Celebrity Life

Once the boy wonder of classical music, superstar pianist Lang Lang now tempers his flamboyant virtuosity with a new-found intellectual rigour, and is devoting more energy to his educational foundation.

One of the most famous classical musicians in the world today – and certainly one the best-known concert pianists – Lang Lang, who took up the instrument at the age of three and was performing and winning competitions just two years later, is, at the age of 37, something of a phenomenon. Named by Time magazine in 2009 as one of the 100 Most Influential People in the World, he’s played for princes, presidents and prime ministers, and has been repeatedly praised not only for his absolute mastery of his chosen instrument, but also for his tireless efforts as an educator and populariser of classical music, which can only be described as evangelical.
Born in the northern Chinese industrial city of Shenyang in 1982, as a child he was driven mercilessly by his policeman father, who’d decided that his son would become the greatest classical musician in the country. In the event
– and after one major hiccup when, at the age of nine, he was told by his then teacher that he’d never make it as a concert pianist – he achieved much more than that. In his mid-teens he and his father left the Beijing slum where they’d been living and moved to the United States. Lang Lang enrolled at the famous Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia and, two years later, burst on to the international stage after standing in with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra for a sick André Watts.
Since then he’s lived like a rock star, hobnobbing with rappers and superstars of sport, with whose lifestyles he often identifies. Known initially for his dazzling technique and deeply emotional interpretations of the romantic repertoire, including works by Chopin, Rachmaninov and Tchaikovsky, he’s also collaborated with jazz musicians such as Herbie Hancock, the singer-songwriter Billy Joel and even the rock bank Metallica, as well as recording music for the video game Gran Turismo 5. An injury to his left arm in 2017 threatened to destroy his career and kept him from performing for more than a year; his return to the stage has seen him exploring the more cerebral side of his prodigious talent by focussing on rigorously intellectual works, such as Bach’s Goldberg Variations. And last year his life took another change of direction when he married the German-Korean pianist Gina Alice Redlinger; the couple divide their time between homes in Beijing, Paris and New York.
In Hong Kong for a private performance earlier this year, Lang Lang found time to sit for an exclusive photo shoot with Prestige, talking to everyone and delighting them with his easy charm and self-deprecatory humour. Although now nearer 40 than 30, he brimmed with an enthusiasm that can only be called boyish, revealing himself to be a born communicator and talking at length – and in an accent located midway in the Pacific between China and North America – about his educational foundation and its frankly inspirational aim to spread a knowledge and love of music to young people around the world.

[caption id="attachment_206439" align="alignnone" width="1346"] Watch and Tops Bruno Cucinelli | Trousers Zegna | Watch Hublot Big Bang Unico Rainbow King Gold[/caption]

The post Superstar Pianist Lang Lang’s Foundation Gives Youth Access to a Music Education appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

Much of the world remains in home lockdown and more people stay in to combat the spread of COVID-19. Zoom work meetings are a daily reality, and virtual fitness and yoga sessions are beamed around the world. Pyjamas have become a daily uniform for some. Stress and anxiety is at an all time high, and it's the little things like family, home cooking, wellness routines and comfy lounge clothes that provide comfort. ‘Outdoor’ fashion shopping is in a temporary slump, so instead we talk to Olivia von Halle, pioneer of silky luxury sleepwear, bedroom chic and the power pyjama.

[caption id="attachment_204876" align="alignnone" width="4380"] Luxury sleepwear designer, Olivia von Halle[/caption]

You started your sleepwear brand many years before this luxe PJ trend hit the style pages and runways, how did this interest start?

I didn’t grow up wanting to be a fashion designer – I founded the brand after spotting a gap in the market. In 2010 I was living in Shanghai and working as a trend forecaster. I had an incredible tailor there who made me the most heavenly pair of silk pyjamas to my design. I literally lived in them – I would change into them after nights out partying with friends for G&Ts and afterparties, and even walked the dog in them. Before I knew it, I had friends queuing up for me to make them a pair too.

How did this niche passion become a business?

It was the slowest eureka moment, but I eventually realised that there was nothing else like them available at the time. I set up Olivia von Halle and moved back to London in 2011 to launch the brand. I love a challenge and the fact that no one else was making luxury silk pyjamas at the time was the most motivating factor. I wanted to be the first, the best and the biggest! Of course, my background in trend forecasting has really helped. I’ve always been a strong believer in following your gut instinct.

[caption id="attachment_204882" align="alignnone" width="914"] Lila silk-satin pyjamas in Diablo, Mimi silk-satin robe in Diablo.[/caption]

You’re known for fun, fabulous prints, tell us more about this?

‘Lila’, the printed silk pyjama style I launched with, remains our best-selling product to this day. When I founded the brand, I was very into small scale ‘geo’ prints but then a couple of years ago we started to experiment much more with large-scale animal motifs, and they have proved enduringly popular.

How do you approach each new collection, what’s the process?

Whilst many of our core silhouettes remain the same, we reimagine each season afresh, adding one or two new silhouettes and creating a world for our ‘woman’ to inhabit. Beginning with one or two points of inspiration, we build out a mood board, an original palette and begin hand-drawing the prints. Previous seasons have begun with a quote from an Ayn Rand novel and tattered copies of Italian Vogue from the 90s. This process ensures each season feels fresh and has a new and distinct personality.

[caption id="attachment_204884" align="alignnone" width="914"] Bibi slip dress in Salem and Coco pyjama set in Amber.[/caption]

Now you’re famous for your PJs, what other popular products have you developed?

As with the pyjamas, many of our product categories have come about out of necessity. Even our silk-cashmere tracksuits are designed with a use – travel – in mind. It’s so satisfying spotting a gap in your wardrobe and then creating something that fits perfectly in it. If I reach to wear it before it’s actually dropped, then I know we’re on to a winner! This aspect of utility also gives our products quite universal appeal, which I love. Often people will buy for all the women in their family, for Christmas or another special occasion, regardless of their age and I think there’s something really unifying in that.

Olivia Von Halle is available in Hong Kong at Sheer and Net-a-Porter.com. 

The post #StayAtHome with Olivia von Halle, Queen of Fabulous, Fashionable Sleepwear appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

Charting her journey from food truck owner to partner at multiple restaurants – including Sushi Kimura and Gyu Bar.

The post Restaurateur Karen Cheng on food trucks, and the current Covid situation appeared first on The Peak Magazine.

Charting her journey from food truck owner to partner at multiple restaurants – including Sushi Kimura and Gyu Bar.

For more stories like this, visit www.thepeakmagazine.com.sg.

Model, TV presenter, entrepreneur and mother of three, Cara G McIlroy made her name during the hype of Eurasian modelling back in the early 2000. Since then, the fashion and beauty maven has graced the covers of the biggest titles in Hong Kong and abroad. With a professional career cemented in fashion, influencing her personal sense of style and wardrobe choices, we can’t help but wonder what the inside of this supermodel’s closet looks like. Is there an endless rotation of dresses, tops, skirts and pants in a closet styled after Cher’s in Clueless? Are there shelves and shelves of handbags coordinated by colour, size and cross-referenced by brands? How many pairs of power pumps, strappy sandals and sneakers does she own?

Unlike the fantastical imagination of a fashion hoarder’s dream, Cara surprises us with her down-to-earth wardrobe. Her concern for sustainability and the environment has driven her to make smart and conscientious fashion choices. Building an eco-friendly wardrobe over the years, Cara further demonstrates her support for the environment and in celebration of Earth Day (marking its 50^th anniversary this year on 22 April), by taking on Vestiaire Collective’s Wardrobe Reality Check Challenge. We speak to Cara find out more about the initiative, how she recycles her children's clothing, and the way in which she Marie-Kondos her closet.

Tell us about your partnership with Vestiaire Collective. What attributes do you and Vestiaire Collective share?

I am a fan of Vestiaire Collective and have always appreciated companies that care for the environment. We both believe in the idea of a circular lifestyle. I love vintage and Vestiaire Collective is a treasure trove for vintage lovers like myself. I’ve also been a fan of pre-loved fashion for years, so it made a lot of sense for us to collaborate.

Why did you participate in the ‘wardrobe reality check challenge’?

It was the perfect time for me to support a fun challenge like this for two main reasons: first, as I’m in the process of moving house, a good clean out is necessary and overdue; secondly, I like to jump on board and support companies that make efforts in the name of sustainability. I think as an influencer and model, it’s a responsibility I have -- given the current position our earth is in. If I can persuade even just one follower to change some small bad habits, that’s worth it for me.

What was the hardest thing in your wardrobe for you to give up?

I think things I don’t wear ever, but for some reason I have a strange attachment to. I did keep a few of these pieces like the tee my Hubby was wearing the first time I met him and our first Genie staff tee, but the rest I let go of.

What is something in your closet you could never give up?

My Burberry trench and Gucci woolen trench. They are timeless capsule pieces I want to hand to my girls one day.

What are the main things you consider when purchasing fashion?

Will I wear it and will it last a few years down the line.

Now that you have three children, how has that affected your buying for the kids?

I seldom buy clothes for them. I do a lot of jobs for children’s brands so we get given so much. The rest I swap with a little tribe of mommy friends. It’s so perfect and it’s so beautiful when you see your best friends’ kids in your kids’ clothes. It makes all those wonderful memories of them wearing them come back to life. It’s truly special.

What’s in your Vestiaire Collective shopping bag right now?

I love all these brands but they come with big price tags. They aren’t really basics so it’s perfect to buy them preloved. I also lost my leather jacket that I’ve had for 20 years recently, so I have my eye on this one by Sir. I'm also eyeing this Innika Choo linen dress and this Christy Dawn maxi dress.

Inside Cara G's Vestiaire Collective Shopping Cart

[gallery ids="203811,203812,203814,203815,203818,203820,203821"]

About Wardrobe Reality Check by Vestiaire Collective

As part of Vestiaire Collective's broader "Fashion Should Feel Good" campaign, comes Wardrobe Reality Check -- a challenge that aims to inform, inspire and motivate people to break old habits and free themselves from pieces they no longer need, and how to build an eco-conscious wardrobe for the future. Join Cara in her Wardrobe Reality Check challenge by following these simple steps:

1. Sort through items you don't wear into 4 categories: pieces to be resold, donated to charity, repurposed or recycled. Deposit pieces from your resale pile on Vestiaire Collective's app and arrange for pick-up/drop-off of other items.
2. Change the way you care for your new edited wardrobe by steaming, repairing and laundering.
3. Build a core wardrobe with good quality staple pieces and consider reselling or investing in pre-loved pieces that are more trendy and seasonal
4. Share your tips and spread the word to inspire others

Download the full Wardrobe Reality Check Challenge guidelines here.

The post Cara G Cleans Out Her Closet in the Name of Sustainable Fashion appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

Basmaijian’s sartorial success is hardly an orthodox story. But his commercial realism combined with creative vision made for a powerful combination in the world of traditional menswear. Collaborating with the likes of Paolo Roversi, Ellen von Unwerth and Patrick Demarchelier on brand campaigns, he communicates his vision through the best. “I’m American, so a lot of the training I had in the States – at these big brands like Donna Karan and Calvin Klein – always had a commercial touch,” the designer explains, “I’m quite happy I went from the American structure to the European one, rather than vice versa, as Europe is much more focused on the creativity.” Studying communications and marketing at university, he worked summers in a speciality fashion shop for men and women: “That’s where I kind of got bitten by the fashion bug. All these beautiful clothes, cuts and fabrics – the cashmeres – I loved it. And I thought, ‘I’ve gotta do this.’” The hands-on skills, however, were honed in a very small shop in Boston, with a head tailor from Abruzzo who taught him tailoring and pattern cutting. Ironically, Basmajian would later do work in Abruzzo at Brioni. Learning on the job in those days, “We had to do everything,” says Basmajian, whose shaved head and perfect stubble recall a designer Jason Statham. During an Armani internship, he discovered the power of branding: “The ambience, the flowers, the uniforms, the music, the way people spoke – the world of this brand. Twenty-five years ago, it was rare for a fashion brand to create a universe that was so immersive.”

[caption id="attachment_202066" align="alignnone" width="724"] Basmajian's direction, Gives & Hawkes revamped its 1 Saville Row store[/caption]

While modernising Cerruti menswear into a punchy, powerful fashion-forward offering that revelled in the lessons of detailing, quality and heritage, Basmajian also reintroduced womenswear at the label. I still remember screen-grabbing those runway images for my own style inspiration. “I had so many female friends telling me they loved that jacket, coat or shirt and asking if they could buy the samples,” he says. “Then female influencers started calling over the men’s collection.”

[dual-images right-image-url="https://www.prestigeonline.com/hk/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/CERRUTI-1881-FALL-WINTER-2019-LOOK-6.jpg" left-image-url="https://www.prestigeonline.com/hk/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/CERRUTI-1881-FALL-WINTER-2019-LOOK-28.png" right-caption="Cerruti 1881 Autumn/Winter 2019 runway look" left-caption="Cerruti 1881 Autumn/Winter 2019 runway look"]

Great tailoring and style, whether male or female, is about a good cut, fabric or colour – designers since Coco Chanel have been borrowing across genders – the idea, he reminds us, isn’t new. There’s also been that flipping, between being more Italian, English, then Italian suiting styles. Brioni was a continental Italian style, power suits and all, then at British heritage powerhouse Gieves & Hawkes, his sexier revamp of traditional British Savile Row style fit a contemporary customer – introducing a fresher lifestyle to the brand: cool runway shows, revamped stores and shopping experience.

[caption id="attachment_202048" align="alignnone" width="1000"] Gieves & Hawkes Autumn/Winter 2014 campaign[/caption]

“It was such an exciting project … taking on 240 years of history at the brand. London just has such creativity, but it was an international business through and through, as it was owned by Trinity – there was scalability.” The last two decades have seen major shifts in menswear – traditional codes are being questioned and shaken up. There’s been the relaxing of suiting and tailoring, a vigorous new take on men’s accessories and Dandy-ism, as well as a focus on casual, sportswear and summer suits for warmer climes. Brands have a more global audience, and a younger set of men from Europe and Asia have also embraced the pleasures of well-tailored clothing. The power of streetwear on men’s fashion is undeniable. All of it came to a head during Basmajian’s tenures at these famous labels – it required a deft hand and precise vision to modernise each without straying too far from their DNA. “The best advice Nino Cerruti gave me was, “You can do this, but don’t get distracted by the nonsense and noise of fashion. Stay true to your vision and voice, because you’re creating style, Jason,” he says, reminiscing with twinkly-eyed enthusiasm. So perhaps it’s not so surprising that Basmajian’s focus turns towards interiors, hospitality, art and design. His North London flat, Paris apartment and a pink 19thcentury French villa in the Sancerre countryside have all made it into pages of The Times Magazine, Elle Decor and Architectural Digest USA.

[caption id="attachment_202040" align="alignnone" width="512"] Basjamian’s designer Paris apartment[/caption]

“When I was a kid, my mom said that I used to sit and draw little sketches for restaurants and hotels, spaces like that. I always loved interior spaces and furniture. I think it’s a very organic link to fashion – your eye is always linked to shapes, textures, colour.” His spaces are often filled with contrasting black and whites or warm neutrals often making for stylised minimal base palettes. Striking pieces, such as photographs by Robert Mapplethorpe and Candida Höfer, a vintage Beni Ourain carpet, or a work by American artist Kara Walker, betray an art-loving nature. There’s a penchant for vintage and antique European lamps, chairs and statement vases often filled with gorgeous blooms. Books, trinkets and treasures from his travels make each space feel like a proper home. “An interior, whether residential or commercial, has to convey an emotion and a mood, as does a fashion collection,” says Basmajian. Today he’s concerned with how it all “integrates into a modern lifestyle without compromising an elevated, luxurious and meaningful experience”. Having worked in style and aesthetics for more than three decades, one personal memory sticks in his mind and still informs his take on luxury, whether it’s sartorial, hospitality or interiors. Thirty years ago, learning the trade in that Boston men’s tailoring shop, a young Basmajian strutted into work one day, “very proud of this gorgeous mustard, Shetland wool Italian jacket – from a very prestigious men’s store – that I bought from the money I’d saved up all summer.” The head tailor Giuseppe, an older Italian man, just said, “Gimme that jacket.” Basmajian initially refused.

Giuseppe demanded it, saying, “It doesn’t fit you right,” and reluctantly Basmajian handed it over. He took out his scissors “and to my horror I watched him cut my jacket. He told me to stop panicking and watch what he did. He re-cut my jacket, with minor tweaks, sewed it back on to me and it fit beautifully! It became like a bespoke piece.” “That’s when I realised it’s really all in the details,” says Basmajian, smiling and folding his hands as we finish our meal, “You see, it’s all about the subtlety and the craft.”

[caption id="attachment_202041" align="alignnone" width="480"] Interiors that Basjamian designed for his French countryside villa[/caption]

The post Menswear Star Jason Basmajian on Style, Runway Transformations and Artful Interiors appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

The chief executive officer of Evergreen Assets Management finds motivation in disproving naysayers.

The post How timber scion David Yong grew the family business by grafting new ideas appeared first on The Peak Magazine.

The chief executive officer of Evergreen Assets Management finds motivation in disproving naysayers.

For more stories like this, visit www.thepeakmagazine.com.sg.

In Prestige Online’s Getting to Know series, we ask our favourite personalities what they’re like outside of work — and get a little more personal.

Even with a whole host of TV dramas, shows, films, Hong Kong's biggest beauty pageant title, and now her new beauty brand Snow Queen under her belt, Grace Chan is something of a sweetheart. Loved by thousands for her genuine and humble personality, the actress is well known for being honest about her personal life too. Thanks to her Instagram, her marriage to Hong Kong actor Kevin Cheng gave us major #CoupleGoals and images of her adorable son sparked broodiness across the nation. But what is Grace Chan like in real life? We took a moment to chat to her to find out.

What’s the first thing you do when you wake up?

The most boring thing you can think of: brushing my teeth and washing my face.

What’s a normal weekend like for you?

In the afternoon, I love going to the park with my husband and my son. At night, we usually do dinner at home with my parents and his mom.

 

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A post shared by ♥ (@ghlchan) on Mar 17, 2020 at 9:50pm PDT

What’s your favourite emoji?


Any colour heart.

What book are you reading right now and what’s on your list to read?


Lean In by Sheryl Sandberg
. I'm waiting for my order from Book Depository: This is Going to Hurt by Adam Kay.

What are you most likely to order for delivery?

Dinner... and books. For dinner, most likely Vietnamese. Banh mi on a hot day and pho on a cold day.

 

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A post shared by ♥ (@ghlchan) on Mar 14, 2020 at 9:08pm PDT

What do you like to do to relax?


Reading, binging on Netflix, or baking.

Tell us something that not too many people know about you.

The most hardcore addiction I ever had was watching WWE [World Wrestling Entertainment] in high school. I even went on a road trip from Vancouver to Portland, Oregon with a girlfriend to watch a pay-per-view. We had second-row seats.

What’s a guilty pleasure of yours?

Eating cake in bed at midnight.

 

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A post shared by ♥ (@ghlchan) on Apr 16, 2017 at 7:00pm PDT

Have you ever had a fan-girl moment? If so, who was it?

Meeting my favorite WWE wrestler Shawn Michaels (at aforementioned pay-per-view) after waiting an hour and a half in the rain. I couldn't speak... it’s something I regret to this day.

What’s the strangest or most horrible thing you’ve read about yourself on the internet?

That I’m not my parent’s biological daughter. Hurtful — a bit, but definitely strange for people who don’t know me to make up accusations like that.

 

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A post shared by ♥ (@ghlchan) on Mar 28, 2020 at 9:09pm PDT

Tell us what you have going on at the moment.


I recently launched my first personal care brand: Snow Queen! I'm really proud of this moment because we’ve been working on it for quite some time. We’ve only started with one product thus far — premium quality facial cotton pads — but we’re getting some positive reviews and hopefully this means we can keep expanding the brand further!

To date, what do you consider your greatest accomplishments?

Being married to the man of my dreams and having a wonderful family with him.

 

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A post shared by ♥ (@ghlchan) on May 25, 2019 at 3:24am PDT

The post Getting to Know Hong Kong Actress and TV Show Host Grace Chan appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.