Airplay - a brand new concept of blow dry bar
No cuts, no perm, no color - "blow dry bar", a brand new concept that has taken north america and europe by storm, is finally here in hong kong!
airplay blow dry bar, hong kong's very first, purely focuses on blowouts, updos and makeup. so instead of the unpleasant sight of hair everywhere and the smell of nasty chemicals, airplay blow dry bar offers you a unique styling experience in an airy, playful and feminine bar environment. here, right in the heart of hk's entertainment district, you and your girlfriends can chill and get ready for that all-important dinner/party/first date, all within 45 minutes!
refreshing bubbles, a fabulous updo, paparazzi-ready makeup - what more could you want?!
Airplay not only for adults, they do birthday party for your princess! Who said that makeovers are for browns-up only?! Little girls also love fabulous hair, cute makeup and sweet mani. Celebrate you loved birthday by pampering her like a princess!
Enquires: www.airplaybar.com
Mary Kay’s Dream Beautiful Contest
The positive values of the Dream Beautiful Contest, which – unlike any other competition in the world. To celebrates how women can enrich and transform their lives by working together. Star judge Coco Rocha shares in Mary Kay’s commitment to supporting women’s causes around the globe and is an enthusiastic advocate for professional rights in the modeling industry.
The Contest encourages aspiring models to dream big and beautiful by teaming up with a Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultant for a makeover. Together, the model/makeup artist pairs compete to demonstrate their skill and beauty to the world.
Mary Kay Inc., the international cosmetics brand, has announced the final celebrity judging line-up for its Asia Pacific Dream Beautiful Contest. The glamorous beauty contest is a Pan Asia makeover competition celebrating the making of Asia’s next modeling star and makeup artist talent.
This year, five celebrities will head up the Finale judge panel, which is headlined by top international supermodel Coco Rocha, also known as “The Queen of Posing”. At age 25, Coco Rocha has already been named as one of Vogue’s top 30 models of the decade. Rocha’s work with the world’s top fashion houses – from Chanel to Christian Dior – and top fashion photographers – from Steven Meisel to Annie Leibovitz – make her one of the most recognizable and celebrated supermodels in the world.
Coco is joined on the panel by an all-star judge line up handpicked by Mary Kay to perfectly guide and inspire this year’s crop of contestants. Mary Kay Global Makeup Artist and international celebrity makeup artist Luis Casco is sure to excite all participants and followers of the contest, having worked with A-listers from Cameron Diaz to Heidi Klum to Miranda Kerr. His regular TV appearances as resident beauty expert on Mexico’s Next Top Model and Project Runway mean that he is perfectly placed to mentor and judge this year’s Dream Beautiful Contest.
Alongside Luis and Coco on the judging panel will also be high-fashion photographer, Jason Capobianco; celebrity stylist, Christie Simpson and top Asia supermodel Cara G, along with Mary Kay Asia Pacific President, K.K. Chua, Mary Kay’s Global Chief Marketing Officer, Sheryl Adkins-Green and Mary Kay’s Global Creative Director, Stephen Webster. Much-loved Asia Pacific TV Personality Dominic Lau (E! News Asia TV Host) will once again emcee the competition Finale, to be held on 16th October 2014 in Hong Kong.
Top International supermodel Coco Rocha comments: “I salute the bravery and beauty of every woman who enters the Dream Beautiful Contest. It takes huge guts to acknowledge, let alone act on your dreams and I am here to support each and every person that steps on to the catwalk! I love the positive feel of this contest – this isn’t tantrums and tiaras – this is about women supporting each other to feel beautiful and to experience their moment in the spotlight! I can’t wait for the Finale!”
The competition has drawn thousands of model/makeup artist pairs from nine countries across Asia, including China, Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines, Australia and New Zealand. Finalists from each country will converge in Hong Kong for a dazzling week of Finale activities, culminating in a live catwalk show where the winners will be crowned.
You can also dream big and beautiful, contact your Representative today for more details, be bravery and beauty!
Deadline of contest: August 22, 2014
Follow the competition and get inspired at:
Official Dream Beautiful Contest Instagram & Hashtags:
@MKDreamBeautiful #MaryKay | #MKDreamBeautiful
Coco Rocha's Instagram: @cocorocha
Coco Rocha's Weibo: CocoRocha http://weibo.com/u/2576582941 Luis Casco's Instagram: @luiscascomakeup Cara G’s Instagram: @caragmcilroy
Jason Capobianco Instagram @jasoncapobianco
Christie Simpson Instagram: @christiestyle
Dominic Lau’s Instagram: @domjlau
www.marykay.com.hk
Banrock Station Raises A Glass To Celebrate Global Conservation
Banrock Station, Australia’s most loved eco wine brand, brings the pleasure of fine wine and the message of conservation to the world. Since 1995, Banrock Station has joined forces with environmental organisations, re-investing proceeds from the sale of Banrock Station wines to support conservation projects around the world. To date, the total contribution has exceeded HK$43 million to more than 130 projects globally. Let's us bring you a little introduces of a Fresh New Look of Benrock Station.
In Asia, Banrock Station has adopted 4 Orang-Utans in Malaysia for one year, and supported the Asian Elephant Foundation’s works in Sabah, Malaysia and Kanchanaburi, Thailand. In Hong Kong, Banrock Station has supported the restoration of Mai Po Wetlands. Funding was specifically donated to support the enhancement works of Gei Wai #11 – a shrimp pond at Mai Po Nature Reserve in 2013.
On August 7, we were invited for wine paring lunch with Mr. Paul Burnett, the winemaker of Banrock from Australia. Paul Burnett brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to Banrock Station. Paul has a background specializing in producing quality red and fortified wines. He completed his Bachelor of Agricultural Science (Oenology) from the University of Adelaide.
The wine pairing luncheon was held at Ta Pantry. Please stay tuned with us for more details about the wine paring luncheon!
Back to the story, in Australia, the brand is funding critical research to help protect Australia’s iconic and World Heritage listed Great Barrier Reef and the marine life that call it home.
Grant Viney, General Manager Sales – Asia, said “The key to Banrock’s philosophy is helping consumers make a genuine contribution to projects that further their objectives in tackling global environmental issues such as climate change, water conservation, ecosystem loss and species loss. We take great pride in our environmental contribution and are proud to be helping consumers make a genuine contribution to global conservation”
Banrock Station’s environmental management began at home in its South Australian vineyards and extended to the restoration of the surrounding wetlands and woodlands. In 1994, a 250-hectare vineyard was established at Banrock Station, which has attained the Environmental Management Standard ISO-14001. Additionally, more that 1,000 hectares of wetland surrounding the vineyards was restored, leading to the listing of Banrock Station as a wetland of international importance by the International Ramsar Convention.
Chief Winemaker of Banrock Station, Paul Burnett, says “We have selected grape varieties from around the world, which produce excellent fruit in the South Australian climate. Our wines typify everything that is uniquely Australian – they are bold, generous and full of character. Our range of wines embraces well-loved traditional styles and innovations for today’s adventurous palates.”
Banrock Station wines are available at ParkNShop Hong Kong.
Retail prices of 750ml bottled range, 4x275ml bottled range
2-litre boxed ranges are HKD69, HKD89 and HKD119 respectively.
PHOTOGRAPH LIKE A PRO - Helpful hints from Venture Photography
Nothing beats a studio shoot, but with the advent of smartphones everyone is carrying a camera. As new technology advances and photo-editing mobile apps becoming readily available, everyone can take amazing images. However, having the camera does not make you a photographer; technique does. The pioneers of storytelling, Venture Photography share their professional tips on how to photograph like a professional, allowing your photos to stand out.
Rick Reeder, Art Director of Venture Photography Hong Kong and Dawn Austin, Digital Art Director of Venture Photography, Hong Kong share some, not all, secrets of their trade. So if you think yourself as a budding photographer, here are serval tips:
UNDERSTAND YOUR SUBJECT
A camera is your tool to capture the subject, but to understand the subject is what everyone forgets. Communicate with your subjects and coach them for the best shot. Pointing a camera at them and hoping they will always look good results in uncomfortable portraits. Remember the adage of working with children and animals, you need to take extra time to engage with these subjects .
THINK MORE AND TAKE LESS
Slow down and think about what it is you want to capture and try to minimise distractions in the frame. Look for a background that is non-intrusive and does not distract from the subject.
MAKE IT QUICK AND FAST
For home photography, if you are photographing your special people then find a camera that is quite fast focus so you don’t miss the moment!
BEGINNERS, PLEASE AVOID FLASHING
For a beginner flash can be a disruption from learning the fundamentals. So avoid it unless absolutely necessary until you have grasped the core skills needed. Soft and diffused light is easier to work with for beginners. Look for some shade or an overcast day.
A LITTLE GOES A LONG WAY
After effects and retouching are extremely important, to get that “darn you look good today” effect, but don’t overdo it. If you airbrush at home, try using a Wacom tablet to get better results.
MAKE GREAT USE OF YOUR PHONE
Many mobile apps have filters and skin softener’s built in, for every day, casual snaps. Use Instagram and Rookie, they are not as slick as studio shots but great for posting on Facebook!
CREATING ART
Great framing is the key to show off your photo, to get your finished products hanging on your wall and impress your guests. Venture Photography carries a variety of frames to create the bespoke art for your home. e.g. ‘’Vue’’ suspends the image dramatically within the transparent glass with the edge framed ; “Lumino” is an innovative metal print wall product produced using the state of art high definition print technology, the best bet for vibrant coloured images.
Meet the Pro - RICK REEDER
ART DIRECTOR | VENTURE PHOTOGRAPHY | HONG KONG
At the young and tender age of 14 years old, Rick persuaded his father to let him borrow his Fujica STX-1 camera so that he could take photography as part of his GCSE examinations at his high school in the UK. Rick was extremely fortunate that his school had a darkroom on site and a photography lecturer who was only too willing to show Rick the ropes. As soon as he developed his first role of film and produced a contact sheet of the images, he was hooked.
Portraiture is his favourite style of photography. Rick explains that the type of subject is not important, it is the connection he shares with the subject (be it man or beast!) and how he portrays them through the lens. When asked what he loves most about working at Venture, Rick said: “What I love about Venture is that as a team we differentiate ourselves from the preconceived ideas of what the family portrait is. Behind the scenes such a large part of our work is looking for ways to master our craft and implement innovative ideas into the portrait industry.”
On the selfie phenomenon, Rick is on the fence: “If that’s what people like doing then go for it! I have photographs in my collection of people taking selfies but you won’t find one of me I’m afraid.”
ALL THE GEAR AND NO IDEA?! (Great advice by Rick Reeder)
Rick Reeder, Art Director at Venture Photography, concludes: ”The best camera is the one you have with you. Don’t let the equipment weigh you down. Whether you have a phone camera or a Hasselblad they can both be as powerful as each other in terms of producing a great image. Photography should never be defined by the equipment you use. Great photography comes down to hours, weeks, months, years of constant critique of your images. So practice, practice, practice and don’t fear criticism!”
Enquires: venturephotography.com.hk
(852) 2885 6262
MY STYLE MY RING
PANDORA has taken the concept of interchangeable bracelets and has carried it through to its collections of rings. Each ring is hand-finished to maintain PANDORA’s high standards of quality and offers women the opportunity to create, combine and change out rings to suit the mood and occasion. For My Style My Ring, PANDORA has invited celebrity stylist, Christie Simpson to create a few hot looks, which acts as inspiration for these unforgettable moments and incorporates PANDORA’s new Autumn / Winter collection 2014.
Personal stylist to Lisa S and Daniel Wu, Christie Simpson has styled many other celebrities including Charlie Yeung, Anita Yuen, Grace Huang, Cara G, Li Bing Bing and Victoria Beckham. She was the host stylist on Asia’s Next Top Model and now shares her styling secrets to create on trend accessory looks using PANDORA’s latest ring collections.
“My big styling obsession is accessorizing. For me an outfit is only complete once you have the right accessories and I like to go mad with jewellery when dressing a celebrity client or on editorial photo-shoots. I love rings as they are so versatile and really set off an outfit. It’s all about mixing metals, blending gold and silver rings to create a modern take on a classic look. Pandora has got so many different styles to choose from that you can mix and match, combining new and old collections to create some really stylish looks.” says Christie Simpson. And as for Christie’s favourite look, Christie says: “I am a big fan of the Vintage look, it suits my personal style. I love the Shimmering Leaves ring from the new Autumn collection, which runs up the finger and completes the look. Mixing metals of gold and silver adds an element of modern day Vintage and I adore the twisted bands stacked on top of each other; with a hint of bling these bands look fabulous. I follow the mantra, when it comes to my own personal style or when I am working, more is more!”
For the past three decades, PANDORA has been allowing women to express their personality through accessorizing. Famed for its charms, PANDORA adopts the same exquisite craftsmanship and brand philosophy of personalization to its collections of rings. Through My Style My Ring, women can create their own look or take inspiration from PANDORA’s celebrity stylist that fits every woman’s own unique style.
For enquires: http://www.pandora.net/en-us
Or visit the new Store: 32A, G/F, JP Plaza, Paterson Street, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong
New Air on Wine - The most elegant sparkling wine from Italy
From Left to Right: Bellavista Alma Cuvée Brut NV/ Bellavista Brut 2008/ Bellavista Pas Operé 2007/ Bellavista Rosé 2008
New Air on Wine by Bellavista Franciacorta is the most elegant sparkling wine from Italy, Bellavista remains faithful to the wine making and grape growing philosophy that is a trademark of their wines and style, while changing their outlook to reflect their identity within the bottle.
“A New Air because the energy that surrounds Bellavista is a life-enhancing concept, a forward-looking spirit that we have always nurtured,” explains Francesca Moretti, CEO of Bellavista. The new look branding expresses beauty, pleasure, energy and lightness – the notes that personify this fine sparkling wine in a glass and on the palate.
Each cuvée is depicted by a visual that symbolises its unique personality. Represented by origami butterflies, the Bellavista Alma Cuvée Brut is known for its craftsmanship of blending 60 harvest selections while paying tender homage to the roots of Franciacorta; The Bellavista Brut, represented by deep roots, has a beautiful energy that is enhanced by the passing of time; the complex yet pure Bellavista Pas Operé applies blue skies and clouds inspired by René Magritte to inspire imagination, evoking the mystery and complexities of the classic Franciacorta; while Bellavista Rosé, which embodies the charm of a proud structure with tone and stability, is associated with a glamourous feminine painting inspired by Gustav Klimt to express its grace.
For enquires: www.altayawines.com or Tel: (852) 3669 1973