Thai & Mighty: Nuanced Niras presents powerful and exquisite fine dining from Asia’s number-one chef

You might not find the go-to Pad Thai on the menu at Niras, but you will be rewarded with the finest seafood, meat and seasonal vegetables enlivened by Thai herbs, spices, paste and sauces. This is inventive modern Thai gastronomy. and while the ingredients are all locally sourced, the core essence comes from the heart of Thai cooking.

Niras is Thai for poetry that celebrates travel, adventure and romance; fittingly enough as this is the first time Thai culinary pioneer Thitid ‘Ton’ Tassanakajohn and his team have left their native land. Chef Ton is the creative culinary mastermind behind Le Du and Nusara in Bangkok, which secured first and third spots respectively in Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2023 rankings to reiterate his status as one of the most successful chefs in the region. After earning a degree in Economics and working in the banking industry for a short period of time, Chef Ton swapped his corporate suit and tie for his chef apron and uniform. And the rest, as they say, is history.

Now, by bringing his renowned modern and inventive cooking to Hong Kong, he aims to redefine Thai cuisine from fiery street food to refined, powerful and layered expressions of beloved flavours.

“While I must admit that Hong Kong has one of the best culinary offerings amongst the top cities in the world, it is missing a Thai fine-dining element,” says Chef Ton. “I want to fill that gap because I believe what we do here at Niras is a good introduction to what Thai food in an upscaled style is all about.”

Green and glass are the key interior statements of a chic yet relaxed restaurant where white tablecloths are eschewed in favour of sleek marble and granite tables. Witty framed artworks, created in collaboration with an artist from northern Thailand, also balance the refinement of Chef Ton’s culinary delights – one depicts a drunken Mickey Mouse in the shape of the Michelin mascot; another is a figure inspired by The Simpsons, Baht Sin Son.

A large oval bar is the focal point upon entering Niras. Given that Chef Ton is also a certified sommelier, wine pairings and beverages play a significant role in the dining experience. Whenever he is in town, the acclaimed chef is also the face of his own restaurant – often spotted serving food and talking to guests.

The tasting menu is a plated set of four or six courses. At one moment, you are being served River Prawn with Rice and Tom Yum and Duck with Potato in Massaman Curry, and the next, a fresh, palate-cleansing presentation of Beetroot Sorbet with Tiger Prawn alongside different types of seaweed.

Subtle and sophisticated, the tastes of each individual ingredient in every dish stand out in their own right rather than becoming one overpowering flavour. Case in point, the two follow-ups of Grouper with Thai Kale in Choo Chee Curry and Oyster with Pork Blood and Northern Spice.

The Hong Kong parade of Le Du’s iconic signature dishes is rounded off by Beef with Fennel and Holy Basil and Crab with Mushroom and Homemade Sriracha. The tasting menu, which casts Thai cuisine in an exquisite new light, changes regularly to reflect the local availability of seasonal ingredients. As if there are not enough reinventions, the divine Niras version of the all-time favourite Thai dessert Mango Sticky Rice appears as a final flourish – the perfect ending to the modern and polished Thai gastronomic experience.

Niras is the spot for locals who want their Thai flavour fix in a ritzy setting. Drawing in an eclectic crowd of creatives, foodies and wine connoisseurs as well as more casual diners, since opening in June, it has become the place to be for inspirational and social exchanges over bold, aromatic dishes and refreshing lime-infused gin and tonics. Chef Ton’s vision for Niras is full of character, from the food he serves to the art on his walls.

Niras, Shop 704, 7/F, K11 MUSEA Victoria Dockside, 18 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui. Tel: +852 3905 3022.

Photos: Niras Video: Jack Fontanilla

Step up your fashion game by embracing these trendsetting looks

Fashion trends are ever-changing, and it is crucial to stay current to make a stylish impression. Here are some of the most popular trendsetting looks of this season.

Drape Drive

trendsetting looks — *From left to right: Stella McCartney, Victoria Beckham and Yves Saint Laurent*

The resurgence of the goddess-inspired draped fashion is here to stay and Yves Saint Laurent, Victoria Beckham and Stella McCartney are leading this ethereal trend.

Wedding Comprehension

Decide on a dress that suits your personality, the wedding you and your spouse have planned, and, most importantly, that makes you feel your best. Take notes from fashion houses like Christian Dior, Alexander McQueen and Zimmerman.

Big Me Out

fashion runway — *From left to right: Louis Vuitton, Alexander McQueen and Loewe*

It’s 2023 and ‘90s styles are still, generally making a comeback, and we especially love to see the return of bigger pieces because they can be so much fun to play with. Loewe, Rick Owens and Valentino show us how it’s done.

Short Deco

Bare legs are the antithesis of formal and business attire, according to the rules of conventional menswear of Fendi, AMI and Prada. More male-style rebels are wearing shorts on the most formal occasions, including date night, high-end fashion shows, and even the Met Gala.

Armour City

The armour craze is an extension of the skin-to-world limits we’ve already established. We are now prepared for battle and attired accordingly, just like the knights who fought the plague in the Middle Ages while walking around in full-on Armour.

Also Read: From the Runway to Real Life: Stay Ahead of the Trend Curve

Palace of Year: One year in, the Hong Kong Palace Museum has forged its own identity as a world-class cultural landmark

Enchanting and enriching 1.3 million visitors in its first year, Hong Kong Palace Museum is an unmissable addition to the Kowloon cityscape. From afar, the grandeur of its distinguished façade draws the eye. Inside its breathtaking space, 12 outstanding exhibitions have held court in as many months, each displaying a wealth of multimedia components, an innovative approach to curating, and a distinctive cultural perspective.

Also Read: Colour Harmony: Andrew Yuen’s Evolution From Boyhood Treasure Hunter To Guardian Of Culture

On the occasion of its first anniversary, the HKPM is well into its stride and looking confidently to the future. Since it opened its doors to the public on 3 July 2022, the museum has cultivated strong partnerships in the areas of academic and cultural exchange, in addition to showcasing some of the finest artefacts from its namesake in Beijing and other significant cultural institutions around the globe. Its presence has strengthened the dialogue between world civilisations and Hong Kong’s status as an East-meets-West cultural hub.

We are delighted to celebrate this important milestone. In the past year, the museum has brought moments of delight and amazement to the viewing public. We would like to express our deep gratitude to the Palace Museum for loaning such precious objects for display in Hong Kong, and to our donours and patrons for their generous donations and support. Kudos must go to our curatorial and operational teams for their professionalism and dedication. The museum has been empowered by the overwhelming support of the general public and visitors from around the world,” says Winnie Tam Wan-chi, Chairman of the Hong Kong Palace Museum Board. “We vow to continue to present exceptional exhibitions and programmes at the HKPM with the aim of promoting Chinese culture to a global audience, in accordance with the National 14th Five-Year Plan to develop Hong Kong into an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange.”

Beijing Assistance

The Palace Museum in Beijing, which houses an immense collection of classical Chinese art and artefacts, and the West Kowloon Cultural District joined hands to create the Hong Kong Palace Museum in 2015-16. The cooperation was announced in December 2016 and billed as a gift from the central government to mark the upcoming 20th anniversary of the return of Hong Kong to China.

As a result of the partnership, the Beijing museum lends items to the Hong Kong museum for both long- and short-term exhibitions. For those counting, a total of 914 items from the former’s 1.86-million-strong collection were secured for the HKPM’s inaugural shows.

The loan is the biggest granted by the Beijing institution since its founding in 1925 and features pottery, jade, bronze, costumes, jewellery, paintings, calligraphy and other national treasures – the majority showing in Hong Kong for the first time. The most priceless pieces appear for three months before being returned home to rest in accordance with established exhibition practice.
Hong Kong Exclusive

Despite the connection between the two organisations, the Hong Kong museum has forged its own identity. The HKPM team arranges loans from other esteemed institutions besides the Palace Museum. Upon its opening in July last year – one day later than planned due to a typhoon – more than 100 works borrowed from other museums and institutions in Hong Kong, as well as 13 pieces on loan from the Musée du Louvre in Paris, were invitingly in situ.

Multimedia creations from six local contemporary artists were also presented in its first exhibition, and ongoing efforts have been made to attract young people and foster an understanding of Chinese culture on a global scale.

The HKPM’s 84,000 square feet of exhibition space are spread across nine galleries over the seven-storey building designed by local architect Rocco Yim. Each gallery has a different topic, such as life, architecture, design, or art in the Forbidden City, where its Beijing counterpart is housed.

Now Showing

In the fifth three-month rotation of treasures on loan from the Palace Museum, 51 splendid works will be exhibited in Galleries 1, 2 and 5 until September 2023. Most pieces in this impressive display have not been seen in Hong Kong before and they aptly mark the HKPM’s first-anniversary milestone. They include two Grade One national treasures: a Ming-dynasty ewer resembling a pine tree and a Qing-dynasty brush pot shaped like a Chinese cabbage by renowned bamboo carvers Pu Cheng and Feng Xijue respectively. These extraordinary works headline the must-see show ‘The Quest for Originality: Contemporary Design and Traditional Craft in Dialogue’ in Gallery 5.

A recently acquired scene from The Grand Imperial Wedding of the Guangxu Emperor called “Presenting the Empress’s Investiture Book and Seal at the Hall of Union” is one of the highlights of ‘Entering the Forbidden City: Collection, Architecture and Heritage’, the presentation in Gallery 1. It is joined by the only surviving gold seal of an empress in the Palace Museum collection.

In Gallery 2, ‘From Dawn to Dusk: Life in the Forbidden City’ includes “The Maze”, a print from the Twenty Views of European-style Mansions in the Garden of Perfect Brightness series that showcases the magnificent scenery at Yuanmingyuan Park (the Old Summer Palace). This set of Qing-dynasty prints of the famed imperial garden reflects the integration of European and Chinese painting styles and landscaping features at the time.

A Gift that Keeps on Giving

A portion of China’s imperial treasures is housed at the National Palace Museum in Taipei, having been removed from the mainland during the civil war in the 1940s. The HKPM has been looking into potential collaborations with the Taiwan museum, but due to the latter’s rigorous policies regarding the loan of artworks and artefacts abroad, there are presently no plans to share collections.

However, for the recently minted Director of the HKPM Board, Andrew Yuen, introducing Chinese arts and culture to a wider audience fits his broader vision. “My hope for the Hong Kong Palace Museum still is to be the bridge between the other two ‘Palace-tinians’, between China and Taiwan,” he says.

Alluding to the museum’s genesis as an anniversary present to Hong Kong, Yuen adds: “I hope that Hong Kongers can make time to appreciate our rich Chinese culture. After all, the HKPM is built as a gift for us here in Hong Kong, so we should treasure it and feel special about having such a venue.

“From the moment you step foot in the museum, you will feel its grandeur and importance. This is really one of a kind. The plan, after all, is not to be a branch of the one in Beijing. The Hong Kong Palace Museum is really distinct from its namesake and we plan to keep it that way.”

Ultimately, the Hong Kong Palace Museum is a public venue that aims to incorporate art into everyday life rather than only being a place for those who study art and culture. It goes beyond.

Click here to visit the museum.

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

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

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

Rug Your Life

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

Customised rugs — Photo Credits: Courtesy of Rug Your Life

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

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

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

To order, email inquire@rugyourlife.com

J&P Carpets

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

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

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

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

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

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

Custom Rugs

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

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

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

Gosling the Great: Whether a psychopath, action hero or action figure, there is no character Ryan Gosling cannot master

Ryan Gosling has generally preferred to keep his cards close to his chest offscreen, in contrast to the thrilling and diverse parade of characters he has portrayed onscreen. From Jewish neo-Nazi in the Sundance Grand Jury Prize-winning The Believer (2001) and teen psycho-killer in Murder by Numbers (2002) to the romantic lead in The Notebook (2004) and a drug-addicted teacher in Half Nelson (2006), the former child actor showed a mesmerising range at the start of his adult career.

Half Nelson earned him the first of two Academy Award Best Actor nominations; the second came a decade later for the musical La La Land, which landed him a Golden Globe. Nominations for the latter trophy have been plentiful – Lars and the Real Girl (2007), Blue Valentine (2010), The Ides of March and Crazy, Stupid, Love (both 2011). Critics and fans alike hail his standout performance as Ken in this year’s Barbie, opposite Margot Robbie, as deserving of the highest acting accolade.

Rambo Moment

Gosling’s fascination with all things dramatic, action-packed and comedic began early in life. Reared in Cornwall, Ontario, the young Canadian watched Sylvester Stallone’s primal and vicious revenge epic First Blood, the original Rambo movie, on videocassette one evening when he was in the first grade. He put the family’s steak knives in his Fisher-Price magic kit the next day, and armed to the teeth, made his way to school, eager to apply the knowledge he had just acquired.

“I didn’t think it through, you know,” he says, looking back at his foolhardiness. “I just thought, in my mind: This is not right, what is happening, and something has to be done. Thank God, you know, I was suspended. I should have been. My mother was mortified. And it was like reality came in. I had to get control of my imagination.”

Music to movies

The acclaimed actor is a talented singer, too. At age 12, he went on his first audition for a role in The Mickey Mouse Club. He was cast as a Mouseketeer and later shared the TV screen with future stars Britney Spears, Justin Timberlake and Christina Aguilera. He frequently sang on the show and was supposedly invited to join The Backstreet Boys by band member AJ McLean, his then-next-door neighbour. In 2007, Gosling released his own music and started an indie rock group called Dead Man’s Bones.

Ryan Gosling, Britney Spears, Justin Timberlake and Christina Aguilera

One of his great bait and switches is that, despite the fact that it’s obvious there are many deep, dark and bizarre things churning inside of him as an artist, his face and behaviour give the impression of a regular guy. From First Blood to other less violent pictures, movies clearly helped shape his young mind. Over time, they beckoned him toward them.

“When I saw Dumbo and The Elephant Man, I felt like those films were smashing down some wall inside of me and creating a room called empathy,” he says. “And being very grateful for having seen those films even though they were painful, and the idea of watching them again was scary because I didn’t know that I wanted to feel those things again, but it did feel different after seeing them. Like they had exposed some part of myself to me that I didn’t know was there.”

He credits his uncle, who was an Elvis impersonator, with setting him on the road to performing. “I remember things being very mundane until he came [for an extended stay], and suddenly he was wearing a jumpsuit around the house and talking like Elvis, putting together a show and putting my mom as a backup singer and my father as head of security,” he recalls. “And all our family was coming around, making costumes… family members that didn’t necessarily talk before. It just brought everyone together. I was in the act – I handed out teddy bears and scarves.”

Fame and fatherhood

The grownup Ryan Gosling has made it known that his family comes before his job. The 42-year-old has two daughters, Esmeralda, aged eight, and seven-year-old Amada with long-time partner Eva Mendes. Supporting child-soldier awareness group Invisible Children and the Enough Project, which works to end genocide, he has long campaigned against the conflicts in Central Africa. His own children had a big impact on his choice to star in the Netflix action thriller The Gray Man last year, and he intends to introduce his daughters to his work through the widely acclaimed Barbie.

Gosling, who plays the iconic Ken doll, explains: “Barbie was a way to do that. Not necessarily like I’m making it for them, but it’s the first time I think they kind of are understanding it. Although, they can’t for the life of them understand why I want to play Ken because nobody plays with Ken. But that’s why we must tell his story.”

The Barbie promo cycle has branded Ken as just some guy. He’s not just any person, though; he’s Ken; and that’s what exactly the creator and director of the Barbie movie intended it to be. Along with a legion of Kens defending their right to own some kind of personality, Gosling performs a massive 1980s’ power ballad. Incredibly blonde and impossibly ripped, Ken pulls himself together and finds some value in himself through words of self affirmation. “I’m just Ken and I’m enough / And I’m great at doing stuff,” he sings.

It’s an apt line for the actor as well as the character. In real life and in his chosen craft, Ryan Gosling has proven to be one of the greats.

Also Read: Barbie Composition: Margot Robbie adds another layer of character to her versatile body of work

Highlighting Hong Kong’s top celebratory events from July 2023

Last month, Hong Kong witnessed a series of vibrant and joyful celebratory events that brought the city to life. From award shows to highlight some amazing talents to inauguratory events, there were some classy events that bought many influential people together in one space. Here is a glimpse into some of the top celebratory events from last month.

The Hong Kong Jockey Club Champion Awards 2023

The 2023 edition of The Hong Kong Jockey Club Champion Awards was held last 14th July at Rosewood Hotel as part of the Hong Kong Jockey Club’s celebration of the conclusion of the racing season and honoured the best horse racing champions in Hong Kong. The illustrious gathering of VIPs included members of Hong Kong’s high society, champions of local sports, and the horse racing elite.

Women Power Forum

The 3rd Women Power Forum (WPF) was held last 30 June at the Hong Kong Jockey Club Auditorium of the Hong Kong Palace Museum. Co-organised by the Hong Kong Federation of Women and the Golden Bauhinia Women Entrepreneurs Association, it offers a positive platform with a global perspective – bringing together female industry leaders from around the world.

CVIEW Inauguration Event

Last 19th July, CVIEW, the contemporary Chinese fine dining restaurant, officially opened its doors on the entire 16th floor of the M+ Museum. Offering a wide variety of dishes that emphasize the cuisines of Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Shanghai while providing a spectacular perspective of Victoria Harbour’s sea view, it provides an exceptional gastronomic experience.

The Diageo World Class Competition Hong Kong and Macau 2023

The Diageo World Class Competition Hong Kong and Macau 2023, known as “The Oscars of the bar industry” and the most prestigious competition in the bartending world, came to an exhilarating conclusion last 28th June at Zuma Hong Kong. The six finalists competed for the highly sought title of “Bartender of the Year”.

&Co. By Hula VIP and Press Preview

Last 7th July, &Co. By Hula held a VIP and Press Preview to highlight its new and innovative retail experience of sustainable brands including Style Carousel, KIBO, The Future Rocks and KITDO and rounded up with a panel discussion focusing on the fine balance between fashion and sustainability, with key speakers from each of the brands.

Labels of Love: Like in runways, which one do we love more?

From the runway to our everyday life, fashion choices allow us to express our individuality and create a visual identity that captures attention. And let’s not forget about the thrill of staying on-trend and turning heads wherever you go. Unlock the key to an extraordinary wardrobe that exudes style, versatility, and trendiness with Gafencu’s most loved runway looks.

Look 1

On Her:
Jacket, top, chain belt, skirt, leggings and handbag by Gucci

On Him:
Jacket, pants and handbag by Bottega Veneta

Venue: European Touch HK (Discovery Bay)

Look 2

On Her:
Earrings, necklace and rings by Messika
Dress by Dolce & Gabbana

On Him:
Necklace, bracelet and ring by Messika
Sweater by Ferragamo

Venue: Havana Cigars and Fine Spirits (Discovery Bay)

Look 3

Jacket, shirt, belt and pants by Gucci

Venue: The Rink Italian Kitchen (Discovery Bay)

Look 4

On Her:
Earring and ring by Boucheron
Dress and handbag by Loewe

On Him:
Jacket, shirt and pants by Dior

Venue: The Rink Italian Kitchen (Discovery Bay)

Look 5

On Her:
Watch by Audemars Piguet
Ring by Messika
Handbag by Roger Vivier
Rejoice drape midi dress by Maticevski, courtesy of Net-A-Porter

On Him:
Watch by Audemars Piguet
Ring by Messika
Skirt, top, pants and shoulder bag by Hermès

Venue: Caffe Pascucci (Discovery Bay)

Look 6

On Her:
Earring, bracelet and ring by Messika.
Dress by Kev Yiu SS23 Couture Collection

On Him:
Necklaces, ring and jacket by Dior

Venue:
il Bel Paese Ristorante Italiano (Discovery Bay)

Look 7

On Her:
Ring and bracelet by Boucheron
Clutch by Roger Vivier
Dress and boots by Hermès

On Him:
Trench coat, top and pants by Paul Smith
Shoes by Ferragamo

Venue: The Rink Italian Kitchen(Discovery Bay)

Look 8

On Her:
Earrings, bracelet, gloves, top, skirt, shocks, heels and handbag by Dior

On Him:
Floral armour top, sleeveless blazer and pants by Rickyywong
Shoes by Christian Louboutin

Venue: The Rink Italian Kitchen (Discovery Bay)

Look 9

Head jewellery and ring by Boucheron
Dress by Ferragamo
Heels by Gucci

Venue: The Rink Italian Kitchen (Discovery Bay)

Photographer: Jack Law Art Direction & Styling: Jhoshwa Ledesma Videographer: Jack Fontanilla Female Model: Victoria T (Primo Management Ltd.) Male Model: Ilai S (Primo Management Ltd.) Hair and Make-up: Heti Tsang & Joenny Lau Venue: European Touch HK (Discovery Bay), il Bel Paese Ristorante Italiano (Discovery Bay), The Rink Italian Kitchen (Discovery Bay), Caffe Pascucci (Discovery Bay) & Havana Cigars and Fine Spirits (Discovery Bay).

Also Read: From the Runway to Real Life: Stay Ahead of the Trend Curve

For Hans Lo, CL Yachts’ Deputy Director, innovation makes sailing through life worthwhile

The Lai Chi Kok docks in West Kowloon, sheltered by the protrusion of land that is Stonecutters Island, is not a popular destination for most locals. At the very end of a three-minute walk through a labyrinth of rebars, tower cranes, a manually built wooden bridge and all things industrial, sits a luxury yacht, visible enough through the help of orange and white flags. This is where Hans Lo has chosen to meet.

“Yachting is a luxury business, but behind its glamour lies a lot of hard and physical work. Come right in,” says the yacht builder as he welcomes our team aboard.

As a fifth-generation member of the Lo family, who began their craft in Shanghai in the late 19th century, then moved Cheoy Lee Shipyards to Hong Kong in 1936, Hans shares in the legacy of helming the oldest shipbuilders in Hong Kong. The Los were also among the forerunners of fibreglass yacht construction, collaborating with Lloyd’s Register to create regulations for GRP (glass-reinforced plastic) boat construction back in the 1960s, and building the then-largest fibreglass yacht, the 130-foot Shango II, in 1975.

Cheoy Lee relocated its shipbuilding facility from Penny’s Bay to Zhuhai, China in 1996, and today is one of the producers of commercial vessels, considered the best in the world.

Sweater, shirt, trousers and shoes by Ralph Lauren

A Queen’s University Civil Engineering alumnus, Hong Kong-born, Canadian-educated Lo confesses to starting at the bottom in the family shipyard – laying up fibreglass and helping with vacuum infusion on a few projects before moving on to other aspects of yacht building. He quickly grasped the process of a build, and over time took on a broader role; he became Deputy Director of CL Yachts – the pleasure-craft arm of the parent company – in 2019.

Lo spent a large portion of his youth at the Cheoy Lee facility, returning during summer vacations after his family settled in Vancouver when he was seven years old. “Growing up, my family and I would go to bai san by boat, and as a kid, I thought that was just normal for everybody,” he says. “It was only later on that I realised the reason we were doing this is because our family builds ships. It’s very much a part of our life.”

True to his great-great-grandfather’s visionary roots, Lo is not standing still; he is thinking grand-scale for CL Yachts. “In 10 years, I hope we’ve established ourselves in Hong Kong and Australia – our biggest targets right now in terms of yacht sales,” he says.

His 10-year plan has already commenced. At their production facility, they are currently developing an innovative commercial project involving carbon fibre and hybrid technology for a more sustainable approach to the yacht industry – a move towards a greener carbon footprint.

Stance and Ballast

Now 40, the millennial engineer has grey hairs perfectly sprinkled through both sides of his crew cut; and he embraces them, saying: “Age is just a number and we should be proud of it. As we age, we collect learnings and these make us a better version of ourselves. I’d like to believe that I am in my prime working potential.”

As we head out to sea for the photo shoot, he proudly shows us around their flagship yacht CLB65, hailing its development as CL Yachts’ most significant career accomplishment to date. A striking departure from traditional motor yachts, the 19.7-metre craft has received prizes internationally for its creativity, adaptability and versatility. “What makes this project more special is that the interior design was conceptualised by my wife,” he notes.

Jakcet by Zegna Trousers by Nanushka, courtesy of The Outnet Shoes by Ralph Lauren

The balancing of work and family time has always been smooth sailing for Lo, who uses the fact that he is part of a family business to his advantage. For him, family and work can be the same thing. However, he is changing things up a little to be a better dad and husband than the generation before him. Showing us a recent photo of himself, his wife and their two-year-old, he shares that his father was like an astronaut during his formative years.

“Being a father was tough in my dad’s generation. He needed to travel back and forth to Canada, and it made seeing us difficult. I want to be around for my son as much as I can. Being present is important in a young’s child life,” he reiterates.

Wave Encounters

Just as we are talking about alternative plans in life, Lo interrupts himself mid-sentence to rush to his yacht engineer, who has accidentally slipped down the stairs. As we make haste back to land, he says that every member of his team plays a crucial role in making the yacht-building business work. And so, to plan B we go – a two-hour photoshoot at the headquarters of CL Yachts where he discusses the nature of pleasure-boating in between outfit changes; with a laugh, he describes one ensemble as a boyband look.

Luxury yachting is, by definition, extreme and extravagant; some would say over the top. However, as he points out, there is a whole industry that supports the yachting sector and employs hundreds of thousands of hardworking people worldwide. “For us, there’s luxury in practicality. When you’re aboard our boats, you’ll find easy access to everything you want to do. Our boats are true sea-going vessels,” he explains.

Surprisingly perhaps, and ironically, the peak of Covid brought a surge in sales. With people unable to travel and go places, many chose to invest in a yacht instead and discovered the joys of boating.

“[The pandemic] was a huge obstacle that we all had to overcome. But that’s just life. There are always going to be hurdles in our way, and we are always going have to pick ourselves up, go with the flow and with the waves,” he says, with a gleeful wink as he utters the last word.

After the indoor shoot, Lo and the entire crew jump back onto the yacht to continue with the original plan. After a few shots on deck, he entertains a phone call – a glance at what his everyday life looks like, call after call, meeting after meeting. But he emphasises the importance of taking a break, once in a while.

“We picked a good day to do the shoot and interview, didn’t we?” he proclaims, as the light of the 5 pm sun glints off his sunglasses. “We’re always due to pause and take a step back so that we can gain a new perspective on things going on in our lives. Working hard, earning money and investing in your future – these are for survival. Enjoying the finer things in life is for living.”

While Lo has work-family balance down pat, he is still juggling the pleasure of living in the moment and the necessity of planning for the future. Yet, deep in his soul, he believes life should be enjoyed as much as humanly possible. Armed with the knowledge that comes with experience, a strong family support group and another magazine cover for his beloved flagship, he is content to ride the tide to see which way the waves take him.

Interview & Art Direction: Joseff Musa Photographer: Jack Law Fashion Stylist: Jhoshwa Ledesma Videographer: Jack Fontanilla Hair & Makeup: Cyrus Tang Venue: Cheoy Lee Shipyards Boat: CLB65 Cover: Jacket and Pasnts by IRO, courtesy of The Outnet and shoes by Zegna Brands: Ralph Lauren, IRO, courtesy of The Outnet and Nanushka, courtesy of The Outnet

Here is your August 2023 Horoscope

August is quite a special month in astrology as the month brings not one but two blue moons which can have a unique effect on each zodiac sign. Scroll down to read your August 2023 horoscope to learn what this month has in store for you.

Leo (23 Jul – 22 Aug)

Individuals born under the Leo zodiac sign are natural leaders who attract attention with their flamboyant presence. This August, you may be inclined to make changes in a specific matter that affects you and those in your proximity. Do not hesitate to take the first steps, even if no one has taken any action in the past. Your initiative can inspire others to follow your lead, and the ultimate result will provide a sense of relief.

Fortunately, you have a supportive partner by your side to help you on this journey. Remember that it’s normal for them to expect the same support, even if they don’t ask for it. With this mutual understanding, your relationship can continue to thrive and maybe even improve.

VIRGO (23 August – 22 September)

You are having second thoughts about the people around you, especially because you feel they don’t encourage you as you do for them. You may be inclined to hang out with new people but keep in mind, it is better not to have high expectations from others. (Virgo of the Month: Zendaya, American Actress, 1 September 1996)

LIBRA (23 September – 22 October)

You have a certain charm to you that attracts new people leading to new opportunities too. This August, your amicable personality will have people wanting to collaborate with you and if it interests you, you can look forward to the success of these projects. (Libra of the Month: Thanawat Rattanakitpaisarn, Thai Actor, 13 October 1998)

Also Read: The most anticipated movies released this August

SCORPIO (23 October – 21 November)

Though you may not be ready for it, the universe calls you to make certain decisions. With both your options being equally pleasing, you are worried about the loss that comes with not choosing the other. It is time to focus on what would make you happier so pick the one close to your heart. (Scorpio of the Month: Björk, Icelandic singer-songwriter, 21 November 1965)

SAGITTARIUS (22 November – 21 December)

When you rethink why you made some choices in life, you would realise that you are onto something productive and though you may not see its outcomes immediately, you will surely one day. Don’t let this dull phase in your life make you feel agitated and discouraged from working towards your goals. (Sagittarius: Jung Wooyoung, South Korean Singer, 26 November 1999)

CAPRICORN (22 December – 19 January)

You are actually your strictest critic, Capricorn. Some incidents in August may have you thinking that you are not showing your full potential but it is better not to be very hard on yourself and understand that it is essential to prioritise your mental health. (Capricorn of the Month: Ryuichi Sakamoto, Japanese composer, 17 January 1952)

AQUARIUS (20 January – 18 February)

On a positive note, you, things are going to go undisturbed on the career aspect. However, your love life may see a downfall unless you learn to express your love towards your partner and being subtle is just not enough at least for the time being. (Aquarius of the Month: Alexander Glantz, American Singer-songwriter, 23 January 1995)

PISCES (19 February – 20 March)

You have found an environment that is ideal for you to succeed and that has allowed you to work without any worries. While such circumstances have pushed you to work hard, so that you can see victory, you may want to slow down and remember that using all your energy now will leave you hopeless in the future. (Pisces of the Month: Catherine O’Hara, Canadian-American Actress, 4 March 1954)

ARIES (21 March – 19 April)

This month’s planetary position pushes you to have high expectations of yourself and though it may feel daunting at first, it can become your own dose of encouragement once you see that you are more capable than you think you are. Take full advantage of this new-found hope to win big in life. (Aries of the Month: Tristan Tzara, Romanian Poet, 28 April 1896)

TAURUS (20 April – 20 May)

August could feel like the longest month and it will test your patience as you will find yourself waiting for things to happen. Look at it optimistically and all that extra time gives you more room to prepare better and perform better. (Taurus of the Month: Miranda Kerr, Australian Model, 20 April 1983)

GEMINI (21 May – 20 June)

You are feeling like you are stuck in a slump with nothing happening the way you planned. Don’t let this despair stop you from working towards your ambitions. Diverting your mind from any negative thoughts you may have, will benefit you significantly. (Gemini of the Month: Ranganathan Madhavan, Indian Actor, 1 June 1970)

CANCER (21 June – 22 July)

You have discovered your true potential but this turned out to be a double-edged sword for you, Cancer. Now, you are pushing yourself to work even harder and not giving the rest you most certainly need. August could be the right time to take a break and then swing back with full force. (Cancer of the Month: Sofia Vergara, Colombian-American actress, 10 July 1972)

Also Read: Things to do this August in Hong Kong

What’s on? Things to do this August in Hong Kong

Whether you want to immerse yourself in some fascinating music or interest your brain with some knowledgeable tours and conventions, Hong Kong brings it all for you to make the best out of the upcoming month. Scroll down to check out the best August 2023 events and regardless of which event you are going to, don’t forget to apply some sunscreen.

S20 Songkran Music Festival

Aptly described as the world’s wettest party, the S20 Songkran Music Festival splashes down in Hong Kong this summer. It guarantees non-stop fun as attendees partake in water fights and watch entertaining musical performances in an ode to the traditional Thai New Year. Taking to the stage are local and international artists such as Breathe Carolina, Krewella, Karlie Chui and Yukio. If playing with water is not your idea of fun, head to one of the dry zones where you can dance to the music without getting a drop of water on you. When you get hungry, there are tonnes of snacks and drinks options.

When: August 5 – 6
Where: Central Harbourfront
How much: From HK$1,180
Click here for more details.

Sai Kung Mystery Night Adventure

If you are fascinated by the beauties of nature and intrigued by the idea of discovering different species in their natural habitat by moonlight, then this night adventure is for you. Led by knowledgeable guides, you will explore the country parks and protected areas of Sai Kung, from farmland, forests and orchards to ponds, where you can expect frogs and insects amid a host of nocturnal creatures. Be sure to carry a water bottle, mosquito repellent and a night torch for an unhinged experience.

When: August 11
Where: Sai Kung
How much: From HK$250
Click here for more details.

Hong Kong International Saxophone Symposium

Instigated in 2009 by acclaimed classical saxophonist Kenneth Tse, the HKISS 2023 once again brings talented musicians from all over the world to perform on the grand stage, both indoors and out. This year’s tribute to the sounds of the sax takes place over three days, with Tse headlining the finale on 19 August. The ensemble gala on the 15th, titled Schéhérazade, promises a blend of youth and mastery under the watchful eye of guest conductor James Leung.

When: August 13, 15 and 19
Where: Hong Kong Arts Centre Shouson Theatre
How much: From HK$250
Click here for more details.

Vegetarian And Vegan Food And Cultural Tour

This culinary tour around Kowloon presents some delectable offerings at fascinating neighbourhood eateries. It also takes in a few tourist spots in between the designated food stops. So if you are vegan or just enjoy the occasional plant-based meal, sign up to discover a different slice of local life.

When: August 19
Where: Various venues in Kowloon
How much: HK$575
Click here for more details.

Lauv: The Between Albums Tour

Having written and crooned his share of hit melodies including I Like Me Better and Who – a collaboration with K-pop superstars BTS – Ari Staprans Leff returns to Hong Kong as part of his summer tour of Asia. The American music genius very popularly called Lauv is set to wow raucous full houses of local fans for two nights. Joining him on stage for a special performance is fellow US pop singer Alexander 23.

When: August 22 – 23
Where: AsiaWorld-Expo
How much: From HK$588
Click here for more details.

HK International Tattoo Convention

Aiming to promote tattoo culture and put to rest negative opinions, Hong Kong’s three-day tattoo convention returns for its seventh edition after a four-year gap. Created by Gabe Shum, it attracts talented tattooists from all over the world and provides insights into the techniques used within the art form. Aspiring tattooists can also join competitions.

When: August 25 – 27
Where: Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre
How much: From HK$500
Click here for more details.

Computer & Communications Festival

With technology leading us into the unchartered territory of AI and the metaverse, keeping up with the latest inventions in the sector is a smart move. The best place is the Computer & Communications Festival, which always delights local tech aficionados. This year’s must-browse areas include the Web3 Asia Sports Tech & Esports Experience Zone, the 5G & Green Tech Zone and for a different generation, the Smart Technology for the Elderly Pavilion.

When: August 25 – 28
Where: Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre
How much: HK$35
Click here for more details.

Vital Signs

Paying tribute to neon signs is the Vital Signs exhibition, a joint venture between Tai Kwun and Tetra Neon Exchange which strives to preserve Hong Kong’s iconic signage heritage. The exhibition will showcase a selection of Instagrammable neon signs and highlight their history and pioneers. Curious minds can also learn the chemical elements that come together to form different colours.

When: Until September 3
Where: Tai Kwun
How much: Free entry
Click here for more details.

Fantasy In Fabric

Taiwanese textile artist Danny Amazonas is known for his colourful quilts and mosaic collages. Having made fabric art since the 1990s, he has established himself as one of the leading figures in the field by creating iconic ‘freehand patchwork’ patterns. The Fantasy in Fabric exhibition perfectly captures this unique style. Amazonas gathers thousands of fabric pieces in different materials like silk and cotton, stitches them together and paints on them to construct his masterpieces.

When: Until September 10
Where: Artspace K
How much: Free entry
Click here for more details.