Celebrity Life

We chat with the fashion designer and TV personality ahead of his appearance at the Levis JCC Sandler Center.

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Change is afoot at The Colony Hotel in Palm Beach.

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On the eve of their nuptials, Jessica Jann and Kenneth King get ready to make the jump from playing house to setting up a home. Over a lethal gimlet at PDT, a slightly frazzled Jessica Jann plonks herself on a bar stool and sighs, “What a day I’ve had.”

This is a few months ago, just after she officially confirmed that her boyfriend, Kenneth King, had proposed to her while they were on holiday in Bali. “This tabloid has written a horrible, wildly inaccurate article about the family and about Ken and his family,” she says, clearly agitated. “Can they just make stuff up? Is that legal?!”

Jess Jann, a rarity who transitioned from child star to actress, model and KOL with an ease remarkable for its lack of controversy and meltdowns, has been familiar with the rigmaroles of fame and celebrity for years. Often featured in the media, she’s taken the good, the bad and the ugly with a pinch of salt as tabloid culture, with its fleeting relationship with the truth, is familiar territory. But for the newly engaged King, an entrepreneur and investor who has mostly shied away from the media glare, it’s a whole new ball game. “He’s so upset by the lies,” says Jann. A HK$50 rag fabricating stories? Whatever, next.

“I was leaving this car-launch cocktail and after the obligatory photo call at the press line the PRs ushered me into a corner to chat with some of the papers. I had my mental notes ready and, you know, the sound bites prepped,” she says, laughing. “Suddenly, this random guy just asked me the rudest personal question and I was literally so shocked my jaw dropped.”

Jann went on autopilot, gathered her wits and resorted to that handy non-committal response: “No comment.” But King hasn’t been self-taught in media machinations.

“These days, they all ask me for Ken’s number and want to interview him,” she says and rolls her eyes, laughing. “He’s super private and unfamiliar with this flashbulb world. We went to this fashion show a few days ago together, and that was the first catwalk show he had ever attended. I’ve attended so many similar events, I’ve lost count. He’s entering new worlds -- like when I heard about his businesses, I had no idea about the length and breadth of his work. It’s been so interesting as our respective industries are so vastly different.”

Comfort food is ordered and tater tots with a generous portion of melted cheese are consumed. Apart from the logistics and complexity of organising a wedding that involves a huge number of family and friends, as well as the ranks of the film fraternity and Hong Kong society (“you can’t even entertain the idea of a small wedding when family alone is around 100 people”), there’s an apartment under construction. “I’ve stayed with Ken’s family and he’s stayed with my friends and family and it’s like we know each other well. I have my place on Johnston Road, he has his family place in Mid-Levels -- but this new place is going to be ‘our’ house. All new... I’m sure they’ll finish on time.”

Months go by. Fast-forward to the day of our photo shoot, and as we go over the couple’s itinerary there are several gaping holes. The house isn’t done, days before the wedding the couple has to fly to Australia for a close friend’s wedding, the media blitz has gone up to the next level, some who RSVP’d yes have become no and then there are those coming with additional guests so the seating chart has gone for a toss. There are decoration and design elements that need a second view -- and yet, surprisingly, through it all, the so-in-love duo keep their spirits up. Both laugh easily and guffaw at the goofs. “I really thought the house would be ready,” Jann says, as those on set who have ever dealt with the construction industry are splitting their sides. “What was I thinking?”

Between portraits, we grab one and then the other for a chat as this young couple enters a new chapter in their life. Together.

Jessica Jann

First things first, on the eve of your marriage how are you feeling?
With our wedding coming up, I feel a lot of things: happiness, nerves and so many emotions – but overall, stress! There’s still a lot to figure out and plan. We started working on it early but my ‘to do’ list never ends. As I sign one thing off, another five crop up.

It may be a sexist question -- as men are rarely asked this -- but will you continue working as a model/KOL/actress or take a break, plan a family and so on?
I will definitely continue working. I’m such a type A person; I love to work, I love to be busy and I want to continue learning. Of course I need my chill moments but I need to work! I actually have a movie coming out soon called Enter the Fat Dragon, an action-comedy. It was such a great learning experience. I had the one and only Donnie Yen as my mentor, which was amazing. I learned a whole lot on and off set. I also plan to continue working on my digital-marketing company, Explosive Influencer Agency. We started out almost a year and a half ago and have been so fortunate. We’ve worked with some amazing clients like Netflix, Bloomingdale’s, MaBelle, Red Cross and Marvel. Co-founding the agency has been one of the biggest learning curves. Between family and wedding planning and work, I had to really remind myself to have a work-life balance there.

Speaking of family, did you know early on that Ken was the one?
I think so. We started out as friends but I was immediately drawn by how kind, hard-working and intelligent he was -- he is! Kenneth makes me feel like the luckiest girl alive. He’s always super-supportive and attentive. I’m really lucky 'cause he’s been so on top of our wedding planning.

Recently on social media you posted a major throwback picture as a child artist on the sets of Lethal Weapon with Mel Gibson. I had no idea you had been in the industry for so long. How did it all start, and how have you not lost the plot like so many child actors who fail the transition to adulthood?
I honestly am a very lucky person. I was eight years old when I went to this open casting call. Thousands of kids were there and I just stumbled into acting. I have no idea to this day how lucky I am because at that tender age, they cast me in a Hollywood blockbuster, Lethal Weapon 4. For three weeks I got to skip school and stay at the Warner Brothers lot and be in scenes with Jet Li, Mel Gibson, Chris Rock and Danny Glover. Now I would be, like, pinch me! It’s a dream! But at the time, I didn’t know how big a deal it was. Then, there was a pause -- I didn’t get back into auditioning and acting until senior year in high school. My parents were so supportive and would often drive me two hours to LA for auditions and drive back another two. I have the most amazing parents in the world who supported me throughout. I booked a few TV shows and movies like iCarly, Zoey 101, Easy A and Jonas.

What’s the major difference between working on a film set and a TV set, and in local films versus American ones?
American films are more slow-paced and have certain filming times and they’re very strict about that -- union rules and so on. Overtimes are often noted and you get compensated accordingly. In Hong Kong and China, film sets move really fast, things are a lot quicker, there's a lot of pre-planning so perhaps more efficient? I was amazed how quickly we finished shoots -- and yet the quality is still there. The end results are amazing for both.

Apart from acting and modelling, you also have become a social media star. How did that happen?
Social media is an interesting thing as I didn’t really plot out anything on that platform when I first joined. I started out posting more of my daily life (I have family here and in the US) so they could see what I’m up to. And food pictures in the beginning -- I love good food -- and it just slowly started climbing. My Eat with Jess food blog took off so fast. You have to be really consistent with it. Photo quality is really important -- before, I would post whatever I wanted. Now I edit and choose which ones look the best. It really is like another full-time job.

What’s been the best fan encounter?
The funniest thing is people approach me more as a food blogger. They know me from my ‘eatwithjess’ instagram handle! I’ve gotten loads of free food and drinks from people who recognised who I was, which is the best bit. No fan encounter has ever been bad. I love seeing my fans’ messages. The best fan messages were ones that said I inspired them to be more open about their life, and they started food blogs too because of me!

What’s a surprising thing you do, that most readers don’t know about?
I’m a huge homebody. My posts might be all at events, lunches, meetings, sets -- but I love staying home, I just don’t post that. I love my naps, my TV time and I need my me time. You have to take care of yourself first. I also love my family; I FaceTime my grandma, mom and dad at least four times a week. They live in LA, so I try to message them every day.

Apart from the wedding that’s all-consuming at the moment, what do you want to do in the coming year?
I want to travel more, grow my business and I want to continue acting. After all the wedding chaos, I’m sure I’ll need a break -- but I’m also enjoying it. I don’t know what the future will be, but I’m so ready for 2019 with all the blessings that I’ve been given.

Kenneth King

Since your engagement, you’ve entered a new world of media scrutiny and press coverage -- and yet there’s so little “fact” about you out there. Let’s set the record straight. Quick background: Where were you born and brought up? What did you study at university, and does that inform your life today?
I was born in San Francisco and raised in Hong Kong. I studied for a BA in economics and an MSc in management science and engineering, both at Stanford. The Stanford culture had a lot to do with me being an entrepreneur. I was surrounded by young people who would start businesses in their spare time like it was a hobby.

Tell me about what you do as an investor -- what are you involved in at the moment?
Currently, I’m investing in very early stage private companies and helping them grow. It is the most risky yet rewarding type of investing for me. I invest in projects I believe in -- ones that are also happy to take my money and advice. For example, I was the very first investor in Singapore-based Tessa Therapeutics, a company I then joined personally to help build as founding COO for two years. Tessa (which recently closed a US$80 million financing round led by Temasek), is now at the forefront of cancer immunotherapy R&D, which is shaping the future of cancer treatments.

In principle, I build companies, which really means turning solid and exciting ideas into long-lasting enterprises that hopefully make a difference. The first two businesses I built in Hong Kong were more “traditional” per se; in F&B (Drawing Room Concepts) and in healthcare (Cosmetic Central). Both are healthy and growing businesses. Then my involvement with Tessa Therapeutics in Singapore became my first entry into building biotech. After Tessa, I co-founded a mobile video software company in China called Tian Tian Technology, which was quickly acquired by Miaopai, one of the most popular social video mobile apps in China. Upon returning to Hong Kong in 2018, I joined a friend to try to build Hong Kong’s first regulated and compliant digital assets exchange.

What are the challenges you face working in Hong Kong?
For one, the city-level population size compared to entire countries like the US or China means there’s a very small market for growth or disruption. For example, you can open a maximum of 10 cafes in Hong Kong versus 1,000 in China. And to get to 1,000, you must first conquer the vast cultural and infrastructural differences with mainland China, which is much harder than most people can imagine.

Secondly, it’s unfortunate to see unaffordable property prices take a toll on middle and lower income classes in so many ways. High living expenses and cramped living spaces for most people mean less happiness and less mental and physical room to try out new things or work on what you really enjoy doing, leading to less occupational diversity in society and less creativity, which then translates to less innovation from its people.

Are you optimistic about business in Hong Kong? And do you invest in other countries too?
Of course I invest internationally, but being firmly part of and connected to the Greater Bay Area is a big positive for Hong Kong. The city will continue to strive in areas that it has traditionally excelled in: financial services, trading, retail and having a very high standard of trained professionals. Tech and innovation take time, especially in a small place like Hong Kong, and require something of a cultural and academic shift -- but kudos to Carrie Lam for her commitment to support local tech and innovation.

Post engagement, you’re now in the media spotlight whether you like it or not. How are you dealing with it?
I prefer to stay away from the spotlight. My beautiful and smart fiancée can and should take all the attention!

On the plus side, this can bring good publicity where needed in your biz, no?
Yes, that’s not a bad reason...

Apart from marriage and family life, business-wise what else would you like to do in 2019 or the near future?
A lot. The Hong Kong digital assets exchange I’m working on should launch in early 2019. I’m also closely following the personalised healthcare and tech space, which I find very exciting, and am toying with a few ideas around that. In the meantime, Drawing Room Concepts is working hard on bringing new brands to Hong Kong and Cosmetic Central may expand to enter the mass market. My plate is almost full already!

Outside work, what do you like to do?
Besides watching TV shows at night with Jessica to wind down, whenever my schedule allows, I enjoy cooking or grilling steaks, which I find therapeutic. On weekends I try to catch Man United play.

All right you guys, this has been brilliant. Is there a mutual goal that you’ve got in mind?

JJ: I have to really remind myself to have a work-life balance -- same goes for Kenneth.

KK: What she said!

The post Jessica Jann and Kenneth King on Love and Marriage appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

The “Most Productive” Year in a 40-Year Career

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We chat with Palm Beach food blogger Cristyle Egitto on a few of her favorite things.

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Tao Okamoto is a perfect example of what happens when preparation meets opportunity. The 33-year-old’s career reads like a series of what some would call lucky breaks – whether setting off a huge hairstyle trend in the modelling world, booking her first acting role alongside Hugh Jackman or appearing in some of the hottest TV shows in Hollywood.

But life wasn’t always runaways and red carpets. Okamoto grew up in Chiba, on the outskirts of Tokyo, as one of three sisters. Her mother was at home while her father ran an after-school tutoring centre. And while the rest of the family was average height, Okamoto found herself standing head and shoulders above other girls her age.

“I just wanted to feel confident about what I had and how I looked,” Okamoto recalls when I reach her by phone in New York, where she lives with her husband and co-founder of The Last Magazine, Tenzin Wild. “If I were good at sports, I wouldn’t feel bad – but I wasn’t. I was going through puberty and started to look at fashion magazines and thought, ‘Maybe I can try this, modelling.’”

Okamoto called the publishers of one magazine, only to find out their annual modelling competition was still months away. “I was like, I can’t wait for this. So I decided to walk this famous street in Harajuku where people get scouted,” she says, referring to the popular shopping and street-style district in Tokyo.

“I went there by myself the first weekend and I was lucky enough to be asked to become an actress by this agent. He was strange, not like a good agent, but it gave me a bit of confidence that I might look attractive to some people.”

[caption id="attachment_116427" align="alignnone" width="1687"] Outfit Ralph Lauren[/caption]

The experience led Okamoto to reveal her feelings to her parents. “I told my parents for the first time that I was having a difficult time understanding myself, that I wanted to love myself but it was hard and I thought modelling could be a way I might be able to shine.”

When they discovered the scout was not the real deal, Okamoto decided to go out on her own again, sending her picture to a well-known agency in Japan. “I got a call back, and that’s how I started working and signed with an agency,” she says. “I was 14.”

Okamoto readily admits that, despite her determination to become a model, she had no idea what she was doing. Her school didn’t allow her to work, so any auditions had to be done outside of school or in secret. And, at first, nothing really happened.

When she was 17, Okamoto spent a year in England as an exchange student and started to think beyond the borders of her home country. She returned to Japan, finished high school and decided to go to college. But it was too much trying to pursue modelling and attend classes at the same time, and she dropped out after a year.

“I started to get a lot of offers and requests from foreign designers, at a time when I was so not popular among Japanese clients and designers,” Okamoto says. “So I was like, I love Japanese creativity and design, but maybe I’m not needed here. I have my market abroad.”

Okamoto moved to Paris and soon found regular work as a so-called Asian beauty. “I think what they were seeing in me was something very exotic, which didn’t really stand out in Japan,” she says. “I was doing well but nobody knew my name. They were just treating me like the Asian girl. They didn’t care where I was from or anything else.”

[caption id="attachment_116424" align="alignnone" width="1690"] Outfit Miu Miu[/caption]

Frustrated and questioning her place in an industry that treated women as so easily replaceable, Okamoto decided to ditch the typical long black hair then associated with Asian models and get a sleek, close-cropped bowl cut. “I don’t know,” she says, “I think I needed to challenge myself and see if I could get booked without having this signature Asian look.”

For the first season, it seems, she couldn’t. But a last-ditch effort to make it in New York would change all of that. Okamoto met a new agent, booked a number of shows and was quickly getting noticed for her unique hairstyle.

“That was kind of my breakout season. I have to think now there was a mix of reasons. The first was my hair became kind of trendy. It was a time when people were going back to that pixie or Vidal Sassoon kind of bowl cut, and I had it before other models cut their hair,” she says, wildly understating the fact that designer Phillip Lim was so inspired by Okamoto’s look that he sent every model in his autumn/winter 2009 show down the runway in wigs cut to match her hairstyle.

Besides the emerging androgynous trend, Okamoto also credits the strength of the Chinese economy at the time for her success. “I was able to fit in with this group of Chinese girls,” she says, “so I have to be thankful for that.”

[caption id="attachment_116428" align="alignnone" width="1688"] Outfit Givenchy[/caption]

Once the world – of fashion, at least – knew her name, it wasn’t long before Hollywood came calling. But Okamoto never had aspirations of becoming an actress. In fact, her parents had acted in university but weren’t able to make careers out of it.

“I knew that it’s not an easy choice,” she says. “Also, I was a very twisted kid so I didn’t want to go in the same direction as my parents.”

As it turns out, the producers of The Wolverine were looking for a Japanese actress for the role of love interest Mariko Yashida and asked her to audition. Okamoto, who wasn’t a big fan of superhero movies, gave it a try without any prior training or preparation.

“There was a lot of dialogue. I was memorising the lines and then on the day of the last audition with Hugh Jackman, the casting director said she wanted to do improvisation,” she recalls. “I’m like, ‘What?’ I didn’t even know what improvisation means!”

Nevertheless, Okamoto got the part – to the surprise and delight of her parents – and her education began. “I started to realise what a big deal this was. I asked the director [James Mangold] if I should take some classes and he said, ‘Don’t go to any acting classes. Show up as you are and I’ll direct you.’”

Okamoto soon learned how lucky she was to work with a director like Mangold, and why so many people aspire to become actors. “A lot of models go on to become actors. I didn’t understand that transformation and I didn’t like people thinking models were below actors,” she says. “I was very proud of what I do as a model. I wasn’t going to become an actor. But the part I loved most about modelling was being able to transform [into someone else] so I think it was natural for me to go into acting after I experienced it.”

[caption id="attachment_116425" align="alignnone" width="1689"] Outfit Gucci[/caption]

In the five and a half years since The Wolverine was released, Okamoto has appeared in a few Japanese TV series as well as major US productions including Hannibal,The Man in the High Castle and, most recently, the HBO sci-fi Western series Westworld. She also appeared as Mercy Graves in 2016’s Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice.

“The writing for Hannibal was very poetic, and hard to understand. English is my second language so it was very difficult for me to understand the real meaning,” she says. “It took a lot of preparation to learn the lines and then express them as an actor. Westworld was totally the opposite. I didn’t have a lot of lines, but I had a lot of action sequences which I had never really done before. As long as it’s challenging, I enjoy it.”

Okamoto has recently been filming an independent movie, tentatively titled Japantown, that deals with the discrimination faced by immigrants and their descendants in the United States, particularly Japanese- Americans around World War II.

“I decided to do it because there’s a line that says, ‘I’m American. I was born here; I was raised here. I do look different from you,’ when talking to a white restaurateur, when Japanese were banned from restaurants. ‘But I’m the same as you. We’re Americans.’

“That’s very relevant today. People don’t really know what ‘immigrant’ means. I’m an immigrant myself because I’m the first generation here but there are a lot Asian- Americans who are not immigrants,” she says. “I think it’s a good time to remind people we may look different but we’re not different.”

[caption id="attachment_116426" align="alignnone" width="1688"] Outfit Ralph Lauren[/caption]

Culture and ethnicity have been on Okamoto’s mind, not only given her experiences as a model but also with the hubbub surrounding Crazy Rich Asians, Sandra Oh and her other fellow Asian actors.

“I’m kind of wondering and seeing how this movement goes. When I was modelling, people treated me as an Asian. That kind of made me frustrated because I wanted to be acknowledged [as Japanese]. Crazy Rich Asians was about Singaporean Chinese but the whole Asian community was cheering and supporting them because we waited for so long,” she says.

“Now I don’t care if people think I’m Japanese or whatever. I just want us to become a big power. I’m really feeling good that I don’t have this ego any more about my nationality and I just want to support and be a part of this Asian movement.”

The important thing, Okamoto says, is that everyone is given a fair shot. So if a Japanese role goes to a Chinese actor, she doesn’t mind as long as she and other Japanese actors had the opportunity to audition. And if she has her way, one day Okamoto will be able to audition for a role in a musical and hopefully fulfil her dream of singing professionally.

“It’s all about timing. Like when I was modelling, I didn’t really do anything for 10 years but then the economy supported me, this whole movement supported me,” she says. “When I think about that, I think I should also have ‘my time’. Maybe it’s now, maybe it’s later, but I want to believe it will happen.”

The post The Life of Tao Okamoto appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

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. 

On Netflix’s The Final Table, we saw a calm and collected side of multi-award winning Australian chef Shane Osborn, which made us wonder what  the man behind Michelin-starred Arcane is really like when he’s not in front of the camera. Below, he reveals how he spends his weekends, what’s on his kickass playlist and his love for raves.

[caption id="attachment_115486" align="alignnone" width="1626"] Photo credit: Annie Yuen[/caption]

What’s a normal weekend like for you?
A weekend is usually about work. I'll be here working on Saturday but we’re closed for lunch then, so I usually go to the gym in the morning if I if I have enough energy. Then I work in the evening. The restaurant’s closed on Sundays but I always come in anyway. I mean, the nature of the job is you're always thinking and planning ahead, trying to think about new dishes, about what we're going to do next in the restaurant, so I usually come in here and spend a couple of hours doing office work and then thinking about dishes and menus going forward.

If the weather's nice in the summer, I usually to go to the beach because I love swimming. I grew up in Australia --  you always have one foot in the water if you’re from Australia. I'll go down to Deep Water Bay, Big Wave Bay or Shek O for a nice swim and have a beer on the beach and just kind of destress little bit. My favourite beach in Hong Kong is Big Wave Bay.

[caption id="attachment_114586" align="alignnone" width="1730"] Mark Best and Shane Osborn on The Final Table.[/caption]

What’s on your playlist?
The music at Arcane is my playlist! I have three different playlists for different moods. So during the day time we play The Police, Sting, The Cure -- a lot of good '80s and '90s music. I’ve got a little bit of Radiohead, Pink Floyd,  Suzanne Vega. And then in the night time we have Depeche Mode, Jamiroquai, something a little more uplifting. Music is very important to me.

What are you most likely to order at a bar?
I’ll usually have a classic cocktail -- something like an Old Fashioned or a really good Martini -- something that you can really sip on.

What’s a guilty pleasure of yours?
Going for a really great foot massage! If I have enough time on the weekend, to have someone rub your feet and your legs for an hour and a half and just fall asleep or put some music on (something by Pink Floyd) and just totally zone out is just a great way to wind down. I probably go around once a month, but I’d like to go more often. Finding the time is just really hard.

[caption id="attachment_114587" align="alignnone" width="1706"] With The Final Table teammate Mark Best and fellow contestants Darren MacLean and Timothy Hollingsworth.[/caption]

Tell us something that not a lot of people know about you?
I was allergic to fish and shellfish for a large part of my life… wait, I’ve already disclosed that on The Final Table.

Hmm… Oh! I used to DJ a lot of hard house music. My big love was always house! In the '90s and 2000s when I was in London, I used to go raving every single weekend. I'd be up there, shirt off, dancing on the speakers. I had a record collection of about 3,000 vinyls and I had my DJ studio in the house. I still have about a thousand records which I keep in France.

Who was the last person you called?
My wife and kids. They’re 7 hours behind us. I just spoke to them and they were on their way to school, so I called to say good morning.

What’s the last meal you had?
I had staff food. We ate at 11 this morning. Our pastry chef made a pasta dish with a simple cheese sauce for breakfast/lunch. We eat everyday at 11am and then again at 5pm. Today we’re having roast chicken with a simple salad with avocado, cherry tomatoes and rocket. We work long hours, so we have to lead a lifestyle that’s as healthy as possible.

The post Getting to Know Chef Shane Osborn of Arcane appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

“A force to be reckoned with,” is how Erwin Azizi describes the power that could emerge following a Malaysia-Indonesia alliance. The net effect of both nations fostering closer cooperation would result in a combined population of nearly 300 million, a market that is too large to overlook. “It is an important milestone to achieve,” says the director of Indonesia’s Menara Group, “because if these two countries can work hand-in-hand and if we can rope in other Asean countries, we can give any of the Western countries a run for their money.”

[caption id="attachment_113408" align="alignnone" width="1021"] L.U.C TIME TRAVELER ONE in Stainless Steel from Chopard[/caption]

To nurture this cooperation, the conglomerate, of which Erwin is a director, has been instrumental in the setting up of the two bodies – the Indonesia Malaysia Business Council (IMBC) as well as the Executive Center for Global Leadership (ECGL). As one of its initiatives, just a couple of days after Prime-Minister-to-be Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim was released from prison, he visited Jakarta at the invitation of ECGL where he met with among others, former ministers, academics as well as heads of Islamic organisations, including Ikatan Cendekiawan Muslim Indonesia (Indonesian Association of Muslim Intellectuals, ICMI).

[caption id="attachment_113410" align="alignnone" width="1021"] L.U.C TIME TRAVELER ONE in Stainless Steel from Chopard[/caption]

The success of Anwar’s trip resulted in calls for greater dialogue between both countries which then prompted IMBC to invite Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad to speak in Jakarta. The requests came from Indonesian stalwarts like Peter Sondakh and Garibaldi Thohir. IMBC, headed by Chairman of Indonesia’s Pertamina, Tanri Abeng, provided the platform for the much anticipated discussion. The Menara Group’s Datuk Seri Chairul Anhar is the secretary general. When approached, Mahathir readily agreed, making his visit to Indonesia his first official trip since assuming the position of prime minister once again.

For the full story, pick up a copy of Prestige Malaysia January 2019 issue.

[caption id="attachment_113406" align="aligncenter" width="2717"] Jacket from Dior Homme; L.U.C TIME TRAVELER ONE in Stainless Steel from Chopard[/caption]

Styling & Creative Direction by Ibnu Aswan

Photography by Eric Chow @ Blink Studio

Grooming by Joey Yap & Angeline Low

The post Cover Story: Erwin Azizi reveals why a strong Malaysia-Indonesia alliance will benefit both nations appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

國際酒店是不是個嚴肅的空間？如果不是，如何來呈現它個性的樣貌？人，是重點。一個好的酒店，除了空間豪華與否，餐點、調酒經典與否，一個酒店的形象，來自於工作人員的態度與風格。今天，Prestige帶你看看大家所熟悉的Grand Hyatt Taipei，其實有不一樣的生活風格想像。

The post Grand Hyatt Taipei x Prestige 風格生活 appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

2018年12月28日下午17:00

郭彥甫《迴家》個展現場

到了個展現場，郭彥甫已經等在那裡，黑色T-shirt、沾滿顏料牛仔褲的打扮，顯得自在。

這該算是第二次採訪他了吧！對於藝術，他有很多熱情，「行李箱其實很難畫，因為畫得太『清楚』，它就變成品牌展了，但我做的又不是品牌的型錄，所以怎麼下筆，常常讓我思考很久。」坐在畫廊的一角，郭彥甫侃侃而談他的新作—我稱之為「進化版2.0」的行李箱畫作（們）。這是他發展「行李箱」系列的第三年。

說他作品「進化」了，他笑說：「要看別人覺得我有沒有進化啦！」不過，訪談間似乎他還是會在意別人是不是看得出他在畫什麼，他說，他畫的是人與環境在畫面上產生的關係，「我不喜歡擺拍，擺拍的樣子太做作了。」行李箱對彥甫來說，其實是一個有趣的東西，「它是一個框，這個框代表『你』。」畫的雖然是行李箱，但其實他是用行李箱作為媒介，在畫「人」，「你放在行李箱裡的，是你喜歡的東西，還是你需要的東西？」這是人的「選擇」，這些選擇的細節也造就了這個人的生命、事業與價值觀，「而這些，才是最有趣的地方。」

問彥甫怎麼選擇他作畫的「對象」，他很直接的回答我：「我不畫我不認識的人，因為太奇怪了。」畫布是一個框，行李箱也是一個框，他在這兩個框架中，讓觀看者本身的體驗也跟著加入，「這是一種被畫的人、繪畫者（也就是我）與觀看者之間發生關係的時刻。」彥甫聊到興致起來，他會站起身開始「示範」，告訴我他怎麼看被畫的人的細微動作，從這些動作中與自己認識的對方進行連結，甚至直接「表演」他怎麼畫畫，「表演」他怎麼把手上沾到的顏料擦在牛仔褲上的動作（所以他的牛仔褲五顏六色，而且也是在「進化」當中），這的確是一種「唱作俱佳」，但你也可以直接地看到他對於繪畫的熱情：「我會帶著攝影機拍我想畫的人怎麼整理行李箱，我喜歡『截』取他們細微的動作作為創作的靈感來源，我也不是照著畫面畫，是當看到有一個感覺時就開始作畫。」

那是一種狀態，彥甫的期待他的作品中讓「靜的東西動起來，動的東西要停下來」，他說：「這是我追求的『動感』。」畫布與行李箱的雙重框架，的確將他的作品建立了某個凝結的時間點，因為當人在框架中的「陳設」，在隱隱約約中都建構出這個人的「個性」象徵，觀看著畫面，你會開始想：這個人是誰？他/她在行李箱裡放了什麼？他/她要去哪裡？這些都是讓觀看者「介入」畫作的元素，也適當地呈現了觀者、創作者與被「畫」者的互動與關係，「這，其實非常具有生活感的。」

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The first day of a new year is the perfect time to reprioritise your life choices while setting goals for the future. If you're searching for effective ways of changing your life for the better, here are some choice quotes from our friends of Prestige to help you to come up with some resolutions of your own and make 2020 your best year yet.
The responses below have been edited for clarity.

The post New Year’s resolutions for 2020 appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

Shashank Rajan, a Bengaluru-based CrossFit trainer tells you everything you need to know about the world of CrossFit CrossFit: An Introduction CrossFit is a fitness regimen that involves constantly varied functional movements performed at high intensity. All CrossFit workouts are based on functional movements, and these movements reflect the best aspects of gymnastics, weightlifting, running, […]

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