Fine'n'Rhine

Playing around with designing a huge banner/poster for my friend Suj's shop Fine'n'Rhine in Central HK. Someone else has taken over the spot but... its something to think about.

A Matter of Taste: Pierre Gagnaire: Interview with a French Icon

Another day, another month, another dishy issue of Crave. Pick up NOW!

Even for France's history of fine chefs, Pierre Gagnaire has made a special name for himself. Crave meets the culinary legend and learns how his global reach has not altered how he judges good food.

Words: P.Ramakrishnan
Images: Courtesy of The Mandarin Oriental.

Full feature and interview in Crave magazine. 

Tom and John woo Hong Kong: Press conference in Hong Kong with Tom Cruise, John Woo: SCMP,

One of my earliest celebrity assignments... maybe even my first, while I was in HKU, had to do a write up on the Tom Cruise/John Woo press conference as they did the media route across Asia.

Tom Cruise flew in on his own jet, which he piloted and the press conference at The Peninsula was intense. Tom and John were the only two people on stage (and Winnie Chung on the side translating) and over 120 media reps in the audience. Basically anyone with a press badge - that of course included me. Was writing for South China Morning Post's official entertainment site and had to file the feature within hours. Didn't have the luxury of weeks like the magazine scribes. 'Twas fun and got a kick out being published.

I still get a kick out of my title - the fact that it got got approved and went to print.

Ah to be young and restless again...

Postcards from the Past: Hong Kong's greatest photographers exhibit their most striking work

A stunning collection of vintage photographs of Hong Kong showcases not only the merits of a vast array of Asian photographers, but also captures the transient face of an ever-changing city unlike any other in the world. P.Ramakrishnan was granted access to the Hong Kong Heritage Museum before the ground opening ceremony of the exhibition and offers a preview of the collection of the images.

Documenting Hong Kong's vast changes in a supremely aesthetic manner, the latest exhibition at the Hong Kong Heritage Museum has piqued interest among not only photographers, but also collectors of classic cameras. "Camera's Inside-out" showcases old cameras - an incredible range of gadgets collected by David Chan - and the collective works of a group of local photographers from the 1950s to the hot shots of today.

Featuring more than 100 cameras manufactured in different periods and countries, the exhibition is a linear compilation of the technological history of photography. Cameras from Germany in the 1960s, French ones from the 70s, and models from Japan, China and even Hong Kong, are all on display.

Mostly through black and white photography, it's also a look at some long forgotten aspects of Hong Kong; markets and farms and greenery now extinct in the main metropolis and concrete jungles of Central and Wan Chai and shots of Happy Valley when it was nothing but a swamp, not the cluster of residential blocks and racecourse that it is today. With each successive turn among the labyrinth walls, showing a smorgasbord of photographic artistry, it's a true trip down memory lane.

Entering "Cameras Inside-out" on the second floor of the cavernous building, the first item on view is a gigantic box, with a black hood and an accordion shutter. This contraption happens to be a vintage camera, Godzillian next to the palm-sized Digi-cams that many people have today. As David Chan, renowned collector of cameras, cars and gadgets (who generously donated many items to the museum) says, "In the old days, it was a privileged few who could afford to get their picture taken, let alone own a camera. In the early days, it was all 'salon' photography. Families dressed up and came to a studio and sat seriously as they spent a lot of money to get their picture taken. The cameras were these wonderful, revered machines - I've loved them and collected them for years."

Indeed the cameras are held in glass cases like precious jewels. For collectors like Chan, the camera itself is a piece of art with considerable historical value.

With framed photographs by more than 30 forefathers of local photography, such as Kan Hing-fook, Tchan Fou-li, Leo K.K. Wong and Ngan Chun-tung, the beautiful collection of images perfectly complements the machines displayed in front of them. Local contemporary artists and photographers have also submitted their own work for display, including Almond Chu, So Hing-keung, Bobby Sham Lam Wai-kit and Chow Chun-fai. While some found inspiration in nature, others in architecture, faces enamoured some, while being caught unaware was a theme for others.

Dr. Leo K. K. Wong graced the opening and walked around with the media, the legendary photographer discussing at length the evolution of Asian photography as those in the trade worked as both documentary makers of a period, and were artists in their own right. when asked if his Doctorate title is an Honorary one, he chuckles and says, "In my time, photography was never considered a 'real' job so I did my Doctorate too!"

As we tour through the labyrinth of sepia toned canvasses, he says, "Though photography is a product of art and science, to me, it is an art. As an art form, photography is a perfect means of human expression. Anyone can be a cameraman these days and photographers had to work harder in the past. Modern technical advancement makes it all much simpler today. However, not anyone is an artist."

As we pass one of the more modern pieces that appears entirely out of focus and just seems a blur of hazy colours, it's hard not to nod in agreement. "If I must commit myself to answer which era showcased the best work, I think in Hong Kong photography the 'golden age' may have been the period between 1955 and 1975 when monochrome photography prevailed and many classic, good works were produced by the local pictorial enthusiasts. My favourite photographer was Ernst Haas and I was much inspired by his book, "The Creation." In recent years, I have been greatly influenced by the old, classical masters in Chinese ink painting and calligraphy for their abstraction."

Tapping the glass case that seals a rare Canon camera, he says, "I started photography as a serious hobby in 1966 and my favourite cameras were then medium format (Rolleiflex & Hasselblad). In recent years, I changed to a 35mm (Canon EOS). Nature is a favourite subject of mine to shoot, especially the changing faces of nature in different seasons and at various times of the day because it elicits different responses in me, impressing upon me the endless cycle of life. Pressing the shutter at the decisive moment and capturing an image which transcends nature gives me endless pleasure. I have always preferred outdoor photography to studio work."

As current postcards of Hong Kong bear well-lit skyscrapers and serpentine traffic as the face of the city, it's hard to believe that the most of the shots in the exhibit - of the country, children in rivers, birds in flight, open landscapes, priests, singers, ships and boats - were taken right here.

As we pass by a row of portraits, I ask if there's a reason why people always seem to look better in black and white pictures? "I think that it's that the simple elements of monochrome can better convey and express the mood and feeling of the human being," Wong responds with a barely discernible smile. "I am still using colour transparencies and am not at all keen on post-production. In recent years, multiple exposure has become my favourite method of photography. At this stage of modern technical advancement, I still consider that a digital camera and Photoshop does not produce the final image that I expect. With film, the moment I press the shutter, the final image produced by multiple exposure is the end-result of the reaction between light, colour and the emulsion of the film - in essence, that means that it is a photo-chemical reaction rather than superimposed digital diagrams."

What does Wong think of the current state of photography in Hong Kong? "Although there is always the argument between pictorial versus documentary photography, I am rather optimistic about the future of local photography. I see that there is ample space and opportunity for the harmonious development of all types of photography in Hong Kong under the heading of photographic art."

Images courtesy of LSCD.

From Top to Bottom; Struggling by Tchan Fou-li (1967, (Hasselblad Camera), Small Photographer by Lo Tak-cho, (1935 - 1944, Rolleiflex Camera), Approaching Shadow by Ho Fan (1956, Rolleiflex 3.5 F Camera)

Sneak Attack: A Menswear Shoot on Sportswear and Athleisure

Sarah Jessica Parker's alter ego in Sex and the City had a closet full of shoes and no savings - a plight most women (Imelda Marcos I'm talking to you!) somehow related to. 

Gentlemen are not that far behind as guys like comedian Jerry Seinfeld, musicians P. Diddy, Kanye West, rap and basketball stars collect sneakers and casual chic shoes like the devil possessed. In the ensuing pages come prized possessions that should star in your closet.

Photography: Jonas Lille
Stylist: Jolene Lin
Hair and makeup: Megumi Sekine
Models Adam and Adyr from Model International

UPDATE: The first shoot we ever did. Still in touch with Adyr, Adam, Jonas, Jolene, Megumi! Spending a day creating, life-long friends. 

Colette Koo: A Tribute.

Over the last few weeks, the team at KEE magazine was deeply saddened to hear of the tragic loss of the multi-talented Colette Koo. Actor, personality, bar/club owner/director, social staple, entertainer, celebrity (the good kind) and so much more, she was an indefatigable spirit that finally succumbed to cancer at the defining age of 50. 

Few knew about her inner battles as she waged them privately and in good cheer. For many unsuspecting, the news of her life interrupted was a shock, to say the least.

She had done so much for so many people that tributes and anecdotal tales are echoing across the island, a chorus of well-wishers that have much to say with sincerity, kindness and love. The same of which can be said of her; sincere, kind and loving.

Joining the bandwagon of folks with a folk tale on her, we have our own voice to add to the oral history of Collette.

A few years ago, for this very magazine, we had a thematic shoot where we were looking for an apt, musical location for a grand background to host three afro-coiffed divas in the style of Dreamgirls. In a culture glutted with “What’s in it for me?”, we did the usual rigmarole of PR exercises and calling in favours from a lengthy rolla-desk of contacts. The signs were not good, especially the steep dollar ones, as it was the year of tightened budgets and unstrung purse-strings. While a certain club down Sheung Wan wanted $25,000 for location cost, others kept hankering on for more and more... and more.

We ran into Miss Congeniality herself as she was harpooning across the crowded streets of Hollywood Road with her distinctive strut. Having just exited finds as she made her way to drop, Colette asked, “Why so glum, Rama lama ding dong?” (Er, she had a way with words too!).

When told of the logistic nightmare, she slapped us awake into reality, “Do it at drop! I’ll keep it open on the weekend, can you be out by 6?”

“Sure.”

We shook on it. Well, air-kissed on it, and off we went our merry way. No questions asked, no pecuniary demands made, no drama, just good karma.

Days later, a steamy, eight-hour long shoot with multiple models and wardrobe occurred, and the images came out much to our satisfaction. But what we remember best is that unquestionable generosity and understanding that made the images glow more than the on-set lighting. Collette had arranged her staff to open the place early, left us the bar, open access to everything, and asked us no questions.

Colette’s life is a long list of publicised achievements but there are many unsung anecdotes – of greater or lesser extent - like the above that’ll inspire her legend further. So many random, ordinary acts of kindness by an extraordinary person. So much good will, her passing will be interlocked with the dual words untimely and unfair.

A clink of the signature watermelon martini, m’love. we at KEE chose to salute & toast your living and loving memory.

Cheers.

Words: P. Ramakrishnan.

Image: Courtesy of Christof Van der Stichele

CEO Series: Simon Murray, CBE & David Tan, OBE

Simon Murray, CBE, Founder and chairman of Simon Murray and associates, CEO of GEMS.
David Tang, OBE, Founder and Director of Tangs Department Stores, CEO of DWC Tang Development Ltd



For this special Hong Kong themed edition of The Peninsula, it was a difficult decision to choose between the most talked about and the most written about CEOs in town. Do we pick up the well-read and the popular or the adventurous and the unstoppable? Why pick one when we can double the pleasure for good measure?

Presenting the inimitable David Tang and the incredible Simon Murray, men of power, vision, style and savvy, as heads of their respective companies, every year they add a paragraph to their lengthy list of achievements. Both good friends and a Dictaphone's delight, we sent them the same list of questions only to get disparate responses, indicative of the distinctive personalities who made it big in Hong Kong.

It's an achievement of sorts when you've got an entry and web page in Wikipedia and spurious as it may be, but Leicester-born Simon Murray, 66, certainly does. Mostly because his achievements could indeed fill a page in an encyclopedia but let's dispel some myths fabricated online. For the record, he is the writer of Legionnaire: An Englishman in the French Foreign Legion, an account of the five years he spent in the parachute regiment of the French Foreign Legion. He does head GEMS but it has nothing to do with jewels or diamonds; it's a Hong Kong-based private equity investment arm and an acronym for General Enterprise Management Services Limited. In 2004, at the age of 63, he became the oldest man to reach the South Pole unsupported. Founder and chairman of Simon Murray & Associates, his corporate success sometimes seem incidental, compared to the array of accomplishments he has achieved outside his office.

Perhaps one of the most famous Hong Kong exports and one of the brightest sparks in the international social circuit, David Tang O.B.E., 52, always seems ahead of the curve. Whether it's dressing Whoopi Goldberg for a television show with his brand of high fashion, or discussing world politics with Margaret Thatcher and the last governor of Hong Kong, Chris Pattern, or heading to an island resort with his wife and their good friend supermodel Kate Moss and co, Tang has done it all with panache, style and remarkable wit. For a man deeply grounded in Hong Kong, a city he calls home despite his extensive travels, his posh British baritone seems like an antithesis. Just like his title of being a "Taipan Anglophile", a "a philosopher socialite" and other labels that the media has slapped him with - none of which he takes seriously, he assures. A man of many seeming contradictions, he's also a journalist's dream; full of bon mots and quotables. He was on a flight when he sent responses to this Q&A via his new best friend; his blackberry.



P.Ramakrishnan: As the head of your companies, what qualities do you think a leader should preternaturally possess-and what are the ones that you learn with experience and time?

Simon Murray: I don't know what preternaturally means, but the key quality a leader needs is to be able to choose good people (support comes from below, very seldom from above) and also to remember that people follow those in whom they trust.

David Tang: A leader must always have the confidence and conviction of his staff. They must also believe you know best. And it's best to be able to explain your decisions in simple and convincing terms.

How would you best describe yourself? "I am a ..."

SM: I am a hunter - but I like the chase more than the kill - and I love the excitement of life and am interested in all of it, from the morning mist as the sun comes up to the night stars - from dancing to deals - from history, to predicting the future - boredom is a sin.

DT: I am always, as a businessman, looking for niches. Anything I choose to do should be exceptional. All good business should be based on a single idea which then needs to be focused, focused and focused more on.

What is the source of pride and joy in your company? Which particular achievement stands out?

SM: We created something of value and the operative words are "created" as in "birth" and "we" - as in a team.

DT: Any business that matures and becomes profitable for 10 years is a good foundation. And any business which sustains profitability, more or less, for 20 years, is a good achievement.

During troubling times - fiscally, during SARS, the rise and fall of the stock market/trade and such - where do you find the strength to continue?

SM: There are many sources of energy from where we get our inner strength. Hate and love are great sources of energy - as are greed and fear - but the greatest source is hope.

DT: The strength comes from the knowledge that the business are not geared or leveraged or under-capitalised.

Who was the great influence in your professional career?

SM:The greatest influence in my professional career was Li Ka-Shing because he taught me much and gave me more. The role models for life were those I read about in the school library in my young days - Livingstone, Nelson, Burton, Scott, Nansen, Cook, Drake, Churchill and Al Capone.

DT: Anton Rupert for his vision, and Warren Buffett for his valuation of building a business with products and services.

What is one thing/person that can have you racing out of the office as soon as the clock hits 7:00pm?

SM: It's confidential - and it isn't "Dallas".

DT: When someone you don't know very well, or not at all, telephones you and asks whether he could pick your brain and "explore opportunities".

The adage is, the secret of success is doing what you love to do. Was there any job in the past that you did just because it paid the bills?

SM: At eighteen I worked in an iron foundry in Manchester, because it was a job (and they were hard to come by in the 50s) and yes, it paid the bills. It was not dissimilar to working down a coal mine in Victorian England except the coal mine would have been less polluted. I hated it so much I ran away to join the Foreign Legion in Algeria for five years.

DT: More important than doing a job that pays the bills is the notion of preoccupation. I was a floor assistant, kitchen washer-up and cashier when I was young, having to look for pocket money. But whilst I was doing all these jobs, I didn't not stop thinking about other things, and I spent a lot of time reading.

As new graduates hit the market and go job hunting, what would you say to them? When it comes to hiring people, what key qualities do you look for in a person?

SM: I am old-fashioned. I look for honesty, integrity, loyalty and passion combined with modesty and some achievement already accomplished. They must have done something, and having a sense of humour is also a great asset.

DT: Anyone coming for an interview with me most show that they have done some homework on the companies for which they are applying for a job. For them to say that they are committed and will work hard and believe that they have talent is simply not good enough - and boring. I like those young people who know what they want to start doing and get on with it before thinking about higher ambitions.

If you could turn back the clock, what would you do again differently?

SM: Nothing. We do not regret the things we do, we regret the things we left undone though the opportunity was presented.

DT: In business, I wish I was more aggressive and more thick-skinned and more ruthless in personnel.

What is the ultimate goal for your company? What can we expect from you in the future?

SM: Not much. I am three years off 70 in the year of the Pig. It's nearly time to hand over the keys of the front door and time to start coming in by the side door. The company belongs not to me, but the team, and they will take it on up the hill.

DT: Sustainability is the only goal I wish to achieve for all my businesses. If they are still going strong when I was dead, that is what I would call success.