Lunar New Year Looks: Bold reds and animal prints in the Year of the Dog

Fashion houses the world over have been inspired by the rich heritage of Chinese New Year celebrations. This in turn has yielded some beautiful Lunar New Year looks. Don’t believe us? Just take a gander below.

In terms of apparel, fashion brands have gone one of two paths. The first is inspired by the auspicious red hues that are so prevalent in CNY celebrations. Giorgio Armani’s plush limited-edition Red Cashmere Pea Coat and Tory Burch’s Stella Dress in Red are perfect examples of this trend.

This year’s zodiac animal, the dog, is another source of inspiration for Lunar New Year looks. Moschino has chosen Pudgy, Betty Boop’s pup, as the face of its CNY collection (check out the limited-edition Pudgy Sweatshirt). Meanwhile, Creative Director Alessandro Michele’s Boston terriers headline the new Gucci collection. Check out their faces on the knitted Bosco & Orso Cardigan.

Accessories and beauty products have also been given the CNY treatment. Fendi has gone for bold red tones with its Mini Kan I Bag; while Delvaux’s new Brilliant MM S Rodeo (Paprika) is reminiscent of a mandarin fruit’s citrusy shades. Meanwhile, YSL’s Chinese New Year Palette 2018 has been inspired by the soft pinkness of the meihua flower, which symbolises hope and joy.

From the wide range of Lunar New Year looks on offer, there’s definitely something here to help everyone get into the CNY spirit!

Text: Tenzing Thondup

Last-minute Valentine’s Day gifts for her

Every year, 14th February has a sneeky way of creeping up on you. Before you know it, you are giftless and unsure of where to find the perfect present for your wife or girlfriend. Guilty? Don’t fret; we are here to help with a round up some of the most luxurious Valentine’s Day gifts for her. 

Yen Kuok gets candid on fashion and identity (Part II)

In an online exclusive for Gafencu magazine, Robert Kuok’s youngest daughter talks about giving up her Malaysian passport and fashion inspirations. Gafencu sits down for an exclusive interview with the sprightly fashionpreneur.

Yen Kuok at the Gafencu photo shoot last December 2017 at her father’s Island Shangri-La

In part two of our exclusive digital-only edition Q&A with Yen Kuok, we get up close and personal with the founder of second-hand luxury business Guiltless, who considers herself full Hong Kongese. If you missed the first part, read all about it here.

Would you say that the tag of ‘Robert Kuok’s daughter’ has been a heavy presence following you around?

Growing up, it was definitely not something I was proud of. At school I was a good student, so I was picked to join interschool organisations. I remember we would go to meetings and afterwards my driver would come pick me up, but obviously it would be awkward if everyone’s taking the MTR. They’d be like, ‘How are you getting back?’ to which I would say, ‘Oh, I’m walking to the bus stop.’ ‘Which bus stop?’ ‘Oh I don’t remember the name, somewhere down that road’ – I would try to cover it up.

If I had been sent to an international school like my older siblings, I probably would have been very different, but my parents decided to send me to Diocesan Girls’ School – one of the most academically competitive local schools in town. The environment was cutthroat, pushing me to prioritise doing well in my studies. I was much more chilled and less driven before going to DGS as a kid!

Your dad being Malaysian Chinese, would you consider yourself Hong Kongese?

I consider myself one hundred percent Hong Kongese. I gave up my Malaysian passport – I don’t speak the language, don’t have any friends there, rarely go there. I might as well call myself Japanese ‘cause I go to Tokyo more often than KL!

You would never catch me dead in something like Céline or Haider Ackermann, I’m not going for that aesthetic. I have been in this maximalist phase for the past few years versus minimalism.

What do you like to do in your free time?

I had a really horrible break up a year and a half ago, and it wrecked my skin. I’ve gone through really tough periods before, but that was the only time my skin was affected so dramatically by emotional stress. I broke out had rashes everywhere – it was horrible. I didn’t leave the house, I was crying everyday… I finally said, ‘I need to fix my life. Let me start with my skin.’

I began looking into skincare, going deep from ingredients to ‘What is the best kind of exfoliator?’ or ‘What’s the difference between an apricot shell scrub and a walnut shell scrub??’ [Laughs]

When I set my heart on something I go all in, so ever since then I’ve become all my friends’ go-to person whenever they have skin problems or want recommendations. I’m always the first to know about beauty gadgets, home lasers, nano-current devices, LED facial machines… That’s what I do in my free time – I read beauty blogs to research on skincare!

Styling by San Wong; Photography by Neville Lee

 

Let’s talk about fashion, since you’ve taken the deep dive into doing business in the industry ever since. Who are your favourite icons and go-to designers?

You would never catch me dead in something like Céline or Haider Ackermann, I’m not going for that aesthetic. I’m all about Erdem, Nanette Lepore, and of course the Dolce & Gabbanas,  the Cavallis, the Versaces…I have been in this maximalist phase for the past few years versus minimalism.

There’s a fine line between what I mentioned and being overdone or tacky, sure, but I can’t help but be drawn to complexity and pattern. Etro is one example, for the diversity of textures, and then there’s Iris van Herpen who does 3D printing, which is all about the intricacy. Check out some of her runway pieces, they’re really beautiful. I remember she came out with this innovative skeleton dress which visualized the inside of the body outside [Editor’s Note: The piece was later acquired by the Metropolitan Museum of Art].

Iris van Herpen’s plastic skeleton dress represents her feeling of being reborn during a parachuting jump. (Cariole June 2011)

Today it’s women’s fashion, lifestyle goods and gadgets; tomorrow you mentioned wanting to expand into men’s and children’s wear. What’s next – with the recent success of your pop up, do you plan to open a physical shop eventually?

We had never entertained the idea of opening a permanent physical shop because looking at the likes of Net-a-Porter, staying online has been one of the reasons they’ve been able to maintain a successful international business model with an image extending to all corners of the world. Once you have a physical shop, you become localised to a certain place. But this pop-up has been a pleasant surprise, so I wouldn’t completely rule it out, but right now I’d rather focus on online.

Thank you.

Catch our main interview with Yen Kuok on Gafencu magazine’s March 2018 print issue coming out in newsstands on the 1st of March 2018!

 

Interview by: Julienne C. Raboca

Waist bags: Five reasons why the retro classic is this season’s must-have accessory

While making headlines and dividing fashionistas, the 80’s “It-bag” is officially making a comeback.

The traditional “fanny pack” (American English) or “bum bag” (British English) – a small fabric pouch usually secured with a zipper and worn by use of a strap around the hips or waist – was sported as a cool accessory in the 80’s and early 90’s.  Today, they are spotted on fashion runways for some of the world’s most elite brands.

Although originally debunked in 2012 to 2013, luxury brands such as Prada and Salvatore Ferragamo are adding a modern edge to the once neon emblazoned cult classic. From Prada, and Fenty by Puma’s sporty nylon designs to elegant, leather creations from Salvatore Ferragamo. For those looking for a more urban street style, the waist bag with a visible logo, featured by Gucci on the runway, is proving popular.

While the newly branded “waist bags” or “belt bags” are rooted from the same idea of a “bum bag”, these high-end designers are changing the way they can be worn. Taking inspiration straight from the runways, celebrities such as American fashion model, Gigi Hadid have been spotted with comic printed leather models by Prada, while rapper, A$AP Rocky demonstrates how men can work the trendy accessory too, by draping a red Balenciaga version across his body, rather than around the waist.

If you’re still not convinced, check out our reasons for why the belt-bag could be the hottest accessory of Spring-Summer 2018:

  1. While sporty pieces can add to a casual look, simple leather or suede styles can tone down a formal look, for example, an evening dress.
  2. It’s versatile! Thanks to the adjustable strap you can wear the fanny pack at the waist, over the shoulder or cross-body style.
  3. It displays multipurpose qualities as not only a fashion accessory but also a utility belt. By keeping your hands free, this trendy bag is perfect for running, hiking or travelling. Its small but secure compartments also make it a safe but stylish option for nights out.
  4. Variety – choose from the endless shapes and forms to suit your style, mood and needs.
  5. If Kendall Jenner and Leonardo DiCaprio can rock it, why can’t we?

So step aside fashion police! Whether you are a style risk-taker or feeling nostalgic about the 80’s or 90’s, the waist bag is definitely worth investing in. One thing’s for sure – your Instagram followers will thank you for it.

Text: Hira Desai

 

Fashion fantasy: Monster Hunt’s Wuba walks the ramp for Vivienne Tam’s new collection

Who thought monsters could walk the ramp, but Vivienne Tam just made the impossible possible with her Spring/Summer 2018 collection. She has collaborated with film director Raman Hui to create fantasy designs for her SS18 collection, inspired by his blockbuster animation series Monster Hunt.

After debuting the collection in the Spring 2018 New York Fashion Week, Vivienne recently held an exclusive preview at her boutique in Hong Kong. The fashion parade coincided with the launch of Monster Hunt 2 in Hong Kong. The biggest draw was Vivienne’s ‘muse’, the adorable monster Wuba, who walked the ramp in a super-cute custom-made Vivienne Tam outfit.

Artist Jacquelin Ch’ng fell in love with Wuba who’s wearing custom-made outfits by Vivienne Tam.

Speaking to the press, Vivienne said, “I am so excited, as there are many parallels here…Raman Hui and I are compatriots originally from HK, and made our careers in the US. He incorporates Eastern elements into Western art forms, bringing together the best of the East and West, as I do in my designs.”

The collection embarks on an adventurous journey, from fantasy to urban chic. The film’s lush green landscape finds expression though soft fabrics in green, blue, mauve and earthy tones. The lovable monster Wuba and other mystical creatures are depicted through mesh overlays and hand-stitched embroideries.

Video courtesy: Sony Pictures Singapore

Yen Kuok on the shocking burglary of Guiltless’ pop-up store (Part I)

Yen Kuok has been typecast all her life. Whether it‘s ‘family black sheep’ for leaving father Robert Kuok’s Kerry Properties, or ‘spoiled rich heiress’ during her school days, she has lived in the shadow of her family name since birth. Over the past few years, however, Yen has taken great strides to break free of the stereotypes that have been attached to her by carving out a name for herself in an industry she is passionate about: second-hand luxury.

In 2015, Yen founded Guiltless, an e-commerce site targeted towards the Asian high-end market allowing people to buy and consign pre-loved designer items. Last November, the brand launched a pop-up on Queen’s Road Central that was so successful they ran for two months instead of the normal two-week duration for standard pop-ups.

In a disconcerting spin on events, last December the shop was broken into by unidentified burglars who escaped in a white seven-seater. The three felons ran away with fifteen Hermes and YSL handbags worth a jaw-dropping HK$1.44 million (US$184,000).

We were able to catch up with a less than chirpy Yen just three days after the robbery. Although gutted by the blow to her business, she showed up for the photo shoot and kept her composure throughout the interview, sending rapid-fire messages to her team handling the crisis every time she had a few seconds’ break.

Scroll down for the first part of the exclusive online Q&A precluding our March 2018 print coverage of the interview and photo shoot with Yen Kuok.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Balad-0AbVB/?hl=en&taken-by=yenskiboo

Last December the Guiltless pop-up shop was broken into. That must have been a huge blow to you – can you tell us about that? What happened?

In the early morning a few minutes past 6 o’clock on December 5, the CCTV showed three robbers breaking in via the mall’s interior entrance to the store. They used a giant hammer and literally smashed through the glass. They knew exactly what they were looking for, going straight for the bag cabinet where we kept all our Birkins. They picked out fifteen bags and made a swift exit.

It was quite scary because they clearly knew what they were doing; the robbers didn’t go for the exotic bags because they knew it would arouse more suspicion if they tried re-selling it in the second-hand market as they’re more easily identified. It’s also more difficult to bring those exotic Birkins overseas because all these skins are being restricted just like furs… the thieves made sure not to stir up any suspicion on the Queen’s Road Central main entrance side. They did everything inside the mall. It was a shocking experience.

Sorry to hear that. What’s the equivalent value of what they got?

The estimate is up to HK1.5 million. It’s difficult to put a price on the Birkin bags, it’s like trying to put a tag on a limited edition stamp.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BaWCg9hABZR/?hl=en&taken-by=yenskiboo

I stopped by the pop-up just last Sunday, actually, and thought the branding was really well done.

We had only wanted to do two weeks in the beginning, actually. We didn’t want to compromise on a prime location as it was our first pop-up; we had to do it in a place that sets the standard. It had to be on the ground floor – none of those walk-up-the-stairs gallery space kind of nonsense – it had to be a main street location in Central. We had dabbled with the idea of doing it in Causeway Bay, but decided that for the first one we definitely had to do it in Central; we treated it like a flagship.

And did it work?

The results were really good, so we extended it for another month. The landlord was happy about that because it was driving a lot of traffic to the mall itself, us being right at the entrance. The window displays were interesting and fun – we had games inside the store. The management approached us to extend, and we said ‘Yes, looking at the financials it makes sense to do it.’ But in the end I don’t know if that’s a blessing or a curse since we got robbed!

https://www.instagram.com/p/BbbdLzUlb6A/?hl=en&taken-by=yenskiboo

What were your demographics like? Who were your biggest fans?

A lot of the people who went to our pop-up have actually been the slightly older customers and tai tais who come in and buy like ten items at a time. They would say things like ‘Honestly I don’t really buy anything second-hand, but everything here looks so new, it’s wonderful.’

That’s the feedback that we get all the time, so much so that when we just opened the pop-up store, people didn’t realise it was second-hand and couldn’t figure out why we were so cheap. In the first week we had to print emergency store stickers saying ‘second-hand’ because unless you say it, people think it’s first-hand!

Stay tuned for the second part of this article, up next Sunday. Yen divulges tidbits from her personal life along with her fashion inspirations.

Interview by: Julienne C. Raboca

Sunlight Journey: Piaget blends signature style with intriguing materials

Piaget’s newly unveiled Sunlight Journey collection presents high jewellery aficionados with beautifully designed accessories inspired by the vibrant colours of Italy’s Amalfi Coast.

As one might expect from a jewellery house of Piaget’s calibre, Sunlight Journey features some truly stunning precious gems. There’s the unassumingly named one-of-a-kind Piaget Blue Ring, which features a staggering 53.45-carat Burmese blue sapphire atop a bed of brilliant-cut diamonds. Another showstopper is the Sunlight Journey Necklace, whose complementary rings of rubies, yellow diamonds and white diamonds evoke images of a glorious sunset.

But beyond the suitably impressive gemstone-based pieces in the Sunlight Journey collection, Piaget has also come up with some truly innovative designs. Take, for instance, the Covazzura Diamond Ring. Designed by famed feather artisan Nelly Saunier, this ‘hidden’ ring boasts a secret compartment with impeccably paired gemstone and feather marquetry.

Watches in Piaget’s Sunlight Journey collection also utilise a whole host of unusual materials. The Infinite Waves Watch dial features three separate materials, wood, mother-of-pearl and parchment, arranged over 224 intricate layers. Meanwhile the Schiuma Di Ora Watch boasts a delicate gold leaf dial and a smattering of eggshell particles reminiscent of wispy clouds across a bright summer’s day.

All in all, the Sunlight Journey collection plays to all of Piaget’s strengths while also putting an almost playful spin on classic designs. It is a study in complementing gemstones and contrasting materials, and guaranteed to delight any high jewellery lover.

Text: Tenzing Thondup
Images: Gigi Ip

No Strings Attached: Fashion for those ready to mingle this Valentine’s Day

Single and red-y to mingle? We’ve got you covered this Valentine’s Day. Pull the right strings already!

Mademoiselle Privé: New interactive exhibition pays homage to Chanel

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The third edition of Chanel’s Mademoiselle Privé is about to hit our city after successfully premiering in London in October 2015 and again in Seoul last summer. The interactive exhibition, to be held at Hong Kong’s PMQ heritage venue, pays homage to the creative legacy of Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel, the brand’s eponymous founder, and current creative director Karl Lagerfeld.

Fans of the brand will be treated to first-hand experience in crafting some of Chanel’s iconic products. The festivities begin with a high jewellery workshop (13-18 January) followed by a Lemarie feather and flower creation session (19-25 January) and ending with a masterclass in the iconic No.5 perfume (26 January – 1 February).

Mademoiselle Privé event details

Chanel’s Mademoiselle Privé exhibition is free for the public, but visitors must make reservations via the dedicated app if they want to nab a seat at one of the workshops. Get the Apple version here and the Android version here.

Mademoiselle Privé runs from 13 January to 10 February at PMQ, 35 Aberdeen Street, Central.

Miss Jewelry Hong Kong pageant dazzles in its fifth edition

Hong Kong Manufacturer’s Jewelry Association (HKJMA) recently hosted the fifth Miss Jewelry Hong Kong pageant at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre Convention Hall. Held every two years, the pageant invites models with jewellery knowledge and self-confidence to be ambassadors of Hong Kong’s thriving jewellery industry.

This year, the theme of the pageant was ‘Dream with Hope’ – a theme that carries the message of positive aspirations. The dream did come true for Kimmy Low of Malaysia who was crowned the winner from all the contestants who came from Hong Kong, China, Taiwan, Malaysia and Canada.

Jessica Fong, chairperson of the fifth edition of the pageant, spoke about the objective of the event, “Hong Kong is an international city which, at the same time, carries the heritage of rich Chinese tradition. That’s why Hong Kong’s jewellery designers can mix the best of two worlds to produce outstanding designs with international vision. We organise Miss Jewelry Hong Kong pageant every two years to promote Hong Kong’s jewellery industry through these beautiful and confident models.”

The event was attended by Miss Hong Kong Kate Tsui, celebrity makeup artist Gary Chung, evening gown designer Kev Yiu, actress Ankie Beilke and top models like Mikki Yao, Bobo Li and Zoey Sham.

Photo: HKJMA