AERISAERISAERIS

AERISwhat’s on?

July 2011

The Team

A G S K

with special thanks toLewis Lam, a Hong Kong-based photographer, with special focus on commercial photography, including advertisment, fashion, magazines, and events. He also specializes in colour management, photo re-touching, and print output. With his experience, he runs regular workshops in order to share his knowledge. lewislamphotography.com

Amanda Siew - Founder & Editor-in-Chief & Health and Beauty Editor, is an aspiring dermatologist who recently completed her degree in Medicine & Surgery in England. Raised in London and Hong Kong, she started working as a part-time model with Elite Model Management at the age of 16. Drawing on her experiences in modelling, fashion and internet publishing, she founded AERIS Magazine in 2010.

Grace Brown - Creative Director, graduated with the double Bachelors of International Studies/ Law from Sydney University. She gained journalistic experience at Star World, APV, Channel Seven, CNN and Bloomberg. Raised in Hong Kong, Grace speaks fluent Mandarin and is passionate about business, people, fashion and art.

Sophie Bent - Director of Communications, was born and bred in Hong Kong, before completing a Bachelor of Commerce in Sydney and Boston. She is currently undertaking a Master of Strategic Public Relations. Her work experience ranges from Burson-Marsteller, Hong Kong Disneyland, Hongkong Land, Jardine Airport Services Group to Mandarin Oriental.

Ka Ming Ho - Technology & Layout Editor, was born in Hong Kong, but has lived in Canada and France before settling in London, As a Cantonese, Mandarin, French and English speaker, he enjoys travelling and learning about different cultures. He has worked briefly at the BBC and the Financial Times.

Joyce Yung is an international photographer based in Hong Kong. Joyce uses her broad multinational education and experiences to extract the inner story in each of her photos. joyceyung.com

Cover Image

Photographer: Joyce Yung

Model: Lu NagataFounder of poledancetokyo.com

Makeup: Ka Lamkalammakeup.com

Hair: Alex Chan

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Shanghai TangHow the stylish Hong Kong label is leading the trend in ‘Silk Road Chic.’

La Perlalaunches its latest Baroque-themed lingerie collection at Hong Kong’s MO bar.

Kanchan Couturekeeps up with the summer heat with a bold, fresh, electric collection.

The Jet Set GuideEconomy, moi? Sophie on dressing to impress for that complimentary upgrade.Saving Face: Tailored SkincareA simple guide for the right moisturiser.

Chefs UnitedHK top chefs unite with Oxfam and Buzz Enter-tainment in a culinary fundraiser for Japan.

Lost Land: Luang PrabangEscape summers suffocating cities and crowded beaches in this tranquil Laotian mountain town.

Waste Not, Want Not?Sophie explores age-old etiquette enforced on a new young crowd, at Sydney’sWafu.

Half-year ReviewAs the first half of the year ends, AERIS reflects on the top news stories that moved the World.

PhotographsKa Ming looks at the world outside Asia.

FoREwoRdThe first half of 2011 has given us a great deal to think about. Most notably, the Japanese earthquake and tsunami, which was the most powerful disaster in Japanese history, in which 15 thousand lives were lost and thousands more became homeless. While the international community has been incredibly supportive, much is left to be done and AERIS would like to ask for your continued support. AERIS attended the Tsunami relief at Hong Kong’s Lily and Bloom, an evening providing an eclectic mix of Japan-inspired culinary treats created by Asia’s top chefs in support of Oxfam‘s relief efforts to the Japanese people. We’d also like to thank designer Brendan Lam for his powerful illustration, which conveys the strength and unity of the Japanese youth rebuilding the nation. All of us at AERIS aim to make raising awareness of humanitarian issues in Asia a top priority and value your feedback or help.

There is no doubt that Asia is an exciting and rapidly developing continent, with China at the forefront. Shanghai Tang is a brand that epitomises modern China, yet remains true to its roots. Its luxurious Chinese designs, represent “progressive China“ yet draw upon traditional Chinese heritage, as discussed in AERIS’ interview with the brand’s Chief Creative Officer, Chee Au. With her down-to-earth Malaysian upbringing and experiences working for top fashion houses such as Oscar De La Renta and Donna Karen, it‘s no surprise that Shanghai Tang’s styles continue to meet increasingly demanding consumers’ desire for style, luxury and comfort. For our readers that are always on the go we’ve put together a guide to the ‘self-upgrade’ and traveling in style. Also, AERIS’ guide on ‘how to choose a moisturizer’ simplifies the jargon plastered all over skincare products and enable you to make informed decisions about choosing appropriate skincare for your skin type.

Worlds away from the hustle and bustle of city life, we delve into the tranquil and scenic land of Laos and explore why it has become such a well-visited destination for food, exploring the outdoors and pampering. In our food column, we find out about the unique Sydney’s Surry Hills members-only restaurant Wafu - its “sustainable nourishment” philosophy, which demands patrons to finish all the food on their plate or risk being struck off its exclusive members list. While controversial, Ichikawa does make a clear statement drawing attention to the increasing global food wastage and over-consumption.

As part of AERIS’ redevelopment, we have not only restructured our editorial team (to include Grace Brown as Creative Director, Sophie Bent as Head of Communications and KaMing Ho as Head of Design), but also expanded our content in response to reader demand.

The release of this issue occurs just over a year since AERIS was established. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank Shanghai Tang, La Perla and Kanchan Couture, and our photographers, Lewis Lam and Joyce Yung, who have been a privilege to work with for this issue. Also, thank you to our readers who have helped make our magazine a success over the past 15 months. While our magazine is still young and will continue to evolve and grow, part of our philosophy is that every image, article or event featured is selected on the basis that it represents AERIS’ identity and the qualities of Asia that we wish to bring focus to.

Enjoy the summer 2011 issue of AERIS!

Amanda SiewFounder and Editor-in-Chief

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While China has been making fashion statements since the dawn of the Qing Dynasty, ‘Silk Road Chic’ has never been more relevant, nor globally pervasive, than it is right now. Aeris talks to Chee Au, Shanghai Tang’s Chief Creative Officer about the season ahead and the evolution underway amongst China’s young, empowered, burgeoning female consumers.

By Grace BrownPhotographer: Diego Merino Model: Qian Hui Ting

ShAnGhAI TAnG

“Treasure Chest” Silk Twill Dress“Cloud” Waist Belt

“Ruyi” Jade Silk Clutch

“Officer” Belted Wool CoatCashmere Qipao TopWool Jersey Skinny Pants“Chinese Knot” Ankle Boots

How do you design and appeal to Shanghai Tang’s targeted demographics? We have a specific consumer group that adores Shanghai Tang. Primarily, I think it’s our playful and modern interpretation of traditional Chinese aesthetics that differentiates us. We represent a slice of progressive China that is so effervescent at the moment.

What changes have you made to Shanghai Tang since returning last year as the Chief Creative Officer?At this point in time, my main priority is to align our brand’s perception with that of our targeted customers’ expectations. For the upcoming Autumn/Winter 2011 season, especially in women’s apparel is to create a line of products that adds dimensions and value to our customers’ needs to meet today’s demanding and multi-faceted lifestyle. We have incorporated semi stretch fabric technology in some of our fitted silhouettes to enhance fit and comfort.

In the near absence of original brands from Hong Kong and China, Shanghai Tang is often mentioned as a leading light. What would you say to aspiring Chinese brand creators?Be fiercely inquisitive - only an inquiring mind can discover uncharted waters. There should not be a fear of the unknown.

You were raised in Malaysia, before being educated in America. How does your background influence your designs?I grew up in a small town called Batu Pahat in the Southern region of Malaysia, which is a little

will be a hint of rock n’ roll chic in this collection. Shanghai Tang’s Autumn/Winter 2011 celebrates China’s dynastic return to a world of momentous luxury, grandeur and confidence. It will be a refreshing new Shanghai Tang.

How did your prior experience for Western fashion houses- Oscar de la Renta, Donna Karen and Anne Klein, to name a few- shape your approach to aesthetically Chinese designing at Shanghai Tang?My experience and background in gives me the eye to see past the “chaos” that sometimes exist in traditional Chinese arts and crafts, where I often take inspiration from. For example, for ready-to-wear, I will water down a vintage embroidery pattern from a glorious spectrum of 12 colours to a basic monochromatic representation. However, it’s quite the opposite for our tailoring division, which is about opulence, excess and a display of Chinese supremacy.

Coco Chanel once said “Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only…fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening...”Do you feel that ‘East meets West’ has become more sought out by the market as China became a primary consumer? It never went out of fashion. China has traditionally been an inspiration to many creative minds across all disciplines.

community, a far cry from where the fashion industry has brought me so far. It was the root that taught me the importance of preserving humility. Fashion is all about fantasy - creating an image that transports us to a higher realm of self confidence and elegance. Personally, I feel that a good design should be quiet but speaks volumes of words when it is worn. It is an accessory that accentuates the wearer’s physical outlook, yet subtle enough to let the individual’s personality shine through.

There are many different variations within Chinese culture, in terms of styles among different clans. What is your vision for Shanghai Tang in Autumn/Winter 2011? How is it going to be different from the last season?Shanghai Tang’s Autumn/Winter 2011 will be quite different from the past. Previously, the seasonal themes were usually based on a destination within China. Fashion is without a doubt an effective barometer of the contemporary social climate. Therefore, in Autumn/Winter 2011 I took my direction from the vibrant sociological shift currently playing out in China. This season we will be showcasing a stronger and a convincingly more independent woman. With the robust economic transformation of modern China, a new consumer society has sprouted. These emerging young, urban middle class consumers are not inebriated by the western society’s articulation of luxury. They are proudly displaying their authentic Chinese cultural heritage. There

Q&a

“Be fiercely inquisitive - only an inquiring mind can discover uncharted waters. There should not be a fear of the unknown.”

with chee au

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Down JacketWool Jersey Skinny Pants“Chinese Knot” Boots

“Rice Field” Gradient Print DressSilk Jade Clutch

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“Urban Warrior” Shearling Jacket with Hand Embroidered BackWool Jersey Skinny Pants

“Vintage Screen” Silk Jacquard CoatCap-sleeved Top with Silk Panel“Croix All Over” Silk Scarf with FringesWool Jersey Skinny Pants“Cloud” Waist Belt

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La PerLaLace, Jewels and veils, La Perla uncovers its latest Baroque-themed lingerie collection. Grace Brown writes. Images courtesy of La Perla

La Perla celebrated the launch of their Spring/ Summer 2011 Collection at the stylish MO bar of Hong Kong’s Manda-

rin Oriental Landmark Hotel. Over 100 guests sipped rose cocktails and enjoyed a sensual preview of novel items including the anticipat-ed Red Ingenue Bustier set and the all new mens’ collection. “MO Bar is a leader for bringing new concepts into the city, whether its afternoon tea collaborations, un-plugged concerts or luxury men’s underwear,” noted Samantha Wordsworth, La Perla Marketing and PR Manager.

The collection was inspired by 18th century Venetian ro-manticism, in keeping with the brand’s firm Italian roots. The collection featured sceno-graphic embroidery and ro-tations of transparent and opaque parts to convey the fashions of the era, including adornments such as lace, jewellerry and veils. The textures also originated from the baroque era archi-tecture; friezes, vo-lutes, scratched stone, gleaming marble and golden and embel-lished, golden stucco frames. In showcas-ing the past of its home country, La Perla continues to seduce Asia not only with beauti-ful lingerie, but also Italian cul-ture, life and tradition.

Men’s coLLection

Kanchancouture

Tartan blazerHigh waisted pencil skirt in electric blue

Its been a year since we caught up with Kanchan. Keeping summer in the city electric, bold and fresh, here is the best of her Blue and White collection for Spring/ Summer 2011.

Model: Aga Kala Photographer: Jeff Hahn

Low cheeky white topHigh waisted skirt with detachable train

Leather belt with shell

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Lao Tzu said: “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step”. But stepping into economy is much more painful

than stepping into business.

For all the conveniences of modern technology, flying is never as simple as getting from A to B. There’s usu-ally a long queue, screaming child or rehydrated sausage to contend with. That’s why it pays to be travel-savvy and work the system to your advan-tage.

Fortunately, getting upgraded isn’t about luck; it’s about strategy. Here are four ways to improve your odds…

1. JOIN THE CLUB

Check-in agents are like the bounc-ers of the skies: they won’t let you in unless your name’s on the list. Frequent flyer programs are designed to recognise and reward customer loyalty, so do the smart thing and sign up. It only takes a few long hauls a year to start clocking up the miles and earning benefits, including fast track check-in, an invite to “the lounge” and, most importantly, your name on the upgrade list.

2. TAKE YOUR TIME

Flying from JKF to HKG? The bad news: you’ve got 16 hours worth of video to sit through. The good news:

on busy routes like this, airlines typi-cally overbook economy by 10 to 15 percent. Arrive fashionably late and you may find that the back half of the plane is already full, in which case the airline has no choice but to upgrade you (or move you to a different flight, but let’s not tempt fate).

3. SPEAK THE LINGO

Greet your check-in agent in their na-tive language, and you’ll be ticking all the right boxes before your passport’s even on the counter. Simple pleasant-ries can go a long way toward getting your foot in the door [of a business class cabin]. And remember, never ask outright for an upgrade: you’ll just seem pushy. It’s far better to express your interest with a casual yet well-targeted query about seat occupancy rates: “Is the flight full today?”

4. DRESS TO IMPRESS

If you want to fly business, you’ve got to look the part. Trackpants and UGG boots just won’t cut it, so aim for a classic look that blends style and comfort. Gentlemen should pair dark jeans with a crisp collared shirt and leather satchel, as popularised by Burberry’s fall 2010 menswear collection. Ladies can’t go wrong with a classic shift dress and some pat-ent flats, à la Audrey Hepburn. Now ask yourself wryly: “Do I look like I fly economy?” >p.34

The essenTial Upgrade

accessories

The Business Class

Bamford

Stella McCartney

Repetto

Jimmy Choo

Bobbi Brown Basic Brush Collection

Modal Organic Protein Scarf

Cashmere Honeycomb Wrap

BB Patent Ballet Flats

Terence Patent Leather

self-upgrade guideby Sophie Bent

Dry, sensitive or oily skin, Amanda Siew introduces how to choose a moisturiser based on your skin type

Beauty and skincare counters bombard us with products claiming to be ‘anti-oxidant,’ ‘anti-ageing’ ‘anti-blemish’ and so on, but the truth is, claims can be greatly exaggerated since many consumer skincare prod-ucts don’t undergo approval by the usual healthcare regulatory bodies. However, you’ll be glad to know that

using a moisturiser suitable for your skin type can help keep your skin soft, flexible and healthy. A final note- It’s good practice to use a moisturiser with SPF 15+ or an additional sunscreen in the daytime to prevent sun damage, which over time, contributes towards pigmentation, wrinkles and increases your risk of skin cancer. >p.34

skincare

Oily/acne-prone skin – your skin’s surface is shiny and oily to touch

with large pores.Generally, you don’t have a great need for moisturizers but do use one when your skin is drier such e.g. during winter. Choose products that are non-comedogenic which won’t clog your pores. AHA (alpha hydroxyl acid) and salicylic acid are helpful against blackheads and whiteheads. Nicotinamide lowers sebum (oil) secretion.

Combination – similar to normal skin but with in-creased oiliness around the t-zone.Avoid applying moisturizers to the T-zone (forehead, nose and chin) but use a non-oily moisturiser on the rest of your face as recommend for normal skin

Sensitive skin - you may experience

burning, itching or stinging

when applying skincare and

cosmetics.Make sure your moisturizer (and any other products you use) is hypoallergenic and fragrance-free, as this makes them less likely to cause irritation. Avoid products with alcohol, propylene or butylene glycol and triethanolamine, as these are common irritants found in many products. Also, exfoliants using AHA and TCA may aggravate your skin.

Dry - your skin is dull, lacks shine, even flaky, in harsh winter weather.Choose creams or lotions with glycerin, paraffin, lanolin, or hyaluronic acid, which attracts airborne water into the skin and helps retain the skin’s own water. Avoid products with AHA and salicylic acid as they will worsen dryness.

LewisLamPhotography.com

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Normal – your skin is well-moisturized without being oily and pores are not large.Use a light, non-oily moisturizer containing ingredients such as glycerol, hyaluronic acid, urea, lactic acid, phospholipids.

Chefs UnitedFrom delicious canapes to free flowing champagne, top chefs and friends gather in rememberence to Japan’s devastating earthquake. Grace Brown savours the night’s delights.

On April 17, 2011 Lily and Bloom Hong Kong teamed up with some of Asia's top chefs to host Chefs United, with profits going to Oxfam for the victims of the devastating March 11

Japan earthquake and tsunami. Chefs included Calvin Ku (Buzz Concepts), David Lai (On Lot 10), Jaako Sora (Finds), Jaime Young (Gusto/ Casa), Jason Licker (JW Marriot Hotel HK), Matt Abergel (Yardbird), Rene Mi-chelena (Lily & Bloom) and Satoru Mukogawa (Sushi Kuu). DJ Kage, DJ Jumbo, DJ Kenta played, along with soulful jazz performances from Michal Garcia on trumpet, Oscar Azahar on saxophone, DJ Gie on electronics, Ted Lo on keys, Marsha Yuan on vocals, Samuel Bu-chanan on bass guitar and guest artist Solomon Siah on guitar and vocals. There was also a silent auction- embody-ing the careful balancing act of emotions in reflecting both restraint and resiliance through the night. Guests mingled to the music over a mouth watering triumph of Italian-Japanese fusion canapes- such as sake-soaked strawberry brushetta with fresh marscapone. "We soaked them overnight" chef Satoru confided. "You think 'it's Brushetta, it's Italian' but ah! No- that sake is all Japan."

Images courtesy of Buzz Concepts

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Lost Land: Luang Prabang

Blessedly free of McDonalds and Starbucks, the town has aromatic bakeries serving up some of

the finest fresh pastries outside of Paris (we like Saffron for crusty sandwiches by the Mekong and Jomo for mango crumble and papaya smoothies). Take a picnic to the impressive Kuang Si waterfalls (45 minutes by bus) and burn off the baguette with an afternoon plunging into the different pools of bubbling turquoise.

In place of malls are vibrant evening markets, open from 4pm to tempt with every accessory from hand woven silk scarves and pashminas, to ornate dolls and glittering jewellery, eye-catching bags and

In the ancient royal capital of Luang Prabang, you will find not sky-scrapers, but ruins of golden Khmer temples, crumbling French archi-tecture and saffron-robed monks. Surrounded by the Nam Khan and the Mekong river, it is also home to an abundance of natural beauty. Grace Brown writes.

bright slippers, paper lanterns and sequined pillows. If you are shown crafts by children, buy from the women instead- the profits go to the children, shielding them from a fate of future child labour. The country’s location during the Vietnam War has sadly rendered it the most heavily bombed in the world, a history still felt by these many children in poverty- yet it is best to give bottled water or food instead of money, which may be taken from them.

Perhaps the most enchanting thing in Laos is the warm hospitality of the traditional, yet carefree Laotians themselves. Let your stress slip away after an hour or two under light fingertips of a ‘Mystic Lao Massage ’ at The Spa Garden.

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At the charming Ramayana hotel - a former Colonial mansion- you can book this Spa’s top masseurs to come to you.

End your day with a leisurely glass at one of this town’s many charming wine bars dinner to remember at one of Luang Prabang’s many superb French and Laotian restaurants. For French, we recommend L’Elephant for the ratatouille, the slow cooked deer and the wild mushroom ravioli; and Blue Lagoon, whose Lao-born, Swiss trained chef serves authentic, crispy and tender duck a l’orange, al’dente risotto and a refreshing avocado gazpacho. Both restaurants also boast outstanding, albeit fairly expensive, wine menus and home-made bread.

Head to Dyen Sabai for tasty local fare, such as Laab (minced chicken, pork or beef with chili, lime and fragrant local herbs), Mekong fish (fried with chili and lemongrass), Laotian sausages, fried seaweed, eggplant dip and an array of curries. The restaurant is accessible by the sinuous bamboo bridge over the river, or boat in the summer. While waiting for the feast to come, enjoy sunset over the river from your dining hut, with a fresh mint daiquiri and a head massage.

Summer in the city is suffocating. If you get that elusive long weekend off and desire to escape away to another world and time, let this misty mountain town in Laos be your next destination.

To get there and back within a long weekend, book a Lao Airlines connecting flight from Bangkok and you’ll be on your way to lost paradise.

From top to bottom: Kuang Si waterfalls; Downtown Luang Prabang; Blue La-goon’s signature canard à l’orange; Ramayana hotel at dusk

Chef Yukako Ichikawa is dishing up a new kind of exclusivity.

Wafu, her 30-seat Japanese restaurant in Sydney’s Surry Hills, is for members only – no exceptions. Ichikawa refuses to speak to non-members on the phone. Passersby are dismissed at the door and left standing open-mouthed on the street. More controversially, Ichikawa recently embarked on something of a consolidation scheme, telling certain members not to come back.

But it isn’t snobbery that drives Ichikawa to limit Wafu’s customer base: her long-term goal is to keep numbers low, prevent waste, and build a new mindset of frugality and respect among Wafu’s loyal patrons, one member at a time.

Ichikawa’s personal ethos of sustainable nourishment is expressed through a “guiltless” menu that relies solely on organic, dairy- and gluten-free ingredients. Wafu also offers a 30 percent discount to diners who eat everything they order or come

armed with recycled takeaway containers.

“Finishing your meal requires that everything is eaten except lemon slices, gar (sushi ginger) and wasabi,” the menu states.

“Those who do not consider taking home their leftovers will be expelled from the member’s list and will be refused re-entry to the restaurant.”

Ichikawa’s rules may seem more suited to a dictatorship than a restaurant, but the rationale is clear: eating well means eating less, and eating less will ultimately reduce the human impact on the environment.

Indeed, behind most modern diets is an alarmingly wasteful system of mass food production that depletes the land, pollutes the sea and air, burns up oil and coal, and supports a direct link between climate change and obesity. Hong Kong, for example, adds 3000 tonnes of food waste to its landfills everyday, while more than one billion people

starve worldwide.

Restaurants like Wafu, though few and far between, could succeed in making some difference to people’s attitudes and behaviours toward food, particularly when they harness emerging consumer trends to promote the idea of “less food, more luxury”.

Ichikawa’s food is simple but exceptional. Sweet avocado and brown rice sushi rolls, hijiki seaweed with white miso and soy dressing, and succulent, caramelised teriyaki salmon make dining at Wafu a truly satisfying experience, rather than an exercise in self-restraint. There’s a “green luxury” to be enjoyed in eating only the freshest, sustainable produce. Ichikawa’s intricate yet clean flavours also impart a sense of expensiveness that belies the menu’s reasonable prices.

Of course, getting your foot in the door is easier said than done. It’s the exclusivity of it all that makes Wafu so popular, its principles so memorable, and sustainable luxury, a very real possibility.

Less Food, More Luxury?

by sophie bent

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Images courtesy of Wafu

LewisLamPhotography.com

From T-shirts to airline liveries, furnitures to interiors, Tania Willis has won numerous recognitions for her outright funky designs. Grace Brown catches up with Tania at her recent exhibition ‘Hong Kong> The World> The Universe’ exhibition’

Illustrations: Tania Willis

TaniaWillis

What medium did you use to create these images?

I used to paint, but eventually developed a digital system to mimic my old methods as closely as possible- mistakes and all. The artwork begins as a series of pencil sketches in my sketchbooks. I scan the best drawing and work on top of it with a digital pen, pad and software. I’ve created libraries of colour palettes, textures and customized brushes that I use to reduce the digital control, allow for accidents and bring it as close as possible to real drawing.

When did you realize that fine art was your calling?

Actually, it’s the reverse. I did my BA in fine art and realized it wasn’t my calling, I realized instead, that I think like a designer. Like any good product, fashion or graphic design, I love to see beauty applied to functionality. I love it when my images serve a purpose and function.

How easy has this been to pursue in Hong Kong and do you see a change in the art market in Asia recently, in terms of who the buyers are?

In regards to the area that I’m interested in (between fine art and design) which is often referred to as ‘image-making’ or ‘designers’ prints’, there is quite an established market in the Europe and the U.S., particularly in creative hubs like London and San Francisco. The prints are usually small, hand-signed, limited editions of screen print or genuine archival pigment print on Hahnemuehle paper. This means the prints don’t fade and the paper doesn’t degrade, so the artworks are guaranteed to last up to 100 years.

This kind of art has much more in common with pop culture and appeals to a new, younger kind of collector, given its more affordable, physically smaller and more accessible (than fine art). Hong Kong’s new young professionals really value good design, so I think these people represent the new market for designers’ prints. Many designers are running their own online galleries, which makes it easier to plan and research a

collection and buyers can come from anywhere. It’s a new concept to Hong Kong, but like everything in Asia, it’s catching on fast. Places like Kapok on Sun Street understand this.

Do you have any advice for new buyers of designer prints?

A lot of well known illustrators, photographers and designers are now exhibiting in non-traditional spaces, including London Design Festival in Brick Lane which uses old factories, design studios, shops…etc. It doesn’t require the investment levels of a fine art purchase, but it is still an investment nevertheless, if you buy limited edition. Don’t buy into editions of more than 50 years old and always research who you want to buy. Resale prices are good, particularly in the U.S. (‘Flatstock’ is a popular graphic arts festival, which sells a lot of artists’ posters). Also, many designers are building a name for themselves, so their work is increasing in value over time.

Hong Kong > The Word> The Universe continues until July 10th at Kapok, Sun St, Hong Kongwww.taniawillis.com

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In half a year,the world turned more than it has in decades...

REVOLUTION

On January 15th, Tunisia’s former president, Zine al Abidine Ben Ali fled the

country after 23 years. On February 11th Egypt’s former president, Hosni Mubarack, transferred his power to the Armed Forces, ending his

30-year regime. The change was compelled by revolutions

over youth unemployment and allegations of corruption-

enabled for the first time without any clear leader,

through social media. The uprisings continue in Libya

and Syria.

ROMANCE RETURNS

On the 29th of April, Prince William and Kate Middleton married at Westminster Abbey-

uniting the British public and the Royal family for the first time in years.

REPUATION LOST

Former International Monetary Fund (IMF) Chief, Dominique Strauss-Kahn – once regarded as one of the World’s most powerful

men- was charged with sexual assault, unlawful imprisonment and attempted rape, following accusations of a New York hotel

maid on May 14th. The jury weighs up the evidence in the coming months, but his recent resignation rattled the global

lending authority.

REBORN

Be it rate-hike trepidation, policy shift speculation, currency consternation or consumer preference anticipation, all eyes worldwide are fixe d on one country - China’s rise is

sealed.

RENEGADE QUAKES, RESILIANCE

Earthquakes of unforeseen scale shook Christchurch - at a magnitude of 6.3 on February 22nd - then Tokyo and Sendai, which endured a magnitude 8.9 megaquake and devastating

tsunami, on March 11th. Along with the loss of 15 thousand lives, the Japan nuclear crisis continues to affect daily life from power

shortages to food safety. Yet, communities affected have remained resiliant- helping each other rebuild, rather than descending into

chaos.

REDEMPTION

Osama Bin Laden, benefactor and mentor of the world’s most prominent terrorist network, Al Qaeda was killed at his

hideout in Abbottabad on May 2nd, after evading capture for a decade. “Justice has been done,” remarked President Obama. ‘’The death of Bin Laden marks the most

significant achievement to date in our nation’s efforts to defeat Al Qaeda.”

REPUATION LOST

Former International Monetary Fund (IMF) Chief, Dominique Strauss-Kahn – once regarded as one of the World’s most powerful

men- was charged with sexual assault, unlawful imprisonment and attempted rape, following accusations of a New York hotel

maid on May 14th. The jury weighs up the evidence in the coming months, but his recent resignation rattled the global

lending authority.

REPERCUSSIONS

On May 16th, the US reached its $US 14 tn debt ceiling. As Republicans refuse tax increases and Democrats

defend welfare programmes, money remains hard to raise

and quickly spent. The White House fears potetially “catastrophic consequences” if its borrowing limit is not raised, as Moodys threatens to downgrade its AAA credit

rating.

Effiel Tower, Paris, France

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Marrakech, Morocco

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Cappadocia, Turkey

REFEREncESThe Business Class Self-Upgrade Guide. p. 18Bobbi Brown Basic Brush Collection (www.bobbibrowncosmetics.com); Stella McCartney Modal Organic Protein Scarf (www.matchesfashion.com); Bamford Cashmere Honeycomb Wrap (www.net-a-porter.com); Repetto BB Patent Ballet Flats (www.kirnazabete.com); Jimmy Choo Terence Patent Leather Suitcase (www.net-a-porter.com).

Skincare. p.19- Cheng et al. Moisturizing and antisebum effect of cosmetic application on facial skin. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology 2007; 6: 172-177- A Pons-Guiraud. Sensitive skin: a complex and multifactorial syndrome, A. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology 2004; 3:145- Avi Shai, Howard Maibach, Robert Baran. Skin moisture and moisturizers. In: Handbook of Cos-metic Skin Care. Informa Healthcare, 2009. p. 24-33. (www.informahealthcare.com)- WebMD Ask the Dermatologist. Choosing the Right Moisturizer for your Skin. http://www.webmd.com/skin-beauty/anti-aging-skin-care-10/moisturizers accessed April 2011.

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AERISJuly 2011 EdITIon