Race to RWC Hosts an Evening of Chairty Inside the Kerry Hotel
Last week, the Race to RWC Gala took place inside The Kerry Hotel, where guests took part in a night of celebration as cyclists Ron Rutland and James Owen arrived to Hong Kong as part of their quest to cycle from Twickenham, United Kingdom to Tokyo, Japan. The initiative – Race to the Rugby World Cup (RWC) – was founded earlier this year as an unique awareness campaign to raise funding for ChildFund’s, Pass It Back program which seeks to help disadvantaged children in Asia who may not otherwise have the opportunity to take part in and learn the vital life skills that can be gained from the sport of rugby.
Together guests helped contribute to the EUR€40,000 (HK$347,996) that have already been raised throughout the 231-day journey that is set to finish in Tokyo on Thursday, September 19.
Notable guests and sport legends such as former Manchester United player Denni Irwin, DHL Rugby ambassador Sir John Kirwan, former England Sevens captain Rob Vickermand and current Australian Sevens player and ChildFund ambassador Charolette Caslick were all in attendance.
To learn more about the Race to RWC one can visit the initiative’s website here.
World-class travel accessories at new Montblanc Travel Pop-up Store
Three decades ago, Montblanc, the rightly-renowned German manufacturer of luxury watches, writing implements and accessories, opened its first boutique in the world. Thirty years on, the marque chose to celebrate this milestone moment by launching a special Travel Pop-up Store at Admiralty’s Pacific Place mall last Thursday.
A select group of VIP guests were invited for an exclusive cocktail affair on the inaugural night, where a versatile array of high-end travel accessories was on display for guests to peruse against the musical backdrop provided by DJ Mistrezz C. Dedicated to helping well-heeled jetsetters #reconnect2theworld, key items among the exhibition include the triumphant return of such iconic designs as the #MY4810 Trolley, the Sartorial Jet and the Montblanc Extreme 2.0 collections.
Also debuting at the Travel Pop-up Store, meanwhile, is the latest Montblanc Meisterstück Soft Grain Mix Tapes Capsule Collection. Inspired by the ’80s – a decade rife of experimentation and cultural disruption – its retro cassette tape designs evoke a heady sense of nostalgia while still maintaining a wholly contemporary flair. Crafted from the highest-quality leather, the line ranges from the small (think wallets and card holders) to more sizeable clutches and backpacks.
The true gem of the walk-in Montblanc exhibition, though, is undeniably the dazzlingly avant-garde graffittied wall sculpture created by German street art artist Marc Jung. Crafted entirely from the brand’s iconic #MY4810 Trolleys, the massive six-trolley-high artwork display is earmarked for auction later this year, with proceeds earmarked for charity.
For any urban travellers keen to explore these latest offerings, the Montblanc Travel Pop-up Store will run until Tuesday, 3 September. Lucky visitors will also be afforded the opportunity to spray-paint their own memento, exploring the venue’s enticing city map-themed displays.
Beauty bonanza as DFS’ First Class Beauty campaign takes off
The sixth edition of DFS Group’s annual First Class Beauty campaign kicked off in true style at T Galleria Beauty by DFS, Causeway Bay.
Fashionistas, style icons and beauty queens thronged to the venue to explore the latest assortment of makeup, skincare and fragrances from over 40 premium brands. The venue was transformed into a veritable “beauty disco” as Hong Kong’s crème de la crème indulged in such beauty-themed entertainment as glitter hairstyling and eye makeup application. Some also tried their hand at the beauty workshop where guests were taught how to make their own personalised makeup and skincare kits. Check out the exclusive footage from the event.
An evening of celebration for the LGBTQI+ community at the luxurious St. Regis
This Wednesday, 7 August, within the luxurious St. Regis, Hong Kong Marriage Equality – a campaign led by businesswoman, philanthropist and activist Gigi Chao – announced its new community outreach programs and activities for Hong Kong.
Leading the cause for legalising same-sex marriage in the city, the organisation was founded earlier this year in May and consists of LGBTQI+ activists and allies. As a community-focused initiative, HKME strives to be a non-partisan social movement that focusses on equality.
Among those present were celebrity guests such as former chairman of Tung Wah Group of Hospitals Vinci Wong, William Tang and singer Joyce Cheng who delighted the crowd with her beautiful singing of the song Black Rainbow which was written in support of the LGBTQI+ community.
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Those who wish to learn more about Hong Kong Marriage Equality and its campaign can visit their website here.
Harvey Nichols Beyond Beauty Unveils Beauty Excellence 2019 award
Last week luxury department store Harvey Nichols recognised Wu Assassins stars Byron Mann and JuJu Chan with the Beyond Beauty Excellence Award – just in time to celebrate the upcoming premiere of the Netflix series which is set to premiere this Thursday, 8 August.
Offering a unique retail concept within Harvey Nichols’ beauty department, Beyond Beauty operates a boutique with offerings from over 100 niche brands. Guests including Edwin Pun, Natalie Tan and Yijia Tiong were able to browse the organic lines, doctor endorsed and dermatologist created labels.
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Beacons of Hope: The Rolex Awards for Enterprise 2019’s five newest Laureates
Legendary watchmaker Rolex recently took over the iconic Smithsonian American Art Museum in Washington DC for a truly special event – the awards ceremony announcing the five newest recipients of its biennial Rolex Awards for Enterprise. Launched in 1976, the awards were designed to foster the spirit of enterprise in worthy causes ranging from protecting and cultivating the environment and humanity’s cultural heritage to advancing human knowledge and well-being.
Rolex Awards for Enterprise 2019 Laureates (from left): Brian Gitta, Krithi Karanth, Grégoire Courtine, Miranda Wang and João Campos-Silva
In line with the haute horology house’s long-standing commitment to preserving the world around us, the Rolex Awards will now stand as a central pillar in its newly-announced Perpetual Planet campaign, a project aimed at supporting key individuals and organisations worldwide in creating solutions to the world’s myriad environmental challenges.
As recipients of the 2019 Rolex Awards for Enterprise, the five new Laureates not only received considerable funding for their various humanitarian and conservation projects as well as a global platform from which to promote their causes, but also walked away with a Rolex chronometer of their very own.
“These are not achievement awards,” proclaimed Rebecca Irvin, Rolex’s head of philanthropy, “They are awards for people who are on the verge of doing something really important.”
WINNERS OF THE 2019 ROLEX AWARDS FOR ENTERPRISE
Miranda Wang
Canadian molecular biologist Miranda Wang has been passionate about solving the plastic waste problem since her school days. Her company, BioCellection, has developed a groundbreaking process that transforms unrecyclable single-use plastics into valuable chemicals for the manufacturing industry. Demonstrably proven to have the same quality as products made from virgin oil, her process also notably reduces carbon dioxide emissions that would result from plastics being dumped or burned.
Next, Wang hopes to develop a fully commercial processing plant utilising this innovative method, a move she predicts will recycle 45,000 tonnes of plastic waste by 2023, thereby eliminating 320,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions.
Grégoire Courtine
French medical scientist Grégoire Courtine has found a solution to help paralysed individuals walk again via an innovative, minimally-invasive treatment that implants an electronic “bridge” implanted between the brain and the spine. Through wireless technology, the neuroprosthetic bridge can restore immediate voluntary control over leg muscles, and has successfully rehabilitated several patients.
Courtine will now embark on a new clinical trial with three paralysed patients, one that will implant a newly-upgraded brain-spine bridge to allow independent control of the neural signals without use of external technology. If successful, it could be expanded to treat other sufferers of spinal-cord paralysis.
Krithi Karanth
Violent clashes between India’s rural farmers and native wildlife populations are all too common. Clashes over limited resources and space often result in damages and death on both sides – including those of endangered tigers, elephants and leopards. While the Indian government does provide compensation, many remain unaware of this provision. That’s where conservation scientist Krithi Karanth comes in. Her approach to mitigating human-wildlife tension is to help those affected – especially the illiterate – in filing for compensation. She has also implemented educational initiatives to increase awareness among the next generation.
Now, she wants to expand her programme to three more national parks and 1,000 more villages, using mobile technology to identify conflict hotspots, and field-test anti-wildlife measures to keep people and their livestock safer.
Brian Gitta
Over 220 million people suffer from malaria each year, resulting in nearly 500,000 fatalities. It’s a tragedy made sadder by the reality that malaria is curable disease if diagnosed promptly. That is the aim of Ugandan IT specialist, Brian Gitta. Current tests require a blood sample, equipment and a trained technician. However, Gitta’s team has developed the Matiscope portable electronic device, capable of bloodlessly diagnosing malaria in under two minutes by detecting any magnetic residue in the blood shed by the malaria parasite.
Gitta now hopes to improve the Matiscope’s diagnostic accuracy to at least 90 percent, while also convincing medical professionals and patients that his non-invasive technology is a cheaper and more efficient means of testing, one that could transform Africa’s war against malaria.
João Campos-Silva
The world’s largest scaled freshwater fish – the giant arapaima – is on the brink of extinction. Long a staple food source to native Amazonians, overfishing, habitat fragmentation and other human impacts have decimated its population. However, Brazilian fisheries biologist João Campos-Silva is determined to reverse this process, while also helping increase quality of life for the indigenous human inhabitants. To that end, he has partnered with locals to foster careful fishery management practices that have yielded an amazing 30-fold increase in arapaima numbers.
Now, Campos-Silva hopes to upscale his model of wildlife conservation to a 2,000km stretch of the Juruá River, a southern tributary of the Amazon River, while also improving the lives of the 60 communities inhabiting that area.
Text: Tenzing Thondup
August Events: A round-up of the can’t-miss happenings in HK this month
From renowned musical acts like American Football and the Chainsmokers to comedian Trevor Noah, here are the hottest August events happening in Hong Kong…
1 Aug
Clockenflap Presents: American Football
In a bid to build up momentum for the 12th Clockenflap Festival later this year, the event’s organisers have ensured that Hong Kong is suitably soundtracked all summer long, with emo math rock wonders American Football next up to do the honours. The Illinois-based trio-turned-quartet Clockenflap Presents: American Football originally hit the big time back in 1997 and, following a decade-plus hiatus, are now back to rocking out and keeping their many fans happy with such post-emo delights as American Football House and LP3. This Town Needs, 6 Shung Shun St, Yau Tong. HK$390. ticketflap.com
3-4 Aug
PAW Patrol Live! “The Great Pirate Adventure”
With back-to-school season inching ever closer, you may want to give the kids one last hurrah before dispatching them back to the groves of Academe – and what hurrah could be grander than PAW Patrol Live! “The Great Pirate Adventure”, a 75-minute live-action event inspired by the ever-popular children’s toys of the same name. Ready yourself for squeals of pure delight from your enthralled kiddiewinks as the Paw Patrol sets out to rescue Cap’n Turbot from a mysterious dark cavern, with their assistance almost certain to be called upon. KITEC, 1 Trademark Dr, Kowloon Bay. HK$280–680. premier.hkticketing.com
15 Aug
Hungry Ghost Festival
In a city with as rich and diverse a food culture as Hong Kong, it’s no wonder that even death does little to diminish the appetites of its residents, with these post-funeral foodies’ passions for partaking celebrated every year in the form of the Hungry Ghost Festival (Yu Lan for the Cantonese conversant). Forever falling on the 15th day of the seventh lunar month, the festival springs from a local legend that maintains that restless spirits roam the earth on that particular day. In order to escape the wrath of these gallivanting ghouls, it is customary to offer gifts of food and other diverting trinkets. To be on the safe side, have a little demonic dim sum about your person at all times. Locations vary. discoverhongkong.com
15–19 Aug
HKTDC Food Expo 2019
It is surely no coincidence that Hong Kong’s annual mega-cuisinathon – the HKTDC Food Expo – opens its doors on the very same day that carb-deprived corpses and hungry hellspawn are said to roam the city. As ever, the four-day gourmet gala will welcome a vast array of international epicureanminded exhibitors, with this year’s event featuring more than 1,500 victuals vendors from all around the world. With last year’s event said to have attracted in excess of 500,000 visitors, it’s probably wise to pop in early lest you be cheated of your chance to savour such delights as Columbia’s premier coffee beans, Malaysia’s finest fish curry powder and New Zealand’s hottest honey products. Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, 1 Expo Dr, Wan Chai. hkfoodexpo.hktdc.com
16 Aug
Shinywinds in Central 2019
Determined to get the party started and to heat up the harbourside action at this month’s SummerFest is Shinywinds, the hugely successful local orchestra. Established in 2008 as a way for Hong Kong students, past and present, to come together and share their musical prowess, the orchestra is now something of a local institution. This three-hour-long outdoor concert is the perfect opportunity to find out just why it is so popular, as well as the ideal excuse to while away the afternoon to the accompaniment of a host of top tunes and a bevvy or two. Central Harbourfront, 9 Lung Wo Rd, Central. summerfest-centralharbourfront.hk
16–20 Aug
Hong Kong International Egyptian Folklore and Oriental Dance Festival
With belly dancing’s popularity at an all-time high for both participants and sundry-motived spectators, the Hong Kong International Egyptian Folklore and Oriental Dance Festival is undoubtedly a can’t-miss event for those keen to learn a thing or two about this ancient art form. For three terpsichorean-themed days on the trot, the festival will be full to the brim with fiercely-fought dance competitions and wiggle-your-hips workshops, giving Hongkongers of all ages the opportunity to learn a little about the history and culture of this semi-athletic, highly-erotic form of entertainment. The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, 1 Gloucester Rd, Wan Chai. HK$350–600. maxwelldancing.com
21 Aug
Trevor Noah Loud & Clear Tour 2019
Acclaimed South African comedian turned- host of The Daily Show, Trevor Noah is making his Hong Kong debut this month, no doubt much to the delight of the city’s many giggling gig-goers. Aside from his weekly slot at Comedy Central, the funny-man also found time to write Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood and to star in two Netflix specials, where he turned his attention to such topics as race, immigration and, of course, life in Trump’s America. Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, 1 Expo Dr, Wan Chai. HK$588–1,088. premier.hkticketing.com
23 Aug
The Chainsmokers Live in Hong Kong
World War Joy, the latest critically lauded,continent-spanning tour by The Chainsmokers, the celebrated US DJ duo, wends its way into Hong Kong later this month. Undisputed champions of the Billboard charts, the tunesome twosome have enjoyed a seemingly unstoppable run of electropop hits – the likes of Closer and Don’t Let Me Down to name but two – and are returning to the city by popular demand after wowing concertgoers with a truly sensational gig last year. This time around, they are set to give the city’s restless ravers all the beats they need to carry them well into the night and on to the early morning. AsiaWorld-Expo, Airport Expo Blvd, Chek Lap Kok. HK$588–1,088.premier.hkticketing.com
31 Aug
Angels Zumbathon 2019
If staying active for the sake of your health wasn’t enough to motivate you to don your lycra athleisure gear, perhaps the chance to raise funds for much-needed afterschool and counselling programmes for the children of Po Leung Kuk will prove the added incentive you need to sign up for this year’s Angels Zumbathon. It’s a high-energy dance event that has grown every year – starting off with just 50 participants seven years ago and set to
have more than 500 this time around. Not only is it a day packed to the gunwales with goodwill, it’s also a chance to work out with some of Hong Kong’s finest Zumba instructors, including George Lu, Rachel Fok and JC Ferron. Hong Kong Football Club, 2 Sports Rd, Happy Valley. HK$450. angels-for-children.org/events
Preview: Watch Art Grand Exhibition Singapore 2019 by Patek Philippe
After four hugely-successful instalments – Dubai (2012), Munich (2013), London (2015) and New York (2017) – renowned Swiss watchmaker Patek Philippe is bring its world-famous Watch Art Grand Exhibition to Singapore later this year. For two weeks from 28 September until 13 October, haute horology enthusiasts, collectors and industry insiders will be treated to a wholly immersive experience in the world of Patek Philippe.
Set to be hosted at the Marina Bay Sands Theatre, the enormous 1,800sq.m showcase will offer 10 uniquely-themed rooms, each highlighting a specific aspect of the watchmaker’s oeuvre and legacy. Lucky attendees will be able to admire the marque’s entire current collection, discover its exciting range of precision-engineered movements or even attend live demonstrations of special craftsmanship techniques such as enamel painting.
One particular attraction of the Watch Art Exhibition Singapore 2019 will be a carefully-curated selection of timekeeping mementos transported from the Patek Philippe Museum in Geneva especially for the occasion. Split into two sections, the “Antique Collection” will provide a walk through the history of watchmaking, ranging from the first portable timepieces from the 16th century and enamelled pocket watches to stunningly intricate musical automata creations. The “Patek Philippe Collection”, meanwhile, will showcase a series of the manufacture’s most iconic creations from 1839 to present day, including a piece presented to Queen Victoria in 1851 and the first Swiss wristwatch circa 1868.
Specially scheduled to coincide with Singapore’s bicentennial, the Watch Art Exhibition Singapore 2019 will also include a dedicated Singapore 200th Anniversary room, which will highlight select timepieces alongside major milestones from both Patek Philippe and Singapore’s own history. With a series of limited-edition new watches also set to be unveiled during the exhibition, the event truly emphasises the importance of Singapore and the South East Asia region as key markets for Patek.
Holic Homes: Holic celebrates new store with Grand Opening Party
HolicFurniture and Interior Styling marked the grand opening of its brand-new shop on Sheung Wan’s Hollywood Road with an equally grand celebration. The intimate gathering saw attendees treated to a first-hand glimpse of the brand’s extensive and stylish catalogue of home decor options. Known for its avant-garde approach, the concept store mixes contemporary furniture with vintage pieces, making each one of their projects unique, and, of course, timeless.
As guests perused the unique designs on display, their experience was also complemented with top-quality brews from Zuco Coffee Roasters, the award-winning local coffee brewers, to ensure the evening ended on a truly high note.
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Jacob & Co. hosts Magnificent Timepieces & Jewels Exhibition
Jacob Arabo, founder of Jacob & Co.
Over the course of three days this past weekend, Jacob & Co., the renowned crafter of haute joaillerie and high-end watches, took over The Peninsula Hotel’s Peninsula Suite to host its Magnificent Timepieces & Jewels Exhibition. The unique showcase highlighted the opulent designs that are the crème de la crème of Jacob & Co’s current catalogue.
Founded in 1986 by genius designer Jacob Arabo, the brand’s stunning gemstone designs and outré chronograms have long found favour with discerning collectors the world over. At the event, we sat with the man himself to find out more about Jacob & Co. and its unique legacy. Check out the video below to see the full interview.
