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

Enjoy a fantastic range of events to have fun and soak up some culture, from the Hong Kong Sevens to the film festival, masterpieces on display and so much more.

Illuminate! Run Beyond

Following the successful hosting of this immersive installation in global cities such as Washington DC, Toronto, London and Amsterdam, Italian artist Angelo Bonello brings his much-acclaimed light show to the majestic backdrop of Victoria Harbour. Visitors to his shows often tell of a surreal experience in which visions of silhouetted figures appear to leap almost magically from the installation creating a dreamlike, mystical ambience. Expect to be enchanted as Illuminate! Run Beyond heralds the launch of the Wan Chai Harbourfront Event Space. Bonello’s Art Light display will then continue until 28 April.

When: Until 4 April

Where: Wan Chai Harbourfront Event Space

How much: Free

For more information: wches.com.hk

Songkran

Running in conjunction with celebrations to mark the Thai New Year, the Songkran Festival is a riotous, fun- filled occasion in which a good time is always had by all. Certain streets of Hong Kong become a veritable battlefield as participants endeavour to soak each other with water and thereby cleanse their spirits of all misfortune amassed over the previous year. The festival also marks a way for Thais in the city to promote community integration. Events at Songkran HK 2024 include dance performances, a market, food stalls and the Nang Songkran Parade.

When: 4-8 April

Where: D2 Place and Cheung Yee Street

How much: Free

For more information: songkran.hk

Hong Kong Sevens

This fantastic festival of fun and sporting excellence makes its swansong at Hong Kong Stadium before moving to Kai Tak Sports Park in 2025. For three decades, the iconic venue has provided magical moments and thrilling rugby for fans who flock to Hong Kong for the party atmosphere. A streamlined competition sees 12 men’s and 12 women’s teams competing for the coveted trophy, while China, Japan and Hong Kong (men) and China, Thailand and Hong Kong (women) battle in the Melrose Claymores competition.

When: 5-7 April

Where: Hong Kong Stadium

How much: Three-day pass HK$1,950

For more information: hksevens.com

Zlatomir Fung

A precociously gifted musical talent, at age 24 cellist Zlatomir Fung has performed with some of the world’s leading orchestras and is a hot property in the classical music industry. In 2019, he was the youngest-ever cello gold-medal winner at the International Tchaikovsky Competition. The US-raised Chinese-Bulgarian prodigy makes his Hong Kong debut, ably accompanied by local star Rachel Cheung on piano.

When: 17 April

Where: City Hall Concert Hall

How much: From HK$180

For more information: cityhall.gov.hk

Beyond the Singularity

The final exhibition of the Arts Development Council’s TECH 2.0 series, which has shone an interactive light on the connection between arts, technology and the community, focuses on the topic du jour – artificial intelligence. It asks participants to venture into the world of AI and explore the deeper meaning of its revolutionary impact on technology and the creative arts in general. This is the first major exhibition in Hong Kong where artists have used AI tools to create new works.

When: Until 7 April

Where: Showcase, Wong Chuk Hang

How much: Free

For more information: arts-tech.hk

Westk Funfest

Let your imagination run wild at this family-oriented arts extravaganza that allows visitors to explore and participate in a multitude of interactive experiences indoors and out. Try Ephemeral, the immersive public art installation created by award-winning Sydney-based design studio Atelier Sisu, which lands in Hong Kong for the first time and includes a ‘Colossal’ new element. Alternatively, 10-Minute Dance Parties is an unforgettable celebration of dance.

When: Until 7 April

Where: West Kowloon Cultural District venues

How much: Free or various prices

For more information: westkowloon.hk

Hong Kong International Film Festival

Now in its 48th edition, the Hong Kong International Film Festival (HKIFF) has garnered an outstanding reputation for the breadth and quality of the movies it screens. A major cultural event in its own right, it has become the template for other Asian film festivals keen to replicate this success to their film- loving public. This year the Hong Kong programme spotlights the works of directors Fruit Chan, Martin McDonagh and Hamaguchi Ryusuke.

When: Until 8 April

Where: Various venues

How much: From HK$55

For more information: hkiff.org.hk

Masterpieces from the National

Take advantage while you can of this fantastic museum collaboration in which amazing works of art usually residing in London’s National Gallery have been loaned out to the Hong Kong Palace Museum. This is the first time paintings from the National Gallery have been made accessible for the public to view in Hong Kong. In total, 52 masterpieces by some of the art-world greats can be contemplated.

When: Until 11 April

Where: Hong Kong Palace Museum

How much: HK$150

For more information: hkpm.org.hk

Madame Song

Immerse yourself in the magnificent world of Song Huai-Kuei by spending some time at this major exhibition dedicated to the life and works of the Chinese cultural pioneer. The multitalented Madame Song touched and shaped Chinese art, film, music and fashion, and her influence spanned decades, from the 1950s to the early 2000s when China itself changed dramatically. The curators have gathered more than 320 objects for visitors to admire.

When: Until 14 April

Where: West Gallery, M+ Museum

How much: HK$140

For more information: mplus.org.hk

Arrival Notice: In a tactical change, Hong Kong is rolling out new local attractions. Will more tourists roll up?

Hong Kong’s ability to attract tourists and stage major events featuring international stars has dominated the headlines over recent months. Just when visitor numbers began to rebound following the devastating Covid years, the Lionel Messi saga put Hong Kong in an unwelcome global spotlight and undoubtedly left many unanswered questions. Negativity about visitors reducing their spending while on our shores has also threatened to derail efforts to lure more.

It wasn’t always difficult, of course. Hong Kong has been a beacon for tourists through the ages. The stunning harbour set against the backdrop of a forest of skyscrapers and majestic hills has long captivated the imagination, and there are positive signs pointing to a return to the days of abundant incomers.

Cruise high

In an indication of rising arrival rates, cruise ship visits are now buoyant. Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) shares that from November 2023 to April 2024, the number of international ship calls exceeded pre-pandemic levels. No doubt many of those luxury-cruise travellers would have been mesmerised by the engrossing view of the fragrant harbour as their ship slowly moored at Ocean Terminal or the Kai Tak Cruise Terminal.

Tourism is big business. Government economists have calculated that each batch of 1.5 million tourists contributes HK$3 billion to Hong Kong’s gross domestic product.

In the recent Budget, HK$1.09 billion was allocated to help boost tourism, which will enable the HKTB to increase efforts in four strategic directions: developing diversified tourism experiences; staging and supporting large-scale international events; developing diverse visitor source markets and stepping up promotions; and enhancing service quality and providing continuous support for the travel trade. A new dedicated team at the HKTB, the Mega Event Development and Advancement division, has been tasked with helping global event organisers navigate their way into the city more easily.

Shift in emphasis

HKTB spokesperson opines that Hong Kong’s tourism offerings do not necessarily need to be improved, but there should be a shift to cater to changing consumer preferences.

Government estimates suggest tourism numbers in Hong Kong will recover to 50 million visitors this year – a figure encouragingly revised from an earlier HKTB forecast of about 46 million. While this is up from 2023, it still represents a significant shortfall from pre-pandemic levels; about 65 million tourists flocked to Hong Kong in 2018, with nearly four in five arriving from mainland China.

Today’s tourists from the north, though, do not seem to splurge on luxury items as before. “Changes in consumer behaviour and travel demands have undergone a paradigm shift from consumption to higher demand of immersive and in-depth experiences,” says a HKTB spokesperson. “[So] our tourism offerings are also gradually shifting the focus from tactical offers such as discount and brick-and-mortar shopping experiences to arts and culture, wellness and green tourism, together with digital experiences and quality, customisable services.

Reconnecting tourists

HKTB research suggests recent HKTB campaigns like ‘Hello Hong Kong’ and ‘Hong Kong Night Treats’ have been hugely successful in re-engaging with world travellers. The goal for the upcoming year is to convert tourists interested in visiting Hong Kong into actual arrivals, and secondly, to get them spending in town.

Just the first step in the diversified tourism experience will be a revamped version of the nightly light-and-sound show ‘A Symphony of Lights’. Monthly pyrotechnic and drone shows, another of HKTB’s new initiatives, have been in the firing line though, as an environmentally aware segment of public opinion suggests these should be switched to drone-only.

Financial Secretary Paul Chan has indicated the pyrotechnic shows would encompass different monthly themes in line with mega events. He also suggested publicity measures to promote Hong Kong would include producing reality TV shows and rewarding outstanding frontline staff in the hospitality sector.

Local flavour

The HKTB recently leveraged its year-round promotional platform, ‘Arts in Hong Kong’, to showcase international art and cultural events, including Art Basel Hong Kong, Art Central and ComplexCon Hong Kong, in a bid to create a wider buzz. Through its research after the pandemic, the tourism body has gleaned that visitors are particularly drawn by local culture. A cha chaan teng-style cafe, for example, was set up at Art Basel to add local flavour and enrich visitor experiences.

“That’s why we will continue to promote the local neighbourhoods to offer authentic experiences and launch a second phase of the Temple Street promotion,” says a HKTB spokesperson. “Our East-meets-West festival calendar is also unique in Asia, and we will devote tangible resources to amplify the ambience of these festivities through events, promotions and city-wide décors to appeal to visitors.

Events capital

Much debate of late has centred on Hong Kong’s capability to promote and stage world- class events and bring big stars to the city. That Singapore held an exclusive deal to hold the Taylor Swift concert with plenty of carrot involved in the form of government monetary assistance caused some consternation here. Whether taxpayer’s money would be best served by such inducements is the source of heated argument in Hong Kong. There has been much talk of the ‘Swiftonomics’ effect of her performances in Singapore.

The government did inject HK$16 million into last month’s LIV Golf tournament, which duly attracted global attention and some of the best golfing professionals. The fact that this widely- praised event proved such a success has gone some way to alleviating disappointment over the Messi no-show.

In terms of courting international mega acts, the 50,000-capacity stadium at Kai Tak Sports Park is expected to open next year. Hoteliers hope this facility will help entice stars to perform in the city and fans to stay overnight, especially if multi-night performances can be scheduled. The authorities also intend to release details of mega events in a timelier manner so commercial entities can best capitalise on business opportunities.

Quality count

What the city can be proud of is the breadth and quality of the events it holds. Underscoring Hong Kong’s intention to remain Asia’s event capital, the HKTB spokesperson reeled off a number of major events organised or partnered by the HKTB that will “contribute to soliciting high-yield and high-value visitors”. These include the Hong Kong Sevens, Hong Kong Tennis Open, Art Basel, Clockenflap, Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races, Hong Kong Cyclothon and Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival.

The five Art March installations running until 2 June are expected to attract more than two million visitors. Despite an estimated combined staging cost of about HK$50 million, they are free to the public, and the government has stressed the idea is to bring fun and happiness to the city.

One particularly innovative offering, teamlab: Continuous, features more than 200 luminous eggs sitting in Tamar Park and dotting Victoria Harbour. The hues and acoustic outputs of this mesmerising display of ovoids will transform upon interaction with visitors.

Art March spanned a diverse range of activities from exhibitions of art and culture to television and film festivals. These were part of 80 events scheduled for the first half of 2024, as Hong Kong slowly but surely woos back the gone but not forgotten tourists.

Ace of Space: Led by owner Rasheed Shroff, social consciousness and sustainability flourish at Banyan Workspace

Rasheed Shroff’s co-working space is located in a three-decade-old industrial building in Quarry Bay. But inside, it’s a blueprint of what a modern office should look like, with a feel of zen and a killer harbour view. As we ring the bell, Shroff joyfully hops into the office’s cavernous foyer. There’s something undeniably adolescent about his demeanour – like that of a teenager left alone in a grown-up’s house. Throwing open the door, he says hello, and leads us past a marble reception counter and a hard-to-miss framed letter B – the company logo, Banyan Workspace.

“I guess this is what a positive working environment does? Less stress means looking young?” he laughs. “At the peak of the pandemic years, there was a time when I was the only person in this space. That was hard and mentally exhausting. Thank god that’s over!”

As a visionary entrepreneur with a deep understanding of the evolving landscape of work and business, Shroff recognises the limitations of traditional office spaces. Thus, he set out to create a new paradigm that fosters collaboration, creativity and productivity. With a clear vision and an entrepreneurial spirit, he and his wife, Amy, founded Banyan Workspace in 2019 to offer a fresh, socially conscious perspective on shared workspaces.

*Knit V-neck gilet in two-toned dove grey geometric jacquard by Emporio Armani, Melange wool blazer and wool pants by SANDRO and watch by Zodiac Watches*

Amy Shroff stays close during our photoshoot in the space’s sumptuous library and lounge – ideal for companies to hire for their own sessions – and ably fulfils her role as Head of Creative by suggesting how her husband should pose and smile. “The whole idea of Banyan Workspace is to come to work with a smile,” he says with gusto. “It’s always a first-name basis here with an enthusiastic good morning and/or hello. We strive to provide a comfortable working environment that feels like it’s a home.”

Apple and the tree

Rasheed Shroff’s family has long been recognised in the city. His grandfather fled from Shanghai with his family during the Second World War, beginning a profound bond with Hong Kong spanning four generations. His path of success left an indelible mark on the commercial landscape and ultimately shaped the destiny of the family. For Rasheed personally, this meant a law degree at the University of Sussex in the UK, two decades in the brand and marketing corporate world, then co-founding his own brand- distribution company, Dragonfly Asia-Pacific, the year before Banyan Workspace was born.

*Knitwear top by ZEGNA and Alpha wool-twill suit jacket and trousers by SANDRO*

“We call it Banyan Workspace for a couple of reasons,” he says. “Banyan trees were historical places where merchants traded goods while traversing the old Silk Road. Both my grandfather and father ran a trading company which started with sourcing silks in China and shipping them to India, so we thought that was very analogous to us.”

Sustainable force

As a true-blooded Hong Konger with deep roots in and love of his birthplace, Shroff not only showcases the city’s spirit through the design of the co-working space but also embraces a noble cause – giving back to the community. They have officially partnered with five local non-profit organisations to date.

Companies have been drawn to the allure of the space for their offsite meetings and events, captivated by a sustainable luxury office that seems to defy convention. This served as the catalyst for the Green Office Project in 2022, a Banyan Workspace undertaking that encourages companies to embrace sustainability.

“Its purpose evolved beyond a mere educational initiative,” he explains. “This project is for companies to understand the consequences of the decisions they make every day, and to show decision-makers that viewing each decision through a sustainability lens is good for their company, their customers, their business and our planet. We would love to take our impact beyond the four walls of our workspace and inspire and support the next generation of entrepreneurs.”

Words to work by

Shroff also possesses a rare sense of discipline and drive for perfection, qualities that were born perhaps of his awareness that he has a name to live up to. In the corner of the office pantry, three placards hang on a rattan board: ‘Inspire Impact, Engage Minds, Transform Action.’

He adds: “It’s absolutely critical to be in an environment that you are comfortable in and that is conducive to being as productive as you can be. This is not about the set-up, though obviously it’s important that the technology works, whether that be the wifi, the printer or the lights.”

50 and beyond

He is entering his sixth decade and a new phase of life, but behind a youthful visage that only shows wear when a smile draws minuscule wrinkles around his brow, his humility and his honesty are what shine the most.

“Almost every interaction is an opportunity to learn and develop. The key is staying humble, being open to learning, growing, developing and being self-aware,” he says. “Setting up two distinct businesses across three countries is probably my most significant achievement career-wise. But honestly, I don’t feel we have accomplished what we set out to do yet. I am cautiously optimistic about what 2024 will bring.”

Settled into an equilibrium, Shroff appears to have a genuine enjoyment of his place in the ecosystem. His most overwhelming and rewarding job seems to be as a family man – a husband and a father of two. “Parenthood is a gift, but it is also something that nothing can prepare you for,” he shares. “It makes you want to be better and show your kids the very best that you can be, while striving to give them every opportunity to become the best version of themselves.”

Valuable support

He adds with a knowing wink: “But the young need to make their own mistakes and learn from them – finding that balance is not always very easy. My parents always encouraged us to work hard and play hard. I worked hard yes, but I played harder! “My family as well as my team are an incredible support system and they allow me to do everything that I love to do. Nothing that I do today would be possible without them,” he confesses.

It was the desire to give every child the support system they deserve that saw Shroff accept an invitation to sit on the global board of OneSky, an NGO providing early childhood care and safety environments for vulnerable children.

Space, the future frontier

There is an earnest, sometimes quivering sense of excitement in his voice when he discusses what lies ahead. His mindset retains an ethos that anything is possible. Sustainability has been a core value of the co-working movement since its inception, and while this commitment is not always easy, it is a crucial step towards creating a more equitable and sustainable future for all.

“I firmly believe that resiliency is one of the most important qualities an entrepreneur needs to have,” he stresses. “The last few years have certainly taught me that being resilient, staying in the game and putting one foot in front of the other is the only way to progress.”

Ultimately, the right blend of autonomy, resources and community lies at the heart of an empowered and happy team — one that wants to come to work, wherever that happens to be.

Interview, Text & Art Direction: Joseff Musa Photographer: Jack Law Videographer: Jack Fontanilla Venue: Banyan Workspace Brands: Emporio Armani, ZEGNA and SANDRO Cover: Chore jacket by ZEGNA, Neil cotton-twill suit pants by IRO and shoes by ZEGNA

Glamour Quotient: Daywear practicality meets couture glamour in Elie Saab’s Pre-Fall 2024

The collection exhibits a well-considered balance that is reminiscent of Elie Saab’s own American style, deftly navigating between high fashion and fundamentals. Envisioning the essence of the 1970s, the assortment offers an abundance of choices for casual attire, showcasing asymmetrical shirts, fitted jumpsuits, peplum jackets, midi dresses, and a noteworthy item called the “Elie Saab pajama” — a set of pleated shirt and pants. Saab’s commitment to catering to the varied demands of its affluent customer base is seen in its focus on maintaining basic yet attractive forms.

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Awe Opera: Buccellati Opera – Icona Collections

The Buccellati Opera Icona Collections encompass a wide range of jewellery pieces including rings, necklaces, earrings, bracelets and brooches. These designs are inspired by various elements found in nature, such as flowers, leaves and animals, which are intricately translated into exquisite jewellery forms.

While we adore the four-point Opera Tulle motif, The Buccellati Opera collection is always incorporating fresh and fascinating twists – crafted in 18K gold and adorned with luminous diamond details to create breathtaking masterpieces that are admired around the world.

A testament to the brand’s commitment to timeless beauty, exceptional craftsmanship and artistic expression, each piece is a wearable work of art, meticulously created to be cherished for generations.

Festive Crackers: Festival fervour lights up streets and hearts each month somewhere in the world

Following last month’s joyous celebration of Chinese New Year, we pay homage to the start of a new cycle. There’s an abundance of festivals held around the world throughout the year that have deep cultural significance and bring people and communities closer. Here is a guide to the best and the brightest for globetrotters seeking to soak up local colour.

Colour of Water

March sees the Holi festival in India, a beloved tradition in the country’s north, where Hindus celebrate the arrival of Spring according to the lunar calendar by joyously throwing coloured water and powder dyes on anyone within range. No one or orifice is safe from the technicolour assault, which takes place on 25 March this year. Mathura, one of India’s holiest cities, attracts floods of pilgrims during this festival. Bonfires are held the night before to celebrate the demise of the demoness Holika.

Saint Patrick’s Day falls annually on 17 March – a day in honour of the foremost patron saint of Ireland. The best place to celebrate the biggest day in the country’s cultural calendar is in the capital, Dublin, which becomes awash with the colour green. It’s a festival of fun – the famous Irish craic – and copious quantities of Guinness.

The Songkran Water Festival in Thailand has gained a reputation as the largest water fight in the world. It is part of the wider Songkran celebration of the Thai New Year (13-15 April), which is rich in symbolism for the Buddhist and Hindu calendars.

Music & Movie Mania

The New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, held this year from 25 April to 5 May, brings 10 days of marvellous music from a multitude of genres – jazz, funk, gospel, blues, folk, bluegrass and others. The celebration marks the city’s roots as the birthplace of jazz. The latest celluloid splendours are aired every May at Festival de Cannes, known internationally as the Cannes Film Festival. Dating from the 1940s, the famous red- carpet event sees the best actors and filmmakers from around the world congregate on the French Riviera in an orgy of cinematic heaven. This year’s dates, 14-25 May, are a must for anyone fascinated by the global influence of movies.

June heralds two famous music festivals, Summerfest in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and Glastonbury in the UK. The former is marketed as the largest music festival in the US and is noted for its diverse range of musical styles; this year (weekends from 20 June to 6 July) features more than 1,000 performances by 800-plus acts spanning some of the industry’s hottest stars. The UK event (26-30 June) has moved to the mainstream and attracts mega stars as well as mega crowds to the muddy Somerset fields. Across the English Channel – or le Manche depending on your perspective – the huge biennial Paris Air Show takes place this month, too, with the next take-off on 16-22 June 2025.

Races in the Sun

The Basque Country goes bull crazy at the height of summer. In Pamplona, Spain, the world-famous Running of the Bulls (Festival de San Fermin) sees six bulls and steers released every morning from 7-14 July onto narrow, winding cobble-stoned streets thronged with brave (or mad) festival- goers – many donned in a traditional white shirt and red neckerchief – who attempt to dodge the stampede or run the entire five-minute course alongside them. The whole town is in a party mood for the week in honour of Saint Fermin, the co- patron saint of Navarre.

Over in Italy, the magnificent Palio di Siena horse race is staged twice in the summer, on 2 July and again on 16 August. The event has medieval origins and is preceded by a majestic pageant that attracts visitors from across the world.

Back in Spain, the world’s biggest tomato fight takes place in the Valencian town of Buñol, La Tomatina on the last Wednesday of August (28th this year). First held in 1945, following a quarrel that broke out near a handy market stall, it has grown into an annual entertainment. The medieval city centre fills with bands and parades, and participants are doused in water before the fun begins.

Autumn High Lights

The famous Oktoberfest is held in Munich every autumn. This more than 200-year-old tradition began as a celebration of the marriage of Bavarian Crown Prince Ludwig to Therese of Saxe- Hildburghausen in 1810. With people dressed in traditional lederhosen and drindl swaying to the music of the oompa bands, the city becomes one huge party with many raucous beer tents as well as a huge fair. This year’s epic beer-swilling lasts from 21 September to 6 October.

Diwali, or the ‘Festival of Lights’, falls on the first day of November in 2024, with festivities held on two days each side of the main holiday. Though celebrated by Hindus and other Indian religions across Asia, India knows how to put on a festival and the subcontinent is a good place to be during this nod to the triumph of good over evil and light over darkness. Stay on for the Pushkar Camel Fair in India, a must-see cultural event held in Rajasthan, which begins this year on 9 November.

Dancing the Year Away

In Konya, Turkey, the Mevlana Festival occurs in mid-December, with the famed Sufi whirling dervishes spinning their way to a closer connection with Allah. With roots from the 13th century, this quite dizzying performance dance is accompanied by drums, flutes and camera shutters.

New Year celebrations at the end of December and early January herald rejoicing the world over, none more so than Hogmanay in Edinburgh, Scotland. The festival lasts about four days spanning New Year’s Eve and the beautiful Georgian city becomes a massive outdoor street party with concerts and fireworks.

Heading as far north as you can get in the UK, Shetland is home to Up Helly Aa, a series of fire
festivals that bid adieu to Yuletide; the largest, in the capital of Lerwick, blazes on the last Tuesday of January. Each festival ends with the burning of an imitation Viking galley that has been dragged through torch-lit streets in a magical ceremonial procession, followed by a night of partying.

Letting Rip Before Lent

The end of February sees the huge Carnival in Rio de Janeiro (28 February – 5 March), a signal for non-stop revelry with parties happening in every corner of town. Streets heave with partygoers dancing to the samba beat and drums pounding amid an array of amazing costumes of feathers, sequins and glitter and towering parade floats. Held every year before Lent, parties go on through the night in this celebration that has its roots in Catholicism and also salutes Brazilian culture. Samba schools train for many months in preparation for the four-day parade which winds its way through to the Sambadrome Marquês de Sapucaí arena.

Mardi Gras is another famous Christian tradition, again celebrated before the Lenten sacrifices. The words mean ‘Fat Tuesday’ in French – a day of feasting before the fasting begins. Many countries celebrate Mardi Gras, rejoicing in a proliferation of exuberant costumes to celebrate the beauty of life. The Cape Verde archipelago off the coast of West Africa has gained a reputation for holding raunchy parties that mix Latin style and Brazilian sex appeal. The traditions behind the famous New Orleans Mardi Gras party, particularly known for its elaborate costumes, date back to the time of the French colonialists.

The Carnival of Venice with its distinctive masks was reinstated in 1979 after centuries of being banned. Celebrating the history and culture of Venice, it takes place over 10 days, ending on Shrove Tuesday (4 March in 2025).

Under the hammer – Fab Four Auction Sales (March 2024)

Four remarkable lots that impressed bidders in recent auctions are featured in this month’s Look Section, including an amazing floral painting, a classy corvette, a rare buddhist sculpture and one of Jordan’s sneakers.

Super Six: Jordan’s sneakers win the game

Six of the most important pairs of basketball shoes sported during the illustrious career of Michael Jordan went for a whopping US$8 million (about HK$62.5 million) at a Sotheby’s sale in New York last month. The astonishing figure represents the global auction record for game-worn sneakers and the second- highest amount raised for items linked to the Chicago Bulls superstar.

Jordan wore these six individual pairs of Air Jordans when he was playing some of the most important games of his career – namely, the finals of his six-career National Basketball Association (NBA) championships from 1991-1993 and 1996-1998. Commenting on this remarkable six-piece lot – dubbed the Michael Jordan ‘Dynasty Collection’ by the auction house – Sotheby’s Head of Modern Collectables Brahm Wachter said: “A truly unparalleled moment and milestone in auction history, the sale of these six championship- clinching sneakers will likely never be replicated.”

The largest sum accumulated for an auction item from the basketball legend’s catalogue of used sportswear was US$10.1 million, which secured his No. 23 jersey from the 1998 NBA Finals of his ‘Last Dance’ season.

Tibetan King: Rare Buddhist sculpture wows followers

The last privately owned gilt copper alloy figure of Virupaksha, the Buddhist Guardian of the West, caused a stir at a recent auction held in Hong Kong by Bonhams. This early 15th-century figure from the Densatil Monastery in Tibet, measuring an impressive 73 centimetres high, eventually went for HK$37.9 million (about US$4.86 million).

This huge price attained for a figure of Virupaksha, regarded as one of the Four Heavenly Kings, partly reflected the fact that the other three similar sculptures are all now residing in world-class museums – the Capital Museum in Beijing, the Palace Museum in Taipei, and Paris’s Guimet Museum. It is thought the sculpture was crafted when the noble clan ruling central Tibet and officiating at Densatil were at the height of their regal powers.

Edward Wilkinson, Global Head of Himalayan, Indian and Southeast Asian Art at Bonhams said: “As the only guardian from Densatil in private hands, as well as the largest and most engaging sculpture from Densatil, this was a once-in-a-generation opportunity to secure one of the greatest icons of Tibetan art. We are therefore thrilled, but not surprised, that it fetched the top price it deserves.”

Floral Fantasy: Kusama’s bold Flower blooms at auction

A floral painting by Yayoi Kusama, who is renowned for her deep affection for flowers as well as pumpkins and polka dots, delighted the Christie’s salesroom in Hong Kong so much that it garnered the second-highest auction price for the much-loved Japanese artist. The final sum for the 2014 work, called simply A Flower, topped HK$78 million (about US$10 million), a figure that is also greater than the HK$58.5 million attained for another floral work by the same artist at Christie’s the previous season.

Interestingly, Kusama’s life-long fascination with flowers began following a terrifying experience in childhood. She had a sudden, disturbing vision that she was surrounded by hundreds of flowers in a garden and they appeared to be chatting among themselves as if they had taken on human personas. This early moment of distress mushroomed into an illusory fantasy based around flowers and influenced her canon of work over several decades.

A vivid and bold piece with polka-dot motifs created when the artist was in her mid-80s, A Flower displays depth and appreciation of the subtle influence of changes of colour akin to the division and reproduction of cells in nature.

First & Last: Classy Corvette pair grabs headlines

The very first and the very last production Corvette L88 were offered together under one lot by Mecum Auctions at its recent sale in Kissimmee, Florida, resulting in much excitement and a mightily impressive winning bid of US$2.58 million (about HK$20.18 million). Equipped with muscular engines, the two classic Chevrolet ‘dream cars’ were used to turning heads when they hit the US racetracks in the late 1960s and winning awards thereafter.

The oldest model, a 1967 Convertible, is widely known as the very first production Corvette L88 and also has the distinction of being the only L88 Convertible to be painted Tuxedo Black. Its noteworthy racing career included being driven by Tony DeLorenzo and Jerry Thompson, and finishing second in the 1967 Daytona Beach SCCA runoffs. The accolades continued in later life, as it achieved Bloomington Gold certification, numerous NCRS (National Corvette Restorers Society) Top Flight wins and the NCRS Heritage award in 2013.

The last documented model of the line was manufactured on 4 December 1969. The 1969 Coupe was finished in the famous Corvette factory colour of Fathom Green.

Fabric of Life: Dressing the table in crisp fine linen is the first step to refined dining

The table is the heart of the home, the place where families share the day-to-day, where big decisions and announcements are made, and where those most important to us gather for meals and celebrations. The tablecloth is vital in creating an elegant and welcoming atmosphere for dining together.

Whether in homes, hotels or smart restaurants, a tablecloth is the basis for a beautifully laid spread. While protecting the tabletop from spills, this extra layer of tactile pleasure also significantly reduces the clink of cutlery. At home, bespoke tablecloths are a great addition to any interior, enhancing the decorative theme of the dining space.

Celebrated in British dining culture, a crisp white linen tablecloth is also a part of the Hong Kong fine-dining and entertaining tradition due to our shared past. Today’s luxury table-linen purveyors offer countless choices of colour, pattern and material to suit any table and its surroundings.

Rivolta Carmignani

Historic brand Rivolta Carmignani (rivoltacarmignani.com), coveted for its bed linens and tablecloths for 150 years, employs a fully integrated, all-Italian manufacturing process that begins with the selection of precious yarns. The production combines ancient crafts like cutting, hemming and hand embroidery with the latest generation looms, ensuring durable, high-quality tablecloths. The skilled artisans of the atelier also offer a customisation service to make one’s choice of table dressing unique.

Rivolta Carmignani’s collections encompass a variety of weaves. Refined jacquard technology achieves the patterns of the Giardino Italiano line, as well as Boboli, a line of two contrasting solid colours in jacquard linen. Decoro embraces pure linen with clever three-dimensional effects, while Victorian delves into the family company’s archives for its decorative damask motif.

Precious pure cotton yarns (600 threads per square inch) create sophisticated sateen with a soft and silky hand. The Sateen Gold collection offers golden piping on crisp, sheen- like white cotton. Prices for linen tablecloths start at about HK$3,000.

La DoubleJ

The Italian-made fashion and tableware of former US journalist J.J. Martin brings vibrant joie de vivre to the tabletop. Launched in 2015, La DoubleJ (ladoublej.com) crafts linen tablecloths rooted in maximalist prints and the mood- boosting powers of chakra-conscious colours. An inspiring authority on energy elevation and the ebullient Italian way of life, the brand’s linens are made on the shores of Lake Como by local artisans, thus limiting their carbon footprint and boosting their feel-good vibe.

The Palms motif – in which bundles of palms in varying shades of green come together against a pale blue background – plays out across 100% Italian linen for a readymade centrepiece. Due to the handmade nature of the fabric, this medium-sized tablecloth features some small but charming irregularities, such as knots in the yarn.

White Turning Tulip and Wildbird Blu prints bring flora and fauna to the table respectively, while it would be hard to find a more intense colour-popping pattern than Colombo Grande. Mix and match La DoubleJ’s brilliant prints through napkins, runners and crockery for a veritable garden of delight. Tablecloths range from HK$2,500 to $4,000 in price.

Maison Margaux

Sourcing the world for unusual designs and pieces, Maison Margaux (maisonmargauxltd. com) is a luxury British homeware store selling everything for home entertaining – beautiful tablecloths, cutlery, crockery, glassware and bespoke accessories. Travelling from Portugal to Provence, and Italy to Istanbul, with inspirational visits to the English countryside and the Scottish Highlands, their collections conjure varying moods and expressions of nature. Everything is hand-selected by the team in a true labour of love.

Top of the line is the stunning hand- embroidered Noël Suzani tablecloth. Each intricate stitch is a testament to the craftsmanship behind this extraordinary collection, whose rich hues and tactile presence are a standout on every special occasion, not just Christmas.

From the pastel Turquoise Amelia in cotton, which perfectly captures the blush of spring, to the linen Burgundy Stripe in a Port- coloured pattern that nods to autumn warmth, there is a Maison Margaux tablecloth for every season. They also have collections suitable for weddings and formal events that may be rented rather than purchased. Prices (to buy) start from HK$1,300.

Summerill & Bishop

Founded in 1994 by June Summerill and Bernadette Bishop, two friends who shared an effortless sense of style, the Summerill & Bishop (summerillbishop.com) tablescape has a warm and slightly rustic vibe, but with a distinctly modern sensibility. Flowers and leaves feature on table linens that work both in the dining room and on the terrace, while abstract geometric patterns or stripes will complement any interior. Pieces are priced from HK$3,000 to HK$7,000.

Now operating two shops in London, S&B believes that if people take the time to lay the table and beautifully present a meal, they will enjoy it all the more and create a lasting memory for those who share it with them. To this end, the store offers a personalisation service on their Word, Cornice and Full Field table linens as well as some of their handmade porcelain bowls. Ideal as a gift or a personal keepsake of a memorable occasion, the Word collection enables a bold word, name or initials to be emblazoned on top-quality white linen.

In addition, a line of fine Italian linen tablecloths in a choice of classic and contemporary designs is hand-painted and printed by hand in a traditional stamperia. The most discerning customers, meanwhile, can dip into S&B’s limited-edition and made- to-order Couture collection which comprises the ivory-coloured Lyon lace tablecloth priced at HK$20,000 or three exquisite sequined designs at HK$53,000 each.

Out of Pocket: Contemporary watches on a chain – or car dashboard – to wear or display with pride

The history of modern watchmaking began with the classic pocket watch so beloved by people of a certain standing in society and releasing them from the constraints of the public clock tower. These timepieces undoubtedly held a particular charm and are now much sought after by collectors. Many top manufactures continue to roll out fine pocket watches for their growing legion of admirers.

Cartier, which first turned its hand to such watches in 1853, now produces the Rotonde de Cartier Grande Complication Skeleton pocket watch. Set in a frame hewed from rock crystal with traces of black obsidian and white gold, it is powered by a 9506 automatic movement comprising 578 parts including 44 rubies in a skeletonised style that allows admirers to view its mechanical sophistication – minute repeater, flying tourbillon and perpetual calendar – and elegant aesthetics.

Coming in two versions, the white-gold model has a beaded crown set with a cabochon-cut sapphire, a colour picked up by blued-steel apple-shaped hands, while the other iteration dazzles with 263 baguette-cut diamonds on its case, 111 baguette- cut diamonds on its dial, and a diamond on the crown for a grand total of 27 carats.

Among IWC’s contemporary pocket watches is a precious homage to its original Pallweber pocket watch released in 1885. The limited-edition Tribute to Pallweber Edition “150 Years” timepiece evokes the original pocket watch but comes with large digital hours and minutes displayed in windows.

The instrument, which is attached to an 18-carat red-gold chain, boasts a red-gold case and a white lacquered dial with black-printed white display discs and blued seconds hands. Its convex glass sapphire has an antireflective coating on both sides. Even when the pocket watch is closed, the time can be read thanks to two windows in the spring cover.

Blancpain’s standout pocket watch is the ultra-slim Montre De Poche Demi-Savonnette, a Métiers d’Art creation available in three variants. Classically elegant, its white grand-feu enamel dial is ensconced within a 9 mm-thick red-gold case that measures 44.5 mm in diameter. Resplendent through the sapphire caseback, the 151B manual movement – which is only 2.2 mm thick – has 40 hours of power reserve.

A one-of-a-kind piece of high jewellery and haute horlogerie, The Ultimate Quadri Tourbillon pocket watch by Harry Winston has four independent tourbillons on its dial that rotate counterclockwise in 36 seconds. It is adorned with an 18-carat white-gold chain and 254 baguette- cut diamonds on a matching case, while its calibre HW4703 movement is also blessed with 95 jewels.

In fact, the total gem-setting for this collector’s item amounts to 272 baguette-cut diamonds of about 27 carats as well as an emerald-cut diamond and a brilliant-cut ruby.

Among 12 pocket watches displayed last year as part of the Rare Handcrafts collection at Patek Philippe’s Geneva salon was the “Leopard” ref. 995/137J-001, adorned with wood marquetry, hand engraving and champlevé enamel. The image of a leopard emerges from the darkness on its caseback – a wonderful artistic creation derived from different species of wood with varying colours, textures and veining.

The spectacle is complemented by a pattern of tropical foliage inset with black enamel hand-engraved on the border of the caseback, the bezel on the dial side and the bow. The black-tinted tulipwood dial stands in beautiful contrast to a crown embellished with a yellow sapphire.

In homage to its 1932 pocket chronograph, Omega produced three editions (100 pieces each) of the Olympic Pocket Watch 1932 Rattrapante Chronograph utilising unassembled chronograph movement kits that had been in storage for 80 years.

These timepieces come in 18-carat yellow, white and red gold to mimic the colours of the Games’ gold, silver and bronze medals. The original 1932 pocket chronograph was used as a stopwatch in the Los Angeles Olympics that year.

A particularly novel reinterpretation of yesteryear’s timepiece is the Hublot MP-03 Pocket Watch, which takes the traditional hanging pendant- type format but morphs the case into the shape of a bullet. Time is told by a horizontal tourbillon with three rotating wheels visible through the case aperture. The watch can be worn as a necklace or attached to a bag, belt and wrist strap.

Vacheron Constantin has created a bespoke timepiece at the behest of a client who adores fine watches and luxury cars. While boasting aesthetic similarities to a pocket watch, Les Cabinotiers Armillary Tourbillon fits into the fascia of a motorcar – the Rolls- Royce Amethyst Droptail to be exact.

Its mechanical self-winding movement has a bi-retrograde display with the instantaneous return of the hours and minutes, reminiscent of the sweep hands on traditional speedometers. These hands are made of titanium, while the case is stainless steel, the main plate brass rhodium opaline, and the dial sapphire crystal.

Panerai’s Pocket Watch Tourbillon GMT Ceramica 59mm was released in a special limited edition of 50 pieces and retains the brand’s water- resistance tradition, plunging securely to a depth of 30 metres. Its chain, likewise, has a nautical appearance. A sapphire case reveals the skeletonised P.2005/S calibre with a six-day power reserve, a version of Panerai’s first in-house tourbillon movement launched in 2007. Interestingly, 12 rods link the case to the movement, giving the impression the latter is suspended in the centre of the device.

Special supports can transform the pocket watch into a table clock once the attached chain is removed – which is detached with ease simply by pressing a small button. The single links of the chain itself are linked by universal joints which guarantee greater resistance and at the same time provide maximum flexibility. The chain is attached to the case by a skeleton device shaped like the characteristic bridge that protects the winding crown of other Panerai timepieces.

The Elixir of Life: In the modern quest for eternal youth, the path is more medical science than myth

The desire to keep one’s youth and vitality by defying the natural ageing process is not a recent phenomenon. While it may not be as old as the hills, it probably spans the existence of humankind. This Peter Pan-like urge to stop the march of time has long been the subject of popular culture. In the 1959 horror film The Man Who Could Cheat Death, a centenarian artist and scientist in 1890 Paris maintains his youth and health by transplanting parathyroid glands from the necks of the living. Another film, Orlando (1992), based on the Virginia Woolf novel, depicts a nobleman’s struggles to find his place in the world after being ordered not to grow old by Queen Elizabeth I.

Cognitive concerns

The subject of age has dominated the US presidential election campaign, with both Joe Biden, 81, and Donald Trump, 77, accused of being too old for the job. Critics point to the inevitability of age-related mental decline and forgetfulness, and attribute their gaffes, such as getting names mixed up, to their advanced years. Some analysts have suggested this is unfair, given the enormous pressure they are under and the constant scrutiny they are subjected to. In these circumstances, occasional misspeaking is to be expected.

Furthermore, the science of ageing is uncertain. Research in cognitive function by Joshua Hartshorne of Boston College and Laura Germine from the McLean Institute for Technology in Psychiatry suggests it is no myth that wisdom increases with age. Older people tend to have the ability to see the big picture better than their youthful counterparts, though not necessarily the capability to recall specific facts instantly. The former skill is essential for a politician – a greater grasp of the wider historical context of world events would enable more informed decision-making. On the flip side, some studies have shown that tasks involving short-term memory decline from as early as 20 years old. To add to the complicated picture, arithmetic and comprehension skills, plus vocabulary, are thought to keep improving until 50, then decline thereafter.

Jay Olshansky of the University of Illinois believes the two main contenders’ well-to-do backgrounds and family history of longevity work in their favour in terms of the ageing process and their expected lifespan.

An article published in The Hill in January states that both Biden and Trump have higher than average expected chances for men of their age of surviving another presidential term. Olshansky also opines that some of Biden’s gaffes have been blown out of proportion. For instance, when he was captured falling off his bike in June 2022, many deemed it a sign of his physical decline and poor balance. However, a closer examination of the circumstances indicated that he had caught his foot in the pedal strap, something anyone could do. The pertinent point here is that Biden, then aged 79, was comfortably able to ride a bike in the first place – not that he got his foot caught.

Survival of the fittest

Some people are chasing the anti-ageing dream far beyond the normal advice to reduce their weight, exercise and sleep more, quit smoking and limit alcohol intake. American entrepreneur Bryan Johnson, who made a fortune selling his electronics payments company Braintree to PayPal, reportedly spends US$2 million a year attempting to stop the biological clock.

An all-over skin laser treatment is said to have reduced the 46-year-old’s skin age by 22 years, and he is known to observe a vigorous daily exercise routine and a strict plant-based diet including eating a kilogram of vegetables before 11 am, his usual dinnertime. He also consumes some 100 tablets a day, including the diabetes drug metformin and the immunosuppressant rapamycin, both hailed by longevity enthusiasts as ‘miracle’ anti-ageing pills.

Described as the most measured man in the world, Johnson’s biological and chronological age are continually tracked and monitored. His aim is to reverse his measured biological age by more than one year for every one year that passes – the first stage of longevity escape velocity in which life expectancy increases faster than time passes.

Confident his tortuous routine is paying dividends, he describes how he has near undetectable levels of inflammation, perfect blood pressure for his demographic, the ideal range of vitamin C, vitamin K, coenzyme Q10, 1GF-1 (insulin-like growth factor 1) and LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol, and a DHEA-S hormone level of someone aged 27. Just as impressively, in a series of physical tests, he scored equivalent to the top 10% to 25% of 18-year-olds.

Supplement strides

Johnson is now selling a basic version of his Blueprint protocol – described on his website as ‘The Most Nutritious Program in History’ – to those interested in adopting what he considers to be the perfect diet for the body. The idea that caloric restriction can significantly extend lifespan as long as all the necessary nutrients are ingested via minerals and vitamins is not new. It was advocated by the late Roy Walford, a professor of pathology at the University of California, among others, and their findings helped spawn the plethora of mineral supplements on the market.

Though their life-extending capacity for humans is open to question, some supplements are generating considerable interest. Taurine, an amino acid, was recently found to extend the lifespan of mice by 10%, as well as boosting a whole range of functions in the middle-aged rodents including muscle strength, endurance, coordination and insulin sensitivity. A major study in the journal Science published last year linked lower taurine levels to age-related problems, noting that blood levels of taurine in elderly humans are 80% lower than they were when they were younger. The attention such revelations generated has made taurine a popular dietary supplement among the legion of alternatives.

Counter evolutionary?

Extreme do-it-yourself lifespan extension, however, goes against the grain of evolution, which is more interested in reproduction rather than longevity. It is thought that increased lifespan comes at the cost of reduced fertility. Our bodies contain trillions of cells that will ultimately need rejuvenation or renewal – something which is incredibly difficult to overcome as evolution has little interest in keeping the repair system going.

So perhaps we should turn to the original Star Trek actor, William Shatner, who is now in his early 90s, for advice on staying young. He told Newsmax: “Say yes to the opportunity life is offering. Say yes to life, yes to dinner, yes to going out, and yes to something new.”