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.

Going for a Song: Shoot with Korean supermodel Duhwan Song 송두환 #宋斗煥

Duhwan Song! Korean supermodel based in Hong Kong: Well, when he was BC. Before Covid...

Song has been on a cover with me/my company every year for three or four years in a row. Nicest guy in the world. Fame becomes him... 

@gordonlund @chrislammakeup @sharpayfung 

Robb Report Hong Kong launch in 2022

Robb Report Hong Kong enters the Hong Kong luxury lifestyle media market

HONG KONG -  30 August 2022 - Hong Kong welcomes a new title today in the city's luxury media market. With the launch of Robb Report Hong Kong and its official website, Nexus Media Limited will publish the esteemed print magazine annually alongside daily digital content, presenting a definitive guide to lifestyle and luxury.

Robb Report carries an unrivalled global reputation for reporting on lifestyle with authority and discernment. Robb Report Hong Kong is dedicated to featuring all aspects of luxury, primarily focusing on automobiles, aviation, and boating, alongside coverage of real estate, travel, dining, whiskies, wine, watches, jewelry, and fashion.

Above and beyond any other luxury enterprise or venture, Robb Report is known for its grand events, creating tailor-made experiences for its VIP readers and clientele. From first-look previews to private evenings and sojourns, Robb Report readers are provided with unparalleled access and benefits that truly speak to living life to the fullest.

"Robb Report Hong Kong is unlike any other magazine you'll see on newsstands," says Tak Man, Chief Executive Officer and Director at Nexus Media Limited, who brings the title to market. "We are about creating unique experiences, hand-picked from around the globe to feature only the very Best of the Best—an integral theme in our magazine. What's extraordinary about this launch in Hong Kong is that our readers will get to experience tailored, specially curated events, the likes of which many have never seen or experienced before."

Robb Report Hong Kong's print magazine, Best of the Best, is an annual publication that promises to be the definitive tome on luxury and lifestyle in Asia. With a massive online and social media presence, the signature events that complement the features on the official website and print magazine makes this an exciting venture like no other in the region, staying true to its motto: Luxury without Compromise.

Be it Signature Events or Tailored Events, join Robb Report Hong Kong as we travel to exotic destinations for unparalleled experiences.

Car of the Year has been a staple in Robb Report's calendar for the past two decades. Each year, readers participate in a fresh experience at a new location with extraordinary cars of the moment. A carefully selected and well-informed panel of judges will shortlist the supercars as nominees for Car of the Year, and our event will be capped off with a grand gala dinner featuring an exclusive VIP guest list and the announcement of the Car of the Year nominees. This lavish event will premiere in Hong Kong in the first quarter of 2023.

Ultimate Drive takes readers on an annual pilgrimage that will appeal to the most passionate of auto enthusiasts. To add to the beautiful displays of automotive excellence, participants are treated to behind-the-scenes tours and access, exclusive drive experiences, and model previews with the top automotive marques in the world, as well as private celebrations with superlative luxury brands that only Robb Report can provide. This multi-day extravaganza is one that true auto enthusiasts and collectors mark on their calendar every year.

Each year, Robb Report bestows its Best of the Best awards on the very finest luxury products, services, and experiences that the world has to offer. A select group of readers will gather together for a private celebratory dinner to toast the Best of the Best winners.

For the epicurean, the hottest ticket in town is Culinary Masters. Join Robb Report and an incredible line-up of Michelin-starred luminaries for an unforgettable weekend of gourmet dining experiences, exquisite wine pairings, intimate culinary classes, and a friendly golf tournament with your favorite chefs, all surrounded by magnificent views.

And finally, the year is capped off with Dream Machines. Robb Report's Dream Machines: Land & Air makes its debut in Hong Kong, presenting readers with an elite experience featuring the latest machines, wings, and wheels for a fun, adrenaline-driven adventure. Test-drive the newest luxury cars, enjoy epic helicopter tours over the city, and indulge in exceptional dining, world-class wines, and fabulous accommodations.

In Hong Kong, a hybrid of both curated experiences and programmes will be created for Robb Report readers on an international scale.

A Brief History

The first edition of Robb Report hit newsstands in the United States back in 1976, originally devoted to advertisements for new and vintage Rolls-Royces by founder Robert L. "Rusty" White. The original "Robb" distributed his newsletter to members of the Rolls-Royce Owners Club, and he provided a suede three-ring binder to paying subscribers, setting a standard of effortless elegance from the get-go.

The brand evolved over the course of four decades to become what it is today: the single most influential journal of living life to the fullest, with 18 international editions in 10 languages spanning 28 countries across the globe.

The Hong Kong edition is the nineteenth title in the franchise, highlighting not only the finest aspects of life and luxury in the world, but putting a spotlight on what's rising from the East, consumers of note, cognoscente of luxury, and experiences like no other.

For all of the changes that have taken place in the years since Robb Report first hit newsstands all those years ago, the standards of exceptional quality, beauty, and precision have remained constant in the hearts and minds of true connoisseurs who have subscribed to the publication since its nascent stage.

In Hong Kong, the publication of its annual, Best of the Best, is anticipated to hit newsstands in the first quarter of 2023. A mighty tome limning the finest products and services, Best of the Best will be accompanied by the official website, dedicated to providing daily updates on what's happening in the world of luxury across all digital platforms.

Robb Report is the leading voice in the global luxury market, synonymous with affluence, luxury, and the best of the best. Its discerning audience around the world has a shared appreciation and desire for quality, exclusivity, heritage, taste, and fine design. It is the brand the most successful people rely on to discover the ideas, opinions, products, and experiences that will matter most to them.

Robb Report: Luxury Without Compromise.

Hashtags: #RobbReportHongKong

About Robb Report Hong Kong

Robb Report Hong Kong is part of Nexus Media Group, a company celebrating its tenth year in Hong Kong. The bold title joins a roster of expert curated content creation platforms and media titles that includes Nexus Media, Localiiz, WeeGo, MyLocals, and Nexus Digital.

Media Contact(s)

P. Ramakrishnan

Senior Editor

Rama.Pokkanai@nexusmediaasia.com

Outtakes from a shoot: On set with Kayla Lau

 Photographer: Natalie Dunn

 Hair and makeup: Karen Yiu

 Wardrobe: La Perla, Metanoia

 Accessories: AS29 Jewellery 

 Model: Kayla Lau-Wong

Designer and the brand's OG muse and model; Kayla Lau of Metonia the Label: Follow and shop at https://metanoiathelabel.com/

Follow Kayla and her brand at: 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by KAYLA (@kayla.lau)

Outtakes from a shoot

Shot in the summer of 2021... if not before, son of my cover star, Chef Richard Ekkebus, Mathis Ekkebus. Young designer and model. 

Shot by Edwin Datoc

Mathis wearing AS29 Jewellery 

Cannes Film Festival 2022: 6 Asian Celebrities That Rocked the Red Carpet

The 75th Cannes Film Festival is that rare red-carpet event where stars of all stripes from around the globe razzle and dazzle in designer ensembles. An event celebrating world cinema, it’s the antics on the red carpet that grab eyeballs, making headlines for media outlets everywhere. 

A 11-day gala event with innumerable international actors and the film fraternity attending en masse, Cannes has been a staple in the social calendar for socialites, celebrity and superstars of screen and stage for decades – only growing in stature, grandeur and… well, theatrics.  

The otherwise unwearable ensembles and couture seen only on the catwalk on lithesome models, were on full flamboyant display, gowns opening and ripening in front of thousands of flashes. Some stars had to trade in their chauffeured limousines to rent a minibus to fit their voluminous gowns. Post photocall, several changed clothes between red carpet and film screening, to sit comfortably in their seats. The price of fame and beauty.  

All the creatives come out high octane for a showing, their mastery and extravagant proclivity on full display as actresses of repute, models of global fame swanned across the red carpet facing nearly 1,200 photographers.  

This year, a glittering presence of several Asian superstars stunned fashion purveyors. Some outfits were made especially for the event, some dug out vintage looks from the annals of designer archives and others went gung-ho with showcasing Asian talent that have yet to achieve insta’ fame.   

Here’s a quick carousel of images of couture, creativity, designer dresses and… well, a few designer duds. In alphabetical order; 

Photo: @gucci (via Instagram)

South Korean star IU, the Global Brand Ambassador for Gucci, looked stunning in the brand’s signature gown with lace rebrodé petal details on the cuffs, a flourish of sequined flowers and crystal embellishments on the skirt. 

Photo: @gemmachan (via Instagram)

Exquisite Gemma Chan wore Louis Vuitton to the Cannes 2022 Film Festival Closing Ceremony. The actress is all set to appear front and centre, as the lead of the highly, highly anticipated sequel to Crazy Rich Asians.  

Photo: @falachenfala (via Instagram)

Fala Chen was aglow in an Armani Privé Spring 2011 strapless gown. She (or her able stylist!) dug deep into the archives to pull out this glittering ensemble, that showcases the timeless signature of Giorgio Armani.   

Photo: @eileen_gu_ (via Instagram)

Making her Cannes debut with Louis Vuitton, Olympic gold medallist Eileen Gukept it simple, kept it stunning in a pleated fuchsia dress, flowing and floating in layers and layer of gossamer fabric. Olympian and fashion icon, Gu has been maintaining a fine balance between being a sports and fashion icon simultaneously.    

Video: @deepikapadukone (via Instagram)

Bollywood’s bona fide supernova Deepika Padukone was a hit from the get-go; from wearing a modern take on a traditional Indian sari (By Bengali couturier Sabyasachi Mukherjee) to cherry-picking multiple looks from Louis Vuitton (no surprise, she’s the first Indian star to be the brand’s global ambassador), the former-model turned screen queen stunned daily at the festival as a jury member no less. 

Tang Wei @ the 75th Annual Cannes Film Festival

Tang Wei wore Fendi to the Decision To Leave film photo call. After making a huge splash in 2008 when she won an award at Cannes, it was a welcome return for the Chinese actress who has wowed critics and masses alike for the past two decades. 

Until next year…

K11 Musea Steps into the Metaverse: 200+ Artists, HK$646+ Million at Play

 

With a diverse NFT portfolio featuring over 200 artists, the curated creations are worth over HK$646 million (US$82 million).  

K11 MUSEA’s most ambitious, large-scale showcase of NFT art was on display from 29 April – 19 June 2022, paired with an extended programme of educational workshops and talks.

If there was any doubt, let it be known, this is the year of the fastest-growing sector of NFT art and K11 MUSEA has been a pioneer in introducing immersive experiences of art and culture to Hong Kong.  

Read the entire feature here at Robb Report Hong Kong. 

TBT: Lifestyle: Couple on a Mission: Tenniel Chu and Carmen Chu

TBT: This cover story and feature for Prestige's annual Lifestyle.

The good people at Brooks Brothers came through for the cover shoot. 

x

In 1994, when David “Mr Golf” Chu turned a patch of industrial wasteland in Shenzhen into the world’s largest golf course, it was seen as complete madness by many, including the provincial mayor. Golf was a nonentity in the country, frowned upon by the Communist Party ever since Mao Zedong declared the sport “too bourgeois”.

But David Chu’s vision paid off. Today, the Mission Hills Group dominates the golf industry in China, with huge multi-course resorts in Shenzhen, Dongguan and Hainan as well as hotels, leisure resorts, sports academies, schools, artist villages, malls and even a movie-themed theme park in Haikou called Movie Town.

But much of that expansion has been overseen by David’s son Tenniel, who works as vice chairman of the group alongside his brother Ken, the group’s chairman. Pioneering a so-called “golf and more” concept has broadened the popularity of the sport, helping to dust off the elite image it once held. Non-traditionalists might tut at the group’s more eccentric ideas – the upcoming Fantasy Course in Hainan features an island green with an 80-metre-wide bowl of noodles and 75-metre-long chopsticks serving as the lake – but the numbers don’t lie. Last year Mission Hills invested a total of 40 billion yuan in mainland China and the company is going from strength to strength.

Carmen Chu, Tenniel’s glamorous wife, is an arts enthusiast who balances being the mother of two children with her ongoing art history studies at the University of Hong Kong. She admits candidly that she decided to go back to university in order to understand more about the art world and also as a way of grounding herself against the seemingly endless series of parties and galas that come as a consequence of her husband’s jet-setting job.

We sat down with the dynamic couple in their well-appointed home to find out more. Read the full feature here at PrestigeOnline.

Photography / Olivier Yoan  

Styling / Florent Thiébaut 

Styling assistant / Marco Chan  

hair & Make-up / Reve Ryu    

Outfits / Brooks Brothers

This was the Lifestyle 2017 cover story. 

Adopt don't Shop: Kitten to Queen

 

When Billyjean (named after my fav Michael Jackson song) first came to the house, she was a tiny littl' thing that was barely the height of a shoe box (above pic as reference). Fostering a kitten from LAP (lap.org.hk/) at a time when they were overwhelmed with a small space and too many strays found and rescued, we thought it would be fun to have a kitten at the house during the Chinese New Year holidays - 10 years ago. 

The fostering morphed into permanent adoption in about an hour... look at that face! Who would return that cat?! Nearly a decade later, it's easily best decision we ever made. 

Now of course, her highness rules the house and has enslaved everyone in the apartment to do as she bids, night and day. 

There are fostering and adoption programs for cats and dogs at LAP - pls support them. They are a wonderful non-profit. You can see prospective adoptable fur babies at https://www.instagram.com/lap.org.hk/

And you can follow Billy at 

https://www.instagram.com/billyjean_kitty_cat/

Behind the Label: Metanoia: Hong Kong influencer Kayla Lau launches her own brand. Finally.

Meet the ambitious little stick of dynamite behind the label Metanoia, designer and entrepreneur Kayla Lau. P.Ramakrishnan was in conversation with the KOL. 

As a popular fitness KOL from Hong Kong, the fit and fab young Ms Lau has a faithful following on multiple social media platforms. With brands sending her products, wardrobe and accessories to flog on her influential account, it was just a matter of time before the young influencer launched her own label. 

Lau didn't go for makeup, hair products or jewel encrusted tchotchke, but added to her portfolio things she was comfortable and excessively knowledgeable about; gym wear and athleisure for women. 

With her boyfriend (popular personal trainer/model/actor James Wong), the definitive power couple of the city spend most of their days in workout gear and at the gym  - with (unattainable!) tight and toned bodies to show for it. 

Their fat-free bodies might be an improbably goal, but what is easily attainable and accessible, Kayla Lau's collection of gym clothes and accessories designed for every woman in battle. Battling with self-esteem, body shaming, fighting online bullying, she hopes women feel empowered, comfortable - and on trend - while wearing her creations. 

She calls her brand Metanoia, which, by definition means "a profound transformation."  You'd think its about the body's conversion, but as Kayla Lau reveals, its intrinsically about the outer and inner transformation she's attained after facing unwarranted online abuse from the strange and strangers. Trolling her for no plausible reason, she's had to battle anonymous demons - powered by fake profiles on Instagram. How she found empowerment in self reflection and blocking out the hate. At the same time, she forged ahead with her own business model, and life-goals.  

Over to Kayla; 

What inspired you to create this collection? 

Kayla: I've always wanted to create something that is unique and belongs to me. I wanted to create a community and to bring in like-minded people who believe in my three core values 1) Self awareness 2) Self love 3) Self confidence. 

That's a lot of ambition sewn between the seams of an athleisure wardrobe!

Kayla Lau: Well, it has to do with my past experience with online hatred, troll comments I've been subjected to for the past few years. I realise that a lot of women are suffering from online bullying that causes them to lose confidence. It starts to build insecurity about their bodies, their appearance, their self-esteem. 

The word empowered has been thrown around a lot when it comes to womenswear.

Kayla Lau: It has, but mine isn't PR spiel - this happened to me. The comments I get on my Instagram account (https://www.instagram.com/kayla.lau/) or in my DM inspired me to create this line. But I really don't want to focus on the trolls and give them any more attention. This is about self confidence to forge ahead, not look back. 

You don't want to address online bullying and all the s****y messages trolls sent you?

Kayla Lau: I can only remove their power over me by removing my attention over them. 

Cool. Let's talk about the clothes. Tell me about your collection. 

Kayla Lau: The first collection comes with three different designs and three different colours. The Bare Essentials set is in all black, for all the girls who need that one perfect set of black gym gear. You can wear it in your daily life, in and out of the gym. 

The Self Love set comes in two shades of pink; light pink and rosy pink. The two shades act as a contrast, contouring to accentuate the body's natural curves. It’s an eye catching set. I hope my customers wear this set to feel good and confident. 

The Self Care set (our best seller) is in baby blue which is my favorite colour. I realized most girls feel insecure about wearing lighter coloured leggings because they think it makes them look “fat or chubby” (which I've heard a lot). This set has the most body sculpting effects. It has double deep pockets on both sides, and a high-waisted 'V' cut which shows a smaller waist. 

The second collection we will launch in the peak of summer, around the middle of May. I have designed a new set using a different fabric which is good for the summer heat, as it’s soft and thinner. You'll feel naked wearing those leggings! In terms of colors, I used a cool tone and warm tone for different skin toned girls. 

I would say these two colors are quite uncommon. Like when you go into the shop, you wouldn’t really pick it up and try it on like others popular colors like black and navy blue. 

Also, other new products in the offing are sweatshirts and hoodies, embroidered with quotes. They match with the set, but you can also buy them as separates. 

You've worn gym gear all your life - what did you NOT want to do - and what did you want to do?

Kayla Lau: Wearing anything that makes me look good but feels awful was a NO! Workout gear cannot be uncomfortable. Its ridiculous when popular brands do it.  

I really wanted to design something that is more relatable to women in terms of design, colors, fabric, i.e.  knowing their needs and wants. Wanting to look good and feel good at the same time while embracing their authentic selves. 

What has the feedback been so far? 

Kayla Lau: As a small business owner, I love to receive feedback and comments from all my friends and customers. After years of sales experience, what I value the most is honest feedback to help my brand, to improve and achieve more. In fact,  I used feedback when working on my second collection. 

I have adjusted the measurements as some said it’s a bit too lose on the hip area. Some said the leggings should be slightly longer to cover the ankle. Some suggested to use different fabric. I took it all into consideration.

Did the pandemic inspire you to create your own brand - as many people were working out at home?  

Kayla Lau: I actually wanted to work on this project for a long time but the pandemic gave me time to focus and work on it. 

You and your boyfriend work out a lot together - is there a men's design in the works in the future?

Kayla Lau: I do hope that there will be possibilities where I can create a couple collection for all the gym "lovers". 

I know its early, but how have sales been so far?

Kayla Lau: Since the beginning, my friends have been supportive. Outside leads from social media page and referrals have been great. I’m picking up organic sales from the website. 

What is the price range? 

Kayla Lau: For gym wear / workout set, the price range is from $600-$800 a set. All the sweatshirts and hoodies are around $500 per piece. 

Last but not lease, where can we buy your collection Metanoia?  

Kayla Lau: www.metanoiathelabel.com

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