THE BLACK RENAISSANCE

A White Renaissance

Sat, 05 May 2012 10:22:22 +0800

Hello All,

Just wanted to let you know that I’ve created another blog, called A White Renaissance. It will be different from The Black Renaissance. It’s much more informal, personal and based on my photography. Enjoy!

Food Armoury - Sugary Venom, Foodzie

Tue, 13 Mar 2012 16:47:00 +0800

I recently had a conversation with dear friend Sam, who was raving to me non-stop about a publication called Kinfolk Magazine. I haven’t had a chance to look at it properly, but from the outside the design aesthetic is amazing. This video that you see above is one of their many videos, and shows the level of thought that is put into the filming, planning and editing process. Oh, and also while we are on the topic of Sam, make sure to check out her blog post on bringing compassion back to the fashion industry. Thought-invoking read indeed!

Hippocrates has been credited as saying “let food be thy medicine”. At a time when obesity is rising, one of the biggest culprits out there is sugar. Now readily available, the substance is ultra-processed until it appears eerily white and powdery. Such is the damning results of sugar that recently an article was posted by the Vancouver Sun that sugar, just like alcohol, should be a controlled substance. I personally would not mind such an idea.
With the number of delicacies and new food products that are come out all the time with exciting new flavors and ingredients, its tough to keep up with it all! Enter companies like Foodzie, where you can pay a set amount of money and let the company help you choose what goodie basket you receive! Quarterly does more or less the same thing, but for non-food related items.
Two weeks ago, I had the privilege of meeting someone from the magnificent publication of Montecristo Magazine. Talking to them about the publication and my utmost respect to a print publication that focuses on the craft, heritage and timelessness of Canadian products, I was reminded of an article I had read earlier about Japanese Sake grown and adapted for Canada.
Lastly, as Kale chips become all the rage in North America, I urge you all not to forget the lovely beet! In such a deep and succulent red color, you will find the recipe here (accompanied by beautiful photography of course!)

Motion - When Hong Kong Is A Woman

Tue, 06 Mar 2012 03:22:17 +0800

I first found this video via JJ from The Wanderlister. It’s a beautiful combination of film, music and poetry. Many of the scenic shots are nostalgic and familiar, and capture the zeitgeist of Hong Kong in an elegant, understate way.

Kansei Division - Digital Fashion - 3D Fonts - East West Hong Kong - Luxury and Racial Repercussions

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 13:40:00 +0800

We’re in that time of the year again, with the whirlwind of fashion weeks in London, Paris, Milan etc. But rather than scroll through the usual array of pretty runway clothes this year on Style.com, I’ve taken to selectively ignoring a large part of the shows. I’m fatigued to the point where I no longer feel a sense of excitement or discovery when I see new designs for the first time. I cannot imagine the hectic schedules fashion editors have to attend to during these times. Which leads me to my first lovelink for the day…

The Business of Fashion, which is one of my daily bibles, recently did a comprehensive introduction and profile on digitalfashionshows.com. Obviously aimed towards editors and industry professionals who need to prepare for upcoming trends, the website comes as a suitable (though never irreplaceable) method in which editors can view the world of designers.
As 3-D movies are now starting to gain popularity along with 3-D printers, we should not be surprised to learn about 3-D fonts. The idea gives a whole new dimension to typography and the written word, and how we give meaning and shapes to tangible objects around us.
I’ve always been a big fan of the South China Morning Post, and religiously buy the SCMP Magazine as well (on the days I do not forget)! The eye candy from this photo-shoot was taken by Baldovina Barani. That eclectic hodge-podge of east and west aesthetics, along with the everyday environment against high fashion is evident here. Nothing groundbreaking, but interesting nonetheless.
I had a chance two weeks ago to attend a talk by co-founder of Farmboy Fine Arts, Todd Towers. The man is a prominent figure in Vancouver, and was recently named as one of the city’s Top 40 under 40. The company itself evaluates, buys, collects and curates fine art collections for the biggest hotel chains in the world. Think W Hotel, Le Meridien, MGM, Marriott, Hilton, Four Seasons etc. Very impressive indeed. Here’s a profile of the man by local magazine, Montecristo Magazine.
Last, but certainly not least, here is a really fantastic and illuminating article on the Chinese Luxury consumer. Their seemingly infinite source for luxury goods comes as a source of relief and racial chagrin to many foreigners alike. The article takes on a holistic perspective, looking not only at western attitudes towards these consumers, but also addresses the fears of a shifting economic balance from west to east.

Image Source: SCMP Magazine via Trendland.net

Motion - Goldfish Obsessions by Riusuke Fukahori

Sun, 19 Feb 2012 14:37:00 +0800

Koi fish paintings have played a long and illustrious role in Chinese and Japanese art, often depicted in smooth, minimalist styles. Steeped in buddhist history, this motif is often associated with wealth, prosperity and adversity. This video features the work of Riusuke Fukahori, who made his debut exhibition in London’s ICN gallery last December. The three-dimensional pieces were created using acrylic and clear resin.

First Person - Plastic Surgery and Opium in Afghanistan

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 09:05:00 +0800

I’ve recently been fascinated by the way women’s lives are affected by the different global standards of beauty. From looking at make-up trends, to the latest beauty products, to facial features and proportions, to the pursuit of youth, beauty is not only skin deep but clearly an obsession of human civilization.

This first article looks at the growing, but still very nascent stages of plastic surgery in Afghanistan. Charting not only the need for women to improve their looks based on cosmetic reasons, the article also looks at the reparative measures surgery can bring to women who suffer from domestic abuse.
Taking on a different angle to women, The Atlantic recently published an article about child brides in Afghanistan. These girls are usually daughters of poor farmers, who are sold to recover debt to the family. Enjoy!

Image Source: Siavash Laghai Flickr

Citizenry - Smart Cities - Razing Beijing - Marina Bay Sands - Olfactory Marketing

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 17:55:00 +0800

Urban development is one of the hottest topics to hit the globe . Whether it is the large quantities of people migrating from the country to the city, or the hazy air pollution that is affecting the health of dense populations, or creating an infrastructure that can efficiently support the demands of mass transit, complex problems have forced great minds to think outside of the box. Today’s post features some of the initiatives, phenomenon’s and challenges notable cities are facing.

Boyd Cohen for Fast Company talks about building a smart city, based on forward thinking ideas. These include integrating policies that encourage and integrate private sectors to improve on growth, and good city branding as a means of talent attraction and retention. In another article, he outlines the top ten smart cities on the planet.

With all eyes focussed on Beijing for the 2008 Olympics along with the lashing media criticism that came for the government’s lavish spending and draconian policies, the city is once again butting heads. This article by The Atlantic looks at the razing of historical neighbourhoods as government officials are forced to create more efficient urban spaces for the alarming influx of migrant workers and the like.

China is not alone in its strong economic growth, as Singapore rises as a strong Asian power with a boom in its luxury sector. One obvious symbol of this modern wealth is the stunning Marina Bay Sands, designed by critically acclaimed architect Moshe Safdie. The property holds the title of most expensive hotel built to this day, and the results are simply stunning.

Detest the waiting time of your urban commute? Advertising agencies PHD and and JCDecaux may have created something you may enjoy. Outfitting several bus stops in the UK with a special olfactory (read: smell) feature, consumers can now enjoy the smell of McCain’s hot baked potatoes. As 3-D technology slowly becomes the new 2-D, advertisers are looking for other ways to stand out in a crowded marketplace….

Image Source: Fast Company

Motion - Redesigning the Japanese Capsule Hotel

Sat, 11 Feb 2012 07:07:55 +0800

If you don’t already know, I have a very soft spot for both Monocle Magazine and Japanese culture, hence why I am posting this up. This video looks at a newly redesigned capsule hotel in Kyoto, with bare minimalist features and functional design. Found mostly in Japan, capsule hotels have a clearly different offering from luxury hotels. Just as there are certain airlines in the travel industry who now offer streamlined, bare services, it makes sense that there should be an equivalent in the hotel industry.

Food Armoury - Pancake Parties - Insect Cuisine - Halving Calories - Green Curry Quinoa

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 16:54:00 +0800

Food Armoury is a new series of blog posts that will look at the social, gustatory, economic and design aspects of food. Exploring the modern consumer’s concerns about the understanding the origins of our food, to exploring avant-garde trends, to answering the question of what to put on the dinner table, we hope to delight you with a selection of well-curated articles.

We start off with a pancake feast from fashion/bakery blogger Samantha Wong, who charts us through a typical design-conscious breakfast. Very envious indeed. (P.S. Sam took some photos of me as we wined and dined in Toronto which you can view here #shamelesspromotion)

Morgan Clendaniel on Fast Company Design introduces the topic of Ento-cuisine (i.e. eating insects). While most of us will be creeped out by such an idea, he outlines the sustainable and nutritious benefits of eating insects as opposed to eating cattle. The caveat: how to convince modern consumers to try it out?

As is commonly known, America currently suffers from unprecedented levels of obesity. Partly due to poor food choices, food vendors also seem to be serving food choices that are now ridiculously large. The solution? Halfsies! A new movement that aims to even out the social food imbalance so that the poor no longer go hungry and the “larger-than-life” eat less. You can also view Halfsies official page here.

Lastly, if you’re looking for something new to put on the dining table, look no further than good old fashion green curry with a modern twist. Made with quinoa, tofu, mushroom and vegetables, it looks absolutely delicious.

Image Source: Samantha Wong

Yin Chao X Ujin Zhao for Vision Magazine

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 07:27:16 +0800

These beautiful collages were created by photographer Yin Chao and Vision Magazine editor Ujin Zhao. The esoteric mixture of art nouveau, Alexander McQueen and rocker style chic blend together to create an androgynous intensity.

Domenico de Sole of Tom Ford International

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 13:04:30 +0800

For those who may not know, Domenico de Sole was Tom Ford’s better half as the dynamic duo that helped Gucci avert bankruptcy back in the day. He now works for Tom Ford International. He makes a very strong point that fashion brands have forgotten, which is that customers are always looking to purchase something that is of good value. This does not necessarily mean that goods should be sold at a lower price.

A Rather Late Notice

Sat, 21 Jan 2012 10:28:00 +0800

Dear Readers, I hope you all have a wonderful Chinese New Year. 2011 has been a very eventful year for me, and am excited to see what lies ahead. As some of you may have noticed, the number of posts that I have published recently has decreased dramatically. Some of you have asked me about this absence, and I am grateful for this concern. A large part of my disappearance was due to personal challenges (which I will not delve into here). Another concern I was facing was the concept of The Black Renaissance that I had been following for several months. I am now here to explain what has happened during this time, and the future of this blog.

When I first created The Black Renaissance, the purpose of the blog was to allow myself to put my thoughts into writing in a coherent manner as possible. Trying to find a “niche” for my blog, I decided to settle on a personal passion: fashion in China. Although I still immensely enjoy talking about this subject, I now realize that I do not want to be defined solely by the parameters of this subject, nor do I believe that a good blog is one that should be defined by a sole topic alone. Rather, I have come to understand that what has given this website its signature style is quality, lengthy writing that gives insight to an interesting world. Chinese fashion may be part of that world, but it is not everything. To give an analogy, a good fashion designer is not one who sticks entirely to primary elements such as color, silhouette or proportion. Rather, it is his or her ability to move comfortably across a range of ideas whilst retaining a signature style that transcends these basic components. Reading Imran Amed on The Business of Fashion’s 5th Anniversary a few weeks ago and how this well-respected website has evolved over time, I now see that change in this blog is not something I should be afraid of. Rather, change is necessary in the quest for excellence and defining my voice.

In all honesty, I do not have a clear idea on the subjects that The Black Renaissance will be publishing in the coming months. However, I can promise you that whatever I choose to talk about will relate to a fascination to the world around me. Whether it is about fashion in China, a sake brewery in Canada, a fledgling designer who studied in the Netherlands, or the historical savoir-faire of porcelain, I will do my best to elucidate, educate and delight you with niche topics of interest. I hope you will join me in this mystery ride.

As always, I am thankful for all the support you have given me whether it is through emails, comments or in-person messages. These are blessings any individual would be lucky to have.

Best,

Daniel

PS: A wonderful new theme is to come soon!

I stumbled onto this wonderfully minimalist website called...

Sat, 26 Nov 2011 10:45:05 +0800

I stumbled onto this wonderfully minimalist website called The-Talks.com, which features candid interviews with some of the most interesting people of our time. You can read their interview with fashion blogging powerhouse, Scott Schuman of The Sartorialist, here.

Image Source: Mirkin. Editting: Mine

Qiu Hao X Matthieu Belin

Tue, 22 Nov 2011 16:45:19 +0800

Nick Knight and Alexander McQueen were undoubtedly a killer combo, creating some of the most arresting works in fashion. However, this latest collection designed by Qiu Hao called Serpens and shot by Matthieu Belin is equally as divine. I’m completely awestruck by the exaggerative lines and unexpected silhouettes. My collage of these photos does not do justice to how great the photos are, so please view the rest of them in their entirety here.

消息: The Woman Behind Hermes' Windows, China's Lagging Aesthetics, China Daily (Not The Newspaper), China's Luxury Brands

Fri, 18 Nov 2011 09:37:00 +0800

Trendland | Leila Menchari - Behind Hermes Windows

If you’ve ever marvelled at the storied window displays at the Hermes flagship store in Paris, then Menchari probably had something to do with the design. This trendland article provides a brief biography of Menchari and an array of Hermes eye candy.

Advertising Age | Why China’s Distinctive Creative Aesthetic Has Been Slow To Peak

An interesting perspective on why China is lagging in its creativity compared to its Western counterparts through the looking glass of the advertising industry.

Forbes | Can China Produce A Luxury Brand

A short article written by Blue Carreon, basically articulating that China’s luxury brands so far are behind Western brands such as those by LVMH. He attributes this to the fact that Chinese brands don’t possess any ubiquitous fashion icons than say, Dior, from Paris. Though I agree with some of the article’s points, Carreon seems to equate the term “luxury” with a brand that is both big and famous. I don’t personally agree with this, but an interesting read, nevertheless.

China Daily Blog (Not The Newspaper)

Written by Deborah Vandam, this newly-launched blog is not (I repeat, not) associated with the newspaper. An informative read with the same premise as mine on fashion in China.

Image Source: Hermes Window Display via Trendland.net

Interview: Monocle in Brilliant Beijing

Tue, 01 Nov 2011 11:34:00 +0800

Imagine how ecstatic I was this month when I found out that Monocle Magazine managed to snag 6th spot in AdAge’s 2011 Magazine A-List. Well earned on all accounts, the magazine consistently features “flawless editorial, luxury advertising, brand extensions and confidence in print.” Needless to say, I was definitely excited to learn more about their first retail foray into China just two months ago. Joining the magazine’s other illustrious retail spaces in Hong Kong, New York and Tokyo, The Monocle Shop Beijing can be found in the Royal Smushi House. I managed to talk with their press a few weeks after their much-hyped grand launch, asking questions on their upcoming collaborations, reasons for entering the Beijing market, and an exciting subscribers party that will be happening early next year.

The Monocle Shop Beijing joins The Monocle Shop Hong Kong as the second home of the global affairs magazine in China. Why is there an emphasis to grow in China?

Monocle: We opened our shop and bureau in Hong Kong last year because we wanted to have a bigger hub in China, for reporting, client work through Winkreative, and also because we have a growing number of Chinese readers and subscribers and wanted to increase our presence in the region. The store in Beijing followed nicely – it came about because of an opportunity with the team at the Royal Smushi House, who we have long worked with.

With many of your goods already sold out, it seems that your retail offerings are so far a success. Were you expecting such a strong and positive response?

The reason we expanded into retail in the first place was because of the positive response we’ve had from our readers from the start. We started by selling Porter Bags online because so many people wanted to buy them after reading about them in Monocle, and at that stage, you could only buy them in Japan. It has gone from that idea, to six shops and a Monocle Café in just over 4 years.

What voice does Monocle magazine bring to this rapidly developing country?

What we bring to every market – global reporting, across affairs, business, culture and design contained in a beautifully printed and collectable magazine.

What influenced your decision to open the shop in Beijing, rather than any of the cities in China?

Because of our relationship with The Royal Smushi House – they invited us to join them in their new development, at the right time for our brand.

Monocle’s editor-in-chief, Tyler Brule, has said that each Monocle shop has its own distinct personality. How would you describe the unique features of The Monocle Shop Beijing compared to the other stores?

The Monocle Shop Beijing is contemporary, streamlined, clean and light.

What endeavours can we expect in the future for Monocle to engage with the local community?

We look forward to hosting our first subscribers party there, early next year. The team will come across from London and it will be a chance for our readers to meet the editors over a glass of wine.

Last Question. What can we expect from The Monocle Shop Beijing in the coming months?

Exciting new design collaborations with the likes of Drakes, Tod’s, Ettinger, and Swedish architect, Andreas Martin-Löf.

Image Source: Background Image by Sarmu Flickr

Amasia by Robert Hamada

Fri, 21 Oct 2011 10:01:05 +0800

A breathtaking film featured in the A Shaded View on Fashion Film’s 2011 line up.

ASOS X HK Fashion Blogger Interview

Tue, 18 Oct 2011 06:16:49 +0800

Check out my AnyWearStyle interview with 5 of Hong Kong’s liveliest fashion bloggers as they collaborate with e-tailer ASOS.com! Names from top left clockwise: Denise from SUPERWOWOMG, Christing from Fashion Hedonism, Tania from T Like Bubble Tea, Sybil from The Style Voyager and Geneva from A Pair And A Spare.

Creativity at Hong Kong's Daydream Nation: Interview with Kay and Jing Wong

Mon, 17 Oct 2011 16:14:04 +0800

It would be fair to call fashion arts house Daydream Nation as a hub for creative visionaries. Headed by brother and sister team Jing and Kay Wong, the pair of designers take on a multidisciplinary approach to fashion with backgrounds in music, dance, theatre and puppetry. Highlighted as well in Vogue Italia’s “Vogue Talent 2010”, they currently sell in over 20 countries and most recently on ShopDesCreateurs.com. Their flagship store at Wan Chai, Hong Kong also hosts workshops to encourage those who don’t have a chance to enjoy an artistic outlet. I got to spend some time with the duo on what it was like meeting Karl Lagerfeld and where they think Daydream Nation is heading.

Daydream Nation has founded a fiercely original brand that prides itself on creativity and a multi-disciplinary approach. Were both of you hesitant at the beginning that a predominantly commercial city such as Hong Kong might not accept you?

At the beginning we didn’t know if Hong Kong will accept us as we are, so we played safe and started our brand in London where we studied Design. Turns out Hong Kong Buyers and Hong Kong consumers are far more open than we expect and soon Hong Kong has become one of our main Markets.

Daydream nation has received awards such as Vogue Italia’s “Vogue Talent 2010” and Hong Kong’s Ten Outstanding Designers Award. What are the key elements that both of you believe has attributed to your success?

To keep on playing like a child, but stay disciplined like a pianist.

Your flagship store at Wing Fung St seems reach out to the Hong Kong community, with a series of workshops (soap making, DIY etc), events and collaborations. Why do you feel that it is important to connect your clothes and stories with people?

Daydream Nation is not about the 2 of us, it is about the Nation of Daydreamers. We’d love to build this community of art and culture lovers where everyone is happy to share and bounce ideas and stories, which is what our brand is about.

What are your personal favorites pieces from the latest Autumn / Winter 2011 collection?

Kay loves ‘The Dress you Wore’ & ‘Last Breath Tassel Cardigan’; Jing loves the ‘Raven Cape’ & the ‘Crown’.

What were your reactions when Karl Lagerfeld’s assistant purchased a necklace at the Daydream Nation stall during Paris Fashion Week?

It was still too surreal for us to handle. We thought the guy must be a fake or was kidding. We did bump into Karl at CHANEL studio’s lift lobby when we took our collection over after they invited us over to show them our accessories again, and both Kay and I literally drop-jawed like two Chinese tourists.

What are key elements that both of you revisit time and time again that make Daydream Nation’s signature trademark?

Always look back to the story we are telling… are we really telling it or did we do that just because we thought it looked nice? And obviously a lot of handwork.

Each collection tells a rich story with a narrative arc. What do you hope to achieve through your stories?

I hope to achieve what a parent hopes to achieve when he/she tells the child a story.

How has your backgrounds in dance and theatre influenced the way both of you view fashion?

We are naturally inclined towards doing dramatic pieces because of our experiences in theatre.

Where do you see Daydream Nation in 10 years time?

To have our own Daydream Nation Building with cafe and live music, our own gallery space, workshop spaces, shop obviously and our studio on the top floor… and in ten years time to have shops in China to sustain our building.

Daydream Nation has just started retailing at international fashion e-tailer Shop Des Createurs. To view their pieces, please click here.

Image Source: Daydream Nation Autumn/Winter Collection

Retrospect: An Interview with Lagerfeld on Chanel in Shanghai

Thu, 29 Sep 2011 06:25:31 +0800