Transformers: Age of Extinction World Premiere

So you know that new feature on Facebook, the memories they update every morning? Well it reminded me that today was a year ago today that Hong Kong held the World Premiere of Transformers: Age of Extinction (or Transformers 4). Oops, never posted about it…so I guess the one year anniversary is a good enough time as any, to remind the world of the directorial genius of Michael Bay (insert sarcastic pun here).

Despite the lacklustre film, the scenes filmed in Hong Kong are indeed spectacular and well worth the price of IMAX admission alone…but more memorable than the actual film was the world movie premiere taking place in Hong Kong itself. The excitement levels were about as high as when Mark Wahlberg’s previous incarnation Marky Mark used to strip down his pants to show the world his CK underwear. Oh yeah, we were that pumped.

The TST promenade was decked out with a loooong red carpet for the stars to traverse so that millions of money shot photos with the Hong Kong skyline could make their way to global media outlets around the world. While with my new job in media I managed to score invitations to the movie after party concert with Imagine Dragons and a press screening in IMAX the next day – I alas am not big-wig enough to score a golden ticket to the actual premiere with all cast in tow. Didn’t stop me and a girlfriend from checking it out before the Imagine Dragons concert though (standing alongside mainly teenage school girls)..and I’m so glad we did. Actually got to chat to Mark and one of his original “Entourage” Henry Nacho. We have new friends next time we come to visit Bahston. Quick, pahk the cah…i’m off!

After watching the stars parade into the cinema, it was time to head over to the top of Harbour City car park to watch Imagine Dragons play their first concert in Hong Kong. Albeit, this was free and invite only…I wondered why it was in/on a car park. Well that’s because even though it was invite only, there managed to be over five thousand fans who rocked up. Guess everyone likes a freebie! Once again with an amazing Hong Kong skyline as the backdrop, Imagine Dragons positively killed it with a set list that included: Tip Toe, Hear Me, It’s Time, Demons, On Top Of The World, Radioactive and the reason-we-are-all-here Transformers title track Battle Cry. Having seen them at Lollapalooza the year before, which was beset with sound issues, I must say this knocked my socks off. They really seemed to enjoy and revel in the fact they were playing in Hong Kong outside with large Transformers overshadowing them as much as the skyscrapers. You can really tell when a band is enjoying it as much as the fans and for that – i’m converted. ID for life!

Next day it was off to the press screening at IMAX, and as I enjoyed all the surrounding activity leading up to this moment and especially appreciate Intercontinental Film Distributors and iPR Ogilvy & Mather for passing an invite my way, I will only say nice things nor bore you with inconsequential plot matter (uhm, maybe because I have forgotten already)…but I can tell you Kelsey Grammer plays a good baddie, the action scenes are awesome and in particular the long Hong Kong battle set-piece is AH-mazing.

After I wiped away the tears of Hong Kong pride from my face it was off to the press conference, which was held at The Ritz Carlton on Friday 20 June, 2014. I even managed to squeeze in a question. After Michael Bay casually mentioned he didn’t want to film a 4th Transformers film and it was actually Mark Wahlberg’s idea I posed the following question to Mark myself:

Q: “Why did you approach Michael Bay about making another Transformers film..did you collect the toys when you were younger?”

A: “I actually don’t remember asking Michael (ha ha)…but I embrace the idea of playing an older guy..playing a father. For me the biggest reasons (being) I wanted to work with Michael Bay again..and I never made a movie that my kids are excited about or would want to see. I think it’s just introducing me to a whole new audience. I hosted the Kid’s Choice Awards as part of the promotion for Transformers and 2 days later I went to take the kids to school and all of a sudden everybody knew who I was.”

Bring more Hollywood movies to Hong Kong I say (and the movie premieres and concerts puhlease) – we are more than meets the eye! (had to be done..)

 

Frasier!

Mark Wahlberg

Transformers: Age of Extinction cast & director photo

Transformers 4 Press Conference

You again?!

Li Li Bingbing

Kelsey Grammer

Mark Wahlberg & Stanley Tucci

Transformers take Hong Kong

Imagine Dragons

Imagine Dragons lead singer Dan Reynolds – just one of our groupies

We’re in Marky Mark’s Funky Bunch!

Mark Wahlberg

Calvin Klein Jeans Party

 

Carpet cartwheels between Justin Bieber & Kendall Jenner @kendalljenner

@calvinklein

Awesome venue – HK skyline views

Up close, like a tween

CK wardrobe malfunction

This one goes out to the girls & the gays

Annyeonghaseyo Jay Park!

Jay Park

Celebrities, socialites, models and bloggers from all over the world (Calvin Klein flying in Bryanboy, Helena Bordon, Tina Leung among many others) all gathered at the far edges of Hong Kong’s Kai Tak Cruise terminal on Thursday 11 June, 2015 for the Calvin Klein Jeans music event, — a celebration of their latest Calvin Klein Jeans campaign starring the likes of Justin Bieber, K-Pop star Jay Park and (some would say super) model and reality TV fodder Kendall Jenner who also flew in for the occasion.

The Kai Tak cruise terminal is a large ghost town, where the former airport used to be. Not readily accessible by Hong Kong’s many convenient forms of transport, it would take a superstar to entice Hong’s Kong’s jaded socialite crowd…and Calvin Klein delivered! Guests mingled over endless glasses of champagnes that were lined up against the against the stunning backdrop of Hong Kong’s skyline, while enjoying live performances from K-Pop singer Jay Park (who has collaborated with the Biebs in the past) and a set by Justin Bieber himself. While it was known Justin Bieber would make an appearance, it was not expected that he would play such a long set, at arguably Hong Kong’s hottest party of the year (so far – and unlikely to be challenged).

Justin thrilled the 1000 strong audience with hits including “Boyfriend,” “Beauty & a Beat,” “As Long As You Love Me,” “Hold Tight,” “Baby,” covers of Tracy Chapman’s “Fast Car” and Ne-Yo’s “So Sick” and a crowd request which led to a rendition of “One Time.” He also performed a dance laden “Where Are U Now”, his collaboration with Jack Ü.

After two songs it appeared the Biebs had finished and left the stage, but it was actually just a wardrobe malfunction. “It looks like I ripped my pants,” Justin Bieber teased the screaming crowd  “Do you guys mind?” Bieber asked his fans, who were ready to see their favorite singer undressed. “Should I just take them off?” the singer teased further.

Probably would have been appropriate, seeing he was here to spruik Calvin Klein underwear!

Hugo Boss Hong Kong Flagship Stores Grand Opening

Hugo Boss hosted a HUGOE party on Thursday 27 March, 2014 to herald the opening of not one, but two flagship stores in Hong Kong. With a flagship opening on each side of the Harbour (in Central and TST) what better way to celebrate than a party on the harbour itself, in between the two stores.

While a select few were invited to the Central store to view the Autumn-Winter 2014 collection, it was the larger 1000 invitees after-party at Pier 7 that had socialites and fashionistas flocking. Womenswear artistic director Jason Wu flew out for the event, that overflowed with champagne until well past 1am.

A specially designed lit up LED dance floor (think Saturday Night Fever) was produced for the event, which provided a perfect backdrop for the danceable 80’s and pop tunes, spun by none other than Solange Knowles (pre elevator-gate).

Also spotted at the event was Wolf of Wall Street Australian hottie, Margot Robbie and Hong Kong’s own international movie star Chow Yun Fat.

Solange Knowles

Margot Robbie & Jason Wu (from Instagram: margotrobbie)

Solange Knowles

Solange Knowles & Jason Wu

Miu Miu Peking Rd Opening

The world’s largest Miu Miu store opened on Peking Rd, Hong Kong on Wednesday 8 January, 2014.

The huge 1000 sqm store celebrated by effectively removing all but a handful of their accessories, to make room for the throng of guests to party. Also taking up space previously heralded for the brand’s actual clothing, was super stylish hipster Hong Kong DJ queen, DJ Eve Speciall, who spun old school disco tunes, interlaced with newer artists, such as Lana Del Ray and Daft Punk. It was a positively festive playlist that parlayed to the throngs lining up to the amazing seafood riches on display.

Something I have not seen at a store opening like this, there was an ocean’s worth of seafood available on the 2nd level of the store (after being served canapes on 1st floor, guests slowly heard whispers of the feast of riches further up the massive store), including scallops, prawns, oysters..even lobster. However, venturing up one flight even further, there were chefs on hand to attend to your sashimi dreams. Complete with serve yourself wasabi, ginger and sake stations. Simply amazing – and also understandable why clothing was removed prior to the Hong Kong hoards gorging on these seafood riches!

Kiko Mizuhara

Among the famous Asian names in attendance: Angelababy, famous Korean actress and singer Park Shin Hye, Joanna Ho, Hilary Tsui, Kathy Chow, Jennifer Tse and Japanese actress Kiko Mizuhara, who waved to fans as she arrived in a printed look from Miu Miu’s resort collection, styled with denim jacket, bangles and pearls.

Rihanna @ RiRi Hearts MAC Launch in Hong Kong

Stylish as ever in a white Versace Resort 2014 top and skirt (showing off rock-hard abs), Manolo Blahnik heels and silver cuffs, Rihanna did a quick whistle stop at the MAC store in Elements Mall, Hong Kong, on Sunday 15 September, 2013.

Quickly posing for photos and signing the MAC lightbox adorned with her face, Rihanna was there to promote her second RiRi Hearts MAC Line, in stores from October 3. While it is her second line for MAC, this line is the 1st one to be in stores throughout Asia.

The launch luckily coincided with her two sold out shows at Macau on the Friday and Saturday night.

The event was super VIP, as the store was small. However, this didn’t stop a throng of paparazzi and onlookers outside waiting to catch a glimpse of the Barbadian beauty.

Colourful panna cotta’s were handed out as guests anxiously awaited the Bad Girl. To pass the time (late again RiRi..she isn’t a self-anointed Good Girl Gone Bad for nothing..) guest swilled endless champagne and had make-overs done with the new MAC line. With the paps and people outside, it almost felt like us guests were the superstars, giving the event a weird voyeuristic vibe (albeit from the other side of the lens).

Barely there for 5mins, Rihanna was whisked away to attend another sponsor event, this time the decidedly less glamorous Budweiser at Magnum nightclub in Lan Kwai Fong – where she was reportedly 3 hours late.

As for the MAC line? PR speak says: “Rihanna premieres her perfect palette of fall colour – a range of decidedly daring yet classically gorgeous shades, finishes and tools, all encased in the metallic warmth of rose gold packaging.” I’m sure it will be an immediate sell-out judging by the amount of fans in Hong Kong alone!

Who runs this town now?

Regram from Rihanna’s Instagram herself. Me spotted in the stripes!

Check out the matching nails!

US Open Grand Slam Prize Package

Win A Trip For 2 To The US Open

Eurosport Ambassador Mat’s Wilander knows the thrill of being at Flushing Meadow in New York City. He won the 1988 Final in a five set epic battle against Ivan Lendl, with the game still holding the record for the longest singles final match in US Open history.

Wilander, along with Eurosport are offering the chance for one lucky viewer and friend to attend this year’s US Open to experience all the excitement of Grand Slam tennis in the city that never sleeps.

For your chance to win opening night session tickets, flights and accommodation head to:

www.Eurosportwinatriptousopen.com and answer two easy questions (hint: one  answer might be found on this page) for your chance to win.

*Only open to viewers in Hong Kong, Malaysia & Thailand

Advantage You!

US OPEN GRAND SLAM
Watch LIVE on Eurosport
Hong Kong: Now TV Channel 676
Malaysia: Astro TV Channel 814
Thailand: GMM Z TV Channel 393
August 26 – September 9

Please follow us on Twitter @EurosportAsia

Moet & Chandon FilmAid Power of Film Gala

After yesterday’s post, I am still in a champagne frame of mind (when am I ever not?), so here is a quick recap of the Moet & Chandon and FilmAid Asia Power of Film Gala that was held at Clearwater Bay Film Studios on March 16, 2013 in Hong Kong.

The annual event celebrates the use of film and media to transcend language and literacy, bringing life-saving information, psychological relief, and much-needed hope to over 2 million refugees and global communities in need.

For the exclusive dinner and auction, hosted by Kill Bill star Uma Thurman and local hero Donnie Yen, Clearwater Bay studios were transformed for the evening, filled with huge long tables adorned with flowers (and yes, alot of champagne) for a delicious dinner topped off with the most delectable deserts.

The auction raised $3.5 million HKD, all of which will go towards the charity’s brilliant work using the power of film to bring lifesaving information and much needed hope to refugees around the world.

In actuality, the details of the dinner and auction is all hearsay,  as my friends and I did not attend the exclusive dinner (..especially as we would not have have the funds to bid on the amazing auction items such as a trip to Roland Garros, a heliski adventure in Switzerland and signed Moet magnum bottle sealed with a kiss from Uma Thurman)..no, for us it was all about the after party (also at the Clearwater Bay Film Studios), where over 400 international guests from the worlds of film, finance, fashion, art and music among others where found dancing and consuming copious amounts of Moet until 3 am.

The highlight of the evening was a special live performance by British singer Sophie Ellis-Bextor. I had my reservations prior to her performance, after all,  she has not been in the charts in well over a decade, but have to admit I was pleasantly surprised. She played a decent set length (i.e. not just 3 songs and off), engaging the crowd who were mostly old enough to remember “Spiller” and “Murder on the Dancefloor”.

Veuve Clicquot Yellow Summer Party

Champagne, champagne, champagne as far as the eye can see. i.e my kind of party!

One of my favourite brands: Veuve Clicquot, hosted their kick-off to Summer party on Friday 10 May, 2013 (originally slated for April 26th, the party was postponed due to inclement weather and nearly faced another wash out on May 10th).

The “Yellow Summer” themed party was held outdoors, Poolside at the Grand Hyatt.  The space was transformed into a lush urban beach, with ubiquitous yellow Veuve branding on all sorts of Summer paraphernalia: wake-boards, surfboards, sunglasses, beach towels.. you name it!

Following a dress code of “barefoot and black tie,” guests were welcomed with an abundance of free flow Veuve at the spectacular venue of yellow sun shades and cabanas, regaled by paddle boarders and lounging models, all against a backdrop of Hong Kong’s iconic skyscrapers.

As always it was great having an event on a Friday night and aside from the wet ground from that afternoon’s downpour, making long black tie dresses a bit uncomfortable, this event was faultless.

Special shout out to Lee Wolter for arranging such a smooth running event, especially in the face of one postponement and quite nearly another one. The goody bags were also to die-for, with a bottle of Veuve Clicquot, a full Benefit make up palette, Veuve leather luggage tag, sunglasses and fan.

Despite the weather the party really put you in the mood for Summer!

Giorgio Armani Beauty Opening

On Friday 26 April, 2013, Giorgio Armani opened another modern clean and slick Beauty store at Elements Mall in Kowloon.

The event previewed their summer collection, with live make up demo’s with the new collection as well as champagne and delectable canapes that were passed around (the mini Panna cotta’s were to die for).

There were also an interesting iPad caricature service, where guests could take home a print out of their likeness, alongside a goody bag of a the Giorgio Armani monogram in tea (very Honky) and a sample flash lacquer lip gloss, one of their best-selling products and probably my favourite product from their range.

These lip glosses pack a colourful punch, literally, with gloss that somehow has the colour of lipstick and staying power much better than most lip glosses, withstanding a cup of coffee for example.

I am a big fan of the Nº 523, a cherry fuchsia (pictured here) and testing it out on a night out, it lasted through a pasta dinner, making the hefty price tag worthwhile (approx $30US).

GIORGIO ARMANI BEAUTY
Shop 2102, Elements Mall
1 Austin Road West, Kowloon, Hong Kong

January (YSL) Bargains

Wow first post of the year! Where have the months gone by?

As usual, some of that time has been spent with me spending (pardon the pun) and in January I have been on somewhat of a YSL spree.

I mean since when can you actually nab a bargain from such a high-end brand?? Amazingly, I nabbed 4 in just 2 days!

Like most wannabe fashionistas (I do not pertain to actually be that stylish) I have had my eye on the cult classic YSL Arty Ring for over a year now. While I have been eyeing off the navy with gold flecks version (still available at Net-A-Porter here), my second favourite was the Aqua version of the ring, which by some miracle became available for 50% off at Net-A-Porter..and also went on sale on actual pay-day, i.e. it has to have been fate!

Well you didn’t have to ask me twice, I snapped this up immediately and all rings were sold out within a day or two.

I must say, I am kind  of glad I was enticed out of my comfort zone colour wise, because the colour is stunning in real life and will add a real pop to an outfit.

YSL Arty Ring in Aqua

My YSL Arty Ring arrives at work, distracting me from work

Now, the very next day after making my Arty purchase I  was told about a YSL Sample Sale in town. It has been a long time since a coveted brand, such as YSL, had a sample sale in Hong Kong and I knew this would be mayhem at best.

Luckily I was able to attend the preview for “Friends & Family” of staff, but even then, getting there for the opening there was a line stretching two floors!

YSL you are one of the few brands I would brave this for and boy did my determination win out. Leaving the sale with two pairs of HOT YSL high heels.

1) YSL Opyum Pump at $130USD! Retailing for $793USD usually and on sale and sold out on Net-A-Porter for $412USD – what-a-bargain! This is the beauty of being an expat in Hong Kong, my normal Western size average feet are a larger size in Hong Kong, leaving me the best choices at sales.

You can see a photo of the actual colour combination (blue and black, my favourite combo) below on nothing less than a Victoria’s Secret Angel, naturally.

Doutzen Kroes loves her YSL Opyum Pump’s!

2) While the Opyum Pump will serve me well when power meeting etiquette is required, I couldn’t resist another pair of YSL Sandals, that will be ideal for a night on the town.

I don’t know the name of this shoe, but perhaps a less platform version of the famed Tributes. Black and gold are a fail safe combination for dressed up occasions and at $150USD the credit card got another work out.

YSL Black and Gold Sandal

Now having blown my clothing budget within 24 hours of pay-day I definitely resolved that this would be it…until that is, my long-awaited navy YSL Belle De Jour clutch appeared on eBay.

Navy is one of my favourite hues; YSL one of my favourite brands; and the Belle De Jour one of my most long desired items..surely I can starve for the remainder of the month for the sake of fashion.

And starve I will. The clutch was purchased for $293USD, with a little wear and tear inside (the outside is spotless), considering the clutch retails for $750-800USD (Net-A-Porter selling a few here) I can make do with some dust marks.

YSL Belle de Jour Navy (Used)

A celeb favourite owned by everyone from Paris Hilton, Anna Paquin, Dita Von Tesse, Shakira, Emma Roberts, Carmen Electra, Christina Hendricks and Eva Longoria. The classic large black version has been a go to staple for reality stars Kristin Cavallari and Kourtney Kardashian.

Kourtney Kardashian loves her Belle de Jour

So much so, she uses it again and again..

And again (KK rocking the large black version)

As for no-name me, there will be no more YSL for me for a little while, but seeing the brand has been controversially re-branded as Saint Laurent, I am just going to consider these purchases all invest pieces/pieces of history.

Happy Shopping!