Behind the label: AFH

Who started it? AFH was established in 2005 by designer Ayesha F. Hashwani and is known for its dizzying swathes of fabric, splashes of colour and timeless, luxurious and (surprisingly for a Pakistani designer) sexy ensembles. Applying the richness of traditional Eastern crafts and motifs to contemporary fashion trends from the West makes for beautiful looks with a distinct touch of exotica. AFH's colours for 2012 range from bright shades such as tangerine to soft muted tones and "fun-loving pastels", says the designer, "with lots of white chiffon, a must-have for summer". The main fabrics include voluminous voiles and light silks with a cotton blend. The Karachi-based designer's outfits have been flying off the racks at O'Nitaa in London and Studio 8 in Dubai - and are finally making an appearance in Hong Kong.

Why we love it: for outfits that are both figure hugging and forgiving. Covering a multitude of sins with long kaftan-like shapes and flowing cocktail dresses, the designer provides a variety of lengths, styles and volumes for any woman. Whether it's asymmetrical hemlines, trains or pleats, there's no shortage of glamour at the label.

What we'd pick: the airy, long, wispy white dress with arm-length embellishments (left; HK$4,100) and the ornate black cocktail dress (above left; HK$5,300).

Where can you get it? Online at www.afhashwani.com or through Aliya Zaidi in Hong Kong (to book an appointment, e-mail aliya666@gmail.com or call 6088 9898).

Byline: P. Ramakrishnan
(ramakrishnanp@hotmail.com)

'A family man who gives to charity'

Photographer who worked for Hong Kong internet millionaire now under arrest in New Zealand says he found him larger than life, but also very private

By Lana Lam and P. Ramakrishnan

A Hong Kong photographer who worked for Kim Dotcom, the millionaire accused of major copyright crimes by the FBI, has described the founder of Megaupload as a devoted family man who simply wanted to keep a low profile.

Fashion photographer Olaf Mueller, 31, first met the German-born Dotcom in 2007 after an odd e-mail landed in his inbox.

"He inquired from a weird e-mail so I thought it was spam. Then my assistant said it's some rich guy who wants to have his picture taken with his wife," Mueller said. "He's a huge guy. He's definitely not shy, very confident and very sarcastic."

Dotcom, who changed his name from Kim Schmitz, is currently in custody in New Zealand after he lost his appeal to be released on bail last week. In court, Dotcom said he was not a flight risk and simply wanted to be with his three young children and wife, who is due to give birth to twins in April.

The 38-year-old, who founded file-sharing sites that allowed users to download content, was arrested last month after police raided his home in Auckland.

The FBI have accused Dotcom of being the mastermind behind one of the biggest copyright breaches in US history and are seeking his extradition.

When Mueller took pre-wedding photos in 2007 of Dotcom and his wife Mona, a former model from the Philippines, he had to relinquish all copyright for the pictures.

"He made sure he owned the copyright, which was okay for me because I just charged accordingly," Mueller said. His rates for Dotcom ranged from HK$150,000 to HK$250,000 per session.

The wedding photos were taken at Mueller's studio, which was in Kwun Tong at the time, because Dotcom wanted to keep things private.

After the wedding portraits, Dotcom asked Mueller to take family photos. At the time, Dotcom had two children and his wife was pregnant with their third child.

Mueller also took interior shots of Dotcom's home, which was a luxury suite at the five-star Grand Hyatt in Wan Chai, taking up an entire floor.

"It was quite homey and very tasteful," Mueller said.

At one point, Dotcom, who split his time between Hong Kong and New Zealand, offered to fly Mueller to Auckland to take photos of his mansion but this job never happened.

Dotcom was also a fan of Mueller's art photography, bidding HK$150,000 at a charity auction in 2010 for a large artwork that featured Hong Kong-based celebrity model Jocelyn Luko.

"I showed it to him before the auction and he really loved it. He also liked the idea that it was for charity," Mueller said.

Dotcom told the photographer that he already had a spot in his New Zealand home to hang the artwork, which was called In High Spirits.

Last month, the work was seized by authorities along with bank accounts and luxury cars worth millions. Dotcom will remain in custody until February 22 when US authorities are expected to file extradition papers.

Above pic caption: Hong Kong fashion photographer Olaf Mueller at his studio in Kowloon Bay - he took pre-wedding photographs for Kim Dotcom and his wife Mona

Feb 05, 2012

Dance in her pants

FIT AND FAB: Bethany Taylor

The rigmarole of a gym is not for everyone. The unpredictability of weather can be a hindrance for those who like to go for a run outside, and team sports are for a chosen few. But anyone can dance at any age and at any time, right? “I suppose,” says Bethany Taylor, an interior design student. “All you need is some great music and some space.”

She started dancing at age four, when her mother took her to baby ballet in Muscat, Oman, and trained at the Emma Tse Elite Dance Academy in Hong Kong for years. “I’ve tried pretty much every style of dance – ballet, hip hop, contemporary, tap, jazz, salsa, street,” says Taylor. “My favourites are ballet and street dance; one form is strictly disciplined and the other, freestyle. I love how much attitude and fun you can have with street, while ballet is so elegant. And which girl didn’t want to be a ballerina growing up?”

Although dance is a personal and individual experience for her, it’s helped Taylor in her modelling profession, too. “It gives you amazing control over your body, and you know what angles your body looks good at. It also helps with stamina. Shoots are always so long, and you’re usually standing up, so [training for dance] helps to keep you going for long periods of time.”

Three years ago, Taylor opted to go to college in London instead of taking the difficult route of professional dancing. Although she gave up the hard-core discipline of ballet, she’s found other forms of expression through a range of classes at Studiodanz in North Point.

“Classes are mostly taught in Cantonese, but it’s helped me learn faster as I’m not distracted by what’s said and I follow the movement. I’m forced to concentrate and pick up faster, which has been an excellent form of self-discipline. And dance is the finest form of motion and discipline.”

What drew you to dance?
Ballet is so beautiful and elegant. It’s really high art. I may not do it much any more, but I still appreciate it. Now I dance for fun, and it is the most fun way to exercise.

Is there any particular dance you’d like to try?
Zumba – it’s half exercise, half dance, and looks really fun. It’s a concoction of salsa and aerobics. I’ve been meaning to go, and this year I’ll do it.

What’s your diet like?
Processed food is a definite no, but the word “diet” really puts me off as I don’t believe in dieting. If you eat properly, watch your calories, but don’t deprive yourself, maintain portion control and eat a healthy amount. You don’t need to follow whatever diet is in fashion.

What’s been a memorable dance class?
At Pure Fitness in Central, choreographer Tony Stone [who has worked with stars like Salt-N-Pepa, Falco and LL Cool J] came to teach for a brief session, and it was a serious dance-off and workout. For three hours we were moving non-stop. It was a good class. He’s in his 50s but is in amazing shape.


What other ways do you stay fit?
Gym about four times a week, which keeps my cardio up. I have regular sessions with a personal trainer, and he’s really tough. The day after our sessions, I hate him – but it’s worth going to. I do my own body conditioning regime at home to keep toned, and go to street dance classes a few times a week at Pineapple Dance Studios [in London] more for fun. There’s no exercise that I hate. I have so much energy and love being active.

What’s the secret to looking really lean and toned?
Before a shoot, I cut my carbs and salty foods, and just have proteins and vegetables. And I drink a lot of green tea and water. If hungry during a lengthy shoot, I snack on cashews and bananas.

What’s your favourite health food?
It has to be quinoa; it’s so easy to prepare and so tasty. It fills you up but doesn’t make you bloated, and you can add whatever you like to it. My favourite combination at the moment is with celery, feta and ham. I’m also a massive fan of making fresh soups. It’s cheap and easy, and you get your daily dose of veggies.

P. Ramakrishnan
ramakrishnanp@hotmail.com
Portrait by Sabrina Sikora Photography
http://sspmodels.phanfare.com/
Feb 07, 2012

Aasha Bhosle: The Essence of Star Power

Indian singing legend credits her great success to a strong work ethic writes P.Ramakrishnan.

As if singer Asha Bhosle wasn't legendary enough - and we don't use the term lightly - she received some extra heavy metal for her overcrowded trophy room this month. Not only was she honoured at the 10th Pune International Film Festival for her "outstanding contribution to Indian cinema", but the Mumbai media house, Screen, also presented her with a lifetime achievement award.

Bhosle, 78, has at least 31 other such similar felicitations, including a Grammy nomination and a BBC lifetime achievement award (presented by then British prime minister Tony Blair in 2002). So when Bhosle herself is asked how many trophies line her cabinets, she sounds genuinely perplexed.

"I have no idea," she says, laughing, and turning to ask her son, Anand: "Do you know how many? Well, the most memorable awards were the national awards given to me by the president of India [in 1981, 1986 and a Padma Vibhushan award, the second highest civilian award, granted by President Pratibha Patil in 2008]. The rest, well, it's nice to be mentioned.

"But I have to confess one thing: everything came late to me in life."

Bhosle's achievements are ever-more remarkable as the younger sibling to India's "nightingale", Lata Mangeshkar. Two legendary singers born to the same household, mellifluous careers mired in mumblings of who's better. "I received everything 20 years after it was due to me - fame, recognition, awards," she says. "And the other half of my life got lost in the pointless conversation about who was better: me or my elder sister."

Like the rivalry between operatic divas Maria Callas and Renata Tebaldi, with loyalties divided by fanatics, composers and producers, the rivalry between the Mangeshkar siblings has filled pages of Indian print since the 1940s. But it's an issue Bhosle refuses to address today, after years of supposed musical riffs and rifts. "I respect and love my sister. We meet for every family function. What others say, who is bothered?"

If it's hard to pinpoint who's greater, it's easier to note who has sung more. A few months ago, Guinness World Records officially acknowledged Bhosle as the most recorded artist in the history of music. She was awarded a certificate for "the most studio recordings [singles] for recording up to 11,000 solo, duet and chorus-backed songs and in over 20 Indian languages since 1947".

And Bhosle is still upping the record, as she's in the studio often and tours annually. Clad in her trademark sparkling saris, her hair pinned in a matriarchal bun, her arms and neck festooned with diamonds and pearls, the grandmother of five will be hitting the stage in Hong Kong on February 23 at the Cultural Centre.

Bhosle has performed with artists ranging from Nelly Furtado to Boy George, and even collaborated with boy band Code Red in the 1990s. While some of the names have faded into irrelevance, Bhosle's spotlight hasn't dimmed. She remains one of India's highest-paid singers and the nation's current crop of singing stars literally bow when she walks into a room. Think of Aretha Franklin in a sari, with a strong adherence to traditional Indian values.

Bhosle has sung cabaret songs, classical music, pop, disco and devotional songs in different languages - her vast repertoire performed with a vocal prowess of three octaves.

Why her singing contemporaries' voices have wilted with time while she remains a force to be reckoned with is no mystery. "Perhaps it's because I work just as hard now as when I started," she says. "I haven't forgotten the days of struggle. I know it takes 100 paisa to make a rupee. For years, I travelled great distances on foot and train from home to the studio. For the longest time, I made about 100 rupees [HK$15.30 today] a month. I remember the day I got 2,000 rupees for a recording. It was like I'd won the lottery.

"Today's singers get on a reality show and make hundreds of thousands a year. I have no issue with that, but what kind of fame is it? They still sing our old songs ... They have to make it on their own merit, not as pale imitations. Temporary fame is fleeting."

When asked who she likes among the current crop of singers, Bhosle politely evades the question. "I have no time to listen to [new] songs," she says. "I'm so busy recording or doing TV shows [judging musical reality shows in Mumbai] or on tour. But when travelling, I listen to the old songs. And keeping aside all the politics, I often listen to Pakistani poets and singers, such as Ghulam Ali and Rahat Fateh Ali Khan."

Bhosle strikes an elegiac note when she reminisces about her recordings with other singers from the 1950s and '60s - Kishore Kumar ("Who was the funniest person I've ever met and one of the most gifted"), Mohammed Rafi ("the greatest vocal range and a kind man") and Mukesh ("the perfect gentleman. They say you can't be a good singer if you're not a good person - well, he was a great singer and a greater person").

The current work ethic has changed, as well. "We had a full orchestra and had to perfect a song in one take," Bhosle says. "There were days of rehearsals. If there was a minor error or wrong note, we had to start all over again. And, for the most part, we all got along, as there had to be camaraderie among the musicians. We worked long, long hours. Today, well, you'll be surprised to know that often my so-called duets were recorded in one country, my co-singer in another, and it's all mixed together. And auto-tune, it's the funniest thing I've seen. We're now in an era where you don't have to be a remotely competent singer to sing."

This will be her third concert in Hong Kong, and her memories of the city reflect those of many other tourists.

"I went to Hong Kong in 1986 and in 1989 for shows at Queen Elizabeth Stadium. I remember shopping in Hong Kong after my shows, getting chiffon saris, things for my three children. I don't remember much else. At this age, my interest in shopping has gone, but music hasn't left me, and I haven't left music."

Eternal Asha, Feb 23, 8pm, Concert Hall, Cultural Centre, Tsim Sha Tsui, HK$300-HK$1,200, Urbtix. Inquiries: 6019 0621

P. Ramakrishnan
ramakrishnanp@hotmail.com
Jan 29, 2012


Pic Caption: An Indian national treasure, Asha Bhosle has been entertaining with her records and live shows for decades.

Bollywood golden girl makes a nostalgic homecoming and sizzles at cinema awards

Bollywood actress Katrina Kaif sauntered up the stage at the Venetian Macao at the weekend to pick up the International Icon female accolade at the annual Zee Cine Awards. Her brief sojourn in Macau and Hong Kong came with a whiff of nostalgia for her. “Coming to Hong Kong means a lot to me. Not many people know I was born in Hong Kong and my mum still has friends here,” she said.

With a British mum and an Indian father, Kaif is one of the biggest names in the Indian film industry. She performed a medley of her Hindi songs in Macau to an enraptured audience.

Those who missed Kaif’s sizzling live act now have the chance to watch her on screen in Hong Kong in the Mumbai mafia-based movie Agneepath (Path of Fire), in which she makes a much talked about guest appearance. Dressed in traditional Marathi fisherwoman’s garb, Kaif performs a dance in the den of a gangster, together with a cast of 250.

“You’ve never seen Katrina like this before,” choreographer Ganesh Acharya said. “She looks so delicate and fragile. We added some masala [spice] into her dance. Only she could have done it – she’s super dedicated.”

Kaif rehearsed non-stop for hours before her Macau gig, but that was nothing compared to the preparation for her movie song, which was shot over 10 days. “I work really hard,” she said. “And I know my job.”

By P. Ramakrishnan


Agneepath, in Hindi with English subtitles, screens at 9.30pm today (FRIDAY) and next Wednesday at the Chinachem Golden Plaza Cinema in Tsim Sha Tsui. Tickets cost HK$120 to HK$180.

Zodiac thrillers

The dragon is the most powerful symbol in the Chinese horoscope, so fire up the new year with these red-hot gift ideas
Byline: Compiled by Jing Zhang and P. Ramakrishnan

For her

1. Wrap up in style with this special edition dragon print silk scarf (HK$2,850) from Salvatore Ferragamo, Pacific Place, Admiralty, tel: 2845 2718

2. The Be My Dior Promenade pouch (HK$12,500) in quilted lambskin has lucky charms on its sturdy silver chain. Christian Dior, 1 Peking Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, tel: 2269 5000

3. Add a touch of sparkle with Ben Amun's art deco-inspired crystal brooch (HK$3,990) and earrings (HK$2,690). Available at Harvey Nichols, The Landmark, tel: 3695 3388

4. This sleek women's timepiece by Emporio Armani (HK$2,200) features a silver dragon atop a black sunray dial - in a limited number of 2,012 pieces. Available at Emporio Armani, Gateway Arcade, Harbour City, Tsim Sha Tsui, tel: 2437 1395

For him

1. This black lacquered watch box (HK$229,000) with dragon motif in mother-of-pearl marquetry and mother-of-pearl cabochons makes a timeless gift. Cartier, The Landmark, Central, tel: 2525 1281

2. Make a bold statement with this rich red Burberry Leather Blackford Medium Crossbody bag (HK$12,500). Burberry is at Alexandra House, Central, tel: 2868 3511

3. Dunhill's range of dragon-themed accessories include hand-finished sterling silver cufflinks (HK$2,150). Dunhill, Pacific Place, tel: 2537 1009

4. Add a shot of colour to your wardrobe with these red leather shoes from Sergio Rossi (HK$7,530). Sergio Rossi, Pacific Place, tel: 2918 0872

January 15, 2012

Out shopping

Spring in her step

Hugo Boss' latest spring-summer collection is a return to minimalist, post-modern looks for the brand, with clean silhouettes and muted shades. Get tickled pink with the combination of a soft pink jacket (HK$5,800), blouse (HK$2,850) and skirt (HK$2,500), paired with a tan belt (HK$3,150), shoes (HK$7,150) and clutch (all above; HK$5,600). For a bit of drama, there's the billowy yellow dress (HK$16,800), cut with a simple belt (HK$2,250) and complementing heels (all right; HK$2,150). Hugo Boss is in IFC Mall, Central, tel: 3188 1171.

Flower arrangement

For collectors, Miriam Haskell's iconic costume jewellery is worth its weight in gold, with some even making it to museums. Her more affordable pieces, inspired by the 1920s, are available at Harvey Nichols (Pacific Place, Admiralty, tel: 3968 2668). Highlights include the striking pearl ring (right; HK$3,900) and floral necklace (below; HK$13,900).

Gold fever

With Lunar New Year fast approaching, Sergio Rossi has released a few timely accessories in gold. Featuring a crystal butterfly imprint, the bronzed gold Chinese New Year Capsule Clutch (below; HK$18,560) and gold high-heeled shoes (right; HK$9,860) will help you strut in style this festive season. Sergio Rossi is at Pacific Place, tel: 2918 0872.

Small wonder

German brand MCM has created a downsized version of its classic First Lady bag that retains the contours and shape of the original. The calf leather Mini First Lady bag (above; HK$4,600) features intricate craftsmanship and stitching, and comes in a range of colours. It's available exclusively until March 31 at MCM, Times Square, Causeway Bay, tel: 3425 4051.

January 22, 2012




Hair apparent

New Yorker Colette Malouf's 1920s-inspired hair accessories have been shimmering on the coiffures and weaves of Hollywood's elite - and with good reason. The eye-catching designs are routinely described as "jewellery for your hair" by fashion bloggers. We are loving Malouf's new pieces, in particular the hand-beaded floral headband (right; HK$2,390), the crocheted orchid hair clips (top; HK$1,690) and the sparkling crystal-studded hair pin twin-set (above; HK$1,590). Colette Malouf is available at Harvey Nichols, Pacific Place, Admiralty, tel: 3968 2668.

Put a ring on it

We are loving the collection of fiendish pleasures at Pretty Dangerous, a Hong Kong-based online shopping portal that offers a range of jewellery with a wicked edge. Standouts include the silver Galactica ring (far left; HK$3,200), with its hard-rock cool, and the devilishly delish Cranium Damien sterling silver ring (left; HK$2,850). Pretty Dangerous products are available at www.prettydangerous.com.hk.

In the name of the rose

For the Moroccan-born Israeli designer of the French house of Lanvin, Alber Elbaz, winter is no reason eschew beautiful flowers in full bloom. A flora-and-fauna-themed line (albeit in muted shades or in stark black and white) hit the catwalk this season. Particularly popular (and selling out fast in Central) are the rose-print dresses, including the puffy, girlish black-and-white version (far left; HK$44,000). The dark number with a distressed U-shaped top (left; HK$31,500) also gets our vote. Lanvin is in IFC Mall, Central, tel: 2234 7323.

Take a shine

Put your right foot forward this new year in a Badgley Mischka sequined peep-toe shoe (below; HK$3,700). Or, for those big nights out, there's the silver satin-bowed sandal (bottom; HK$3,700). Badgley Mischka is available at Harvey Nichols, The Landmark, Central, tel: 3695 3388.

January 1, 2012

By P.Ramakrishnan
E-mail ramakrishnanp@hotmail.com