Culture & Cool from Asia's most dynamic city
…hen take a special elevator from the ground floor of IFC2. Once upstairs you walk down a hallway and into a large gallery space with an exhibit about the history of Hong Kong’s monetary system. The exhibition is interesting, but the real attraction here are the amazing views. From its vantage point, off slightly from the pack of skyscrapers in Central, IFC2 has incredible views of the thick jungle of buildings around it. Click on the photos below…
…thing totally on the spot. There was a chance for audience members to also compete. Every time I walked out of the spotlight towards the back of the venue, people were hard at work responding to the same challenge on a bank of Macs. It was entertaining to watch the designs in competition take shape. The crowd would stare up at the banks of screens and evaluate each designer’s work. [photopress:Cut_and_paste_Crowd.jpg,full,pp_image] [photopress:Cut…
…izza box! Guests to the reopening party on Friday night were treated to a slice of this ingenuity. Upon exiting, attendees to the invitation-only event received a goodie bag containing what looked like an over-sized hockey puck. The item was actually a compressed CLOT t-shirt! (Also in the bag was a special Diplo “Fuzzy Peach” mix CD.) [photopress:CLOT_compressed_t_shirt_Hon.jpg,full,pp_image] JUICE store address: Flat A, 2/F, 53 Paterson Street C…
…n rapidly expanding in Hong Kong and China. They are part of the Japanese “Real Clothes” movement, which embraces local, domestic designers that are both stylish and affordable. The brands have gained widespread popularity in part due to their prominence in Japanese fashion magazines such as Vivi, CanCam, and JJ. Moussy and SLY have become influential with young women in Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and most recently, urban China. You can read more a…
…for N.Y. style pizza. In addition to taste, NYPD also offers a good value compared to other pizza places in Hong Kong. A large 16″ pie is a reasonable $138 HKD. Pizzas also come in 9 inch, and 12 inch varieties. Toppings are reasonably priced as well. A 16 inch “edge to edge” layer of pepperoni goes for just $148 HKD. If you’re sick of ordering a pizza, only to eat the whole thing and still be hungry, NYPD is for you! (I was stuffed eating just h…
…bed as running apparel that is both elegant and futuristic. The line has become popular in Hong Kong among both diehard runners, as well as fashion mavens. The Nike NSW apparel collection, which has always comprised a good portion of the inventory, is extremely functional without sacrificing on style. Since 2008, the shelves have featured sweatshirts, pants and well-cut jackets that make even luxury designers jealous. Recommended! NikeLab PS 7 Hon…
…tion, but actress Dada Chan was on hand to testify that girls can wear it too! Old school graffiti guys got the charm and finesse! HAZE never forgot his roots. After the live painting demonstration he paused to place his tag in someone’s ‘black book’. In an age of poseurs, HAZE keeps it real For more background on Eric, and to read which internationally known logos he has designed (hint extremely big names in Hip Hop!) have a look at our previous…
…ed and you can actually sit and enjoy the grass without being yelled at (a real luxury in Hong Kong!) The park has an excellent open view of Connaught Road’s skyscrapers On the Eastern side of the lawn there are basketball courts and soccer fields (aka football pitches). The Western side has a sports building with a massive indoor swimming center. There’s also a children’s playground near the front of the sports complex. The main entrance is at th…
…. [photopress:moon_cake_Mid_Autumn_festiv.jpg,full,pp_image] Others used a combination of glow sticks and bracelets to form a circular boundary around their plot of beach. [photopress:Mid_Autumn_Festival_Hong_K.jpg,full,pp_image] A few people close to trees, used a combination of lanterns and glow-sticks to decorate. The festive atmosphere seemed to draw two separate groups: families who have grown up with the tradition and teens from Hong Kong in…
…in full swing. I’d say there were nearly 700 people in attendance and the combination of music, lights, and crowd energy in the old space was perfect. [photopress:WroughtIronDJBooth.jpg,full,pp_image] Bisected by an old escalator, the main dance-floor forms a ‘U’ shape. The d.j. was perched up one story above, playing from the balcony. Older fixtures, such as the lamp posts sprinkled about, added to the historical ambience of the venue. Hong Kong…
…nts. Previously young designers banded together in mini-malls such as Rise Commercial Building in Tsim Sha Tsui, but now even those venues are expensive. In addition to the pleasure of supporting up and coming designers, if you’ve been missing the charm of walking through a flea market or a street bazaar in New York or London, this might give you your fix! Recommended! Hitchhike Market Hong Kong Saturday and Sunday, March 7th and 8th, 2015 From 11…
…ple familiar with dim sum will immediately recognize the two inspirations. Real dim sum made a good backdrop for the shoes! The launch at JUICE in Causeway Bay featured the sneakers displayed in bamboo steaming baskets branded with the Puma logo. Though a rainy night, the collaboration event drew a large crowd that packed the store. Guests congregating inside JUICE, Causeway Bay Hypebeast managing editor and designer of the shoe, Eugene Kan, was j…
…r gracious host back when we visited Manila in 2007. Her partner, SaNinja, real name Sanya Smith, is a music lover, model and DJ who is descended from Rock royalty. We’re excited to see what these two talented somnambulists have in store! 😉 Check out The Zombettes Facebook page for more photos, or keep in touch with them on Twitter. For a quick sample of their style, have a listen to their Soundcloud mixes. p.s. please keep tequila away from the D…
…n multiple occasions, and they are a must see! Friday, it’s a showdown between Hype Nasty (featuring DJs Kid Fresh, Miss Yellow, Yao and Enso,) versus the dudes from Disco Stepchild (Drafus and Ben Ku.) Both nights feature the best in underground dance music and should be a real smorgasbord of quality beats. Dust off your dancing shoes! Thursday AND Friday nights are highly recommended! 2manydjs Thursday, April 19th, 2012 $350 includes 2 drinks Hy…
…ry Lane Gallery’s annex, since it’s located on the same floor. Simon Birch’s work was still hanging. The work below titled “Best Painting Ever” is a real standout! [photopress:SimonBirchBestPaintingEver.jpg,full,pp_image]…
…, the sand is soft, and the view of the mountains particularly scenic, you really don’t feel like you’re in Hong Kong. Tai Long Wan is almost like Waikiki beach with no buildings – you can wade out an amazingly long distance and still be in water up to your waist. The sum of these traits makes it the perfect place to relax and spend time with friends. On one end of the beach, near the flotilla, there was a tent with a d.j. booth set up. On the opp…
…ed on a daily basis by millions of people throughout the world, and have become a differentiating factor in the battle of the messaging apps. This is the power of the mobile Internet at work – the characters are popularized via a communications platform that people use exclusively via their phones. The amount of daily use of these apps among certain demographics allows users to build both a relationship with, and an affinity for the characters. Me…
…hing their lights in time to music with narration. Several of the buildings have elaborate colored lights, spotlights and lasers, which makes it more interesting. The real stars however are the buildings themselves, so any time of day the observation deck is a worth a visit….
…n the main side containing the stage. After a welcoming set by D.J. Tommy, real life guitar hero John Mayer took to the stage. He was joined by a supporting guitarist. The front section containing the stage was crowded, but with just enough space to give party-goers the ability to move freely. It was absolutely ideal for a concert. Guests had an amazing opportunity to catch John Mayer up close, a rare experience at any music event, but much more s…
…s making their way through a series of check points. The large crowd was a real cross-section of society. Music lovers from all walks of life turned up – everyone from older expats to young locals. The concert began with a set by opening act and CLOT founder Edison Chen. During his performance, Edison did an acappella rap about his recent accomplishments that I liked. His flow wasn’t perfect, but the content was solid old-school boasting. After a…
…h some success.) They could promote their ability to allow tourists to try real Hong Kong favorites in a relaxed, multilingual setting. (Come on, who doesn’t love their ice lemon tea or the crispy bun with condensed milk? A branch on The Peak not only boosts the Tsui Wah name with tourists visiting Hong Kong (who may return to one of their other branches in the city,) but it’s also a good strategy as the group expands into Mainland China. [photopr…
…g New Year related merchandise. At one point, with many of the aisles at a complete standstill, people continued to converge from every side. As the crowd piled up around me, I wiggled my arm free and was able to shoot a quick (and shaky) 360 degree video to capture the insane sea of people. Soon afterwords I changed course to a less crowded route and made my escape! [photopress:dragon_year_chinese_new_year_2012.jpg,full,pp_image] Cutest merchandi…
…to this negative cycle, leaving the crowds uneducated apart from the most commercial songs. The trend also makes it more difficult for d.j.s who push the envelope since club owners choose to pander to the lowest common denominator. (Part of the reason that venues like Dragon-i, Volar and Yumla have been able to partially skirt around this issue is due to their music-loving owners.) Yet all hope is not lost. Countering these factors is the Interne…
…a number of today’s best dance producers is impressive. You can check out examples of his top-notch graphic design here. AND THAT’S NOT ALL… The 55 DSL opening party continues with a special appearance of the Bloody Beetroots at Volar on the night of 24th. The entrance fee is a very reasonable $155 HKD (and includes a drink!) Recommended! [photopress:Bloody_Beetroots_Volar_Hong.jpg,full,pp_image] 55 DSL TemporART Store Opens July 24th, 2009 G/F,…
…nge of their moves. Expression Crew have won several major awards in B-Boy competitions around the world. In addition to the dancers, a human beatbox also accompanied them and performed a few songs. [photopress:NewBalanceHumanbeatbox.jpg,full,pp_image] To see more photos and watch videos of the B-Boys and beatboxer in action… Here’s a close-up of the 574 Hungry Dragon. I believe it comes in three different colors. Three members of the press each w…
…design savvy crowd. It will be interesting to see how Pecha Kucha shapes up this time around. The venue is again club Volar located in Lan Kwai Fong. Pecha Kucha night is free. You can RSVP to Bo Bo Shum at 3586-3012. Volar Basement, 38-44 D’Aguilar Street Lan Kwai Fong Central, Hong Kong…
…e full interior, including the half-pipe for skateboarding. [photopress:L1ES_One_Hong_Kong_art.jpg,full,pp_image] The opening on the 29th features new art in addition to music by d.j.s Drafus and Doze. Guests can enjoy a free glass of Ruinart champagne along with the show. The event begins at 9pm and goes until 1am. DR1PS & BUBBLES: new art by L1ES ONE Wednesday, July 29th from 9pm to 1am M1NT 108 Hollywood Road Sheung Wan, Hong Kong…
…ropical featuring D.J. ORO11 and Disco Shawn Friday, November 5th, 2010 Volar Basement 38-44 D’Aguilar Street Lan Kwai Fong Central, Hong Kong Free for members, $350 for non-members, includes two drinks…
…xer, is back spinning at Volar on Friday, October 7th. His last appearance in the city was almost exactly two years ago. For fans of thumping underground dance music, this is not one to miss! Recommended! Sinden Friday, October, 7th, 2011 Volar Basement, 34-38 D’Aguilar Street (Lan Kwai Fong) Central, Hong Kong $350 includes two drinks, free for members…
…g street artists to decorate their space, the brand had two barbers giving free haircuts, among other activities. Their stage featured a mixture of local acts from indie bands to DJs. As the festival matures and gets slightly more commercial, brands offering value to festival goers is the way to go British electronic musician Fourtet packed the Replay Stage on Saturday night Clockenflappers turned out en masse to catch headliners Franz Ferdinand D…