Natural Selection: Green onyx, blue marble and plenty of wood bring quiet beauty to a soothing Singapore home

A home that reflects the taste of its owners and serves as a functional environment for both living and working is a dream for many. It is realised within this apartment of soothing colours, natural surfaces and understated elegance at MeyerHouse, a prestigious new condominium complex in Singapore. The interiors are designed by Takenouchi Webb, a firm known for its deftness in manipulating materials to create textural spaces.

Many exquisitely designed elements become focal points, while utilitarian functions are elevated to celebrate domesticity and an uplifting working environment. Meeting individual and collective needs, the apartment belongs to a couple who work primarily from home and are passionate about their respective hobbies. The husband enjoys freediving, board games and making pizza; the wife music and cooking. The latter, in particular, was a determining factor for the functional aspects of the design, says British architect Marc Webb, who runs the Singapore-based design studio with his partner, interiors expert Naoko Takenouchi.

An expansive open-plan living and dining space is subtly segmented by carefully curated and customised furniture and furnishings. A super-comfy oversized sofa placed upon a large rug defines the sitting area, where a slab of Blue Roma marble serves as a bespoke coffee table with drawers to store board games. Nearby, two armchairs from House of Finn Juhl adjacent to a marble side table by Tacchini is the designated spot for playing Go.

Original finishes such as dark-laminated walls in the apartment’s private lift lobby and patterned parquet flooring are matched with lime-plaster surfaces, showcasing the handmade quality of the selected materials. This craft-led approach continues in a wall of timber beading and woven-straw wallpaper on the other side of the living room, which conceals doors to the master bedroom and wet kitchen.

An open kitchen next to the dining area is a true showstopper, boasting sleek lines and high gloss finishes; extending the kitchen into the living space was a key part of the couple’s brief to the designers. Their wish has materialised in a beautiful green onyx breakfast bar that also holds a sink and specialist baking oven to become a working kitchen counter.

The counter edge creates a sculptural element in the living room and features shelves for books and two wooden bar stools for extra seating. A custom-designed dining table, crafted from rich walnut wood, accommodates up to eight people. Above, a striking industrial-style pendant light adds a touch of glamour. Planters of tall greenery are placed around the table and the room to incorporate nature in the indoor space.

The apartment’s large balcony has been integrated into the living space, extending its impressive dimensions and housing an additional dining table for informal meals. Another bespoke element here that brings delight to daily tasks is a work station for the avid pizza chef, complete with a pizza oven, built-in refrigerator and storage drawers for the dough to rest. Vertical grooves on the light-toned wood cabinet provide a pleasing visual counterpoint to the horizontal slats of the Venetian blinds dressing the floor-to-ceiling windows.

A leitmotif of curves softens hard edges and gives purposeful embellishment to functional elements, such as an arch framing a sliding door that leads to a storeroom containing diving gear. Scalloped walls and a customised metal shelf in the main bedroom continue this language. Furniture and lighting fixtures from brands such as Time & Style, Apparatus Studio, BassamFellows and Singapore vintage store Noden complete the home’s relaxed, eloquent character.

The master bedroom is a serene retreat, complete with a plush area rug, a comfortable reading nook and a spa-worthy en-suite bathroom. Floor-to-ceiling windows on two sides allow abundant light to filter through white curtains. Two delicate hanging lamps and flower vases resting on low side tables flank the bed, adding to the natural warmth of the room. The bathroom is equally elegant, with a wooden vanity and splendid wooden bathtub following the natural theme of the interiors.

Throughout the home, thoughtful design elements and attention to detail create a cohesive and harmonious space that perfectly balances form and function. This Singapore residence is truly a calming oasis for its owners to relax and recharge in style and dream big.

Photos: Takenouchi Webb – Singapore

Set in Stone: Double Oscar winner Emma Stone’s bold acting choices have enriched our viewing experience

Emma Stone has been a favourite in Hollywood for more than 10 years, enthralling with her girl-next-door charm, comedic timing and amazing range. Her audacious approach to the lead in Poor Things, the Frankenstein-like tale of a Victorian-era woman who commits suicide and is resurrected with the brain of her unborn child, paid off. It earned her a second Academy Award for Best Actress, placing her on par with film industry icons such as Meryl Streep, Jodie Foster and Elizabeth Taylor.

“It’s not about me. It’s about a team that came together to make something greater than the sum of its parts,” she declared as she accepted the statuette. “And that is the best part about making movies, it’s all of us together.”

It was a deserved win, with Stone dominating the Yorgos Lanthimos film as the unconventional Bella Baxter, who embarks on a daring and liberating voyage of self-discovery. “Bella falls in love with life itself, rather than a person. She accepts the good and the bad in equal measure, and that really made me look at life differently,” she noted at the Golden Globes ceremony in January.

Once upon a tone

Emily Jean Stone was born in Scottsdale, Arizona on 6 November 1988 and began acting at an early age, participating in youth theatre. She was home-schooled for a spell and then dropped out before finishing high school, moving to Los Angeles in order to follow her passion. Her breakthrough performance was in the teen comedy, Superbad, in 2007, where her natural humour and likeability were evident. Parts in movies such as Easy A (2010), The Help and Crazy, Stupid, Love (both in 2011) solidified her position as a rising star.

Stone’s first Oscar came in 2017 for her turn as struggling actress Mia in the dreamy musical romance La La Land, Damien Chazelle’s ode to Hollywood’s Golden Age. The dazzling musical showcased her versatility as both a powerhouse singer and a nuanced dramatic performer.

“My mom would play Les Misérables in our house when I was growing up,” she recalls. “She told me the story and then I saw it on stage when I was eight, and it was transformative for me. I loved it. After that, singing became a medium of expressing feelings that was so much bigger than just saying it.”

As she reiterates in many interviews, however, dancing used to be her favourite art form. She took dance lessons for 10 years, mostly tap classes, but was not as technically proficient as other budding young dancers. She eventually realised that acting spoke to her in a different way.

“I think I connected with acting I was more able to bring to life what I wanted to,” she says. “Performing helped me as a kid to channel my energy somewhere else, to put it out instead of turning it inward. Acting is therapy, especially as a kid. It was nice to have an outlet like that when I was really struggling with panic attacks. Being on stage early on made me less afraid to try things that are challenging and scary.”

Odd is good

With Stone’s glittering ascent showing no signs of slowing, she likes to express her opinion on odd topics as many people do, proving that being a superstar does not make one ‘special’.

“When I was younger, I had a soft spot for anything spooky and I would go to visit cemeteries,” she shares. “I’m still interested in that stuff, but not in a negative way. Once you understand that your time is limited, you live with a lot more awareness. Why should I worry about everything else? The actual reality is death. And I think there’s something strangely comforting about that.”

Her real life is as colourful as her reel life. Having previously dated actors Kieran Culkin and Andrew Garfield, she tied the knot with writer-director Dave McCary in 2020, and the couple welcomed daughter Louise Jean in 2021. They live in Austin, Texas, where she can go out, see friends and lead a normal life, or at least, a more normal life than she would have in Hollywood. She and Jennifer Lawrence are close: “We go on trips together, we hang out at each other’s houses in New York and watch [fantasy comedy film] Hocus Pocus.”

Although Stone is known as a redhead, her natural hair colour is blonde. She dyed it red on the advice of Superbad director Judd Apatow and the colour has remained almost ever since.

Ready, set, go!

Off the sound stage, she served as producer on Poor Things and executive producer of the 2023 black comedy-horror TV series The Curse, in which she stars alongside creator-writers Nathan Fielder and Benny Safdie. Through their production company, Fruit Tree, Stone and McCary also guided the comedy film A Real Pain to life; written, directed and starring Jesse Eisenberg, it premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in January. Numbering among Fruit Tree’s credits as well is Problemista (2023), the brainchild of writer and comedian Julio Torres, who created two of Stone’s best-ever Saturday Night Live skits, Wells for Boys and The Actress.

Stone’s talent and diverse roles have earned her a substantial fortune, with her current net worth reportedly estimated at about US$40 million (HK$313 million). She’s also a dedicated philanthropist, supporting causes such as cancer research and Stand Up to Cancer – her mother is a cancer survivor.

“I learn from my mistakes … I never feel like I am doing it all right all the time. But that’s okay. Being human is okay. That’s a hard lesson if you are a sensitive person; when you care about people and you don’t want to hurt anybody, you don’t want to f*** up. And it’s hard because you will,” she confesses.

This all paints a picture of Emma Stone as a kind of auteur, giving herself and others a platform to experiment with their greatest and most unusual work – work meant to challenge the audience. After two critically acclaimed collaborations with Lanthimos, The Favourite (2018) and Poor Things, she is set to make it a trio with the Greek maestro. Kinds of Kindness debuts at the Cannes Film Festival this month. Bring on more Emma Stone brilliance, we say.

Goa Glow: India’s west-coast paradise entices with its colonial churches, beaches, spices and intoxicating nightlife

Goa is rightly considered one of the most desirable destinations in India. It boasts beautiful long, palm-fringed beaches, tranquil backwaters, a slew of historic buildings emanating from its Portuguese colonial past and amazing parties. Its unique blend of the East and West differentiates the state from the rest of the vast expanse of the Indian subcontinent.

This melting pot of influences borders the Arabian Sea on India’s west coast and is located some 500 kilometres south of teeming Mumbai. Its favourable coastal location made it an ideal trading location over the centuries; before the Portuguese arrived in 1510, Hindu merchants flourished, trading spices, silk, pearls and horses. Arab, South Asian, East African and Mediterranean cultures have been fused into the Goan identity.

Rome of the East

The Portuguese added a significant layer to the architectural landscape, not least because the new rulers forcibly converted many Hindus and Buddhists to Catholicism. Old Goa, the site of Goa’s former capital before it was moved to Panjim (now Panaji), is dotted with ornate structures dating from the 16th to the 18th centuries. Such was its grandeur that it was once known as the ‘Rome of the East’ and many of the imposing churches and cathedrals are still in use or have been converted to museums.

The standout is Se Cathedral (Sé Catedral de Santa Catarina), one of the largest cathedrals in Asia, measuring an awesome 76 metres long and 55 metres wide. Construction began in 1562 under the auspices of King Sebastian I of Portugal, and it took 90 years to complete. The building is noted for its plain, Tuscan style and a lopsided look resulting from the loss of one of its bell towers after a lightning strike. The other tower contains the Golden Bell (Sino de Ouro), famed for the richness of its tone. Inside are several fine carvings and splendidly decorated chapels.

Perhaps one of the most famous buildings in the Christian world, the Basilica of Bom Jesus was completed in 1605 and contains the tomb of St Francis Xavier, the patron saint of Goa. The saintliness of this missionary was such that his mostly incorruptible body has miraculously survived – so the story goes ¬– for almost 500 years. His remains are kept in a silver casket and viewed by the public once every 10 years. The next decennial exposition of the Sacred Relics of St Francis Xavier takes place between 21 November 2024 and 5 January 2025 and will undoubtedly draw thousands of awestruck pilgrims from across the world.

Capital gains

The modern-day capital of the most laid-back state of India is wedged between the Mandovi and Zuari rivers in central Goa, just a 20-minute drive from Old Goa. Exploring Panaji’s historic Latin Quarter of Fontainhas, home to quaint, narrow streets and ochre-coloured mansions with terracotta-tiled roofs, is a delightful and photogenic experience. The pretty Chapel of St Sebastian holds a striking crucifix harking back to the time of the Goa Inquisition.

Panaji hosts a slew of other cultural attractions including the Goa State Museum, housed in the oldest Portuguese-era building in Goa. Elaborately carved furniture used during the brutal 250-year inquisition as well as beautiful Hindi and Jain sculptures decorate its halls. Visitors to the capital will also discover plenty of superb galleries, temples, restaurants and nightlife establishments. A popular walking-tour operator, Make It Happen, offers local insight into Goan history and culture through guided peeks into heritage homes, and for lovers of Portuguese music, a fado performance.

Spice and all things nice

After a stroll around the Latin Quarter, relax and enjoy the wonderfully diverse local cuisine. Goan food is influenced by abundant seafood from the Arabian Sea, the enclave’s historic location along the spice route, and Portuguese cooking techniques. Sorpotel, for instance, is a Portuguese stew made of liver, heart, and tongue of pork or other meat that was adopted by Goan Catholics.

Hotel Venite, with its balcony tables overlooking charming cobbled streets, presents authentic Goan cuisine, with vegetable vindaloo served with Portuguese-spiced sausages and rice, fish curry rice, pepper steak and bebinca, a traditional sticky, seven-layer cake made of eggs, coconut, sugar, ghee and flour. The balcony of the cosy Riverfront restaurant overlooks the creek and Old Patto Bridge and its sister pub – called Down the Road – makes for a nice nightspot with occasional live music.

Trance of a lifetime

Cruises along the Mandovi River may afford a glimpse of a dolphin gliding through the water or a mugger crocodile basking in the estuary. Such tourist excursions are often accompanied by live bands and renditions of Goan folk songs and dances, with some private operators running what can best to described as ‘party’ cruises. Panaji is also noted for its floating casinos, operating ‘offshore’.

Anjuna in North Goa was once the epicentre of the hippie party scene. Indeed, as far back as its 16th-century boozy Portuguese sailors, Goa acquired a reputation for all-night drinking parties, much to the consternation of the locals. Infamous drug-fuelled trance parties in the 1990s led to a government crackdown, and now the psychedelia takes place on special occasions such as Christmas, New Year or full-moon nights. The legendary Anjuna dive of Curlies received a demolition notice, but you can still get your party fix at Hill Top in Vagator and venues in and around Morjim.

Anjuna is also famous for its weekly Wednesday flea market, where exotic merchandise sourced from all over India delivers a fascinating injection of local life. The Friday market at Mapusa provides fresh produce, spices and textiles.

Natural pleasures

Goa has become world famous for its beaches, and the sandy stretches of North Goa, particularly at Baga and Calangute, draw the biggest crowds. There is a booming nightlife scene, trendy bars and restaurants, yoga retreats and easy access to water sports, such as parasailing, jet- and water-skiing, scuba diving and snorkelling.

In South Goa, the curved, palm-fringed beach at Palolem, with its golden sands, balmy waters, gentle-swaying palm trees and water sports in the sheltered bay, is one of Goa’s most postcard-perfect spots. Even quieter beaches at Patnem and Agonda are not far off, and beautiful Butterfly Beach can be reached by hiring a boat from Palolem while taking in an unspoilt coastline.

Just nine kilometres southeast of Palolem is Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary, where an overnight stay increases the likelihood of spying on various species of monkey, deer and the occasional panther. Goa offers numerous other natural attractions, such as bird sanctuaries, spice plantations and the mountainous splendour of the Western Ghats.

This hedonistic state loves to put on a colourful festival and indulge in nonstop revelry. Aside from the many Catholic feast days, traditional Hindu celebrations such as Diwali and Shantadurga are celebrated, as is the International Film Festival of India, held in Goa, generally in November, since 2004.

Ankoma Chameleon: Intimate bistro meets refined izakaya at the fine-dining counter manned by local chef Frankie Wong

Exceptional chefs are like chameleons. They may be acknowledged for their mastery of a certain dish or their own cooking style, but what really distinguishes them from their contemporaries is their capacity to transfer and modify their refined method from one culinary endeavour to the next. A range of vast and varied experiences is also often necessary, as well as humility, patience and innate talent. Such is the case for Hong Kong’s very own culinary rising star, Chef Frankie Wong, who is making a breakthrough performance via Ankôma.

“My inspiration comes from all channels – sometimes it is through suppliers explaining ingredients, or me casually browsing on Instagram, and sometimes in my dreams!” laughs Wong of his French-Japanese cuisine. “Each creation goes through much trial and error and many versions.”

A juxtaposition if ever there was one, the fact that fine-dining haven Ankôma is located in the heart of Tsim Sha Tsui’s bustle has amplified just how versatile Wong is and has pronounced the range in his unrestrained perspective. Unlike the busy scenes on the streets below, the fifth-floor restaurant’s eight-seat marble counter, elegantly set with linen napkins, handsome wine glasses and no-fuss flatware, looks into a modern kitchen of the latest chef’s toys and gadgets. The scene is complemented by Wong’s fabulous talent and a menu focusing on local ingredients.

“Fine dining usually has an image of being very proper, not very commonly accessible and can be quite intimidating for some guests,” says the chef. “In Ankôma, guests can enjoy fine-dining-quality dishes but in a casual environment, like a bistro or izakaya. For those who frequent fine-dining restaurants, it can be a change of scene, a different and refreshing experience from what they are used to.”

Each plate is easy on the eye and tasty on the palate. As Wong personally explains each dish – an essential component of the Ankôma experience – diners will discover that the restraint and simplicity which appear to be the defining characteristics of his cuisine may be more colourful and complex than they first thought.

Our tasting parade begins with zuwaigani, a snow crab tartlet with sherry vinegar sheet and battera kombu floss. The unagi course showcases smoked eel with foie-gras mousse on brioche French toast, while saba, a fatty mackerel cured with apple cider vinegar, kombu and mirin, is complemented by a zesty green apple and jellyfish salad, finished with a kick of wasabi emulsion.

The seasonal hokkigai, a lightly torched surf clam with homemade fish cake, is accompanied by ratatouille consommé, chipolata sausage and coriander. The scallop dish consisting of a buttery pan-fried Hokkaido scallop paired with a cool French bean purée, eggplant purée and vadouvan sauce is the chef’s French take on Indian masala.

The standout dish comes in the form of a roasted piece of the most tender three yellow chicken. Inspired by his Hong Kong upbringing, the local poultry is artistically served with bannonegi (scallion), ikura (salmon roe), creamy vin jaune (yellow wine) sauce and Hokkaido Nanatsuboshi rice.

Other revelations of this tasting menu include how well angel hair pasta pairs with wakame, shiso blossoms and caviar when it has been flavoured with white truffle paste. The next dish presents butter-aged lobster tails cooked over lava stones and topped with daikon oden (simmered radish stew), handmade chilli oil and a sauce of sakura-ebi (shrimp) and kabocha (winter squash).

The dessert of pistachio almond crunch, ganache, mochi and ice cream, as well as offerings of seasonal fruit, make the perfect ending to this sumptuous dinner.

Ankôma’s tasteful contemporary French-Japanese approach proves that striking a balance between revolutionising traditional cuisine and creating an inviting restaurant is a worthwhile pursuit. A collaboration among generations helps heaps, but it’s a collective passion for serving a unique, delicious experience that lights the match.

Ankoma, 5/F, Kam Lung Commercial Centre, 2 Hart Avenue, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong

Photos: Ankoma Video: Jack Fontanilla

Set for Life: Hong Kong insurers’ policy of attracting mainland buyers is paying dividends

Selling the world’s most valuable life insurance policy earlier this year was undoubtedly a major coup for Hong Kong. Paying an astronomical US$250 million to the beneficiary upon the holder’s death, it was issued by HSBC Life to an ultra-high-net-worth individual (UHNW) whose identity understandably has not been disclosed. The cover surpassed the previous Guinness World Record for life insurance, a US$201 million policy to a US billionaire facilitated by advisory firm SG, LLC in 2014.

The 10-year wait to break the world record is relatively short, considering the previous interval spanned almost a quarter of a century – it was back in 1990 that British life insurance agent Peter Rosengard sold a US$100 million policy to a prominent figure in the US entertainment industry.

To the surprise of many industry insiders, this latest record-smashing policy is fully underwritten by HSBC Life. But what is certain is that it represents a huge vote of confidence in Hong Kong’s financial services industry, and particularly the insurance sector.

The attention-grabbing sale in question was an HSBC Life Paramount Global Life Insurance Plan, a type of life insurance that offers whole-of-life protection with wealth preservation and legacy planning features. According to HSBC Life, the demand for such policies among UHNW individuals has ballooned over the past year, with a further 10 valued at US$50 million or above issued by the insurance firm to clients seeking facilities for wealth transfer and legacy planning.

High penetration

Hong Kong has been a major player in the world of insurance since the early 20th century, a feat commonly attributed to its relatively stable sociopolitical environment, advanced finance infrastructure, and open-door policy to foreign investment. Given its strong, high-income per capita economy, there is a high life insurance penetration in the territory. Insurance companies eye further expansion via a proliferation of new policies and the city’s rapid growth as an Asian hub, particularly its close ties with mainland China.

“Asia is home to one of the fastest-growing UHNW populations in the world, and as such we are seeing a substantial increase in demand for insurance solutions to address business succession, estate management and legacy planning needs,” says Edward Moncreiffe, CEO of HSBC Life Hong Kong and Macau. He stresses that the issuance of these high-value life insurance policies proves that Hong Kong has reaffirmed its position as both a preferred destination for wealth management and a leading international insurance hub.

“The Hong Kong life insurance market has a number of characteristics that puts us in a strong position to capture this growth in regional UHNW wealth-transfer demand,” he says, citing Hong Kong’s deep talent pools across intermediaries, underwriters and actuaries, strong competition among international banks, brokers and insurers, well-capitalised insurance companies with strong credit ratings, and sound regulatory regime as contributing factors to the thriving insurance services.

Massive sector

According to recent research by GlobalData, a UK-headquartered data analytics and consultancy company, the Hong Kong life insurance market was worth HK$478.2 billion (US$61.1 billion) in 2023 and is expected to grow by more than 3% per annum from 2024 to 2028.

The high level of financial literacy and digitalisation has spawned a diverse range of products in Hong Kong. Major developments have included the growth of finance technology such as insurtech and Environment Social and Governance (ESG) related products, as well as inclusive insurance products aimed at the excluded or underserved market.

The industry’s leading line of business in Hong Kong last year was whole life insurance. Demand in this area is driven by an ageing society, increased life expectancy and a falling fertility rate. It is also buoyed by inclusivity elements to reflect these societal changes, such as whole-life protection for senior citizens and expanding the package of death and dementia-related benefits.

Mainland surge

Many Hong Kong-based life insurance companies have experienced a surge in interest and sales since the reopening of the border with mainland China in early 2023. Prudential, one of the top three life insurers in Hong Kong, has cited border flow from the north as a major contributor to the vast boost in sales last year. Its annual report stated that mainland customers were looking for “diversification of currency and asset class, professional financial advice across a broad product spectrum, and access to high-quality medical care available in Hong Kong”.

The border reopening came not a moment too soon for Ryan Lam Leong Sing, a Licensed Individual Agent of an insurance company with nearly 15 years of experience. He shares that about 80% of his life insurance business emanates from mainland buyers, adding that sales have rocketed by 30% and the pent-up demand from mainland Chinese eager for Hong Kong life insurance policies is huge. “It’s not difficult – the demand is there,” notes Lam of the influx of mainland buyers, pointing out that they need to be physically present in Hong Kong to sign the policy.

Mainland Chinese are attracted to Hong Kong to buy life insurance policies for a plethora of reasons, including its status as a leading financial centre and its legal system. More specifically, they are limited to US$50,000 per year in currency exchange and transfer out of China “If their money is in Hong Kong, they can exchange whatever they want and transfer it to any country,” says Lam.

Vehicle for growth

Due to Hong Kong’s highly developed financial services sector, life insurance policies here can offer mainland customers a far better vehicle for the growth of financial assets. “The growth of their money is what they are seeking,” affirms Lam. “They maybe want to put it in a trust, and life insurance is an important part in the trust.”

Their life insurance policies fall into three categories: risk management, such as life, accident and medical insurance, and critical illness; savings management, such as savings plans for retirement and educational funds; and investment plans, offering customers a passive income and a fund manager to monitor their money.

Hong Kong attraction

According to Lam, Hong Kong policies have an advantage over those offered on the mainland for paying dividends on the likes of critical illness cover. “In Hong Kong, after 30 years, even if you don’t become ill, you still get money paid out. On the mainland, there is no dividend at all,” he says.

“Then, for some savings plans, like an educational fund or retirement planning, the yearly return is under 3% on the mainland. But in Hong Kong, you can get like a maximum of 6-7%.”

This is important, stresses Lam, as the key component of these types of policies is maximising return for educational or retirement provision, while the insurance part acts purely as the foundation of the plan.

Lam adds that higher operating costs and taxes on the mainland are factors in limiting the level of return there. “Also, in Hong Kong, premiums are reinvested, and they can be put in any market around the world. In China, it is limited to the mainland market.”

The Covid years were difficult for life insurers in Hong Kong as business dropped by as much as 70%. Confidence in the Hong Kong insurance sector hinges on three factors, says Lam – “trust, ability and integrity” – and it appears this is now paying off. While it is not every day that a new policy smashes a world record, the industry has rebounded and sales are soaring.

The Perfect Sound: Superior sound quality achieved with new N-01XD SE model

Since its inception in 1987, Esoteric has been at the forefront of innovation as a high-end audio brand from Japan, continually pushing the boundaries of high-quality sound reproduction.

Vinyl quality sound

Esoteric’s proud history is synonymous with digital playback innovation in high-end audio.

The legendary VRDS-ATLAS Super Audio CD transport mechanism, Master Sound Discrete DAC and Master Sound Discrete Clock with proprietary discrete circuits, and the most advanced network audio playback technology utilizing a unique linear power supply system provide Esoteric’s hallmark sound that is reminiscent of vinyl sound.

New SE model delivers enhanced dynamics

The N-01XD is equipped with a Master Sound Discrete DAC – developed entirely in-house to achieve the original master sound – and a high-quality network module that delivers a three-dimensional sound as if you were listening to your favourite vinyl recording.

Now a new top-of-the-line Network DAC, the N-01XD SE, with a new discrete clock module and upgraded analog section in the DAC circuit raises the bar to the next level, allowing you to enjoy an even more advanced sense of presence, dynamics and musicality full of tonal textures.

The SE model reflects every conceivable technological accumulation from the time the original model was launched to the present. Enjoy the enhanced presence, dynamics, and beautifully organic and musical textures of the new SE model.

Superb features

The network module, which supports the 22.5MHz DSD format, delivers sound quality like vinyl playback thanks to its linear power supply technology that uses no switching elements. The model features a 2-channel stereo DAC with independent power supplies for the left and right channels.

Other features include – Esoteric Sound Stream App for smartphones/tablets which provides a high level of operational comfort for network audio playback, a music server function (USB storage port × 2), a wide range of supported source formats (DSF, DSDIFF, FLAC, Apple Lossless, WAV, AIFF, MP3, AAC), plus support for multiple streaming services and audio codecs (TIDAL, Qobuz, Roon, MQA, Spotify).

Above all, the dedicated linear power supply system for the network module creates super real, vinyl quality sound.

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

Four breathtaking lots that wowed bidders at recent auctions include a painting by the Beatles, a fantastic supercar, a rare Leica camera and a collection of prints by Katsushika Hokusai.

Snap Happy: Original Leica captures imagination

An extremely rare 100-year-old Leica camera sold for a whopping 3.5 million euros (HK$29.6 million) at the fifth Wetzlar Camera Auctions to be held in the German city. The final bid price for this 1923 Leica prototype, part of the iconic 0-series, was by far the highest clinched among an array of more than 250 historical cameras and accessories on the auction block. Fittingly, the majority of items sold were Leica cameras – Wetzlar is the home of the legendary German camera company.

This historic model is one of 22-25 prototypes made for testing purposes, then released as a limited series in 1924, the year before Leica’s birth. The whereabouts of just 16 of these ‘firsts’ are known; this one was part of an Italian private collection. Its black paint finish is in fine condition and it boasts the original leather lens cap with fastening cord and the original spool.

The 35mm camera, designed by Oskar Barnack, instigated a revolution in photography, and this prototype became the model for all 35mm Leicas. Wetzlar Camera Auctions has made a name for itself in recent years for achieving substantial prices for particularly rare photographica.

Fab Work: Beatles’ Japan painting a huge hit

An amazing painting laid down by all four Beatles grabbed the attention of dedicated fans at a recent Christie’s sale in New York. Bidders drove the price of their collective psychedelic handiwork up to US$1.74 million (HK$13.64 million), a figure far in excess of the pre-auction estimate of US$400,000-600,000. The piece, Images of a Woman, was created by John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr in a Tokyo hotel room in 1966 during their concert tour of Japan.

The work is unique in the sense that it is the only time all four Beatles contributed to the same artwork, and it was also created during one of their last concert tours before the pressures of stardom forced them to quit performing live. Commenting on the auction’s success, Christie’s International Specialist Head Casey Rogers said: “It’s been a thrill to witness another magnificent performance by The Beatles. I am proud of the way we told the story of this one-of-a-kind object that is both a work of art and an intimate piece of memorabilia signed in order by John, Paul, George and Ringo.”

The Beatles produced this wonderful piece using watercolours and oil paints on fine Japanese art paper.

Great View: Collection of prints sets record

A series of prints by Katsushika Hokusai set a world record for the renowned artist at a recent Christie’s auction held in New York during Asian Art Week. The final sales price reached US$3,559,000 for the complete set of Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji which were featured as prized lots of the Japanese and Korean Art section of the sale. The enthusiastic bidding during the auction smashed the previous record set for the artist following a Christie’s auction in 2023.

The Head of Christie’s Japanese and Korean Art Department, Takaaki Murakami, enthused: “It is a once-in-a-generation honour to offer a complete set of Hokusai’s monumental Fuji series. The record-setting result we achieved for the Thirty-Six Views, and the strong prices for other important Hokusai prints, continue our proud tradition of being the leading auction house for this artist.”

Published during 1830 to 1834, all the prints have Mount Fuji featuring in some form in various landscapes, seasons and weather conditions and often acting as a magnificent backdrop to various kinds of human activity. The mountain played an important part in Buddhism in Japan, partly explaining the popularity of the series.

Car Crazy: Fantastic supercar sends bids roaring

A unique hypercar from 2021 sporting a groundbreaking hybrid-drive powertrain went for an astonishing €2.42 million (HK$20.75 million) at a recent auction held by RM Sotheby’s in Paris. The Koenigsegg Regera is considered by automotive experts as a technological tour de force. Capable of zooming to 400 km/h in less than 29 seconds, it is one of the fastest cars out there. Just 80 were made, and the sleek specimen on the auction block was particularly attractive, with a single previous owner and an odometer recording just 522 kilometres.

The wonder model was first unveiled in concept form to an awe-inspired public at the Geneva International Motor Show in 2015, with production commencing a year later. Each Regera boasts a high level of personalisation – this one is finished in moon silver with blue stripes and has steel blue brake callipers and carbon Kevlar 11-spoke Dymag Spider wheels. Furthermore, the series is noted for its close attention to detail, such as constellation-style daytime running lights using a tranche of LEDs set against a polished carbon backdrop.

The driving force behind the marque is Christian von Koenigsegg, the Swedish automotive engineer, inventor and supercar enthusiast.

Bloom Filter: Messika’s Where Love Blooms 2024 Collection

Love is like a blossoming flower, delicate and radiant, and Messika Jewellery has captured its essence in their enchanting 2024 collection, “Where Love Blooms.” Known for their exceptional craftsmanship and innovative designs, Messika has once again unveiled a collection that celebrates the beauty and power of love. Drawing inspiration from nature’s most captivating blooms, this collection merges elegance, femininity, and the eternal spirit of love.

It is a symphony of floral-inspired designs, where delicate petals, intricate leaves, and vibrant blooms come to life. Each piece showcases the meticulous artistry and attention to detail that Messika is renowned for. Necklaces adorned with diamond-studded flowers, bracelets resembling delicate vines, and earrings reminiscent of blooming buds evoke a sense of natural beauty and grace. These exquisite creations capture the essence of love’s blossoming journey, making them perfect expressions of affection.

In this collection, Messika combines the brilliance of diamonds with the allure of gemstones, adding a captivating touch of colour to each design. Sapphires, emeralds and rubies are carefully selected and intricately set, enhancing the delicate beauty of the floral motifs. The vibrant hues of the gemstones symbolize love’s kaleidoscope of emotions, evoking passion, devotion, and joy. Together with the dazzling diamonds, they create an enchanting interplay of light and colour, making each piece a true work of art.

High Table Stakes: Are the number of best restaurant trophies awarded today muddying the chef’s soup?

Chef-humanitarian and 2024 Nobel Peace Prize nominee José Andrés famously defended the relevance of culinary awards, saying: “I love what it’s done elevating the profession.” If chefs are the new rock stars, there’s now a stage for them, their ideas and causes. Certainly, awards for chefs and their restaurants have received greater scrutiny in recent years, since they are now held responsible for wider changes. Any award must, by definition, condense multiple servings of exceptional skill and intricacy into a shortlist consisting of one choice per category, a single No. 1 or ‘Restaurant of the Year.’ For the eating and travelling public, who don’t spend all day (and night) discussing restaurants professionally, these honours are practical distillations.

What began as an evaluation of ‘best’ and excellence has expanded to include more than simply food and service. These days, any organisation that bestows culinary gongs must take responsibility for humanitarian causes and industry trends. Too much wokeness? Maybe. But in these times of instant communication, being overly informed is preferable to not giving any care at all.

More awards mean more chances. Awards are inherently limiting – there are only so many categories to spotlight, so many new names, women and people of colour who can be singled out without sacrificing integrity or lengthening the duration of the gala presentation.

So, is another round of chef awards really necessary? Similar to how there is no one ultimate authority on international film, there is no one body that has exclusive rights dishing out culinary honours, though three of the most well- known worldwide – Michelin, The World’s 50 Best Restaurants and the James Beard Foundation – still live up to the clamour they receive.

Working wonders

Dining awards are a fantastic way to promote a restaurant and raise employee morale. They also bring in new consumers and increase the number of repeat patrons. First off, the press attention for the winners is immense as the awards are advertised in local media, and local and international media will report on the event and publish chef profiles and dining features, which in turn feed the restaurant’s own marketing machine. Awards such as Diners’ Choice by Chope frequently work with influential local and media figures to announce the winners, generating publicity that will benefit the lucky recipients.

Another gain is that it attracts diners outside of the usual clientele. Dining awards target locals who will patronise the restaurant business. Appearing on an awards list ensures more awareness and, for the winners, may result in free entitlements such as email marketing, social media postings and blog articles. For example, each Diners’ Choice restaurant winner in Singapore and Hong Kong is entitled to marketing credits, posts on Facebook and Instagram, and web and app placements to drive traffic into the dining room.

It also brings in tourists. When searching for ‘Best restaurants in (country name)’, one will undoubtedly find a list by a top travel or local publication of enticing places to dine. Many of these listicles are penned by food journalists who want to put a country on the world map, selecting restaurants that have internationally recognised awards.

The buzz beyond

Culinary award-giving bodies not only exist to celebrate excellence in the world of food and dining but also strive to make a positive impact on society. Through their philanthropic initiatives, they aim to address pressing social issues, promote sustainability, foster diversity and inclusion, and encourage responsible practices.

Exhibit A: the Michelin Guide collaborating with StreetSmart to combat homelessness in the UK. Diners at participating restaurants have the option to donate £1, which is added to their bill.

Funds collected through this initiative are then distributed to specialist charities that assist those living on the streets, catering to their basic needs and providing resources, mentoring and skills training. By covering StreetSmart’s operational costs, sponsors ensure that every penny raised directly benefits those in need.

The James Beard Awards in the US, which promote and nurture talent, sustainability and diversity, are another example of awarders extending their remit beyond the plate. The New York-headquartered James Beard Foundation provides scholarships and mentorship programmes to aspiring chefs and food professionals, fostering education and empowering the next generation of culinary talent. It also promotes sustainability by encouraging farm-to-table sourcing and reducing food waste, thereby minimising the industry’s environmental impact. In addition, the James Beard Awards recognise chefs from diverse backgrounds, celebrating their contributions to American cuisine and highlighting the importance of diversity and inclusion in the culinary world.

Launched in 2022 to honour top chefs, restaurants and culinary destinations, the World Culinary Awards aim to encourage culinary tourism, cultural exchange and collaboration among chefs worldwide. Such initiatives not only elevate industry standards but also promote cross-cultural understanding and appreciation for diverse culinary traditions.

The Good Food Awards, established in 2002 by the UK publication The Good Food Guide, recognises products that achieve a harmonious balance between superior taste and responsible practices. Winners meet rigorous environmental and social responsibility standards, showcasing their commitment to building strong, healthy communities through good food. By honouring craftsmanship, flavour and sustainability, the Good Food Awards inspire consumers to make conscious choices and support businesses that prioritise ethical and sustainable practices.

Food for thought

Awards are fun too – though those chefs whose dreams of earning a Michelin star were crushed this year may not agree. They celebrate the industry as a whole and recognise people who are great at what they do, whether they are actually the best or not.

What does ‘best’ even mean? The 46-year- old baker who makes the freshest bagels every morning in a shop along the Kennedy Town tramway; the 77-year-old owner of an excellent sisig restaurant in Pampanga in the Philippines; and the mother and daughter who have served egg waffles beside the Macau Cathedral since the ’80s, to name just a few, all deserve to be called the best.

As Nobel nominee Chef Andrés would say: “Women are the ones who feed the world. Not big male chefs and not even famous female chefs… but everyday women. If awards become too exclusive, it loses the magic effect. And while we, restaurant chefs, feed the few, at the end of the day, all others who feed the many should be recognised the same.”

Food has the power to bring people together, and by embracing culinary inclusivity, we can create a more diverse and inclusive society. So, let’s celebrate the power of food and use it as a tool to connect, learn, and grow together. And are culinary awards good things? As long as the quest for a medallion does not get in the way of the central job – serving the people.

Light Source: Amplify the ambience of your home with a personalised lamp

Lamps are a powerful medium to evoke emotions and a popular choice for bringing both functionality and style to a room. Whether you are looking to create a cosy reading nook or simply want to add some ambience, table lamps offer a range of benefits that can enhance your décor and improve your overall living experience.

Essential as task lighting for reading in bed or working at your desk, a pendant lamp or side lamp provides the necessary illumination to help you see clearly and avoid eye strain. Plus, with adjustable options like dimmer switches or adjustable necks, these lights can be customised to specific needs. Larger light sources, meanwhile, are central in spaces that bring people together and celebrate the social side of life.

Whatever the practical purpose, a bespoke, outstanding or cutting-edge light casts the personality of its owner into the spotlight. Here, we single out some of the shining stars in lamp design.

Light with Shade

A Hong Kong business passionate about vintage and industrial-style lamps, Light with Shade facilitates the creation of personalised lamps for unique interior themes. It offers a variety of quality designs and materials at affordable prices for DIY projects at home as well as fixtures for offices, shops and restaurants.

As a member of the band Living Disco Head, company founder Lo Yat-ming had firsthand experience with multimedia visual arts and how lighting builds drama and atmosphere. The advertising and product designer established Light with Shade a decade ago and boasts an impressive track record of designing lights for clients in Hong Kong, the US, Europe and Indonesia. lightwithshade.com

Innermost

UK design-led lighting expert Innermost has been synonymous with quirky and daring innovation for 25 years. Guided by a desire to rebel against the norm, and backed by manufacturing experience that allows the repurposing of conventional approaches, the company’s curated collection of lights defies expectations. It works with some of the best-known modern lighting brands to offer incredible original designs.

Passionate about each design, the Innermost team explores how illumination can be used as a raw material and pays close attention to every detail that goes into its manifestation. Their designers travel around the globe sourcing the best materials and the most suitable producers for each component – from prototyping in Hong Kong to using hand-blown glass by artisans in the Czech Republic and bespoke engineering at their factory in the UK.

With a focus on sustainable design, their lights and lamps are a blend of high-quality materials and a genuine care for the environment. They work with clients to ensure that each piece is cutting-edge and classy. Their Foundry line of spun-metal pendant lights is a staple for any modern interior and can be ordered in customised colours to suit all spaces. innermost.net

The Home Stylist

Launched in 2013 with a vision to illuminate spaces with class and elegance, The Home Stylist sees lighting as one of the most important parts of the home. Whether a lamp for the table, floor or ceiling, the right colour and shape can bring a whole room together. After years of struggling to find innovative lamps in Hong Kong, the company saw the light when award-winning Australian interior designer Adelaide Bragg came on board. Bragg’s timeless pieces in the elegant Classic or vibrant Colour Pop ranges are available in hand-picked colours to fit beautifully in all kinds of spaces.

Stunning lamp bases from Bragg & Co. can be complemented by bespoke lampshades. The Home Stylist founder Alex Sheldon crafts handmade shades from her Hong Kong home, finding the perfect fabric for clients and tailoring it to an elegant base of their choice. thehomestylist.org

The Ginger Jar Lamp

For a touch of class emanating from Imperial China, The Ginger Jar Lamp Co. pairs vintage Chinese ginger jars with artisanal lamp shades to create contemporary, limited-edition table lamps. Hand-painted pieces adhere to traditional Qing dynasty methods, with each jar design having an auspicious meaning. Their signature lamp shades are made by skilled craftspeople using a range of vibrant fabrics sourced across Asia.

Vintage blue-and-white glazed jars handmade in Jingdezhen and featuring flora and fauna patterns, Ginger Jar Mini lamps are perfect for smaller spaces such as slim consoles and bedside cabinets, or a dining table or sideboard with a less expansive footprint. These diminutive beauties are harder to source than their more common, larger counterparts. A jar- less alternative, Classic Faux Bamboo wooden lamps are an attractive addition to any home. Available as a table or floor lamp, the versatile design fits smartly into any interior space.

Another top collection, Hong Kong Homage, celebrates the city’s iconic skyline. Depicting daily life against the backdrop of Victoria Peak, this specially commissioned design is available in imperial blue or jade green as a ginger jar table lamp, a ginger jar or a limited-edition art print. gingerjarlampco.com

In a bustling metropolis like Hong Kong, where captivating sights and sounds abound, and tradition meets modernity, a unique industry has been quietly thriving – bespoke light lamp shops offering a haven of artistic expression and craftsmanship. These ateliers, with their dedication to personalised creations, bring the magic of light into our lives, while preserving the beauty of traditional craftsmanship. As we navigate an increasingly digital world, these establishments serve as a reminder of the enduring allure of handmade artistry and the importance of cherishing our cultural heritage. So, the next time you find yourself in Hong Kong, make sure to step into one of these bespoke light lamp shops and let the radiance of their creations illuminate your soul.