Eurasian actor, model, DJ Tom Price answers the Robb Report Questionnaire

Throwback Thursday: Interview with Hong Kong actor/model/DJ/Graffiti Artist Tom Price. Reposted.  

All original photography by Natalie Dunn, other images provided by Tom.  

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 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 

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 at RobbReport.hk

TBT: Throwback Tuesday: Cara G: Another Chat

In partnership with Pandora, a photoshoot and interview with Eurasian super-duper model and mama Cara G. 

Out in the magazine. 
 

Magazine cover stars with their pets: Favourite feature to collate

 

The greatness of a nation can be judged by the way its animals are treated,” said Gandhi. We concur. And now we’re measuring the greatness of our cover stars by peeking on their personal Instagram accounts and seeing how they handle their pets.

As expected, our favourite celebrities treat their beloved critters with just the right amount of love (immeasurable) and, well, truth be told, some major spoils. Take Paris Hilton (Prestige, June 2006 leading lady), she spent US$325,000 on a luxury doghouse for her furry four-legged friend. But we’re not looking for conspicuous consumption; for us, it’s endless cuddles that really matter.

Here’s a quick look at those lucky cats and dogs who constantly have stars in their eyes.

Full feature up at PrestigeOnline. 

The Shot: The Outtake: Behind the scenes of a Jewellery shoot

Working with Lenka and Leo! 

A jewellery shoot in studio at The Hive - the Kennedy Town location. 

Confessions of a Social Whor... Busy Bee: Throwback Thursday: Rewind to 2017

Find out what star-studded parties and VIP get-togethers you missed in the Fragrant Harbour over the last seven days, and get a sneak peek of what we've got coming up.

I used to write this column - and then, we had to stop as images were never ready on time or I wasn't. 

By P.Ramakrishnan on June 13, 2017 , Prestige Events

Last week, we popped along to the PI’A pop-up hosted by Priscilla I’Anson, the popular gal-about-town and stylist, whose immensely wearable and trendy designs are worn by similarly popular gals-about-town. The newly married missus (who tied the knot with photographer Boris Burgess) was working up a sweat as gaggles of glam types and fashionistas all appeared to support her, including: Alexa See, Divia Harileila, Marika Nanni, Neelam Daswani, Susanna Soo and others of that fashionable ilk. They weren’t there just for the free Ruinart champers that poured – many were seen trying and buying in the makeshift store. The Pop-up ends on July 31.

Thursday last week was a hectic mess of uber confusion and cab chaos as we event hopscotched our day away; starting out with the Joyce Marni market that was a colourful affair on the “dark side” – at Harbour City in Tsim Sha Tsui, the mall where we have got lost with alarming and regular alacrity. Then we got right back to one of our favourite Italian restaurants, Carbone, for a chat with Louis Vuitton folks. Sure, we love its latest collection and the young, bold new direction the brand seems to be heading towards, but all we were focused on were the dessert trays, indulgent pastas and the whopping meatballs. And we had some great industry gossip that cannot go beyond the ears at our table and into this column.

Getting across to Hung Hom for the Calvin Klein Jeans/Underwear/Performance (the departments under the aegis of CK) proved to be a disastrous affair. Crawling tunnel traffic had us stuck between Wan Chai and hell; by the time we got to Tak Fung Street, it was well past the invited hours. No sighting of hot models in their Calvins though, suspended, headless mannequins were covered in the latest fare. Sign us up for a box of the new line of underwear from the brand; the latest collection is, as expected, stylish and sexy.

We beat the heat and traffic as we MTR-ed back to another saucy sighting; as posted in earlier column here, we got our first look and a second glance at Landmark’s third floor where 12 beauty and wellness centres showcased their finest.

Friday night we were whisked away to another world by The Macallan whisky. Quite a production it was, as the halls of the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre were a labyrinth of multiple models wearing “dark and dandy” attire (as per invite dress code), striking motionless poses in front of square walls and mirrors. Trays of cocktails and fine whisky snaked around the event. The halls were bathed in red light, which made selfie-taking a self-defeating exercise. The Steven Klein photographic images that were displayed were stunning.

The weekend we dedicated to Rosemary Vandenbroucke – wouldn’t you?! – who presented the “sober social” Daybreaker once again. Dancing, exercising, yoga-ing were the order of the day. Being in her best shape ever – physically andmentally – clearly this combination is working well for this Hong Kong model icon.

The week ahead is more like the “weak” ahead … there isn’t much happening. One of our favourite brands Shanghai Tang presents its autumn/winter 2017 collection preview at Central Ferry Pier No. 8 (Hong Kong Maritime Museum). We are expecting some serious blingage from De Beers, which has a cocktail and exhibition on Thursday at Landmark Atrium, as it brings us “The Diamond’s Journey from Rough to Romance”.

Until next week …

My Society Column: Events, parties, premieres and launches.

Qeelin: A 2026 Celebration of Dong Heritage: It is exquisite - why hasn't the brand gone global?

Since its founding in 2004 by creative director Dennis Chan, Qeelin has carved a distinctive niche in the oversubscribed fine jewellery market, which is studded with legacy Maisons, artistic and artisanal gems (- yes that was very much intended), an alarming number of socialites with a hobby (men and women) and true creatives lost in the melee. 

The Hong Kong-based brand (acquired by Kering in 2013) draws deeply from Chinese cultural symbolism while delivering playful, contemporary designs suited for everyday wear. Its name evokes the mythical Qilin, a symbol of love and auspiciousness, and it has spent two decades reinterpreting Eastern traditions through modern lenses. 

The brand gained early international attention when Hong Kong actress Maggie Cheung wore a Wulu earring at the 2004 Cannes Film Festival, propelling the signature gourd-inspired collection into the spotlight and the red carpet. Qeelin has enjoyed strong popularity in Greater China and among Asian consumers, bolstered by Kering’s support and cultural resonance. It remains a go-to for modern interpretations of heritage that appeal especially to younger Chinese buyers. 

For the average Western consumer, tourist or window-shopper at, say the IFC location in Central Hong Kong, its Chinois chic storefront is eye-catching... without going too costume-y. And there isn't a preponderance of jade that makes even the youngest of buyers seem... suddenly of a certain vintage. Qeelin's collections have just the right amount of symbolism without being too obvious (well, depending on the collection) and a certain joyfulness and playfulness that makes you stop for a second look. The price tag, however, can be a hurdle for young consumers with a limited ceiling on their creditcard. But then, maybe they aren't the target? 

Western stars spotted in Qeelin include Katy Perry and Kate Winslet. On the Asian side, Maggie Cheung remains a fan favourite, having worn the brand on more than one occasion, while current ambassadors and wearers include Chinese actress Liu Shi Shi, Yoona Lim and Wang Chuqin, former global brand ambassador Lay Zhang, and K-pop talents like Somi and Ailee. Other notable Asian names include Ase Wang and more who've embraced their Asian and cultural roots without, stapling a flag on their forehead.  

Truth be reluctantly told, despite its quality and cultural depth, Qeelin has not achieved broad pan-global mainstream recognition on the scale of Western heritage houses. Its appeal stays deeply rooted in Chinese mythology and storytelling, which resonates powerfully in Asia - particularly mainland China, where it operates dozens of stores - but can feel more niche elsewhere. Intense competition in the luxury jewellery sector, a historical focus on Chinese and traveling Chinese clientele, and the challenge of translating specific Eastern motifs universally have slowed wider penetration, though Kering-backed expansion (including a Place Vendôme boutique and plans for the US, UK, and Australia) continues. 

When you look at Western counterparts, heritage jewellery houses from Europe have been around for a century or two - compared to the baby steps this brand has taken. For example, Garrard (England, 1735) is the oldest crown jeweler that comes to mind, and a firm favourite of the British royal family. It's an easier sell when you state HRH wears the brand often. And Megan Markle doesn't . 

Chaumet (France, 1780) has strong Napoleonic and royal ties and is constantly reinventing itself to be relevant today among the younger, often Hollywood-en glitterati. Cartier (1847), Boucheron (1858), or Bulgari (1884) are prestigious, ever-evolving, ever-relevant and their painstakingly created creations and accessories are a collector's item. 

For a baby panda brand like Qeelin, it is much harder to make ripples especially when UHNW young- gen in and around Asia, who would rather invest deeply in a brand that's as recognisable in Boston as it is in Beijing. 

Take someone like Becca Bloom, notorious high jewellery shopper of Asian descent, living a vainglorious life in sunny California. While espousing the facile joys of conspicuous consumerism, the capitalist icon leans in on her Asian heritage often enough; she talks about the year of the snake, her lucky horse year, mentions what's considered harbinger of good fortune in Asian culture. However, she's not dropping hardcore cash at Qeelin, but mostly at Van Cleef and Arpels and Bulgari. She's no fool (bear with me), as she knows her VCA bling can be seen as investment, not just decorative braggadocious antics for social media clout. If things ever go to pot, there's some value in auctioning off vintage Van Cleef - it often makes news and record sales. Now, the same cannot be said about Qeelin....  

Having covered the jewellery market since.. Jesus was a boy, it is a crowded field of Asian jewellers, all vying for attention, audience, editorial coverage and consumers. I've been writing about and often admiring the words of many Asian jewellers. To list them, let me careful here, as I go alphabetically; Anna Hu, Cindy Chao, Michelle Ong, Wallace Chan, Wendy Yue...  This doesn't even include the likes of Sarah Zhuang, Bao Bao Wan and others who have their eponymous accessories brands at breathtaking prices that sell well. Fun fact, traditional Asian families burdened with generational wealth have their own personal jewellers that they rely on. They are non-branded houses, ateliers only they know of - and refuse to share with the hoi polloi. 

Somewhere along these circuitous, serpentine roads flanked by vintage jewellery houses, you'll find  sophomoric Qeelin - celebrating its 22nd year as its finally old enough to drink and vote. When doing layout with other brands, my some of the legacy houses were offended to be on the same page as this young upstart, but I've always liked the style and silhouette of what the house offers.  

Pieces often reference myths, nature, and philosophy but remain light, kinetic, and wearable daily rather than solely for special occasions. The press releases often tout 'exceptional craftsmanship' [well, they all do tbh!], often blending rose and white gold, intricate pavé, moving elements, and high-quality gemstones, for their narrative-driven jewellery that feels both talismanic and yet contemporary. This balance of reverence for tradition and playful innovation sets it apart. But like a loan panda masticating bamboo in a crowded jungle, it's hard to pinpoint the brand's mega moment, its zenith, but its certainly climbing steadily and building brick by golden brick. Just look at its latest 2026 collection. 

Building on last year’s Dong ethnic traditions exploration, incorporating drum towers, phoenixes, golden spiders, and cosmic “Chi” life force into refined designs, there are several standout pieces in the treasure trove the brand is offering. Gemstones narrate stories amid nature, myth, heritage and as some stand-out pieces include; 

The Spider Flower: White gold with Zambian emeralds (including a 3.27-carat oval center stone) and pavé diamonds forming a spider’s web. Earrings, rings, and bracelets reinterpret Dong brocade geometry. It symbolises abundance, fertility, and cosmic order via the golden spider legend paired with peonies. The necklace looks like a statement piece for special occasions, but the earrings can dazzle all day. 

Queen (Phoenix Series): Dynamic rose gold phoenixes with hinged, kinetic wings set with gradient sapphires and diamonds that sway with movement. The indigo Azure Silhouette uses marquise sapphires and a 3.21-carat pear aquamarine for sky-meets-water serenity. The crimson Empress version features a dramatic 3.06-carat Mozambique “pigeon’s blood” ruby - fiery, regal, and rebirth-themed. These rank among the collection’s most spectacular, blending legend with wearable motion.

 

Ling Dong: The necklace is fine, but its the pair of earrings that look stunning. Paired with dangling pear-shaped emeralds or rubies, it translates Dong “Grand Songs” into melodic, interactive jewellery.

Wulu Shanshui and Celestial Light Above the Clouds: Three-dimensional Dong village scenes (drum tower, swallows, golden fish) in mixed rose/white gold. The signature necklace centers on a 2.14-carat pear ruby (rising sun) with baguette diamonds and auspicious clouds - highly collectible for its narrative depth and craftsmanship.

Wulu Fairy

Wulu Fairy and the Wulu Link: Evolutions of the iconic Wulu motif - cascading spirals, tilted dynamic forms with 2+ carat center stones (ruby/emerald), pearl embraces, and fluid diamond settings. These exemplify Qeelin’s mastery of its signature symbol. 

The Wulu Link

Qeelin’s 2026 offering deepens its “Miracle Garden” with emotional richness, proving that after more than two decades, the brand continues to evolve Chinese cultural narratives into luminous, modern treasures, just waiting to be discovered by the world at large.  

For those seeking jewellery with Asian soul, story, and sparkle, this collection invites attention, dedication and an outing on a special night.