Extraordinary Gems Await at Asia’s Leading Mid-Year Jewellery Fair

Masterful artistry meets exceptional rarity at Jewellery & Gem ASIA Hong Kong as 1,200 exhibitors dazzle at region’s premier luxury showcase.

Mark your calendars—the highly anticipated Jewellery & Gem ASIA Hong Kong (JGA) is returning from 19 to 22 June at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC), bringing together approximately 1,200 exhibitors who will showcase their latest collections and innovations.

JGA will unite leading suppliers from close to 30 countries and regions across an impressive array of 30-plus themed and group pavilions, according to show organiser, Informa Markets Jewellery. The fair encompasses virtually all core product categories, including loose diamonds, coloured gemstones, and pearls; fine jewellery; jewellery mountings; antique and vintage finds; as well as packaging, equipment, tools, and industry-related technologies. 

Read the entire feature here at Robb Report Hong Kong.

Be Dazzled at the Longines Hong Kong International Horse Show, an Equestrian Extravaganza Like No Other

A world-class equestrian event in the city will provide visitors with an opportunity to indulge in a range of exceptional experiences for three incredible days of international jumping.

As Valentine’s Day approaches, equestrian aficionados and families alike are poised for an exhilarating experience at the inaugural Longines Hong Kong International Horse Show (LHKIHS). Happening at the AsiaWorld-Expo, this three-day event, taking place from 14 to 16 February 2025, promises to be a spectacle of world-class equestrian talent, action-packed activities, culinary delights, and family-friendly entertainment.

Recognised as an “M” Mark event by the Major Sports Events Committee, the LHKIHS marks a significant addition to Hong Kong’s growing sporting calendar. With attendance expected to exceed 25,000 guests, it heralds a new era for equestrianism in the region, combining thrilling competitions with a cultural celebration that appeals to all ages.

“We are delighted to be creating this new show for Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area,” says Richard Ireland, CEO of Clarion Events. “Building on the success of the London International Horse Show, I am convinced that we can create a long standing and highly successful event for the region, bringing the best experience to the audiences.”

Read the entire feature here at Robb Report Hong Kong

TBT: The Italian Chamber of Commerce Gala Dinner 2024 Celebrations Were a Night of Flair and Festivities

Awards, honours, charity, cuisine, fashion, luxury, and a yacht—ah, veni, vidi, vici.

On 15 November 2024, the Italian Chamber of Commerce hosted its much-anticipated gala dinner at Regent Hong Kong. This prestigious event, now a hallmark of Hong Kong’s local and Italian community’s social calendar, welcomed nearly 400 distinguished guests, blending an atmosphere of elegance with a commitment to philanthropy and cultural celebration.

Read the entire feature here at Robb Report Hong Kong

TBT 2023: Chow Yun-fat at Chopard: Hong Kong icon and legend on the red carpet!

TBT: Chow Yun-fat at Chopard. 

We--the team and I, not the royal 'we'--were heading to interview Chopard's Caroline Scheufele, Chopard's President and artistic designer, when we heard on the day that the VIP guest was Hong Kong icon and cine-legend himself. Word spread quickly and the crowds gathered, went berserk when he walked in with his wife. 

Last of the super duper stars. 

Caroline and Karl-Friedrich Scheufele opened the new Chopard store in Central Hong Kong, with an above-the-title theme, Chopard Loves Cinema. Fitting considering the brand's long association with Cannes Film Festival, the Palm D'or and their latest line, The Red Carpet Collection - which you can read about in my column 🤓in Best of the Best 2024, by Robb Report Hong Kong. 

The world's most popular actress-Julia Roberts-is the face of the brand currently, but the Oscar-winner didn't fly down to Asia for the opening, though her presence was visible as there are posters of the American actress wallpapered around the store front. How to make a wave in a city that never sleeps and sees stars fly in and out with regularity? You find a hidden dragon; 'the' Chow Yun-fat arrived looking a decade younger than he is. All smiles and charm and at peace with his severely awesome self, even when the crowds were chanting, then screaming his name. That true-blue-movie-star charisma and legendary status will never fade. Icons only. 😎

Robb Report Hong Kong Joins Hands with Hong Kong Tourism Board to Bring Inaugural Leaders of Luxury Summit to the City

 

Top business leaders and heads of luxury companies will convene in Hong Kong to discuss the direction of the global luxury industry.

  

Robb Report Hong Kong is excited to announce the debut of the Leaders of Luxury Summit, taking place in Hong Kong as the host city. With the welcomed support of the Hong Kong Tourism Board, the inaugural Leaders of Luxury Summit highlights the city’s position as a hub of luxury lifestyle and an important destination for international luxury brands.

Organised by Robb Report Hong Kong, the highly anticipated Leaders of Luxury Summit will be held at Regent Hong Kong from 26 to 28 November 2024. It is set to be the most exciting international luxury event to take place in the city this year. A host of world-class speakers and panellists are expected to attend the event for thoughtful discussions centred around this year’s summit theme, “Redefining Luxury Through a Global Lens.”

Read the entire feature here at Robb Report Hong Kong.

Iconic Star Ferry gets a Dior Makeover

 

Dior celebrated its new flagship store opening on Canton Road with the Star Ferry.

Earlier this summer, many a click-baity headline bemoaning the potential loss of the Star Ferry, an iconic floating symbol of Hong Kong, hit the press. “Hong Kong’s Star Ferry on the brink of closure?” asked South China Morning Post. “Hong Kong’s Star Ferry deserves tycoon lifeline” said Reuters. Across the pond, well, across the planet, even The New York Times picked up the thread,

Read the entire feature here at Robb Report Hong Kong. 

What to expect from Art Basel Hong Kong 2024: Over 240 Galleries From 40 Countries and Regions

 

The annual showcase is the most anticipated art event in the city.

With spring, we segue into the season of art, and details about Art Basel Hong Kong 2024 (ABHK24) are trickling in. Held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre from 28 to 30 March 2024, with the Vernissage and media previews held on 26 and 27 March, we’re brushing over innumerable high-plaudit announcements of what’s soon to be on show.

One thing is clear: the 2024 iteration is returning with a bang. With 243 galleries from 40 countries and territories—that’s 66 more than last year—and five show sectors, ABHK24 is framing up to be the largest art event of the year, bar none. Here’s what to expect...

Oh read up the entire feature here only at Robb Report Hong Kong.

Friends with Benefits: First Event: Opening Night of Suicide Squad at Director's Club in Hong Kong

One of the first events I did with the magazine; booked out Director's Club for the opening of Suicide Squad... 

The then editor Christina Ko brainstormed the idea that Prestige should do mini, VIP events exclusive to the magazine and "Friends with Benefits" was born. Cheeky and chic-y. 

Pretty much hated the film but loved this awesome squad that attended;  Angie Ng, Jonathan Cheung - JC! -  Antonia Li, Ruth Chao, Ana R, Natalie Chan, Anthony Sandstrom, Jocelyn Luko Sandstrom, Amanda Lui, Alexander Lui, 

Summer of 2016

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.

We are Society... editors! Hashtag Legend, Prestige and Hong Kong Tatler

We. R. Society... Editors. Well,  purveyors of society.

Jimmy Wong (Hashtag Legend magazine), self (Prestige) and Kimberly Hu (Hong Kong Tatler) found ourselves plonked next to each other at a dinner at The Peninsula, for Johnnie Walker Blue Label. We exchanged many a note on the ones we keep notes on. And yes, we all have our favourites and the ones we wish bad service on. To put it mildly.

Meanwhile, how I covered the event:

Feel the Blues

Hours after the new American President-elect was announced, many of Hong Kong’s finest were seen and heard at Johnnie Walker Blue Label’s private dinner at The Peninsula Hong Kong’s Garden Suite. For some, it was a night of celebration, for others a night of commiseration. Fortunately there were cocktails for either emotion and we found Caroline Roberts, Sean Eav and Gigi Chao, Amanda Lui and many others having animated conversations. Inspired by the whisky’s chocolate hues, an innovative menu was created by The Peninsula to be paired with the Scotch. Delectable food met scintillating conversation as plates of duck liver with caramel chocolate and deep fried sardine fillet with white chocolate and seaweed sabayon were served to Raymond Chan, Kevin Chow, Vinci Wong, Brandon Wong and others. While the roasted pheasant breast with dark cacao five-spice sauce got the vote from some, the hearty glazed short rib with chocolate barbecue sauce trumped all.


For more event coverage, log on to PrestigeOnline: Events

Rue the Day: Rue Madame opens at IFC: CEO Ariane Zagury hosts a cocktail

To celebrate the stylish renovation of Rue Madame at IFC, founder Ariane Zagury, hosted a “Welcome Home” Party on 29 Aug 2013.

Rue Madame at IFC

A handful of notable names of the 852 attended; models Amanda S, and Lenka Korbova, fashion blogger Jasmine Smith, socialites Celia Wong, Faye Tsui, Rachel Monballiu, and others of the fashionable ilk.

The usual canapés and champagne aside (Moet no less, the delish Ms Zagury keeps it chic, keeps it French!), a real king size bed backdrop was hoisted at the entrance as the famed and the fabulous sauntered in. Many titters and giggles heard, everyone took a turn to get into bed with the fashion house and its charming founder. Nine months into the year, by far the most memorable photo-op we've seen in 2013.  

To provide an authentic sensation of shopping as one would find in Vive La France,  Rue Madame is lined with minimalist ensembles, the classic French stripes as far as the eye can see. Highlights for FW13 include spotted animal prints, bold black & whites and message graphics.  Parisian women's-wear include Acquaverde, Ba&sh, Claudie Pierlot, Gat Rimon, Majestic, Rodier, Toupy … and other little gems.


Shop address
Shop 3082A, Podium Level 3, IFC Mall, Central                                            
Tel: 2234 7880

Amanda S

Sophia Loren in Hong Kong: SCMP Exclusive:

I met... that's a lie... meeting implies conversation or interaction of some sort apart from just gaping in awe...

Let me re-write as, I saw Sophia Loren in Hong Kong.

Column now in SCMP.com, read all about it here.

PS: In one of the pics above, my fuzzy tennis ball head has totally photo-bombed a pic! lols.

04:39AM

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Giorgio Damiani, Vice President of Damiani Group, with Sophia Loren

Veni, Vidi, Vici

She came, she saw, she conquered. A name that needs little introduction, 'the' Sophia Loren attended the reopening of Damiani's flagship store in Hong Kong at ELEMENTS mall in Kowloon. Decked in diamonds and a figure-hugging black gown, the 78-year-old actress, nay icon, wore pieces from the Sophia Loren Collection as she ventured into the flagship store. Cutting the ribbon with Giorgio Damiani, Vice President of Damiani Group and Alessandra Schiavo, Consul General of Italy, she blew kisses to the teeming crowd who gathered en mass to watch the grand dame of world cinema grace the occasion.

The crowds, well, mostly the snaparazzi, alternated between yelling out "Sophia! Sophia" and "Bella! Bella!" to entice that famed name and decolletage to turn their way.

Pansy Ho and third-generation Damiani, Giorgio, were part of the cherry-picked few who entered the shop with the actress, while the others watched from the outside, nose-pressed against the windows as the few and the fabulous made their way around the 1,076 square foot boutique. A notably buff, suit-and-tie sporting bouncer kept the crowds at bay, while he held a sparking, grey, clutch that, presumably, belonged to la bellissima Italiana.

At the cocktail, dressed in a magenta Hugo Boss suit, it was hard not to miss Kam Kwok-Leung, who's been a fan of Loren for years. "I first saw her decades ago, at the premiere of the opera Turandot," said the radio personality. "I doubt she remembers me. There are so many classic Italian movies she's done that I love that I can't name one, but the combination of her and Marcello Mastroianni on-screen was wonderful." Pulling out a splendid portrait of Loren decked in diamonds and feathers, he hoped to get an autograph.

Among the sea of faces at the cocktail, lord of coif and curls, Kim Robinson was out and about with friends, including our best-dressed of the night nominee, Jessica Hui. TV personality Rebeea Yeung emceed the event. Sally and Robert Lo, Yvette Yuen were seen in the melee as well as Chitra and Manolo Chellaram. A clumsy oaf of a scribe bumped a champagne glass and a splash of Moet hit Manolo, who ever graciously said, "Don't worry, its only champagne - and it's good luck!"

The cocktail party followed an exclusive VIP dinner at Tin Lung Heen at The Ritz-Carlton Hong Kong. Attending socialites included Ivy Wu, Dennis and Betty Sun, Moses and Angela Tsang, Ming Tang, Louisa Cheng, Sharon Poon, Mira Yeh, Virginia Wu, Helen Ma, Helen Rong and a host of other glittering attendees. They wined and dined with the Diva while their courses were interrupted by a jewellery show, as models sauntered by the restaurant showcasing some of the signature pieces. However, the cynosure of all eyes was undoubtedly Loren, who sported more than a fair share of bling, which she happily posed with for many an i-cam.

Left to right: Betty Sun, Dr Dennis Sun, Lucy Yang, Charles Yang

Fashionistas click their heels and march smartly to new Shoe Library to greet their guru Louboutin: Christian Louboutin in Hong Kong

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. 

P. Ramakrishnan

* Photos from my cam - the pro shots were in print! Rama

Hugo Boss Party in Hong Kong: The boss Orange Shop opens in Asia

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

Drag & I: A look at Hong Kong's hottest club, the famous and infamous dragon I

Words: P Ramakrishnan


It bordered on the tragic. She was a well cropped mop of hair, standing next to, what could have very well been, the stunt double from the Incredible hulk, as she requested the bouncer in the private enclave of Dragon-I to let her in.

Hong Kong’ most notoriously hip Chinese dim-sum restaurant by day, that morphs into an über-club at night, Dragon-I has more star dust and celebrity sightings than your average ream of Hello! mag. The place where both the Brazilian and Manchester footballers partied the day before their match in Hong Kong two years ago (much to the chagrin of the managers when they failed to turn up the following day for practice), where Kanye West dined and jived after his one-night only concert, the guardians behind the velvet ropes of the club are to be feared and loved and, as the case was that night, to be genuflected over.

“Please let me in, I’m the friend of the DJ,” she squeals but it can be debated if her pitch reached the ears of the bouncer, four foot above her. The DJ had a name, but it wasn’t the pseudonym that appeared on the gigantic posters littered across the cavernous room. His “real” name was code to let his “real” friends in.

“You’re not on the list ma’am,” says the bouncer in monotone, clearly having seen this song and dance oft enough to know better.

Having graduated from the first round of velvet ropes where “the door bitch” let her in, she was emboldened enough to believe the VIP room was just a matter of conviction over credit… card.

All that fuss as Dragon-I celebrated its fourth anniversary with a host of the who’s who of Hong Kong (with a good dose of ‘who’s that?’ thrown into the mix). And yes, even I was dragged in on behest of the very able event coordinators, the wily minxes who promised free drinks (um, no!) and models teeming about (ah yes!). As the Centrium, apart from housing the club, two bars (the minty new “Solas” and “Waagu”, a pricey Aussie restaurant/bar with excellent wine) was also an aegis for two modeling agencies and a fashionable hair salon.

Oh and need I mention that Mischa Barton and entourage were there too? The 20-year-old OC starlet was expected under a shower of awaiting flashbulbs. Invited by Christian Dior to attend the charity gala premier of Hong Kong Ballet’s latest production, Barton’s mug had dotted every paper and magazine in town all week. As predictable as the social circuit is, bright sparks had long figured out that the young pout would swish into the club once her Dior duties were over. And lo and behold, with the entourage of the luxury brand, with a new outfit (and we believe new boyfriend) in tow, the princess walked in just after the clock struck midnight. Defrocked from her earlier, middling gown, the outfit she donned was far more paparazzi friendly. Still Dior of course.

Caked in like sardines in a vacuum sealed can, the VIP room already had 500 people (around 1,000 invitations were sent out in total but about triple as much lined up), 1000 others in the outer rim, it was a rare sight when the “haves” who didn’t in fact have invites, had to pay an entrance fee to get in. Wonders never cease.

So who else was there apart from the beauteous Barton? Well, the usual harem of luxury brand PRs, the pseudo-celebrities (models, one-pop wonders…) other club owners (from all the major HK clubs like Finds, Drop, Kee etc) who came to wish Gilbert Yeung, owner and famed playboy/partier, the best for the years of unprecedented success.

Hot clubs are a dime a dozen in the concrete jungle and, like organic milk, curdle within a short period of time. Somehow, every few weeks, with the right event, right personality, hype and hooplah, Dragon-I rises from the ashes of tedium and remains Hong Kong’s only place to be obscene and heard.

Dragon-i
The Centrium 60 Wyndham Street
Hong Kong,
Telephone: + 852 3110 1222
www.dragon-i.com.hk