All Time Highs: Clock these evergreen classic timepieces…
1. Happy Sport watch in 18K rose gold with diamonds by Chopard
2. Lady Jour des Fleurs watch in white gold with pavéd diamonds, spinels, tsavorites and sapphires by Van Cleef & Arpels
3. Charms Romance Parisienne Rencontre watch in rose gold with diamonds, spessartites, mother-of-pearl and sapphires by Van Cleef & Arpels
4. Baignoire Allongée watch with 18K pink gold case by Cartier
Four-piece porcelain tray set by Hermès
Round porcelain dish; metallic vide poche in porcelain; silver vide poche with hand-painted finishing, all by Tiffany & Co.
All lipsticks by Gucci
1. Emperador Coussin XL 700P watch with diamond-set 18K pink gold case by Piaget
2. Patrimony Retrograde Day-Date watch with 18K 5N pink gold case by Vacheron Constantin
3. Seamaster Diver 300M watch in 18K Sedna™ gold with ceramic bezel by Omega
Dalian chess board game in bullcalf leather; lacquered small box with wood cover, both by Hermès
Johnnie Walker Blue Label blended Scotch whisky
1. Arceau 78 watch with stainless steel case by Hermès
2. Portofino Chronograph watch with 18K 5N gold case by IWC 3. Oyster Perpetual GMT-Master II watch in Oystersteel by Rolex
Lacquered wood tray with leather handle; Celebes lacquered small bowl with wood cover, both by Hermès
Johnnie Walker Blue Label blended Scotch whisky
1. Hortensia Bolero watch with diamond-set 18K yellow gold case by Chaumet
2. Possession watch in 18K white gold with pavéd diamonds by Piaget
3. Montblanc Bohème Automatic Date watch
4. J12 watch in white ceramic and steel by Chanel
Bear and Block three-piece China set; Everyday Objects crystal glass apple box with sterling silver lid; Tiffany x Steiff Return to Tiffany Lover teddy bear in mohair; all by Tiffany & Co.
Beauty products by Chanel
1. De Ville Trésor watch with 18K Moonshine™ gold case by Omega
2. Overseas Self-Winding watch with diamond-set stainless steel case by Vacheron Constantin
3. Oyster Perpetual Day-Date 36 watch in 18K yellow gold with diamonds by Rolex
4. Portofino Automatic 34 watch with diamond-set 18K 5N gold case by IWC
Tartan Dye cashmere; Fenetres Sur Ciel boxes in hand-painted lacquer, all by Hermès
Round porcelain dish; metallic vide poche in porcelain; Bear and Block frame in sterling silver, all by Tiffany & Co.
1. Midnight Landscapes White Creek watch in white gold with mother-ofpearl by Van Cleef & Arpels
2. L.U.C XP watch with stainless steel case by Chopard
3. Panthères et Colibri watch in 18K rhodium-finished white gold with diamonds by Cartier
Celebes lacquered small, medium boxes and centrepiece, all topped with wood covers, all by Hermès
Photos: Jack Law
Art Direction & Styling: San Wong
La Styla Bonita: Bonita Cheung, one of Hong Kong’s foremost fashion impresarios, now has designs on the future…
In 1998 you launched Tassels, your first fashion label. Four years later, the Bonita Cheung range made its debut, followed by Ni-Chi in 2009. Can you tell us a little about the genesis of each line?
After graduating, I didn’t jump straight into the fashion industry. Instead, I worked in the luxury jewellery sector, focussing on the marketing and advertising side. By 1998, though, I’d realised that fashion was where I really wanted to be and that I should really make the move before it was too late. Soon after, I opened my own workshop in Central and started creating bespoke items, evening and wedding pieces under the Tassels brand.
After a few years spent establishing Tassels and building up my clientele, I felt it was time to branch out under my own name. The result was the Bonita Cheung collection, which was picked up by Lane Crawford as part of its ready-made couture offering. Then, after I’d been working with Reina Chau [one of Hong Kong’s most stylish socialites and a leading patron of the arts] for several years, we both realised we shared a very similar approach to fashion and matching beliefs in the kind of styles we wanted to create. This led us to collaborate on our own ready-to-wear line – Ni-Chi. The company name was actually a combination of our daughters’ names – Nicole on my side and Chiara on hers.
When you are designing outfits, how do you visualise the women who will ultimately wear them?
I always imagine that my pieces appeal to women who are not easily influenced by the trends followed by others, while also being confident and fun to be around. Ultimately, my clothes are made for the kind of woman who isn’t afraid to try something new and who relishes every new adventure.
How would you describe your own approach to fashion design?
For me, it’s all about creating something that will withstand the test of time and be marked as a classic – not in the sense that it’s in any way old fashioned, but more that it has an enduring appeal. To my mind, you should be able to dust something off a few seasons after you bought it and find that you still want to wear it, largely because it’s both memorable and unique.
You’ve long been associated with the Hong Kong Fashion Designers’ Association…
I was initially approached to be one of the executive members. Later, when the chairman found I had a background in marketing, I was asked to focus more on that side of their activities. This led to me creating events that really showcased the work of the city’s fashion designers.
It was around that time that you set out to break records in association with the Danish Fashion Institute…
All that actually began with a conversation with Eva Kruse, the CEO of the Danish Fashion Institute (now the Global Fashion Agenda). Some years earlier, they held a very successful event – The World’s Greatest Catwalk – which had featured the longest runway ever seen at a fashion event. We decided to try and break that record, so we then had to find somewhere in Hong Kong that could accommodate the mammoth catwalk we had in mind. In the end, a 3.2km runway was created along the Victoria Harbour waterfront in Tsim Sha Tsui. Some 340 models took part and it took each of them 45 minutes to walk the full length of the catwalk, which saw us establish a new world record.
Last year, you were the Project Curator for Juxtaposed Fashion X Music, a major event in the city, which showcased over 150 different outfits from 75 local designers. What made you think the city’s fashion community needed to up its visibility?
Well, I think every city needs its own distinct character and fashion is a huge part of Hong Kong’s identity, not least because people here just love to style it up. While we are universally recognised as a shopper’s paradise, our local brands are largely under-exposed. On top of that, it’s far from easy for local designers to survive against all the international competition and the ever-rising rents. Having experienced all that for myself, I really wanted to help the up-and-coming generation of designers to get the kind of exposure and create the kind of noise necessary to overcome these very real challenges.
Where do you stand on the much debated diversity issues the fashion industry has had to contend with?
Well , we definitely need a greater commitment to diversity. To be brutally honest, 99 percent of models are still all drawn from the same demographic, which is a great shame. It’s really only when you have a more widely representative selection of models that you can truly showcase every design possibility. I want women – whether they are 155cm tall or 185cm, whether they weigh 100 pounds or 150 pounds – to know that they can look good in my designs. It also gives fashion an added element of reality – clothes aren’t meant to be costumes; they are meant to be worn by real people.
Thank you.
Interview by:Bailey Atkinson Photos: Jack Law Art Direction: San Wong Venue:SICIS Hong Kong Make-up: Margaret Wong Wardrobe: Bonita Cheung
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.
Chow Time: Little Bao founder May Chow shares her recipe for success
May Chow is heating things up in the kitchen and inspiring Hong Kong’s youth to dream big and break the glass ceiling both inside and outside the food and beverage sector…
With the gender balance in the hospitality sector still famously out of kilter, was that something you struggled with when you first entered the business?
Well, there wasn’t any obvious discrimination, with no one saying they wouldn’t hire me because I was a woman. Instead, it was more a case of microaggression, for example, with people seeing me as more suitable for a pastry chef role than taking centre stage in a hot, busy kitchen. That all adds to the perception that women should stick with the salads and not carry heavy things, that they’re somehow inferior.
While you worked with many well-known male chefs prior to opening your own restaurant, were there any women who made a strong impression on you along the way?
The first woman that I worked for was a Boston-based pastry chef named Karin. I loved her because, even though she had graduated with joint honours in aerospace and electrical engineering from MIT, she’d opted for a career in pastry as that was her passion. She trained me so well that I could make everything on the menu after just three months. For me, she was my MIT professor and she allowed me to major in pastries.
Blazer by 8 By Yoox;Tee by COS
Flashing forward a little now, in 2012, you opened your first restaurant – Little Bao. Can you tell us more about that experience?
Looking back, I was so naive. I opened that restaurant without having any clear idea as to how to go about it. I had, however, seen others do it and I believed I could replicate what they had done and be successful. At the time, I felt like I was drowning, but I didn’t. Instead, I had to learn how to do everything. One day, I would be washing the dishes, the next, I would be front of house.
The original Little Bao site recently fell victim to urban renewal plans. How did you feel about letting it go?
I actually knew that was going to happen about six years ago, but I didn’t tell anyone except my partner and a few close friends. In the end, we only announced we were closing a week before we shut the doors for good, which shocked a lot of people. Walking by it now is definitely a bittersweet experience. The last six years, after all, have been something of a rollercoaster. In truth, though, it was no longer enough for me – at least not in that particular space…
Belted jacket by 8 By Yoox; Shirt by Sandro
In 2017, you were named the Best Female Chef at the Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants Awards. Did you see that as some kind of vindication?
At the time, I was just starting my career and I wouldn’t really have chosen to win something like that at that point. I didn’t want to be a one-hit wonder – to be famous at 30 and gone by 40 – so I had to think hard about what accepting it would entail. While I was initially hesitant, I then wondered if I could put the win to good use. Ultimately, I thought that if someone very ordinary like me could gain such an accolade, that could act as an inspiration to others.
Cropped jacket and pants by 8 By Yoox; Sweater by Sandro
You came out about your sexuality a few years back. Was that difficult in a conservative city like Hong Kong?
Well, when I lived in the States, I was out among friends but still very much in the closet as far as my family in Hong Kong was concerned. Eventually, when I moved back to Hong Kong full-time, I didn’t want to revert to who I was before – an insecure 13-year-old. It was difficult to be honest about who I was, however. I was very aware of this innately Chinese desire not to embarrass your family. After about a year, though, I did come out to my parents. That was hard, but over time, my mom came to accept me and learnt to love my partner. Later, when some of her friends also found out they had queer children, they reached out to her and they were able to give each other advice and support.
You had the chance to sit down with Anthony Bourdain [the celebrated US celebrity chef] before he died. That must have been quite an occasion…
Every chef knew that having Anthony Bourdain come to your restaurant was akin to winning the lottery. A true hero of mine, not only did he come to see me, but he also brought along Christopher Doyle, my all-time favourite cinematographer, and his girlfriend Asia Argento, the Italian actress, whom I had also admired from afar. On the day he was due, I invited all my close friends to come along and help create the right ambience. When he arrived, he was very genuine – in his case, what you saw on camera was really him.
Blazer with pants by 8 By Yoox
Do you have one piece of advice for any female or queer would-be entrepreneurs who may be reading this piece?
As an entrepreneur – whether you are a woman or a man – it’s important to work hard and remain true to your initial vision. In the case of women, they should also know that there’s a lot of support out there. If any woman ever reached out to me, for instance, I’d be willing to share what I know.
Something else – something that I noticed at the recent Asia’s Best Restaurants Awards – is that men are constantly looking to promote themselves, while women are nowhere near as bold. I’m not sure if that’s because women are naturally more humble or feel that they shouldn’t behave that way, but they really should. At the end of the day, be adamant about what you want and don’t be afraid to offend anyone who might get in your way.
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 GooglePlay Storeor AppleApp Store
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.
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.
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 GooglePlay Storeor AppleApp Store
Sprig Collection: Add a little leaf motif to your lady luggage
May the forces of nature gather together this season to ensure that summertime travels are blooming with fauna and haute fashion. From luxury brands such as Hermèsand Chloé we’ve rounded up together our favourite leaf motifs to inspire you this summer.
From left:
Necklace with leather knot by Tod’s In-the-loop Phone To Go pouch by Hermès Puzzle small bag by Loewe Gancini floral-printed mini bag by Salvatore Ferragamo Lulah polka dot pumps by Stuart Weitzman Rosie Petite flower-shaped sunglasses by Chloé
From left:
Hollywood T Twist top-handle bag by Tom Ford Almond pump in bicolour nappa leather by Bottega Veneta Oversized sunglasses with Gancini motif by Salvatore Ferragamo Mystic small bag in Lichen waxy leather by Givenchy Tressage Cuir Hexagone 40mm bag strap by Hermès
From left:
Badger charm by Loewe Arco 33 top-handle bag by Bottega Veneta Poseidon ring in gold-finished metal by Givenchy
Bracelet in sterling silver with 18K gold finish by Bottega Veneta
Sunglasses by Valentino Peekaboo Regular Pocket medium handbag by Fendi
Mary Jane satin pump with metal toe-cap by Tom Ford
Leather belt by Tod’s Magritte Brillant top-handle bag by Delvaux
Card holder and phone case pouch by Hermès
Piglet charm by Loewe
From left:
Flat Western mule by Loewe The Champion limited-edition bag by Delvaux Lookbook Wing heeled mule by Givenchy Kelly II Sellier Up Point Sure Deux bag by Hermès
Bunny mini bag by Loewe
From left:
Sculptural heel sandal by Salvatore Ferragamo Gancini bucket bag by Salvatore Ferragamo
Envelope-detail leather belt by Burberry
Bucket small bag with removable straps by Tod’s
Crystal-embellished sunglasses by Giorgio Armani
Photos: Jack Law
Art Direction & Styling: San Wong
Catching up with Wyndham Hotels & Resorts group’s president in Greater China region Leo Liu
Since you took over as president of Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc. what are your most proud moments with the company?
My first job as being the CEO to this organisation is to make everyone feel proud, because we are coming together to create a team. After six months after my appointment, I wanted to discover new things and make the company more popular. I decided to take a huge risk and organise a spectacular event inside the Imperial Palace within the Forbidden Palace of Beijing, I remember the moment of being with my team, in front of 2,000 guests — including 1,000 general managers and owners and also 30 celebrities, trying to showcase to the market how big we are — and how big we should be in the future.
I’m also quite proud that we have quite literally expanded from 700 hotels to 1,500 hotels since the time I have joined over five years ago. It makes not only myself, but my entire China team feel extremely proud.
Under your leadership Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc. has become the first international hotel group to operate over a thousand hotels in China, what are the key factors that drove this expansion?
We became the largest hotel operator in China with 1,500 hotels but we haven’t stopped yet, it is our goal and our ambition to reach 2,000 hotels within three years. We are always facing a multiple choice, first we must make the right decision, second keep a clear focus and finally, make it happen.
I think that having such a great team and a high-potential market is a privilege to us. Once we set our direction and focus with a strong team we can make things happen successfully. We really listen to what’s happening in the market – particularly with the younger generation. We want to position ourselves as a game changer, to be different than our competitive friends.
Why do you think makes your business models with Wyndham has been so successful with Chinese guests?
The first mission we offer to the market is to listen to what the younger generation wants from us, so amongst our brands that are already on offer we want to provide newer ones as well. We want to be a social hub for younger people to meet each other, making the change from spending time in coffee shops and bars to being entertained in the hotel lobby. With these innovative changes and offers we have become more popular to younger people.
Can you tell us a bit about your management philosophy?
Being a boss is just a title, the most important thing is to share your passion with your team to make them motivated, follow your focus and you as a leader, then you can make things happen.
Sweet Spot: Haute haute joaillerie accessories as dandy as candy…
Your cravings for sweets may be satisfied this season without the worry of making a trip to the dentist, as haute joaillerie accessories from luxury brands such as Cartier, Chopard and Piaget have all the latest offerings for those who believe that the sweeter things in life are meant to be worn, rather than eaten.
From Left: Extremely Piaget Collection necklace in 18K white gold with emerald-cut yellow diamond and pavé white diamonds by Piaget Volants Noirs et Blancs ring in white gold with diamonds, spinels and opals by Van Cleef & Arpels Sunny Side of Life cuff-watch in 18K white gold with diamonds and a lapis lazuli dial; Sunlight Journey earrings in 18K white gold with oval-cut opals, sapphire beads and diamonds, both by Piaget
High Jewellery Collection cuff in 18K yellow gold set with yellow and white diamonds; High Jewellery Collection white gold and aluminium necklace set with rubies, both by Chopard
From left: Les Galaxies de Cartier ring and necklace in 18K yellow gold with diamonds, yellow and blue sapphires, and fire opals; Les Galaxies de Cartier bracelet in 18K white gold with black Tahitian pearls, all by Cartier
From left: Mille Miglia Racing Colours stainless steel watch by Chopard Cartier Santos Dumont watch in 18K gold with steel case by Cartier
From left: Attrape Moi ring in 18K white and pink gold with diamonds, sapphires, Mandarin garnets and aquamarines by Chaumet Carré de Sator necklace in white gold set with diamonds, pink and blue sapphires, chrysoprase and turquoise; Apollon Butterfly clip in white, pink and yellow gold set with pink sapphires, diamonds and mauve; Gâteau d’Amour ring in white gold set with diamonds, spinels and coral; Two ButterflyBetween the Finger ring in yellow gold set with lapis lazuli and diamonds, all by Van Cleef & Arpels Piaget Polo 42mm stainless steel watch; Limelight Garden Party collection ring in 18K white gold set with oval-cut pink tourmalines, sapphires and diamonds, both by Piaget
From left: Josephine Aigrette Imperiale earrings and necklace in 18K white gold with pavé diamonds and pear-shaped pigeon blood rubies; Hortensia “Aube Rosée” secret watch in 18K pink gold with diamonds, opals, pink opals, pink tourmalines and pink sapphires, all by Chaumet Montblanc 1858 Geosphere watch in satin-finished bronze case by Montblanc (limited to 1858 pcs)
Perfect Pores: A closer look at Japanese skincare guru Ya-Man’s latest beauty technology
While the rise of house-hold electronic beauty equipment may be a new venture for many beauty companies, for Japanese-based YA-MAN, it’s been part of their larger picture for years. In fact, the brand has been helping the women of Japan experience ‘authentic salon devices’ in the comfort of their own homes over 40 years ago, ever since its founding in 1978, and is now available in Hong Kong.
We spoke to YA-MAN CEO Kimiyo Yamazaki about her vision of the brand, its inception, her favourite products and of course why she is so passionate about delivering salon-quality beauty products for on-the-go working woman to enjoy within the comforts of her home.
Perhaps the most exciting product from the brand, is the Medi Lift,Japan’s first medical silicon mask, which is equipped with high frequency EMS. Ideal for career women with little time to visit the spa, the mask only requires its wearer to place it on her face for 10 minutes for it to work its magic. The magic itself is the automatic workout it gives the wearer’s difficult-to-exercise cheek muscles, while simultaneously helping to relax the often-over-used jaw muscles.
Meanwhile, we also spoke to Heinisguli Simayi, YA-MAN‘s official Make-up Artist about the brand’s RF Beauté Photo PLUS – a product said to be able to treat all types of skin troubles – as well as her personal feelings about why incorporating home beauty technology into our daily lives is imperative to maintaining healthy skin.
To find out more about YA-MAN’s latest offerings in Hong Kong, interested parties can visit the brand’s store within Facesss Queensway Plaza, Lab Concept, Queensway Plaza, 93 Queensway, Admiralty.
Dish of the Day: Model-turned-chef Esther Sham talks about her career
Esther Sham gave up a promising modelling career to indulge her passion for the culinary arts, and now owns two highly-acclaimed restaurants of her own…
Tell us a little about your early years…
Well, I was born in Hong Kong to a Shanghainese father and a Chiu Chow mother. I spent the first half of my childhood here, before moving to Los Angeles. Looking back, it was the perfect combination – I spent just enough time in Hong Kong to become familiar with traditional Chinese culture and was then able to immerse myself in the more Western approach to off-the-wall thinking and self-belief.
What then led you into modelling?
Well, after high school, I studied for a Bachelor’s Degree in Contemporary Art at the University of California. Once I graduated, though, I found I wasn’t actually that keen to become an artist, so I was at something of a loose end. That’s when I decided to come back to Hong Kong and try and find a ‘normal’ job for myself. That, however, turned out to be more of a struggle than I’d expected. It was around then that a number of people suggested I should consider modelling, especially as I had the height for it.
Jacket and pants in jacquard, white tee and pumps, all by Prada
What was your favourite part about modelling, and what proved to be the biggest challenge?
The best thing was that no two days were alike. I was never repeating myself so there was a constant novelty to it all. It helped that I wasn’t just doing fashion, but also commercials and even cameos in TV shows. At the same time, I really came to struggle with the instability and unpredictability of the job. While one particular month could be filled with bookings, the next might be completely empty. Although I was in a relatively stable position, I ended up becoming very insecure about it all, so I feel fortunate that I discovered my love of food just a short while later. It grounded me in a way I had never been before.
Red pant suit by Robert Rodriguez (Harvey Nichols)
So, how did your love of cooking develop and when was it you decided to reinvent yourself as chef?
As a kid, I have to say, I had no real interest in cooking. At the same time, though, my family was very food-oriented. Both my parents come from strong culinary traditions, so eating well cooked meals was always a given. Looking back, though, I think my passion for food is down to my parents – and to my mother, in particular. She came from a family of truly amazing female cooks and she was the one who taught me the importance of bringing happiness to your own family through good food.
While I was working as a model I wasn’t allowed to eat a great deal, so I became extremely picky in my choice of cuisine. It was then when I realised that creating good food is really an art. Then, while on assignment in Singapore, I was then exposed to a whole new culinary scene, one quite distinct from Hong Kong or Los Angeles. It ignited a flame in my heart and I started experimenting with different cuisines. Soon, I realised that my passion for cooking had out stripped my love of modelling. That’s when I finally decided to take the plunge.
Pleated dress by Tibi (Harvey Nichols)
Given your upbringing in Hong Kong and the US, why did you opt to specialise in French cuisine?
When I discovered Gallic gastronomy, it was like discovering a new form of art, albeit one with any number of practical applications. Aside from the fantastic techniques and the inherent creativity, I think it was the amazing presentational skills that nouvelle cuisine demands that really appealed to my artistic nature. I fell in love with it wholeheartedly.
How did that lead you to opening your restaurants, Maison Es and Ta Pantry?
In 2008, I opened a private kitchen dedicated to serving a table of just six guests – Ta Pantry. It was a real one-woman show – from taking the bookings and creating the menus to buying the ingredients, cooking and ironing the table cloths, I did it all.
Eventually, I got married and, later, had two sons, so I was looking to develop my career in a more flexible and less time-consuming fashion. Ultimately, that’s what led me to open Maison Es in 2015. Having regular opening hours and a committed, well-trained staff to support me meant I could spend more time with my family, while still indulging my love of cooking.
Demin shirt by KIMHEKIM ( Harvey Nichols) Pumps by Gianvito Rossi
Do you hope your sons will follow in your foodie footsteps?
Honestly, I think it’s a bit too early to tell, but there’s definitely a part of me that hopes they will. They’ve both already shown a tremendous passion for the culinary arts, and I believe that may be because I would constantly cook when I was pregnant. Even after my sons were born, I’d keep them close to me in the kitchen – and they were so unbelievably calm even in the middle of all that chaos. In a way, it’s already in their blood…
Thank you.
Interview by: Tenzing Thondup
Photos: Jack Law
Art Direction: San Wong
Touch-up: Zoe Fan Jewellery: Van Cleef & Arpels
Venue: Ta Pantry
For the full interview, find our 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.
One Crown Place: Your new dream home moments from London’s heart
MTD Group, the Malaysian infrastructure conglomerate, partnered with B&B Italia, Italian luxury furniture company to welcome a select group of property enthusiasts to its Hong Kong showroom recently to celebrate the unveiling of One Crown Place, one of London’s most exciting new architectural developments, over cocktails and canapés.
As the latest feature to the iconic City of London’s skyline One Crown Place – which is the product of a fruitful collaboration between MTD Group and B&B Italia – is indeed a property like no other, offering residents the opportunity to live just moments from the heart of the city while enjoying the comforts a modern luxurious home. Each of the 246 apartments and penthouses come equipped with custom-designed kitchens and wardrobes, all carefully curated and equipped by B&B Italia. The building also sports impressive amenities such as a state-of-the-art gymnasium, cinema room, and a beautiful roof garden terrace.
Interested in learning more about the exciting potential of this centrally-located London residence? Reach out to CBRE Limited, the global property firm and One Crown Place’s property agent, by calling +852 2820 6553 or emailing ipm.hongkong@cbre.com.hk for all the information about your new dream home, One Crown Place.
