I’m totally behind on my 2010 blog updates already, and now in a situation of trying to update in chronological order, but feel that I’m posting stuff that are dated already. So instead of backtracking too much, I’m just going to do a “review” of people, places and random stuff from the past 6 weeks, starting from the most recent one.

I got back to Hong Kong the other day, and managed to catch up with Sonya Park, who is in town for a few days…

Sonya is a top fashion stylist from Japan, and she also owns a brand called Arts & Science, which, in my opinion, is one of the more interesting new brands that have recently emerged from Japan. All her products are 100% Made in Japan and now also includes menswear, which has a standalone store in Aoyama. She also recently launched a concept store (also in Aoyama) called “Off the Counter”, a highly edited objects and desirables store…inspired by her series of books “Sonya’s Shopping Manual”…
 
…and the third installment “1 to 301″ was also just released which Sonya refers to as the “bible” mainly because of the black book casing and thickness, since its a compilation of all 3 books. This book series has been quite popular in Japan and of course influential - it was an obvious reference for the Personal Effects book. I’m waiting for my copy of the new book Sonya!

As usual, Sonya was sporting an interesting piece of vintage - a “Big Rose” 1950s Tudor watch!

I arrived Berlin the other day to participate in the Diesel event at Bread & ButterGreat billboard of the new BE STUPID ad campaign outside the airport - check out the manifesto video on www.diesel.comIts been snowing for the past week in Berlin…I braved the snow to catch the last day of the Thomas Demand exhibition at the Neue NationalgalerieThe exhibition was INSANE! Thomas Demand creates cardboard models of everyday settings/objects and photographs them. The level of detail is amazing. Cameras weren’t allowed inside the exhibition, but here are some images from the catalog…

Just picked up the launch issue of Inventory Magazine at Kapok at their 2nd location on Sun Street in Wan Chai. Go buy this magazine - its very well done. I read this magazine from cover to cover in one sitting, and I have not done this in a verrrrryyyy long time. Inventory is the evolution of h(y)r collective. Great job guys!

On the last day of 2009, I wanted to make up for the slow pace of updates on my blog by doing a final post before tonight’s countdown. For 2010, I suppose one of my New Year’s resolutions should be more frequent updates. I recently got lectured by a friend who told me that I “thinked too much” about what to post, and that I should just write about anything I felt like.  Well, this past month I got the chance to do some travelling, and since a lot of people are travelling right now, I thought this might be useful. A few weeks ago, I was in Italy for the annual pilgrimage to Diesel land, and one of the topics of discussion among colleagues was how Rome airport kind of sucked. Well, its true that this airport is somewhat chaotic, but I’ve been in transit at this airport enough times, that I’ve grown to appreciate it and have found cool spots to make the transit time entertaining. Here’s a short guide to Rome airport:

Firstly, pack light as Rome airport is notorious for losing luggage.  When I travel, I’m always using a TUMI Alpha expdandable carry-on, and a Visvim 22L ballistic nylon backpack, which for me, is the perfect size and design for travel - it has a separate compartment for laptops, which makes it super convenient when going through baggage check.

To make sure that your checked-in luggage does not get lost in transit, I would even suggest to pick-up your luggage in Rome and check-in again for your final destination (assuming you have at least 2 to 3 hours transit time). Upon exit from baggage claim, grab a croissant or pannini at Rustichelli Mangione…

While walking to domestic or international check-in counters, take a quick stop at Titoli and pick up Italian or L’Uomo Vogue. Usually these mags are very pricey when sold in Asia…

Venchi is a good chocolate shop to pick up small gifts, and if you’re feeling indulgent, try their gelato (yum)…

The shopping is actually half-decent at this airport with stores like Valextra and Moncler, which recently opened close by to the Cathay Pacific gate. They did a good job with the shop decor and product selection. Its also better priced (than Asia that is)…


Budget cuts suck so economy class is the new reality, so you gotta be quick to book good seats (30A if you can get it). Before the long 13 hour CX flight back to HK, I suggest a quick pizza pick me up at Spizzico - Molto fast, very good… 

I picked up this black Valextra wallet in a previous transit in Rome, and proved to be a very good buy. And always with me during my travels is this Maison Martin Margiela Line 11 travel wallet that has nicely earned its “travel scars”. Happy and safe travels to everyone in 2010!

About two weeks ago, the Maison Martin Margiela store on On Lan Street in Central, HK had to close because the landlord is demolishing the classic low rise buildings which housed MMM, Comme des Garcons, BBC, and Hoods to make way for another high rise building. I was very sad about this as those buildings were beautiful classic structures, which were one of the last remaining remants of “old” Hong Kong.

The good news is that the MMM store moved to a nearby location on Ice House Street (between the Gucci and Hermes flagships in Central), which just opened this past weekend. I must say I’m pretty impressed with the design of the new store - simple but classic Margiela.
For the new opening, there is an early release of the SS10 Avant Premiere collection and the new range of Line 13 objects that includes table lamps and Matrioska dolls (a great gift for X’Mas).

Martin Margiela was always “ahead” of everyone else. I remember back in the mid 90’s, he already introduced the women’s blazer with big/puffed shoulder pads that is the big trend right now. Around 1997/98, Martin Margiela created a collection of “Reproduction of A Series of Old Garments” intended for the women’s Line 1 collection. One of the garments produced was a “Tailored Jacket for Men” found in Germany. I inherited this jacket from my brother and to this day, it still looks great. Its one of my most treasured pieces in my wardrobe. Nowadays, the “reproduction” pieces are referred to as the REPLICA range, and usually there are a few pieces created every season as part of the overall collection.