Celebrity Life
What Prestige Editors Want: Austin’s Christmas Wish List
Dear Santa
I hope you’re well and are enjoying the weather at the North Pole.
I’ve been really good this year and I know, or at least hope, that I’m on the nice list. Looking over the past year, one word that comes to mind is “happiness” – and my greatest wish is for everybody to have some happiness.
Of course, if you share that sentiment, you might want to spread some happiness my way too. Here’s a list of 10 items I’ve been eyeing for a while – and any of them would bring this hombre some of that precious happiness over the festive season.
Your friend,
Austin
The post What Prestige Editors Want: Austin’s Christmas Wish List appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.
The Dinner Club
It may be small but it's perfectly formed – and provisioned. We gather a few friends for a lavish meal at Reign The Abalone House and finds the tiny restaurant acquits itself admirably.
The recently opened K11 MUSEA is not just a pioneer in the concept of “cultural retail”. The arts-inspired Tsim Sha Tsui landmark is also carving out a reputation as a food hub, hosting a range of restaurants both mainstream and esoteric. On Basement Level 2, tucked away next to George Coffee and tea house Dialogue by SP, is Reign The Abalone House. It can be easy to miss if you’re not paying attention, yet the 20-seat shop is gaining popularity on social media with its food and beverage offerings. Add to that the fact that its menu was created by a Michelin-starred chef, it’s no wonder we jumped at the chance to invite a handful of socialites and KOLs (key opinion leaders) to the tiny eatery to see if it measures up to the hype.
First to arrive is actress and model Jessica Jann with her entrepreneur-investor husband Kenneth King. The couple were married early this year and since then have been preoccupied by home renovations. “We’re finally moving into our new apartment in Mid-Levels!” says Jann while being handed a glass of 2009 Brut Millésimé Vintage champagne. “We’re currently finishing the renovations and waterproofing the rest, and then it’ll be ready to go.”
We sit down and have a brief glance over the special four course abalone menu designed by Michelin-starred Swiss chef Jean-Marc Soldati and learn that Reign uses South African abalones reared in the pristine waters of Walker Bay and cooked using an advanced vacuum process that perfectly retains the mollusc’s natural flavour. But before we get any further, nail-salon maven Stephnie Shek, dressed chicly in all white, arrives with Victoria Chan, followed by fashionista Ingrid Wong and stylist Mayao wearing a hoodie from the H&M x Giambattista Valli collection.
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Slow-cooked Reign abalone collagen with lobster and premium Osetra caviar[/caption]
As the first course, slow-cooked Reign abalone collagen with lobster and premium Osetra caviar, is served we catch up with everyone’s latest projects and travel plans. “I’ll be travelling to London for the opening of a new Page hotel,” says Chan. While she’s there, she’ll also be checking out Babington House in Somerset, part of the Soho House group. “Workwise it’s mainly the Pacific Place Christmas campaign for me; it took months of preparation.” Chan was also in charge of Pacific Place’s Chinese New Year installation this year and has a reputation for creating
memorable campaigns.
To my surprise, not many of us are spending a white Christmas overseas this year. “I’m actually heading to Vancouver soon for two weeks, but have no travel plans in late December yet,” says Wong, enjoying a spoonful of Australian lobster soup in jelly form. While our glasses are refilled, Jann asks the others, “Do you know how [Victoria] and I bonded? Kardashians,” she says. laughing. “We’re such fans, all we do is [talk bout] Keeping up with the Kardashians.”
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Reign abalone dark rye mille-feuille with white truffle cream[/caption]
“You talk like you girls know them in real life,” Shek says in disbelief. The Kardashian stories keep everyone giggling until the second course, Reign abalone dark rye mille-feuille with white truffle cream, arrives. “Interesting taste and texture,” Mayao comments while cutting the mille-feuille in half. “It looks like a dessert but in fact is a savoury dish.” In between the mille-feuille nestles a layer of diced abalone with a touch of white truffle cream, giving a complex depth of flavour.
Whilst we dig into the second course, Chan poses an intriguing question: “Do you guys think men start to lose hair at 30?”
“Probably,” says Mayao. “But I also think genes play a huge part. Kourtney went bald after a really tight up-do.”
“Kourtney who?” asks Shek. “Kardashian, of course!” exclaims Victoria, followed by an eye roll from Steph.
A waiter brings in the highlight of the night – slowcooked Reign abalone with angel-hair pasta – and everyone starts snapping photos with their phones. “The pasta is garnished with our chef ’s secret garlic spicy sauce,” the waiter explains. “Only available here at this store.”
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Slow-cooked Reign abalone with angel-hair pasta[/caption]
My favourite dish of the night, no doubt,” Chan says, and the rest of us nod in agreement. “I’ll definitely come back for this dish,” Shek comments. “I adore the star chef ’s secret sauce.”
We’re still reminiscing about the pasta course when the waiter returns with two dessert choices – coconut or raspberry sorbet. “Oh, collagen! Coconut sorbet for me please!” Mayao says on seeing the word “collagen” on the menu – and indeed, each gelato comes with a delicate scoop of collagen-rich bird’s nest.
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Raspberry sorbet with bird's nest and collagen[/caption]
Towards the end of the evening, the brand’s APAC marketing director Sean Eav comes over for a chat. “We just opened a pop-up store in Prince’s Building; please do come by and enjoy the free flow!” It’s a tantalising invite, especially after the creative feast we’ve just enjoyed. Whether at K11 MUSEA or elsewhere, this definitely won’t be the last time we visit Reign The Abalone House.
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Clockwise from bottom left: Ingrid Wong, Kenneth King, Jessica Jann, Victoria Chan, Stephnie Shek and Mayao[/caption]
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What Prestige Editors Want: Fontaine’s Christmas Wish List
Dear Santa,
I’m sure you’re already quite aware that I’ve been good this year.
OK, maybe I’ve been good most of the time. OK, OK, it’s more like I’ve been good for about 65 percent of the time. I’ll admit that the rest was taken up by all the cocktails and calories I’ve consumed.
But let’s make a deal here, Nick. May I call you Nick?
I promise to be extra nice next year. I’ll even attempt to reign in the sarcasm and reduce the time I spend complaining about the weather, and in return, you might like to consider sending me one (or two) of the gifts in my list.
But failing that, please bring forth health and peace for everyone. That would be nice.
Thanks in advance.
Much love,
Fontaine
P.S. I’d also like to adopt a puppy and feel like you might be able to magically make that happen. Cheers.
The post What Prestige Editors Want: Fontaine’s Christmas Wish List appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.
Travel with Lifestyle Blogger @No3l
In our latest travel series, we journey the world with some of our favourite frequent fliers — from Abu Dhabi to Zurich, Changi to Heathrow — to find out what they’re like on the go.
Warning: travel envy ensues.
Name: Noël Li @no3l
Profession: Lifestyle Blogger
Passport: Hong Kong
Countries Visited: 30+
Where was your last destination?
My last destination was Tokyo, Japan. I went there just for fun but I also arranged a shoot with a photographer called @takvmi.jpg who is based in Tokyo. [While I was there] I shot some content for a project named Lost in Tokyo.
What was the best and worst thing about it?
The best thing about my Tokyo trip was how efficient it all was. The photographer and I captured various outfits with different backdrops in three hours. There was nothing bad about it at all. It’s Tokyo! A city which is so vibrant and exciting at all times.
View this post on Instagram
What do you never travel without?
My [Apple] AirPods and my camera.
What’s your favourite travel item?
My Dior Book Tote. It's perfect to carry onboard and for shopping!
Where is your favourite hotel?
It has to be The Palace Hotel in Tokyo. It’s super comfortable and luxurious, and their attention to detail is so good.
Who do you normally travel with?
I usually travel by myself. It’s a way for me to recharge as well as clear my mind. Travelling alone allows me to explore new opportunities and meet new people.
Tell us your most memorable travel story.
During my trip to New York, I was walking around the city looking for locations to take pictures. I came across this old-style laundromat that would be the perfect backdrop but the owner was a bit scary. I asked him if I could pay a one-time fee just so I could take pictures. In the end, we had such a great time. The owner even took out their clothes so that we could use them as props for my pics. That was an unexpected outcome!
Show us your favourite travel photo!
A long time ago, I read an article about the best activities you can do alone and one of them mentioned: "go to a theme park yourself". I found it very interesting and wanted to try it myself, so I made it happen. This photo was taken when I visited Universal Studios Japan by myself. It was actually not too bad at all. Especially as you can use all the single rider lines!
Theme parks are a great a place to leave your stress behind and be surrounded by kids and adults full of joy -- no matter if you are with your friends or by yourself!
Where is your favourite airport and why?
Tokyo Haneda Airport is my favourite. The airport is located very close to the city and the design is very modern, bright and clean. The Japanese service/culture is always warm and comforting.
Share your top travel tip(s) with us!
- To deal with jet lag: pick the correct flight schedule. Usually it's a long haul flight that results in jet lag, so pick a flight that arrives in the evening. Then, you can sleep at an appropriate time after landing and wake up fresh, early in the morning. It works for me.
- Items that I carry on and use in-flight: a pair of hotel slippers. Your body will bloat during the flight due to cabin pressure, which might make it difficult to take your shoes off. Having slippers will allow you to walk around the cabin easily.
- In addition, I always have body lotion and face cream with me. The cabin is super dry, so keeping myself hydrated and moisturised ensures that I feel great upon arrival. My go-to products include La Mer Creme De La Mer, which is perfect for the dry environment, and Bath and Body Work’s 'Sleep' body lotion. It’s infused with lavender which helps me fall asleep, too.
Where are you off to next?
I’m currently planning out my 2020 travels. Destinations include New York, Maldives, and Milan at the moment. Hopefully I'll be able to visit and add somewhere I haven’t been to as well. Too many places, too little time.
The post Travel with Lifestyle Blogger @No3l appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.
Gallery: Cashmere – The Origin of a Secret Premiere in Shanghai
Luxury embodies refined excellence, rarity and enduring style. These are all pillars that uphold the Loro Piana brand. Its greatest pride comes from its heritage and renowned quality of their cashmere which spans six generations, earning its place at the top as the most revered name for the exquisite material.
The root of their success and popularity stems from the Loro Piana Method – encouraging local cashmere production in China by supporting the shepherds’ efforts while maintaining the brand’s ethical responsibility. From the finest raw materials to the most extensive production methods comes what we now know as the superlative standards of cashmere fabric.
To honour its continued prestige, Loro Piana partners with Academy Award-winning director, Luc Jacquet to present Cashmere – The Origin of a Secret, the first documentary in a trilogy of films celebrating Loro Piana’s renowned excellences: Cashmere, Vicuña and The Gift of Kings. The immersive installation transported guests to the most remote corners of the world where the rare fibres were sourced to experience the comprehensive process of production.
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Held at MIFA 1862 Art Centre in Shanghai, the premiere screening saw Loro Piana devotees such as film director Stephen Fung; actresses Li Bingbing, Jimin Han; supermodels Sui He and Ai Tominaga. Explore the event in the gallery and video below.
[gallery ids="171705,171700,171703,171708,171709,171704,171699,171701,171702,171707,171710,171711,171712"]
Watch Cashmere - The Origin of a Secret here
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Hong Kong Director Stephen Fung on His Netflix Debut of Wu Assassins
Singer, actor and screenwriter-turned-director Stephen Fung has just finished directing the first two episodes of Netflix's debut martial-arts series, Wu Assassins. He tells us how years in the Hong Kong film industry have uniquely prepared him for the task.
On his days off, when he's in Hong Kong and has a spare moment, Stephen Fung likes to go to the computer centre. He also happens to really like bubble tea from a chain he frequents in Causeway Bay. He prefers trainers to loafers and loves a soft sweater to hang out in.
Fung shares all of this while he’s sitting in hair and make-up on a workday, prepping for our cover shoot. There’s an easy rapport, and his amiability carries over to crew members outside of his own team, as if we’ve all known one another forever.
Of course, most people have known Fung forever. Hong Kong audiences first met the son of famed local actress Julie Sek Yin in 1997 as a heartthrob singer in the two-man band Dry. The experience was that of a fish out of water for the international-school-educated, University of Michigan graduate whose music idols growing up were Alice Cooper and Iron Maiden.
“At the time, Hong Kong pop culture was similar to the West actually,” he says, “where they were into boy bands who wore a lot of make-up and danced. I’m totally anti that. I was into heavy metal in high school so it was a bit of shock, having to do things like wear a mascot costume at Ocean Park.”
After a year, Fung decided he was more suited to acting and segued into what became a successful career in front of the camera, working with the best of the Hong Kong film industry in its heyday, actors like Andy Lau, Faye Wong, Tony Leung Chiu-wai, Jackie Chan and Eason Chan (Fung also met his now wife, Taiwanese-born actress Shu Qi, on the set of the 1998 Hong Kong drama Bishonen). “I realised I wanted to venture into film,” he explains. “Because when your job is to play someone else, you can actually be yourself.”
From there, Fung transitioned to directing because, as he puts it, “I think I’m a bit of a control freak. I don’t like it when people tell me I have to do this or do that, and eventually I felt that I also have stories I want to tell, so I went into directing. It’s where I can just do my thing.”
The decision paid off. Having first started in Hong Kong with Enter the Phoenix, a movie for which he also wrote the screenplay, Fung made his way to Hollywood, directing two episodes of AMC’s Into the Badlands in 2015 with friend and erstwhile co-star Daniel Wu as lead – the first Asian lead in an American television series in 40 years. Fung’s directorial efforts were noticed by showrunner and producer John Wirth, who happened to have written Wu Assassins, a project slated as Netflix’s first martial-arts series.
“My agents told me someone was looking for a director for a job called Wu Assassins,” Fung recounts. “They sent me the script but when I first looked it over I was a bit hesitant because there are lots of elements in there that I felt were really stereotypical Asian-type stuff. Then when I spoke to John, he was very open-minded and expressed that that was why he wanted to find someone who would be sensitive to and familiar with the material.”
While the screenplay was in Wirth’s hands, Fung’s amiability gave way to a determination to set the right tone in the two episodes he was going to direct (Fung also signed on as executive producer for the entire project). “There were things that I couldn’t do because the storyline was pretty much set when I got on board, but what I could do was try to be more sensitive to the Asian ethnicity. I tried to change the kinds of restaurants that were in there – not like the ones where, you know, you always see a Chinatown where there’s a golden dragon.”
Because the show is essentially a modern iteration of the traditional chopsocky, drawing on the idea of the Chinese five elements, Fung wanted also to change the music – “I gave suggestions. I did say, ‘Please, no more of that Kung Fu Fighting song.’”
But Fung’s experience in the actual, authentic Hong Kong chopsocky gave him a more nuanced understanding of how and what fights to film in Wu Assassins. “The main difference was shooting styles. In the US, especially for TV where you have a very hectic schedule, what they do usually is they rehearse and rehearse, and then they use a lot of cameras and they shoot it – a lot of coverage [from different angles] and they throw it all to the editor who edits it,” he explains.
“Then there’s the Hong Kong way and the Indonesian way with [actor] Iko [Uwais], where you rehearse in the gym and have mops and things for prop replacements, but when you’re on set you might suddenly come up with other ideas. There’s a destination but the path is not set.
“So I’d tell John that if he’s hiring me and someone like Iko, there’s no point in doing things the same way he usually would. Otherwise, why not just hire someone from the US and shoot it his own way?
“There were changes we made to the script because there was a big car chase and I said, ‘Why don’t we change this and make use of Iko because he’s known for hand-to-hand combat? Let’s turn this car chase into a fist fight that can highlight what your actor is best known for. No one wants to see Iko driving a car, and given the very tight schedule, it’s not like it’s going to be Fast & Furious anyway, so why don’t we just shoot him doing some real fighting?’ They agreed.”
Fung’s resolve to do justice to the Asian actor and the martial-arts genre stems from his earlier attempt to break into Hollywood as an actor in 2002. “I first ventured into Hollywood in 2002 when the Hong Kong film industry was not in the best shape. It was just as Sars was starting,” he says. “A friend of mine who was a manager in the US suggested that I fly over and have him manage me and see if I could get any acting jobs. I thought that could be interesting so I moved to LA for a year.
“At first I went to lots of auditions and I did get roles, but as you can imagine, 20 years ago all I got offered were gangster roles. It was either crap roles or nothing. It wasn’t great for Asians in film back then.”
In the ample amounts of free time that Fung had in Los Angeles, he began to write what became the 2004 film Enter the Phoenix. “Then I wanted to come back to Hong Kong, but Sars had broken out so I stayed in LA for a bit longer and during that time I polished the script, the treatment and the pitch,” Fung continues. “Coincidentally, Willie Chan was starting a production company with Jackie Chan and Emperor films. They were looking for ideas so I pitched it to him and he liked it.”
With his directorial stint for Wu Assassins under his belt, Fung isn’t just resting on his laurels. The renaissance man has come home and accepted a new project that sees him alongside Hong Kong film- industry veterans Carina Lau and Simon Yam as a judge for Singapore’s Star Search 2019 finals. Where does he get the energy? Well, home. “It’s like that saying, ‘You are what you eat,’” he says with a laugh. “When you grow up in Hong Kong, a place that’s so energetic – I mean it’s not even just in the movies, it’s not just in a John Woo or a Jackie Chan film, it’s the whole city. It’s so vibrant. You go to Causeway Bay and it’s so vibrant. Hong Kong films have never been known to have the best lighting, by the way, except for maybe Wong Kar-Wai movies, but they’re known for the energy.
“So I think that’s what was always fed to me – the multi-ethnicity, the culture, possibly my love also for heavy metal. That’s like everything to me, that energy.”
Photography Kaon
Creative Direction Gigi Lee
Styling Zaneta Cheng
Hair Carr Cheng at Number8
Make-up Hetty Kwong
Styling Assistant Jan Li
Wardrobe Loro Piana
The post Hong Kong Director Stephen Fung on His Netflix Debut of Wu Assassins appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.
Living the Dream: Sean Lee-Davies
Artist, adventurer and international activist Sean Lee-Davies shares the inspiration behind his passion for travel in the wild, as well as his vision for adventure on the ocean and beyond.
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Johnnie Walker house at Sea, exclusively on Dream Cruises | Suit Giorgio Armani | Jumper Ralph Lauren | Bracelets Tod's | Watch Sean Lee-Davies' own[/caption]
What do you love in life?
I love the visual arts, nature, the wild, film-making, travel... I’m just trying to do what I love, plus a little bit of something to fix today’s environmental situation.
Where did you get this passion for the natural world?
Growing up in rural Hampshire, in my early days, it was just the simple act of going down to the local river in the summer and seeing the fish in the water. As the Editorial Director of a luxury lifestyle magazine, I had a great few years in Asia promoting the very best in life, but then seeing the rampant air pollution, and the degradation of the waters here in Hong Kong, it spurred me on to do something to try and counter it. And then, of course, I met some inspiring people along the way, like David de Rothschild, Jane Goodall, Sir Richard Bonham; all people doing incredible things.
Tell us about your travels; where has moved you, what does travel mean to you?
India is a phenomenal place. Rajasthan, for example, is a human and animal safari combined; so many religions, so many types of people, and animals, all intermingling, which is very rare. There’s something magical about it. In terms of incredible wilderness, the Leuser Ecosystem in Borneo is the only place where you still get rhinos, tigers, elephants, orangutans, all still living in one eco-system. It’s one of the lungs of Asia, just an incredible place. Sri Lanka as well, is amazing. And because it’s been through a lot of conflicts it’s kind of stopped tourist developments and it’s allowed the animals to remain. It seems where humans don’t go, it allows nature to flourish.
[inline-quote author="Sean Lee-Davis"]"Adventure is really about the unknown... you've got to be outside of your comfort zone."[/inline-quote]
You have a real love for the water, too.
Yes, I do spend a lot of time in and around the ocean. It’s one of those unique spaces. I’m a free diver and a scuba-diver, so I’ve taken a lot of my photographs under the water. I’m also a keen sailor and paddle boarder – I have a little boat here in Hong Kong. I was actually out paddle boarding recently, with my two dogs, and we came across either a bottlenose or a spinner dolphin in Deep Water Bay, which is highly unusual. It was really an incredible moment.
An ocean holiday sounds as if it was made for you! Do you think a luxury cruise would be a good way of making special occasions?
Luxury cruises are a particularly great way to celebrate special occasions as they are a one-of-a-kind experience with unlimited leisure options to make your time extremely unique. What better way than to wake up with a panoramic view of the ocean, let alone a different view every morning?
What does adventure look like to you?
I think it’s really about the unknown. It’s doing something with a goal attached to it; you’ve got to be outside of your comfort zone, there’s got to be a light at the end of the tunnel, so you have to suffer a little bit to get to that goal. And usually doing it with other people. So, we’re doing another Kilimanjaro climb early next year to raise money for some charities, and that’s the perfect adventure. You don’t really know if you’re going to make it to the top because of the altitude; you’re traversing every eco-system on the planet in the seven days you climb; you’re just in an incredible environment that’s hard to beat.
Photographer Pierre Dal Corso
Art Director Harriet Gregory
Stylist Tasha Ling
Hair and Makeup Gloomy Kwok
The post Living the Dream: Sean Lee-Davies appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.
The Five Bottles to Try at Hong Kong International Wine & Spirits Fair 2019
It’s that time of year again when wine and spirits connoisseurs, distillers and traders from all across the globe gather in Hong Kong for one of Asia’s most anticipated fair in the name of premium vintages and blends. For the twelfth consecutive year of HKTDC Hong Kong International Wine & Spirits Fair, over 1,000 exhibitors from over 20 countries and regions will come together for the special three-day event.
Amongst the countless bottles that will be showcased at the fair, we’ve selected five which excite us the most.
Mars Maltage Cosmo Blended Malt Whisky
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Mars Maltage Cosmo Blended Malt Whisky[/caption]
The Mars Maltage "Cosmo" Blended Malt Whisky comes from the peak amid mountains surrounding the distillery. This whisky is a blend of single malts distilled and aged in Shinshu with single malts distilled and aged in Scotland. Such fine whisky carries not only the smell of honey and caramel, but also a subtle scent of smoke and ripe fruit. Exhibitor: AF Trade Limited
Anun Icon Blend 2014
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Arun Icon Blend 2014[/caption]
The Anun Icon Blend 2014, is the winner of several leading contests, such as IWSC and Decanter. This award-winning wine is a blend of 55% Carménère and 45% Cabernet Franc from selected blocks. It is aged in French oak barrels of first use for 24 months, and is aged again in a bottle for 12 more months.
Exhibitor: Anun Wines
Otus LOLIPA
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Otus LOLIPA[/caption]
Italian brewery Birrificio Otus Srl produces unique craft beers using exquisite ingredients, excellent craftsmanship, precise calibration and creativity. Of its offering, the Otus LOLIPA is the most widely appreciated and most popular amongst beer lovers.
Exhibitor: Birrificio Otus Srl
Chiyonokame Ginga Tetsudou Daiginjo
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Chiyonokame Ginga Tetsudou Daiginjo[/caption]
The Chiyonokame Ginga Tetsudou Daiginjo from Chiyo-no-kame Sake Brewery is a luxurious sake that is rare one, even in Japan. The essence of this sake comes from its carefully selected pesticide-free rice finely grounded to 40% of its original size is extracted by a special method, fukuro-tsuri (“stringing-up of bags”). Such fine rice is then undergoes 10 years or above of low-temperature ageing to bring such a unique and limited sake.
Exhibitor: Suntime Grand Cellar (Hong Kong) Limited
Champagne Cattier Brut Icône
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Champagne Cattier Brut Icone[/caption]
Champagne house Cattier has a distinguished history of producing champagne for over a century. One of its most reputable bottles is the Champagne Cattier Brut Icône -- a pale yellow champagne with an expressive nose of apricots, peach and ripe pear, with fresh fruitiness and ginger aromas in the mouth, together with a fresh red currant finish. Being one of the forerunners of sustainable wine grownig in Champagne, it cultivates its vineyards in an eco-friendly way.
Exhibitor: Wine’s Link Limited
To join us at the HKTDC Hong Kong International Wines & Spirits Fair, register for your ticket here.
The post The Five Bottles to Try at Hong Kong International Wine & Spirits Fair 2019 appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.
Living the Dream: Vivienne Tam
For Vivienne Tam, founder of her internationally celebrated eponymous brand, true luxury in life stems from a freedom of transformation and integrity of self. Discover why ‘Asian at Heart, International in Spirit’ is not simply a concept, but an embodiment of all that she is.
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Old world glamour meets contemporary Chinese cuisine at Silk Road Chinese Restaurant, World Dream of Dream Cruises | Dress Vivienne Tam[/caption]
Your brand is synonymous with elevated luxury. What do you want your pieces to say and how do you want women to feel when they wear them?
In the very beginning of my career, I was dressing myself, but now we are going through a wonderful time of growth and transformation for women. It is very different to when I started; women are more powerful. Now, I want it to be more about them rather than myself; it’s about being inclusive. There are so many different types of women, and I love being able to think about how they feel, especially now, when the passage of time is different. It needs to be relevant; it’s not just about feeling good. I want to empower them and to leave them feeling that they have learned something about the world, about different cultures.
What feeds your passion and drives you forward?
I feel I was born with a mission to bring Chinese culture to the world; I am a bridge between two cultures. Every collection is about sharing this mission and this passion. Chinese culture is so rich, it always made me wonder why everybody was only looking to the West, so for me, it’s about bridging these two ideas. It’s communicating with the world about who I am, and having a platform to do that – it’s such a great vehicle. Being a lifestyle designer allows you to share the beauty of the world. When I was young, it was very simple, I just wanted to dress myself. But then you go deeper and deeper, and it’s not just about that anymore. It’s a connection between people, it’s unifying the world. I am always learning.
What do you consider as the cornerstone of exceptional design?
You cannot compromise your integrity. Even though people might say I ought not do so much with a Chinese filter, I cannot compromise, because that is who I am.
So, you feel that being cross-cultural is simply an intrinsic part of you?
Yes. A lot of the time, people are commenting on what I do, but I think you need to be truly who you are. You have to stay true to yourself, and I am definitely a bridge between two cultures.
In your experience, what do you consider as the finer things in life?
They are immaterial. A freedom to be who you want to be, and become what you want to be. It’s about the journey – the freedom to transform.
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Guests off The Place receive priority booking at the Chef's Table at Seafood Grill by Mark Best, World Dream of Dream Cruises | Dress Vivienne Tam[/caption]
A freedom that you often find on your travels. Tell us about that.
When you travel, you can learn so much about other people, and other cultures. When you’re in a new place, it’s that sense of freedom. I love travelling – there are no boundaries. Travelling is that literal journey, where you can transform yourself. It brings me so much joy; all your senses are liberated. Meeting people, speaking to them, appreciating the arts and crafts of new places – it means so much to me. I always find it so inspiring to think about how I can interpret what I see when I come back. I need to travel more! It gives me so much energy.
And when you’re observing and absorbing this energy from new cultures, do you feel like you’re filtering that through an Asian lens for your customers?
I feel like it’s a very global lens, but, yes, with an Asian element. I grew up in Hong Kong, and now I live in New York and Hong Kong. It gives me a very unique perspective; it’s very hard to describe it – I don’t use words; I use my designs to express it! When two things come together, it brings so much joy and happiness; it brings a balance.
It seems Dream Cruises’ ‘Asian at Heart, International in Spirit’ concept really means something to you.
This totally speaks to me. This is me. It’s who I am; it’s not even a concept. There’s no trying to be anything else, it’s fundamental. I am the embodiment of ‘Asian at Heart, International in Spirit’.
Photographer Pierre Dal Corso
Art Director Harriet Gregory
Stylist Tasha Ling
Hair and Makeup Wendy Lee
The post Living the Dream: Vivienne Tam appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.
Travel with @SupertasterMel
In our latest travel series, we journey the world with some of our favourite frequent fliers — from Abu Dhabi to Zurich, Changi to Heathrow — to find out what they’re like on the go. Warning: travel envy ensues.
Traveller: Melissa Tse @SupertasterMel
Profession: Food & Travel Blogger
Passport: United States
Countries Visited: 36
Where was your last destination?
Alacati in Turkey.
What were you there for?
My husband is an avid windsurfer and Alacati on the west coast of Turkey is a famous world-class windsurfing spot. The seaside town also turned out to be very picturesque with beautiful stone houses and charming cobblestone streets with tons of little shops and alfresco restaurants.
What was the best and worst thing about it?
The best thing was finding a farm to table restaurant - OD Urla - in a nearby town that surpassed our expectations with its high quality of food and attention to details. The worst thing was accidentally sitting on gum while on the flight to Alacati - it was a nightmare to clean on my cotton pants!
What do you never travel without?
My camera. My love for photography started years before I started blogging about food, so besides taking pictures of food, I also like to take pictures of my travels.
What’s your travel ensemble?
It’s all about comfort. I wear comfortable shoes because I tend to walk around a lot when I am travelling and it allows me to be able to explore more places.
Where is your favourite hotel?
I just had a FANtastic stay at the Mandarin Oriental in Marrakech earlier this year. Most of the rooms are villas in contemporary riad style so there are lots of privacy and space - we even had our own private pool and fireplace!
Who do you normally travel with?
My husband. We have been together for 12 years and most of the travels I have done in my life have been with him. While we may have different interests sometimes, we both love eating so we end up doing a lot of eating trips together.
What’s your favourite airline and why?
I mostly fly with Cathay Pacific because it is our flagship carrier and there are more options for direct flights with them from Hong Kong to the rest of the world. I loved that they opened a new direct flight to Seattle (where my husband and I met) earlier this year.
Tell us your most memorable travel story.
I was in Cappadocia in Turkey for 1 night as part of a gastronomy conference and we were informed that the weather was not ideal for hot air ballooning. Still I set my alarm to wake up at sunrise the next morning just in case and ended up witnessing the most magical scene ever with dozens of hot air balloons floating in mid-air against a beautiful sunrise. Best decision ever!
Show us your favourite travel photo.
I was in Antwerp for a meal and didn't even know gorgeous the train station would be until I got there. I guess that's the best thing about traveling - being able to wander around in completely new places and discover things that you didn't even know existed.
Share a travel tip with us.
Pack light. I almost always just travel with a carry-on suitcase (yes even for long trips) and it’s just easier to be on the go when I’m travelling from country to country in Europe without the need to check in my luggage.
Where are you off to next?
Tokyo! I have a restaurant reservation that I made almost half a year ago so it's going to be an eating trip and catching up with friends.
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The many colors of Tokyo Tower. #supermelJapan #supermelTravel #supermelTokyo
The post Travel with @SupertasterMel appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.
Donnie Yen is The Man of Action
As Donnie Yen prepares to bid farewell to the role that has defined his career, he talks to us about what he's learned, what's coming next and why he'll never stop striving for filmmaking perfection.
When the movie Ip Man was released in 2008, it conjured up an image of the martial-arts grandmaster as a gentle and cultured mentor with remarkable kung fu skills. That same persona has also become synonymous with the actor who portrays him, Donnie Yen, so the December release of the final chapter in the film franchise, Ip Man 4, is expected to impact not only the cinematic story of Wing Chun, aka Ip Man, but also Yen himself.
With the Ip Man series now in its 12th – and, one assumes, last – year, how does Yen regard the franchise, not only in and of itself, but also in terms of its place in Hong Kong cinema, not to mention its effect on his own career as an actor and filmmaker? What, in other words, does Donnie Yen think about Donnie Yen – and where does he see himself going from here?
For many people, Donnie Yen is Ip Man, just as Robert Downey Jr has become Iron Man. So will it be Yen who’s playing his next character or Ip Man? The conundrum brings to mind the words of the famous Peking Opera artist Mei Lanfang on the subject of acting: “Those who look at you do not see your own self; when you look at yourself you don’t see your own self either. Whoever performs a certain character, whatever it is, has the duty to look like that.”
Playing Ip Man has undoubtedly advanced Yen’s career, and after more than 10 years he’s developed quite a feeling for the role. “At the beginning, no one predicted that Ip Man would be so successful,” he says, “though now I realise I’ve studied for this role more intensively than for any other. He’s a master who’s introverted and represents the character of the Chinese nation.”
Yen also acknowledges the gradual evolution of the character, from Ip Man to Ip Man 4: “Compared to the action style of traditional martial-arts movies, I believe that people can see how my style and my performance have developed.”
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Of course, there’s much more to Yen than Ip Man, though just as his portrayal of Chen Zhen in the 1990s TV series Fist of Fury kicked off his acting career, the role of Ip has filled his sails immeasurably. “I can honestly say that because of Ip Man, I’ve been given many opportunities by the movie industry. It’s my biggest achievement,” he says.
The 56-year-old actor’s more recent repertoire includes playing the mythological Sun Wukong in The Monkey King, Guan Yu in The Lost Bladesman and the Hong Kong gangster Crippled Ho in the Wong Jing and Jason Kwan-directed Chasing the Dragon. He’s even stepped out into the international arena to play the blind monk Chirrut Îmwe in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, the agent Xiang in xXx: Return of Xander Cage and taken on the role of the commander in Disney’s soon-to-be-released Mulan.
“As an actor, it’s important to have opportunities,” says Yen. “You get a good role [and you’re the first one to play it]. Of course, luck works to quite a large extent, but whether you can seize the opportunity depends on whether you work hard enough. I understand that, as an actor, you shouldn’t lose yourself in transient success – you have to progress continually.”
Yen also understands that because of Ip Man’s success, he’s needed to redouble his efforts so that audiences can appreciate his range as an artist. Although he now has an impressive body of work behind him, there’s also the pressure that comes from being defined by what he’s done before. “It’s actually the biggest problem for an actor,” he says. “I’ve never stopped worrying about it.”
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Fortunately, says Yen, there’s a realisation that everything has to stop sometime – and for him Ip Man 4 is less an ending than a new beginning. “When you’ve finished playing one role, the new task is to break through the shadow that the role has cast over you. Professional actors should never stop searching – it’s how you constantly make progress and move forward.”
As to the fans who are unwilling to see him abandon his most famous role, he says they should wait and see: “Perhaps the future holds some surprising performances from Donnie Yen. So stay tuned.”
As well as his performances in the Ip Man series, Yen is also highly regarded as an action director in his own right, learning his craft from the influential martial-arts choreographer Yuen Woo-ping in the 1992 Tsui Hark-directed Once Upon a Time in China 2, in which he played the role of Nap-lan Yun-seut; the famous “cloth stick” fight scene was Yen’s idea. He made his directorial debut in 1997 with Legend of the Wolf, following which he was invited to choreograph fight scenes and play cameos in numerous Hollywood movies (Highlander: Endgame, 2000; Blade II, 2002).
Yen’s contribution behind the scenes continues to this day. Much of Chirrut Îmwe’s style in Rogue One was born of Yen’s imagination, as were the ideas for the music, settings and social atmosphere in Chasing the Dragon. “There were many opinions and disputes over Chasing the Dragon,” he says, “but the results proved me right and provided my working partner Wong Jing with six nominations from the Hong Kong Film Awards for the first time in his career.” Yen’s modest pride in his filmmaking input is palpable, and if the effects the film presents can be interpreted differently, the determination of Yen to take his own path is obvious.
Yen believes that his involvement behind the scenes as part of the production team has spurred his own progress as a filmmaker. “No matter what I’m doing, I don’t give up for a second, and I find fun in the process of search and discovery. Because of this I can be passionate about what I do. The whole team learns and grows together. People shouldn’t shirk from sharing their feelings. This is the way to achieve the best results.”
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This self-imposed requirement for constant growth isn’t easy. “The filmmaking process is hard,” Yen insists, “but in the end it’s satisfying because participation in every little thing related to the birth of a movie is a kind of creation.” He laughs, and says, “Filmmakers who are willing to keep improving seem to have a strange illness in that the busier they are, the better in spirit they seem to be. The busier the better. If I’m free, just spending time on rest and leisure, my whole person gets lax.”
This is how Yen has always been. Creation brings a kind of pressure and responsibility. “Because I hope to present the best results, to film and make the best works, and to show the best Donnie Yen from any angle, I won’t disappoint those who entrust me. My personal contribution also represents the efforts of everyone, so I believe that the final effect has to be very good.”
Yen is used to playing a multitude of roles. “Now, when I’m acting, I know that I need to concentrate on how I should play the role, to keep direction and vision, and try to present the image of the character from different angles; and if I’m behind the scenes, then I think about how I should view the script.
“A good actor needs to think from the perspective of actor, director, supervisor, martial-arts direction, props and the actual situation. You need to think clearly.” After decades, Yen believes he’s developed a method that works. “Many people have asked me how I can balance so many different identities. It may be because, after decades, I’m used to asking myself what should the on-the-scenes actor think? What should the behind-the-scenes personnel think? It’s become like a reflex.”
Isn’t that tiresome? “I hope people won’t see me as that complicated.” He laughs and says that while the Donnie Yen we see on screen may seem like a superhero, he’s actually an ordinary person. “People’s expectations of me are too high. I don’t want such heavy pressure.”
He’s the same as everyone else. He gets tired and emotional, he has his likes and dislikes, and his own ideological standpoint. “From the audience’s perspective, I hope everyone can see my enthusiasm for movies.”
As an entertainer, sometimes it’s not possible to fully satisfy an audience’s expectations. When rating a filmmaker, one can’t just evaluate him or her through one work. “You surely need a lifetime, then you give a total score. Evaluate myself?” Yen asks. “Wow, lots of room for improvement! But I’m doing my best. With passion, determination and a bit of luck, I hope audiences will come to know this is the real Donnie Yen.”
Photography Olivia Tsang
Styling Alice Lin
Hair Kenji Ng at Il Colpo
Grooming Little White
Location Rosewood Hong Kong
The post Donnie Yen is The Man of Action appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.
Living the Dream: Eleanor Lam
Arguably Hong Kong’s hottest Instagram export, Eleanor Lam is busy turning her passions into purpose. Discover her secrets to success, why luxury is in the eye of the beholder, and how hassle-free holidays are within your reach.
You have a real passion for travel. Do you just have an adventurous spirit, or did this love for new experiences come from somewhere else?
I grew up in Hong Kong but I’ve had the luxury and the means to travel from a young age, with my parents and with my family. It’s not just something that I do, it’s now a part of me, it is a genuine passion. To me, travelling is not just a way to getaway, it’s also about learning and experiencing new cultures; it’s about pushing yourself outside of your comfort zone. There are so many different ways to enjoy travelling, too. Where you make your own plans and navigate a new place yourself, or when it’s taken out of your hands and you’re so well looked after that you don’t have to think about anything. Hassle-free travelling can be the best!
Like an all-inclusive luxury cruise.
I love when there’s literally everything you need at your fingertips – anything you could want is at your disposal. Some people aren’t so enthusiastic about planning a whole holiday itinerary, and cruising makes it so easy. Not only that, but when there’s a whole range of shops, restaurants, a variety of entertainment, and for all ages – it's a treat for the whole family! Put me on a cruise, on a yacht – it's the perfect summer vacation to me. There’s just so much beauty out there.
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The cascading staircase in The Palace, the largest private luxury resort of its kind in Asia on Dream Cruises | Dress Ivan Young | Shoes Fendi | Earrings Stylist's own[/caption]
What’s left on your travel bucket list?
One goal I have that I haven’t been able to tackle yet is to travel on my own someday. People I know who have done solo travels have come back to tell me how enriching it has been. That’s definitely a goal for me. When you push yourself out of your comfort zone, beautiful things can happen.
Your social media feeds are peppered with luxury experiences – from exotic travels, to beauty and fashion events. How have your passions helped you to realise your dreams?
I guess not everyone can find their purpose in life right off the bat; there are going to be a lot of passions and only one purpose. So, for me, it’s been about combining my passions to build out one goal. I like fashion, makeup, beauty, all elements of ‘lifestyle’, so I've been able to put all those together and create my own purpose. It's important to not stay too rigid; you have to be open to all kinds of options, be open to changes and accepting adversities.
Where do you get your inspiration to achieve your goals?
It’s not one person or thing that inspires me; sometimes it’s someone I’ve met, it’s something I’ve heard or seen, or even perhaps something I've eaten – the list is endless! Literally every day I wake up, and something new can inspire me. It’s an incredible thing, to be open to these new experiences and find inspiration anywhere and everywhere. Also, my parents inspire me in different ways; my dad has a very strong work ethic, while my mum sacrificed a lot to help her children.
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Palace guests can enjoy complimentary premium beverages in Mist Cocktail Bar, World Dream of Dream Cruises | Outfit Prada[/caption]
You have an incredibly determined approach to life and finding what makes you happy. Where does your drive come from?
My parents always said to me, “Follow your passion and it will lead to your purpose.” And, for me, your passion is something that you love to do, and your purpose is your mission in life. So, it’s about finding what you love and turning it into your life’s mission, to really keep you happy. And, on top of that, they always told me to focus – that without heart or drive, you’ll never reach your full potential. It’s not about picking a job for the money, it’s about feeling satisfied in your work.
Whether you’re at home or abroad, what is the key to maintaining your health and wellness?
I think what’s most important is catching up on your sleep. After I’ve been travelling, waking up in my own bed is just the best thing ever. Also, I have realised that I never drink enough water. So, when I come back from some time away, I drink plenty of water and tea, to really help hydrate and look after myself and my skin.
Photographer Pierre Dal Corso
Art Director Harriet Gregory
Stylist Bhisan Rai
Hair Peter Cheng
Makeup Deep Choi
The post Living the Dream: Eleanor Lam appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.