Category: Gallery

CATS is back to purr-form in Hong Kong this January

CATS returns to Hong Kong after a successful prowl around the world. Indeed, as one the world’s most beloved, longest-running musical, CATS has always been a roaring success since its premiere at the New London Theatre in 1981 where it ran for 21 record-breaking years. 9000 performances, 81 million viewers and several accolades later, Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber’s award-winning musical has again set the thespian world purring with pleasure with its reappearance in Hong Kong this January. Playing at Lyric Theatre, Hong Kong Academy of Fine Arts, the show will run till 11 February.

Speaking at an exclusive media preview of the musical, producer David Ian says, “I am absolutely delighted that the revival production of CATS has received such a warm welcome in Hong Kong. Once again, this stunning creation will delight a new generation of theatre fans. It’s time to let the memory live again!”

But how is this world of feline perfection created? Gafencu went backstage to explore. We spoke to actor John Brannoch, who plays the pivotal character Rum Tum Tugger, to understand the process better. According to John, “It takes months of rigorous physical training and stamina-building exercises to replicate the natural grace of cats. We’d spend many hours just crawling around on the studio floor on all fours. At the beginning, you do feel a bit ridiculous, but our director encouraged us to be fearless and to improvise.”

And it is not just the actors who have to go through such rigourous preparation. From the larger-than-life sets designed by acclaimed designer John Napier to elaborate handmade costumes and masks, every aspect of this show is overwhelming in magnitude and painstaking in details.

It is safe to say that Andrew Lloyd Webber’s orchestra, Trevor Nunn’s direction and Gillian Lynne’s choreography not only bring to life T. S. Eliot’s Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats (on which CATS is based), but firmly places it as an undisputed masterpiece of the theatrical world.

Tickets are available here.

Text: Suchetana Mukhopadhyay

Miss Jewelry Hong Kong pageant dazzles in its fifth edition

Hong Kong Manufacturer’s Jewelry Association (HKJMA) recently hosted the fifth Miss Jewelry Hong Kong pageant at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre Convention Hall. Held every two years, the pageant invites models with jewellery knowledge and self-confidence to be ambassadors of Hong Kong’s thriving jewellery industry.

This year, the theme of the pageant was ‘Dream with Hope’ – a theme that carries the message of positive aspirations. The dream did come true for Kimmy Low of Malaysia who was crowned the winner from all the contestants who came from Hong Kong, China, Taiwan, Malaysia and Canada.

Jessica Fong, chairperson of the fifth edition of the pageant, spoke about the objective of the event, “Hong Kong is an international city which, at the same time, carries the heritage of rich Chinese tradition. That’s why Hong Kong’s jewellery designers can mix the best of two worlds to produce outstanding designs with international vision. We organise Miss Jewelry Hong Kong pageant every two years to promote Hong Kong’s jewellery industry through these beautiful and confident models.”

The event was attended by Miss Hong Kong Kate Tsui, celebrity makeup artist Gary Chung, evening gown designer Kev Yiu, actress Ankie Beilke and top models like Mikki Yao, Bobo Li and Zoey Sham.

Photo: HKJMA

Gaggenau’s climate-controlled wine cabinet gets a nod from champagne expert Richard Juhlin

German home appliances manufacturer Gaggenau recently has introduced a wine climate-control cabinet called Vario Cooling 400 series at the Kitchen Infinity Cubus showroom in Causeway Bay. The Vario Cooling 400 series simulates the conditions of wine cellars in a temperate country with its separately regulated climate zones where temperate, light and humidity can be controlled.

For the occasion, Gaggenau invited the world’s leading champagne maestro Richard Juhlin – famous for his precise blind-tasting skills – to emphasize the importance of proper storage for wine. According to Juhlin, Gaggenau’s latest offering is perfect for humid, tropical places like Hong Kong, as the moisture and the heat can completely tamper with the tastes of the best wines.

He also talked about a number of other factors that are crucial in bringing out the maximum flavours from a meticulously brewed bottle. Not only is it important to buy the best vintages, it is equally important to store them under proper conditions (the optimum temperature being 7 – 9 degree Celsius), use the right glasses, apply proper pouring techniques and have the right food pairings.

At the event, Richard shared his views on champagne storage and unveiled his new book Champagne Hiking – The 100 Best Champagne Locations in the World.

Photos: Gigi Ip and Kitchen Infinity

Fendi ropes in designer Chiara Andreatti for 10th edition of Design Miami

Fendi celebrated the 10th edition of Design Miami with the concept of ‘good living’ – an open living space called ‘Welcome!’ by Milan-based designer Chiara Andreatti.

Chiara believes that the living room of any household to be its most special space. To create a space that is at once open and intimate, she has drawn from her Italian heritage. Through a wide range of handcrafted and natural materials, she pays homage to Fendi’s most famous icons, including Cuoio Romano, Punto Selleria, Lace Up and Pequin.

Chiara chooses soft hues and natural elements to create a living, breathing open space. Neutral browns with a pop of yellow and a dash of green hanging from the vertical flower pot lamp add freshness to the room.

It’s the details that speak volumes of the sophisticated craftsmanship that pays homage to Fendi’s iconic designs at every turn. While the coffee table evokes the pattern of the famous Astuccio fur, the Roman leather cushions on the rocking chair sport Fendi’s characteristic ochre-yellow.

A couple of walnut-coloured wooden chairs resembling exotic thrones add a quirky element to the space.

French artist Invader attacks Harbour City with street art for a good cause

Have you noticed some quirky mosaic artwork on the walls of Harbour City recently? If you are wondering who’s behind this, we’re here to unravel the mystery!

Iconic French street artist Invader has hit Hong Kong with a new series of 32 impressive artworks. He recently invaded Harbour City installing 18 of his art pieces on prominent locations around the mall. His signature piece Space Invader is one of the most eye-catching installations. Other pieces like Anchor, Mermaid and Emojis match the theme of Harbour City.

What makes this collaboration so unique is that this is the first time that the iconoclastic artist is pairing up with a shopping mall for a charity fundraiser. For the occasion, he has designed a limited-edition umbrella printed with the same mosaic Anchor pattern that is displayed at the Ocean Terminal Rooftop Carpark.

Harbour City x Invader Limited Edition Umbrella – Charity Redemption Details

Date: 18 December 2017 – 11 February 2018
Time: 12noon – 8pm
Location: Level 3, Ocean Centre, Harbour City (near OC312, Leonidas)

Participation Method:

  1. Upload three photos of Invader’s mosaic artworks in Hong Kong or elsewhere on personal Facebook or Instagram account; hashtag #harbourcity & #hcart; and @harbourcity (at least one of the photos must be a self-portrait taken with the mosaic artwork at Harbour City)
  2. Present the related post and personal ID proof for verification, with simple registration and onsite donation of HK$200 to “Hong Kong Blood Cancer Foundation” to redeem one umbrella.

*Each person can redeem one umbrella throughout the whole redemption period only. Quota applies on a first-come-first-served basis while stock lasts.

More details on http://www.harbourcity.com.hk.

Longines International Jockey Championship celebrates the spirit of horseracing

Swiss watchmaker Longines recently supported the Longines International Jockey Championship at Hong Kong as the Title Partner and the Official Timekeeper for the sixth consecutive year. Happy Valley racecourse, at the heart of Hong Kong, served as a fitting venue for the nail-biting races.

Considered to be one of the highlights of the international horseracing year, Longines Hong Kong International Races featured four Group 1 races:  the Longines Hong Kong Vase, the Longines Hong Kong Sprint, the Longines Hong Kong Mile and the LONGINES Hong Kong Cup.

After some intense sportsmanship, Zac Purton, who rode the Time Warp, was crowned the champion for 2017. Australia’s Hugh Bowman was awarded the 2017 Longines World’s Best Jockey award for dominating the horseracing field for most of the season.

Brand ambassador and popular Taiwanese actor Eddie Peng and Hong Kong actress Natalie Tong came to show their support to the brand. The watchmaker also introduced its new Record collection at the venue.

Corum throws watch appreciation party for the launch of its Golden Bridge ladies’ watch

Swiss watchmaker Corum recently hosted the “Golden Bridge of Love” Watch Appreciation Party to celebrate the launch of its Corum Lady Golden Bridge Round 39mm at Jinjuu in Lan Kwai Fong.

The Golden Bridge Round focuses on a fine balance between shape, materials and functionality, following the design codes of Art Deco Movement. Featuring a round case adorned with diamonds and colourful straps in golden, red, pink, blue and green, the watch is a looker as well as a performer.

To accentuate the colourful aspect of the watch, the venue was decorated in matching colours. A slew of celebrities, socialites and watch connoisseurs showed up to support their favourite brand. Of them, the most notable were renowned actors Jason Chan and Sarah Song, models Ana R and Krissi Cristina, socialites Ava Yu, Amanda Lui, Gigi Ho and Lily Ho.

A large number of the guests attended in golden attires to echo the party’s theme. The “Best Dressed Award” went to Amanda Lui, who was presented a Corum ladies’ watch by Soon Boon Chong, Asia Brand Director of Montre Corum Sarl.

Usher in the New Year with the hottest parties and the most decadent dinners in town

Forêt noire at LE PAN

The last evening of the year has to be the best, right? Be it an intimate dinner with a special someone or pub-hopping with your BFFs, whatever be your choice, we have for you a carefully selected list of the best parties and the most opulent dinners in town this New Year’s Eve.

 NYE Fireworks and Dinner at LE PAN

Kowloon Bay’s hottest French restaurant LE PAN introduces a special six-course dinner for New Year’s Eve, specially curated by internationally acclaimed chef Edward Voon. With dishes like forêt noire and Périgord winter truffle with foie gras de canard, the last hours of 2017 are bound to be special. Le PAN has also arranged for a special rooftop countdown with fireworks and champagne to usher in the New Year in style! Prices are at HK$2,800 per person without alcohol and HK$4,800 per person with wine pairings. 

Call 3188 2355 for reservations.

View from Aqua Spirit

Black and White Party at Aqua Spirit

Located on the 29th and 30th floor of One Peking Road in TST, Aqua Spirit boasts one of the highest panoramic viewpoints in the city. To welcome the New Year, the super-chic bar presents the Black and White Party. Guests can capture the best scenes of New Year’s spectacular fireworks over Victoria Harbour while sipping on a glass of Dom Pérignon. Sushi and canapés from the Japanese and Italian kitchens will be served till the wee hours of the morning. Early-bird tickets are priced at HKD $550 per person and table prices start at HK$4000 for two people.

Tickets are available at https://nyeaqua.eventbrite.hk.  

Masquerade party at Armani/Privé

Carnevale di Venezia at Armani/Privé

Armani/Privé, Central’s most stylish roof terrace, presents a Venetian masquerade party on New Year’s Eve from 10pm to 1am. Titled Carnevale di Venezia, it invites guests to embrace the mystique spirit of Venice with live dancers and exhilarating music by DJ Maarten Goetheer. Early-bird tickets are priced at HK$888 and include a three-hour long access to an open bar. Entry tickets purchased after 25 December will priced at HK$988.

Tickets are available at alivenotdead.com/events/nye.

Cadoret oysters at Fishsteria

Le Grand Bleu NYE Party at Fishsteria

For seafood lovers, Fishsteria offers an opulent feast of free-flow Cadoret oysters, La Maison Nordique caviar, Feyel foie gras, their signature lobster macaroni, scallop and black truffle carpaccio, salt-baked sea bass and more. Also on offer are a bevy of alcoholic drinks like Ayala champagnes, wines by Chanson and Handpicked, Sabatini gin cocktails, etc. The restaurant has also organised some special acrobatic performance to keep guests entertained on the special night. Phase 2 tickets are now available till 24 December and are priced at HK$888 per person. Phase 3 tickets will be available from 25 December and will be priced at HK$1300.

Tickets are available at https://pelago.events/.

Seared salmon at Le Bistro Winebeast

Le Bistro Winebeast

Those looking for an intimate dinner this New Year’s Eve, Le Bistro Winebeast, a quaint French restaurant tucked away in a corner of Wan Chai may just be the thing. Thanks to Chef Johan Ducroquet’s attention to details, Le Bistro Winebeast brings the most authentic French gastronomic experience to diners from 26 to 31 December. Highlights of the New Year’s Eve 5-course menu include Marinated Salmon, Griddle-Grilled Scallop, French Duck Fillet and more. Prices are at HK$588 per person and HK$200 more for wine pairings.

For bookings, call 2782 6689.

Text: Suchetana Mukhopadhyay

 

All-new BMW X3 launches in Hong Kong with much fanfare

BMW recently added to its X series in Hong Kong with the launch of BMW X3 at Kerry Hotel. The models revealed were X3 xDrive30i xLine, X3 M40i and X3 xDrive30i Luxury.

The most iconic model of the night was the X3 M401, which is the first M performance model in the BMW X3 series. Equipped with a 3.0-litre 6-cylinder inline engine, its acceleration rate from 0 to 100km/hr at 4.8 seconds is a best-in-class feature.

Prominent personalities including Dieter Lamlé, German Consulate General; Kevin Coon, VP of BMW Group Importer Office, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan; and Joseph Lau, Managing Director, Hong Kong and Macau of BMW Concessionaires were the honoured guests for the unveiling and toasting ceremony.

Celebrities Louis Cheung and Scarlett Wong hosted the event that saw a footfall of more than 500 guests.

Christmas party décor: Easy-peasy DIY tips to jazz up your house party this festive season

 

Christmas parties are fun to plan, but they come with their share of worries. While seasoned hosts and hostesses may be splitting hair about what to do differently this year, first-time party planners may be fretting over the finer details.

But whether you’re a novice or an expert at throwing parties, there’s one thing everyone will agree on: the best parties are the ones with a personal touch!

So unleash your inner artist and let your imagination run wild this Christmas. Anything from a paper cup to a Totoro soft toy can be an inspiration. We visited artist and socialite Monica Mok’s three-storied plush pad in Deep Water Bay to get ideas for Christmas party décor and were blown away by her creativity in turning everyday knickknacks into festive accessories. Check out some of the easy DIY tips that she shared with us.

Photos: Gigi Ip