COTE Magazine by COTE Magazine HK

N° 1 - SPRING 2014 - HK$ 90.00

YEAR OF THE HORSE - NEW MUSES - EXCLUSIVE - GOURMET BEAUTY - WHAT’S HOT IN PARIS? - GOOD GIFTS -CHRISTIE’S -USEFUL -CHANEL’SMÉTIERS D’ART COLLECTIONS -SWEET NOTHING -LAPO//GUCCI

ATTENTION ADDICTION www.cote-magazine.hk H o n g K o n g - M a c a u - L a u s a n n e - M o n t r e u x - Ve v e y - N e u c h â t e l - G s t a a d - C r a n s - C o u r c h e v e l - M e g è v e

edito

By Julie Rovero

This is it ... the adventure has begun!

ur little French COTE Magazine has now arrived hot off the press in Asia via Switzerland. For 26 years now, the magazine has been featuring talented artists and designers, the finest Houses, top restaurants, new and exciting venues and much, much more. 26 years of glamour, secrets, and fascinating encounters has produced our french touch. Although at COTE Magazine we love talking about lovely things, above all else we like telling you stories, anecdotes and precious mysteries. Hong Kong is welcoming COTE Magazine with open arms and letting us into its secrets. Now it’s our turn to reveal its pride and joy and introduce you to its innovative, talented, passionate players who are turning Hong Kong into one of the most dynamic cities in the world. From fine dining to design, fashion to watch-making, the arts scene to the economic scene, we’ll go over the city with a fine-tooth comb to bring you our favourites and small daily pleasures. Out of the city, COTE Magazine will whisk you away to Paris, New York and London and unveil the latest

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whims and delights. Bringing you dreams and excellence, we’ll be at the forefront of ideas and trends and continue to mix heritage and contemporary design. In the light of timeless icons and by tracking down the talent of the future, we will be closely following this world which so quickly reinvents itself! Never forget that time does not stand still and that the talented youngsters of today are writing the history of tomorrow. Stay in tune and always be alert…that’ll be our motto. Curiosity is our guilty pleasure! As a child, I was often described as a chatterbox - today, I hope I can put this quality to good use in telling you with heartfelt sincerity about our latest finds in Hong Kong. I hope this first issue will delight and entertain you, and you’ll enjoy exploring Hong Kong (again) from a different angle. We’re curious little devils and we don’t plan on changing!

Find yourself a comfy seat, sit back and enjoy…

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contents

Stephen Hung & Deborah Valdez-Hung

123

EDITO POST-SCRIPTUM

trends watches jewellery Fashion beauty

› Vacheron Constantin

François Curiel

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Fashion shows

Jaeger-LeCoultre

This is it...The adventure has begun

Usefull or useless information - Something different - And tomorrow...

Year of the horse - Exclusive - Smile for the camera - Marfa, artists’ oasis - Miam Miam...What’s hot in Paris - Sweet nothing

SIHH: the 2014 Vintage - Harry Winston, enter the legend - Dihn Van puts the Handcuffs on Hong Kong

New Muses - Chanel’s Métiers d’Art collections - Lapo//Gucci

Pink Tone - Spring Scents -Gourmet Beauty

166

› Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong

› Marfa, artists’ oasis

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contents

› Lapo//Gucci

Face to Face fashion & art Shooting Hong kong so art

NEWS ECO bo joujou escape

urban GUIDE Trombinoscote 123

› Christie’s Asia

176

› Cartier SIHH

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112

› Miu Miu TST

› Arnaud Barthélémy

> A world more beautiful - Happy palette - Objets d’art

> The Arty - Fashion shows

Stephen Hung & Deborah Valdez-Hung - Kathleen Chaplin

111

129

> Kong

135

> My pocket yacht - Full speed ahead

141

> Mauritus

147

> Treats for those looking for intelligent entertainment

169

> A photo review of the best festive nights

Arnaud Barthélémy - French May 2014 - FabienneVerdier French GourMay - Magnus Renfrew - François Curiel

Golden boys at risk - First expatriation in Hong

› Harry Winston

› Conrad Maldives

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Steve McQueen The Thomas Crown, 1968

Brigitte Bardot

Elizabeth Taylor Harry Winston

contributors Publisher Olivier Cerdan Assistant Virginie Vivès Editor-in-Chief Hong Kong Julie Rovero Assistant Emily But contact@cote-magazine.hk Editor-in-Chief Switzerland Lauriane Zonco Fashion Editor Caroline Schwartz Assistant Inés Maréchal Contributors Pauline Coulin / Léna Pelletier / Hélène Gaubert / Lauriane Zonco / Caroline Schwartz / Emily But Deborah Taieb-Cohen / Evelyne Attias / Gabrielle Carrard / Julie de los Rios / Olivier Cerdan Alexandre Benoist / Laura Cornaz / Jacob Decasa / A. Klopmann / L. Irlandes-Guilbault / Fabrice Rosset / M. Sartore / Octave Photographers Jack from POSE21, Didier Michalet, Johann Sauty, Olivier Borgognon, Fabrice Rosset, Pedro Neto STUDIO Art Director Olivier Benatar Studio COTE / Amina Valentini, Camille Dujonc & Donovan Bouchenot Retoucher / Karen firdmann dtp@cote-magazine.hk Translation : Ateano and Trista Selous Directeur de fabrication - contrôle qualité Lionel Yvroux Business Development Manager Hong Kong Romain de Garsignies Advertising Manager Hong Kong Stanley Cheng / s.cheng@cote-magazine.hk

distribution’s partnership (Hotels, SPA, Private Club…) Emilie But / contact@cote-magazine.hk Subsriptions subscription@cote-magazine.hk

Les éditions cote

Head Office : Rue Eugène Marziano, 37. CH 1227 Genève / Tél. +41 22 736 56 56 / Fax. +41 22 736 37 38 / www.cotemagazine.com Les éditions cote Cap Var, Bât. D2, Av. G. Guynemer, 06700 Saint-Laurent-du-Var CEO / Claude Henri Menu assisted by Nathalie Duchesne cote PARIS Director : Eric O’Neill

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cote Marseille Provence Director : Dominique Juan éditions internationales Bereg > Russian magazine Amouage > Arabic magazine Wan Jia > Chinese magazine Monte-Carlo Society The magazine of Monte-Carlo SBM Manager : Lina Cappellini

Places & Spirit The magazine of the group Floirat Manager : Catherine Sarachmann

cote LUGANO italien/Anglais Four issues

Negresco Magazine Director : Lina Cappellini

cote ZURICH allemand/Anglais Four issues

Cannes is yours Director : Catherine Sarachmann

cote HONG KONG Four issues Editor : Julie Rovero

useful - something different - and tomorrow...

This is not an oversight, nor an editorial error. This page has been left intentionally blank and free of advertising â&#x20AC;&#x201C; with the compliments of COTE magazine.

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post-scriptum [ Who knew? ]

By Olivier Cerdan

useful OR USELESS INFORMATION All the trivia you need to wow your friends and acquaintances – suitable for any occasion. Or not...

”Seen from the air, the city of Brasilia (Brazil) is shaped like an aeroplane..” “On average, the salaries of blonde women are 7 % higher.”

“Large babies grow up to have more sexual partners than other people.”

“In the UK half a million road accidents a year are caused by make-up.”

“The ice lolly was discovered in America in 1905 by an 11 year-old boy. He forgot to remove the stick he used to stir his drink, which froze overnight.”

“A naked man and woman were engraved on the space probe Pioneer 10 for the benefit of extraterrestrials.”

given “Cows that are e uc names prod more milk.”

“The Mona Lisa has neither eyebrows nor eyelashes.”

“One in three cigarettes in the world is smoked by a Chinese person.”

“As an anti-theft precaution, electric light-bulbs in the New York subway unscrew the other way.”

“The name and logo of the Nike brand are based on Nike, the Greek goddess of victory. She is depicted with wings and travels very fast.”

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“In 2010 an orthodox Jew launched an online site selling kosher sex-toys.”

post-scriptum [ Unusual hotels ]

By Jacob Decasa

something different Why not spend the night under the sea, wake up beneath a desert sky or savour one of the world’s finest cuisines? COTE has selected the most unusual hotels on the planet, all you need to do is choose!

Extreme design: Silken Puerta America

Under the sea: Conrad Maldives

Madrid – Spain On every floor of this hotel the lift doors open to a visual surprise. The interior design of its 13 storeys was shared between 19 renowned architects. John Pawson minimalized the lobby, Zaha Hadid liquefied the first floor, Marc Newson dazzled the sixth with much use of red lacquer and mirrors, after which Ron Arad, Norman Foster and Jean Nouvel took the flight into folly higher and higher. If, by chance, the lift doors open to the car park, you will find yourself face to face with a sculpture by Oscar Niemeyer.

Rangali Island – Maldives The Ithaa restaurant, epitome of the Hilton group’s contemporary luxury, remains the world’s only submarine place to eat and spend the night. On request, the restaurant’s twelve covers can be cleared, transforming it into a bedroom. The fascinating prospect of manta rays, sharks, dolphins, turtles and myriads of fish will ensure you don’t run out of things to talk about, or else let the undersea silence work its magic.

www.hoteles-silken.com

http://conradhotels3hilton.com

Boat on the roof: a room for London

London – UK This hotel room sits on the roof of the Queen Elizabeth Hall, overlooking the Thames in London. It’s one of a kind, designed by architect David Kohn and artist Fiona Banner as a 1920s dreamboat. The king size bed stands against a wall that slides in half to give an extraordinary view of Big Ben and St Paul’s cathedral. Enjoy! www.living-architecture.co.uk/the-houses/aroomforlondon/overview/

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post-scriptum [ News ]

By Olivier Cerdan

and tomorrow... Look far enough into the distance and you’ll see faint signals telling you that all the things that will shape tomorrow are already here.

exclusive - drone - hi-tech - yoth - marfa - hot in paris - sweet nothing

3D printing has arrived! Eleven billion euros, that’s what the market for personal 3D printers is set to be worth in 2020. This cube with its translucent cover can print objects as big as a basket ball. Its avant-garde design proves that the 3D printer has ceased to be the preserve of geeks and is stepping out to meet its public. It will cost you nearly 26,000 HK$ including a spare filament. Enough to start making objects as soon as you take it out of the box. How does it work? The filament unrolls and heats to 200 ºC, creating drops of plastic that merge to create layers on the moving tray. The layers then accumulate to form a three dimensional object that can measure up to 15 cm in height, length and width. What can it make? Figurines, little pieces of “jewellery” or iPhone cases. Files ready to print in 3D are accessible on thingiverse.com. But what’s really good about this machine is surely that it can create objects shaped by the imagination of its users.

WiFi is dead, long live LiFi! With the risk of WiFi saturation in 2020, Light Fidelity Technology (Li-Fi) will become the new standard. It’s very fast (up to 10 GB per second), with no waves that might be harmful to health. It’s also very secure as it can only be accessed from a beam of light. Leave the light on, I’m downloading! The principle is the same as a land-based semaphore receiving light signals from a ship at sea. An LED light invisible to the naked eye transmits data to a tiny camera on a computer or smartphone. A brilliant idea, particularly as light sources are everywhere, not just at home and in the street, but also on aircraft, where WiFi is banned.

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trends [ Yoth ]

By Caroline Schwartz

trends [ Yoth ]

By Caroline Schwartz

YEAR OF THE HORSE Legend has it... that long ago, the vast steppes of Eurasia were home to a breed of horse measuring almost 3 metres. They had long necks and were particularly strong. Over time, the locals started to use the expression “like a horse” to describe someone with tremendous positive energy. And so, the horse, as a symbol for freedom and creativity, is omnipresent in Chinese art and provides the inspiration for the leading brands in 2014.

Cartier Horse decor secret watch

Estée Lauder Year of the Horse Powder Compact

Charlotte Olympia Eastern cosmic collection

Hermès Galop collection Ralph Lauren Fine jewellery equestrian collection

Swatch Year of the horse

Gucci YOTH

Vacheron Constantin The legend of the Chinese zodiac 2014: Year of the horse L.U.C Urushi Cheval Chopard Jaquet Droz Petite heure minute relief horse

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Nike Air Force 1 Hi YOTH

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trends [ Beautiful ]

By editorial team

xclusive

adjective Fem. {-ive} Meaning 1 That belongs to a single person by privilege. E.g. exclusive right. Meaning 2 That excludes anything alien. E.g. exclusive love Meaning 3 Absolute in one’s opinions. E.g. exclusive character. Synonym: absolute

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Be the first to discover all the trends for fashion, dining, hot secret spots and create the COTE community!

cote magazine Attention addiction

Le Flâneur d’Hermès

just hk$ 270 per year ( 4 issues at 25% off the cover price of HK$360 )

don’t miss a copy suBscribe now!

Le Flâneur Cycle elegantly around town Hand made in France by Time, Hermès has designed a hybrid bike and a super-light urban sports bike made of carbon and polyamide fibres. These two bikes, La Flâneur Sportif d’Hermès and Le Flâneur d’Hermès, combine elegant lines, high-end techniques and a crafted saddle.

sportif

d’Hermès

Mr/Mrs/Ms Date of Birth: Address: Tel: Email: ∆ Please subscribe me to one year (4 issues) of COTE Magazine for HK$ 270 ∆ I enclose a cheque of HKD$_________payable to COTE Magazine Ltd * (Please mail your cheque and form to: COTE Magazine Ltd – 8A Winning Centre, 46-48 Wyndham Street, Central, Hong Kong) * For other payment methods and inquiries, please call +852 2572 0700 or email subscription@cote-magazine.hk * Offer only valid for Hong Kong & Macau

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trends [ Drone ]

By Olivier Cerdan

smile

for the camera With their autonomous flight, radius of action, payloads and GPS, robot aircraft are in the technological vanguard when it comes to war machines. One thing’s for sure, drones are news and everyone’s talking about them. From the USA and China to France and Israel, the world’s great powers are putting their finest machines through their paces. So here’s a quick roundup of today’s most desirable drones.

Neuron (FRANCE)

trends [ Hi-Tech ]

By Alexandre Benoist

techno

addict for tech-heads !

The hi-tech CES Bonanza Gift Shop in Las Vegas early this year overflowed with new goodies. Examples.

This drone is being developed by Dassault (not Batman) and is still at the prototype stage. It won’t be in service for a decade at least, so don’t hold your breath.

Hamaseh (IRAN)

Last comes the highly aerodynamic-looking Hamaseh, which experts suggest is really a fake.

Sony nwz-ZX1 Walkman

Heron (ISRAEL)

When you convert a concert recording or other analogue sources to digital (CD or MP3) you unavoidably lose some of the sound quality. To remedy this, Sony’s new Walkman delivers highresolution audio playback that upscales your listening to a sound experience comparable with the original recording. www.sony.com.hk

Bang & Olufsen Form 2i These iconic headphones, originally intended as a sleek, elegant alternative to those on the market in the Walkman days of the 1980s, have been revamped to celebrate their 30 years of popularity. Renamed Form 2i, they will come in six lively colours: black, white, red, blue, green and grey. www.beoplay.com

Reaper (USA) The “Swiss army knife of airborne intelligence”, the Heron is a military must-have.

Wing loong (CHINE)

Samsung curved UHD TV The Korean manufacturer presented the world’s largest curved UHD (ultrahigh definition) TV: a 105-inch screen, four times the resolution of Full HD (11 million pixels) and an unprecedented cinema aspect ratio of 21:9, plus viewers can enjoy a 3D-like effect without glasses. Total immersion guaranteed!

The “Reaper” is America’s favourite. Barack Obama makes liberal use of them and the French have just ordered a case of 12.

www.samsung.com/hk The Wing Loong is China’s low-cost answer to America’s Reaper.

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trends [ Marfa ]

By Caroline Schwartz

trends [ Marfa ]

The age of the philanthropists

MARFA, ARTISTS’ OASIS Never heard of it? Well, it’s one of the most amazing places on earth! Marfa is a little jewel deep in the heart of Texas; a strange little town which, with the utmost secrecy, attracts the most sophisticated stars, artists and tourists on the planet. So here is COTE’s guide to this hidden gem.

And in 1971, this ghost town became the destination of the influential artist, Donald Judd. The founder of minimalism and one of its leading theorists, Judd had already been honoured by a retrospective at the Whitney Museum in New York, but he had grown tired of the city. The remains of Marfa’s former splendour provided him with the infrastructure he needed to realise his ambition. Like someone playing Monopoly, he bought a supermarket, an Art Deco bank, several disused factories and a former hotel and then brought his family, his workshops, his library (12,000 volumes arranged by their authors’ dates of birth), his own works and those of the artists that he collected to this are of wonderfully open spaces and austere beauty. Furthermore, he persuaded the Dia Foundation, then funded by the considerable profits of the Schlumberger oil company, to acquire an old

By Caroline Schwartz

military base to display his work, as well as that of contemporaries whom he admired, such as Dan Flavin, John Chamberlain or Carl Andre. Fort Russell became their Sistine Chapel. The Chinati Foundation was born. This marked the beginning of a new era for Marfa: that of the philanthropists. The Lannan Foundation set up its famous literary residency programme, attracting a steady stream of writers and poets to the village. Tim Crowley, a rich lawyer from Houston, embarked on a property acquisition frenzy worthy of Donald Judd, but on this occasion it was for the public good. Since then, a number of other fairy godmothers have waved their magic wands over Marfa. In 2003, two young oil heirs opened a non-profit art gallery in a 1920s ballroom. (They were behind the Prada Marfa installation, a fake Prada store slap bang in the middle of the desert.) And their next project? The world’s first drive-in art-house cinema, at a cost of 3 million dollars. “They have

introduced cinema and music into a world where plastic arts reigned supreme”, comments Robert Arber. “Thanks to them, there’s more to Marfa than just Chinati. They have rejuvenated and revitalised the town.” During his recent visit to Marfa, the writer Rick Moody was amazed that he was able to share his work with 120 admirers when, only a short time before, a public lecture in New York had attracted only 30. Feist, Keren Ann or Bon Iver perform there for a token fee. The village casts a powerful spell on those who visit. “The first time I visited Marfa, I saw a traffic cop stop a lorry driver to let a tarantula cross the road, and I decided to buy a house here”, says the artist Julie Speed, who is not the only one to have fallen in love with the place during a short visit. For others, such as the New York artist Christopher Wool, their love affair with Marfa began during a period as Artist-in-residence at Chinati. And they chose to stay.

Ranked by VANITY FAIR as one of the “twelve artists who have put Marfa on the map as an art destination”, Sam Schonzeit is quick to compare the Texan village to SoHo (New York’s artistic Mecca during the 1970s), where he grew up.

Except perhaps for its name, chosen by the cultured wife of a railroad baron (Marfa was a servant in the Brothers Karamazov), there was no suggestion that the town, which was founded in the middle of nowhere in 1880, would one day become a compulsory stop on the contemporary art circuit.

A world apart In the late afternoon, you can sit on the still scorching terrace of the sole restaurant on Main Street, sipping a Spritz (Champagne, Campari and soda water) and see only one lorry go by, then a bike, and then, an hour later, a pedestrian. You have to travel 40 kilometres to buy antibiotics, but the bookstore stocks some 8,000 titles, a tenth of which belong to its poetry section. It is a village where you are just as likely to spend the whole morning without seeing a soul as you are to bump into a Noble Prize winner, the director of New York’s Museum of Modern Art or Beyoncé.

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And what if Marfa were to lose its charm and its soul? What if Starbucks, McDonalds or Walmart came to town? “This is a harsh environment and we are far too isolated for economic development to really take off and get beyond our control,” Tim Johnson, the young bookstore owner assures us. “We won’t be seeing hypermarkets any time soon.” There’s no doubt about it: Marfa will always be Marfa. With its unreliable mobile phone coverage, unpredictable schedules, rattlesnakes and unrelenting sun... WHERE TO STAY. A remnant of Marfa’s golden age, the Hotel Paisano (www.hotelpaisano.com) accommodated James Dean and Elizabeth Taylor during the filming of Giant in 1956. Disciples of minimalism stay in the Thunderbird Motel (www.thunderbird marfa.com). Younger and more bohemian, El Cosmico (www.elcosmico.com), on the

outskirts of the village, is a “camp” with restored vintage caravans and large tepees. WHERE TO VISIT. The Chinati Foundation: www.chinati.org The Judd Foundation (tour of the block and studios): www.juddfoundation.org Ballroom Marfa: www.ballroommarfa.org Marfa book company: marfabookcompany.wordpress.com WHERE TO EAT. Food shark and Grilled cheese parlor : www.foodsharkmarfa.com Maiya’s, the chic restaurant on Main Street: www.maiyasrestaurant.com WHERE TO BUY BOOTS Cobra rock: hand-stitched cowboy boots, www.cobrarock.com

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trends [ Food ]

By Julie Rovero

trends [ Food ]

By Julie Rovero

miam miam... what’s hot in PAris ? Paris isn’t just the capital of fashion; it’s also foodie heaven… Fred’s Marvellous Merveilleux Do you believe Nirvana can be achieved through food? Visit Merveilleux de Fred and find out for yourself. Merveilleux are utterly irresistible delicate meringues coated in whipped cream and sprinkled with chocolate shavings. Although Frédéric Vaucamps first created these guilty pleasures almost 20 years ago in northern France, he only opened his shop in Paris in 2008 and it’s been chock-a-block ever since! Obviously chocolate is a safe bet but what’s exciting is the flavours: coffee, spéculos, hazelnut, caramel, cherry and so much more to try! Merveilleux come in three sizes: individual, family and miniature. We recommend the mini ones so you can try all the flavours! Belgium and London can now enjoy Merveilleux so how about indulging Hong Kong’s sweet tooth next??

Ducasse and the Chocolate Factory

www.auxmerveilleux.com

Monsieur Bleu is in the pink! It’s no coincidence that Monsieur Bleu is in the trendy Palais de Tokyo with stunning views of the Eiffel Tower. Modern and cosmopolitan Monsieur Bleu hasn’t forgotten what’s important: it’s all about quality ingredients! From burgers, delicate Japanese wagyu beef and crispy suckling pig to caramel millefeuille and chocolate fondant, every dish is a tastebud tingling treat! The reason why this restaurant has been full since it opened is probably its winning formula: a pinch of design, tasty cooking, a unique location, fun clients who know what they want plus an outdoor terrace! Make sure you book a table here for your next stay in Paris!

Monsieur Bleu – 20, Avenue de New York, 75116 Paris, France +33 1 47 20 90 47 - www.monsieurbleu.com 30 | SPRING 2014 - www.cote-magazine.hk

The Ducasse Empire is never lacking in ideas. With 24 restaurants around the world, charming hotels, a training centre, publisher and most recently a choux pastry caravan, last year the master of gastronomy realised his childhood dream of opening his own chocolate factory! He was trained by the greatest pastry and chocolate makers in the 70s and is true to the philosophy so dear to him: carefully choosing the finest produce to bring out the best of the flavours and aromas. Nicolas Berger runs the show and creates tantalising treats in this magical place filled with vintage furnishings and imbued with unique expertise. To really experience all the subtlety of the chosen cocoa, simply choose a traditional bar and replace your pot of toxic Nutella with this deliciously nostalgic spread…

Le Chocolat Alain Ducasse Manufacture à Paris 40, rue de la Roquette, 75011 Paris, France +33 1 48 05 82 86 www.lechocolat-alainducasse.com www.cote-magazine.hk - SPRING 2014 | 31

trends [ Crazy ]

By Caroline Schwartz

sweet

nothing A wish list to be SO exclusive !

sihh: 2014 the vintage - harry winston: enter the legend - dinh van

An 62,000 HK$ Vilebrequin gold swimsuit Vilebrequin has created the first gold swimsuit, made with 24 carat gold thread, and featuring gold clasps. Vilebrequin joined forces with the French luggage-manufacturer Pinel & Pinel and asked them to design a bespoke portable storage case. Case: 36,500 HK$ Gold Swimsuit: 62,000 HK$

194,000 hk$ Converse that are “artworks” Just One Eye, L.A.’s super-fashionable concept store, which is known for blending contemporary art and fashion, asked Nate Lowman – a New York artist considered part of modern art’s new wave – to come up with his own Converse Chuck Taylors, those legendary sneakers created in 1917. Nate Lowman, who draws inspiration from the many emblems of his generation, took two of his paintings to L.A., where the canvases were used to make 21 pairs of Converses. Each unique pair was made in around 180 hours. These Chucks are currently on sale at justoneeye.com. A pair has been reissued in December in a limited edition.

A 194,000 HK$ carafe Louis XIII Rare Cask 42,6 A blend of more than 1000 different eaux-de-vie in a centuryold tierçon cask discovered in the Rémy Martin cellars, this rich, complex masterpiece of a cognac exudes notes of plum, date and gingerbread mingling with flavours of ginger, prune and tobacco leaf. Only 738 numbered decanters are available.

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trends [ SIHH ]

By Julie de los Rios

SIHH: The 2014 vintage The Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie offers a taster of the new timewear trends. Exceptional creations and technical feats made this year’s especially promising.

PIAGET 140 years and a new record!

trends [ SIHH ]

By Julie de los Rios

Jaeger-LeCoultre Choc chic for the Reverso

Van Cleef & Arpels Head in the stars

After celebrating its iconic model in both red and blue, the Vallée de Joux watchmaker has now dressed its Grande Reverso Ultra Thin Tribute to 1931 in an elegant chocolate shade. The extrathin pink-gold case with its brown dial houses the Jaeger-LeCoultre 822/2 calibre just 2.95mm deep.

The Company has written a new chapter of its Poetic Time. Among its latest treasures is the Midnight Planetarium Poetic Complication fitted with a Christiaan van der Klaauw module inspired y the 18th-century planetaria that depicted the solar system and the movement of the planets, in three dimensions.

Not content with reaching the grand old age of 140, Piaget has pulverised a record with this 38mm Altiplano 900P, the world’s thinnest mechanical watch. Its hand-wound calibre and case are virtually one as the caseback serves as the baseplate, making it part of the movement and achieving a depth of just 3.65mm.

Mille presented his first RM011 case in NTPT® carbon. The ultra-tough graphic material originally developed for racing yachts’ sails makes the perfect case for his RMAC1 automatic calibre in titanium. Large date at 12 o’clock, month at 4 o’clock and a flyback chronograph.

Richard Mille The art of materials

Audemars Piguet Avant-garde white

The watchmaker has added a new model to its Royal Oak Concept family. With sculpted titanium caseband, integrated rubber strap and white ceramic bezel, the Tourbillon Royal Oak Concept GMT makes an all-white impact. This gem of aesthetics and technology is powered by the 2930 calibre that combines a tourbillon with a second time zone.

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Cartier: Creativity above and below water Over a hundred new models reworking Cartier’s signature features, from craft skills – this year including impressive floral marquetry – to mystery watches, new interpretations of great classics – this time it’s the turn of the iconic Tortue – and in-house movements. But Cartier’s biggest attraction at this SIHH is the Calibre Diver. A diver’s watch from Cartier is bound to be intriguing, particularly as this one meets ISO standards, has a rubber bracelet and in-house movement. Choose the rose gold version to make a splash!

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trends [ SIHH ]

By Lauriane Zonco

Panerai: luminor 1950

Montblanc: happy birthday Montblanc has embarked on a new era with a new CEO International, Jerôme Lambert, and a new CEO Switzerland, Delphine Favier – at last a woman in a senior position in a watch company!! So it’s a big year for the brand, which is also celebrating a major anniversary with 90 years of the iconic Meisterstück. To mark the occasion, Montblanc has produced a watch in tribute to its cult pen. Thank you, we’ll take both!

Parmigiani: with pomellato The Fleurier brand has come over all feminine and joyful for SIHH 2014, presenting new versions of its Tonda, designed in partnership with Italian jeweller Pomellato, with whom Parmigiani has embarked on a long term collaboration. Parmigiani has given the Tonda four incarnations, obviously available only in rose gold, quintessially feminine and radiant. We adopted the Capri version with its turquoise dial – a colour echoed in Pomellato designs – and diamond-set bezel and horns. Wear it with a joyful heart and laugh off winter’s grey.

trends [ SIHH ]

By Lauriane Zonco

IWC: charles darwin foundation A shoo-in for the show’s craziest stand, with its underwater atmosphere complete with circling sharks and an espresso bar! IWC has also launched some new submarine models in its Aquatimer line of diver’s watches, which has been given a total revamp for this year’s SIHH. Particularly exciting is the Aquatimer Chronograph Edition “50 years science for Galapagos ”, a tribute to the legendary Charles Darwin, its lovely sky-blue hands begging us to take it home.

Baume & Mercier: timeless collection Enriched with five models with a diameter of 30 mm and a design inspired by a watch of the 1950s, the new Clifton line, launched in 2013, sets a fine, dynamic, elegant tone. Its more reasonable dimensions are suited to slender wrists. There are four models in stainless steel on a polished and satin finished stainless steel bracelet, including two with a selfwinding mechanical calibre, one of which has a silver coloured dial and the other a mother of pearl dial set with 10 index diamonds.

Already iconic! The Luminor 1950 3 Days collection is now complete with the arrival of the Luminor 1950 lefthanded 3 Days – 47mm. An integral part of the Panerai story, left-handed watches were worn by Italian navy commandos and enabled them to synchronize their actions. A model of great simplicity with all the vintage charm Panerai watches.

Lange & Söhne: terra luna

Vacheron Constantin: malte collection Vacheron Constantin ‘s Malte collection has four new arrivals: a men’s model in white gold and three new standout designs for women in rose or white gold. Ladies will love the pure, refined lines and diamond sparkle, particularly as these lovely exteriors contain the calibre 1400, a mechanical hand-wound movement developed and made by Vacheron Constantin, which can be seen through the transparent caseback.

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The brand prized by sharp-eyed collectors continues down its own quiet, unostentatious path. With its pure lines, technical features and restrained aesthetics the Richard lange Perpetual Calendar «Terraluna», with three indicators showing hours, minutes and seconds, is a perfect illustration of the sober style of Saxon watchmakers Lange & Söhne. Technical and fun, this is a watch to delight connoisseurs of horological perfection.

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trends [ watches ]

By Lauriane Zonco

F.P Journe: Ten, a key number

10 years , 10 boutiques, 10 anniversary watches for 10 special clients On 18 October 2013 in Tokyo, F.P. Journe presented the “Tourbillon Anniversaire des 10 Ans”, a limited edition of precisely 10 watches! The year 2013 marks a decade of quality for F.P.Journe. Not only has the brand celebrated 10 years of the first boutique in Tokyo, it has also opened its 10th boutique in Beirut. To mark the occasion François-Paul Journe devised a highly original solution to the problem of assigning owners to these exclusive watches: “Our ten boutiques provided us with candidates from among our most faithful collectors. Their names were selected at random during our annual January exhibition in Geneva.”. Happy birthday!

COTE Finest Idiosyncratic objects recommended by editorial team

Hublot: Big Bang Jeans, finally available for men! After the huge success of Big Bang Jeans for women launched in 2013, it’s only natural that Hublot should launch its new Jeans series but this time for men and limited to 250 watches! Genuine dark blue denim has been chosen as a covering on the dial of an iconic 44mm Big Bang Chronograph along with a denim watchband sewn onto black rubber with orange saddle-stitching. Denim has always been a wardrobe essential, especially this year when midnight blue reigned supreme at all the men’s fashion shows. Big Bang Dark Jeans is soon to become THE watch to wear anytime and anywhere!

Seamaster -Bullhead OMEGA alias Driver With a case and dial configuration which do not feature on any other Omega, the original 1969 Seamaster Bullhead that inspired this wristwatch is among the rarest, most collectable and most recognisable chronographs ever produced. Omega has therefore reissued a limited-edition version of this iconic chronograph. While the new model, with its characteristic symmetrical case and bezel, has all the charm of the original chronograph, there are some modifications which give the new Bullhead Co-Axial chronograph its very own personality.

www.hublot.com

Zenith: Keeping faith with legend The beating heart of the most recent creation from Zenith is the calibre 410, a movement well known to collectors. Created in 1969 as a variant of the legendary El Primero, it combines the performance of the automatic chronograph of the world’s most accurate series with a triple quantième and the phases of the moon. Perpetuated over the years, it appears today in an architecture caught between past and present and centring on a display that remains faithful to the historic model.

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trends [ Harry Winston ]

By Lauriane Zonco

trends [ Harry Winston ]

By Lauriane Zonco

harry winston

enter the

legend

Of course there’s the Big Day, when it’s your wedding and you’re a princess. But before you get that far into your own personal fairytale, there’s the proposal, an intimate moment that’s taking on an ever greater importance. It’s a story to tell your friends and, one day, to your children. So it’s no surprise that the engagement ring has become something of a talisman. Show it or hide it, that ring is the key to a love story. For couples who want to start their married life with a fanfare, Harry Winston have just launched their Ultimate Bridal collection, an exclusive service for bespoke engagement rings. Which is just what you’d expect from the iconic jeweller of great 20th century love stories.

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Of course jewellers often like to associate their work with legendary couples, but few have been such an intrinsic part of the big stories as Harry Winston. He has always understood the importance of pleasing glamorous women, starting with the film stars of the 1940s. In 1943 he had the clever idea of lending jewellery to actress Jennifer Jones to wear at the Oscars, and so began a special relationship with the celebrated women – and couples – of the day, in a fascinating combination of history and glamour. Who could forget the legendary Lesotho III diamond, cut from a huge stone discovered in South Africa in 1967? The cleaving of the gigantic 600 carat original was so spectacular it was shown live on television, and resulted in 18 separate stones. Aristotle Onassis chose one weighing over 40 carats to give to Jackie Kennedy as an engagement ring, definitively turning her into Jackie Onassis. www.cote-magazine.hk - SPRING 2014 | 41

trends [ Harry Winston ]

Another legendary couple and another stunning proof of love appear in the story of the pear-shaped stone given to Elizabeth Taylor by Richard Burton. This diamond of almost 70 carats was cut by Harry Winston, who had acquired the original stone of over 240 carats. Richard Burton bought the diamond in a hard-fought auction, following developments by phone from a British hotel. He lost out at first, but negotiated with the buyer as soon as the hammer fell – hotel clients said they heard him shouting, “I don’t care how much it is, go and buy it!” – until he finally secured it, for a sum that has remained secret. Known as the Taylor-Burton, the diamond was often seen around Elizabeth Taylor’s throat. She was a woman of amazing charisma and assurance, who could carry of a stone that its previous owner had left to languish “in the coffers of the bank. I can’t wear a diamond like that”. No such concerns for Taylor, whose love of spectacular stones remained with her to the end. Burton, meanwhile, was far-sighted as well as flamboyant and in love. He said, “Diamonds are an investment. When people no longer want to see Liz and I on the screen, then we can sell off a few baubles”. Harry Winston also made history when he decorated a tiara weighing almost two kilos, and featuring a central pink diamond of 60 carats, to be worn by beautiful young Iranian Farah Diba. She was the bride of Mohammed Reza Pahlavi, Shah of Iran, and became empress of Iran until the monarchy was overthrown. With such a perfect pedigree of lovers, it is hardly surprising that Harry Winston has become the jeweller of choice for celebrations of love. 42 | SPRING 2014 - www.cote-magazine.hk

trends [ Harry Winston ]

By Lauriane Zonco

With the Ultimate Bridal collection, Harry Winston offers engaged couples everywhere their chance to be part of the legend. You don’t have to be Liz Taylor – or splash out like Richard Burton – the collection’s engagement rings are available to order from 3 carats. A carefully developed portfolio of designs drawing on the most celebrated models is available as inspiration for these bespoke pieces of jewellery, but the end result remains entirely dependent on the client’s wishes, and is therefore unique. The diamonds are all selected for their rarity and exceptional quality and will be chosen to suit the desired design and the client’s pocket. Your chance to step into the dream... Harry Winston Ultimate Bridal Available from all Harry Winston salons Elements Mall, Shop 2037 - 1 Austion Road West, Kowloon, Hong Kong - +852 2679 8555 or at The Peninsula Hong Kong - Shop E8, G/F, Salisbury Road

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trends [ Dinh Van ]

By Julie Rovero

trends [ Dinh Van ]

By Julie Rovero

Dinh Van puts the

Handcuffs on

ThierryVasseur

Hong Kong

A few months ago, Dinh Van opened up two boutiques in Hong Kong at the IFC and Lee Gardens smalls. This iconic French jeweller from the ‘60s is now available to Asia via the Hong Kong Hub!

For the record… Jean Dinh Van did not serve his apprenticeship just anywhere…he began his career at Cartier back in the ‘50s where he crafted jewellery for ten years or so. The designer struck out on his own in 1965 and opened his first boutique in Paris in 1970; others were to follow shortly afterwards in New York, Geneva and Brussels. Breaking the rules, working with others and finding inspiration in everyday objects (let’s not forget that Dinh Van’s emblem is a pair of Handcuffs designed in 1976!) could very well be the signature of this jeweller, who has continually reinvented himself for over fifty years. The essence of Dinh Van is perhaps quite simply exceptional pieces for everyday wear…

Flagship in Lee Gardens

Interview with Thierry Vasseur, Deputy Managing Director Thierry Vasseur has something in common with Jean Dinh Van... he began his career at Cartier as well! Starting out in operations at the Luxury Jewellery Workshop and ending up in Marketing, Thierry Vasseur knows the entire process which takes place in a great Jewellery House from design through to sale. In 2009, he moved into fashion and discovered a different pace: “What with the seasons and the sales, you learn to make decisions very quickly!” He has been with Dinh Van for 2 years and his twofold experience is essential to an independent House which combines luxury and responsiveness. “I needed to come back to a brand with a history and a DNA.” And this history is still really evident at Dinh Van, for although its founder retired 6 years ago, new pieces are very often based on the archives of this non-conformist master. Of course, the House also likes to share with artists, as has always been the case, notably the collaborations with Paco Rabanne and the artist César. Recently, Dinh Van has turned to Lapo Elkann to reinterpret its iconic Pi Chinois collection with a range in carbon fibre. For the design of the first stores in Hong Kong, the visual identity comes through in the broad outlines, with warm tones and materials, a friendly bar which serves as a counter, mirrors, revolving display cases and so on. “The elegant contemporary feel is common to all our stores. We’ve finished the look with striking graphic illustrations of the symbols of Paris – the Eiffel Tower, the roofs of the capital and so on. We want to put the origins of our House on display so that people can get to know us.” So what is Thierry Vasseur’s favourite piece? The Serrure Jonc bracelet. “It represents Dinh Van simplicity and harmony with the detail on the clasp which sets the tone. A piece of jewellery must glorify the woman, set off her wrist. Once worn, Dinh Van pieces take on their true dimensions.” Ladies, you know what you have to do!

Serrure Jonc Bracelet pink gold and diamond 44 | SPRING 2014 - www.cote-magazine.hk

Menottes Ring white gold with diamonds

Dinh Van IFC MALL - SHOP 1008, 8 Finance Street, Central, Hong Kong - +852 2890 1016 Dinh Van LEE GARDENS TWO - SHOP 122, 28 Yun Ping Road, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong http://dinhvan.hk/tc www.cote-magazine.hk - SPRING 2014 | 45

new muses - chanel’s métiers d’art collections - lapo elkann

french May

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trends [ Fashion ]

By Caroline Schwartz

NEW MUSES It’s not just models who represent brands. Today’s designer muses are actresses and singers, with major stars posing for publicity campaigns.

kristen stewart / chanel Karl Lagerfeld has chosen Kristen Stewart for Chanel’s campaign for the Métiers d’Art Paris-Dallas collection 2013/14. The young American actress was present when the collection was unveiled on 10th December, at the Dallas Fair Park. The campaign, photographed by Karl Lagerfeld, will be launched in May 2014. Introduced to the public in the film Panic Room in 2002, Kristen Stewart is known for her roles in Into the Wild and the Twilight saga. She met Karl Lagerfeld in January 2012 at a photo shoot in Paris, for which she was dressed in Chanel Haute-Couture.

lady gaga / versace Lady Gaga is the new face of Versace’s spring-summer campaign. They got together over the Edge of Glory video, in which Lady Gaga felt glorious in vintage Versace. Now the singer is appearing in a series of portraits by photographic duo Mert and Marcus, who portray a sophisticated Lady Gaga interpreting the creativity that is the trademark of the Italian brand. “I’m honoured that my friend Lady Gaga is the face of our new Versace campaign. I wanted to capture her true beauty and spirit in images that are elegant and alluring. She’s like family to me, the embodiment of the Versace DNA”, says Donatella Versace.

léa seydoux / miu miu The two young winners of the Palme d’Or at the Cannes film festival 2013, Léa Seydoux and Adèle Exarchopoulos, photographed by Inez Van Lamsweerde and Vinoodh Matadin, are the perfect faces for MIU MIU. With their sulky pouts, burning eyes and feral poses, the young actresses are the picture of rebellious charm. Abundant accessories, mixed prints and colourful outfits add up to a dynamic image that draws us into the world of the MIU MIU woman.

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trends [ Chanel ]

CHANEL’S

By Caroline Schwartz

métiers d’art collections

craft skills promoted through contemporary design Since 2002, with an ever-increasing list of locations including Tokyo, New York, MonteCarlo, London, Moscow, Shanghai, Byzantium, Mumbai, Edinburgh and Dallas, Karl Lagerfeld has been developing a Chanel ready to wear collection called Métiers d’Art, which he presents in December every year. Jeweller Desrues

Maison Lesage

The Métiers d’Art collections showcase the truly exceptional skills of Chanel’s artisanal suppliers, including haute couture costume jeweller Desrues, feather worker Lemarié, milliner Maison Michel, bootmaker Massaro, embroiderers Maison Lesage and Atelier Montex and glovemaker Causse. To preserve this unique craft expertise and see it thrive into the future, Chanel has set up an umbrella company (Paraffection) that currently supports ten suppliers. Each workshop has a special, but not exclusive, relationship with Chanel, while also supplying other luxury brands. The endlessly creative Karl Lagerfeld takes inspiration from the fashionhouse’s history and signature designs, selecting a different city with past or present links to Chanel as the theme for each year’s collection. Each new ready to wear collection celebrates both the company’s links to the chosen city and the unique expertise of the workshops. Season after season, Karl Lagerfeld’s sketches are interpreted by skilful hands: “It’s done in a very artisanal way, in the best sense of the word,

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Glovemaker Causse

because ‘artisanal’ includes ‘art’. The art of doing things well. Applied art. And that’s really fantastic. I think that the image of this collection has a lot to do with this refinement, which you need to see from close to, almost touching it, to see how it’s made and to really appreciate the beauty of the work,” says Karl Lagerfeld. The Métiers d’Art collection is constantly evolving and now has its own identity as a ready to wear line of refined elegance, produced using an amazing wealth of materials. The extreme sophistication of the accessories – bags, shoes and costume jewellery – reflects the attention paid to the tiniest detail. On 10th December 2013, in a rodeo-themed show at the Dallas Fair Park for the collection’s tenth anniversary, Karl Lagerfeld unveiled the Paris/ Dallas collection, which revisits romantic aspects of the Wild West in resolutely contemporary lines and shapes. The Paris-Dallas collection will be in the shops in spring 2014.

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trends [ Gucci ]

By Caroline Schwartz

lapo // A made to measure capsule collection designed by Frida Giannini and Lapo Elkann the contemporary expression of classic fashion. Gucci is pleased to announce the launch next June of a unique made to measure capsule collection designed by Creative Director Frida Giannini and Lapo Elkann. Elkann said, “I am excited and honoured that the Lapo’s Wardrobe project is being brought to life by Gucci, which is synonymous with Italian excellence and craftsmanship. It was a great experience to build this capsule collection together with Frida: we share a love and respect for tradition, yet we are not afraid to dare and experiment. It is the combination of both that I believe is exemplified in the pieces we designed and created.” This unique collaboration combining the “Made in Italy” tradition with Gucci expertise includes 23 looks for men, 4 for women and accessories.

The result is a series of products reflecting the creative vision of Frida Giannini and the passion of Lapo Elkann, interpreting his own Italian heritage of style and sophistication. Each product has been designed with extreme care and features remarkable details and exclusive elements such as linings, waistcoats, ties, braces and handkerchiefs. The range of exclusive materials includes over 80 fabrics, with 178 possible combinations of colours and fabrics. The collection also includes personalizable accessories such as leather goods, shoes and jewellery. Clients can select their preferred materials and colour and, crucially, have the item embossed with their initials. With this capsule collection Gucci has extended its philosophy of personalization and given new vitality to its famous signature.

Paris, Milan, London and New-York – new seasons, new trends. A round-up of the fashion weeks for a glimpse of what we’ll be wearing in spring-summer 2014.

Croco Mania

Sparkling Lace and Guipure

Black & White Sporty

Shorts Bermudas

Jacket

Leather

Arty

Floral Motifs Extravagances

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Transparent

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trends [ Fashion shows ]

By Caroline Schwartz

trends [ Fashion shows ]

By Caroline Schwartz

BLACK & WHITE There’s always room on the runways for the timeless chic of black and white

Emilio Pucci Lanvin

Dolce&Gabbana

Tom Ford

Givenchy

Dolce&Gabbana

SPARKLING

Chanel Chanel

Gucci

Spangles, lamé, iridescence – summer is the time to shine!

Fendi

Saint Laurent

Leonard

Tom Ford

Ralph Lauren

Kenzo 54 | SPRING 2014 - www.cote-magazine.hk

Christian Dior

Marc Jacobs

Roberto Cavalli

Versace

Christian Dior

Saint Laurent

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trends [ Fashion shows ]

By Caroline Schwartz

trends [ Fashion shows ]

By Caroline Schwartz

FLORAL MOTIFS

Blumarine

Victoria Beckam Moschino Hermès Alexander Wang

Hermès

Paul & Joe

Bermuda shorts with a contemporary feel or just plain tiny, shorts are in, so show off those lovely legs!

Dolce&Gabbana

IN SHORTS Christian Dior

Chloé

Giorgio Armani

Ralph Lauren

Elie Saab

Marc Jacobs

Isabel Marant

From exotic flowers to cherry blossom, prints to embroideries, floral motifs are now an essential feature of every woman’s wardrobe.

Mulberry Barbara Bui

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Stella McCartney

Elie Saab

Pucci

Isabel Marant

Tod’s

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trends [ Fashion shows ]

By Caroline Schwartz

trends [ Fashion shows ]

By Caroline Schwartz

SPORTY STYLE It’s a soft, romantic comeback for delicate guipure and lace. Prada Dolce&Gabbana

Valentino

Balmain

Tommy Hilfiger

Burberry

LACE AND GUIPURE

Marc Jacobs

Chanel

Philipp Plein

Pucci

Jean Paul Gaultier

Balenciaga Moncler

Boyshorts, hoodies, caps and pique cotton, this summer’s cool chic is inspired by sportswear.

Lacoste Elie Saab

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Isabel Marant

Chloé

Roberto Cavalli

Zuhair Murad

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trends [ Fashion shows ]

By Caroline Schwartz

trends [ Fashion shows ]

By Caroline Schwartz

LEATHER VS JACKETS

CROCO MANIA

Tom Ford

Dolce&Gabbana

Barbara Bui

Chanel

Christian Dior

Balmain

Isabel Marant Carven Vanessa Bruno

Updates of the classic biker and 80s looks are this year’s must-have casuals.

Versace Philipp Plein

Dsquared

Balenciaga

Bags, shorts, skirts and jackets, crocodile is everywhere this summer. Take a walk on the wild side! Ralph Lauren

Philipp Plein

Hermès Louis Vuitton Bottega Veneta

Vanessa Bruno Antonio Berardi 60 | SPRING 2014 - www.cote-magazine.hk

Saint Laurent www.cote-magazine.hk - SPRING 2014 | 61

trends [ Fashion shows ]

By Caroline Schwartz

Stunning staging and crazy catwalks… find out what’s behind the buzz at the fashion weeks, exclusive to COTE MAGAZINE!

Chanel

Louis Vuitton

pink tone - spring scents - gourmet beauty

Christian Dior

Louis Vuitton

EXTRAVAGANCE AND CATWALKS

Moschino

Jean Paul Gaultier

Givenchy Vivienne Westwood

Chanel

Rick Owens

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trends [ Beauty ]

By Caroline Schwartz

trends [ Beauty ]

pink tone

By Caroline Schwartz

spring scents

L’Eau Couture - Elie Saab

Eau d’Issey lotus - Issey Miyake

La vie est belle - Lancôme

Light floral fragrances for a foretaste of spring.

Add a touch of pink for a fresh, light-filled tone. An essential makeup stage that allows you to structure and illuminate the face.

2. 1.

1- Crazy terracotta glow powder Guerlain. / 2- Blush Trianon 946 pink Rêverie Dior. / 3- Blush Eccentrico face palette Giorgio Armani. 4- Highlighter rose Etincelle 001 Lancôme. / 5- Blush l’orchidée Sisley.

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Miss Dior, Blooming Bouquet - Dior

Rosabotanica - Balanciaga

Bright Crystal Absolu - Versace

La tentation de Nina Nina Ricci

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trends [ Beauty ]

By Caroline Schwartz

gourmet

beauty stephen hung & deborah valdez-hung - Kathleen Chaplin Delicious beauty products Being greedy is no longer a bad thing!

Les Notes Gourmandes by Réminiscence

Honey by Marc Jacobs

Melt-in-your-mouth perfumes: Dragée, Guimauve, Heliotrope. A rainbow of baroque and romantic fragrances in pastel colours.

Honey, the sweet new gourmet fragrance by Marc Jacobs.

Guerlain Honey

Ladurée

Abeille Royale 1 Month Youth Serum: Guerlain is breaking new ground with its launch of the 1st “Royal Jelly Treatment”, a serum made up of two elements mixed together before use – Royal Jelly Concentrate and the Activating Cream. Abeille Royale Face Treatment Oil: Ouessant honey, pure and rare, rich in bio-elements to boost skin firmness and elasticity, is showcased by Guerlain in a new formula: the 1st “firmness booster” oil.

The Les Merveilleuses Collection by Ladurée reflects the spirit of the House with its delicate colours and refined, old-fashioned air. Les Merveilleuses de Ladurée truly is your dream makeup.

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interview [ Stephen Hung and Deborah Valdez-Hung ]

Stephen Hung & Deborah Valdez-Hung

By Léna Pelletier

Stephen Hung and his Mexican wife Deborah Valdez-Hung greeted us with a warm welcome at the premises of Mr Hung’s company, Louis XIII Holdings. Hong Kong tycoon Stephen Hung’s life has been a whirlwind and he has now turned his attention to his epic project: the Louis XIII, a hotel complex in Macau or, to be precise, an experience in extreme luxury… They were generous with their precious time despite a lack of sleep and jet lag. Let’s meet this fascinating, extravagant couple with a taste for unabashed luxury. Chanel always makes an unbelievable amount of effort in an incredible setting (the Grand Palais this year). And Jean Paul Gaultier wins the audience over with his theatre.

What is your relationship with art? We buy decorative, funny pieces. We are not serious collectors like many of our friends. It’s fashionable for apartments to look more and more like museums. It’s not our thing but each to their own. The Louis XIII Holdings premises have incredible views of Hong Kong bay. More striking however is that the décor bears the Stephen Hung hallmark down to the smallest detail: red and gold lacquer walls, chairs upholstered in bright colours. The recent Macau boom has encouraged him to take on a new challenge. In his future Louis XIII hotel (due to open in 2016), Stephen hopes to share his creative style, bespoke taste and demanding attention to detail with his clients and give them an experience to remember!

You renamed your company Louis XIII in 2013. Why did you decide to pay tribute to him? Could you tell us a bit about your background? Stephen : I started out studying medicine because everyone wanted to be a doctor at the time! I left and went to do an MBA at the University of Southern California. I ran Investment Banking at Merrill Lynch before launching my own company at the start of the 90s. Deborah : I studied civil law in Mexico whilst working as a model. We met through mutual friends six years ago during a stay in Hong Kong. I’ve always wanted to travel and the city was so exotic! I returned to Mexico but I ended up coming back... I couldn’t resist! Now I run the Dreamodels modelling agency which is based in Hong Kong and works throughout Asia.

Unabashed eccentricity, the quest for unique design and tailormade luxury; how did the character that is Stephen Hung come to be? Stephen : I probably inherited extravagance from my family but as for creativity, you either have it or you don’t! Deborah : If Stephen hadn’t been a successful businessman, he’d have been a designer. He puts his all into everything he does; he gives his soul and sense of style. He’s a perfectionist constantly searching for the best and most faithful embodiment of his ideas.

You regularly attend Paris fashion shows. Which designer has most recently caught your eye? Deborah : All the major designers are vital and fascinating. But the quality of a collection is more important to me than the designer and this year Zuhair Murad and Elie Saab in particular stood out. Stephen : As for me, I’m a very loyal client!

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Which were your favourite fashion shows?

Stephen : It’s a tribute to French baroque style and its founder, King Louis XIII. I’ve been to Versailles several times and it has always fascinated me: nothing would have happened without Louis XIII, that’s how important he is; the period embodies luxury, romanticism and style and has stood the test of time. Baroque was at its peak in Versailles. Deborah : Stephen wanted to set a benchmark with the Macau complex and for it to go down in history as a symbol for a major period of growth in China.

You chose to work with New York architect Peter Marino on the Louis XIII in Macau. What drove this decision? Stephen : I’ve had the opportunity to work with better known architects than Peter Marino in the unique sector of luxury hospitality. But I wanted to break out of the sector’s traditional mould and stamp it with my style and vision. I’ve got more in common with Peter Marino who also has a wealth of experience in the luxury sector and many premium brands have worked with him. I believe he’s one of the greatest creators in the world. It was pretty crazy working with him and seeing him translate some of my creative ideas.

What can we expect from a stay at Louis XIII? Stephen: Guests will experience a hitherto unseen level of luxury which doesn’t feel like a Vegas-style holiday resort. The experience in a completely unique setting is more intimate and romantic. Our complex will have 200 rooms, the smallest being approximately 200m² and our villa suites up to 3000m². It will also be a place where great luxury, practicality and comfort come together. You don’t want to waste your clients’ time with badly designed details, overly complicated controls and poorly positioned plugs as I have personally experienced in the world’s greatest hotels. www.cote-magazine.hk - SPRING 2014 | 69

interview [ Stephen Hung and Deborah Valdez-Hung ]

Who is your target customer? Stephen : Not just anyone is a potential client; I’m focusing on people who have been successful in life. When you plan a project, you target a specific customer area and create something worthwhile. I tried to design this hotel through the eyes of a far more demanding client than me. The big names in Chinese hospitality are famous for their excellence and are now exporting. Service is first-rate and staff is well trained. Everyone has to adapt and raise their game. Competition is healthy.

The Pacauds, Michelin starred French father and son chefs, will run the Louis XIII restaurant. They have never before agreed to partnerships outside their famous Paris restaurant, L’Ambroisie. How did you win them over?

By Léna Pelletier

interview [ Stephen Hung and Deborah Valdez-Hung ]

By Léna Pelletier

and only keep and serve one! Over half the menu will feature dishes served at L’Ambroisie. Eighteen new dishes have been exclusively designed for the Macau restaurant and Mathieu Pacaud will be here one week a month.

Do you have any unfulfilled dreams? Stephen : To export the Macau concept elsewhere! We are looking into other locations but we need cities with the same level of clientele and sophistication. I want to embody my unique personal vision of luxury hospitality elsewhere. Deborah : To have children, carry on working and make a name for myself in Hong Kong. In Mexico, it’s women who have the power and strength. We need to encourage women here and change mentalities!

Stephen : Again, I wanted something exclusive. I put forward a highly detailed project to Bernard and Mathieu Pacaud with the promise to create an identical copy with the same conditions and the same exceptional produce ( that will import from Paris to Macau ) that made their Paris restaurant L’Ambroisie such a success. We share the same demand, the same extreme attention to detail: these chefs may well ask their supplier to open 20 boxes of caviar

Stephen and Deborah’s Hong Kong A fine dining restaurant? Our favourite is Asian cuisine be it Chinese, Szechuan, Japanese or Thai. We often eat Italian and sometimes French at Robuchon, Pierre and Caprice! A Casual bistrot? We miss French bistros; we make the most of them when we visit Paris! A place for a drink? Undoubtedly Le Sevva for the view! A place to get some culture ? Art Basel and the growing number of galleries. A place to unwind, daydream and potter about? Deborah : The spa at the new Mandarin Oriental is my favourite place. I also like to pamper myself at home. My favourite way to unwind is with natural products, candles and a milk bath!

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interview [ Kathleen Chaplin ]

Kathleen’s voice

By Lauriane Zonco

interview [ Kathleen Chaplin ]

By Lauriane Zonco

A beautiful young woman with a big smile sinks into an armchair in the Geneva hotel where we meet. Her name is Kathleen Chaplin, a member of the artistic dynasty whose name will be forever associated with cinema. Kathleen is carving out her own path, with a first album to be released this year.

You can’t help liking Kathleen Chaplin. She’s polite, unassuming – and that smile! From the outset there’s a natural, friendly tone to our tea together and I feel slightly awkward starting a conversation with this unpretentious young woman, who seems not to take herself at all seriously, by raising the matter of her famous name. She responds with a smile: “Yes, I know, it’s hard not to mention it – so you’re the granddaughter of…! It’s only to be expected and I don’t mind at all.” More seriously, with so many artists in the family, you have to wonder if there’s a Chaplin “gene”. “I don’t know if it’s written in our DNA, but in my case, both my parents are artists. I’ve been bathed in that atmosphere since I was tiny and as far back as I can remember I’ve always wanted to sing,” she confides, despite being, by her own admission, “extremely shy”. Perhaps it was to overcome her shyness that she began writing songs at the age of eight, finally taking the plunge when she was 20 and starting singing lessons. Though she cut her teeth on RnB and soul, she has hit her stride in the world of pop, having spent her youth listening endlessly to Madonna and Michael Jackson. Both are monumental figures with clear visual identities, the importance of which Kathleen Chaplin understands: “I’m very interested in how things are staged. For my next single I’m going to work on the video with my sister”. A teaser video for her first single, So Bad, went up on YouTube sometime before the song’s January release. So what is the “Kathleen sound”? “I tend to go for pop, but I can dip into all kinds of styles and I don’t want to get stuck in any one type of music. On the album I’ve got reggae and Latin influences, which are both sounds I love.” Her first single out in January will be followed by second in the spring, with an album due for release at the end of the year. “So I’m going to use this year to do a lot of gigs, either in acoustic venues or in clubs with DJs”. This will give her a chance to test the public’s response to her lyrics, all self-penned “in English, because that’s really my first language, the language of personal things,” she explains in perfect French.

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interview [ Kathleen Chaplin ]

By Lauriane Zonco

Was the album at all inspired by the quiet Swiss countryside? According to all the clichés a girl of Kathleen’s pedigree should have moved to New York, London or Paris. “Actually, the quietness of Switzerland really helps me write!” she laughs. “I feel good here, it’s where my home is and it’s where I’m bringing up my four-year-old son. I spent my childhood in the countryside in southwest France, then I lived in Paris before moving to Switzerland when I was 16. And I didn’t just write all my songs here, I recorded the entire album! Switzerland has an amazing number of really talented producers. Even the video for my first single was shot in Lausanne!” And for those of you who’d like to get a taste of her next release, it’s called Fantasy and it samples one of Charlie Chaplin’s films. A fine musical tribute and proof that talent sometimes does get passed down the generations.

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[ Fashion & Art ]

fashion & art

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art arty [ Fashion & Art ]

By Julie de los Rios

a means of expression

Welcome to Chanel’s contemporary art fair! For their spring-summer 2014 collection, the catwalk has been transformed into a trendy art gallery.

Street art and the urban wardrobe At Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld invites us to his own contemporary art fair, having turned painters’ palettes into daring colourful looks – his models paraded beneath the Grand Palais’s glass roof with gaudy faces and backpacks sporting hand-drawn graffiti. Street art is very definitely the star of urban wardrobes. In Milan, giant frescoes by six graffers and illustrators** formed the backdrop to Prada’s show. In her In the Heart of the Multitude collection, the intellectual-chic Miuccia

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Murals and arty collaborations: Prada’s fashion parade took street art as its theme.

The end of uniforms So what’s behind this craze? «We need to reconnect with the personal touch. Anything done by hand counters the sterility of plain fabrics and industrial patterns; the garment becomes unique

Hermès are showcasing their creations in a number of tableaux vivants.

because it expresses a personality, the artist’s,» explains Elisabeth Prat, fashion director of the PeclersParis consultancy agency, who is convinced the trend is here to stay. The runway shows too are turning into performance art, think the Mouvement Féminin night at which Hermès unveiled its 2014 spring/summer collections. Produced by Bali Barret, artistic director of the brand’s womenswear, and set designer Antoine Platteau, it brought the silks, shoes, jewellery and leathers to life in tableaux, choreographies and performances, as Christophe Lemaire’s 38 ready-to-wear silhouettes stalked through the luxuriant jungle installed in the Ecole Militaire’s riding arena. An eye-opening show too from the counter-cultural Rick Owens, who thumbed his nose at fashion’s diktats: in the Palais Omnisports de Bercy, a step-dancing battalion of modern-day warrioresses flaunted their curves in an exhilarating high-power choreography. So is that it for lissom top models? Well aren’t this season’s muses named Lady Gaga (Versace), Rihanna (Balmain) and Erykah Badu (Givenchy)? Reviving tradition Fashion has always enjoyed a special relationship

with the art world. Back in the Thirties, elegant ladies swooned over Elsa Schiaparelli’s collaborations with Surrealists such as Dali. For his 1965 autumn/winter haute couture collection, Yves Saint Laurent presented his soon-to-becult Mondrian dress. For 2014, Sarah Burton at Alexander McQueen has drawn on the work of a Picasso influenced by African art. At Gucci, Erté’s Art Deco designs have been reinvigorated in plum, gold, emerald and bronze. Meanwhile, 34 years of silence from a slumbering elder has been broken. Back in 1923, artist Sonia Delaunay achieved fashion fame when she applied her research in painting to creating dresses in her own inimitable fabrics. Today Alla Malomane pays tribute to her forebear, breathing new life into Delaunay’s iconic designs by printing them on vibrant garments, eschewing black. Far more than an arty touch, here we have a euphoric vibe hitting the streets! © S. DELAUNAY

Museums display designer gowns as they do paintings by great masters, with more and more exhibitions being devoted to fashion. The latest is at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs* in Paris, where avant-garde Belgian designer Dries Van Noten invites us on an intimate journey through the inspirations behind his world. Is fashion seeking a legitimacy?

Prada, who has been supporting artistic creation since 1995 through her Fondazione, has given streetwear an unprecedented sophistication. On their dresses and fur coats, her elegant activists displayed six portraits of women imagined by guest artists. For Saint Laurent Paris, Hedi Slimane drew inspiration from Guy de Cointet’s work, while at Céline, Phoebe Philo surprised us by abandoning her minimalist rigour in favour of abstract patterns created by broad brush strokes reminiscent of Brassai’s graffiti,.

Artists’ creations have always inspired couturiers and fashion designers, so clothes become a canvas with unlimited possibilities of expression. Might this also be a means of countering austerity?

In 2014, after 34 years away from the scene, Sonia Delaunay is back.

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arty [ Fashion & Art ]

By Alexandre Benoist

arty [ Gallery ]

ByJulie de los Rios

A World more

Beautiful

fashion

Prada enlisted the services

under

the influence

of graphic artists and illustrators.

Art has hit the streets and is invading everyday life so as to fashion an increasingly aesthetic environment.

Céline

"When you think about it, department stores are kind of like museums, and museums like department stores," said Andy Warhol 40 years ago, imagining a future in which art and consumerism would be inseparable. He was right too, as recent events have proved! In 2012 Gucci opened the Gucci Museo in Florence to celebrate its historic heritage. Last September Dior exhibited its Lady Dior As Seen By collection in Hong Kong: 50 versions of its famed bag, by contemporary artists such as Maarten Baas, Ellen von Unwerth, David Lynch and Kourtney Roy. For this summer, Fendi, Valentino and Paul Smith are offering arty looks achieved by decking their creations in patterns inspired by geometrical abstract art. Stand out from the crowd Alongside these nods to modern art, street art too has taken to the cat walk – think Chanel, Prada. Fashion’s creative dimension would seem to make it a natural playing field for the arty trend, as are the decorative arts. There’s nothing especially surprising in Liu Wei designing a coffee cup for Illy recently, but how about Damien Hirst customising a rubbish bin for Vipp, Jeff Koons revamping a BMW, or Starck imagining a toothbrush for Alessi? That really is new. "It’s a way of reacting against standardisation," explains François Bernard, trend spotter for the Croisements agency.

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"Referencing art-market canons implies that an object is rare and unique, intended for only a lucky few." So by buying it you state your individuality and differentiate your self from an increasingly oppres sive mainstream. Taste equating to personality. The advent of artistic capitalism This culture of beauty opens the gates of the imagination, an exercise in which artists, stylists and designers have long been excelling. The result is an increasingly aestheticised environment, as Gilles Lipovetsky and Jean Serroy advance in their latest book, L’esthétisation du monde (World Aestheticization). The sociologist sees the 21st century as a "transaesthetic" age when beauty is applied to everything that makes up our immediate world, from bathroom scales and toilet paper to spectacle frames. In short, objects whose aesthetics we never previously considered are now turning into mega-fashionable accessories. Why does everything have to be beautiful? It stems from a new form of capitalism that Lipovetsky calls "artistic capitalism", which systematically injects an imaginative and creative dimension into consumer goods in order to hook the punters better. "Everything is art," said Marcel Duchamp. Yes, and more so when it helps sell!

plastic arts Fabrics materialise every fancy when designers explore the art of origami through pleatings, foldings, cut-outs and 3D detailing. Fendi

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arty [ Gallery ]

By Julie de los Rios

Street

ART

y p p a h Blue, green, yellow, red, pinkâ&#x20AC;Ś clothes sport all the colours of the rainbow so our wardrobes are as bright as a childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s playground. What could be more cheerful!

Pinko

Tags and graffiti take a break from urban concrete to sign the most sophisticated outfits, as street art invades the catwalks as a means of tightening its grip on the

Chanel

Jil Sander 80 | SPRING 2014 - www.cote-magazine.hk

city.

Prada

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arty [ Gallery ]

By Julie de los Rios

arty shopping [ Fashion & Art ]

By Ă&#x2030;velyne Attias

primary

ART

Objets dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;art Accessories go all artistic and put themselves on show like great works of art. Welcome to our gallery of trends.

Valentino

Emilio Pucci

Referencing Africa, Latin America or Japan, hip outfits flaunt embroidery, jewels and prints inspired by primary arts. An ethnic touch that transports us up and away from our everyday.

Dior

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Givenchy

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arty shopping [ Fashion & Art ]

By Évelyne Attias

arty shopping [ Fashion & Art ]

By Évelyne Attias

Saint Laurent by Hedi Slimane .

Chanel

Prada

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Fendi

Ralph Lauren

Hermès Burberry Prorsum

Missoni

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Céline

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arty shopping [ Fashion & Art ]

By Évelyne Attias

arty shopping [ Fashion & Art ]

By Évelyne Attias

Prada

Christian Louboutin

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arty shopping [ Fashion & Art ]

By Évelyne Attias

Realisation : Caroline Schwartz - Pictures : Didier Michalet & Karen Firdmann - hairstyle : Moa El hammouti - Make up : Adeline Raffin - Model : anastasija titko elite paris

Miu Miu

Silk Jacket. Gucci

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Tweed and lambskin jacket. Lambskin skirt. Mesh and patent leather boots. No. 5 perfume in a clutch bag. All by Chanel Ring in white gold, black diamonds. Vhernier 92 | SPRING 2014 - www.cote-magazine.hk

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Silk crepe flounced dress in water-lily print. Imperial boots in water-lily print linen. All by HermĂ¨s 94 | SPRING 2014 - www.cote-magazine.hk

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Left: Embroidered cotton coat. Two-tone court shoes Right: Mesh dress with cut out elbows Two-tone court shoes All by Christian Dior Exhibition Piotr Uklanski Gagosian Gallery

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Short floral print dress with narrow belt. MinaudiĂ¨re with strappy court shoes. All by Elie Saab

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Mesh dress with cut out elbows, Christian Dior Bag Bugs fur baguette bag with Swarovski crystal eyes on flap, Fendi

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Organza dress in varying shades of blue. Silicone and leather strappy sandals. All by Fendi

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Thetis white gold and round diamond necklace Van Cleef & Arpels Strapless leather top. Straight zipped skirt All by Jean Paul Gaultier MariniĂ¨re patent leather court shoes. Christian Louboutin

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Short wrapover dress in printed silk jersey and leather. Printed court shoes All by Leonard Cardinale pink gold and jade rings. Vhernier

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Multi-coloured open toe platform court shoes. Fendi Two-tone court shoes. Christian Dior

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Kelly II-35, clemence lether bags. Hermès - Bag Bugs black and blue fur baguette bag with Swarovski eyes. Fendi

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D-Cube small calfskin bowler bag. Tod’s - Diorissimo tricolour smooth calfskin bag. Dior

arnaud barthélémy - cotes’s selection - fabienne verdier - french may 2014- françois curiel - magnus renfrew

Linen blazer. Louis Vuitton Plateau pink gold and lapis lazuli ring. Vhernier

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interview [ Arnaud Barthélémy ]

By Julie Rovero

Arnaud Barthélémy,

off the record

interview [ Arnaud Barthélémy ]

By JJulie Rovero

Today we are delighted to interview the French Consul, a distinguished guest for this first issue! But we also wanted to meet Arnaud Barthélémy because he seemed the ideal person to tell us about French May, an event which COTE magazine supports with enthusiasm. However, we could not pass up the chance to “take advantage” of this meeting to pin back our ears and learn about a few episodes in the life of a diplomat...

Life as a diplomat Born in Paris, Arnaud Barthélémy followed the time-honoured route into diplomacy: studies at the ENA (Ecole Nationale d’Administration) and then on to the Quai d’Orsay (Ministry of Foreign Affairs). “The experience of living abroad had always appealed to me. I enjoyed learning foreign languages.” He very quickly began to specialise in security issues, taking a special interest in the Balkans, a part of the world which had descended into total chaos. And so, in 1998, Arnaud Barthélémy was sent to Sarajevo. Although the city was no longer under siege, wars and tensions raged to the East and South and, in 2001, Arnaud Barthélémy was one of a small team sent to Macedonia to head off further conflict. “We learned some lessons from the failure in Bosnia. A peace agreement was reached on June 13, 2001 - a date I’ll never forget.” On his return to Paris, Arnaud Barthélémy worked in European Affairs before leaving for the United Nations in New York, where he worked in crisis management until 2007. Following two years as Prime Minister François Fillon’s Foreign Affairs Advisor, he gained experience in the private sector and increased his knowledge of economics with the Strategic Investment Fund (FSI). His varied CV seemed to make him the perfect candidate: Arnaud Barthélémy was appointed French Consul in Hong Kong on March 21, 2011.

The role of the French Consul in Hong Kong “For me, Hong Kong meant the Asiatic dragon, the true economic miracle and, above all, its success since the handover to China. When I arrived, I was also struck by the extent of the French presence at both the human and the economic level.” Indeed, Hong Kong currently has no fewer than 17,000 French people living there and 88 made in France companies. But what exactly is the role of the Consulate? Arnaud Barthélémy stresses the two aspects of its mission: to govern and be the guarantor of the French community; to develop relationships between France and Hong Kong in all aspects of life. One of the consulate’s main tasks is to help Hong Kong businesses get established in France. “France has expertise in many areas: luxury goods, of course, but also sustainable urban development, the food industry or IT. The “France” brand is incredibly powerful here!” Where science is concerned, the idea is to develop cooperation between the two countries, such as the collaboration between the Institut Pasteur and the University of Hong Kong. “In general terms, we try to increase the number of proposals relating to collaboration between universities. In particular, we have developed an Internet platform which enables Hong Kong students to wander round a virtual college fair in France and chat ‘live’ with representatives from the universities.” The experiment was clearly a success and will be repeated this year! As far as culture is concerned, the annual French May festival has obviously become an unmissable event and a powerful symbol of the artistic ties between the two countries...

“The French May festival is run solely by the Consulate. It has its own fulltime dedicated team and the whole thing is privately funded, with 80% of the funding coming from Hong Kong!” the Consul is keen to stress. Since its inception in 1993, the French May festival has grown and grown and is now very much a part of the Hong Kong cultural landscape. “The French May festival has become so important that it has now begun to spill over into June or even July. But we don’t need to worry about August, as that’s the sacred French summer break!” A total of over 120 events are on the programme again this year: exhibitions or concerts, cinema or cuisine, the festival aims to reach a wide audience who appreciate classical works as well as contemporary arts. “We already have a loyal and knowledgeable audience; we now communicate with the universities and hold events in public places like shopping centres to ensure that we reach as many people as possible!” This year’s event will be a special one as it celebrates the 50th anniversary of the opening of diplomatic relations between France and Hong Kong: “We have planned events which highlight the ties between our two cultures. In particular, there is the exhibition at the Hong Kong Museum of Art which showcases the work of Chinese artists who lived in France in the early 20th century or the exhibition of the work of Fabienne Verdier who, conversely, spent 10 years of her life studying painting and Chinese philosophy at the Sichuan Fine Arts Institute.” (For more on her life and work, see the special feature in the middle section of the magazine) It takes at least a year to plan this huge cultural extravaganza. The ambitious programme has been put together in-house and in consultation with partner organisations: “This year, our main sponsor is the Jockey Club, so horse-racing will add something out of the ordinary to our programme.” Obviously, the committee also employs the talents of brilliant curators and receives particular support from the Hong Kong authorities, whilst the French GourMay, the culinary section of the festival, which this year features the Lyon region and the Côtes du Rhône, is being organised by UbiFrance (The French trade Commission in Hong Kong). We can hardly wait for this year’s event to begin!

Arnaud Barthélémy’s Hong Kong - Gourmet dining? Chez Pierre or Robuchon! - Casual bistro dining? Serge et le Phoque (see the review in COTE Magazine’s urban guide and La Cabane à vin! - And for a drink? Sevva, one of the greatest views! - A place to get some culture? The French May! - A place to unwind, daydream and potter about? Walk around Shek O!

The background to the French May festival

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hong kong so art [ French May ]

By Julie Rovero

French May 2014

COTE Magazine’s selection!

hong kong so art [ French May ]

Andrée Putman – Ambassador of a style Andrée Putman turned her hand to interior architecture relatively late in life. Born in 1925 to a middle class Lyon family, piano was her main love during her teenage years, but she decided against a career as a composer, judging it too hard work. Instead she chose the press, getting into design almost by chance, having discovered the artistic world through her husband. She found Créateurs et Industriels with Didier Grumbach in 1971. The firm focussed on developing ready-to-wear and textiles. Having established their premises in a former train warehouse, Andrée Putman found she had a talent for refurbishing abandoned buildings. Indeed she was one of the first people in France to live in a loft! Andrée Putman had the knack of reconciling rich and poor materials in her designs, using light in innovative ways and stripping spaces back to their bare bones to better achieve an original feel. This was more than design, it was a lifestyle revolution. This doyenne of design saw her success spread across the world, especially through her signature checkerboard motif. Andrée Putman passed away in her Paris apartment on 19th January 2013 following a wonderful career. “My only concern was to tell myself that if I interested at least ten people, then I would have accomplished something that would carry me my whole life.” She more than succeeded! This exhibition features unique artworks, objects, pieces of furnitures, photographs, films and archives from studio Putman transmitted from a mother to a daughter : Olivia Putman became the art director of the Studio Putman in 2007.

By Julie Rovero

Marco Polo by Nice Opera Ballet Composer Francis Poulenc – Musical Assemblage Mario Sciavoni – Choregraphy Luciano cannito

Marco Polo, a name to inspire travels’s lovers… Marco Polo, born in the 13th century, son of a Venitian merchant, went to China with his father when he was 17th. He was the first European to leave a detailed chronicle of his China’s experience in his precious book Livres des merveilles du monde. This ballet performed by the renowned Nice Opera Ballet is based on the novel Invisible Cities by Italo Calvino. A fusion of classical vocabulary and dance with undertones of the Orient, this ballet tells the story of the clash between the emperor Kublai Khan, who wants to enslave the world in his power, and Marco Polo, the Venetian explorer who relishes discovering new people, cultures and cities. Hong Kong Cultural Centre, Grand Theatre – May 16th and 17th

LANDMARK from May 3rd to 23th & PMQ from May 24th to June 8th

Marco Polo - ©Jaussein

COTE Magazine is glad to present the programme of Le French May Art festival! This coming 22nd edition events will focus on: - Sino-french cultural cross influence to celebrate the 50ths Anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and France - Lyon and the Rhône Valley in France! Le French May in figures: - 120 events during 2 months from exhibitions to performances, from cinema to gastronomy! - 400 French and local artists - 28 different Performing Arts programmes - 56 performances

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hong kong so art [ French May ]

By Julie Rovero

hong kong so art [ French May ]

By Julie Rovero

French shadows, all eyes on China Paris.Chinese paintings – Legacy of the 20th century chinese masters

More than 80 pieces from an extraordinary collection of 20th century Chinese paintings illustrate the impact of French touch (Matisse? Picasso?!) on Chinese artists who worked in Paris such as Zao Wou-ki, Pan Yuliang or Wu Guanzhong. Hong Kong Museum of Art – from June 20th to September 21st http://hk.art.museum

Pan Yuliang - Nu au peignoir rouge - 1955 – Musée Cernuschi, Paris, France - © Musée Cernuschi / Roger-Violet © Pan Yuliang/D.R.

Pan Yuliang - Nu assis – 1953 – oil on convas – 33cm X 46,4cm - Musée Cernuschi, Paris, France - © Musée Cernuschi / Roger-Violet © Pan Yuliang/D.R.

Most of those films are shown in Hong Kong for the first time. Some of them are French Movies shot in China and some of others are Chinese Films shot in France. Anyway, they are all a beautiful exemple of dialogue between the two cultures, such as The Magic of the kite by Roger Pigaut, which is the first Franco-Chinese coproduction in 1958: Little Pierrot and his friends from Montmartre have discovered a colourful kite at the top of tree. They manage to take it down and find out that one of its wings hides a letter written in Chinese… Broadway Cinematheque, Palace IFC – From May 9th to 31st

Palaces on the seas - The golden age of french ocean liners Beautiful ferry boats has always fascinated both young an old. Huge and beautiful, luxurious and innovative, they cross the seas and delight their passengers… With more than 200 pieces (drawings, posters, models, furniture, photographs…), this exhibition - organised in a collaboration between the association “French Lines” and the Hong Kong Maritime Museum – gives a good insight into this fascinating world.… Hong Kong Maritime Museum - From May 28th to August 26th - Central Ferry Pier No. 8, Hong Kong - +852 3713 2500 - www.hkmaritimemuseum.org

L’Immédiat by Camille Boitel (see review on urban part): New Circus World Hit! Auditorium Kwai Tsing Theatre – June 20th and 21st

And do not miss… Fabienne Verdier (see portrait after) L’Immédiat by Camille Boitel (see review on urban part) And… Action! by Pokemon Crew: Hip hop danse world champions Studio Theatre Hong Kong Cultural Centre - May 23th and 24th

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FANT’ASIA - Photos-collages by Antoine Rameau BFelix Gallery Sheung Wan - From May 14th to 24th

Programme online

www.frenchmay.com

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hong kong so art [ French May ]

By Julie Rovero

hong kong so art [ French May ]

By Julie Rovero

It was while she was studying at the School of Fine Arts that Fabienne Verdier became interested in Chinese art. “I was fascinated by the spirit of life which sprang up from the brush.” While continuing her training at the Sichuan Fine Arts Institute of China, she had the opportunity of meeting a great Taoist calligraphy master who agreed to train her on one condition – it would take 10 years to teach her. Fabienne accepted the challenge and became the first Westerner to live in this most populated province of China and learn this great art which, at the time, was completely reserved for men. “I had to learn new abstract forms. But hardest of all was pushing away all my previous knowledge and starting again from zero like a child. It was an essential part of my training.” This unique but painful experience is related in her best-selling book Passenger silence: ten years initiation China, (published in 2003 by Albin Michel). On her return to France, Fabienne Verdier shut herself away to absorb 10 years of extremely demanding apprenticeship and most of all, to concentrate on a new form of expression composed with her European culture. Several encounters were to play a vital role in this artistic quest: the one with the Alice Pauli Gallery in Lausanne, Switzerland, and the one with Hubert Looser, a great collector in Zurich. “He pushed me to reinvent myself by comparing myself to American minimalist and expressionist art.” This resulted in four of her fundamental works, like a dialogue with the major American artists such as Donald Judd.

The verticality of painting From then on, her work would be a continuous exchange between her philosophy, technique and brush-strokes on the one hand, and on the other her origins and her western culture. “All forms take shape through the laws of gravity and I wanted to obtain the same thing with the paintbrush. So I created a studio with a paintbrush suspended from a ten-metre rope.” The verticality of Chinese painting as opposed to the western tradition of using easels… Learning this ancestral philosophy was a long and intense experience, and similarly Fabienne Verdier’s creative process also requires a great deal of research and preparation.

Fabienne Verdier

the art of brushwork, the spirit of the West The Hôtel Montalembert in Paris one Saturday in winter. The stylish Fabienne Verdier is meeting us in this charming hotel in the 7th arrondissement in Paris to talk about her upcoming exhibition at the French May. This 22nd edition is placing the spotlight on the cross-exchange of Chinese and French culture on the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries. So who better than the artist Fabienne Verdier and her work to represent complete fusion of Chinese and Western art?

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“So I conceive the background to obtain the vibrations, then the form: when the painting dries, the depth of the subject appears. The public then subconsciously recognises its own experience of nature.” To obtain a living interpretation of reality through the breathing of the materials, Fabienne Verdier doesn’t think twice about breaking the basic rules of the great Chinese tradition such as using white ink or cutting off the handle of the paintbrush and replacing it with bicycle handlebars! “A physicist told me that I needed speed to add a third dimension to the stroke.” Amongst her latest exhibitions, she was able to combine her philosophy with her gesture towards the tradition of the great Flemish masters during an exhibition at the Groening Museum and Memling Museum in Bruges, Belgium – a work which took more than four years to prepare. “I chose a few Flemish masterpieces – Van Eyck, Memling… - which I painted with a spontaneous dynamic gesture towards the abstract, breaking with Chinese tradition, daring to re-work the stroke with glazing to bring out the depth.” A process utterly outlawed by her teachers! And yet, although more often than not they are astonished that Fabienne Verdier meets with tradition, her great masters from the past still admire her work, starting with her own mentor: “When my old master died, his son gave me his paintbrush. He told me that when his father received my art books, he used to dance with them… on his own up in the mountains.” A genuine blessing for Fabienne Verdier who continually evolves between the two cultures. An artist to look for or discover at the French May without fail…

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hong kong so art [ French May ]

By Julie Rovero

hong kong so art [ French May ]

By Julie Rovero

France is inextricably linked to Food, since 2009 Le French May has been about gourmet and it’s a huge success : Le French GourMay attracts over 150,000 gourmands each year!

French GourMay

to discover Rhône Valley Wines and Food

The torch has been passed from Provence, 2011 to Bordeaux, 2012 to Bourgogne, 2013 … in 2014 the spotlight is on Rhône Valley! As every year, Le French GourMay, organized by Ubifrance - the French Trade Commission in Hong Kong -, will encourage the best French nice restaurants and wine distributors in Hong Kong and Macau to be part of this great festival. Restaurants will provide customized menus to pair with the wine and theme.

Between May 2nd and 31st, you should visit any one of the restaurants and enjoy the French GourMay! Michelin-starred French restaurants : Amber, Caprice, L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon, Pierre, Restaurant Petrus, Robuchon au Dôme, Spoon by Alain Ducasse and The Tasting Room by Galliot And more than 60 others restaurants such as Agnès b Le Pain Grillé, French Window Brasserie and Bar, Serge et le Phoque, Upper Modern Bistro, Café Causette, La Cabane Wine Bistro, La Cantoche, La Crêperie, Pastis, Stan Café, An Nam, The Golden Leaf… You will also enjoy promotion in retail shops and workshops so please, be curious, gourmet and enjoy Rhône Valley and Lyon’s food for one month! www.frenchgourmay.com

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COTE

interview so art [ François Curiel ]

By Julie Rovero

Finest Idiosyncratic objects recommended by editorial team

Francois Curiel , going, going, gone in Asia!

RULE Nr. 7 «I never go out without my dark glasses, I like to watch, not to be watched».

After having admired this auctioneer’s tremendous talent with the gavel on a great many occasions, COTE Magazine had the chance to meet up with François Curiel, chairman of Christie’s Asia, in Hong Kong in between two flights. 90 short yet precious minutes to skip through a career spanning 40 years in the great English auction house…

Karl Lagerfeld

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interview so art [ François Curiel ]

By Julie Rovero

interview so art [ François Curiel ]

The Asian adventure

By JJulie Rovero

“In the world of art and auctions, no other region has seen as massive an explosion as Asia in the last 8 years.” In 2010, François Curiel went over to Hong Kong to head the Asian market. His challenge? To increase sales in Hong Kong and set up in China. In under 5 years, his results are more than just satisfactory: while his team has almost doubled in size (from 80 to 150 employees), sales in Hong Kong have gone from 220 million dollars in 2008 to 1 billion in 2013. “With the arrival of Art Basel and some wonderful galleries such as Ben Brown, Gagosian, Lehmann Maupin, Malingue, Pace, Perrotin and White Cube, Hong Kong today holds third place in the global art market!” At the same time, Christie’s organised a dazzling first sale in Shanghai on the 26th September 2013: out of the 40 lots on offer, 39 found a buyer. “At the moment, we are concentrating on selling post-1949 works in China, in tandem with a variety of exhibitions and a full educational programme. In Hong Kong, on the other hand, we will continue to expand and diversify our sales range in all the traditional sectors such as Asian Arts, Chinese ceramics, jewellery, clocks and watches and vintage wines.”

The symbolic face of Christie’s enthuses over a fascinating and multi-faceted profession. “Apart from the technical and strategic aspects, a large part of my job is devoted to managing our teams. This involves a great deal of human psychology.” Despite an incredibly hectic schedule, François Curiel still wields the gavel several times a year. “It means I can keep in close touch with the market. The sale is a bit like a performance at the theatre - first the anxiety and suspense, then the adrenalin which rises when you’re leading the auction and then the 3-4 hour transition period before things get back to normal.” All that remains for us to do is bid the business man and stage performer a rather envious farewell!

Key dates in 2014 in Asia?

François Curiel’s Hong Kong

- 28th February for the opening of the James Christie gallery in Hong Kong which will enable a move to four sales seasons in the yearly auctions (instead of the previous two).

- Gourmet dining? Chez Pierre at the Mandarin Oriental and L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon at the Landmark - Casual bistro dining? Din Tai Fung for the best Dim Sum in town, Chesa, the Peninsula’s Swiss restaurant, when I’m feeling homesick and Café Too at the Island Shangri-La Hotel - And for a drink? I don’t know, I’m not the sort who goes to bars... - A place to get some culture? Christie’s, of course! - A place to unwind, daydream and potter about? My flat, where I often work as well, but in a different kind of mood!

- 26th April for the second Christie’s sale in Shanghai. - 24th - 28th May for the next major sales in Hong Kong, from Modern Chinese art to Contemporary Asian art, Chinese ceramics and porcelain, jewellery, clocks and watches and vintage wines.

For the record…

François Curiel first crossed the threshold of Christie’s in London at the age of just 20 while still a student. “I’d gone on a two-month placement to learn English and just as I was about to return to Paris to finish my law studies, a position became available.” It was the beginning of a great adventure, the story of an infatuation which François Curiel is only too pleased to tell us about in great detail. The trainee played the role of “messenger”, as he likes to call it. “I used to take the objects customers had brought to Christie’s to the experts to get them valued and then come back with their valuations.” A golden opportunity to learn the value of pieces. It should be said that François Curiel was already fairly familiar with the environment as his father traded in jewellery and used to take him with him to Les Jeudis de Drouot. In London, the young recruit very soon acquired a

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taste for cataloguing objects and delving into the archives to trace the history of each piece. “I love sharing information and explaining historical or technical details to novices.” Over the years the wonderful Christie’s Auction House spread its wings further afield and François Curiel was able to train in London, Geneva, Madrid and then Paris in 1974 in the jewellery department, finally opening the first sales rooms in New York, Paris and most recently Shanghai. Greatly attached to history and tradition, he chose the highly symbolic date of the 5th December 2001 on purpose to make his first sale in Paris (the date Christie’s was created in 1766). In 1998, François Pinault took over Christie’s, an asset according to François Curiel. “An auction house like ours is lucky to have a shareholder who is so passionate about works of art. His spe-

cial interest in contemporary art has supported the boom in the Post-War department at Christie’s which today accounts for 30% of the house’s turnover. The international art market is continuing its strong growth and doesn’t seem to be to suffering from the weak financial markets. For some collectors, it’s also become a safe haven.” The man works tirelessly on every front and every continent, but denies being a workaholic. “I love my profession so much that I never feel like I’m working! I always feel I’m in the exploratory phase. One of the best sides to the job is discovering a rare object among a collector’s pieces.” Successively appointed deputy Chairman Europe in 1988, International Head of the Jewellery the following year, Christie’s France President in 2002 and Director and Group deputy Chairman Christie’s International in 2004, François Curiel has collected quite a few prestigious hats before flying off to Asia.

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interview so art [ Magnus Renfrew ]

By Emily But

Magnus Renfrew, Director Asia of

Art Basel

interview so art [ Magnus Renfrew ]

First of all, can you tell us more about your background (schooling, education, art passion…)? I am from the UK and my parents are archaeologists. I have very broad interests from pre-history to the present day. I grew up around art and there were many artists in our family social circle. I studied Art History at the University of St Andrews in Scotland and after my first year I went on an internship with the Guggenheim in Venice. After university, I worked in Edinburgh as a general valuer valuing everything from old prints to contemporary art. One of my roles was as a specialist in Scottish Art. I moved to London to work in 20th Century British Art, I moved across to the Contemporary Art department and helped to set up the first auction of Contemporary Asian Art for Bonhams in London. During the lead up to that auction I met Pearl Lam who invited me to run her gallery in Shanghai.

When did you come to Hong Kong for the first time? How was the art scene at that time? The first time I came to Hong Kong was in September 2006 whilst I worked for Pearl Lam in Shanghai and I was impressed by the dynamism of the city. I moved to Hong Kong in June 2007 to take up the position of Founding Fair Director of ART HK. There were a number of pioneering galleries such as 10 Chancery Lane and Hanart TZ at that time and over the last few years the gallery scene has developed a great deal partly as a result of the success of the fair. Since the acquisition of ART HK by Art Basel more than 10 galleries have opened in the city. People often talked of the city as being a ‘cultural desert’ but there was in fact a great deal going on. We were keen that the fair could help to shine a spotlight on the activities of other cultural organisations working in the city.

If Hong Kong is the gateway to China then Magnus Renfrew stands at the frontier of Art from East and West. Previously Director of Hong Kong International Art Fair, Magnus Renfrew is now Director Asia of Art Basel in Hong Kong. Armed with an open mind and objective to meet international galleries in person, he has made an art pilgrimage with a record of 40 flights in 6 months. COTE Magazine had the chance to meet him to find out how Art Basel has helped to build the audience for contemporary art in Hong Kong and to build the profile of the city as a cultural hub of global stature.

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Last year was the first Art Basel in Hong Kong*, did you notice drastic changes compared to the Hong Kong International Art Fair in 2012? How does the Art Basel experience build on ART HK? Was the first edition a big success? When I was first approached by the owners of the show, their initial plans were to create a mid-level fair. Further research showed that there was an exceptional opportunity to

By Emily But

create a world class fair in Hong Kong and I was given a substantial travel budget to try and persuade galleries to take part. The audience has developed a great deal. For the first edition of ART HK, we attracted 19,000 visitors. For the launch edition of Art Basel in Hong Kong, we attracted 63,000 visitors. One of the things that we are most proud of is how the Hong Kong public have adopted the fair as their own. The competition for places is very strong now and we had over 500 applications this year for 245 places. This level of competition has had a positive impact on the quality of applications each year and we now have very strong, curatorially-minded applications. Galleries are taking an increasingly important role in promoting the careers of their artists beyond solely the commercial aspect, placing greater importance on critical and curatorial acclaim. Art Basel is widely regarded as the leading art show organizer in the world. The first Art Basel fair took place in Basel in 1970. When it was announced that Art Basel would be acquiring ART HK there had been concern that the fair in Hong Kong would become a copy – paste version of Art Basel which has a predominately European and American line-up of galleries. We received excellent feedback from galleries and collectors alike that the show in Hong Kong had its own strong identity with the very best galleries in the world shown within the context of the very best galleries from Asia and the Asia Pacific. Besides, there is considerable investment in the architecture and layout of the fair designed by architect Tom Postma (who also designed the Art Basel in Miami Beach). With wider aisles and more congregational spaces, the visitorial experience and flow gives more ‘air’ to the place. With the best address book in the industry, Art Basel has really increased the profile of the show in Hong Kong: it has the best VIP relationships and networks! It helped to make a lot of headway in developing the network and the data from the VIP bar-coded cards. There are nine Relationship Managers in the region who drive traffic to the fair. Year on year, the attendances coming from United States and Europe also grows stronger and stronger. *In 2011, MCH Swiss Exhibition (Basel) Ltd acquired 60 per cent stake of ART HK organizers Asian Art Fairs. www.cote-magazine.hk - SPRING 2014 | 127

interview so art [ Magnus Renfrew ]

What stands out for you when you read submitted proposals from galleries? We adopt international standards when undergoing the selection process. Our selection committee is very international with representatives from Milan, Switzerland, Mumbai, Singapore, Tokyo, Seoul and New York. Our selection committee members know how Art in Asia fits in a global context. But there was considerable debate about which galleries to select with over 500 galleries competing for the 245 places!

Comparing to last year, will the upcoming fair offer distinctive features, new attractions? We have a new sector in Film with video art, short films, documentaries and medium of moving images. This will be led by the new media artist, curator and producer Li Zhenhua who is based in Beijing and Zurich. The internationally renowned sound artist Carsten Nicolai, will also present a new work at Art Basel in Hong Kong, alpha pulse, transforming Hong Kong’s 490m International Commerce Centre on the harbourfront into a pulsating lighthouse. It is a first step for us and each year, we would like to get more and more ambitious. Rather than heavily weighted towards contemporary Art, there are also diversity of works with a greater display of historical war materials from countries such as Vietnam and Azerbaijan. For example, there are also artists working with the medium of ink. The week is also defined by events outside the fair.

As we said before, the Hong Kong art scene is growing (more and more galleries…), how do you see Art Basel and Hong Kong growing together in the next few years? How do you see the growing appetite for arts in this region different from Miami or Europe? Art Basel is one of those events that has a certain mass and coverage and puts the spotlight on the city. There is huge wealth in Asia and getting people to engage in Art is very challenging. Collectors need to learn the difference between investment and passion. Sometimes it is a bit back to front with the high prices fetched at Art Auctions: but what is expensive is not necessarily good. The galleries need to promote the artists and build a solid relationship with them and the collec-

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By Emily But

tors together. They also have to introduce collectors outside of Asia into Asia. ‘Always have an open mind and approach with an open mind’. I always get asked ‘What is the Asian taste’? There is no such thing as Asian taste. From my previous experiences when you start collecting, you tend to buy work that you know, from your own country and generally are more conservative. Over time, you want to be challenged more and more and you will start buying work from different countries.

Who is THE artist that you’re happy to welcome into this edition? I do not want to single out a particular artist but we are very excited about Liu Kuo Sung. He was born in Taiwan, lives in Hong Kong and his work is the evolution of ink printing.

golden boys - banque transatlantique - hedgers with heart - swatch group

Magnus Renfrew’s HONG KONG Gourmet dining? Man Wah at Mandarin Oriental Casual bistro dining? Dim Sum. I do not have a particular preference but I do enjoy Dim Sum at the Botanical Gardens and the City Hall. And for a drink or a coffee? M Bar at Mandarin Oriental Club 71 because it is a relaxing place filled with artists. Your favorite Art place? Asia Art Archive, Para/Site Art Space A place to dream, to roam and to get fresh ideas? Mid Levels because the back gate of my apartment allows me to walk up to the Peak. From the Peak, there is an incredible view of the city.

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news eco

ByJulie Rovero

news eco

In 1999, Rogue Trader gave an excellent adaptation of the true story of Nick Leeson. This young 24 year-old trader secretly speculated in the rise of the Asian markets, committing staggeringly large amounts of money. However, the Kobé earthquake led to the collapse of the markets along with the ruin of the greatest bank in England - Barings.

Finance on film: Golden Boys at risk!

The Wolf of Wall Street is the latest in a long line of films about the world of Finance. And even though Martin Scorsese’s film didn’t win any favours at the Oscars, audiences are filling cinemas in their droves! Directors shied away from this subject for a long time, but the notorious world of finance seems to have fascinated the 7th art for several years now. Here’s some background to this new “movie genre”!

The following year, Bret Easton Ellis’ novel American Psycho was adapted into a film and, 14 years before Scorsese, gave a damning indictment of the financial sector through the story of Patrick Bateman, a golden boy with every yuppie* cliché in the book (luxury, arrogance and decadence). One difference between him and Leonardo di Caprio, though...here the hero was a psychopath! In 2009, it was Michael Moore’s turn to provide us with a disastrous assessment in his documentary entitled Capitalism: a love story. The zealous director tackled the financial crisis and took Wall Street by storm by exposing «the biggest scam in American history”. Michael Moore also brought up religious issues by wondering if capitalism is a sin. And finally in 2011, Margin Call told the story of the collapse of Lehman Brothers with a dream line-up (Kevin Spacey, Jeremy Irons and Demi Moore), even though the bank’s name was never specifically mentioned. This first film directed by J.C Chandor centred on the 24 hours preceding the sub-prime

It seems that the worse things get in finance, the more it inspires directors! Oliver Stone seems to have started the ball rolling in 1987 with his cult film Wall Street. 20 years before the scandals which tarnished the world of finance, he was exposing the excesses of capitalism: Bud Fox (alias Charlie Sheen), a young stockbroker in a Wall Street bank, comes under Gordon Gekko’s wing (Michael Douglas), a whiz in finance and insider trading. In 2010, Oliver Stone made a sequel to his film – Wall Street 2: Money never sleeps – this time against the reality of the 2008 stock market crash. In this film, the director points the finger at the men who shook the global economy.

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By Julie Rovero

crisis in 2008. Money, power, women, drugs… although the latest in the line, The Wolf of Wall Street, doesn’t really add anything new to the mix, it is still an entertaining account (make no mistake...) of this ruthless world, although probably a very caricatured one! It’s thoroughly enjoyable, though, with its hilarious scenes and the fantastic acting, starting with Leonardo di Caprio of course, who performs the role of the unbridled arrogant trader exceptionally well! In short, then, although working in finance was still something to shout about a few years ago, it would seem that nowadays it’s better to keep a low profile. How can the public’s confidence be won back? How can anyone operate with sincerity in this sector without being regarded as responsible for an international crisis? The film world has certainly not helped to shake off this image of the yuppie*, a term often used for the Golden Boys. U2’s free 1987 concert in San Francisco, ironically entitled Save the Yuppies, keeps it fresh in our minds! But we must remember that in each of these films, whether they are fiction or reality, there’s always a “kind”, honest and sincere character ready to restore the profession’s reputation!

Yuppie*Informal for Young Urban Professional, or YUP. A well-paid young middle-class professional who works in a city job and has a luxurious lifestyle.

Also recommended viewing: Silver Bears in 1978 with Michael Caine Boiler Room in 2000 with Ben Affleck The International in 2003 with Clive Owen and Naomi Watts Arbitrage in 2012 with Richard Gere and Al Paccino Cosmopolis in 2012 by David Cronenberg with Colin Farrell and Robert Pattinson

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news eco

By Banque Transatlantique

First expatriation in Hong Kong: Banque Transatlantique’s recommendations

Many French professionals begin their first expatriation at this time of year. To which specific issues do you wish to draw their attention? As he/she leaves France, the expatriate is taking his/her family and assets to a new legal, social and fiscal environment. To deal with new concerns that arise from an international career, I recommend that expatriates reflect carefully on the following points, ideally before departure: Determine one’s matrimonial regime

Banque Transatlantique has been providing dedicated services to French expatriates for over a century. The Bank has dedicated significant resources to support these international customers over time, and is the preferred partner of French professionals living abroad.

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The matrimonial regime (“regime matrimonial”) becomes a key reference in the most difficult times of family life, and should definitely be in accordance with the wishes of the couple. It is important to note that for expatriate couples married in France without signing any prenuptial agreement (“contrat de mariage”), the applicable matrimonial regime is a matter of private international law, and the legal system in force in France (“la communauté de biens réduite aux acquêts”) does not necessarily apply. Learn about the taxation rules applicable to French nationals living abroad The non-resident French nationals benefit from a specific tax regime based on the domestic law and the applicable tax treaty between France (home country) and the country of expatriation (host country).The expatriate should become aware of the provisions and the rules of the taxation regime applicable to his/her particular situation. Integrate the international dimension into every decision affecting family and wealth Whether it is in relation to family assets, retirement planning, or medical coverage, expatriates should definitely ensure that their decisions are relevant regardless of where they or their family members reside. For French expatriates who newly arrived in Hong Kong, could you provide a quick description of the banking culture of this territory, especially in comparison to the French approach? The differences are numerous. We can first note that in Hong

Kong, only high-networth (HNW) clients, investing more than US$1 million, have a dedicated banker. For other customers, day-to-day banking transactions and financial investments are made via internet or through a hotline. Clients have an efficient access to Asian and American markets, and bank charges are highly competitive. The customer is also offered a wide range of structured products, to play the stock, foreign exchange and commodity markets, sometimes with leverage effect. However, it should also be noted that there is no risk-free investment in Hong Kong, while French investors, on the other hand, have always favour interest-bearing capital guaranteed products, in order to get a partial hedge against inflation. Moreover, non-HNW bank customers do not receive investment advice in consistence to their total asset portfolio or befitting their individual circumstances. Finally, Asian and American markets are subject to shorter financial cycles and higher volatility than European ones. In conclusion, in a fast and dynamic financial centre like Hong Kong, it is essential to be cautious about investment choices, and to devote the necessary reflection before making every decision. Finally, could you suggest French expatriates some areas to think about? First, it is key for expatriates to determine his/her reference currency, because from it results the whole investment strategy. Once this reference is defined, the most appropriate banking platform can be selected, to get the appropriate investment advice and solutions. Note the importance of multi-currency accounts, to allow for asset diversification. Besides, in the current property investment environment, selling the residence in France is to be considered, in order to benefit from potential exemption from capital gain tax. This decision depends primarily on real-estate market outlook, the possible use of the residence in the future, and the distribution of classes of asset held by the owner. Finally, given the opportunities and challenges faced by expatriates and his/her family, it is important to ensure that the bank is capable of managing this international dimension, and provide competent support throughout the international career.

Juliette Tang-Michelon - Chief Representative Banque Transatlantique - Hong Kong Representative Office - 22/F Central Tower, 28 Queen’s Road Central, Hong Kong Tel: +852 2106 0391 – Fax: +852 3101 0062 - BTHONGKONG@banquetransatlantique.com

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news eco

Hedgers with heart

By editorial team

100 Women in Hedge Funds is a nonprofit organization for professionals in the alternative investment sector, offering training initiatives and opportunities for networking and charity work. Since its foundation in 2001 it has run over 400 events world wide, involving more than 250 businesswomen and collecting over 33 million dollars for good causes in the fields of health, education and mentoring. Last December, in a reminder that it also uses its expertise to support the local community, 100WHF joined forces with the Roger Federer Foundation, which supports disadvantaged children in Switzerland and South Africa, to raise a total of 360,000CHF for a project to help needy Swiss children. Last year in Hong Kong, the Gala was held at the Hong Kong Maritime Museum, and was attended by more than 200 leaders from across the alternative investment industry in Asia. The Gala and other fundraising successfully raised HK$ 2.8 million in gross proceeds in support of The Hong Kong Award for Young People (AYP) and in affiliation with The Duke of Edinburgh International Award Foundation.

My pocket yaCHT - full speed ahead - ice-watch

www.100womeninhedgefunds.org

Swatch: Strong Results and Positive Outlook for 2014 Swiss watch and jewellery maker Swatch Group announced a 17 percent increase in its 2013 earnings boosted by higher sales combined with a 449.5$ million compensation from a legal battle with Tiffany & Co. Despite the weakness of currencies against the Swiss Franc, the world’s biggest watchmaker by sales, whose expanding list of brands includes Omega, Breguet, and Harry Winston since March last year, reported an operating margin (excluding Tiffany’s payment) of 24.4 percent, beating analysts’ estimates of 24.2 percent. Swatch’s results are often viewed as a broad indicator for demand in the Chinese market, which has driven the boom in luxury goods in recent years. Sales in China accounted for more than a third of the company’s overall revenue, the healthiest section being the company’s mid-price brands, such as Longines and Tissot. 2014 is expected to be similarly successful. The sales relating to the Lunar New Year holiday, a traditional gift-giving season, have been strong and confirm the auspicious start of the year. The investments made in almost all production areas in the last few years, including increasing staff levels by about 13 per cent, have paid off. The Swatch Group is to continue to expand its network of branded boutiques, which are big drivers of consumer sales, and expects to benefit from its sponsorship of the Russian Winter Olympics.

Hong Kong ranked best place for business.

According to 2013 data compiled by Bloomberg, Hong Kong, the bastion of free-market policies and low corporate taxes as well as the gateway to the world’s most populous nation, is still the best place to do business. For the third year in a row, the city of about 7 million people secures top position, thanks to a combination of cheap transport, strong local consumer base and the low cost of starting a business there. Canada comes second and jumps from sixth place largely because of the receptivity of its consumers, measured by the size of its middle class, household consumption and GDP per capita, while the U.S. falls from second to third place, due to increased costs of setting up a business. The rise in the ranking for Canada is the result of more competitive prices linked with the weakening of the dollar and more profitable investments due to corporate tax cuts. It is worth highlighting that China continues to slide, dropping from the 19th position in the ranking’s first year to a rank of 24 last year and 28 this year. The main cause of this fall: increased cost of labour and material, but mainly endemic corruption, revealed by the repeated scandals. Bloomberg Rankings measured 160 markets on a scale of zero to 100 percent based on six factors: (1) the degree of economic integration (2) the costs of setting up business (3) labour and material costs (4) transports costs (5) less tangible costs such as inflation and corruption (6) the readiness of the local consumer base.

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bô joujou [ Yacht ]

By editorial team

bô joujou [ Jet ]

By editorial team

Dassault unveils its new aircraft

My pocket yacht At around 7 metres long and 3.5 metres wide, Jet Capsule’s newest concept is a miniature, egg-shaped yacht, sold at a starting price of 40,000 dollars. Designed by Italian designer Pierpaolo Lazzarini and built in Naples, the yacht’s futurist style is worthy of a James Bond film and can carry up to nine people. What’s more, you can customize it to suit your every desire! This miniature yet extremely luxurious boat also boasts a kitchen, bathroom and two sofa beds that can comfortably fit up to three people. But that’s not all! You can also deck your boat out with an LCD TV, a hi-fi sound system with a dock for your iPhone, iPod or iPad, as well as games consoles and WiFi. Engine-wise, the boat’s highest configuration includes two petrol or diesel 350hp engines, with an overall force of 700hp. In other words, it can cruise at up to 25 knots, or 40km/hr. The yacht’s hull is made entirely of fibreglass and stainless steel. This toy is simply a must.

Do we detect a revival in the business aviation market? Dassault Aviation unveiled the latest addition to its fleet at the annual convention of the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA). The Falcon 5X is seen as the last word in business aircraft, using technology developed in the company’s military programmes. In addition to its improved performance, with twin engines consuming 15% less fuel than others in the same category, the aircraft boasts new flight command systems, new aerodynamics and a range of avant-garde technologies. Dassault notes that the new plane is currently “the biggest investment of the Falcon programmes”. With an estimated price tag of 45 million dollars, it will make its first flight in 2015, with deliveries scheduled to start in 2017.

www.jetcapsule.com

www.dassault-aviation.com

NetJets’s latest jewel

Unidentified floating object Before we talk about the boat, let’s talk about the man who built it. Luca Bassani Antivari is the founder of Wally, the Monaco based company that designs and builds truly futuristic yachts. Performance plus design plus the sea just has to equal innovation. Better place is a little star from the Wally fleet that could have sailed in from another planet. She’s Bugatti blue with an astoundingly sharp profile, a “luxury boat, fun to sail whether the winds are strong or light and, crucially, environmentally friendly and built with sustainable materials and propulsion systems”, just as her owner required. And it’s not only her shape that’s unusual. The concept is to bring the outdoors inside and viceversa, so very tall windows let in the natural light, giving a great feeling of space and allowing the eye to wander out to sea. www.wally.com

NetJets Inc., official partner of the global launch of the Bombardier Challenger 350, has lifted the veil on this new plane full of innovations. The new model was presented to an enraptured audience at the recent European Business Aviation Convention in Geneva. The plane is a wonderful design, in terms of both flight performance and comfort. It has a silent cabin, wood panelling and a drinks machine. This ultramodern revolution is also very safe and reliable, characteristics that will reassure and satisfy demanding customers. To cap it all, the Bombardier Challenger 350 has an extensive range, allowing it to fly nonstop from London to Tel Aviv! www.netjets.com

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bô joujou [ Auto ]

By Alexandre Benoist

Full speed ahead

bô joujou [ Auto ]

By editorial team

A new green and high-performance toy !

To end the year in style, sports cars flex their muscles to get your adrenalin flowing!

BMW i8 This 4-seater teams a rechargeable hybrid system with a cabin in carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic mounted on an aluminium frame. The petrol engine and electric motor together develop 362hp, for an average consumption of 2.5 litres per 100km. The proportions, lines and styling give it a light, dynamic look.

The no-fault car! The new, all-electric BMWi3 meets all the needs of both urban life and of ecology. We take a more detailed look at this gem of green technology.

Lamborghini Gallardo LP 570-4 Squadra Corse This limited edition model (50 only) is based on the Gallardo Super Trofeo racing version. It’s a car that makes no concessions, being powered by a 570hp V10 engine that delivers rip-roaring performances: standstill to 100kph in 3.4 seconds, top speed of 320kph. It also shares a number of the racing version’s external features, in particular the big rear aerofoil

Independence The BMWi3 can travel 160 kilometres without recharging, meaning you can drive around town all day. It can be charged either with its own charger or at the now more widely available public charging stations. Charging may take 6–8 hours – or under 30 minutes using a rapid charger! Trendy green The innovative, futuristic design of the BMWi3 gives it a highly contemporary look, with four seats and a 200-litre boot contained in a length of less than 4 metres. BMW have emphasized the green message by providing their new baby with interior in natural, sustainable and 95% renewable materials.

Porsche 918 Spyder

Fire in its belly! With its 170 horsepower and high voltage lithium-ion battery, the BMWi3 boasts impressive acceleration, whether from slow speeds or from rest. Another asset is its innovative eDrive engine, which has zero emissions and makes this an extremely quiet car.

Stunning looks plus 780hp of hybrid technology in the form of a 580hp 4.5-litre V8 engine teamed with two electric motors. In the offing too: a «road» version offering enhanced comfort – e.g. air conditioning, leather upholstery – and a «track» version of the same with straps instead of handles!

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bô joujou [ Article ]

By Caroline Schwartz

The ICE-WATCH brand announces the launch of the ICE-PHONE range

Ice-mini : Smartphone Android Jelly Bean Screen 3.5» - Dual Sim - 3 G+, WIFI, BT - GPS 400h battery life - Memory 4 Go + slot SD 32Go

Ice-Forever : Smartphone Android Jelly Bean Screen 4» - Dual Sim - 3 G+, WIFI, BT - GPS Memory 4 Go + slot SD 32Go

Ice-Tab :

OS Android Jelly Bean Screen 7.85» - Camera 5 Megapixel WIFI and BT - plug micro HDMI, Micro USB Memory 8 Go + slot SD 32Go

The Ice-Watch brand is proud to announce a partnership with CG Mobile, leader in the telephony market, and will now be introducing its concept to an innovative range of smartphones and tablets. The Ice-Phones will bear the same identity as the Ice-Watch brand: unique and fashionable colour codes, completely innovative packaging and an affordable price. This eclectic range of android smartphones enables double use via its dual SIM as well as extensive autonomy, making it a project in keeping with the Belgian watch-maker’s famous motto: « Change. You Can. ». www.ice-phone.com

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escape [ Mauritius ]

What else can one say about Mauritius? This picture postcard destination is only three to four hours ahead of Hong Kong (minimizing jetlag), with beaches stretching into the distance, a lagoon at an ideal temperature, and luxuriant vegetation flourishing along the shores of the Indian Ocean, which shimmers in emerald and turquoise hues. There are sublime golf courses and hotels each more glamorous than each other. Yet despite these many assets, the true strength of the island undoubtedly lies in the smiles and kindness of its people, the fruit of an unusual mix. With 60 years of experience in Mauritian tourism, Beachcomber Hotels (which opened the islandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first hotel) has well understood this. Hosting is an art. The Mauritians have made it their credo.

Hardly bigger than Greater London, the population of the island (which has been independent since 1968) is 70% Indian (Hindu, Tamil, Muslim or atheist), Creole and Franco-Mauritian. It is this mix that has created the identity of Mauritius, which was originally discovered by the Portuguese, then occupied by the Dutch, the French, then the English. This mosaic of a population gives the island a cultural richness and some original habits and customs. So although the official language is English, all Mauritians speak French. This mix is put to marvellous use in all the hotels that line the coast as regards food, music and crafts.

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escape [ Mauritius ]

If Mauritian hotels rank among the best in the world then Beachcomber Hotels are largely responsible. Founded in 1952, the company has chosen the most beautiful sites, which are mainly on the more sheltered west coast. From Blue Bay to Grand Baie, by way of Morne and Trou aux Biches, from four-star to luxury establishment, Beachcomber tends a Mauritian identity and tradition of hospitality that are the island’s very DNA. We drive south west, to the foot of the majestic Le Morne Brabant mountain and a setting that is straight out of a painting by Malcolm de Chazal: blue sea, white beach, green coconut palms. Here, two luxury five-star hotels share a long ribbon of white sand 7 km long with an 18-hole golf course. The aptly named Le Paradis has one foot in the lagoon and the other on the green. The hotel is the only one on the island to have a golf course within the boundaries of the resort itself. It takes no more than two minutes to walk from reception to the club house. There is nothing quite like teeing off in front of the majestic UNESCO World Heritage Site of Le Morne, resplendent in the rays of the setting sun. We were welcomed by a smiling Clothilde, Head of Customer Relations. Clothilde arrived at Le Paradis a year and a half ago. She will tell you all about the hotel and its many pleasures as she takes you to your seaside suite under the she-oak trees or to a terrace full of beautiful bougainvilleas, without forgetting to greet passing guests by name – quite a feat when you consider that the establishment has 286 rooms. Clothilde may be one of the company’s newest recruits, but Eddy, the hotel’s Deputy Manager, is an old hand. He has not left his idyllic peninsula since

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escape [ Mauritius ]

arriving as a management intern in 1987 and can spend entire evenings telling anecdotes, such as finding President Jacques Chirac at the hotel buffet when a delegation was awaiting him at the gourmet restaurant, or the time he spent a whole morning with a rich customer explaining every single item on their bill. But above all, Eddy likes to talk about the many unique moments he has spent with holidaymakers, like those magical New Year’s Eves for which the same families return year on year with their children, and then their grandchildren. Many people have been coming to Le Paradis for several generations, adopting it to such an extent they consider it to be their holiday home. Whether you’re a star, crowned head, illustrious stranger, blonde or brunette, all your requests will be catered for at the Royal Palm. Every member of staff has experienced this. Rebecca recalls giving a massage one day to heavy metal music. Ferose-Khan, the sous chef, remembers having to satisfy the immediate request from a guest to make a dish requiring products not available on the island. If you meet him, ask for his speciality of Thai shrimp soup. Simply mouth-watering! As for Tigga, the tennis and squash coach, he often has to bend to the new rules invented by his pupils, to their advantage of course! Mauritian courtesy is de rigueur! But there are magic moments when they succeed in surprising even the most demanding, such as the time when Clé d’Or concierge Hirikesh prevented a guest’s private plane taking off in the nick of time when he heard that the country of destination had just suffered a coup d’état; or that Christmas Eve when two little girls received the two identical white rabbits they’d been dreaming of from Father Christmas (Hirikesh)!

For nobody gets bored at Le Paradis! There is something for everyone according to trade winds and mood. A spot of sea fishing or a round of golf on the soft green velvet carpet, a dip in the pool that seems to overflow into the ocean, a little waterskiing and then a sudden desire to relax. We head to the neighbouring Dinarobin hotel and one of the most beautiful spas on the island. The Dinarobin gets its name from the first Arab traders (from Oman) who plied these shores in the 10th century before the winds pushed their dhows to the shores of Kerala or the Far East, opening up the trade routes that would later be firmly established by the Portuguese. This five-star luxury hotel is comprised purely of suites and is laid out in a huge tropical garden, a place of calm, serenity and wellbeing. Annick, the Manager of the Spa by Clarins, has but one adage: the customer is king. She and her staff have put together an array of wellbeing packages. One morning, we let her lead us out to the beach, beyond the magnificence of the 2,000 m² spa, to two open-air massage cabins where we enjoyed an Awakening of the Senses treatment that was detoxifying, cleansing and invigorating. That was followed by a detox breakfast of healthy yet delicious products carefully prepared by Chef Didier, who came here a year ago after eight years of loyal service at the Royal Palm. Alone on the beach with our feet in the sand, we had nothing but the ocean for our view. Bliss! We spent the day pleasantly lounging on one of the canopy beds on The K beach, under the watchful eye of manager Sanjay, who satisfied our every whim. Then we felt like some more spa, but for the night this time. You see, Annick had turned the ayurvedic room into a bedroom for lovers, with a ro-

mantic dinner served by the pool. What could be more perfect? Let’s leave the south to its enchanted peace and go discover the north of the island. On the way we passed fields of sugar cane, the heritage of colonization. The road got steeper with each turn as we headed toward the thrusting mountains. We passed Indian temples that looked like giant cakes, and breathed in the thousand scents of frangipani, hibiscus and flamingo flower. After a good hour’s drive, we reached the little seaside resort of Grand Baie and its marina where sailing boats bobbed at anchor. This is where a large yet discreet house opened its doors twenty-eight years ago now. It was the first tropical-style luxury hotel and has become the jewel in the crown of the Beachcomber group: an address for those in the know where the beauty of the landscape echoes the unparalleled quality of service. Welcome to the Royal Palm. We were struck by a special timeless atmosphere as soon as we arrived, no doubt due largely to the porters dressed as Maharajas, the messengers dressed as bellboys and the gardeners wearing brightly coloured saris. Even if the Royal Palm is adept at evolving slowly, its regular customers (nearly half the total) return to discover their Royal Palm, with the same staff who are familiar with their preferences and tastes. And that is why Veeraj, housekeeper at the Royal Palm since 1987, personalizes guests’ suites before they arrive, so they will feel at home and wish to return for their next holidays. Her most memorable guests? “Former Presidents Mandela and Mitterrand!” Hard to forget!

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culture - auction - deco - shopping - beauty - sport - gastro - hotel

The Royal Palm is a refined and elegant hideaway where you can totally and utterly relax. Kaulyannee, Tiga, Rebecca, Ferose-Khan and the 216 other staff (for 86 suites) take care of everything. Like Somduth, who came to the Royal Palm in 1989 as a beach attendant and is now head of catering. Every day he strives to make each guest’s experience unique. Eating is part of that experience. Head of the kitchen is a Frenchman who has been a Mauritian in his heart for ten years now, perhaps in his head too. His gentleness, his talent and his inventiveness allowed Michel de Mattèis to attain the Meilleur Ouvrier de France qualification before dropping anchor in the middle of the Indian Ocean, where he reinterprets French cooking with Mauritian colours and tastes, thanks to fresh local products with a tightly controlled supply chain. He pays homage to the 18th century naturalist and Indian Ocean adventurer Pierre Poivre (the name seems predestined), who was a companion to Mahé de la Bourdonnais, the first Governor of the Mascarenhas Archipelago (which includes Mauritius). Appointed Administrator of Isle de France (Mauritius) and Île de Bourbon (Réunion), Pierre Poivre, the perfect Lyon food-lover, brought nutmeg and clove trees from the Dutch East Indies (now Indonesia) and introduced them to Mauritius, before founding one of the most beautiful tropical gardens, the Pamplemousses Botanical Garden, jewel of the island. These days, Michel de Mattèis serves his creative dishes in three restaurants: cosy La Goélette; contemporary Natureaty, where the menu mixes Asian and Mediterranean inspirations; legendary Bar Plage for breakfast in the shade of a large Indian Almond tree. And of course there is always room service to cater for the slightest whim. Every moment is to be savoured at the Royal Palm, for every guest is made to feel unique and you’ll remember your stay for a long time! And the hotel does its all to leave you with a trace of this enchanted hideaway, whether it’s a box of fabulous Royal Palm madeleine cakes, a few sprigs of fresh lemongrass or even the quilt that made your stay so soft and comfy! Personally, I would kidnap Hirikesh, Rebecca or Ferose-Khan, who made themselves indispensable to our wellbeing in just a few days. What would we have done without them? For sixty years now, Beachcomber Hotels have been creating establishments adapted to their environments while respecting nature’s fragility. With eight hotels on Mauritius, the company offers escape for all tastes based on a single philosophy: dream is a serious thing. 146 | SPRING 2014 - www.cote-magazine.hk

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Culture

urban guide

Culture

15 May (until 18)

agen

date

>> FAIR!

Asia Contemporary art Fair The largest-ever Asia Contemporary Art Show moves to a new home in the Conrad Hong Kong in May! More than 100 galleries from 18 countries!

Affordable Art Fair , Hong Kong 2014

Art for everyone

Do you find contemporary art attractive but a little intimidating? Have you not yet taken the plunge and made your first purchase? Then this is the event for you! Created in 1999 in London with the aim of taking the mystery out of the art world and discovering emerging artists, the Affordable Art Fair has since expanded to New York, Brussels, Mexico, Milan and Singapore…

Asia Contemporary art Fair - Conrad Hong Kong Hotel - One Pacific Place, Hong Kong http://asiacontemporaryart.com

12 Mars (until 13 April)

>> MUSIC!

29-30 Mars

>> ART!

Bruno Mars at Asiaworld-Expo Ten million albums and fifty-eight million singles to date… Don’t miss the successful singer of ‘Locked Out of Heaven’. As a singer, songwriter and producer from Hawaï, Mars has an impressive catalog of 22 “Hot 100” hits. Bruno Mars The Moonshine Jungle Tour AsiaWorld-Expo, Arena, Hall 1, Hong Kong + 852 31 288 288 - www.hkticketing.com

Light . shadow - Italian Baroque artist Caravaggio Once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see one of the most famous paintings in the world, by one of the greatest artist! The exhibition also brings Hong Kong audiences upclose with one of Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio’s most important works, Supper at Emmaus.

urban guide

The first edition in Hong Kong in 2013 was a historic success with 16,500 visitors and around 26 million HKD in art sales. It was therefore to be expected that the second edition is shaping up to be «bigger, brighter and better» with over 120 galleries presenting works by more than 1,000 artists from around the world. Acclaimed by the local arts scene, this year the number of Hong

Kong galleries has even doubled! Always with a view to «breaking the ice» and promoting interaction between gallery owners, artists and purchasers, the prices are displayed and visitors can expect an impressive series of events and interactive activities such as the Under HK$10,000 Wall, Young Talent Hong Kong Exhibition, Gallery Speed Dating, Arty-Licious Evening, Art Talks, Creative workshop and, if you come with your family, the Children’s Art Studio! Among our favourites in the 2014 edition is the must-see Vietnamese artist Lim Khim Katy represented by the Craig Thomas Gallery. Her paintings feature the everyday life and very moving expressions of people from the Vietnamese middle classes.

Angki Purbandono - Recharging Station-2012 Art Projects Gallery

Light and Shadows - Caravaggio The Italian Baroque Master - Asia Society, 9 Justice Drive, Admiralty www.asiasociety.org

Making the inaccessible accessible, therefore, and encouraging everyone to “live with art”, the Affordable Art Fair successfully loosens your inhibitions as far as contemporary art is concerned!

In bed with Designers! Talented designers from more than ten different countries will come to Hong Kong to set up a cozy hotel room to showcase and sell their works with the rest of the city with the theme French Kiss. Lim Khim Ka Ty - Daydream-Oil on canvaCraig Thomas Gallery

>> DANCE!

«The Peacock», A Dance Drama by Yang Liping Hong Kong Cultural Centre presents The Peacock, a dance drama in four parts: Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter. Maturation, human nature, living or love… but also a story about interplay and fusion between life and cosmic forces. The Peacock, A Dance Drama by Yang Liping Hong Kong Cultural Centre, 10 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon - www.urbtix.hk

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(until 11)

(until 21)

9 May

19 April

In bed With Designers French Kiss - Mini Hotel Central, 38 Ice House Street, Hong Kong http://inbedwithdesigners.com

>> DESIGN! 2007 - Bronze - Beijin Central Gallery

Affordable Art Fair - 21-23 March 2014 - Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, 1 Harbour Road, Hong Kong + 65 6220 5682 - www.affordableartfair.com/hongkong/

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Culture

YellowKorner,

photography takes over the IFC! Founded in Paris in 2006 by two photography enthusiasts, the YellowKorner gallery has come to Hong Kong at the IFC overseen by Arthur de Villepin. Alexandre de Metz and Paul-Antoine Briat initially decided to make the eighth art more accessible by increasing the number of copies of an art photograph to lower the price. The delicate operation has paid off: 8 years on the concept is a great success and the gallery is attracting famous photographers! Up and coming photographers rub shoulders with big names and forgotten artists make a comeback alongside past masters. You are therefore likely to see Neil Armstrong’s famous shot of Edwin E. on the Apollo 11 mission to the moon, fall in love with Man Ray’s Le Violon d’Ingres and learn about Rudi Sebastian and his lively Dolce Vita beach shots. The prints match the quality of the artists’ work, are available in several formats, numbered and come with a certificate of authenticity. Get your collector juices flowing at shop 3022B!

YellowKorner - Shop 3022B, Level 3, IFC Mall 1 Harbour view street, Central Hong Kong +852 2578 5888 - www.yellowkorner.com

Bruce Lee,

the origins of a great master

Bruce Lee: Kung Fu.Art.Life until July 20th 2018 Hong Kong Heritage Museum 1 Man Lam Road, Sha Tin, New Territories +852 2180 8188 www.heritagemuseum.gov.hk

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Bruce Lee was born in 1940 in Chinatown, San Francisco. He was raised in Hong Kong and began studying the Chinese martial art of Wing Chun at the age of 13. He went on to study in Seattle and Washington to claim his American citizenship. He devoted himself to teaching martial arts and opened a school where he created Jeet Kune Do, a form more suited to real combat. Bruce Lee also tried to get back into the film business which he began as a child actor in China through his father, a Cantonese opera star. His reputation was cemented a few years later: he was soon considered an icon and the greatest martial arts expert in international 20th century cinema! He opened the doors to other actors like Jackie Chan and Jean-Claude Van Damme. His fame played a major part in introducing the Western general public to Chinese martial arts. His tragic and premature demise on July 20th 1973 contributed to making him a legend of the silver screen. As a true Hong Kong icon, it’s only natural that the Hong Kong Heritage Museum should host an outstanding exhibition curated by his daughter, Shannon Lee, who was 4 when her father died. Over 600 of Bruce Lee’s belongings are on display to tell the story of his short but meaningful life and the great master’s early days in Hong Kong.

Culture The 38th Hong Kong

Frank Strobel & Charlie Chaplin When music lights up the screen

International Film Festival Since it was founded in 1977, the Hong Kong International Film Festival (HKIFF) is one of Asia’s most reputable cinematic events! The festival reaches an audience of over 600,000 with over 280 international titles from more than 50 countries. HKIFF was taken over in 2004 by the Hong Kong International Film Festival Society, a non-profit and non-governmental organization, which is dedicated to increase the profile of the creativity in art and culture of film. It is also responsible for other flagship events such as the Hong Kong-Asia Film Financing Forum (HAF) and the Asian Film Awards (AFA). And since few years, the Hong Kong’s cinematic stage seems to move from action to arthouse! Ranging from classic to avant-garde films, this exciting festival delivers an international experience in the comfort of plush seating and popcorn.   As the curtain is pulled to reveal the 38th Hong Kong International Film Festival, we can already focus on our favourite movies from the 2014’s programming: Brazilian Western, a 2013 Brazilian film directed by René Sampaio; American Dreams in China directed by Peter Chan (to save the only child of the Zhao Family, a doctor sacrifices his own son…); Do You Remember Dolly Bell? A 1981’s Kusturica’s movie; On My Way with the famous French actress Catherine Deneuve, and so many suprises such as restored Classics…

38th Hong Kong International Film Festival March 24th to April 7th Tickets, schedule and venues: www.hkiff.org.hk

urban guide

To celebrate the 125th anniversary of Charlie Chaplin’s birth and the 100th anniversary of his iconic character in The Tramp, the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra is presenting two films: City Lights and Kid Auto Races at Venice led by the German conductor Frank Strobel, whose international standing in the field of film music is already well-established. A great opportunity, therefore, to watch two of Chaplin’s silent film masterpieces and enjoy a live performance of their wonderful music thanks to the eminently talented Frank Strobel and his exceptional technical expertise. Chaplin and Strobel both shared an early interest in the combination of film and music. In fact Charlie Chaplin developed a great passion for music as a child and taught himself to play the piano, violin and cello. He himself composed the soundtrack to City Lights and those of all of his films thereafter. According to the film historian Jeffrey Vance, “(...) Not a note was placed without his assent!” As for Frank Strobel, he grew up in an environment in which film and music played a prominent role. His parents ran a cinema in Munich and his grandmother was a pianist. Today a world-famous conductor and an influential figure in film music, he promises us a truly outstanding musical score along with the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra. An exceptional tribute to the undisputed icon of silent film and a unique, unmissable experience! Swire Denim: Charlie Chaplin – City Lights – 2&3 May 2014 - Hong Kong Cultural Centre Concert Hall 10 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong + 852 2734 2009 - www.hkphil.org - www.lcsd.gov.hk

Perrotin pays tribute to

Jean-Michel Othoniel If you’ve been to Paris, you’ve probably spotted an unusual metro entrance at the Palais Royal near the Louvre. A century after Guimard, French artist Jean-Michel Othoniel transformed the station into the Kiosque des Noctambules in 2000: the masterful and playful pair of glass and aluminium crowns tower over a bench for night owls to gather. Born in 1964, the sculptor has created a dreamy baroque world based on travel and memory. The focus is on materials with reversible properties such as glass, which he adopted once and for all in 1993. In 2012 the first touring retrospective was devoted to the artist and visited the Macau Museum of Art. Before unveiling his major project at the Château de Versailles in September (restoring the Bosquet du Théâtre d’Eau in the gardens), be sure to visit the Galerie Perrotin in Hong Kong for a new spring exhibition and be whisked away to the artist’s dream world.

Jean-Michel Othoniel - Noeud Rouge Miroir - 2014 (Simulation)

Galerie Perrotin from May 13th to June 21st – 17th floor 50 Connaught road, Central Hong Kong +852 3758 2180 www.perrotin.com

L’Immédiat: an unmissable modern circus show

Camille Boitel is a French acrobat, dancer and musician. He began performing street shows at the age of 12 and met Annie Fratellini (French clown, actress and singer) who gave him a free place at the École nationale du Cirque. Camille Boitel then worked with Chaplin’s grandson, the brilliant James Thierrée! Camille Boitel has brought together circus, physical theatre and performance in L’Immédiat for French May. Six acrobatic artists try to outdo each other in a bric-a-brac setting where everything around them is crumbling and exploding. The theme is catastrophe. The artist asks the audience: “How do you live in the here and now without resting, stopping or planning?” Experience the incredible poetry of bodies in crisis in this enjoyable and amazingly detailed performance.

urban guide

L’immédiat by Camille Boitel – June 20th and 21st – Kwai Tsing Theatre Auditorium - 12 Hing Ning Rd, Hong Kong - www.frenchmay.com www.cote-magazine.hk - SPRING 2014 | 151

Auctions

urban guide

Click with art Auctionata is a brilliant new online auction house. Until February 2012 there was no such service – which seems unbelievable at a time when auctions and online shopping are both expanding exponentially. Launched in Berlin by Alexander Zacke and Georg Untersalmberger, Auctionata held the first ever live art auction in December 2012 and has never looked back. Today Auctionata works with 135 experts based in London, Berlin, and now Zurich. Its vision is to use the internet to open up the international art market. The virtual salesroom can be accessed from anywhere in the world and Auctionata’s patented technology enables bids to be placed in real time. In addition to its live auctions, Auctionata also has an online shop with over 10,000 artworks at fixed prices. The company is already breaking records and, a few months ago, became the first German auction house to sell a Van Gogh. Watch this space… www.auctionata.com

The Félix Marcilhac collection at Sotheby’s Félix Marcilhac is one of the world’s greatest antiques dealers specializing in 20th century decorative arts. His private collection has been put up for sale at Sotheby’s Paris on 11th and 12th March in association with Artcurial, to the excitement of collectors everywhere. This is a collection assembled and refined over more than forty years, including Art Deco masterpieces by the greatest names, most of which have not been seen for decades. Standout lots in the collection include Woman, 1926, a bronze sculpture by Gustave Miklos from the former Jeanne Lanvin collection, and an armchair in rosewood, parchment and mother-of-pearl designed by Marcel Coard and formerly owned by Jacques Doucet. An exceptional sale and a real collector’s opportunity! www.sotheby’s.com

The James Christie Room:

Christie’s new gallery in Hong Kong Since the opening of Christie’s small representative office in Hong Kong 30 years ago, the world’s leading Art business has just opened a brand new space named after the founder James Christie (1730-1803). Located on the 22nd floor of Alexandra House in Central, the 250 square meters offers windows that frame the cityscape and Victoria Harbour. This new state-of-the-art multi-purpose gallery can hold uniquely curated exhibitions, educational Art Forums, sponsored and charity events, private sales and auctions of specialty category auctions. With the ability to exhibit on a continuous basis in the James Christie Room, and to move to four sales seasons in the yearly auctions, Christie’s will be better positioned to provide art and culture’s lovers access to worldclass works from salerooms all over the globe. From 21 to 22 March 2014, the James Christie room inaugurates its first private sale with an exceptional two-day wine auction, comprising over 970 lots from one major private collection with the top quality wines from the world’s finest vineyards. To mark this occasion, three mixed lots of wines with an oriental theme will also be offered for the first time ever in a wine auction.

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The James Christie Room - 22/F, Alexandra House, 18 Chater Road, Central, Hong Kong +852 2760 1766 - www.christies.com

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urban guide

Bowerbird Home Vibrant mix for a charming nest

Like the bird who decorates his nest with shiny colourful bits and pieces pecked from here and there to make it especially attractive, Philippa Haydon travels the world and brings her treasures back to her 10,000 sq.ft. plateau in Aberdeen. You’re bound to find just what you’re looking for amongst the furniture, lighting, mirrors, crockery, household linen, cushions, candles and baskets! A collector and interior decorator at heart, Philippa has a real flair for mixing styles. Travelling the length and breadth of the United States, Europe and Asia, she takes you on a journey too, with her inspirational finds with new arrivals every month. «Provincial France», «Chinoiserie Chic» and «Summer in the Hamptons» are all favourite themes which work their magic! Here, there’s a marvellous collection of Chinese hand-painted ceramics giving the place a warm atmosphere, with temple jars, Ginger jars, pots, vases and garden stools predominantly in blue and white, the House signature. And there, headboards made from elegant fabrics, a Chinese cabinet covered entirely in mirrors, a bedside table decorated with an elegant mosaic of bone and black resin and a vintage Hermès scarf framed as a wall decoration. Philippa Haydon also provides a customised interior design and/or sourcing consultancy service if you are looking for that special, personalised piece. And the highly attractive prices top off this inspiring nest of ideas. Come and be tempted…

Deco Mirth, for a happy home!

Shopping Chow Tai Fook draws inspiration from

If you are short on colour, light and space and fancy a bit of recreational shopping, then make tracks for Mirth! With a mug of “house” coffee in your hand, you can make your way round this fabulous 5,000ft home and lifestyle concept store, for children as well as their mums, with its gorgeous layout by Kylie from Australia and Alex from New Zealand. Tucked away on the mezzanine floor of a 1960s industrial building deep in the heart of the Wong Chuk Hang district, you’ll realise as soon as you open the door to this former stool factory that it is well worth the trip. With its atmosphere of enchanting, airy and bright bazaar chic, you won’t know where to start. Lattice-work lights imported from China hang from the ceiling, natural wood shelves from Indonesia are on the walls, at your feet is a collection of Soludos espadrilles from Spain, fine dinnerware by Mud Australia is arranged on a table and tunics by Plage designs hang on a rail. As you can imagine, by selecting original and eclectic objects ranging from furniture to vintage paper, tableware to beach accessories, wooden toys to books for both young and old, Mirth takes you off around the world. With so much to look at, you’re bound to retrace your steps in case you’ve missed THE original gift or THE piece you need to decorate your own “sweet home”.

Today’s largest jewellery chain in the world, Chow Tai Fook, is preparing to launch its fourth annual one-of-a-kind High Jewellery Collection, Reflections of Siem.

urban guide

Cambodiaa

This year’s collection, Reflections of Siem, was inspired by the storied and historical nation of Cambodia, whose natural beauty and culture have withstood triumphs and tribulations and the test of time. Every piece in the Reflections of Siem collection, reveals elegance and simplicity, heritage and ethnicity, originality and spirituality. Adrian Cheng, an art pioneer, has stretched the boundaries of his creativity and innovation. For this new collection, he did not think twice before picking up his pencil this time and drawing inspiration from Cambodia, a neighbouring country rich in heritage. “From ethnic to contemporary, good designs should reflect the aesthetic and spirituality of human culture. Reflections of Siem brings us back to the land of a thousand tales – Cambodia. Through rediscovery of human heritage, we go back to our roots and unearth the true beauty that lies within.” Here once more, a tale is being told of a country swathed in memories of a Khmer heritage steeped in emotions, one of tranquil landscapes and a sincere and spiritual people. These pieces, with their sophisticated design and exquisite craftsmanship, bring rare precious stones, unique textures and forgottenreasures to life. Let the journey begin… The Chant piece particularly conjures up the atmosphere of Angkor, bringing to mind the roots of centuries-old trees overrunning temple ruins, the last vestiges of a glorious bygone era. The Hancyon takes us to the banks of Tonlé Sap Lake and their famous floating villages. The inhabitants live in harmony here, where the lake and the sky are one…

Mirth home - the Mezzanine floor, Yip Kan Street, Wong Chuk Hang, Hong Kong +852 2553 9811 – www.mirthhome.com

Lane Crawford, a new Homeware Store pPartial sketch by Adrian Cheng

The Chant

This collection is available exclusively to VIPs of Chow Tai Fook who will be able to preview the pieces in March and bid for them at this year’s auction dinner in October, where more of Cheng’s artistic creations will be revealed…

The Hancyon

Bowerbird Home- Unit 5, Level 2, 2 Lee Lok Street, Ap Lei Chau, Hong Kong +852.2552.2727 - www.bowerbird-home.com

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Lane Crawford, the famous multibrand luxury store chain, has opened a new homeware outlet on the 4th floor of the ifc Mall. Created by the interior designers Yabu & Pushelberg to resemble a spacious apartment with white parquet flooring and slate-coloured walls, the store is a showcase for international design. From the moment you cross the threshold, you will not be enticed by pieces by the English lighting designer, Fiona Gall. Mingled with the succulents and aromatic plants, her lighting pieces are displayed in The Courtyard, an area reserved for new products. Tableware, household linens, furniture, lighting - the range is top-notch and combines different styles. Iconic creations by Verner Panton or Arne Jacobsen rub shoulders with pieces by contemporary designers such as Matthew Hilton, who is known for the smooth, sleek lines of his furniture. A dash of design and poetry, a hint of vintage, a sprig of high tech - this eclectic mix definitely makes us want to give our interiors a makeover! Lane Crawford Home center - Shop 4008, Podium 4, ifc mall - 8 Finance Street, Central, Hong Kong +852 2118 3388 - www.lanecrawford.com

The Chant A poetic metaphor of Khmer grandeur and magnificence, the 27.65-carat oval red tourmaline cabochon centre stone set in 18K yellow gold is embraced by rubies and yellow diamonds, resembling the rising sun that sends out rays of golden light.

The Hancyon Connoting the crystal clear water and cerulean sky with an array of blue gems, the pieces boast transparent crystal slices, aquamarines in sky blue, lapis lazuli in royal blue, tourmaline in Persian blue and blue sapphires in ultramarine, all impeccably polished into rectangular forms

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urban guide

RALPH LAUREN

in American Vintage mode of style

10 years after its creation in the US, the iconic Ralph Lauren RRL&CO vintage line has opened its first flagship store in Hong Kong on Hollywood road. RRL&CO is without doubt the most personal collection from the most American of designers. The Double R refers to Ralph and Ricky, his wife, as well as his Righway ranch in Colorado. The tone is set from the very first glimpse: the store’s authenticity is instantly displayed with its traditional factory look created by its dark seasoned wood storefront, retro sign and series of industrial-style windows. In this American vintage retreat, you are surrounded by heritage, solid values and clothes which improve over time. Epitomising this as you step through the doors is the Denim collection, its material, manufacture and finish completely true to the expertise inherited from the cowboys of the American West. On every floor, looks and accessories will take you back in time, with military jackets and chinos from the 40s, a 30s wardrobe inspired by New York workers, burnished leather jackets, button braces and preppy cardigans from the 20s. Ralph Lauren has signed here a collection of iconic styles coupled with true vintage pieces. Unmissable!

RRL&CO – 52 Hollywood road, Central, Hong Kong +852 2352 6433 - www.ralphlauren.com

Shopping

The Changing Room - Style rescue! Hong Konger Jessica Meyers and native New Yorker Pier Djerejian met in Hong Kong in 2005. From diverse backgrounds in Arts, Fashion and Interiors, their both nomadic existences shaped and fine-tuned their fashion skills and appreciation of interiors and style. Sharing the same love of aesthetics, their teamwork inspires their creativity. In their social circle, women didn’t care about their look, didn’t have time or didn’t really know how to adapt their clothing to suit their age or new lifestyle. They went to see major allies ‘Jess and Pier’: The Changing Room was born! The duo has since gone from strength to strength with their keen eye, art and style:”It’s not about giving our clients a complete makeover. These women know what they want, have strong tastes and a wardrobe teeming with clothing. Our work involves helping them freshening up their style by creating new combinations, playing with accessories and, if necessary, make-up and hair.” The results speak for themselves and word of mouth has done the rest; the duo soon began using their stylist skills in the interior design sector. “As we do for individuals, we help spaces find a style of their own.” Laying a table like you’d style a look and accessorising a space to give it soul comes naturally. Alone or alongside interior designers on major projects (shops, hotels, restaurants), Jess and Pier adorn the spaces they are commissioned with pieces, furniture and lighting to add a touch of life and tell a story to show personality and create style. From fashion to interiors, their repertoire keeps getting bigger and big names consult them; this is just the start of the success story!

BOTHOS - The equation of style BOTHOS means ‘both our sexes’ and is reminiscent of the name of founder and Italian designer Luigino Bottos who opened two neighbouring menswear and ladieswear concept stores on Hollywood Road. The Venetian leather expert and travel enthusiast set his workshop up in Asia. He worked for major luxury brands before launching his own range of leather goods and jewellery. Diversity and travel imbue Bothos’ designs. With their confident style and irreproachable quality, the bags are like a second skin. Soft, bold and sometimes mixed with nylon or canvas, they are the perfect partner for urban adventurers. We love the Tote bag which comes in a variety of limited editions and the Two-in-one-bag (two vertical A4 sized eco bags folded and stitched to be carried as one bag). Belts and small leather goods accessorise the leather collection with gusto. Venture a little further and you’ll see a display case with a collection of accessories and jewellery uniting wood, leather and silver designed by Luigino himself and inspired by his travels. The designer also presents his latest musts in the intimate setting brought to life by his own range of lighting and furnishings: we love the original collection of sneakers by Philippe Model and the sweater selection by famous Italian brand Avant Toi. East meets west, menswear-womenswear diversity, urban adventurer: Bothos mixes up genres but the style is always unique!

BBBOTHOS - G/F 20&22 Hollywood Road, Central, Hong Kong +852 2526 9222 - www.bothos.com

The Changing Room - Jess +852 6094 6533 or Pier +852 9175 9756 contact@thechangingroomhk.com - www.thechangingroomhk.com

Tom Ford - An American in Macau Expanding the brand’s global presence in China, Tom Ford has just opened its first Menswear store in Macau. Located at One Central Macau - one of the city’s most prestigious retail centers -, the store occupies 822 square foot of space on the ground floor and offers the complete collection of TOM FORD Menswear, including shoes and accessories, as well as the TOM FORD Beauty collection of fragrances for men and Eyewear collection. Upon entering this luxurious retail space, the visitors will discover an elegant environment that expresses Mr. Ford’s personal design aesthetic. Combining the atmosphere of a private home and a soft modernism with timeless luxury, the venue is beautifully outfitted in the designer’s signature monochrome palettes of pale gray, deep brown tones, accented with chrome and glass. A series of salons unfolds on a single axis, providing a view through the entire suite of rooms. In the store’s main salon, you will discover the Spring/Summer 2014 Menswear collection of sportswear and suiting, saturated with bold, bright color and balanced with neutral whites. The temptation will be high to try the trademark O’Connor jacket presented in a spectrum of vivid hues and summer weight fabrics. With its feeling of refined and comfortable masculinity, the Tom Ford new Macau store definitely serves sophisticated consumers who, as the fashion designer says, “appreciate owning beautiful things that help them express their individuality”. Tom Ford - Ground Floor 17A, One Central Macau, Avenida de Sagres and Avenida do Dr Sun Yat Sen, Macau +853 2822 9839 - www.tomford.com

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urban guide

Shannnam - Addictive rings! Rêverie - Beautiful vintage This vintage chic boutique is certainly worth a visit! You enter the premises, on the 23rd floor of Number 1 Duddell Street, through a Hollywood-style hair salon and then your eye is caught by (Wow!) a charming, little boudoir packed full of accessories, jewellery, bags, dresses and furs! Rêverie is the brainchild of two sisters who share the same passion for beautiful things. The proprietor, Hannah Sutton, and Kate Kitchen, who lIves in London, embrace all that is ultra-feminine with their carefully chosen range of goods from Europe: French, Italian or English luxury brands with items from the 1950s to the present day, but also contemporary vintage-inspired labels. So if you are looking for an evening dress, a formal jacket, designer bag or couture jewellery, this is definitely the place for you. Lovers of luxury footwear will be captivated by the court shoes and boots. And you’re sure to linger a while to contemplate that rare collector’s edition item hanging there between two racks: a chocolate leather umbrella holder from Chanel’s quilted range. And the star attraction? Kate Winslet’s Stella McCartney dress which stole the show at the Venice Film Festival! A word of advice: hurry! Rêverie - 23/F - 1 Duddell street, Central, Hong Kong +852 2533 9975 - www.reverieagirlcandream.com

If you love life, design and jewellery, you’ll fall in love with Shannnam and its “Fragmented Chronicles”. Having first featured at Tokyo Design week in 2011, then represented by the buyMeDesign e-commerce website, and now courted by New York’s Museum of Modern Art, Riyo Chan, the artist and designer who founded Shannnam, challenges, beguiles and enchants with her totally unique collection of arty rings and accessories. Like an artisan of the imagination, Riyo creates mini-stories using tiny figurines and settings which she encapsulates in clear acrylic rings. Each one of the 100 pieces in the collection tells a story or depicts a moment in time: some stories will move you or fascinate you, whilst others will upset you or will simply make you laugh. But one thing is certain - one of them is made for YOU! Because Ryo captures human emotions, like a photo whose impact seems to have been enhanced in 3D. And what is even more amazing, these tiny little characters are by definition expressionless! However, your vision and imagination will bring them to life and will let you discover your script-writing skills. Once you’ve slipped one of these creations on to your finger, you’ll know why it’s so addictive! Shannnam will unveil a limited edition as a preview to the French Kiss-themed event organised by In Bed With Designers, a partner organisation of the French May festival. Shannnam - shop : Volume One, G/F, 30 Sun Chun Street, Causeway Bay, HongKong +852 2808 0962 - www.shannnam.com - www.buymedesign.com www.cote-magazine.hk - SPRING 2014 | 157

urban guide

Beauty

Aesop,

Spa by Valmont

genuine and design experience… Every one of Aesop’s stores is unique. Since it was founded in 1987, this attractive Australian cosmetics brand has been refreshing the design of its stores without compromising its message: a visionary mind-set, intellectual rigour and a touch of fantasy. Here at Elements, the designer has again translated the brand’s DNA into a new art project. The store fuses traditional materials and expertise in a contemporary style: plaster shelving, handcrafted on the premises, houses items such as their now famous, specially selected smoked-glass bottles, which ensure optimal protection of the contents. Hair, face or body products, all Aesop’s preparations are rich in antioxidants and are renowned for their exquisite aromas. For Aesop, coherence is not merely a concept, it really means something: skin type, as well as environment, climate and lifestyle are all taken into account to bring you products which are tailored to your specific needs. Aesop toners, for example, are particularly suitable for skin exposed to humidity and pollution. But the range does not stop with little old you - your pet, your finest fabrics and even the air that you breathe can also have the star treatment! And as Aesop thinks of everything, they even offer travel kits... An excellent idea for Hong Kong residents, many of whom are frequent travellers!

Aesop Elements - Shop 2118 - 1 Austin Road West, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong +852 2673 3789 - (other addresses in Hong Kong) www.aesop.com

Beauty - Swiss Rejuvenation

BruneBlonde

- art and expertise As you reach the top of the Grand Hyatt hotel’s majestic staircase, you will find yourself face to face with a Peter McDonald canvas depicting a hairdressing salon with pop art overtones and hair-dos that merge into the background. The tone is set: hairdressing is an art form... in which Bruneblonde’s stylists are past masters. Just step inside this new establishment and see for yourself the surprises which this experienced and talented duo have in store. Because for Roland Boutin and David Gouygou, excellence is the name of the game. With its decor reminiscent of 1940s French chic - (black and white with touches of gold), the salon provides its cosmopolitan clientele with an exceptional level of comfort thanks to its ultra-sophisticated equipment. The men’s salon fuses design and technology with basins built into the workstations and chairs which tilt and rotate 360°. Larger in size, the women’s salon boasts a brightness which is ideal for creating styles and using colours. Two small exclusive salons are also available for clients who prefer privacy. And to top it all off, you can also use the Grand Hyatt’s valet parking and room service.

The Swiss medical tradition lives on in Hong Kong. At the beginning, Valmont was a luxury wellness clinic started in 1905, catering to the most high profile spa goers in the world. According to the Swiss myth, celebrities and aristocrats with private chauffeurs and jets would arrive in Valmont seeking for youthfulness and relaxation. The Valmont-Clinic (origin of the Valmont cosmetic brand) has treated iconic personalities such as Charlie Chaplin, Ingrid Bergman and Coco Chanel. Here in Hong Kong, The Spa by Valmont in Causeway Bay is more than 5,000 square feet (500 m²) with two floors featuring eight treatment cabins and exclusive technical equipments: beauty treatment beds for muscle relaxation, chromo therapeutic lighting effects and a rainforest shower for unwinding oneself in the urban jungle of Hong Kong. Unlike most cosmetics companies, Valmont is lead by family members Didier Guillon and Sophie Vann-Guillon. The duo continues to innovate and expand into oversea markets such as Spain, France and Taiwan. As Sophie Guillon, Valmont’s General Director, has succinctly expressed, ”this is our historical heritage, and it carries on”. Book an appointment and be charmed by the unique experience…

PRIVATE I SALON Kids Salon - Sit on Flying pigs for hair cut

When you are a child, the smell of hair salon with women in towel turban flipping through magazines does not represent the idea of fun. To create a more family friendly atmosphere for grooming children, PRIVATE i GARDEN Kids Salon (PiG Kids Salon) have opened a fun and unique hair salon where your sweetie will be happy to go back more than needs. The salon is a playground for children to experience hair-doing, styling and manicuring services. The design is filled with lovely piggy-character seats, music, movies and games. This great venue is owned by PRIVATE i SALON Group which also runs PRIVATE i SALON, Popcorn PRIVATE i SALON, NAIL NAIL and PRIVATE i SKIN CARE & BEAUTY CLINIC etc. With salons in Festival Walk, Hung Hom and Causeway Bay, do not underestimate the demand for grooming and beauty care for children. PiG Kids Salon also runs a membership club with a wide selection of pampering and grooming products for the little ones. One problem anyway… your little angel will never want to leave the place after his treatment! PRIVATE I SALON Kids Salon - Shop 230, 2/F, Lee Gardens Two, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong +852 2618 2330 - www.privateigarden.com

Caudalie,

cosm-ethics!

Spa by Valmont - Cubus, 1-3 Hoi Ping Road, Causeway Bay +852 2972 7868 www.evalmont.com/spa-valmont-hong-kong

Four Seasons Hong Kong Spa: Ultimate urban chic retreat

French cosmetics brand Caudalie has opened its first shop and Asian spa in Hong Kong. The idea for a brand of beauty products made using nurturing grape extracts blossomed at the founder’s family home in Bordeaux, Château Smith Haut Lafitte. Vinotherapy was born. Hitherto underestimated grape seed polyphenols are actually the most powerful anti-oxidants in the plant world. Caudalie now uses this treasure and conducts research into eco-friendly natural ingredients from the vine – the brand also donates 1% of its global sales to the environment protection association 1% for the Planet. Walk through the wide entrance topped by a stone archway and you’ll be whisked away to the wine estates of France. Explore the spa’s treatment range and the brand’s signature lightly scented natural products. If you’re pushed for me-time, have a well-deserved express treatment in the “beauty under an hour space” in this exciting city or treat yourself to a manicure: Caudalie has teamed up with the brand Kure Bazaar whose pioneering brightly coloured eco-natural nail varnishes offer impeccable resistance.

Having worked in Hong Kong for 20 years, the owners of the premises know their trade and their clientele inside out... Here, everything has been planned with the utmost professionalism. The gamble has paid off!

BruneBlonde - Mezz Floor, Grand Hyatt Hong Kong, 1 Harbour Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong +852 2511 3988 - www.bruneblonde.com

urban guide

FOUR SEASONS HONG KONG SPA 8 Finance Street, Central, Hong Kong +852 3196 8888 www.fourseasons.com/ hongkong/spa/

Nestled high above Hong Kong’s bustling streets and working harbour, The Spa at Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong provides the ultimate in elegant escapism for the city-dwellers as well as luxury visitors. Upon entering the Spa’s common areas you will immediately experience a wonderful feeling of peace and relaxation: sumptuous heated marble floor and oversized windows with captivating vistas of Victoria Harbour… enough to soothe both body and mind at the very first glance. This oasis of relaxation features 17 spacious and elegant treatment rooms named after precious stones (as Emerald, Topaz, Jade...) including two VIP suites, a nail room and a waxing room. Tailored for your five senses, the different treatments combine famous Asian and Western best techniques. Developed from nature’s most precious ingredients, the Four Seasons Spa is providing treatments with the finest skincare lines as LING Skincare products (New York), Biologique Recherche (Paris) and The Organic Pharmacy (London). To end your Spa journey on a high note, you should try the Finnish sauna, the hammam, the cool mist showers or simply the indoor pool. And, before your heavenly retreat comes to its end, the Vitality Lounge welcome you to a final relaxing time with a cup of warm Chinese tea and fresh fruits. «Heaven, I am in heaven...»

Caudalie – 3 Gough Street, Central, Hong Kong +852 2319 1006 – www.caudalie.com 158 | SPRING 2014 - www.cote-magazine.hk

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Sport

urban guide

Red Bull Flugtag

126 grammes

Airworthy to take off? Flugtag, which means “flying day” in German, inspires creative minds to design, build and pilot home-made flying machines… The event Red Bull Flugtag was born in Vienna Austria in 1992 and ever since then has been held in over 44 countries including Singapore, Australia, New Zealand and Germany. In 2010, Hong Kong was the first city in Asia to host Red Bull Flugtag, attracting up to 300,000 spectators to witness human aviation soaring into the fragrant harbour. For this new edition, the competition is still free to join but only 40 teams will be selected. The rules for the Red Bull Flugtag is simple: each team should consist of 1 pilot and 3 ground crew ; the self-made flying machine must be within 6m (l) X 6m (w) x 3m (h) with less than 100kg as the machine’s total weight ; the aircraft must powered by human force and fly from a 6 meters high deck. To win you must score high in the three criteria: flight distance, creativity and showmanship and only the winning team can earn the Red Bull Flugtag 2014 Hong Kong pilot flight license! Watch out for that ‘bullish’ pilot soaring into the sky or sinking into the water! You are what you build.   Red Bull Flugtag Hong Kong 2014 – May 11th - West Kowloon Heliport +852 3426 3376 - www.redbullflugtag.hk - To view the competition is free of charge

Dragon’s boat 1,2,3 row!!

The annual Dragon Boat championship is held at the start of June on Stanley beach. A hundred 20-strong teams throw themselves into narrow boats in a race to the beat of the drum. The athletes train all winter to achieve the perfect balance and make their mark on this legendary race. The story goes that a public figure called Qu Yuan was despairing of his government and threw himself into the river. The river people jumped into their boats and rowed to save him beating their drums to ward off any marine predators. Unfortunately they were too late and Qu Yuan drowned. They threw rice into the river to quiet his tormented soul. The legend lives on and adds a touch of authenticity to this sports festival. So come and cheer these athletes on and keep the legend alive.

Gastro

Soccer Seven Samba in the air

There’s going to be an air of the World Cup over Happy Valley at the end of May. For two days, Soccer Seven will bring together talented players from the greatest clubs in Europe (including Manchester United, Arsenal, AC Milan, FC Barcelona and Bayern Munich) during a short championship. As an exception, the Beautiful Game will be borrowing the term “Seven” from Rugby which is so popular in Hong Kong. Unlike Rugby, Football is described as a gentleman’s sport played by thugs, and it’s not as if that can be contradicted by Zinedine Zidane. You be the judge! Last year, the English Premier League club Leicester City won Soccer Sevens for the first time, knocking Newcastle United off the top! Place your bets now and come and support the players during their last rehearsal before Rio mania takes over!

urban guide

Crazy about choux

It all started when Sandra and Yossi met each other. Both French, both working in Hong Kong - Sandra in real estate, Yossi in finance – and above all else both into the very best of gourmet food. Very soon they both had the same dream, to start a small business selling delicious delicacies…

“The macaroon has had its day, so we thought of choux pastries!” Both discerning gourmets with years behind them in Japan sampling its subtle cuisine, Sandra and Yossi set up their 126 grammes* cake shop in Hong Kong. But although the two friends like cooking, they know that pastry-making cannot be perfected overnight. So they called upon professionals to make the best choux pastry and develop the flavourings. “We asked a great French pastry chef to prepare the flavours for our current collection. He has managed to bring out the flavours while working on a special texture for each one. ”Rose and raspberry, strawberry and ginger or yuzu (a Japanese citrus fruit), the recipe is different depending on the taste…“ To make the mandarin more subtle, it is combined with mascarpone.” So there isn’t one choux recipe as such, but as many as there are created flavours! This pretty Aberdeen Street store, which opened in December 2012, has its own loyal customers who often step through the door of this lovely Parisian-style cake shop to try out the latest home-made creations. “Our pastry chef has a surprise in store every week and sometimes every day if we’re feeling inspired!” Whether it is a Paris-Brest, a chocolate tart or a heart-shaped cake for Saint Valentine’s Day,

126 grammes is not short on imagination or talent to give us a delicious treat while retaining the business ethos of traditional French patisserie with a modern take and Asian flavours! “People come back because they’re never disappointed. We are creative, but above all else, we’re consistent. I learnt that from my father who was a tailor and who had the same customers for over 20 years!” The small company is also a real hit with orders for special occasions. Whether it’s for weddings, birthdays or company events, 126 grammes can accommodate any request. Cakes are put together according to the customer’s wishes, the choux pastries are piled up into towers, new flavours are even dreamt up for certain occasions and the packaging can be completely customised! “We try to create on the hoof. Sometimes our pastry chefs sometimes go a bit haywire, but that’s part of our attraction. We respond as quickly as the Sentier**!” A new collection is currently being developed… Yet another reason to give into temptation and try these little choux pastries which date back to the 16th century (under Catherine de’ Medici) and which are now seeing a new chapter in their history! Warning – highly addictive!

*126 grammes, refers to the weight of the first tin of choux pastries baked. **Sentier: A district in Paris initially known for textiles and garments whose ability to respond quickly shook up the ready-to-wear sector in the ‘70s.

Where: Stanley beach When: June 2nd 2104

126 grammes - 42 Aberdeen Street, Hong Kong - +852 2886 1885 www.126grammes.com/ Soccer Seven - May 23th to 25th - Hong Kong Football Club – 3 Sports Road, Happy Valley, Hong Kong - www.hksoccersevens.com - www.ticketflap.com

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urban guide

Gastro

Upper Modern Bistro - The Chef’s kitchen

Gastro When Dim Sum gets a makeover… Did you know? Upper Lascar Row in Sheung Wan is named after the ‘lascars’, the name given to Indians from the British army who used to live in this district in great numbers! The expression ‘Cat Street’, the nickname for this typical

Once upon a time a Michelin starred French chef opened his own bistro in the very heart of Sheung Wan. After earning his stripes at Pierre Gagnaire in Paris, London and Hong Kong at the helm of the Michelin starred Pierre, Philippe Orrico joined the eminent Hullett House running four restaurants including the famous Michelin starred St George. Philippe Orrico’s first solo venture with Upper Modern Bistro may be unexpected but his dishes certainly aren’t! “I wanted to serve clean and simple gourmet food with a fresh, light and modern twist on rustic dishes.” The menu features traditional French bistronomy dishes such as terrine, Sole Meunière and steak tartare, premium produce such as truffle, pata negra, foie gras and local ingredients such as sesame, ponzu and nori. The chef loves playing with textures, temperatures and east-west fusion. The tastebud tingling menu may have you spoilt for choice so here’s a tip: the customers have already set their hearts on The Mushroom soup, The 63 degree egg and The Pistachio barre! In a chic modern bistro whose ceiling is peppered with petals, the owner has also ensured his patrons are comfortable and has generously opened his kitchen, heart and soul to them!

Hong Kong street, refers to the street’s bazaar which a few years back mainly offered stolen goods, called ‘rat goods’ in Cantonese, to buyers who naturally were nicknamed ‘cats’! But let’s get back to the point or should I say the food, because although Nicolas Elalouf has decided to set up his restaurant in this street, it is in no way connected to these two anecdotes but quite simply to his love for the district! After 6 years in Hong Kong, this extremely affable young man from Switzerland wanted to develop new flavours with Dim Sum, one of his favourite types of cuisine. Not a problem for this graduate from the Hospitality Management School in Lausanne, who last November opened his restaurant which reinterprets Cantonese cuisine using European products: ratatouille or fois gras dumplings, burger-style buns and mango spring rolls, not to mention Nutella Balls with sesame seeds served warm...simply irresistible! The quality is unquestionable and you can understand why… Nicolas has called upon two specialist chefs, one who has honed his skills at Din Tai Fung (the best dumplings in Hong Kong?!) and the other who has come from Robuchon! In short, the perfect marriage for truly delicious dishes. You definitely have to try them! Man MO Café – 40, Upper Lascar Row, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong +852 2644 5644 – www.manmocafe.com

Upper Modern Bistro - 6-14 Upper Station street, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong +852 2517 0977 - www.upper-bistro.com

Serge et le Phoque, an intense gourmet experience in Wanchai! Strolling through Wanchai market, with its throngs of florists, clothes sellers, fishmongers and other carnivorous colleagues, what should you come across but a bistro-style restaurant with a sharp designer look right in the middle of this popular bustling bazaar! This little gem opened up its doors and its kitchens last summer, led by three Frenchmen: the two star Michelin chef Christophe Pelé, Christophe Peneau owner of the prime Parisian gourmet venues Le Chateaubriand, Le Dauphin and the luxury kebab house Grillé, and Charles Pelletier, the front-of-house manager, who always has a boundless bubbly welcome for you! Serge et le Phoque offers a refined French menu with a hint of Japanese flavour, such as miso, the yuzu citrus fruit and the Shiso leaf, all of which you’ll be delighted to find on your plate. The meat comes straight from the French star butcher Hugo Desnoyer and all the wines are 100% natural. All in all, you have a delicious meal in a setting which has found just the right balance between design, fun and the friendly touch, all looking out onto exciting street scenes. Spring will bring more delicious treats on offer on Sundays, with brunch at midday and an 8-dish taster menu in the evening at a bargain price. Two new good reasons to come back often and rub shoulders with Serge and his seal!

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Duddell’s

Hutong for ever

The one star arty venue It is without doubt the cosiest terrace in Central, with its unfinished wooden floor, lush vegetation, mismatched armchairs and comfy sofas. As soon as you sit down, you’ll feel like you were meant to be here! This haven of tranquillity, this delightful refuge from the crowds, is all yours. But Duddell’s has quite a few other hidden treasures... Designed as a club for cultural and artistic exchange, the establishment organises a myriad of events involving fashion, music, cinema, literature, design, architecture and the visual arts, and the wide variety of exhibitions, performances, talks and screenings make you want to keep coming back! It’s a genuine cultural breeding ground led by world-class artists, curators and cultural leaders. What makes this unique spot particularly charming is that it has been designed, not as a gallery, but like a collector’s house on two floors where you can eat, drink and socialise! You also have the chance to treat yourself to an intense gourmet experience since the Cantonese cuisine from the Dining Room chef has just been awarded a Michelin star. And if you climb up to the next floor, you can feast on Dim Sum, Chinese dishes and other cocktails prepared by THE award-winning mixologist. All this in the eminently relaxed atmosphere of the Lounge AND the Garden Terrace. Coming back is always a pleasure!

urban guide

BO Innovation

Successful fusion From the time you book (please book in advance to avoid disappointment), Bo Innovation really lives up to its name! Nestled on the third floor of a building in the Wanchai area, the clean and modern setting has a warm and elegant atmosphere and a terrace for patrons to enjoy in good weather. Open the menu and you’ll be sure of one thing: you’re having fusion cooking tonight! This style of cooking became very fashionable in 70s New York and involves combining flavours and cultures on a plate by using local ingredients in a foreign recipe or putting an exotic twist on a traditional dish. Bo Innovation deconstructs the form and texture of a traditional Chinese ingredient but keeps its original flavour and uses a technique from a different country. A knowledgeable and unassuming guide takes you on a culinary journey and describes the ingredient and how it is transformed. Signature dishes include: Tomato «pat chun» vinegar and Black truffle «chian dan chee». “I like to challenge people’s expectations, to surprise and excite them,” said Chef Alvin Leung Jr. The gamble has paid off as Bo Innovation has just been awarded its third Michelin star!

Hutong may not be new but it’s a stalwart on Hong Kong’s restaurant scene. Its 28th floor Tsim Sha Tsui setting on One Peking Road has outstanding views of Hong Kong’s bay. Unlike the cold decor and tinted glass in some places, Hutong’s interior is warmly inviting with wood and lacquer furnishings (at their best in the darkened setting), candles and red lanterns. Named after narrow streets commonly associated with Beijing, Hutong serves specialities from Northern China and fusion dishes with foreign ingredients. The extensive menu means you’re spoilt for choice but there are no bad surprises: dumplings galore, fried asparagus for vegetarians, grilled beef tenderloin for carnivores and the signature “Red Lantern” Szechuan speciality for spice lovers. There’s something for everyone! You have to try the new brunch during the week-end, It’s good and fun! And before you leave make sure you hang a wish on the tree…probably to come back as soon as possible!

BO Innovation - Shop 13, 2/F, J Residence 60 Johnston road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong +852 2850 8371 - www.boinnovation.com Duddell’s - Leve 3 & 4, Shangai Tang Mansion, 1 Duddell Street, Central, Hong Kong +852 2525 9191 - www.duddells.co

Hutong - 28F, 1 Peking Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong +852 3428 8342 - http://aqua.com.hk

Serge et le Phoque – 3 Wanchai road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong +852 5465 2000

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urban guide

Gastro

Hotel

urban guide

Red Chamber Cigar Divan Attention all cigar lovers!

Tucked away on the 4th floor of the Pedder Building, a small paradise with the feel of a private club awaits cigar lovers. Mirrors scattered here and there, varnished furniture, richly coloured rugs, fringed velvet armchairs, soft lighting... the location with its ultra retro Chinese look is certainly not lacking in appeal or regular customers.  This is not the first Cigar Divan in Hong Kong founded by Sir David Tang, the sole retailer of Cuban cigars in Asia through The Pacific Cigar Company Ltd. He has ten other premises to delight Havana cigar smokers, including the historic address of none other than the Mandarin Oriental cellar.  From noon until midnight, the cellar sells its finest Cuban treasures, which can be taken away, smoked or kept on-site in one of its 100 private cigar lockers. A collection of accessories puts the finishing touches to this elegant venue. The House also has its own brand, Siglo, but gives pride of place to Ellie Bleu, Dunhill and David Linley. A selection which will become firm favourites, just like this cigar cave decorated with finely drawn fish and the completely incongruous but nevertheless select collection of Fox umbrellas from England.  Aficionados, bienvenido! Red Chamber Cigar Divan - Shop 405 - 406A, Pedder Building, 12 Pedder Street, Central, Hong Kong - + 852 2537 0977 - www.pacificcigar.com - www.sigloaccessory.com

La Maison Ladurée – for Les Merveilleuses* of Hong Kong *Merveilleuses (French) refers to the “marvellous”

The story of Ladurée began in 1862, when Louis Ernest Ladurée opened a bakery in Paris at 16 rue Royale. With the early 20th century, Paris loves new venues and entertainments! Women enjoyed meeting people in literature’s salons. That’s how Jeanne Souchard, Ernest Ladurée’s wife, had the idea to launch one of the first Tea salon of the capital by combine a « café parisien » and a bakery. Few years later, Pierre Desfontaines,  Louis Ernest Ladurée’s cousin, created the macaron as we know it today, with the creamy ganache in between the two macaron shells. The 152-year-old company has first opened its doors to Hong Kong in December 2013. Historically, Parisians flocked to the «salon de thé» with beautiful umbrellas and elegant gowns, now this patisserie has evolved to enchant the clicking high heels of urban women. David Holder as the Chairman of Ladurée and Vice-Chairman of the Holder Group is definitely a man who appreciates the beauty in fine things. Ladurée macarons embody the French “art de vivre” of “what is really beautiful can intrinsically enchant women by exciting their five senses in an overwhelming manner”. At the boutiques, there are multiple selections of gift boxes and from the 13th March, Ladurée will have a seasonal flavour of Marie-Antoinette Tea and Lemon Verbena. Ladurée true to its art, never fails to enthrall us. Ladurée – Shop 211, Level 2, The Landmark, Central - +852 2579 0311 - www.laduree.com

Pomegranate Kitchen, the fruit of a passion Maria Bizri has cooking in her heart and puts her heart into her cooking. Originally from the Lebanon, her professional and then her private life led her to Canada, Pakistan, Indonesia and then finally to Hong Kong in 2010. With every dinner she organised and destination she stayed in, her cooking developed more depth, her creativity blossomed and her talent became more obvious. Maria spent more and more time in the kitchen to the great delight of her guests who encouraged her to set up on her own. And so Pomegranate Kitchen was born! It wasn’t long before her catering business found its public. She has a wonderful way with spices, herbs, and sweet and savoury, bitter-sweet flavours. Her Mediterranean cuisine with its South Asian and Eastern flavours is really making waves! 164 | SPRING 2014 - www.cote-magazine.hk

In 2013, Maria set up premises in Aberdeen, on the 4th floor of an industrial building. This bright, spacious venue has a huge terrace, ideal for organising private or corporate dinner events and cocktail evenings. Her menu changes every month and Maria adapts the menus according to people’s wishes. Her favourite dishes are the 6 hour slow roasted chermoula lamb, the organic salmon fillet topped with gremolata, and her Fatteh and Foule. Unfamiliar with these dishes? Well, hurry up and book! Every Thursday, Maria organises a private dinner to which you can come on your own, with your partner or with friends. It’s a unique experience, so why not treat yourself to a genuine feast! Pomegranate Kitchen 4B, 44 Wong Chuk Hang Road, Aberdeen, Hong Kong + 852 2580 0663 – www.pomegranate.com.hk

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Hotel

Refined style, excellent service and a legendary reputation...

With its two stars, the gourmet Pierre restaurant is a dream location to savour innovative French cuisine. Let gastronomy magician Pierre Gagnaire weave his spell and enchant you with an extraordinary culinary experience, while you wonder at the fabulous view over Victoria harbour from its location on the 25th floor. This temple of refinement is run by Pierre Gagnaire’s protégé Jean-Denis Le Bras, who revisits gourmet classics with bravura and style.

Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong, founded in 1963, offers the perfect combination of contemporary luxury and oriental heritage. It has been headed since 2009 by Swiss Jonas Schuermann and was named hotel of the year 2013 by Virtuoso, the travel industry’s luxury network.

5 Connaught Road Central, Hong Kong (RAS) +852 2522 0111 www.mandarinoriental.com/hongkong

The legendary establishment is ideally located in Hong Kong’s Central district and provides its clients with a consistently faultless, exclusive service. It has 501 rooms and suites, ten restaurants and bars – three of which have Michelin stars – and a majestic spa recognized as one of the thirty finest in the world.

Meanwhile Mandarin Grill + Bar is run by chef Uwe Opocensky and has maintained its one star for five years in a row. The irresistibly tasty menu includes various meat and seafood dishes. The Chef and his troops are at your service, ready to lead you on an exploration of their exceptionally delicious cuisine. The traditional Man Wah restaurant has also been recognized by the great Michelin guide. Here you can enjoy authentic Cantonese cuisine with a modern twist. Chef Man-Sing Lee will arouse your tastebuds with the incomparable flavours of his creative recipes, such as crab meat with egg white, to name but one.

Pierre

Three starred restaurants in one hotel

welcome to Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong !

Jonas A Schuermann, General Manager and Area Vice President Operations

urban guide

Man Wah

urban guide

Where Hong Kong society meets

The Krug Room

Next stop The Chinnery, the relaxed alternative to the gourmet restaurants with an intimate, traditional atmosphere. The focus is on British cuisine, The Mandarin Cake Shop

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with one of the world’s finest collections of single malt whiskies. The Captain’s Bar is almost as legendary as the hotel itself and, being a great favourite with the locals, will surround you with the real Hong Kong. Known for its silver beer mugs and jazz concerts, it marked the hotel’s 50th anniversary by launching 25 silver tancards and 25 silver martini glasses inscribed with the names of its most loyal clients. Don’t plan for an early night.

The hotel has 501 rooms, including 71 suites, featuring exquisite interior design and up-to-theminute technology. Each room is furnished and decorated to provide peace, quiet and harmony. Beauty products from Hermès and Acqua di Parma are at your disposal for a little touch of home.

M bar

Captain’s Bar

Our tour begins at The Krug Room, which offers taster menus in an intimate restaurant for 12 people hidden away among the kitchens, for a more intimate experience in partnership with Krug champagne. A must for gourmets! As the afternoon slips by, why not drop into the Clipper Lounge or the Café Causette, both known for their legendary teas. The sweet-toothed will want to stop for cheesecakes and seasonal tarts at The Mandarin Cake Shop. Go on, you know you want to!

And… relax

Last stop on our tour is M bar, the refined, trendy hub of Hong Kong nightlife, with a panoramic view over the whole city. Try a selection of delicious cocktails whose secrets are known only to the barman! Mandarin Suite

Forget city stress and give yourself up to total relaxation in the extensive The Mandarin Spa , awarded five stars by the famous Forbes guide. Facilities include an indoor swimming pool, eight treatment rooms, a barber and a gym open 24/7. A range of amazing treatments is on hand, including the “Imperial Jade Ritual”, the hotel group’s most recent invention. The ritual uses Chinese well-being techniques and ingredients to balance your mind and body.

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Hotel

urban guide

‘Brighten Up Your Day’

at Feast (Food by EAST Hotel)

Afternoon Tea Inspired by Cath Kidston and Penney Pang, Award-Winning Cake Designer

From 24 March to 18 May 2014, Feast (Food by EAST Hotel) will be collaborating with Cath Kidston, the modern vintage British fashion and lifestyle brand, for an exclusive themed afternoon tea artistically directed by the award-winning cake designer, Penney Pang. Are you up for a classic British high-tea on a relaxing afternoon?! While tasting Penney Pang’s signature floral cakes, you will be inspired by Cath Kidston’s bright and beautiful Spring/Summer 2014 collection – Brighten Up Your Day. The themed afternoon tea includes an afternoon tea set during weekdays and a tea buffet during weekends. Highlights from the British Flair of the set include the Tea-Smoked Salmon, Rose Cream-Filled Macaroon and Earl Grey Cupcake. Penney Pang is an award-winning sugarcraft artist specializing in bespoke designer wedding cakes.Penney’s exceptional handcraft skill has won her a Gold title in UK’s Cake International and The British Sugarcraft Guild, just to name a few. David Parkin and Penney Pang EAST Hong Kong is a lifestyle business hotel by Swire Hotels with a casual allday dining restaurant Feast (Food by EAST) which serves international cuisine EAST Hong Kong – 29 Tai Koo Shing Rd, Hong Kong and authentic specialties of Asia and a rooftop lounge bar Sugar with views +852 3968 3968 - www.east-hongkong.com across the harbour.

For reservations, please email: feastreservations@east-hongkong.com or call +852 3968 3777

The Peninsula Hong Kong,

THE COOLEST JOB EVER! W INSIDER

The Peninsula has built its reputation on the finest traditions of service and hospitality in Hong Kong since it first opened on 11th December, 1928. Located on Salisbury Road, Tsimshatsui, this unique hotel with a long history is at the heart of Kowloon’s business, shopping and entertainment centre overlooking the Victoria Harbour.The Peninsula is renowned for its twin helipads and a fleet of 14 new Rolls-Royce Phantoms. After the last extension, the Hotel now proposes 300 rooms among them the famous Marco Polo Suite. You will find also a large range of facilities: swimming pool, Sun Terrace, state-of-the-art Fitness Centre, Spa and Business Centre. The exciting rooftop restaurant created by celebrated French designer Philippe Starck, Felix brings contemporary chic to The Peninsula. Featuring spectacular views of Hong Kong’s skyline and Modern European cuisine, Felix is an unforgettable venue for cocktails, dinner and midnight tapas. With an accent on Classic Modernity, which adheres to the design tenets of simplicity and chic elegance, the new rooms showcase the finest materials and craftsmanship. Boasting a bespoke luxury residential feel, with an aesthetic that melds the distinctive design touches and practicality present in today’s luxury yachts, motorcars and private jets, the new design takes The Peninsula guest experience to the next level of in-room comfort.

The W Insider plays a major role at W Hotels around the world, including W Hollywood, W Barcelona and W Paris-Opera! Meet W Hong Kong’s Insider, Charlie Lin, the people person in Eastern Manhattan who connects W to the city. Charlie’s W Hotel: “W Hotels is a stylish and dynamic brand that allows huge flexibility and freedom to both its talent and guests. As long as it is legal and moral, we can do practically almost anything to make the guests happy… a truly enjoyable place to work!” Bringing its signature Whatever/Whenever® service philosophy, the 393-room property presents a stunning view of West Kowloon Harbour, award winning Bliss spa, cutting edge business, superior recreation facilities, two signature restaurants Sing Yin Cantonese Dining and KITCHEN with an eventful WOOBAR that are all set to tempt the city’s chic set. Imagine luxurious yacht experience, front-row seats at exclusive fashion shows and meeting megastars like Avril Lavigne, Charlie is the person who paints the WOW expression on her guests. Charlie’s career experiences range from San Francisco CBS/ Warner Brothers (KBCW Bay Area) television station to being the ambassador of Taiwan in Shanghai Asia Expo. From arranging surprise wedding proposals for loyal guests to leading a group of top-tier media on a private Hong Kong insider tour of the hidden gems in Sheung Wan, no request is too large or too small for W Hong Kong’s Insider to accomplish. If one books at the W Hotel, rumor has it that you will meet Charlie in a 60-second film (embedded in the confirmation email) featuring landmarks of Hong Kong, like Chinese Opera, Kung Fu, Yacht, Junk Boat and more. Meet the W Insider to find out!

The Peninsula Hong Kong - Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong - +852 2920 2888 - www.peninsula.com

W Hotel – 1 Austin Road West, Kowloon Station Kowloon, Hong Kong +852 3717 2222 - www.w-hongkong.com

at tradition and modernity

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Review Unforgettable events by our paparazzi

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SIHH 2014 2014 january 20th and 21st Palexpo in Geneva, Switzerland

Celibrities at the IWC booth SIHH 2014 ! During the 2014 SIHH, numerous « Friends of the Brand » - actors, athletes or entertainment people…- visited the booth to discover the new watches. To mark the launch of the new Aquatimer collection, IWC Schaffhausen and around 800 guests from all over the world (Kevin Spacey, Marc Forster, Ewan McGregor or Luís Figo…) gathered at the SIHH for a very special kind of evening: the highlight of the evening was a performance designed especially for IWC by Cirque du Soleil with musical interludes provided by former Supertramp vocalist Roger Hodgson… (all photographies PHOTOPRESS/IWC Schaffhausen – photographer

Lima and Adriana Kern Georges

Fattoria Fibbiano wine testing at Dinh Van 2014 january 16th Dinh Van Paris Lee Gardens Boutique

On January 16th, Fattoria Fibbiano, a delightful Italian winery in Toscana Italy, and Dinh Van Paris Lee Gardens Boutique organized together an exclusive fine Italian wine tasting. The owner, Matteo Cantoni, introduced the story of Fattoria Fibbiano and described his high quality wines. A perfect harmony between two worlds! Ewan McGr egor visi ts the IWC booth

Storm Uechtritz, Ronan Keating, Georges Kern and Ewan McGregor

Chris Jakson except the ones mentionned)

John Helliwell and Georges Kern, CEO of IWC Schaffhausen

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Helen Sv edin and Luis Figo

Georges Kern, CEO of IWC Schaffhausen, Marc Forster, Susan Sarandon, Moritz Bleibtreu and Thomas Kretschmann

performs with Ewan McGregor C «Inil at the IW le So du ue hotoCirq (p t en ev la » Ga ) side The Wave tt ne Be M. d grapher Davi

Georges Kern, CE O of IWC Scha ffhausen , and Roge r Hodgso n

Cirque du Soleil perform on stage at the IWC «Inside The Wave» Ga la event (photogr apher Da vid M. Benett )

xxxxx

Susan Sarandon visits the IWC booth

Georges Kern, and Karolina Kurkova xxxxx

Galina Mazaev and Sergey Mazaev

Susan Sa randon an d Kevin Sp acey

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Prince Ab dulaziz Turki al Faisai at the IWC booth

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Ladurée New Opening Cocktail 2013 december 12th Landmark Hong Kong

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‘Art is not for sale’ by Christian Rhomberg & Konstantin Bessmertny 2014 February 21st KEE Club Hong Kong

On Friday 21st Febraury 2014, Russian artist Konstantin Bessmertny unveiled his thought-provoking & satirical art piece dedicated to Hong Kong. It was an evening filled with live art performances, music, KEE members and HK’s art lovers! Konstantin Bessmertny’s art piece ot KEE, Level 7 will be exhibited exclusively only at KEE Hong Kong for the next few months!

Last December, Maison Ladurée has opened it first boutique in Landmark one of the most prestigious location of Hong Kong! David Holder as the Chairman of Ladurée and Vice-Chairman of the Holder Group was there to welcome its new VIP clients!

Anina Ho, Rougemont, Laurent de d Martin vi Da d an David Holder

Angel Chan

David Holder and Gaile

Alex Lam

Laurent de Rougemont, Dervla Louli, Lauen Yee and David Holder David Holder with Laduree Maca ron Pyramid

Helen Rong

oy da Ch Yolan

Jacqueli ne liu & Winnie Ch an Sharon Kwok and Sharon Cheung

Christine AuYang

FeiPing, David Holder and Kam Kwok Leung

Real Ting and Helen Rong

Veroni ca Lam Anina Ho

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the

Longines Hong Kong Masters 2014 2014 February 24th AsiaWorld - Expo Hong Kong

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Lexus CT Launch Party 2014 January 17th Lexus Showroom, Wan Chai

Lexus, the luxury vehicle division of Japanese automaker Toyota Motor Corporation, has launched their new model Lexus CT. Celebrities such as Sharon Chan and Edwin Siu attended the party.

The second edition of the Longines Hong Kong Masters took place in AsiaWorld-Expo end of February. As the title partner and official timekeeper, the Swiss watch brand - passionate for equestrian sports - presented two highlights of the event: the Longines Speed Challenge, won by Kevin Staut on Quismy des Vaux H D C and the Longines Grand Prix, attended by Longines Ambassador of Elegance Aaron Kwok and won by Henrik von Eckermann riding Gotha FRH on Sunday 23 February. Prize-giving Ceremony with Mr. Kevin Rollenhagen, Managing Director Swatch Group (Hong Kong) Ltd., Aaron Kwok, Katharina Offel, second at the Longines Grand Prix, Henrik von Eckermann, winner of the Longines Grand Prix, Ludger Beerbaum, third at the Longines Grand Prix, Mr. Walter von K채nel, President of Longines, Mrs. Fernanda Ameeuw, Masters Grand Slam Ambassador, and Mr. Christophe Ameeuw, EEM World President

Sharon Chan, Mr. Patrick S. Lee, CEO of Inchcape North Asia and China; Ms. Chika Kako, Chief Engineer of New Lexus CT; Edwin Siu

Sharon Chan

Henrik von Eckermann on Gotha FRH

, Aaron Kwok d and Jane Richar K채nel von Mr. Walter

Rabeea Yeung

Katharina Offel on Charlie

Aaron Kwok, Longines Ambassador of Elegance

Mr. Walter von K채nel, President of Longines, and Aaron Kwok

of Ambassador d, Longines San Patrignano Jane Richar di ad is on Upan Elegance,

Sharon Chan & Edwin Siu

Mr. Walter von K채nel, Jane Richard, Longines Ambassador of Elegance, Katharina Offel, Hen rik von Eckermann, Aaron Kwok, and Ludger Beerbaum

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Edwin Siu

Jane Rich ard, Long Elegance , on Dieu ines Ambassador donne de of Guldenbo om

Edwin Siu

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Miu Miuâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s New Store on Peking Road 2014 January 8th N0.1 Peking Road Tsim Sha Tsui

Miu Miu celebrated on January 8th the opening of the flagship store on the prestigious Peking Road. An elite crowd of celebrities and socialites in town were invited to attend the cocktail reception including Shu Qi, Angelababy Yeung, Hilary Tsui, as well as Shin-Hye Park, the popular Korean actress and Kiko Mizuhara, the famous Japanese model were especially invited to attend the cocktail reception.

Maserati Ghibli Launch Party 2014 January 10th 1881 Heritage

The ltalian luxury sports cars brand Maserati officially launched the Ghibli S model on 10 January 2014 at the 1881 Heritage Hullet House. The VIP guests included Hong Kong singer and artist Julian Cheung, Kelly Fu, Jacqueline Châ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ng and Ava Yu.

Chan Otto Chan & Tisha Law

Kathy Chow

Karena Ng

Shu Qi

Kiko Mizuhara Angelababy Ye ung

Jennifer Tse, Aldo Gotti, General Manager Miu Miu Commerical Area

Amand a Str ang

e Park Shin-Hy

Fei Ping Chang,Olivia Buckingham

Kiko Mizuhara ,Shin-Hye Park, Angelababy Yeung, Hilary Tsui, Karena Ng

Shu Qi, Armando Tolome lli, Prada Asia Pacific CEO

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Sammie Yu, Johanna Ho, Karena Ng

Johanna Ho

Fei Pin g C Victori hang, a Tang

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mood

By Lauriane Zonco

The unbearable

lightness of (my) being

Trendy. There’s a word you’d never use to describe a new look you really like. If you wanted to say it like you meant it, maybe you’d say it was “on trend” or “hot” or “now” (though watch out, because “now” is fast becoming then…).

But “trendy”? No, no one says that any more, not in 2014. That doesn’t mean we’re rid of the word forever though, because when today’s terms lose their edge, old ones can suddenly acquire a retro charm, an ironic twinkle, a new niche and hey presto, “groovy” is “cool” all over again. New or old, in or out, all these words mean that, with a look and flair that’s all our own, we are following – embodying – the trend.

in these pages, and around 10,000 others, in every latitude and language. Even if you pride yourself on rising above this bizarre agitation (one of those resolutions that last a week max), it’s a safe bet that the trend will find a way to get you under its thumb (if you need proof, think of all those daft items you swore you’d never be seen dead in and which mysteriously appeared in your wardrobe all the same).

And the trend is set for us month by month, week by week and even – thanks to the wonderful advances (?) of the internet – minute by minute via magazines and blogs. But like the ritual pre-summer diet – that other eternal battle (sigh) – in the end it can sometimes feel that we are going found in circles, round and round and round like the wheels on the bus (oh we’re full of the joys of spring this month). Because, as in the game of musical chairs – that special form of torture invented for children – every season some trend is suddenly out, to be replaced by another that often has something rather familiar about it.

Whether it’s marketing magic or some kind of schizophrenic need to be different while hanging on to the safety of fashion victimhood, I already know all resistance is futile and that by the end of spring I’ll be slavering over something I’d have met with no more than a sneer a few months earlier. From fashion to culture, art, music, food and even linguistic tics, the trend is everywhere. You will occasionally come across one of those rare beings who really (and I mean really) don’t give a hoot – and no, I don’t mean the sainted Kate Moss... These happy few are not above the trend, but outside it. Frankly, they don’t give a damn. If one of these specimens is a friend of yours, for goodness sake don’t try to give him or her a makeover.

Even grunge, which we thought (hoped and prayed) was dead and buried, has come back to haunt us this winter, in its multimillionaire Saint Laurent version (so 2013!!). So which of those impulse buys of yore now hidden away in our closets will be coming back to delight us this spring? The answer lies

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For our own mental health we need people who honestly can’t place Karl Lagerfeld.