Frigging hell, has it been a year already? While here at the HK Magazine office we are looking out the window, wondering when the typhoon is going to come, in our inbox we already have emails about mooncakes. To give you some sense of time, this year’s Mid-Autumn Festival will fall on September 22. A bit premature? Maybe, but then who are we to argue when we’re all crazy about the super-sweet, crazily indulgent delicacy? While we were going through the mooncake emails, one thing did catch our eye though.
My childhood was quite a fortunate one. My family was involved in the Kai Tak Amusement Park. Every weekend, I got to ride the ferris wheel and roller coasters and watch movies for free. Paula Tsui and Liza Wang performed during New Years.
I studied communications, worked in a bank in Canada, and then came back to HK, and was the PR for LKF group. Then Pansy Ho asked me to join Occasions.
My boss is a powerful businesswoman and encourages me in soft and hard ways.
Francis Cheng is majordomo of Occasions PR and gatekeeper to most of the city’s top society events, fashion shows, parties and product launches. He sits down with Johannes Pong at Café Landmark for iced mint mochas, scones, chicken rolls, and more dishing.
The qipao (or “kei po” in Cantonese) has come a long, long way. While most of the world associates this exquisite Chinese dress with Maggie Cheung in Wong Kar-wai’s “In the Mood for Love,” the truth is, the qipao looked very different when it was first made. To illustrate its evolution, from functional day dress to stylish party frock, the Museum of History is staging the exhibition, “The Evergreen Classic—The Transformation of the Qipao.”
Alison Hui visits a new exhibition charting the history of the iconic dress.
I wanted to be a bus driver. Then I wanted to be a professor of nuclear physics. In other words, I wanted to be either very basic, or extremely intellectual.
I always thought of starting my own businesses, though. I didn’t want to work for other people.
Not speaking a word of English when I first when to England for boarding school wasn’t traumatizing at all, it was actually rather amusing.
Shanghai Tang founder Sir David Tang Wing-cheung has a new book out, “A Chink in the Armour,” a collection of his columns and articles written over the years. Johannes Pong chats with “Ah Sir” over cheung fun and congee at the China Club.
Lustful shop listings to satisfy your carnal needs
Fruit and Flowers
Top-to-toe pampering is the order of the day at Chuan Spa with its “Luscious Lady” package that’s available from now until the end of May. Start with a rose hydrating facial, followed by a fruit-infused back scrub, a back neck and shoulder massage, and finally a foot cleansing ritual. The treatment takes 105 minutes and costs $975. what’s more, the lucky luscious lady herself will take home a Chuan Spa gift bag
Chuan Spa, 4/F, Langham Place Hotel, 555 Shanghai St., Mong Kok, 3552-3510.
A lifetime of slaving after ungrateful children is going to take its toll, so make sure mom’s properly pampered with these Mother’s Day treats. By Sarah Fung
Lip Service
Lola’s latest “A Trust In You” Collection flaunts six new lip shades that promise a smoother and plumper pout. Not only do these wonder products glide on your lips like butter, they also contain soothing products such as natural mints, ginger, castor oil and honey extract, while adding depth and dimension to your lips. The colors (magenta pink, rose melon, peach or nude) are perfect for spring heading into warmer months—try them with a clean face and smoky eyes for the evening.
The latest health and beauty news and deals with Silvia To
Who knew that Hong Kong Island, long known as a finance hub, had so much concealed creativity? From the fashion boutiques of Aberdeen Street to the studios of design professionals from every walk of life, there’s a hive of creativity buzzing away under the watchful eye of our skyscrapers. Here are some of our favorites.
Johannes Pong uncovers the coolest spaces and faces in Central and Sheung Wan.
Va-Va Vintage
For something really special, head to Lane Crawford IFC on Feb 5 from 5pm-7pm for its first-ever vintage couture trunk show hosted by Juliana Cairone, founder of Rare Vintage in New York. You’ll be able to pick up gorgeous, rare outfits for that special someone.
Have your wicked way this Valentine’s Day with these little treats that’ll sweep her off her feet.
Boozy Bonding
This V-Day, avoid the cheesy, coupled-up restaurants and get some serious couples’ time with these spa treatments a deux.
