Tracking the 54-year legacy of Princess Yachts, and spotlighting its latest creations

For over half a century, luxury yacht maker Princess Yachts has delighted the world’s discerning seafarers with some of the most sumptuous, innovative vessels to grace its oceans. Now, having just launched the new Y85 Flagship Flybridge Motor Yacht and on the eve of the unveiling of its all-new X95 Superfly flagship model in January, Gafencu chats with Kiran Jay Haslam, the brand’s Marketing Director, about its long history and the secrets behind its continued success.

Tell us about Princess Yachts and what sets it apart from competitor brands.

Princess was founded in 1965, and in our 54-year history we have remained true to our mantra of “Crafted in Plymouth, England” – that makes us extremely unique, not just in the world of luxury yachts, but in manufacturing as well, as we still go from raw material to finished yachts on our premises here in the South West of England. We have 3200 full time employees designing, building and delivering our yachts in over 103 countries across the globe, and since the company was founded we have manufactured over 17,800 yachts. Our detail oriented and sophisticated design processes are leading in the luxury yacht sector.

How has the luxury yachting industry evolved over the past decade? What new features are customers looking for?

Customers are always after luxury – and for us that is defined as design simplicity and a level of relaxation and comfort that is second to none. It is quite complicated to design something that is simple – and quite simple to design something that is complicated! So we see more customers looking for that design simplicity. The truly revolutionary change is coming, however, as never before have we had so many customers expressing a desire to embrace eco-friendly and sustainable materials and products. Princess customers are also continuously looking for a yacht that allows that wonderful interaction of a group of friends or family aboard. The typical features we see our customers appreciated are strong seakeeping and safety, and space! You can never have enough space aboard, so we are always redefining space and looking at packaging that space to provide as much opportunity to store and enjoy extended time aboard.

Can you introduce us to the new Y85 Flagship Flybridge Motor Yacht? How does it differ from its predecessors, and what new innovations can be found on board?

This is a truly exciting product in our range. It is a mini megayacht! And by that I mean, we have squeezed some wonderful features that one would expect to see on a megayacht but on an 85ft hull. Privacy for guests in the main saloon, a converting open-closed galley, expansive glazing bringing in the outside world, a jacuzzi on the flybridge, and four cabins with one a full beam master cabin. The exterior space is exceptional and we have applied our detailed approach from our interiors to the outside surfaces and finishes.

You’ll also be unveiling a new design – the X95 – in January. Tell us more about this upcoming launch.

Well, the X95 is the first of our X Class – our new flagship line of Superfly yachts. It re-invents space aboard, with volume that is class leading. We have developed a very efficient wave piercing bow, and the result is an incredible weight distribution and hull performance that is stable and safe in even the roughest of weather conditions. The design of the X is very ship-like and vertical, and we have 5 cabins, an enormous cockpit, skylounge, and the best part? The super flybridge! We have called this product “superbly” as the 29 metre yachts had a 22 metre-long flybridge that connects the aft deck with the foredeck. This yacht has more interior space than our 35M, and even prior to launch it is our most successful model – in terms of pre-launch sales. We will give visitors an under-the-skin experience at boot Dusseldorf in January, and the first customers will take delivery of their boats throughout 2020. I invite Gafencu readers to join us for the Dusseldorf boat show to also experience this!

How important is the Hong Kong / Greater China market to Princess Yachts, and what unique design influences are crafted for this region?

Hong Kong and China are very important markets for Princess. Hong Kong has always been a yacht-savvy marketplace, however, the Chinese market is really developing rapidly into a yacht connoisseur market place, too. I often get asked what design features and influences do we craft for Asia, and I must say, I never like to patronise or generalise on a culture specific level, so my answer is simply: we design and craft features for each and every one of our customers, specific to their individual tastes. Most owners really just want a unique way to make their boat individual without compromising on functionality, performance or safety.

Thank you.

TecknoMonster brings aerospace tech to the world of luxury luggage

The world of high-end lifestyle accessories has just taken a giant leap into the future thanks to the innovative vision of Italian marque, TecknoMonster. Developed by genius designer Giacomo Valentini, it blends the avant garde stylings and ergonomics of aerospace design with the much-lauded traditions of Italian handcraftsmanship. The end result is an enormous success, spawning countless luxury lifestyle products that perfect blend form and function, while proffering even more durability and security than ever before.

Valentini himself hails from a family of designers that have a 160-year industrial history in North Italy. Having completed stints in the worlds of fashion and industrial design, he then turned his attention to the world of luggage-making and discovered that, while trends have come and gone, the overarching design ethos of luggages have remained almost unchanged since the ’70s. “There was a need for an upgrade”, explains Valentini, “something to link to the new era.”

As founder and designer of TecknoMonster, his goal is to create the most sophisticated accessories for “people that want to be in the new world”. So, his company foregoes traditional materials like leather and aluminium in favour of more robust carbon fibre and titanium for its luggage designs.

Through his groundbreaking research in material development, Valentini has also pioneered techniques that allow the inclusion of hitherto-unusable materials such as wood and enamel in his creations without sacrificing on quality and durability. Beyond that, TecknoMonster also customisation services to its high-end clients. Be it to enhance aesthetics or increase security – the luxury brand offers bulletproofed products as well – no ask is beyond its innovative reach.

For more information about the brand’s mission, vision and cutting-edge designs, check out our interview with the visionary founder of TecknoMonster below, or visit https://www.tecknomonster.com/.

Talking shop with CEO Roberto Gavazzi at the new Boffi | De Padova showroom

Italian luxury furniture makers Boffi and De Padova have long been past-masters of creating fittings that transform a residence into a truly special home. The latest chapter of its storied 80-year legacy has been the opening of an all-new showroom at Causeway Bay’s Lee Garden Three.

Boffi De Padova CEO Roberto Gavazzi — Boffi and De Padova CEO Roberto Gavazzi

To celebrate the special occasion, we spoke to Roberto Gavazzi, CEO of Boffi and De Padova, about this exciting new space, what has kept the company running successfully for more than eight decades and what makes them stand out.

What sets Boffi and De Padova apart from its competitors?
The difference between us and the other players in the market is that we are working on creating a group with an entrepreneurial point of view. Boffi has always been a company that is strong in the production of modular furnishing systems, while De Padova has creates loose furniture such as sofas, tables and chairs. Therefore, bringing the two brands together allows us to be a one-stop solution for all interior decor needs.

Can you tell us a bit more about what the customers want and how it has changed?
The higher you go in the market, the more discerning customers become. They want tailored solutions. That is why we have also created a custom made division called the Boffi Code where we design special objects that are exclusively for one customer. You need to be upscale on the quality too. The products have to be resistant to time because these products are expensive and they need to be in the homes for a long time. They need to be timeless, to go beyond short-termed fashion trends, which is something we pay particular attention to.

You are here to avail this new store. Can you tell us more about this space?
While we’ve always had a presence in Hong Kong, this new showroom is something I’m particularly proud of. Being located on the third floor, it’s something customers have to come and find. In the process, it transforms from being just a shop into a space where you can feel the emotion of decoration. With this new showroom, we’ve mimicked the sensation of being in a real home, with a kitchen, bathroom, living room, a terrace… It allows our customers to truly experience how our furniture feels in a residential context.

How important is the Hong Kong market to Boffi and De Padova?
Hong Kong has always been an interesting city for us. We have been here for more than 20 years. In fact, it was the first location that we expanded to in Asia. We have always been happy with this market because the international taste of consumers here is very much developed in terms of culture. It is in line with our products. It sets a benchmark for us, a standard that pushes us to do better to ensure we remain successful in appealing to discerning homeowners.

Thank you.

Bioeffect CEO Frosti Ólafsson on what makes the Icelandic beauty brand stand out

For those of us who want to age gracefully, but don’t want to go under the knife to do that, Icelandic brand Bioeffect may offer a way out of the conundrum.

For those vaguely au fait with the brand, Bioeffect was born when a team of Icelandic scientists, led by Dr Björn Örvar, took a groundbreaking approach to skincare when they started producing tiny proteins called ‘growth factors,’ which are used for stem cell research but can also be used to slow the ageing process in skin cells. Unsurprisingly, it is used by 30 percent of Icelandic women over the age of 30, as well as a slew of women around the world. China is now the company’s fastest-growing market.

With more and more Asian women adopting Bioeffect as part of their beauty regime, it was only a matter of time that the brand focussed on the different needs of the Asian skin type, coming up with serums that utilise EBE (engineered barley extract).

The brand’s CEO Frosti Ólafsson was in town recently to mark the launch of this new line of skincare products and also to attend the grand opening of their store opening in Harvey Nichols at The Landmark Central. We caught up with him to chat about Bioeffect and his vision. Check our video coverage of their store opening. For the full interview, please scroll down.

Tell us about ORF Genetics’ technology in growing barley that makes such a difference to Bioeffect’s skin care products?

The barley seed is an ideal factory for proteins and other active ingredients. Our bioengineering technology allows us to create recombinant proteins in inert and endotoxin-free environment, and the barley seed provides long-term protein storage before processing of the proteins. The barley plant is also extremely rich host of natural ingredients.

There were mainly three reasons why we decided to introduce our plant-based EGF (epidermal growth factor) into skincare. Firstly, our barley-produced EGF is tailormade for skin care because of its purity and stability. Secondly, as a company, we understood the characteristics of EGF better than others and so we were able to maximise its efficacy. Finally, we believe that EGF is the most effective and reliable ingredient for increased skin firmness, density and water retention. At the time we launched our EGF Serum, very few products were available that were utilizing EGF, and none of them were plant-based or with a formulation that supported the EGF efficacy in the best way possible.

Tell us more about the newly-launched EBE product line…

Now we have taken the next step in the journey by introducing the EBE (engineered barley extract) product line. The EBE products are also largely based on ingredients that can be found in the barley plant. However, the skin concerns addressed in the EBE product line are more focused on the Asian skin type, which has to deal with slightly different concerns than e.g. Caucasian skin.

Do you think that when it comes to skin care products such as Bioeffect, less is really more’?

Yes, we did aim to make the product as simple as possible for three primary reasons. Firstly, we wanted to create the optimal environment for our ingredients to thrive and deliver its benefits. To achieve this, we needed to use as few ingredients as possible to maximize the stability and efficacy of the active ingredients. In most cases, these are very sensitive ingredients that would break down and lose its efficacy if combined with many of the common skin care ingredients.

Secondly, we believe that the way we recommend using the Bioeffect products, e.g. the serum, represents very well what we stand for as a brand. Using only four drops each day is simple, yet very effective, which is exactly what we aim to do.

Finally, it’s impossible to talk about our ingredients, without elaborating further on the water. Iceland has a very unique type of geologically filtrated water with very limited amount of minerals, yet it still has fairly high PH levels, which is unusual for soft water. Instead of being forced to adjust the water characteristics with unnecessary ingredients, we are blessed with water that works as the perfect canvas for products focusing on purity and efficacy.

Thank you.

Interview: Suchetana Mukhopadhyay
Video: Kingsley Lau

Andrew Leung has transformed his retail passion into business success

Bitten by the retail bug when just a child, Andrew Leung, scion of the iconic Diamond Restaurant-owning family, now helms Diamond Restaurant Food Products and the Pharmabelle skincare brand.

What was it like to grow up in the family that owned Diamond Restaurant, one of the city’s most iconic restaurants?

Honestly, I was really lucky to grow up in such a family, particularly since it meant we got to eat great food quite often. I was also fortunate enough to meet up with my grandparents every Sunday at Diamond Restaurant – which for decades was one of the most famous banquet halls in the city – for yum cha, along with all my uncles, aunts and cousins. The usual schedule was that we would eat with grandma first, then accompany grandpa while he played poker with his friends after the meal. It was a lovely opportunity to spend time with them, something I treasure to this day.

Did this background inspire you to join the food industry or did you have other career aspirations?

I was very influenced by my mother. When my brother and I were growing up, she was the CEO of Clarins, and instead of the usual family outings, she would take us along with her when she conducted spot inspections at Clarins’ cosmetics counters. It was my first taste of the retail business, and I think that was when I was bitten by the retail bug, even though it’s not exactly something you can add to your CV.

So you decided to pursue a career in retail…

Not immediately, no. I graduated with a degree in Accounting and Finance from Birmingham University, although it wasn’t an industry I ever worked in. I ended up landing my first job at an advertising agency in Hong Kong, but it wasn’t until eight years later that I joined Cartier and finally got a chance to give retail a try.

What was your proudest accomplishment while working there?

Oh, there were so many high points but a few really stand out. When I joined the company, I started as a communications manager. I think there was a bit of fate involved, because right at the beginning, in 2010, I was assigned to help launch the revamped Prince’s Building flagship, the fourth Cartier flagship in the world. I was lucky enough to be assigned by headquarters to do a local campaign. For this, I was allowed to shoot a 30-minute show, one that featured some of the city’s most famous faces. Everyone shared their personal Cartier stories, and the programme was so successful that it became TVB’s most viewed episode that year. I never expected such a commercial programme to touch so many people, and I’m so proud of what we achieved.

After that, I approached Nigel [Luk, Cartier’s regional managing director] about expanding my career into the management level. In order to do that, though, I needed to learn how to make money for the company as well, so I asked if I could shift to the retail front. It worked out and I ended up staying with Cartier for eight years.

Through it all, was there ever any pressure for you to join the family business?

Not really. According to Chinese tradition, it is normally the sons who inherit the business, so seeing as I was the daughter’s child, I wasn’t expected to take it over. It was supposed to be inherited by my uncles and cousins instead. Ultimately, the family made the decision to close the restaurant in 2002 as the industry was in something of a slump, and interest had moved away from traditional banquet halls like our restaurant to function spaces in luxury hotels instead.

But the ‘Diamond Restaurant’ name was revived once more in 2012…

That’s right. When my grandfather, who had started the restaurant in 1947, passed away in 2004, my mother and her 11 siblings all gathered for a family conference to decide what to do with the name. Ultimately, they ended up selling the property itself, and my mother, who had just retired from Clarins, stepped up to keep the name and the heritage alive. In 2012, my mother co-opted me into her efforts, and we launched Diamond Restaurant Food Products, which began the next chapter of its existence.

So, what exactly does Diamond Restaurant Food Products specialise in?

Given our family’s unique insight into sourcing the best ingredients for Chinese cuisine, evolving it into a retail-oriented business seemed like a logical progression. It allowed my mother and me to utilise our past experiences at Clarins and Cartier to create products that would appeal to today’s urban denizens. Hongkongers are very cosmopolitan – they love good food but they also want convenience. So, Diamond Restaurant Food Products steps in to fill that niche with high-quality ready-to-serve items. Currently, we have nine products, ranging from wild Tasmanian abalone, braised abalone from Taiwan and scallop XO sauce to tangerine pu’er tea. The idea is to offer restaurant-quality ingredients that can be cooked within the comforts of your own home.

You also introduced a new skincare brand, Pharmabelle, to Hong Kong. Tell us more.

Pharmabelle is a skincare brand that was founded in Australia seven years ago by a noted pharmacist who already oversees another well-known skincare label. Since then, we’ve introduced the products to the Hong Kong market, which includes everything from daily-use toiletries like body washes and body oils – especially focussing on contouring – to face products. Pharmabelle’s unique selling point is that it uses natural ingredients rather than the typical chemically driven items sold by other brands. This means that it’s gentler on the skin while still boosting its health and appearance. It’s received quite a warm welcome, and today, our products are available everywhere from Harvey Nichols and Wing On to K11 Beauty.

Can we expect anything new in the coming months?

Absolutely. We just wrapped up a special pop-up store at Harvey Nichols, and also launched a new Pharmababy line in August, which focusses on the skincare needs of babies. Thanks to its natural ingredients, mothers won’t need to worry when using these products on their precious little ones. Also, with Christmas coming up, we’re excited to launch a series of special seasonal promotions at Harvey Nichols, K11 Beauty, Wing On and the Royal Yacht Club.

What’s the top item on your bucket list?

I’ve always been musically inclined – I completed the Grade 8 musical exams in both piano and singing, and I’m a huge fan of musicals – but a relatively new interest for me is that I want to learn how to perform Cantonese opera. While it’s not something I commonly share, my grandfather is actually Leung Sing-por, one of the most famous performers of the genre. Unfortunately, he passed away when I was just three, so I think this is my way of getting closer to him and his legacy.

Thank you.

Interview by: Tenzing Thondup
Photos: Jack Law
Art Direction: San Wong
Venue: Natuzzi Showroom

Steve Odell of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. on making waves in cruising industry

As the world’s third-largest cruise operator, there is no doubt that Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. (NCLH) is a market leader in many ways – be it through its three popular brands: Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises, Regent Seven Seas Cruises; or its world-famous gourmet experience; or its cutting-edge innovations. But despite being one of the best cruise operators around, the group is hardly resting on its laurels. We catch up with Mr Steve Odell, the Senior Vice President and Managing Director Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises APAC from NCLH, to find out how exactly they are making waves in the cruising industry. Check out the video for some exclusive moments from the interview.

For the full interview, please scroll down.

Racetrack aboard Norwegian Bliss, Norwegian Joy, Norwegian Encore

What sets apart NCLH from the other cruises operating in Asia-Pacific?

Well, we are currently the third-largest cruise group in the region. We have three unique brand offerings in different segments of the market that attract different customer demographics and have different distribution channels and different price points. What sets us apart is that our three brands don’t compete with each other. So, we’re very fortunate that we can sell this portfolio of brands with one, unified voice. We often refer to it as the Power of Three, because together they make a strong proposition.

The Norwegian Cruise Line, one of the brands in your portfolio, has been receiving accolades for over a decade now. How hard is it to push the boundaries in an offering that’s already award-winning?

If you’re the best, you must be looking at the next stage of development. That’s exactly what we’ve been doing in several ways. For example, we have moved from having 15 dining choices on our last generation of ships to 29 restaurants on our current batch of ships. We are also pushing the boundaries of the kinds of cuisines that are on offer. So, we have everything from Texan-style barbecue steakhouses to Italian cuisine. We also have a racetrack on board.

Plant-based summer berry pudding on Oceania Cruises

How does Oceania Cruises, your more intimate ship offering, enhance the cruise travel experience?

Firstly, you can really deliver a high quality of service on smaller, more intimate ships, because there are fewer passengers and proportionately more crew to look after them. Secondly, smaller ships are more maneuverable because of their size. So, they can visit smaller, pristine ports around the world. With our Oceania Cruises offering, what sets us apart most is the cuisine. In Oceania Cruises, we claim to have the best cuisine on sea. We have more culinary staff as a percentage of the overall staff than in the other brands within our company. We also have plant-based food on offer now. We take the culinary experience ashore as well. We organise gastronomic tours on land where we go to wineries or high-end restaurants to complement the gourmet experience on board.

The Regent Seven Seas Cruises, meanwhile, claims to have the most inclusive luxury on board. What exactly do you mean by that?

Well, when you’ve reached the very top of the pyramid in cruising, the customer is very discerning and wants the very best in everything. The Regent Seven Seas Cruises caters to this group and we try to create a private yacht-like experience. So, when you go to a bar or a restaurant on the ship, you don’t have to sign a single bill. It’s a free-thinking environment. That also extends to the shore, with the Regent ships offering free unlimited shore excursions. It’s like going on a private-charter yacht where everything is taken care of and you have superlative service to go with it.

Regent Suite master bedroom aboard Seven Seas Splendor

Tell us more about The Largest Suite Ever Built on A Ship…

We have the Regent Suite on the Seven Seas Splendor, which – at 4,443sq.ft – is the largest suite of its kind in the luxury set. It has two bedrooms, a spa, a living-cum-dining room, a conservatory, an outdoor space and even a Winter Garden. It’s located at the front of the ship, so you get the best views in the house. Of course, the suite also has its own private butler, and guests get priority services in pretty much everything on board. It’s being launched in February 2020 in Rome, and we will have an inaugural cruise with our top customers.

Interview: Suchetana Mukhopadhyay
Video: Kingsley Lau
Photos: NCHL

Master Brander: Colleen Yu of EX-R Consulting on innovative marketing and more

Colleen Yu, founder of the EX-R Consulting marketing agency, on helping brands create unique experiences, shaking up the marketing industry and her indomitable drive to help those less fortunate.

Colleen Yu is wearing High Jewellery Collection earrings and ring by Chopard and dress by D&G

What path did your education take, and how did it impact your career?

I attended high school in the States, and went to Carnegie Mellon for university, where I ended up triple majoring in Marketing, IT and Japanese. I always wanted to be a marketer, specifically a marketing consultant, and IT was a big thing in those days, so it seemed like a wise choice. However, it was my Japanese education that ended up making the biggest impact on my life and career. It was because of this linguistic skill that I managed to find my first job in Japan after graduation. Even though my parents weren’t too keen, I moved there right after graduation and managed to find myself a job at KPMG as a management consultant.

What led you to start EX-R Consulting?

I started the company almost a decade ago when I was took a year off from Goldman Sachs to get married. It was during the Global Financial Crisis, and I thought it was a good time to take time off to plan my wedding and go on my honeymoon. I actually fell in love with event planning through that journey, and I already had some knowledge of hospitality from travelling a lot. I took the opportunity when my first client asked me to become a marketing consultant for a hotel chain in Hong Kong. That led me to start EX-R without any major planning.

Colleen Yu — Colleen is sporting High Jewellery Collection earrings and necklace by Chopard and a one-shoulder dress by D&G

Tell us more about your company.

Since I didn’t come from an agency or a brand background, I have a very different approach to marketing. I did major in marketing in university, and I had that common sense that came from my previous experiences at KPMG and Goldman Sachs. When I started taking on consulting jobs for my marketing clients, I did it with a very business-driven and strategic view. Many within the industry focus on content first, but I take a holistic view, thinking about what the objectives are, how we can grow a business, who the target audiences are… It’s a more textbook, theoretical approach.

What sets EX-R apart from its competitors?

I think the industry is quite fragmented, especially in Hong Kong. Many agencies here are quite small and only target a specific set of services, for example, media relations, advertising or media buy. I have a very integrated marketing solution approach. I look at something from every angle, and I don’t just come up with a creative concept, but also execute the project. I think this makes us stand out from other agencies. Moreover, we focus on content design and emphasise the experiential approach to help clients stand out – hence our name, EX-R. Many people think content is just the advertising campaign, but actually I see everything as content. Especially in today’s digital age, whether you put up a visual media display in your store or have a pop-up event, these are all content that can easily go viral.

What some common marketing mistakes you encounter?

I think there are two main problems that frustrate me today. The first is that many brands are headquartered abroad and have a smaller local team on-site, particularly in Hong Kong and especially within the luxury space that my company occupies. Often, because of corporate policy, local teams can only deliver plans that are in line with the overall brand strategy, whereas I feel if headquarters allowed them the independence to come up with initiatives that are more relevant to the local market while still remaining brand-relevant, they would be able to get much greater results. The second thing is the focus on media value and the emphasis on instant calculation of results. I think marketing isn’t really quantifiable, especially immediately, and people need to have a longer-term strategic approach.

Can you share three golden rules for marketing a brand or product?

Well, the first is to be very strategic and focused when targetting a specific market. Select your key demographics and don’t try to be greedy beyond that, or you risk losing the thrust of your message. Number two is ensuring every marketing effort remains relevant to the brand. Sometimes it’s easy to get distracted by what competitors do, or what is currently ‘hot’ in the market, I want my clients to be more forward-trending rather than following the trend. It’s difficult because it’s a more risk-taking approach. Finally, focus on content creation rather than the distribution channels. When you have strong content to begin with, the channels will follow, whether it’s an influencer who will become involved or media who want to cover you. If you’re not creative or strategic to from the start, it’s very difficult to engage them down the line.

Do you have any new projects that you’re excited for?

I have so many! With EX-R celebrating 10 years, I have a whole new vision for the next decade. One exciting plan is that we are expanding into music and artistic experiential campaigns. I have found partners that I can’t name just yet, and we will be working on more brand experiential programmes in the music and art space. These spheres go beyond just the luxury clients that I’ve been specialising in for the past 10-plus years, and they have a cross-cultural appeal. We’ve also recently completed a very exciting project at Beijing’s Forbidden City, which was an art exhibition for an artist we’ve partnered with for a while now. I never dreamt that I would be able to host an event at such a historic venue.

You’re also very involved in several charitable causes. Where does this love of giving back to the less fortunate stem from?

I think I grew up in a family that was very driven to give back to society. My dad was heavily involved with the Tung Wah Group of Hospitals and the Hospital Authority. A lot of my dear friends are also involved in this space, which also inspires me to do the same. While I love my job and my clients, I feel like, eventually, I want to take all these skills I’ve built over the years and help to market those worthy causes that really don’t get enough exposure in circles that matter because they don’t have the required marketing capabilities.

Colleen looks chic in Happy Hearts Wings earrings and bangle by Chopard, and attire and boots by Salvatore Ferragamo

Is there any cause that’s very dear to you?

Yes, I’m very passionate about helping victims of human trafficking and rape across developing nations. I’m on the board of an organisation called Hagar International, which helps women and children who have been trafficked or violated in countries like Cambodia or Afghanistan, be it finding them housing, medication or employment or even providing counselling treatment and post-trauma care, all in the hopes that they can reintegrate back into society.

Another causes I’m involved with is Make-A-Wish Foundation, which helps gravely ill children fulfil their greatest wishes. I’m always in awe of these kids who are going through such a tough time, and yet are so brave. Oftentimes, their wishes aren’t even for themselves, but for those nearest to them, which is so touching and selfless. Finally, I’ve always been passionate about the arts. I grew up dancing, and I am now involved with the Hong Kong Ballet. My daughter loves ballet too, and it’s great to do something that she can participate in as well.

Tell us something people don’t know about you.

I’m a bit of an open book, so this is a hard one… I do have a secret dream to one day plan the Met Gala in New York though. Maybe one day…

Thank you.

Interview by: Tenzing Thondup
Photo: Jack Law
Video: Kingsley Lau
Art direction and styling: San Wong
Makeup: Chelria Debard
Hair: Gary Sun from Hair@M
Wardrobe: Versace, Dolce & Gabbana, Lanvin, Sportmax, Salvatore Ferragamo, Manolo Blanhnik
Jewellery: Chopard

Mann of Action: Wu Assassins star Byron Mann on his Hollywood journey

Byron Mann, Hong Kong’s most promising export to Hollywood, talks to us about what it is like to be an Asian actor in Western films and his latest success story, Wu Assassins.

You studied law before turning to acting. When did you realise that films were your true calling?

Well, I figured out law wasn’t right for me during my first year of law school itself. I was interning at a law firm in Hong Kong over summer break, when my manager there suggested I pursue something else. He asked me what I would like to do instead and I told him that I used to like acting in high school. He was the one who suggested that I should try my hand at it, because the University of Southern California – where I was enrolled at that time – is in Los Angeles, just minutes away from Hollywood. And that is exactly what I did over the next few years of college. By my third year, I had already signed up for a movie. So even before I had graduated, I knew that I wanted to act for a living.

Did you go through the struggling actor period?

Not in the traditional sense. Having started young, I was quite excited about the prospect of acting. I couldn’t believe they were paying me to do it, I would have done it for fun. Fortunately, as I was already based in Hollywood, I didn’t have to struggle too much, I was landing roles pretty much from the start. I think, if there’s any struggle, it’s in keeping yourself fresh for any new challenge after you’ve been acting for 10 or 15 years.

Do you think that being an Asian worked in your favour?

I really believe that there are roles for everyone in Hollywood. And I’m talking about the mid-’90s, way before Crazy Rich Asians happened. Of course, the roles available to a Caucasian actor were more in number than those available to an Asian, but there were fewer Asians competing for those parts than Caucasians at that time.

What do you consider as a turning point in your career?

There have been several such moments actually, but none of them made an impact overnight. I did this film called The Big Short in 2015. During the production phase, it was a low-budget film and nobody knew anything about it. But after it came out, it got more and more popular. I started feeling its impact over a year later, when producers and directors approached me for roles because they had all seen the movie. They all said they loved how evil I was in that cameo role.

Is there any particular decision you made that you would like to go back and change?

If there’s anything that springs to mind, it’s that for the first 10 years of my career, I only wanted to do feature films. I had grown up watching such great movies as The Last Emperor, Schindler’s List and so on. As a result, I was quite focussed on only signing full-length films and not TV shows. If I had to do it all over again, I would surely consider acting in both mediums.

Do you think that Hollywood has become more sensitive to Asian cultures over time?

I definitely think that there’s more awareness in Hollywood now than there was 20 years ago. There are several reasons for that. First and foremost is, of course, easy access to the Internet. Researching a character’s background and culture has become much easier. Secondly, there’s the emergence of China and India on the global stage. These are huge markets and Hollywood studios definitely don’t want to rub them the wrong way.

How different is the experience of shooting a full-length feature film from doing a TV series?

I would compare a feature film to a sprint, whereas a TV series is like a marathon. In feature films, you have to tell the whole story in two or three hours, so the intensity is at a different level. Having said that though, I think the two experiences are becoming more and more similar now, thanks to streaming services like Netflix or Amazon Prime. For example, I acted in Altered Carbon and more recently in Wu Assassins on Netflix. Let’s say there are 10 episodes in each series, with a budget of over US$15 million for each episode. Given the money involved, the production quality is very high – it’s like shooting 10 feature films of shorter lengths.

Do you think that streaming services will soon eclipse the theatre-going experience?

That’s already happening to an extent, but I don’t think streaming will completely overshadow the cinematic experience. There’s something unique about collective theatre-viewing. You can’t completely recreate that at home. But, thanks to streaming services, you can watch very high-quality productions at leisure in your own home, at own your pace, and there is definitely a place for that as well.

What are your thoughts on Wu Assassins’ popularity?

Wu Assassins’ popularity has really exceeded my expectations. As of 23 August, it was ranked the third most-watched show in the world. What has surprised me the most is how audiences worldwide have responded to some of the racism issues addressed in the show. There’s a scene in episode 7 where my character responds to a racist waitress by educating her about the history of Chinese people in America. That scene has gone viral worldwide and has been one of the main talking points for the show. That’s very gratifying for me.

What was it like playing Uncle Six, who had a huge character arc in Wu Assassins, so much so that the audience ends up rooting for the villain?

The character of Uncle Six that I played in Wu Assassins has been a highlight in my career – a rather unexpected highlight, I might add. I signed up for this show because I had worked with the creator / producer John Wirth previously on AMC’s Hell On Wheels. I had such camaraderie with John that when he asked me to do this show, I said yes without even knowing much about the character or the series.

But I am glad that I said yes. I had a good time getting into the skin of this character and creating a contrast between how he looks at present and how he looked like 15 years ago, and following him on his journey when he lost his fire power and became a mere human, particularly what he looked like and how he felt when he took a road trip with his adopted son in episode 7. It was important for me to play a real human being instead of a stereotypical Triad boss. That was the challenge for me.

Finally, who’s your favourite actor?

Ah, there are so many… Al Pacino, Denzel Washington, Gene Hackman, Daniel Day-Lewis, Meryl Streep… I would like to compare acting to really good food. After you’ve tasted something delicious, you think about it even after the meal is finished. It’s the same with movies. After you watch a good movie, you walk out of the cinema hall and still think about it. That’s good acting there if it moves you and gives you pause for thought. All the actors I just named are the ones who have moved me deeply with their acting prowess.

Thank you.

Interview by: Suchetana Mukhopadhyay
Photos: Jack Law
Art Direction & Styling: San Wong
Grooming: Chris Yu @ Morphologique
Venue: The Fleming Hong Kong
Wardrobe & Accessories: Etro, BOSS, Jimmy Choo, Giorgio Armani, Chopard, Cerruti 1881

Legacy of Light: Tino Kwan on his career highlights and what comes next

To say that Tino Kwan, the award-winning lighting designer extraordinaire, is something of a legend in design circles is putting things mildly. After all, the born-and-raised Hongkonger has masterminded the stunning lighting designs of some of the world’s most iconic properties, ranging from the recently-completed refurbishment of the iconic Raffles Singapore hotel to the sumptuous The Peninsula Tokyo.

As Kwan prepares to celebrate the 40th anniversary of his company, Tino Kwan Lighting Consultants (TKLC), he chatted with Gafencu about his favourite projects to date, the basic do’s and don’ts of lighting design and his upcoming Unity of Light exhibition, which kicks off on 11 October at the Hong Kong Arts Centre.

With TKLC celebrating its 40th anniversary, what do you think have been the key factors of your success?

I never set out to be a famous designer. Being a perfectionist, though, I always like to strive for the best. When it comes to design, I challenge myself to do better for every project. Also, I’m passionate about learning, which also helps me become a better designer. Lighting is a marriage between technology and art, and with new technologies emerging everyday, I’m always on my toes to make sure that I’ve learnt every aspect of what’s out there. I think these two facets have really helped me to constantly raise the bar over the years.

Tino Kwan Lighting Consultants 2 — Tino Kwan, founder of Tino Kwan Lighting Consultants, which celebrates its 40th anniversary this week

Of all the various projects you’ve worked on, do you have a favourite?

It’s quite difficult to choose, but if I had to pick, there are three that stand out. The first is the award-winning The Peninsula Tokyo, which I did the lighting for some fifteen years ago. Two years ago, I was invited back for the10th anniversary party and when I went in, the lighting had been kept entirely the same. I was very pleased that my designs had withstood the test of time.

The next project is a Japanese restaurant at Lee Garden 2 called Ta-ke. The interiors were designed by Kengo Kuma, the famed Japanese architect, in collaboration with my very good friend, Steve Leung. I had to work with two design masters, and it wasn’t easy. Kengo-san’s design concept was very minimalist, focussing solely on one material – bamboo. In the end, I managed to get into his mindset and employed an equally minimal lighting concept. It was a great success, and he even said: “Tino, you made my bamboos come alive!”

My final favourite is the new St Regis Hong Kong which I just finished. It’s a beautiful project, a medium-sized hotel but very cosy. The lighting in the whole hotel is very human-scale and creates an atmosphere that’s almost like a home away from home that you want to return to. That was the key idea, and I think that’s the beauty of the lighting in that hotel.

What are the key essentials to good lighting design? Conversely, what are some common mistakes?

Good lighting doesn’t have to be complicated. My lighting is always simple and minimalist, but very powerful. Lighting needs to be comfortable, it needs to enhance the space and gift it with various focal points. There also has to be different layers of lighting to make the space richer. A lot of common mistakes tend to run to the opposite, to the overly-complex – too many lights, confusing layouts or dull designs… Sometimes, when entering a room, you automatically feel uncomfortable for no reason. Usually, that’s due to bad lighting.

Can you tell us more about your upcoming Unity of Light exhibition?

To give you a little background, I held my first exhibition – also at the Hong Kong Arts Centre, ten years ago to showcase three decades of my work. This time, I want to do more. I want to appeal not only to design circles, but also to the public at large. My mission, after 40 years, is really to draw attention to the importance of lighting and to educate the public on the concepts of lighting design.

This exhibition, which is called Unity of Light, features several highlights. The first is a maze through which attendees can view my various projects. As a special touch – which is a bit of a secret – I’ll be using the neon signs that are a Hong Kong trademark not only for the commercial kind of shops but also as signages for all the design clients and companies on display. The maze is also fitted with mirrors to create a reflective effect that will enhance the entire experience.

Also, while creating this exhibition, we simultaneously created a film titled The Story of a Hong Kong Boy. I was born and raised here, and I’m a proud Hongkonger. The film is an autobiographical account of my journey to becoming an internationally successful lighting designer. I want to share my experience and pass this message to the Hong Kong public.

Last but not least, with an eye to educating the public, I have collaborated with Gary Chang, a master designer of multifunctional small spaces, to build a 180sq.ft ‘nano-home’ for a couple. Using lighting as a major element, I want to demonstrate how lighting can enhance a small space, and how the use of technologies can really enhance everyday life.

Thank you.

Interview by: Tenzing Thondup

Whisky expert Charles Maclean on the one whisky he’d take to a deserted island

For true-blue connoisseurs of the whisky world, Charles MacLean needs no introduction. However, for those who are less au fait with the bevvy, the Scotsman is the considered to be one of the most authoritative voices on whisky, especially the Scotch varietals, having published 17 books to date on the subject and having hosted numerous tastings and talks throughout the world. His recent marathon tour to China, of which Hong Kong was his last port of call, was a very special one though. He was here courtesy of the world’s leading blended whisky expert, Johnnie Walker Blue Label, ahead of the launch of two very special, very rare bottles to be unveiled next year. We sat down with him to talk about all things whisky. Catch some snippets of our interview in the video below. For the full interview, please scroll down.

You have famously said that you would prefer a blended whisky to a single malt when you are unwinding. Any reasons for this preference?

My work has largely to do with single malt whiskies. So whenever I am served malt whisky, I immediately go into work mode. But when I just want to drink and enjoy, which is everyday after 6 o’clock in the evening, I reach for a blended Scotch. If I could choose only one whisky on a desert island, that’d be blended Scotch, specifically a Johnnie Walker blended whisky.

Which of the offerings from Johnnie Walker is your most favourite?

That would be Johnnie Walker Black Label. Of course, I like drinking the Johnnie Walker Blue Label as well, it’s incredibly smooth, but I feel that the Black Label has more bite to it. If somebody else is paying, then I’d always order a Johnnie Walker Black Label.

With the demand for whiskies reaching astronomical levels, especially in auctions, what should we keep in mind while investing in whiskies?

It depends on who is buying, whether they’re consumers or collectors or investors. If you’re looking to buy to consume, go for any whisky distilled in the ’60s, ’70s and even ’80s. They’re good value for money and taste great. Collectors typically go for rarity. So they would buy limited editions, original bottlings. I would advise collectors to for whiskies that are not as collectable now but those that have more potential. I would avoid Dalmore, Macallan, Bowmore, and instead look for interesting labels, original bottlings, etc. Investors, meanwhile, can buy whiskies at any price point, and they drive the price up. Since the financial crisis, people are looking at alternative investments and whisky is currently the most popular alternative investment. Some rich Asians are, meanwhile, also investing in casks.

Tell us more about the two Johnnie Walker special releases that are being unveiled next year…

The first one is a super-exclusive limited-edition expression, an incredibly rich 40-year-old whisky that connoisseurs are sure to fall in love with.

The other exquisite offering is The John Walker Last Cask, which will be presented with a bespoke design by Hand Engraver of Glass to Her Majesty the Queen, Philip Lawson Johnston. Every hand-drawn image decorating the bottles is as beautiful as it is unique. These whiskies are hand-selected from just nine distilleries that were in existence during Johnnie Walker founder John Walker’s lifetime (1805-1857). According to Johnnie Walker Master Blender Jim Beveridge, this special cask, essential to balancing the flavours of The John Walker, will soon no longer bring the balance and depth of character that is so important for this elegant whisky. He has therefore decided to withdraw it from use, meaning only one final cask of The John Walker will ever be released..

Thank you.

Interview by Suchetana Mukhopadhyay, video by Lai Ti Yeung