Tag: Fashion

Autumn-Winter 2018-19: Bundle up in style with this season’s trendiest

Part one of our Autumn-Winter 2018 Fashion Extravaganza

As the summer heat gives way to cooler temperatures, the world’s leading haute couture brands have served up some truly arresting designs. Drawing inspiration from every imaginable arena and era, they’ve left no pattern unused, no material unsewn and no texture untouched in their celebration of the modern woman and all her charming complexities. Whether you want to cover up with androgynous overcoats or make a statement in fluorescent hues and striking prints, there’s something here for every fashion-forward lady. Onwards, then, to Part One of our Autumn-Winter 2018 fashion extravaganza…

Bottega Veneta

This season, Tomas Maier celebrates the fearless individualism of the citizens of New York, paying tribute to those who express themselves in a bold manner with a selection of unexpected textures and a vast palette of unique colours. Exploring the various facets of city life, the collection also includes floral pyjamas and soft evening dresses that can be equally worn at home or at the a soirée. This season’s vision, however, is the cube motif. Weaving its way throughout, it represents Maier’s passion for architecture.

Chanel

Karl Lagerfield showcases the grace of nature this season with a palette of russets, reds and oranges, dark browns and pretty prints of foliage. Adding a touch of its own, the French label marries the ensembles with branch-like braids, sautoirs of beads and pastel-hued glass paste, as well as necklaces and bracelets interlaced with chains and beads. Classic tweeds feature in frayed and woven versions in a variety of materials, while modern accessories include thigh boots, fingerless gloves and colourful scarves. Strong yet fragile, the silhouettes remind us that nature is constantly reborn.

Dior

50 years after the Paris student protests of 1968, Maria Grazia Chiuri uses reinvention and re-imagination to bring the Autumn-Winter 2018 collection to life. Taking clothes from the late ’60s, Chiuri recreates them through the eyes of Dior’s luxury lens. Patchworks are pieced from reproductions of archival Dior prints, while uniform jackets and kilts are in sheer tulle. Chiuri counterbalances the return of the uniform to bring us back to what it signifies: the individual taking precedence over gender and the equality of rights and roles which was the great victory of the time.

Dolce & Gabbana

Labelled as the Fashion Devotion collection, this season’s ensembles are wholly defined by contrasts and personalities. From crafted Vatican City vestment brocades and sumptuous embroidery to profane T-shirts, this collection is a blend of elegance and sportiness. Attending enthusiastically to the tastes of millennials, the designers deliver a range of hip-hop inspired gold chains and blingy sunglasses. In contrast come the ’80s, with diamonds, stones, sacred hearts and angels. Creating timeless creations, each is the result of a contemporary re-elaboration of cult pieces from the brand’s DNA.

Fendi

Mirroring softness and strength, this season’s Fendi is a romantic uniform for a woman’s world. Neat boxy shoulders, capes and tailored suits are intertwined with pleated silk dresses and scalloped blouses, adorned by needlepoint collars and encrusted lace. Adding a touch of playful modernity, the FENDI/FILA logo, a diamond motif and the Fendi double-F beige brown logo patterns, deployed over everything from tights to the Peekaboo X-Lite bag. Skillfully, the Autumn-Winter 2018 collection not only appeals to the super-wealthy, but also young fashion fanatics, with a lot to see and aspire to.

Giorgio Armani

As a reaction to the times, Giorgio Armani has “imagined a rich, boundless collection, inspired by many cultures as an ode to coexistence as opposed to exclusion”. True to his word, the collection embraces elements of different cultures, adapting them into diverse elegant abstractions. Merging Armani tailoring and glam, the designer invents an alternative for a non-girly, power-woman on the red carpet. Using a palette of black and neutral tones – uplifted with bright tinges of red and metallic flashes – this collection blends various elements into a harmonious whole, free from constrictions.

Givenchy

With asymmetry and button embellishments, bows and fringing of cocktail dresses, Claire Waight Keller’s latest Autumn-Winter 2018 collection is not only a nod to the French house’s codes, but also evokes the eveningwear of Hubert de Givenchy, morphing with the look created by the sub-cultural appropriation of the designer’s legacy from the ’80s nightlife. That energy is recreated in rigidly ruffled plissé soleil dresses and in bold and dense faux furs. Sock and zip boots, micro strap sandals and graphic pumps offer a metropolitan fusion of glamour and functionality.

Text: Hira Desai and Tenzing Thondup

Top 5 Vintage Boutique Stores in Hong Kong

Whether you are an experienced collector, a new member to the vintage world or simply hunting for your next retro addition, we’ve got you covered with our roundup of Hong Kong’s top vintage boutique stores.

Label Chic

If you are looking for haute couture at a fraction of the retail price, head to Label Chic’s private showroom in Central. Owned by French-born Heloise, this boutique strives to bring French-focused fashion to Hong Kong in an eco-friendly affordable way. Visit the showroom on Wednesdays and Fridays from 11am to 6pm and Thursdays from 2:30pm to 8pm to discover everything from Maje and Sandro, to Isabel Marant, Chanel and Balmain. Alternatively, book an appointment to visit outside of normal hours to discover the rarest of gems, all in like-new condition. Short on time? Visit the website to buy directly online.

Label Chic, Gough Plaza, 33, Gough Street, 3F/A, (852) 6254 2010, www.labelchicboutique.com

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OnceStyle

OnceStyle is the ultimate treasure trove for those ready to splurge on vintage ready-to-wear or haute couture. From Chanel’s slingback heels and Dior’s asymmetrical dress to a colour blocked double-breasted jacket by Moschino, the racks are stocked with hidden gems waiting to be discovered! Home to a range of clothing, accessories, shoes and bags, the boutique store is the perfect place for vintage queens to appease their addiction. With prices ranging from as low as HK$500 to as high as tens of thousands, there is something for everyone. Be sure to call ahead before you visit.

OnceStyle, 1/F, 8 On Wo Lane, Sheung Wan, (852) 2889 3660, www.1stdibs.com/dealers/oncestyle

vintage boutique stores

Midwest Vintage

Founded in 1993, Midwest Vintage was originally established as a trading company exporting used clothing to countries throughout Asia as well as Russia and Eastern Europe. The store was established as a result of the rapid interest in vintage fashion through the 1990s and houses genuine American vintage classics sourced directly through from the U.S by Midwest-born owner John Hollander. Fashionistas will thrive in this quirky boutique filled with 90’s denim, cowboy boots and everything in between. Prices run from below HK $100 for accessories and t-shirts to thousands of dollars for authentic leather jackets. For those who wish to travel in style there is also a range of worn leather suitcases. Like what you hear? Midwest also run its own clothing label, First Edition – be sure not to miss out! 

Midwest Vintage, Shop 58, G/F, Victoria Centre, 15 Watson Road, Tin Hau, (852) 2802 6886, www.midwest-vintage.com

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Vintage 1961

Hidden in a quiet corner of Causeway Bay, Vintage1961 offers a beautiful collection of hand-picked antiques dating as far back as 1880s to 1980s. Customers longing for the elegant good times can easily while away a few hours in this vintage trove, housing timeless products from around the world. From Italian silk scarves from to old handbags from West Germany, you name it, Vintage 1961 has got it. For those looking to explore vintage design from Hong Kong, the newly launched clothing line, Femme Libérée, will not disappoint. Prefer to shop from your couch? The easy-to-navigate online shop provides new stock every week and with worldwide delivery, shares the passion for fashion across the globe.

Vintage 1961, 1302, 13/F, Radio City, 505-511 Hennessy Road, Causeway Bay, (852) 5588 8339, www.vintage1961.me

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Bang Bang 70s

Dominated by disco worthy studs, florals and wild prints, this soho-based boutique store rings true to its name. Offering a wide range of 70s nostalgia, Bang Bang 70s is home to a selection of pre-loved designer bags and shoes sourced from Europe, Japan and Australia as well as some groovy garments. Prices can rise into the thousands but rest assured these products are as authentic as they get. Dig deep and you shall find treasure!

Bang Bang 70s, 1/F, 16A Aberdeen Street, Central, 6461 7448, www.facebook.com/bangbang70s

vintage boutique stores_Bang-Bang-70s

So there you have it – our ultimate list of the best vintage finds in Hong Kong! Good luck with your hunt!

Text: Hira Desai 

Hermès Spring-Summer 2018 Mens collection

Hermès Spring-Summer 2018 men's collection

Artistic Director of Hermès’ Men’s Universe, Véronique Nichanian, described the feeling of this years collection as “sophisticated letting go”. On first impressions, the cool, laid-back selections appears to call upon a younger audience, showcasing oversized hoodies and track pants in technical fabrics. However, a man of any generation could feel well-dressed and relaxed in one of Nichanian’s cotton suits, paired with plain monk sandals or trainers to give it a youthful touch. Jumping on the streetwear bandwagon, this French ensemble feels special, yet surprisingly normal. 

Get the casual, laid-back look with hooded blousons, pullovers and crew necks. 

 

For a sophisticated yet casual affair, pair a three-button suit with a funnel neck pullover or straight blouson with contrasted stitching.

 

For a closer look, check out the Hermès runway show…

 

Text: Hira Desai 

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

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

Round-the-clock Fashion: Add a touch of suaveness to your routine with Ermenegildo Zegna’s new collection

Italian luxury menswear brand, Ermenegildo Zegna, recently hosted a cocktail party titled ‘Crafting Modernity’ at the Hong Kong Maritime Museum. Through an informal interactive session, guests were given a walk-through of the meticulous processes and the latest technologies that the atelier uses to ensure best quality.

The top draws of the event were the brand’s iconic PELLE TESSUTA Leather Collection and the Zegna Toyz Collection. For the PELLE TESSUTA collection, Ermenegildo Zegna has imitated the traditional method of weaving clothes onto leather by using thin strips of nappa leather, giving the leather goods a refined, layered-textured finish.

The party also saw the launch of the Zegna Toyz Collection in Hong Kong. Featuring a wide range of home, travel and gaming products, the items take care of three crucial aspects of a modern gentleman’s life. “Essential” features leather accessories suited for professional life, like coin cases, business card cases, sunglass holders, etc., while “Toys”, with its selection of travel games, like domino sets, playing cards, etc., provide the perfect distraction for ‘down’ times, in between long-haul flights, for an evening at the club and so on. The “Technological” collection, created in collaboration with Master & Dynamic, a premium audio brand, includes a series of multimedia must-haves like headphones and turntables.

Celebrities such as Sean Lau, Moses Chan, Tim Wong and Alfred Hui attended the party to show their support for the brand.

Giuseppe Zanotti’s new concept boutique celebrated by famous fans

Luxury Italian shoe designer Giuseppe Zanotti unveiled his latest concept store at Hong Kong’s ifc mall. The exclusive opening night saw over 300 notable guests in attendance, including Giuseppe Zanotti, himself.

Korean actor Lee Dong Wook and award-winning lyricist Wyman Wong were just two famous personalities in attendance. Local celebs and socialites also turned up to support the store, including Maria Zhuge, William Lok, Virginia Yung, Carmen Yim, Elly Lam, Mimi Kung, Erica Tsui and more.

Four famous Hong Kong talents showcased their interpretation of the brand through various mediums for guests to enjoy on this special occasion.  

Limited edition tote bags featuring Zanotti’s own portrait from fashion illustrator Mickco Chan were on show amid creative floral displays by Gary Kwok that highlighted the brand’s footwear. Guests nibbled on Zanotti-inspired culinary creations whipped up by Michelin-star chef Vicky Lau as they enjoyed a carefully curated soundtrack from DJ Arthur Bray throughout the evening.

Opening of Valentino’s new VLTN pop-up draws city’s elite

Valentino’s Resort Collection 2018 VLTN store is the latest pop-up to take up residence in Hong Kong’s popular ifc mall.

That the shop has a distinctly urban jungle-meets-sporty vibe is not an accident. Valentino’s new Resort Collection 2018 is heavily inspired by both athletics and ‘active underground’ spaces.

Korean singer Sehun Oh, Hong Kong actress Kelly Chen, Japanese model Lala Takahashi and local high jump star Cecilia Yeung were all spotted at the store’s opening cocktail reception. They were joined by Pakho Chau, Karena Ng, Fish Liu, Jennifer Yu, and more.

Entrenched: The best of haute coat-ure

With the mercury dipping very fast, it’s time to bring out the coats and jackets. Check out our best coat-ure looks that’s sure to make you stand out from the crowd. Turn up the heat this winter!

Famous fans celebrate Emporio Armani’s new Fall/Winter 2017 line

Emporio Armani celebrated its new Fall/Winter 2017 Collection with an exclusive cocktail party at its Canton Road flagship store.

Brand ambassador and Chinese sensation Hu Ge – whose face is splashed across Emporio Armani ads all over town – was the star of the show in a dapper double-breasted evening jacket over a white mandarin collar shirt from the new men’s line.

The private event also attracted local celebrities and socialites including actress and singer Kelly Chen, actress Cherry Ngan, Adam Pak, Jason Wu, Angie Ng, Faye Tsui, and more. Many were spotted eagerly browsing through the displayed selection.

Interactive hi-tech digital gadgetry kept guests entertained and gave the evening a futuristic vibe as they dabbled with an augmented reality game app and posed at the 3D photo booth.