[title] ... Hugh McMeniman
Wallabies' rugby union player[/title]

Ahead of the first ANZ Hong 2008 Kong Bledisloe Cup outside Australasia, eight Wallabies’ and All Blacks’ rugby stars spent some time coaching local pupils from the Tin Shui Wai Eagle Rugby Club and Australian International School before a training session. We got up close with Wallabies' player Hugh McMeniman while he gave tips on passing and catching at the So Kon Po Sports Ground in Causeway Bay …

Where are you from in Australia?

Brisbane – actually this is the same sort of heat in Hong Kong that you’d find there.

Which position do you play?

I’m a six (flanker) but I’m injured.

Oh no. What are some common rugby injuries?

Actually I’ve been injured seven times. The most common injuries are in the shoulders, knees and ankles plus soft tissue injuries.

With these off season matches do you get enough rest?

We get a pretty good amount of rest. When we get home we get a month and we go late back in. It’s not too bad, I’m happy with it.

What’s your training like?

Pre-tour we focus on fitness and strength but on-tour we also add plays and strategies.

Why do you think it’s important to promote rugby in Asia?

I would say to spread the game – the more countries playing the better it makes the spectacle. Of course there are so many people here and you would get a massive player base so that would be great.

How important is this upcoming match for you and the Wallabies?

Very important, it’s the start of the spring season and we need to be in form since there are five upcoming games. The New Zealand All Blacks are currently the world’s best rugby players and this is a great opportunity to play against them.

What does it feel like up close and personal in a scrum?

(Laughs) Well, I’m not in the front but it’s PRETTY INTENSIVE. The players go straight at it head-to-head and you can imagine what that’s like!

Anything you look forward to in Hong Kong while you’re here?

I would like to check out the markets and do some shopping of course!



 

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[title] ... Nissim "The Miracle" Tse
Hedge Fund Veteran[/title]

34 brave volunteers from the hedge fund and finance industry committed themselves to six months of intense training for a chance to fight in the ring at this year’s Hedge Fund Fight Nite. Raising money for the charities Operation Smile and Operation Breakthrough, only 12 finalists are selected to go head-to-head over three, two minute rounds in front of a black-tie dinner of 900 guests. One of the finalists, Nissim “The Miracle” Tse sat down with us …

How long have you been working in hedge funds? How did you get into the business and what are the pros and cons about your job?

I’ve worked in the hedge fund industry for over 20 years. I started in a venture capital company and moved to the hedge fund department in 1986. After working for a few hedge funds, I started Pi Investment with two other partners, Alain Barbezat and Caesar Luk in Sept 2002. Our AUM (Assets Under Management) grew to over US$200m by 2007 and we sold our business to RAB Capital in September 2007.

It takes a certain type of personality to be in hedge funds. I like to call ourselves financial warriors. We have to have the ability to attack and defend ourselves at every given opportunity, which is very much like boxing. Being a hedge fund manager helps me to be calm because I am used to having things throw at me all the time. To me danger means opportunity.

Being a Hong Kong native, what is your view about the current global credit tsunami and the impact on Hong Kong?

I think the current crisis will be the worst in our lifetime. I see it as a case of leveraging everywhere in reckless amounts and it will take ages to de-lever. Hong Kong will suffer and I expect it to last for another year or so.

Why did you choose to participate in the Hedge Fund Fight Nite 2008? Have you participated in such events before and what attracted you?

As a teenager, I was a Bruce Lee fan and started to learn Tae Kwan Do at boarding school in Canada. I even went to Japan for the World Karate Championship in 2003 because I like to challenge myself.

Boxing is the fastest martial arts on earth because you cannot use kicks to protect you. I wanted to join the Fight Nite last year but was too late in signing up. My wife thinks this is my midlife crisis.

As a mature fighter, what do you think your chances are of winning?

The chance of winning is slim but everybody is a winner because we get to raise money for charity. I am hoping to raise about HK$300,000 from my pool of supporters who have bought tables to see me fight.

What sort of training did you have to do to prepare yourself?

I trained at JAB, Fighting Fit and Pure Fitness plus I go to acupuncture and qigong massage to help me relax.

What is your advice for learning marital arts or boxing?

All kinds of exercise are good whether it is martial arts or boxing. It is a good way to wind down.

Who is your favourite boxer and why?

I’d have to say Mohammed Ali simply because he is the greatest and he really dances like a butterfly and stings like a bee.

For more information on Hedge Fund Fight Nite 2008, please visit www.ironmongerevents.com or call 2973 0372.



 




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[title] ... Christophe Schnyder
Hotelier[/title]

Swiss native Christophe Schnyder graduated from Lausanne Hotel School in 1988 and has been working in the hotel business ever since. With stints at The Waldorf Astoria, The Peninsula Hotels and Le Montreux Palace before joining Jumeirah’s famous Burj Al Arab, he is now General Manager of Al Qasr & Dar Al Masyaf, Madinat Jumeirah.

What made you want to become a hotelier?

Switzerland has had a big tradition in the hotel business for many many years. We have many nice hotels there which attract foreign tourists to the country, so there is a lot regarding the industry and hospitality. Secondly, I was born in a hotelier family so that helps. Thirdly, we have some very good hotel schools in Switzerland so it was a natural choice for me to start a career in hospitality. My father didn’t force me to follow in his footsteps, my brother is doing something totally different.

What are some of the qualities needed to become a good hotelier?

I think you have to be a people’s person and you have to understand customer needs. You have to be a people’s person not only with your guests but also with the people you work with to really instil a service philosophy. We have a wonderful opportunity in our daily jobs to make an impression on guests and this is something we have to be very conscious of. Hotels are a business, but it’s still a people’s business. I have reminded my colleagues many times, don’t forget that you work in hospitality! We are here to make people feel welcome and comfortable, so really try every time when you meet guests to make an impact and leave an everlasting impression. It’s not only management but every colleague working in the company. We are very fortunate at Jumeirah to have currently 11,000 colleagues in the hotels that we manage, in which there are over 100 nationalities. So everyone brings a bit of their culture to the hotel and is able to service the guest in a unique way, in their own language preferably and we cater to a large variety of customers.

What is your favourite hotel and why?

From Jumeirah, I would definitely say Burj Al Arab since I’m not allowed to say my hotel. But Burj Al Arab is fantastic in terms of facilities and service provided, it really is one of the top hotels to experience.

Usually when I travel on holiday I tend to go to smaller hotels, more traditional hotels. I would say the Hotel Splendido in Portofino, Italy. It has kept its charm from the beginning of the century and is nested in the hills with a view over a small bay were nice boats are moored. You can just close your eyes and you can feel like you are in the 1940’s and 50’s, it’s untouched. And Italian food and service for me is one of the best. It’s a very well-known hotel and has won many awards.

What is your favourite travel destination?

I like to go to the South of France a lot. That’s where I go every year, because it’s not far away from where I live in Switzerland, it’s a six hour drive and it’s the Riviera style which I like. Cannes etc.

What do you recommend to do during a stay in Dubai?

Going to the desert is one thing that you shouldn’t miss. There is a very special atmosphere. The heart of the city, although small has some great cultural activities as well. The people of Dubai are very proud of the centre since that is where trade started. You can see some very traditional monuments there, you can go to the spice souk and the gold souk as well where jewellery is produced. It’s a very buzzing place.

Dubai is quite a new city so there are lots of places to see and new hotels. One thing that people definitely go to Dubai for is for the shopping, there are some very big shopping malls. Anything that you dream of is available in Dubai, and the best person to ask is my wife who can confirm that … (laughs). Dubai is very well known for organizing a shopping festival, one in January and one in the summer. Another activity that Dubai is well known for is sports, there are currently a large number of golf clubs and many under construction.

Where do you see yourself in the next five years?

Definitely in the luxury hotel industry, there are so many exciting projects I’m sure I’ll find something suitable. The company has great expansion plans.



 



 



























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[title]… Mariko-san
Proprietress of Matsunoya Geisha House[/title]

The Crown Macau recently invited geishas from the famed Matsunoya Geisha House in Tokyo to entertain guests at the renowned tempura restaurant, Tenmasa. We had the chance to talk to Mariko-san, the lady of the house, to tell us more about their world … 

Why did you pick to become a geisha? What is your most memorable experience?
 
Geisha has been my family business since my grandmother’s era, so I believed that I was supposed to be a geisha too. When I was 16 years old, I studied to be a maiko (apprentice geisha) but when I came back to modern Tokyo, I found geishas to be out of date, so I gave it up.

At the age of 30, I became mother of two children and began to look back on my life and tried to find my roots. I reconsidered being a geisha again and having my own geisha house. I decided to go back to the family business so my children can take over and continue a Japanese way of life.

What is your speciality in the arts?
 
My favourite is dancing but I’m also very good at serving sake to customer with conversation. In Japanese dance, every single action expresses the dancer’s feeling and there you will find modesty, politeness and tenderness which is the beauty of Japanese dance. Most of time it will express the lyrics of the song, the feelings of love, jealousy or heart break, but indirectly it is also like the song of a little bird shivering in the rain. This sort of dance needs a high skill of acting, so I love to dance.
              
Serving sake is much more difficult than dance. A customer will drink a lot if he is satisfied with our conversation, but then he would be too drunk to communicate! A geisha should pay attention to the customer’s feeling, condition and character all the time, even when he only says one word. Sometimes I praise his suit or tie, but not too much. Some abuse is effective sometimes too, like the same way when chasing love.
 
Please tell us more about your training. Was it difficult?
 
In traditional Japanese culture, education is passed from person to person. It’s not organized like a school. A teacher to us is more than that and should be regarded as a ‘master’. A master of dance or of an instrument not only knows that skill but also how and the way to be a person. Being a geisha is to have a certain personality and we must learn personality through lessons from a master. In this sense, our training is endless, lasting until the end of life.
 
What do you like and hate most about your profession?

I enjoy my daily life as a geisha, identifying with myself and seeing improvement everyday. I never happen to hate my job.
 
What is your advice to someone who wants to become a geisha?

Never give it up, never give it away and try to accomplish once you decide what to do.
      
What is your advice when a customer is too drunk or rowdy?

Try to pretend to realize that the customer is rude while still treating him as a gentleman. Sometimes a geisha helps customers grow up.
 
How long does it take you to prepare your attire and makeup? What is special about it?

I can be prepared in 40 minutes but for beginners it takes two hours. I have never counted my kimonos, but I have around 100 sets. The print design of kimonos and obis show the symbols of the season, like cherry blossom for spring, goldfish for summer and so on. We arrange kimono and obi combinations depending on the season, place, customer and party. Making a beautiful knot with the obi belt is just like an English gentleman doing his tie.
 
What are your plans for the future?

I would like to try out more opportunities overseas. I know geishas are very popular in movies in Europe and the US and I’m very positive to go abroad anywhere if customers accept us. This time in Macau was a good opportunity. I never expected to be there so I’m very excited what is next…

 

























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[title]… Bobsy
Co-founder of Life Café[/title]

Since opening in April 2004, Life organic health café has provided an eco-friendly, culinary sanctuary for busy Hong Kongers. This week, we take a seat with Bobsy, Life’s co-founder, to talk about his dreadlocks, vegetarianism, and leading a peaceful life…

When and what made you come to Hong Kong?

I came to Hong Kong on November 5th 1992 because it is my destiny to be here.

How would you describe your lifestyle?

Organic. I try to lead as simple and as natural a lifestyle as my abilities will allow. I would also describe my lifestyle as proactive. I’m very active in the community, in promoting peace, and in inspiring people. But I’m essentially driven by a deep trust in life, in the belief that everything happens for a reason. If one lets go of one’s mental assumptions and just goes with the flow of life, one will always be guided and led towards contentment.

If you could create a utopia, what would it be?
 
In my utopia, everyone is aware – aware that they are part and parcel of the whole and that they are not independent and above nature. It’s the lack of awareness that has created pollution and the destruction of natural resources. Awareness is a sure step towards creating utopia because once people adopt a holistic world-view, they will no longer harm, pollute, and kill.

Most importantly, you have to be the change you want to see in the world. Creating a utopia would require a change in people because we create the world in which we live. Utopia is created internally and reflected outwards. People always complain, but what are they doing about themselves? We really have nothing to complain about but ourselves.

Can you suggest some lifestyle changes that our readers can adopt for a more peaceful lifestyle?

Start meditating – sit, reflect and focus inwards. Fast three times a year – it teaches humility and respect for food, water, and life. And the leaders in this world must lead by example and adopt vegetarianism. Stop killing animals and the planet because according to the UN, meat and diary consumption is the number one cause of pollution today – it accounts for 18% of all pollution whilst transportation only accounts for 14%. As soon as I learned this fact I launched a campaign called ‘Save the Human,’ which aims to raise awareness of the links between what we eat and the destruction of out planet.

Who is your hero and why?

My spiritual hero is Mahatma Gandhi because he led by example and he embodied simplicity and humility. And he coined the phrase ‘be the change you want to see in the world.’ My hero for business ethics is Anita Roddick because she made business conscious. She created awareness about the impact businesses have on the planet. She set an example and pretty much everything I do in Hong Kong is based on that, using recycled packaging to putting messages onto packaging. Everything I do is message driven because I believe they add much more depth and meaning to the product.

What happened to your dreadlocks?

It was all shaved off for a charity called Child Welfare Scheme, which creates day care centres and basic education for children in Nepal. They also get kids off the streets and give them vocations. It actually happened on Lamma Fun Day, which is an annual event (the next one is October 26th 2008). We decided to set a target of HK$15000 otherwise my hair wasn’t going anywhere. We raised much more than that in the end, so my hair was shaven on stage in front of 2000 people.

What’s next for you?

I don’t plan my life, although I do have some dreams and ambitions I would like to manifest. I would like to open a conscious community lifestyle space in Hong Kong, which I’ve been designing for the last couple years. It’ll be a place where people can hang out 24/7, live a conscious lifestyle and get inspired by music, books, magazines, DVDs, good food. It’ll be a funky space. I’m also hoping to have the ‘Save the Human’ campaign launched.

For more information on ‘Save the Human’, please visit the campaign’s Facebook group here.




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[title]… Florence Loi
Miss Macau 2008[/title]

After an 11-year absence, the Miss Macau Pageant finally returned this year in September and was held at the Venetian. Florence Loi won the coveted title and as a local is a natural at promoting Macau. She talked to us about the experience …

Can you tell us about yourself and how you decided to enter this competition?

In the contest, I said that Miss Macau should have the “5 S”- Smart, Stylish, Sophisticated, Strong and Sweet. I believe that I have all of those. I considered the pageant a treasured once in a lifetime learning opportunity so I asked my best friend to try our luck. My manager, Nicci Gradidge, was my nominator in this competition and now she has become my best soul mate. I remember she told me that the thing that can’t kill you will make you stronger. I am grateful to have a supportive family and to have met so many good friends, teachers and supervisors throughout my life. I believe that without their support, there would be no Miss Macau Florence Loi.

What do you think about all the changes taking place in Macau with all the big casinos and hotels coming in?

It is great to have more big casinos and hotels as it means that Macau has a lot of potential and is an attractive tourist destination. It can enhance the international acknowledgment and image of Macau. At the same time, other relevant businesses and the quality of life will also be improved. The local people will have a greater chance to learn or exchange their various skills and knowledge with foreign experts and this will enlarge the international market and network of Macau. 

What is your guilty pleasure?

I would like to admit my guilty pleasure is low resistance to delicious food. From international fine food to local snacks, I can eat more than a normal boy in one meal! It is my “pleasure” and also “pressure” as I have to keep my body figure in order to look better on TV.

Who are some of your idols?

Chief Executive Edmund Ho is my most respected idol as he is the one to lead Macau to be a charming Asian Star. From local life to international business development, I witnessed how hard he tried and how much he contributed to benefit us with the most and the best.

What is one of your favourite spots in Macau?

Guia Hill is one of my favourite spots in Macau and I believe this place is also many local people’s favourite exercise spot. At the bottom of the hill, you can see some lovely animals and enjoy the local harmonious atmosphere. In the middle of the hill, you will meet many energetic people of all ages motivated to do exercise. At the top of the hill, you can enjoy the view of all of Macau and relish one of the Macau World Heritages Sites – Guia Fortress.

What do you plan to do now that you have this amazing title?

I always aim to be an influential figure and contribute goodwill to society. I am really appreciative that I was granted this amazing title so that it can fulfil my aim. I will cooperate and do my best in every way to make myself, and influence others, to be Ambassadors of Macau. For now, I am focusing on preparing for Miss International and I wish to promote Macau in this treasured international event.
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[title]…Vasithy
Dancer, Choreographer and Singer[/title]

TechnoMarine just threw a huge party to launch their Fall/Winter 2008 watch collection and they flew in dancer and singer Vasithy from Belgium. Originally from Laos, she grew up in Europe where she began her career at the young age of 17. We pull up a chair with Vasithy...


How did you start dancing?

Since I was a kid I just created my own world. I was always by myself so I invented my own games and I would watch TV and try to copy the dance steps I saw. Actually, I never really wanted to be a dancer. It just happened and it never really stopped till now. When I was 17  I went out to a club for my birthday party and I was discovered. I didn't ever have time to think or know, “Ok this is what I want to be.” I started my first tour in Europe. Then I was discovered by another agent and I did the first big tour for O’Neil. After I was dancing for two years in the biggest clubs in Belgium and Holland. I decided I wanted a change and new challenges so I moved to Italy where I lived for four years. I was working for two big clubs there, and they sent me everywhere in Italy. I started making shows for different brands like Levi’s, Reebok, Dior Makeup and Luella. I went to Korea two years ago for a different contest sponsored by Nike. Later I was also part of DJ hip hop team and danced with Sean Paul, Missy Elliot, DMX and, Lil’Kim.

Can you tell us a little about your time in Italy?

The first time I went to Italy, I went to a club and said, “Hey guys, I would like to dance in your club. It was a really a big club you know.” They said they didn’t have money. But I said, “Whatever, I’ll do a free round,” and they were stunned. Afterwards a guy from the audience found me and introduced me to his brother who was one of the best dancers there. They asked me to work with them. I was supposed to stay two weeks but I stayed two months. After he offered me a good deal and became my agent for six months. Then after, I got a contract for a big club in Desenzano and then a second contract for a club in Bergamo.

Where else would you like to live?

I would like to make a mix. Six months in Asia and six months in New York or Italy would be fine.

What kind of music are you listening to at the moment?

I love everything. I’m really eclectic you know. I listen to a lot of soul, funk, R& B and House. For the moment I love Moloko and M.I.A (she’s a British artist from Sri Lanka).

What can you not live without?

Oh my god. Well, the best place I like is the bathroom. And I have two passions in life: food and massage.

What's next for you?

I’m busy working on my music. I did my first single “BOUGE” two years ago in France which is now playing on the L Word [a US television drama about a group of lesbians in LA]. After that I just realised that music is just another way for me to express myself. Now I am working with my choreographer who is based in UK. He has done a tour for Girls Aloud and worked with Blue and Kylie Minogue. He’s going to create my show. So that’s the next thing I’ll do when I go back. It’ll be my first dance showcase with my own music. I will show it in Brussels and Antwerp.



 




































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[title]...Catherine McQueen
DJ and Bond Girl[/title]

International model turned DJ Catherine McQueen has it all- mean mixing skills, looks to kill, and intelligence to boot. The qualified solicitor got her big break at sixteen after entering Elite Model Look. Riding on a wave of success, McQueen modelled for Chanel and Dior before venturing into entertainment. Currently based in LA, McQueen’s debut single, ‘Time After Time’, peaked at no.15 on the US Billboard Charts. And this week she's in town to spin at Kee Club on Friday September 19th.

What inspired you to become a DJ?

I've always loved music so naturally, deejaying was something I’d always wanted to try but friends made it look so difficult, I never thought I’d be able to do it. When I had a proper go myself, I realised it wasn’t half as hard as it looks. Famous last words- just wait for me to screw it up!

How would you define your signature style?

I like to play vocal house but am not one of those DJ's that plays whatever they like whether or not anyone else likes it. I generally tailor music to the event, crowd, and city. For example, in LA, they generally prefer hip hop, whereas in London, they prefer house music.

Do you have a favourite song at the moment?

My favourite house track at the moment is 21st Century Life by Sam Sparro, who also did another great track called Black and Gold. In terms of hip hop, I’m loving Losin’ It by Rock City and Dangerous by Kardinal Offishall.

You’re a jet-setting DJ and former model. Which countries have captivated you?

I’ve been lucky enough to travel a lot through modelling and deejaying. I really love Singapore! Really I do... I was actually kind of shocked when I got to the airport and there was a sign saying ‘Don’t leave your valuables in the car.’ I was like ‘Oh no, please don’t tell me crime finally came to Singapore!’ My friend just laughed and said it's the same as before, which means clean and safe- two major plus points. Also, you have my favourite trees here - frangipani flower trees.

You exude elegance and charisma. Any beauty secrets you’d care to share?

You flatter me! I’m not sure about that but I’ve picked up plenty of beauty tips from experts along the way. It’s a cliché, but they say clichés are only clichés because they’re true; drink lots of water- as much as you can stomach. It fills you up so you eat less, flushes out toxins which build up and give you bad skin, and keeps you hydrated so you have more energy. If you are trying to lose weight, try not to eat a lot after 6pm. Always wear sunscreen on your face. Oh, and dry shampoo – it’s a massive time saver!

You acted in ‘Die Another Day’ with Pierce Brosnan. What was it like working with James Bond himself?

Pierce Brosnan was great! Actually, he seemed to be really like the James Bond character- very suave and sophisticated. He was really friendly and chatted to everyone on the set, which is incredible as he must have been under a lot of pressure.

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[title]...Marie Vaucelle
red earth Global Makeup Artist[/title]

Red earth cosmetics will be launching their 2008 Autumn/Winter Collection – ‘Star Lights’ mid September. The collection is inspired by high voltage Hollywood glamour and has been created to unleash the film star in every woman. We catch up with red earth’s Global Makeup Artist Marie Vaucelle to uncover this season’s hottest makeup looks.
 
What are the key beauty trends for this season?

The overall look is bold makeup on both the eyes and lips. It is really about making a statement, about being proud to be a woman and being strong, yet in a very feminine and sophisticated way.

In the fashion shows, we saw three main trends: Pop Art acid brights on eyes and lips, gothic black eyes with ultra light and matt skin and very chic glam metallic smoky eyes in copper, bronze, plum and indigo, which is the most wearable look for everyday women.

How do you create the perfect smoky eye?

You need:
One kohl eyeliner pencil
Two dark metallic eyeshadows
1 white eyeliner pencil
Mascara

Make sure the kohl pencil and eyeshadows are complementary shades.

1) Rim your eyes roughly with the kohl pencil and smudge with a small eye shading brush.  
2) Next, apply eyeshadow on top and blend outwards from lash line to crease. Blend along the lower lash line too.
3) Use the lighter eyeshadow and blend along the crease from inner to outer corners.
4) Rim the lower inner lid with the white eyeliner pencil to open up your eyes.
5) Finally, apply lashings of mascara to your upper lashes only. Applying it to the lower lashes will emphasize bags and make you look tired.

The trick to perfect smoky eyes is to do your eye makeup first, so you are able to wipe away smudges without ruining the rest. Remember, this season’s smoky eyes are dark brown, deep copper, navy blue, dark purple and dark green. So step away from that black!

Can you tell us about red earth’s Autumn/Winter Collection?

Star Lights is a brand new collection in store for a limited time only. It contains all-you-need to create the trendiest looks for Autumn/Winter with minimal effort. The Star Lights collection features two Eye & Face Palettes in Chocolate Dream (Gold, Bronze & Chocolate Brown) and Winter Serenade (Indigo, Smoke & Silver). Each contains four ultra pigmented and shimmer effect eyeshadows and one soft velvet blush, plus a professional duo-ended smoky eye brush. There is also a dazzling Lip Palette, which contains three creamy lipsticks, three lip glazes, one balm and one lip shine, plus a duo-ended lip brush. The collection comes complete with a Beauty Booklet featuring three step-by-step looks, pro-secrets and application tips to turn you into a star.

What is the best beauty secret you have heard?

Never, and I saw never, sleep with your makeup on. If you do, this is the best way to end up with a lot of lines, bad skin and crow’s feet! You’ve been warned! So spend less money on your anti-ageing products and more on your makeup remover. Choose a gentle eye makeup remover like red earth’s Sweet Dreams Eye Makeup Remover and make sure you don’t rub or pull the delicate skin around the eyes.

What is a common faux pas that you notice when it comes to makeup application?

I think the most common one is to use the wrong shade of foundation (liquid, creamy or even powder) for your skin tone. When I say wrong, I mean few shades lighter or darker than your skin colour. When this happens, you can see a line along the jaw, which just looks awful. I think women that deliberately do this believe they look better either whiter or more tanned, but this is never true. Always choose a foundation colour that almost disappears into your skin tone on application. If your base is wrong, the rest of your makeup will look wrong too. It’s a simple rule and so important to get right.

If you could only keep one beauty product in your purse what would it be and why?

First of all, if I was only allowed to keep one product I’d be very sad!! But I have to say it would probably be mascara. It’s the easiest way to open up your eyes and my eyes are what I like most about my face. The most important thing to remember in makeup is to always enhance what you like best about yourself  and you can’t go wrong!






















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[title]...Bryan Fry, Vice President of Marketing, Pernod Ricard Asia[/title]

Chivas Regal is coming to Hong Kong and they’re bringing with them a host of artistic talents. From 4-6 September, Chivas Studio will showcase the finest in design, fashion, art, music, gastronomy, and mixology. We caught up with Bryan Fry to find out what the three-day extravaganza is all about.

When and how did Chivas Studio begin?

From New York and Miami in the US to Madrid and Barcelona in Spain, Chivas Studio has been a journey of sounding success. Each studio ignites the Chivas spirit of luxury and exuberant creativity in the world’s most stylish cities, drawing a star-studded cast of international A-list celebrities, designers and artists.

Why did you choose Hong Kong as the first location in Asia for Chivas Studio?

We are delighted that our first Chivas Studio in Asia is taking place in Hong Kong as this amazing city epitomises the inherent Chivas Regal values of exuberance, luxury and sophistication. Our Hong Kong Chivas Studio will offer a whole new blend of creativity and luxury which reflects Chivas Regal as a way of life.

What is the concept behind Chivas Studio?

Chivas Studio is the home of “exuberant creativity”. In its pioneering quest for the ultimate blend, Chivas Regal wants to create an experiential platform fusing the world’s finest in design, fashion, art, music, gastronomy and mixology.  In Chivas Studio, creativity is both nurtured and shared as a once-in-a-lifetime experience to enrich the lives of artists, tastemakers, opinion leaders and whisky lovers, just as Chivas Regal has done since its birth as a legendary icon.

What is the Chivas way of life?

Chivas way of life means that life is enriched by what you enjoy and share, not just by what you achieve.  Chivas way of life suggests people to live their lives to the fullest. Each individual will is entitled to enjoy his or her own life in a unique way, not disturbed and altered. This is what is regarded as “a way of life”. 

Apart from showcasing different artists, how is Chivas Studio in Hong Kong going to be different from Chivas Studio in previous locations?

Our Hong Kong Chivas Studio will offer a whole new blend of creativity and luxury which reflects Chivas Regal “as a way of life”. The Chivas Ambassadors, who are eminent global and regional artists will unveil their creations for Chivas Studio. Michael Young will unveil the Chivas Fireworks Design Bar and Chivas 18Y.O. ShanghaiI Tang Luxury Barrel Bar Trunk, which synergize the cosmopolitan and global style of Chivas with the rise of unique Asian contemporary luxury lifestyle, and Chivas’ role in it. Wing Shya, Greater China’s most celebrated fashion photographer will unveil a new series of art photography tailor-made for Chivas, together with the premiere of his first solo Art Photography exhibition – “Prevation: a Manga Story” in Greater China as well as his latest photographic series “In Search of..”.

All these elements bring together Chivas Studio’s creative values, Asian artistic components, while also providing fun and exciting experience for, VIPs, guests, trade counterparts and media. The Asian components here are what made the Hong Kong Chivas Studio different from the rests. 

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[title]… Adrian daSilva, Audiotraffic Guitar and Vocals, and Don Cruz, Guitar[/title]

This week we did a conference call with two of our city’s very own rock stars Adrian and Don from Audiotraffic. After their grunge phase in the early 90s they began writing brit-rock/indie style music. Their first album ‘cry’ was recorded and produced by music veteran Benjamin Lefevre who has worked with the likes of The Rolling Stones, The Pet Shop Boys and Van Halen.

Is there more to the Hong Kong music scene than canto-pop?  What are your insider insights about the band scene?

Don: Hong Kong’s music scene is mainly dominated by canto-pop and it’s a real struggle for many bands to get recognised. So the scene is very small, very underground for original music and bands. Hong Kong has a lot of talented bands but may of them don’t live long because they have other jobs priorities and have to think about making money and surviving.

Adrian: It’s definitely gotten a lot better. In the beginning there were very very few shows, there weren’t a lot places to play, weren’t a lot of people coming. I think the day when it can be like in any other country where a band can just be a band and play is still no where near happening. But I have to say it is better than before.

Is it true that you turned down a contract to sign with PolyGram Records due to artistic differences?

That’s not exactly right but in the beginning a long time ago before our first record company and our first album we realised that producers and entertainment people very rarely see musicians as someone who they say “Wow, you’re great already, do your thing.” Actually it's more like " You can sing, so we’ll make you sing these songs." We’ve never really cared about getting to do commercials or things like that. It's more like "This is our music and we really want it to sound like this.”

Alright, guys, be honest now…if you all had to pick one member of the band that spends the longest time getting ready in front of the mirror, who would it be?

Ferdie our drummer, he’s great. He’s probably the only real Rock ‘n’ Roll person. You know he wears mascara to the show and he’s got long dyed hair and I love that about him. And If we have photos he’ll actually pose unlike us.

Where do you guys get your inspirations for songwriting?  Do you ever get writer's block?

Adrian: Well the writing process is done by myself and Don. Either we’ll write something together or we’ll write individually and bring it to the other person. We come up with the basic song and bring it to the rest of the band, fine tune it then I’ll slug away at coming up with lyrics for 6 months. The songs just come from daily life, what we see, what we think, what we feel, all that soppy crap [laughing].

For us the music has always come first. There is some meaning behind my lyrics but it’s not obvious, it’s only obvious to me I think. I find it creativity comes in waves [...] One of the greatest thing is if you are jamming and something comes really naturally like a riff evolves into a song. Something not forced, that’s a really great feeling and it usually turns out to be a nice song. So that’s one reason to do music [smiles].

What’s the craziest fan encounter that you remember?

Don: It was a long time ago after a show we were just walking to a bar after we finished. Some girl came up to us and started screaming she had a mental fit. She asked for my backstage pass so I gave it to her and it was like if I touched her she would faint.

Adrian: [Laughing] He was the John Lennon of Tsim Sha Tsui that night.



 


















     For more information [url=http://www.alivenotdead.com/audiotraffic/]click here[/url]










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[title]…Simon Lock
Managing Director of IMG Fashion and Models Asia Pacific[/title]

Fashion giants Jean Paul Gaultier, Diane Von Furstenberg and Marc Jacobs have pencilled Hong Kong into their little black books for this year’s MasterCard Luxury Week. Set to run from Tuesday 26th August to Saturday 30th August, it promises to be THE fashion event of the year. We go behind the scenes with one of the impressarios running the show…

How did you first enter the fashion business?

I use to operate a group of companies and one of them was an advertising and PR company that did a lot of a work with the fashion industry. I began working with Australian designers and through that I created the first Australian Fashion Week—I built a company to produce it and it took about four years before our first event. We became the fifth fashion week in the whole world, after London, Paris, New York and Milan.

What do you love most about the fashion world?

Speaking to wonderful people like yourself [laughs]. What I love is that it’s full of so many vibrant, creative, interesting, crazy people, and that’s what makes it really interesting. A lot of people think it’s bitchy but that’s never been my experience. I actually have a lot of friends in the fashion world.

Organising an event as elaborate as MasterCard Luxury Week is quite a feat, what do you find most exciting about planning the event?

Creating the venues and figuring out what new technology you can incorporate in the fashion show. And one of the best parts is working with some of the most famous designers in the world.

What sets this year’s MasterCard Luxury Week apart?

It’s a big step forward in terms of the calibre of designers. Just having Marc Jacobs and having Jean Paul Gaultier open following his 30th anniversary.

What highlights can we look forward to this year? Any surprises we can anticipate?

MasterCard has created an incredible backstage experience where guests can watch the whole process of hair and makeup. I’ve never seen anything like it in the fashion world. Also having La Perla do a lingerie show—a lot of people are looking forward to that. One of our sponsors Taubman is hosting a huge party and flying in one of the hottest DJs out there DJ Ruckus (he’s Lenny Kravitz’s cousin). Of course Marc Jacobs is another highlight.

What are your most memorable moments from the last MasterCard Luxury Week?

The closing event which was the best of MasterCard luxury week showing snap shots of the best moments. And we are hosting that again this year. Also having Du Juan as a specially guest and having her open the Calvin Klein fashion show.

What would you like people to be saying once the week is over?

Let’s go shopping! Because that’s what it’s all about—for people to seeing fantastic new collections that are out there.






















For more information visit: [url]www.mastercardluxuryweek.com.hk[/url]

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[title]...Kate Sullivan and Roger De Leon,
Founders of E.V.E.N.T[/title]

Enter dynamic duo Kate Sullivan and Roger De Leon. They are the brains behind E.V.E.N.T a new company that specializes in event management and talent scouting. Both are artists in their own right—Kate featured in Power Rangers and the Anthony Hopkins film The World’s Fastest Indian (not as an extra!). Meanwhile Roger is an award-wining designer by day and by night he DJs (the Hugo Boss launch party was one of his latest gigs).

How did the idea to start E.V.E.N.T first come about?

Kate: Basically I came here and saw there wasn’t a lot of acting, films being produced or production companies. I was craving work, I was craving auditions. I’m use to going to two, three and sometimes five auditions a week. My motivation came from going out and seeing incredible talent and I thought, ‘We need more of this.’ And so I was writing down some ideas sitting above Staunton’s, watching the world go by, listening to people’s conversations and basically writing down ideas. I wouldn’t have been able to do it had Roger not structured the ideas. We sat down one night and came up with the concept and said, 'Let’s do it! We’ve got to stop talking about it and just do it.' So we hired a bunch of people and started our office.

Aside from scouting talent and hosting events, you hold “Speak Ups” every month can you tell us a little about them?

Kate: Speak ups are a hub where artists can express themselves. They can say, “Hey guys, I’m a DJ and I’m launching my next album, come to the event.” It really just gives everyone the opportunity that they normally don’t get. Our first Speak Up was outdoors, we had parkour, capoeira and drumming.

Roger: We give them the space and everybody that’s there is an artist, or involved in the arts or interested in the arts. As long as that’s the case, there’s always going to be that dynamic going back and forth and people won’t be afraid of putting themselves out there. Also by hosting Speak Ups we get to see what’s out there in whatever city we are doing it in and right now it’s Hong Kong.

What do you think of the music and art scene in Hong Kong? What does E.V.E.N.T hope to contribute?

Hong Kong is a major financial and international city in other people’s eyes but once you get here there’s a severe lack. A lot of tours don’t come through Hong Kong because there’s not the venue, or there’s not the publicity that you can get in any other huge city. You know Tokyo gets a lot more music talent because it’s a more open city. We want to change that about Hong Kong and make sure that it is included in all these tours coming through. We’ve had people who have stopped over from New York and London coming through to our events. So we are working with local and international artists and I think that’s really important to bring the two together.

When you aren’t running fabulous events, you are…

Kate: I’m acting and teaching dance, drama and film acting. I’m doing all that and laughing.

Roger: I’m designing, product design and graphic. When I’m not doing that I’m listening to music a lot. Any waking moment really. It’s a sickness [laughs]. If I’m ever on the computer, I’m looking at music. And DJing when it’s night time and I’m not sleeping

Kate, can you describe your partner in crime Roger in three words?

Inspirational, Imaginative and witty.

And Roger, what are your three words for Kate?

Energizing , creative and eccentric.

What do you have installed for your upcoming event Sensory Runway?

Is a showcase of designers (six to be specific), dancers and artists. We are trying revolutionise the concept of a fashion show and in doing so we are incorporating the five senses. So a big part of it is the ambiance of the actual venue and how we incorporate sound, visual stimulation, touch and taste. Basically we are catering to the five sense and bring fashion to the forefront.

































Sensory Runway will be held on August 20 and tickets are available at all Cafe O outlets. For more information please [url=http://www.lifestyle.hk/events/event-guide_15/event-presents-sensory-runway_1068.htm]click here[/url]

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[title]...Sam Jeveons,
Belvedere Brand Ambassador[/title]

Master mixologist Sam Jeveons launched his career with the Match Bar Group in London. Under his direction, the company won sixteen industry awards before Jeveons packed his bags for Hong Kong. Having established Alconomics Asia in Jan 2007, Jeveons was recently appointed the Asian Brand Ambassador for luxury vodka Belvedere.

When did you mix your first cocktail?

I lost my cocktail virginity circa 1996 at Lizard Lounge in Nottingham, UK. It was perhaps the best time of my life, full of fear and excitement as a young green barman keen to learn. I froze when a customer asked me to make my first cocktail, unsure of what was in it and how to make it. The cocktail was the Yellow Bird but times haven’t changed as I still can’t remember the ingredients!

Spill the beans about the 'science' of mixology.

Of all the “ologies”, mixology is the least scientific as you don’t need to be a doctor to practice it, but scientific elements are involved. Dilution rates, thermodynamics, liquid densities, mathematics, all play a part and that’s simply serving a Belvedere and tonic! Sublimation, evaporation, social psychology and flirtation are sciences a mixologist grapples with every day, consciously or not.

How different is the Singapore social scene from London?

Pretty big lah! But of all the Asian cities I work in, Singapore has by far the most venues that live up to international standards: Velvet Underground, Zouk, MoS, and Attica for nightclubs; Klee, One Rochester, St Regis, and Camp for cocktails; Saint Pierre, Iggy’s, and Garibaldi’s for great food. What London lacks is the climate, smiles and an equivalent of Orchard Towers, but that’s a positive thing.

What is it like being the Belvedere Brand Ambassador?

It’s really tough to be honest! Travelling to great cities, meeting fantastic people, training budding bartenders, socializing, educating, and entertaining vodka enthusiasts…Oh, and did I mention tasting luxury vodka on a daily basis? I wouldn’t wish this life on anyone else, which is why I exactly why I hope to keep this job as long as possible!

What is your most exotic concoction to date?

Erotic concoction?!! Chill a bottle of Belvedere in an ice bucket accompanied by asparagus and oysters, play Marvin Gaye’s “Sexual Healing”, and sit on a balcony overlooking the ocean wearing leather chaps and nipple clamps.

Editor’s Note: Mixologist was “cocktail tasting” whilst answering the above.

Any advice for aspiring mixologists?

1. Learn. Only work with a venue or company that stimulates learning through research, tasting, and practice. Appreciate classical, contemporary and futuristic (molecular mixology) cocktails as schools of thought to become a better mixologist and bartender.
2. Interaction. Educating, entertaining, and serving are all interactive aspects of a mixologist’s role and make up over 50% of a day’s toil. A mixologist practices their profession in the public eye and must be affable by nature.
3. Humour and humility. You will make mistakes, but make them with a smile and they become part of the learning process.
Please provide a ‘secret’ cocktail recipe for aspiring mixologists.


Belvedere Cytrus Cosmopolitan

1.7oz /5cl Belvedere Cytrus
0.85oz/2.5cl cranberry juice
0.5oz /1.25cl premium triple sec
0.5oz /1.25cl lime juice
Dash of Grand Marnier(can be used instead of triple sec to create Cosmo Grand)

Shake above ingredients with cubed ice and TLC. Fine strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with an orange twist.


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[title]...Renaud de Gironde,
Member of the Hennessy Tasting Committee[/title]

“You spend an evening with cognac and each time you’ll discover something new,” says Renaud de Gironde whose been surrounded by wine since he was born. With a family history dating back to 1800 in the industry, he is now a member of the Hennessy Tasting Committee. We sniffed, swished, sniffed again and finally sipped eaux-de-vie (cognac) with Renaud while he was in town.

Can you tell us a little about the tasting committee and what it is?

The tasting committee is something quite unique. It is a committee of eight people tasting everything that Hennessy is purchasing, blending and when we are controlling our stock. We meet every morning for one to two hours and we taste around 50 different wines from the original cognac. Make all the decisions about whether we are going to buy it; blend it; how we want to edge- all decisions are made by the tasting committee. However, the final decision lies with the Head of the tasting committee, the master blender, Yan Phew. He is the seventh generation of Phew family as master blenders for Hennessy group,

Having such a long family history with Hennessy, do you think it influenced you to become a wine taster?

In some ways, yes, because the master blender is my uncle. My whole family has been enrolled in Hennessy creating the cognac and controlling the stock. And certainly this is something I like and am very interested in the values that it carries, the search for excellence and just quality, quality, quality. These values and the fact that I like original, high end products definitely influenced my decision to take up wine tasting as a career.

How young were you when you started drinking?

Drinking you know is a big word. You know at all the family events, you dip your finger in the glass and you taste it. When you get to 16 to 17 you get more interested in cognac and wine. And you start looking for more elements and details.

If you were to drink one wine for the rest of your life, which one would it be?

That would be a nightmare. Drinking just one type for the rest of my life. It depends on the occasion, mood and who you’re with. I would say for party or cocktail- Hennessey VS on the rocks. For a family dinner, Fuchsia Hennessey. It is hard to pick one.

With cognac being roughly seventy per cent alcohol, do you ever get a bit tipsy from tasting so many batches?

Seventy per cent is just after distillation. During tasting you add water which brings it to forty five per cent. It is easier to taste. Especially, when you taste 50 every morning. It also shows different aromas. When you taste in one way you should continue in the same way because it becomes your reference. I joined Hennessy in the winter, which is the distillation period. So you taste it a minute after distillation, so one day I tasted it and it was crystal clear like water but seventy per cent alcohol and after you have water and then have 40 of them you realize it is not easy.

What is a day like in the life of a member of the Hennessy Tasting Committee?

In the tasting committee, we are eight and each one of us is concerned with a different function relating to the creation of the product. For example, of course we have the master blender who is in charge, but one for example is in charge of managing the barrels and another is in charge of managing the Hennessy vineyards, another is in charge of managing the sales and I, myself am in charge of managing relationships with goers, because we have 1600 goers so they need to be taken care of. So each of us go about our activities but once we reach the end of our morning and reach the tasting session, it is a moment for us to discuss and share our different experiences during the morning. What one knows, he tells the other. Not only about tasting. Its about sharing much more.

What are the perks of your job?

We have access to probably the best stock of old eaux-de-vie in the world so there is the chance that you can taste eaux-de-vie that is 100 years or 50 years old that is totally exceptional. You have a chance to be around amazing people who are so knowledgeable about the product.














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[title]Colin Grant
Co-Founder of the Pure Group and CEO of Asia Yoga Conference[/title]

If Colin Grant ever appeared on ‘The Apprentice’ he’d never have to fear the wrath of Donald Trump nor would he hear him barking “You’re fired.” A man of many talents, Colin is a former tennis star, movie buff and successful entrepreneur. He is the brain behind Pure, Movieland and the Asia Yoga Conference. We talk business with the impresario himself…

You’ve played tennis semi-professionally, how did you end up getting interested in yoga?

By chance. I used to play competitively up until 94, 95 and I was on a holiday when someone suggested we take a yoga class—it was raining and we couldn’t play golf. Like most people, we thought ‘You’ve got to be joking! I can’t get my ankle around my head.’ But we ended up taking the class and I think because of the tennis background I ended up appreciating the benefits of yoga. From there I was enjoying the yoga so much (I know it sounds so corny) that I decided to open a studio. My first teacher was Patrick Crawford and now he’s head of our program at Pure. I remember I would run into people and they’d ask ‘What are you going to do now’ and I said ‘actually I’m going to open a yoga studio’ they said ‘You’re crazy.’ Now they are either students of ours or they’ve gone and opened their own studios. The first studio we opened in 2002 tripled the combined area of all the yoga studios combined in Hong Kong. It was totally new experience for people.

Why did you decide to open Pure?

Six years ago there were only a handful of studios operated by yoga teachers. You’d open the door and that was the studio: it’s a room. You’d have to bring your own mat and towel. So what I think we did we changed the model. We said ‘Right if I’m going to come to go to a studio it has to be reasonably nice, I’m not going to carry a mat or a towel it has to be supplied. I want a full schedule, I want it to suit my needs. If you think about it the yoga is the same it’s been around thousands of years. We haven’t actually changed the yoga I don’t think anyone can. What we did is build a platform, a venue where many people can enjoy the benefits of yoga. We built our first studio and thought how many showers should we have? Six, maybe four, maybe two. Look at everybody else, the sum total of showers was zero, so even one was a big improvement. We decide four and I think after we had stomach cramps because it was nowhere near enough. Now our studios have 55 showers just for the ladies.

Do you practice yoga, if so what do you find to be one of the most difficult poses?

Headstand. I’m trying to master it. I can get up but I just can’t stay.

You also opened Movieland in Hong Kong, how did that idea come and what are some of the first movies that lined the shelves?

That was about 1985 or 86. Basically I won prize money from a tournament and I used it all and I remember I bought 87 video tapes and opened a video club at the Ladies Recreation Club (LRC) at the time I was eighteen. I was a junior member of the LRC and they wouldn’t allow me to have a business at the club without having an adult as a partner. So I asked my mum and dad and they stupidly said no which they constantly remind me of and regret. I finally found a friend who went in fifty fifty, I bought him out a few years ago. One of the first tapes was First Blood with Sylvester Stallone. Uncommon Valour that was a Vietnam movie. We had 87 and now we have 100,000 and now my brother basically runs that.

Often times, people assume yoga is easy and that it isn’t really a good way to stay in shape, what do you say to this?

It’s tough as nails, it’s great, it’s for everybody. That was the perception before and it’s still out there. Even now you talk to guys and they say “It’s a girl thing.” Now I go to some classes and it’s forty to fifty percent men. It’s more and more. It’s very challenging. The common excuse is “Oh I’m stiff” but that’s why you should go. It’s like someone says “I’m sick” and you say go to the doctor but they reply “No, I can’t go to the doctor because I’m sick,” but that’s why you go.

What were some of your goals for the Asia Yoga Conference?

This compliments what we have at the studio, we have the daily classes, the workshops, training, we invite teachers. But what this does is that it takes the yoga to another level and it definitely raises awareness for the whole community. A lot of our students are growing so fast that we have to stay just a bit ahead of them. They want to practice with many teachers, instead of them flying all over the world we fly them here and it’s a great melting pot of yoga.


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[title]...Gio Chiappetta
Designer[/title]

Designer, photographer, illustrator, conceptual artist and baller. Gio latest exercise in creativity is a silent auction featuring exclusive hand-painted and hand-printed t-shirts. He has joined forces with local fashion designer Kanch Panjabi to raise funds for the Hong Kong Red Cross China Earthquake Relief Operation.

How did you start designing?

My first design class was in high school. My passion has always been drawing, though, I decided to pursue graphic design in college, and ended up in New York at SVA. I started working when I was 22. I had been doing freelance on and off but my first real design job was at Ogilvy and Mather, which was a life changing experience. I was an intern at the time but was put in the studio as a junior designer. At the time I was also pretty involved in the growing do-it-yourself exhibition scene in the US.

Can you tell me more about your experience at Ogilvy?

Ogilvy was amazing. I had never worked in an agency before, so going in to a multi-floor creative fortress was pretty inspiring. That’s what they do, they are good at that. We had video games, pool tables, I can even remember the occasional fridge stocked with beer. We had whatever we wanted, though, on the flip side things needed to be done at an unreasonable speed. I was on accounts like Miler, AT&T, Hellmanns so I never slept.

So how did you end up in Hong Kong?

In 2004 I came to work in Hong Kong on a three-month contract at a big video game publishing company. They were setting up their Asia-Pacific headquarters and I was brought in to help with design and research.

You are also part of a creative project called The Embassy (they hosted the exhibition Apero, Yo! and more recently the Simon Birch Exhibition After Party) can you tell us about that?

The Embassy is a 3,000 sq. ft. indoor/outdoor art space that we have in Chai Wan. It’s a home, a creative agency, a party space, whatever you want it to be. More importantly it’s a bunch of unpretentious friends having a good time. There is not enough of that in Hong Kong and that’s what it’s here for. It’s actually run by my good friend, artist Gary Kramer/Drift One/Mc Grey Goose and Sebastien and Charles of Artisan HK. There’s a whole community of us out here… Chai Wan is the new Central.

What has been your most exciting project yet?

I just released my first shoe in the US with British Knights. That was fun. I have been a huge sneaker head since I was a kid and to have my name associated with an old school brand like that was an honor. I had actually approached them in 2004 about the project and after a few years of back and forth we launched the shoe on May 1, 2008… almost twenty years after its original release.

If there was one designer who you could save who would it be and why?

Off the top of my head, no. But I will tell you what I AM into. I’m really into weird European designers like Bernhard Willhelm and Cassette Playa. I love the work of Parra. Master P, DJ Funk, Godfather and pop radio rap get me up in the morning. The Chai Wan Boys and my computer keep me going. I’ve been into obscurity lately, I find it very calming and beautiful. Kanchan Panjabi has been a big inspiration as well.

Can you tell us a little about the charity auction with Kanchan? And your goals for this project?

I met Kanchan at an exhibition a couple of months ago and I loved her creative vibe, we flow very well together. We got talking and came up with the Fashionably Aware concept, which was inspired by all the tragic incidents and the recent natural disasters that are going on around us at the moment. What we had been working on prior to us meeting worked really well as imagery for this project. From this we designed and hand painted a 3-piece limited T-Shirt series (the T-Shirt being the most staple product in everyone’s closet, connecting us in one way or another) to raise funds for the Hong Kong Red Cross China Earthquake Relief Operation through a silent auction.


The two fashion designers are teaming up with Sino Group to present
"Fashionably Aware: A Limited Edition T-Shirt Auction" which will take place on July 16th, 2008 from 6:30 - 9:30pm at Unit G10, Hollywood Centre, 233 Hollywood Road, Sheung Wan. For more information call: 2117 1782


























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[title]...Uwe Opocensky, Executive Chef & Yves Matthey, Executive Pastry Chef[/title]

Executive Chef Uwe Opocensky is dangling a chocolate truffle over the mouth of Executive Pastry Chef Yves Matthey, who is standing underneath a chocolate tree at the Mandarin Oriental Cake Shop. It is the launch of their new concept Chocolate Therapy, a range of new confections that is pushing the envelope of chocolate. Highlights include: MOrbit, chocolate domes filled with ganache (our favorite was rum and banana); Y, a collection named after Chef Yves, which come in flavors like praline with pop rocks; and Bomb, a dark chocolate ball that contains freeze-dried raspberries or salted wasabi nuts. Here’s a sneak peak into the minds of these two chocophiles...

What was the inspiration behind the Chocolate Therapy collection? And how long did it take you to create it?

Uwe: The Mandarin Cake Shop has always been known for its incredible pastries and cakes, so we wanted to add a chocolate range that would put Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong on the map for chocolate lovers.

Yves: The concept behind the chocolate range was inspired by the desserts we offer in the Krug Room (a private, ‘secret’ restaurant hidden in the Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong’s main kitchens). It took six months to finalize the entire range, which is made up of 11 ‘families’ of chocolates (SixbyFour, Bomb, Raw, Graffiti, Air Brush, MOrbit, Tease, Percentage, Dusted, Classic, and Y).

Uwe, you worked in the kitchens of El Bulli so I’m sure you must have experimented with daring flavor combinations. What has been your most adventerous dish using chocolate? Did it taste good?

We’ve recently introduced a new dessert in the Krug Room called “flexible chocolate”. It’s made from chocolate, but it’s elastic and you can stretch and pull it, just like rubber. It’s fun, and tastes incredible.

This one is for you Yves. As the Pastry Chef at the Mandarin, we’ve overheard that you eat chocolate every day. Be honest now…have you ever gotten sick of chocolate?

Never!

Just out of curiosity, how much chocolate do you use in your kitchens every month?

We go through around 1.5 tons of chocolate every month. We use different types of chocolate from several suppliers, depending on what we need.

This one's for you Uwe: right now everyone is talking about chocolates with high cocoa content, is it wrong to prefer white chocolate instead of dark?

There’s never any “right or wrong” about what people like to enjoy. You should always follow your own instincts and not force yourself to eat something you don’t enjoy just because convention states you should like it. Having said that, we both prefer dark chocolate to white, because we find white chocolate tastes too sweet.

What type of chocolate would you send someone for Valentine’s Day?

Uwe: Passion Pills – an aphrodisiac dessert we serve in the Krug room.

Yves: The “chocolate oyster” which we serve in the Krug room.

Yves, this one's for you: what is the most difficult part about working with chocolate?

Resisting temptation!



























The Chocolate Therapy collection will line the shelves of the Mandarin Oriental Cake Shop in September but it is also possible to sneak in some orders now.

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[title]…Ole Henriksen
Founder of Ole Henriksen Skin Care Brand[/title]

Having worked with A-list celebrities such as Jessica Alba, Barbra Streisand and Charlize Theron to name a few, Ole Henriksen is no stranger to Hollywood glitz and glamour. “Everyday I feel I’m at a cocktail party without the cocktails,” the exuberant Dane says. Ole's products now line the shelves of Lane Crawford. We sit down with the man himself.

Can you tell us a little about your approach to skin care?

My approach to skincare started out with the “less is more” philosophy partly based from my heritage from Denmark where we are all about keeping things simple and functional. Even interior design—it’s aesthetic it’s beautiful but simple. Danes like things to do things in a structured way and not allow themselves to get overwhelmed and stressed out. What I discovered about skincare after I graduated from school in London and began practicing was that if you over treat skin, it makes matters worse. When people have serious problems they’ll try anything and I understand because I once had cystic acne. I’m not saying that you shouldn’t use products but I believe you use the right products faithfully.

Who are some of the celebs that you love working with?

One of my most most favourite is Kylie Minogue simply because she is just so kind and so loving. She is a woman that is so grateful for her success. But what I notice is that she’s considerate to whoever is in her path, so if she were to walk in here now she would embrace all of us, she recognizes a room versus just a person. Another one is David Bowe, and I did say in my book “I want to come back as David Bowie" [laughing]. David Bowie because he is so incredibly intelligent and such an elegant dresser. I love clothes and he is a man who exemplifies how you can be mature in years and hip and hot. He’s a great singer and he would sing for me over years in the treatment room and bring me records.

What are your bestsellers?

The three little wonders kit and the reason is that it’s a treatment system that appeals to all age brackets, skin types and ethnic groups. It’s light and oil free, it's based on a lot of active ingredients so it tackles everything from pigmentation to wrinkle concerns. It’s not greasy, it absorbs readily. Even someone as mature as Cher has used the three little wonders over the years and that’s why we often refer to it as the favourite red-carpet product for celebrities.

What is the most indulgent treatment on offer in your Sunset Boulevard Spa in LA?

The African Red Tea Body Cocktail Deluxe for two hours. It is a feast for your body for all your senses. First you get into your robe and go to the relaxation room where you are served African Red Tea as you look at a beautiful rock formation with water, then you go down the hallway of shoji Japanese screens. You step in and get on a beautiful handcrafted teak table with cushions of course. We do light pressure points to just connect with you and start complete body scrub. Next we turn on the tropical rain shower from the ceiling, it’s a great sensation (I got inspired when I lived in Indonesia, I loved running in the rain seasons—there’s just some thing so cleansing and fun about it). We then take tray of fresh orange slices with a body scrub to work in the vitamin C. When that’s done and soaked in, we apply an African red tea powder mixed with yogurt (for the lactic acid for the pigment and for refinement). We now cover you with the warm mask and apply on your eyes warm tea gauze. This is followed by a scalp massage and foot reflexology. Then tropical rain rinse again. Finally there's a deep tissue massage, then you are ready to go.

What’s your advice for summer skin care?

Key advice is of course that you don’t expose your face directly to the sun if you are sunbathing because the face is already exposed on a daily basis. So if you lay down wanting to get a little colour on your body cover your face. Long-term you’re better off because you can always fake a tan a little with a bronzing powder or a self-tanner. The damage you can do with sunbathing your face in short period is devastating. I would say that take extra vitamin C during the summer because it will strengthen your skin immune mantle to the sunlight and it’ll make your capillary walls stronger.

In terms of the ingredients list, is there anything we should avoid at all costs?

Everyone has their own philosophy but I would say Lanolin which is a fat that has been used a lot in cosmetics over the years. The reason I feel that you need to avoid it is because it is way too fatty. It clogs the pores it congests the pores it doesn’t allow good breathing or oxygenation of the tissue.

I hear you have a dance background, do you still dance?

When I was a little child I did competitive ballroom dancing. Now I think dancing is a way of letting go and expressing yourself. At the end of my work out routine, I dance. I play great music and totally go at it.

























For more information please visit: www.olehenriksen.com


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[title]…Daniella Helayel
Fashion Designer[/title]

Brazilian born designer Daniella Helayel was just in town to showcase the latest collection from her women’s wear label Issa. Celebs like Madonna, Kylie Minogue, Keira Knightley and Scarlett Johansson can't get enough of her dresses. She spares two minutes of her busy schedule to talk fashion with us.


How did you decide to name your label ISSA ?

Well, it started back when I was young. I wanted to be a surfer because I surfed a lot with my friends. We used to go to the beach and catch the big waves. I caught the tubes and while I was inside I heard all my friends shouting and waving “Issa, Issa!”, so I suppose that’s where the name comes from. It means something lucky, something happy.

What is the inspiration for this season?

My Autumn/winter collection features a lot of really easy going clothing. There’s a lot of prints and I made use of some really nice flowing materials. Basically, I just like things laid back. It’s very lounge with no tailoring at all.

How did you first get started in fashion?

Getting dressed. [laughs] My favorite thing to do was to dress up when I was young. I love clothes and I think if you have passion for something, you should go ahead and do it which is what I did.

If your girlfriend was going out on a first date, what outfit would you recommend?

Definitely the lucky dress. [laughs]

What’s the lucky dress?

It’s like the one Charlotte was wearing in Sex and the City at the beginning when she finds out Carrie is getting married. It’s red, simple and elegant. I think that’s the way to go.

So, must it be red?

Oh no. It can be any color. I try to make a dress like it every season and this season I’ve made one in dark blue.

What kind of women do you design for?

I design for the women who are glamorous, confident but for certain reasons don’t have too much time on her hands. I like clothes which are easy to wear, something you can just throw on, walk out of the house in and still be able to look great.



























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[title]…Vinci Chang,
Head of Sale in
20th Century Chinese Art & Asian Contemporary Art at Christie's[/title]

Only just recently, Christie’s held its first Asian Contemporary Art Evening Sale ever. We sit down with the Head of Sale Vinci Chang to hear about the art that raised eyebrows and had bidders in a frenzy.

How did you enter the art world and what do you love most about the auction business?

Actually when I was a student I majored in Fine Arts. I did oil painting and drawing. It wasn’t my intention in the beginning but when an opportunity with Christie’s arose I gave it a try and I loved it as you can see I am still here today. I am very passionate about art and I want to make an effort to help the market.

Lately, the auction market has been booming. It is actually very exciting now. There’s so much talk about auctions across the world. Auctions today are no longer about simple trading. It has actually become a platform or channel that everyone pays attention to today. Before it was just certain collectors now there is potential to reach new people which is great.

What were some of the most sought-after pieces in the Asian Contemporary auction that just took place?

There were many records achieved in the different categories of Asian art. In Chinese Contemporary, Zeng Fanzhi’s Mask Series 1996 No. 6 fetched just over HK$75 million. This set a new world record for Chinese contemporary art. Yue Minjun’s Gweong-Gweong was another record-breaker, it sold for about HK$54 million. In the Indian contemporary department, Subodh Gupta’s Saat Summundar Paar fetched just over HK$9 million.

For some time now the art world has been abuzz with talk of Chinese contemporary art, is it still a hot commodity?

It is still is a hot topic but more and more there is a shift to the pan-Asian market—peoples’ interest is expanding to Korean, Indian and Japanese art. Now there is talk about Asian contemporary not just Chinese contemporary art.

Any surprises at this year’s auctions?

We achieved 45 to 50 records for all the artists in one single auction! This shows there is a high potential and interest in the market from the collectors’ side. It means that the market is still expanding dramatically and rapidly. For example, many collectors that bought Chinese contemporary in the past are now they are expanding to buy Indian and Japanese and Korean art.

When you walk into a museum or gallery what tends to catch your eye?

I always like to look at drawings as I was trained as an artist. An artist’s ideas and ability are revealed in their sketches. Drawings are more intimate to the artist. Drawings can actually show how much an artist cares for the work and how they develop. It also tells us about their personality.

What are some emerging markets to keep an eye on?

Japanese art is becoming big. In the recent auction, several records were broken by Japanese artists. Aida Makoto’s Monument for Nothing, for example, fetched more than HK$5 million and Ysuyuki Nishio’s Minsk was sold for a little over HK$3 million.































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