Hon'ne VOL.01 by Hon'ne Magazine

VOL .01

MARCH 2015

START FROM LAYERS VOL .01

MARCH 2015

HON’NE MAGAZINE EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Savia Chan

CHINESE EDITOR Dani Chong

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Dani Chong

ENGLISH EDITOR Cliff Wu

ART DIRECTOR Savia Chan Nayoung Lim

INTERVIEWER Savia Chan

PHOTOGRAPHER Savia Chan STYLIST Nayoung Lim MAKEUP & HAIR Ivy Law

GRAPHIC DESIGNER Dani Chong CONTRIBUTOR Joe Kwan Nelson Chan Savia Chan Vincent Chan Miss Caj Mr. BoyBoy

SPECIAL THANKS TO Berayah Sumyu Li Trypophobia Yeonje Choi Lee Lam Shen Lim

DIRECTOR’S NOTE “Honne”是日文字「本音」的羅馬拼音，意思是”What a person truly believes; the behaviour and opinions which are often kept hidden and only displayed with one's closest confidants.” 當初被這個字吸引的原因是它帶給我「家的感覺」，借用一位設計師朋友的說法，給人一種「歸心之所」的聯想。家，是讓人處於放鬆狀態，做回自己，展現真我的地方。平面設計師莊丹妮在接受訪問中談及音樂與創作的關係時，生動而扼要地概說了不同類型的音樂如何營造出不同的創作情調與空間，她好玩的一句「搖滾樂就像在大草原裸跑」，如同為Hon’ne創刊號點睛！另一位香港設計師關祖堯，真摯而精闢地與我們分享他的創作哲學和生活態度，讓你驚覺原來「習慣」叫人窒息，唯有懷抱躍動的好奇心方可以攀過山越過海，尋找生活趣味，用心發掘並誠實地保存事物本質的美，不拘一格地融會於作品裡，在創作過程中照見自我。我深信，這兩篇專訪會是處於人生或創作「枯澀期」朋友的暮鼓晨鐘！我們亦希望藉著創辦這本雜誌，呼朋引類，為同樣熱愛創作的同道人提供一個發表作品的平台。 Hon'ne是一本以時尚及文化為主的季刊，投稿請電郵至 honne.magazine@gmail.com

“Honne” is the romanised form of the Japanese word “本音” which means: “What a person truly believes; the behaviour and opinions which are often kept hidden and only displayed with one's closest confidants.” My attraction towards this word originates from the ‘homely’ feeling I get from it. To quote a designer friend of ours, the word evokes the sense of “Heart’s desire for Home Coming”. Home is a place that allows us to relax, be oneself and where the “real me” truly emerges. During my interview with graphic designer Dani Chong, she talks about her idea of a relationship between music and creativity. She concisely described in vivid detail how listening to different types of music would spawn a different mood. She playfully quipped, “Rock & roll is like running naked on a prairie.” This is definitely the defining moment of Hon’ne’s inaugural issue. Then there is Joe Kwan, a graphic and object designer. He shed an intimate light on his creative philosophy and attitude in life on how “being habitual” is stifling. Only through embracing curiosity would we be able to conquer the highest mountains and deepest seas… searching for those moments of joy in life, discovering and preserving the inherent beauty in things allow us to find our true self in creativity. I’m sure these interviews can bring some inspiration to us all and especially to those in need of a creative spark right now. We hope the inauguration of this magazine will bring together some like-minded friends and create a platform to publish their works and share their thoughts. Hon'ne is a quarterly magazine on fashion and culture. For submissions, please contact honne.magazine@gmail.com

HON’NE MAGAZINE

Savia Chan EDITORIAL DIRECTOR

COVER STORY NOT ALL THOSE WHO WANDER ARE LOST...

ART DIRECTOR Savia Chan & Nayoung Lim Photographer: Savia Chan Stylist: Nayoung Lim Model: Veronika M @ Mission Models HK Clothing: Sumyu Li Hat: Yeonje Choi

INTERVIEW

FILMSPIRATION

Dani Chong

莊丹妮

Photo / Savia Chan

TRENDS DON’T REPRESENT TASTE, BUT TASTE CAN DEFINITELY BRING OUT TRENDS.

莊丹妮，香港平面設計師，Hon’ne Magazine / Memes & Friends 創作總監，Mr.BoyBoy的人類媽媽。 Dani Chong - Hong Kong-based graphics designer, creative director of Hon’ne Magazine / Memes & Friends, and human mother of Mr.BoyBoy.

www.danibunny-hk.com | www.memesandfriends.com

INTERVIEW / FILMSPIRATION

小時候的dream job是甚麼？是否從小便對平面設計感興趣？ What was your dream job as a kid? Is it true that you have been interested in graphic design since a young age? 小時候不敢有dream job呀，我只知道我不想成為醫生律師或商人，但如果這樣告訴大人的話會被訓話很久。小時候我只對創作和動物感興趣，最先接觸的是音樂，然後是文字和電影。到真正明白甚麼是藝術，甚麼是設計，兩者之間的差別是甚麼，那已經是高中的事了。 Ha! I never dared to think of having a dream job as a child. I only knew that I didn’t want to become a doctor, lawyer or businesswoman, but obviously I couldn’t say this to an adult for fear of being lectured. I was only interested in creative works and animals. My first artistic exposure was music. Then came literature and film. It probably wasn’t until high school before I fully understood the differences between art and design.

對於你的工作，哪方面/部分是你最享受的？ With regards to your work, which portion or aspect do you enjoy most? 在對象身上找到屬於它的故事，對象可以是一個人，一件商品，或者一個品牌⋯⋯ 無論是生物或是死物，從他們身上找到故事自然就會找到靈感，最後再用我的方法說這個故事。 Finding that story about my subjects. Whether it’s a person, a product, or a brand... Even inanimate objects have stories behind them. All you need to do is find them and I’ll use my own way to interpret them.

假若你碰上客戶要求你創作一些與你個人風格完全不同的作品時，你會怎樣處理？ What would you do if a client requests for something that’s not your style? 有別於藝術創作，商業設計需要顧及服務對象。個人風格我會放在初稿，初稿永遠是費盡心思自己最滿意的版本，接下來根據客戶的個人意見及喜好，我會做一個對方想要的版本，再做一個介乎自己滿意與對方要求之間的版本。藝術創作是種個人情緒與思維的表達，商業設計則需要與客戶磨合。 Unlike art, commercial design must cater to the subject’s needs. I always stamp my style on the first draft. First drafts are always the best version for me. But I always follow that up with one that the subject wants, and another that is kind of an in-between. Art is about self-expression but commercial design is more about finding the right balance.

有沒有哪位藝術家是你最喜歡的？又或是他/她的作品對你來說影響最深遠？ Do you have a favourite artist or a particular piece of work that has had a profound influence on you? 喜歡的真的有太多，每個年代每個地方都會出現很精彩的人。影響深遠的話，第一個應該是Frida Kahlo，她是第一個讓我開始明白人為什麼需要創作的畫家。還有爵士鋼琴家Bill Evans，他曾經給過我一個很強大的震撼，原來鋼琴可以彈出古典樂以外的東西，爵士是一個將古典理論徹底顛覆的世界，我是個從小學古典鋼琴卻覺得古典樂很壓抑的小孩，流行樂是我第一口自由的空氣，搖滾樂就像在大草原裸跑，爵士樂能帶我離開地球，電子樂是太空漫遊。 Where do I begin? There are so many especially when you look around the world or even in terms of a particular period. My first lasting impact was probably Frida Kahlo. She made me think about the need for us to create. Bill Evans was another eye-opener for me and turned my world upside down later in life. I grew up as a classically-trained pianist, but I always felt classical music was pretty repressive and jazz can’t be any further away on that scale. I’d say pop music was my first taste of freedom. Rock & roll is like running naked on a prairie. Jazz can sweep me off the planet and electronica is my Space Odyssey.

INTERVIEW / FILMSPIRATION

音樂會否助你較容易進入創作狀態？當你進行不同類型的創作時，會不會配合著播放不同類型的音樂？ Does music help you get into a creative mode more easily? If so, would you put on different music for different projects? 音樂是每天生活的一部份，我的music playlist是按照心情幫自己安排的，快樂的時候我可以重複聽10次Miles Davis他們的《Kind Of Blue》，生氣的時候我可以重複聽10次Nirvana的《MTV Unplugged in New York》，很累的時候就找Thom Yorke帶我回去月球。 Music is a part of everyday life and my music playlist is set up according to my mood. I could have Miles Davis’ "Kind Of Blue" on repeat 10 times when I’m happy. Angry times could be a 10 times repeat of Nirvana’s "MTV Unplugged in New York" and I’ll get Thom Yorke to take me to the moon when I am very tired.

你很喜歡電影，那麼你覺得最令你著迷的電影元素是甚麼? You love movies. So what is it that fascinates you so much about movies? 電影最重要的是內容吧，電影本身就是不一樣的人用自己的方法說故事，好的劇本很重要，再來要配合演員拍攝手法視覺美指配樂剪接...... 用兩個小時說一個故事是一件很不容易的事。我喜歡看電影，因為我很享受用兩小時經歷別人的人生。我最近看了《Birdman》，離開電影院的時候，我的另一半在按imdb，他說導演之前的作品包括《21Grams》,《Biutiful》, 《Babel》…… 都是我的口味，沈重到壓死人，相比之下《Birdman》多了一份幽默。回家以後我們看了導演的訪談，他說自己一直是一個”spicy man”，現在作為一個50歲的中年人，也是時候上甜點了。Alejandro Iñárritu給了我一個領悟，人只要還在呼吸，就有機會改變自己。 The most important element of a film is content. Films are different people telling stories in their own way. A good script is important too, then you need actors/actress, cinematography, visual and art direction, soundtrack, editing… Telling a story in two hours is not an easy thing to do. I like to watch movies because I really enjoyed spending two hours experiencing someone else’s life. I recently watched “Birdman” and when I was leaving the cinema, my other half was reading out Alejandro Iñárritu’s imdb page naming off “21grams”, “Biutiful”, “Babel”... These were all my kind of films - heavy and depressing. In contrast, “Birdman” has an added element of humour. We watched an interview with Iñárritu when we got back where he said he was a spicy man, and now being a middle-aged 50 year old man, it's time for some dessert. I had an epiphany – as long as one is still breathing, there is always a chance to change.

關於《Filmspiration》，為甚麼會選擇那些電影作電影海報二次創作？ About “Filmspiration”, why did you choose those film posters to redesign? 有段時間工作令我覺得很累，每天回家唯一可以對自己好一點的方法就是看一部電影，”Filmspiration”系列海報是在毫無壓力下純粹自我治療，用很短時間就做出來的作品。日常工作中我需要顧及別人想要的風格，這些自我娛樂的電影海報反而讓我找回創作最基本的快樂。 I had a period of very exhausting work and watching a film was a good way to treat myself when I got home. The “Filmspiration” posters were something I decided to do on a whim as a kind of self therapy. I really didn’t spend too much time on it. There was no pressure to deliver and no one else’s opinion to consider. It helped me to rediscover my joy of being creative again.

一般來說，你較常在何處取得創作靈感？ In general, where do you get your inspiration from? 「我思故我在」－ Descartes 當對一件事物有足夠的瞭解與思考，靈感自然會自己跑出來。 “I think, therefore I am.” to quote Descartes. Ideas will come to you when you have enough understanding about things.

INTERVIEW / FILMSPIRATION

你最近成立了一間叫"Memes & Friends"的工作室，可否告訴我是甚麼令你有成立這工作室的念頭嗎？ You recently set up a new studio Memes & Friends, can you tell me the idea behind this? 有一天我出席了一個喪禮，在回家的路上另一半告訴我，當一個人的身體死去，他所留下來的Memes還會在其他人的生命裡延續下去。Meme這個字，由英國演化生物學家、動物行為學家和科普作家 Richard Dawkins 在1976年於《The Selfish Gene》一書中所發表，將文化傳承的過程，以生物學中的演化規則來做類比。Meme是文化資訊傳承時的單位，可以是一個想法，行為或風格從一個人到另一個人的文化傳播過程。類似遺傳因子的基因，Meme是文化的遺傳因子，會經由複製（模仿）、變異與選擇的過程而演化。我們都不知情地來到這個星球，我們被賦予生命，用自己的方法瞭解與經歷，然後死亡。我們的城市重視效率講求專業，人們習慣忍耐善於承受壓力，工作效率高，快樂指數低。在這個社會，付出與回報永遠不成正比，工作能力再高也不及樓價高，每天忙著爭取用時間換取金錢，習慣性忽視自己，用別人的價值觀與認同感肯定自己。於是我開始構思一個空間，做想做的事、做快樂的事，做對的事。創作是一件快樂的事，工作是生活中很重要的一部份，自己是生命裡最值得被重視的人，必須先認識自己、善待自己，喜歡自己，生活才會快樂。 On the way home after attending a funeral one day, my other half said when the physical body dies, the person leaves behind memes that can be passed on by others. The word meme was coinded by Richard Dawkins, a British evolutionary biologist, animal behaviorists and science writer, in his 1976 book The Selfish Gene. A meme is an idea, behavior, or style that spreads from person to person within a culture. A meme acts as a unit for carrying cultural ideas, symbols, or practices that can be transmitted from one mind to another through writing, speech, gestures, rituals, or other imitable phenomena with a mimicked theme. Our lives all begin unknowingly as we arrived on this planet. We each interpret life in our unique way before life itself passes us. Our cosmopolitian lifestyle demands efficiency and professionalism, and as a result people have learned to cope with living under the stresses it brings while sacrificing some form of happiness. The sacrifices we make in order to fulfill our roles in this society are not justly rewarded. Regardless of your efforts, you’re no match against the climb of housing prices in Hong Kong. You’re forced to live against a set of standards that might not be yours. So I had the idea of starting a space that is my own - a place that is right and brings joy. Work consumes a big part of our daily lives, and being creative brings me joy. A happy life requires us to cherish ourselves, to know one self, be kind and to like one self.

"Memes & Friends"將會推出甚麼類型的創作? What kind of projects will Memes & Friends launch？ Memes & Friends暫時會主力做一些藝術設計與心理／自我治療作結合的projects，我們希望分享創作的快樂，用作品和大家探討關於生活與人生。一個人要學會瞭解自己，喜歡自己，才能體會自己為什麼要活著。除了Memes & Friends，我們也成立了Friends of Memes，計劃與不同範疇的創作人合作，推出各類型創作／商品／展覽。 Memes & Friends will for the time being focus on projects that have elements of design and self-help. We hope to share our joy from being creative through projects that explore issues related to living and life. Having a purpose in life requires us to learn how to understand and love ourselves. Alongside Memes & Friends, we have also established Friends of Memes, which will collaborate with creative minds from different backgrounds on various projects, products and exhibitions.

有人說過藝術的創作是孤獨的，你認同這個說法嗎？ Do you agree with the saying “artistic creation is lonely”? 藝術的創作可以不是孤獨的，但創作的過程通常是孤獨的。就算是一個團隊一起在進行創作，你還是必須專注在自己負責的部分，徹底的專注對我來說是一種很接近孤獨的狀態。 Artistic creation doesn’t have to be lonely, but the creative process often is. Even if you are working within a creative team, you still need to focus on your own responsibilities. I think being completely focused is very close to loneliness.

INTERVIEW / FILMSPIRATION

作為一位資歷較深的平面設計師，有沒有甚麼建議可以給一些準備晉身這個行業的人？ As an experienced graphic designer, do you have any advice to give to those new to the industry? 雨傘運動過後，我反而一直在思考自己從年輕人身上學習到甚麼。從事我們這個行業很辛苦，這條路不容易走，說真的要放棄比要堅持容易得多。2014年底香港出現過的每一把傘，每一條絲帶，每一朵小花，都在告訴我，這裡有一群年輕人看不到未來，但他們堅持不放棄為自己與下一代爭取未來的權利。這也是為什麼會成立Memes & Friends的原因，我知道很困難，但我想和他們一起嘗試改變這個看不見未來的家。雞蛋和高牆，我一直都是以一顆雞蛋的身份生存著，我不用選擇立場，於是我思考的是作為一顆雞蛋，除了自殺式把自己丟向高牆以外，還能做甚麼？也許一群雞蛋經過修練之後有機會變成鐵蛋？（就台灣那小吃，堅韌無比，用來丟高牆的話至少可以多丟幾次。） I’ve actually been thinking about what I have learnt from our youths since the Umbrella Revolution broke out. Working in our industry is tough. You’re easily tempted to give up somewhere along the road. Every umbrella, ribbon and flower that appeared since September 2014 tells me that despite the bleek future seen in those youths’ eyes, their fight for their own and the next genration’s future have not diminished. The journey of Memes & Friends is a difficult one, but I still want to try and make a change to this bleek future together with them. I’ve myself always existed as an egg when it comes to high walls and eggs, so I asked myself what my other options are? Perhaps some tough training can turn ordinary eggs into some iron eggs? (Those Taiwanese specialities are tough enough to withstand at least a few more tries.)

對於潮流有何看法？ What’s your view on trends? 有時候是個由一小群人製造出來把商品價格提高的工具，有時候是在某種文化底下所產生出來的方向。潮流不代表品味，但品味可以創造潮流。 It can be used as a tool to drive up prices by a small group of people, and sometimes it’s the result or creation of a certain culture. Trends don’t represent taste, but taste can definitely bring out trends.

從你個人Facebook的日常更新，不難看出你是個有幽默感的人，你會怎樣形容自己？ It’s hard not to see you are a humours person from your Facebook postings. How would you describe yourself? 幽默可以分成很多層次，可以有質感也可以很低俗，幽默感每個人都有，所以有趣的是如何理解不同層次的幽默感，這個範疇則需要大量的思考。我是一個矛盾的人，同時存在著一定程度的樂觀與相同程度的悲觀，我知道現實很黑暗，但我認為人可以選擇不活在黑暗中，至少在這一刻我仍然相信自己擁有這個選擇權。 There are many layers to humour. It can have substance or sometimes vulgar. We all have a sense of humor, but what’s more interesting is how we interpret these layers. A lot more thought would be required to understand this. I contradict myself a lot. An equal dose of optimism and pessimism coexist in me. I understand the world is a dark place, but I still feel I can choose not to live on the dark side; or at least I believe I still have that choice at this moment in time.

知道你有一隻名叫Mr.BoyBoy的狗，可以告訴我BoyBoy對你來說是怎樣的一個存在嗎？ You have a dog named Mr.BoyBoy. What does he mean to you? Boyboy是我的家人，我的孩子，我的夥伴，我最好的朋友。我們給他一個家，他住在家裡，教我們用他的角度看世界。他所帶給我們的，總比我們為他付出的還要多。 Boyboy is family. He’s my child, my partner and best friend. We gave him a home so he can teach us to see the world through his eyes. He’s brought us a lot more than we’ve given him.

CONCEPTUAL PORTRAIT THE MEMORY OF FRAGRANT BLOOMS

ART DIRECTOR Savia Chan Photographer: Savia Chan Stylist: Nayoung Lim Model: Anna D

INTERVIEW

ANICORN WATCHES

Joe Kwan

關祖堯

Photo / Self-portrait

ALL CRAFTS HAVE ITS OWN BEAUTY, BUT YOU NEED TO GET YOUR HANDS DIRTY TO REALLY UNDERSTAND IT.

關祖堯，1986年出生，於香港成長，2008年以最佳成積取得澳大利亞皇家墨爾本理工大學(RMIT)傳訊設計學士學位。其後成立Studiowill設計工作室，主力從事平面視覺形象, 亦涵蓋品牌, 包裝, 攝影, 書籍等。作品多次入選本地及國際設計獎項。 Joe Kwan, a multidisciplinary designer finished his art study in the UK and obtained the bachelor degree of communication design with distinction in RMIT, Australia. In 2008, he initiated Studiowill as one of the most energetic design practice in Hong Kong.

www.anicorn-watches.com

我知道你是在澳洲就讀傳訊設計系，能否告訴我是甚麼令你對造錶這門工藝產生興趣? You studied communication design in Australia. What got you interested in the craft of watchmaking? 其實傳訊設計（平面設計）所教授的是一套開濶的創意思想，思想開濶了令人更好奇，好奇心會令人對很多事情產生興趣，不單只再著眼於設計與否，也無須拘泥於媒界。我對所有工藝都很感興趣，以前的興趣是手造書，現在的興趣是造錶(有時侯興趣愈來愈多也很頭痛……)。正好平面設計可以結合許多工藝知識，經消化沉澱去鍊成一個作品。我會形容自己為 graphic與object designer，碰巧有機會去設計一隻手錶(object) ，但其實運用的都是平面設計的知識與技巧，也是處於同一種思考模式與心態。任何工藝都有美的地方，不落手造很難去了解當中的美，愈美的東西使人愈有興趣，這就是人性吧。 Actually, what communication design (graphic design) teaches is creative thinking. With thinking comes curiosity and this breeds interest in all things, not only in design and media. I’m interested in all sorts of crafts. I was really into hand-made books and now it’s watchmaking (sometimes having too many interests can give you a headache...) Coincidently, graphic design allows me to combine all of this knowledge to create works. I would describe myself as a graphic and object designer who just happend to have the opportunity to design a watch (object). They both utilise the same skills and knowledge and requires the same mindset and process of thinking. All crafts have its own beauty, but you need to get your hands dirty to really understand it, and the prettier they are the more interested you become. I guess that’s just human nature.

ANICORN這名字有甚麼特別意思嗎? ANICORN - What does it mean? 大約兩年前我與生意伙伴在他的公司開會，當時我們正為起名而煩惱。商討其間我發現他公司的logo明明是一隻麒麟，名字卻叫Unicorn (獨角獸)，在揶揄他的時侯就想到不如用Unicorn的角命名吧 - Alicorn。這名字也不差, 怎料又被註冊了。最後就採用同音的ANICORN至今。 About two years ago, I had a meeting with my business partner at his office. We were having trouble finding a name for the watch. During discussions I noticed his company's logo is obviously a kirin, but yet he named his comapny Unicorn. While I was sneering I thought of using the Unicorn's horn - Alicorn. Not bad I thought, but unfortunately the name was registered. In the end, we chose a similar sounding - ANICORN.

此腕錶系列的錶面設計，我看到有3個特點： I can see three distinct features on the face design of your watch series: 一衝擊固有看時間的習慣。二在視覺上，有別於一般腕錶，代表時、分、秒的數字隨著時間流逝而轉動，當下，溜走的時光 VS 行走的時間，形象地展示過去、現在與將來。時、分、秒在3片同軸而大小不同的圓碟上各司其職，環環相扣，猶如一個微型宇宙中的星系般, 圍繞著中心點跟著軌跡運轉。三. 你的設計充份表現出你對三角幾何的運用，不花巧、重功能。可以說，這腕錶設計除具備環保概念之餘，亦表達出對腕錶基本功能的專注，讓人感受到回歸基本的理念。 I) It’s challenging our traditional ways of reading time. II) Visually, it differs from other watches in that the hours, minutes and seconds are represented by rotation to show the passage of time. It’s a graphical way of illustrating the past, present and future. Hours, minutes, and seconds are represented by three dials like a revolving galaxy in a mini-universe. III) Your design demonstrates your use of geometry that feels understated yet functional. The design of this watch incorporates green thinking and highlights the basic functions of a watch to convey a sense of “returning to basics”.

你是否想透過此腕錶的設計概念來訴說一種生活態度？就這方面，可以跟我們分享多一點嗎？ Would it be true if I said you are trying to express a certain attitude in life? And in this respect, can you share your thoughts? 一) 個人很害怕“習慣”一種別人賜予的模式，會有一種不安感。習慣是可以自己去創造的。二) 本身又不是產品設計師，所以沒有什麼伽鎖去創作，只希望在視覺上有別於一般腕錶。其實這種設計於數十年前已有人做過，只是不太美觀而被人遺忘吧。我相信盤的獨特性更強，也更有趣味。我們觸摸不到時間，手錶上的圓碟卻在不知不覺的轉動，正好跟星球不知不覺的運轉一樣。在科技高度發展下我們已開始喪失對質感的敏感度，這些細微的質感是在提醒自己要去感受身邊所有物質，更加去認清自己的中心點。三) 從來也喜愛簡約的工具，一件工具不需要太多用途, 各司其職就好。手錶就是看時間的工具，它愈誠實就愈美，在資訊爆炸的時代回歸基本，才是應有的生活態度。 I) II)

Personally I am very put off by following “habits” of others. It makes me uneasy. I can create my own habits. I’m not a product designer so I’m not shackled when it comes to the design process. I only hoped to create a visually distinctive watch. In fact, the watch’s movement was created decades ago. Only people seem to have forgotten about it as the design didn’t look too good. I feel the rotational movement is more unique and also more interesting. The concept of time is intangible. The dials slowly rotates to mimic the un-noticeable rotation of the planets. Under the advancement of technology, we are beginning to lose our sensitivity to the subtleties around us. These subtleties reminds us to feel and to find our soul. III) I’ve always loved simple tools. They don’t need to have many functions. All they need is to perform a specific task. Watches are tools that tell time. They’re the best when at its simpliest form. In this era of information overload, we should all go back to basics.

相較於北歐的簡約風格，Bauhaus風格吸引你的地方是甚麼? Compared to the minimalist style of the Scandinavians, what is it that attracted you to the Bauhaus style? 從小已十分喜歡建築，那種嚴謹理性的美一直是我的創作靈感。雖然當不成建築師但其實一張海報一個茶杯也可當成是一種結構，一種建築。Bauhaus注重建築造型與實用機能合而為一，正正是自己創作路上的重心吧。如同之前所說， Bauhaus也是把設計回歸基本的表表者。當一個設計回歸基本，它已經不能被定義為什麼風格，而是一種意志，一種氛圍。 I’ve loved architecture since I was a kid, and I’ve always been inspired by that rational beauty. Although I never became an architect, I find structures in even a poster or a cup. The Bauhaus concept focuses on combining practical functionality with elegance, which happenes to be my creative philosophy. As mentioned before, Bauhaus is also renowned for its back to basics principals. Back to basics designs shouldn’t be labelled as a particular style. They are a way of thinking.

你強調”Less & More”, an eclecticism of the two extremes. It guides us to explore function, content and form in a situationistdesign sense and execute design aesthetics. 但當市場上商品設計推陳出新，你是如何兼收並蓄取其平衡，達至no more, no less 之餘，又能貫徹你的生活態度和創作哲學? You were previously quoted saying “Less & More is an eclecticism of the two extremes. It guides us to explore function, content and form in a contemporary-design sense and executes design aesthetics.” So in the fast-changing product design world, how are you able to find a balance in adhering to your personal lifestyle and philosophy of “no more, no less” and keep up with that competive environment? 取其平衡應該是設計師每天最常遇到的問題，我認為心態平衡是最重要的一環。如果見到市場有新設計，新商品就盲目跟從複製，說不定會有成功的一瞬。但經過時間沉澱所有內涵都會被透視，自身價值就會被時間淘汰。只有自身信念堅定才能貫徹生活態度和創作哲學，建築大師Ludwig Mies van der Rohe 的設計箴言"Less is more"一直影響着我。這是經過日積月累所精練出的信念，是信念衍生出他的偉大建築。我想”Less is More”已經被多數人定義為simplicity重心。與其重覆同一理論，不如試試再從中加添自己的元素，這就是”Less & More”。 Finding the right balance should be something a designer faces daily. I believe that having a balanced state of mind is the most important link. There's always going to be a market for that first wave of new products blindly riding on the success of the latest trend. They might even become an instant hit, but will always get found out as time passes. You can only master your own personal lifstyle and philosophy if you adhere to your true beliefs. I've always been influenced by the great architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe's “less is more” design motto. His beliefs are a culmination of time, and his masterpieces reflect that. I believe the “less is more” saying has become the core concept of “Simplicity” for many. So rather than reiterating the same ideas, I thought I might try to add some of my own elements – and the result is “Less & More”.

INTERVIEW / ANICORN WATCHES

由於錶身的厚度達至10mm，算得上頗厚。會否覺得此系列的腕錶還有需要再完善的細節? The 10mm body of the watch is fairly thick. Do you think there is room for some fine-tuning? 10mm以自動上鏈手錶來說已不算太厚了，當然也關乎成本控制。為保持較合理的價格而選用日本機芯，而品質亦十分不俗。每一個設計都有進步的空間，有時候改完又改，其實也不及最初的那一個。永遠也沒有最好最完善的設計，憑感覺決定這是當下最好的已經足夠。 I think for a self-winding movement watch, 10mm is not considered too bulky. Obviously there's also cost consideration involved, hence the choice of using a Japan movement without sacrificing quality. Every design has room for improvement. Sometimes a scrapped idea might be better than those subsequent iterations. In that sense, there's never a perfect design. Your instincts in the moment are most often the best.

作為一名香港鐘錶設計師，你對香港鐘錶設計及製造的前景、發展有何寄語？ As a watch designer in Hong Kong, how do you see the future of the local watch design and manufacturing industry? 不太敢用鐘錶設計師的身份作寄語，始終在鐘錶設計界別只屬新手，容我以普通設計師身份說兩句吧。藉著kickstarter等集資網頁的興起與消費模式的轉變，小規模生產已經是全球趨勢，應該會有更多小型獨立品牌投入市場。本地設計品牌不需要一味要賣弄本土味，不需硬銷香港元素，從國際的視野出發也可以建立一個屬於香港的產品。(大可參考韓國的設計品牌, 他們很成功用設計把產業國際化。) 個人希望藉著品牌的發展逐步把生產線搬到香港，才是對週邊產業較健康的做法，也希望藉著設計令整個鐘錶業年輕化，更有創造力。 I'm afraid I can’t speak on behalf of watch designers as I still consider myself a novice in this field. But allow me to say a few things as a designer. Small scale production has become a global trend ever since the advent of online fund raising platforms such as Kickstarter. I believe this trend is gathering pace and we'll be seeing the launch of more independent startups. Local designer brands should avoid focusing on selling a local flavour. It's not necessary to hard-sell the Hong Kong element, but we can create products from an international persepctive that still belongs to Hong Kong. (The Korean designer brands are a good reference point in how they have successfully achieved this.) Personally, I hope to gradually relocate my production base to Hong Kong as the brand develops. This would in turn help develop supporting industries and regenerate Hong Kong's watchmaking industry.

繼ANICORN Series 000之後品牌可有計劃推出新系列? 能否稍微透露一下？ Do you have plans to launch a new series to follow up the ANICORN Series 000. Can you give us a little teaser? 我們暫定以一年一款的步伐去研發，看情況吧，始終有很多生產細節很難預料。新系列會在物料上作出更多嘗試，在設計上會根據vintage的錶款作基礎。暫時只有這些可以透露，因為我每次也是一邊做一邊想，完成品是什麼模樣也太難預計。唯一可以肯定的是這不會是digital或是smart watch. Series 000還未完的，將會有更多跨界別的合作企劃在此系列發生。當然不會是簡單的品牌crossover，而會是一些更有趣的聯合創作，敬請期待吧！ It depends. We tentatively plan to launch one new model per year, but details related to the manufacturing process are hard to predict. We are looking at experementing with new materials in the new series, and the design will be based on a vintage look. It's hard to predict what a final product will look like as things could change as we go. That's all I can disclose at this stage, but I can tell you it definitely wouldn't end up being a digital or smart watch. It's also not the end of the Series 000 and we're looking at creative partnerships with players from other industries right now. It obviously wouldn't just be a simple brand crossover, so keep an eye out for that!

STREET EDITORIAL SURROUNDED BY CONCRETE NATURE

ART DIRECTOR Savia Chan & Nayoung Lim Photographer: Savia Chan Stylist: Nayoung Lim Make up & hair: Ivy Law Model: Jeo Ni @ Dreamodels Top: Tr ypophobia Skirt: Berayah Shoes: Tr ypophobia

Dress: Berayah | Shoes: Stylistâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Own

MAOOU & WROOF THE STORY BETWEEN CAJ THE CAT & BOYBOY THE DOG

序章 | PREFACE

茶茶(Caj)是我妹妺，我跟她有很多相似的地方，我常說她猶如外星來的另一個自己。我們都是一樣的倔；一樣的別扭；一樣的怕孤獨；一樣的腹黑毒舌*；還有就是腦子經常會jam機，自動格式化，儲存起來的記憶一下子清空一大半…… 其實，寫下來的這些對白，都是經常出現在我們家的日常小點滴，如同小孩子玩家家酒那樣的生活調劑。特別是當我們媽媽還在的時候，她可是我妹妹的官方發言人。也許有人看了會覺得我 (還有Dani∼ 抱歉囉，扯上你是必須的!) 的行為很無聊幼稚，但對我來說卻是無價而又彌足珍貴的小幸福。因為害怕自己終有一天會因時間的流轉而遺忘往日我們共同擁有過的片段和語句，所以我想要把這些對話全寫下來，同時將這種與妹妹互相吐槽** (呃...好吧..主要是我啦) 的相處模式延續下去。待有空時翻看，便會感到媽媽一直都在我們身邊，不曾離開過。至於何以會有寫交換日記這想法則源於首次和Dani在現實世界碰面，同為金牛座的兩人，有着同是金牛女生才能理解的矛盾和執著。可幸我倆身邊各自有一個開心果，不論在低落還是愉悅的日子裏，都有他們伴著走過。初次見面時，我曾問Dani，BoyBoy於她來說是怎樣的一個存在？她說一時說不出，得讓她好好想一想。然後她反問我，能否即時回答，茶茶對我又是怎樣的存在？我笑了笑，説：她是我心靈的綠洲，是我最為重要的至親！Dani聽後也笑了，我知道，我說的，她都懂。翌日收到她發過來的短訊，她說我們不如寫個交換日記，就寫兩條毛毛的日常點滴，從他們的角度看世界，分享一些小快樂。希望人們看完之後，會心微笑。 *腹黑毒舌: 當對方感到飄飄然的時候,會説一些潑冷水的話讓對方覺得掃興。 **吐槽: 揶揄的意思,是對人的一種戲弄,嘲笑時用語。

My little sister Caj and I have many similarities, to the point where I’d say she's like another version of me from a different planet. We're stubborn, ambivalent, loath to being alone, vociferous; we suffer from frequent bouts of brain jams coupled with auto defragging. And we both regularly lose chunks of our memory… Actually, these little snippets are inspired by those daily moments in our home similar to children with their play kitchens. When mum was still with us, she'd always act as my sis' spokesperson. Perhaps some might call it childish behaviour, but I think these are priceless moments in life and should be cherished (Sorry Dani that I dragged you into this!) I feel compelled to make a record of our conversations for fear of losing these shared moments as time passes. And its nice to have these bickering moments between sisters to look back on (Well... alright, I'll admit that its mostly me) and reminisce the times when mum was still around. As to the origins of the idea for this diary exchange, I have to go back to my first meeting with Dani. Both being Taurus, we understand what it's like to be stubborn and contradicting. Luckily we both have our own sweetheart to be there for us through thick and thin. I asked Dani in our first meeting what BoyBoy means to her? She paused and said she'll have to think about it, then asked if I can tell her what Caj means to me? I smiled and said “She's the oasis of my soul, and my most treasured in life!” Dani laughed at that, and deep down I knew she understood what I meant. She messaged me the next day suggesting if we should start a diary exchange about the going ons of our two fur balls. That way we can share those joyous moments in life through their eyes, and can hopefully bring joy to others too?

Savia Chan

MAOOU & WROOF THE DIARY EXCHANGE FROM DOG TO CAT

DEAR CAJ, 我有很多名字，很多人看圖識字叫我做黃仔，爸爸媽媽幫我改了一個洋名叫BoyBoy，但是他們經常叫我肥仔/肥野/Fatty ...... 反正有個「肥」字我就大概知道是在叫我了。有一天媽媽出去跟你姐姐Savia見面，回來以後突然告訴我她幫我談好了一個專欄，跟一隻叫茶茶的貓咪交換日記。其實我很喜歡貓咪，但貓咪都不喜歡我，Savia姐姐說妳是傻白星來的貓，所有生物都是妳的朋友，我有一點緊張，希望妳真的願意跟我交朋友，然後，更煩惱的是我不識字，要靠我那對個很忙的父母幫我代言，希望他們不要把自己搞太忙，我父母一坐在電腦前面就會忘記自己姓甚麼，還要我提醒他們餵我吃飯。關於我阿媽，其實她也有可愛的時候的，唯一的缺點是大部分時間她都比正常人不正常一點。上天是很公平的，因為我擁有一個100％感性的媽媽，所以我同時間擁有一個100％理性的爸爸。爸爸是我的「大佬」，他很愛我，我也很愛他，但就算我再靚仔，他也不會受我的美色所誘惑，在這方面女人是比較好騙的。爸爸說我是山上長大的小孩，雖然生性白癡，但我身上還是留著野性的血液，所以他們沒有把我徹底訓練成一隻家狗。我本來怎麼活著，他們就讓我繼續我原本的生活態度。我想我是一條快樂的狗，因為實在沒甚麼讓我不快樂的。生活其實很簡單，開心其實很簡單，大家都笑我蠢，媽媽說其實我是最醒目的，因為我是一條快樂的狗。我媽媽有很多姐姐朋友，她們全部一看到我就快樂，我發現只要我笑，她們就會笑，對於人類姐姐，我可是非常有把握的，不知道妳是不是和人類姐姐一樣，哎呦，怎麼辦，我好緊張，我一緊張就會轉圈想便便...... 媽媽，帶我出去！

I’ve got many names. Most folks around here call me “Yellow Boy” as you can tell by the look. Mama and Papa came up with a more western name - BoyBoy. But then there’s also the occasional Fat Boy, Fatty, Fat... I digress, but I’m pretty sure anything with fat in it refers to me. Mama came home one day and told me she negotiated a column for me and a kitty named 茶茶(Caj) - where we have to co-author a diary exchange - after her meeting with your sister, Savia. I like cats if I’m honest, but they don’t usually seem too fond of me. Savia says you hail from the planet Soba (Soba is a Cantonese euphemism meaning fools and idiots) and that all living things are your friends. I’m a bit nervous and hope you really do want to be my friend. What is actually disturbing is the fact that I’m illiterate, and need my super busy parents to be my mouthpiece. I hope this doesn’t increase their workload too much. They sometimes struggle to remember their own names when sat in front of the computer and I even have to remind them to feed me. My Mama does have her moments. Her only flaw is that she is mostly a bit more unusual than most usual folks. I think god is fair. Mama is a 100% emotional being. Papa is a 100% logical being. Papa is the leader. I love him and he loves me. But no matter how good looking I might be, he never falls for my charming doggie eyes. Women on the other hand are so much easier. Papa said I grew up in the hills. And although I might be considered a bit ‘simple’ in nature terms, I do have the wild flowing through my veins. I guess they haven‘t fully converted me into the spoiled domesticated varients. They mostly let me enjoy the life that I previously had. So I would say I’m a happy doggie ‘cause there ain’t too much that keeps me down. I think life is pretty simple. Being happy can be quite simple too. I get made fun of sometimes for being ‘simple’, but Mama tells me I’m actually the smartest cause I’m a happy doggie. Mama’s got a lot of girlfriends and they’re all so happy when they see me. I’ve realised this open-mouth look thing I do usually gets them going. It’s quite easy with these female human folks. I wonder if you’d dig that too? Wroof... I’m getting slightly tense now, which makes me wanna go in circles and poo… Mama, lets go walk walk!

LOVE, BOYBOY

MAOOU & WROOF THE DIARY EXCHANGE FROM CAT TO DOG

DEAR BOYBOY, 我在這裏先說明一下，其實平日裏沒什麼人叫我茶茶的，但這是我眾多名字/小名中唯一較為大氣的名字..咳咳..至於為什麼叫茶茶呢?! 曾聽姐姐提過，好像是有兩個說法，文藝一點的就是什麼“You're my cup of tea“的意思，另一個呢，唉…… 其實說穿了就是我姐她是個取名無能，所以索性把她喜歡的東西給我取名字！我來自一個叫傻白星的星球(Planet Soba)，那裏的居民都是一群傻瓜和白痴，但我們是快樂善良的一族∼ 而總部派我來地球的原意和任務早已被我在漫長的旅途中徹底的忘得一乾二淨！幸好來到這裏不久便在偶爾的機緣下遇上姐姐，直覺告訴我她就是我要找的人。那時候姐姐很少在家，從早到晚往外邊跑，而我每天晚上總會在門前等她回來，當然中途開過無數次小差啦！然後呢，很快姐姐便越來越喜歡我，用她的話來形容這過程就是"I fell in love the way you fall asleep: slowly, and then all at once"。後來我才發現原來姐姐對初相識的生物大多頗為冷淡，不過真正認識她的人就會知道她這人三天一抽風，五天一發瘋.. 我悄悄告訴你啊，我姐她在家裏和外出時的形象可叫一個極端！噢..我好像說得有點過了... 被姐姐看到又會說我口水多過茶！其實啦, 我是想說我很喜歡認識新朋友(僅限動物啊∼)，所以對於這個交換日記十分期待∼ 特別是我從來沒有交過狗朋友，連狗毛都沒見過一條！因為我挺宅的，向來都是足不出戶，但我從小便是家裏的友誼大使，貓貓啊鳥兒啊都是我的朋友，小時候我甚至會跟著偶爾在家出現的小螞蟻小蜘蛛後面一起散步(!!)，但每次總是很快被姐姐撞破，然後用吸塵機把它們通通吸走... 接著語重深長的對我說，審慎交友啊！算了算了，重點是地球的生物貌似都很喜歡我啦~ 哎喲，怎麼辦，越說越興奮，我一興奮就會肚子餓... 吶吶，你知道世界上最遠的距離是什麼嗎？就是坐在存放食物的櫃子外，雖然只是一門之隔，卻讓我嗅著吃不著。嗚...長夜漫漫，餓著肚子到天亮，想起便心傷 T^T 我還是趕緊爬去睡 Zzz

Allow me to say this, usually not many call me by the name of Caj (Caj is Czech for tea. Pronounced "chai".) However, I must clarify that no one really calls me by the name Caj. Among my many alias this one carries a particular grandeur… hmm... as to why I'm called Caj?! Well, sis mentioned that there may be two possible origins: in a more poetic sense it probably correlates to the “you're my cup of tea” saying… But it's most probably just sis naming me after something she's really into! I’m from the planet Soba where fools and idiots reside, but I must stress that we're a happy bunch~ And I have completely forgotten about the purpose of my mission on planet earth during that long journey here! Fortunately, my chance meeting with sis told she is the one I've been looking for. Sis used to spend hardly any time at home, and I would wait for her by the door every evening… Well, of course there were those odd times when I'd be tending to other matters. Sis quickly grew fond of me and to quote her in her own words, “I fell in love the way you fall asleep: slowly, and then all at once.” I came to realise later that sis, by nature, tends to be aloof with new beings. But those who know her well says she's a bit loose in the head. Pssst… let you in on a secret, sis has a completely different side to her when she's at home! Oops... I think I might have said too much… If sis reads this she'll admonish me for being a blabber mouth! So what I'm really trying to say is that I love to make new friends (Only of the animal kind though~). I'm really excited about this diary exchange especially as I've never had a doggie friend. I've never even encountered dog hair in my life! I must confess that I'm the homely type that hardly ventures out, but I am the designated friendship ambassador in our home. My friend list consists mostly of other kitties and birds. I used to follow little ants and spiders around in the house that crop up every so often, but that would usually get ruined by sis when she sucks them up through that vacuum cleaner of hers… She'd usually follow that up with stern advice cautioning me about making new friends… Anyway, the point is that most earthly creatures seem to love me~ Aiyoo… I'm getting excited the longer I carry on with this, and that always leads to being famished... Hmm, do you know what's the biggest distance that exists in the universe? It's sitting outside a door that separates me from the food that sits inside. It's such torture to be able to smell it without being able to reach. Arrr….. it's going to be a long night here till morning comes… I feel so sad T^T. I better go catch some Zzz.

LOVE, CAJ

THE MOMENT Joe Kwan | Yesterday I Saw A Lion Kiss A Deer 左腦設計右腦攝影，九成時間左右不分。 If the left side designs, then the right captures. But it’s mosely just a mess.

THE MOMENT Nelson Chan | Fog & Smoke 八十後，旅遊及攝影愛好者。 Born in the 80’s, a travel & photography lover.

THE MOMENT Vincent Chan | Tibet Composethestory創辦人，自然及人像攝影師。 Founder of Composethestor y, a nature and portrait photographer.

VOL .01

MARCH 2015 www.honnemag.com