Turbo Charged: Dynamism is a family trait for young entrepreneur Ethan Ung, builder of an innovative branded-merchandise empire

Ethan Ung, Managing Director of BrandCharger, is a dynamic and visionary leader who has helped propel his family business to new heights on the global stage. Born and raised in the Netherlands, his journey has been one of cultural duality, entrepreneurial spirit and relentless drive. Dressed in a smart, crisp blue suit and looking every inch like the fashion model he was once, the six-foot millennial entrepreneur reflects on the influences that shaped his career path, and the guiding principles that have led BrandCharger to become a renowned global player in high-end corporate gifting.

“I grew up in Maassluis, a city with 36,000 inhabitants close to the sea and Rotterdam,” he shares. “It was a stress-free time where kids can be kids, and we were in an East-meets-West environment. I spent most of my time in Catholic schools, but at home and with family, we would speak Cantonese and learn about Cantonese culture.”

Ung’s family background, with a mix of Western and Eastern cultures, instilled in him a deep appreciation for diversity and a global mindset – traits that would prove invaluable in his entrepreneurial journey. “Initially I thought I would be working for a corporation, but it grew on me seeing most of my family being entrepreneurs,” he explains.

His admiration of successful business leaders and his own import and distribution experiences further ignited his entrepreneurial spark. “As a Business Administration student, I read about Li Ka-shing, and how he started his career in the manufacturing of plastic flowers and built that into an international business conglomerate,” he says. “And when I was young, my mom would tell me and show newspaper articles about my uncle who built a big business by importing yachts and Lamborghinis into Hong Kong early on.”

Brotherly Bond

Embracing their entrepreneurial legacy, Ethan and his elder brother James ventured into the global branded merchandise industry, founding BrandCharger in the Netherlands in 2011. Taking the helm as Chief Commercial Officer and CEO respectively, they decided almost immediately to relocate the company headquarters to Hong Kong, the gateway to international trade. The duo’s remarkable success can be attributed to their unwavering commitment to building long-term relationships – often with other multi-generation family businesses – fostering a talented and motivated team, and crafting innovative, sustainable and unique products.

“It makes your life less hard on a personal and business level,” says Ung about the importance of family in his life. “Wherever we travel and have meetings at the family businesses we collaborate with, we are treated with a warm and welcoming feeling. On a personal level, my parents love me dearly, and they have always supported and encouraged me to venture and move back to Hong Kong. My brother is my business partner, mentor, sparring partner but also my best friend.”

Charge of the Light-up Brigade

The pivotal moment in the Ungs’ journey to the top was recognising an opportunity to create a unique product – a light-up logo USB car charger. “At that time my brother was working in his ad agency on merchandise for Valvoline [a car lubricant brand] and they were looking for 300,000 items. We came up with the idea of a light-up logo USB car charger and prepared 10 moulds to produce on time at our first factory in Jiangmen [in Guangdong].

“The campaign was a big success, and after it was over we still had the moulds, so we asked our client for permission to sell the charger to other customers. We quickly won the Promotional Product of the Year award at the 2011 Dutch PromZ exhibition and the rest is history.”

BrandCharger has remained committed to creating products that are not only innovative but also sustainable. “Today, 80% of our products are made in a sustainable way,” he says. “That means, for instance, that all our bags are from recycled rPET yarns [polyester made from plastic bottles] whereby our entire value chain is audited. The same goes for our drinkware – we have recently invested in a production line with bulk purchasing of recycled 304 stainless steel. We like to grow and expand but in a sustainable way.”

While the Covid-19 pandemic presented significant challenges, the Ungs weathered the storm thanks to their strong foundations. “I always tell my brother that when Covid happened, we were in a position of triple-digit growth annually from 2017-2019, and hence we had a buffer to deal with bad times. I think it would have been very different if we were just a startup at that time. The biggest lesson of Covid is that the world is resilient, and we always find ways to come back.”

Dutch Drive

Ung’s global mindset and cultural fluency have been instrumental in BrandCharger’s rise, and he believes these attributes are crucial for entrepreneurs looking to expand their reach. “The Netherlands has a rich history and was once a global power in trade through the Dutch East India Company,” he explains. “You could say trade is in the blood of Dutch people; they grow up with the mindset of ‘exploring’.”

“Growing up in the Netherlands, it was a melting pot of different cultures. I got exposed to a lot of different cultures. So it definitely gives you an open mind and helps in doing business.”

Toys for Boys

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Ung has a diverse range of interests and hobbies that keep him grounded and inspired. “I find motorbikes are a nice way to escape,” he notes. “Though I do not recommend this dangerous hobby, you need to pay so much attention to the speed, road and traffic when riding a motorbike that it clears your mind and you can recharge for your next opportunity at work.”

Having grown up by the water (The North Sea), he also favours motor boats: “We have a small motor boat to enjoy swimming and all the beautiful archipelagos, islands and beaches in Hong Kong.” And like many of the new-gen high achievers, he collects watches: “Watches were not always a hobby, but today they are. I love mechanical items and several watches represent milestones in my business career or life.”

Friends and Benefits

As BrandCharger continues to evolve and expand its global footprint, Ung remains focused on strengthening relationships with partners worldwide. “We have been doing business with a large number of our clients for 10 years and, in essence, have become close friends. We want to expand on that feeling of ‘let’s do this together and grow together’.”

His advice for aspiring entrepreneurs is simple yet profound: “Just start something, anything; you may fail but learn significant lessons during the process. Find a good mentor to guide you and hire people who are better than you and complement your skills.”

With his unwavering commitment to innovation, sustainability and global collaboration, Ethan Ung has helped to position BrandCharger as a trailblazer in the branded merchandise industry. As the brothers steer their company to new heights, their story serves as an inspiration for budding entrepreneurs around the world.

Interview, Text and Art Direction by: Joseff Musa Photographer: Jack Law Videographer: Jack Fontanilla

Healer at Heart: The remarkable transformation of Reverend Noreen Siu Richards from party-goer to passionate preacher

Noreen Siu Richards steps out of her airy apartment in Tai Tam Reservoir Road, a short drive from steep, sun-scorched trails filled with hikers, to offer thirst-quenchers to our production team. A 2 pm interview and shoot in the blazing Hong Kong heat is a difficult place to be glamorous, but she accepts the challenge. Back indoors, her powder is set, her cheekbones are lifted and her eyeliner is definitely not creasing as she power walks down the hall.

“Let me show you this red Valentino. Beautiful, isn’t it? This isn’t from the latest collection, but I’d still wear it,” she shares excitedly as she frolics among the rack of designer clothes. Her inexhaustible effervescence in full flow, she then turns to a very different line-up of personal treasures: “And right here is my library – a collection of my thesis and inspirational books. The bible if you may.”

This is a relatively new terrain for her. In a remarkable transformation, Siu Richards has traded in her former life of fashion and frivolity for a calling to help the sick and impoverished through her Hong Kong-based ministry, New Wine Ministries. The second daughter of the late philanthropist tycoon Siu Ming and Julie Siu, who still heads the Women’s Welfare Club (Western District), was once a fixture on the social circuit, spending her evenings at glitzy balls and her afternoons lunching with the city’s elite. But a profound spiritual awakening while she and her architect husband, David Richards, were living in Monaco in the 1990s set her on a disparate path.

After settling in London, she discovered Kensington Temple London City Church in 2002, which later in 2008 inspired her to pursue a master’s degree in Christian Ministry at the Ecclesia Theological Seminary in Tuen Mun. Though she describes it as the “hardest thing she has ever done”, the five-year degree course was completed in an impressive three years, igniting her passion to establish New Wine Ministries Hong Kong in 2011. ‘Reverend Noreen’, as she is now known, works with cancer patients and asylum seekers and refugees, promoting inner healing and community fellowship.

“It’s a complete 180 from my former life,” she admits. “This is the last profession I would expect myself to be in, but I’ve never been more fulfilled. Applying my ‘passion for compassion’ to helping those in physical and mental anguish is my true calling.”

From Fashion to Passion

Siu Richards is a woman of many talents and passions. After earning her MBA in Business Finance and Accounting from the University of British Columbia, she embarked on a career in banking. However, her teenage dream was to become a high-fashion boutique owner, which she went on to fulfil.

“As a teenager, I took a special interest in fashion, and in my career-goal essay at pre-university level, I wrote that I would like to become a high-fashion boutique owner in womenswear and travel to high-fashion centres in Italy and France,” she says with a smile.

True to her word, she would open two maternity-fashion boutiques in Hong Kong called Lady Madonna, then the Primadonna women’s high-fashion boutiques, as well as a franchised boutique, Alma, in the mid-1980s. Years later, witnessing the physical and emotional pain of her brother, who died of cancer, gave her pause to rethink her career and life choices. “My brother’s battle with cancer in itself was enough to motivate me to help others,” she stresses.

Forgiveness and Faith

Her name has now become synonymous with compassion, resilience and an unwavering commitment to helping those in need. She is a firm believer in the power of inner healing – the healing of damaged emotions or memories through unlocking the hurt in the innermost part of our lives and forgiving ourselves and those who have wounded us. She recounts the story of one man with diabetes who went from being in constant pain, requiring four insulin injections per day and losing his sight, to experiencing significantly less pain and needing far less medication after undergoing inner-healing sessions.

The process of forgiveness has been instrumental in her own life and the lives of those she serves. “The strategy is to try to repeat the forgiveness process as many times as needed in order to get rid of our negative emotions,” she explains. “The perpetrators could be those close to us, so the situation will recur, and we need to be able to aggregate our pain and escalate our emotions once again.”

She continues: “The Bible says, ‘Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry’. We are encouraged to forgive as many times and as soon as possible, even daily.” During challenging times, she encourages individuals to stay focused on positive emotions, seek God’s guidance and stay humble by reading God’s word and remaining obedient.

Forgiveness can be a truly transformative power. One woman with cancer whom she helped had long struggled with extreme anger and bitterness towards her husband and mother-in-law. “She would hold on to her grudges, and her emotions were inflamed with anger, hatred and bitterness. She didn’t want any way out, thinking she was avenging the person who had hurt her,” she recalls.

After several sessions, Reverend Noreen was able to guide the woman through the forgiveness process. “She came back the next week looking like a different person. Her face was clearer, and she had a bit of a glow. She had better relationships with her family, friends and colleauges. After a few more sessions, her life was transforming greatly. I worked with her until she was healed and restored. She was converted and came back often for fellowship gatherings. What a miracle in her life!”

Guidance and Freewill

Yet, Siu Richards is aware that her preachings and the Bible are not the sole answers to every problem, especially when addressing mental health issues. “Of course, one has to know that whatever comes from the Bible and from my mouth are mere guidance to a happy life. We all still have our free will. We should always make use of it to do what is right, and we still have to consult with medical experts.”

She remains optimistic about the future, with plans to reach out to more people through social media and expand the scope of her ministry’s work. Her dedication to her religious beliefs is matched only by her commitment to her family. As a wife and mother, she has learned to balance her responsibilities with grace and efficiency. “I value every God-given moment of time to be productive, even time to relax and rest,” she says. “I thank the Lord for giving me energy and strength.”

Ending with an utterance of “God Bless!” as we wrap up, her close and intense way of speaking takes our conversation beyond mere Q&A to the level of intimacy required for sharing relationship stories. Her ability to make a friend of you in a few hours – four hours in the case of our shoot – is legendary. It’s hard not to surrender to her gravitational pull, and her story is a shining example of how one person can make a profound difference in the world.

Ultimately, Reverend Noreen Siu Richards has wholeheartedly embraced her new role as a shepherd for the sick and downtrodden – and it’s as clear as this brilliant summer’s day that she wouldn’t have it any other way.

Future Perfect: The Project Futurus’ youthful Queenie Man is redefining how society supports its older citizens and its ageing population

In a brightly lit Tsuen Wan studio, office and showroom, a short trip northwest from the bustling heart of Hong Kong, Queenie Man is on a mission to transform the way the world perceives ageing. With her infectious energy and unwavering determination, the visionary founder and CEO of The Project Futurus is shattering stereotypes and rewriting the narrative around what it means to grow old.

Bright-eyed and short-haired, the busy millennial has already carved out an impressive career, blending her expertise in branding and marketing with her passion for revolutionising the elderly services industry. After nearly a decade as a global brand strategist for Fortune 500 companies, she made the bold move, in 2017, to join the eldercare sector, driven by a desire to make a tangible difference in the lives of older adults. The Project Futurus, her innovative social enterprise, was born in 2019.

“I decided it needed a bit of magic and storytelling because no one can avoid ageing, but you can talk about it in a way that people connect with,” explains Man, her face aglow with enthusiasm. “I started thinking about how to make ageing not only sexy but relevant.”

And that is precisely what she has done. The Project Futurus tackles ageism head-on, rebranding the experience of growing older and empowering seniors to embrace their golden years with dignity and purpose.

“We hope to be able to give back in ways that are not only addressing the real needs of our community but also are meaningful,” she stresses. “We want to connect corporations to impact initiatives that speak to their core values and strengths, and yield a positive impact on those we care about in the community. Above all, these innovations should create a positive outlook on ageing for all of us in ways that resonate and relate to each of us.”

In tandem with The Project Futurus, she is Managing Director of Forward Living, a residential care home for the elderly in Tuen Mun, and elderly-care-services provider Culture Homes, as well as being a Member of the Hong Kong government advisory body the Elderly Commission and on the board of AIDs Concern. She earned her degree in business administration, with a focus on marketing and information systems, at the University of Washington, and is currently seeking a master’s in dementia studies from the University of Stirling.

“If I could own a superhuman ability, I hope I can stretch the dimension of ‘time’ so that I can have more time to work on impact initiatives. There are so many impact projects I would like to get started, but I am always running out of time. Time is never enough!”

Caring career path

When young Queenie was in her final year of secondary school, her grandmother fainted when her pacemaker stopped working in the middle of the night. An ambulance was called and the pacemaker was replaced just in time. This harrowing incident was a pivotal moment that would shape the teenager’s future and inspire her eventual career path.

“My grandmother always enjoyed cooking and was very picky about her food. She loved eating the tail of a steamed fish because it was the best part. She used to make mouth-watering pork stews with preserved vegetables. She would make me coconut sugar pancakes as an after-school snack. Good times!” she recalls fondly. “Having experienced caring for my grandmother, particularly in the last stage of her life, I felt a strong calling to join the elderly-care industry to change the narrative on ageing.”

Her childhood experiences, from the treasured meals shared with her grandmother to the frightening ambulance emergency, had a profound impact, setting her on a path to make a difference in the lives of the elderly. In more ways than she could have imagined, she is honouring her grandmother’s memory and ensuring that all elderly residents can enjoy the dignity, choice and joy that her beloved grandmother experienced in her later years.

Future value

The Project Futurus operates across three key pillars. “First we enhance elder’s wellbeing through meaningful community engagements,” says Man. “Then, there is dignified dining solutions for those with swallowing difficulties. The last area is to raise awareness on ageing and promote social inclusion through community service.”

One of the enterprise’s most captivating initiatives is the Sensory Restaurant on Wheels, which brings the joy of dim-sum dining to seniors in care homes and community centres. The project revolves around a nostalgic atmosphere, complete with vintage items and soothing sounds of classic Cantonese tunes that transport participants to a bygone era. “My colleagues and I recreate a nostalgic look and feel by purchasing old props and playing old songs so the [residents], many of whom have dementia, feel like they’re in a restaurant,” she explains.

The catchy-titled Captain Softmeal programme, which Man has since brought to Singapore, is another essential for improving the quality of elderly life. “I created Captain Softmeal because there were little information about dysphagia, or swallowing difficulties, a cause of elderly malnutrition. Why are we giving patients [in hospitals or residents in care homes] purée or porridge when we have many ways to make texture-modified foods that are appealing and nutritious?”

Through Nordic-inspired senior community Forward Living and The Living Gallery, an ageing-in-place concept store under the auspices of Culture Homes, she further widens the reach of her passion for rebranding age. Additionally, having been appointed to the Elderly Commission last year, Man provides vital input on the formulation of comprehensive policies to support the city’s ageing population.

Age is just a number

“When we talk about ageing in Hong Kong, we have to consider policy, mindset, society and career,” she says. “I’ve faced ageism too. I always hear, ‘You’re too young to be managing an elderly home. Do you know what you’re doing?’ I don’t think age matters. What matters is your vision, your commitment, the purpose of the work you do.”

Man’s unwavering commitment to championing the cause of the elderly is rooted in her own personal experiences and the changing landscape of ageing. “This year marks the fifth year of The Project Futurus. As I step into my late 30s, the work I do, the amazing people I meet and the smiles I see on elders’ faces give me this sense of renewed purpose,” she shares. “The idea of being able to leverage my creativity to impact-making is the reason I wake up every day. We create our own opportunities, and everything is possible as long as we believe in it.”

As she continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in the realm of elderly care, her inspiring story serves as a testament to the power of vision, innovation and a relentless drive to make a difference. Through her work, she is not only rebranding age but also redefining the way society perceives and supports its older citizens, paving the way for a future where ageing is celebrated, not feared.

Interview, Text and Art Direction by: Joseff Musa Photographer: Jack Law Videographer: Jack Fontanilla

Design Providence: The extravagant designs of enduring couturier Barney Cheng create extraordinary pleasure

In the collective mind of Hong Kong’s elite circle, Barney Cheng has been unopposed as their go-to couturier for three decades. But the prestige that comes with his title doesn’t interest him; he would rather be a Renaissance man. Not that he would describe himself that way. For the 56-year-old fashion and jewellery designer, arriving for our shoot in a soft blue suit jacket, trousers, polo shirt and white sneakers, it is not about gravitas or self-promotion; it will always be about artistry, a heartfelt respect for the craft and an unrelenting grind mindset instilled at an early age.

“I would like to think I’m affable. Or am I even close to being such? Ask my staff here … let them answer that!” laughs Cheng. “But seriously, I am not such an egomaniac that I need everyone to know who is wearing a Barney Cheng creation. I couldn’t care less if I get credited for dressing people, but when a client gets complimented that they are looking fabulous, then I’ve done my job because my job is to make them feel empowered and good about themselves – to make them love who they are.”

He has achieved this time and again over a colourful career kickstarted by a 1993 Young Designers’ Award win that gave him the confidence to start his own atelier. Ground-breaking feats followed thick and fast: the 2001 parade of his collection in Beijing’s Forbidden City; dressing Asia’s first Bond Girl, Michelle Yeoh, for the Oscars; staging a mammoth 80-outfit show at the HSBC headquarters in 2003; and designing costumes for an arts performance in the Japan Pavilion at the 2010 World Expo in Shanghai.

Being named on the first Forbes’ list of the most influential Chinese in global fashion reminded him that even though he spends long days hidden away in his Wyndham Street studio creating bespoke couture for VVIP clients, the outside world is not ignorant of the beautiful pieces he creates.

“I would have to kill you if I share particular stories of what it was like designing for these prominent figures,” he says, with a straight face before bursting into laughter, a frequent and endearing habit. “I’ve just been extremely blessed to be given so many opportunities to showcase my particular style and to try my hand at so many different things. I truly love what creativity has given me, enriching my life so very much.”

Creator of Dreams

Cheng was born into a large, wealthy Hong Kong clan who called Kadoorie Avenue home. The family are Christian, though it wasn’t until later in life that their flamboyant son found faith himself. As a youngster, his haute-couture dream was paved with global learning. He earned a BA in Fine Arts at the University of Waterloo in Canada, took Textile and Design at the Royal College of Art in London, and studied Fashion Illustration and History of European Costume at the Parson’s School of Design in Paris. It’s a mouthful. But that’s Barney Cheng to a tee. A learner at heart, a lover of niches and a follower of curiosities.

“We create and fulfil dreams,” he says of his craft. “So, when people come to us and say, I want to be a princess for a day, or I want to be the belle of the ball, we do our best to fulfil their wishes. And when we do, they come back time and time again because they know that we’re dependable dream-makers. Time as they say, and these testimonials are the ultimate truth-tellers.”

His atelier, home to antique furniture, paintings, wine, and a treasure trove of jewellery and garments, can be seen as a timeless reflection of his body of work, a chronicling of his aesthetic that, he believes, hasn’t changed drastically.

“I have witnessed the power of fashion first hand, believe me. When I was young, my mom and my aunties would gather and gossip about the most mundane things, like whose child is getting fat and whose child is smarter,” he recalls. “But when her cheongsam sifu would turn up at our house to show them the latest silks and laces, she would be very excited, like a little girl in a candy store. It always instantly changed her mood.” Smiling, he adds a cheekily affectionate acknowledgement: “Hi Mom!”

Eternal Style

Cheng observes how the clothes he made then are clothes he would still make now. The ruffled and draped elements he would weave into creations from the noughties figure seamlessly into his pieces at present. The designer’s resonance with past work is guided by a proclivity towards the grandeur of bygone eras. His work is informed by research, and he often finds himself circling back to historical silhouettes and architecture.

“I just love it when clients I haven’t seen for a while send me photos of them in a dress I previously designed for them and ask me to guess when I created it. Oftentimes the piece would be a decade old, if not more, and yet still as elegant and stylish as the first time they wore it. This isn’t fashion, this is Style with a capital S, and that is eternal,” he expounds with just the right amount of sass.

He has long understood the value of investing in the best fabrications. Clearly, the more luxurious the material, the longer it will last. Which again ties to slow fashion, to sustainability.

“I love unusual details, a misplaced seam, a skewed zipper, an extra drape where there shouldn’t be one. These perfect imperfections make my day and it’s a joy for the customer to see how a little something can add so much more to the design,” he shares.

Extraordinary Grace

Starting a fashion label is only half the battle. Staying in the business for 30 years and earning your peers’ and clients’ respect are crucial components of a successful designer. “I have no idea how a successful brand should be run, but having decades-long relationships with my clients must be a sign of a successful relationship, if not a business,” he notes.

Cheng’s persona and very visage have transcended the insular world of fashion and become culturally synonymous with glamour and luxury. He still delivers heroic doses of all his most recognisable personality traits: the impeccable old-world manners, the showy quirks realness, the devastating charm, and the outrageous provocations, with “Excuse my French!” utterances sprinkled through our conversation.

But over the course of the shoot, he also reveals a new sensitivity – aside from having fun posing for the camera, he shares his modest plans for the next phase of his life. “My wish for the years to come? It’s as simple as to live a grateful life and to have a contagious, positive superhuman-like ability!”

As the fashion world continues to evolve, one thing remains constant: the enduring legacy of Barney Cheng. Together with his team of skilled artisans, he continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in the world of fashion, creating garments that are not just visually stunning, but make the wearer feel truly extraordinary. Now that’s divine!

Interview, Text & Art Direction: Joseff Musa Photographer: Jack Law Videographer: Jack Fontanilla

Prime Time King: Johnathan Chan, co-founder of watch-collecting community The Horology Club, cherishes the new complications in his life

A horological revolution is underway, spearheaded by Johnathan Chan and his cohorts’ passionate pursuit of timepieces. What began as a friendly fascination with watches has budded into the establishment of Hong Kong’s first inclusive community for watch collectors, aptly named The Horology Club. A commitment to individualism and a desire to break free from the uniformity often associated with the city’s watch culture has led to a haven for people to share their love for distinctive timepieces.

As for his own wrist rewards, Chan opts for well-tuned and elevated classics in keeping with his status and style as one of the club’s three co-founders, as well as choices that may turn heads. “Ever since I was a child, I have always been a bit of a non-conformist. I always enjoyed going against what was supposed to be the ‘right’ path,” he recollects. “Well, that’s a nice way to put it; basically, I was a rebellious child! I think this has carried on to my taste with watches, I derive enjoyment from picking watches that might be off the beaten path.”

When we meet in his smart Hong Kong residence, Chan is deep in his work zone. The 36-year-old millennial is an alpha male in appearance but radiates affability and approachability, tempered today perhaps by a hint of jetlag – only 24 hours ago he was in Geneva for Watches and Wonders 2024. He wears a beige sports jacket, white button-down shirt and dress shoes with the same sense of nonchalance and ease as he does T-shirt, jeans and sneakers. Not surprisingly, he is well-versed in interviews, especially when they revolve around watches.

“It was crazy busy in Geneva,” he exclaims, happily. “I’ve been doing this [talking about timepieces] for the past few days. Non-stop. So I guess Watches and Wonders helped me prep for today!”

Once Upon A Time

Truth be told, watches have run Chan’s life for a relatively short time. He has clocked up a decade and a half in finance, and it was only five years ago that a relaxed afternoon with a buddy changed everything. On his Instagram account – where his handle is, fittingly, @watchbruh – a recent post of multiple monitor screens attests to his last working days of living the dream as an equity derivatives trader.

Black sweater top by Zara, grey pants by Suit Supply, Greubel Forsey Double Balancier S2

“I have worked in the finance sector for 15+ years and for the last 12 years, I was an equity derivatives trader, trading mostly for Hong Kong markets. I got into the world of watches through a good friend Helbert Tsang, who is also one of the co-founders of The Horology Club,” he says. “I have him to blame for being on the verge of financial ruin, as he was the one who introduced me to this hobby!”

Their chat sparked a desire on his part to own a unique timepiece that resonated with his personal style, and that quest led him to select the Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Control Geographic as his first watch. Its sector dial and second time-zone complication captured his imagination, setting the stage for his horological odyssey.

Hour Legacy

Today, a number of more off-beat collectibles show the depth of his new-found connection with watches. There’s the Greubel Forsey Double Balancier Convexe S2; a vintage Vacheron Constantin Chronograph; the MB&F x Urwerk C3H5N3O9 ‘Nitroglycerine’ ZR012 Experiment; and a custom design Laurent Ferrier Micro-rotor, the only one in the world made in tantalum. In between posing for the camera, he explains the technical attributes of each piece and how it speaks to him as a collector. His passion is crystal clear and very endearing.

Chan’s collection is impressive, running the gamut from unusual cult classics to instantly recognisable icons. “I truly believe a watch is like an extension of your personality, and so when you are spending so much money on something that will be on your wrist all day, often the last thing you want is to wear the same thing as everyone else. Naturally, it leads to my pursuit of timepieces that are generally rarer and more unique.”

Denim shirt by Zara, white T-shirt by COS, denim pants by Levis and MB&F x Urwerk C3H5N3O9 “Nitroglycerine” ZR012 Experiment

At the other end of the spectrum, he also owns a Cloche de Cartier nicknamed ‘Belle Pêche’ (Beautiful Peach), a special order for The Horology Club that he personally designed. Key to this piece is the versatility of its unique bell-shaped case: it’s elegant enough to be worn with a suit or tuxedo, while still sufficiently sporty to match more casual outfits. It’s an effortlessly cool watch, not unlike the man himself.

“For me, emotion is the most important characteristic when it comes to deciding the value of a watch,” he says. “Oftentimes, when I decide to purchase a watch, it’s actually down to the relationship I have with the people behind the brand. These relationships have led to The Horology Club Creations, where we have a hand in the design of the watch. Naturally, this evokes strong emotions when seeing the end product – almost like it’s your own child, and that feeling is irreplaceable.”

Complication Relationships

In addition to organising regular events and devising content to enrich the watch-collecting experience, The Horology Club has given rise to smaller subgroups that explore other shared interests such as sports, photography, art and wine. By fostering these connections beyond the realm of watches, the club creates a sense of camaraderie and provides a welcoming environment for members to engage in meaningful conversations and forge lasting friendships.

“The most rewarding aspect has definitely been the people; I’ve been able to meet some of my closest friends through the club and these are relationships that I’ll cherish for the rest of my life,” he shares. “Also, it’s about being able to provide a platform for people to find out more about their own tastes. At our events, people are able to see watches they might not ever see. When you try these on, sometimes you realise something you never thought was suitable for you might be a perfect choice!”

Blue polo sweater by COS, denim pants by Levis, unique piece Laurent Ferrier Micro-Rotor in Tantalum watch and white sneakers by Common Projects

With Chan’s leadership and the passion of its members, The Horology Club is poised to shape the future of watch culture in Hong Kong. And in their case, in contrast to other fast-growing communities, the more complications the better.

“The culture at The Horology Club is a draw as we highly emphasise on the openess and inclusiveness of the watch family. Everyone is on a different path with different tastes and it doesn’t matter what or how you collect. Every story and watch is worthy of hearing. This culture of being kind is at the heart of our community.”

As our shoot and interview draws to a close, Chan checks his watch and looks relieved. A tennis match, his next session of the day, awaits. He smiles and gestures with air quotes. “That was fast. We’re right on ‘time’.”

Interview, Text and Art Direction by: Joseff Musa Photographer: Jack Law Videographer: Jack Fontanilla Cover: Beige sport jacket and white shirt by The Armoury, grey pants by Zara, watch by The Horology Club Special Order Cartier Cloche and black dress shoes by Johnston and Murphy

Lyraa’s Lyrics: In tune with the reality of the present and the culture of the past, Lyraa Ng takes life with grace and composure

It’s easy to get someone’s sense of self and aspirations through comprehending the people they look up to. Finding an influential figure who is relatable can be empowering and inspire the fulfilment of even greater dreams. In the case of toy company honcho Lyraa Ng – as it is for many – her biggest influences were those she held closest: her parents. They had their own photo studio back in the day, and as the daughter recalls fondly, they were good at everything they set their mind to, from providing for the family to building and growing a business.

“This is all quite nostalgic to me,” she shares, with a trace of a tear in her eye. “My father always used to make me pose for the camera. Ahh! Good times. My parents still live in me.”

But don’t mistake yearning desire as a reason to resort to imitation, the canny businesswoman cautions. While she plainly reveres her parents, Ng says every person’s uniqueness comes from their ability to adapt instead of following someone’s life pattern – to take the good deeds and traits of these aspirations and bring them a notch higher or deeper.

“Greatness is relative,” she explains further. “It is relative to the times, circumstance, beholder. In fact, and to be completely honest, I don’t think I dare to consider myself a successful businesswoman or one of Hong Kong’s notable figures. There’s always more to life and achieving one’s peak career-wise. It’s hard to assume that this is it, we made it. So, for me, I take life one day at a time and I keep on improving, both professionally and personally.”

Tale as Old as Time

Born and raised in Hong Kong, Lyraa Ng’s journey began in a ‘modest’ family setting, as she would label it. Growing up, she displayed remarkable curiosity and determination, traits that would eventually shape her future endeavours.

“Like most kids and any other childhood fantasies, I dreamed of owning toys that I could personally love and idolise in a way. So I guess this would be the perfect backstory for my toy business,” says the Director of Multistar Toy Ltd. “But back in the day, it was tougher for our generation. Life was really humble and a lot of people were just working to make it through the day. Our society wasn’t as developed as it is now, so having your own toys was a sort of luxury already.”

One of her passions outside business is horseracing. Her passion for horses has been a lifelong pursuit and a source of great joy.The Hong Kong Jockey Club stalwart has owned nine racehorses (eight now retired); her current pride, Multisuper, clocked up its first victory on one weekend last April. Her husband, Ronald Cheung, has had eight, and all their names follow a theme – they begin with ‘Multi’. A delighted Ng was pictured receiving the silverware when Multimillion won the Arculli Trophy in 2019, while the most notable so far, champion sprinter Multidandy, represented Hong Kong at the prestigious Dubai Golden Shaheen in 2004.

“I treat horse racing as a sport, not as a form of gambling or an investment. I look at it as a way to test my own judgement in a wider perspective,” she notes.

A Friend in Her

When Ng steps out beyond the winners’ podium, it is most often with her great companion, Shirley Chan, who epitomises the principle in modern society that women stand beside each other. It is the stylish Chan who rushes to our shoot to help Ng with hair and makeup and jewellery to flaunt.

“Shirley is a very good friend. These days, we will attend events together, coming as a package,” she laughs. “We are super close, to the point that we are also neighbours now. I am thankful to have these kinds of people in my life.”

Beyond her professional achievements, Lyraa has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to community service. She has dedicated her resources and time to various charitable causes, supporting innitiatives that promote education, healthcare and social welfare.

As the president of the Kowloon Region of the Scout Association of Hong Kong, she has played a pivotal role in shaping the lives of countless young individuals. Through various scouting programs and initiatives, she has instilled values of leadership, teamwork and social responsibility, empowering the youth of Hong Kong to become active contributors to society. She strives to create a positive and lasting impact on people’s lives, reflecting her compassionate nature.

“This is like a calling of sort for me, you know,” she shares. “Helping people and contributing my time to them, especially the needy and the young. The future of our city relies on these young individuals, so I am doing my best – in as many ways possible I can – to help them, and at the same time, to have a brighter Hong Kong future.”

Be Her Guest

Her creative flair is evident in her choice of a different nail polish for each finger. She guides us around the tastefully decorated Yuen Long villa that serves as her weekend home. The dark, burgundy palette of the solid wood furniture is a foil for the poems rendered in Chinese calligraphy adorning the walls. Behind where we sit is an array of plaques and trophies from her many life achievements. Taking pride of place across the room is a pool-sized manmade pond for her more than a dozen prized koi. Two front grilles from Rolls-Royces she and her husband owned rest against the white wall behind.

“Fun fact, Hong Kong is the city with the most Rolls-Royces in the world. But these days both my husband and I drive Teslas. They are more [energy] efficient and cheaper to maintain. A few hundreds just to charge a Tesla fully at 100% versus almost HK$3,000 for a full tank with Rolls Royce. It really is a big difference,” she notes, ever the practical businessperson.

True to Her Heart

Ng is vivacious and outspoken. She directs the conversation and moves in close, touching your shoulder or arm, breaking down invisible walls so you feel welcome in shared space with this ebullient woman who radiates warmth. Ever the storyteller, she draws you in with her anecdotes, told in her assertive but sweet voice. After the shoot, she continues narrating the story of her everyday life over a teatime session with the crew.

“Just last night, Shirley and I went to this vegetarian fine-dining restaurant in Central. It was so expensive but the food servings were very small. Smaller than these sandwiches we are having right now, I kid you not. We went home still hungry. I’m never going return to that place, not unless it’s free!” She laughs. “In life, we have to be smart about spending our money. It always has to be value for money because we work hard to get it.”

Her accomplishments as a business leader, community advocate and equestrian enthusiast have left an indelible mark on the city’s social fabric. Through her dedication, perseverance and unwavering commitment to excellence, Ng continues to inspire and uplift those around her, embodying the harmony of Hong Kong’s vibrant and dynamic society.

Interview, Text & Art Direction: Joseff Musa Photographer: Jack Law Videographer: Jack Fontanilla

Heart & Sole: The shoe fits KIBO’s Natalie Chow very well as she kick-starts zero-waste Hong Kong retailing

In the vibrant city of Hong Kong, where consumerism has long been synonymous with high-rises and luxury malls, one woman is revolutionising the shopping landscape by infusing sustainability into the heart of retail. Natalie Chow, the visionary co- founder of sustainable sneaker-maker KIBO (K!BO in branding parlance), is leading the charge to redefine the shopping experience, placing environmental consciousness at the forefront.

From the get-go, it was important to Chow that her marketing and message did not make consumers feel bad about their shopping and lifestyle choices while offering them a guilt-free planet-friendly alternative. The savvy businesswoman is aware that there are a lot of unexpected implications associated with the food, clothing and accessories we use and own – consequences that affect not just animals but also society and the environment. She is keen to stress that the objective isn’t guilt, even when discussing the appalling circumstances people endure in fast-fashion factories or the catastrophic effects of animal husbandry on the planet.

“I was always drawn to beautiful things and advertising was actually what I really wanted to get into; hence, I started studying marketing,” says the University of Melbourne alumnus. “I did both marketing and psychology, which are extremely correlated. I think the human brain is fascinating, and quite often we make irrational choices, and I wanted to understand how people make choices every day, and what influences them to do so.”

Equal footing

Chow chooses to wear independent brands for our shoot, as a way to support the local creative scene. Arriving back from a 4-hour Singapore-to-Hong Kong flight, she looks fresh and ready to pose in the hallways of PMQ, where fellow start-up projects and businesses reside.

“Was I there for Taylor Swift? I wish!” she exclaims, breaking into laughter. “But no, I was in Singapore for a sneaker convention. The sneaker world is still a man- dominated industry – surprise, surprise! When I started my own business, I realised how big of a gender gap there is out there in other industries, especially in the start-up space.”

*Denim top and skirt by Vincent Li Studio & sneakers by KIBO*

While the majority of sneaker firms were started by men, KIBO was conceived, is run, and the products are designed, by women. Men have long controlled the shoe industry, which is reflected in the preponderance of masculine designs and styles. Conversely, KIBO was created with a heavy emphasis on equality, which is understandable given that it is backed by a sizable female community.

Green path

Chow’s journey towards becoming a trailblazer in sustainable fashion is rooted in her early life and background. Born in Hong Kong, she and her two sisters were raised in Australia by their mother, and she developed a deep appreciation for the unique blend of culture, energy and commerce in the city they lived in. She traces her connection with nature back to her childhood, recalling that she separated the household recyclables from the age of seven.

“I believe this is a journey for myself, and for everyone out there too,” she says. “When I started there was no such thing as ESG (environmental, social and governance) and now it’s mandatory for many companies. The framework and the bar have become clearer over the years, so in both the corporate world and schools, there are standards to comply with and a goal to achieve. As for myself, I have learnt the different credentials in material sourcing, GRS (Global Recycled Standard), BSCI (Business Social Compliance Initiative), FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) and so on, and how to make decisions in production.”

Driven by a desire to effect change, Chow dedicated herself to understanding the complexities of sustainability in fashion. She immersed herself in extensive research, exploring alternative materials, ethical production methods and the concept of circular fashion. Through her studies and personal experiences, she realised she had a unique opportunity to create a brand that could challenge the status quo and inspire others to embrace sustainable fashion.

One step at a time

KIBO, meaning hope in Japanese, was founded in 2019 and was officially launched in 2020, with the goal of giving life and waste new hope. ‘Kind to the planet and kind to your feet’ is their promise, as Chow and her team employ materials that would otherwise end up in landfills, such as leather scraps from manufacturers, recovered post-consumer plastic waste, and most recently, imitation leather made from apple waste.

“I was on maternity leave when my husband [KIBO co-founder Simon Chow] and I started to brainstorm. At that time, we noticed there really was a gap as well as an opportunity in the sneakers space and I guess that’s how the seed was planted,” she recalls. Her husband’s family runs a shoe- manufacturing company.

“Moreover, as a mother of two, I wanted to pursue something meaningful and purposeful that my kids would grow up and be proud of. Sustainability has to encompass ethics and transparency, otherwise, it’s quite meaningless. Since we have an edge of having relevant backgrounds in this industry, we decided to take this leap of faith.”

As the introductory lines on the KIBO website spell out, ‘the ! is a reminder to do things differently. The fashion industry needs to change and tackle big issues such as climate change and modern slavery.

And that’s only possible if we adapt ourselves and unite as a community. Because we know that every small step goes a long way.’

Walk the walk

Through her brand’s ethical practices and commitment to transparency, she has successfully challenged the conventional notion that fashion and sustainability are incompatible. But she is far from settling, and will continue to improve.

“Problem-solving has been a skill that I was fortunate to have adopted with my previous work experiences, but being a brand founder has taken it to the next level just because we have problems to solve every single day. From production hiccups to liaising with partners, both soft skills and hard skills are required such as managing my own time and analytical skills,” she says.

*T shirt by KIBO, skirt by Vincent Li Studio & sneakers by KIBO*

By making conscious consumerism accessible and stylish, KIBO has inspired a broader movement towards a more sustainable future for Hong Kong’s retail industry. Its success serves as a testament to the power of idealists to effect meaningful change, reminding us that a person can go into an industry they are passionate about without compromising their beliefs.

As Chow emphasises throughout our conversation, sustainability and style can indeed go hand in hand. But behind it all is a drive to connect with consumers through her shoes. She considers fashion a service industry. When she’s working on a collection, she is thinking about how a KIBO piece should make you feel: confident, comfortable, alive and effortless.

“It’s timely that this is for the April issue,” she says, her eyes lighting up. “Earth Month; let’s do it right!”

Interview, Text and Art Direction by: Joseff Musa Photographer: Jack Law Videographer: Jack Fontanilla Brands: KiBO and Vincent Li Studio

Ace of Space: Led by owner Rasheed Shroff, social consciousness and sustainability flourish at Banyan Workspace

Rasheed Shroff’s co-working space is located in a three-decade-old industrial building in Quarry Bay. But inside, it’s a blueprint of what a modern office should look like, with a feel of zen and a killer harbour view. As we ring the bell, Shroff joyfully hops into the office’s cavernous foyer. There’s something undeniably adolescent about his demeanour – like that of a teenager left alone in a grown-up’s house. Throwing open the door, he says hello, and leads us past a marble reception counter and a hard-to-miss framed letter B – the company logo, Banyan Workspace.

“I guess this is what a positive working environment does? Less stress means looking young?” he laughs. “At the peak of the pandemic years, there was a time when I was the only person in this space. That was hard and mentally exhausting. Thank god that’s over!”

As a visionary entrepreneur with a deep understanding of the evolving landscape of work and business, Shroff recognises the limitations of traditional office spaces. Thus, he set out to create a new paradigm that fosters collaboration, creativity and productivity. With a clear vision and an entrepreneurial spirit, he and his wife, Amy, founded Banyan Workspace in 2019 to offer a fresh, socially conscious perspective on shared workspaces.

*Knit V-neck gilet in two-toned dove grey geometric jacquard by Emporio Armani, Melange wool blazer and wool pants by SANDRO and watch by Zodiac Watches*

Amy Shroff stays close during our photoshoot in the space’s sumptuous library and lounge – ideal for companies to hire for their own sessions – and ably fulfils her role as Head of Creative by suggesting how her husband should pose and smile. “The whole idea of Banyan Workspace is to come to work with a smile,” he says with gusto. “It’s always a first-name basis here with an enthusiastic good morning and/or hello. We strive to provide a comfortable working environment that feels like it’s a home.”

Apple and the tree

Rasheed Shroff’s family has long been recognised in the city. His grandfather fled from Shanghai with his family during the Second World War, beginning a profound bond with Hong Kong spanning four generations. His path of success left an indelible mark on the commercial landscape and ultimately shaped the destiny of the family. For Rasheed personally, this meant a law degree at the University of Sussex in the UK, two decades in the brand and marketing corporate world, then co-founding his own brand- distribution company, Dragonfly Asia-Pacific, the year before Banyan Workspace was born.

*Knitwear top by ZEGNA and Alpha wool-twill suit jacket and trousers by SANDRO*

“We call it Banyan Workspace for a couple of reasons,” he says. “Banyan trees were historical places where merchants traded goods while traversing the old Silk Road. Both my grandfather and father ran a trading company which started with sourcing silks in China and shipping them to India, so we thought that was very analogous to us.”

Sustainable force

As a true-blooded Hong Konger with deep roots in and love of his birthplace, Shroff not only showcases the city’s spirit through the design of the co-working space but also embraces a noble cause – giving back to the community. They have officially partnered with five local non-profit organisations to date.

Companies have been drawn to the allure of the space for their offsite meetings and events, captivated by a sustainable luxury office that seems to defy convention. This served as the catalyst for the Green Office Project in 2022, a Banyan Workspace undertaking that encourages companies to embrace sustainability.

“Its purpose evolved beyond a mere educational initiative,” he explains. “This project is for companies to understand the consequences of the decisions they make every day, and to show decision-makers that viewing each decision through a sustainability lens is good for their company, their customers, their business and our planet. We would love to take our impact beyond the four walls of our workspace and inspire and support the next generation of entrepreneurs.”

Words to work by

Shroff also possesses a rare sense of discipline and drive for perfection, qualities that were born perhaps of his awareness that he has a name to live up to. In the corner of the office pantry, three placards hang on a rattan board: ‘Inspire Impact, Engage Minds, Transform Action.’

He adds: “It’s absolutely critical to be in an environment that you are comfortable in and that is conducive to being as productive as you can be. This is not about the set-up, though obviously it’s important that the technology works, whether that be the wifi, the printer or the lights.”

50 and beyond

He is entering his sixth decade and a new phase of life, but behind a youthful visage that only shows wear when a smile draws minuscule wrinkles around his brow, his humility and his honesty are what shine the most.

“Almost every interaction is an opportunity to learn and develop. The key is staying humble, being open to learning, growing, developing and being self-aware,” he says. “Setting up two distinct businesses across three countries is probably my most significant achievement career-wise. But honestly, I don’t feel we have accomplished what we set out to do yet. I am cautiously optimistic about what 2024 will bring.”

Settled into an equilibrium, Shroff appears to have a genuine enjoyment of his place in the ecosystem. His most overwhelming and rewarding job seems to be as a family man – a husband and a father of two. “Parenthood is a gift, but it is also something that nothing can prepare you for,” he shares. “It makes you want to be better and show your kids the very best that you can be, while striving to give them every opportunity to become the best version of themselves.”

Valuable support

He adds with a knowing wink: “But the young need to make their own mistakes and learn from them – finding that balance is not always very easy. My parents always encouraged us to work hard and play hard. I worked hard yes, but I played harder! “My family as well as my team are an incredible support system and they allow me to do everything that I love to do. Nothing that I do today would be possible without them,” he confesses.

It was the desire to give every child the support system they deserve that saw Shroff accept an invitation to sit on the global board of OneSky, an NGO providing early childhood care and safety environments for vulnerable children.

Space, the future frontier

There is an earnest, sometimes quivering sense of excitement in his voice when he discusses what lies ahead. His mindset retains an ethos that anything is possible. Sustainability has been a core value of the co-working movement since its inception, and while this commitment is not always easy, it is a crucial step towards creating a more equitable and sustainable future for all.

“I firmly believe that resiliency is one of the most important qualities an entrepreneur needs to have,” he stresses. “The last few years have certainly taught me that being resilient, staying in the game and putting one foot in front of the other is the only way to progress.”

Ultimately, the right blend of autonomy, resources and community lies at the heart of an empowered and happy team — one that wants to come to work, wherever that happens to be.

Interview, Text & Art Direction: Joseff Musa Photographer: Jack Law Videographer: Jack Fontanilla Venue: Banyan Workspace Brands: Emporio Armani, ZEGNA and SANDRO Cover: Chore jacket by ZEGNA, Neil cotton-twill suit pants by IRO and shoes by ZEGNA

Fashion Conscience: Vipop founder Lenia Pérez radiates sustainability vibes while joyfully revealing her second pregnancy

Lenia Pérez is one of the best-dressed women in the city, in part because she’s so willing to try everything. “I’ve prepared a total of 19 outfits for us to play around with, but I’m not sure if some of them still fit me,” laughs the Latin American fashion entrepreneur, rubbing her four-month baby bump with just a slight touch of embarrassment.

It’s an unconventional pregnancy announcement – and a surprising moment of awkwardness for someone who photographs so well and telegraphs such confidence. Whether she’s going to the gym or the hottest parties, her style is obsessively chronicled.

Embarrassment, though, is different from regret. “I’m never afraid to try anything,” affirms Pérez, who is thrilled to be expecting her second child with husband Ziad Korban. “I think that just goes to show that there’s a moving evolution in my style. It just keeps growing” – like her baby bump – “which is kind of how I want to be in all areas of life.”

*Black Flora Deep V Maxi Dress by Daniella Batlle Earrings by Vipop*

It takes a certain sort of boldness and a certain level of shimmering magnitude to establish your own time zone, especially while being pregnant. Yet the co-founder and CEO of Vipop, a Hong Kong-based sustainable fashion brand, has done just that. It’s exactly 8:45 am on a typical Hong Kong gloomy Monday, yet Pérez is all set for a day of photoshoot and interview. Her ease and her vibrant full smile suggest this is all very normal and time really is just a construct.

From the get-go, she also expresses her opinion on maternity wear: “I’m hoping that we are able to redefine what’s considered ‘decent’ for pregnant women. I am proud of my body for the amazing things it’s doing right now. Minus the morning sickness, I think I am at my happiest. Heels during pregnancy? Go for it. Who made such rules anyways?”

Sustainable values

As a self-confessed collector, Pérez travels to fashion shows across South and Central America in search of resort-wear designers to represent, pinpointing those whom she believes will appeal to Asian customers. What started as an internet business with co-founder and fellow Venezuelan Fabiana González, now occupies a cosy white shop called Artezano by Vipop and is reaching customers in the US and Europe.

Her parents are artisans, so she has always liked fashion and handicrafts. Additionally, clothing created by Latin American designers, who historically use sustainable weaving and dyeing methods, felt appropriate for a market where ethical consciousness is growing in importance.

“Vipop brings together a community of international designers making bags, jewellery and clothing in unique designs like the ones I’m wearing,” she says. “Our designers take care of the ethical or eco-friendly values behind the pieces and we also take care of the value of each piece. So it’s this community we’re building in the new fashion industry. We’re offering new ways to be sustainable. It’s not just ‘sustainable’; it can be very fun too.”

Vipop builds partnerships based on sustainability practice. Designers and collaborators are chosen by the effort they put into one or more of the following clean fashion criteria: handmade, locally produced, carbon neutral, use of vegan or organic materials, low waste, longevity, recycled materials and fair wage.

Damage limitation

“It’s very important to put attention to how the pieces we buy are actually made, who is making them and how it affects our environment, the community around us and the planet, because we can see so much damage in the world from the fashion industry. This is something very special for me and all the team, and this is why we selected this subject to build a fashion brand and e-commerce platform.”

*Black Cher dress cut pleated skirt with top by Nabel Martins*

This combination of focused strategy with faith in humanity and the occasional flight of fancy seems a winning formula, especially when matched by an unstinting gusto for whatever challenges her fashion career or an impending new addition to the family will throw at her.

Calming vibes

Despite her hypermodern appearance, not to mention the permanent arts on her skin, her style is very traditional. As seen on her Instagram, whether it’s a friend’s wedding or a trip abroad, she creates distinct ‘vibes’ (to use her favourite phrase) for each occasion. Indeed, her process is true fashion-icon behaviour.

“We’re still right on time. I cannot emphasise more the importance of working with the right people. It will really get the job done and produce output that you want to have,” she reflects as she changes for look no.9.

Pérez seems unfazed by the fame in the fashion world she is currently experiencing. She is seemingly without ego: calm and reflective with a slightly starry professional glow that makes her the ability to inhabit someone else’s mind look easy. During and in between takes, she is compellingly unselfconscious.

“But that’s the work of it,” she shares. “In reality, you have to be aware of what you’re feeling, what the team in the room is feeling. Once the camera clicks, you have this third level of awareness – your mark, the light and which way you should be facing. And it’s like you are constantly having to juggle those three things the whole time. She pauses and adds knowingly: “Pretty much like pregnancy huh?”

Dressed to express

Fashion for her is about the moments of pure enjoyment, of just letting go to the point that she can be surprised. It represents the most acute version of fun. “Which is why I love it so much. It’s my playground. I love it,” she admits giddily.

*Emiliana pants and bared back top in paillette by Nabel Martins*

“Clothes allow us to show off our unique personalities. Many of us care about how we seem in public, which is cool and just right. But some of us experience pressure to follow the newest trends in fashion,” she reminds, throwing in a note of caution.

Mother load

One trend she is happy to embrace is her pregnancy. These days, the word ‘Mother’, without the preceding article, is present everywhere, as not just a regular word but a colloquial term and part of this generation’s slang; fans, brands and occasionally even mums themselves use it. It is also affectionately applied to prominent women who have a devoted following. And Pérez is surely mothering the fashion game.

*Blue one sleeve cut out dress by Baobab Accessories by Vipop*

“My body is going through so many changes again, but I ’ve grown to respect it so much that I look past the physical. I fully embrace it for serving a much deeper purpose, something far bigger than myself and anything I ever gave it credit for. I’m so grateful for, and amazed by, what my body is capable of,” she states, flashing a smile.

At the end of our shoot, she swaps her stilettos for platformed boots, saying with a wink: “It’s time to be more comfortable.” Whatever tomorrow brings, Lenia Pérez will have the right attitude – and look – to take it on.

Interview, Text & Art Direction: Joseff Musa Photographer: Jack Law Videographer: Jack Fontanilla Venue: Qura Bar – Regent Hong Kong Brands: Daniella Batlle, Baobab, Nabel Martins and Vipop

Madam Butterflies: Novel Fineries’ founder June Lau frames fading art heritage into new glories

First, she won a scholarship to study product design engineering at Loughborough University in England, and it was there that she tasted early success – landing a James Dyson Foundation bursary to help get the medical device she conceived up and running. Having founded a product design consultancy, Above Blue Design, back in Hong Kong in 2015, her wearable art company, Novel Fineries, sprang into life the following year after she won a design competition held by luxury retailer Lane Crawford.

The Novel Fineries flagship store is now ensconced in a wing of the luxurious Peninsula Hotel, from where she talks animatedly about how her roots nurtured her love for the beauty and aesthetics of products and accessories.

Sleep saver

That Lau has achieved so much just a decade out of university is perhaps down to oodles of self- confidence, which she attributes to going off to boarding school aged just eight. She believes the experience toughened her up.

At Loughborough, she learnt how to design products as a whole, from coding the internal electronics, to building mould tools for mass production, to learning about aesthetics and the research process. Flashing one of her radiant smiles, she admits that possibly part of the attraction of this career was wanting to “save the world” with her designs. Her award-winning final- year design project was a product that positively conditions people with severe eczema not to scratch during sleep.

Design over fashion

Emanating verve and fresh elegance in a fetching green outfit, the youthful entrepreneur describes herself as a “go-getter” who loves to travel and absorb other cultures as she knows this is potentially a rich seam of artistic creativity.

Born in New York City and educated in the UK, Lau has done fashion-design jobs around the world, but found the fashion lifecycle too short and not sustainable; the lure of product design was more compelling.

After graduation, she returned to her family roots in Hong Kong. Within a couple of years, she was teaching CAD (computer-aided design) while working part-time with Above Blue, designing products for big brands as well as startups.

Art in the pocket

It was her independent-minded spirit and willingness to explore new artistic avenues ingrained since childhood that played a massive part in her big breakthrough – the creation of Novel Fineries.

At the time she was travelling to China a lot to visit factories. “One time in Suzhou, I saw a group of ladies on the side of the street doing double- sided embroidery and soon became friends with them,” she says, explaining that she was fascinated by the intricacy of their handiwork, a time-honoured technique that produces identical stitching strokes on both sides of the silk.

Thinking it would make an original gift for her then-boyfriend, she asked the women to make a piece in her own design. It featured butterflies in the form of pocket art.

Soon after, Lau sent these embroidered butterflies to the Lane Crawford Creative Call Out – a competition for young local designers. “We could go and pitch our product to the buyers and get a chance to be selected and sold in their stores,” she says. “I took along this pocket art and we won. And the next thing I know, they wanted to put our products in their stores and the Hong Kong government included us in design tradeshows abroad. So that was when Novel Fineries really started.”

Boyfriend butterflies

Each piece of her pocket art represents a butterfly species through the use of exquisite embroidery and the exact colour of paint, with every detail of the insect painstakingly replicated including the pattern of the veins and the velvety-fur textures on its wings. “Each species can only be produced once because the double-sided embroidery can only be done by one person, and I do the silk hand- painting myself,” she notes.

“To mimic the veins and transparency of the butterfly wings to the best of my ability, I studied to become a lepidopterist, learning where they feed and how they migrate. Each butterfly has its own origin story to share and its unique traits in nature.”

Novel Fineries’ first collection of Pocket Art spans 50 species of Amazonian butterflies. “I used to love the saying ‘You give me butterflies’ [when thinking of a loved one],” says Lau of their inspiration. “This is the whole concept of the pocket art. It is worn on the left-hand side of the suit over the heart. And so, as a gift, it’s a little resemblance of my love in a suit jacket.”

She regards Pocket Art as one of her best creations to date. “It is a piece that has no lifecycle, it follows no trend; it is a symbol of how Novel Fineries blossomed in colour and the finest materials,” she says.

It serves as a contemporary showcase for Su embroidery, a 2,000-year-old heritage art form originating from Suzhou, China, renowned for the elegance, rich colour and variety of its silk-thread stitching. This double-sided stitching process is also used for the Pin Art collection of handmade butterflies astride a gold pin that fastens behind the lapel.

Heritage mission

“China possesses so much knowledge and hidden artisans in heritage art forms and I became obsessed with searching for lost art and these people who mastered the craft,” says Lau, who reveals that 30 percent of the company’s profits is given to training the next generation of artisans.

In some ways, it has become her mission to preserve fading art forms around the world. “Each piece at Novel Fineries is a union of lost heritage craft integrated with my design ideas. Much of the craft we use is diminishing, lost even through time.”

Art and nature

All of Novel’s designs are handmade, handcrafted and unique. They are influenced by nature and integrate heritage art forms. “The Obi Knot uses untouched silks from 200-300 years ago, the threads were hand-loomed and tied by Obi masters in Kyoto. The Serpentine Knot uses Italian leather-braiding techniques, and the fine jewellery is hand-carved from wax,” she says of her collections of bow ties and snake-head-tipped braids that can adorn the neck or waist.

Lau creates a world of beauty and magic that comes to life. She is particularly inspired by butterflies and snakes because they have the ability to morph and transform into a stronger self.

No doubt there are many more chapters of inspired creations to come from Novel Fineries. “Novel means a book, right? So, a book of many chapters, and in each chapter, we talk about a different heritage art form,” she states proudly. “I hope Novel Fineries is a storybook that brings joy to the people who read it and wear it.”

Interview and Text by: Neil Dolby Art Direction: Joseff Musa Photographer: Jack Law Videographer: Jack Fontanilla Venue: The Peninsula Boutique & Cafe Brands: Magda Butrym, Safiyaa, Chanel & Off-White