful tool. And while the wellness space is already crowded, Mentor360 stands out by being so broad, human-focused and non-prescriptive.

There’s been exciting traction too. Since its launch, the app has been downloaded in more than 176 countries, with the UK, the US and Australia leading. British schools have reached out and it’s one governance board away from being trialled within the National Health Service (NHS), which means added clinical risk management in the app. That has been an important validation, says Bassett, "especially when an institution like that has picked it out from a huge spectrum of apps on the market today."

Covid-19 and lockdowns have helped throw light on mental health, taking the conversation more mainstream. The timeliness has hit home; as Bassett says, “there’s a lot of people now struggling with the transition between Covid and normality”.

Koder tells us that the plan is to serve individuals but also institutions such as the NHS and the military. There’s also the option of “white labelling” it, so the app can be packaged and tailored to certain industries or corporate employees. In the future, might they look more global, with different languages and translations? Absolutely, the pair say, but they’re taking it “slow and steady”. There’s been interest from American corporations and Koder says that she’s keen to push into Asia very soon. Although going truly global might mean translating for languages, cultures and tone, as well as working with diverse psychologists, it remains a future ambition.

Mentor360 may be extra helpful in cultures where mental health is still relatively taboo. As Koder says, "I think, coming from our Asian culture, it speaks volumes to me – so much of our culture is about still performance or hiding a lot of what you’re feeling."

"Unlike some apps,” Bassett adds, "what we’re not trying to do is create a hook or get people hooked. Come on to it when you need it, and if you don’t need it for a while because you’re good, you can just put it away … We’re starting to see those patterns in the trend analysis."

To get a little personal, I ask what works for them individually to keep a healthy mind and body. Bassett’s formula revolves around daily exercise, time with the family, dogs and good sleep – even the occasional glass of wine on the sofa in front of a crackling fireplace. Koder’s happiness hacks centre around motherhood, being content and at peace in her skin, and looking at life with a certain romanticism: "I always love to see the poetry in my day,” she says, "and I think it’s important to just pause throughout the day, check-in and acknowledge that I’ve achieved these things and I should be proud of myself, rather than just rushing on to the next thing."

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This month, we’re introducing our favourite newly launched products to add to your beauty arsenal. From your holy grail must-haves to the industry’s latest and greatest, explore our roundup of everything you’ve wanted to try, and other things you never knew you needed… until now.

Hot summer days are properly setting in, and whether you love or loathe the summer heat, a beauty switch-up is in order. From swapping in breezier skincare to sweat-proofing your eye makeup, or experimenting with new cosmetic lines to refreshing your fragrance line up; here’s our definitive list of our top shelf products this May.

The post New In: The 7 Most Exciting Beauty Launches of May 2020 appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

In a time when self-care has never mattered more, and the fact that you have more time on your hands, there's really no reason not to kick your beauty game into high gear. Whether it’s switching up to a lighter face wash or indulging in summer-appropriate skincare to a brighter colour palette; here’s our definitive list of what’s new on the shelves for your new season routine.

Gucci Mascara L’Obscur

[dual-images right-image-url="https://www.prestigeonline.com/hk/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/MASCARA_OPEN-LID.jpg" left-image-url="https://www.prestigeonline.com/hk/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/MASCARA_SWATCH.jpg" right-caption="Gucci Mascara L’Obscur " left-caption="Gucci Mascara L’Obscur "]

Gucci has been upping its beauty game in the past few seasons, so it comes as no surprise that creative director Alessandro Michele is presenting a new product for spring. The Mascara L’Obscur sets itself apart from other formulas with its flexible elastomer brush. The design features a thin brush tip ensuring ultimate comfort and ease of application, catching the smallest of lashes and separating each lash to prevent clumping. The ultra-rich texture coats each lash to thicken and intensify without smudging, flaking, or feathering.

HK$315

Chanel Sublimage La Collection Lumière

[dual-images right-image-url="https://www.prestigeonline.com/hk/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/02_Sublimage-La-Collection-Lumiere-2020_Packshot_La-Lotion-Lumiere-Exfoliante_HKD1180-125ml.jpg" left-image-url="https://www.prestigeonline.com/hk/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/01_Sublimage-La-Collection-Lumiere-2020_Packshot_La-Creme-Lumiere_HKD3100-50ml.jpg" right-caption="Chanel Sublimage La Lotion Lumière Exfoliante" left-caption="Chanel Sublimage La Crème Lumière "]

Chanel’s most prestigious skincare range, Sublimage, gets two additional products added to its radiance-focused line, La Collection Lumière. Made from white birch water, natural Anthyllis extract and intense vanilla planifolia water to provide the skin with a surge in hydration, the Sublimage La Lotion Lumière Exfoliante and the Sublimage La Crème Lumière deliver the highest level of efficacy when used together. The active ingredients work together to bring out a natural luminosity and comfort to the skin.

Sublimage La Lotion Lumière Exfoliante HK$1,180/125ml

Sublimage La Crème Lumière HK$3,100/50ml

Estée Lauder Re-Nutriv Ultimate Lift Regenerating Youth Emulsion

[caption id="attachment_202044" align="alignnone" width="2550"] Estée Lauder Re-Nutriv Ultimate Lift Regenerating Youth Emulsion[/caption]

Combining the most precious ingredients sourced from the highest mountains from the Himalayan range with state of the art technology, comes Estée Lauder’s newest emulsion to its Re-Nutriv collection. The Himalayan Gentian is a unique flower with the ability to flourish even nature’s harshest climates, making its extract a powerful youth-generating component to optimise the skin’s natural cellular activities and promote collagen and elastin production. Following continued use, the skin becomes firmer, lifted and strengthened.

Re-Nutriv Lift Regenerating Youth Emulsion HK$2,000/75ml

Apivita Aqua Beelicious Collection

[dual-images right-image-url="https://www.prestigeonline.com/hk/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/apivita-aqua-beelicious-hydrating-booster.jpg" left-image-url="https://www.prestigeonline.com/hk/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/apivita-aqua-beelicious-cooling-hydrating-eye-gel.jpg" right-caption="Apivita Aqua Beelicious Refreshing Hydrating Booster" left-caption="Apivita Aqua Beelicious Cooling Hydrating Eye Gel "]

Inspired by bees, Apivita is taking nature’s nectar as its core ingredient for its newest collection. Made from blossom honey and flower extract and enriched with organic aloe hyaluronic acid and rose oil, the range includes an oil-free hydrating gel-cream, comfort hydrating cream, hydrating eye gel and a refreshing and hydrating booster. The skin is instantly hydrated, refreshed and lightweight – a perfect collection to be used for the hotter and more humid days we have ahead of us.

Apivita Aqua Beelicious Eye Gel HK$215/15ml

Apivita Aqua Beelicious Refreshing Hydrating Booster HK$275/30ml

Apivita Aqua Beelicious Comfort Hydrating Cream HK$240/40ml 

Apivita Aqua Beelicious Oilfree Gel Cream HK$240/40ml

Laura Mercier Under the Blazing Sun Collection

Embracing the summer heat, Laura Mercier is releasing a seasonal limited edition collection, Under the Blazing Sun. With four shades of Caviar Stick Eye Colour pencils in shimmer and matte finishes, four high-shine Lip Glacé plumping glosses and a Face Illuminator Highlighting Powder – you can still fake a sun-kissed look while limiting your exposure outdoors.

Laura Mercier Caviar Stick Eye Colour, Lip Glacé and Face Illuminator Highlighting Powder HK$260 each

Eve Lom Moisture Lotion

[caption id="attachment_202054" align="alignnone" width="1200"] Eve Lom Moisture Lotion[/caption]

Hot days are the worst makeup days if you’re careless. The secret to true radiance is clean skin with lasting hydration. Eve Lom’s Moisture Lotion is the multi-tasking moisturiser that can effectively remove waterproof makeup and support enough hydration to keep skin cells plumped for up to 72 hours, and control oil and shine while offering antipollution and antioxidant protection.

HK$870/50ml

The post New In: The 6 Beauty Products to Try in April 2020 appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

The workday is done and it’s time to turn up the glamour. We’ve got just the ticket, whether you’re in the mood for a lashing of red lipstick or a hint of iridescent sparkle, with these party-ready make-up picks.

The Contour & Highlight

[caption id="attachment_156478" align="alignnone" width="1968"] Charlotte Tilbury Filmstar Bronze & Glow (HK$550)[/caption]

Why buy two products when you can get them in one? Charlotte Tilbury Filmstar Bronze & Glow is our choice for subtle contouring and universally flattering highlights. Available in two colour combos, including medium to dark (pictured). charlottetilbury.com

The Longwear Foundation

[caption id="attachment_156479" align="alignnone" width="2716"] YSL All Hours Liquid Foundation (HK$550)[/caption]

It feels like 2019 has been the year of the foundation. YSL All Hours Liquid Foundation stood out with its promise of 24-hour, flawless matte coverage. We even tested it on a cover shoot and it definitely held its own. yslbeauty.com.hk

The Eyeliner

[caption id="attachment_156480" align="alignnone" width="6198"] Urban Decay 24/7 Glide On Eye Pencil (HK$255)[/caption]

Everyone knows this brand for its cult-favourite eye-shadow palettes, but we’re casting our vote for the Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil, thanks to its creamy -- and waterproof -- texture and 24 fun shades that range from deep black to neon green. urbandecay.com.hk

The Eyeshadow

[caption id="attachment_156481" align="alignnone" width="3282"] Dolce & Gabbana IntensEyes Creamy Eyeshadow Stick (HK$250)[/caption]

If you’re like us and prefer to keep things simple, Dolce & Gabbana IntensEyes Creamy Eyeshadow Stick is the perfect day-to-night make-up transition piece. Apply, blend and off you go. dolcegabbana.com

The Lip Products

When it comes to glamming it up, you can’t go wrong with a bold lip. And nowadays there are so many colours, textures and formulas to choose from that we couldn’t pick just one. Each of these products is great on its own but wouldn’t it be better to just have them all?

[caption id="attachment_156482" align="alignnone" width="1457"] Chanel Rouge Coco Flash (HK$270)[/caption]

Claiming to be "more than a lipstick", Chanel Rouge Coco Flash comes in 27 bold hues as well as three translucent top coats. We like the smooth textures and ease of application. chanel.com

[caption id="attachment_156483" align="alignnone" width="1457"] Christian Louboutin Rouge Louboutin Collection[/caption]

Another case of one just isn't enough, Christian Louboutin Rouge Louboutin Collection features the designer's iconic red in three must-have finishes. asia.christianlouboutin.com

[caption id="attachment_156484" align="alignnone" width="1457"] Kilian Le Rouge Parfum (HK$430)[/caption]

As soon as we heard about Kilian Le Rouge Parfum from creator Kilian Hennessy himself, we were hooked. The matte and satin finishes come with a marshmallow-y gourmand scent. bykilian.com

[caption id="attachment_156485" align="alignnone" width="1457"] NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil[/caption]

Matte lips look nice but they're not always easy to achieve. NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil is one way we've found to get a smooth, sharp finish. narscosmetics.com.hk

The Multitasker

[caption id="attachment_156486" align="alignnone" width="2362"] Shiseido Aura Dew (HK$210)[/caption]

Part of the brand’s reinvented make-up line, Shiseido Aura Dew immediately caught our eye with its silky, shimmering texture that can be used as an eye shadow, highlighter, lip gloss, we could go on... shiseido.com.hk

The Mascara

[caption id="attachment_156487" align="alignnone" width="6732"] Hourglass Cosmetics Caution Extreme Lash Mascara (HK$240)[/caption]

Length, volume, drama and lift -- Hourglass Cosmetics Caution Extreme Lash Mascara claims to do it all. It may not make our coffee too, but we loved the clump-free, buildable formula and durability. hourglasscosmetics.com.

The post Beauty Awards 2019: The Make-up That Takes You Into the Night appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

What you need to achieve that killer festive look.

The post New In: 10 Beauty Must-Haves for the Holidays appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

Welcome to Prestige’s third annual Beauty and Spa Awards, in which we round up the year’s top products.

The post Beauty and Spa Awards 2018 (Make-up) appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.