Tag: people

Transformative Times: Bobbie Huthart speaks out about her gender journey

At the age of 67, Robert Huthart, the son of a former Lane Crawford managing director, undertook gender reassignment surgery. Reinvented as Bobbie, she now lives in Thailand and is a keen campaigner for trans rights. 

 

          

Did being part of the high-profile Huthart family put any pressure on you while growing up?

There was never really any pressure on me at any time. I actually had a number of great advantages. I could go anywhere and had the Lane Crawford brand backing me up. Being part of a well-off family meant I had everything I could have imagined or might possibly have needed.

Was it always on the cards that you would join the family business?

I always knew I’d enter the family business in one capacity or another. Ultimately, when I came back to Hong Kong after having qualified as a Certified Public Accountant and having worked in an investment bank for a while, my father had just taken a stake in the company – Zenith Refinery and Pacific Palters – which did very well for us.

After that, I took on an investment role within the family business, initially focussing on Phuket real estate. At the time, this saw us buying land that no one else really wanted, which led to outstanding profits further down the line. I really enjoyed everything I did, and came to believe that, as long as you have conducted yourself with real zest and maintained a positive attitude, while treating people well, you could get anything done.

Bobbie Huthart
Serpenti Tubogas necklace in 18K rose gold set with pavé diamonds on the head and the tail; Serpenti earrings in rose gold with mother-of-pearl and pavé diamonds, both by Bulgari

How do you view the world as a woman now, opposed to when you were living as a man?

When you are transitioning, you start off by taking hormones and, all of a sudden, you begin to see the world in a dramatically different way. You also find yourself having the kind of conversations that you really couldn’t have if you are a man. I find that women talk very openly with each other. I also think having lived as both genders has given me a truly unique understanding of their different perspectives on life. I believe only open discourse can unite the two for a better world.

You came out to your family back in 2015. Looking back, is there anything you’d have done differently?

I think if I had been a member of a later generation, if I had known I was transgender when I was younger, it would have bothered me not to have transitioned earlier. I wasn’t aware of all the possibilities and I think, in some ways, my ignorance was a kind of blessing. It ultimately allowed me to live two full lives in one lifetime.

Bobbie Huthart

Do you think coming from an affluent background has given you a different experience as a trans woman compared to those less-advantaged?

Well, the transgender women I talk to tell me I’m lucky because I come from a rich and accepting family. With that in mind, I try to speak out on behalf of all older transgender individuals, as well as for all elderly people in general. I want people to know they don’t need to shrivel up and die when they reach a certain age.

While I believe trans women are able to secure jobs at the lower end of the pay scale, it’s often difficult for them to progress. I also believe that this isn’t a specific trans issue, but one that affects all women. As a result, we have to collectively fight for women’s rights and move forward together.

Are there any misconceptions about the trans community that you would like to tackle head on?

I think the biggest misconception about the trans community – not only in Asia, but also on an international basis – is that it is inevitably linked to prostitution. As a Buddhist, I have no problem with prostitution, but, in general, it seems to carry a huge stigma. There is also the issue as to whether or not post-surgery you can “pass” as a member of your reassigned gender. In truth, being transgender is about what’s in your heart, rather than about your looks, and that’s what’s important.

What do you hope the 21st century will deliver in terms of transgender rights and acceptance, particularly within the Asian community?

Ultimately, I just want to get my point of view across without offending anyone. I just want us to be accepted. In the case of China, I think the process of gradual change has to begin and I believe the next generation will come to accept transgender people. So much of its culture is male-centric, with every mother-to-be wanting a boy. What happens, though, when that boy wants to be a girl? At the end of day, people need to be allowed to transition and to then be accepted.

I also believe in order for transgender people to win the hearts and acceptance of society, we must continue to do good deeds, and recognise that if we push too hard, especially in Asia, for rapid law changes, this could lead to more discrimination and hate.

Is there anything you are currently campaigning for?

Well, I currently run a foundation that aims to help transgender people in Thailand. Initially, I thought surgery always topped the agenda for trans people, but I’ve since found that isn’t necessarily the case. Sometimes, the bigger priorities are education, medication and support from doctors. And so, the foundation’s focus is now on financing education, and funding seeding capital and venture capital businesses run by trans people in Thailand. Our foundation has no name, and thus, no ego.

Finally, what’s left on your personal bucket list?

Really, I just hope to live long enough to help more people, not just for their sake, but also for my own. I am also still trying to become far less egocentric. That’s one of the biggest challenges I have ever had to face and it’s an ongoing battle.

Thank you.

Interview by: Bailey Atkinson
Photos: Jack Law
Art Direction: San Wong
Make-up: Irene Hung
Hair: Eva Lee@Headquarters
Venue: Ichu Peru
Jewellery: Bulgari
 
For the full article, please find the latest issue of Gafencu’s print magazine or the PDF version on the Gafencu app. Download the app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store

Eyres and Graces: Alia Eyres CEO of the Mother’s Choice charity

Alia Eyres may be a mother of five, but it’s her role as the CEO of renowned local charity Mother’s Choice that sees her embrace the larger community as her family…

 

          

 

Having looked on as your parents masterminded Mother’s Choice, were you always destined for a career in charity?

Being around my parents and their friends – the co-founders of Mother’s Choice – definitely had a huge impact on me and my younger siblings. Growing up, I saw my parents and their friends pouring their hearts and souls into this charity, committed to helping children and young women who didn’t have any support system, while doing their level best to give back to a city they had come to call home. It showed me the true worth of generosity, the value of kindness and the importance of family. 

You were a corporate lawyer before you joined Mother’s Choice – why the switch?

Well, I had been practicing corporate law for quite some time, but, alongside that, I had been volunteering at Mother’s Choice since I was nine years old. Despite that, I’d never contemplated working there full-time. Around the time that they started looking for a new chief executive, though, I remember sitting in a coffee shop near my then-office and I opened the newspaper and saw the ad for the role. It was as if a light bulb went off in my head. I suddenly realised that this was what I wanted to do with my life.

Alia Eyres

How has your experience as a lawyer helped you in your role as chief executive?

Having a background in justice and knowing how the law works have been incredibly helpful. Two of my other siblings are also lawyers in Hong Kong and experts in family law. We firmly believe that understanding the law and how the legal system works really help to make sense of how our society works overall. Many of the young women and children we work with have very real legal concerns and need someone to be their voice when it comes to seeking justice. My background means I can be that voice.

What are the key areas where Mother’s Choice can help out?

Mother’s Choice is a local charity and we work very closely with the wider community, partnering with hundreds of volunteers every week to change lives and bring hope. We do that by providing services for babies and children, and for young women who have no familial support. We also work with young people who are experiencing crisis pregnancies or youth in foster care, and operate foster programmes via local schools and community education services.  

Alia Eyres

Since becoming chief executive in 2012, what has made you most proud?
After being in my post for seven years now, I can say I’m proudest of Project Bridge – an innovative programme designed to improve the traditional foster care system. Essentially, it connects nurturing volunteer families to children in need of temporary care. Our volunteer Bridge Families provide these children with a safe and loving family environment, giving them the opportunity to build trust, to develop their sense of identity, despite any crises that may have disrupted their birth homes. 

And what have been the most challenging aspects of the role?

It’s fair to say it’s not an easy job. Every day we hear the most heart-wrenching stories – a newborn baby abandoned in a trash can, a 14-year-old girl who has been abused and raped or a family that has been torn apart. These are incredibly difficult stories to get your head around, but the good thing is I now know there’s hope for everyone. Each one of us gets a second chance. There’s no such thing as a hopeless case. There’s hope that everyone can have a good future, there’s hope for every baby, every girl and every family. I say that because we’ve seen true miracles happen. Even though it is a hard job, I have to tell you I have become a far more hopeful person than I was in the past.

Alia Eyres

How do you ensure that the children have a seamless transition when they’re adopted?

Our preparatory work focusses on the two key parties – the adoptive families and the children who they are taking on board. In the case of the families, we hold their hands every step of the way, making sure they are fully aware of the needs of the child, the legal side of things and so on. We have hundreds of volunteers, social workers and lawyers all working together so that they are well prepared for their forever homes. We also have nurses, doctors and therapists, who come in to check that their medical needs are being met so that they have a better chance of finding a new home.

How open is modern-day Hong Kong to adoption?

In the 32 years since we started, I’ve seen Hong Kong really open up to the idea of adoption and we’re so grateful for that. In the future, we would like to see people being more willing to open their homes and their hearts to children with special needs and older kids. Every child, no matter their age or condition, deserves to be part of a loving family.

Thank you.

Interview by: Suchetana Mukhopadhyay
Photos: Jack Law  
Art Direction: San Wong   
Make-up and Hair: Irene Hung  
Venue: Mother’s Choice

For the full article, please find the latest issue of Gafencu’s print magazine or the PDF version on the Gafencu app. Download the app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.

 

Real Deal: PR guru Real Ting on life, philosophy and fitness regime

Real Ting is the co-founder and director of Collaboration Group, a public relations and marketing firm.

How did you go from boy band singer to PR professional?

I moved to Shanghai when I was 16 because my dad runs a garment manufacturing business there. I studied at an international school for a year and then moved to Auckland, New Zealand, where I spent the next five years. I won a singing contest in Auckland and went on to participate in a regional singing competition in Asia. That’s how I met my agent, who helped me land a three-year contract with Warner Music Hong Kong. I ended up joining a boy band called VRF with three other guys. It was a good experience, but the reality didn’t live up to my expectations.

In the entertainment industry, you’re always waiting for your agent to give you opportunities. I hate when things are out of my control – I’m a typical Leo in that sense – so I quit the band and moved back to Shanghai to work for my dad’s business. That lasted a year because it wasn’t the right fit for me. I set out to find a job in Hong Kong, and I sent my CV to about 40 companies in entertainment, advertising and public relations. Finally, a company called IPS offered me a position, and I spent seven years there.

 

What sparked your interest in singing?

I started singing when I was six years old. My dad, mom, aunt and uncle – pretty much my whole family – would sing and dance every time we got together. I competed in many singing contests in Hong Kong and in New Zealand while studying at the University of Auckland. I spent a lot of time trying to improve myself, because when you’re an artist or singer you always have to be prepared. I built relationships with many people in the entertainment industry, which has been an advantage in the PR world.

 

How did you end up co-founding Collaboration Group?

In 2010, new opportunities arose. At the time, my now-business partner Conrad Ng was working at an advertising firm called DDB. The company wanted to build a PR and marketing department, so he invited me to join the team. The contract ended after two years, and Conrad and I formed our own company called Collaboration Group. We provide a one-stop service for PR, event management, advertising, branding and digital marketing. Our core clients include Maxim’s Group, Watsons China, Melco Crown, Givenchy Beauty, Kiehl’s and some other luxury brands.

Your wife, Miriam Yeung, is quite an accomplished singer and actress. How did you meet?

I met my wife in 2007. I owned a karaoke bar at the time, and a movie star decided to host his birthday party there. It was 2am when Miriam walked in with her agent. The agent approached me and said, ‘I can only stay for 15 minutes. Can you look after her?’ I agreed, and I’ve been taking care of her ever since. Every time I see that guy, I say, ‘Look, I kept my promise!’

 

You got married in Las Vegas in 2009, to the surprise of many. What prompted such a spontaneous decision?

I’m always arranging surprises for my close friends and for Miriam. In February 2009, I organised a surprise birthday party for her in Seoul. I invited our friends and families to a restaurant, and after dinner I brought out a birthday cake and proposed to her in front of everyone. When I knelt down, I realised that I was the one crying – not her.

That same year we took a trip to Los Angeles and spent a day at Universal Studios riding roller-coasters. I ended up taking care of her after she hurt her neck.

When we got back to the car, I asked her, ‘Should I take care of you for the rest of your life?’ Then I said, ‘Let’s go to Vegas.’ She agreed, and we drove straight there. We went to the famous Little White Wedding Chapel and said our vows. For her, it was an impulsive decision. But for me, it was actually a plan I had in mind. I even brought my suit along with me, but Miriam had to buy a dress in Vegas.

Did you do anything special to celebrate your wedding anniversary this year?

Our anniversary was last month, but because we’re constantly surprising each other, we wanted to simply enjoy each other’s company this year. Her birthday is 3 February, and at the end of January we went to Phuket. We stayed at a villa with 20 friends, and I surprised her by turning out the lights and bringing out a birthday cake. I arranged for fireworks to go off the second she started blowing out the candles. That’s why I thought we needed a quiet celebration for our anniversary this year.

 

How does it feel being in the public eye all the time?

Being in the public eye is part of my job, and I respect that the paparazzi have a job to do as well. Of course it’s human nature to want privacy, so at times it’s frustrating to be photographed while I’m trying to eat dinner with my family. Aside from paparazzi, regular people will take out their phones and start taking pictures of us in secret. When that happens, I go up to their table and ask, ‘Do you want to take a picture with us?’ and invite them to take a selfie. Sometimes they’re just too shy to ask.

What are you most proud of?

While I’m very excited about what we’ve built at Collaboration Group, my family is by far my proudest accomplishment. My wife is amazing, and to see her become a mother to our son is unbelievable. I couldn’t be more proud of my family.

What are your favourite things to do with your son, Torres?

I like to get him outdoors as much as possible. He’s a Hong Kong kid so he’s always indoors playing on his iPad with the air conditioner running, and that’s not me. Recently I started bringing him hiking. We live in Parkview near The Twins trail, so we brought him there. It’s quite hard for a 5-year-old kid, but we did half and turned back. I want him to grow up strong.

 

When you’re not working, what do you do to unwind?

I like to spend time with my close friends, but sometimes I want to be alone. I like jogging because it’s a kind of meditation for me. It allows me to empty my mind. I jog 10km each time, which adds up to about 150km a month.

I also have a personal trainer and we do circuit training twice a week. I’m quite busy with work, family, friends and exercise. That’s my life.

You’re a bit of a philosopher on social media. What inspires you?

I’m not a big follower of Buddhism but I love the philosophy of it. In 2007 I joined a beginner class on Buddhism and learned how to achieve balance in my life. I meditate and read a lot, and on social media I always try to share some positive words. The first book on Buddhism I read was The Art of Happiness by the Dalai Lama, which really changed my life. I’m always giving thanks for everything, whether I’m jogging, talking to my best friend, having dinner with my family or doing business. I give thanks because I’m very lucky. I have everything I want in life.

Thank you.

 

Text: Emily Petsko
Photos: Neville Lee
Art Direction: San Wong

 

Madame Moiselle: Shirley Chan on building a fashion empire

Shirley Chan is the co-founder and vice-chairman of Moiselle Group, a Hong Kong-based fashion brand celebrating its 20th anniversary this year.

Why did you launch Moiselle in 1997?

I have loved fashion ever since I was young and I’ve always followed the latest happenings in the industry, so it was an easy decision to start a fashion company with my husband.

Before we founded Moiselle, my husband and I started a fashion trading company and we met lots of fashion industry experts from different countries. When I travelled to Europe for work I’d visit the stores of famous fashion brands and over time I gained an appreciation of their work.

With our love of fashion and seeing what other brands were doing, we thought it would be a good idea to set up a local fashion brand.

Why start in 1997? It was good timing with Hong Kong returning to China. This was a special year in many ways for lots of Hong Kong people. Even though many of my friends decided to leave, I wanted to stay and build confidence in the city. My husband and I knew that we had the experience and confidence to set up Moiselle at that time.

What challenges did you face at the beginning?

There were many difficulties. First of all, because Moiselle was a new brand, landlords refused to rent us space in shopping malls or in good locations as we were considered an ‘unpopular tenant’. Landlords would only rent to international brands. It took us a long time to earn any sort of recognition because we were a local brand.

The financial crisis in 1997 forced a lot of the international brands out of Hong Kong and this opened up a number of options for us that we didn’t have before. It also pushed rental prices down.

My husband and I knew that we had to have our own brand DNA to stand out. We knew the importance of fabric, as it acts like a second layer of skin. So we decided to use European designs and fabrics. It’s essential that our customers feel comfortable and look stylish in our clothes.

We used our skills in tailor-made embroidery while also keeping an eye on the latest fashion trends. How clothing looks on your body depends not only on style, but also the tailoring. If an item doesn’t fit, no one will buy it no matter how cheap or expensive it is.

We decided to use all of these elements to position our brand, and luckily we were quickly accepted by the market.

Moiselle celebrates its 20th anniversary this year. How has the fashion industry changed since you started?

Unexpectedly, it has changed a lot. Twenty years ago, customers were more single-minded. An example of this is customers buying a whole outfit they saw at an international brand’s fashion show. At that time, famous department stores or multi-brand stores had a lot of customers spending money.

Another change occurred in 2004 when China opened up its economy and started the Individual Visit Scheme, which opened us up to a big group of potential customers. The Chinese have strong purchasing power; price is never a problem to them. They are more concerned about whether a product makes them stand out, so they shop for beautiful clothes to make themselves look rich and powerful.


How does Hong Kong’s fashion industry compare to the West? What can we learn from those markets, and is there anything they can learn from us?

Europe is very different to Hong Kong. European fashion houses have a well-developed vision for their brands. Cultural values and society are influential. A lot of family businesses have great success because they put a lot of focus on cultural values.

When it comes to managing a brand, companies in Europe are successful because they are clear in what they want to do, like Hermès and Chanel. We could learn a lot from them about design, promotion and marketing, to name a few.

Even though some companies have lost the spirit of their brand – for example, the passing of Coco Chanel – this has not damaged their brand or affected how they are seen in the fashion world. This is something Hong Kong brands can also learn from.

Brands generally draw upon each other for inspiration. A number of representatives from international brands have visited our stores and we talk to them about our designs and products. It’s good that a lot of international buyers and designers purchase our outfits as well.

There is always something to learn from a brand’s success or failure, and then it just depends how you use the information.

Do you have any plans to expand into Europe? How do you decide which markets in Asia and the rest of the world to target?

We did think about it, but because of the financial crisis, it didn’t work out. I think we have more to gain by putting our resources into China. The only way we would move into Europe is if we found a working partner who would be responsible for distribution, leaving us to provide the products. But if you are talking about a full investment by our group, I would pick China.

The country is getting stronger, which in turn means that Chinese travel quite a lot. The Chinese are also more willing now to accept new things.

I think Moiselle needs to pick up the pace to catch up with the Chinese market. We should have closer contact with them than we currently have. We are planning to open more stores in major cities in China. Moiselle has also signed on with an online platform to help promote our brand, and we are expecting big things this year.

What was it like to run a business with your husband while also raising a family together?

My husband and I share the same views, targets and beliefs. But we also have expertise in different areas. I am strong in design and operation, and my husband is strong in finance, company development and marketing.

If we have different opinions, then obviously that does lead to disagreements. My husband is the chairman and I am the vice-chairman, so of course I have to work with him. But within my role, if I feel that my direction is correct then I will definitely try to push it. However, the final decision has to benefit the company.

When our kids were young, we mainly phoned them Monday through Friday because all of our attention went into work and it was hard to see them. Luckily,our children knew why mummy and daddy worked so hard. We also brought them with us to the office on certain days so they could understand the industry we work in.

On weekends, we made time to be together as a family, and sometimes with our friends.

“My husband and I share the same views, targets and beliefs. But we also have expertise in different areas”

Your son Harris is the creative director for Moiselle. How important was it to keep the business in the family?

Keeping the business in the family has its advantage, as it’s a kind of inheritance. This doesn’t mean, however, that the successor to the business has to be a family member. If any family members are talented enough to take over the business, then of course they would be the successor.

The person who fills this role must have beliefs and views that are in line with the company, and they must also have the talent. In my opinion, my son Harris is suited to the role. He is talented, he works with passion and he is also very creative.

The team also knows he is fully focused on his work and he has a clear vision for the future development of Moiselle. The younger generation is our future, and I aim to keep developing the group to help them be successful.

Which fashion designers inspire you?

A lot of designers inspire me, but there are two that stand out. The first is Coco Chanel, because of how she helped the brand evolve from accessories to different collections to handbags and shoes. The other is Dolce & Gabbana. Every one of Dolce & Gabbana’s products is a surprise. They bring out the uniqueness of a person. Not only is the women’s collection a success, but so is the men’s collection. The brand has a lot of variation, which inspires me.

How would you describe your personal style?
My friends love my style, and they love to shop with me to get advice. Clothing is a way to show my personality to others. I would consider my style to be diverse. I like smart casual, with elegance. I love to mix and match. I make use of accessories and colour to stand out. I think a new piece has to add new elements to my existing wardrobe. That’s why I love buying small accessories, scarves, belts, shoes, socks, hats and glasses.


“My friends love my style, and they love to shop with me to get advice. Clothing is a way to show my personality to others”

What has been your proudest moment at work?

My proudest moment is split into different stages because my work has changed over time.

I am happy and lucky to have been honoured with the Golden Bauhinia Woman Entrepreneur Award last year. The award recognised my contribution to the industry and also the work of my team.

Also last year, Moiselle received the Listed Company Award of Excellence from the Hong Kong Economic Journal. It is hard to operate a business in this day and age so I was proud when we were honoured with the award. Another proud moment was when we were listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange in 2002.

You have worked for a number of charitable organisations. How do you decide which ones to support?

I mainly focus on organisations that deal with women, children and the elderly. For example, we supported events for the Hong Kong Breast Cancer Foundation for five years. I have been a member of the Zonta Club of the New Territories since 2006, and Moiselle has held fundraising activities for underprivileged women. In the future, we hope to help single-parent families and the elderly. We need to show patience and care towards the elderly – not only money. The elderly built Hong Kong for us and now we need to give back to them. I also focus on helping Christian organisations, as I am a Christian.

How do you unwind when you’re not working?

I love hiking up to Victoria Peak to take in the architecture and the view. I am going to New Zealand for a five-day hiking trip in November, and I’ll hike about 20km a day on the last three days. I also enjoy walking around the streets of Hong Kong, and going to church is important to me.

Text: Andrew Scott/Alice Chang

Best local Instagram accounts to follow

Finding inspiration in a city as active as Hong Kong shouldn’t be a challenge, but sometimes too many options can lead to sensory overload and make it difficult to choose.

That’s why we’ve rounded up some of the best Instagram accounts across multiple categories – health, fashion, yoga, food and lifestyle – to help you feel invigorated and inspired.

1. Health: @viviennetang

Vivienne Tang’s account is filled with photos of greenery, nature and fitness inspiration (otherwise known as #fitspo). The self-proclaimed wellness enthusiast is the founder of Destination Deluxe, and she posts photos of stunning landscapes as well.

2. Fashion: @cindiddy

A true fashionista, Cindy Ko’s 36,000 followers are no doubt enamoured with her unique style and vibrant photos. Her posts reflect serenity and express fashion individuality.

3. Yoga: @katherineleeyoga

Katherine Lee bends her body in miraculous positions as she travels to different locations to practice yoga. This local yogi has posed in front of popular landscapes including the Eiffel Tower, the London Bridge and of course, Hong Kong’s very own skyscrapers.

4. Food: @angie_lcc

Angie, better known as vANGIEtarian, posts vibrant photos of healthy food in all its colourful glory. She makes “healthy” look so good, you wouldn’t think twice about skipping that chocolate croissant for brunch.

5. Lifestyle: @eva_pinkland

Step into Eva Cheung’s pink shoes and enter her rose-tinted world. This pink fanatic throws shade at monochrome with her bright and lively photos. 

 

Text: Sadia Lima

 

 

Dr Do-It-All: Richard Tong wears many hats aside from a surgical cap

Dr Richard Tong is a surgeon at Elite Clinic, a private clinic in Tsim Sha Tsui that specialises in general, breast, thyroid, gastrointestinal and vascular surgeries. He also writes a biweekly medical column for the Hong Kong Economic Journal and he has had a book of his columns published.

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What made you decide to become a surgeon?

I’ve always been a science guy, and even as a kid I carried out a number of experiments. There used to be a street in Central where chemicals were sold, and I would bring some home and mix them together. So when I grew up, I naturally chose science as my field of study.

I did think about becoming an engineer, but my father encouraged me to become a doctor. At school, it occurred to me that being a surgeon is a little like being a sportsman, while being a medical doctor is more akin to being a scholar. Because I was an athlete and school captain, I thought that becoming a surgeon would be more appropriate for me.

How did you end up specialising in vascular surgery?

It’s a difficult specialty and many vascular operations are quite complex. At times, it involves very urgent operations. For example, if a patient comes in with what we call ‘Triple A’ – an abdominal aortic aneurysm – I have to operate immediately or the patient will die.

When I was on call, I had to rush back to the hospital no matter what I was doing. If I was having dinner, I had to drop the chopsticks and run to the hospital to perform surgery. It turns out that my ability to act quickly and be at the hospital within minutes saved a lot of people’s lives, whereas in the past, most people died from this kind of aneurysm.

Vein surgery is not too popular among surgeons because it’s not that glamorous, but a lot of people suffer from varicose veins. They have big ulcers on their ankles and it’s a crippling ailment, so the demand for vascular surgery is high. It’s common in Hong Kong to see people with big veins on their legs. Chinese people are very tough and they don’t complain at all. The people who suffer the most from varicose veins in Hong Kong are the cooks who stand for 10 hours a day making wonton noodles and boiled congee. It’s a common affliction in this occupation.

What are some of the misconceptions about surgeons that you’ve heard?

People think surgeons live a happy life, drinking and celebrating with pretty girls around them. That is usually not the case. Surgeons are actually very hard-working and put in long hours. People also tend to think that surgical technique is the most important thing, but decision-making is more difficult. Every step is a decision: what you should do and where you should cut. Being just a millimetre off can kill the patient, so these are decisions that are not based on technical expertise. Any surgeon can do an operation well after they’ve done it a thousand times, but making a good decision is the most crucial part of being a surgeon.

You left the public sector in 2004 to become a private surgeon. What was that transition like?

In 2004, Hong Kong Baptist Hospital invited me to be a consultant surgeon there, and I accepted. In my first month on the job, I actually lost 15 pounds. It was such a difficult job and I was working all the time. At the time, I had already been working as a surgeon for 14 years.

It’s slightly different from the public sector, where I would just operate and then the patient would be transferred into someone else’s care. But in the private sector we take care of the patient the whole time, from surgery until full recovery. It’s hard work but it’s rewarding to see patients from the very beginning to the end of their recovery. I’ve become friends with many of my patients.

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“If I was having dinner, I had to drop the chopsticks and run to the hospital to perform surgery”

You’ve also visited overseas hospitals in the UK and the US as an honorary consultant and as a visiting scholar, respectively. How were those experiences?

It was really enjoyable. As surgeons, we have the opportunity to learn and observe from an institute of our choosing. I think it’s very important because we bring in new techniques, we learn how people do things and we exchange ideas – and that’s very important for the career development of any surgeon or doctor.

What do you like to do in your free time?

I have a lot of hobbies. I do a lot of water sports, like diving, snorkelling and boating. I’ve had a boating licence for 20 years, and I like to go out on the sea. Hong Kong is a great place for that because within half an hour of leaving Central you’re already in a beautiful place like Sai Kung. We’re actually quite lucky to live here.

Aside from water sports, I like skiing and snowboarding. I took up skiing 27 years ago, and every year I go to places like France, Switzerland, Japan and Canada. I also enjoy motor sports because they’re exciting, and I have my racing licence as well. I like tracks in China, and I’ve been to Beijing, Shanghai and Zhuhai for track days.

One thing I enjoy very much is drifting in a car on frozen lakes. Inner Mongolia is very cold in the winter – it’s minus 30 to 40 degrees and the lake is frozen. For the past three years, I’ve spent a few weeks drifting on a frozen lake there.

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We’ve heard that you’re also a good cook. What’s your specialty?

I would say that it’s fusion cuisine. Once upon a time, a friend of mine brought a lot of French Gillardeau oysters over to my home – 300 of them in total. I couldn’t finish all the oysters, so I got out some rice and boiled it in soup, then added some other ingredients and finally added in some oysters. It was a classic Chinese-style Chiu Chow oyster congee, except with French oysters.

I cooked a lot in the past but nowadays I have a Western chef and a Chinese chef who cook for me, depending on the occasion. But I buy the ingredients myself and plan the menu.

Which non-profit organisations do you support?

After coming back from training overseas, I discovered that I’m very interested in trauma surgery. I have a good relationship with the St John Ambulance Brigade so I joined the organisation. I’ve been volunteering with St John for more than 10 years, mostly doing administrative work. I enjoy that very much and have met a lot of friends there. I am also a medical consultant for the Kowloon and New Territories Trading and Commercial Association, and whenever they have any medical affairs they call me.

Thank you.

Text: Emily Petsko

Queen B: Bonnae Gokson has a taste for the sweeter things in life

Bonnae Gokson is the owner and founder of Sevva, Ms B’s Cakery and C’est La B. She has received three awards for her book, Butterflies and All Things Sweet.

Why do you think your businesses are so successful?

I’m so grateful that all the brands I’ve created on my own are a success. I’m fortunate to have lived a very privileged life ever since childhood, and I believe this has put me in good stead in the business world.

I believe my success comes from my exposure to the very best things the world has to offer, coupled with the knowledge I’ve gleaned from my family, my work experience and my frequent travels abroad.

For me, running a business requires a hands-on approach in its day-to-day management, and this is why I have put a lot of effort into Sevva, from changing its aesthetic to deciding what food the guests will enjoy. I have always had the foresight, imagination and passion to create.

Sevva is a one-of-a-kind venue in Hong Kong because of the care and attention to detail I have put into it. It’s more than just a restaurant. It is a unique experience where guests can get pampered and enjoy a sensory overload of sorts. Of course, the amazing terrace atop one of Hong Kong’s most iconic buildings helps.

My cakery and C’est La B are separate businesses from Sevva. The store for Ms B’s Cakery in Prince’s Building is more of a gift, confectionery and cake shop, whereas C’est La B at Pacific Place is more of a casual cafe with lots of savoury snacks and sweets.

The one thing that is similar about all of my businesses, though, is that they are located in very unique venues that people enjoy, and this makes them come back for more.

To run a successful business, a person needs to know how to manage and they must have a vision, passion and drive to maintain quality and standards, all while injecting fresh ideas every so often.

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What role does social media play in the promotion of your products and businesses? 

I started using Instagram a few years back and I really enjoy it. There are lots of ways I use Instagram to help my businesses grow. In this day and age, social media is so important. We regularly release new products, and social media is a great way to build brand awareness.

I have separate pages on Facebook and Instagram for Sevva, Ms B’s Cakery, Ms B’s Weddings and C’est La B. And I also have my personal accounts.

You used to be Regional Chief of Image and Communications for Chanel Asia Pacific and you’re also lauded as a style icon. How important is fashion to you?

Let me put it this way: I believe that my sense of style comes from spending many years working alongside my mentor and sister, Joyce Ma. I would also credit it to being born into a family where my grandfather founded the most important department store back in the old days in Shanghai. I certainly have a strong retail and fashion heritage.

I also love the art, excitement and creativity of the fashion world as I, myself, am a very creative person.

 “I’m at a wonderful time in my life. I have a lot of freedom and I still love what I do”

Who are your favourite designers? What are your go-to fashion items?

I have a number of favourite fashion pieces from couture, ready-to-wear and casual sportswear collections. Most designers have something I like in their collections. I like Zuhair Murad, Ralph Russo, Dries Van Noten, Balmain, Victoria Beckham, Norma Kamali, Rosie Assouline and more. I am also a fan of some younger emerging designers.

You’ve been dubbed the ‘Queen of Confectionary’ and were named one of the top 30 pastry chefs in the world in a book published by Thames + Hudson. How did it feel to be featured?

It was certainly a great honour to be recognised by such a wonderful publication. Around the same time that I was featured in the book, The New Pâtissiers, my coffee table book, Butterflies and All Things Sweet, won three top awards at the Paris Book Awards, the Benjamin Franklin Book Awards and the Sydney Design Awards in 2014. I was overjoyed when we won those awards because we’d worked so hard on the book.

What inspired you to write Butterflies and All Things Sweet?

The idea for Butterflies and All Things Sweet came about when I worked on Sundays creating our adverts, e-letters and photo shoots. Every time our images were sent out to the public, people would call us up to say how much they loved them.

Over time we built up a large collection of images and I thought it would be a good idea to compile them and put them into a book.

I am fortunate to have a few extremely talented friends who were editors-in-chief at top magazines in Australia. I worked with them to produce Butterflies and All Things Sweet.

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Do you think a lot of pressure is put on female entrepreneurs in the business world?

Women entrepreneurs are now becoming stronger and more powerful in the business world. Women will always face challenges, but I think if you look around and see the changes happening in the world you will see things are moving forward.
As for myself, I am the decision maker for most aspects of my businesses. I have to be stern and focused in order to make the best decisions. Yet, I believe in maintaining my femininity, poise and intelligence, so you tell me if you think there’s any pressure!

What’s an average week for you? 

My weeks vary quite a bit. I work out at home twice a week in the morning with a fitness trainer. I attend meetings throughout the week with various teams to plan upcoming events. I meet with chefs to go over new menus and meet with my cakery team to discuss bespoke cake orders.

I sometimes have meetings with the media and I’m occasionally asked to give interviews on TV or radio programmes.

Sometimes on Sundays I work with a photographer to snap new shots of my work, and sometimes I go to the graphic studio to design new packaging or adverts.

During the past few months a number of people have asked to collaborate with me and I am sometimes contacted by luxury brands to create something for them, which means I have to attend meetings for these projects.

Your cake names at Ms B’s Cakery are quite unique. Do you come up with the names yourself?

Yes, I come up with all the names of our cakes and I choose the flavours and ingredients. Choosing names for the cakes is fun. Sometimes I’ll brainstorm ideas with a good friend who’s humourous and we will have a laugh thinking of names. And sometimes I name them after famous operas like Madama Butterfly or come up with something daring like ‘Better Than Sex’.

We have just finished a week of new developments and we mistakenly made a cake with the wrong ingredients, but it ended up tasting delicious so we called it ‘Ooops!’

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  “Women entrepreneurs are now becoming stronger and more powerful in the business world”

Are you ever concerned people in Hong Kong will copy your cake ideas?

Copycats are everywhere in Hong Kong. I wonder why so many people choose to copy my ideas instead of coming up with their own designs. It is obvious people steal my ideas – our distinctive striped cake cards, our cake designs, the names of cakes, sugar art and more – from the internet, which is a joke and shows that some people have no shame. But what can I say except ‘thank you.’ I guess people who understand quality will know the difference.

What are your favourite restaurants in the city?

I have quite a few favourite restaurants that I keep going back to, such as Gou Fu Lou for dim sum, Arcane on On Lan Street, Pang’s in Happy Valley, Liu Yuan Pavilion in Wan Chai, Mak’s Noodles on Wing Kut Street, Ho Lee Fook on Elgin Street and, of course, Sevva!

To me, going to a place that serves good food is more important than going to a place because it is seen as trendy or hip. I also love taking friends who are visiting the city to new restaurants.

You’re also known for your healthy lifestyle. How do you stay fit?

I believe that ‘health is wealth.’ I like to take care of myself, which is important because I have such a hectic lifestyle.
I enjoy nothing better than a good hike followed by a session with exercise training bands. I love working up a good sweat with my trainer in the country parks near my home.

I have also been an advocate of holistic naturopathy and anthroposophical medicine for years and I have a wonderful doctor in Australia who helps to keep me fit and healthy.

How do you relax and unwind?

I travel on short trips around Asia to visit friends. When I’m not travelling, I love to explore the streets of Sham Shui Po and the flower markets in Kowloon. There’s always something new there to awaken my senses.

I’m a big fan of the cinema and I also like to go yachting with friends or go on a good hike.

What advice would you give any budding tastemakers or entrepreneurs?

Embrace what makes you different. Success is tied to passion; it is not materialistic. Passion is your greatest ally, and don’t be afraid to challenge social conventions.

What project are you planning to take on next? 

I’m at a wonderful time in my life. I have a lot of freedom and I still love what I do. Some people have suggested that I open my own signature chain of boutique hotels, and actually this is being discussed at present.

I am open to getting involved with exciting new projects and ideas. I have said ‘no’ to many offers in the past, but who knows what might happen in the future. I don’t focus too much on the future as I like to live in the moment. As they say, que sera sera.

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Text: Andrew Scott

Singer Charlene Chou Xuan on spreading traditional Chinese music to new audiences

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Singer Charlene Chou Xuan, dubbed the “new golden voice” of China, is known for her unique style of music, which blends Western and Eastern elements. Originally from Hangzhou, she now lives in Hong Kong and runs the Zhou Xuan Arts Centre, which she founded.

Click here to watch the video

Were you named after the iconic Chinese singer and actress with whom you share a name?

My name was given to me by my mother. Zhou Xuan was a famous singer in the ‘30s, and she is my mum’s idol. My mum loves all of her songs, and so that’s the story of how I got my name.

I was born into an artistic family. My mum was a music teacher, and my dad was an art instructor. They are ordinary people who love music and dance. I was fortunate to grow up in such a warm and happy environment.

When did you first know that you wanted to be a singer?

My first stage performance was when I was three years old during a Children’s Day event at school. Even as a child, I never felt stage fright. I remember singing one song after another that day. It was then that my parents discovered my talent.

When did I decide to become a professional singer? It was probably when I enrolled at the Zhejiang Vocational Academy of Art. I was about 12 at the time. Now, here I am. I often have the chance to perform on TV and at a number of concert halls around the world. Various media have named me one of the top 10 female sopranos in China. They call me the ‘new golden voice,’ which I am very proud of. I will always try my best to live up to that title.

What has been your most memorable performance?

My first concert ever was held at the Hong Kong Cultural Center on 16 November 2005. There I was, just a girl from Hangzhou performing in the big city. I never would have imagined back then that I’d move to Hong Kong one day. It must have been fate that brought me here.

During my first concert, I was very nervous because I was under a lot of pressure. It was my first time performing professionally on-stage, let alone an international stage. Fortunately, the show was perfect. After the concert, people came up to ask me for photos and autographs. My first concert was a success and an unforgettable experience.

Who are your musical idols and inspirations?

My mum was my first music tutor. I listened to her songs throughout my childhood. I had many other instructors during my formative years, including Professor Jin Tian Lin, who also mentors China’s First Lady, Peng Liyuan, who happens to be a contemporary folk singer.

I have also had the opportunity to meet and collaborate with some exceptional artists, including Lü Jihong, Zhang Ye, Liao Changyong and Dai Yuqiang. We have become very good friends. I also look up to Li Guyi, a well-known singer in China.

What kind of music do you listen to?

I love all kinds of music. I studied Chinese national music at college, but I also listen to Italian music across the genres of bel canto, opera and pop. I have made an effort to learn diverse styles of music. I hope that my songs appeal not only to Chinese, but also to international audiences. I believe that music has no borders.

How do you manage to blend such diverse elements from Chinese and European music?

I take some artistic liberties in my music. For instance, in one song I combined the Italian aria Nessun Dorma with the Chinese folk song Mo Li Hua (Jasmine Flower). I sing in two languages in that song, and foreign audiences love it. Now, I am trying to combine songs from Madama Butterfly with Taiwanese pop singer Teresa Teng’s songs. Teng was known for her folk songs and romantic ballads.

You travel a lot for shows. How is Chinese music received in other countries?

When performing abroad, I sing both Chinese and foreign songs. As long as the songs are good, music is an international language. Many foreigners have been moved by my music. They loved my songs, even though they didn’t understand the lyrics. That is what I mean when I say music has no borders.

Do you enjoy working abroad?

I do. It gives me the chance to visit new places, and it’s just like a vacation. Italy in particular is one of my favourite places to perform. I often travel to Italy with my family on holiday. There are so many delicious types of food, beautiful landscapes, classic architecture and shopping malls.

As for my family, they have been very supportive of my career, and they love music as well. I have an adorable son, and a daughter who is almost one-year-old.

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What’s life in Hong Kong like compared with your hometown?

My hometown is Xi Hu (West Lake) in Hangzhou. Xi Hu is considered a paradise in China. The landscape is beautiful, and it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site. I was chosen to sing a song dedicated to Xi Hu. If you have a chance to visit the city, you will hear my song as soon as you get off the plane. They play it all day long in the airport and on buses in the city.

Life is very relaxed in Hangzhou because it’s important to the locals to enjoy life. They walk around Xi Hu and have tea time with friends. It’s a slow-paced way of living. Hong Kong, on the other hand, is a very busy city. Everything is fast. After a long week spent in Hong Kong, I like to fly to Hangzhou for the weekend, just to slow down a bit – to rest and enjoy life.

You have opened your own music centre in Hong Kong. What inspired you to enter the field of education?

I opened my art centre last November. It’s something I have always wanted to do. My ambition is to promote Chinese art education in an effort to encourage children who have a passion for music. We offer lessons in dance, piano and violin, as well as vocal training in traditional Chinese music. The centre is for both children and adults. My youngest student is three years old, and the oldest is 70. I also set up a Hong Kong-China musical exchange association. It’s responsible for art education and cultural exchanges between Hong Kong and mainland China. We are going to host an event this August.

What has been the biggest challenge you’ve faced?

The biggest challenge has definitely been opening the music centre. Education is a long-term cause. The behind-the-scenes work that no one sees is what is most difficult. My school is like my third baby. It takes great effort and patience to nurture it so that it grows up big and strong.

What’s next for you?

I’ll perform in Eastern Europe with a Chinese delegation in July, on invitation from the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts in New York City. For 20 days, we will travel around the region on tour. I’m currently preparing to launch a worldwide tour, and right now we’re just waiting on confirmation from the venues. The worldwide tour could last up to one month. We won’t return home until we finish the tour, and we will visit one country after another.

Text: Emily Petsko

Rex Tso talks about how he got started, memorable fights and his new-found fame

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Boxing champion Rex Tso is considered to be one of the sport’s brightest stars. Last March, on home turf in Hong Kong, he successfully defended his WBO International and WBO Asia titles against Japanese boxer Hirofumi Mukai.

Click here to watch the video

How did you get into boxing?

My dad taught me how to box when I was five years old, and when I was 16 I joined the DEF boxing gym to train and help out as an assistant coach. Back then I viewed boxing as nothing more than a sport, and this made me lazy.

It wasn’t until Jay Lau Chi Yuen, who is now my manager and the person who brought professional boxing to Hong Kong in 2011, asked me to participate in some amateur fights that I saw it as something I could do as a career. I fought in a few fights when I was 22 and 23 years old.

When did you decide to go pro?

I competed in my first professional boxing fight when I was 24 years old. As an amateur I was a lazy boxer, and I still had that attitude when I turned professional.

 “I try not to let the other boxer rest because I want to fight from the moment the bell rings”

At the beginning, I didn’t care if I won or lost. Boxing was something I did out of personal interest. When Jay asked me to turn professional, I kept on thinking to myself, ‘What is a professional? And how can I be called a professional?’

Then I started to worry because my fitness was in poor shape and I hadn’t been taking it seriously. When I was an amateur I’d won fights simply because I’m a smart boxer, and so I felt I didn’t need to train properly. But when I turned professional I realised I needed to train harder.

My first professional fight was four rounds and I wasn’t thinking about winning the fight. I was thinking about trying not to get knocked down in the first round.

But when I won the fight and the crowd stood up to clap and cheer my name, that was when I knew I had to train harder, improve my body and learn new boxing skills from my coach. It was then that I knew I wanted to take boxing seriously.

How would you describe your boxing style?

I would say I have an aggressive boxing style. I try not to let the other boxer rest because I want to fight from the moment the bell rings. Fights are scored every round so I try to win every round.

Where did your nickname “The Wonder Kid” come from?

Quite a lot of people think my coaching team gave me this nickname, but actually it was given to me by a Filipino referee. I had my second, third and fourth professional fights in the Philippines and all of my opponents were Filipinos. At the start of one of the fights, the crowd cheered the Filipino boxer as he made his way to the ring, and they booed and jeered at me. They even shouted that I should go home, which I only understood later when someone translated it for me.

The fight was four rounds, and I felt I was losing in the third round because my opponent’s boxing style was different to what I was used to. I had practiced with a right-handed, short boxer, but my opponent was left-handed and much taller. My coach told me that if I didn’t knock him out in this round, I would lose the fight. Once the bell rang for the third round, I punched him as much as I could until he could no longer defend himself, forcing the referee to stop the fight.

When I was announced as the winner, the crowd stood up and cheered me. The referee was surprised I was still smiling even though the crowd had hurled insults at me and it seemed like I would lose the fight after three rounds, so he gave me the nickname ‘The Wonder Kid.’

How do you prepare for a fight?

I start preparing three months in advance. In the morning I do physical training, like fitness, running and weightlifting. I also focus on boxing techniques to build up muscle. The afternoon is reserved for boxing training.

I follow a balanced diet for the first two months. I eat a fistful of rice and meat, and I usually start to lose weight 10 days before a fight. Normally my weight is 130 lb, but in the build-up to a fight it drops to between 125 and 128 lb. Ten days before a fight it drops to 115 lb, and during this time I only eat vegetables. And 30 hours before a fight I don’t drink or eat anything to make sure I make the weight class. I also run in a sweat suit to help me lose weight.

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What’s been your toughest fight?

During my last fight against Hirofumi Mukai I faced a lot of situations that were new to me. In the second or third round, I was hit by a punch that made me lose hearing in my right ear for more than 10 seconds.

I broke my nose one month before that fight, during a training session with a Filipino world champion. I was so worried that I wouldn’t be able to fight and it was so painful that I cried. Mukai punched me in the nose during our fight, but thankfully the bone had healed.

How did it feel to successfully defend your WBO International title and WBC Asia title and win the WBO Asia-Pacific belt in front of your home crowd when you beat Hirofumi Mukai?

It was great that I didn’t disappoint everyone, and I was lucky to fight and win even though I was hurt. I was worried that I hadn’t trained enough because I had to take it easier after my injury.

The atmosphere at the stadium was so exciting. Even when I was in the dressing room I could hear the crowd cheering on the other boxers. And when it was my turn to fight, I felt energised when I heard the crowd cheer my name.

You’ve fought twice on the undercard for Manny Pacquiao. How were those experiences?

Manny Pacquiao’s fights are always huge events. The fights were valuable experiences for me as they helped me get used to the pressure of fighting in front of a huge crowd. I was also grateful to watch Pacquiao and learn from him. He can fight under pressure and he shows that you have to enjoy the crowd, not be afraid of it.

He is very nice and willing to help other boxers. We have met before but my English is not that great so I just said ‘hello.’

What do you hope to achieve as a boxer?

I want to challenge the world champion one day. Before that I want to fight the best boxers so I can learn from them.

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 “I used to be lazy, but now I can be someone who encourages others. Words can’t express how much this change means to me”

How do you think boxing is viewed in Hong Kong culture?

In the past, people had a negative view of boxing. When people thought of boxing, they would imagine gangsters, violence and fighting. They didn’t recognise it as a sport. Nowadays, people have taken the time to understand boxing and they realise it’s a sport because it requires skill. It isn’t just lawless fighting.

I think the change has come about due to more media exposure. I have spent the past two years competing in Macau, and the media exposure from my fights there has opened up boxing to a wider audience. So when we organise boxing competitions in Hong Kong, locals are now aware of the sport and the reaction and attention it receives is stronger. Once someone watches a boxing contest in person, they will have a better understanding of the techniques and skill involved.

Would you say you’re a role model to young boxers?

When I win a fight, people cheer for me and the focus is all on me. Some young boxers might crave the attention instead of taking up boxing for the sake of the sport. When it comes to boxing, you don’t get into it because of the result. You have to first experience the process – go through training and fight in competitions – and then you can start thinking about winning and the pride that comes with that.

I think I am influencing people in a positive way. In the past, I was a very lazy person, but now I can be someone who encourages others. Words can’t express how much this change means to me.

How are you handling your new-found fame?

I still feel embarrassed. I’m still not used to the attention I get when I walk down the street, but every coin has two sides. When people on the street know who you are and ask for photographs, and suddenly a five-minute walk becomes much longer, you might think you’ve lost some of your freedom. But this is a negative way of thinking. I prefer to view it more positively. When more people recognise me it means that more people know about boxing, and that’s the kind of recognition that matters to me. Also, when people ask me for photographs, it means they don’t hate me, I think!

What do you do in your free time to relax?

Eat! I am happiest when I am eating because I have to lose so much weight to prepare for a fight. I don’t have a favourite food, but eating any type of food is a way to pamper myself.

Which sporting figures do you look up to?

I admire Manny Pacquiao. He is a legend in the boxing world. Every boxer knows about him because he is so successful.

What will you do once you retire from boxing?

I haven’t thought about retirement. When I started out as a professional boxer, I never thought about doing it long-term. Even after my first few fights, I didn’t know how long I would last as a boxer. But now, as long as I stay in good health, I plan to continue as long as I can. There is an age restriction for amateur boxers but not for professionals. I am checked before each fight to make sure I am in good health. When my body can no longer handle it, that will be when I call it quits. I know that plans change and something I want to do next year could change tomorrow, so I enjoy the moment while it lasts.

Thank you.

Text: Andrew Scott, Alice Chang

Dress to impress: Non-profit bids to keep cheongsam relevant

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Cheongsam, for many, is the embodiment of a bygone era where older women would attend a formal event and spend the entire evening sitting or standing uncomfortably in the figure-hugging one-piece dress.

However, one non-profit organisation is trying to change this perception by reviving and fostering appreciation of cheongsam.

Cheongsam Connect, founded in 2015, recently held an event at the FCC to promote the traditional dress. The event was attended by seven designers who showcased the unique cheongsams they’d designed for the wives of consular generals from Finland, Hungary, Indonesia, Ireland, Korea, Malaysia and Turkey.

The seven designers created unique designs of the traditional dress for each lady. One dress specially designed for the wife of the Irish consulate general, featured a shamrock pattern on lace and the green, white and orange colours of the Irish flag.

We spoke to one of the designers, Grace Choi, and co-founder of Cheongsam Connect Donna Cheung about how they promote cheongsam and how it’s marketed to younger women.

Designer Grace Choi

( ) Designer Grace Choi and spouse of consular corp of Malaysia

What’s your involvement with this event?

I designed a cheongsam for the Malaysian consulate general’s wife. I actually designed it for her to wear to a gala dinner event to show off cheongsam culture and my brand.

What made you quit a successful career as a model to start your company, Yi-Ming?

My life has been surrounded by fashion so I have learnt a lot about fashion, design, marketing and sales. A lot of my friends kept on asking me where to buy cheongsam. It was then that I realised it was a good market to get into because there is no real choice, especially in modern styles.

How is cheongsam received by younger women in Hong Kong?

It isn’t that popular to be honest. If you look at Japan where girls wear a kimono on the street, you don’t really see younger women wearing cheongsam here. They will only wear it for special occasions.

It is only really middle-aged women who wear cheongsam, but what about the younger generation? If the younger generation fails to embrace this culture then it will disappear. That’s why my designs are aimed at younger people.

How do you try to attract younger women?

This is where the design is really important and what sort of material I use. Traditionally with cheongsam, women will use a traditional tailor. But in the modern day, women don’t have the time to choose the fabric, go for a fitting and wait three months for the dress.

Now they can walk into a shop and get the size and walk out. It makes their life easy. If you don’t do it this way, then less and less women will choose to wear cheongsam. It needs to be suitable for this day and age.

How has western style influenced your cheongsam designs?

You can see a lot of western colour patterns and fabrics and materials. Usually the traditional cheongsam uses silk and patterns with a dragon, phoenix or flowers. I still use a lot of floral patterns but the design is slightly different. I will use my own photos of flowers and then put the digital print on the dress.

Also, stretchy fabric is really important. In the past a woman would have to wear the same bra when she goes for the fitting and when she wears the cheongsam. Nowadays we make cheongsam from flexible and stretchy fabric. It is also important that the cut isn’t too tight so a woman can sit down comfortably.

Cheongsam Connect co-founder Donna Cheung

What’s your role with Cheongsam Connect?

I co-founded Cheongsam Connect with Anita Tsang over two years ago. It happened by accident actually.

I attended a social dinner and we all decided to wear cheongsam, which was the first time I’d worn the dress in 40 years. During the dinner, I was taken in by the elegance of the women wearing their cheongsam and this opened my mind to this beautiful dress. Since then Anita and I have organised more social events to promote cheongsam.

How do you promote cheongsam?

We wear cheongsam for all occasions. Traditionally it is associated with formal wear: wedding banquets or galas. We try to advocate wearing it to work in a simple plain colour or a modest colour. To wear with jackets or on business trips and even luncheons and teas.

We also have young women who wear cheongsam for sport. A lady actually ran the Boston Marathon in one. I play ping pong in my stretchy, casual one.

Text: Andrew Scott