QUINTESSENTIALLY | Insider | Style

Celebrating Quintessentially’s 5th birthday in Hong Kong and raising money for our philanthropic arm, the Quintessentially Foundation, I’m delighted to announce that we’re bringing top London nightclub Boujis to Hong Kong for the very first time. Our charitable pop-up club in Sheung Wan will be open from 14th to 16th October 2010 for three exclusive nights only and will give back to the community in the form of charitable workshops as well as exciting evening events. We’re absolutely thrilled that HSBC Private Bank and CSL 1O1O are on board as the official partners of the club.

The pop-up is taking place at The Space, a new extension of local art institution The Cat Street Gallery. The club will showcase an international mix of the hottest DJs from London at the club nights alongside daytime community workshops to raise money for the Quintessentially Foundation benefiting local Hong Kong charities.

During the day, kids will take part in music, art, cooking, photography and design classes while in the early evening, we’re selling tickets to an exclusive mixologist event and working with The Financial Times on a lifestyle quiz with fab prizes. As the lights go down, Boujis will be taking over and transforming the space into Hong Kong’s most exclusive club, with DJ Klaus flying in the decks of London’s Boujis to ensure the party continues well into the morning.

Joining forces with Boujis, hot dining destination 208 Duecento Otto and Moët Hennessy Diageo will be coming on board as the F&B partners for the event while interior style-setters Halo Asia will outfit the space with their iconic furniture.

“We think Sheung Wan is Hong Kong’s equivalent to the New York Meatpacking District in its early days. With its hipster vibe and budding art and design scene, it seems a natural home for the city’s first charitable pop-up club and we are delighted to support such an exciting event and give back to the local community,” says Yenn Wong, owner of 208 Duecento Otto.

The Quintessentially Foundation focuses on improving the lives of disadvantaged local communities worldwide. Proceeds from the table and bar sales from the three club nights will go to supporting Hong Kong causes, including the Ambassadors of Design, Changing Young Lives Foundation, Hong Kong Cancer Fund, Hong Kong Eating Disorders Association, Mother’s Choice, Pathways, Room to Read, The Women’s Foundation and Variety Hong Kong.

The party will take place from Thursday 14th October to Saturday 16th October 2010. Doors open at 9.30pm. For guestlist entry, please email: boujis@quintessentiallyfoundation.org with your name and email address, or call +852 3758 7416.

The Space, 210 Hollywood Road, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong

I’ve seen a couple of Cirque du Soleil’s shows – Saltimbanco in Hong Kong and Zaia in Macau – but aquatic extravaganza O in Las Vegas was by far the most (excuse the pun) splashy and spectacular.

O (which sounds like the French word for water, eau) combines Cirque du Soleil’s contemporary circus acrobatics with a 1.5 million gallon water tank, and showcases the performers’ mastery over the weight of water.

Synchronised swimming, duo trapeze performances, acrobatic barge hijinks and light comic relief from a couple of sailor clowns were a few of the highlights. Set off by the stunning theatre, psychedelic costumes and whirlwind of movement and constant action, it’s complete sensory overload, and of course, absolutely phenomenal.

One of the most dramatic acts included the high-level acrobatics performed on the frame of a swinging boat – jaw-dropping throws and catches perfectly in time with the metronomic swaying of this giant structure above the churning waters below. I also loved the floating barge acrobatics: agile feats of gymnastics performed on top of a floating stage, with a splash of banquine (imagine trampolining performed without a trampoline!) and diving thrown in for good measure.

The technical wizardry is pretty unbelievable – one minute the performers are on solid ground, the next, the floor is dropping away from them with barely a splash. Imagine diving from a platform suspended 60 feet in the air into something that looks a fish tank and making it look as easy and graceful – it’s all in a day’s work for the Cirque du Soleil troupe.

Russian swings fling performers triple-saulting headfirst into the water, and while the cadre acrobatics and a stunning trapeze Washington performance took my breath away, what I loved most about O was the fantasy element – an upturned umbrella that floats along as a boat; a carousel horse gliding down the ceiling before setting sail, jetski-like, into the distance; a man on fire reading a newspaper in a deckchair…

The combination of traditional circus stage acts and otherworldly characters in a setting of water is truly magical.

Accompanied by the sound of Benoit Jutras’ whimsical score, O invokes a sense of “How on earth do they do it!?” awe and wonder….

O Theatre, Bellagio, Las Vegas, 3600 S. Las Vegas Blvd. Las Vegas, NV 89109, United States

Quintessentially TV was in prime position on the red carpet to capture all the star-studded action at the recent ‘Made In Dagenham’ World Premiere, sponsored by Quintessentially; with a line up of Britain’s finest actors including Sally Hawkins and Bob Hoskins.

LONDON FASHION WEEK UPDATE:

Friday 17th: Caroline Charles Spring/Summer 2011 at the BFC Show Space

This classic collection is reminiscent of luxurious ladieswear from Caroline Charles’ first foray into fashion 47 years ago. With a flair for complimenting and emphasising the feminine physique, her stunning demure skirt lengths and high waistlines evoke an elegance which is fast becoming a rarity these days. The hits: lady-like jackets, voluminous skirts and corset-waisted dresses in a cheery array of 50s prints, florals, the eternal animal print, and silks with sequined embellishments.

Accessories: over-sized hats, pearls and elbow-length gloves. Charles went back to the genesis of her career, designing refined, lady-like creations that will have us pre-ordering her collection in droves.

Saturday 18th: Twenty8Twelve Spring/Summer 2011 at Modus Publicity, Heddon Street

Sienna and Savannah Miller’s highly anticipated S/S11 show for Twenty8Twelve is a sibling’s collaboration, bringing together Savannah’s fab eye for eloquent fashion with Sienna’s cutting-edge sartorial instinct; a recipe that simmers somewhere between boho-rock-goddess and postmodern classics.

It was refreshing to see the models actually smiling and sporting tousled tresses with that gypsy thing going on – now synonymous with Sienna’s own much-lauded personal style. The 1950s Mexican-inspired collection was simple, wearable, and playful; think rolled-up shorts, ruffled skirts, and brassy summer dresses in colourful, bold fabrics and denim. Add a pair of shades and the sisters’ summer-loving carefree vibe and the look is complete.

Sunday 19th: Jasper Conran Spring/Summer 2011 at the BFC tent at Somerset House

A true veteran on the London fashion scene, Jasper Conran threw us a soft feminine curve-ball in his highly anticipated S/S11 collection.

Onlookers were not disappointed with Conran’s elegant sundresses and naval tailoring, using sleek pale silks and translucent florals over bandeau dresses. Colours ranged from understated pastels to more vibrant oranges and greens, bold prints, and adventurous gingham checked dresses. The gauzy, floppy-style hats were there too, as the models strolled the catwalk with ease in plimsolls – a nod to comfortable cool. Then came the 1950s movie-star/English seaside feel: sheer white dress with horizontal orange zigzag stripes intimating that Jasper is veering in a new, albeit classic, direction.

Monday 20th: Paul Smith Spring/Summer 2011

Timeless chic with a trademark twist. Smith’s signature and S/S11 was no exception. Mannish cropped and rolled trousers of cotton and silk, in shades rolling from green to purple; the whole collection partly-inspired by Jimi Hendrix in London at the height of his stardom; an homage to the legend on the 40th anniversary of his death.

Masculine tailoring transformed into more feminine shapes and carried through to polka dot waistcoats and cravats; lengthened boyish shirts and skirts formed playsuits. The items to purchase: a sheer chiffon polka dot blouse and printed perspex kitten heels.

The Villa Micočer, on the island of Sveti Stefan – along Montenegro’s Adriatic coastline – blends old European grandeur and contemporary style with the island’s historic charm. Surrounded by more than 800 olives trees, the island – a fortified fishing village dating back to the 15th century, and once the summer residence of Queen Marija Karađorđević – is ideal for those wishing to explore this iconic region’s notable wonders, mountains, pristine beaches and ancient monasteries, whilst relaxing in any one of the hotel’s exquisite suites.

These chic understated suites, of which there are 8, define what one might call ‘modern elegance’. Interior details boast parquet floors, fireplaces and silk accents; lending to the rooms a certain malleability – achieving at the same time, a clean airiness and simultaneously a warm hospitable intimacy. The spacious bathrooms have handsome Antico stone floors, free-standing bathtubs and wooden wardrobes, in addition to wrought iron balconies with views out over the sea and towards the splendid gardens.

Villa Micočer offers personal guided excursions to all the cultural attractions on this ancient island including boating on the Adriatic, visits to the World Heritage Sites – the Bay of Kotor and the serene Skadar Lake – in as well as trips to the romantic baroque cities of Perarst and Budva.

The in-house restaurant offers fresh and locally sourced ingredients, while the dining room and living room will most certainly exceed guests’ expectations with roaring open fireplaces, hand-loomed rugs and fine Italian linens.

Or why not retreat from the sun’s magnificent gaze on one of Villa Micočer’s sumptuous day beds, resting peacefully beneath the wisteria-covered colonnade.

Aman Sveti Stefan
Sveti Stefan 85315
Montenegro

Tel: (382) 33 420 000
Fax: (382) 33 420 222

Email: amansvetistefan@amanresorts.com

A visionary masterpiece sits atop a rocky cliff in the town of Ravello. Oscar Niemeyer celebrated the first day of his 103rd year on earth here, quietly satisfied that its strange geometry was not lost on his post-modernist admirers. Its forms are made of light and air and sound, and they clapped as he took the stage and started to speak of what had inspired it.

He reflected on what true beauty means, where it is to be found, of what it is composed; spoke of his enchantment with the female form, how its curves are found in Rio’s cool mountains, and in the sinuous course of its rivers, in the cascade over the hills where he spent his childhood. The building is an auditorium – one long restless wave punctuated by a blue window that floats above the ocean – allowing the audience (seated in a theatre that somehow floats in the air unsupported) a sea-view when they finally tire of the stage – nature always more interesting than the art that tries to confine it.

It is only natural that such vision should find another medium. In a homage to the ‘Grandfather of Brazilian Modernism’, jewellers H.Stern sifted through Niemeyer’s black felt-tip sketches and got very excited indeed. Necklaces, rings and bracelets in the collection borrow their subtle feline charm and and biomorphic inflections from his designs. An ode to the voluptuous curves of his muse, H.Stern carved a plate of gold into two very light, very beguiling earrings. They took the whispery plane of Sao Paulo’s Copan building and turned it into a voluminous bracelet. The serpentine spire of the San Francisco de Assis church in Pampulha finds itself woven around a delicate female finger, a fire of silver gemstones.

A sketch Niemeyer once drew of his muse wearing a necklace – when he, or she, or both were drunk – is the perfect representation of the smooth calm of his reaching elliptical mind. H.Stern copied the necklace and named it ‘Jewel’.

They tell me that no further inspiration was necessary.

Natural lava and Palimanan stone make up the garden and interior walls, refined Bangkiray hardwood and hand-cut volcanic stones for the interior and exteriors of the villas; green-colored Subakumi stone clad the outdoor showers, plunge and swimming pools. Local artists and designers fashioned the furniture and accessories in collaboration with BVLGARI and Antonio Citterio & Partners.

The BVLGARI Resort in Bali is nestled majestically 150 metres above the shore of the Jimbaran Peninsula, close to the Temple of Uluwatu. The resort bears the resemblance to a charming hilltop village. Well, perhaps I should rephrase: an extremely chic and flawlessly designed hilltop village with 59 private villas, restaurants, a seaside bar, spacious spa and a sublime curving infinity pool – all crafted of indigenously sourced materials, lovingly transformed into a resort that is contemporary, inspired, secluded and sophisticated.

An inclined glass elevator descends the cliff face transporting guests to the white sands of the 1.5 kilometre long beach below. You’d be forgiven for thinking that you’d stumbled into a parallel universe (call it heaven if you like) where the visual perfection of mother nature’s sheer magnificence offers any manner of painterly evening skies, an eternity of sea, rich green foliage, and stretches and ribbons of sand.

Each villa is decorated with Balinese antique pieces of art and features Bang and Olufsen audio and visual systems. Every single detail reflects and celebrates the splendour of blending modern innovation with organic resourcefulness.

All accommodation at the BVLGARI Resort offers an extensive range of amenities and butler services to cater to their guest’s every need.

For further information, please visit: www.bulgarihotels.com

A welcome change from traditional Chinese junk boats and glamorous but soulless gin palaces, for a truly liberating experience this summer, take to the open seas on V1 – Hong Kong’s one and only Volvo 60 racing yacht.

V1 has a gold-star pedigree: It won the Volvo Round the World Ocean Race in 1998, held the trans-Atlantic and 24-hour speed record and is twice winner of the Sydney-Hobart Yacht Race. So, not slow then, and it’s no secret that Volvo yachts are the sailing world’s equivalent of the F1 car and now set the benchmark for long-distance offshore sailing.

With not one pair of sea legs between us, it was with a certain sense of trepidation that we boarded V1. Sailing from Stanley on the south side of Hong Kong Island on a scorching and sunny day, it was clear that anything less than a sturdy pair of trainers wouldn’t cut it. Off with the sandals then and, barefoot on the open deck, we motored out of the harbour, slowed down to raise the sail before…

V1 is a family-run operation and the Harris’ have been sailing as a family for years. David and his team sailed her up from Australia (it took a month) and she was lovingly brought back into service in Hong Kong. No matter if you’re a tried and tested pro or something of a hack on the waves, you can get hands-on or just lie back and enjoy the ride. Choosing the latter, as we weren’t entirely sure if we’d grown sturdier legs yet, we let the experts show us how it’s done.

Any worries I may have had disappeared once the wind picked up and we started, well, sailing. Sitting on the edge, legs overboard, breeze in our hair and sun on our faces – it was perfect. No noisy engines, just the wind and the occasional refreshing splash of the waves as we cut through the churn upended by passing ships. I am a nervous sailor at the best of times but the V1 felt totally safe, stable and even…glamorous. Lying on the white decking, glass of wine in hand, we realised that the great thing about sailing is the complete and utter freedom of it – letting it all go to the wind as they say. As the breeze picked up, and the sun left its silvery imprint on the big swell, we got up to what felt like a speedy 11 knots, skimming headlong towards the Po Toi islands on the south-east of Hong Kong.

Under David’s watchful eye, I took to the helm and managed to steer V1 in a fairly straight line, avoiding calamities involving nearby islands and cargo ships, after which we tacked and headed back to the island to catch the sunset and reflect on a day well and truly spent.

The V1 can take 18 guests sailing or 24 for a wine tasting and cruise through Hong Kong harbour. As well as individual tickets at the weekends, she’s also available for half and full-day charters, teambuilding and custom-made itineraries.
Summer never left me feeling better.

For more information, please visit www.hongkongyachting.com.

The name conjures up images of a woman about town – the cinematic cosmopolitan beauty, socialite, heiress and all-around stunner… Welcome to Hong Kong, Lily.

Lily’s interiors are best described as Mad Men on moonshine; the kind of place where you can channel your inner Marilyn, Rita Hayworth or Cary Grant; a place where that elusive something you can’t quite put your finger on meets sheer sex appeal. The best part: there’s no minimum table charge and no guest list. Just rock up, say hello and sit down. No fuss – just the way I like it.

Wood paneling, ornate iron grills, unisex toilets, porcelain fountain, glass chandeliers and that amicable buzz of patrons enjoying great food and even better cocktails.

Drawing inspiration from the speakeasies of the 1920s jazz and prohibition era, you’ll find clandestine cigar rooms behind closed doors, a refreshing range of nearly-forgotten cocktails and plush leather furniture set against the flickering glow of tea light candles – all in all, a sleek and intimate respite from the brashness of Lan Kwai Fong.

Unlike most bars in Hong Kong, they don’t free-pour their spirits but instead use measures. This ensures a consistently delicious cocktail every time. There’s nothing worse than opting for your favourite mojito at a much loved bar and finding the flavour is completely off because your bartender isn’t working that night.

At Lily, their bartenders are not only first rate mixologists, they are extremely knowledgeable about the history of every single cocktail they make – I dare you to challenge them!

I am a newfound convert of their Raspberry Sidecar and Vodka Southside; both achieve that perfect balance of sweet and tart with refreshing summer flavours that go down – I’m somewhat ashamed to say – a little too easily. Other suggestions: vodka or gin gimlet, Old Fashioned (à la Mad Men), Classic Negroni or Daiquiri. Those who appreciate a stronger brew should try the mint julep – a generous dose of Woodford Reserve Bourbon and mint over plenty of rough-cut ice. Yes, even ice cubes are too 21st century for Lily. Ice is carved from a solid block in rocky chunks, old school style.

Carrying on the prohibition theme – skirting around Hong Kong’s smoking ban – their secret cigar room, hidden behind an innocuous looking part of the wall, is the perfect place to enjoy a private smoke. They not only have lockable humidors for rent, which can be used for storing your favourite cigars, but also an ingenious self-service system for ordering food and drinks to the room. Suffice to say, the system involves coloured lights, an old-fashioned phone and a cleverly-concealed cubby hole. I’ll leave the rest for you to discover.

One of the best things about Lily is that the kitchen stays open until 3am at weekends and 2am on weeknights. A menu that includes roasted bone marrow, burgers with truffle mayo, beef tenderloin Carpaccio, and Waldorf salad showcases the classic NYC influences evident throughout.

One floor down is the bistro, brasserie and oyster bar, Bloom. The rolling blackboard and long bar conjure up scenes of secret rendezvous; a place where passionate affairs take place…

Together, Lily and Bloom make the perfect pair.

Lily and Bloom

+852 2810 6166