Category: Interview

Perfecting the journey with TUMI’s Spring Summer 2018 collection

Premium travel and lifestyle brand TUMI has just launched its new collection for Spring/Summer 2018, inspired by the landscapes and creative energy of California. To celebrate the occasion, they set up a TUMI House, recreating a beautiful beach house in sunny California, right in the middle of the Atrium at the ifc mall from 18 to 21 January.  

There’s something for every traveller in the new TUMI Spring/Summer 2018 assortment. We particularly loved the Alpha Bravo, Mariella and Merge collections.

We caught up with Victor Sanz, TUMI’s Creative Director, and Adam Hershman, GM of TUMI Mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau to talk more about the inspiration and creative process behind the collection.  Check out TUMI’s  Spring Summer 2018 collection as well in our video.

Margaret Lee trades charcoals and paint for metals and gemstones with Maret Fine Jewellery

Margaret Lee is an artist and the founder of MARET Fine Jewellery, a recently launched brand celebrating Hong Kong craftsmanship in the world of haute joaillerie.

When did you first realise you wanted to become an artist?

Ever since I was born. I started drawing in kindergarten and never stopped. Any time I picked up a pen, I intuitively knew what to do next – where to make a mark, and whether the colour was right or wrong. I drew on denim jackets and running shoes. I designed aprons, wooden boxes, travel bags, mahjong tables – everything I could get my hands on. I believe I was born with it.

Chinese families often want their children to become doctors, lawyers or bankers – but as an artist you chose the road less taken. Did you face any career-related pressures growing up?

Yes, it was exactly the same for my family! I needed to convince them that art was my calling. They kept asking, “Why don’t you go for law or medicine – something more professional?” I needed to prove myself, so I worked hard and joined art competitions. I applied to the best schools and literally carried my portfolio all the way to Parsons. At that time nothing was digital, so I brought my 3D sculptures and paintings to the school by hand. It wasn’t easy, but it was worth it.

You were the first Asian artist to host a solo exhibition at the Hofberg Palace in Vienna. How did that come about?

I had always liked the idea of Vienna, but I had never been there. So when my husband was scheduled to go on a business trip to Austria, I happily accompanied him. Once there, a friend introduced us to a very nice Viennese family. They asked me what I was doing, so I told them about my paintings. They seemed genuinely interested, so I promised to send them a CD-ROM of my paintings to show them some of my work.

They ended up passing it along to the director of the Hofberg exhibition, who followed up with an invitation to present there in three months’ time! At first I said, “No way, it’s too rushed.” They responded saying they would do whatever it took to make it happen and arranged the shipments, so I went for it. Looking back, I’m honoured to have had that experience. It was like a dream come true.

Margaret Lee

Do you think it’s challenging for Asian artists to break into the international market?

People used to consider European paintings to be more sophisticated for their historical value and adherence to tradition. They were more prized, especially those done by the Old Masters dating back to the 1700s.

But the world is now changing, and modern art has gained its own rightful standing. There are quite a few Chinese painters who have shot to the top – actually, the most expensive paintings are now from China. Hopefully artists from Hong Kong will also get noticed soon – you never know!

In 2015, you established MARET Fine Jewellery. What made you want to go into jewellery?

I consider myself an inventor more than a jewellery designer. I look at jewellery as mini sculptures that people can carry around and use for some purpose other than decoration. I prefer jewellery that’s functional, and that’s why I design iWatch straps, magnifying glass necklaces and ear rocks [jewellery for wireless earphones]. I wanted to invent things that you would typically carry around that double as luxury products.

What were your inspirations for the current collection?

Right now I’m doing a line targeting a younger demographic, so it’s more for the online market and it’s set at a lower price point. It’s based on the trinkets my husband gave me when we were young lovers. We’ve known each other since the age of 19, and the concept is inspired by our first gifts to each other, from the days of puppy love.

Margaret Lee

Are any of your children interested in art?

I have two kids, an 18-year-old son and a 15-year-old daughter. He excels in the arts, and my daughter is a budding chef. I don’t pressure them, though. I think all subjects are important. I just want them to be themselves.

What’s your vision for MARET?

I hope that MARET becomes a well-known brand, not just as a jewellery company, but also as a representation of Hong Kong design. I want to promote Hong Kong craftsmanship – it deserves to be recognised.

My inspirations are Bruce Lee, fashion designer Vivienne Tam and Margaret Chan, who served as director-general of the World Health Organization, because all are positive representatives of Hong Kong and Hong Kong culture.

Looking back at your career, what would you call your biggest success?

I would say I haven’t reached my peak yet – that’s why I keep working.

Thank you.

Text: Julienne C. Raboca

Sa Sa director Melody Kwok-Chan talks beauty and brand strategy

Melody Kwok-Chan is the director of corporate strategy and development at cosmetics retailer Sa Sa International Holdings Limited.

You spent a decade abroad. What brought you back to Hong Kong?

I attended high school in Canada for two years and then moved to Australia. I went to university in Melbourne, first studying marketing at RMIT and then earning my master’s in international business from Monash.

I’m a pretty independent person, but after eight years in Australia I started to feel homesick so I decided to move back to Hong Kong. I love everything about Australia – the food, the weather, the vacation spots – but career-wise Hong Kong is a better fit for me. Plus, my family is here.

Based on my experience, I would advise students to go abroad to learn about another culture firsthand. Experiencing it for yourself is much more meaningful than reading about it in a book or seeing it on TV. Looking back, I wish I could have studied in more countries and learned different languages.

Your parents founded Sa Sa nearly 40 years ago. Did you think you’d end up working for the family company?

 I’ve had an interest in cosmetics ever since I was young and always dreamed of working in the beauty or fashion industry. I think that can be attributed to my parents’ influence and all the hours I spent in Sa Sa stores growing up. My parents occasionally let me sample the products while helping out at the shop. Cosmetics were practically my toys.

On top of that, after graduation I wanted to help reduce my parents’ workload, so I decided to complete the company’s management trainee programme. After that, I joined Sa Sa’s marketing department.

What does your role at Sa Sa entail?

I oversee marketing, product development and business plans. On the product side, I’m tasked with selecting the highest quality products for our stores.

I also monitor beauty trends. European and Japanese brands used to be the most popular, but customers now want Korean products.

On the marketing side, we organise a few major annual events, like the Sa Sa Ladies’ Purse Day, held in conjunction with The Hong Kong Jockey Club.

How has Sa Sa grown over the years?

The first Sa Sa store was in a basement and measured only 40 sq.m. There were two employees: my mom and dad. As the first male consultant at Sa Sa, my dad quickly learned the value of his opinion. When my dad told a customer that a certain shade of lipstick looked beautiful on her, she almost always bought the product. Now you can see many male beauty consultants in our stores.

My parents then opened their second shop in Causeway Bay, right beside Sogo. From there, Sa Sa continued to grow. We now have about 60 shops in mainland China, 100 in Hong Kong and more than 280 altogether in Asia.

To what do you attribute Sa Sa’s success?

I think it all boils down to our products and service. We stress the importance of quality and train our staff to provide excellent customer service. Our beauty consultants undergo nearly 260 hours of training, enabling them to provide personalised beauty advice to our customers.

How did you get involved with the Hong Kong Girl Guides Association?

My mom is also a member, so I learned about it through her involvement. I love having the opportunity to work with teenage girls. I created a cosmetics course for the girls to learn how to look professional and put-together when they enter the workforce.

I also helped establish Sa Sa’s first charity platform – the Sa Sa Making Life Beautiful Charity Fund – in 2013. It has been helping young people build self-confidence and spread positive energy throughout the community.

Do you have a role model?

It would have to be my parents. They started Sa Sa in 1978 when it was just a tiny shop in Causeway Bay and transformed it into the first cosmetic one-stop shop in Hong Kong. My mom is extremely detailed, while my dad is adept at managing a business. They’ve taught me so many important lessons, and I’m still learning from them.

Thank you.

Interview: Emily Petsko

For the full article, please check out the latest issue of Gafencu’s print magazine or the Gafencu app. Download the app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store

Jimmy Choo talks about fashion, passions and everything in between

Jimmy Choo

It’s not everyday that you get to meet someone who’s in history books. So when world-renowned designer Jimmy Choo came to town to speak at the ‘Fashion Challenges’ Business Conference for Fashion Asia 2017, we just had to grab the opportunity to talk to the living legend about all things fashion.

You have had the most successful career spanning decades. What are your passions that still drive you?

Designing shoes is not a livelihood for me, it’s my passion. My clients have become my friends and staunch loyalists over the decades. Now their daughters come to me to get their shoes made for special occasions.

After I sold the rights to my brand Jimmy Choo, I formed another company Zhou Yang Jie, after my Chinese name that my mother had given me. I have had the honour to design for royalty, pop artists, key influencers, movie stars and so on.

But for me right now, teaching is the most important thing. Educating young designers so that they can find their own foothold in this immensely competitive industry is what drives me everyday.

Tell us more about your mentoring programmes.

I have been mentoring young designers for quite some time now. As a footwear education ambassador at London College of Fashion and as a spokesperson for British Council, I try to reach out to a lot of international students. I have also been chosen as a director in The Diana Award’s Mentoring Programme.

In the recent past, I have been proud to mentor Illiza Ho, who used to work as my assistant designer. Every time my students do well, my heart fills with pride. Mentoring is a big responsibility; you have to put your heart and soul into it.

You have received so many rewards and recognition. Is there any that stands out?

I have been lucky enough to get a lot of love and respect from people. Yes, of course, getting an OBE or a Datuk (highest honour in Malaysia) is a humbling experience. But for me, my biggest reward is that children in my home country read about me in their history books. It makes me proud to think that even when I pass away, kids in Malaysia would read about me and know about my work. To me, there’s no award or recognition that can top that.

With a consumer shift towards affordable luxury segments in 2017, how do you think the luxury fashion industry will fare in the future?

High-end fashion is still very much in demand. Luxury products do have an aspirational value. Of course, you’ll probably get cheaper items which also look good in their own right, but the quality is definitely not the same. People who seek high-end fashion become loyalists of their favourite brands over time. My clients, who over the years have become my friends, keep coming back for new shoes. I think, as long as luxury fashion houses keep coming up with new ideas, new stories and new innovations, the market for luxury fashion will continue to thrive.

With increased competition and shorter fashion seasons, how do designers fight the creativity crisis?

Indeed, with more design schools coming up, there are a lot of new players in the fashion industry. However, the sad part is that most of them are one-season miracles. To last out in the fashion industry, one has to have genuine talent and insight. The crisis in creativity is real, but not something that can’t be overcome.

Thank you.

Interview by Suchetana Mukhopadhyay

 

Nelson Piquet Jr makes Jaguar team debut at HK Formula E

The streets of Hong Kong played host to the FIA Formula E electric race series for the second time last weekend. Ten teams representing top automotive brands from around the world participated in what was the first race of the 2017-2018 season. Among the eager drivers clamouring for a podium position was Nelson Piquet Jr, the winner of the E-Prix’s inaugural series in 2015.

Coming from a strong familial racing heritage – his father, Nelson Piquet Sr, won three Formula One championships – Piquet Jr made his Panasonic Jaguar team debut this year, placing fourth in the first race. His teammate Mitch Evans went on to grab a prized podium spot the following day.

We sat down with Nelson Piquet Jr to find out more about his passion for racing, his views on Formula E, and his hopes for the Panasonic Jaguar team.  

New Abercrombie & Fitch prototype store unveiled at Harbour City

abercrombie-fitch-(1)-opti

Abercrombie & Fitch is the latest international brand to open doors at Harbour City. Its Hong Kong flagship showcases a new prototype store concept from the American apparel company – the first of its kind outside of the United States.

“Hong Kong is an extremely important market for us,” shares A&F Brand President Stacia Andersen, “that’s why we built the first international prototype store here. It’s a great opportunity to showcase who the new brand is, while also learning more about this market.”

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HK urbanites may recall the brand’s previous address on Pedder Street. But the two locations could not be more different. “The Pedder store was focused on the image of the brand, the history of the building and on really being a beautiful space,” explains Andersen, “This store was built for just the customer.”

This focus on user experience and customer engagement is evident in every aspect of the new store, from swanky fitting rooms with adjustable lighting, music and charging stations to well-distributed cashier counters for easier access. Even the waiting area is an oasis that boasts panoramic views of Victoria Harbour.

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Abercrombie & Fitch will also launch unique products only available at the Hong Kong prototype store, including a soon-to-be-released Chinese New Year collection.

Text: Tenzing Thondup
Images: A&F, Gigi Ip

Former tennis star John Hui on pro career and helming the relaunched Fleming Hotel

Gafencu gets up close and personal with John Hui. Hong Kong’s top-ranked tennis player is now growing into his new role as owner and managing director of The Fleming – a revitalised boutique hotel in the heart of Wan Chai.

Let’s start at the beginning – when did you start playing tennis professionally?

I was 15 when my parents approached me and asked, ‘Do you want to quit school and play full-time?’ Back then I was already on the junior circuit, but being a typical teenager, I thought, ‘No school? Hell yeah!’

Reality didn’t quite match the fantasy, though. For a year, I travelled all over with my coach; I didn’t really get to experience teenage life. After that, I continued to play but was also homeschooled.

Instead of turning pro in my teens, I went to college for four years at Pepperdine University in California. They have an incredibly rich history in tennis and my coach there was excellent. He’s still coaching today and is probably one of the most successful instructors at the collegiate level.

At 20, I decided to take the plunge and competed for four years. I loved it and have no regrets. I’d started when I was 12 and didn’t stop until 24. After I went pro, I’d train for four to seven hours per day including off-court work. It was extremely tough, both mentally and physically.

You are the most successful Hong Konger yet to compete in pro tennis – attaining an overall ATP ranking of 157 at the age of 24. How did you achieve this feat?

I discovered my passion when I was very young. Obviously, you have to love the sport. I lived for tennis and put my blood, sweat and tears into it. Like any sport, if you don’t have the passion for it you’re not going to be any good. You have to have the hunger. A solid foundation and the desire to improve are essential.

Good guidance is also key. When I went to Pepperdine I was lucky enough to have not one, but two world-class coaches who influenced my decision to turn pro.

Was there a particular catalyst for your decision to shift career paths from professional sports to the hospitality industry?

Eventually I got to a point in my career when I had to decide whether to continue playing for the next decade or switch professions. I believed I had done quite well in tennis, having achieved a certain ranking, so I decided to retire from the sport, return to Hong Kong, get married and pursue hotel management.

What made the redevelopment of The Fleming hotel such a special project?

For a long time, my family operated the property as a serviced apartment. I convinced them to convert it into a hotel in order to capitalise on our proximity to the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. ‘Fleming 1.0’ was focused on business travellers.

For the current iteration, I wanted to develop a hotel property that stayed true to Hong Kong. We didn’t want to take those New York and LA properties and shoehorn them into a completely different city.

Why did you choose to partner with Max Dautresme for the re-launch of The Fleming?

We met several overseas and local designers but felt a strong connection with Max. He designed restaurants that I’d always enjoyed going to like Bibo and The Ocean. Max is a passionate designer and – this being his first hotel – he was as excited about this project as we were.  

You’ve said that your goal is to launch a hotel that authentically represents Hong Kong. How has that been achieved?

When you arrive, right from the get-go, it’s unmistakably a Hong Kong hotel. In the concierge area, you’ll notice a narrow twisting passageway that’s reminiscent of back alleys in Kowloon. In reception, you’ll see bamboo walls and post boxes that hark back to old Hong Kong. Our rooms follow the dimensions of ferry cabins; even small things like the umbrellas were designed to resemble Chinese oil parasols. Much of the furniture throughout the hotel is reversible, much like the seating on the Star Ferry!

You’ve known your wife, Jacklyn Fu, since the age of 12. How have you two managed to maintain such a long and successful relationship? 

We used to play tennis together in Hong Kong. When we were 16, we won two of the big local competitions as partners in the mixed doubles category. There are many ups and downs in marriage – you have to be able to give and take. It’s not always easy raising three fast-growing kids, so it’s important to help one another.  

Do any of your children have a talent for tennis?

Well, my eldest son is on the national tennis squad for Hong Kong, and my youngest was on the national team for wushu. I play casually with them but that’s about it – it’s extremely hard to coach your own children. I read an article recently about Bjorn Borg. He never even watched his son play tennis! As for my daughter, she loves gymnastics and dance. Each one of them has diverse hobbies, which is great. 

Thank you.

Text: Randalph Lai

On Taps: Gessi unveils new Equilibrio and Inciso collections

Luxury Italian bathroom specialist Gessi showcased several new lines including its nature-inspired Equilibrio taps and industrial Inciso collection at a special cocktail party held at long-time partner colourliving’s expansive showroom in Wanchai. Gian Luca Gessi, son of brand founder Umberto Gessi and the company’s President, was on hand for the special occasion. 

Already renowned in Europe for transforming bathrooms into emotive personal spaces, Gessi’s luxury products were first introduced to Hong Kong in 1992 thanks to colourliving’s efforts.

“Colourliving has been a fantastic partner for Gessi for over 20 years,” shared Ilker Mat, Gessi’s Commercial Director, “Colourliving matches our philosophy 100% in terms of design, products and the storytelling approach, which is essential to selling a luxury product.”

The fruits of this partnership were clearly demonstrated as the city’s elite flocked to the special cocktail party introducing the Equilibrio and Inciso collections. Guests were treated to music performances, speeches and live demonstrations throughout the night.

The unique rock formations which inspired the Equilibrio taps were a big hit with attendees. “Equilibrio was born in the wild,” explained Gian Luca Gessi, “the inspiration came from the best designer in the world – Mother Nature.”

Gessi also debuted its new Inciso line at the party. Crafted in partnership with American designer David Rockwell, the Inciso (Italian for engraving) collection merges industrial-era materials with artistic engravings for a truly contemporary finish.

To see Gessi’s Inciso, Equilibrio, Rettangulo K or 316 collections, drop by colourliving’s showroom in Wanchai or its website: http://www.colourliving.com/.

 

Larry Jewelry and Lotus Arts de Vivre introduces dazzling Asian-inspired jewellery

Larry Jewelry CEO Mandy Lam and Lotus Arts de Vivre founder Rolf van Beuren jointly hosted an intimate party to unveil a stunning new collection of Asian-inspired jewellery and accessories. We caught up with Lam to learn about the collection, and what’s next for the Hong Kong jewellery company

How did the partnership between Larry Jewelry and Lotus Arts de Vivre come about?

Larry Jewelry has established itself as one of the city’s finest jewellery retailers for over fifty years. This year we implemented a new ‘Silk Road’ strategy where we will bring unique jewellery pieces from every region between China to Egypt.

Thailand was the first target of this Silk Road strategy. We scoured the country for the best jewellery house with unique designs that our clientele haven’t encountered before. Lotus Arts de Vivre and its stunning Asian-inspired creations perfectly fit our bill. 

What is your favourite piece from the Lotus Arts de Vivre collection on display?

I love the Wing Scarab Cluster Earrings with pink tourmaline diamonds. Its amazing green colour was inspired by the scarab beetles prized by ancient Egyptians.  

What other partnerships can we look forward to from Larry Jewelry?

The next instalment of our Silk Road plan focuses on China. We’re working with some extremely skilled jewellers to create a new collection with Chinese-inspired pieces. I don’t want to reveal too much, but I can tell you that pandas are one of our main themes.

What else does Larry Jewelry have planned for the future?

As you know, Larry Jewelry pieces are usually reserved for the city’s elite. Each item is only accessible to the wealthiest segment of society and worn only on special occasions. Next year we are aiming to launch a new line of jewellery that will deliver high quality designs at a more affordable price, items that you can wear everyday. This will allow us to target an even bigger market segment.

Thank you.

The Lotus Arts de Vivre collection will be available at Larry Jewelry until the end of December this year.  

Text: Tenzing Thondup
Photos: Gigi Ip, Larry Jewelry

Blancpain showcases stunning Metiers d’Art collection in Hong Kong

Anyone who stepped into Blancpain’s Metiers d’Art exhibition at the Landmark Mandarin Oriental might have wondered if they’d entered an art gallery instead. Given the impeccable artistry of the stunning timepieces on display, the mistake was understandable.

Guests were treated to a fantastic display of one-of-the-kind watches such as the Villeret Ganesh and cherry blossom-themed 8 Jours Manuelle. The individual dial of each Metiers d’Art creation showcased one of four incredible techniques: enamel painting, detailed engraving, damasquinage and shakudo.

Opening night attendees were invited to learn more about each unique style and watch live demonstrations of dial painting and engraving in an exclusive and intimate setting. The latter is also part of Blancpain’s new bespoke service which allows high-end watch collectors to personalise and influence their own Metiers d’Art design.

Blancpain’s Vice President and Head of Sales Marc Junod described the unique collection and bespoke service as a dual-pronged approach to introduce the 282-year-old watch brand to a new audience, while also building a more interactive relationship with high-end watch collectors.

“It’s one thing to come up with a watch and launch it at the Baselworld watch fair,” explained Junod, “it’s much more interesting to sit down with someone from the get go and come up with an idea and a unique creation. It becomes a personal journey.”

Text: Tenzing Thondup
Images: Gigi Ip, Blancpain