French D.J., Buddha Bar founder, and nightlife legend Claude Challe made a secret appearance in Hong Kong last weekend. The occasion was a small soirée held in the Living Room lounge on the sixth floor of the new W Hotel in West Kowloon.
The night was a taste of things to come. Situated in strategic locations around the world, W Hotels are often associated with big name d.j.s and hip events. Just how hip are they?
This fall the bar staff at W Hotels are shedding their Michael Kors outfits for new ones designed by Gwen Stefani!
A neighborhood still growing…
As the West Kowloon area becomes more and more complete, the W will gain greater significance. With several huge residential complexes and the ICC, Hong Kong’s tallest building yet to be completed, it’s only a matter of time before people come looking for an upscale drinking spot in the neighborhood. Though the new Ritz Carlton will occupy the top floors of the ICC, the W will appeal to a younger, boutique hotel set, and those looking for contemporary ambiance.
Claude Challe, globetrotter
[photopress:W_Hotel_Hong_Kong_HK.jpg,full,pp_image]Most well known perhaps for the popularity of his trend-setting Buddha Bar compilation CDs, the man behind the music is far more complex. Having lived in many far flung places, Claude Challe kept his ears open for local grooves wherever he went. Music is not divorced from the culture around it, and he dabbled in the philosophies and outlooks of his adopted homes. His adventures as a global nomad, and his position as a top Parisian club-owner (for three decades!,) earned Claude the opportunity to introduce diverse music to greater audiences.
[photopress:DJ_Claude_Challe_Hong_Kong.jpg,full,pp_image]At age sixty-two he’s still spryly mixing behind the decks. Viewing him working the eqs with passion and finesse, I was reminded of the Buena Vista Social Club. Alas, a great photo-op was missed. Hong Kong’s own D.J. Kulu would have been a good partner in crime for the night!
The Living Room at W Hotel
6th Floor
1 Austin Road West (above Elements Shopping Center and Kowloon Station)
West Kowloon
Open daily until 1 am.
