Celebrity Life

By now, your bosses and colleagues have probably seen more of your abode than you would've ever expected to show them.

With many of us working from home these days, meetings held over video conferencing apps the likes of Zoom and Microsoft Teams have become the new normal. Inevitably, this means letting colleagues into our residences — albeit virtually — and having them catch glimpses of it via our backdrop. Depending on where your workspace is located, this view could range from a boring blank wall to windows or cluttered bookshelves.

Your makeshift office may not be the most glamorous, but there are several easy interior design tricks that you can employ to quickly jazz up the background of your Zoom calls.

Textiles and cushions

If your workstation of choice is the couch or bed, all it takes is a few snazzy throw pillows wrapped in eye-catching fabrics and prints to provide visual interest in the space behind you. Consider dressing your cushions in the Armani/Casa Exclusive Textiles by Rubelli collection, which is inspired by modern art — specifically works by Henri Matisse, Vasilij Kandinskij and Paul Klee.

It showcases striking colour blocks embellished with embroideries, ikat details and intertwined motifs. These are available in various patterns and shades ranging from pastel to neutral hues. More details here.

Houseplants and greenery

Adding houseplants to your home office will help the space look less spartan and bland. Smaller plants like cacti, succulents and spider plants can be displayed on shelves or tables, while larger ones such as philodendrons, snake plants and ZZ plant (Zanzibar Gem) can be placed on the floor to break the monotony of blank walls.

Online plant retailer Flora Houses offers a wide variety of houseplants that will thrive indoors and are generally low-maintenance. Its range includes Japanese fir, fiddle leaf fig and Bird of Paradise. The store provides free doorstep delivery with a minimum spend.

Artworks and paintings

Perhaps houseplants may seem like too much of a commitment, or you simply don't have green fingers. This is where paintings and art pieces make an easier alternative. You can simply hang a couple of them on the wall that constantly forms your video call backdrop.

An Andy Warhol or Basquiat will certainly impress your co-workers, but your art doesn't necessarily have to be expensive or by big name artists. Consider procuring artworks instead from indie galleries such as Odd One Out, which boasts an array of creations by local and international printmakers and illustrators. We can't take our eyes off the above acrylic painting by Micke Lindebergh, which is titled 'Small Yellow Flower Pot' and features colourful blooms accented by quirky squiggles and bright hues.

Statement ornaments and furniture

Inject a dose of quirk into your meeting setup by peppering your background with assorted decorative items and statement furniture pieces. These can be anything from figurines to colourful tiles and dramatic room dividers.

Our go-to is Lala Curio, which is a whimsical wonderland of objets d'art such as brass monkey sculptures, cloisonné birds, and, one of our favourites — an adorable trio of cranes adorned with rock crystal feathers and perched on crystal balls.

Wallpaper

Why settle for one specially curated work area, when you can turn your whole room into an Instagram-worthy space? Wallpaper is a bold and easy solution — if every wall in your room is clad in beautiful prints, you can essentially park yourself in any corner and still have an envy-inducing Zoom backdrop.

Designer wallpaper has seen a resurgence in recent years, and we're obsessed with Christian Lacroix's exquisite Oiseau Fleur vinyl wallpaper, which depicts vibrant botanical and bird motifs against a silk effect embossed base. It comes in two colourways of pink and grey.

(Main image: Brina Blum/ Unsplash; Featured image: Christian Lacroix)

The post Jasmin Pang of JSMP on Authenticity in Fashion appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

“If you can dream it, we can make it,” Christian Louboutin's bespoke service is Cinderella's experience in the flesh and now, for Christmas available with Mr. Louboutin himself

The post Christian Louboutin’s Made to Measure Service: A Cinderella Experience appeared first on LUXUO.

Taking tailoring into the present day with effecient system building.

The post Edit Suits Co. bridges the gap between made-to-measure and bespoke with technology appeared first on The Peak Magazine.

Taking tailoring into the present day with effecient system building.

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

Since its founding, the House of Zegna has pushed boundaries beyond traditional tailoring, encompassing multiple collections which makes one effortlessly dressed up regardless of dress code

The post Only in Ermenegildo Zegna, You’re Dressed Up even when Dressed Down appeared first on LUXUO.

As any well-attired gent knows, there's a huge gap between fast fashion and the price tag that comes with bespoke tailoring. That's exactly why friends Tobe Fong and TC saw an opportunity to develop something in between and bring something new to the market. The two built their friendship on a shared passion for sartorial splendour, and later began their business based on personal need: Craftsman Clothing is a sustainable, luxury menswear line that focuses on high-quality outerwear. (You may have already seen it featured on The Rake and MR PORTER.) We spoke to the Hong Kong-based company's co-founders open up about their childhood aspirations, how a “normal” day plays out, and what it takes to run a successful startup in a competitive market.

Names: Tobe Fong and TC Ng

Profession: Co-founders of Craftsman Clothing

Industry: Fashion retail and eCommerce

Startup since: 2015

Tell us about your business. What do you do?

TC Ng (TN): We’re Craftsman Clothing, a rather new brand from Hong Kong specialising in men’s outerwear. We believe luxury is defined by quality design and manufacturing. Our products are personalised using the finest materials -- Italian or Spanish leather, RiRi zippers, genuine horn buttons and Bemberg lining with customisable details.

Tobe Fong (TF): We also have goals to expand it into other sectors such as our own whisky brand or barber shop down the road.

Tell me about your best and worst day at work?

TF: Generally speaking, a good day would be when you are in momentous work flow to get a lot of things done, when sales are rolling in and you get invitation emails to be featured in magazines, when reputable retailers are interested in your brand or when a celeb represents you. Worst day would be when the factory deliveries don’t turn out as expected. It’s a waste of time and money!

TN: Any day that I can help people, solve problems and make significant contributions are my best days. And disappointing people are the worst days.

What do you do when you’re not at work? 

TF: I like to hit the gym, learn martial arts, attend music festivals and concerts, travel, etc.

TN: That doesn’t happen. I don't think I have ever taken a proper break, as working on social media is already enough to consume your life.

Looking back now, what would you have done differently?

TN: With the power of social media, we should have started to put our ideas in motion earlier. We may have hesitated a bit at the start as we were fearful we may fail, but now we realise that it’s just a part of the process that will lead to you to success.

TF: I wish we would have launched our eCommerce platform way sooner than just selling on Instagram the first two years!

[caption id="attachment_139807" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Tobe Fong (left) and TC Ng (right)[/caption]

What is a normal work day like?

TN: A lot of communication. I feel like I talk to people 24/7.

TF: Get up at 7am, hit the gym, breakfast, meditate, then work in 45-minute time blocks until around 7pm or 8pm.

What advice would you give to someone looking to start up?

TN: It’s important to understand your customers’ needs if you are looking to start a business. Be unique and different from others. Focus on a rapid growth plan with sustainable profits, as that is what is going to differentiate your startup from a small-sized company.

TF: Start early, there’s no better time than now. If you must learn, learn simultaneously while you are doing what you do. Also, stay in the game. Whatever you do, don’t give up!

What would you be doing if you weren’t doing what you do now?

TF: I’d still be running a startup I guess. Probably something in wellness perhaps, but owning a clothing brand has always been on my agenda so it’s hard to imagine doing anything else.

TN: A financial salesman.

As a child, what did you aspire to be?

TF: James Bond!

TN: I wanted to work in the banking and finance industry. That’s why I chose to study economics and accounting since high school. It is relevant to reality and society by understanding how the world works. Mathematics has always been my favourite subject; it's challenging and I like to solve problems.

What has been your biggest hurdle?

TF: Being a shy introvert.

How did you overcome it?

TF: I previously worked as a financial advisor and that definitely helped. I have also attended a lot of networking events and initiated more conversations. I guess as a business owner, introversion and shyness aren’t real advantages.

Why did you decide to base Craftsman Clothing in Hong Kong?

TF: I was born in Seattle but raised in Hong Kong. I was in the States from middle school to college; when I graduated, I wanted to come back and spend some time with my family. Also, Craftsman initially began with all products made in Hong Kong. Besides, there’s a definite logistics and tax advantage. Hong Kong also has a rich history in textiles and craftsmanship, and I want to remind people of that.

TN: I think Hong Kong has always been defined as one of the most successful business centres in terms of location, economy, policies and people, but most importantly, Tobe and I are based here with our production team and crafters with over 40 years of experience.

If you were to invest in another startup, which would it be?

TF: I am actually starting a new company selling watches that are powered by solar energy. There are very few, if any, aesthetically pleasing solar-powered watches out there and I want to change that. So, my own. Does that count?

TN: An e-Payment platform that helps handle cross-border payments. In addition to the digital and mobile payment tool offered by PayPal, an easier platform that streamlines international payments will be super helpful for companies to make payments for vendors from all around the world.

What are your goals for 2019? And in the near future?

TN: One of our main goals is still to increase our brand awareness. We have been doing a lot of influencer marketing to connect us with the right audiences. Expanding our retail distributions, both online and offline and wholesaling, are our focused strategies for 2019.

TF: This year I am very lucky to have met some people who are able to mentor me and help accelerate my business. My goal is to triple our revenue from the previous year. We are also going to exhibit at Pitti Uomo this summer, and we look forward to get into one of the biggest retailers in Japan.

How hands-on are you?

TN: Both Tobe and I are extremely hands-on, as that encourages a deeper understanding of every single task in the pipeline and helps increase engagement and moves us forward.

TF: Very! When we first started, it was just me and TC doing everything ourselves. But this year with more resources, we grew our team which helped to lighten our workload a lot. That being said, I’m still really hands-on!

How do you define success? Do you consider yourself being successful?

TF: Everyone has a different definition of success. When I first graduated, I was very money-driven and I was working long hours every day. I neglected other aspects in my life such as my relationships and health. As I grew older, I learned that you have to be patient and trust the process. If you put in the work, success will follow, so live in the moment and enjoy the ride! I wouldn’t say I’ve reached success yet, but I am getting there!

TN: I’d define success as happiness and personal achievement. It is not about how much money you make but the contributions you make in your life.

The post Startup Life: Tobe Fong and TC Ng of Craftsman Clothing appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

These tailoring houses offer both bespoke and made-to-measure services.

The post Tailors in Singapore: Bespoke suits, custom suits, and menswear appeared first on The Peak Magazine.

These tailoring houses offer both bespoke and made-to-measure services.

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

The Peak readers were invited to a second round of the Su Misura experience with Ermenegildo Zegna at the ION Boutique.  Guests experienced firsthand the expertise and craftsmanship of Zegna’s Made-to-Measure (MTM) services. Managers of Zegna VIP services and the MTM specialists showcased a series of curated looks – styles that transition well from day to night, or […]

The post Style treats for guests at The Peak Premier Cocktails, with Ermenegildo Zegna appeared first on The Peak Magazine.

The Peak readers were invited to a second round of the Su Misura experience with Ermenegildo Zegna at the ION Boutique.  Guests experienced firsthand the expertise and craftsmanship of Zegna’s Made-to-Measure (MTM) services. Managers of Zegna VIP services and the MTM specialists showcased a series of curated looks – styles that transition well from day to night, or […]

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

The Peak readers were treated to a Su Misura experience with Ermenegildo Zegna at their Paragon Boutique.  Guests experienced, first hand, the expertise and craftsmanship of Zegna’s Made to Measure Services. Zegna’s VIP services managers and the Made to Measure specialists selected some special looks for the guests and hosted personalized styling consultations. (Related: Here’s a […]

The post The Peak Premier Cocktails with Ermenegildo Zegna appeared first on The Peak Magazine.

The Peak readers were treated to a Su Misura experience with Ermenegildo Zegna at their Paragon Boutique.  Guests experienced, first hand, the expertise and craftsmanship of Zegna’s Made to Measure Services. Zegna’s VIP services managers and the Made to Measure specialists selected some special looks for the guests and hosted personalized styling consultations. (Related: Here’s a […]

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