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To my city
EDITOR’S LETTER I have never been a vintage fan. To be utterly honest, I have never been too enthusiastic about my home culture either. I am solely driven by homesickness to compose this magazine. Don’t get me wrong, London is awesome! Frankly, aside from the highly sophisticated transport network, there isn’t much to yearn for back home. (And yes, we do have mobile data in the tube in Hong Kong. Silly me thought it was a given.) Yet, home is home, the attachment is undiminishable. I began digging into the Hong Kong retro culture. My parents used to narrate their childhood anecdotes or embarrassing adolescent adventures at the dinning table. So looking into the old days somewhat made me feel closer to home. It never occurred to me that Hong Kong does possess an enticing historic culture. It is one of a kind. Though it tended to borrow traits from here and there, it still retained its own take on the foreign styles. It’s a pity that no one really looks back at what we used to have now. Like a graceful decaying lady, the dated culture will soon rest in peace thanks to apathetic locals like my old self. So here I am, trying to make a little effort in preserving what was gold. No local brand has ever dedicated as much effort G.O.D. has been devoting to enliven the retro side of the city. The brand has created the perfect hybrid of avant-garde and vintage, simply brilliant. I used to be one of the critics who passed verdicts like “Who the heck is going to buy that?” But I guess it has just grown on me throughout the years. G.O.D. is certainly a inspirational, heartening brand selling more than wacky souvenirs for tourists. It dares to deviate from the mainstream to stay genuine to what truly intrigues it. What better label to feature in this magazine, than such a riveting brand! Now have your favorite music and a drink ready, and watch the beautiful city of Hong Kong relive its good old days.
ZOE LEUNG
Content
EDITOR’S FINDS Hand-Me-Down Mee & Gee Lin Heung Lau
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FASHION Nostalgia
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FEATURES The One and Only - Goods of Desire Fashion Footprint - 50s, 60s, 70s +852 - A call back home
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FOOD Starbucks? Is That You?
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Hand-Me-Down
Hunting for cheap deals of vintage wear in Hong Kong is essentially a challenge as most of the antique stores only carry branded items, which normally cost a fortune. Yet, hope is not lost. The best bargains are often obscured behind the most unnoticeable store in the dodgiest alley. The spirit of exploration has led me to three fantastic discoveries, all under $150*. *All prices listed are in HKD (HKD to USD = 0:13)
A Burberry dress is probably the last thing I expect to find in a Hong Kong secondhand shop. Why not treat myself to a touch of British elegance when it merely costs the worth of an all day breakfast set?
This pair of beauty is virtually a duplicate of my mom’s favourite heels that broke years ago. I am pretty sure these would bring a smile to her face.
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My final find is undoubtedly from the 60s. I haven’t seen such an in-your-face print for a very long while. I can almost picture its former owner rocking it in the club decades ago.
EDITOR’S FINDS
Mee & Gee When it comes to vintage shopping in Hong Kong, it usually refers to ambling around a hipsterish store selling a pair of twenty-yearold Bally for HK$20,000 in Soho. If you feel like going on a quest for vintage gems without breaking the bank, Mee & Gee is the Promised Land. Rather than a vintage store, Mee & Gee appears to be more like a thrift shop. The interior is crammed with rows and rows of ran-
Mee & Gee Address:
64 Tung Choi Street, Mongkok
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dom clothing that looks like sheer chaos. Yet, most of its items are below $100. Be a little patient and you may find the greatest bargain of your life. It sells any kind of second-hand garments and accessories from the past few decades. Items can be from anywhere and the store is renowned for its Japanese and Korean vintage. So, expect to find the unexpected!
EDITOR’S FINDS
Lin Heung Lau Teahouses in Hong Kong seriously do not mess around with their dim sums. It’s literally impossible to crown one that cooks the most delectable dishes. But if you’re a dim sum newbie having a hard time in picking one to kick off in town, Lin Heung Lau is your best bet. It started its business since the mid 20s and not much has changed since then. The place is old school from the interior décor to its dishes to the way food is
served. It offers trolley service, which is on the verge of being extinct across the teahouse business. You won’t see food being placed on your table, instead you have to dash over to the trolley and order once it’s being pushed out. The restaurant runs a first come first serve policy. Once the trolley’s content is emptied, you will have to wait for the next round. Be prepared for a fight.
Lin Heung Lau Address:
160-164 Wellington Street, Central
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Nostalgia
Nam Shan Estate is not necessarily the most famous attraction in Hong Kong. There is neither Michelin-starred restaurant nor pricy boutiques. Yet, the estate embeds the most genuine facet of the city. Meet Alison, a journalist from Hong Kong lifestyle magazine 100Most. She has decided to take a day off from catching up with the trendiest news to explore the dated. In the podium, Alison is wearing a patterned top with an asymmetrical lapel. It is a very signature design in traditional Chinese garment. She adds texture to the look with a white fluffy coat and a scarlet lace skirt. She almost looks like a lady from the 1950s. Patterned Top from G.O.D $480.; Coat, Skirt & Statement Necklace from H&M $450, $ 290, $120
Nam Shan Estate was built in 1975. For decades, this playground has been providing a perfect space for kids and their grannies to have a little fun in the afternoon. Alison likes to reminiscent her playground days in a colourful mailbox-patterned scarf. The flamboyant, playful hues match the her mood perfectly. Mailbox Scarf from G.O.D $320.; Black Maxi Dress from Cotton On (t.b.c.)
Nam Shan’s sheltered market sells everything from pjamas to ice cream to plastic toys. It isn’t the neatest place to shop but it is certainly one of the most nostalgic. Alison is taking a stroll along the narrow aisle in her Qipao. It reminds her of how her grandma used to dress. Qipao from G.O.D. $680
The park in Nam Shan is compact but tranquil, making it an ideal place for Alison to gather her thoughts. She savors her break in a flared top covered with vibrant prints. The piece has a modern silhouette yet the pattern is straight from the 70s. Alison is absolutely obsessed with the fantastic blend. Flared Top from G.O.D. $480; Pleather Collar from River Island $140
THE ONE & ONLY
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Left & Right: G.O.D. store in Sai Kung, Hong Kong Address: 2 Yi Chun Street, Hong Kong Telephone: +852 2791 7122 G.O.D. website: www.god.com.hk
During my high school years, I used to dawdle after class in the store with a bold “Delay No More” slogan splashed all across its entrance. The phrase was a massive stunt, basically resembling the pronunciation of the notorious Cantonese foul words. (It means “Shag your mom“ in case you’re wondering) I was instantly hooked the first time it caught my eyes. I would always be greeted at the door by boxers with words proclaiming “VERY LONG” right on the crotch area. Most of the time, I was merely in there for a chuckle. They never failed to amuse me. This is the irresistible charm of G.O.D. G.O.D., standing for Goods Of Desire, is no quintessential brand name. It carries the meaning of “to live better”, which can only be picked up by Canto speakers. Founder of the brand, Douglas Young, had opted for a name that brought out the brand’s principle of promulgating Hong Kong’s legacy. Since the brand was established in 1996, he has been devoted to vi-
talize discarded local cultures by embedding their essence into chic, droll products. G.O.D. has barely confronted any rivalries in the niche market it manages to survive and flourish in. In Hong Kong, like many metropolises, everyone craves the new and foreign. Anything corny would be ditched in a blink. So it was definitely gutsy of Young to break out from the pack and took inspiration from the city’s despised debris. The distinctively quirky brand rose to fame by vending eccentrically designed furniture and homeware in a bijou shop. After a couple of decades, G.O.D.’s stores can now be found all over Hong Kong. And guess what, Two years ago I was delightfully surprised to bump into one of them in Singapore. I recently paid one of the stores a visit to take a stroll down memory lane. As always, I found myself in the living space of a compulsive hoarder the moment I set my foot in. Bits and bobs clustered in every corner, not even the stairs were spared.
Presently, a lot more than homeware can be seen in G.O.D., including a gamut of miscellaneous pieces you didn’t even know you needed. Be it a panda eye mask, mahjong cable organizer, Chinese Iron Gate bookmark or a Canto profanity tee, the brand has them all. Plus of course, you will never wander in a G.O.D. without running into their signature graphic patterns, making their appearances on garments, tote bags, bed linens, carpets and other random items. Their earliest design consists of columns of crammed, decades-old facades in Yau Ma Tei (One of the oldest areas in Hong Kong). Another more recent design is a print referencing old, rusty mailboxes that can merely be spotted in old local buildings. I must say the designs are brilliantly modish in the most nostalgic way. After sticking my nose into the miscellaneous compilations, I proceeded to dig into my favourite section, the fashion line. They had everybody cov-
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ered. Ladies, men, kids, G.O.D. will have something for you. However, whether you can pull the pieces off is another story. These attires portray an idiosyncratic sort of vintage, drawing inspiration from eras which no one would give a glance to. The garments looked almost bizarre hanging on the rack. I felt confused being surrounded by Qipao made with soft, stretchy fabric and Kungfu jacket with a zipper right in the middle. Their designs aren’t confined by any particular period. They can range from the 50s to the 70s or something in between. A top adopting a 50’s conservative collar design may be coated with a flamboyant 60’s print. They aren’t your quintessential wardrobe staples, but G.O.D. sure made these hodgepodges of style work beautiful wonders. Obviously, a brand like G.O.D. doesn’t stop there. Progressing beyond fusing the old with the new, they have collaborated with quite a number of corporations to deliver sensational crossover projects.
Majority of those companies have zilch to do with homeware or even anything lifestyle related. Nonetheless, I dare say those collaborations sparked the most vigorous chemistry. For instance, the “Bing Sutt” Concept they worked on with Starbucks turned out to be the crown jewel among their projects. (see p.34 for more) They essentially ripped apart the contemporary trend, reconstructed the rubbles with what used to be obsolete and somehow make it even more fashionable. Evocative partnerships with organizations such as Greenpeace and SPCA also took place. G.O.D. has been conveying messages for them regarding social matters to the younger generations in a persuasive manner. Plus of course, they do it with class. Other intriguing crossovers include Blackberry bamboo case and my personal favourite, the infamous Butt Mooncake they crafted with Kee Wah bakery. It was probably the weirdest yet most festive thing you could ever have to celebrate Mid-Autumn. The shape
and colour were in the most perfect form and I swear its temptation was impossible to resist. Since discovering G.O.D., I have always believed that it’s a love it or loath it kind of brand. Throughout the years it has assembled polarized inclinations with verdicts like “this is absolutely brilliant” or “I can’t imagine anyone buying that”. Whether it is right down your allay or not, there is no denying that G.O.D. has successfully brought the forgotten back to life and transformed the discarded into the desired. Their touch of humorous, modern spin on Hong Kong’s old aspects makes all the difference. With that, they made their way to the mainstream from kicking off in an alternative pathway. If I were to pass a comment, I’d say embracing the local gem sounds much more tasteful than hugging topless models in some American retail stores.
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FASHION FOOTPRINT 50s, 60s, 70s
50s
FEATURES Economy-wise, Hong Kong was not in its best shape in the 50s. If you happened to be a working class lady back then, you would most probably be dressing yourself in a modest Chinese trousers suit. You entire day would be spent on sewing on buttons or weaving textiles in a factory. While those bias lapels on your collarbone were not necessarily the chicest style to wear, you would rather dress practical than to have the sleeve of your fancier dress stuck in the machines. You know you could not afford to buy another one. The way your boss’s daughter dress, on the other hand, would be much less frugal. With a wardrobe jam-packed with old Hollywood inspired items, namely flared-hem dresses, full circular skirts and fitted jacket, she would face a bombarding vision of floras and checks every morning. And of course, her closet would not be complete without a number of exquisite, tailor-made, figure-hugging cheongsams. Because why not splurge on some extravagance when daddy can pay.
It was a momentous decade for Hong Kong as its economy took flight. Western pop culture conquered the city with a-go-go, Beatles hits, rock’n’roll and Hollywood pictures. All things fashion shifted towards the West subsequently. Visualize yourself as an office lady in the 60s. You would struggle between getting an Audrey Hepburn updo and Grace Kelly curls. Your wardrobe staples would be replicas of what made an appearance in a Chan Pochu or Siao Fong-fong film. And of course, their outfits were completely inspired by Western style icons. Apart from sporting shift dresses and tightknit pants, you would gladly embrace the East-West hybrid by pairing a modified cheongsam with a knitted cardigan.
70s
60s
The small city had metamorphosed into a metropolis during the 70s. Though the West was still exerting ample influence on Hong Kong’s culture and trends, Canto movies, TV series and pop music began to get increasingly prominent. Local and foreign department stores as well as apparel boutiques were sprouting up all over the city. Fashion retail trade was in full bloom and everyone seemed to be more than content to splurge. Say you were one of the financially independent ladies in the 70s, you would probably be spending your paycheck on a set of Le Smoking or a pair of Kenzo wedge. You knew you well-deserve to look smart and stunning in the office. During weekends, you would probably be chilling in your mini skirt or hot pants. Most of your blouses and jackets were making a statement with massive collars and denim jeans was simply your best friend. Obviously, you wouldn’t mind going with the Western flow but you would gladly fill your closet with purchases from the Japanese department store you used to hang out weekly. 31
+852 A call back home
“Hi mommy!” I chirped. Instead of a heart-warming greeting, all I received from the other end of the phone was, “Have you emptied your bank account?” Honestly, I don’t blame my mom. This phone call was long overdue, she had every reason to suspect that I only called when something turned wrong. I chuckled as I assured her I had been keeping an eye on my finance and proceeded to why I made the call. “Honey, you know what I wore better than I do!” That I couldn’t argue. Exploring into my mom’s wardrobe used to me by favorite childhood pastime. There rarely had been new addition to her closet and even if there 32
were, her purchases would look virtually identical to what she already owned. She wasn’t brought up in clover, which explained why she had been abstinent from splurging on clothes. “A lot of my garments were handme-downs while I was still studying. I only began to treat myself with a piece of two until I started working.” Mom then reminisced about receiving a secondhand navy polka dot skirt that cascaded all the way below her ankle. Desperately craving a midi skirt, she shelled out half of her monthly allowance to have the hem chopped. She essentially lived in it since. Out of curiosity, I had to ask, “So what did you wear to clubs?” Apparently, mom didn’t even drink at all. Dreary, I know.
FEATURES But I suppose she didn’t graduate with distinction by dancing her college days away. Life got a lot more appealing for mom after college when she actually began to shop for herself. “Dress code was very strict in the office and everything had to be formal.” Mom explained. There was little room for ladies to display their fashion senses. She usually purchased her office-wear in department stores. “They looked professional and the quality was nice. I obviously didn’t go to Lane Crawford. There was a cluster of Japanese department stores near my workplace and I got all my suits there. Your daddy and I loved taking a stroll in one of them called Daimaru after work. One time, he even got me a cashmere sweater there for my birthday.” Apparently, Daimaru used to be my parents’ favourite dating spot. They were very upset as the news of it closing down hit them when I was eight. They even went back to pay it one last visit on its last day.
never seen her wore. My favourite one was a black, layered maxi blanketed with blue butterflies. To little me, it was absolutely whimsical. I recalled pulling it out and trying it on every now and then when she wasn’t home. My mom wasn’t the most fashionable person, that’s for sure. But she once told me that her childhood dream was to become a fashion designer, simply because she liked sketching and dressing all pretty. For practical reason, she opted for a more pragmatic yet lucrative career. Still, I was certain that she enjoyed fashion as much as any woman did. It was almost midnight in Hong Kong and the clock was pushing us towards the end of our call. My mom finally wrapped things up, “So I really got to sleep. Remember not to overspend. Bye-bye!” Sure, love you too, mom.
“Jardine’s Bazaar was my go-to place for casual wear. Everything was so cheap!” Mom wasn’t very adventurous when it came to fashion. She never had been. She would always appear in photos with her crocodile polo shirt with either a pair carrot pants or harem pants. “Your daddy dressed way cooler than I did. He would turn up on dates in a pair of bell-bottom pants. The thigh area was so tight that I often wondered how he managed to even walk!” Mom also added a verdict on mini skirt back then. “Those skirts were hideous. Bend down and you’re mooning everybody!” Well, I guess she wasn’t a fan of Mary Quant. No wonder she pulled such a furious face when I bought my first Levi’s mini skirt. As bland as my mom could dress, I still managed to discover some exciting items when I dug deeper into her closet. Mom had a number of chiffon maxi dresses lurking at the back, which I had 33
STARBUCKS? IS THAT YOU? 35
For the longest time, many have attempted to combine the East with the West in countless designs. To be very frank, in certain aspects these two equally distinctive elements simply can’t be forcefully blended. That is why nobody would be audacious enough to dash a pint of Eastern touch on a quintessential American coffee shop like Starbucks, except G.O.D. Few would deny that the crossover was done beautifully. It is an unexpectedly magnificent fusion, which harmoniously merge the qualities of both cultures like pairing black with white. The brand garnished two Starbucks concept stores by embroidering them with a retro Hong Kong theme. The shops sit in two of the busiest districts in the city, Central and Mongkok. The former is parted into two sections. The area near the entrance looks exactly like any typical Starbucks with an ordering counter, tumbler shelf and sofa seats. Once visitors step across the boarder into the retro area, they would find themselves surrounded by décor like tiled floor, vintage posters, old toys, birdcages, glass cabinets and wooden sitting booths. This concept store draws inspiration from the Bing Sutt design in Hong Kong. Bing Sutt is a traditional kind of coffee house that used to be found all around the city from the 1950s to 1960s. Each item from the Starbucks menu is being hand-written and pasted all over the wall. The shop serves exclusive snacks such as pineapple butter bun, coffee paper-wrapped cake and coffee egg tart. Wouldn’t it be a blissfully unique treat to savour a bite of Hong Kong traditional pastry with a cup of your favourite latte? Another concept store located in Mongkok adopts a slightly different theme. The emphasis is placed solely on the interior design with
décor revolving around the old movie industry in Hong Kong and the city’s local culture. The shop houses a mini theatre on the second floor. It offers regular movie seminars, which are free to public. Walls of old movie posters and commercials that were commonly found in old cinemas encircle the entire store. Bits and pieces of artistic elements showcasing the vibrant old culture can also be seen everywhere. For instance, a replica of the King of Kowloon’s calligraphy graffiti fills the entrance staircase. A mahjong-tiled wall welcomes costumers with words reading “Good Movies Upstairs” is erected at the front door. There are old photographs embellishing brick walls telling stories taken place decades ago. Simply pay close attention to every detail in the coffee house, you will discover petty yet captivating surprises in every corner.
Central Starbucks: 13 Duddell Street, Central, Hong Kong Mongkok Starbucks: 1/F & 2/F, Wai Kee House, 89-91 Sai Yee Street, Mongkok, Kowloon
Collage of retro movie posters in Mongkok Starbucks
Left: Starbucks with Bing Sutt interior design in Central
Right: Wall with old Cantonese commercial ads in Mongkok Starbucks
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