TBT: In conversation with Astronaut Colin Bennett

Ground Control to Major Tom... its Astronaut Colin Bennett!  

Virgin Galactic's spaceflight program has fully embraced the last frontier and sent so many "civilians" to outer space already - by 2027, there will be three flights a week heading up to the great unknown. Many thanks to Intriq Journey and Petrie (Linda ❤️ ) for the invite. You really are taking luxury travel in Asia up to the ultimate level. Private islands, exotic destinations, bah humbug, look up at the stars for extra-terrestrial inspiration.   

Carl Sagan, "That's home. That's us. On it everyone you love, everyone you know, everyone you ever heard of, every human being who ever was, lived out their lives. The aggregate of our joy and suffering, thousands of confident religions, ideologies, and economic doctrines, every hunter and forager, every hero and coward, every creator and destroyer of civilization, every king and peasant, every young couple in love, every mother and father, hopeful child, inventor and explorer, every teacher of morals, every corrupt politician, every "superstar," every "supreme leader," every saint and sinner in the history of our species lived there-on a mote of dust suspended in a sunbeam."

 

Couturier Guo Pei on Dreaming Fashion, the Evolution of the Global Fashion Narrative, and Celebrating the Beauty of Simplicity and Complexity

Her work leapt off the pages of fashion magazines to the art world early on, but her exhibition at a venerated museum solidifies her legacy as an artist of note.

“Overwhelming” is the word that comes to mind at first glance of the red, alien bridal number from the Legends collection, a hedonistic chapter, and one of five, on exhibit in the cavernous halls of M+ contemporary visual arts museum. The 40 pieces on display, standing on elevated platforms, are curated designer confections from the grand portfolio of Guo Pei, each piece etching its mark in the annals of fashion history.

Guo, possibly the most famous couturier to emerge from China on the global stage, is the visionary designer renowned for her intricate craftsmanship and artistic acumen, creating otherworldly ensembles that fuse art, history, and craftsmanship in ways hitherto unimagined. She has even captured the imagination of audiences worldwide, particularly since songstress Rihanna wore her golden cape to the Met Gala in 2015.

As Guo prepares to showcase some of her most iconic works, one early morning before the crowds saunter in, we at Robb Report Hong Kong had an exclusive conversation with the couturier. Delving into her creative process, the significance of her journey, and her reflections on the evolving landscape of fashion, much was discussed.

Read the entire feature here at Robb Report Hong Kong.

Interview with Chopard's Caroline Scheufele. On video

 

In the latest edition of Leaders of Luxury, I had the rare opportunity to speak with Caroline Scheufele, who needs little introduction among the glitterati. As the artistic director and co-president of Chopard, Scheufele juggles her double role with elegant ease, creating some of the most beautiful jewellery in the world and heading a global business empire with her family. During her visit to Hong Kong to unveil the newest Chopard store with some of Asia’s brightest stars, Scheufele reveals what luxury means to her, how she got the elusive Julia Roberts to star in a campaign, and which jewellery pieces she never, ever takes off. 

A Robb Report Hong Kong exclusive - here. 

Eurasian Actor, DJ & Graffiti Artist Tom Price Would Rather Be Surfing in Hawaii, Thank You Very Much.

To kickstart the first fashion shoot for Robb Report Hong Kong, we knocked on the doors of… well, it’s the digital age, we DM’d the Instagram of multi-hyphenate Tom Price. Prolific touring DJ, Eurasian actor, and most importantly, dog-dad to Roxy, a gorgeous border collie.  

Born and brought up in Hong Kong, of English and Chinese origin, the trilingual (Mandarin, Cantonese and English) Price fits into any mould you can carve him in. We needed someone who could balance a trapeze act, swing between the East and West (a novel idea natch) with equal ease, pull off a Tom Ford suit (which he’s modelled for in the past) and a surfboard with a studied nonchalance. We are all about contradictions like that.  

Despite the fame, and following (see how young girls titter in his presence), he’s got his priorities set straight. “Family, work, dog!” As its often been said before, the Price is right.

His film and television appearances are aplenty (feel free to Imdb), and many in the region will instantly recognise the chiseled jawline of the face that’s launched several ad campaigns and worked with many brands and designers of note. For the column, it was easy to grab him for this lengthy questionnaire – man was trapped in a gilded cage, i.e. stuck in quarantine hotel till the authorities deemed him eligible for freedom. “Staring at the sea and sunset while trapped inside – send me the q’s.” .

Ok then.  

First thing you do in the morning? 

Get some sunlight in my eyes!  

What in your wardrobe do you wear most often? 

Probably my white low top Hermès sneakers I bought last year. Comfortable and great with any outfit.  

What do you most crave at the end of the day? 

A good night's sleep. 

What song is currently in your head? 

I posted an insta reel recently using Mary J Blige - All Night Long... now It's stuck in my head.  

 Tom Price with his constant companion Roxy 

How do you find calm? 
I find painting, surfing or hiking with my dog the best to unwind and just chill. Being out in nature is almost like a type of meditation I find.  

What’s the most recent thing you’ve added to your collection? 
I collect vinyl records and have recently added some '90s hip hop gems as well as some fresh underground house and electro. I've recently added some fresh underground house and UKG too. 

Where do you buy your clothes? 
Everywhere and anywhere.  

What’s the most impressive dish you cook? 
I make a killer stir fry... I think.  

Who is your dealer, and what do they source for you? 
Bandcamp. Music is my drug.   

What is your exercise routine, and how often do you do it? 
I try to find time for exercise daily. Gym, basketball, hiking and surfing are the most common. However, I'm a fan of all sports and will play anything.  

If you could learn a new skill, what would it be? 
Another language would be fantastic.  

How much do you trust your gut instinct? 
85% 

Do you have a dream car? 
Ferrari F50! Only 350 were ever made and I love the retro supercar vibe.  

Are you wearing a watch? How many do you own? 
At the moment I own around 5 or 6 watches. 

 

Tell us about your favourite watch? 
A gold and silver vintage Longines I bought from my buddy in Shanghai. Stylish without being too flashy.  

If you could stick at one age, what would it be, and why? 
Probably the age I'm at now! 36. A mix of athletic ability and life experience. A few years less and I'm too young, a few years more and I won't be able to carve it up on the basketball court like I used to! 

How would others describe your look? 
Pretty average.  

If you could be anywhere in the world right now, where would you be? 
Hawaii would be nice. Waves during the day and stars at night. What more could you ask for? 

What is your most treasured possession? 
A pair of Technics SL1210 turntables a DJ friend gave to me before he passed away.  

What are you afraid of? 
Not a huge fan of jellyfish.

  

What is your vice? 
Hong Kong style iced milk tea. Love that. 

 

Favorite restaurants in Hong Kong? 
Probably Carbone. One of the best Italian restaurants here with a good vibe. For something more local, I would say Super Duper Noodles in Sai Wan Ho. Lives up to the name! 

Wine or whiskey?  
Whiskey. Scotch. Some personal favourites include Kilchoman and Lagavulin. Special mention goes to the Talisker 18 year single malt. Good for any occasion.  

Dream date on a yacht – where you sailing? 
Hong Kong has hundreds of islands with all sorts of beaches, bays and coves that are easily accessible. It really is the perfect place for a yacht. There are a few prime spots that would be definitely be date worthy. Bring a long a few bottles of champagne, add a clear night sky with a meteor shower and you’re set. 

Last piece of advice you gave? 
Only chickens accomplish something by sitting on their asses! 

Prefer to drive or be driven? 
Drive. 

What is the car you are most attached to? 
In my early twenties, I drove a BMW E30 convertible. Many fond memories. I'm a fan of vintage cars and this one is a bit of a classic. 

Last Netflix binge? 
Probably Squid Game  

As an actor what roles appeal to you? 
I think every actor, including myself, would love roles that are well written and unique. Anything interesting really.  

Were you a stage kid? Theatre prodigy? 
I did a few school plays growing up in Hong Kong. I remember playing Sweeney Todd once which was fun. But it wasn't until my University years that I took acting seriously and decided to dedicate my life to it. 

What’s your favourite neighbourhood in your favourite city? 
Shek O Village, Hong Kong  

Shek O in Hong Kong 

 

Bowie or Dylan? 
Dylan is a bonafide genius. But I'll have to go Bowie on this one. 

See Robb Report Hong Kong's Autumn/Winter 2022 Fashion shoot here.

Style Folio: Eliza Sam, Hong Kong Actress

Eliza Sam, the Hong Kong actress with a million social media followers, talks to us about everything from style to stilettoes, on-screen and off.

The entire feature and shoot is up at PrestigeOnline.com here.

Special shout out to the dream team that did this incredible shoot: 

PHOTOGRAPHY RUBY LAW

ART DIRECTION AND STYLING TASHA LING

HAIR KOLEN BUT

MAKEUP DEEP CHOI

ASSISTANTS VENUS CHU AND PHEOBE

LOCATION THE LANDMARK MANDARIN ORIENTAL

Pop Bytes: Armani in 2021 is as gorgeous as ever: 40 years of Giorgio Armani

Lifting the veil of doom and gloom that has altered the way Giorgio Armani has presented his collection since 1981, the 40th anniversary of Emporio Armani wasn’t filled with movie stars (usually a staple on the front row of his shows), political heavyweights, jet setting socialites and supermodels but a socially distant affair with a level of studied, honed perfection that only he can provide.  

Locked down at his palatial home on Via Borgonuovo in Milan, Armani digitally presented the Emporio Armani collection to a global audience – streaming it online for audiences in New Delhi to New York, Tokyo to Paris. The entire world of fashion purveyors watched simultaneously the mix of the 1980s disco era and the modern that strutted down the catwalk. A patina of technicolour dreams, as well as his signature navy and all-black ensembles. Flashes and pops of colour with contemporary cuts, exquisite silhouettes, patterns and monochrome.  

Filmed against a backdrop of the brand’s name writ in neon, the collection had all the signature pieces one expects from the legend; luxurious fabrications, glitter, leather, whimsical cuts and classic silhouettes, the pride, the peplum, the pinstripe, he showed it all. Models wearing knits with sequin borders, jacquard, suitings for women and loungewear tailoring for men.

For long loving, enduring fans of the brand, there were new graphic shapes, amplified colours, as well as reassuring crystals and glittering gowns – those most often seen on the red carpet of every award show. Pieces you’ll see again on  Armani’s muses like Cate Blanchette, Julia Roberts and that A-list ilk; there’s a reason why he’s held the crown of “the king of the Hollywood red carpet” (Vanity Fair) since 1978, when he  first dressed Diane Keaton. Movie stars and Armani go hand in velvet-gloved hand so when you see a black and white gown with glittering embellishments, you know Kidman will swan down the stage like he made it just for her.    

No other designer of his vintage – Giorgio Armani turned 87 this past July – stands this tall, relevant and a force to be reckoned with. Trends come and go, tides rise and fall. Style is eternal and Armani is forever. 

P.Ramakrishnan

More at PrestigeOnline.com 

Hong Kong's fashion community speaks: The present and the future of an industry in question

 What’s the future of fashion? What’s unique about Hong Kong style? What’s next for your industry? What’s in and what’s out? We pose these questions to the designers, entrepreneurs, leaders, stylists and influencers who’ve made an impact on fashion here.

With Covid focusing attention on our own backyard, this era of style in the city is renegotiating in familiar territory. And from talking to the experts, common arcs emerge. 

You can read the entire feature online here at PrestigeOnline.com

TBT: Andrew Pong: Actor and Musician

 

Outtakes from a shoot with Hong Kong actor and musician Andrew Pong. 

Andrew's outfit: COS 

All images by Yana (fav model, photographer, Russian, person...)

Location: Ping Pong 129 

Below stills from Andrew's past work. 

Gym fit: Hong Kong KOL James Wong partners with health and fitness instructors to set up his own gym. During the pandemic

Out in South China Morning Post, main feature of Health Post last week. 

James Wong and co set up Two Percent Fitness in the heart of Central. 

Slick gym, very stylish and Insta' friendly - but for those seriously into fitness and reshaping their bodies to an ideal. 

Have found my feature on various sites and platforms. 

Hm..

Ok then.

Follow the official account at https://www.instagram.com/twopercentfitness/

 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by James Wong (@jameswnc)

Is Shahid Kapoor about to have a hallmark year as he turns 40 today? Family, films, Bollywood and box-office: Superstar on the horizon

 

Is Shahid Kapoor about to have a hallmark year as he turns 40 today? Family, films, Bollywood and box-office: Superstar on the horizon

Read up on Shahid at SCMP.com 

Health Post: Two Percent Fitness, gym that specialises in personal training, opens in Hong Kong

Two Percent Fitness, a gym that specialises in personal training, opens in Hong Kong after much delay caused by the pandemic lockdown. The co-founders, including celebrity James Wong, breathe a sigh of relief as the first members come in for a quick workout. 

Read the entire feature at SCMP.com here. 

Plus its out in print tomorrow morning! 
 

 

Hong Kong swimmer and star Alex Fong with his brother William Fong: Behind the scenes of a beach shoot: Wardobe by Michael Kors

The Wong bros! Hong Kong swimmer and star Alex Fong with his brother William Fong

The brothers were so brilliant - while one was being photographed, I interviewed the other. The bond, the humour, the sense of duty and filial responsibility was touching. 

Read the entire feature at PrestigeOnline. 

Reality TV Star Abhinav Shukla at Four Seasons Mumbai: Outtake from a shoot

 

Sooooo my buddy, Indian actor Abhinav Shukla, has been trending furiously on social media - particularly Twitter - and I am new to the scene of the train-wreck of a reality show Big Boss 14, where he was just evicted. 

Many, particularly in UK, are probably aware of the format of this reality TV show, as its a part of a franchise that's been picked up around the globe. 

I need to start off by saying I haven't seen the show as am not based in India but am stunned by the clips. The screaming, crying, fighting, forced drama... I don't get it. But am glad he's out of there and peacefully back home. 

I hope the paycheck was worth it... (BTW I just googled, dayumnnn that's some serious numbers thrown at contestants - dimes compared to what the host Salman Khan is making annually). 

A decade ago, had flown down to Mumbai to do a shoot and feature on Mumbai city for a magazine - in the glory days when there was budgets to fly around Asia for shoots and features. 

Through random friend association we found new model, a young Punjabi fella, who was also working on a sitcom on TV. He strutted in to the shoot - late - but was profusely apologetic about it as his TV shoot had gone overtime. I've learned since then to never schedule any shoots in India early in the morning - unless its Akshay Kumar. 

My friend and photographer and favourite person Ayesha Broacha (wife of Cyrus Broacha, TV personality and comedian) did the shoot at the Four Seasons, Mumbai. A glorious venue. Wardrobe was a mix of East and West - eg the above look by Indian designer Narendra Kumar but the shoes were Zegna. 

It's so odd to have famous for being famous friends... At least, Abhi's a good guy. Bless his socks. 

Last when we spoke, he had 10 to 12k followers - a mostly private account that archived his adventures, nature trips, hikes, mountaineering adventures and such. One of his earlier posts this week got nearly 2 million views and counting... 

Wonder how he'll be able to monetise this newfound pan-Indian popularity... .

Watch this space.

Follow the actor/model/reality TV star on Instagram here:

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A post shared by Abhinav Shukla (@ashukla09)

Thirst Post: On set with actor and model (and personal trainer) James Wong: Hong Kong Celeb

On set with James Wong for First Person feature/column. 

The interview and shoot is on the magazine's official site.  

Bollywood Actress Tabu: A Suitable Woman

 One of the most gifted Indian actresses, her disinterest in fame, but her innat thespian skills are at constant battle within her. Such a joy to write about the reluctant star Tabu. See the entire feature online at SCMP/Style here. 

Calvin Klein and Asian Celebrity Models

Taiwanese model turned actor Greg Hsu joins a long, long list of celebrity “ambassadors” for Calvin Klein this summer. The American designer brand has a rich history of famous spokes-models – from Marky Mark in the 1990s to 50 Shades’ Jamie Dornan and let's not forget the likes of Justin Bieber, Nick Jonas, to the Kardashian-Jenners, young stars of all stripes have donned the famed underwear, jeans and ready-to-wear collections in ad campaigns strewn around the globe.  

The brand has been tapping the shoulders of celebrities who’ve captured the zeitgeist with alarming alacrity, the symbiotic relationship between fashion and celebrity stitched seamlessly since the brand’s inception; back in 1983, Olympic pole vaulter Tom Hintnaus was the first male model in the iconic advertising campaign. Did the brand make him famous or vice versa? Who’s to know, but for the past 37 years, fortuitous fame and fashion have been interlinked.  

Tom Hintnaus

As the American behemoth expanded into Asia, the powers that be at the designer house have cleverly picked up notable names from the East with equal ease to showcase their wardrobe and accessories; including Chinese supermodel Liu Wen, Japanese footballer Hidetoshi Nakata, Korean stars Sung Jin Park, Ji Hye Park and of course K-pop star Lay Zhang of EXO’.

Perhaps most notably, the brand has a diverse, well-researched portfolio of pan-Asian influencers and celebrities, including Anjali Lama (transgender Indian model), Bonnie Chen (Chinese model), Shiori Ito (Japanese filmmaker), and Victoria Loke (Singaporean actress). 

Greg Hsu for Calvin Klein - SCMP 

Relatively new to the fame game, young Greg Hsu is the latest spokesperson for the greater China region for the Spring Summer 2020 Jeans collection. Unless you’re a tween tik-tokian, perhaps you’re unfamiliar with the work of this actor who looks, like many in that celebrity ilk, a good decade younger than his 29-year-old self. Here’s a quick recap on young Hsu; 

The millennial was born on 31 October 1990, as Hsu Kuang-han in Taipei, Taiwan. Though he came to fame with dramas Love of Sandstorm (2016) and Someday or One Day (2019) that topped television ratings, the then-cherubic Hsu first appeared in Jay Chou's "Class 3-2" music video at the tender age of just 13. In 2011, he participated as a contestant in the reality TV show "Finding Mr. Right" on Channel V (V NEWS) by Kuo Shu-yao.   

His rabid fan club has been leaping in numbers consistently, while his Instagram account carries a respectable 734,000 following, on Weibo, where the star is far more active, over 4 million fanatics stalk his every television, movie, music and media movement.  

Testing his acting chops, he had a challenging role in the 2017 television show Have You Ever Fallen in Love, Miss Jiang? (now available globally on Netflix), where he picked up a Best Supporting Actor nomination in the 52nd Golden Bell Awards, a gala awards-night held annually in Taiwan. He lost out but earlier this year, he was the audience favourite at the Faro Island Film Festival, where he picked up a trophy.   

Good thing he changed tracks so successfully, as back in 2012, he originally ventured out to be a pop star, trying his luck in the highly competitive music market. There are conflicting fan reports on why it didn’t work out – something to do with contract disputes with music companies, branding issues and what not, but all that’s buried way in the past as his acting career could not be hotter. Hsu has been known to carry a tune and sing on the behest of fans on stage at various venues, so many predict there’s music in his future, albeit in a different avatar.  

Currently, Greg Hsu is in China, waiting for film production to start up again, after the pandemic that has put global film production on pause. His next big outing is the romantic Chinese film On Your Wedding Day with actress Zhang Ruonan, the official remake of the 2018 Korean blockbuster of the same name.  In the film, the leading man receives a wedding invitation from his first love whom he met in high school and memories of young love and old flames mingle, as the film spans the 15-year relationship of the protagonists. The buzz on the romantic comedy has been high on Weibo as audience awaits its release... post pandemic!  

Currently you can watch Greg Hsu on Calvin Klein billboards across the region - and on Netflix’s Nowhere Man.   


Words: P. Ramakrishnan 

Healthy and Fitness: Ageing Well: David Chokachi at 52 is in the best shape of his life

Ageing well: at 52 Baywatch star David Chokachi is in the best shape of his life. He shares tips on keeping fit and talks about redefining the ‘dad bod’

How to get abs? Intermittent fasting is the secret for TV series’ lifeguard, keen to maintain his six-pack 25 years after baring his chest for a global audience

Chokachi shares tips on how to age well, and says he hopes to redefine how a ‘dad bod’ should look – trimmer and healthier

Read the entire feature at SCMP.com here.

Feature is out in all the papers this morning.

Christian Louboutin and Sabyasachi Mukherjee in Hong Kong

A Sunday throwback; a memorable evening at Duddells.

Jing Zhang, former Fashion Editor of South China Morning Post, moderated the talk with two icons in the industry, 'the' Christian Louboutin and 'the', often mononymously known, "Sabya"  aka  designer Sabyasachi Mukherjee.

Louboutin is unquestionably one of the best interview subjects you can find, as articulate words pour out and his unflinching look at the industry and the ways of the world make for great, uncensored, non-pc copy. When his handlers leave him alone, he's great fun to chat with. At various points over the past 15 years, I've covered the man, his accessories in print - from early days of (the now defunct) Kee magazine, to Sentinel, to SCMP, Prestige and... so many others.

On a personal note, his fandom of Sridevi mirrors mine (his opinion of Aishwarya Rai however does not!). We've spoken at length about Bollywood. Good times.  Still my favourite person to interview.

With Sabya, just a fan. His work is second to none in India. But so shy and he wasn't doing press during his time here in HK. Well, not with my magazine back then.

My afternoon with Kirsten Dunst, in Beijing!

Spending the afternoon with Spiderman's leading lady Kirsten Dunst was great fun - you can read the entire feature here at the magazine's official site - but what stands out was one of her not-so-pleasant assistants (or it was the film's assistant) and another lady who was just lovely to work with. Felt like the actress was flanked by good cop, bad cop to protect her from the world at large, in awe of Hollywood fame.

Got to stay at the impeccable Rosewood Hotel Beijing, my suite facing the city and its famed skyscrapers.

Dunst had flown down for a Chaumet event. 

Tong twins: Bruce Tong and Chris Tong

Second gen actors and twins Bruce Tong and Chris Tong on cam and on set!