Celebrity Life

The Prefecture's founder Nqabeni Butholezwe Msimanga, or Mr Q, makes a strong case for colourful leadership.

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A firm believer in perfectly fitted suits, Maslow So co-founded bespoke tailoring company Il Negozio last year, opening a shop at One Duddell Street. We spoke to So and Il Negozio's cutter, Louis Chung, on what sparked their interest and what they hope to achieve with this brand.

The post Maslow So of Il Negozio on the Value of Bespoke Tailoring appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

In case you missed it, shorts suits are (still) having a moment. As seen on the spring summer 2020 runways, shorts add a chic boyish energy to the modern business-ready trend, and with Hong Kong's temperature on the rise, there's no better way to stay cool in tailoring right now. From modest cuts that fall past the knee, to shorter all-in-one looks, short suits are the unconventional sartorial choice that is as appropriate for the office as it is an easy evening ensemble. Ahead, we pulled together 5 of our favourite shorts suits to dress up in now.

Givenchy

These straight-cut Bermuda shorts in classic black and white houndstooth mean business, while small side slits, pockets and two back welt pockets keep it practical.

Givenchy houndstooth short pants HK$7,490 | jacket HK$20,500

Bottega Veneta

Though not exactly a shorts suit, this Bottega Veneta jumpsuit combines both for that all-in-one look. Loosely fitted, this black gabardine short jumpsuit is tailored with a notched lapel and concealed button closure.

Bottega Veneta jumpsuit HK$25,500

Marco de Vincenzo

Whether you prefer the salmon and fuchsia, or navy and black, check pleated tulle shorts by Marco de Vincenzo, both have a light and preppy feel which is perfect for summer. Both high-waisted shorts feature pockets and loops at the waist.

Marco de Vincenzo pleated tulle shorts HK$8,333 

Dion Lee

Australian brand Dion Lee presents these tailored white shorts in a unisex style. With vented seams and front pleats for a slightly loose silhouette, the knee length shorts also feature side pockets and a single utility flap pocket at the back too.

Dion Lee vented pleat shorts HK$2,473

Chloé

These stormy blue statement shorts in soft pinstripe make for a unique summer outfit. The fold up cuffs reveal a contrasting silk lining and pleats help to enhance the structured tailoring. Pair this with the matching collarless jacket, with flowing cuffs, to complete the look.

Summer pinstripe shorts HK$8,950 | jacket HK$18,850

The post The 5 Best Shorts Suits for a Sartorial Summer appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

Swedish design has long been associated with clean lines and a sparse use of embellishments.  Though this still rings true for many Scandanavian brands, Atelier Saman Amel elevates this idea to another level whilst retaining a wealth of personality which makes their clothes easily identifiable despite its lack of logos.

For those unfamiliar with the small scale tailoring outfit, the brand was founded by childhood friends Saman and Dag ten years ago circa 2010.  Their collective taste level and maturity belie their age -- 26 and 27 -- young by any measure for a successful menswear brand that can count the likes of Mr. Porter as the exclusive distributor of its lean ready-to-wear line.

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We sat down for a discussion with Dag Granath to talk about their upcoming lookbook, entitled “CURATED LOOKS”, and delved headfirst into the ethos of Saman Amel as well as our predictions (or hopes, rather) for the direction of fashion in a post-coronavirus world.

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Loro Piana might be famous for its fabrics, but the Italian luxury maison is also making waves with its sartorial collections.

The post Loro Piana continues its ethos of understated luxury for SS2020 appeared first on The Peak Magazine.

Loro Piana might be famous for its fabrics, but the Italian luxury maison is also making waves with its sartorial collections.

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

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.

Between fast-fashion chains and so-called “influencer” brands peddled to you at every opportunity on social media, the retail market is becoming increasingly saturated. For discerning gentlemen, the smart antidote to all this is to invest in tailored pieces which will stand the test of time. Fortunately, Hong Kong remains a bastion of high-quality tailoring, and the storied history of the “Red Gang” tailors who hailed from Shanghai is well known. Building on this storied legacy are several newcomers to the scene that both locals and visitors should definitely check out. Whether it's a made-to-measure leather jacket or an unstructured sport jacket, these guys have the expertise and contemporary sensibility you're no doubt looking for.

Prologue

Formed by Jerry Tong (an alumnus of world-renowned shirtmaker Ascot Chang) and Chris Tang in 2016, this haberdashery on Shing Hing Street has already developed an international reputation for providing thoughtful semi-bespoke tailoring (working from existing blocks). Less well known, but no less impressive, are their in-house products developed under the moniker “Wear not Tear”. One such example is their contemporary take on the mandarin jacket, which is offered in a plethora of materials and colours. Prices for a semi-bespoke suit start at HK$9,200; sport jackets start at HK$7,800.

Prologue, 3 Shin Hing Street, Central; +852 2572 2488

The Anthology

Having already made a name for himself amongst the sartorially inclined with his keen eye and perception, Andy Chong has, together with wunderkind Buzz Tang, only improved on his previous successes with The Anthology. Offering a discreet yet instantly recognisable silhouette, their house cut features soft, unpadded shoulders; a masculine, straight lapel; and a lowered gorge which flatters most frames. For those who are on the fence about committing to a full suit, their bespoke shirting program also comes highly recommended, especially the cotton/linen house fabric sourced from Xinjiang. Prices for bespoke shirts start at HK$880 (a minimum of three shirts is required for the first order); a bespoke suit starts at HK$10,180.

The Anthology, 7th Floor, 8 On Wo Lane, Central; +852 2799 3078

Il Negozio and Mori of Shoemakers

Despite being the newest addition on this list, Maslow So has years of experience in the shoemaking and tailoring industry. Initially spurred on by a personal fascination with bespoke offerings from Hong Kong, Japan and Italy, this passion culminated into his first solo project: Mori of Shoemakers, which are produced in conjunction with Masaru Okuyama. Aimed to bridge the gap between ready-to-wear options and the level of craftsmanship usually only available via bespoke commissions, the shapely waist of the black cap-toe oxford appears distinct even to the untrained eye. Be sure to visit the shop, as an early pattern for bespoke tailoring is also in the works. Il Negozio is by appointment only and prices for footwear start at HK$5,400.

Il Negozio, 2101, One Duddell Street, Central; +852 2426 8885

Craftsman Clothing

There's nothing better than a leather jacket that fits you perfectly. As cliché as that may be, being able to customise outerwear in any way you deem fit ensures that the material, fit and shade compliment you exactly the way you desire. Tobe Fong and TC Ng of Craftsman Clothing have managed to tackle a niche in the market for made-to-measure outerwear, offering several models based on classic shapes. Their most popular piece at the moment is the rakish belted safari jacket, which can be spotted on the likes of David Gandy. Prices for made-to-measure outwear start at approximately HK$5,500 for cotton, and approximately HK$9,250 for leather.

Enquiries or appointments for fittings can be made via ​craftsmanclothing.com.

The post The New Breed of Tailors and Craftsmen in Hong Kong appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

On set with antiques, piglets and swans, Harry Styles continues to be the face of Gucci's tailoring campaign with flamboyance

The post Gucci Unveils Pre-fall 2019 Tailoring Campaign With Harry Styles 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.

On Nov 30, readers of The Peak were invited to explore the newly opened Ermenegildo Zegna boutique at The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands. Guests were also given the chance to discover the brand’s latest XXX collection which bridges streetwear with Zegna’s luxury codes. The result is a collection that is contemporary and made for […]

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