Showing posts with label HK. Show all posts
Showing posts with label HK. Show all posts

Tuesday, 18 August 2026

Carl Ng: Hong Kong's own

Saw Carl Ng while rushing through Central, Hong Kong and he's always got a word for me. Usually funny and mostly unprintable. 

Born in pre-handover Hong Kong, 50-year-old actor Carl Ng spent his formative years navigating two distinct worlds. Sent to Surrey’s progressive Frensham Heights boarding school at age 12, he later earned a degree in global corporate strategy at the University of Westminster. Yet, while mastering business models in London, Ng was quietly honing a different ambition in evening classes at the Tony Grecos Acting Studio.

Inheriting his sharp, Anglo-Chinese features from his late father- the iconic Hong Kong screen star Richard Ng- and his mother Susan, a British stylist who famously coiffed Bruce Lee, Carl returned to Asia on his own terms. Before the camera caught him, he was living in Thailand as a certified scuba instructor. When he finally landed back in Hong Kong in the early 2000s, his 6-foot frame and carved jawline made him an instant modeling sensation, fronting major campaigns for Sony and Motorola. There was a massive three-storey poster of him with a beer in Times Square that imposed heavily on passersby. 

The media, naturally, was obsessed. An infamous local tabloid print run featuring secretly snapped photos of Ng sunbathing nude at a beach cemented his early bad-boy mystique. But Ng steered his momentum straight into acting, bypassing easy nepotism by auditioning independently. His brooding intensity quickly translated to edgy celluloid projects: Yonfan’s cult erotic art drama Colour Blossoms (2004), the acclaimed crime prequel Infernal Affairs II (2003), and Olivier Assayas’ international thriller Boarding Gate (2006), along with a long-running TV star turn as DSP Glenn in Singapore's Point of Entry.

Steering clear of standard high-society socialite loops, Ng’s identity remains rooted in cinema and creative craft. Following his father’s passing in 2023, Ng keeps a relative low-profile stance. Blending European cool with East Asian grit, he selectively works on regional film sets while spending time outdoors, staying focused on fitness, and living on his own terms. 

The picture is deceptive; he's the chill one. 

在香港中環匆忙趕路時偶遇吳嘉龍(Carl Ng),他總會跟我寒暄幾句——通常既風趣,又大半「不宜公開」。

現年50歲的演員吳嘉龍出生於主權移交前的香港,成長歲月一直穿梭於兩個截然不同的世界。他12歲被送往英國薩里郡(Surrey)提倡自由進步的 Frensham Heights 寄宿學校,其後在西敏寺大學(University of Westminster)取得全球企業戰略學士學位。然而,當他在倫敦研習商業模式時,私下卻在 Tony Grecos 表演工作室的夜間課程默默磨練著另一種抱負。

吳嘉龍繼承了已故父親——香港一代影壇巨星吳耀漢,以及母親 Susan(曾為李小龍設計髮型的英國造型師)的中英混血精緻輪廓。他憑藉自己的方式重返亞洲:在鏡頭捕捉到他之前,他正身處泰國,是一位考取執照的潛水教練。2000年代初,當他終於回到香港,6呎高的魁梧身材與深邃的下顎線條讓他迅速成為模特兒界的新寵,一舉拿下 Sony 和 Motorola 等大品牌的巨型廣告。當時銅鑼灣時代廣場外更掛著一張整整三層樓高、他拿着啤酒的巨型海報,氣勢壓人。

傳媒理所當然地對他極度著迷。當年某雜誌獨家刊登了他在沙灘裸體日曬的偷拍照,這篇轟動一時的報導更奠定了他早期的「壞男孩」神秘魅力。但吳嘉龙並沒有沉溺於此,而是直接將這股勢頭轉向演練,拒絕依靠父蔭,堅持獨立參加試鏡。他那深邃而帶有壓迫感的眼神,很快便轉化為大銀幕上的鋒芒作品:包括楊凡的教父級情色藝術電影《桃色》(2004)、備受好評的警匪經典前傳《無間道II》(2003)、奧利維耶·阿薩亞斯(Olivier Assayas)的跨國驚悚片《登機門》(Boarding Gate,2006),以及在新加坡長壽電視劇《Point of Entry》中飾演 DSP Glenn 的代表作。

吳嘉龍一直刻意避開傳統的上流社會社交圈,其身份認同始終深植於電影與創意創作。自父親於2023年離世後,他一直保持相對低調。他融匯了歐洲的冷峻酷感與東亞的堅毅韌性,除了挑選合適的區域電影項目外,其餘時間皆投入戶外活動、專注健身,自始至終按自己的方式生活。

照片也許帶有欺騙性;其實他才是那個最隨和、最 Cool 的人。

點擊此處回顧早前為《Style》雜誌與 Carl Ng 拍攝的專訪與大片。

在香港中环匆忙赶路时偶遇吴嘉龙(Carl Ng),他总会跟我打个招呼——通常既幽默,又大半“不宜公开”。

现年50岁的演员吴嘉龙出生于香港回归前的时代,成长岁月一直穿梭于两个截然不同的世界。他12岁被送到英国萨里郡(Surrey)提倡自由进步的 Frensham Heights 寄宿学校,随后在威斯敏斯特大学(University of Westminster)获得了全球企业战略学士学位。然而,当他在伦敦研习商业模式时,私下却在 Tony Grecos 表演工作室的晚班课程中悄悄磨炼着另一种野心。

吴嘉龙继承了已故父亲——香港一代影坛巨星吴耀汉,以及母亲 Susan(曾为李小龙设计发型的英国造型师)的中英混血精致轮廓。他凭自己的方式重返亚洲:在镜头捕捉到他之前,他正生活在泰国,是一名持有执照的潜水教练。2000年代初,当他终于回到香港,6英尺的高挑身材和棱角分明的下颌线让他瞬间成为模特界的宠儿,一举拿下索尼(Sony)和摩托罗拉(Motorola)等大牌的广告代言。当时铜锣湾时代广场外甚至悬挂着一张整整三层楼高、他拿着啤酒的巨型海报,给路人带来极强的视觉冲击。

媒体理所当然地对他极度着迷。当年某八卦纸媒独家刊登了他被偷拍的沙滩裸体日光浴照片,这篇轰动一时的报道彻底奠定了他早期的“坏男孩”神秘魅力。但吴嘉龙并没有顺水推舟,而是将这股势头直接转化为演艺动力,拒绝走裙带关系的捷径,坚持独立参加试镜。他那深邃而富有张力的眼神,很快便转化成大银幕上的锋芒作品:包括杨凡的教父级情色艺术电影《桃色》(2004)、备受赞誉的犯罪电影前传《无间道II》(2003)、奥利维耶·阿萨亚斯(Olivier Assayas)的跨国惊悚片《登机门》(Boarding Gate,2006),以及在新加坡长寿剧集《Point of Entry》中饰演 DSP Glenn 的代表作。

吴嘉龙始终远离传统的名流社交圈,他的自我认同依然深植于电影与创意创作。自父亲于2023年离世后,他一直保持着相对低调的姿态。他融合了欧洲的冷酷随性与东亚的坚毅韧性,只挑选合适的区域电影项目,同时把时间投向户外、专注健身,始终按自己的方式生活。

照片是有欺骗性的;其实他才是那个最随性、最酷的人。

点击此处回顾早前为《Style》杂志与 Carl Ng 拍摄的专访与大片。


Monday, 3 August 2026

Supreme collab: Outtake from a photoshoot

Outtake from a shoot with HK model Jonathan W. 

Agency: Model One. 

Wednesday, 29 July 2026

Bao Bao Wan: Designer, Socialite, and Globe-Trotting Fashionista


Over the years covering Society in Hong Kong, have run into the petite and precious Bao Bao Wan several times and been amazed at her personal style, sartorial selects and the dazzling - and more importantly - unique jewellery. Mustered up some courage to go up and chat with her and she informed  me that most of her accessories were her own creation. Even in this above pic of what looks like the silhouette of a classic 'jhumka'. But its not. More of a flat inlay than the traditional, Indian bulbous silhouette, the designer created a gemstone studded accessory to accentuate her perfect profile. 

In fact, a profile of Bao Bao is the need of the hour. For the new viewers, Bao Bao Wan (Wan Baobao or Wan Yingnü), born in Beijing around 1981, is a prominent Chinese jewelry designer, socialite, and international style icon. As the granddaughter of Wan Li - former Vice Premier and Chairman of the National People’s Congress - she grew up in the privileged yet sheltered confines of Zhongnanhai, the elite government compound in Beijing. This “red princess” background provided cultural depth but also fueled her desire for independence.

At 16, she left China for the United States, studying at The Masters School in New York and later pursuing photography and French literature at Sarah Lawrence College. She apprenticed with photographer Joel Sternfeld and spent time in Paris deepening her French studies and artistic sensibilities. These experiences profoundly shaped her creative voice, blending Western artistry with Chinese heritage. In 2006–2007, she earned her GIA Graduate Gemologist diploma in Hong Kong and founded Bao Bao Wan Fine Jewelry.

Her designs are whimsical, narrative-driven, and deeply personal. Collections draw from childhood memories - pagodas where she played, bicycles on Tiananmen Square, pandas, ink brushes, and butterflies - fusing traditional Chinese motifs (treasure vases, architecture, nature) with contemporary flair. Fine jewelry lines feature high-end diamonds, pearls, and gemstones, while the accessible “And The Little Ones” series offers playful diamond pavé pendants (cameras, owls, sweets) ideal for everyday wear. Pieces like those in the “China” and “Bon Bon” collections freeze moments of emotion, nostalgia, and motion, reflecting her reaction to China’s rapid change. Her work is stocked at Lane Crawford, Harrods, and matchesfashion.com.

As a globe-trotting fashionista, Bao Bao Wan is a fixture on the international scene. She was the first Chinese debutante at Le Bal des Débutantes in Paris (2003), attends Met Gala, Paris Fashion Week (often front-row), and jet-sets between Beijing, Hong Kong (her business base), New York, Paris, and beyond. Her eclectic personal style shifts effortlessly - from red-carpet glamour to casual sporty looks—embodying a modern, liberated Chinese woman.

With over a million Weibo followers, collaborations (YOOX, St. Regis as its first Chinese Connoisseur, Swarovski), and celebrity fans, Bao Bao Wan represents the gilded fusion of legacy, creativity, and global sophistication. Her bespoke jewelry doesn’t just adorn - it tells stories of identity, beauty, and cultural pride. Standing out is easy when you're born with pulchritude and a visage meant to be photographed, but its the curated glimmer of her rare and precious accessories that makes her stand out even in the dark. 

多年來在香港報導社交界新聞,曾數次偶遇嬌小玲瓏的萬寶寶(Bao Bao Wan)。每一次,我都對她獨到的個人品味、著裝選擇,以及那些閃爍耀眼且絕不雷同的獨特珠寶驚嘆不已。我鼓起勇氣上前與她交談,她告訴我,身上佩戴的大部分飾品都是她自己的創作。即使在上方這張照片中,那看似經典印度「Jhumka」耳環的剪影,其實也另有乾坤——比起傳統印度圓潤飽滿的輪廓,它更偏向扁平的鑲嵌設計。這位設計師以鑲嵌寶石的飾品,完美襯托出她無可挑剔的側面線條。

事實上,現在正需要好好介紹一下萬寶寶。對於新讀者來說,萬寶寶(又名萬瀛女)約於1981年生於北京,是著名的中國珠寶設計師、名媛及國際時尚指標。作為前國務院副總理及全國人大常委會委員長萬里的孫女,她在北京中南海這一頂級政府大院的優渥環境中長大。這種「紅三代」背景賦予她深厚的文化底蘊,同時也激發了她對獨立的渴望。16歲時,她離開中國赴美求學,先後就讀於紐約女子中學 The Masters School,以及在 Sarah Lawrence College 修讀攝影與法國文學。她曾跟隨攝影師 Joel Sternfeld 實習,並曾在巴黎深造法文與藝術薰陶。這些經歷深刻塑造了她的創作風格,將西方藝術感與中國傳統底蘊融為一路。2006至2007年間,她在香港考取 GIA 寶石學家文憑,並創立了同名高級珠寶品牌 Bao Bao Wan Fine Jewelry。

她的設計充滿童趣、故事性,且帶有濃厚的個人色彩。系列作品靈感多源自童年記憶——小時候玩耍的亭台樓閣、天安門廣場上的單車、熊貓、毛筆及蝴蝶——將傳統中國意象(寶瓶、建築、自然)與現代美學完美結合。高級珠寶系列採用頂級鑽石、珍珠及彩色寶石,而親民的「And The Little Ones」系列則推出相機、貓頭鷹、糖果等趣味十足的鋪鑲鑽石吊墜,非常適合日常佩戴。如「China」和「Bon Bon」等系列作品,定格了情感、懷舊與動態的瞬間,反映了她對中國急速變遷的感悟。她的作品曾在連卡佛(Lane Crawford)、Harrods 及 matchesfashion.com 等知名平台發售。

作為穿梭全球的時尚達人,萬寶寶是國際社交舞台上的常客。她是首位獲邀參加巴黎克利翁名媛舞會(Le Bal des Débutantes,2003年)的中國名媛,經常出席 Met Gala、巴黎時裝周(常坐前排),並頻繁往來於北京、香港(其業務基地)、紐約、巴黎等地。她多元化的個人風格切換自如——從紅地氈的華麗造型到休閒運動風,展現出現代解放女性的獨特魅力。

萬寶寶在微博擁有超百萬粉絲,曾與 YOOX、瑞吉酒店(作為其首位中國品味大使)及施華洛世奇(Swarovski)等品牌合作,並深受名人追捧。她代表著家族傳承、創意與國際化品味的完美融合。她的訂製珠寶不僅是飾物,更是關於身份、美感與文化自豪感的故事。天生麗質、擁有極具鏡頭感的面孔,要脫穎而出固然不難;但正是那些經過精心構思、罕有珍貴的飾品光芒,才讓她在夜色中依然熠熠生輝。

Monday, 6 July 2026

The Pleasure of my Company: Angie Uttamchandani, founder of A La Fête


A La Fête: A Female-Led Success Story in Hong Kong’s Gifting and Events Scene

A La Fête, founded by Angie Uttamchandani in August 2017, is a vibrant, women-led business based in Hong Kong that has been delighting clients for nearly nine years. Specialising in customised products, personalised gifts, party favours, and bespoke hampers, the company transforms celebrations into memorable experiences with thoughtful, tailored touches with bespoke offerings that are rarely duplicated.  

Young Angie Uttamchandani, the owner and director, brings passion and creativity to every project. Born and brought up in Hong Kong, but having travelled the world, she's the embodiment of the can-do spirit of go-local, think global, catering to ideations beyond borders, providing insightful gifting ideas to her international clientele, all interested in curating experiences of the gifting ritual. More than the intrinsic value of the gift, its all about personalisation - a mantra many of the F+ortune 500 luxury companies have embraced, let alone this little engine that could.

Personalised, initial carved watch cases with a hidden message, USB sticks with family surname, gift hampers filled to the brim with thematic ribbon-wrapped boxes, all with personalised letters. The idea is simple, a love note is so much more valuable that an item's market value - a keenly observed modus operandi that makes this event gifting company, a solution centre and think tank for friends, family and loved ones. 

With a background that blends entrepreneurial drive and attention to detail, she has built A La Fête into a go-to name for unique gifting solutions in Hong Kong’s competitive market. The name “A La Fête” (French for “to the party” or “in celebration”) perfectly captures the brand’s festive spirit. 

Highlights of the Business

The company excels in personalised gifting across life’s milestones. From elegant 50th birthday setups with custom backdrops and favours, to baby girl/boy hampers, corporate client gifts, and festive occasion boxes, A La Fête offers made-to-order creations that stand out. 

Skimming through its official social media handles, popular items include custom ribbon candles, themed party favours, Mahjong-inspired chocolates, personalised pill boxes, and beautifully curated gift baskets for occasions like Chinese New Year, anniversaries, birthdays or corporate events, private launches, business landmark celebrations. Be it a family event or a shareholder gathering, creating an appropriate and memorable parting shot is the key idea.

What sets A La Fête apart is its focus on quality and customisation. Clients receive one-of-a-kind pieces that reflect personal stories or brand identities, whether for intimate surprise parties, corporate gifting, or large-scale celebrations. The business has grown a loyal following through Instagram (@alafetehk), showcasing creative ideas that blend functionality with elegance -from tea party accessories to thoughtful wellness gifts. 

As a female-founded enterprise in Hong Kong, with all women team, A La Fête exemplifies resilience and innovation in a dynamic city that never sleeps. Nearly a decade in, it has helped countless individuals and businesses celebrate life’s special moments with style and sincerity. 

A La Fete's personalised accessories provides a range of ideas that's second to none


With the world as her global source, the founder of the company is keen to provide solutions, budgets, options. From a USB with a private company's symbol to an embroidered jewellery box studded with precious and semi-precious stones, the figures run the gamut suiting anyone's budget. What's important is how the giver and receiver are left feeling, what the enduring memory is - as opposed to the fiscal responsibility entailed at any given party. 

Angie’s vision continues to inspire, proving that thoughtful details create lasting joy. With its emphasis on personalisation and quality, A La Fête remains a shining example of women-led entrepreneurship in Asia’s world city. 

For more information, follow the official social media account of A La Fete here, and here.



Sunday, 14 June 2026

First Person: Thomas Ng (伍禮騫)


At 34, Thomas Ng has carved a distinctive space in Hong Kong’s entertainment and wellness spheres as an actor, former Mr Hong Kong finalist, and dedicated athlete. A psychology graduate who spent his formative years in the UK, Ng returned to Hong Kong with a sharpened discipline forged through competitive rugby, athletics, and a passion for fitness that evolved into professional certification as a personal trainer.

After placing as a Top 10 finalist in the 2016 Mr Hong Kong pageant, he joined TVB and steadily built a reputation as a reliable and physically commanding supporting actor. Memorable roles include the dual university student characters in the long-running Come Home Love: Lo and Behold, alongside appearances in action-oriented series such as Flying Tiger and The Invisibles. His athletic edge earned him the affectionate nickname “體能怪物” (Fitness Monster) at TVB’s Star Sports Day, where he dominated in badminton - a sport in which he remains a registered player with the Hong Kong Badminton Association.

Beyond the screen, Ng maintains a disciplined lifestyle that blends performance with purpose. Whether delivering intensity on set or sharing training insights on Instagram (@thomas_nglaihin ), he embodies a modern Hong Kong archetype: grounded, versatile, and relentlessly driven. As his career matures, Thomas Ng continues to redefine what it means to be a complete performer - one whose presence commands attention both on and off camera.

Original photography: Natalie Dunn







Monday, 24 November 2025

TBT: Hong Kong actor/singer Andrew Pong


Working with Hong Kong photographer Mr Kwan, we shot Andrew Pong (Chinese actor and singer) in Calvin Klein. 

Outtakes from that shoot. 

Sunday, 19 January 2025

Top Fashion Photographers in Hong Kong: The best of the Best

These are the best fashion photographers who are in Hong Kong today - as far as I know! 

Olivier and Dino. 

Oh this is going to be tricky, but here are the creatives in alphabetical order, not in order of preference, talent or popularity!  

We all have our favourites for whatever reason, preference of style. There is no good or bad, just different... From the minimalist to the maximalist, for the fresh perspective or the classics of the genre, these men and women will deliver. 

My usual crew are sadly no longer in Hong Kong, but had they been here, would top the list; Ayesha Broacha, Douglas Pieterse, Anushka Menon, Sabrina Sikora, Laurent Segretier, Dino Busch, Olivier Yoan, Ike, Jeff Hahn, James Gabbard, Jonas Lille, Yana Vilkina... etc etc. There was a time I only did cover shoots with Olaf Mueller. Its funny how time changes everything... 

The top photographers in the world currently are all women, many of the guys seem to have been cancelled (you know why!)... A few years ago, I heard an infuriating comment from a fella in position of power to saw 'we only give campaigns and covers to the guys.' Now I go out of my way to make sure I work with female photographers cause wow, the walls they have to climb and the mountains in the way... 



Alexander Yeung

Doney Zou
Edwin Datoc
Issac Lam
Karl Lam
Natalie Dunn






 








Ricky Lo
Ruby Law
Samantha Sin; the best food and product photographer in Hong Kong.