2023-12-25

KWK by KAY KWOK 在台上我覓理想

KWK
by KAy KWOK
在台上我覓理想

 

当时设计一律以无分性别、全面挑战传统概念不做故有枯燥乏味及千篇一律的商业路线作品的同时仍能大有捧场客,使这KWK by KAY KWOK avant-garde时装品牌飞跃舞台,举世触目。非一般的独特设计审美观和夺目哇然的出色的舞台服装设计受尽各路识货者青睐,并获得与知名品牌、艺术家和国际殿堂级及名歌手合作千载难逢的机会,为们设计精彩的舞台歌衫。极具个人风格的实验性质及叛逆不羁的精堪工艺结合数码虚拟及科技美学,展现前卫及充满未来感的时尚作品,创作无限可能的未来设计概念

 
来自香港的 KAY KWOK以品牌 KWK by KAY KWOK闯荡江湖,毕业于香港理工大学主修时装和纺织,并获荣誉文学士学位,其后再远赴伦敦时装学院 (London College of Fashion) 攻读男装时装设计,更获得了硕士学位。 向著时装之路前进,除了不断创作,还是创作,prêt à porter的设计路线不是他的一杯好红茶,跳脱传统设计的死胡同,以崭新概念和科技物料的巧妙运用,自成一格的颠覆设计作品,为KAY在2012年赢来 Mittelmoda The Fashion Award的全场总冠军,同时更成为该奖项 20 年以来首位华籍得奖者。
 

好的东西当然要持续让它发生,KAY 凭着未来主义美学和实验精神,于 2013 年推出了同名品牌 KAY KWOK。他更是首位参展伦敦时装周的香港男装设计师,展出由 GQ China 赞助的首个时装系列,俘虏不少国际媒体的芳心和并获赞誉。打响了个人同名品牌,在台上寻觅理想,开启了时尚之路当然要食住上,机会来了不阻挡,国际品牌、歌手及艺术家如郭富城、莫文蔚、李玟、容祖儿和英国乐队 Muse以及Sony、Nike、Dormeuil相邀合作。继国际天后 Beyoncé 穿上了品牌 KWK by KAY KWOK 作全球巡回演唱会《Renaissance》表演服后,紧除其后便是 KWK by KAY KWOK 伦敦时装周 2023 年 Chapter 4 - PORTALS向一代天后李玟致敬的时装秀發怖。


最新的系列设计秉承着的未来感美学,以kooky的审美探索生命的次元空间及时光旅行者为缪思,为乏味平淡的生活撕开一道曙光的破口。系列以时光探索为骨干,宗教人文为装束,极富张力的廓形及线条流动,体现跨越性别时空等限制的极限美学,激发时空交错的无限可能,为生活点燃暧昧不明的希望之火。一如KAY的佛系宣言:“面对未知只能无所畏惧,观音轻拂双指,下沉的眼眸中,将佛光普照在麻木的灵魂上,宝莲灯泛光,质变,闪烁,欢乐涌现。是怜悯,是救赎,是一朵朵美艳迷幻的巨型花朵瞬间绽放于永恒,一生很短,一瞬很长,尽管一生只够爱一个人,但却可以用 365 天去想念,时空探险终究结束,但回忆永存于心,而梦里是你回家的路。 ” 时装秀的谢幕曲,KAY特别选用李玟的<想你的 365 天>, 致敬这位一代天后。在表达对她的思念之外,并希望她到达一个无痛苦而美好的新世界和次元。
 
 

2023-12-22

COACH Presents "COURAGE TO BE REAL" Campaign

 
COACH Presents "COURAGE TO BE REAL" Campaign  u
nder the concept of "Expressive Luxury" -  a campaign inspired by Coach’s message grounded in inspiring people to embrace all the many sides of who they are and find confidence along the way.


The films and images encourage audiences to courageously follow their own path and 
explore all the possibilities of life. Directed by Henry Scholfield and photographed by Wei Huan, campaign brings to life many of the questions young people face today at the crossroads of life. The brand hopes to drive viewers to contemplate about the following: To choose between partners that reflect different paths in life.


To choose a simple, clean haircut or a more expressive one. To choose a 
business career or a creative career. To have a cute child at home or a cute, spoilt pet at home. The campaign emphasizes that there is no right or wrong way to choose in life, there is only listening to the voice of the heart, going forward, breaking through the expectations, and exploring the full possibilities of oneself.


Since its establishment in 1941, Coach has been on the road of brand rejuvenation in recent years, focusing on millennials and Generation Z consumers, and proposing the new positioning of "Expressive Luxury,” where Coach becomes a platform for the self-expression of its community. The brand has been actively conveying the value of "Courage to be Real" to Chinese consumers, guided by Expressive Luxury’s mission to connect with consumers on an emotional level, through purpose-driven storytelling.

VALENTINO Spring 2024 Valentino Paris, A Night’s Tale Campaign

Valentino Spring 2024 a dedicated 
campaign Valentino Paris, A Night’s Tale stars Rosie Huntington-Whiteley whilst she floats within the walls of Place Vendôme with her effortless beauty, bringing the undeniable aura of the holidays. Shot and directed by Theo Wenner, the campaign features the model with a glamorous group of friends gathering within the walls of the grand, gracious, and mystical Place Vendôme, the Maison’s historical headquarters. A story of celebration and sophistication, where Rosie acts as the hostess by inviting us into the world of Valentino during an evening of extravagance.


The Maison unveils an exclusive array of looks - ranging from the subdued to the sparkling – all in the spirit of celebration and seasonal festivities. Looks with soft shades with a relaxed attitude. Party dresses with embroideries, feather jumpers, crystal mini dresses as well as tweed and crêpe couture jackets and High-end denim options.


Dress code of the festivities, preciousness with a sophisticated aura: the new Valentino Garavani VLogo Moon bag and the iconic Valentino Garavani Locò in holiday colors, special sequins and ultra-mini dimensions. To complete the offering of accessories, the new Valentino Garavani Rose- Rouche 1959 pumps, the iconic Valentino Garavani Rockstud pumps and ballerinas.

2023-12-19

COMO Uma Ubud @ Keep Things Magical

From soul searching to wellness retreat, visitors travelling to Bali for all kind of reasons, for the love of the sun and beach, the vibrant night entertainment night life, the rich history of its own unique heritage and culture or savouring the traditional Balinese gastronomy and more, there is always something for everyone.  mylifestylenews writes.


Bali - the Island of the Gods - is an island of contrasts and unique of its own - thanks to its magical blend of colourful culture, friendly and warm people, stunning nature, countless activities, tropical weather, culinary delights, vibrant nightlife and plentiful beautiful resorts to choose from……


For our fond memory of Bali, Ubud is the only one destination that gets to the heart and soul of an amazing experience. The mystical forest in the heart of the island is here that we connect with nature and marvel at its beauty in a serene atmosphere that feeds the soul, especially when choosing a affable resort that transports you into this mysticism for a stress free state of mind and we believe that the intimate rural COMO Uma Ubud has what it takes for a tranquil and lush staycation.


If tropical beaches is not your cup of tea in Bali, immersing yourself in the mystical forest would be the next best alternative. Situated on the main road on the fringe of the town centre and not so distance away from the artist town of Ubud, COMO Uma Ubud is a hidden gem where you can immerse yourself with endless possibilities to explore its lush topography surroundings at all the sights and colourful life on the way as you are worlds away once you enter the environs of this boutique resort.
 

COMO Uma Ubud pride themselves on the beauty of their surrounding estate and recognize your true passion lies in discovering the destination. The intimate resort comprises of only 46 luxury suites that are tucked along green planted corridors and exude traditional Indonesian charm. The larger villas have landscaped courtyards and infinity plunge pools, so there is no end to what level of luxury you choose.


This resort offers seclusion, quiet luxury and a variety of private villas to suit all tastes with understated luxury amenities offers.


Overlooking the Tjampuhan valley, you are surrounded by hillsides of coconut palms and banyan trees, which takes you to another world to be at one with nature.


The resort arranged a hassle free pick up transfer from the airport and a somewhat 90-minute ride - traffic permitting, the hospitable service team awaited our arrival with a very warm welcome and greetings that made us feel as easy as home immediately.


To our surprise, we were quickly whisked away to our upgraded Garden Pool Villa. The entrance to our 85sqm villa is defined by the lushly planted open-air courtyard with an outdoor terrace overlooking the water feature. Then the bathroom wing to the left and the bedroom wing, outdoor plunge pool together with a secluded garden to your right.


With a base colour of white, the interiors are bright and have a plantation feel to them all and the stone floors add that cool touch, given the tropical heat. Inside, light-filled interiors are set off by the four-poster king bed draped in airy white fabric, which is an essential given the tropical atmosphere.


There is so much space to enjoy and you will instantly want to unpack and just chill in the seclusion of your villa, as it allows you to have privacy and blend into the nature without intrusions. The sounds of nature -  with geckos, frogs and crickets - adding a soundscape that reminds you where you are and we were loving it.


Already we were feeling as though we had stepped into a world that lets you have the town of Ubud at your fingertips, but you would rather leave it behind and enter the world of COMO Uma Ubud. 


The resort is bigger than anticipated, which seems magnified by the extensive landscaping, lush vegetation and maturity of the trees and plants, so a lot is hidden in a sense, so that is also an instant draw card and we felt the need to eventually explore every pathway which adds to the enjoyment.


Spacious Bathtub


We wandered between tall, lushly planted walled paths and meandered up and down steps, so each turn of a corner presented us with a totally different aspect of the resort and we were quickly surrendering to the charms of nature, this forms part of the wellness aspect and the pool is overlooked by the open-air yoga pavilion on top of the Uma Bar.


The more we discover, we began to realize that the design of the resort is simple, with the lobby, pool and bar at its open-spaced heart. Less is definitely more here. So your yoga practice affords you an elevated view of the treetops, with scheduled yoga classes to participate in, which calms the soul once again, we enjoyed the morning yoga session with some extended good stretches and peaceful time al-together.


The pool environs were so beautiful with the mature plantings offering some shade and scents wafting through the air, so at any time of the day you could find some shade in the swimming pool as well, to escape the tropical sun, which can get rather fierce in its intensity. 


With the tropical heat being all pervading, a dip in the large 25-metre resort pool was in order. The sun lounges were widely spaced out and during our stay, we had the entire pool to ourselves at most of the time. It was a bonus treat!


The spa has a superb location and if you want to experience more than just a glimpse of Bali right on your doorstep.


Spiritually, art and shopping are the key things to do in Ubud and there are also many more activities on offer outside the resort that capture the essence of Bali’s cultural heartland, so don’t just confine yourself to within the resort and while the town is an interesting enclave to explore, there is so much beyond within a short distance.


A morning nearby guided Keliki village walk for approximately one hour before breakfast is highly recommended that allows you to explore a real Balinese family compound and then wander through the rice paddies, organic gardens and river paths.


At the adjacent village of Sebali, where you can make a canang sari -  an offering to the Gods as a gesture of gratitude which is made from a woven bamboo container that includes rice, flowers, incense, sweets, fruits, spice. With lots of firsthand information given, the tour is rather educational.


Feeding the soul is some wonderful food as well and as small as the resort is in room count, you have options. While in Bali, savoring the traditional Balinese cuisine is a must and that can certainly be found at Kemiri. The Asian-inspired all-day dining revives authentic Indonesian dishes with contemporary interpretations of the neighbouring countries specialties. 


This lush dining alang-alang (reeds) roofed outdoor pavilion overlooks a large koi pond and offers serenity while enjoying some delicious food. Breakfast is an absolute joy here, a semi-buffet menu with unlimited warm dishes cooked a-la-minute which is really important when the whole reason for choosing Ubud is to take things slowly.


After a few mornings of trying various dishes, from eggs Benedict to Nasi Goreng and even Bakso Sapi, nothing failed to please. The fruit juices are fresh as well as the colourful seasonal fruits available are inviting with some homemade jams that are particularly irresistible to go with the fluffy warm pastries.


As always, breakfast is our favourite part of the day. Deckwan and Suci  - the morning service team was always spot on and they knew how to engage guests and remembered your preferences after day one, which impressed us to no end. We were always the last to leave, as it was just so peaceful overlooking the koi pond and listening to nature. Other guests seemed to speak in hushed tones, seemingly not wanting to disturb the peace, so our start to the day was always a joy. No matter how indulgent you are, you can always swim it off later in the large resort pool.


If you prefer a change for the taste buds, there is also Uma Cucina, the convivial restaurant and lounge bar serving Italian inspired cuisine for dinner. Most importantly, you are experience locally grown ingredients that are nutritious, seasonal and pure in nourishing combinations and you can be as healthy or as decadent as you want!


We were dreading the day of departure, as the resort had fed our soul and allowed us to wind down and relax in a way we had not done for so long. It had been an incredibly memorable stay. We made the most of our villa pool and its seclusion, but equally spent a lot of time in the main resort pool to soak up the wonderful atmosphere created by nature, together with the calm and graceful and traditional Balinese Gamelan music created by an ensemble of percussive instruments such as gongs, xylophones and drums played in the late afternoon by the pool side of Uma Bar while you are floating weightlessly in the giant pool. Simply magical!


In general, the staff had delivered the warmest hospitality during our stay especially the front office team. Ayu, Silva and Dila always greeted us affably by name and anticipated our needs as well as the F&B team members aforementioned, from beginning to end. Despite some interior elements of the villa were showing its age, we found serenity and comfort at a level to be expected of such an eponymous brand. 


In this case of obsessive brand loyalty, you can count on standards of service delivery and five-star comfort and there’ll always be surprises in terms of the setting and a design unique to local culture and landscape.


But there’s latitude, too, to think beyond brands and opt for smaller and more idiosyncratic options, especially when your chosen destination is outside well-trodden realms. We travel to explore, learn and understand more about the world around us, go beyond the ordinary, so we believe travel should be a doorway to cultural insight and personal enrichment. Small luxury resorts such as COMO Uma Ubud with curated staycation experiences will definitely leave a special place in your (our) heart.


Tried & Tested:
Location: 5/5
Design & Decor: 4.5/5
Room Amenities: 4.5/5
Housekeeping: 4/5
Food & Beverages: 5/5
Service: 5/5
Value For Money: 4.5/5
Experience: 4.5/5
 
COMO Uma Ubud
 Jalan Raya Sanggingan,
Banjar Lungsiakan, Kedewatan, 
Ubud, Gianyar
Bali, Indonesia
Tel: +62 3619 2448
 
Reviews are based on actual day of visit and experience. mylifestylenews reserves the right of final decision in case of any disputes. All images are photographed by mylifestylenews team without any photoshop enhancement and are the property owned by mylifestylenews unless otherwise stated.

PRADA Holiday 2023 PRIVATESPHERE Campaign

PRADA Holiday 2023 campaign expands the magic inherent in the holiday season through the fantasy of an impossible voyage, a journey in your own sphere. Photographed by Willy Vanderperre, this campaign captures four world-renowned stars – Maya Hawke, Damson Idris, Louis Partridge and Kim Tae-Ri – playing themselves, in their own bubbles. A moment of serenity, a private celebration, a personal playground. This notion is literal as well as ideological: each is seated in a glistening bauble, a perch that becomes, in turn, a flying pod or a personal shuttle, a metaphorical vehicle to navigate individual imaginary destinations.


Illustrating the imaginary, behind every individual a fantastical space-scape fuses the past with the future, memory with expectation. The checked marble floor of the historic 1913 Prada boutique located in the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, in Milan, runs into a galactic horizon, a panorama of deep space drawn from telescope imagery, sparkling with stars. Like imagining the contents of a gift ready to be unwrapped, here you anticipate a whole galaxy ready for exploration.


Both introvert and extrovert - staying in while travelling, in your head, to the furthest reaches of the universe - an imaginary ‘private sphere’ is the ultimate in escapism. In your mind’s eye, it allows you to boldly go where you have never gone before, without going anywhere.


Talent: 
Maya Hawke
Damson Idris
Louis Partridge
Kim Tae-Ri

Photographer: 
Willy Vanderperre

Creative Direction: 
Ferdinando Verderi

2023-12-15

UMA CUCINA @ COMO Uma Ubud - Eat Well From The Flavourful Kitchen

Italian dining may not be your priority of choice while travelling in Bali, yet some luxury and boutique resorts could deliver more than just comfort food to please your austere palate. Uma Cucina at COMO Uma Ubud may change your mind for its easy-going flavourful combination of Italian-inspired dining. mylifestylenews writes.


The artful use of the herbs and spices, a few key and fresh ingredients applied in Italian cooking is the only way to bring joy to a good Italian meal. The authenticity and uniqueness stem from the quality of the ingredients used in cooking rather than the complexity of preparation. Less is always more in Italian cooking, with traditional techniques that never go out of style to tantalize your palate and simplicity is the key. It’s the element that makes Italian cuisines flavourful and unique.


Centrally located in Ubud, Bali, Uma Cucina sits right on the main road on the upper lever on COMO Uma Ubud, leading into the village centre of Ubud, but somehow feels otherworldly once you exit off the thoroughfare. Surrounded by lush and soaring frangipani and bamboo trees with outdoor terraces and a large communal dining table made centre stage of the entire dining area, the rustic open-air restaurant is set in a friendly and warm ambience for you to embrace the cozy purlieu.


A long and fully equipped bar at the other corner of the main dining area offer plentiful orange hue lounge chair seatings where it is best to get together for some sassy and innovative cocktails put together by leading London mixologist, Lewis Wilkinson or post dinner drinks.


 The inverted high ceiling environs are supported by multiple wooden pillars with the influence of the local heritage referencing in a Balinese pavilion style, thus keeping the essence of the COMO Uma Ubud estate identity of where you are.


While few touches of Italian design elements can be found from the interior, it is best to focus on the food where the style of cooking reflects the homely cucina (kitchen in Italian) spirit. The menu is simple and straight forward, ranging from sharing snackers of antipasto dishes to signature a-la-carte menu items or even for a more intimate full dining experience.


Italian food is always a matter of regional pride, so in Uma Cucina, honest Italian flavours predominate to sum up this diverse cuisine with locally sourced produce rendered in colourful, no-muss-no-fuss options. The menu is structured with all the Italian classics and gives that sense of comfort when deciding what you will want to order.


<Fritto Misto>
From the first plate, a lightly battered crispy fried mixed seafood was utterly delicious and so moreish, served with aioli and lemon. Despite the fish was not really fresh, rather mashy and lacking the firm texture, the rest of the seafood combination was done with great flavour.
 

<Carpaccio di Manzo>
Another antipasti came to the table was the thinly sliced peppery beef marinated with herbs and dressed with semi-dried cherry tomatoes, olives, almonds, pecorino cheese and arugula. This is a classic rendition blended perfectly to create a delightful and harmonious palate.


<Calamari alla Griglia>
The lightly grilled calamari was fresh and tender, accompanied with chickpea, garlic, parsley salad and chickpea sauce. The entire combination works and the sauces complimented the overall flavour that left you wanting more. This is a celebration of local produce held together by a singular appreciation of good-quality presented in elegant simplicity. Delicioso!


<Pollo alla Diavola>
This classic Italian fiery barbecue “devil’s chicken” got its name from the spicy marinade. Free-range chicken is used here, rubbed and marinated in a punchy blend of herbs and spices, lemon, pepperonata, garlic, black olive and parsley. The chicken was grilled to perfection with a smokey flavour, tender and tasty that was packed with depth and complexity, served in a very generous portion and expertly cooked. It takes all boxes and simply a winner!


<Manzo alla Griglia>
The beef was a Stockyard Gold 200 day grain fed sirloin and came with charred red onions, asparagus, salsa verde and crispy fries on the side. This was great piece of steak with flavour that was so memorable and it’s provenance added to the overall experience. All other accompaniments were delicious, particularly the onion. Simply divine!


<Semifreddo>
One dessert  to share and this divine semifreddo with a concoction of white chocolate, passion fruit, mango and ginger crumbs is what everyone’s craving for. Slices of thick cut mango sits atop the creamy cheesecake and drenched with the citrusy passion fruit sauce rounding up the entire palate with great satisfaction and really piqued the tastebuds for a refreshing finish to a rich and memorable meal.


The menu features most of the classic Italian dishes, so a definite crowd pleaser when you are looking for simplicity of Italian flavours that won’t disappoint. Given the humidity and outdoor setting, the food was always at the right temperature and texture, particularly the fried dishes, so well handled from the culinary team. The staff are extremely knowledgeable, attentive  and quite welcoming, with the food delivered in a timely order which certainly added to the overall enjoyment for the evening. What’s there not to like? So far, we loved all the dishes that we ordered and able to savour the least expected foreign gastronomy in Bali is another delightful plus. While eating locally or enjoying the tastes of Bali, sometimes you need a change for the palate and Uma Cucina is a great alternative that  is a welcome change, just like you are meeting an old friend that you know will make you happy!


Tried & Tested:
Location: 5/5
Design & Decor: 4/5
Food & Beverages: 4/5
Service: 4.5/5
Value For Money: 4/5
Experience: 4/5
 
 Jalan Raya Sanggingan,
Banjar Lungsiakan, Kedewatan, 
Ubud, Gianyar
Bali, Indonesia
Tel: +62 3619 2448
 
Reviews are based on actual day of visit and experience. mylifestylenews reserves the right of final decision in case of any disputes. All images are photographed by mylifestylenews team without any photoshop enhancement and are the property owned by mylifestylenews unless otherwise stated.