Exclusive Interview with Michael Petry - Creative Director, TUMI
M: Merci Editor | MP: Michael Petry
M: Can you tell us more about the coming FW collection and the inspiration behind it? What are the highlights?
MP: Each season we visit a new destination and we incorporate graphic patterns and colors important to that location into the collection. The inspiration for the Fall/Winter 2016 season is contemporary Japan, and a rich color palette rooted in nature is the foundation for this collection. We had a lot of fun infusing strong prints and bold colors into silhouettes that are designed with simplicity and functional purposes, giving personality to each piece.
Some highlights include the ever-popular Tegra-Lite® assortment in new seasonal Indigo Floral and Character Print, the select silhouettes in the Tahoe assortment updated in new Forest Print and some new assortment additions: ultra-premium Landon, made from matte pebbled leather and beautifully refined hardware signature to the collection; and Haydon—a new lightweight assortment of soft, relaxed silhouettes that are both fashion-forward and functional.
M: How have you applied your knowledge and expertise on textile from fashion to design to the new collection?
MP: While this role differs from previous positions I’ve held, I believe it is important to bring your prior experiences to the next job in your career. I’ve learned that in any job, it’s imperative to be immersed in the company culture and I encouraged those I worked with to be as well. “Culture” in this case is referring to how we design—allowing an open forum for everyone to speak his or her mind and pushing creativity. It’s important to make the work environment more open and dynamic, thus making the design process more team-oriented and always collaborative.
M: You grew up in the same era as TUMI did. Is there anything in your generation that means something to both you and TUMI and are you intended to incorporate it/ them to TUMI's collections in the future?
MP: We’ve worked very hard to keep the brand’s DNA in every single product we make while updating the silhouettes, the styling and paying particular attention to every little detail and touch point. The brand continues to evolve every season. At TUMI, we are always looking at ways to elevate our product through material innovation—from various leathers, textiles, trims and hardware details.
M: Why did you move from fashion design to product design?
MP: I’ve always done accessories and I have experience in making outerwear. I have 17 years of footwear experience; I’ve probably made every style of shoe possible. Joining TUMI was a great challenge because I’ve been design and creative director for some great brands throughout my career. This was an opportunity to take on a real American brand that has a fantastic reputation. Everywhere I go, people will say “I own a piece of TUMI,” or “I know someone who owns TUMI,” which is really great to hear. My goal has been about how to make the brand cooler and get people to reach it on a daily basis and not just from a travel standpoint.
M: And your reason choose to join TUMI?
MP: I was attracted to the brand because of its reputation for making luxury goods and being known for its superior quality and durability. TUMI has a great collection of classic silhouettes that never go out of style. Those are all things that great brands are built upon. I have been a fan of the brand for a very long time. Anyone who has traveled the world as extensively as I have definitely is a fan of the brand, the quality, the style and the timeless nature of the products.
M: How will you help TUMI stand out from competitors?
MP: The brand is known for superior product quality and durability, and the classic silhouettes never go out of style. Since beginning my role here at TUMI, the goal has been—and will continue to be—to evolve the brand aesthetic by making cool product as well as to elevate the creative of the product and our global marketing appearance. In my opinion, great brands are successful when they challenge themselves to innovate and create.
We will also continue to grow our consumer base to include younger and trend-focused individuals through more casual and tech-oriented product, while ensuring that the iconic and staple features for which clients look to TUMI are left intact and made better than ever.
About Michael Petry
In June 2015, Michael Petry joined TUMI, the leading global travel lifestyle brand, as Creative Director. In this role, Mr. Petry provides the TUMI brand vision and communications, enhancement of product identity, ensuring alignment of all creative disciplines, and set the strategic creative direction for TUMI to achieve business objectives that advance the brands’ strategy. Additionally Michael provides global leadership to marketing, design, public relations, digital and ecommerce platforms, visual merchandising and store design while ensuring that the brand identity, product aesthetic and quality are consistent with the expectations of TUMI’s target customers worldwide.
ghd X CÉ LA VI
ghd adds a taste of the tropics for CÉ LA VI's ladies night this April
Step into April, Hong Kong’s weather is getting warmer finally. Ready to change your outlook and say hello to Spring and Summer? ghd launched its new limited edition styler collection, the Azores. Every Wednesday ladies night, ghd Styling Squad will be ready to transform your hair into the season’s hottest styles with this styler at the Hong Kong’s luxury lounge, Cé La Vi. Catch up with your girlfriends to enjoy the free hairstyling and indulge yourself with the exclusive tropical cocktails. AND you will be one of the lucky girls to get the Azores styler and value of over HK$10,000 ghd products.
Venue: CÉ LA VI - 25/F California Tower, 32 D’Aguilar Street, Central
Time: 9pm until late on every Wednesday in April 2016
The contemporary loft-style and décor - Wildfire – Soho East
Situated along the harbor promenade at Lei King Wan, Wildfire celebrates the arrival of the Year of the Monkey with the re-launch of its Soho East outlet and a new menu on 6 February. The new restaurant occupies a nearly 3,000 sq.ft. venue in a trendy loft-style design which can section into different dining and drinking zones greatly suitable for dining in groups of large and small, intimate dating at the corner booths and private parties.
The contemporary loft-style furnishing and décor emit a comfortable and hip ambience for guests who are here for the food and stay for the drinks. The warm vintage incandescent lighting, rough bare concrete walls, dark leather sofas and champagne metal bar tables also create a uniquely decadent tone for the restaurant, contrasting to the semi-outdoor seats at the side where people may enjoy the 180-degree view of the brightly lit Victoria Harbour.
Gourmet Pizza: Napoletana-inspired pizza crust which uses powder-fine doppio zero (00) flour, olive oil and is known for being puffy on the edges, moist and soft in the middle for texture.
Marinara pizza (HK$148) – homemade garlic, oregano and tomato sauce base, top with mozzarella di bufala campano DOP (Denominazione di Origine Controllata), a buffalo mozzarella produced under a controlled designation of origin in Campana, Italy.
Pear and Gorgonzola pizza (HK$138) – both a savory and sweet delight for guests who want to jump out of the usual pizza routine.
Superfood Salad: "Superfood" such as barley and quinoa contain higher concentrations of nutrients than most other foods and with greater health benefits. These new salads are excellent choices for foodies who love eating healthy.
Barley Mango Salad (HK$98) – refreshingly sweet and tart. The fresh mango mix flawlessly with barley, edamame, baby spinach and red wine vinaigrette dressing.
Sous Vide Salmon Quinoa Salad (HK$108) – “sous vide” helps retain the white protein within the salmon during cooking and keeps the flesh silky smooth. Combining with quinoa, fresh green apple and lemon dressing, this salad is nutritious and super-satisfying.
Pasta & Grill: Sicilian Red Shrimp Spaghetti (HK$288) – a wonderful pasta dish with exceptionally sweet red shrimp that brings out the freshness of the Sicilian ocean.
U.S. Hanger Steak (HK$188) – an 8oz beefy choice for steak lovers. Hanger steak is characterised by its muscular texture yet juicy and tender when prepared medium-rare. Best savored in slices after grilling.
Dessert: Affogato (HK$68) – a classic drinkable dessert in Italian recipe.
Strawberry Eton Mess (HK$68) –strawberry meringue with fresh whipped cream that will be adored by the ladies.
Wildfire at Soho East hosts semi-buffet lunch with 5 entrée options from HK$128 up, Monday through Saturday. Also come chill and enjoy a satisfying Holiday Brunch from HK$128 up every Sunday and public holiday from 11am till 2:30pm; the set menu include slow oven-baked frittata among other selections and with a glass of house or sparkling wine. Special Late Night and Happy Hour drinks offer is great news to everyone - house wine and Carlsberg at half price! Special Late Night is on every Sunday to Thursday from 10pm till 12am; Happy Hour is on Monday to Thursday from 12nn till 7pm.
SOHO EAST
Shop 2B-07, G/F, 45 Tai Hong Street, Lei King Wan, Sai Wan Ho, Hong Kong
Tel: +852 2261 2999
Business hours:
Monday - Saturday & Public Holiday Eve— from 12nn till 1am
Sunday & Public Holiday — from 11am till 1am
Website: Wildifire.com.hk | Facebook: Facebook.com/wildfirehk
Other Wildfire Branches:
Causeway Bay
59-65 Paterson Street, Fashion Walk, Causeway Bay
Tel: 2352 0198
The Peak
Shop 102, The Peak Tower, 128 Peak Road, The Peak
Tel: 2849 5123
Tsim Sha Tsui
2 Knutsford Terrace, Tsim Sha Tsui
Tel: 3690 1598
Simply the Rest: Proudly Presenting the Innovative Nap Lounge, an Urban Oasis Concept and a Haven of Easy Rejuvenation
Picture this everyday scene: You’re between meetings with an hour to spare. It’s a busy week (as usual), and all you really want before your next engagement is a place to unwind for an hour. The local coffee shop is always packed, but even when it isn’t, how can you truly relax in a bustling coffee house with cups clinking all around you as other customers eye up your seat? Welcome to the innovative, original Nap Lounge concept, a modern oasis of relaxation and escape from city life with private cabins available for easy rental in 15-minute increments. Simultaneously launched in three commerce-centric locations – on Des Voeux Road in the heart of Central, on Wan Chai’s Gloucester Road near the Hong Kong Convention Centre and in Tsim Sha Tsui East – Nap Lounge is never too far away from executives that need a fast recharge. After all, a 15 to 30-minute rest could make all the difference in how the rest of your day goes!
Retreat:
Housed within Nap Lounge are highly comfortable individual rooms. In keeping with Nap Lounge’s emphasis on tranquillity and total escape, each room can only accommodate a single guest at any time and features ergonomically designed recliners, fresh sheets and blankets, refreshments on-call and chargers for your electronics. Most importantly, Nap Lounge cabins are in a noise-free, phone-free zone so you are assured of a peaceful, short-term space to recharge your mind and body. An airport lounge is a welcome sight for weary travellers; Nap Lounge is a welcome sight for weary, on-the-go executives, perfect for visiting businessmen (especially during convention season in Wan Chai), travelling executives and freelance professionals who are between meetings. Nap Lounge is also a perfect tonic for special situations such as a personal staging point for an evening event you’re attending (like a wedding). How lovely would it be to have a convenient, peaceful place to change into your eveningwear while taking a much-needed moment to relax?
Recharge:
We recharge all manner of gadgets, electronics and tools everyday. Arguably the biggest tools we neglect to recharge are our minds and bodies. Nap Lounge was created for that very purpose, channelling the restorative powers of a quick afternoon break in restoring your mind space and getting your power bar back up to full.
Relax:
Here’s how it works: our stress-free cabins can be reserved on our user-friendly online booking platform, available for short-term rental in 15-minute increments so you can enjoy everything from a quick quarter-hour retreat to a slightly extended hour-long rejuvenation. Only one guest is allowed in Nap Lounge cabins, and you can be assured that each room is turned over completely after every guest, no matter how short their stay.
Classed as either Business Cabins or First Class Cabins, each Nap Lounge cabin comes with a hugely relaxing ergonomic recliner, chosen specifically to accentuate a quick and efficient recharge in blissful comfort. Free Wi-Fi, newspapers and magazines, chargers, slippers and toothbrush sets are available along with calm mood lighting, soothing scents and special in-room headsets with a selection of calming music. The more spacious First Class cabins also feature on-call refreshment service delivered straight to the cabin, while other guests can make use of the complimentary coffee, tea, selected beverages and snacks at the communal refreshment stations.
Designed with busy professionals in mind, Nap Lounge also features capabilities in printing, fax, copying, scanning and other business services available on site. A concierge service is also on hand with helpful information to help you get to your next stop with stress-free ease.
Reassurance:
Nap Lounge is the inspiration of hotelier David Lau, owner of Tsim Sha Tsui’s successful Popway Hotel, which he personally developed from the ground up. As such, you are assured of hotel-quality service at Nap Lounge with highly efficient room turnarounds and hotel-standard hospitality at every step of the way.
For details: http://www.naplounge.com.hk
ÉPURE Brings Extraordinary French Mediterranean to the Kitchen for Three Nights Only this March
Guest Chef Michel Portos brings two Michelin star cuisine from the South of France
ÉPURE, the Tsim Sha Tsui fine dining restaurant serving dishes almost exclusively from France, is très happy to welcome extraordinary two Michelin starred guest Chef Michel Portos to its kitchen from 3-5 March to prepare an exquisite French Mediterranean experience.
A self-proclaimed food purist, Chef Portos has built a foundation on serving creative yet simple cuisine using the highest quality produce - not unlike ÉPURE’s own Chef Nicolas Boutin. Chef Portos brings over three decades of experience in French Mediterranean cuisine and two Michelin stars, one of which he earned in 2001 at his restaurant Côté Théâtre in France’s Mediterranean city of Perpignan, and the second of which was awarded to him in 2009, at Saint-James in Bordeaux. Since earning his second star, Chef Portos also was awarded the title of “Chef of year 2012” by the prestigious Gault Millau guide.
Chef Portos finds inspiration from around the world and his cuisine has featured ingredients from the North African region of Maghreb, Asia, and the Mediterranean. For his visit to ÉPURE, he and Chef Boutin have designed an eight-course tasting menu (priced at HKD1,988) peppered with the freshest vegetables from the gardens of France and the French Mediterranean’s highest quality seafood.
To start, guests will enjoy fresh and delicate déclinaison de carottes (heirloom carrots) followed by jambon beurre cornichon (ham, butter, gherkins) and Chef Portos’ bouillabaisse miniature, avery traditional Provençal fish stew sourced straight from the coasts of France.
To follow, Chef Portos will serve internationally renowned oysters produced by France’sGillardeau family, l’huitre Gillardeau grillée croquante, grilled crunchy and served with courgette, apple, ‘huilerie Beaujolaise’ and artisan oil.
Next, guests will enjoy Chef Portos’ langoustine royale rôtie, émulsion thé vert, poudre pistache & radis, a roast XL langoustine with ‘green’ emulsion, pistachio and pink radish followed by theconsommé de pomme de terre brulée & truffe noire, aged bintje potato and winter black truffle in clear broth.
Fresh from the coast of Brittany is Chef Portos’ favourite fish of the season: the rouget, artichaut, vinaigrette poutargue, très vieux balsamique (red mullet with artichoke, bottarga vinaigrette, and Modene balsamic IGP 12 years old) is a dish that guests are sure to remember.
Chef Portos has designed a divine pieds paquets 2016, a specialty from Marseille made withlamb, tomato, white wine, orange and Espelette chilli as a main course, which is followed by asoupe pistou chèvre frais with basil & pink garlic broth and fresh goat cheese.
Finally, Chef Portos ends the meal on a sweet note with a light and fresh calisson, made withalmond, orange, melon and a delicious la tropézienne kumquat, made with orange blossom cream, brioche, kumquats confit, and almond.
For reservations: reservations@epure.hk / +852 3185 8338
Address: Shop 403, Level 4, Ocean Centre, Harbour City, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong
“Ferrero Gallery” - A Journey through the Artistry of Ferrero Rocher
The iconic brand of chocolates, Ferrero Rocher will be brought to life in an exhibition opened to the public in tandem with the annual Chocolate Trail at Harbour City, Tsimshatsui. Combining expression of talent and passion, “Ferrero Gallery” tells the story of Italian creation and craftsmanship through artistry, and will be presented through live chef demonstrations and unprecedented cross-category collaboration with Asia's most creative and celebrated makeup artist, Zing.
“Ferrero Gallery” is a journey to ignite the senses, and for a unique tasting experience revealing the sophistication of the pralines, two Italian chefs will highlight Ferrero Rocher’s Italian Art of Pasticceria through a live demonstration of making Ferrero Rocher. In addition, a grand Wall of 2,400 Pralines—showcasing a whole limited collection of Ferrero pralines—creates a rare photo opportunity and dimension. Guided by exceptional love of taste, Ferrero unleashes new and limited edition creations exclusively available at the “Ferrero Gallery.” The premium pralines gift sets will prove to be a confectionery masterpiece of irresistible flavours, including: Ferrero Rocher, Ferrero Rondnoir, Confetteria Raffaello, Ferrero Cappuccino, Ferrero Manderly, Pocket Coffee, Ferrero Kusschen, Ferrero Kusschen White, Ferrero Tenderly Dark, Ferrero Tenderly Torroncino, and Ferrero Tenderly White. You can pick your favourite flavours in both 5-piece and 12-piece gift boxes. Available with a choice of 22 pieces or 42 pieces, the Ferrero Golden Gallery is another perfect gift that makes every occasion special.
In addition, the Grand Ferrero Rocher (240g) which stands at 5 inches tall will also be sold at the Ferrero Gallery on a limited basis. From January 29th to February 14th, 60 pieces of the scrumptious and eye-catchingly sized Grand Ferrero Rocher will be sold daily at HKD160 each; a not-to-be-missed gift for Chinese New Year and Valentine’s Day.
Exhibition date: January 22 – February 21
Location: Gallery by the Harbour, Harbour City, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong.