Rama Drama

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

2012-01-27T19:57:00.000-08:00

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

2012-01-24T21:49:00.000-08:00

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

2012-01-24T21:45:00.000-08:00

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

Behind the label: Pheres

2012-01-24T21:31:00.000-08:00

Who started it? Narcisa Pheres launched her eponymous menswear label in Milan, Italy, in 2006, and displayed her first collection at the city's Istituto di Moda Burgo. Pheres' focus on producing the best, handcrafted range of menswear and accessories from neck (silk ties) to toe (exotic leather shoes) made it a hit from the outset. Pheres opened in Japan during the same year it was launched in Milan, then into Singapore in 2008 and Hong Kong last year.

Why we love it: because of the Italian sheen and shine that rings of la dolce vita. The clothes are lined with materials such as silk, cashmere and wool-silk blends while the bags and shoes are made of the finest - and often exotic - leather. There's a strong adherence to classic design and silhouettes: from its silk ties to classic-cut suits, crisp white linen shirts to the muted shades of the scarves, everything has a refined Italian touch.

What we'd pick: Pheres' bow-ties (top; HK$2,000 to HK$3,000) have a timeless appeal and we love the black man's bag (below; HK$60,000), but there's also something very cool about the stingray shoes (above; HK$25,000).

Where can you get it? Pheres is available at Lane Crawford, IFC Mall, Central, tel: 2118 3388.

Byline: P. Ramakrishnan
January 22, 2012

Mud, sweat and gears

2012-01-22T21:49:00.000-08:00

Byline: P. Ramakrishnan

As an executive director of a large corporation, Ho Ren-hua, 30, has the sort of buttoned up job that is common in a teeming metropolis. But even in the urban jungle, the Shanghai-based Singaporean finds the time and energy to hit the road.

"I was in high school track and field from the age of 12, and then I entered the army at 19, so there was always some form of exercise in my life from early on," he says. "I didn't stop once I was working, as keeping fit and healthy sort of becomes part of your life."

From working out in a gym, playing basketball, to running regularly, he became serious about fitness some years ago while living in New York. He decided to try running a marathon. "The New York City Marathon is one of the best organised and most popular events in the world. I signed up and ran through the city," he says. "By the end of it, I was crushed. You need to train properly."

At 26, he added swimming and cycling to his repertoire and started triathlons. He moved to Hong Kong, where he joined a triathlon club, and his passion for the sport really grew. "Some are better bikers, some swim better, and others run well. Everyone has their strengths and weaknesses, but the aim is to beat yourself," he says. "We all have hurdles and crossing the finish line is the goal. What position you finish in is up to you."

What's been the biggest challenge as a triathlete?

I did very leisurely swimming and biking, but never seriously trained for those disciplines. I wouldn't say I was particularly weak or strong at either - I think I'm balanced in all three disciplines, which I think is the best way to be. I started training hard for all three at the same time and, more importantly, I really enjoy each of them. The mindset should be to enjoy all aspects so you don't bemoan one part.

Is this the best shape you've been in?

I'm lighter than I was 10 years ago. When I was 19, I was 73kg. I feel fitter than ever - though it's not so much about weight but overall endurance.

With age and experience what's been a big lesson?

The importance of rest. Most triathletes learn to manage their body better. It's a really good thing to learn with time - you know how your body feels and you listen to it. When you're tired or injured, you process it better. When you're young, you spring right back, but as I get older, I'm more mindful.

How is your diet now? Anything particular you do before a race?

To be honest, I don't watch what I eat, normally. I think it's one of the benefits of training so hard. The only thing I do before a race, perhaps a week before, is to cut down on junk food and heavy meals. People do tend to carbo-load before the race, as it's fuel for the body when you race. For me, it's the day after the race that I go all out. Pizza is my great indulgence.

What's the best part of being a triathlete?

It's such a motivational sport. Unlike other sports, you're not in it to win it. We don't all run to come in first; taking part is key. It's a sense of improving yourself. It's the training process. The goal in mind is not to give up. And it's the sport with the greatest camaraderie. People of all ages come together and inspire each other. We talk about the challenges and goals. And living in Asia, we get to meet others and plan events to meet up at, and take part in the great races in places like Phuket, Bali, Hong Kong, Bhutan and Japan. It's a touristic sport.

Why does it seem like such an intimidating sport?

There may be three fields to master at once but it's such an inspirational sport, rather than intimidating. Most of my friends who take part are older than me and they aren't competing with each other but against themselves. I find them so inspirational. The time they're trying to beat is their own, not anyone else's. And everyone has their moments of highs and lows. You're always looking to improve your personal best. I could do this for the next 10 or 20 years.

Do you do any other sport?

I have been doing yoga at least once a week for the past two to three years. My girlfriend also does it. After the intensity of a triathlon, I find it very restorative.

Caption: Ho Ren-hua on a training run in Shek O village. "Everyone has their strengths and weaknesses, but the aim is to beat yourself." Photo: Herbert Tsang

January 17, 2012
Health Post

Bollywood's brightest stars heading for Macau awards extravaganza

2012-01-18T22:17:00.000-08:00

A constellation of Indian stars will be shooting over to the Venetian Macao for the annual Zee Cine Awards on Saturday. A ceremony honouring the best and brightest of the Hindi film industry and its all-singing, all-dancing escapades of the past year, the show will feature a roster of top acts, led by the unofficial king of Bollywood, Shahrukh Khan, and former Miss World Priyanka Chopra. They will be hosting a 31/2-hour show with music and dance acts.

Also appearing will be young heartthrobs Ranbir Kapoor (tipped to be rewarded for his performance in Rockstar), Shahid Kapoor (no relation), Vidya Balan (also expected to win for her scintillating act in The Dirty Picture) and gorgeous leading lady Katrina Kaif, who is set to perform her chart-topping dance numbers. Old-school Bollywoodites will perhaps be more thrilled to see the still-stunning Zeenat Aman, a former Miss India and Miss Asia Pacific, who is expected to grace the stage to dish out a few gongs.

The Zee Cine Awards celebrates a billion-dollar film industry, with 14 million Asians estimated to visit the cinema daily and 1,000 films produced annually. If the overwhelming success of the subtitled Hindi film 3 Idiots in Hong Kong and the mainland is any indication, the local cinema circuit will be spiced up with regular Indian features in 2012. Sunil Datwani, a Hong Kong-based Indian film promoter and distributor, said: "I plan to showcase some of the best and most anticipated Hindi films in regular cinemas this year. There's clearly an audience for it."

Ticket prices for this Saturday's show range from HK$988 to HK$6,888. For details go to www.venetianmacao.com/zee_cine_awards.

Byline: P. Ramakrishnan

January 18, 2012

Always A Muse-Ing.

2012-01-11T06:00:00.000-08:00

Outtakes from a shoot! My muse amused. What up!

Fashionable Lifestyle

2012-01-11T05:56:00.000-08:00

P. Ramakrishnan looks at the various and always colourful faces of Versace.

Starting as a boutique in 1978, Versace has grown in strength and stature. The couture house now encompasses lifestyle hotels and interior ranges from Versace Home Collection to Palazzo Versace. Some highlights include:

Palazzo Versace Designed and decorated by Versace, Palazzo Versace in Australia is reminiscent of the glorious days of the late Renaissance. Featuring baroque art and architecture, the 205-room luxury hotel (with 72 villa suites) is unlike any other in the southern hemisphere, its ornate ceilings, decorative walls and luxurious finishing seem to have been plucked from European palaces and transported to the Gold Coast.

Indubitably, the most notable feature is the lush colour and fabric, a lavish indulgence that's authentic to Versace's Italian extravagant lifestyle and spirit. The building is an edification of the Maison's signature design, heritage and furnishing flair, translated through every detail of its product offering, combined with Italian architecture and craftsmanship.

"The hotel and the homeware are really ways of bringing the Versace world to life," says Donatella Versace. "If you visit the home of the House in Via Ges? Milan, you will find that the Versace Palazzo is decorated in a style featuring motifs that recall the Greeks and Romans, combined with baroque-style prints and Renaissance decorative flourishes. These designs appear on furniture, furnishings and crockery, and this opulent look is further mixed with harder, more graphic pieces incorporating ultra-modern materials and slick leatherwork.

"This kind of interior design and these pieces of furniture - and anything else we do in the area of lifestyle, such as mobile phones, fragrances and jewellery, simply express the Versace look in another way; in a way that is different to the fashion collections, but no less Versace."

The Milano Residences Versace's first designer condominium in Southeast Asia opens in the Philippines capital Manila in 2015. Those wanting to immerse themselves in the Versace lifestyle can select from the 340 one- or two-bedroomed units. There are also The Penthouses, The Townhouses, and Italian-inspired units called The Loggias, with breathtaking private plunge pools. The brand's Greek motif will be seen in the grand lobby, hallways, lounge, library, pool, garden and spa.

Home Furnishing Like thrones made for emperors, most furnishing from Versace has a regal, antique air about it that's a hybrid of intelligent modern technique (laser cutting) and traditional print (the omnipresence of the house's Greek logo).

Most prominent in their latest collection is the emergence of metal, a notable link throughout the collection, exemplified in the gilt strip - shiny, satin or chromium plated - which recalls the asymmetric cuts on Versace clothes, resulting in a graphic interpretation of the house's signature logo.

When it comes to fabric, furniture material and cushions, opulence is key; leathers, velvets, satins and silk, shiny laminated textiles, and technical fabrics with lacquer effects. The colour palette goes from vibrant blues to lacquered red, from a golden yellow to an elegant pearl gray.

Table Treasures When it comes to Versace's table manners, it seems apt the range is called The Vanity collection. Heavy on gold colours, the iconic Versace motif is highlighted in the porcelain pieces, patterns that reinforce Versace's Art de la Table. That gilt-edged decoration is unmistakable as are the vibrant colours. The introduction of a traditional Italian "Panettone" (sweet bread loaf originally from Milan) plate and dessert plates were launched for the festive season, with colour motifs in red, gold and white.

Behind the Label: Swedish Hasbeens

2012-01-11T05:49:00.000-08:00

Who started it? Swedish Hasbeens was launched in 2007, in two small retro design, lifestyle concept stores in Stockholm, Sweden. Emy Blixt and Cecilia Wingard Neuman had come to the conclusion that modern shoes lacked the natural craftsmanship and quality of traditional Swedish footwear. The challenge was to produce shoes in organic materials and fashionable designs while using production methods from the 1970s. The idea began on a whim, when Blixt bought 300 colourful clogs from an old shoe factory. The shoes reminded her of beautiful women from her childhood growing up in a small fishing village. Blixt and Neuman took the clogs to Stockholm and gave them to friends, who helped spread the trend. Together with an old clog manufacturer, Blixt then designed a series of clogs called "Emy", inspired by the originals. Swedish Hasbeens products are now sold in 400 stores in more than 20 countries, including China, Japan and South Korea. This spring, Swedish Hasbeens outlets will open in Lane Crawford, Hong Kong; Seoul; and Shanghai.

Why we love it: the name is interesting; what exactly is a "hasbeen"? Well, according to the company's site: "a Hasbeen is tired; tired of being branded as a categorised target group, tired of being analysed and increasing profits of corporations. A Hasbeen shows their love for creativity, joy and quality in what they wear." The fun element is key here, and the wooden clogs are surprisingly comfortable and fashion forward. Footwear fetishist Sarah Jessica Parker started a virtual stampede by buyers when she was snapped wearing Swedish Hasbeens. Hasbeens toffels, bags and belts (available online, but not in Hong Kong stores yet) are also based on retro models, handmade using ecologically prepared natural grain leather.

What we'd pick: the open-toe black leather strap clog (above; HK$1,900) or the simple leather clog in blue or brown (left; also HK$1,900).

Where can you get it? Swedish Hasbeens is available at Kapok, 5 Saint Francis Yard, Wan Chai, tel: 2549 9254, or online at www.swedishhasbeens.com.

January 8, 2012
Post magazine
Byline: P. Ramakrishnan

All right Jack

2012-01-04T05:57:00.000-08:00

British brand Jack Wills, which helped create the zeitgeist of collegiate contemporary fashion, has opened its doors in Kowloon and Causeway Bay. Its "Fabulously British" flagship, in the newly revamped Leighton Centre, is emblazoned with the brand's signature pink and blue stripes and peppered with photographs, archival posters and curated paraphernalia with English roots. The hard- wood floors feature a hand-painted Union flag.

The chain was founded in 1999 by Rob Shaw and Peter Williams (the brand is named after Williams' grandfather, Jack Williams), both then in their mid 20s, in Salcombe, Devon. The pair wanted to create a brand that celebrated English heritage, but with a modern upgrade. With a gleeful viral marketing campaign aimed at students, the brand took off and now has 60 stores in Britain and 11 in the United States. Hong Kong is the first stop on its Asian migration.

The label has a tacit royal seal of approval: princes William and Harry and Kate Middleton have appeared in the pages of Hello! sporting the brand.

Standouts among the women's outfits, which range from quirky to cute, include the Orchard Bank dress (HK$5,040), which has a full skirt and bow belt. The Belford sequin dress (HK$10,100) will set you back a bit. For men, scarves, cardigans and flannel shirts line the racks. But for the dandy, there's the Brocton peacoat (HK$2,900) and Coxham classic flat cap (HK$490).

Jack Wills is in Leighton Centre, Causeway Bay, tel: 3105 1798; and Harbour City, Tsim Sha Tsui, tel: 3101 9776.

January 1, 2012
Byline: P. Ramakrishnan (Ramakrishnanp@hotmail.com)

Behind the label: Flair by JOC

2012-01-04T05:43:00.000-08:00

Who started it? This ready-to-wear collection was designed by Hong Kong native Joanna Chu Liao. Having been exposed to fashion at an early age through her family's garment business, Chu's first career step saw her working for a German designer, where she focused on beading and embroidery. Itochu and Look Japan then invited Chu to design ready-to-wear collections for the Japanese market. Her pieces have been stocked by the likes of Barneys New York, Mitsukoshi, Daimaru, Matsuzakaya and Seibu. During her Japanese sojourn, she designed uniforms for Estee Lauder and Folli Follie. Last year, she launched her own collection: Flair by JOC. Combining her know-how in tailoring, knitting and craftsmanship, Chu created a range of colourful, textured and comfortable womenswear.

Why we love it: the fine knits in the latest collection show great attention to detail while the bright colour scheme will counter dull grey skies and wintry moods. Flair by JOC is a curve-hugging line that flatters a woman's silhouette in all the right places. The sleek designs, contemporary looks, handcrafted knits and artfully assembled pieces are casual yet elegant. As the designer once put it: "The brand's muse is an independent woman who leads a contemporary lifestyle - one who is always sure of herself."

What we would pick: the off-white knitted top (below right; HK$4,500) or, for a shot of bold colour, the vermilion cardigan (above right; also HK$4,500).

Where can you get it? Flair by JOC is available at Harvey Nichols, The Landmark, Central, tel: 3695 3388

Byline: P. Ramakrishnan
January 1, 2012

How yoga straightened me out

2012-01-03T05:55:00.000-08:00

German-born, American-bred Claudia Whitney, 36, wasn't always keen on the idea of doing yoga pretzel poses. She once saw yoga as a foreign form of exercise that wasn't meant for her.

"I had the same excuses as a lot of people I meet today: 'I'm not flexible', 'There is not enough time', or 'This isn't for me'," she says. "But I finally got into it 11 years ago in New York. I was hooked from my first class. I struggled the whole way through, but the experience shifted me on so many levels that there was no looking back."

An ancient practice originating in southern India, it seemed like a fad at first, when celebrities (and then everyone else) took to it. But why did the fad not fade?

"Yoga is more than a workout; I think that it becomes a way of life for most people," says Whitney, now an instructor at Pure Yoga. "You start to shift destructive patterns on the mat, and then you're capable of changing things in your everyday life. Without this outlook, the poses we do in class mean nothing, and I think that is what keeps people coming back."

Whitney thinks yoga would benefit youngsters, too, to help calm teenage anxiety and hormonal turmoil.

"I was a wild child - well, I'm still a wild girl - but growing up, I had to face some tough times," she says. "Yoga has helped me find balance and calmed me down. I wish I had started earlier, as it really centres you. I've learned to let go of a lot of the nonsense and focus on positive things ... I've honestly never been happier in my life."

Were you a sporty person as a child?

I was not a sporty child, and my diet was terrible. I ended up being overweight in my late teens and early 20s, so I started educating myself about nutrition and fitness, and that is when I first committed to working out. Changing my diet and working with a personal trainer helped me to shed the extra weight and improve my confidence. Eventually, I found yoga and, while it keeps me fit, it has become more than a physical practice. I can't imagine my life without it.

I guess you had the diet of most teenagers?

Yes, I grew up eating fried food, junk food and fast food. When I made the choice to lose weight and get healthy, I stopped eating all of these things and started experimenting with my diet. At one point I ate only raw vegan food for three years, and I felt amazing. When I moved to Asia, I was so excited about the variety of food and flavours that I reintroduced cooked food, and now I'm about 70 per cent to 75 per cent raw vegan, and I've never felt better.

Have you made a spiritual journey to India?

I spent three months in India six years ago. I travelled to Mysore first to study ashtanga yoga with Pattabhi Jois and Sharath Rangaswamy. Practise started at 5am, so I had the rest of the day to study anything I was interested in. I learned a southern Indian style of painting called Kannada, and I studied meditation and drawing with another teacher. We would sit outside his house on the ground and meditate before each lesson, which started out with scribbling with crayons to get me to loosen up. I also took vegetarian Indian cooking classes and studied Carnatic music [the classical music of southern India].

As a yoga teacher, what's your sales pitch?

If someone is really interested then I usually invite him or her to try a complimentary class at Pure Yoga. Most people are usually only interested in the physical benefits because practising yoga creates a toned, flexible and strong body, but there are benefits beyond that, like feeling more energetic and maintaining a balanced metabolism. You're promoting cardio and circulatory health, and it helps stress levels. When you practise steadily, you are also building awareness of your body, feelings, relationships and the world around you. It's a complete package.

Are men more averse to yoga than women?

Men who go to the gym usually have a misconception that yoga is only stretching and meditation, and they don't realise that it is also extremely physically challenging. I have noticed an increase in male attendance in the past couple of years. They find it's a great complement to their gym workout or any sport. Anyone can do it, and it's not going to tear up your body.

Pic Caption: Strike a pose: Pure Yoga instructor Claudia Whitney. Photo: May Tse

Byline: P. Ramakrishnan
e-mail ramakrishnanp@hotmail.com
January 3, 2012
Health Post

Bad intentions

2011-12-31T18:39:00.000-08:00

Forget the schmaltzy musicals, thanks to maverick filmmaker Farhan Akhtar, Bollywood has fallen in love with the ultimate anti-hero. P.Ramakrishnan talks to the man behind action blockbuster Don 2.

"If your mother knew what you had done, she'd shoot you herself," says an exasperated inspector in an undisclosed Kuala Lumpur prison, confronting the master criminal.

"You didn't know my mother," grunts the tattoo-covered, muscle-bound Don, the hint of a wicked grin escaping his lips.

It took the penmanship and directorial moxie of screenwriter, director, actor, singer and lyricist Farhan Akhtar to turn actor Shahrukh Khan, 46, gleefully bad on celluloid. A return to form, "King" Khan (as he's known by the Mumbai media, for his unprecedented box-office success) plays the bad guy with relish once again in Don 2: The King is Back after years of whisking away leading ladies in song and dance.

"In the first film, we had played against prototype," Akhtar, 37, says of the 2006 movie Don: The Chase Begins Again. "We let the bad guy get away with it. He killed the hapless hero, he murders the leading lady's brother and the audience was in on it. They enjoyed the fact he got away with it in the last reel - and we didn't justify the 'badness' of the character. There was no psychological cause, tormented background nor redeeming factor about Don. He was just bad - and liked being bad."

The open-ended conclusion hinted at a sequel, but the filmmaker clarifies: "Honestly speaking, when we wrapped up the first film, we seriously didn't consider it. But psychosomatically, it came about. Everywhere we went, people kept coming up to me and asking when the sequel was coming out.

"While we worked on other projects, Ritesh [Sidhwani, the producer] and I kept thinking about it. So we sat down with two other writers and fleshed out a plot about two years ago. On a trip to Germany back in 2007, Berlin's untapped cinematic potential [made an impression] - it's a city meant for panoramic cinema. So we kept that in the background, too."

Given the success of its predecessor, expectations were high, so the trick, Akhtar says, was learning how to keep an audience interested.

"The viewer is already wise enough to know that there's a twist coming, so the hurdle we had to cross was to keep the audience second-guessing," he says. "It's the nature of the film and the genre; so we had to create enough sequences and surprises to keep the audience at the edge of its seat at multiple turns. The fan base already knows he's going to get away - but how? And then to make it plausible - well, cinematically plausible."

Sequels are often derided as pale imita- tions of the original, exceptions being The Godfather: Part II and one or two others.

"In India, we have the opposite; people look forward to sequels. There's a ready-made audience that already knows the characters [the main leads are back for Don 2], so each successive film gets a larger viewership - the curse of the sequel doesn't worry us."

Indeed, Akhtar sounds remarkably calm in the lead-up to the opening of his latest big-budget action caper, which comes in the wake of Khan's much maligned film Ra. One, which was released in October. Ra. One recovered its enormous cost - such is the popularity of Khan - but the media panned the bloated, special-effects-laden movie.

"I'm not at all worried in that aspect," says Akhtar. "We've been in the business for long enough to not let what 15 critics say affect us too much."

The son of legendary Indian poet and writer Javed Akhtar (who has an unprecedented 14 Filmfare awards - the Indian equivalent to the Oscar) and former actress and award-winning screenwriter Honey Irani, if not by genetic predisposition (his sister, Zoya, is also a writer and director), then by sheer osmosis the raspy-voiced son was to the writing-manner born. When asked about his hefty literary lineage, he says, laughing: "Thankfully, I live under no pressure from being born under the shadow of my parents' vast achievements.

"Fortunately, we [Farhan and Zoya] have been left to our own devices and have a huge support system. There's no pressure to meet their records. The benefits have been endless, we can talk about films for hours, as well as politics, art, literature. There was no expectation to follow anyone, to amass the trophies. They want us to do well - like any other parent."

With his first film, Dil Chahta Hai (2001), Akhtar established himself as a game-changer. A hit with the collegiate demographic, the Hindi production captured the zeitgeist of Indian youth who were cosmopolitan, wealthy and idle - his three protagonists spend a lot of time on the beaches of Goa. The rom-com has characters with devil-may-care attitudes who nevertheless find their bearings.

Akhtar then went beyond the boy-meets-girl Bollywood musical template. His second film, Lakshya, traces the life of an aimless student who makes his mark as a soldier. It may not have set the box office on fire, but, as most critics noted, Akhtar was the man to watch.

Then followed Don, a remake of a 1978 film.

"When I saw the original Don, which was written by my father and Salim Khan, I remember being a little scared of the character," says Akhtar. "[Amitabh Bachchan] was the bad guy, who was the lead and unapologetic about it. That stayed with me. So when the opportunity came to bring back the subject, it was an exciting option.

"In the Hindi film industry, we're used to pigeon-holing the leads: the all-around good-guy hero, the virginal heroine, the skimpily dressed vamp, the pipe-smoking villain. The boundaries are set. This was an awakening; you get to break the rules."

Akhtar based his reboot loosely on the original but brought it into the new century with a polished veneer, a remix of songs from the 1970s and a novel twist.

"When the first draft of the script came, we could only see Shahrukh Khan doing it," says Sidhwani, who has co-produced all of Akhtar's films. "We needed someone who had the charisma to ensure that the audience didn't repel from the fact that this guy kills people and keeps getting away with it."

Nearly two decades ago, Khan played the bad-guy role in a trio of Hindi films: Baazigar, in which his character kills one of the lead females; Darr, in which he plays a serial stalker; and Anjaam, which saw him play a sociopathic killer. But in the years since, Khan has played the saccharine, guitar-strumming protagonist in a slew of romantic films, wooing beauty queens and family audiences, and in the process becoming the highest-paid Hindi film actor to date.

"For someone who doesn't even like love stories, I've played an awful lot of lovers," Khan has said. "Personally speaking, I wouldn't see any of the romantic films I've acted in."

Which perhaps explains how eagerly he jumped at the opportunity to play Don, in his 58th and 75th film appearances.

"I did enjoy him as the bad guy," says Akhtar, as he heads to Dubai with his cast for the premiere of the film. "The capacity to play bad in a very, very interesting way takes an actor of Shahrukh's calibre, and he pulls it off with such panache.

"What I liked about Don was that we never justify his greed, the need for power. He doesn't claim to be anything but his bad self - the audience prefers that lack of hypocrisy. If we had turned the character good - given him a subplot to explain the way he is - then the film wouldn't have worked."

Akhtar grew up in Mumbai (Bombay as it was then) in the 80s, uniformly recognised as the worst decade for Hindi films; an excess of mindless musical mayhem that needed a transfusion of fresh blood.

"God, there were some awful movies made in the 80s, which gave birth to so many cliches," he says. "You really have to sift through to find the cinematic gems. But now, things have changed."

Nonetheless, he says, "I enjoyed Hindi films a lot growing up. I never looked down on them. And in equal measure, I was crazy about dramas and action films from Hollywood - the Bond movies and Die Hard. Especially Die Hard!

"Friends used to make fun of me, but I used to watch Bruce Willis' action - or parts of it - every day. Die Hard I, II, III and IV - I loved them all. Fast-paced action, non-stop movement and exposition, the lines - which, as a teen, I thought were brilliant. Now I flinch a bit. But I still love it and know every word."

And therein may lie the genesis of the slick and expensive action sequences in his own films. With an international crew and the latest technology, the sheen and patina of Don 2 is several notches above the average fare - and if the chase scenes seem reminiscent of The Bourne Identity it is for good reason.

"The Mumbai movie-watcher is different from those of anywhere else as we're fed on both Indian films and Hollywood flicks, so our generation of movie makers has that duality in them. We want to make films where the action is on par with an American counterpart, but we won't shy away from the song-and-dance routine," says Akhtar. "I have to say, I enjoy the music, too - as long as it pushes the story forward. The days of mindless, 'lets put a song here to give the audience time to go to the loo' are over. I hope."

Don 2 is less than two hours and 15 minutes long - shorter by three quarters of an hour than the average Hindi film - and most of the songs hum along in the background.

"We added a background score for Don, and there aren't many lip-synced dances that the leads break into. Depending on the nature of the film - its genre - the song-and-dance bit is often integral to Indian cinema, and it would be a disservice to take it out. The Frenchman in the hall or the German or the Malaysian or Indonesian, they expect it just as much as the Indian audience does.

"The rate of inflation aside, Don 2 is on a much larger scale [than the first Don]. We had established that Don was wanted all across Asia for the crimes he committed in the first film - so why not take over the world?" says Akhtar. "We had an excellent crew and cast [in Berlin] - and if you've heard the expression, 'India has the largest cinematic audience', well, we witnessed it. Everywhere we went, even in the winter, hundreds of people gathered to watch. Shahrukh celebrated his birthday during the shoot and hundreds of people congratulated him - he was very moved."

Don 2 was simultaneously released in India, the United States and Britain, where there is a large Indian community. Russia, France, Malaysia, South Korea, Germany, Hong Kong and the mainland also got to see the film last weekend, as the market for Indian films with subtitles or dubbed versions grows rapidly.

Says producer Sidhwani: "In India, we got lucky that Mission: Impossible [Ghost Protocol] was released a week before Don 2. But we're also lucky that an Indian audience is not divided by a Hollywood option. A nation of a billion, if given an option, would patronise their local industry."

And will there be a Don 3?

Akhtar laughs: "Ring me back after you watch the film. I'll answer then."

The stars of Don 2, Shahrukh Khan and Priyanka Chopra, will host the Zee Cine Awards at the Venetian Macao on January 21. Tickets are available at www.venetianmacao.com/zee_cine_awards. Don 2 had a limited run over Christmas and may return in the new year. In the meantime you can visit www.don2thefilm.com to conduct your own investigation into his crimes.

Feature by P.Ramakrishnan, ramakrishnanp@hotmail.com

Knit-Picking

2011-12-31T18:35:00.001-08:00

Model: Katherine Webster
Wardrobe: LJ
Hair/make-up: Sabrina
Photography: Sabrina

Test shoot with photographer, the gorgeous Sabrina Sikora.

Pics of the lovely Katherine. More to come! woop!

Joining the Dots

2011-12-28T10:04:00.001-08:00

Photography: Leila Cranswick
Stylist: Stephanie Holding Shah
Hair and Makeup: Karen Yiu
Model: Dorota Menard at Models International (HK).

Producer: P.Ramakrishnan

Behind the label: Melanie Georgacopoulos

2011-12-25T20:59:00.000-08:00

Who started it? Half French and half Greek, Melanie Georgacopoulos gained a master of arts degree in jewellery design at the Royal College of Art in London. During a much-travelled youth, she absorbed the artwork, monuments and architecture of Athens and other historic cities across Europe. Although she studied sculpture in Edinburgh, Scotland, Georgacopoulos' interests shifted to fashion and soon she was designing accessories. After Georgacopoulos exhibited her collection during last year's Paris Fashion Week, at the Valery Demure showroom, her multisyllabic name was on the lips of many of the rich and fashionable. Her latest line, the stunning Pearl collection, was inspired by a pearl necklace she inherited from her grandmother.

Why we love it: for taking the classic pearl necklace and accessories and reworking them into a contemporary style. The pearl necklace is no longer solely in the realm of women of a certain age. Georgacopoulos often incorporates pearls with silver and gold. Her rings and necklaces, which come with a creative twist and a flourish of interesting geometry and lines, have an art-deco feel. Impeccable quality adds to the allure and, with the different sizes and shapes of the freshwater pearls used, the price tags vary, too.

What we would pick: the three-in-one Butterfly Shell bangle (below; HK$22,480), studded with white freshwater pearls on gold wire; the "X" bracelet (above right; HK$13,720) with ascending white freshwater pearls and gold-plated silver chains, and the Arlequin pendant (above left; HK$8,730).

Where can you get it? Melanie Georgacopoulos jewellery is available at Hammer Gallery, 8 Tai On Terrace, Sheung Wan, tel: 9166 3757.

Byline: P. Ramakrishnan
December 18, 2011

Fashionistas click their heels and march smartly to new Shoe Library to greet their guru Louboutin

2011-12-21T09:32:00.000-08:00

Footwear fans now have another place where they can splurge on killer heels. Lane Crawford's newly renovated Canton Road store has more than 25,000 square feet dedicated to shoes on a floor styled by local designer Andre Fu.

The upmarket retail chain invited French shoe designer Christian Louboutin to Monday's grand opening of The Shoe Library. Famous for his signature red-soled, flirty and super-sexy heels, Louboutin is no stranger to Hong Kong, having first visited in 1994. He has also just produced a coffee table book to celebrate 20 years in the trade.

Some of the city's most stylish women took time out of their busy festive schedules to meet the mastermind. Qiqi Yam, model and wife of veteran actor Simon Yam Tat-wah, has a hectic timetable for the holidays, but wasn't going to miss the chance to greet the man responsible for her shoe racks.

"Our family and about 20 friends are off to Taiwan for Christmas and to visit Simon on his film set," Yam said.

Meanwhile, later that same night, at a book signing at The Space, the audible gasp as the dapper Louboutin strutted in could be measured in high decibels as the ever-so-fashionable designer sat for two uninterrupted hours, signing his HK$1,400 book, Christian Louboutin - 20 Years.

“I don’t design shoes according to country, origin, borders,” he said, between posing for a flurry of i-cams. “I just make shoes to make women feel beautiful. Every time I’ve come to Hong Kong, its been a wonderful experience. The beautiful women of all ages, I feel loved – and I love them back.”

Among those loved women, we found Marisa Zeman in the melee, “I have several of his shoes and of course I’m a huge fan”, she said, pointing to her own black, pointy-toed, red soled pairs. “I sat next to him at a dinner last year and he’s the most charming man.”

We saw a phalanx of models, led by the perpetually lovely Jocelyn Luko armed with hubby Anthony Sandstrom and model turned ace travel photographer David Elliot at the event. The gorgeous stylist Tina Leung was seen racing in at the n’th hour, after a long shoot that kept her away, while fashion blogger, the bespectacled Denise Lai was seen trying to grab a quick shot of the man himself. The delightful Marina Bullivant was seen chatting with Shirley Hiranand and Reyna Harilela who were there in their bejeweled Indian finery – as they were hosting the event just as the festivities of Aaron Harilela’s wedding had begun on the other side of the island.

It wasn’t just the women, the ever-fashionable Peter Cheung, from Van Cleef & Arpels, was seen in a black men’s shoe studded with silver dots, “They’re really comfortable too.”

Words every designer wants to hear.

By Vivian Chen and P. Ramakrishnan

Hold the romance - Shahrukh Khan's back to being a baddie in big-budget Bollywood export

2011-12-21T09:25:00.001-08:00

After a string of Bollywood rom-coms over the past decade, Shahrukh Khan returns to form as a ruthless underworld kingpin in Don 2. Khan's rise to the pinnacle of fame in films where be took the role of villainous anti-heros, film producer Ritesh Sidhwani said.

"We remember him as the bad guy in Darr [Fear]," Sidhwani said by phone from Dubai, where he will attend the emirate's premiere. "He was so thrilling to watch. When we started making the movie, we needed someone who had endless charisma on screen - because we wanted the audience to not repel against a lead protagonist who is essentially bad, he kills people, blows up buildings.

"Who else but Shahrukh Khan to play a role that winks at the audience with a 'you know I'm bad, but you still love me' vibe?"

Who indeed. With inspiration from a series of action flicks, and an international crew, location and massive budget, Don 2 is mercifully short. The leads don't break into a jig at the drop of a hat.

"If we made the lead gangster turn good in this movie - like a Robin Hood character that does bad, but for the good of mankind - then, the film doesn't work," Sidhwani said. "We don't explain why this character is bad. He just is."

The film opens simultaneously this week in Hong Kong, India, the United States, Britain and other countries. "We've found distributors from around the world approaching us, as there's a fascination with Indian cinema that's been on a slow but constant rise," Sidhwani said.

Don 2, in Hindi with English subtitles, opens tomorrow at Kowloon's Golden Gateway and GH Whampoa cinemas.

December 21, 2011
Byline: P. Ramakrishnan
E-mail: ramakrishnanp@hotmail.com

Filling the Gap

2011-12-21T09:18:00.000-08:00

After a much ballyhooed billboard campaign, which has been staring down over large areas of Central for the past few months, Gap has finally arrived. The soft opening of the brand's Hong Kong flagship store on November 25 created a hard-sell buzz, especially among shoppers familiar with this affordable fashion retailer, which first opened in San Francisco in 1969.

Within its 15,000 sq ft of retail space, four floors of happy Americana can be found. On offer are the brand's age-specific collections, including Gap for adults, GapKids, babyGap, GapBody and 1969 denim, as well as loads of casual clothes (T-shirts, hoodies, tops, jeans) emblazoned with prominent Gap logos in a wide range of colours.

Tees (HK$199), knitwear (men's and women's for HK$449 per item) and denim jeans (HK$299 to HK$549) will not break the bank. And with socks, underwear, leggings and undershirts at less than HK$100, the bare necessities seem like the best bargain.

Gap is at 31 Queen's Road Central, tel: 2885 0789.

Byline: P. Ramakrishnan

Ride of her life

2011-12-21T09:15:00.000-08:00

Fit & Fab: Pearl Tam

It's less than five years since Pearl Tam became a triathlete, but the 42-year-old is now one of the sport's keenest advocates in Hong Kong.

The physical transformation aside (her waistline is notably slimmer, she says), this regime of swimming, cycling and running has had a host of health benefits, too. "I used to have back problems, little health issues were creeping up as I grew older," she says. These days, she no longer has those aches and pains, and is rarely ill.

Before her foray into multisport, she used to run just for fun in gyms or outdoors around Sha Tin. Then, in 2007, she joined Titan Triathlon Club and, for the first time, had a proper training programme to follow. "I grew more focused. I worked out harder," she says. "I work harder in my office, too, as I'm more focused and goal-oriented."

Tam, who lives in Tai Lam, enjoys working out on the trails and riding around the country park in that area. "In a gym, you can run and run, but you're going nowhere. In the countryside, there's a goal in sight, a beginning, middle and end. You feel like you've accomplished something after every run or ride." Did triathlon seem overwhelming in the beginning, especially since you came to it so late?

Maybe, but I'm one of those people who want to meet a challenge head on. When I decided I was going to work out harder, stronger and better, I didn't let anything stop me. It's both a mental and physical challenge, in equal measure. For some people, getting up early to work out is hard as they don't want to get out of bed. I usually train at night because of my day job [at a toy factory] and busy mornings. So even when I'm tired after work, I say to myself: "It doesn't matter; I must work out." And then I take the 10-minute drive to the location, change and go for it.

What's been the biggest challenge?

The hardest part for me was the swimming. I didn't know how to swim front crawl before I joined the triathlon club. The coach gave me some exercises and taught me techniques to conquer the discipline. Now I'm a bit more relaxed about it. I always ran in the past, so that was no problem, and biking is always enjoyable. I used to bike for fun before; now it's more strenuous, of course.

Can anyone do this?

Yes, I think anybody can do this. You don't need an expensive gym membership, huge personal trainer fees or designer workout wear - just the will to do it. The most expensive part of this is probably getting a good, light bike, but that's a one-off expense. You can get a cheap bike, too, if you can't commit to the sport and just want to try it first. When you're sure, you'll feel self-motivated to get the best equipment. For running and swimming, your body is the best equipment.

Did you ever hit the proverbial wall and think you can't do this any more?

Sometimes I have that feeling, but I say to myself: "It's all or nothing." When I work, I work harder when I feel I'm getting tired; I tell myself to. When I feel bad during a swim, I say to myself: "Keep going." The body won't fail you first. It's your mind playing tricks on you.

Do you have a role model?

Daniel Lee Chi-wo, the former Hong Kong triathlon champion who was one of Asia's best. I don't think he competes any more, but he remains in great shape. He has a bike shop, and when I went there to get my bike, I kept stealing glances at him.

Is there a particular goal in mind?

I want to do more competitions, like the Kam Sheung Road Duathlon organised by Titan Triathlon two Sundays ago. In Hong Kong, I'm always looking for races I can compete in. The purpose isn't to come first or second, but just to participate. I encourage my friends to just try it. That's another goal, to get more people involved.

How would you encourage others to join the sport?

I'd tell them that it's not just for health and fitness reasons, it's a lifestyle choice. And somehow, being a triathlete also makes you do better at everything else, too. It clears your mind and keeps you physically fit. You'll work better no matter what your job is. If you skateboard, do rowing or ride a bike, you'll do those things better, too.

Is it an individualistic sport?

It can be. I train by myself and with friends. It's up to the individual. I found it a great way to meet people. It's a very social sport. I have made a lot of new friends. When we see one another running, swimming or riding we always encourage each other. The competitive streak only comes out during races.While we're training we want everyone to do better. We discuss future competitions, common goals and the many amusing things that have happened during races.

Byline: P. Ramakrishnan
December 20, 2011
Health Post

Pic Caption: Pearl Tam says training for multisport events has sharpened her mind and her body, and helped make her more focused in the workplace. Photo: K.Y. Cheng

Behind the label: Prerna Kumari

2011-12-19T03:13:00.001-08:00

Who started it? Indian-born, Hong Kong-bred and London-educated Prerna Chainani launched her exclusive line of Indian-inspired jewellery in New York, in 2003, originally selling exclusively at Neiman Marcus. The name of the brand sets the tone for the authentic bejewelled pieces: Prerna (Sanskrit for "inspiration") and Kumari (Sanskrit for "princess") are indicative of the designer's obeisance to a bygone regal era. The pieces are resplendent with chunks of precious stones of the kind that adorned India's royal dynasties.

"[The brand is inspired by] a mixture of items I found in my mother's jewellery boxes, which were more 70s, and the really traditional stuff from a previous century, the inheritance items," says Chainani, who has recently relocated to Hong Kong from the United States. "The idea was to modernise it, to make it more relevant to my life in New York."

The brand has been featured in fashion magazines such as W, Surface and InStyle.

Why we love it: finely crafted, with rose-cut and brilliant-cut diamonds, sapphires, emeralds, rubies and tourmalines all set in 22-carat gold, the jewellery evokes a sense of history, but with a fresh approach. Hand-crafted by artisans and goldsmiths in Jaipur, in Rajasthan state, and Maharashtra, with stones picked from Kashmir to Kanyakumari, the intricate designs are a hybrid of Western-inspired jewellery (chandeliers, cuffs and hoop earrings) with the patterns and styling of Hindu regalia combined with Arabesque swirls. The Asiatic feel of the chunky bracelets, neck pieces and art deco-style cuffs can be mixed and matched with any outfit, be it Occidental or Oriental.

What we'd pick: the 22-carat gold necklace studded with multicoloured tourmalines, rose-cut diamonds, quartz crystal and hand-painted enamel (above; HK$224,000) should adorn a swan-like neck and makes a stop-and-stare statement piece. Or else, there's the art deco-inspired gold cuff (left; HK$187,000), which glisters with white and coloured diamonds, blue and pink sapphires, peridot, amethysts and citrine stones.

Where can you get it? Prerna Kumari jewellery can be bought online at www.prernakumari.com or by direct appointment with Chainani (e-mail: info@prernakumari.com).

December 11, 2011
Byline: P.Ramakrishnan
Post Magazine,
The South China Morning Post

Joining the Dots

2011-12-15T01:41:00.000-08:00

Photography by Leila Cranswick
Stylist: Stephanie Holding-Shah
Hair & Makeup: Karen Yiu
Model: Dorota M from Models International
Producer: P. Ramakrishnan

Blouse by Bailey 44 at Harvey Nichols
Veil by Maison Michel at On Pedder
Necklace by Louis Mariette at Harvey Nichols

Dress by Antonino Valenti at Harvey Nichols
Belt by Dress Gallery at Rue Madame
Boots by Sergio Rossi
Choker by Van Cleef & Arpels

Blouse by Gucci
Skirt by Beatrixe at Harvey Nichols
Necklace and earrings by King Fook
Ring by Qeelin

Blouse by Bailey 44 at Harvey Nichols
Veil by Maison Michel at On Pedder
Necklace by Louis Mariette at Harvey Nichols

Dress by Diane Von Furstenberg
Bowtie by Ralph Lauren
Cuff by Lanvin at On Pedder
Ring by Van Cleef & Arpels

Dress by Marc Jacobs
Earrings by King Fook

Dress by Antonino Valenti at Harvey Nichols
Belt by Dress Gallery at Rue Madame
Boots by Sergio Rossi
Choker by Van Cleef & Arpels

Blouse and top by Marc Jacobs
Trousers by Sandro at Rue Madame
Boots by Tabitha Simmons at Lane Crawford
Earrings by Van Cleef & Arpels
Ring by King Fook

Outtakes.

'Harry Potter' starlet braves snap-arazzi and charms the VIPs

2011-12-08T17:57:00.000-08:00

If there was a miniature tidal wave lapping at the shores of Central this week, blame it on the screaming fans who lined up around Italian restaurant Spasso as Harry Potter star Emma Watson walked in to the Harbour City Mall to be greeted by the squeals of young fans trying to capture her on camera.

Escorted by eight bodyguards and minders, the snap-arrazi descended upon the young starlet on Wednesday as she launched Lancome’s new line of cosmetics, as the face of the French brand’s new ad-campaign. She braved the local press with bewildered amusement as the paps shouted out: “Emma, here! To the Left. Emma! Emma!”

“I don’t usually wear any lipstick or much make-up,” the young model and recent Vogue cover girl said. “But Lancome’s introduced me to this great line and I’m wearing them all the time now.”

At the dinner, Tina Leung, the stylish stylist, ran into the event fashionably late, but just in time for the first course. Leung grabbed a quiet moment with the 21-year-old star. “She said to me, she was wearing an Elie Saab dress and Jimmy Choo shoes. Emma’s so lovely but she looked like a frightened little dove – so many people were just hounding her for a picture inside at the dinner!”

Local supermodel Jocelyn Luko had pleasant things to say about the young spokesmodel. “She’s so cute, And she had no attitude and posed with so many people.”

Dancer Faye Leung took a break from her sojourn in Macau with House of Dancing Water to perform at the event with her dance partner, while singer Kit Chan also performed two classics, La Vie en Rose and Wind Beneath My Wings.

CITYSEEN
P. Ramakrishnan
Dec 09, 2011

The Arc of a Diver

2011-12-06T07:24:00.000-08:00

Fit & Fab: David Oshry

Years before David Oshry, one of Asia’s top male models, posed in swimsuits, he competed in them. From ages eight to 18, he was a diver, jumping off boards around his native South Africa, where he competed against the best athletes
in the region.

In 1996, he made the Olympic team, but to his dismay, the South African government decided not to send a diving team to Atlanta in the US that year. “It was a political and financial thing,” says Oshry, 30. “I still have my Speedo trunks and a box full of medals in the bottom of a cupboard at my parents’ house in South Africa. There is no way the Speedo would fit me now.”

That’s not to say he’s out of shape – it’s because he’s put on about two pants sizes in muscle since he quit diving and starting training in the gym. Sport has always been part of his life. In his younger days he also swam and dabbled in
athletics, soccer, tennis, squash, field hockey and chess, “until I realised it wasn’t really a sport”, he laughs.

“When you have spent most of your life training really hard, I find it is kind of like an addiction,” says Oshry. “If I miss gym for more than three or four days I get cranky and experience what can only be described as withdrawal symptoms.
It’s not that different from giving up cigarettes or alcohol.”

So what does a diver’s workout consist of?
David Oshry: An average workout would begin
with about 45 minutes to an hour of stretching, muscle building and strength exercises. Then it’s either into the water or, if it is too cold, train on the trampoline. The water is the most tiring aspect. It doesn’t sound like hard work, but when you dive over and over again, about 100 times a session, it eventually
wears you down.

Were you on a special diet?
I used to follow a “see food” diet. That is when you see food, you eat it. I just remember being hungry all the time. I used to eat more than all the other members of my family put together.

Did the training teach you to be disciplined, or were you always that way?
I don’t think of it as discipline. It’s more like conditioning. I started out
at a young age doing things a certain way, over and over again. By the time I was old enough to question whether this was the way I wanted to do things, I already had certain character traits ingrained in my personality. Character traits such as
never giving up, no matter how tough a task is physically or mentally, or how distant the reward seems. Or being able to step forward, peer over the edge of a
three-storey concrete tower, turn your back to the water, and jump off.

Are you still a competitive person?
If I try a sport and I am not instantly good at it, I feel like an amateur and I don’t like it. But that’s really just a fancy way of saying that if I can’t win at something, I don’t want to play.

Do you still dive?
I seldom dive anymore. Diving isn’t like riding a bicycle. I can’t
just pick up where I left off. I can still do some very basic things, although not very well. Compared to what I used to be able to do, it is downright embarrassing.

There are many gym fans out there who aren’t as cut as you – so what are you doing differently?
The single biggest thing that I do differently is that I go to the gym and
I work out. A lot of people these days are looking for a magic formula, that
new special routine or exercise where they don’t have to sweat, where it doesn’t hurt and they don’t get too tired. Well the truth is, there is no zero-impact, feel-good exercise that lets you eat anything you want and still look great without putting in the effort. It really isn’t rocket science.

Which exercise routine or diet have you found works best for you?
I like the Body for Life way by the author and celebrity motivator Bill Phillips. He advises things such as eating more small meals through the day instead of three
large meals. I also prefer to go to the gym more frequently and work out for a shorter time. If I ever spend more than an hour in the gym, I know that it will get harder to convince myself to go back the next time. And I am a firm believer in taking one day a week off from your diet and gym routine.

Do you have any indulgences?
I enjoy a beer or three on occasion. The trick is to try to make sure that your off-days coincide with your day off.

Text: P.Ramakrishnan
Portrait: Sabrina Sikora

Titikaka X Johanna Ho

2011-12-06T04:24:00.000-08:00

Who started it? It's a collaboration between Hong Kong designer Johanna Ho and local shoe company Titikaka. The two new collections of fun, funky and fashionable footwear were inspired by the 1980s American sitcom Punky Brewster. This goes some way to explaining why the shoes are sparkling and effervescent with a tongue-in-chic vibe.

Why we love it: because the shoes are gleeful and girlish, with equal amounts of edginess and femininity. Using materials as diverse as gold-sprayed leather, snake skin and metal studs, Ho hasn't neglected style (see the ankle- length platforms) over comfort (see the simply stitched flats). The designer was also inspired by her children's glitter artwork. The result is a footwear collection filled with mirth - and, yes, a little reminiscent of this season's sparkly Miu Miu shoes.

What we'd pick: we like the silver almost-flat shoe (below left; HK$2,280) for everyday wear. For evening events, there's the beige stitched platform (below right; HK$3,880) and the more outrageous multicoloured glittery peep-toe platform (below centre; HK$3,880).

Where can you get it? Titikaka X Johanna Ho is available at Titikaka, 15 Lyndhurst Terrace, Central, tel: 2850 8684.

Byline: P. Ramakrishnan

Behind the label: jac5

2011-12-06T04:23:00.001-08:00

Who started it? Former investment banker James A. Christopher, founded the brand, which launched last month, in frustration over the lack of quality and personality in many men's underwear departments. The New Yorker found that while designer undies were luxurious, they were either over-priced or lacked style. In 1996, he co-founded, along with Australian designer Peter Reeve, interior design firm CRD. In 2005, when Christopher and his partner moved to Hong Kong, he decided to harness his collective interests in design, the arts and travel to creating jac5. Using designers and manufacturers in Australia, he launched his premium brand of cosy and fashionable garments imbued with his mischievous sense of humour. The brand name is the founder's initials and the number of Jack Russell terriers he keeps - which also provided the logo for this distinctly cheeky label.

Why we love it: in an industry swamped with pictorials and pectorals of adonises in barely-there undergarments, here's a range of comfortable attire that's both fun and stylish. You won't find the usual assortment of grandpa shorts and dull-as-dishwater colour schemes; instead it's a range of vibrant colours and prints with cheeky taglines sewn into the waistbands (ranging from "loyal" to "supersmart" to "barking mad").

What we'd pick: the "barking mad" black briefs with orange piping (left; HK$225) and the "loyal" Rodney Retro trunk (far left; HK$235).

Where can you get it? Jac5 is at 81 Wing Lok Street, Sheung Wan, tel: 2545 6100.

December 4, 2011
Byline: P. Ramakrishnan

Can't Curry Love

2011-12-04T09:00:00.000-08:00

Interview

Restaurateur Sarika Jhunjhunwala explains how lessons learned in her first venture, Veda, helpd make Cafe O a succcess.

Text by P. Ramakrishnan
Portrait by Leila Cranswick, at Cafe O, Central

Pick up Dec 2011 issue of Crave Mag NOW! On newstands as of last week!

The Goods, November 2011

2011-12-02T04:46:00.001-08:00

The bright side

This winter, avoid getting SAD (seasonal affective disorder) with a shot of colour from Bottega Veneta's sapphire cashmere caban (HK$33,500), matching garnet wool jumper (HK$6,180), Nero cords (HK$3,280), vintage calf fuzzy suede tote (HK$22,500) and calf ankle boots (all right; HK$8,380). For laid-back elegance, there's the anthracite alpaca wool cardigan (HK$11,100), pyrite melange canapa wool lapel scarf (HK$6,680) and espresso cotton-wool T-shirt (HK$3,880), which mingles well with the Nero calf ankle boots (same as before) and Corniola cords (all far right; HK$3,280). Bottega Veneta is in The Landmark, Central, tel: 2973 0882.

The pleasure of leather

A good leather belt or shoe is one that can mould itself to suit any outfit and occasion. So, if you're planning to invest wisely in your wardrobe, head to Hermes. We are loving the simplicity and elegance of the brand's black suede and leather slip on (top; HK$6,900) while the classic brown leather shoe (above; HK$8,500) is a timeless staple. Hermes is in Pacific Place, tel: 2522 6229.

Keep your hat on

To warm cold ears this winter, head to American Eagle Outfitters' new store in Tsim Sha Tsui's Miramar Shopping Centre (tel: 2375 3922). Striped shirts and tees make up the brand's signature items, but we were greatly amused by the faux hawk of the Juno Mohawk Trapper hat (above right; HK$340) and the toasty-looking Navajo Knit Trapper hat (above; HK$340).

Rib tickler

If you're looking to stand out from the madding crowd, head to Jean Paul Gaultier to amp up and vamp up your designer duds. The glistening full-sleeve top (below; HK$26,980) has just the right amount of sparkle while, for the brave, there's the black rib jacket (left; HK$49,980). Jean Paul Gaultier is in Pacific Place, Admiralty, tel: 2918 0374.

-- Nov 27, 2011

Back with a bang

Dr Martens has been relatively quiet since its heyday in the 1980s, but the British brand is back in the limelight thanks to a gorgeous campaign led by androgynous beauty Agyness Deyn and male model Ash Stymest. You know it's a hit when a fashion blog gushes: "This boot is Dr Martens at its best. It's tough enough to take a beating, yet stylish enough to be versatile." We're not sure about the Swarovski-studded eye boot (left; HK$6,800), but it had its fans during the Hong Kong preview. For a dash of colour, try the downy Pascal boot in cherry red (below left; HK$2,300). Dr Martens is in Ocean Terminal, Harbour City, Tsim Sha Tsui, tel: 2377 9387.

Case by case

Thank goodness there's more to Louis Vuitton than its much-copied embossed leather goods. Louis Vuitton's Taiga iPad case (below; HK$6,900) and iPhone cover (left; HK$2,950) have all the polished sheen and subtle perfection that the French house is renowned for. Louis Vuitton is in The Landmark, Central, tel: 8100 1182.

Tough guys

Loewe's nappa leather jackets from its autumn-winter ready-to-wear collection should prove to be sizzling hot this winter. In addition, its range of tops, duffel coats, jackets and parkas have fans whipped into a frenzy. We'd choose the detailed and sophisticated leather Parka jacket (right; HK$48,200) or, for a sportier look, the M-65 jacket (above far right; HK$33,300). Loewe is in The Landmark, tel: 2522 0996.

-- Nov 20, 2011

Positive energy

The name of the latest perfume from Paul Smith reflects the British designer's attitude to life. The Optimistic fragrance for men (right; HK$588/100ml) has fruity, woody and floral notes that will leave you feeling fresh and energetic. Paul Smith is in The Landmark, Central, tel: 2523 5868.

Rebel with a cause

Ethical fashion label Edun is now available in Hong Kong. Founded by Irish rocker Bono and his wife, Ali Hewson, in 2005, the label markets itself as a "for-profit business with the aim of ... making beautiful clothing whilst committing to developing trade with Africa". The brand's latest collection features trendy, comfortable clothes, such as the black and white checked shirt (HK$1,890) and grey trousers (both above; HK$2,890) as well as the more sophisticated black blazer (HK$6,450) and matching trousers (both left; HK$2,890). Edun is available at Harvey Nichols, Pacific Place, Admiralty, tel: 3968 2668.

Tough guise

The autumn-winter line by Italian label Henry Cotton's has a lot of wearable jackets but it's the leather items that are grabbing our attention. The leather jacket (above right; HK$8,990) oozes James Dean cool, but, should it get very chilly, the down jacket (above left; HK$5,290) would be a more practical option. Henry Cotton's is in The Landmark, tel: 2147 3663.

Cipher code

It's perplexing to see women enduring torturous footwear in the name of style. Thankfully, men have cushier options, such as the ones being churned out by the folks at Cipher. The designs are super cool yet comfortable. We're loving the sleek and sexy white Alpha shoe (above; HK$2,643) and are absolutely gaga for the black and white Radial shoe (left; HK$2,915). Cipher is available at www.cipherism.com/shop.

-- Nov 13, 2011

Heavy metal

Those who like their jewellery to be discreet should take a look at Emporio Armani's latest accessories collection. We've got our eye on the stainless-steel necklace with black onyx pendant (far right; HK$1,400) and the subtly branded silver ring (right; also HK$1,400). For a bit more macho oomph, there's the black ceramic and stainless-steel bangle (below; HK$2,550). Emporio Armani is in Gateway Arcade, Harbour City, Tsim Sha Tsui, tel: 2175 5828.

Sporty spice

Eschewing the loud neon colours and prints seen on most winter sportswear, Ermenegildo Zegna's sporty line is full of sophisticated sartorial options. Have a look at the red micro-fleece jacket (HK$3,600) worn with grey printed cotton T-shirt (HK$1,500), light grey scarf (HK$1,900) and charcoal grey trainers (all above left; HK$4,050). Another classy look is the navy Idro nappa jacket with honeycomb pattern (HK$18,900) worn with a black cotton polo (HK$2,200), black Merino wool zip mock top (HK$2,800) and classic black jeans (all above right; HK$3,000). Ermenegildo Zegna is in IFC Mall, Central, tel: 2295 0828.

Scotland Yarn

Before the season of cartoon-print jumpers hits, trot along to Pringle of Scotland to pick up one of the brand's classic pieces. Harris tweeds have been deconstructed into rugged textured knitwear, creating the feel of an "urban gamekeeper", according to designer Clare Waight Keller, who recently left the label. Our favourites include the Henley grey jumper (below right; HK$10,400) and the knitwear as outerwear jacket (below left; HK$25,400), with its unusual pattern and leather-strap sides. Pringle of Scotland is in The Landmark, Central, tel: 2537 7676.

Keep your hat on

To pull off a beanie, you need confidence, the right attitude and a well-shaped head. Quirky American brand Feal Mor has pulled off the look with its Bonnet hats (above; HK$580 each) in brick and navy chine. Feal Mor is available at Sailor, K11 Art Mall, Tsim Sha Tsui, tel: 3122 4113.

-- October 30, 2011

The Goods

2011-12-02T04:24:00.000-08:00

Feet first

With a jute sole and cotton upper, Soludos' breathable shoes feel and look great. We're loving the navy Dali and black and white Sevilla espadrilles (both right; HK$260 a pair) for their simplicity and functionality. Soludos is available at Konzepp, 50 Tung Street, Sheung Wan, tel: 2803 0339.

Buckle up

The fine folks at Cerruti 1881 have released a range of belts (below) in navy, light grey, rust and bordeaux. Prices range from HK$3,000 to HK$9,000, depending on the material (which varies from basic leather to grains of embossed calf, alligator tail and ostrich leg) and buckle, of which there are 15 in a choice of finishes, including brushed nickel, shiny nickel, shiny gold and gunmetal. Cerruti 1881 is at Pacific Place, Admiralty, tel: 2918 9149.

Urban explorer

In D'Urban's latest campaign, winter casuals have a touch of the blues, as seen in the blouson jacket (HK$4,590), scarf (HK$1,590), shoes (HK$3,590) and shirt (HK$1,390) matched with white casual trousers (all right; HK$1,790). For a slick, more formal look, we opt for the black jacket (HK$5,590), blue dress shirt (HK$1,690), grey dress trousers (HK$2,390) with black tie (HK$850), gloves (HK$1,990) and belt (all far right; HK$990). D'Urban is in Times Square, Causeway Bay, tel: 2506 2126.

Scent of a man

At first look, Trussardi Uomo looks like an artefact from the 1980s, but, as Beatrice Trussardi, head of the brand, says, "The fragrances are completely new, yet they bring to mind the first Trussardi perfumes introduced in the 80s, to which they are a heartfelt tribute. These elegant fragrances ... were created for strong-willed, sensuous modern men." The Trussardi Uomo (HK$690/100ml) has notes of Italian lemon, bergamot, galbanum and nutmeg, with a patchouli and leather accord. Trussardi Uomo is available at LCX, Ocean Centre, Harbour City, Tsim Sha Tsui, tel: 3101 0455.

Men in black

Indian designer Ashish Gupta has made the leap from New Delhi's catwalks to global sartorial stardom. For a distinctly non-Bollywood look, he has bled the colours out of his autumn-winter line and adopted a grungy British aesthetic. Our picks of the collection are the distressed knit jumper (HK$4,500), the sequin zippered trousers (both below; HK$12,690) and the bone-print trousers (left; HK$11,590). Ashish Gupta is available at Harvey Nichols, The Landmark, Central, tel: 3695 3388.

Ink again

Penmanship may be a dying art, but don't tell that to the folks at ST Dupont. German designer Karl Lagerfeld has teamed up with ST Dupont to create the Mon Dupont line, which reeks of old-world charm and glamour. The glossy red fountain pen (HK$4,900) and its ballpoint brother (both above; HK$2,900) will be available in limited numbers and must be pre-ordered. ST Dupont is in The Landmark, tel: 2877 4138.

Heart of stone

Dynasty, the soap opera, conjures up images of heavy make-up, shoulder pads and door knob-sized diamonds, but Dynasty the American jeweller has, mercifully, toned it down. Indian jewellers at the brand have created a range of cufflinks (above; HK$1,250 a pair), which give just a hint of sparkle. Dynasty is available at Fine n'Rhine, 2/F, V-Plus Building, 68 Wellington Street, Central, tel: 3118 7338.

Strap works

For someone who created a line of swimsuits with fruit-shaped appliques covering certain body parts, the shoes being churned out of the house of Vivienne Westwood seem outrageously normal. Still, we're loving the black trainer with red inseam (right; HK$6,260) for its practical and wearable aesthetic.Vivienne Westwood is at 42 Paterson Street, Causeway Bay, tel: 3549 6308.

Oct 23, 2011

Homme boy
Dior Homme has gone for sly sophistication this season with an ensemble that teams the black cashmere deconstructed jacket, with a beige linen, asymmetric interior (HK$25,000), the black wool serge and cashmere longsleeve T-shirt (HK$8,000) and black cashmere pleated trousers (all left; HK$7,400). For a daring dash of colour, there's the red wool round-neck jumper (HK$8,000) and dark grey wool pleat-front trousers (both right; HK$7,700).Dior Homme is in The Landmark, Central, tel: 2524 8277....

Oct 16, 2011

Take a bow

As Michael Jackson sang, it doesn't really matter if you're black or white. And the creative team at Thomas Pink seems to agree, with its ready- to-wear black velvet bow tie and white Marcella bow tie (both left; HK$600 each) arriving on shelves just in time for the autumn-winter soirees. Thomas Pink is in Pacific Place, Admiralty, tel: 2155 9021.

You've been framed

There's something to be said for rose-tinted glasses, although bright greens and browns have their uses, too. Ophthalmologists suggest certain-coloured lenses can help perception. For example, brown glasses heighten depth and contrast while gold-coloured glass filters out blue light. Or just wear them to channel your inner celebrity. Those who suffer from high self-esteem might appreciate the Swedish stylings of squarestreet. Mixing a geek-chic vibe, the handmade glasses (right; HK$600 each) are easy on the eye. Look for the comb temples and triple hinges. Squarestreet is at 15 Square Street, Sheung Wan, tel. 2362 1086

The right stripes

You don't need to be anywhere near the ocean to adopt the nautical look this autumn-winter. We're loving the French vibe of Nautica's striped jumper (HK$790) and navy cotton twill trousers (both far right; HK$730). Or, for a more studious look, there's the striped cardigan (HK$890) paired with a red check shirt (HK$830) and light brown carpenter trousers (all right; HK$890). Nautica is in Festival Walk, Kowloon Tong, tel: 2265 7123.

Gender defender

Celine is synonymous with women's bags, so we were slightly apprehensive about its new line of unisex accessories. Fortunately, we're easily persuaded and are now enjoying the steely look of the grey wool bag (right; HK$8,100) and cute coin purse (above; HK$2,400). Celine is in The Landmark, Central, tel: 2525 1281.

-- October 9, 2011

What's hot and happening in Men's Fashion in October, 2011.

Behind the label: Causse

2011-12-02T04:19:00.000-08:00

How did it start? The House of Causse, founded in 1892 in the little French town of Millau, was a place where nobility and couturiers could mingle, and where the creme de la creme commissioned exquisite gloves to be made from the finest materials. Also that year, the label opened a boutique at 12 Rue de Castiglione, Paris. A century later, fourth-generation glovemaker Olivier Causse began working with prize-winning designers Nadine Carel and Manuel Rubio. In a Millau factory designed by architect Jean-Michel Wilmotte, exquisite gloves are created under the house label, as well as for Hermes, Chanel and Yves Saint Laurent. Marrying rich traditions with new materials, Causse has remained one of the most acclaimed glovemakers in the world.

Why we love it: for bringing the elegance of a bygone era to a rather reluctant 21st century, in which the wearing of gloves is an option born of necessity more than fashion. The label is pure French chic and reminds us that there are categories for glove love (for example, evening gloves, town gloves and summer, winter and cock- tail gloves) for which the fabric, colour and style depend on the occasion. Laces, knots, pendants and buckles are suitable for day events, whereas fur with supple lambskin with a glace or nubuck finish, or peccary, work better for night. Whether it's a metallic finish on python skin, ostrich, crocodile or iguana - lots of possibilities come into play.

What we would pick: the soft fur-trimmed pair (centre left; HK$6,900), the elegant long, black beaded gloves (top left; HK$8,500) and the Swarovski-studded leather version (bottom left; HK$4,600).

Where can you get it? House of Causse is available at On Pedder, 18 Queen's Road Central, tel: 2118 3489.

By P.Ramakrishnan
(ramakrishnanp@hotmail.com)
November 27, 2011

All consuming desires

2011-11-22T16:33:00.000-08:00

Hong Kong is expensive. Here are some tips to help you maximise income and minimise spending

Hong Kong presents many mysteries to the everyday consumer. There is so much variance in prices and so many opportunities to make money. The goal, of course, is to maximise value and one's opportunities. But how to proceed? Here is a guide to navigating some basic, utterly practical issues many Hongkongers face, with advice from people on the inside.

How to buy a suit

As explained by tailors

By P. Ramakrishnan

Raja Daswani of Raja Fashions says people need to be clear what budget they are working with when buying a suit. "For the budget-conscious, I say go for something durable, conservative. I'd suggest buying a quality but non-branded fabric," he says.

"I'd suggest conservative because it's realistic - a suit from 1950 that's well made can be suitable now because it's timeless. But a suit made in the 1970s with its signature trend and fashionable tailoring now collects dust in cupboards."

In case there is any doubt, there is a vast difference in quality among tailored suits out there, and the tailors can clearly spot the good from the bad. After all, they have trained eyes.

"When a man is walking down the street, I can tell [the quality of a suit] by the material, how rough it is, what kind of yarn has been used, what kind of machinery," says Sam Melwani, 63, of Sam's Tailor.

Why does a suit in Shenzhen cost only a few hundred dollars? "When you pay at a noted shop, you're really paying for the artisanship. What the customer is really paying for is the superior quality of the work," Daswani says.

"A fresh graduate who is trying to make a start in the business will not have the same expertise of a cut like a man who's been doing it for 30 years. Then there's the material; fabric can cost anywhere from HK$20 to HK$2,000 per yard."

Daswani says a person should expect to pay HK$4,000 to HK$5,000 for a fine suit.

Fabric counts for a lot. It is a big component of the price, and it will go a long way to determining how comfortable a suit is, and how good it will look over the years. "Some people cannot take heavy suits, as they literally choke in the heat. It may be in fashion, but so what?" Daswani says. "If you're a banker in Hong Kong, in the heat of summer you'll really suffer if you don't make sensible choices with your fabric."

How to buy a good bottle of wine without paying the earth

As explained by wine connoisseurs

By P. Ramakrishnan

Simon Tam, head of wine for China at Christie's Auction House, says there actually are ways of buying wine on a budget.

"A lot of good wine in hotel chain-linked restaurants can be available for HK$500 to HK$700 per bottle - and that's a very good price to work on for the budget-minded." And an insider's tip would be that a lot of Chinese restaurants - not Western - don't charge for corkage, which is a great way to save money by buying retail and doing "BYOB".

When buying at a department store, how can one home in on a good bottle? "In Hong Kong, we're very lucky that something in the vicinity of HK$500 is available to us for any kind of wine, except perhaps a good Bordeaux - which is always a bit more expensive," Tam says.

"There are so many labels on display, and the truth of the matter is, for a lot of people, it's a matter of palate and appreciation. If you've spent HK$1,000 and it doesn't agree with their taste buds, then [your guests will] think it's cheap wine. I strongly suggest, in this scenario, buying a bottle of champagne. People might profess not to like it, but pop open a chilled one and everyone raises a toast. It becomes an occasion."

Picking the right bottle for the uninitiated is luck of the draw. Most people, by habit, simply look at the price to gauge its quality. "The cheaper the wine is, the more the mark-up is," says Kavita Devi Faiella, wine director of the Press Room Group. "Restaurateurs know that the cheap bottles will fly off the shelves. But owners want to move the expensive bottle, too, so they might mark it up by just a fraction."

The price of the wine can depend on whether you head to a chain restaurant or a stand-alone. Chains offer better value than independent restaurants. "Wine is priced more competitively in an independently run restaurant," Devi Faiella adds. "Global restaurants' in-house numbers are unpredictable because they buy in bulk and distribute them.

"If there's a chain run by the same management that has a restaurant here in Hong Kong [which has no tax or luxury tariff] versus in India [which has a great deal of taxation on wine and whisky], they level the prices as they're looking at the overall scale."

Can you get a great wine that's cheap? Tam says no: "If you really want the good stuff, you have to pay for it. I've taught classes on wine tasting, and the two things I promise all my students is you'll end up buying and appreciating expensive wine and you'll never go back to the cheap rubbish. If you appreciate wine, it's nice to pay for quality wines. There are no 1961 Chateau Lafites for HK$200."

Nov 21, 2011

Beyond the treadmill

2011-11-21T19:17:00.000-08:00

Fit & Fab: Michal Bucek
Health Post,
The South China Morning Post

By P.Ramakrishnan
(ramakrishnanp@hotmail.com)

Michal Bucek, 30, a personal trainer and a top triathlete, has a list of achievements so long it could take up this whole page. He recently returned from the Holy Grail of triathlons, the Ironman World Championships in Kailua-
Kona, Hawaii. A few weeks later, he finished third amateur overall at the Taiwan 70.3, a half-ironman in Kenting.

He’s in the best shape of his life, but he has worked hard for it. Some people are naturally thin, but Bucek isn’t one of them. Growing up in what is now
Slovakia, he was the odd one out within his active family, who often kayaked, ran and swam together on weekends. “I was very overweight, and I was super lazy,” says Bucek. It’s hard to believe that when you see him stream past the
finishing line, clad in some unforgiving spandex.

The turning point, he says, came at age 17, when he began to look for a girlfriend and become self-aware. He started a triathlon training programme, and has kept fit ever since. He’s following in the footsteps of his 60-year-old father, a member of the International Olympic Committee who still
stays in great shape.

“When I see my father, I’m still inspired. Others tell me I am their
role model. I, in turn, see my father as mine,” Bucek says.

Are age and weight factors in becoming a triathlete?
It doesn’t matter if you are middle-aged or overweight. You can start anytime as long as you train properly. It’s got nothing to do with age; it’s more about self-confidence and commitment to the sport. If you are mentally ready, it can be done.

Why are more people leaving the comforts of a gym to try out adventure sports?
Because it’s a quicker way to lose weight. In fact, the fastest way to
get in shape is probably to train for and do a triathlon. In a big fitness
centre, 99 per cent of the time the focus is on weightlifting and not on endurance. Running on a treadmill is boring; you feel like a hamster going nowhere. When you train outdoors, you burn more calories, especially in Hong Kong, as conditions are tough. So, you can burn 40 to 50 per cent more calories.
The humidity, the temperature, the fact that your body is not very comfortable, unlike in a carpeted gym, makes your heart rate go up.

So you never work indoors?
I do workouts with my clients indoors, in a gym. I work on making their muscles stronger. It’s not about building big muscles, but strengthening them.

Do people lose confidence after the initial burst of excitement that comes from starting training?
I’ve never had to push a client; they come in motivated. They train for results, and you can see results quite quickly. They come by themselves, and they train on their own when I’m away. I’ve never had to babysit a client. I want people to love what they do. If they don’t, it’s self destructive. If they do, even if it’s raining, they’ll get the right gear and still train because they’re passionate about the sport.

How often do you train personally?
Whenever I have some free time. Between work assignments, I work out. Early mornings are great for me. I work late hours, but I’m lucky that if I’m training a client, I can do the sport with them. So I’m training all the time. I ride my bike to see my clients. I don’t take a bus or cab. In Hong Kong, that can be very dangerous, but I have no choice. I wear all my safety equipment and pray my instincts are sharp in traffic.

Are Hongkongers in it for vanity or for health?
Both. It’s 50/50. At first, I trained mostly Westerners. That has
changed. I used to train mostly women, and that has changed. Now more local residents, and more men, are coming in. People realise that the body is a
machine, that must be looked after. More do it for health, and they see quick results, which encourages them to keep training.

Is there a motto you follow?
Anything is difficult if you don’t really want to do it. Everything is easy if you have the commitment.

Money no object

2011-11-21T17:19:00.000-08:00

Subhead: The message is clear, simplicity rules the waves
Byline: P. Ramakrishnan

In an age when new and multifunctional is all the rage, the simple Aesir AE + Y phone seems almost quaintly old-tech. It comes with no unlimited apps, no bags of tricks, no appendages and no cybersonic contraptions. It's a phone. Just a phone. Well, with a slightly more exorbitant price tag than most, but in its simplicity, it harks back to a bygone era when telephones were mainly used to talk to people.

The new, long-lasting, chunky gold phone is the creative offspring of Copenhagen-based Aesir. Designer Yves Behar is on record as saying: "Instead of more, we proposed better and longer lasting. In an age when the industry seems to think that phones aren't for speaking anymore, I wanted to focus on the idea of voice, clarity and simplicity."

Aesir founder Thomas Moller Jensen and his crew enlisted specialists, engineers and craftsmen to create the clear-cut, clear-audio contraption with fully replaceable parts. So should time's wear and tear take effect, you can send it back to be fixed - no muss, no fuss.

The phone boasts metalwork in 18-carat gold (or in surgical-grade stainless steel), a sapphire crystal screen that's exceptionally clear even in bright sunlight, and a durable, high-gloss ceramic casing.

It costs HK$436,000 for the gold incarnation. But if that's a bit rich, the handset comes in stainless steel for HK$80,000. It is available at Lane Crawford in gold in December and in stainless steel now.

Behind the label: Moustache

2011-11-21T17:13:00.000-08:00

Who started it? Ellis Kreuger (who originally trained as a tailor) and Alex Daye founded Moustache in September 2009, as a bespoke tailoring house. The American designers had arrived from New York with bags full of attire unsuitable for Hong Kong's balmy humidity. First they launched a bespoke menswear service, and two years later they kick-started the label's ready-to-wear collection, intended as a casual, weekend wardrobe for a Hong Kong lifestyle.

Why we love it: because it pays homage to Hong Kong style of the 1960s and 70s, making us nostalgic for a time when the city wasn't dominated by corporate logos and designer duds. In addition to the little shop's idiosyncratic charms, its styles also display a sense of humour. Its shirts and suits are finely crafted, but stand out with their clever mixture of textures and odd splashes of colour. There are also other stylish essentials, such as bespoke shoes from ODM, Geo. F. Trumper colognes, and a boatload of vintage sunglasses and bags from a recent jaunt to Calcutta.

What we'd pick: we love the feel of the cotton corduroy jeans (bottom; HK$1,600) and the square-cut "Prince of Whales" swimming trunks (HK$100) are good fun, but it's hard to beat the impeccably stitched chambray patchwork jacket (below; HK$3,500).

Where can you get it? Moustache is at 31 Aberdeen Street, Central, tel: 2541 1955.

November 20, 2011
By P. Ramakrishnan

Night of Fashion and Style; PK Fashion in HK

2011-11-17T19:48:00.000-08:00

When Shahneela Faruqui and Pakistan’s style icon Aliya Zaidi sent out invites to 230 guests in Hong Kong, to showcase the works of designers Rizwan Beyg, Faiza Samee, Ayesha Farook Hashwani, it was an eye-opening event and an education. A look behind the scenes of a thriving fashion community tucked away in a region that gets little international press on what happens behind the glistering seams. So the aptly titled night, An Evening of Fashion and Style, kicked off an elegant evening.

Of the awesome threesome of designers who flew in from Karachi, Beyg is the face of the establishment as his sartorial creations have donned the likes of Jemima Khan and the late Princess Diana, “I got introduced to Lady Diana by Jemima, who’s an old friend. Diana was an amazing model as had the height and such grace. For her I created a pearl-studded outfit – I knew how much she liked pearls – and it was flattering to her complexion,” said the stage-shy designer, who ran off from the spotlight when it hit him at the end of the show. “I wasn’t a fan of the late Princess before, but after meeting her, you can’t help but love her. She was sheer elegance.”

As the international girls from Vivien Li’s Lotus Models hit the catwalk in a an array of multi-coloured creations, Beyg said, “I wish people knew that there is such a thing as a fashion community in Pakistan and we aren’t just making designer burkhas! The couture work, the hand-crafted, embroidered, rich-fabrics and bejeweled items – there’s a world out there.”

At the Aberdeen Marina Club, we saw a few notable faces in the crowd who got glimpse of that sizzling sartorial world, including, Purviz Shroff, Bhagwanti Mohan, Avisha Harilela, Shirley Hiranand, Reyna Harilela, Divia Harilela, Janana Suleymanli, Radhe Chellaram, Harry Banga and Indra Banga among others, who stayed well into the night as a charity auction culminated the evening.

Without question, the star of the night was Aliya Zaidi, aptly supported by her cheering husband Asghar Ali. Said the statuesque former supermodel, “I wanted to showcase the established and the rising stars of the fashion industry from Pakistan. Each outfit we auctioned was picked up – and all the money goes to The Citizens Foundation, a charity that provides education to underprivileged children. Seeing the response, I hope we can do this event every year. Creating awareness, education and a fun, fashionable night out.”

Beauty with a purpose indeed.

By P. Ramakrishnan
(e-mail: ramakrishnanp@hotmail.com)

Behind the label: Eudon Choi

2011-11-17T19:17:00.000-08:00

Who started it? Korean-born Eudon Choi started off designing menswear in Seoul. But when the call from the Royal College of Art in London came, he shifted not only his base but his muse and model, as he began to focus on womenswear. Hired as a senior designer at high-street label All Saints, he quickly graduated to becoming a top designer at Sienna Miller's Twenty8Twelve before leaving to start his eponymous label in 2009. Choi says he's inspired by historical photography and vintage garments. Fans include actress Miller and socialite Jade Jagger.

Why we love it: his years spent designing menswear are reflected in most of his ensembles, resulting in a rather masculine silhouette with a feminine flourish. See the uniform collared Garrett shirt (HK$2,980) matched with an embellished Heidi leather wool skirt (both far left; HK$5,780). The clothes exhibit a fine attention to detail with leather used in unusual ways, which in equal measure restrict and accentuate the female form.

What we'd pick: inspired by equestrian paraphernalia, we're all for the clean and strong silhouette of the purple Kat Merino wool top (HK$2,580) and sculptured Tru Merino wool skirt (both top left; HK$2,780) as well as the brooding Linda jacket (HK$7,800) with matching Casey wool mix trousers (both left; HK$3,280).

Where can you get it? Eudon Choi is available at Russell Street, 2/F, 24 Russell Street, Causeway Bay, tel: 2591 1166; www.russell-street.com.

By P.Ramakrishnan
October 30, 2011

No need for these noted and quoted names to queue for the iPhone 4S – it came to them

2011-11-14T18:52:00.000-08:00

On Thursday, the line outside the Apple store in IFC Mall snaked all the way outside the shopping centre, as hundreds waited impatiently to grab the iPhone 4S. Had the queuers had the siri function, they could have asked: how do I escape this long queue?

The answer for some of Hong Kong’s most noted and quoted was to gather around the corner at Sevva, where service provider 3HK offered them the new phone hours in advance, in the cushioned comforts of the restaurant. There, at midnight, the hype and hoopla for the Apple product merged at a celebrity-studded soiree.

Andrew and Yvette Yuen, Fanny Sieh, models Janet Ma, Ankie Beilke and the very stylish Kam Kwok-Leung and Wyman Wong Wai-man were among the sea of socialites. It was great to see actress Carol Cheng (aka Do Do Cheng) after a rather brief absence from the spotlight.

But even for this crème de la crème, it wasn’t easy to pick up the new gadget; they all had to do the paperwork for 3HK.

Miu Miu-clad Mira Yeh, filling in forms and signing off papers, said: “I’ve always had an iPhone and am really looking forward to getting my engraved new one. I heard about the siri function, but honestly, I think I’ll use the photo function the most.”

We saw the lovely Cara Grogan, who recently lost her phone, mull over whether to engrave the name of her beloved pet Roxy on her iPhone case or her own surname, while model couple Anthony and Jocelyn Sandstrom were posing for a phalanx of fans determined to be “i-shot” with the leggy twosome.

“What do you think of getting the word syphilis on the back?” asked model/DJ Anthony to his gorgeous wife Jocelyn: “No, Tony, no!” was the firm answer. Behind every successful man …!

By P. Ramakrishnan
(e-mail: ramakrishnanp@Hotmail.com)
Images Courtesy: Occasions

Behind the label: Fulham

2011-11-14T06:57:00.000-08:00

Who started it? Toronto-based Canadian designer Laura Lee Fulham founded the eponymous jewellery label having inherited a love of accessories from her fashionable grandmother. All her shimmering pieces are made of vintage materials such as brass findings, chains and baubles, mixed with modern design elements to create an authentic costume jewellery look. If that sounds like a contradiction of terms it isn't; a mishmash of baroque detail with 18-carat gold, semi-precious stones, pearls as well as beads, feathers and crystal, each fun piece is a heady concoction of the costly and the cost-effective. A graduate in fashion marketing from Toronto's Ryerson University, Fulham's first gig as an assistant stylist in a leading women's magazine helped her find the treasure trove of references from the sensuous 1960s that inspired her brand.

Why we love it: the alluring shapes, playful baubles and kaleidoscope colours that Fulham uses are a return to the golden age of glamour. There's nothing subtle or small about them - these hefty looking trinkets account for the phrase, "statement pieces". We like the light-hearted, rather frivolous attitude of the brand and the chunkier hand-crafted pieces have been popular with celebrities such as Kristen Bell, Kim Kardashian and Jennifer Lopez.

What we'd pick: sift through the glass display cases at Harvey Nichols to find the multicoloured, feather-coral-crystal beaded necklace (top left; HK$5,500), the three-toned kaleidoscope earrings (centre left; HK$4,800) or the purple-feathered bead and stone-studded cuff (below left; HK$3,300).

Where you can get it? Fulham is available at Harvey Nichols, The Landmark, Central, tel: 3695 3388; www.fulham.ca.

P. Ramakrishnan
Nov 13, 2011

Akon in Macau 11 11 11

2011-11-12T21:40:00.000-08:00

One Night Only

As Sanjeev Mahtani, Chairman of Must Garments, celebrated his 50th birthday, he threw a party that was out of this world – out of Hong Kong most certainly. 200 plus guests were whisked off to Macau at the Lotus Ballroom at the Four Seasons, a heady night filled with Turkish belly dancers, scantily-clad ladies from St Tropez, circus acts, jugglers and a nine-course meal interrupted with copious Cristal champagne ensued. Just when you thought la dolce vita couldn’t get any more decadent, just after midnight, multiple Grammy-nominee and American Music Award winner Akon hit the stage for a medley of hits.

“I’ve been to a lot of parties, birthdays, award shows in my life,” said the Senegal-born R&B superstar, who enthralled the VIP audience of a select few. “But this something else!”

Among a sea CEOs from the business community and captains of industry, in the audience we spotted Faye Ho (Stanley Ho’s grand-daughter), champion jockey Douglas Whyte, owner of Cubic, Paco Chan, celebrity chef Harlan Goldstein and his wife Helen, the gorgeous Alyscia Mak with husband architect Jon Pan while noted French photographer Jean Gorguet was taking snaps of the guests.

“There are a lot of fine lookin’ ladies in the house – and it isn’t easy to impress me – but y’all take care of yerself,” said Akon as he indulged many by posing with them for a keepsake snapshot.” I like that. I like that a lot!”

While the party progressed till the wee-hours of morn, when asked to speak, the usually reticent Sanjeev grabbed his Pucci-clad wife, the lovely Manisha, and said, “You know she’s my HMV – His Masters Voice – what do you want me to say honey?”

Said a guest, “It’s always the quiet ones that throw the best bashes!”

Indeed.
P.Ramakrishnan
(e-mail: ramakrishnanp@Hotmail.com)

NOTES:

Akon in Macau, 2011. What an incredible party! Sanjeev and Manisha Mahtani hosted one of the best parties I've EVER been to. And Akon - what a performer!Sanj turned 50 and proved life begins after it. Had a great time, and even better one writing up about it for SCMP's Cityseen column. Such gracious hosts and lovely people. The one thing I got out of the event was how much his close friends and family loved the couple - there were so many toasts in celebration of the awesome twosome.

Zoom for Improvement

2011-11-10T00:56:00.000-08:00

Fit & Fab: Olaf Mueller

Photographer Olaf Mueller never really struggled with weight. At university, he was a sporty student, working out and playing team sports regularly. Post-marriage and two kids, he remained active, ate a low-carb, high-protein diet, and exercised religiously.

But even those who’ve known him for years have been amazed by his recent transformation to a lean, mean silhouette. Apart from weight, he has shaved off years in his looks. But there’s no secret Benjamin Button pill he’s swallowed. Since picking up triathlon, Mueller has transmogrified from artist to athlete in the space of months.

“I wanted to break out of the routine of my daily life. I love challenges and one day in March I decided, for myself, I must do something new,” says Mueller, 31, who did his first triathlon in June. He’s signed up for the Phuket 70.3 on Dec 4, a triathlon that involves a 1.9km swim, 90.1km cycle and 21.1km run.

The challenge of the sport, he says, is not race day itself, but the long preparation before it. “I started [training] seven months before and it’s a daily commitment.”

His wife Jessica, like a host others, are amazed that his recent self-shot photos aren’t the product of Photoshop. “I’ve never been this fit my entire life. My entire physical structure has changed,” he says.

Mueller admits the temptation to quit in the beginning was there. A natural runner, he was so bad at cycling he found it “depressing”, and swimming was even worse. But he never let go. “I’m an extreme character; once committed, I’m in for the long run. I was tired for the first two to three months, then I hit a wall and then, something clicked and it stopped hurting. Now I have so much energy, if I don’t train, I feel something’s wrong.”

Was it hitting 30 that made you rethink your life and health?

Age had nothing to do with it. I wanted to do something new. Especially in Hong Kong, you can get so sedentary and in a routine. I’m always at events and exhibitions, and the drinking culture of the city is hard to escape. I’ve always loved my beer, but something strange has happened recently, my body automatically rejects alcohol after a certain point. I get my fix through the sport.

Do you train with others?

I train on my own – I have a busy life full of people so this is my quiet time. I get up at five in the morning to start my training routine – it used to be hard to get up early, but not anymore. I live in Clearwater Bay, where there are others in group training, but I wanted to do this at my own pace.

I have an online coach – it costs about US$250 a month – who puts me on a training schedule. He plans my workouts, he understands how fast I can recover, he tells me what to do and not to, what sort of equipment to get, and so on. What most people do wrong is that they dive right into the routine and crash and burn. You need to build your stamina, heal your muscles and get your bones ready for the impact. The online trainer helps pace me properly.

How long do you train for?

I train between 14 and 16 hours per week. People think they don’t have that kind of luxury of time, but it’s really a matter of discipline. It’s not that difficult. Because I’m up so early, I get to see my kids go to school. I work long hours, so in the past, I rarely saw the kids in the morning as I was asleep.

What’s the best part of your routine?

It may seem wrong but I eat more than ever – guilt-free. Most people eat less as they want to get slimmer, but my primary objective was never to get thinner – that happened automatically. I wanted to be fit, to meet the challenges. Because I burn so many calories so quickly, I get to eat whatever I like. I eat more carbohydrates, more healthy fats, and less protein, as digesting red meat makes me tired. I still enjoy wine and beer, but I drink plenty of water as alcohol is dehydrating. I don’t deprive myself of anything – and still this is the best shape my body has ever been in.

Have you changed your wardrobe?

I was always a large or extra large and have all these amazing clothes that now float on me. I still haven’t had a chance to shop – my waistline has gone from 35 to 30.

But surely this isn’t for everyone?

I think for me, that was part of the appeal. Only a very minor population on the planet has the stamina to do this, to commit to it, to not give up. I do have to say, it’s an expensive sport to get into. But for me, it’s been the best thing. Triathletes are the fittest people in the world.

By P. Ramakrishnan
Portrait: Olaf Mueller

Shanghai Tang knows how to turn on the charm

2011-11-09T20:32:00.000-08:00

Was it the palpable charms of executive chairman Raphael le Masne de Chermont that led people in droves to Central’s Pier 4, despite the miserable weather at the open-air event? Possibly.

At the Shanghai Tang Mongolian Village pop-up boutique launch at the pier on Tuesday evening, style maven Diana d’Arenberg said: “Gosh, I haven’t seen this many people convene in queues in the rain since the bread line-ups in communist regimes!” A dry wit for a wet occasion, d’Arenberg is always great for a pose, and for quotable prose. “It’s great to see the pier used in such a fashionable way, a great venue – the effort that’s gone in to recreating the Mongolian yurts [tents] and to have the great harbour view in the background is quite lovely,” she said. “The polo shirts are great – I love that Shanghai Tang has brought a bit of Mongolia to Hong Kong just as they’ve put such efforts into bringing back polo to Mongolia.”

While Mongolian men dressed in their traditional garb mingled around with the champagne crowd, the night was interspersed with thunder, lightening and their full-throated singing. Meanwhile, our favourite model about town, Cara Grogan, wore a one-off piece designed by Shanghai Tang creative director Chee Au. “The dress is ridiculously amazing. I asked the team if I could buy it, but the jet-setting dress is on a plane tomorrow for a major event,” bemoaned the gorgeous Grogan. “I’ve had people come up to me to ask about the dress and they’re quite surprised to hear it’s a Shanghai Tang number. I foresee that it’s going to be an extreme success; it’s modern, it’s got a sexier edge to it than a traditional cheongsam but without deviating too much away from the aesthetic of the brand.”

P. Ramakrishnan
(ramakrishnanp@hotmail.com)

Fashion Visionaries

2011-11-09T18:09:00.000-08:00

For the rarified few who made the trek up to the Heritage Museum for the launch of the Fashion Visionaries exhibition and awards ceremony, which honoured industry style makers and the style icons, a slew of celebrities were out in style and stilettos.

Despite the glam and celebrity quota, there was a notable absence of the paparazzi mob that usually circumnavigates these events.

While not all the 39 designers honoured attended Friday’s ceremony, the top 10 best dressed did so in full fashion-forward mode; Peter Ho, Takara Mak, Edmond Leung Hon-man (suave in a caramel coat), Du Juan (who towered over everyone in all her supermodel glory), Florinda Ho Chiu-wan, Denise Ho Wan-see, Fanny Sieh (resplendent in red), Vivian Chow Wai-man, Wyman Wong Wai-man (in a blinged-out shirt that was understated by Wong’s own steep sartorial standards) and Bosco Wong Chung-chak.

A tip of the hat to the establishment; Walter Ma, Barney Cheng, William Tang Tat-chi, Lu Lu Cheung, Judy Mann and Benny Yeung’s design works were expectedly elegant. The grandeur of the venue matched some of the grand designs by the young, up-and-coming designers. In showcasing their talents and sartorial selections, many were wise, others were otherwise.

The Fashion Visionaries exhibition runs at the museum until March 12.

Published in South China Morning Post, Cityseen.
P. Ramakrishnan
Photos courtesy of Occasions and esp Francis Cheng.

Rocking Angels

2011-11-07T04:29:00.000-08:00

Photographer Ike Eichensehr brings a little bit of Eden to HK with orphanage fund-raiser

Byline: P. Ramakrishnan

Temperatures soared as models wearing devilish angel-wings welcomed guests to the Angels for Orphans auction on Friday night.

At the event, Hong Kong-based American photographer Ike Eichensehr launched his second book, Eden, a veritable who's who of Asian fashion and cinema in various states of undress. All proceeds from book sales went to the charity Angels for Orphans.

"A lot of the models I've worked with over the past decades have been involved in some way with Angels for Orphans," said Eichensehr. "It's been a fantastic night. Over US$30,000 was raised."

"I've known Helen Whitman for years, and knowing that all of the money goes to a great cause made the night more meaningful," he said, referring to the head of Angels for Orphans in Hong Kong.

Five large prints of Eichensehr's work were also sold.

The book, HK$800 each, includes passages by shoe designer Jimmy Choo, stylist Kim Robinson, businessman Allan Zeman, actress Michele Reis Lee Ka-yan and Steve Leung, architect and interior designer. They wrote about what 'Eden' means to them.

Despite the presence of the crème de la crème of the city (including artist Simon Birch and model Rosemary Vandenbroucke), all eyes were on supermodel Cara Grogan, resplendent in a billowing green gown.

Proving that with great beauty comes great purpose, Grogan was the emcee for the evening. She has also worked for the charity.

"I spent two months working in an orphanage," she said before the evening started. "Every bit of money raised goes straight to the children and, believe me, from my personal experience volunteering at an orphanage, these children need our help. They changed my life forever, help us change theirs."

Eden is available in all noted bookstores starting today.

Learn more about Angels for Orphans here.

Ra One Premiers in Hong Kong Tonight!

2011-10-27T20:17:00.000-07:00

As the five-day festival of Diwali reaches its zenith, a chunk of the more than 45,000-strong Indian community will be queuing outside iSquare this weekend for Ra.One – Bollywood’s first 3D, superhero flick that has been touted as the most expensive Indian film ever made.

“Not just Indians, the Japanese, Malaysian, French and local crowd will be there,” says show organiser Sunil Datwani, who has been bringing Indian films to local screens for the past 10 years. “Tickets have gone off to a flying start. It’s a movie that’s going to break barriers, a really international crowd has bought the tickets already. In sheer numbers, Bollywood is bigger than any film industry in the world.”

Bollywood heartthrob Shahrukh Khan who has been hop-scotching the planet attending premieres in Dubai, Germany and London, said: “I hope people come into the movie with no preconceived notions on a Hindi film or a superhero film. This isn’t like Spider-Man, Batman, which had a budget of US$50 million or more just for special effects alone. We’ve made [Ra.One] on a fraction of [their entire] budget – and I promise you, the audience will not be disappointed by the special effects.

“As a producer and actor, I’ve invested a lot of my own money and time. When I approached established production houses, they rejected the film. They weren’t brave enough to venture and invest into this.”

Hopefully that bravura will pay off. With 10 screenings at the weekend, Datwani hopes that, along with 3 Idiots, Bollywood will open up even more to the local community.

“I’ve paid the maximum for the film and I know the collection of this film will break records. I hope, as I go into the second decade of bringing films to Hong Kong – which I do for the love of Indian cinema – a Hindi film poster will be regularly seen in all cinemas.”

By P.Ramakrishnan
(email: ramakrishnanp@hotmail.com)

Behind the label: handkerchief

2011-10-26T18:28:00.000-07:00

Who started it? artist/designers Amy Cheung from Hong Kong and Erkka Nissinen from Finland launched their collaboration in interdisciplinary experiments in 2008. Handkerchief Productions does it all: innovative clothes, videos, architecture, graphics and installation art. "Due to our different interests, backgrounds and places of birth, we wanted Handkerchief to be a fabric on which everything creative could be drawn," says Cheung. The business was launched during the 2008 financial crisis when Cheung's father, a fabric manufacturer, asked the duo to design something using his excess cloth. His clients had cancelled a large number of textile orders due to the credit crunch, so the enterprising duo put their heads together and created Handkerchief's debut collection, Lost Queen in Metropolis.

Why we love it: apart from the "waste not, want not" factor, we're impressed by the clothes' geometric, artistic and mathematical prints, and atypical silhouettes. "We critically examined patterns and structures. We interpreted many of the key issues [of the economic crisis] as cuts, shapes, graphics and silhouettes to make a statement." Thankfully, this also translates into wearable pieces with an edgy appeal.

What we'd pick: there are too many to list, but there's something about the horizontal stripe dress (HK$2,693) and symmetric jacket (below; HK$3,489). The undulating black skirt (HK$1,958) and black geometric trousers (HK$2,209) are striking.

Where you can get it? The brand's autumn- winter collection is available online at www.handkerchief.com.hk.

Byline: P.Ramakrishnan

Pakho Chau and Kary Ng put their best (but contrasting) feet forward for Dr Martens

2011-10-26T17:58:00.000-07:00

At the launch of First and Forever, Dr Martens men and women's collection, singers Pakho Chau and Kary Ng led a small coterie of models on a catwalk that overwhelmed The Pawn in Wan Chai.

Chau chose to pose in a rather conservative Dr Martens black leather shoe from the F/W 2011 line, while Ng rocked in a crystal-studded number.

After striking all the right poses, Ng said, if given the choice between comfort and fashion, she would pick the latter, no matter how painful. "Sadly, I am one of those girls! Even if the shoes hurt but were gorgeous, I'd wear them," she said.

"But I have to say, these shoes [a Swarovski-studded black leather boot/high-heel hybrid] are really, really comfortable. That's what the brand is most famous for - the chunky boot, but more than that, they are so comfy."

As a rock chick in a band, Ng said she had always had a pair of Dr Martens in her shoe collection over the years.

"They just go with the rocker look all the time and you can pair it with any style. I'm emotionally bonded to some of my favourite pairs of shoes.

"Even before the brand asked me to work with them, I've had a collection. I even have a favourite pair, a classic, chunky boot, that I bought back in 2005."

In an ultimate vote of confidence, Ng confessed that if there was a bridal boot (there isn't!), she would slip into them. "On a wedding day, the bride has to walk a lot and stand around so you might as well be comfortable in a Dr Marten shoe!"

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

Must Read: Rama Drama!

2011-10-22T23:49:00.000-07:00

Woo Hoo! Just got a bril-oh and surprising plug from a certain someone at Bloomberg that this littl' blog is a "HK must read".

Thrilled.

Also... no accounting for taste. Muahahahha. I self-deprecate 'cause I care. Ego, contain thyself.

Kitchen Confidential: Andrew Kinoshita

2011-10-22T01:08:00.000-07:00

When it comes to designing the perfect kitchen, architect Andrew Kinoshita says form should follow function… with a nod to the maid.

Text by P. Ramakrishnan

Pick up Crave in newstands/all good bookstores NOW!

Jing Zhang & Rama

2011-10-19T20:49:00.000-07:00

Have had to BITE my lip after a comment yesterday - and the muzzle lasted for all of 27 hours. A record for me. Jing and I (pictured, in a rather nautical uniform of sorts) were at an event where a rather ambitious PR rep had to resort to the most incredulous hyperbola while introducing us to a designer, "This is Jing and Rama, the two most influential fashion writers in Hong Kong."

Now, Jing, I'll concur to. After a fleeting dalliance with Kee magazine, her reign over West East (once the most notable award-winning fashion rag in the 852 that's... well, I don't know what's happening with that magazine now), Zhang is the fashion editor at South China Morning Post. As guardian of good taste and all things concerning brands, luxury and fashion in SCMP, sure, her voice, her words matter. In the grand scheme of things, the resurrection of the style quota in Style magazine, I'll grudgingly assign to Jingerz. Despite her criminal dress sense, she's got great taste in what goes into the publications she eyes over (Post mag, Style and so on).

I on the other hand...

I do a weekly column under the aegis of the house of Zhang, among other publications. I have about as much influence as the tea-lady at the office. In fact, she probably has more influence as I can be replaced with a monkey on crack, but the tea lady, well, she knows where the things are. Tea, water, kettle. Typing away on bits and bobs trying to make rent, running on a prayer and caffeine, the only influence I've had... came from a questionable bottle.

Lovvvaduck, Hong Kong, cracks me up.

PS: Is it wrong to be secretly pleased by the remark, despite the fiction involved?

Vroom with a View

2011-10-17T20:53:00.000-07:00

The Happy Valley Racecourse was a highly appropriate venue for Lamborghini to unveil the new Aventador LP 700-4 – a car with a top speed of 350km/h. But stationed amid a bevy of models and car fanatics on Friday night, the large V12 boy toy seemed tethered, its potential on pause.

As Albert Wong, director of Lamborghini Hong Kong, Andrea Baldi and James Page (also from Lamborghini) greeted guests, actor Sam Chan Yu-sum and actress Vivien Yeo Siew Hui were spotted on stage, while model Deborah Valdez, socialite Mira Yeh and others sauntered in to gape at the HK$6.31 million sports car. Club owner Xuan Mu was seen posing with a coterie of gal-pals and there was the usual stream of models.

Our vote for the best dressed of the night, however, goes to Yeh, decked head to toe in Lanvin. “I’d love to own my own Lamborghini, its such a beautiful, powerful car,” she said. “But I’d have mine in orange, not in white, with flames going by the side! A little too cliched? Well, maybe just in orange then.”

The Lamborghini owners’ brotherhood (there are more than 100 on Hong Kong Island alone) was out in force. If Happy Valley residents were rudely awakened by roars well into the night, it was the proud car-owning comrades leaving the event in top gear.

P. Ramakrishnan
(E-mail: ramakrishnanp@hotmail.com)

Pockets of resistance

2011-10-17T18:32:00.001-07:00

What are you actually paying for when you dine out, buy clothes or join a gym? Jasper Moiseiwitsch and P. Ramakrishnan offer a guide on how to shop smart

Hong Kong is an expensive city and Hongkongers are extravagant, so it is often tough to tell when something is good value or a waste of money. In the pursuit of truth, and better finances, industry insiders give us the lowdown on how to shop for fashion, food and fitness.

How to shop for clothes

Despite the vagaries of fashion, this is a business with super-sharp internal economics. High-end labels with stratospheric prices quickly make any discussion of value absurd so we are looking at the mid-tier market, where most of the trade is.

On the one hand, there are the stores selling basic but quality items at low prices (such as Giordano, Uniqlo, Marks & Spencer). On the other hand are those selling a trendier look using cheaper materials (such as H&M, Zara, Esprit, Mango). The compromise on quality has not stopped legions of shoppers snapping up looks straight from the catwalk.

"It's disposable fashion," says Alan See, co-owner of men's haberdashery The Armoury.

Sanjeev Mahtani, managing director of clothing manufacturer Must Garment, says: "The advent of H&M, Zara and Mango brings fashion at a really affordable price. They take the runway fashions and bring it to you in a few weeks."

Mahtani says the industry expects these fashionable garments to be worn only 20 times - a couple of times a week for one season - before being binned.

For basic-item retailers, fabric accounts for about 80 per cent of the cost of producing a garment, says Ranjan Mahtani, head of garment maker Epic Group, and the items are made to be worn for a long time.

Stock that sits around for a long time kills margins and takes up expensive rack space, which is why slow-moving merchandise is so heavily discounted. The aim is to achieve an average selling price, which involves either selling items at a high mark-up or selling at a high turnover. This means selling fewer items at the beginning of a season at their normal mark-up, and then flogging them during sales at a lower mark-up to maximise turnover, explains Mahtani of Must Garment.

Bear in mind that international chains set their sales according to a global calendar. So you, the shopper, might not celebrate Christmas but the big international retailers in Hong Kong certainly do.

That means consumers should buy early in the season at higher prices if they want to catch hot fashion items in their size and colour. If they are shopping for basics, the best time to buy is during peak seasons - such as ahead of Christmas - when sales are brisk and vendors are focused on achieving high volumes with low prices.

If you want to know whether a garment will go on sale, check to see if the shop is running out of sizes and colours. If it remains well stocked through a season, it's likely to be heavily marked down in a sale.

Insiders all recommend that shoppers go online. All the big retailers sell over the net, and often for cheaper prices than can be found at the shops.

How to negotiate gym membership

Selling gym membership is a hard-nosed business. Competition and upfront costs are enormous. Operators have to fork out on equipment, long-term leases and stylish interiors and they are routinely hit by exorbitant rent hikes. This summer, California Fitness shut down its Central club - its first Hong Kong gym - after the landlord doubled the rent.

This explains why Hong Kong clubs work so hard to sell multiyear club memberships that lock in an income stream, which offsets the risk of their lease commitments.

"Long-term memberships facilitate your cash flow," says Colin Heggie, president of California Fitness. Heggie also oversees a gym chain in the United States (24 Hour Fitness), where most people buy monthly memberships. The difference in the US is that rent is a much lower component of overall costs.

That said, a multiyear membership is not always best for the consumer. Gyms go out of business. As Hong Kong's yoga club implosion has revealed, if a club goes bust, members who have paid for lengthy plans are out of luck.

"There are no laws to protect consumers when it comes to refunds of prepaid services, and gaining a refund even under legitimate circumstances - injury, medical reasons - is very difficult," says Andrew Ward, a group manager for YMCA Victoria, in Australia, and previously a gym manager in Hong Kong.

The good news for individuals is that the gym industry in Hong Kong has become more competitive, which has translated into lower fees. The bad news is that operators have also become better at packing their gyms with customers and long-term members may have noticed a decline in standards.

"Membership fees have dropped, in stark contrast to the cost of rent, labour and utilities," says Ward of the Hong Kong market. "Operators are forced to enrol more members to break even, which, from a member's point of view, is associated with a less personal service."

When discussing a membership plan, be aware that price is often negotiable (Ward calls this "seafood pricing", meaning that a gym's prices may change daily, according to a need to increase sales). If it is, be prepared to negotiate to the hilt, because you have just become a player in a cutthroat industry.

How to buy a restaurant meal

Ever wonder why there are so many Italian restaurants sprouting up? It's because pasta is cheap and the margins on Italian food are terrific. "It's all about cash flow and margins," says a top executive of a major restaurant and owner of a popular bar.

Many restaurants suffer from crushing rents and are doing what they can to get by. That may mean focusing on high-profit items such as pasta or desserts, or using cheaper ingredients and hoping lower prices will bring in volume. For others it's gambling on high-end dining so they can charge more for drinks.

"Dessert is a revenue generator. When a [regular] customer comes in and orders a wine, starter, main course, dessert, he gets the valuable real estate. When a guy comes in for a main course and water, and leaves every time, he's getting the worst table in the house for a reason," says Harlan Goldstein, owner of Gold.

If you are looking for good cheap eats, those in the industry go for rustic Cantonese food and other provincial Chinese cuisines, plus Indian and Thai.

The pricing dynamics vary for restaurants at five-star hotels. These use luxury restaurants to add glamour to the hotel, and some of their costs are bundled into the whole operation and may therefore be subsidised. They will also tend to use expensive imported ingredients so their food costs are well above the industry average.

These places make their money on wine and drinks. The mark-up on a nice bottle of Bordeaux might only be 25 per cent. But here, diners may order HK$15,000 bottles of wine. On that note be advised: even an entry level HK$350 bottle of wine at such places is likely to be good.

For high-end dining at a lower price, go for a set lunch menu, often much cheaper than evening prices and with less pressure to order wine.

It goes without saying that rental pressures drive this industry, too. Cheaper rents saw the scene move into SoHo just over a decade ago; now it's moving to Sheung Wan for the same reason. Diners see a lot of turnover and might rue the closure of a favoured eatery, but high rents are part of what makes Hong Kong's eating scene so dynamic.

But why does a cup of coffee vary greatly price for what is essentially the same drink (coffee beans, water, milk and sugar)?

"You're not just buying a product. You're buying everything affiliated with [it]," says Richard Feldman, chairman of the Mimosa Group and owner of Al's Diner. "The rent of the table space, the decor, the ambience, the pretty people sitting across at another table - it's the full package."

Byline: Jasper Moiseiwitsch and P. Ramakrishnan

Behind the label: Palmiero

2011-10-17T18:25:00.000-07:00

Who started it? jeweller Carlo Palmiero (left) set up his eponymous company in Valenza, Italy, in 1979, working with other companies to create stunning pieces while building his own reputation as a craftsman. As a child, Palmiero was surrounded by experts who taught him the art of jewellery-making as he was growing up in this small municipality in Piedmont, where most of the population was involved in the business of bling. Fame and fortune in the competitive world of luxury jewellery came slowly but surely for Palmiero, and, in 2000, he launched Palmiero Jewellery Design, to focus on his own creative designs.

Why we love it: for the art of its artefacts. Palmiero's latest, animal-inspired collection resembles bejewelled sculptures. Peacocks, spider webs and an array of other items encrusted in coloured diamonds and other precious stones blend the stunning with the sumptuous. The cuteness factor of the baby animal pendants is off the charts, but we prefer the more mature, nature-inspired pieces.

What we'd pick: the gold and diamond-studded Giullari pendant, and the artful peacock ring and pendant (both right; prices on request). Motifs of the colourful pea fowl have used as symbols of royalty and beauty, and these pieces stand out with complex designs and artful arrays of coloured stones. The Giullari pendant could stand alone as an objet d'art - a satirical, irreverent piece that's bound to bemuse and amuse.

Where can you get it? Palmiero is available at Masterpiece by King Fook, Central Building, 1 Pedder Street, Central, tel: 2822 8524.

De-Lightful

2011-10-16T00:55:00.000-07:00

How do you solve a problem like Shohbaa? How do you catch a cloud and pin it down? How do you hold a moon-beam in your hand? Before further waxing lyrical, I must cease and desist. All those pilfered words from the Sound of Music – although, rest assured, Shobhaa De is no Maria, nun-turned mother of seven, more of a model turned mother of six/author.

By P. Ramakrishnan.
(ramakrishnanp@hotmail.com)
Portrait by Lucy McNally

Other images: Gautam Rajadhyaksha.

A devilish Goddess. All those columns, the 17 books… you know she’s hiding more arms under sheaths of sari like the multi-armed Durga.

Trying to capture Shobhaa De, 63, is near-impossible and gets harder with each passing year. A Vogue-cover girl (last season) turned grandmother (this year) and possibly the most prolific writer on the planet (four national daily columns, TV and screen writer and she’s pregnant with her 18th book!) who was also voted as one of the most influential women in one-billion peopled India.

A shoot at Hong Kong's best kept secret, Jaa Bar, followed by a chat. But it takes a greater man than I to re-capture De for Kee, so why not let the dear woman speak for herself? Politics, fashion, society, Bollywood, media, corruption, there isn’t a topic she isn’t well versed in. Ergo:

In her own words…Shobhaa De;

To the Goddess in every woman!

There is a picture online that means a lot to me. It was shot by my son-in-law Pramod, in Pune, a few months ago. My very own Goddesses, my daughters Anandita, Avantikka and Arundhati and me standing together, looking really, really happy - but their mum looks the happiest!

I have to tell you, I was in top form this morning. It definitely felt good to be featured as one of the 50 Most Influential Women in India by the national newspaper, but it was my husband who made my day when he said, "When I married you.... you were already 'The Woman of Tomorrow' .... not just 'The Woman of Today'."

I take that as a supreme compliment and want to tell him, by marrying me, he also established his own credentials as 'The Man of Tomorrow - not Today!"

How times have changed. Or have they?

Aji, my mother’s mother, was a tough, taciturn woman who had pretty much led a joyless existence. Widowed fairly early and left with four children (three daughters and a solitary son) to raise on her own, she was clearly not enchanted by members of her own gender.

Females to her, meant trouble. And expense. Yes, during that era daughters could indeed be described as ‘liabilities’. My mother raised three daughters and a son herself. But my mother’s life was qualitatively different from my grandmother’s. And I like to believe her daughters brought her a great deal of joy.

I have raised four daughters and two sons myself. As we move ahead into the fourth generation, my thoughts keep going back to Aji and her barely disguised hostility towards her own gender. How would she have reacted to the birth of her great grand daughter?

What would she have made of this generation of young, urban mothers in India who actively pray for a girl-child? Not because these moms wish to be politically correct and project their progressive views. Not because they want to ‘fix’ the mother-in-law by producing a baby girl when the family is craving for a grand son, but because they genuinely like their own gender, are happy being female and actually appreciate other women.

It’s about having a positive self-image. Apart from any of these reasons, the fact of the matter is, their husbands too feel good about raising daughters. This dramatic change in attitude is not based on sentimentality alone. Today’s forward thinking parents have recognized the value of daughters in real terms. Women no longer spell trouble (well…they do! But those reasons are different).

Investing in a daughter often turns out to be a sounder, smarter investment than backing a son. Daughters offer better long term returns. Daughters deliver!

This is true not just of urban India where women in the workforce are contributing equally if not more to the family kitty (first, to their maternal homes and later, their in-laws’) but pretty much across the board. Rural India will take another decade to wake up to this new financial asset. But even there, the scenario is rapidly changing.

Take a look at your domestic help. Most families prefer to employ women these days, especially as live–in staff. Afraid of being robbed or murdered by male domestics, urban families willingly pay the top buck for trained maids. These young girls send back a handsome portion of their salaries to their parents in the village, while systematically saving what they can for their own future.

In a city like Mumbai with its vast population of working women who commute , good house help is a life saver. A semi-literate girl can earn up to Rs 8,000 [roughly HK$1,400] a month (salaries go up substantially if she can also read, write, take phone messages and keep accounts). Her folks back in the village understand the value of her contribution only too well. And that automatically leads to a better ‘positioning’ for her, within the family, as well as the community at large. With a financial backbone to support her, today’s young female careerist is better valued and in a far better position to leverage her skills to negotiate and engage with the outside world. Sure.

The statistics aren’t exactly encouraging – only 23% of India’s workforce constitutes women and we rank 112th in the global gender gap index, with less than 3% holding managerial posts. Despite these daunting figures, one can sense enormous optimism as women negotiate for better options, more opportunities. Not for nothing are women identified as natural born survivors. Inventive, resourceful and tough – is there a choice??

All these thoughts were flying around inside my head, when I spent hours outside a busy maternity ward last week. Several rooms had cheerful streamers and posters stuck on the door declaring, “It’s a GIRL!” I watched proud dads taking extensive videos of their newborns – baby girls included!

And I recalled the pall of gloom that once greeted the arrival of ‘yet another daughter’ in most traditional families. Absurd as it sounds, when I gave birth to my daughter Arundhati, a grand- aunt ‘consoled’ me by saying, “Never mind… don’t feel bad…. try for a son next time.”

Imagine then, my unbridled pride when Arundhati herself became an aunt this week and shed tears of joy when she held the newest female addition to our family.

I shudder to think how my Aji would have reacted. Perhaps no differently than she did when I was born. Yes, I was told my grand mother had cried copious tears as well. But her tears were different - they reflected her deep disappointment and sorrow ( “Hey Devaa…. another grand daughter…. why? For what? God is punishing us…”).

Fortunately, my parents had felt differently… and I was saved!

We have indeed come a long way. And may our triumphant march continue…

Kick up your heels…

Fashion is a strange and compelling creature. At a time when the world was reeling from those horrific images of the devastating tsunami/earthquake coming in from Japan and wondering whether TV channels were actually showing clips from a forthcoming disaster blockbuster from Hollywood, here in Mumbai, young Japanese designers were bravely going ahead with their scheduled shows at the ongoing fashion week.

Their gravity- defying shoes (minus heels!) must have knocked the socks off the fashionistas in the front row. Wow! Japan has always favoured futuristic fashion and the young designers representing Tokyo eye certainly carried this tradition forward. But it was really amusing to note that the biggest celeb around on Day 2, was not a Bollywood hottie, nor an international rockstar, but a middle-aged, portly West Indian ex-cricketer!

Viv Richards effortlessly stole the limelight and made front page news when he attended his daughter Masaba’s show, with his former wife, Indian actress Neena Gupta. Not only did the publicity generated by the ageing legend establish the power of cricket, but it also revealed our own sentimentality - we felt genuinely happy for Masaba, who looked over the moon herself!

For a young girl growing up without her famous dad must have been pretty traumatic, especially since both parents were high profile individuals. The initial buzz generated by Masaba at her fashion debut a couple of years ago, had a lot do with people’s curiousity about her persona. Had the girl not been talented, her foray into this tough and competitive business would have ended right there. The reason Masaba succeeded is because she has what it takes to hack it in this field.

She also has the one thing most newcomers lack – a signature style that differentiates her from the pack. One can tell a Masaba from a mile …that says something about her confidence and individuality.

As for the rest – yaaaaawwwwnnn! The one fashion trend that needs to be instantly discarded is the floor length anarkali which makes the wearer resemble a moving tepee. Short women looking still shorter, the rest look like fancy, over decorated tents.

The other unflattering addition to a pretty long list of ‘ugh’ looks being thrust on unsuspecting women is the Granny-blouse with fitted three quarter length sleeves and a wide neckline. Come on, chaps… only mother-figures in Bollywood movies was entitled to wear that as she wept her eyes out inside a temple.

As for the attempt to impose sexless androgyny on clients – why would a beautiful, curvaceous woman wish to look like an anorexic, adolescent boy? Why?

Or the other way round, for that matter? Great, for shock value. But for fashion to endure, to be appreciated, worn and enjoyed, it has to go beyond gimmicks…. and starlets as show stoppers. But hey – who knows??

Last week, I fell off my chair when I saw full page coverage of a Delhi wedding with the hosts clad in gaudy, heavily embroidered anarkalis, complete with zari bordered chiffon dupattas (fabrics). And we are talking about two heavy weight (literally!) political players, here! The canny designer must have laughed all the way to the bank after pulling off this garish con job on those Money Bags.

In the words of Pusscat Dolls and Oscar-winner AR Rehman, Jai Ho!

Own up…. and be damned!

Since India is in Confession Mode – starting with the Prime Minister Manmohan Singh - let’s all start ‘owning up’. Ummmm…. let me think…. I once stole a mango from someone’s garden. Oh yes, a guava, too. And I threw ink bombs on my French teacher. I also bunked classes constantly. Crashed other people’s cars. Pinched menu cards from fancy restaurants. Rang the fire alarm at school. Rode bikes without my parents’ knowledge. Wore lipstick and kohl at age twelve. Rang doorbells, harassed neighbours, made prank calls to a couple of Italian blokes…. all this before I turned fourteen.

Broke a few hearts, too. Had my mine broken. What else? What else?

Oh…. a lot more. But , on looking back, I realise I was pretty stupid. Not only did I get caught every single time, I also received punishment (often, far harsher than the crime committed). Worse, when I behaved still more stupidly and owned up, I got thrashed. I knew what every child knows – owning up is a pretty dumb thing to do, if you imagine there will be zero consequences. The rash act of owning up comes with an important assumption – it automatically means you are ready to face the music and take what follows on the chin. That could involve standing outside the classroom for hours on end. Writing a thousand lines, getting rusticated, not wincing when the cane makes contact with bare skin. You know, the usual torture that follows school confessions.

But obviously, our ministers have rewritten the old rules. The latest fad is to play martyr and ‘own up’. But after this brave and reckless gesture – what?

Apparently, nothing! It is as if having uttered those impressive words (“I am willing to own up,” said our pious P.M. earlier this week), the matter automatically ends right there. Game over. Boys and girls, go home and play…. or pray. The mighty leader has admitted his lapses. We should applaud and be grateful.

What rubbish!

Come on… this is nothing but theatrics. That too, on a pretty amateurish level. Is it enough to say sorry and not follow up the apology with action (please note: I did not say ‘resignation’). If someone in a position of great power has indeed had the guts and gumption to admit a mistake was made, the next logical thing to do is to rectify it. Or at least pretend! But no.

In India it begins and ends with the person uttering those meaningless ‘magic’ words – I confess. Since the P.M . is responsible for this trend, we are waiting for the real culprits to follow suit. Will they? Not a chance.

No wonder fraudster Hassan Ali Khan (alleged money-launderer based in India and worth over US$9 billion) or is not just smirking in court and muttering ‘stupid people’ under his breath as some of those bumbling officers of the Enforcement Directorate get ticked off by Justice Tahilyani like they were errant school kids (“Do your homework” said the learned judge).

Meanwhile, India is left grappling with the numbers being tossed around – who can understand Income Tax arrears – ARREARS – of Rs.72,000 million ( larger than the nation’s Health Budget)? The ‘common man’ (yup , the very same chap our P.M. wants to impress) is unable to comprehend a thing. All he or she is interested in knowing is this – will the bounder be punished? Will he sing? Name names?

Or…. errrr… own up?? Since it’s so cool to do so these days, why not?

The trouble with confessionals is that after a point, they lose their emotional power to generate sympathy. And unless these public confessions are followed through, they remain hollow and pointless. A massive book on contemporary confessions would be fascinating to read, because such outpourings are engineered to elicit specific responses. When powerful people admit weaknesses, their words make us feel a little better about our own miserable lives ….our petty concerns.

George Bush Jr., quite possibly one of the most detested Presidents of America has surprised the public by admitting to quite a few gaffes. It may well have been his intention to influence American opinion and present a more human side to his crazy Presidency.

Obama is definitely not in the mood to soften his position. While Gaddafi and Mubarak continue to rave and rant even as the world unites against their tyrannical regimes.

The ugly truth behind most of the recent confessions is that those going in for them are doing so with their backs against the wall. It’s that route – or else. But it certainly does not make them honourable men, nor does it exonerate them. It should be seen for what it actually is – a ploy to buy time and fix things.

Society

I have been feeling really, really sorry for all the fashionistas on Page 3 – from sexy starlets to swish socialites. Going by the barbs of reporters on the fashion beat, the worst crime any celeb can commit these days is to repeat a handbag, climb into the same pair of shoes (or, more aptly, Choos), and horror of horrors, wear the same outfit twice!

Since I am far too lazy to switch bags, and I tend to get inordinately attached to the same pair of comfortable sling backs, worse, I am also perfectly happy to keep wearing old favourites from my wardrobe, I worry about those ladies who agonise over their appearance each time they step out ( hell hath no fury like the fashion police).

I asked a prominent socialite who’d recently posed for a glossy, inside her walk- in closet ( the size of an airport), what she did with her once-worn designer gear. Without batting an eyelid, she said, “ I give my clothes to poor people.” So, the next time you see a flower-seller at a traffic signal clad in a discarded Versace near Mumbai airport, you’ll know where that hot number come from! God bless the socialite’s kind heart.

The Godzilla called Bollywood

It’s official : Bollywood rules. Bollywood to the right of you. Bollywood to the left of you. Bollywood, Bollywood everywhere! Bollywood has grown into a monster that has devoured every conceivable space in sight – from fashion , sports, media, society, lifestyle, politics… you name it and it’s right there. In your face? You bet! Nothing else matters. And nobody comes anywhere close to competing with our super glam stars – not even our super-super glam socialites who once held sway as undisputed empresses of all they surveyed – which was mainly, men with money.

These fading Divas stood for all that was aspirational, desirable, sexy. Today, it’s Bollywood or bust…. and to hell with Mrs. Money Bags and those stylish parties that used to be the hottest ticket in town. Today, these same ladies are the ones chasing Bollywood royalty.

When did this surreptitious palace coup take place? Why? How? By whom? And what will happen to our society swans if nobody bothers with them anymore?

Okay, let’s get a quick fix first – Delhi was always hopelessly Bollywood-struck, even back in those days when national calamities saw film stars getting roped in to raise funds (to the film industry’s credit, all those invited to contribute time, effort and money, did so generously and won the hearts of their audience forever).

But what one witnesses in Delhi today is unadulterated hysteria – a demented level of obsession - over any and every Bollywood name (zero quality control in the Capital) with brazen groupies from government and corporate backgrounds getting orgasmic at the thought of hanging out and most importantly, being clicked with minor filmi types.

The only topic of conversation that gets Delhi people going is Bollywood gossip, especially if it involves ‘The Bitches of Bandra’ (that’s what this high profile gal gang of spoilt filmi wives calls itself with unadulterated pride) and ‘The Gay Club’ featuring top directors and their toy boys.

The questions rarely go beyond, “Is it true that so-and-so is doing that slut?” And yes, ‘slut’ is now a unisex putdown….or a term of endearment - take your pick!

The Bollywood onslaught started with stars taking over the modeling world and ad agencies opting for Bollywood biggies over top models. If in the old days, only a Vinod Khanna would be seen bathing with Parmeshwar Godrej’s Cinthol soap, today there is hardly any product category left that does not hire movie stars to peddle its wares.

Ditto for show stoppers at fashion shows. Clients insist the returns are there for all to see – brands which sign on top stars , see sales figures going through the roof within months. Designers with zero talent establish their credentials as soon as a nubile starlet struts down the cat walk in one of their hideous creations.

From chewing tobacco to snazzy cars, from booze to balms – Bollywood is the flavour of the decade. Which is why it comes as no surprise that event managers, party organizers and those dodgy ‘charity queens ( whose favourite charity is themselves!)’ from both cities fervently court Bollywood, knowing that without the stars , they won’t make it to Page 3 or even Page 30.

It’s turned out to be a win-win situation for everybody. Not a single medium has been spared the ultra- aggressive Bollywood attack – not even Bollywood’s arch rival - television!

The top ranking shows feature most of the Khans, plus Amitabh Bachchan. Less prestigious reality shows thrive on the presence of B-grade upstarts to C-grade imports from Pakistan. All the mighty movie stars who’d once sniffed derisively at the idea of appearing on the small screen are lining up in droves, attracted by the mega bucks being thrown their way by canny channel heads.

That leaves politics – India’s alternative entertainment show. Somehow Bollywood has still to crack the big time in national politics.

The few who dared to venture into this murky terrain came away wounded (Amitabh Bachchan being the best example). Others who flirted with politics, realized soon enough that histrionics and politics are not the best combo.

Perhaps we should consider ourselves lucky that at least one key territory (politics) remains Bollywood -free so far.

For soon the business of sports will be entirely swamped by Bollywood as well… and before long , so will real estate (most successful builders are happy to act as fronts for movie stars).

Ironical that the very film industry that was once looked down upon and shunned by true blue snobs, is being actively courted by the same lot and their party loving folks who are best buddies with the ‘cool set’ in Bollywood. That leaves just our snooty private clubs and gyms, most of which refuse to entertain stars as either members or guests.

Plus, a few building societies which just about stop short of putting up signs reading: ‘Stars and dogs not allowed’. Pity. Imagine living cheek-by-jowl with someone as hot and adventurous as our Miss World turned actress Priyanka Chopra.

What else do you need in life?

Errrrrr…. a reality check, perhaps?

-- Shobhaa De.

For daily updates, visit http://shobhaade.blogspot.com/

NOTES:

When Shobhs landed in Hong Kong, was thrilled to get her call. Took her to Jaa, had high-tea at 4 seasons, dinner at Tsui Wah, cocktails at Sevva. The Des, Dilip and Shobhaa, saw House of Dancing Water in Macau, attended an auction, a dinner in their honour, did some serious shopping. All within four days. Whirlwind.

In between got a feature in SCMP, a quickie shoot at Jaa bar, a feature in Kee magazine.

Because she's such a prolific and excessively hard-working writer, it sort of eclipses all others. Makes you want to wipe the dust off and get crackin'. For those who are dismissive of De, and there are those foolish few, I promise you, she can leave you in a tizzy for there isn't a topic she isn't well versed in. When this feature was assigned, it was exhausting just trying to pull it all together into one cohesive feature. Hence, quote, unquote De.

Did I take the easy way out? Sure. But there was a deadline to be met - and if there's one thing I've learned from her, its the significance/priority of a deadline. She's idiot intolerant, doesn't suffer fools and excuses make her sick. So I met this deadline. Not that I'm always able to meet them on other occasions but... I try harder post-De.

-- Rama

Behind the label: Wilbur & Gussie

2011-10-10T03:59:00.000-07:00

Who started it? Childhood friends Brett Tyne (pictured bottom left) and Lucy Lyons (bottom right) founded Wilbur & Gussie in London in 2005, creating a line of whimsical clutch bags with elegant brooch fastenings, animal prints and nature-inspired colour schemes. The Spanish-made bags are reasonably priced and, with their eye-popping colours and tongue-in-chic motifs, have caught the eye of several fashionistas. The brand name comes from pets the British designers had as children.

"Regal mongrel cat Wilbur reflects what's elegant and refined about us, and Gussie, the strong minded Westie, mirrors what's bold and off-the-wall," says Lyons.

Why we love it: the right mix of fun and adventurous, the brand's clutches have been making frequent appearances in magazines such as Hello. Pippa Middleton, sister of Catherine, the Duchess of Cambridge, has been seen about town with the W&G clutch, which has also been seen adorning the arms of Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, and pop stars Sarah Harding and Geri Halliwell.

What we'd pick: for its simplicity and functionality, the Edith Black Bug clutch (top left; HK$3,300) and, for its lush animal appeal, the Edith Leopard (bottom left; HK$2,990). The heavy metal orgy of skulls and roses (centre left; HK$3,300) is also worth a look.

Where can you get it: Wilbur & Gussie is available at Harvey Nichols, The Landmark, Central, tel: 3695 3388.

Byline: P. Ramakrishnan

Hugo Boss Party in Hong Kong

2011-10-10T03:57:00.000-07:00

Any colour will do so long as it's orange for fashion brand marking its anniversary

The Boss Orange shop in the IFC Mall morphed into a music venue when the brand celebrated its first anniversary in style and song.

Musician Jun Kung and actor, VJ and singer Terence Yin Chi-wai exercised their vocal chords on Friday for a shop full of fans both of the brand and the band.

It was a high-voltage event that brought together rockers and fashionistas such as models Grace Wong, Lisa Selesner, Chrissie Chau Sau-na and Ankie Beilke, who flanked Dr Gerrit Ruetzel, Hugo Boss' chief executive for the Asia-Pacific region, for the cameras. Actor Daniel Wu Yin-cho, hip hop group 24Herbs, Charles Yang and other fine folk from the popular Alive Not Dead art and media network made their presence felt.

Yin, one of the founders of Alive Not Dead, attracted a steady stream of fans. On a whim, Kung took to speaking like Donald Duck. When Yin quipped to Kung, "I prefer this to your normal voice," the audience raised the roof.

Between servings of orange-themed canapes and German beer, guests were treated to the premiere of the music video for Yin's new EP, Transparent, directed by Jan Lamb Hoi-fong. The cover was shot by highly acclaimed artsy photographer Wing Shya. In the video, Yin and Grace Wong are sporting clothing by Boss Orange (no surprise there).

Byline: P. Ramakrishnan
(ramakrishnanp@Hotmail.com)
October 5, 2011

Guru of Happiness draws in Crowds

2011-10-06T22:56:00.000-07:00

If you’re run into a few people who seem to have had a weight lifted off their shoulders, it might be because they’ve had an audience with Avdhoot Baba Shivanand, who’s been preaching in Hong Kong this week. The Indian guru’s talks feature a non-religious sermon. (No, that’s not a contradiction in terms).

“I am not espousing a religion of any sort,” Baba Shivanand said. “I just want to share my learning, the teachings of ancient arts and scriptures that have to do with a lifestyle to bring inner peace and happiness. I preach about humanity. Whether you’re Christian, Hindu, Muslim, that’s of no concern to me. I preach happiness, light, of the divine not of deity.”

More than 1,000 people have attended his talks each night since Monday. “In the early days, I used to find it easier to address foreign [Western] audiences as they were a blank slate, no preconceived notions and no belief system. They were or are in search of something.”

So what are they in search of? “The one thing I’ve found in my travels, from any part of the world, whether they be rich or poor, it all boils down to, ‘how can I be happy?’ Whether it’s a better job, more money, better health, mankind is essentially in search for joy.”

So, can money buy happiness in capitalist place like Hong Kong? “No, but happiness can buy you money!” he said with a laugh. “Well ... it can help create money. Work hard, work well and do it with joy, and the money will naturally follow.”

Avdhoot Baba Shivanand’s last free talk, in English, is tonight (Fri) at Kitec, Trademart Drive, Kowloon Bay, 6pm-9pm.

P. Ramakrishnan

Outtakes from Spot the Dots

2011-10-06T08:40:00.001-07:00

Outtakes from a shoot done earlier today with Leila, Steph, Karen and Dorota.

Gorgeous much?!

Photography: Leila Cranswick
Stylist: Stephanie Holding Shah
Hair and Makeup: Karen Yiu
Model: Dorota Menard at Models International (HK).

Behind the label: Young&restless

2011-10-03T22:45:00.000-07:00

Who started it? Stylist-turned-designer Ashburn Eng created young&restless just over a year ago, after years of dolling out advice to designers on how to amplify their looks with a cut here and a dash of colour there. Eng says he wants his avant-garde, ready-to-wear clothes to deliver a strong feminist statement. Anthems of female solidarity, ranging from Cyndi Lauper's Girls Just Want To Have Fun to Beyonce's Run The World, inspired Eng's latest collection for the "free-spirited, confident and unpretentious woman, who is sophisticated yet bold enough to daydream".

Why we love it: according to the website, it's "underground luxury with distinctive urban aesthetics", but we love the geometry of it. It's a return to the "Japonaiserie" movement of the 1980s, with inventive shapes and monochrome tones, only with a looser and lighter silhouette, using sheer, silk chiffon and modal jersey in black, white, stone grey and metallic shades.

"I was mainly inspired by the fusion of good and evil spiritual forces," says Eng. "This collection illustrates an extension of my interest in spiritual and austere elements, [as] evident in the monastic looks."

Young&restless was the only Asian label to present a collection at the 30th edition of Modefabriek's Next and Cutting Edge show in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, in January.

What we'd pick: for the bold and the dutiful, the suit dress (left; HK$2,280), with its conservative facade but edgy cut, does the trick. The trapezoid top (HK$1,199) and high-waisted jeans with handkerchief drape (both above; HK$1,559) hit all the right angles.

Where can you get it? Young&restless is available at www.young-and-restless.com.

Published in Post mag on Oct 02, 2011

By P.Ramakrishnan
(ramakrishnanp@hotmail.com)

My life: Shreya Ghoshal

2011-10-03T06:49:00.000-07:00

One of Bollywood's most recognisable voices talks to P. Ramakrishnan ahead of her scheduled performance last night at PolyU.

FIRST NOTES
Although I first became known as a singer through Sa Re Ga Ma [an early Indian version of American Idol] as an 11-year-old, I'd been singing since I started talking. I learned from my parents - we are a very musically and culturally aware family. Though our family is Bengali, my childhood memories are of growing up in Rawatbhata in Rajasthan. It's in a remote area and cut off from the township, so I was surrounded by a lot of traditional and cultural activities. We had no connections to show business - my family is full of scientists and engineers- but my parents were very encouraging about my interest in music. One of my earliest memories is singing in a hall when I was about five. My teacher took me to this boring concert and asked me to sing a song from a film. I sang Aur Iss Dil Mein Kya Rakha Hai ["what else is in my heart?"] and the entire audience burst into applause after just two lines. I'll never forget that moment - it was like the first experience of love, but from an audience. My father wanted me to be properly trained as a singer. To him, this was more important than fame and fortune. My family values education and academic achievement above all, so when I got to Mumbai, in 1997, I focused on learning. I wasn't looking for fame or glamour, unlike millions who come to Mumbai to make it in the film industry. I had no aspirations to be in cinema and I still don't.

REALITY CHEQUE

In Mumbai, I took lessons from legendary musical director Kalyanji and also learned about classical Indian music. The belief that Mumbai is all about pop songs and Bollywood is wrong- there are many incredible teachers in the city. I think learning is a constant process, even if I don't go to one particular guru anymore. I still practise, but not every day; with concerts, recordings and shooting for the TV show [as a judge on India's X Factor], I'm happily but constantly busy. The main difference I notice between youngsters of today and from when I was an aspiring singer is the level of confidence. The amount of intel- ligence and presence on stage now is incredible. Even while still in their teens they know how to win over an audience. But there's also an innocence lost, the beauty of naivety has gone as the current generation is fed on reality TV, which didn't exist when I was growing up. When I see parents trying to groom a child for stardom, sometimes it's a bit too much. The new generation doesn't seem to know the wonder of music, they aren't seeking enlightenment, there's no appreciation of how profound music can be. Now it's all about ratings, concerts and money. When I was a kid, I didn't do concerts for big pay cheques.

THE FAME GAME

My life changed after producer/director Sanjay Leela Bhansali discovered me on television. He came to our house and offered me an opportunity to sing in his magnum opus Devdas [2002], the biggest musical at the time. I was going to be a playback singer [providing pre-recorded vocals] for the beautiful Aishwarya Rai. I couldn't believe it. The songs were rooted in classical music and I was thrilled. At the time, Aishwarya was facing a lot of flak in the media and a lot of rumours and gossip, but she was so unaffected by it that I feel I learned something from her - to ignore the riff-raff. I've learned not to read any press about myself, good or bad. I've never been a victim of malicious gossip - well, if I have, I'm blissfully ignorant. I've never had a PR person. I've never wanted to be on a scroll on a newsreel. I'm not a manipulator of self-publicity and have stayed rooted to my family and music. I hope my singing alone will bring me all that I deserve.

MUMBAI MAYHEM

Although I'm just 27, I feel old. I've seen so much. But those who say I haven't had to struggle are exaggerating. My father ran from pillar to post in the early days. My family faced troubles that I wish to wipe from my memory, as I don't want to mull on the past. Songs that were promised, payments that were never made, songs I sang that other people ended up recording over, I've seen it all. I do remember the people who treated me badly, but I forgive and try to forget. I think I've grown a bit thick-skinned after my years in Mumbai. In this industry, if you aren't strong, you'll get eaten up. After all my rounds on the reality shows, the performances, the applause, the concerts, the struggle began after reality TV. Gaining success was easy, maintaining it was not. Although doing concerts and performing on stage is great fun- especially with audience interaction - true Indian music is not about performance. There's a belief in our culture that music is for personal and divine growth, a form of spirituality that makes us one with the lord. When I study and practise classical music, I close my eyes and sing for no one but me. There's a certain magic to that, which is lost on the new generation. With certain kinds of reality shows - with their dramatic cuts and staged wars- the new generation is being prevented from developing a voice to find this form of divinity.

REEL LIFE

I've been offered roles in films but I've turned every one of them down. When I met the great Indian actress Rekha, she grabbed my face and told me that I must do films. Another time I was recording a song in Chennai and a producer said I reminded him of legendary Indian actress Sridevi- I love her, but I don't think it was a valid comparison. [Bhansali] jokes with me that we'll make a film, but as my mentor and guardian I know he won't. I won't sacrifice my music - and doing films would take me away from music. I've worked hard for everything I've achieved. I won't be a mediocre actress when I can be a good singer.

See earlier feature:

My life: Sunidhi Chauhan

My life: Carmit Bachar

My life: Priyanka Chopra

Shreya Ghoshal lands in Hong Kong

Professionally Speaking

2011-10-03T06:44:00.000-07:00

A career change might give you the flexibility and drive you've been looking for. But do your homework before entering a new field, writes P. Ramakrishnan. (ramakrishnanp@hotmail.com)

ON PAPER HER CAREER AND lifestyle were sterling. Five years at a top law school with impeccable grades and honours from an Ivy League university led to her being hand-picked by a top firm. As expected, a substantial salary and bonus along with annual holidays to luxurious destinations such as Tuscany followed. The years of experience made her a shoo-in for partnership, but a decade into a profession as a litigation lawyer at a top law firm, she changed career and entered the recruitment industry. While initially settling for less pay, she is happier than ever.

Capricious and whimsical? Hardly. Annie Tang is an example of many women who, after much thought and research, change careers.

"It's common for successful women to shift their career gears even when they are doing well," says Louisa Yeung, a director at Michael Page International. "Women in general will put a higher priority on family. My reason for making a switch from professional to recruitment [Yeung is also a qualified accountant with nine years experience] was mainly because I want to have my own family.

"Professional life is too demanding and pressurised and I wanted to strike a healthy balance between career and family life. So I made the change."

While the money thrown around by rival firms can cause companies to lose their top women, career changes are not always money related. Joanne O'Reilly, an associate director, Banking and Legal department of Michael Page, says: "From a banking perspective, I've seen experienced lawyers/transactions people move to control/risk roles which have less volatile hours. The existing skill set is highly transferable and while the base salary numbers are not widely different, the discretionary bonuses would be quite a bit less. Several of our experienced hires at Michael Page were professional accountants, operations people - for example, settlements, trade support, client services - and lawyers who made the transition to professional recruitment."

In a mercenary society such as Hong Kong, more-work-less-pay might seem a contradiction in terms but O'Reilly says: "Often the driving factors behind these moves relate to consistence in hours, reduced travel, more control over workload, the ability to undertake some work from home/off-site, the ability to balance family commitments, while still retaining a reasonable salary/total compensation in return."

So what are the first steps to take when you want to change? As the adage goes, look before you leap.

Erika Humby, from Talent2 Recruiting firm, lists a 12-step programme but the initial plan of action is simple: "If you've been in the same job for many years and are looking for a career change, the first thing to do is talk to a career counsellor or a good recruiter, research the new area you are looking to move into, make sure you understand all the pros and cons of the new area, position and any companies you are looking to target," Humby says

Being prepared and aware are key, and although your own company need not know that you're looking at the exit sign, some key advisers do, says Humby. "Know what steps you need to take to get where you want to go and talk to people in the new industry to get a good idea about what it's like. Be confident that you can make the change and write a plan of action with what steps you need to take to be successful."

Tang says a professional move is rarely an overnight decision after a bad week at work. "It wasn't on a whim. There are a few people, for personal reasons, who change career course 10 to 15 years into their job, when they achieve a lot and think, 'This isn't what I really want'."

She says this thought is common and does not mean a mid-life or mid-wife crisis. Career goals are often etched out at a young and naive age and once you've attained all you've set out to do, the yearning for more remains. "I was seeking different challenges, I wanted more people interaction. I was that lawyer swamped with paperwork and working long hours - which I didn't mind in the beginning. But the work became quite repetitive and routine. There wasn't much of a challenge. I really wanted a change."

And change she did. She took charge of her life by doing research, making sure she was financially secure, asking and meeting the right people and hitting her target. "Although I'm not a lawyer, I knew a lot of people in the field and know the ins-and-outs of the business. With my list of contacts and industry know-how, and my desire to work with people, the new job as a recruiter for law firms is ideal. It's worked out well for me."

Others choose to take time off and study instead of immediately shifting into a new office. According to Humby, looking at educational programmes that relate to your new career is fine but MBAs are not always necessary. "It depends on where you are looking to go and what you want to do. An MBA is great to have but they're a lot of work and expensive, so make sure you have the basics first."

Anthony Thompson, managing director of Michael Page International (Hong Kong & Southern China), says: "MBAs are not essential but can sometimes be advantageous. While no one needs to start from scratch, they must be realistic in that a career change will often entail a pay reduction - but this is a short-term issue and if they are committed to their new career direction they will be rewarded."

Resigning from your current company isn't inevitable or obligatory. "If you've been working in the same role for 10-15 years, there's a good chance you enjoy working with your employer and have a good relationship. People should investigate options to change their career within that organisation because their employer may facilitate this and assist with supportive training. The other benefit is they will be more likely to maintain their salary level this way as opposed to taking a career change pay cut by going to another employer."

Being practical and realistic is the overwhelming message. "If you're an HR manager and want to be a fighter pilot, then obviously it will be tough because they are very different jobs," says Humby. "Have a clear plan and make sure you write it down. And be positive."

Fresh Start

* Be realistic. Have a clear plan and make sure you write it down.

* Ensure you are qualified or taking steps to show that you are committed to your new area of choice by looking at what relevant qualifications you need.

* Be clear on your new choice and understand what expectations, duties, key competencies and skills are required so you can ensure your CV reflects similar duties, skills and attributes. This allows the hiring manager or recruiter to scan your CV and see that you have the core competencies and relevant skills to do the required job.

* Talk to a career counsellor or good recruiter to get advice on your CV and what you need to do to get where you want to go.

* Get the timing right. If there is a time when there are more roles available then make sure you know when this is. For example, if you want to get into banking when most banks are on a headcount freeze, then obviously it's not a good time to enter this field.

* Develop networks and contacts from the field you are looking to move to.

* Commit to change and make it happen.

Behind the label: Sandro

2011-10-02T05:11:00.000-07:00

Who started it? Launched in 1984 by husband and wife team Didier and Evelyne Chetrite, Sandro opened its first boutique on rue Vieille du Temple, in the heart of the Marais district of Paris, France. What started as a whim, with a series of patchwork dresses with bubble sleeves, captured the bohemian mood of the time and has since blossomed to encompass 140 stores worldwide. A childhood spent in Morocco informs Evelyne's designs and the mixing and matching of colours, fabrics and patterns is a recurring theme throughout the brand's collections.

Why we love it: casual Parisian chic at affordable prices aside, it's the attention to detail that catches our eye, as seen on the monochrome ensemble topped with leopard-print collars and the black pencil trousers with simple white piping. Whether it's matching fabrics such as leather and wool or a multicolour print on the lining of a deceptively simple coat, classic silhouettes are spruced up with touches of whimsy. Most of the pieces have a temperate palette but there are splashes of colour for the confident consumer.

What we'd pick: the wool duffle coat with fur collar (HK$6,145), coral silk shirt (HK$2,145) and dinner-suit trousers (all above left; HK$2,620) and the black shawl cardigan with clip (HK$2,990) worn with the black cotton pique dress with leopard-print collar (both left; HK$2,295) make for chic daytime outfits.

Where can you get it? Sandro is available at Rue Madame, Lee Gardens Two, Causeway Bay, tel: 2972 2021.

By P.Ramakrishnan
ramakrishnanp@hotmail.com

The Goods

2011-10-02T04:51:00.000-07:00

Fast track Tracksuit bottoms play that all-important role of pyjamas, workout wear and Sunday supermarket attire. At least with Diesel's latest line you can be fashion forward while waiting in the queue, with items such as the track pants in blue (left; HK$990) or hammer-time check (top left; HK$600). Diesel is in Pacific House, 20 Queen's Road Central, tel: 2525 0540....

Sep 25, 2011

All shook up

If you're feeling a little blue as the summer comes to an end, get some deflective sole therapy with the adidas SLVR autumn-winter collection's hip blue trainer (above; HK$1,590). Elvis would surely approve: the blue suede shoe is made with nylon, reducing the overall weight. Adidas SLVR is available at Harvey Nichols, The Landmark, Central, tel: 3695 3388.

Geek chic

For the gadget-crazy, Piquadro has unveiled a series of leather cases to carry your precious hardware safely and stylishly. The cases are made of soft leather with chamois interiors. The iPad2 case (right; HK$1,595) has a slot inside the flap cover that acts as a stand to keep the screen tilted in display position. Also worth a look are the dark blue Samsung Galaxy Tab case (below right; HK$1,343) and red iPhone 4 holder (above; HK$487). Piquadro is at Times Square, Causeway Bay, tel: 2506 2238.

One for all

Can one brand be all things to all men? D&G apparently thinks so. Whether it's relatively conservative attire (above left; suit HK$16,500, shirt HK$2,500 and tie HK$1,400) or a fur-lined, blinged-out ghetto-fabulous outfit (above; fur vest HK$50,400, T-shirt HK$2,300, trousers HK$3,100 and shoes HK$2,900), the label has something for everyone. D&G is in Gateway Arcade, Harbour City, Tsim Sha Tsui, tel: 2317 1836.

Skin show

Bottega Veneta's latest accessories line features belts made from interlocked leather. The glossy sheen of the espresso intrecciato vachette belt (above left; HK$4,380), the tourmaline intrecciato nappa belt (above centre; HK$3,980) and the nero intreccio scolpito cuir belt (above right; HK$3,100) feature stylishly textured and intricate patterns. Bottega Veneta is in The Landmark, tel: 2973 0882.
Sep 11, 2011

Kicking off

Although fashionistas worship overpriced shoes, there are decent styles out there that won't break the bank. We like the range at H&M, where the focus is on simplicity and function. The cognac boots (above; HK$599) and two-tone lace-up shoes (left; HK$399) mirror trends seen on many catwalks this season. Andreas Lowenstam, menswear designer at H&M, says, "Clean and sharp is the look for men this autumn, updated with seasonal colours and materials." H&M is at 68 Queen's Road Central, tel: 2110 9546.

Play the field

Qeelin made its mark with jewellery that celebrated Chinese aesthetics. Its new Chan's Collectibles line, however, plays tribute to vintage toys. The Roobot collection (featuring five styles of vintage robots), for example, is a miniature ode to classic Hollywood sci-fi flicks. It's retro chic, but with a modern twist, and every limb on the gold and diamond-encrusted pendant (right) is movable. At HK$158,000, it makes for a serious boy toy. The range is available at Qeelin, IFC Mall, Central, tel: 2389 8863.

Klein cuts

Due to its ubiquitous underwear collections, it's easy to forget that Calvin Klein also does understated ready-to-wear lines for men and women. The label's autumn-winter line is imbued with the casual confidence the brand has become renowned for. The Calvin Klein Jeans warm wool alpaca blend jumper (HK$1,690), regular-cut jeans (both left; HK$1,290) and black heavy cotton zip-up cardigan (above left; HK$1,390) are cavalier cool. Calvin Klein Jeans is at Times Square, Causeway Bay, tel: 2506 9506.

Sep 04, 2011

By P.Ramakrishnan
(ramakrishnanp@hotmail.com)

Behind the label: Back Label

2011-10-02T04:50:00.000-07:00

Who started it? Italian jetsetters Amy and Filippo Perricone established Back Label three years ago, creating a luxurious yet casual line of loungewear that's equally stylish inside or out. The husband-and-wife team wanted to combine extreme comfort with extreme elegance, and have perfected the design of cool basics.

Why we love it: seamless underwear; seamless dresses; seamless tops. Back Label's heat-bonding technique holds fabrics in place for a smooth and sensuous fit. All fabrics are free of toxic material and pesticides, and are made from mineral, such as seaweed and bamboo, and other natural fibres. Natural dyes (from blueberries to Ceylon tea) are used on cashmere, and there's an exclusive detergent, with added rice protein, to preserve the garments. Essential oils such as jasmine sambac and white grapefruit provide a delicate aroma.

What we'd pick: we love the androgynous black and cream boyfriend boxer (HK$360). The Kimono dress in black (above right; HK$1,580) and long cross-back dress (HK$1,520), with matching cardigan (both right; HK$1,520), lend themselves to great evening ensembles.

Where can you get it? Back Label is available at Konzeep, 50 Tung Street, Sheung Wan, tel: 2803 0339.

P. Ramakrishnan
ramakrishnanp@hotmail.com
Published in Post magazine on Sep 25, 2011

The Pleasure of My Company

2011-10-01T20:59:00.000-07:00

Entrepreneurship in Hong Kong is a mixed bag of perks and pitfalls, writes P.Ramakrishnan.
(ramakrishnanp@hotmail.com)

This risk is great. The rewards unknown. But these seven young people broke free from contracts and companies to set up their own businesses. On the view that in life you can be a pilot or passenger, the seven have engineered their own career path with ventures they are passionate about.

While some have a staff of one (themselves), others have expanded to encompass a team of up to seven people. With each passing year and growing member of staff, the responsibility proves greater as well as the challenges that vary from keeping afloat, and finessing the tricky manoeuvre of expanding without imploding.

Some got private funding (which often translates to benevolent parents and their cheque books), others were resourceful enough to get investors or to find their fiduciary fuel in a lifetime of savings.

While nearly all sing the joy of working without a boss, they also concur that this very hard work.

“There is no off switch,” laments Kanchan Punjabi, who started the fashion firm Kanchan Couture. “You’re constantly thinking of one or another aspect that’s somehow traces back to work-related material.”

Carmen Li, who launched a publishing venture 21 Concepts, agrees that the challenge lies is to incorporate a personal life into the unremitting pressures of launching a business. “The biggest long term goal for me, especially as a new mom, is to learn to balance work life with family life. I’m constantly thinking of one or the other.”

And yet, here are seven people that mind their own business:

Vivien Li (23), Lotus Models
“I used to work as an agent at a modelling agency but that closed down. I spent two months waitressing at Taste In, a Korean restaurant, and then decided that since a lot of my old clients were still calling me for models, I might as well start my own business. I had a lot of contacts in the field, and I started getting free-lance jobs. I thought, I can do this on my own so I created Lotus Models.

It’s mainly a modelling agency, but depending on what my clients want, I can also provide make-up artists, photographers, dressers and assistants for events and shows. I’ve worked behind the scenes on many big shows such as Gucci, Prada and Cartier in Hong Kong.

My goal right now is just to familiarise myself with the industry more, know more people – and they in turn know me. In the long term, I hope to be able to say that my agency is one of the best in Hong Kong.

Right now I don’t have the moolah to expand what I have. So I need a few more jobs, maybe save up for a couple years and I should be all set!

I haven’t had any help from an agency or the government to set up my small business. But I have a very supportive family, so a lot of the setting up involved my parents and my brother. My dad bought a lot of things I needed for my company like desks, hole punchers, letter openers. Stuff I need and stuff that costs money. My brother is a website designer, and he’s helping me set up my website for free. At least I saved a couple of thousand dollars there.

I studied ancient history in Royal Holloway, University of London – nothing I did there is aiding me now!

The initial hurdles still exist. As a new agency, I don’t have a lot of models to call my own. I don’t have a comprehensive list of clients either – but it’s growing every day.

Most of the jobs that come in are from families and friends, and I still need to expand past that. I just need to work harder and the hurdles I have now will disappear.

Kanchan Suresh Panjabi (28), Kanchan Couture

I set up Kanchan Couture in September 2007, creating my own line of women’s wear and accessories. I have been designing and working in the fashion industry for close to seven years now. I created my first full collection in 2004 and had my first exhibition in London in 2006, eventually launching my own line in 2007.

It is inspired by migration, globalisation, slippery identities, fleeting memories and our ever-evolving civilisation. Kanchan Couture is my creative vision.

I returned to Hong Kong from London to launch my own label, my own passion to transform classic shapes from a bygone era in combination with opulent Indian textiles creating a wearable wardrobe for everywoman.

The collections include eveningwear, daywear, tailoring, bridal gowns, leather belts and accessories. I hope to branch into shoes soon – we are relaunching our online shop (buy.kanchancouture.com) and a new jewellery collection.

There’s been no government help or corporate funding. We did try once to get some funding for a trade fair but it did not go through.

There were two main challenges that I faced as designer in Hong Kong, one being not receiving much support from the local “guys” such as the government, big corporations, the trade department. I think this is somewhat different in the UK or Europe. The start-ups and the industry in general are more supported, and can get funding and help.

The second, the habits of the Asian consumer are a mystery; they are known to be status and image driven and would rather buy a brand over a young designer.

This is a bit different in other parts of the world, especially the UK as there is a range of consumers and everyone is looking for the next big thing – so a young designer can have his/her own followers because its not a global brand. Here, it’s different. But slowly this is changing and more people are looking for something different.

Douglas Pieterse (29), Sweat Limited
Sweat is a personal training studio that specialises in different types of training. We designed our studio for versatility to reflect the many different types of training we incorporate into our clients’ routines to keep things fun and interesting.

As my wife and I are both in the same business of personal training, we found that we were spending way too much on renting facilities to train clients. On top of that, a few of the studios had shut down and in a matter of two to three years, some of our clients had been switched to three or four different studio locations and each of them had their downfalls.

I teach some kids classes and we decided to promote the kids programme over the summer and had a really good response. Our biggest problem was where to train the children with a facility that would allow for the full studio to be renting for a decent rate, as well as would be kid friendly. It was literally impossible to find a place that could accommodate what I wanted as far as that went.

After discussing with my wife, we raised the possibility of having our own studio and from there, we spoke of the idea to a few clients who, for the most part, were very supportive of the idea. We decided to seek funding and then there was no turning back.

We want to add a couple trainers to our team. We would like to see our business grow to a stage where we can branch out to expand the kids programme to its own venue and have a team of personal trainers working for us.

Since it’s our first time having a facility, everything required research and a lot of consulting our friends for advice. Renting a space in a good location for a decent price was a bit of a challenge but we found a great place for which we could envision a good layout.

We ran into a few obstacles along the way and realised that renovations are full of setbacks and delays and of course a whole lot of unaccounted expenses.

Jason Yam (30), Hong Kong Basketball Academy
I have been a teacher in Hong Kong for five years and coached high school and middle school levels. I also played professionally and the one thing I thought was missing in Hong Kong was an academy/programme, similar to those offered in the US, where kids could focus solely on becoming better, smarter basketball players.

So I set out to create a programme that would help kids elevate themselves, by working with other talented kids to create a new level of basketball for kids in Hong Kong.

My business idea took years in the making. It took me this long to get all the logistics organised and start marketing. The initial response was strong and we are hoping to grow the programme and add more students, age groups, even a girls’ division.

The first semester has been amazing. The kids are so enthusiastic and I love working with them.

Basically there are two goals, goals for me and goals for the kids. For the kids my goals are to have them become better athletes and learn the game. I want them to become good sportsmen and women with one another and learn to work in team environments. I hope that they keep coming back because that would mean their having fun, learning lots, and their parents feel the same.

For myself and the business I want to add a few more classes so I can split the age groups into similar skill levels. The hard part will be keeping the class sizes small so there is a good level of interaction between coach and student. In the long run, I want the school to become recognised as the premier school for young athletes to become elite level basketball players.

It would be absolutely fantastic if we could get some students to play for some universities in the US and Canada.

Though we’ve got no external aid, I do hope to collaborate with financers because aid can help potential kids who are in financial need. I never had a doubt in mind that whatever hurdles came my way I could tackle them.

One thing I didn’t foresee is the high school level players having so much homework to do. It’s actually been a blessing because this has made me go back to the drawing board and to think about how I can offer academic support to the players and to really be a versatile programme.

Fortunately enough I know a lot of great teachers. I will be soon offering a “homework” club ran by professional teachers. Let’s just say our new motto is “ball above all … except homework”.

Carmen Li (30), 21 Concepts
21 Concepts is a publishing and media company. I publish a monthly magazine, Crave, and my team and I organise small scale gastro/wine events. We also own an online magazine www.cravemag.com.

I’ve always been in publishing, I worked at a newspaper years ago – the South China Morning Post – and for other fashion and lifestyle magazines. I wanted to set up my own title and business, for a while I even thought of opening a restaurant. But I stuck to what I knew, publishing.

Convincing the market – by that I mean media buyers – that there is a readership demand for this publication was the first of many challenges. At the time of launch, there weren’t any high-end English magazines that focused on the subject of gastronomy. It took a few months to persuade our advertisers to support our launch issue and in the end, many did. We’re in our second year now and still going strong.

An unexpected challenge we have, as a new company, was learning how to stay ahead creatively. There is a prevalent “copycat” culture in Hong Kong and we strive to think of original material for every issue. You cannot stop others from copying you but you can learn to stay ahead of the game.

The biggest lessons I learned from past experiences and having been at this for a while now, is to invest sensibly – and to not owe money to anyone or any bank or other entity. I’ve seen publishers who place too much emphasis on promotions and marketing to the extent that they run out of budget for editorial content.

Also, I would avoid bartering for advertisements. The company is nothing without the product, I work closely with my staff and respect everyone’s creative input and ideas. This is one of my life lessons.

To have readers embrace Crave as one of Hong Kong’s leading gastronomy publications is my ultimate goal as a businesswoman, but as a new mom, I also know that I need to step away and balance my private and office life. I take everything a step at a time.

Elaine Young (32), LAByrinth
LAByrinth is a communications studio and biotech fashion brand whose product ranges include AMULA (a play on the words amulet and emulate) DNA Jewellery (containing your choice of person, plant or animal DNA) and “HOST – for your living things” – a line of graphics, clothing and objects made from and/or inspired by microscopic images.

I didn’t always do this. I have a fine arts degree in philosophy and political theory from the University of Toronto. I created this brand in my early 20s, I’ve been doing it for 10 years.

Before I set up my own business in 2005, I used to work in film and television, as an art director. But deep down, I wanted to create.

I was so obsessed with the ideas that I had to create my own line. For better or for worse, I was obsessed and that sort of tunnel vision doesn’t allow you to see failures or pitfalls, you just jump.

I didn’t really think too much about going off on my own. People have to be fearless when they create their own business.

In the long run, yeah, if my brand is a multinational corp, yes please, that would be great! But in the short run, it would be nice to feel some sort of solidarity within the fashion community in Hong Kong. The solidarity is missing in our city. I would really love to find a public relations agency that understood the brand, the concept of why I do what I do, that it’s not just another fashion brand, and spread the word.

When you’re an independent entity, finances are always in issue, from rent to salaries to monthly overhead. I want to move on with the collection, and move on with the brand, but the shop was draining my time. And, as much as I loved having a shop, now I have my own studio.

I’m about to debut the HOST clothing line in November.

I’m fortunate that I have received help, from the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks. They basically gave us a studio, and helped with promotion. It’s behind funding innovative projects in Hong Kong. Our biotech partner, Hai Kang Life Corporation help with all our technology work.

Understanding how to achieve a high quality product working in China is the hurdle.

The reason for the brand is education through fashion, I’m happy to tell people about it. When they ask questions, I’m so open to that as it’s the whole point of the brand. It’s about dialogue. I firmly believe that we shape the things we build - thereafter, they shape us.

Maxime Dautresme (32), Substance
What is our company? Well, the spiel is, it’s a one stop brand and design agency specialised in brand strategy, brand identity, advertising and design.

Substance was founded in 2007 in Paris. I then took the company to Miami and established it there as well. I launched Substance Hong Kong in March 2011.

The greatest advantage of having your own company is that you get to choose your client and the people you want to work for. You need to like the people you work for. That is a big plus!

When I worked for a … a large corporation, it was so political, and you often didn’t like the erratic people you worked for or you had a confused client. But now, I choose. And because of that, I can give them [clients] 100 per cent. The pay might be less and the hours are longer – we’ve clocked in 17-hour days – but you love what you do so you don’t feel it.

The biggest disadvantage is that you never step out of the office. Even on holiday, you do a lot more than what’s necessary because you’re so involved in every aspect, its micro and macro management on all levels. There’s no separation of task, client servicing, new business development, getting the morning coffee for everyone – it all depends on you.

When we launched, to be very honest, I was fearless, I had the opportunity, the background, the know-how. When you know what you’re doing, you don’t need a large corporate structure, you’re selling something creative.

I knew it would work – it was already working on a small scale before when I was freelancing. When I got a partner, a financial backer, we set up the company.

A friend of mine helped set up this business, [to act as] the money side, the silent partner. From just being me, to now, well, my company has eight full-time people and six freelancers working on different projects.

There has been no government aid but I did find someone that I felt was on the same page as me and really understood the business to partner with.

The initial hurdle was finding the right partner was the most important thing – I’ve heard terrible stories of betrayal between partners here in Hong Kong so it’s essential to partner with someone you trust.

Building the right team is another issue as just one person can affect the capability and dynamic of an entire team. But we are expanding so… that’s a nice problem to have.

It’s a big step to hire someone. You go through a long interview process. For me, the vision was more than just the work, we hired people who were passionate about their work. They’re all designers. The way they talk about the work is so important, because if they didn’t care, if they were bored, then the work is reflective of that. I relate to the passion. You can’t do your own business – no matter what the business is – if you’re not passionate.

NOTES:
My original draft of the feature. Due to the Greek blah di blah, feature got uber cut by the time it hit print. Among other goofs. Pleasure and perils of publishing... Ten years in the biz and every day is a surprise.

Bollywood singer Shreya in town for one-off concert

2011-09-29T18:56:00.000-07:00

Celebrations for Diwali will begin early this year for Hong Kong’s Indian community, when they gather tomorrow (Sat/Oct 1) night to hear the angelic voice of Shreya Ghoshal, who will be performing a one-off concert in the Jockey Club Auditorium at Polytechnic University. Indian New Year falls on October 26 this year.

As one of Bollywood’s most recognised singers – having won an incredible 46 popular awards won over the past 10 years for songs in numerous languages – Ghoshal is also a judge on India’s X Factor, a role that beams her into the homes of potentially a billion Indians.

“Judging the show has been great fun,” said Ghoshal, 27, who herself was a reality show contestant as a teenager. “I was never confident contestant as a child, and felt so shy getting up on stage, but kids today – they dance, wink at the audience, they work the cameras. I’m amazed by them!”

Just 16 when she started singing for Bollywood films (she won her first National Award, handed to her by India’s president, at 17), she has found fame and fortune in her work.

“I’m an ol’ pro. I feel so old! I think working in Mumbai has aged me,” she said

Though she’s only been in Hong Kong before en route to other destinations, she says she’s looking forward to hitting the tourist attractions – and some recommendations she got on Facebook. Ghoshal has a whopping 3.1 million followers on the social networking site and fans have recommended a few hot spots for her to check out.

“But I’d like to do it in peace with my family and friends, so am not letting you know when and where I’m hitting Hong Kong.”

P. Ramakrishnan
ramakrishnanp@hotmail.com

The Stars at Van Cleef and Arpels...

2011-09-27T08:12:00.001-07:00

Had the great pleasure to hit the Van Cleef mega-bash and the gorgeous Peter Cheung and the gorgeous Jeannie Guo were spectacular hosts, made us (went with my plus one Reem) feel so welcome.

The crowds at the shop opening were so intense, we went straight up to the after party in Sevva, really didn't want to be a sweat-patch in front of Cate Blanchette.

What a night!

I didn't write the first half of the feature, just the bit about the after-party ergo my bit:

"...The evening moved upward to Sevva after the official ribbon-cutting. From every corner of the rooftop venue, lights with the Van Cleef logo and a flying pixie were projected on neighbouring buildings, creating a surreal effect on the skyline.

Sevva owner and fashion icon Bonnie Gokson took the dress code to heart, sparkling in a mini-dress studded with sequins, while socialite Lumen Kinoshita arrived in a bouffant skirt that highlighted her tiny waist. Claudia Shaw, in an all-white ensemble looked stunning as always, while Claire Hsu Man-kai was in all black. Lane Crawford's Jennifer Woo, Aaron Harilela and Peter Cheung were suave and sophisticated in black jackets with discreet diamond accessories (tie pins, studs, cufflinks). Local supermodel Jocelyn Luko arrived husbandless (model husband Anthony Sandstrom was away DJ-ing) but floated around in a flowing black gown.

Though Lisa Stansfield - nearly unrecognisable from her '80s avatar with her chestnut curled hair and plunging neckline - took the stage and regaled the audience with half-a-dozen of her '80s pop hits, its safe to say the star of the night at the after-party was Van Cleef's very own Peter Cheung, who pumped up the audience with his wit and verbal dexterity. Even the president of Van Cleef, Stanislas de Quercize, concurred. "How can I follow up after that? Peter's a star."

http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif
Event on September 16, 2011.
Feature on September 20, 2011, in South China Morning Post, in the Cityseen column.

See earlier post Christian Dior in Mumbai.

See earlier post Two Nights in Peking.

See earlier post Society.

Rooms with a View

2011-09-23T20:41:00.000-07:00

Photography: Lucy McNally
Styling and Art Direction: Ann Tsang
Wardrobe: Ann Tsang, Rama
Assistant: Nickey K
Hair and make-up: Megumi Sekine
Assistant: Jacqueline Tan
Models: Kristine E at Models International and Sharun S

On him:
Alexander Wang net T-shirt and Versus black pants from Harvey Nichols, silk scarf from Shanghai Tang and shoes from Tods.

On her:
Red Cheongsam from Shanghai Tang, hat by Gucci, crystal earrings by Chànjebel, bracelets by Fine'n'Rhine, shoes, model's own.

On her:
Head-to-toe ensemble by Christian Dior, shoes, model's own.

On him:
Suit, shirt and tie, Boss Selection by Hugo boss, watch by Masterpiece by king fook, shoes by Gucci,

On him:
Boss selection by Hugo Boss, watch by Masterpiece by king fook, shoes by Gucci.
On her: Gucci dress, watch and all jewellery by Masterpiece by king fook, shoe, model’s own.

On him:
Full-sleeve top by Missoni from Harvey Nichols, black pants by Givenchy from Harvey Nichols, watch by Masterpiece by king fook.

On her:
Crystal studded kaftaan by Fine'n'rhine, earrings by Chànjebel, ring and bracelet by Masterpiece by king fook.

On him:
Entire ensemble by Dior Homme, shoes by Gucci, glasses by Dior, watch by Patek Philippe.

On him:
White shirt and dinner jacket by Givenchy from Harvey Nichols, black pants by Versus from Harvey Nichols, shoes by Gucci and watch from Masterpiece by king fook.

On her:
Cocktail dress by Red Valentino from Harvey Nichols, ring, earrings and necklace by Masterpiece by king fook, shoes, model's own.

On him:
Shirt by Peter Jensen from Harvey Nichols, dinner jacket by Givenchy, black pants by Gucci and shoes by J.M.Weston.

On her:
Cocktail dress by Carolina Herrera from Harvey Nichols, crystal earrings by Chànjebel, ring by Masterpiece by king fook, shoes, model’s own.

On her:
Gown by Christian Dior, glassed by Dior, all jewellery by Masterpiece by king fook.

On him:
Entire ensemble by Dior Homme, glassed by Dior, belt by Hugo Boss, shoes by Gucci, watch by Masterpiece by king fook.

On him:
Entire look by Hugo Boss, shoes by Gucci and watch by Masterpiece by king fook.

On him:
Belt, jacket and pants by Hugo Boss, t-shirt model’s own, red suede shoes by Tods, glasses by Dior, watch by Patek Philippe.

On her:
Dress by Gucci, watch by Patek Philippe, necklace and ring by Masterpiece by king fook.

The Goods

2011-09-20T18:38:00.000-07:00

Scents and sensibility

Though renowned for footwear, leather goods and a rather remarkable womenswear line last season, Salvatore Ferragamo's getting a whiff of the multibillion-dollar perfume market, with the launch of Attimo pour Homme (right; HK$780 for a 100ml eau de toilette spray). The cologne is infused with "aromatic notes of marjoram, effervescent cardamom and sparkling mandarin. Heart notes have a spiciness of saffron together with a modern touch of pimento". Which translates to a rather pleasant and non-cloying aroma. The Attimo pour Homme collection is available at Sogo in Causeway Bay, tel: 2833 8338 and, from October 1, at Lane Crawford, Times Square, Causeway Bay, tel: 2157 0729.

V the people

V-neck patterns, V-necked tops, V-necked sweaters - a pattern appears to have developed in Prada's latest menswear line. For the devilishly fashionable, it's a return to colour as shown in the glistening green lurex top (HK$6,900) with an embellished print, paired with true-blue trousers (both left; HK$7,400). For the more modest, the brown knitted V-necked top (HK$7,880) and grey slacks (both far left; HK$5,800) have just the right quota of conservative fashion fluidity. Prada is in the IFC Mall, Central, tel: 2234 7211.

Take it as red

Bally's iconic red and white stripe is making a guest appearance on many of the brand's leather goods and accessories this season. The Trainspotting range uses the pattern as trims on bags, iPad and laptop carriers, shoes and other leather goods. For the man on the move, check out the long leather wallet (left; HK$3,590) and the leather belt (below left; HK$1,790). Bally is in IFC Mall, tel: 3586 2899.

Heir and graces

As Evan Yurman, heir apparent to his designer father David's eponymous jewellery company, assumes the role of design director of the men's collection, the young Yurman's passion for history is evidenced on a series of signet rings. The rings (below), worn in ancient Egypt as symbols of power and nobility, are in sterling-silver and mounted with a choice of three stones: black onyx; cinnamon quartz; and Garnet. The collection is available at David Yurman, IFC Mall, tel: 2295 0005.

September 18, 2011
P. Ramakrishnan

Mix and Match

2011-09-20T18:07:00.000-07:00

G.O.D co-founder Douglas Young put the kitsch back into our kitchens. He talks to Crave about dining culture, stew and the trouble with rhubarb.

Text: P.Ramakrishnan

June 2011 issue of Crave magazine.

The Most Beautiful Bling

2011-09-19T05:13:00.000-07:00

It may look like a movie prop; the kind of over-the-top, multi-diamond studded watch that might be stolen in The Pink Panther in order to be recovered by bumbling Inspector Jacques Clouseau. But at 160 carats, this is no chunk of costume paste, it's the real thing.

The exorbitantly expensive Kallania timepiece arrived in Hong Kong this month. Studded with 186 emerald-cut diamonds, Vacheron Constantin, one of the world's oldest watchmakers, has created it as a worthy successor to the renowned Kallista ("most beautiful" in Greek), which was designed in 1977 by artist Raymond Moretti and featured 118 diamonds, weighing 130 carats, with a US$9 million price tag.
Thirty-plus years later comes Kallania, the long-awaited sequel. This dazzling dilettante has already made waves in the watchmaking world and retail price this time around is HK$76.8m.

But is it a watch or a jewel? A shiny bracelet that tells time? It's debatable, especially since it won the Best Jewellery Watch award at the Vogue Jewels Awards 2009 in Madrid, Spain. The Kallania made its debut in January 2009 at the Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie (SIHH) exhibition, crafted entirely from 18-carat white gold and set with 32 emerald-cut diamonds. The bracelet alone is 18-carat white gold, set with 136 emerald-cut diamonds.

For all its glamour and aesthetic appeal, this timepiece is technically exquisite as well. Water-resistant and mechanical, the manual-winding watch establishes a new world benchmark in the number of carats that have been perfectly aligned and facets meticulously polished to achieve a maximum clarity of reflected light. Apart from the bling factor, this piece is also driven by the world's thinnest mechanical movement, the 1003 calibre, developed by Vacheron Constantin, and stamped with the prestigious Hallmark of Geneva.

By P.Ramakrishnan
(ramakrishnanp@hotmail.com)

Not such a Wild Bunch

2011-09-19T05:12:00.000-07:00

Hong Kong's twenty and thirty-somethings have an eye on their financial future, as P.Ramakrishnan discovers.

Is the younger generation in the workforce, with its disposable income, transferring funds at a share market near you? Are seaside property prices being hiked by those who participate in keggers and beach barbecues? To find out what the younglings and their fledgling accounts are up to, we gate-crashed Bisous in Lan Kwai Fong.

A watering hole that pays a generous homage to the art of burlesque, Bisous' crowd usually isn't that young. But, as Anthony Zameczkowski, the new Head of YouTube Partnerships for Asia, was a guest speaker at the Web Wednesday Hong Kong social mixer, the clientele's age bracket dropped several notches.

While most in the audience were interested in YouTube's migration from UGC (user-generated content) to professional content and the value of localisation, we asked a few of them about money matters instead.

The questions

1) Aside from the MPF, do you save money each month?

If yes, how much?

What do you put the savings into?

If you don't save, why not?

2) Do you have any investments, such as stocks and shares or property?

If yes, what are they?

If not, why not?

3) How much do you spend on entertainment, clothes and going out each month?

What percentage is that of your income?

Their answers:

Casey Sullivan (24):

1) Yes, I save about 20 per cent of my income. It's auto transfer and I don't look at it. It's purely for saving so I don't worry about it.

2) I do not own property or stocks but I did. I sold all my stocks as I saw the market crashing. If I was going to invest, I would do stocks and bonds. I'd look at emerging markets. Or large companies and corporations that inspire trust.

3) If I had unlimited funds, a lot of my money would go into property, especially in developing markets.

Jason Ho (23):

1) Yes, I do save about 10 per cent of my income in my bank.

2) I have stocks in the Hong Kong share market. I've invested in company names I trust.

3) I spend at least HK$3,000 every month.

Shefali F (30):

1) No, at the moment, I'm not saving a lot as I've got my own company which I've just launched and have moved all my savings and funds into it. It's investing in my own company and self really.

2) I used to have shares and stocks but again, I cashed them all out to invest into my company. I'm married and my husband has investments and property.

3) I spend about US$2,000 but that's including a lot of travel, as well as food, clothes, entertainment.

Nickey Khem (23):

1) At least 30 per cent of my salary goes to savings, on in a good month, 40 percent - when I'm being really careful.

2) I own a percentage of a company I work for. I get good returns from it. I'm saving up to own property in the next two years. I plan to take a mortgage, if possible a double mortgage.

3) I spend too much. HK$10-12,000. Life in Hong Kong is expensive. Drinking and eating out, and cab rides, clothes... I'd like to curb my expenditure but prices never go down, do they?

Lisa Werner (28):

1) Yes I do save but not much right now as I'm a freelancer so there isn't a steady income but roughly five to 10 per cent goes into my savings account.

2) Yes, I have stocks and shares but back in the US. I have financial advisers who take care of the whole thing. I have no property investment but one day, I'd like to when I can afford it.

3) I spend about $4,000 a month? It's like HK$1,000 a week. Maybe a little more.

Chris Lam (35):

1) Yes, I save about 30 per cent of my income. Its important to save.

2) Yes, I have stocks in mutual funds, stock market shares and property. A diversified portfolio is sensible and important.

3) I think I spend about HK$10,000.

Jessica Hefes (33):

1) Yes, I do save my income, about five per cent goes into a savings account.

2) No, I have no stocks or shares. I want to understand it fully, I'm not that invested in the local share market so I don't want to put my money into anything, unless I know it really well. I used to be a lawyer so I want all the literature before transferring any money to anyone or any corp.

3) I spend about HK$3,000-4,000 a month I think. Around that much. Its easy to spend at least a grand a week.

Melissa C (27):

1) I do save my money, but only about two per cent. Its hard to save in Hong Kong as its an expensive city.

2) I have stocks in tech companies, particularly in the US. I grew up in Silicon Valley. My father is in the tech industry. Its a mixture of knowledge and trust for me as I grew up with this information around me. It's so important to have stocks and I think more and more women are investing wisely.

3) Because of travel, my leisure expenses would be around US$3,000 per month, that's including shopping, gifts, food. Airline tickets aren't cheap.

Behind the Label: Quoddy

2011-09-19T05:10:00.000-07:00

Who started it? Quoddy founder Harry Smith Shorey started making shoes in Maine, New England, in 1909, inspired by the traditions of the Passamaquoddy tribe. Located on the shores of Passamaquoddy Bay, at the easternmost point of the United States, on the border with Canada, the family-run firm still produces hand-sewn moccasins and shoes made from natural materials such as latex crepe rubber. The overall style is masculine and rustic, and signals a return to a more outdoorsy look.

Why we love it: the comfort factor. The moccasins conform to the shape of the foot, allowing the muscles, bones and tendons to perform in the way nature intended. The firm doesn't use glue, staples, plastic molding or other "advanced" processes- all of its shoes are completely sewn by hand. Plus it promises to repair any defects and even fix wear and tear- a policy we'd love other brands to adopt.

What we'd pick: for its craftsmanship and casual coolness, the Quoddy Grizzly Boot (above; HK$3,800) gets our vote. The versatile Wabanaki mushroom suede moccasin (below; HK$3,100) would go with jeans or slacks, and for a dash of warm colour in winter there's the burnt-orange Takabuk Cavalier (bottom; HK$2,760).

Where can you get it? Quoddy is available at Lane Crawford, IFC Mall, Central, tel: 2118 3388, and online at www.quoddy.com

By P.Ramakrishnan
(ramakrishnanp@hotmail.com)

He's the Boss

2011-09-14T08:06:00.000-07:00

As one of the youngest heads of one of the oldest brands, Gerrit Ruetzel looks to the east in his ever-rising career, writes P.Ramakrishnan.
(rama.p@scmp.com)
Portrait by Douglas Pieterse.

WITH HIGH-END luxury brands, instant recognition is key. One look at the multi-hue prints on a silken shirt of a man reeks of Versace. The interlocking C's are of course Chanel, and every fashionista can read the monogram print of Louis Vuitton a mile off. But Hugo Boss, with its long history of subtle sophistication, how do you stamp an imprint on the teeming masses? A sophisticated suit, with a conservative...

"No, I wouldn't call it conservative," corrects Dr Gerrit Ruetzel, 37, the newly appointed president and chief excecutive Asia-Pacific of Hugo Boss. "I think we're everything but conservative. When I think of the word conservative, I think of an older generation, I don't think of a young brand. We've been around for decades, but it's a modern brand. We're not the brand that your grandpa wears."

Indeed, as a series of images from their campaigns, featuring actor Ryan Reynolds and professional racer Lewis Hamilton, unfold, there's nothing octogenarian about the look from this centennial German brand.

"There are a lot of brands that can make a nice suit, but very few that give you a modern look," he says. "With Hugo, we are more fashion forward, so I wouldn't call it a classic either. We want to give our customers options, to let them know they're perfectly dressed for any occasion. We give them a sense of security that you won't stick out in a bad way; at the same time, you're in vogue, you're modern, you are safe in what you're wearing."

Easy to concur with the good doctor (Ruetzel has a PhD in International Management) as the notably young CEO moved to Hong Kong just a few months ago, after a two-year tenure in New York with the brand. Though the brand has been in Asia for years, there are some seismic ripples being made in the Asia-Pacific region.

With a grand re-opening of its signature store in Central's IFC Mall in the coming weeks, a strong presence of Asian models leading its new campaign (Japanese model/actress Devon Aoki having already modelled for them in the past, and Philip Huang appearing in the F/W 2011 campaign), as well as further inroads into China as more stores are expected to open within the next 18 months, there seems to be a heavy Asian focus in Boss' future.

But Ruetzel offers to clear up the notion of China being a new market in their economic strategy: "We've always had a presence in China, so this isn't anything new. And as for using an Asian model, we didn't think of it as a specific strategy to encroach into the region. The casting of Huang was done a long time ago; he came in, we liked his look, he became the model for the global campaign - the same images will be projected in South America, Americas, Europe - the model doesn't change according to the region."

The lifestyle of a young chief executive isn't all about jet-setting across the globe and hobnobbing with celebrities like Sienna Miller (a past brand ambassador). "The best and the worst parts of the job are the same," says Ruetzel. "I get to travel a lot. It can be quite stressful as you're in meetings around the world, but I have the happy position to combine work and pleasure. The glamorous part of the job is hosting grand events and parties, but there's a tough business side too."

The dwindling economy and its volatile share market hit luxury brands hard. But even in difficult times, there was the sweet smell of success. "We had a meeting with our license partner, Proctor and Gamble, not long ago and the fragrances from our company have been amongst the top five brands actually. The perfume business has not developed as much in China as other countries, but we see a steady growth."

Wonder if it's the heroic efforts of the Green Lantern's (actor Ryan Reynolds) new campaign that's creating a whiff in all the right circles? Ruetzel won't say, but he waxes eloquent on the current crop of faces that are creating brand awareness to a new generation.

"Working with successful, confident personalities has been a key factor," he says. "When we first dressed Philip Seymour Hoffman, we had no idea whether he would win the Oscar. We saw this man with great talent; he may not be the image of the Boss man, but we support the talent.

"There is no one prototype man that we're aiming for. It's anyone who's successful and confident."