BEAUX Magazine - May/June Issue - Volume 2

EXCLUSIVE

INTERVIEW WITH MC JIN REUSE

HERITAGE BUILDING 1881 COVER STORY

HAVE YOU GOT WHAT IT TAKES?

FEATURE

CLUB CUBIC: NEW DANCE HAVEN

beauxmagazine.com

MAY 2011

VOL. 2

REJUVENATION

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NEW SWISS BUSINESS Raising the standard between Hong Kong and Zurich

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www.marriott.com For booking or enquiry, please contact hotel directly on (852) 3969-1888, 4 BEAUX or e-mail: mhrs.hkgap.reservations@marriott.com, or visit our web site skycitymarriott.com.

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Offering a refreshing escape from the bustling city, the Hong Kong SkyCity is strategically located near the Hong Kong International Airport, next to the Nine-Eagle Golf Course and AsiaWorld Expo.

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EDITOR’S NOTE Welcome to the second issue of BEAUX magazine. For what seems liked a brief instant in time, two months have passed and spring has arrived in force at our doorsteps. It seemed appropriate that rejuvenation should become the theme for this issue.

I said to myself that I wanted volume two to go one step further than the first one. To step into the playing field a bit more with ideas and creative photography, and to see if we could offer the audience something enticing and more memorable. I feel we have.

For our SHOOT OUTS, photographer Lin Zhipeng shot in traditional film to give us the edgy and moody ‘Flower Child’. Meanwhile Earl Wan brings a more pastoral setting to his ‘Beauté et les Fleurs’. Jeff Ip and Bhisan teamed up to give us the voluptuous ‘Like a Prayer’. Amelia Liu then counters with the sophisticated and lovely ‘Beijing’ shoot.

Fashion director Patryk Chaou pulls in models from Starzpeople and Synergy and plays up a period shoot starting from the 20’s, working its way up to the 90’s. In addition, Patryk writes on the not-so-glam world of the modeling industry. Finally, I have the honor of photographing the superbly muscular Jeremy T in ‘Spring Temptations’ for the ACCESSORIES section.

For our ON THE RISE section, Darlene Chu brings you an exclusive interview with MC Jin, as he talks about the music industry, inspiration and spirituality. We also interview co-directors Edward Gunawan and Andri Cung, whose film Payung Merah debuted in the Hong Kong Film Festival. Then Patryk Chaou speaks to Derek Wong, a theatrical actor that has stunned audiences with his one-man performances.

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BEAUX also had a chance to interview Bosco Lam, the designer for dance haven Club Cubic in Macau. Celia Chung recalls her experiences of Songkran, a festival that celebrates with the splashing of water on people and as a way of ‘blessing’.

For our CASA section on homewares, we interviewed Cherry Chaicharn, an urban planner-cum-tableware designer, whose designer plates of city street grids have made its way to museums.

Again, in the spirit of rejuvenation, Dominique Chan submits a compelling article on the restoration of older historial buildings in Hong Kong. Then we scale down to the street level, and witness how old shops are being restored in ‘New Faces in Sheung Wan.’ To the photographers, makeup artists, models, graphic designers, and countless helpers have graciously contributed to this issue, you have all made the long hours in the studio worth its while. There is a quiet yet overwhelming feeling that rises in me I type these words; I really believe that the people who have extended their time and creative efforts to BEAUX is not just for promotion, but for a greater whole. I thank you.

So without further ado, I present to you BEAUX magazine, Volume 2.

From the BEAUX team, Norm Yip Publisher & Chief Editor

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WHO’S WHO? Publisher / Chief Editor Production Director

Norm Yip Patryk Chaou

EDITORIAL Fashion Director

Patryk Chaou

Art Director

Jimmy C.F. Chung

Fashion Stylists

Bhisan Rai Kinki Tsui

Fashion Assistants

Marco Ho Richard Sun

Writers

Celia Chung Jefferson Mendoza Dominique Chan Cherry Chaicharn Komphech Akkarasetthi Darlene Chu Kenny Sun Carla Rand Leroy Luar

Designer

Norm Yip Ric Sin

Post Production

Debbie Li Raymond Lc Man

Sales & Marketing Manager

Gigi Cheung gigi@beauxmagazine.com

Contact Us BEAUX MAGAZINE

is published by Studio 8 Hong Kong Publishing Ltd. Room 802, Block B, 8/F Hong Kong Chai Wan Industrial Building

26 Lee Chung Street, Chai Wan, Hong Kong

T +852 2540 6267 F +852 2542 4208 E enquiry@beauxmagazine.com W www.beauxmagazine.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Beaux-Magazine/134340796634096 Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/beauxmagazine

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CONTENTS 14

AGENDA

22

BRAND STORY Bottega Veneta introduces BVX - It’s First Watch

26

WHAT’S HOT FOR HER

28

WHAT’S HOT FOR HIM

30

COVER STORY Have You Got What it Takes? by Patryk Chaou

56

SHOOT OUT ‘Beijing’ by Amelia Liu

72

BEAUTE Gary Chung on The Secrets of Aloe

76

BEAUTE Discover Your Beauty Brand by Stephen Ip

82

SHOOT OUT ‘Beauté et les Fleurs’ by Earl Wan

94

SHOOT OUT ‘Like a Prayer’ by Jeff Ip

102

SHOOT OUT ‘Flower Child’ by Lin Zhipeng 223

120

ACCESSORIES Spring Temptations by Norm Yip

134

CASA From Urban Planner to Tableware Designer by Norm Yip

144

CASA This litle light of Ecoya, it’s made to shine

148

UP CLOSE Allure of the Audi 7 Sportsback

152

ON THE RISE Exclusive interview of MC Jin, ‘Who’s Jin?’ by Darlene Chu

158

ON THE RISE Directors Cross Paths on Payung Merah: Edward Gunawan and Andri Cung by Norm Yip

166

ON THE RISE The True Faces of Derek Wong by Patryk Chaou

186

SHOOT OUT ‘Modele De Provence’ by Sever Mican

192

FEATURE A New Dance Haven by Kenny Sun and Jimmy Chung

200

CULTURE Songkran by Celia Chung

204

URBANISM Adaptive Resuse of Built Heritage in our Urban Landscape by Dominique Chan

214

NEIGHBORHOOD New Faces in Sheung Wan by Cherry Chaicharn

226

FOOD Get The Glow by Darlene Chu

230

VIEWPOINT Sugar and Spice; and Everything Nice by Leroy Luar

236

ADVENTURE At the speed of a breeze: cycling around Bangkok’s backcountry, Part 2 by Celia Chung

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CONTRIBUTORS

LIN ZHIPENG 223

JEFFERSON MENDOZA

AMANDA LIU

Lin Zhipeng is known by his code name 223 is a freelance photographer, curator and writer based in Beijing. He has contributed to numerous popular lifestyle and fashion magazines in China as an editor and writer and has produced photo shoots for magazines such as Vice, S Magazine, Glass, and City Pictorial along with brands such as United Nude, eno, Converse, Glaceau Vitamin Water, etc.

Born in the Philippines Jefferson, grew up in francophone Montreal, Canada where he studied Journalism at Concordia University.

Born in Beijing, Amanda moved to New York at the age of 16 and eventually studied photography graduated at the Parson’s School of Design in New York . Amanda’s main area of photography is fashion and beauty and has been greatly inspired

by New York’s fashion and artistic scenes. She has moved back to Beijing after her graduation and now teaches photography at the New Elements Photography Academy in Beijing.

In 2007, he published the independent fashion magazine project TOO and in 2005, 2006 and 2010 published three volumes of photography book entitled “My Private Broadway.”

223 teams up with Art Director Jimmy and Fashion Director Patryk in creating a surreal fashion shoot at the Agricultural Museum Park in the heart of Beijing.

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He now works as a freelance writer and has been teaching English in Korea and China.

If he is not reading, writing, or teaching, he is outside discovering the world with his wornout boots.

Jefferson has been writing for Beaux since the “Coming Out” Issue and is one of the regular contributors to the Agenda section.

She also takes time out to shoot for fashion magazines from time to time.

For Beaux, she chose the historical Nanluogu Xiang in Beijing as the location .

DARLENE CHU

EARL WAN

Darlene Chu is a freelance writer in Vancouver, Canada. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations from the University of British Columbia and a CGA designation.

Born in Yorkshire, England, Earl’s passion for art developed at a young age which led his interest to photography when he picked up the camera at age 14.

Darlene loves travelling around the world in search of the best of everything.

Her favourite city is Hong Kong where she has many dear friends and family.

Darlene has also assisted Beaux Magazine Fashion Director, Patryk Chaou, on various fashion styling projects for print, events, and fashion shows and has worked with well-known fashion names such as Donna Karan New York, La Perla, Sportmax, and Lane Crawford.

Darlene shares with Beaux her love for fashion, food, and music.

Earl studied and graduate at Manchester Metropolitan University with a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Illustration and Animation.

Influenced by his mother who was a seamstress, honed his eyes for details when he began to take photographs of things of interest from still life to people. Later he progressed and indulged in portraits which lead onto fashion.

“For me, photography is about capturing the moment and story telling. It isn’t about taking picture, it’s a work of art.”

Earl takes the helm in this issue’s main fashion spread: Garden Picnic.

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CONTRIBUTORS

SEVER MICAN

OSCARICARD

JEFF IP

Sever Mican turned hobby into profession. His experience spans from extensive independent shoots in fashion capitals from Japan to Italy.

Newly based in Hong Kong, Sever’s distinctive style of hard light and contrast puts edginess in European sophistication.

OSCARICHARD is a boutique design & brand consultancy based in Central Hong Kong.

Oscar Venhuis is the founder and the creative director.

After studying at the Photography Institue of Hong Kong in 2006, he started working eagerly as an assistant photographer.

He has collaborated with clients such as Nike, Philips, and Adidas. Oscar was born in Seoul, raised in the Netherlands, and has worked in Amsterdam, London, Hong Kong, Shanghai and Beijing.

Photography inspires him greatly, and he is always on the search for new ideas to add to his portfolio. He is constantly observing the things around him, and believes that a photograph can be more than a mere image.

Sever works in the day as an IT consultant and strategy consultant, and is fluent in several languages including Hungarian, French, Italian and Japanese.

Sever contributes with a fashion SHOOT OUT with clothes from Modele de Prudence.

After completing his Bachelor Degree in Product Design, he studied at the Royal College of Art in London, and completed a Masters with distinction in Design Management.

Together with his team they develop brand strategies and collateral products for luxury and finance clients around the world. Oscar Richard throws in some of their creative magic for several of the articles with their design team.

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LEROY LUAR

GARY CHUNG

Born raised in Penang, Leroyand Luar the food capital of Malaysia, Leroy Luar is currently based in Kuala Lumpur.

Celebrity make up artist Gary Chung graduated from the Hong Kong Academy of Performing Arts in Stage and Set Design and went on to complete his Bachelor of Fine Arts at the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology Univesity. He is currently a Lecturer in Image and Make Up at the Hong Kong University SPACE.

Thanks to his day job in Public Relations, Leroy firmly believes in the power of the written word to amuse and bemuse, enthrall and appall.

When not working for the rent, he can be found hard at work at a novel he hopes to have published sometime this cnetury.

Leroy challenges our readers with two pieces on Food and Culture for this issue of Beaux. This is his first contribution to Beaux.

He has worked with numerous celebrities and socialites and has collaborated with top zzzinternational brands such as Louis Vuitton, Hermes and DTC. He established his own beauty and make up school “Portfolio� in 2007.

Gary takes time out to share his beauty tips with the readers of Beaux in combating the upcoming harsh summer weathers.

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AGENDA But some people forget that pearl oysters have a criteria in which they must live in: from the right temperature and water, the right time for harvesting, to the right handling so that everyone can enjoy nature’s simple and yet exquisite jewels.

Paspaley’s pearls are nurtured for six years.

And when they are ripe for selection, each pearl undergoes a rigorous examination only Paspaley can only monitor.

Today’s changing climate and trends have pushed Paspaley creators to innovate in ways for you to get the breath-taking feel upon wearing one of their collections items.

Mother Nature at sea has her own secrets.

THE EXQUISITE PASPALEY PEARL COLLECTION Exquisite, refined, and romantic are some of the characteristics to define Paspaley Pearls’ collections.

Yet behind the beauty of a Marquise necklace, a pair of Flutter earrings, or the Russian Spirit collection that strives to capture the spirit of St. Petersburg, each pearl by Paspaley has been meticulously selected for its utmost quality.

They are meant to be cherished the same way the divers do at the remote coastline of Australia’s north.

It is the same love-affair with nature that Nicholas Paspaley Sr. had had more than 70 years ago when he and his crew sought to find the perfect pearl - thus begun the Paspaley industry.

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Paspaley is aware of the importance of keeping up with her. And in return, Paspaley has given support to various charities like the Sydney’s Children’s Hospital and the Cancer Council to name a few.

Today, Paspaley’s pearls are considered to be source of the most beautiful and valuable pearls in the world. Over the past fifty years, Paspaley works in partnership with Mother Nature while keeping in mind the importance of taking care of her invaluable resource – pearls that cannot be replicated because they have unique properties.

Pearls have been prized in the past, today, and more likely in the future.

by Jefferson Mendoza

WELLENDORFF’S GOLDEN ANGEL COLLECTION: INSPIRED BY TRAGEDY A piece of item was first lost. But it was soon found.

For Inga Lasma, a customer of Wellendorff, this “item” was her little angel necklace.

Such sentimental value is irreplaceable for Lasma who now has a deep connection with Germany’s top brand in jewellery.

Since 1893, Wellendorff has given joys from the creators of their fine jewellery house to those who value them the most – just like Lasma.

When a fire engulfed Lasma’s house in 2010, her little angel necklace survived.

Just like a phoenix rising from its ashes, her story inspired Wellendorff to create the Golden Angel Collection.

Wellendorff wants to give you a little piece of miracle the same way that Lasmane has had with her necklace.

For the jewellery maker, little miracles come in charming pendants, beautiful necklaces, and an assortment of enchanted rings. All of which are part of Wellendorff’s trademarks.

Wellendorff even went a step further by unveiling one ring that consists five individual spinning rings. For each spinning ring, black wave-like patterns alternate with diamond encrusted that are aligned within a hundredth of a millimeter of each other. Thus making it the most difficult ring to craft in the world.

While other jewellery makers follow trends, Wellendorff prefers to follow their own “general values.” And the Golden Angel collection is no different.

Wellendorff’s Golden Angel collection echoes hope, assurance, and a sense of protection to those who wish to hear them – just like when Inga Lasmane was going through her own life’s darkest time. Wellendorff was there for her.

by Jefferson Mendoza

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AGENDA Supported by the mother company, Lynn Concepts of which was founded in 1963, the Loveramics brand came into fruition in 2009.

Since then, it has launched various collections with different philosophies and functions. For one, Loveramics encourages individuality, creativity and innovation.

The ‘A Curious Toile’ is one collection that sheds lights on nature. Ceramic designer Tracy Hollins was inspired by the historical ceramic printing techniques by capturing, for instance, foxes and birds in a playful manner.

Each plate, cups, saucers, and cups have printed images of these wild animals. Each animal has a story to tell. It is up to you to discover them and to “listen” to what they are evoking.

LOVERAMICS MORE THAN YOUR GRANDMA’S TEA SETS Forget about grandma’s tea sets. Today’s ceramic and porcelain sets come in different shapes and sizes that will make those awkward conversations into somewhat comfortable ones thanks in part to Loveramics’s involvement.

With “I love ceramics” as the backbone of their collections, the Loveramics brand has been at the forefront of making ordinary plates, cups, mugs, and utensils into colorful, multifunctional and aesthetically pleasing.

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Other collections are created for spacesaving reasons or focuses on the traditional and futuristic approach. It is all about taking a closer look on the craftsmanship or the reasons behind its creations.

The FARO coffee dripper and pot set is no ordinary at all. Its non-conical shape of dripper and filter offers a better saturation period between the coffee and the water.

FARO’s simple approach to coffee making won the Good Design Award in 2009 for its beautiful and simple design as well for its good functionality.

Loveramics is constantly evolving. Last April 16, Loveramics Hong Kong took part in a charity that supported the situation in Japan while maintaining a blog.

For more information, www.loveramics.com is the official website.

by Jefferson Mendoza

ADD A LITTLE SPRING TO YOUR STEP!

One of Brazil’s most famous fashion exports, Havaianas, the Portuguese word for “Hawaiians,” was inspired by the Japanese sandals back in 1962 and a tribute to America’s glamorous holiday destination.

Since it’s launch more than 40 years ago, 2.2 billion pairs of Havaiana sandals have been produced and sold throughout the world.

In Brazil, the sandals are worn by all personalities from the average citizen to dignitaries and celebrities. Since it’s introduction to the US, the little rubber flip flops have created an unprecedented cult following which eventually spread across the globe.

Come celebrate Spring with an explosion of colours from Havaianas! Available now in stores, Havaianas presents all new designs and prints for the 2011 Spring / Summer season. From elegant ethnic-inspired prints from Turkey, Central Asia and Southeast Asia to funky graffiti designs, Havaianas is sure to add a splash of colour and stye to your summer wardrobe.

This Summer, Havaianas are available in the following collections: Ethnic, Urban Cool, Back to Basics, and Superhero Power!

Havaianas are truly the most fashionable and best rubber flip-flops in the world!

Stay tune for the launch of it’s very first Havaianas Hong Kong iPhone App in midMay!

by Khompech Akkarasetthi

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AGENDA

TIMELESS RADIANCE FROM INTEMPORELLE SWITZERLAND

Intemporelle means “timeless� in French and it is a new premium skincare brand from Switzerland. Embodying more than 30 years of product research and development, the Intemporelle products are an amalgamation of unique blends of Swiss organic activities, pristine Swiss glacial waters from the Diablerets Glacier and advanced cellular regenerative technologies.

BREATHE AGAIN FACE SCRUB and SKIN LULLABY NIGHT TREATMENTS is a part of the cleansing regiment and a moisturizing cream from the City Detox line featuring a unique proprietary Lycoskin Defense system with advanced stem cell technology that protects skin cells from the exposure to heavy metals and urban environmental pollutants in our daily lives.

Intemporelle Switzerland has been launched earlier this year in the US with rave reviews from customers, and the product is now available in Asia with the introduction of three unique products from its CELEBRITY COLLECTION and CITY DETOX lines.

Our skin is a mirror of our inner selves and the shield against the environment.

Intemporelle Switzerland products can be an indispensable partner to beautiful and healthy skin.

The TIMELESS RADIANCE Rejuventating & Lighting Veil is an exclusive cream from the Celebrity Collection containing Aura28 Peptide to reduce wrinkles, increase skin elasticity and helps to achieve a well balanced hydration in the morning or evening.

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For more information, log on to the corporate website: www.intemporellegroup.com.

by Khompech Akkarasetthi

GOLFJUNKIE TAKES TO THE STREETS FROM THE PLAYING FIELD Golfjunkie is the first brand to characterize the 21st Century “Golf” look by incorporating a “Zest for Life” attitude into lifestyle sportswear fashion. Established in 2005 in Arnhem, Netherlands, the brand wanted to bring a modern face to lifestyle golf and sportswears by bringing a rebellious approach to modern golf wear.

Golfjunkie consists of a Core Collection that provides the essential basics to every man’s wardrobe. What sets the brand apart from other golf wear labels is the attention to details and the incorporation of exciting colours in the collection. Golfjunkie signature checkered pants are paired with an extensive selection of Polo shirts.

The Pixel Collection on the other hand, represents the brand’s iconic pieces.

The Pixel man symbolizes up-market technological advancement and surrealism.

The collection can be taken from the golf course into the urban playfield which adding an edge to those who dare.

The Flush Collection illustrates Golfjunkie’s lifestyle approach: edgy in style and individual in taste with a large spectrum of colours from natural basics to intriguing pastels.

The 2011 collections are available at D-Mop and Sogo in Hong Kong as well as cities in China such as Shanghai, Beijing, and Shenzhen.

by Carla Rand

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AGENDA LOLLIA CREATES EXQUISITE NEW FRAGRANCE, BODY PRODUCTS & MORE Lollia is a world created by exquisite details, blushing fragrances and enticing touches.

Created by well-known designer Margot Elena who designed products for some of the top retailers including Restoration Hardware, Disney and Red Envelope in her native US, the Lollia brand contains an extensive range of fragrances, bath & body products, candles and beddings and lounge wear.

Lollia is a product of Margot’s envision of beautifully designed lifestyle products inspired by soft, sophisticated textiles and the warmth of lovely homes, drawing from life’s smallest and most charming details.

Lollia is sweetly familiar and delightfully luxurious.

Margot invites you to celebrate the gracefulness and beauty with Lollia’s signature mix and match patterns.

Unconscious alluring, unstudied sophistication; tender moments and close friends: this is Lollia.

Selected products of Lollia are available in Hong Kong at Lane Crawford and House of Style.

by Khompech Akkarasetthi

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PANDORA’S NEW FLORAL INSPIRED JEWELRY

Launched in 2006, the Danish handfinished jewelry brand PANDORA opened its first store in Hamburg Germany followed by locations in Denmark, Switzerland, Australia, Canada and the US. Best known for its twist on the classic charm bracelet, the bracelets have a patented threading system that allows charms to be placed, added and rearranged.

For Spring / Summer 2011, PANDORA presents and feminine and contemporary collection of rings, charms, bracelets, earrings, necklaces and pendants inspired by the natural beauty of flowers.

The floral world, rich in vibrant shades and decadent details, is reflected in the new Collection that celebrates a world blooming with colours. Made with genuine materials, PANDORA offers women a world of timeless precious pieces to suit every style and occasion at affordable prices.

jewelry. Featuring feminine and inspirational designs in an array of styles and forms, the new Collection is versatile to complement existing PANDORA charms.

by Carla Rand

The highlight of every season is the PANDORA charms. This Spring / Summer season features a soft, romantic colour palette with precious metails, stones and gemstones. The new MOMENTS collection allows women to tell their own unique story, and is the ultimate representation of a truly personal range of

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BRAND STORY

Bottega Veneta Introduces BVX

Its First Watch Written by Darlene Chu

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Design by

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BRAND STORY Bottega Veneta introduces its first watch, BVX, produced in collaboration with Sowind Group, owner of the renowned Swiss watchmaker Girard Perregaux. The unisex timepiece is the unique product of over two years of design and development.

The BVX timepieces are the embodiment of Bottega Veneta’s cornerstones: artisanal craftsmanship, finequality materials, modern functionality, and timeless design. Creative Director Tomas Maier explains “for us, this introduction is a natural step in the evolution of the brand. Working with the Girard Perregaux team enabled us to marry Bottega Veneta’s core values with the finest watchmaking expertise in the world.”

The watch is signature Bottega Veneta: minimalist, unusual, refined, and functional.

With its circular face, rounded bezel, and curving clasp, all enrobed in a soft brown palette, the watch has a unassuming, organic sensibility that is contrary to the precision, luxury, and detail of its design and construction. Firstly, there is the mechanical movement, in all respects, the heart of the timepiece.

Expressly designed for Bottega Veneta and meticulously assembled from components of 18-karat rose gold, the movement is exceptionally crafted, with automatic winding and the date and small seconds as functions. The case measures 41 mm across and is constructed of brushed titanium, a strong lightweight metal with a soft luster.

Titanium, which is exceptionally strong, also has the highest strength-to-weight ratio of any metal and is also corrosionresistant and hypoallergenic. The case is finished with a state-of-the-art PVD coating in brunito, Bottega Veneta’s signature colour.

An elegantly curved sapphire crystal enrobes both the face and the underside of the timepiece, leaving the workings entirely exposed, and a single screw runs through the watch from top to bottom.

The cigar-coloured intrecciato crocodile strap fastens with an adjustable clasp in the shape of Bottega Veneta’s signature belt buckle.

The first step in developing the watch was the choice of the partner. The brand’s practice of close collaborations with worldclass partners has led to products of unrivaled quality, such as fine porcelain developed with renowned manufacturer KPM and the META line

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of furniture, produced with Poltrona Frau. “We wanted a watchmaker that makes its own movements, because the movement is the most important part of the watch,” explains Bottega Veneta Creative Director Tomas Maier. “There are only a few companies in the world that do that.”

“I have always loved fine watches, so for me the development of this watch was a pleasure but also a special challenge,” says Creative Director Tomas Maier. “It was important that we create something truly distinctive, a watch with Bottega Veneta’s design sensibility as well as technical innovation and impeccable precision. What I like most about the result is that it really is a very personal luxury. There are lots of small details designed solely for the wearer’s pleasure.

For example, the crown is placed not at 3 o’clock but a little lower, so if you wear the watch on your left wrist it won’t dig into your hand. The band is easily adjustable, so if you’re playing tennis and want to loosen it for a few hours, you can do that. We chose titanium not only for its strength and weightlessness, but also because it’s visually unassuming—you understand its virtues best when you experience them. And of course, there’s no logo on the face, but if you look very closely, you’ll see a tiny Bottega Veneta logo engraved on one of the elements of the mechanism. Everything about the watch is like that: exquisitely constructed and deeply personal.”

Bottega Veneta has emerged as one of the world’s premier luxury brands. A new standard of luxury, discretion, quality, and craftsmanship entrenched in the traditions of Italy’s master craftsmen and world renowned for its extraordinary leather goods. The company’s famous motto, “When your own initals are enough,” expresses a philosophy of individuality and confidence that applies to a range of products including women’s and men’s ready-to-wear, fine jewelry, furniture, and more. The Bottega Veneta BVX watch is no exception.

The Bottega Veneta watch is available at select Bottega Veneta stores worldwide. www.bottegaveneta.com

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WHAT’S HOT FOR HER Bally

Bottega Veneta Bally

Bally

Bally Bally

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Tod’s YSL

Tod’s

Hunter

Loewe BEAUX 27

WHAT’S HOT FOR HIM

YSL

Bottega Veneta

Bo

Bally Dunhill

Bottega Veneta

Bally

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Bally

ottega Veneta YSL

Bottega Veneta

Bally

Tod’s

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COVER STORY

HAVE YOU GOT WHAT IT TAKES? a closer perspective into the realities of modeling

by Patryk Chaou

Photography by Norm Yip Art Direction by Jimmy C.F. Chung / Patryk Chaou Styling by Patryk Chaou Assisted by Marco Ho Models from Synergy Models / Starz People HK

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2 4 7

20’s 60 30’s 40’s50’s 90 70’s BEAUX 31

COVER STORY

“Handling rejection gracefully is one of the toughest parts about being a model, but it becomes a regular, mandatory exercise in every model’s career.

Those who don’t handle rejection well will never make it as model”

Modeling has always been thought of as a mindless job, which requires the models to do nothing but stand in front of a camera and look pretty, and strut down a catwalk wearing fancy frocks.

Contrarily, being a model is hard work, and requires patience, discipline, long working hours, physical and mental endurance, quick thinking and aesthetic sense. The fashion world can be cruel and harsh, especially when the industry is all about surface appearance.

As explained by top modeling agent Elmer Olsen, quoted by Canadian fashion guru Jeanne Beker in her book Strutting It! it “takes an easygoing girl—a girl who is relaxed and not too concerned about what people think of her—because she’s always going to be going on castings and hearing, ‘No, no, no.’ She just has to be cool and roll with the punches and have a personality that loves being around people.”

For the right face, brands and companies are willing to pay millions of dollars to a model to have him or her endorse their products, but to those who do not fit that criteria, clients can often be down right brutal and uncompromising. She is too fat, her nose is too high, her cheekbones are not strong enough, she is too short…. Tr, the one rejection line that

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says it all: she is just not the right look for us.

The majority of working models have heard at least one of those comments from photographers, designers, stylists, make up artists, or clients once in their career as a model. He or she will need to move on and not take it too personally. “Handling rejection gracefully is one of the toughest parts about being a model, but it becomes a regular, mandatory exercise in every model’s career. Those who don’t handle rejection well will never make it as models,” Beker further explains.

While a few models do have the rare chance to rise to fame in less than a season into their career, most of the boys and girls in the industry have to work their way step by step. Many models begin working at the young age of 14 or 15, and by the time they reach their mid-to-late 20s, they are already considered too mature for many clients.

“Competition is fierce. While the established boys and girls can get direct bookings, the majority of models still have to go through the tedious casting process each time a fashion show or a photo shoot comes up. Show clients see more than 300 models in a casting session to choose a final 20 to 30 for

their catwalk. For catalogue or campaign shootings, a fashion brand may need to cast up to 100 models to choose the perfect face to represent their name.

With fierce competitions in Milan, Paris and New York, many models choose to come to Asia, in countries such as Hong Kong, Singapore, Tokyo, Taipei and Bangkok to gain experience and to build up their portfolios. Beaux talks to two of the top agencies in Hong Kong and their models about the industry.

Led by industry expert Ms. Mee-Yian Yong, Starz People first opened its doors in 1997 and has since emerged as one of Asia’s most progressive full service modeling and talent agencies in Hong Kong and Shanghai. The agency has since helped promote fresh faces and new talents within the fashion and entertainment industries in Asia and overseas.

“We were the first agency to promote and launch Eurasian models: Michelle Saram, Maggie Q, Irene Santiago, Carmen Soo, Ana Rivera, Lisa Selesner, Denise Keller, Lucy Lester, Amanda Strang, Cara Grogan, Stephanie Peterson, Daniel Henley, and the list goes on. And we are also the first Hong Kong agency to have an entertainment division to promote and launch artistes BEAUX 33

COVER STORY

Nationality / American Agency / Starz People

Terra W

Hair / Matthew Chan Make Up / Jess Yung

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20’s

Dress / Twenty8Twelve Pearls / Utah Lee Flower Brooch / Utah Lee Shoes / Prada Accessories / Stylist’s Own

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COVER STORY

Nationality / Australian Agency / Starz People

Danni W

Hair / Matthew Chan Make Up / Stephen Lau

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30’s

Dress / Prada Knit Cardigan / Loro Piana Fur Gloves / Loro Piana Clutch Bag / Fendi Metallic Beads / Utah Lee Shoes / Prada

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COVER STORY

““My difficulties when I first started working as a model was having nobody to cook food and clean my place.”

and actors to serve the music and film industry. For example, models turned actors and artistes include: Maggie Q, Shawn Yue, Stephanie Cheng, Bobo Chan, Miki Yeung, Niki Chow, Rachel Ngan, Rain Li, Shiga Lin and Pak Ho Chau,” boasts Mee-Yian.

“We still try to keep a full board of 30 to 40 models on hand in an average month. Even though there are lesser large campaign jobs in Hong Kong, we counteract by worker harder with jobs coming from China and overseas. We also think positively and by having a professional team on board that gives 110% to service our clients, as clients always want total professionalism,” explains Mee-Yian.

Synergy Model on the other hand, is a brand new agency that just opened its doors in June 2009. Despite the infancy of the agency, Emmanuelle Pouliquen, the agency director, and her team have been working in the industry for over 12 years in both Asia and Europe, and is now in the ranks of one of the top model agencies in Hong Kong.

Synergy takes pride in their models.

They keep a small board of in town boys and girls—10 to 15 models only, with new faces every 2 months or so. By

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keeping a smaller pool of in-town models, the agency can focus better on each model. Many of the models are very young. Female models are usually between 15 – 18 years old, and the average age of male models are around 21-22.

“Most of our models are “international” models and have worked in major markets such as Paris, Milan, New York and London,” explains Emmanuelle.

Despite having all the right physical attributes that helped open the door to modeling for these girls and boys, the modeling world requires a lot of hard work and self-discipline. Many models, because of their young age, end up having to juggle school and work at the same time.

Hailey, who was originally from Canada, is only 16 years old and has already been modeling for almost 3 years. She has already worked in Canada, Korea, Japan and now Hong Kong. She always wanted to be a model since a little girl, and was a lucky few who did not experience many problems as a newbie. “I only had difficulties that anyone else would have had when they start something new—unfamiliar things, not knowing your place or what you are doing et cetera.”

Marianna, 17, is from Russia. Despite the fact that she has only modeling for about a year, she has already worked in Singapore, Paris, Milan, Madrid before coming to Hong Kong. Her biggest dilemma is not being in front of the camera or having to strut down the catwalk in 5” heels, but the distress of not having her family take care of her. “My difficulties when I first started working as a model was having nobody to cook food and clean my place. Also after the first month, my hair and skin were not good.”

Notwithstanding Marianna’s predicament, most models enjoy their time away from home and relish the experience of travelling and meeting new people from around the world.

Barbie, 21, is a bit older than the other 2 girls has already worked in her native Hungary, Singapore, Malaysia, Italy, Taiwan and Hong Kong. “She enjoys the feeling of being spontaneous, and never know what you will do the next day. And all models should be a bit of an exhibitionist. Barbie muses, “it feels nice to be on stage or [seeing myself] in a magazine to be honest.”

Terra, also age 21, is from the US. Being only 5’7, her shorter height made it difficult for her to fit into the category BEAUX 39

COVER STORY

Nationality / Hungarian Agency / Starz People

Barbie

Hair / Wil Wu Assistant / Makson Make Up / Gavin Kuah

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40’s

Jacket / Fendi Skirt / Twenty8Twelve Brooch / Utah Lee Belt / Loro Piana Shoes/ Prada Accessories / Stylist’s Own

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COVER STORY

Nationality / Russian Agency / Starz People

Natalia K

Hair / Matthew Chan Make Up / Reve Lau

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50’s

Dress worn as top / Twenty8Twelve Lace Boleros / Twenty8Twelve Skirt / Agnes b.

Pearls / Utah Lee Mesh Hat / Utah Lee Shoes / Fendi Belt / Stylist’s Own

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COVER STORY

“A model needs to have clear understanding of fashion or the products he or she is trying to sell and he or she has to remember it is always the model wearing the outfit and not the outfit wearing the model.”

of a “typical” model. But that certainly did not hamper her drive to become a successful model. After all, Kate Moss is also her height, and she is now one of the most successful models in the world. Terra has already successfully worked in Korea, Japan, Bangkok and Hong Kong.

At first, Terra saw her height to be a set back to her career. Eventually she realized that difficulty is all in her mind/ just a frame of mind. “After some experience in the industry, I have found you only have difficulties if you set them up yourself, “ she explains. “she reassures that “each model has their certain look and it is what he or she does with it that can lead you to success.”

What makes a model successful?

“Someone with a natural and classic beauty and can be versatile to do both fashion and commercial [jobs],” answers Emmanuelle. Everyone knows Hong Kong is a very commercial city, and clients want a face that can enhance their products but not over-power them.

“Synergy’s focus specifically on high fashion models and models that have potential to be successful in the industry.

We understand that Hong Kong is a

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commercial market but we believe there are still many clients that would like fashion models,” explains Leo, one of the bookers at Synergy.

Mee-Yian also lists, “having a beautiful face, and tall, slim, sexy body is a key factor in making a model successful, but a model must also have great personality, good working attitude, confidence and willingness to work hard with others.” She further adds that “some of our star models all have a passionate heart, persistence, self discipline, humility, and are always hardworking, learning and continuously be ready for changes in the industry.”

Max Mak is a fashion stylist from Malaysia, and his criteria in choosing models is whether he or she has the versatility to carry the different styles [in fashion] and yet be able to retain his or her own characteristics. A model needs to also have an open mind towards ideas and styles. “It is also important for a model to be professional and possess a great personality,” adds Emmanuelle. “True beauty still comes [from the inside] and a good personality does make all the difference.”

However, in Beker’s book, it lists punctuality as the most important trait a model must have. “A model who’s late

for her “call time” can end up costing the production a lot of [money]. Being late also gives those expecting you a poor impression of how seriously you take the job.”

Rita Hau, an Event Producer at one of Hong Kong’s top production houses i-dnasia, lists professionalism as the most important trait in a model.

Professionalism, however, entails a long list of measures. “Models have to be profession in that they need to keep their bodies in shape, and always posses the right attitude. Their punctuality is very important as it may affect the whole show. A model needs to have A clear understanding of fashion or the products he or she is trying to sell. He or she has to remember it is always the model wearing the outfit and not the outfit wearing the model. With the right attitude, whether or not [someone has] a pretty face or a tall figure becomes a secondary issue for me.”

And what secrets to all these girls have to staying so thin and taut? Hailey and Danni both tries to stay active by exercising and eating a balanced and healthy diet.

Terra explains that, “it’s all about balance and moderation. I don’t tell myself I can’t have a certain food BEAUX 45

COVER STORY

Nationality / Russian Agency / Synergy

Marianna E

Hair / Wil Wu Make Up / Stephen Lau

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60’s

Dress / Loro Piana Pearls / Utah Lee Beads / Agnes b.

Shoes / Fendi Tote Bag / YSL Bangles / Stylist’s Own

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COVER STORY

Nationality / American Agency / Synergy

Lindsay B

Hair / Wil Wu Assistant / Makson Make Up / Gavin Kuah

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70’s

Dress / Gucci Earrings / Agnes b.

Shoes / Gucci

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COVER STORY

“be prepared for long hours of work besides looking great and being photogenic. He or she must also be prepared to learn and be rejected at any time. Modeling like all jobs, requires professionalism, self discipline and punctuality.”

because mentally, I will crave it in abundance. It is mind over matter for me. If I have a sudden urge to indulge in something, I mark a date I can have it.

That way, I will look for to it that much more. I don’t stress or count calories. I enjoy eating healthy foods and giving my body what it needs.” A wise adage to follow by!

What advise can be given for those who are interested in being a model?

Because clients are now looking for younger and younger faces, it is not unusual now for girls to start modeling at age 13 or 14. But Emmanuelle encourages those who are serious about entering the industry to at least finish their studies first.

Modeling is a real job and can be an extremely rewarding career. So you need to “take it as a real job…and take interest in what you do,” advises Emmanuelle. “This industry can be cruel, and may look all glam from the outside, but the truth may not be so.”

Mee-Yian advises the best age to start exploring modeling is after high school.

Those who are truly interested in modeling, need to be “prepared for long hours of work besides looking great and being photogenic. He or she must also be prepared to learn and be rejected

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at any time. Modeling, like all jobs, requires professionalism, self discipline and punctuality.” Words we have heard over and over again!

Being successful in this industry also requires more than a pretty face, and many clients now demand their models to have more than outer beauty. Models no longer fall into the cliché of being “dumb blondes” who knows little more than what her name is. “All of the girls we talk to said they would attend university when they stop modeling.

Danni from Australia hopes to study journalism and Barbie is already attending university and majoring in economics and marketing.”

reality of the industry is competitive and often harsh; only a small percentage of the boys and girls make it to supermodel status, and the working lives of a model is short. Those who do make it can also lose what they get just as easily.

But with the right attitude and hard work, those who are serious about the industry can often make a lucrative career, leading to bigger and more exciting things once he or she stops modeling. Like any career, it is how one takes the opportunities offered to them and runs with it. Those of you who have thought about becoming a model, ask yourself this: Do you have what it takes?”

Lindsay, who attained her BA already in California where she is originally from, decided to give modeling a go before returning back to school to pursue a Masters degree. She is still thinking of furthering her studies in psychology as she enjoys helping others and sees herself as a people person.

This is certainly a tough act to follow, and the modeling industry demands more than a pretty face or the perfect legs.

The life of a model is demanding it is not always as glamorous as it looks. The BEAUX 51

COVER STORY

Nationality / Canadian Agency / Synergy

Hailey (left) Hair / Wil Assistant / Makson Make Up / Reve Lau

Nationality / Canadian Agency / Starz People

Monique (right) On Monique Hair / Wil Assistant / Makson Make Up / Gavin Kuah

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80’s

On Hailey (left) Lace Top / Twenty8Twelve Biker Jacket / Burberry Prorsum Pants / Burberry Prorsum Shoes / Burberry Prorsum Belts / Burberry Prorsum, Loro Piana, Stylist’s Own Accessories / Stylist’s Own On Monique (right) Dress / Roberto Cavalli Jacket / Horace Necklace & Earrings / Utah Lee Belt / Burberry Prorsum Shoes / Lanvin

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COVER STORY

Nationality / Polish Agency / Synergy

Basia A

Hair / Wil Wu Assistant / Makson Make Up / Jess Yung

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90’s

Dress / Lanvin Belt / Lanvin

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SHOOT OUT

Photographer: Amelia Liu Assisted by: Jiawei Guo / Jing Wen Art Direction: Jimmy C.F. Chung Fashion Direction: Patryk Chaou Make Up / Hair: Xi Li Model: Anle Chen from Model Line Beijing

Design:

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Jacket & Shorts / Emporio Armani BEAUX 59 Shoes / Diesel

Dress / Ports 1961

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Top / Ports 1961 Dress / Diesel Shoes / Tod’s

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Dress & Shoes / Bottega Veneta

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Dress / Lanvin

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Jacket & Dress / Diesel Shoes / Emporio Armani

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Jacket, Shorts & Shoes / Bottega Veneta

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Dress / Ports 1961 Earrings / Emporio Armani

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BEAUTE Gary Chung on

The Secrets of Aloe

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Among all the different herbal essence skincare ingredients, aloe vera is my favourite. Although it does not have the same charm and appeal as other ingredients like rose and strawberries, the properties of the humble aloe vera is extensive.

According to the Ancient Chinese herbal annals, the aloe vera plant has many different properties and healing powers such as the ability to cool ones body and our liver, antiseptic, anti-inflamatory and strengthens ones eyesight. The aloe vera juice is also beneficial in helping to bring down the swelling of acne.

To easily experience the benefits of the aloe vera, one can look for any of the aloe vera based skincare products.

Sanctum Purifying Foam Cleanser With Sanctum’s Purifying Foam Cleanser, there is no need for heavy-duty chemical based cleansers to thoroughly clean our face. The product contains organic aloe vera, oak tree and pot marigold extracts, which can help remove residue oils on our skin and help clear pores. The cleanser also contains natural plant extracts that help moisturize the skin without the tightening feeling one finds with a lot of skin cleansers.

Rasasara Aloe Gel I highly recommend the Rasasara Aloe Gel which is extremely effective in restoring moisture to sensitive skins on our eyes and all over our face. Aloe Vera is able to help repair the moisture balance as well as reduce swelling and redness to the skin, as well as help strengthen frail and delicate skins. The Gel can also help promote the production of collagen in our skin and can almost instantly help restore sheen and lustre to the driest and dullest skin. This product can also be used as an unclogging pre-make up base due to its natural ingredients.

A must try for even those with sensitive and allergic skins.

Organic Gel Mask If you have the following three problems: extreme dryness, dull skin tone and inelastic, flaccid skin, you must try the Organic Spa products from Australia containing organic aloe vera extracts. The Gel Mask can help tighten, whiten and restore lustre to the worst skins and can also replenish lost moisture to our skin thus help lift to create a healthier looking skin. The Gel can be used all over the face, or on specific problematic areas and is more environmentally friendly than paper masks.

All above products are available at Bellagio Beauty Store in Hong Kong +852 3580 1506

Written by Gary Chung Translated by Carla Rand Design by

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Flawless Perfection High Definition Foundation

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BEAUTE

Beauty Brand Discover Your

Beauty comes in all different shapes and sizes, much like the number of superb cosmetic brands that are out on the market. BEAUX takes a look at 6 of these and puts them to the test.

Photography by Stephen Ip Production by Patryk Chaou Hair by Matthew Chan Models: Kelly C from Elite HK, Grace and Aegir

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Grace wears Helena Makeup by Liz

Rubinstein

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BEAUTE Kelly wears YSL Makeup by Carrie Kwok

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Aegir wears LANE Makeup by Cherry

EIGE Ho

Grace wears BECCA Makeup by Jan Leung

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BEAUTE Grace wears GUERLAIN Makeup by Suki Hui

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Kelly wears GIFF Makeup by Jessica

FARINE

a Tsoi

Aegir wears SHU UEMURA Makeup by Mic Lok

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SHOOT OUT

Beautéet les

Fleurs

by Earl Wan

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On Jenna: Top by A.T by Atsuro Tayama, Pants by Max Mara, Sandals by Marina Rinaldi On Lydia: Top and Pants by A.T by Atsuro Tayama, Sandals by Marina Rinaldi On Hiu: Dress by Marrimekko, Necklace by Pennyblack On Kelsey: Apron and Shorts by D&G, Shoes by Hermes

On Hugo: Jacket and Sweater by Alfred Dunhill, Pants and Sandals by Hermes On Jenna: Dress by Burberry Prorsum, Belt Worn as Necklace by MaxMara

SHOOT OUT

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On Jenna:Dress by Marc by Marc Jacobs On Kelsey: Dress by Marc by Marc Jacobs

SHOOT OUT

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On Lydia: Dress by Mes Demoiselles, Sandals by Marina Rinaldi

On Jenna: Dress by Ports 1961, Scarf by Max Mara On Hiu: Top and Pants by Ports 1961

SHOOT OUT

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On Lydia : Top and Skirt by Bottega Veneta, Jacket and Necklace by MaxMara, Bag by Weekend by MaxMara On Kelsey: Blouse, Pants and Scarf by MaxMara, Bag by Weekend by MaxMara On Alex: Shirt, Jacket and Shorts by Bally On Hiu: Dress and Jacket by Ports 1961, Belt and Bag by Hermes, Necklace by iBlues

SHOOT OUT

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On Kelsey: Top by D&G, Shorts by Hermes, Sandals by Marina Rinaldi On Lydia: Tops by Diesel, Shorts by A.T Atsuro Tayama, Sandals by Max & Co.

On Kelsey: Dress by Ports 1961 On Jenna: Top and Skirt by Dolce & Gabbana

SHOOT OUT

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On Hiu: Top by Marella On Alex: Shirt, Jacket and Pants by Bottega Veneta

Photographer: Earl Wan Assisted by: Reve Lau Art Direction: Jimmy Chung Fashion Direction: Patryk Chaou Fashion Assistants: Marco Ho Richard Sun

Betty Mak Models : Alex, Lydia W, Hugo Tavares Kelsey D, Hiu and Jenna A from Starz People Hair: Norman Lo from Salon Nova Make Up: Wil Wu Gary Cheng Assisted by: Makson Design:

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SHOOT OUT

LIKE A PRAYER Photographer / Jeff Ip Model / Danni from Starzpeople Stylist / Bhisan Makeup & Hair / Gurjit Kaur

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KSUBI / White leather fashion top

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INSIGHT 51 / Rose flower dress

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SASS & BIDE / afraid of the dark strapless dress

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HORACE / Black leather biker jacket

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ONE TEASPOON / Blue denim dress

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ONE TEASPOON / Black denim dress

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SHOOT OUT

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[ flower child ]

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Pants - Bottega Veneta

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Skirt worn as top - Emporio Armani

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Pants - Lanvin

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Skirt - Ports 1961 Pants - Lanvin

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Jeans - Diesel Pants - Lanvin

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Dress - Diesel

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Pants - Lanvin

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Top - Bottega Veneta Jeans - Diesel

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photos / lin zhipeng 223 art direction / lin zhipeng 223 & jimmy chung stylist / patryk chaou models / dean zhang & shi shi makeup / xiaoming from aven

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ACCESSORIES

S pring T e

Spring has arrived in full force and what incr Accessorize yourself with some of these hand-selected treasures, now in one go, unless the tempta

Photo / N Styling & A Patryk Chaou & Model / 120 BEAUX

emptations

redible weather we have been fortunate to have. perfectly fit for May and June. Don’t go spending everything ation is simply too irresistable....

Norm Yip Art Direction / & Jimmy Chung Jeremy T BEAUX 121

YSL Red Ipod Case / Bing Bang Bangles / Hermes Blue Pochette / Bottega Veneta Bracelet & Earrings / Alfred Dunhill Cufflinks & Moneyclip / Tod’s Python Wallet

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Bottega Veneta Olive Tote

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Tod’s & Ksubi Sunglasses

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G.O.D. Charms

Bally Redgrave Bag

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Tod’s Wrap Bracelets / Bottega Veneta Shoe

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Bottega Veneta Clutch

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Elke Bangles Lucy Hutchings Tribal Cuffs

Hermes Enamels

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YSL Pochette Ksubi Sunglasses Elke Bracelet

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CASA

FROM URBAN PLANNER TO TABLEWARE DESIGNER Interview and Photos: Norm Yip

Cherry Chaicharn is the creative mind behind August Table, where subtle, simple and elegant plates are imprinted with hand-drawn street grids of San Francisco, Chicago, Paris and Hong Kong -- all cities that she has close connections with. We are pleased to have a very personal interview with this charming young lady whose career background stems from urban planning and design.

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On this Page: Chicago Collection

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CASA

BEAUX Cherry, tell us something about yourself. Your background and upbringing.

Where were you brought up?

CHERRY I was born in Chicago and spent 10 years there then, my family moved to Southern California to be closer to family. We still have family in Chicago and the Orange County area of SoCal. BEAUX I’m curious too as to your surname Chaicharn. Can you tell us anything about it?

CHERRY Oh geez. Now I wished I paid more attention to the various lectures my family gave me over our name’s history! Can I get back to you on this one?

BEAUX When did you move to Hong Kong and why? Was it for work-related reasons?

CHERRY I moved to Hong Kong 5 years ago!

Wow! I can’t believe it’s been 5 years already!!

We moved here for my husband‘s work.

BEAUX What was your field of study? I believe it was in architecture? or was it urban planning?

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“I wanted to take a piece of the city home with me but I couldn’t find something that was chic and adult – you know, not a t-shirt, nothing kitschy.”

On this Page: Paris Collection

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CASA CHERRY I did my graduate studies in urban planning at UC Berkeley. I loved it and I still reminisce about my time there!

BEAUX Tell us about the inspiration or genesis for your plates August Table. Where did it come from?

CHERRY I was traveling around the world by myself and meeting friends along the way.

I ended up in Stockholm and I was just so taken with the city. It’s so peaceful, beautiful, and inspiring. It left me sort of speechless. I wanted to take a piece of the city home with me but I couldn’t find something that was chic and adult – you know, not a t-shirt, nothing kitschy. I wanted a “conversational piece” and that is when I started to think, hmmm . . . how many other folks feel the same way? I mean, I miss San Francisco every day. Still. So, I got to designing plates because you share so many stories while having a meal with friends and family – I wanted to share my travel stories through the tableware.

BEAUX How did you decide on the name ‘August Table’?

CHERRY I decided on the name August Table because August is my birthday month, but it can also mean – bountiful table since traditionally, harvest takes place during the month of August.

BEAUX Design, form and functionality. Do you have any philosophy on design?

CHERRY My design philosophy is to keep things simple and subtle. I feel like with this outlook, you don’t get tired of the design, because you’ll end up noticing something you hadn’t before.

BEAUX The famous quote: God is in the details. Tell us about more about what you have designed into the plates themselves?

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On this Page: Hong Kong Collection

“My design philosophy is to keep things simple and subtle.

I feel like with this outlook, you don’t get tired of the design, because you’ll end up noticing something you hadn’t before.”

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CASA

“I can only do cities I’ve actually l know and visited. Each city has special meaning to me”.

CHERRY I have a lot of details! Often times, my plates will have too much detail and folks who are my core soundboard will do a design crit and recommend things to take out! But some things, you have to leave in for example, when people see the San Francisco platter – they will notice the squiggly lines of Lombard Street and all of sudden be oriented to what they are looking at. For the Hong Kong set, I have the ferry lines across Victoria Harbour!

BEAUX The cities that you cover in your collections. How did you decide on them and so far, which cities have you chosen to showcase?

CHERRY I can only do cities I’ve actually feel l know and visited. Each city has a special meaning to me. I’ve done (so far) Chicago (place of birth and childhood memories), San Francisco (where I became an adult and fell in love), Paris (I honeymooned there and we rented an apartment), Hong Kong (my home away from home)!

BEAUX It’s very ambitious to put together a collection of chinaware. How did you go about sourcing a place to make them? What was the most difficult part in getting the plates made?

CHERRY It wasn’t too hard to source the plates. Once I made up my mind to do this – I started to tell all my friends and folks came out of the woodwork to help me! I had no idea that one of my friend’s sister, is a buyer and she sources goods for boutiques and her specialty is ceramics! The most difficult part in getting the plates made was to make up your mind with a design and go with it. Making up your mind and focusing on one thing for the time being was and is still very difficult to do!

BEAUX Where can people purchase the plates? I also understand they are showcased in museums. You must have been elated.

Please elaborate.

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On this Page: San Francisco Collection

y feel a

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CASA CHERRY The San Francisco MOMA Store sells them and you can get them on their online store too. We also have our own website (www.auguttable.com) and folks can purchase them off our webpage too. We sell in a small boutique store called, PERCH (www.perchsf. com) and also in the San Francisco Ferry building, at a small store called, The Gardener (www.thegardener.com). Here in Hong Kong, Kapok (www.ka-pok.com) in WanChai sells the Paris set and we hope to get the Hong Kong ones in their store soon!

“... people see the San Francisco platter – they will notice the squiggly lines of Lombard Street and all of sudden be oriented to what they are looking at.”

BEAUX What do you see are the next stages to August Table? Another city?

CHERRY We want to expand our product line to other homeware items. Right now, am working on New York City. I’ve been able to visit New York the past 3 years and I have some real superfriends in the US. So, I have to make it back to give them hugs in person!

www.augustable.com

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On this Page: San Francisco Collection

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CASA

This little light of ECOYA, it’s made to shine.

In a world where some companies mellow down their products’ ingredients, ECOYA are proud to show off theirs.

“Why would you do anything else?,” said ECOYA CEO, Craig Schweighoffer.

ECOYA is an Australian company that draws their inspirations from the shores of Botany Bay.

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This heavenly area first came to light when an Englishman, Joseph Banks, wrote about its existence in 1770. The patron of natural sciences must have understood of its uniqueness and of its long-term benefits that cannot be found anywhere else.

Now ECOYA wish to share their secret with you.

Take the candles, for example. They are handcrafted and made from soy wax. The fumes of which are

This little light of ECOYA, it’s made to shine.

By Jefferson Mendoza

emitted are safer compared to the traditional candles that are produced from petroleum and paraffin.

From the delectable sweet aroma of butterscotch and vanilla tones to the light, refreshing, watermelon and cucumber ones, ECOYA’s candles invigorate the senses. Six fragrances are available: lemongrass and ginger, pea and jasmine, vanilla bean, lotus flower, French pear, wild frangipani, and lotus flower.

For one, the vanilla bean fragrance is made of edible

ingredients like caramel and toffee. The nose’s sense of smell can easily be distorted when the brain and the nose share different opinions. Now that smell is addictive!

Celebrities like the Kardashians, an American TV reality family, are avid fans of the ECOYA candle line. The Kardashian sisters love these candles so much that they’ve requested to have them in each room of their houses.

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CASA

It’s now clear how ECOYA’s popularity continues to increase as it evolves onto the international market.

The hand and body lotion product line is like a warm bath caressing one’s skin when they are applied.

And more importantly, they are hypoallergenic for safer use. While other companies have been using ‘hypoallergenic’ in their products, ECOYA can boast that they use only the finest botanical natural bases.

Still, “although hypoallergenic we recommend patch testing before use,” can be read in all of ECOYA

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body care products.

In general, the ECOYA product lines take time and energy to make. But the end result far outweighs the disadvantages.

That’s because so much can rest in one’s hand.

ECOYA are conscious of the growing ‘green boom’ nowadays.

More and more consumers are becoming aware of what they use and where they come from that it’s only natural for ECOYA to use ingredients that are beneficial to their users.

ECOYA products come in different shapes and sizes as such that for the weary traveler who needs a quick relaxing moment prior to a big meeting or after a long hot day when the skin needs a tingling sweet freshness of the ECOYA soap, you can find ECOYA at your fingertip.

Seasons come and go under the sun. Yet ECOYA’s “candles” can be lighted up for everyone to see, to touch, and to smell.

For more information on ECOYA’s growing popularity, visit www.ecoya.com.au

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UP CLOSE

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Allure of the Audi A7 Sportback Debut with Taiwanese singer/songwriter Joanna Wang, and artist Julian Cheung & Michael Miu

by Kenny Sun

To commemorate the debut of the Audi A7 Sportback, a celebration party hosted by Audi was held at Hullett House, 1881 Heritage, Tsim Sha Tsui. Audi fans and car lovers experienced the aesthetic athleticism and elegance of the Audi A7 Sportback. Taiwanese singer/songwriter Joanna Wang was invited to be the guest performer of the party. The VIP guest list also included artists Julian Cheung and Michael Miu. Together they celebrated the official launch of the Audi A7 Sportback.

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UP CLOSE Joanna Wang performance for the evening included: “Rose Rose I Love You”, “Dream a little dream”, “Fancied by a Celebrity”, and her latest hit, “You & Me”. All guests were enchanted by Joanna’s beautiful vocals brought a generous applause by all.

In addition to the car fanatic guests, celebrity artists Julian Cheung and Michael Miu were also in attendance to celebrate the launch of the Audi A7 Sportback. Car lover Julian Cheung was particularly interested in the classic design of the Audi A7 Sportback, as its rear end and the third side window (with the upward pointing tip) are inspired by the Audi 100 Coupé S from 1969. The Audi A7 Sportback is a five-door model that unites the character of a coupé along with the comfort and prestige of a sedan, meanwhile having the practicality of a station wagon.

About Joanna Wang Joanna Wang was born on July 29, 1988 in Taipei and was raised in Los Angeles. The Taiwanese singer/songwriter is the daughter of renowned music producer Ji-ping Wang.

Joanna was first exposed to western classic pop music when she was in the US. Sony BMG released her debut album, Start from Here, in January 2008. It was a double-set disc, one in English and the other in Chinese.

Joanna has been compared to the likes of Norah Jones and Lisa Ono. She received the Outstanding Newcomer Award at the Singapore Hit Awards in 2008 as well as the Metroshowbiz Hits Mandarin Songwriter Singer award and the Metro Radio Hits Most Voted Newcomer award at the Metro

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Hits Music Awards in 2008. Her second album, Joanna & Wang Ruolin was released in January 2009. She produced this album with the guidance of her father. Although her albums are highly acclaimed, she has decided to return to US to continue her studies for now.

Audi A7 Sportsback... inspired by the 1969 Audi 100 CoupĂŠ S

Top left: Audi 7 Sportsback Bottom left: Joanna Wang Below left: Julian Cheung Below right: Michael Miu

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ON THE RISE

This month, MC Jin visited Vancouver, Canada, to headline the premiere of the Inspire concert series and Beaux had a chance to catch up with him after his concert. Over the past year, he’s developed a real connection with his fans through Facebook, Twitter, and his blog. Jin’s built almost 100,000 fans on FB and 10,000 on twitter. And, his “Aiya” phenomenon is catching all over the place.

BEAUX: We’ve been excited to meet with you. You’ve been involved in a lot of interesting projects, lately.

First off, you’ve just released a new mixtape, Sincerely Yours! You mentioned on ayojin.com, your blog that these songs were written so that you would have new material for the Vancouver concert.

You call it “change your life” music, food for your soul.

What was your inspiration behind writing these songs and the EP’s title?

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JIN: Basically, I said to myself, I want to record. I want to write and record some brand new songs. My music, for the most part, has always been very reflective of my mind state at the time or where I was at the time or what I was experiencing at the time. So what that means is if we go back in time maybe 5 or 6 years you know when I was 24 or 23 that’s when I had first got signed and was kind-of seeing the music industry, seeing this new found fame, things of that nature, my music was very reflective of that. Just very like “yeah, you know I’m the man and you know I’m here, I’m there, I’m performing everywhere. Yes,

A BEAUX Magazine Exclusive With MC Jin

by Darlene Chu

Who is Jin? Jin shares his heart, his inspiration and why he’s Sincerely Yours…

All photographs courtesy of I AM MADE Entertainment

everyone loves me and I’m the man.” And, that I’m going to be the best MC the world’s ever seen, things of that nature, for the most part, very self-centered that’s always been the nature of hip-hop culture as a whole. Its really about putting yourself on the forefront and saying how you’re the best and better than everyone.

So, even in that sense, though, my music has always been very reflective of whatever my mind state is. I seek inspiration from life, in general.

So with that said, to answer your question about how did the Sincerely Yours EP come about?

It’s just as a young man, and the things that I’m experiencing. So very naturally, it’s reflected in my music.

And, the Sincerely Yours EP is the exact same thing but its also unique in the sense that I specifically got the inspiration to write and record these songs for the Sincerely Yours project because I knew I was coming to Vancouver for that event which ironically is called Inspire.

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ON THE RISE So, here I am coming to attend an event called Inspire and you know the organizers are telling me Jin, this is the event, its called Inspire. We want you to come ‘cause you’re Jin and we want you to inspire people. Here I am, coming under the pretense to inspire people, whereas the event itself inspired me to write these, I would even dare to say I feel some of my best music, lfor me personally. In terms of when I say best music I guess just that I’m the most proud of, in terms of the content and having a real solid message that I want to convey even if it can be multiple songs they can be all about different topics but in the end, there’s one big umbrella that all of it can fall under and for me, specifically, its just really what God’s doing in my life.

And, with the Sincerely EP, I guess its also another breakthrough because it’s a project where I kind-of even turned it up a notch, in terms of just being vocal about my faith, in terms of just really not watering it down in any way.

And, it was cool to record it. The response and the feedback, has been overwhelmingly positive. When I say overwhelmingly positive I mean just in these 4,000 people that downloaded it, a lot of it is just people saying “Jin, this is amazing, like it’s speaking to me like no other music has ever spoken to me before.”

And when I hear that, its very humbling, its very encouraging and you know it just, once again, confirms to me what I knew all along, already, and it’s that God is amazing.

If I were to put myself in the perspective of someone who’s listened to all of my variety of albums or music that I’ve made in the last 10 years. It would be safe to say ”wow, this sounds like you know he’s found himself.” It’s the reality because at the end of the day, I turn 29, this year. For me, the biggest thing is my faith, now. But aside from the faith, I just feel like if you’re a young man and you’re about to hit 30, it just makes sense that you start having like a very clear vision for yourself, not necessarily just as a rapper, but just as a man. Its not childhood anymore. You’re not a young man, anymore. When you hit 30, you’re grown, you’re an adult, you’re a man.

Especially, if you’re talking about my particular experience, getting married about 3 months ago, this new found direction that I’m taking with my music, being vocal with my faith. Its big, its like all new ground for me.

BEAUX: It’s exciting.

JIN: It’s awesome.

BEAUX: What is your favourite song on Sincerely Yours and why?

JIN: I think its cool because every single song represents a different aspect of where my mind is these days.

But, it’s really just five songs. Some people are like why is it only five? For this particular project, I just kindof let myself be open. Like, what should it be God? What do you want me to say on these tracks and how many? I’m not even going to focus on how many. I just want to make sure I get a content. I want to get a solid message out. But out of these five, I guess, I, personally, this is the one that really, really allowed me to express how I feel: True Religion!

True Religion is a song that also ties back into what we were talking, previously, about, inspiration. The song “True Religion” is totally inspired by the people that I encounter in this new found direction that I’m going since I started taking this direction with my music.

This is what I mean about the power of God once the Holy Spirit is in your life and you’re surrendering to it.

It gets to a point where it’s even beyond your own control, like how I impact, and how my music comes out, now. It’s not even in my control, anymore. It is bigger than what I write and what I rhyme, bigger than that, even more important than that, is just the way that I am living my life, right now. And, that’s the thing. It goes so many layers in deeper. But, what I’ve encountered which I’ve never encountered before is just also I don’t want to use the word, backlash but I’ve encountered sometimes resistance and sometimes people find a peculiar-ness to what I’m doing.

“Jin, like when did you become so religious?” That’s probably the most common question or the most common response in terms of the people that may not necessarily understand what’s going on in my life. The people that understand, they’re already like “Praise the Lord, hallelujah, Jin! Like, God is doing amazing work in you. Keep going! I’m praying for you, so that’s that. Then, there’s the opposite end of that spectrum which is the one’s I’m saying is like “Jin, when did you become so religious?” Why does every single rhyme have to be about God? What is going on? You know, are you going to be doing Christian rap and religious rap and so forth and so forth?

And, I encounter these questions or these e-mails and I, you know, I digest it with a very open mind, you know. But that’s what inspired the song True Religion.

What is true religion? And, also the play on the words of True Religion jeans.

You are a fashion magazine so I guess that makes sense, too.

Its me proposing the same question. Well, what does that mean? What is true religion? I ain’t talking about jeans. So, that’s the general premise of the song. If you listen to the actual verses and the lyrics like I’m really going in, like even on many levels. It gets to the point where sometimes I’m addressing the person that’s asking me this question not addressing in a sense like condemning them or saying what are you talking about but on a level of interaction. If you talk about on a hip-hop level, its like the purest essence of what I feel hiphop should be or what I was taught what hip-hop should be. And, what is that? Talking exactly how you feel, what you’re experiencing, what you’re going through and implementing it into your lyrics and your content.

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There’s this one line in there: it goes like: “For the longest time, I was living blind indeed and I would only turn to God during times of need. Like, dear God, gimme this, dear God gimme that, never did I reflect on what I was giving Him back”.

And those four lines I pretty much shared like one of the biggest components of my transformation and what God is doing in me. Its not that I’m just getting hip to God in the last 2 or 3 years, I’ve always believed in God. I’ve always believed in Jesus and I’ve always felt the love of Him and the faith in itself.

But, quite honestly, it wasn’t until the last year or two that I started having a relationship with God and not only that, but prior to that, for the longest time, I would only turn to God when trouble occurred.

BEAUX: In the song “Just Music,” you mention that we are “witnessing a rebirth.”

JIN: “What I’m trying to say is that no need to research what you are witnessing, right now is a re-birth.” Yeah, I mean that’s why I love this thing, even this talent or this craft that God blessed me with like I’m so thankful for it which is why more than ever I feel the need and feel compelled to use it in a proper way where I may not have been doing so for the longest time, you know, and hope its not too late. And, I wouldn’t like to think it is. I think that the more I open myself up to God and let Him use me, the more impactful it is, so you know so those two lines, like the line you just referenced, the whole you are witnessing right now is a re-birth.

BEAUX: In the song “Changed Man,” you say that you want to “leave a memory”.

JIN: I’m a very peculiar individual. Very naturally, people see me and will put me in this space where it’s just like “yo, you’re that guy that did that! Do you know what you’ve done?

Some people look at it like oh the whole being Asian, and being in the rap game or, even talking about battling and all that. And, here’s the interesting thing to it. Once upon a time, I may feed into it and I may be like yeah, that is me you’re right I am that guy that won that and I battled him and I’m that, yeah, that’s pretty cool, that’s a pretty big accomplishment.

What is winning a battle? What is that really? They look at it in a different way. You know some people go real deep into it and they say “Jin, you don’t realize it but when you’re battling these guys you’re doing this for the entire Asian community.

And, they’re like you’re like a voice for us you know when you first came on. I grew up and people share with me their views and its like I grew up in America and we had no people to look up to as Asian Americans and you know just when you came on the scene and you just won and so forth and I’m like thanks, thanks, but as I look back on it and as I learn more about the ultimate mission. Then, I say, then I think wow, everything before, not even just the battling but the getting a record deal, signing with a record label, a major label, releasing an album and all that and all that…

Its great and its grand but if I’m not really making an impact or like we’re talking about this whole memory thing.

If I’m not leaving a meaningful and impactful memory, what is the point? Where is it? If I’m not really impacting these people’s lives in a positive way, what does it really mean?

BEAUX: You’ve been working in Hong Kong for over 3 years, now. So what excites you about the music industry in Hong Kong?

JIN: I guess what’s exciting about the music industry in Hong

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ON THE RISE Kong is that it’s still relatively new to me. I signed my first recording contract in 2001 so that means its been 10 years, now, so if you compare the two, I’m more familiar with what’s going on in the States as opposed to Hong Kong in terms of just knowing about the scene and the music industry and the climate. But in the last 3 years I’ve been able to catch up and learn and figure out what is the game in Hong Kong? How is it played? It has its similarities yet its different. So, I guess the biggest things, I’ve noticed, aside from the obvious, which is the language difference, the other thing is Hong Kong is really small as its community, as a city, so what that means is the music industry is even smaller or if you say the entertainment scene.

new experiences and not only that but just experiencing things that I never ever thought I would get the chance to do.

And, for me, it’s just been a journey filled with a lot of selfdiscovery, just learning, on many levels. My family are all from Hong Kong so even aside from just my identity there now like this entertainer or celebrity entertainer character.

There’s this other aspect for me where it’s like every day that I spend there I feel that I am getting more in touch with my heritage, you know. So, it’s cool.

So, in terms of, when someone asks me well, what’s next for you, Jin? I would like to say, what’s next is, first and foremost, that I continue to seek God, more and more.

And, it’s a beautiful thing because as God is working in me. He’s also working through me and when I say through me its like beautiful how it’ll sprinkle into my music and that will sprinkle into the listeners but beyond that its just seeing what God’s doing in my marriage, seeing what God’s doing in my family environment – Mom, Dad, sister. My Mom walks around with a Bible, now, and just constantly prays for me.

But, at the same time, it’s like a dual identity because the overall population, even after a 3 year time frame, they’re still looking at me as that’s that American guy, the ABC guy. He came back 2008, look at him, his Chinese isn’t that good. He can’t read Chinese and he’s a foreigner.

So, it can leave one in a space where its like if you don’t come to terms with it then well, who am I? The Hong Kong citizens are looking at me like I’m a foreigner but then when I go back to America, sometimes I may get looked at as a foreigner, as well.

I was born and raised in America. Doing music in Cantonese, it’s also been inspiring. It’s also been very therapeutical, too, you know. The more I do it, the more I do come to grips with exactly what my identity is.

Once upon a time, I was constantly faced with this. Ten out of ten interviews, before I went to Hong Kong, the journalists would love to ask me: “Jin, do you see yourself as Chinese or do you see yourself as American?” And they would dead on want me to pick one. And, I, for the longest time, I’d be like well is there really a necessity for me to pick one and pick a side and that’s it and that’s the end all be all? And, now the biggest thing I’ve come to realize is you know what?

Yes, I am born in America. My birth certificate says born in America and not only that I spent my first 19 to 20 something years of my life there. I didn’t move to Hong Kong until I was like 25 or so. And, the also unavoidable reality is that my family is all Chinese. My bloodline is, they’re from Hong Kong. My roots are from Hong Kong.

So, to sum it all up, I guess how I give myself peace at the end of the day is I say alright, are you comfortable with who you are? And, also, I say to myself you shouldn’t feel the need or the obligation to present to the people this is who I am. As long every day I wake up and I look in the mirror and I can say you’re cool with who you are then that’s all that matters.

And the reality is, I am a cheeseburger loving and Hong Kong TV drama loving, I do love celebrating freakin’ Valentine’s day. I love watching “Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” and I love going to dim sum. And, these are all aspects and all the genetic makeup of Jin. BEAUX: You have a role in a TVB series “Salute Laughing Sir.” JIN: I am doing TV drama and that’s just another example of just how cool being in Hong Kong has been, in terms of

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BEAUX: In your song Whatever It takes, you say that you still “gotta lot to do” – what’s next for you?

JIN: Well, first and foremost, I think the lesson that I am learning or what I am really, really just starting to see more and more everyday that I wake up, every conversation that I have, every encounter that I have is that the more I turn myself over to God, the more I allow him into my life, the more I seek Him, just the more beautiful things become.

That’s the best way I can describe it.

Is your whole family Christian, now?

JIN: All at different levels of their walk, different stages of their walk but everyone is open, everyone has an open heart, everyone has an open mind to it. I can only imagine how important that is to God, just family, you know, the concept of family.

So, that’s first and foremost, but beyond that, on a secondary level, career-wise, not too far off from it, same thing, just letting God work in my career. And, everything seems to be just on the up and up.

In Hong Kong, very productive, a lot of continued opportunities and to be able to come back to Vancouver and perform is another great thing. I thank MADE for putting together and having the inspiration to put together this event such as Inspire and inviting me.

So, music-wise, aside from doing just the Cantonese stuff that I’ve been doing for the last couple of years, going back more into English stuff. With the Sincerely Yours project being kind-of like a good indicator of where I’m going with my music.

And, I think Sincerely Yours is really just kind-of like the beginning and with me seeing the type of feedback that I’m getting from that, its just so encouraging and so inspiring and humbling and I’m very much looking forward to sharing more of my walk through my music. When you listen to Sincerely Yours, you’re just basically listening to my testimony and that’s the beauty of it.

As I seek more of God, as I encounter more of Him, and I experience more of Him, the more I can put into my music and it’s just like a cycle. And, the music just goes out and people hear it and we all keep moving forward in this direction.

BEAUX: Finally, a couple of new albums will be coming out, later this year?

JIN: Yeah, there’s an English one and a Cantonese one. The Cantonese one, the name of the album is called “Returning Home Visa.” (Wui Heung Jing)zz That’s the name of it. And, I’m excited, as this is my second Cantonese album.

Newly released album ‘Sincerely Yours’ by Mc Jin

“ABC” was the first one that I did and ABC was just a very different and unique experience for me but the second one is also a breakthrough, I feel, because its just me talking about what I’ve experienced after moving to Hong Kong.

www.iammaderecords.com www.jininspire2011.com www.ayojin.com

And then the English one is also another one that I’m excited about. In fact, June 4th is my birthday and that’s when I’ll be releasing the first single from my English album and its pretty exciting. Its called “Shoot for the Moon,” the name of the song.

BEAUX: Yes, you sang it last night.

JIN: And, we shot a video for it, too. So, I’m excited about the video. I think the video, visually, just says a lot, in terms of, what I am trying to say in the song.

BEAUX: Can you give a shout out to Beaux magazine?

JIN: Thank you BEAUX Magazine for having me and hopefully we’ll have a lot more chances to chat and just share experiences. And, thank you. And, God bless you guys.

Aiya!

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ON THE RISE

Directors Cross Paths on Payung Merah: Edward Gunawan & Andri Cung

by Norm Yip

Left: Andri Cung Right: Edward Gunawan Outfits: Diesel Photo: Norm Yip

Several months ago, one of my fans emailed me saying that I must meet a young Asian model named Edward Gunawan. He told me he was secretly admired the guy and that I should photograph him. Apparently, Edward was insatiable - the perfect fit for my Asian male work.

I Googled his name and up came up several image of Edward. Honestly, I didn’t think too much of it upon seeing his photos, knowing very well that modeling photographs tend to conceal more than reveal, but nevertheless, a handsome young man. I left it at that and moved on with my day Several months later I came upon an online posting on a mutual Facebook group by Edward announcing the screening of his latest short film Payung Merah in Hong Kong. That was my cue to make contact.

Born in Indonesia and raised in Singapore, Edward Gunawan is probably more known for his modeling work, having appeared on prints ads for Motorola, Nike, Honda and Donna Karan. Yet it appears that film is his greater interest, as noted by his numerous productions found on his website www. edwardgunawan.com. Payung Merah is Edward’s

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ON THE RISE tenth short film productions, but his first collaboration with his co-director friend Andri Cung. Admittedly, I was excited to meet the twosome for an interview on their recent short film, which recently had its world premiere on March 25th at the Hong Kong International Film Festival.

It was through a mutual friend that the two met and creative juices flowed. Photography was the catalyst, but it was both their shared interest in films that they found their element.

Andri Cung studied film in Sydney, and for a short while, immersed himself into Indonesian television, but he found the industry too fast and frenetic. Disenchanted, he left the television to pursue his other interest, namely, photography. So it seemed that his chance meeting with Edward Gunawan was perfect. Shortly after, the pair combined their efforts to writing the script of The Muse, a full-length feature inspired by Oscar Wilde’s classic Portrait of Dorian Gray. In Wilde’s edition, a relationship is bonded between painter Lord Henry Wotton and model Dorian Gray; but in The Muse, the painter is replaced by a photographer. The storyline that ensues how a photograph taken of the model or muse becomes disfigured as he delves into the world of debauchery.

To find funding for the movie, they decided to work on a smaller project that would showcase potential investors what they could do together. This is where Payung Merah (which means “Red Umbrella”) steps in. Edward explains how he heard the story of a taxi driver and his mysterious passenger over several drinks with Jerome Tadie, a French writer and researcher who collects stories throughout Indonesia. Edward recalls, “It had an overwhelming impact on me, the story about the father and the daughter was very moving. I told Andri about it and wrote the script in a day.”

When both were asked how Gunawan and Cung co-directed Payung Merah, Edward answers, “It was really quite organic.

We didn’t set out with roles for one of us to do. It was just whatever was needed at the time to get the shoot done.

Working through the scripts and scenes, we would bounce off ideas to one another, and see if they were congruent”.

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Edward recalls, “It had an overwhelming impact on me, the story about the father and the daughter was very moving. I told Andri about it and wrote the script in a day.�

Insert: Opening scene from Payang Merah featuring Indonesian actress Atiqah Hasiholan

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Left / Actor Rio Dwanto Right/ Actress Atiqah Hasilholan

Their greater challenge was trying to figure out how to make the movie using the least amount of money, as the budget was very limited. Yet, there were still conditions that normally would have made the filming more expensive, such as filming at night.

“Normally, we would need to bring in lots of professional lights, but we managed with one light for most of the scenes, thanks to Paul Kadarisman, our Director of Photography.”

For casting, both directors had their minds set on the beautiful Indonesian actress Atiqah Hasiholan to play the role of the young lady, whom Edward has cast several times already in his other short films. Rio Dewanto, well-known for his television work in Indonesia, plays the taxi driver. “The character is the country bumpkin,” Andri blurts out. “Uneducated and rough at the edges.” For the character of the father, played by Zubir Mustaqim, they were careful to cast someone who resembled the daughter.

Like many other Asian filmmakers, Wong Kar Wai had an influence on the two directors, in particular, the taxi scene in Happy Together, as filmed by cinematographer Christopher Doyle. From Edward, “It was the cinematography and the mood it creates.

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That informs us of the choice in our color palette and also the lyrical sensibility”.

I asked Edward and Andri why they are fascinated with the occult and the supernatural, as shown in both of their productions The Muse and Payung Merah. It seems that stories of strange occurrences have always been fascinating, and that people talk of strange happenings in Indonesia and Asia. Andri brought up the case of susuk, where jewel-like objects including gold, silver, and ‘charm needles’ are inserted underneath the skin of individuals to enhance their beauty. “It’s amazing what lengths some people will do to attain beauty, to look more desirable and attractive,” says Andri. Practiced even today, they are still witch doctors doing black magic, but are they any different from the plastic surgeons performing beauty enhancement?

Did they have any thoughts on how western audiences might perceive the film differently from their Eastern or Asian counterpart? Neither of them took it into consideration, but Andri pointed out that their intent was not to make the supernatural aspect of the film the wow factor. They were determined to put that the relationship between father and daughter is what forms the essence of the story, whereby BEAUX 163

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paranormal factors is a secondary element. “It was really a movie about the human condition, about relationships and feelings that endure beyond the attributes of our physical bodies,� Edward explains.

As with any co-directorial debut, there has to be certain chemistry between the two parties involved besides a similar interest in a given topic. Both Edward and Andri have more than a passing vision of what the film is about, but also of its power to conjure and illuminate the viewer. Given that the film has been selected at four major film festivals around the globe, they must be extremely elated -- a promising start to solidify their goal of funding for The Muse.

Payung Merah (Red Umbrella), a short film by Andri Cung and Edward Gunawan Selected at the 35th Hong Kong International Film Festival, the 2011 International Sci-fi & Horror International Film Festival, the 2011 Phoenix Film Festival, the 2011 Asian Pacific Flm Festival. www.AddWorldProductions.com

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Left / Actor Zubir Mustaqim Right / Actor Rio Dwanto

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The True Faces Of Derek Wong

By Patryk Chaou Photos: Norm Yip Art Direction & Styling by Patryk Chaou Hair and Make Up by Wil Wu

The first time I heard of Derek Wong was last year when I was given tickets to his oneman show at the Planetarium when my friend was was unable to attend. I did not know who he was at the time, and as a result, went to the show without much expectation.

That evening, I sat there watching Derek play the piano, sing, and recite his monologue for about an hour. The one impression I got from him that night was that he was certainly very talented. It is not an easy task to keep an audience entertained for an hour rambling onstage by oneself.

We became Facebook friends about four or five months ago and then recently ran into each other at the Valentino fashion show last month. I slowly got to know him as a friend and found the reason for his talents.

Hong Kong’s creative and artistic scene is dominated by commercial singers who honed their singing abilities from a karaoke room since their schooling days, or actors who gets pushed into stardom by money-making movie moguls because fans will pay hard cash for bright-eyed good looks over acting abilities at the theatre box-office. But sitting here, in front of me, is a humble artist who has the talents and skills that can hold a candle to any of the academy winning mega-stars in Hong Kong.

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Polo / Brunello Cucinelli by the Swank Nylon Jacket / Fendi Plaid Trousers / Golfjunkie

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Polo / Fendi Leather Jacket / Brunello Cucinelli by the Swank 168 Jeans / cK BEAUX Jeans

“I desperately wanted to find myself again, and have my own show where the audience can see who I really am.”

Born and raised in Hong Kong, after graduating from high school, Derek went to pursue his dreams in acting at the State University of New York at Fredonia. He was trained in acting, singing and dancing and eventually graduated with a Magna Cum-Laude.

Upon graduation, Derek worked in an Off Broadway musical in New York called “Cambodia Agonistes,” a story which looked at the horrific civil war in Cambodia in the 1970s and earned him the Actors’ Equity Card for stage actors in the US. Other stage productions Derek has acted in include “Miss Saigon,” “South Pacific,” and “Hello Dolly!” and also starred in the New York Fringe Festival musical “Voices of the Wind.”

In 2006, he won the First Runner Up positions in both the New York Chinese language radio AM1480 Radio Host Competition and the Hong Kong Ad!On DJ Competition in Hong Kong.

After returning to Hong Kong, Derek worked with the Hong Kong Repertory Theatre from 2007 until 2010. He staged his first one-man show called “My Very First Time” last year, where he wrote, directed, composed and acted and introduced himself to the Hong Kong audience for the first time in a monologue.

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ON THE RISE I was depicting many different characters in large drama productions during my years with the Theatre, but they were all of other people’s work.

“I was getting a bit lost as an actor after being with the HK Repertory Theatre for 3 years.

I was depicting many different characters in large drama productions during my years with the Theatre, but they were all of other people’s work. Many of the productions I was in were famous classic stories, where I found myself constantly portraying someone that was totally really me. I desperately wanted to find myself again, and have my own show where the audience can see who I really am.” “ ‘My Very First Time’ took approximately 4 months to produce, and during those 4 months, I had 3 hours sleep every night as I had to write the script and scores, rehearse my lines and songs, as well as take care of most of the marketing and promotions of the show. It was exhausting, but in the end, the show’s reviews and comments far exceeded my expectations and created a lot of noise for myself. The show created a very good opportunity for me to showcase my talents and let people see what I am capable of.”

Derek has certainly proved himself well in his one-man-show as an actor, singer, songwriter, and pianist. He has also started to produce and direct shows as well. Derek successfully gained more exposure for himself after “My Very First Time”, which led him to a role in the “Anna and Seven” show produced by The Nonsensemaker.

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Polo / Golfjunkie Nylon Jacket / cK Jeans Shorts / Fendi BEAUX 171

ON THE RISE

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“I had 3 hours sleep every night as I had to write the script and scores, rehearse my lines and songs, as well as take care of most of the marketing and promotions of the show.

It was exhausting...”

Shirt / cK Jeans Cardigan / Golfjunkie Dog tag / cK Jeans (model’s own)

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ON THE RISE “Last year was the first run, and I played 16 different characters [all in the same show] and this time, I will be playing 19 different characters...”

“Last year was the first run, and I played 16 different characters [all in the same show] and this time, I will be playing 19 different characters in the upcoming second run at the end of May. I am excited about the show as this second run will be more challenging for me playing an extra 3 characters.”

He has also staged his first mini-concert last year called “Love At Home” where he was able to showcase his singing and musical talents once again.

Besides stage work, Derek has also worked as a trilingual MC and was cast in a role of a pianist in the upcoming Rowan Atkinson movie “Johnny English Reborn” during it’s filming in Hong Kong. Derek is also a member of the Composers and Authors Society of Hong Kong (CASH).

He is certainly one talent Hong Kong can be proud of. We certainly look forward to his up-coming performance for “Anna and Seven.” For more information, stay tuned to BEAUX Magazine blog updates.

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Denim Shirt / Brunello Cucinelli by the Swank Sweater & Plaid Trousers / Golfjunkie

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HOMBRE P H OTO G R A P H E R / G E R A L D G O H M O D E L / F L O R E N T ( U P F RO N T M O D E L S ) STYLIST / BHISAN RAI WA R D RO B E / T H E B L A C K M A R K E T ( S I N G A P O R E )

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modele de Prudence

Photography by Sever Mican Fashion Direction by Patryk Chaou Fashion Styling by Kinki Tsui Assisted by Marco Ho Models Grace & Nathan Zenki from Elite HK Make Up and Hair Wil Wu Assisted by Makson

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All outfits and Accessories by Modele de Prudence by Garry Wong and Moss Chau All Men’s Shoes Model’s Own

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SHOOT OUT

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SHOOT OUT

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feature

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A New Dance Haven Club Cubic Macau Text by Kenny Sun Photos by Norm Yip

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FEATURE

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Glitz, Glamour & Club Cubic Macau

Cubic Designer Bosco Lam

Die-hard party enthusiasts in Hong Kong have long known that the dance scene here is at a significant low. There is a general lack of support from the community at large and more importantly, there is no proper venue. There is no place to boast international superstar DJs and performers to bring in a show who are also willing to come on a small budget. It’s no wonder that Hong Kong ticket prices amount to the four-digit range -- something that would be unheard of in North America. So it comes as no surprise that the people behind Club Cubic have high hopes to draw not only big-name artists, but also the party-goers and dancers from Hong Kong (afterall, Macau’s population is just over a half million).

Coined as the biggest and hottest club in Asia, Cubic is smack in the heart of City of Dreams, a new entertainment arena that promises to bring in crowds. The intention is sensory overload through a superb sound system, lights and lasers, and topnotch performers and DJs who have been lined up to keep people coming back. Equipped to handle both large dance events in 30,000 square feet of space, the 2-storey club can also cater to smaller group functions.

To talk about a club without mentioning the cast of performers and DJs would be amiss. To open Club Cubic, they flew in US rapper Flo Rida, whose musical career has made his sounds a common name in the dance scene. Their lineup includes DJ Lord (Public Enemy), DJ Kenny Dope (House Masters), and DJ Rocky Rock (Black Eyed Peas) and a personal favorite, Ferry Corsten, whose musical talents have been well-known in the dance circuit.

The Bo-bo Look of Bosco Lam Interview by Jimmy Chung

Boston Lam is a self taught designer who has no formal training in his field. So it came as a surprise to me that he has created a wonderland, a place of fantasy and even a place of lust and desire.

Born in Hong Kong, his company Onion Project Limited is based in three cities: Hong Kong, Macau and China.

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FEATURE

Inspired by the concept of surrealism, he came up with an extraordinarily bold blueprint for the club.

He designed the Cubic space with exceptional 3D innovations and various state-of-the-art technology.

Cubic houses one of the most high tech systems currently and Asia and around the world, using the same sound and lighting system that was used in the Beijing Olympic and the Shanghai Expo.

Sitting down with Bosco, he came across as a nice and humble young man. He told me that his inspiration came from nowhere. I asked him how does one do all of this yet have no inspiration? He then told that the client told him one thing: “It will be a night club.”It was as if I was given freedom to do anything I wanted to do.

After that, he began discussions with the client and the technicians involved with the aesthetics of the club. Bosco felt that since most clubbers are mainly concerned about the sound system and music, he wanted to go in the opposite direct. He wanted the audience to feel, touch and experience the mood of the place.

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To make his signature look, which he calls “The Bo-bo look”, he designed it in such a way as to make it ‘soft’ - meaning the spaces throughout the club would be comfortable and textural through the use of material, color and ambiance.

Everything had to be very three-dimensional and experiential to ensure that there was a flow throughout the club when transitioning from one room to the next. Bosco wanted something overthe-top as well for the Cubic, with a great amount of complexity and intricacy. Indeed, Cubic has this Vegas-style influence, but more tasteful.

The main dance and entertainment space in Cubic is without a doubt the largest technically advanced dance floor and stage. An enormous disco ball enters from behind the stage and opens up to reveal either dancers or perhaps even a celebrity. These theatrics are sure to please an energetic audience. A black Gothic bar with amicable bar tenders (all formally dressed in black) greet us with smiles - a definite plus.

Bosco’s idea for the main hall was to create both forest and ocean combined. Perhaps it was more evident with the use of lights, music and sound, as the place is heavily and expertly lit to create

alcoves of space. Metallic textured walls on the stage appear vey high-tech and futuristic.

Adjacent to the main space is the green-themed Asian Perrier-Jouët champagne bar, the first of it’s kind Asia, while another side room takes us to a more private yet large metallic white bar. Centered in the room is a circular bar, clad in metal which is laid out in the pattern of fish scales. Textures are abundant, although more people are needed inside the space in order to fully appreciate the fascinating room. Blue, white and silver seemed to be the predominant color scheme going on here.

Upstairs, over looking the main dance hall, are FIVE separate VIP karoake rooms, all based on colors. We were introduced to The Pink Room, The White Room, The Black Room, and the Blue Room. Although all are intimate, cosy and entertaining, the most visually striking rooms were the pink and blue room. The chosen colors consumed the room, and curvilinear shapes complemented the space, heightening the senses even more if you didn’t have enough downstairs in the main space below.

believe in following so-called trends. Bosco believes that he comes up with his own ideas which becomes a signature or style. Bosco explains, “I want people to stop and have a look at each room and see that it is a piece of art, or that it was like an art installation. Not just to party, but to see what true beauty is all about. That would make me very happy.” Over a year of planning and construction, Bosco appears very pleased and content with his Macau creation. He says he “would do it all over again without question.

A new world for indulgence and pleasure, created beyond imaginations – this is the world of CLUB CUBIC. www.cubic.cod.com

So what is the Bo-bo look? Bosco does not

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Simplicity doesn’t come naturally.

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DESIGN & BRAND MANAGEMENT

OSCARICHARD

WE MAKE IT HAPPEN. T: (+852) 2854 0180 E: studio@oscarichard.com W: www.oscarichard.com

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SONGKRAN

CULTURE

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Written by Celia Chung Photos: Thailand Tourism Authority Design by

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CULTURE The first thing that comes to mind about Songkran, the Thai New Year, is water: the gleeful mayhem of splashing, drenching, and dousing of water on all and sundry.

Buckets and water guns aimed without restraint and with impunity at passersby, policemen, tourists with camera lenses as long as elephants’ trunks. In the summer heat, how could anyone not welcome the refreshing coolness of being temporarily wet, walking around in soggy clothes that will soon dry?

The custom of ‘playing water’ is relatively new to Central Thai culture. It was adopted from Chiang Mai in Northern Thailand, may have acquired it from their Burmese neighbors. The Burmese in turn, may have adapted it from the Indian spring festival of Holi, celebrated by ‘playing color’, where people toss powders of every shade in the rainbow’s spectrum on each other. In Thailand, some

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people add talc, chalk or other fragrance powders to the water they splash on people.

However, water has had a long-standing ritual role in Songkran. Washing and cleaning one’s home to begin the new year is a common custom around the world, and the Thais are no exception. The Buddha images in homes and temples are also washed at this time, and the water that has been used in the cleansing is considered to be ‘blessed’, and may be used for other rituals. As part of Songkran, people also visit their elders and other respected figures to wish them a happy new year by pouring water over their hands.

Songkran was originally the Thai New Year celebrated over three days of the fifth lunar month. Now, however, it is fixed to the Gregorian calendar as April 13 every year. It

is still celebrated over several days. Most people return to visit their homes and families over the Songkran break, so travel traffic is very heavy during this period.

My aquatic armament of choice when I was a kid was the rubber hose. Throughout the year, my regular chores were watering the garden plants and washing the car.

This gave me an expertise in hosing that I wielded well during Songkran in our neighborhood. By adjusting the water flow, and the placement of my fingers over the nozzle, I could create different sprays: the whale’s tail, the jet sting, the rotater and the wave (the latter observed from sprinklers on American lawns.) Of course, my reach was constrained by the length of the rubber-hose. My friends who used buckets and dippers could extend their range by running to the end of the street, where the unsuspecting farang tourists were walking by.

But water is not always a benign weapon. Between the January 1 and Songkran of this year, water has reminded us of its terrifying power to unleash devastation. The tsunami in Japan, and the storms in Southern Thailand have caused immense loss of life and destruction.

Physically or spiritually, the cleansing and renewal properties of water are essential to the passage of life, flora and fauna. Water has its own cycle: as rain and snow down to earth, consumed by the living, expelled as waste, and evaporating up into the sky by the power of the sun, where it purifies itself and cycles down to earth again.

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URBANISM

by Dominique Chan

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Photo by 1881 Heritage

Design by

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growth has been on the fast lane for the past 30 years, and where the useable lands in highest demand ever for both residential and commercial use, the architectural values of many old buildings were infrequently acknowledged and often demolished to make way for the new. But in recent times, heritage conservation has been in the minds of the public. One still remembers the Central Star Ferry Pier episode unfolded in late 2006, and not long ago the intense debate and discussion on the future fate of the former Central Police Station. The importance of preserving tangible connections to our historical roots has finally being realized in the Hong Kong’s urban planning.

Peggy Wong, who has been working in the environmental consultancy for over 10 years as a cultural specialist, takes us to look at the adaptive reuse of 2 historic buildings in Hong Kong.

There are currently 98 declared monuments and over 1000 graded historic buildings as listed in the Hong Kong Antiquities and Monuments Office. “When I first started my career as a cultural specialist in Hong Kong in the late 1990s, there were not many talks on redeveloping old buildings into commercial or educational uses. The government has begun exploring the option of

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Photo by 1881 Heritage

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ARTICLE adaptive reuse of historic buildings about few years ago, for instance, the Revitalisation Scheme of 7 historic buildings came out in 2008. There is certainly an increasing demand for our built heritage to be preserved and reused” Wong said.

Many shopping lovers and newlyweds-to-be looking for a nice photo shoot backdrop must have visited the

The rejuvenated former Marine Police Headquarter compound is now a highend shopping spot for locals and tourists and the white stucco main building named Hullett House as a boutique hotel, which aims to exude the essence of the colonial past. One can see the century old Time Ball Signal Tower and a tree that stood oddly on the top of a new structure with retail spaces.

“The compound was declared as monument in 1994 and it has 4 of the oldest government buildings in Hong Kong. This was the Government’s first attempt to involve a private enterprise in revamping a historical site” Wong said.

To Wong, the site was successfully redeveloped, but not so much from the conservation perspective, “firstly, you could hardly tell the compound was the former Marine Police Headquarter now. Half of the hill in which this site was built on is now gone to make spaces for the shops and square for functions, and by doing so, part of the bomb shelter tunnels which should be running inside the hill

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were destroyed. You see one of the entrances to the bomb shelter now being preserved inside a watch and jewellery shop, while part of it is now the passageway leading to the small exhibition space called Heritage Hall and on its way up to the Hullett House. The original state of the site has been changed forever, this is not heritage conservation.”

Wong explained that the hill should have been retained because site selection for the former Marine Police Headquarter in the 19th century was likely based on the geographically strategic military advantage. In the late 19th century, the area had a hill naturally overlooking the Victoria Harbour with trees and bushes around hiding whatever behind, it seemed perfect for the then new Marine Police Headquarter as it hid away from the public eyes. In order to provide more retail spaces to meet the commercial stand point, a 3 storey neoclassical style terraces were constructed, replacing the hill where the Hullett House and the old Time Ball Signal Tower are now stood.

Photo by John Lam

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ARTICLE Privately managed, visitors are only able to get a complimentary 30 minutes guided tour of the main building if they have meals in one of the Hullett House’s restaurants, which Wong thinks “not ideal but understandable as the management needs revenue to up-keep the site”. But accessibility to the old Time Ball Signal Tower is opened to everyone free of charge and one could climb up the metal spiral staircase up to look at the late 19th century time keeping machine.

There are other colonial military style buildings to be found in Hong Kong. The Kowloon Park is the former site of the Whitfield Barracks.

First constructed in the 1890s for the British Indian garrisons, the numbers of barracks went down from 85 to 4 in the 1970 to make way for constructing the Kowloon Park. Two blocks S61 and S62, built in circa 1910, were retained by the Urban Council and used as the temporary premises of the Hong Kong Museum of History from 1983 to 1998.

After extensive restoration, these two graded I historic buildings opened again in 2005 as the home of the

as well as part of the Antiquities and Monuments Office.

“The restoration was done in accordance with one important heritage conservation principle, that is, if changes to the original state of the historic building are irreversible, then don’t do it. New features such as the exhibition gallery connecting the

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Photo by John Lam

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ARTICLE two blocks, or the glass windows shielding the buildings’ original verandahs have been added, but no major changes are done to neither the original state of barracks nor its landscape” Wong commented. Inside the barracks, one feels the nostalgia for the early 20th century, the white arches in the verandah area, the wooden doors, the brown tiled flooring throughout, and the 1920s electric lights look alike fixed onto the ceiling, all recreated what should be the original ambience of the place.

Managed by the Antiquities and Monuments Office, the Heritage Discovery Center is aimed for the education to the locals and tourists of the Hong Kong’s cultural and built heritage. A permanent exhibition gallery is located in a new structure connecting the two barracks, with large glass façade allowing lots of natural light into the space, “this is an environment friendly approach and good example of

the historic military buildings to suit the complexities of modern functionalities and educational uses” praised by Wong.

Later this year, the New York based NGO – Asia Society will open a Hong Kong Center in the former British military explosive magazine compound in Admiralty, where there will be a theatre and a museum for educational purposes for the public, we shall see another attempt of the adaptive reuse of the historic buildings on the island side. Until then, for those who are interested in checking out the Whitfield Barracks now, the Hong Kong Heritage Discovery Center is opened everyday except Thursdays, admission and WIFI are free of charge.

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Photo by John Lam

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NEIGHBORHOOD

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Hong Kong is changing at an ever constant pace, with old buildings being torn away shamelessly, meanwhile others are restored sensitively. This kind of renewal or rejuvenation also happens on street level, in neighborhoods and districts. Sheung Wan is one of those areas where the odd groovy shop appears seemingly from nowhere.

BEAUX takes a closer look at some impressive gems that have caught our watchful eye.

Design by

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NEIGHBORHOOD Geoff Tsui was out to create a concept that was so out of context, so out of the box, he was determined to find the most derelict space and turn it into a something that no one deemed possible. Thus, Hatch was, er…essentially hatched! Located in the ever so up’n’coming section of Sheung Wan on Tung Street, the store is tucked away in a corner just off of Tai Ping Shan Street. Stairs from Tai Ping Shan Street are mere steps away from the front of the store that it feels like an extended stoop to the store. It works perfectly. Tsui picked the space because he wanted to set an example of how things can be done and the façade of Hatch does draw you in – much like a bee to honey. You can’t help but say to yourself, “Hey! What is that??” With a background in industrial design and visual communications, Tsui certainly shows how to push the limits and pull out all the works. Hatch contributes to the community by being iconic and in a way it may be just like the neighborhood of Sheung Wan itself, a gem and a sunny haven all the same.

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What’s there to see?

The store itself.

What’s there to buy?

All sorts of products from Korea, and local sweets such as May’s Cookies.

What you’d probably walk away with?

Korean design notebooks that pop with color! (I couldn’t resist the pink donut in the middle of one of the notebooks. It was a sweet surprise!)

Hatch33 50 Tung Street, Lower Ground Floor, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong Webpage: http://hatch33.com/

Written by Cherry Chaicharn Photos by Andrew Lo

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NEIGHBORHOOD

La-al is a hidden gem on Staunton Street. If you like funky necklaces, big ‘n beautiful cocktail rings, and pretty, chic items for the home, then La-al is the place for you. The atmosphere and first impressions of the store is that you are visiting someone’s beautiful apartment because everything it’s so homey yet stylish. Well, we have Thor Thipayarat, a former banker, to thank for this! He decided to call it a day as a banker, and open the store with his local partner, David Ma. All items are designed by renowned and up and coming Thai designers and Mr. Thaipayarat’s cousin, Catleya who’s also a partner does most of the sourcing of the designers herself. Not only do they have the eye for design, but they are soon launching their own beauty line. One of the biggest and best surprises of the store is the Little Wing lip balm made from all organic products. It come in two scents, rose and vanilla. The balm really leaves your lips soft and moist, not sticky! Even the packaging is “designed” and completely green. When testing their home scented products – you wished you had enough room for each and every scent. Ah, the coffee scented candle one is just, well, heaven. (For those who are coffee addicts like me!)

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What’s there to see?

Everything! Take your time in the store.

What’s there to buy?

Gorgeous, gorgeous, gorrrgeous scarves are made by Norlha!

What you’d probably walk away with?

Two lipbalms (one of each scent), a cocktail ring, and a fun necklace. (Yeah, it’s a bet on that!)

La-al 1/f, 39 Staunton Street SoHo, Hong Kong www.thelaal.com

Written by Cherry Chaicharn Photos by Norm Yip

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NEIGHBORHOOD

What’s there to see?

The location of the store itself – is like one of the many funky art galleries in Sheung Wan. What’s there to buy?

Film, cameras, funky t-shirts, and all things for your new fun, yet functional camera.

What you’d probably walk away with?

A Lomo LC-A+ since it’s a compact snap shot camera ( so it is very easy to use and always take good shots) or a mini Polaroid Mio that instantly gives you wallet sized prints.

Lomography Asia G/F, No.2 Po Yan Street, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong. tel: +852 2525 5417

Written by Cherry Chaicharn Photos by Andrew Lo

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www.lomographyasia.com

If the mild (wacky) weather has inspired you, then you should grab a camera and join Lomography for one if their outdoor photo shooting adventures! Better yet, you should go visit Lomography, buy yourself a funky camera, learn how to best use it and then join them on their field trips. Seriously folks, when I walked into the store, it gave me a flashback of all my beloved subjects. You know the feeling….how you just can’t get enough of your subject and just want to keep the moment in pics. Forever.

So, fall in love again – through Lomography! We talked with Justin Tsui, Marketing Manager, and he revealed that he loves the Spinner 360° since it’s a fun camera to play with, especially with the panorama effect with just a spin! Another favorite of his is the Lubitel 166+ camera. He explained why he likes this particular camera, “it really makes me feel so calm as you will need to take some time to focus and look closely what you are talking photos of.” Like I mentioned before, there’s nothing to compare with when you see a beloved subject through the lens of a camera. Just another little love not to you all here: the type of photos you take is also a reflection of yourself --it will also reveal to you and others, who you are. So, relax and discover.

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NEIGHBORHOOD What’s there to see?

Oh, so much! Go and see for yourself!

What’s there to buy?

You’ll have to check it out and see that they stock and import international goods such as MENU (from Denmark), Collegien slipper socks (from France), and M.Style casserole (from Japan) just to name a few. Overall, stylish items for your table and home!

What you’d probably walk away with?

Mugcolor - A clever designed double wall mug that keeps your drink warm but its happy color will, I promise, make your day!

Loveramics 37 Tung Street Shueng Wan, Hong Kong (852) 2915-8018 www.loveramics.com

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Written by Cherry Chaicharn Photos by Andrew Lo

Loveramics is not just for ceramic loooveeers! Oh no, sweeties! It’s for people who love quality design. Although Loveramics, may be all the craze right now, the parent company (Lynns Concept) has been around since 1963. They are excited to be in the ever trendy Sheung Wan neighborhood and we couldn’t agree more with them that the charm of Sheung Wan has to do with the scale and feel of the surrounding low-rise walk ups. One of the reasons they picked this area in the first place goes back to their roots, as they explained since they are also a local Hong Kong brand. “we want people to realize there a lot of other traditional local business still surviving in the neighborhood, like printing, wooden hand craft, hand-made shoes etc”. It’s true. When you walk in the neighborhood, you’ll see some of local stores and then you get to appreciate both the old and new -- juxtapose and supporting each other. When we asked Grace Ching, manager and owner of the store, what her favorite items were – it was hard for her to choose but she ended up telling us that she loves the “Miix” Collection - a design with mixture of classic and contemporary, which she elaborates reminds her of the street vibe – all eclectic but still goes together. Her other item of choice is the “CLOUDS” carpet by JC de Castelbaja, she enthusiastically claims that this is one of her favorite designers and just seeing this lovely graphic hanging on the wall, just really makes her day! We should all be so lucky to have something that always makes our day – hmmm…another visit to Loveramics would make my day!

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NEIGHBORHOOD

Written by Norm Yip Photos by Andrew Lo

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Many will attest that the number of galleries that cater to fine art photography in Hong Kong are few. Tucked away on Upper Station Street is a gallery by the same name, a small gem that showcases contemporary fine art photography by Hong Kong artists. Started by Vincent Yu and Rachel Ip, both photographers felt a strong need to showcase photography in Hong Kong, started their idea to open a gallery in 2009, and in February 2010, their dream was realized. Today, it represents photographers such as Karl Chui, Dustin Shum, Michael Wolf, John Choy and Wong Kai Tai.

What’s there to buy?

One of there many photography books, such as Majong (Volume 1 and 2), featuring photographers Kantai Wong, Paul Yeung, Karl Chiu, and Dustin Shum. Or better yet, buy an original printed signed and autographed print from the gallery and learn to collect!

What you’d probably walk away with?

Perhaps one of their funky Zero Pinhole cameras! Old-school but very trendy!

The Upper Station 22 Upper Station Street, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong www.theupperstation.com Tel: +852 3486 2474 Fax: +852 3480 4004 Opening hrs: Tue – Sun | 12pm – 7pm (Holidays by appointment)

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FOOD There is a secret kept by those who live the raw food lifestyle, the magic of raw foods - natural, light, and clean, alive foods make you feel light, clean, more alive and sexy. There is an unmistakable glow and shine with uniquely clear skin, glossy hair, and bright eyes and a radiant positive energy. There is the look of resembling someone newly in love.

GET THE GLOW

BY DARLENE CHU Photo: Norm Yip

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Eating raw food connects you to the earth. It’s the real thing, real food.

Cooking food changes the colours and textures and precious vitamins and minerals may be damaged or destroyed. Food freshly picked off the vine or plucked off a tree is the most beautiful way to eat – sensual and sexy, revitalizing. The nutrients, vitamins, and enzymes remain whole. Eating food that is alive makes you feel alive.

Positively, a diet of raw foods enables you to effortlessly shed those extra pounds and provides a true feeling of communion with the earth and the environment.

What is raw food?

The raw food movement is also known as living food, live food and living cuisine. Raw food is a diet consisting of naturally grown wild or organically and sustainably grown fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and some sprouted grains. Similar to vegans, no animal products of any kind are consumed but, additionally, foods with chemically processed or pasteurized ingredients are also avoided. Most importantly, in the preparation of raw food dishes, nothing is heated above 104°F, if at all. Uncooked

and unprocessed foods provide a full spectrum of vitamins, minerals, enzymes, oxygen, fiber, and other nutrients our bodies need for optimal performance. It’s like powering your body with rocket fuel.

For some people, this may sound limiting but there are endless exciting possibilities. Nutritious is delicious.

Just imagine biting into a perfect peach just plucked from a tree, enjoying a simple bowl of sweet strawberries, or indulging in a creamy avocado with a delightful splash of lime juice and sprinkle of sea salt. Raw food has its own creative niche, playful and vibrant.

But the real benefit of enjoying the raw food lifestyle, in addition to the great flavors, is the amazing way you feel, inside and out.

Everyone can benefit from incorporating more whole organic, fresh foods into their own lifestyle to whatever degree, at whatever pace. Summer’s coming, its time to get the glow.

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FOOD PIG OUT

BY LEROY LUAR Let’s get hypothetical here for just a moment. So you’ve been on a well regimented diet for a period of time.

Let’s just say, for the purposes of this discussion, you’ve been a paragon of discipline for the past three months.

The results are already beginning to show; you no longer fill your muumuu to capacity and your favourite chair sighs, instead of groans when you sit in it.

But let’s also face the facts in this flight of fancy while we’re at it. Although you’ve allowed yourself one cheat day out of every week you were on your diet, what you really want to do is get intimate with that stack of red velvet cupcakes at Patisserie Valerie and savage that diet of yours with a jumbo stick of Toblerone Dark.

Well guess what? Nothing is stopping you. If a diet is punishing more than it is rewarding you; and believe you me, it always is; then it’s not doing you any good.

Nigella Lawson. Photo: Getty

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There’s something to be said about the way the Queen of Food Porn herself -

HRH Duchess of Nom, Nigella Lawson - has managed to keep her sexpot persona burning hot all the while gorging herself on network TV with food of the most decadent variety.

She remains as popular as she does for one reason and one only. Deep down, we all can’t help but agree with her.

Voluptuous bosoms, utensil licking and cheesy come-ons notwithstanding, Nigella’s attitude towards food is, like it or not, ideal at best, hedonistic at worst and why shouldn’t it be? Just like sex, our lust for food is one of the two animal craving millennia of so-called civilization has failed to tame.

Food is visceral.

Sensual.

You shouldn’t fear judgment or wallow in guilt every time you sneak a peek at that which makes your mouth water with longing. So the next time you so much as sniff a hint of applesauce or glimpse the gleam from a perfectly frosted doughnut, drop whatever it is you are doing and run. Run towards the subject of your temptation, the source of your torment and satisfy yourself. Pig out. You’re absolutely worth it.

History buffs may remember one King Adolf Frederick of Sweden who literally ate his way to the Pearly Gates. His last and most famous meal boasted lobster, caviar, sauerkraut, kippers and champagne, topped off with 14 servings of his favourite dessert: Swedish bread pudding. If there ever was one way to go, I assure you, this has got to be the best.

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VIEWPOINT In an imperfect world. Photo sourced online.

Let me be the first to admit this; just like everyone else I know, I care about my appearance. People are vain animals and that’s a fact. We preen and primp, we pluck and tuck; in short, we do anything and everything it takes to be beautiful. However, that shouldn’t suggest people on both sides of the gender divide should be doing that in equal measures.

Long have we watched in dismay and utter powerlessness the relentless proliferation of that scourge that is the blurring of the lines between distinct gender attributes.

How often have we longed to guide back

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to the straight and narrow those men who glide instead of walk; who choose to cook or design artistically for a living instead of earning their keep the way men should; who carries a purse where a simple wallet would suffice; whose immaculate coiffure has no doubt contributed significantly to the thinning of the ozone layer; whose lips are always tantalizingly moist and deviously tempting to the beholder?

The age of the effeminate man - the metrosexual, the sissy - is upon us and speaking on behalf of men everywhere, I’d say enough is enough.

Sugar and spice; and everything nice.

By Leroy Luar ‘Besut boot camp for 66 sissies,” Malaysian headlines highlighted not so long ago. In an effort to handle what would most accurately be described as the peacock syndrome (i.e. how anyone has missed this bird-indrag for so long I will never understand.), the Terengganu Education Department saw fit to set teachers under their employ to identify 66 boys displaying effeminate behaviour and send them packing to a ‘strap on a pair’ boot camp.

In choosing to tackle this issue headlong, I laud the Terengganu Education Department’s admirable stance in forging

ahead with a solution which, though highly unpopular now, will no doubt prove in the long run to be of benefit to the male gender.

“The severity of the symptoms varies, but the 66 schoolboys were showing behaviours that are not usually displayed by a normal male of their age.” said department director Razali Daud. “As educators, we have to do something about it before the young ones misunderstand people and reach the point of no return.”

Because the report failed to identify exactly what those behaviours were, readers are

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VIEWPOINT forced to assume that those behaviours include such atrocious acts as sitting with the knees closed, a preference for patty cake over football, giggling and a weakness for everything pink and fluffy.

“We are not intervening with the process of nature as we are merely trying to guide these students to a proper path in life.”

Razali said parents and teachers should observe the slightest effeminate tendency in their male children from an early age. “If left unchecked, it could become a problem later in life for them, their families and society.”

These statements are nothing short of inspired. However, I do find it somewhat regrettable that women have, predictably, been left out once again in this development in spite of a painfully visibly increase in the number of masculine girls in our midst.

Can we not see while men have picked up feminine traits over the years, traits reflected in affectations including personal grooming and vanity, choice of profession and domestic behaviours, that the reverse is also true?

How often have we been scandalized by trouser-clad women; are they not garments traditionally worn by men to accommodate their physically rigorous lifestyles, a lifestyle to which women are naturally not a part of?

What of women wearing their hair short as if they were men?

I cannot possibly emphasise enough how horrified I am by the number of women I’ve seen straddling a motorcycle instead

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of riding them sidesaddle the way genteel women should. For shame. That women today are defying their very femininity through the adoption of masculine modes of dressing, of behaving, of thinking, of carriage even, is abominable and should be a matter of concern not to be taken lightly.

It is my firm belief, and unsolicited recommendation, that equally decisive measures should be taken to nip this other problem in the bud. Those learned teachers responsible for accurately and objectively identifying schoolboys in clear violation of their assigned gender roles should be similarly tasked to exercise the selfsame vigilance in rehabilitating female students overtly displaying undesirable masculine qualities.

Observations may take into account displayed behaviour such as a fondness for physical sports, assertiveness and charisma in speech and personality and even expressed ambitions for professions; focus on girls who choose being doctors over nurses, architects over interior designers, chairmen over secretaries.

It comforts me somewhat that the Terengganu Education Department has planned a rigorous curriculum in their ’sissy boot camp’. Physical education is to be complemented by motivational talks; clearly an effectively holistic approach to return those identified lost boys, as they were, to masculinity. Such critical care should also be taken in the approach to reinstate femininity in female students identified displaying excessive masculine traits.

Ru Paul. Oh, the humanity! Photo sourced online.

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VIEWPOINT

YES, we WILL be women. Photo sourced online.

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For example, we should reintroduce the lost tradition of hobbling as the most effective method to correct inappropriately masculine gaits; large strides are very unbecoming on decent girls. Girls should also be schooled on matronly compassion, a quality most desirable in the exemplary wives and mothers we aspire our girls to be. For that I suggest motivational talks and supplementary classes teaching girls the correct way of cradling and stroking small, fluffy animals including rabbits and cats.

through the fruits of love’s labour in the kitchen and martyr-like conjugal duties that follow if not the feminine woman?

Such roles were made to lie exclusively in the feminine domain; to ignore the nurturing of female children into this role would be to upset the natural balance of things. Scoff at this all you will, if left unchecked and allowed to spiral out of control, we may yet live to witness the advent of women in possession of responsibilities beyond their means to manage.

Some thought should also go into the question of apparel where gender appropriate treatment is concerned. I really do believe in the adage ‘the clothes maketh the person’. With that in mind, it would only be appropriate for our girls in therapy to be decked out in regulation togs in pastel shades (preferably pink) with appropriate trimmings including sequins, feathers or lace.

Just think of all the confusion and distress we could have been spared if care had been taken from the start to retard and reverse the advent of the paradoxically unnatural role of the househusband/working woman: men staying at home to care for and raise children, wasting their muscles and brains in the mundane running of a home whilst the women, our poor dear women, run around in the savage outdoors in uncomfortable shoes as they labour fruitlessly under the delusion of their ability to usurp the role of men.

Women must be raised in such a manner that they learn their natural place in the grand scheme of things; that their contribution humanity should begin and end in the shadow of a man. Just imagine if women are to be left to run wild as they choose, who are we to look to in the matter of the raising of children in domestic bliss?

Who do we depend on for the keeping of the perfect home to which the man of the house, tired from winning bread and doing other appropriately manly things, can look forward to at the end of the day?

This much is clear: men are to be masculine and women, feminine. Any violation of this fundamental law of existence should be treated as the abomination it is. That and peahens SHOULD be more fabulous than peacocks.

Who are the men to depend on for the nourishment of the body and the soul

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ADVENTURE

At the speed of a breeze: Cycling around Bangkok’s backcountry by Celia Chung, Part 2 All photographs courtesy of Tourism Authority of Thailand

Continued from our March/April 2011 issue.

Home on the Klong I’ve long enjoyed Thai cuisine, but never gave much thought to how the ingredients were produced. Along this ride, I saw up close for the first time how rice was grown, aquatic vegetables raised in ponds, grapes grown on overhead trellises. It became a fun 236 BEAUX

challenge to try to identify the different types field crops and fruit trees. The pedaling exercise honed my hunger, and each meal (and many snacks) became more appetizing than the last.

Biking through the tunnels of shade that thread through the fruit orchards gave me a good look at the mix of planted

trees from which favorite Thai fruits are harvested: mangoes, papayas, bananas, pomelos, coconuts and more. Even better than just looking was walking through an orchard and being urged by the owner to pick the fruit (although stolen fruit may have a more of a tang from the thrill.)

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ADVENTURE

The second night was at a homestay in a traditional Thai-style wooden home along a canal (known in Thai as klong) in Samut Songkhram. Extending inland past the house were extensive orchards. Among typical fruits like coconuts, mangoes, and bananas, there were also an unique species of chompoo (rose apple) that was round instead of triangular, and yellow instead 238 BEAUX

of green or red or pink. It also had an unusual fragrance.

The house itself had a bit of history: King Chulalongkorn slept there. Such a distinction is on par with “Washington slept here” or “Sun Yat Sen slept here.”

Chulalongkorn (Rama V) reigned around the turn of the 20th century, and among the many progressive things he did,

ordinary people offered hospitality to almost every passing traveler: meals and a place to sleep for the night, he really got to experience a lot of homestays!

A few times, he was recognized, as photography had been introduced to Siam in his father’s reign, but few people had photographs of the king, much less themselves.

Were King Chulalongkorn to visit here today, it would probably still be recognizable to him. The entire quiet neighborhood consisted of orchards/ farms and homes. There were no buzzing long-tail boats, only the murmuring sounds of radios carried over the water from nearby houses, punctuated by the chattering of birds.

After the day’s ride in reaching the house, and a shower to wash off the grime, I was perfectly content to spend the rest of the afternoon to sit on the porch at edge of the water, just watching the clumps of water hyacinth (an introduced species, and now a prolific nuisance) floating by, along with odd plastic bottle (something Chulalongkorn would not have known). This kind of relaxation might be considered boring, except that after the hard work and sweat in pedaling all day, it was something to savor. one was to travel around the country incognito, in order to find out first hand how things were going around his kingdom, instead of relying on second hand, potentially-doctored reports from his courtiers and employees.

Often on these incognito trips he went undetected, taken for some wealthy man, traveling with a few servants. As

The next morning, a monk came by paddling upstream collecting alms around 6:30 AM. The house dogs hung out on the pier with me as I gave the monk his alms with a wai. On his way back downstream, he stopped again at our pier, where the dogs had been waiting and fed the dogs some of the alms he’d been given. After that daily ritual, the dogs went back to the garden for a nap.

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ADVENTURE

At 9 AM, a kwey tiao boat came by, and even though I was in the middle of a very tasty shrimp rice porridge for breakfast, I hailed the vendor for a bowl of noodles, to enjoy the novelty of buying kwey tiao from an actual passing boat. I borrowed a bowl from the kitchen, into which the vendor ladled my soup noodles. This would save her the trouble of coming back for her bowl.

There are more boat vendors on the weekends, whom you can hail to buy fruit, vegetables, flowers and prepared foods from people paddling their way to the local floating market; which is small and can only function on the weekends, unlike the big one at Damnoen Saduak, which gets enough tourists to be a daily event.

Ratchaburi Ratchaburi is traditionally known for its pottery jars, decorated with dragon motifs, used to store water for household use. For us it was the starting point of the end of the trip. The train from Ratchaburi would carry the bicycle and I back to Bangkok. It would take less than two hours by train to cover the distance I rode by bike over three days.

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Lunch was at a popular local restaurant that offered noodles, grilled meatball skewers and fruit som tam. It was tasty, and very filling. However, I wish I had saved room after lunch for the khanom (traditional Thai desserts) vendor across from the Ratchaburi train station. She good-naturedly lifted up each of the lids of her dozens of pots to show me what she had that day. Being let loose in this candy shop, I was hard pressed to narrow my selection amongst the plethora of choices to just a few.

Fortunately, for the bicycle tour itself I didn’t have to forego any of the flavors of the region, I got to savor the full range of sights and experiences.

Details My bike tour was organized by Thailand Green Ride. Based in Bangkok, the excellent Thailand Green Ride offers a range of bicycle tours, led by knowledgeable English-speaking guides. Well-maintained bicycles and helmets are included. The itinerary, accommodations, meals for tours can be customized. www.thailandgreenride.com Tip: Wear wicking-material/breathable long sleeve shirts, and padded biking tights (length below the knee) – for comfort and to minimize sun exposure.

THE COMFORTS OF THE NEW SWISS FIRST CLASS

www.swiss.com

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August Table Available at Kapok G/F, 3 Sun Street, Wan Chai T+852 2549 9254 Bally Shop 2088, Podium Level 2, IFC Mall, Central T +852 3586 2899 Becca Lane Crawford, IFC Mall, Central T +852 2111 0125 Bellagio Beauty Shop 16/F Fortune Centre, 48 Yan Ping Road, Causeway Bay T +852 3580 1506 Bing Bang Available at D-Mop G/F, 11-15 On Lan Street, Central T +852 2840 0822 Blackmarket 19 Jalan Pisang, Singapore 199084 T +65 6292 8512 Bottega Veneta Shop G06-07, The Landmark, Central T +852 2973 0882 Burberry Prorsum Shop G5, G/F & Shop 101A, 1/F, Alexandra House, Central T +852 2868 3511 Brunello Cucinelli Shop 2062, Podium Level 2, IFC Mall, Central T +852 2175 4268 cK Jeans

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Emporio Armani 1/F & 2/F, Chater House, Central T +852 2532 7711 Ex:beaute Shop G23, Ground Level Miramar Shopping Centre, 132 Nathan Road, TST T +852 2739 9677 Giffarine Level 2, Langham Place Seibu, Mongkok, Kowloon T +852 3514 4536 Golfjunkie Available at Sogo Hong Kong 555 Hennessy Road, Causeway Bay T+852 2833 8338 Gucci Shop G23-30, Ground Floor, The Landmark, Central T +852 2524 4492 Guerlain Guerlain Concept Store Shop G12, Festival Walk, Kowloon Tong, Kowloon T +852 2265 7064 Fendi Shop G18 & 112, The Landmark, Central T +852 2524 1339 Fendi Men’s Kiosk near shop 2065, Podium Level 2, IFC, Central T +852 3486 3683 G.O.D. Leighton Centre, Sharp Street East Entrance, Causeway Bay T +852 2890 5555 Hatch33 50 Lower Ground Floor, Tung Street, Sheung Wan T +852 2891 1164 Havaianas Available at Dmop Shop B03, Basement 1, The Sun Arcade, 28 Canton Road, TST T +852 2722 0072 Helena Rubinstein HR Beauty Lounge Shop 2109, Elements, TST T +852 2196 8271 Hermes Shop 02-04, The Lee Gardens, No. 33 Hysan Road, Causeway Bay T +852 2907 2974 Horace Available at Harvey Nichols Hong Kong The Landmark, Central T+ 852 3695 3388 iBlues Shop 29-30, G/F, 42-47 Paterson Street, Fashion Walk, Causeway Bay T +852 2722 9645 Insight 51 Available at Van D 34B, Staunton Street, Soho, Hong Kong T +852 2537 1103 Intemporelle www.intemporellegroup.com

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WHERE TO FIND Ksubi Eyewear Available at Ocular Plus Shop 105, 1/F Style House, The Park Lane, 310 Gloucester Road, Causeway Bay T+ 852 2881 6090 The La-al 1/F, 39 Staunton Street, Soho, Central T +852 3484 9188 Laneige Shop B242, Basement, Times Square, Causeway Bay T +852 3571 9952 Lanvin Shop G211-212, Ground Floor, Gateway Arcade, TST T +852 2175 3282 Loewe Shop G15-17, Ground Floor, The Landmark, Central T +852 2522 0996 Lollia House of Style, G/F, 33 Wellington Street, Central T +852 3188 4621 Lomography Asia G/F, No. 2 Po Yan Street, Sheung Wan T +852 2525 5417 Loro Piana Shop 105, Chater House, Central T +852 2868 9623 Loveramics 37 Tung Street, Hollywood Road, Central T +852 2915 8018 Marc by Marc Jacobs Shop G01, Fashion Walk, Kingston Street, Causeway Bay T +852 2882 6207 Marella Shop LG225, Festival Walk, Kowloon Tong, Kowloon T +852 2722 9626 Marimekko Available at Cocktail Shop 1083, Elements, TST T +852 2196 8626 Marina Rinaldi Shops 301 & 318, Level 3, The Landmark, Central T +852 2722 9631 MaxMara Shop G/F., G1 & M12-M16, Prince’s Building, Central T +852 2722 9601 Mes Demoiselles Available at Cocktail Shop 1083, Elements, TST T +852 2196 8626 Modele de Prudence LCX 3/F Ocean Terminal, TST T +852 2735 8228 One Teaspoon www.oneteaspoon.com.au Pandora Shop 35, G/F, 11-19 Great George Street, Causeway Bay T +852 2890 1092 Paspaley Shop 101, 1/F, 1881 Heritage, 2A Canton Road, TST T +852 2369 6886

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Tod’s Shop 367, Level 3, Pacific Place, Admiralty T +852 2918 9688 The Upper Station No. 22 Upper Station Street, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong T +852 3486 2474 Utah Lee Available at House of Style G/F, 33 Wellington Street, Central T +852 3188 4621 Valentino Shop 2089 - 2090, Level 2, The Elements, 1 Austin Road, TST T +852 2196 8662 Versace Shops W2-W6, Ground Floor, The Peninsula Hotel Shopping Arcade, TST T +852 2721 6118 Vivienne Westwood Shop B, Fashion Walk, 42 - 48 Paterson Street, Causeway Bay T +852 3549 6308 Weekend by MaxMara Shop LG223, Festival Walk, Kowloon Tong, Kowloon T +852 2722 9681 Wellendorff Shop 2035, Podium Level 2, IFC Mall, Central T +852 2540 1028 YSL Beaute Available at Lane Crawford Canton Road 3 Canton Road, TST T +852 3101 0607

Yves Saint Laurent Shop G3, Ground Floor, Alexandra House, 20 Chater Rd, Central T +852 2868 0092

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