Sole Creators: The shoe fits perfectly when it’s painstakingly custom-made by dedicated artisans

Owning a pair of bespoke shoes can be a transformative experience. They are markers of superior craftsmanship, unmatched comfort and individual style. Unlike mass-produced shoes, bespoke footwear is crafted to your precise measurements, ensuring an impeccable fit that enhances your posture and provides unparalleled comfort. To add to this feeling of pleasure, greater artistry and attention to detail go into making bespoke shoes, resulting in a product that stands out from the crowd while also reflecting your unique personality and taste.

With their exceptional quality and durability, bespoke shoes also offer an investment that will last for years to come. For those who want to put their best foot forward in the future, there are shoemakers in Hong Kong who will meticulously craft a pair to your exact specifications.

Shoe Artistry

Backed by science and elevated by style, Shoe Artistry’s mission is to make personalised shoes that perfectly fit your feet. For this, it takes multiple measurements of both feet to ensure that even microscopic differences between the left and the right are not overlooked. To further increase the accuracy, the shoemakers employ a special foot-scanning technology called Phits which uses sensors to determine your gait pattern, thus collecting an analysis of the different pressure points formed while you walk. This is then 3D printed into insoles that are unique to your feet. Such avant-garde techniques and painstaking precision to detail not only ensure the finest fit for your bespoke beauties, they also eliminate any orthopaedic pain, regardless of how long you walk.

After determining all the necessary measurements, the shoemaker assists you in finding the right material. Options are presented within two classifications – either vegetable-tanned leather, which is made by processing animal hide with plant proteins, or vegan leather, which uses plant-based or synthetic materials instead of animal skin.

Next comes deciding between a Goodyear welt or Blake stitch, the two techniques used to connect the upper leather to the outsoles. In the Goodyear construction, a welt is sewn onto the edges of the upper leather under which the outsole is added, thus allowing for the outsole to be replaced without deconstructing the entire shoe. Inversely, Blake stitching is when the outsole is stitched directly to the midsole. Since the latter option does not have a welt, Blake-stitched shoes are more flexible and have a sleek appearance.

Once the material and construction of the shoe have been established, the artisan focuses on design choices, funnelling down the preferred colour, texture and other details. Once all the specifications are set, shoes will be made in six to eight weeks. Men’s shoes are priced upwards of HK$11,300, while women’s start at HK$5,300.

To order, call +852 2796 6018, WhatsApp +852 6159 4670 or email hi@shoeartistry.com.

Kow Hoo Shoe Company

A pioneer in local shoemaking, Kow Hoo Shoe Company has its origins in 1920s Shanghai and moved to Hong Kong in 1946, so it might be your first resort for a custom-made pair if you are inclined to support local craftsmen. It is also where famous names like architect I.M. Pei and business magnate Li Ka-shing go for their bespoke shoes.

Owning your very first pair begins with a meeting at their shop in Prince’s Building where the in-house shoemaker gains a better understanding of your foot morphology through fastidious measurements and noting your preferences for design, colour, texture and construction. Once all the required information is gathered, crafting begins at their Quarry Bay workshop where your ideas will come into form.

Devoted to producing shoes that fit your feet like a glove, the shoemakers will first make a trial pair using wooden lasts they have carved from your measurements – Kow Hoo claims to be the only shop in Hong Kong still making wooden lasts for each individual customer. Only after you are 100 per cent satisfied with the trial pair will they start making the actual pair that will become yours. Until then, as many adjustments as you want in terms of fitting and design will be accommodated. Expert cobblers then hand-sew each pair with immense dedication.

As a result of their priority in producing shoes that are exemplary and cherished, the entire process can take up to six months. Pricing starts at HK$18,000, but it is certainly worth the wait and cost. Moreover, after you buy your first pair, your lasts will be stored for at least seven years, thus significantly reducing the length of craftsmanship for subsequent pairs.

To order, visit Kow Hoo Shoe Company, Shop 341, 3/F, Prince’s Building, 10 Chater Road, Central, Hong Kong. Call ahead on +852 2523 0489 for an appointment or email kowhoo@hotmail.

Berluti

For those looking beyond Hong Kong for custom-made indulgence, Berluti boasts a history spanning more than 120 years, and its bespoke footwear has become a significant part of the brand identity. The French Maison is renowned for its dedication and finesse; its cobblers spend at least 50 hours and perform more than 250 procedures to create one pair of bespoke shoes.

Your personal shoemaking journey begins at a meeting when measurements are taken and much more – they also want to know about you, so they can craft a pair to match your feet, your lifestyle and your personality. You will also discuss the material, design and other features you would like reflected in your shoes.

Given that Berluti encourages an innovative mindset, you can broach unique ideas and choose from a wide range of materials, from classic Venezia leather to rarities like bullfrog skin. But if you are oblivious to what might look good, or what is fashionable, the artisan will guide you through the selection process. They will then create hornbeam wood lasts, which at the end of the process are delivered to you in a wooden box along with your personalised pair of shoe trees.

With Berluti crafting all their shoes in Paris, travelling shoemakers will meet clients in different parts of the world, including Hong Kong, so the first step is to request an appointment through the brand’s website. Since there is a high demand for bespoke shoes, the entire detail-oriented process can take about six months. The price tag for a bespoke pair starts at HK$67,000 and can go as high as HK$300,000.

To order, book an appointment on berluti.com.

Floor Show: The pull of a customised rug or three at home cannot be overestimated

Rugs are a neat way to lay down extra colour, texture and glamour in your home, effortlessly elevating the interior decoration while protecting the floor. If you welcome their uplifting warmth – both to your feet and your spirits – why not get one or more bespoke creations that will perfectly complement the size and palette of your empty spaces? Customised rugs offer endless design options, and as you step across them every day, they serve as continuous reminders that you have been part of making something beautiful and unique.

Also Read: Creative ways to transform your walls with bespoke wallpapers

Rug Your Life

Taking pride in converting any artwork into an alluring floor covering, Rug Your Life works from your own drawing or a painting you saw at a museum or gallery and absolutely loved. In fact, the company is best known for its rugs based on the works of 20th-century modern artists like Wassily Kandinsky, Piet Mondrian, Sophie Taeuber-Arp and more.

Customised rugs — Photo Credits: Courtesy of Rug Your Life

Once the starting image has been chosen and sent to Rug Your Life, measurements, shape and cost are discussed. At this point, you will finalise the material from a range of options including wool, linen, silk and mohair. The company will also advise on the appropriate weaving technique based on your design choice and budget.

If your artwork has intricate details, Rug Your Life founder Nayla Ventura recommends going for a Tibetan knot rug as this technique allows the weaver to replicate any design down to every minute detail. This hand-knotting technique results in the softest, densest and most durable rugs. On the other hand, hand-tufted rugs are great for simple designs, take less time to be made, and are easy to maintain. The latter is also more budget-friendly:10 square feet of hand-tufted rug costs about HK$95,000 compared to HK$142,000 for hand-knotting.

No matter the design or type of weaving, Rug Your Life creations are sustainably handmade using the finest materials. Each rug takes between six and 14 weeks to be finished, depending on the size and technique, but to add to the anticipation of its delivery to your home, you will be sent pictures twice a week of it being made.

To order, email inquire@rugyourlife.com

J&P Carpets

If you aspire to highlight your room with a luxury rug that would be right at home in a five-star hotel, then why not get customised rugs from a company that actually makes them for top hospitality groups like the Four Seasons, Ritz-Carlton, Rosewood and Shangri-La. Established in 1993 by John Yu, J&P Carpets crafts high-quality rugs using hand-tufting and the Axminster technique. The latter, a mechanical method based on traditional Oriental carpet weaving, suits large-scale projects, while hand-tufted rugs are a better fit for residences.

persian vs turkish rugs — J&P Carpets at Shangri-La Paris

J&P can custom-make rugs in any size, shape, design or colour using this technique whereby a weaver handcrafts the rug with the help of an electrical tufting gun for a faster and more affordable process. A 25-square-metre rug fashioned from 100% New Zealand wool – the most commonly chosen material – will cost about HK$23,500 and takes less than five weeks to complete.

Customised rugs made from the wool of New Zealand sheep have a smooth, warm texture, and are less prone to tearing, indenting by heavy furniture and other damage. You can also ask for your wool rug to be combined with other materials such as bamboo, bamboo silk, viscose and nylon for extra strength and durability. With good care, such rugs can last for up to 15 years; they are also easy to clean. Pure silk is another highly sought-after raw material since it delivers a supremely soft and exquisite rug that can go up to HK$300,000 for a 25-square-metre piece.

Once you have pinned down the perfect physical attributes for your rug, the design team at J&P Carpets will send you pictures of how it would look, followed by a sample so that you can get a feel of it. After you are completely satisfied with its visual and tactile features, the rug will be made and delivered to your home in just over a month.

To order, email glen_wai@jpcarpets.com.hk or call or WhatsApp (852) 9139 8010

Custom Rugs

One of the go-to rug makers for interior designers and architects, Custom Rugs is also ideal for individuals who need extra assistance in getting customised rugs for their homes. Choosing the right design from the myriad of options available can be overwhelming and exhausting, so the company goes the extra mile to make decisions less burdensome. They will advise on the style, size and colour scheme that is right for your tastes and décor, and help you choose the perfect material from options including, but not limited to, silk, bamboo silk, merino wool and viscose. Browsing through their wide selection of rug designs which can be personalised serves to focus undecided minds.

Once the appearance and feel of the rug are set, Custom Rugs gives customers the option of three weaving techniques – hand-knotted, hand-tufted or hand-loomed. One advantage of hand-loomed rugs is their sleekness – there is less of a risk of tripping over a slim edge than a thick one. They are also reversible and absorb sound. For the premium weaving technique of hand-knotting, the company usually opts for the Persian method. Compared to Turkish double-loop knots, Persian single-loop knots gives a more refined weave and a higher knot count; a weaver can pack anywhere between 85 and 500-plus knots per square inch, allowing for the simplest of designs as well as the most intricate. Depending on the design and the size of the rug, it takes from six to 12 weeks to be made. A 12’ X 10’ fine Merino wool rug with an intricate design that will require 400 Persian knots per square inch can even cost HK$108,000.

To order, email customrugshk9@gmail.com or WhatsApp (852) 9822 0006

From Elegant to Extravagant: Hong Kong’s Best Cake Shops for Bespoke Cakes

Whenever there is a special occasion to be celebrated, we are always on the lookout for an extraordinary cake that will most probably be the centre of attraction, and we don’t even have to mention the number of photos that will be taken, so, of course, the cake should be aesthetically appealing and impress the crowd.

To match such visual requirements and the sort of deliciousness you would expect to enjoy on any special day, Gafencu has curated a list of the best cake shops in the city, renowned for their exquisite craftsmanship and ability to create bespoke cakes that are sure to impress. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, anniversary, or any other milestone, these cake shops are guaranteed to offer you a delightful and delectable experience.

Vive Cake Boutique

When it comes to deciding on the right celebratory cake, the best options are the ones the main person of the event would love – both looking at it and eating it. Vive Cake Boutique specialises in making such bespoke cake that matches whatever theme you want. Whether you want a cake that depicts your close ones’ favourite cartoon character or any other interest of theirs, this cake shop can make hyperrealistic cakes. To date, Vivien Lau and her team have designed novelty cakes and buttercream cakes of various themes including Kaws, unicorns, afternoon teas, golfing and many more. If you wish to get a custom cake for an upcoming event, the high-end bakery shop based in Central recommends that you order yours at least two to three weeks in advance.

For orders, email info@vive.hk or call and pick up at 12 Gough Street, Central.

The Cakery

The Cakery’s custom range of baked goods doesn’t just stop with large-sized birthday or other celebratory cakes, they also make cupcakes with personalised toppers and other sweet treats like macaroons. The best thing about shopping for bespoke cakes here is the pre-available range of cake designs, that fall under different themes such as florals, cartoons, fashion and more, which can be customised to match your taste. They are best suited for people who can easily get overwhelmed with coming up with ideas for their cakes. But, if you want something completely unique, then, you can opt for that too.

For orders, call (852) 2816 1838

Baking Maniac

Baking Maniac is certainly a fitting name for this cake shop run by a mother and son duo, who are both baking aficionados with a combined experience of nearly 40 years in the industry. All you have to do is let them know your ideal cake design and they will deliver you a dessert that is visually appealing and very delectable, thanks to their use of the finest organic ingredients and a variety of flavour options that range from common ones like chocolate, strawberry and red velvet to rare picks like green tea, chilli bomb and bubble tea. To top that off, Baking Maniac donates 10 per cent of the price of your cake to local charities, making your celebrations even more memorable.

For orders, email bakers@bakingmaniachk.com or Whatsapp (852) 6699 8093.

Illibakes

Like all the aforementioned cake stops, this establishment also makes Instagrammable cakes but what makes them stand out is the range of custom-made alcohol-infused cupcakes and cakes they have to offer. Some of the many flavours they have made so far include whisky chocolate, gin and tonic, marsala wine and coffee, and Bailey’s chocolate. Of course, there are non-alcoholic options too.

For orders, email illianafbh@gmail.com or Whatsapp (852) 6200 1093.

Ms B’s Cakery

Think luxury but in the cake world, that would be the exact way to describe Ms B’s Cakery which was founded by Bonnae Gokson with the determination to rise the bars when it comes to decorative cakes, and she was certainly successful with her goals as the cakery is now described as Asia’s finest. All the cakes from Ms B’s Cakery look so photogenic due to the choice of vibrant colours for the fondants. As impressive as their appearances, these sugar arts also taste fantastic with the cake shop making desserts using mouther-watering flavour combinations like Carrot Cake With Walnuts, Cream Cheese & Pineapple; Vanilla Butter Cake & Blueberry Marble Cake With Blue & Blackberry Jam; Signature Beetroot Red Velvet Cake With Cafe Au Lait Buttercream, Chocolate Chips & Pecan, and other pairings.

For orders, email info@msbscakery.hk or call (852) 2815 8303

Advanced Retreats: Luxury and exclusivity exceed all expectations at these singular properties

When most people describe their dream holiday, they are picturing a secluded island or exclusive resort that provides royal comforts and an escape from the bustling outside world. These blissful bespoke stays come with rejuvenating spa treatments, decadent meals and fun activities. With services that go above and beyond. it is their prime location and other amenities not seen at most hotels that set them apart.

Chalet Zermatt Peak

Overlooking the magnificent snow-capped Matterhorn is a lavish luxury chalet with spectacular architecture, resplendent interiors and top-notch hospitality that conjure a lifetime of wonderful memories. A stay at Chalet Zermatt Peak commences with staff ushering you through a candle-lit tunnel into 820 square metres of space spanning five deluxe double bedrooms for 10 people with balconies and bathrooms with walk-in showers, living area, a fully equipped kitchen, wine cellar and indoor swimming pool. Floor-to-ceiling windows gift vacationers panoramic views of Zermatt, and there’s a terrace that stargazers will adore.

Beyond this, the chalet boasts a wellness space with a sauna room offering wet Finnish and dry Swedish experiences, a hammam featuring bio steam, and indoor and outdoor jacuzzis.

Professional masseuses are on hand to provide a range of refreshing and aromatic spa treatments.

As for gastronomy, the quality of food is credited as one reason why guests choose the chalet time and again. Meals are prepared and tailored to your party’s whims by an in-house gourmet chef, and connoisseurs will find wines for perfect pairings. Afternoon tea is also served every day with Champagne if desired.

The temptation would be never to leave this oasis of consummate comfort, though Zermatt boasts year-round skiing – three ski lifts are conveniently located less than a kilometre from the chalet. Also, within walking distance for the outdoorsy are paragliding, heliskiing, sledging, ice skating and more. Short strolls will take you to the Matterhorn Museum and Gorner Ridge, and if you want to venture further, just hop into a private limousine or helicopter.

Location: Zermatt, Switzerland
Price: 120,000 CHF (HK$1 million) for seven nights in peak season
Reservations: chaletzermattpeak.com

Hilltop Estate, Laucala

Only the elite can dream of occupying this exclusive and extremely difficult-to-reserve villa perched at the top of Laucala, a private Fijian island of crystal-clear waters and lush green forests. Home to the COMO Laucala Island resort, this idyllic isle offers a superlative range of activities including an 18-hole golf course designed by David McLay Kidd, stables for horse-riding and a sustainable farm providing wagyu beef for guests – all this besides a full complement of watersports. It is certainly a fantasy holiday destination, with just 25 villas affording privacy and a sense of escape from the outside world.

The Hilltop Estate, which can hold 8 guests, sprawls over 12,000 square metres, affording enchanting views of the island greenery edged by rugged coastline and dreamy beaches. It comprises three buildings, with the biggest, Delena, encompassing the master suite, living room, library, a stone bathtub and personal swimming pool with waterfalls. Family and friends can occupy Rua, which also has a swimming pool, and Dua. The interior architecture has an earthy vibe and furnishings favour natural materials like sago palms and coconut husks. Your own chef, chauffeur and nanny if required mean you don’t need to lift a finger to care for your guests.

A traditional Fijian Bobo massage, in which experts use their hands and feet to knead tired deep tissue, is the top billing on a menu of calming, rejuvenating treatments that can be enjoyed in the residence or at Shambhala Retreat, Laucala’s wellness space. All massages and facials use locally sourced and natural ingredients.

In addition to the private chef who will prepare the meals of your choice, there are four restaurants on this large private island. A particular favourite for lovers of Asian cuisine is the Seagrass Lounge and Restaurant, a treetop retreat serving pan-Asian delicacies. All food is prepared with fresh produce farmed or grown on the island.

The most fantastic feature of a Laucala sojourn, though, is the charter flight arranged for you on demand. Departing from Fiji international airport, the plane dips down to a private runway surrounded by azure waters, ensuring zero hassle upon arrival.

Location: Laucala Island, Fiji
Price: Starting at US$455,000 (HK$3.5 million) per night
Reservations: reservations@laucala.com

Echo Camp White Desert, Antarctica

If you crave an out-of-this-world vacation, then these unique space-station-like pods located in the Queen Maud mountains of Antarctica should top your bucket list.

Accessed from Cape Town by private plane, there are six accommodation pods, with each allowing 2 guests, at the recently opened Echo camp, two of them being standalone with a kingsized bedroom and ensuite bathroom and the other four interconnected with four bedrooms, lounge area and dining room. Built with sustainable materials, each heated pod has floor-to-ceiling windows and white carpeting, thus blurring the lines between cosy indoors and icy outside.

While you contemplate the pristine vistas all around, a group of well-trained staff, including hosts, guides and personal chefs who cook gourmet meals to your order, assures that your stay is nothing less than memorable. If you book the Early Emperor package, you can partake in thrilling activities like fat biking, abseiling, ice climbing and skiing right outside your pod. Above all, you should not miss an excursion to the colony of Emperor penguins that usually dwells a few kilometres away.

Given that Echo is a polar camp within the coldest place on Earth – temperatures can plunge below -60oC – guests require a thorough medical checkup and doctor’s all-clear before venturing south. The team at White Desert, Antarctica’s only hotel, also conduct safety lessons prior to the trip of a lifetime.

Location: Antarctica
Price: Starting at US$780,000 (HK$6.1 million) per person for seven days
Reservations: info@whitedesert.com Season dates: 24th November 2023 – 31st January 2024

ANI

Drawing its name from the Swahili word andjani which means ‘journey ahead’, ÀNI is the world’s first private resort collection. Founded in 2010, ÀNI offers exclusive retreats in the most beautiful and far-flung corners of the earth, from the Caribbean to Southeast Asia. Each ÀNI destination is designed exclusively for a single group of guests, accommodating up to 20 or 30 guests across 10 to 15 suites. Currently offering four resorts worldwide, ÀNI’s destinations include Thailand, Sri Lanka, the Dominican Republic, and Anguilla, each claiming panoramic ocean views in a pristine natural setting. Consummately private, each resort operates as an all-inclusive experience except ÀNI Anguilla which is on a half-board basis. They support their local ÀNI Art Academy and offer every facility and space a group of guests could possibly desire during their stay. A full complement of staff (between 20 and 30 per resort) tailors every detail – from dining and spa treatments to kids’ activities and exploration of the region – to ensure a bespoke experience that defies expectations.

Locations: Thailand, Sri Lanka, Dominican Republican and Anguilla

Price: Starting at US$75000 (HK$580,000) per person

Click here to make your reservations.

Meal Makers: Tasty, tailored, diet-conscious repasts delivered to the door save time in busy lives

In a city where the escalators move faster than most places on Earth, it is no surprise that Hong Kongers generally rush through life – caught up in a whirlwind of work, play and work once more. To cope with this hectic lifestyle in one of the world’s busiest cities, anything that saves time is welcomed and valued. If a regular, unavoidable part of our daily schedule can be shortened, then it is a godsend – and popping first to mind here is meal prepping.

For those unfamiliar with the term, these are handy services that prepare, package and send meals based on your dietary and fitness needs. You can choose how many and which meals you want to get each day and how many days you want them delivered to your doorstep.

Meal planners usually arrange for the day’s meal packages to arrive in the morning so that they can then be reheated according to the provided instructions to suit individual eating routines.

In addition to saving time, meal subscription plans come wrapped in perks. Meals are planned by dieticians or nutritionists and prepared by talented chefs based on a profile created for each subscriber, who completes a questionnaire regarding their eating habits. This not unduly lengthy Q&A – remember, time is of the essence – encompasses dietary preferences like plant-based or pescatarian, food allergies or items ruled out for reasons of health or faith, and fitness goals – if the customer wants to lose or gain weight.

Buying a bespoke meal plan is a feasible and convenient way to eat healthily every day, so here are Hong Kong’s best meal subscription services to trim precious time spent in the supermarket and kitchen.

Nosh

Nosh has earned its reputation as a leading meal provider to busy Hong Kongers. Letting you choose the type of diet you want to follow – keto, flexitarian, pescetarian or vegan – Nosh designs a custom meal plan based on your fitness needs. Whether the goal is to drop a few pounds for an event scheduled in three days or gradually lose weight in a month or more, Nosh offers short-term and long-term plans to help its customers achieve their ideal body mass index. For clients who are unsure of their nourishment needs, Nosh’s nutritionist steps in to discuss and determine customised plans. In addition, all ingredients are fresh and premium, and experienced chefs prepare these healthy foods.

A typical package consisting of three meals per day will cost anywhere between HK$200 to HK$500 and you can also opt for two meals per day. If you are looking to be economical, you may want to opt for a long-term plan because, for instance, a three-day balanced diet plan is priced at HK$315 per day while the same plan will cost HK$266 per day if you choose a 30-day subscription. Nosh.hk

Nutrition Kitchen

Ideal for those gymgoers, Nutrition Kitchen is the preferred subscription meal plan of personal trainers as it makes it easy for customers to sustain a healthy diet by providing meals with the ideal amounts of macronutrients, particularly a high quantity of proteins to help with muscle-building. The most popular for body weight transformation is the low-carb package with each meal being around 400 calories for women and 500 for men and they are priced at HK$4900 and HK$6000 respectively for a month-long three-meals-per-day plan. The nutrition data – the number of carbs, proteins and fats – is specified for each dish allowing you to make an informed decision while personalising your plan to include your favourite from the provided options. Furthermore, you can also satisfy your sweet tooth by adding one of the healthy snack options or nutrition-loaded smoothies.

The company sources ingredients of the highest quality and its team of nearly 400 chefs cooks daily, enabling each subscriber to receive freshly prepared meals every morning. The delivery service is only available on weekdays, so it is perfect for office workers who may have weekend brunch or afternoon tea plans. n utritionkitchenhk.com

Eatology

Adhering to a tagline that reads, “Eat healthy, Live easy”, Eatology offers multiple diet plans, including the likes of Asian, Mediterranean, paleo and ketogenic. The brand prepares your ideal plan by collecting basic information like your height, weight, age, daily activity level, dietary choices and fitness goals that could be simply just to eat healthily or want to lose weight and build muscles. But, if you wish to seek advice from an expert first, you can always send the aforementioned details to the company’s in-house dietician who will be happy to discuss and guide you in finding the perfect meal plan for you.

Moreover, the meals also tempt foodies as they are designed by top chef Vincent Leroux, who previously worked at Michelin Guide restaurants. Thereby, every single Eatology plan, which is estimated to be HK$1800 for a five-day three meals-per-day plan, can be likened to the taste of eating in a fine-dining restaurant. High safety standards during preparation and delivery, and biodegradable packaging tick the right boxes, too. eatologyasia.com

Bain Marie

Those who are personally diligent about sustainability will favour Bain Marie for its determination to follow a zero-waste operation – only the exact quantity of food ordered is prepared and the cutlery provided can be washed and reused. Equally laudable is the use of fine, organic ingredients and the banishment of preservatives so you can devour a delicious meal guilt-free. Each meal comes with a variety of dishes and all packages allow you to try different cuisines.

Daily menus are decided by skilled dieticians based on your calorie requirements, depending on whether you need a low-calorie plan for losing weight or more to build and strengthen muscles, then cooked by a team led by chefs who have been part of Michelin-starred kitchens. A plan will typically cost anywhere between HK$1600 and HK1800 for a five-day plan. bainmariehk.com

Time and Tile: Mass manufacturing has not quite yet entirely replaced hand-made mah-jong sets

Ubiquitous throughout mainland China and Hong Kong, mahjong is a much-loved pastime for the young and the old. While walking through the streets of any Chinese city, town or village, the distinct rattling of mah-jong tiles will almost certainly be the unceasing soundtrack. Commonly requiring four players, mah-jong, as any true enthusiast will tell you, is a game of skill, strategy and luck.

The game typically played at such high-profile celebrations as Lunar New Year, has long been associated with the close ties between families and friends. Indeed, it is not unusual for those hosting weddings or birthday banquets to be presented with mahjong tables and sets by the management of their chosen venues.

Also Read: Mahjong Mania: How Mahjong Conquered Hong Kong and Then the World

Looking specifically at the game itself, there are 144 tiles in each mah-jong set, typically adorned with Chinese characters, dots, flowers or bamboo sticks. Before starting, players shuffle the tiles face down while seated around a square table. Each player then sets up a set of tiles, much like a hand of cards and, after that, until one forms a winning combination, players alternate between drawing and discarding tiles.

While, traditionally, mah-jong tiles were handmade, inferior, relatively inexpensive, machine-made versions are gradually becoming the norm. For those who had once painstakingly handcrafted the titles, their livelihoods are now being whittled away. Indeed, the art of hand-carving mah-jong tiles is now reserved for a small – and continually dwindling – number of ardent traditionalists.

Biu Kee Mah-Jong
One of Hong Kong’s few remaining mah-jong tile carvers and engravers operates from a stall by the neon-lit night markets situated between Jordan and Yau Ma Tei. Here, this venerable craftsman, Cheung Shun-king, etches Chinese characters onto a piece of acrylic, then flips the tile with one hand while holding a knife in the other in order to chop into it.

In an age where low-cost mass production is the norm, this is a disappearing craft. In fact, there may only be three or four carvers remaining in Hong Kong, according to the 70- year-old craftsman. By looking to pass on his skills to the next generation – within a 100- square-foot area under the stairs of an old-style shop-house – he is trying, perhaps in vain, to rekindle interest in the old way of doing things.

Expanding on the skills required, he says: “With hand-carved mah-jong tiles, when you look closely, you can see that each of them is different. This is because I carve them one after another, completing them one by one instead of using a mould.”

Since Cheung typically only carves at night, when he is not attending to customers or running errands, it takes him close to a week to complete one set. As part of the process, he carves the tiles, cleans them, and then paints them green, blue, and red. The final step is removing any excess dry paint. By comparison, a machine can churn out an identical, cookie-cutter set in less than an hour. According to the master, a full set of hand-carved tiles costs HK$5,500 (US$700), whereas their machine-produced counterparts sell for just HK$2,000.

Many of his clients purchase sets from him as mementoes and frequently ask for photos of him at work. Cheung, however, believes that this sudden uptick in interest may be but transitory, asserting that a recent wave of nostalgia accounts for much of the attention he is receiving.

Within his workshops, as a way of introducing his students to the technique of engraving the tiles, he is at pains to show them the right way to sit and the optimum way of handling a carving knife. Always ensuring he takes the time to instruct each person individually, he is unceasing in his commitment to passing on the skills required to render something quite so singularly beautiful with just a few artful strokes.

While he believes few will actually end up as expert carvers, he goes out of his way to ensure every participant goes home with a set they can be proud of.

Location: 26F Jordan Road, Jordan, Kowloon

Kam Fat Mahjong
One of the mah-jong tile carvers that suddenly found herself thrust into the limelight when the Hong Kong government designated the hand-carving of mah-jong tiles as part of the city’s intangible cultural heritage back in 2014 was Madam Ho Saumei. Today, she runs her family’s Kam Fat Mah-jong company out of a tiny store in Hung Hom.

Her father founded the Kam Fat Mahjong Shop in 1962, with the business functioning both as the site of his labour-intensive activity and as his family of six’s home. Now, Madam Mei honours her father by continuing with the family trade, apparently never tiring of utilising her skills to the full as she engraves Chinese characters and alters and paints patterns. She maintains that she values every piece she fashions, tirelessly working to ensure the individuality of each mah-jong tile, items she sees as making wonderful gifts for many of her customers’ nearest and dearest.

Location: 2A-4 Bulkeley St, Hung Hom

While technology has inevitably eroded – and, in some cases, almost eradicated – the elegant, handcrafting skills that so ably fashioned the most memorable mah-jong sets of yesteryear, thankfully there are still a few master craftspeople doing their very best to preserve the classic time-honoured techniques. Next time you are considering a heart-felt, hand-fashioned gift for someone you truly appreciate, perhaps this is one way you can do your bit to support them.

Pet Stops: Grooming salons for furred creatures accustomed to a lap of luxury

Hong Kongers are no slouches when it comes to dressing up their pets and giving them all the pampering they deserve, so it is not surprising that the city boasts a burgeoning number of bespoke pet-grooming establishments. The handful we profile here stand out because of the professionalism of their staff and the quality of their services.

Groomers are skilled at creating a stress-free environment for their four-legged clients by handling each animal with love and care. That way, pet parents can rest easy, without having to worry if their fur babies are in good hands – thus ensuring that a visit to the pet beauty salon is a pleasant experience for all.

On top of the expected wash, cut and style, pet grooming establishments also offer well-deserved spa treatments and other makeovers to glam up the coveted furry animals of owners wishing them to be noticed on their next day out together. They will stock a voguish collection of pet accessories and toys as well, so following a rigorous fur-care regime that will add an extra tinge of adorableness to your beloved pet, you can also pick a piece of jewellery to enhance their – and your – stylish appeal. It would certainly be a fashion walk on the way home.

As much as a dynamic wash and scrub followed by a haircut and nail clipping can make an animal more presentable, pet grooming is also essential for maintaining cleanliness at home.

Pet’s Lagoon

This grooming establishment in Mid-Levels is a pets’ favourite – according to owners who have commented that their dogs and cats found the services to be both comfortable and enjoyable.

In turn, pawrents have become regulars at Pet’s Lagoon, revisiting whenever it is time for their children to get a trim. They praise not only the services but the staff who are seen as amicable while also being professional. Each animal receives great care and the benefits of high-quality products. Even pets that have recently undergone surgery are reported to have experienced no discomforting moments during a grooming session here.

Pet’s Lagoon is open seven days a week, from 10 am to 8 pm, except on Mondays when they open at noon. More details are here.

Dogger

Don’t let the very obvious name that suggests a place exclusively devoted to dogs fool you, because, in addition to providing makeovers for canines, Dogger also caters to cats.

The pet beauty salon in Kennedy Town is in high demand among pet parents so it can be rather difficult to get an appointment. But rather than look elsewhere, owners will persist as they are confident in the quality of service their pets will receive. Well-trained staff are skilled in the art of washing and trimming furry friends, delivering a haircut that will make them the pride of the dog park. All pet carers here treat animals with genuine affection and gentleness, as if they were their own. In addition to grooming, Dogger offers a raft of other services such as dog training, pet immigration and daycare. It opens daily from 10 am to 8 pm. More details are here.

Paw Palace

It is not an exaggeration to call this place a palace because it treats pets like princes and princesses. The Causeway Bay-situated grooming spot elevates the typical wash, dry and trim grooming process into a more spa-oriented and boujee experience.

Beauty treatments such as Nanobubble Ozone Shampoo & Cut Course, Total Skin Care Hydrotherapy, Milk & Honey Hydrating Scrub, Deluxe Facial Care, and Ceramide Skin Barrier Hydrotherapy make all pawed beings feel truly pampered.

Paw Palace’s attention to hygiene is noteworthy, as is the staff’s ability to make the pets feel calm while effortlessly turning them out like they can win a beauty pageant. For a pet who enjoys the lap of luxury, this establishment is second to none. It opens from 10 am to 9 pm daily except Wednesday. More details are here.

(Text: Renuka Kennedy)

(Read the full article in the April 2023 issue (pg: 54). Available on the Gafencu app on Android and Apple.)

Mendfulness – How Repairing Luxury Goods Can Be Better Than Buying New Ones

This is in line with a general shift towards sustainability and mindful shopping, philosophies that maintain you should look after your purchases, making sure they fit well and are well maintained – especially when it comes to luxury items such as designer bags, shoes and accessories. Indeed, many of these items, have become an investment of sorts through the years with many consumers coming to appreciate the true value of these items – notwithstanding their value appreciating the older they get.

So it should come as no surprise to discover that bespoke repair shops catering to such luxury materials as leather, tweed and fur have proliferated throughout the city, including the three outlets investigated in this article. It’s not only about the quality of material and the time spent on creating the product that warrants a luxury price tag, it is also the assurance that such articles will withstand the usual wear and tear, as many believe that more expensive clothes are more cost-effective when taking into account the notion of “cost-per-wear”.

Also Read: Personalised Touch: Bespoke services for your wardrobe

Stylistic Handbag Company

Hong Kong’s very own Stylistic Handbag Company prides itself on repairing luxury goods you already own. With their expertise in handling delicate materials, such as leather, you may prolong the life of any favourite items, with the North Point-based experts showering your handbags with the tender loving care they deserve.

Their success story can be traced back to the year 1975 when they opened as a handbag. manufacturing company. Then, in the 80s and 90s, a time considered the leather goods manufacturing golden era, they seized the opportunity to refocus their business somewhat.

A successful business for more than 40 years now, this family-run repair shop promises to continue to provide bespoke services as it transitions to a new generation while maintaining the same skill set and quality of service.

stylistichandbag.com

Jeeves Hong Kong

The growing repair movement not only meets the growing interest in being more sustainable but also enables people to extend the lifespan of their favourite things. Thanks to Jeeves’ Hong Kong branch, it’s now easier for locals with a fondness for luxury items to designate Jeeves as their go-to repair shop. In line with this, the repairers believe that the upkeep of the clothing you already own is essential for maintaining a sustainable wardrobe.

The Jeeves philosophy is to extend the life cycle of clothing and luxury leather items, while part of their sustainability efforts is to use biodegradable packaging and recycled hangers while minimising the use of energy and consumables.

jeeves.com

The Groom

The Groom was the first in the city to introduce an automated shoe repair service back in 1975. Over the past 48 years, they have repaired more than one hundred thousand luxury shoes and handbags, including items produced by such well-known brands as Hermes, Chanel, Bottega Veneta, Gucci, Roger Vivier, Rupert Sanderson and Salvatore Ferragamo.

Dedicated to providing the highest quality traditional craftsmanship and material to its customers, materials such as outsoles and heels, as well as leather care and foot care products, are all imported from Europe. Their mission is to cater to their experienced and talented Repair Service Operators (RSOs) that specialise in repairing luxury goods such as prestige brands of shoes, handbags and other leather products.

thegroomshoesrepair.com

In hindsight, we should see aftercare as part of the whole product-buying experience. The items we already have are our most loved ones. Whether they hold a financial, functional or emotional value, we are all invested in everything we purchase, especially those items that are particularly expensive. Thankfully, there is now a whole array of local businesses whose ultimate goal is to have customers fall in love with their favourites all over again.

(Text: Joseff Musa)

Read the full version of the article in the February 2023 issue (pg: 44). Available on the Gafencu app on Android and Apple.

Trim Some – Top 4 High-end Hong Kong Chaps’ Haircutters

An essential part of the art of looking good is feeling good. In fact, if you don’t factor each of the elements in, you’re always going to score poorly by both metrics. It’s also true that you won’t feel good if you’re poorly groomed. While you can decant yourself into the snazziest of duds, if your skin is pallid and blotchy, your signature scent is distinctly Body O’Dour and, most especially, if your follicles are less artfully arranged than a blind man’s stamp album, you’re not going to be the belle of any ball.

While this particular requirement has long been something of a fetish among welloff, well-groomed women everywhere, the comparatively more uncoutured chaps have taken rather more convincing that floppy freerange fringes and conspicuously unmanaged manes really are now far from de rigueur. Latterly, however, more modish-minded men have taken on board the notion that they need to be a little more tonsorially on-trend if they are to truly shine in the chicest circles.

Thankfully, this belated barbering bloom has given rise to an ever-growing selection of superbly skilled stylists throughout Central Hong Kong, all of them committed to delivering quality coiffuring to the unsuitably hirsute. This, though, consists of far more than the standard issue short-back-and-sides of yesteryear. Instead, pate-conscious patrons can expect expert advice on exfoliation, masterful manipulation of moustache and beard architecture and tailored trims designed to bring out the very best in their luxuriant
locks or receding ringlets.

For those keen on a little stylish hair repair, here are five of the finest ‘trim some’ outlets Hong Kong has to offer.

The Handsome Factory

Recently named the best barbershop in the world by at least one publication, The Handsome Factory Barber Shop opened its doors in 2015, as its founders recognised the need for an authentic classic barbershop in downtown Hong Kong. From having just one barber back then, it now has a team of 25 and operates from six sites across Hong Kong – one each in Causeway Bay, Tsim Sha Tsui, Wan Chai and the IFC and two in Central. It is now, committed to continuing to expand its retinue of renowned razor-wielders, all of whom have to be cutting-edge clipper craftsmen (or women). As a testimony to its high-quality service, its famous clientele is said to currently include such well-groomed gents as professional boxer Jan Lamb, actor Philip Keung and athlete David Benjamin James.
handsomefactory.com

The Mandarin Barber

Located on the second floor of the Mandarin Oriental Hotel, The Mandarin Barber boasts a warm and intimate atmosphere, giving it an overall feel somewhat reminiscent of a private gentleman’s club. Its bespoke grooming services range from traditional shaving, waxing and facials to massages and haircuts.

It also offers a variety of lifestyle treatments for men, including its acclaimed Shanghainese Pedicure, courtesy of inhouse legend Master Ben Cheung. Should you prefer the privacy of a solitary shave and trim, meanwhile, a particularly luxurious VIP room has also been incorporated within the wider space.

For those with mini-me’s in tow, particularly recommended is the 30-minute Baby’s First Haircut service, which, as its name more than suggests, gives you the opportunity to enter with your heir apparent and exit with less hair apparent. Available from 9 am to 11 am every Sunday, this reservation-only service is a boon to every parent concerned that their little un’s first haircut should be both a joyous occasion and that their offspring’s curls should be the undoubted highlight of their kindergarten class group photo.
hongkong.mandarinorientalshop.com

The Beau Barbershop

Aiming to combine the finest English barbershop traditions with South Korea’s famous attention to detail, the Central-set Beau Barbershop prides itself on offering precision pampering services in a refined and exclusive city-of-London-meets-cityof- Seoul gentleman’s club vibe. The master barbers behind this bijou-barnet boutique are unashamed about their aspirations to create a uniquely relaxing environment that is a true respite and an undeniable refuge from the hustle and bustle of the city beyond its doors.

Endearingly, its team of highly-experienced barbers is on an avowed mission help to help all of their clients relax and make the best use of the extensive range of grooming services on offer, including haircuts, wet shaves and facial massages. These are all accompanied by a glass of Gin and Tonic or any other beverage – alcoholic or non – of their choice while enjoying their bespoke portfolio of services. Aside from this, the barbershop has also longstanding partnership with Bertie Cigars – one of Hong Kong’s leading suppliers of sumptuous ‘smokes’ – giving aptlyminded customers the facility to indulge in a delightful Habanos cigar or two before or after their appointments. Maybe during.

Providing a cosy grooming space for its discerning clients, the Beau team specialises in a diligent and unhurried style of barbering, one that puts considerable emphasise on lengthy pre-cut consultation, a consideration that is all too frequently overlooked in contemporary grooming circles.
thebeaubarbershop.com

South Coast Barber

A more recent addition to the high-end Hong Kong chap’s hair-cutting community, South Coast Barber is not the easiest establishment to find. Tucked away in a bijou nook just off Gage Street, somewhere between Sheung Wan and Central, its relative newness is reflected both in its slightly more down-toearth pricing structure and ready availability of appointments.

Eschewing the more formal and clubby overtones of some of its competitors, this soon-to-be-famous salon is notable for its younger, more fun vibe, attributes clearly evident among its relatively fresh-faced, but recognisably experienced, team of high-end hair cutters. While many come for a cut or a wet/ dry shave, others just seem to come and hang out, enjoying the clearly cool and laidback vibe of this aspirant gentlemen’s bespoke barbering emporium.
southcoastbarber.com

On normal days, these barbershops are open from 9 am to 9 pm. Each client is alloted an hour or two for barbering, and if they are feeling s little bit extra, an hour for a Mani and Pedi. They provide an experience where they can come in and just relax.

(Text: Joseff Musa)

Local shops bringing festival and merry cheer to the city

While Christmas might seem like the most abiding of holidays, with its traditions so time honoured as to be almost unassailable, the festival has, incrementally, changed over recent years. And in many subtle and not-so-subtle ways. The dawn of online communications has not been great news for disparate families, with brief avatar-ed appearances trumping jet lag, airline cuisine and compulsory Covid testing.

But all is not lost. There is still hope that tradition is returning to at least one aspect of all-things Christmas – gift-giving. While, not so long ago, Amazon and Esty had stealthily become the go-to providers of presents for loved ones both near and far, there’s been a distinct shift of late. Suddenly, it’s once again de rigueur to buy your presents and Christmas trinkets locally and in person. Thankfully, for those in Hong Kong, this is one challenge many of the local shops and assorted other outlets are more than up to meeting.

Flower Power
The Anglo-Chinese Florist started as a small flower boutique in 1946 at a location that couldn’t appear more apt – Lyndhurst Terrance in Central, a thoroughfare better known to many as “Flower Street”. Inevitably, as you near this ever-popular outlet, the fresh aroma of Christmas pine will help you find your way. It offers a huge selection of high-quality Christmas trees, as well as a fine array of wreaths and lights, with prices varying between HK$900-3,600.

Today, as part of its commitment to quality, the florist prides itself on importing only the freshest trees, plants and flowers from Holland, South Africa and New Zealand. In terms of its special Christmas offering, its services range from creating small, bespoke multi-candle centrepieces to decorating 10-feet-tall Christmas trees from scratch.

Festive Eats
Something special for the festive season is also promised by the Hong Kong-based food and beverage firm, The Pirata Group. As to just what makes its festive offer stand out from rivals, is its no reservations policy, meaning you’re always in with more than a chance of finding a table at one of its three outlets – Pici, The Pizza Project or Pane e Latte.

These three restaurants are big on holiday cheer and specialise in curated festive goodies that infuse the brand’s expertly prepared dishes and Italian treats with timeless holiday flavours. Make it a December to remember with one of their special festive goodies, with the Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer Pizza, a particular favourite.

Bread Ringers
Ali Oli is Hong Kong’s oldest European bakery, and with Christmas fast approaching, its festive menu includes turkeys sourced from Italy and Canada for those wanting to step away from cooking and just relax during the holiday. It also provides such Christmas classics as mince pies, stollen, pecan pie and pumpkin pie.

The 36-year-old bakery offers some of the highest quality European and Western baked products, which perhaps accounts for its enduring reputation for maintaining a hugely extensive and innovative product list.

Cake-out Artist
The perennially pastel-shaded pop-up store of the celebrity-beloved Vive Cake Boutique is opting to showcase its signature black sesame temptation and its complete collection of edible art, to a new range of wholly imaginative festive offerings.

The patisserie’s newest creation, the four-tier Prince Sesame Cake, is a must for lovers of nutty and slightly bitter-sweet sensations. Since 2014, the bakery has been known as the crème de la crème among Hong Kong’s bespoke dessert-makers and, as result, has accrued an enviable celebrity client list.

Claus Encounters
For four days only, The Murray Christmas Market is morphing into pretty much the perfect destination for any last-minute Christmas shopping. This will see the five star hotel transform into a marketplace full of all things Christmassy, with a vast array of festive lifestyle products, including food and wine, jewellery, clothing and more.

As if that wasn’t enough, the celebrity mystery guest Santa will be travelling from The North Pole to Hong Kong for photo opportunities and Claus encounters with young revellers, to complete this wonderful and festive experience.

(Text: Joseff Musa)