1. Adeline Ooi, New Horizons Ahead!
How a girl from the boondocks became Art Basel’s new Director Asia
A
heavy weight rests on the shoulders of Adeline Ooi,
though you would not know it from her exuberant
disposition. She was officially appointed as Art
Basel’s new Director Asia at the end of last year,
and has been leading her team in preparation for the
arrival of Hong Kong’s most important art fair. No pressure for
her, of course, as the city gears itself up to welcome some of the most
esteemed art industry figures from all over the world.
Yet despite the gravity of what she does, Ooi is not
someone who puts on airs. Rather, she is affable and
incredibly down-to-earth with an upbringing that is far
from rarefied. “I came from the boondocks of Malaysia,”
she laughs, “so there were no galleries to visit!” Instead,
exposure to art in her younger years came from art
history books. And her earliest memories of the subject
came in an unassuming copy of Reader’s Digest, where she
stumbled across a picture of Van Gogh’s The Starry Night.
No one, not least her mother, would have envisioned her to
take the position she has today. Instead, under the expectation
of a traditional Chinese family, she was expected to become a
teacher, accountant or lawyer. “My mother nearly disowned me
when she found out I enrolled in art school!” she says. “But I am
very fortunate that after a couple of years she realized I am quite
serious and she has given me her blessings ever since.”
Knowing in her adolescent years that she belonged to the art
world but without a clue what that would entail, Ooi would later
study at London’s Central Saint Martins. The city provided her
with a creative arena to flourish. “The great thing about London
was the museums, the shows... Art was basically everywhere, and
it was a great hub to be able to connect to Paris and to different
parts of Europe as well.”
Ooi is exhilarated of course by the challenge that lays ahead.
“The first time I heard about Art Basel was through a friend who
was working at the organization many years ago,” she recounts.
“And the very first Art Basel show I attended was in 2006 in
Basel. I was completely blown away.” She would later work as
programme director and curator for Valentine Willie Fine Art
gallery in Kuala Lumpur and several other stints, before eventually
joining the Art Basel team as part of their VIP relations team.
Nowadays, Ooi is spending her days adjusting her compass to
the full scope of her responsibilities. Her schedule is so packed
that she has been traveling non-stop for a month. “Being in the
position of Director Asia, you are really right in the thick of it.
Now I have a much deeper understanding of the mechanics that
make the event. It has been a huge learning curve but I am really
enjoying myself.”
And she is also more than happy to enjoy the
lifestyle that is offered here in Hong Kong. “Although
I come from Malaysia, Hong Kong is not so alien to
me. In fact, I have known the city for quite some time.
The great challenge is that it is a megalopolis and the
energy of Hong Kong has always been exciting. You
always meet interesting people, great conversations,
great food. It is really like coming to say hi to an old
friend.” Such is her close relationship with the city that
since the inception of ART HK in 2008, she has never
missed a show.
As to what Ooi hopes to achieve in the future for the show,
she honestly confesses that her manic schedule has not allowed
her to divine too far into the future. After all, she has been living
out of a suitcase for over a month. “The vision is to keep [Art
Basel] moving forward and making sure that Hong Kong is the
best that it can be. And I hope that we can continue to show the
best of Asia in Hong Kong.”
1
“I came from the boondocks
of Malaysia, so there were
no galleries to visit!”
MEMORY LANE
36
hours
Our stay-cation
guide to wonderful
Wan Chai
INSIGHT &
Barista Blues
Hong Kong’s
satellite fair makes
daring debut
SIGHTS &
SCENES
Snaps of
a hodgepodge
neighbourhood
Rugby’s steel-willed
Rowan Varty takes
aim
The
Busybody
Three nuggets
of wisdom from
the art fair world
GUEST
COlumn
Why you should
support alternative
bookstores
opinion &
BUSINESSBRIEFS
You too can train
a racehorse winner
how to &
roundtable
HABITS &
LOYALTY CARD
DJ Drafus Chow
gets cozy in
Happy Valley
Morning routines
of our Wan Chai
residents
P.2 P.3 P.4 P.6 P.7 P.8 P.9 P.10 P.11
HOME SWEET
HOME
Editor: Daniel Kong Photographer: Kenneth Wu Sub-Editor: Karen Lam Illustrator: Cyma Yuan Contributors: Christina Yuen Zi Chung, Gaudenz Probst, Natasha Kaye Whiffin
issue 2
Spring 2015

2. theclassifiedarchive|issue2|Spring2015
15%DISCOUNT
Morning Routine
SENIOR BUYER,
KAPOK
Store MANAGER,
MONOCLE shop hong kong
CURATOR,
VERY HONG KONG
Executive Creative Director,
GAA Design Farm
CHRIS LI CINDY CHAN BILLY KWANGIOVANNI ALESSI ANGHINI
What time do you usually wake up on
a weekday?
8:00AM, so that I have just enough time to
have breakfast, get a cup of coffee, shower, tidy
up the apartment, and get ready for the day!
Would you consider yourself more of a
morning lark or a night owl?
Kind of both, but maybe more of a morning
lark. I think waking up early helps me to feel
positive. At night I like to make dinner with
my boyfriend, watch Netflix or read a little
before I go to bed.The area that I live in doesn’t
have a lot going on at night, so I prefer to chill
at home and then go to bed at midnight.
What do you like best about the morning?
I love the shadows in my apartment when
the sun rises. The morning light wakes me up
naturally. I also love making breakfast with my
boyfriend. We prepare a good meal everyday.
What was your first thought when you woke
up today?
“Coffee smells good…” Sometimes coffee
really motivates me to wake up. And right
after I wonder what my boyfriend is making
for breakfast.
After waking up, what do you usually do?
It depends. Sometimes I take a shower first,
sometimes I go straight to making coffee. I like
to make scrambled eggs and toast as well, and
then I clean my apartment and water my plants.
Is there something particular that you do to
help prepare for the day?
I drink orange juice and black coffee.
Sometimes I do yoga in the morning as well,
because I feel much more refreshed after.
I especially enjoy hot yoga since sweating
makes me feel great. In the summer, I like to
go swimming before I start the day.
Breakfast— Asian or Western?
Western. My boyfriend and I love exploring
breakfast dishes! We make mostly American
and French style breakfasts. This morning
we made kale, mushroom and cream cheese
toast. Some of our favourite dishes include
frittata and cheese soufflé. We also post
recipe ideas on Instagram and hashtag
#pscookjournal and #dailyeggintake.
What’s the last thing that you grab before
heading out the door?
My phone. It goes wherever I go.
What time do you usually wake up on
a weekday?
I have to be honest and confess that I wake
up quite late— usually around 9:00AM. This
happens since a good chunk of my work
happens at night. I work on a lot of European
projects, and the time difference means
that I work quite late into the evening. I’m
definitely a night owl in this stage of my life,
although I really do love early mornings.
Both early mornings and late nights have
something magical in common. No one
disturbs you, so you can concentrate on what
matters most. All of my work comes to life in
the early morning and late evening.
What was your first thought when you woke
up today?
It’s Monday morning right now and,
unfortunately, my first thought on Mondays
has been the same since moving to Hong
Kong a year ago: “Oh my gosh, I have so
many things to do this week… This city is
killing me!”
After waking up, what do you usually do?
I put on some good music, have a hot shower,
and get ready to rock the day. When I’m in
a really good mood and don’t have so many
things on my mind, I go for a morning run or
swim. This usually makes me realise that all is
well in the world. My other morning ritual is
to prepare two apples everyday. I eat them for
my short breaks in the morning
and afternoon.
Is there something particular that you do to
help prepare you for the day?
Making a glass of warm lemon water is
definitely a ritual now. The beverage makes me
feel great and prepares my body for the day.
Then there’s my beloved single espresso. You
know that for us Italians, our brains only start
working after our first espresso of the day!
Breakfast— Asian or Western?
Western. My breakfast is simple: espresso,
some cereal and freshly squeezed juice. Then
I’m ready to go.
What’s the last thing that you grab before
heading out the door?
I always forget things and leave them at
home. Now I just leave the essentials at my
studio so that I don’t forget!
What time do you usually wake up on
a weekday?
I would say around 8:30AM? My schedule
depends on work, so if I have to run some
errands for the shop before it opens, I set my
alarm clock to ring much earlier.
Would you consider yourself more of a
morning lark or a night owl?
Absolutely a night owl.
What do you like best about the night?
Nights are quieter, and in the relaxed
atmosphere I perform much better. I feel
more active, creative, and focused. On
weeknights, I usually spend a couple hours at
the gym doing yoga or going to dinner with
friends after work. Once I get home after, I
read, write, or watch a movie or two. I used
to stay up a lot later when I was younger,
until 2:00AM or 3:00AM. Nowadays I can’t
handle a working day without enough sleep.
What was your first thought when you woke
up today?
“The weather is amazing today!” I never shut
the curtain in my bedroom when I sleep
because my window faces the sea. This way
the first thing I wake up to every morning is
the beautiful sunshine and trees. This makes
me very happy.
After waking up, what do you usually do?
I stay in bed for five to ten minutes. I either
just laze in bed and empty my mind or I
check my work emails. I don’t want to miss
any important messages that come in from
the Monocle headquarters in London.
Is there something particular that you do to
help you prepare for the day?
I love to make hot lemon honey water in the
morning. Otherwise a cup of tea is just as
good to wake me up!
Breakfast— Asian or Western?
A mix of both. I’ve been fasting recently and
my breakfast has been replaced by a healthy
fruit drink from Japan. However a simple
breakfast will normally do. Eggs and toast.
Nothing fancy.
What’s the last thing that you grab before
heading out the door?
My headphones. It’s a long commute to work
as I live on a small island, and a few good
tunes keep me entertained along the way.
What time do you usually wake up on
a weekday?
I usually wake up between 8:00AM and
9:00AM, depending on what time I sleep
the night before. I’m the kind of person
who needs to sleep eight hours a day, and
will naturally wake without an alarm. I can’t
bear to sleep more than that! I feel like I’m
wasting time lying in bed and not
doing anything.
Morning lark or night owl?
Unfortunately, I’m a night owl who wants
to become a morning lark! A morning lark’s
lifestyle seems healthier. I do like waking up
super early and exercising before work. I feel
great after, but I can only achieve that
feat occasionally.
What do you enjoy most about the night?
I really enjoy walking by myself at night and
exploring Hong Kong’s streets and alleyways.
I love watching people. Some people pack
up their stalls at the night market before
going home, other night owls eat at local
restaurants and some, like wholesale fruit
sellers in Yau Ma Tei, ship boxes of fruit all
over the world. I also check out small pocket
parks like the one on Star Street in Wan
Chai. The nights in Hong Kong are
simply amazing.
After waking up, what do you usually do?
I pick up my phone and check the weather
since it tends to influence my mood for
the rest of the day. After that, I check my
e-mails. The first email that I read is called
“Daily Hope by Rick Warren”, which gives
me some food for thought.
Is there something that you do to help
prepare you for the day?
I have daily reflections and meditate on bible
quotes to prepare for the day ahead. This
activity helps to set my agendas and priorities
straight. Apart from that, a cup of coffee as
breakfast is ideal, since I tend to focus better
with an empty stomach.
What’s the last thing that you grab before
heading out the door?
Usually my keys, which has a mini Octopus
card attached to the key ring. This means
that I can go anywhere and everywhere, and
I won’t have to bother anyone coming home
from a late night of nocturnal wandering!
They say clothes maketh the man, but we say that habits do.
Four Wan Chai creatives share their daily morning rituals, which allow them to tackle the day ahead.
Habits
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What’s happening in your neck of the woods?
Tell us about your personal story.
Send us a note about a new business that needs some love.
Or even share a life conundrum that our ever-so-witty Barista Brad can help you solve!
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The classified loyalty card with a
Calling all Neighbourhood Residents!
2
I
came to Hong Kong as a Web
Designer in 1997 from New York.
The move happened during the whole
internet boom-and-bust era. At that time,
I wasn’t sure if I wanted to stay in this
city permanently, but I just felt there was
so much opportunity that I have been
here ever since. Along the way, I started
DJing. I don’t do it full-time, because I
never want to get sick of my own music.
My vinyl record collection means a lot to
me. I probably have at least 5,000 records,
though I have never counted them all up
to be honest. Most of them came during
the time when I was DJing in 1998. The
collection began when I was just ten years
old, but I really started collecting them
when I was fourteen years old onwards.
I try to buy music that I would
normally listen to, such as soul, house and
jazz music. I’m lucky that a lot of that
kind of music doesn’t age. Nowadays, if
I buy a record like vinyl, it has to be old,
rare or just packaged very well.
One of the most memorable pieces
in my home are two drawings by John
Lennon. My mother’s family friend was
actually friends with Yoko Ono, who
actually gave them to her. Mum’s friend
didn’t appreciate them, so she later gave
them to my mother, who later gave them
to me. I didn’t get to meet John or Yoko,
unfortunately, though that would have
been something!
Another cool piece in my house is an
old portable sound burger. The machine
was our version of a walkman back in
the day but for vinyl records. I used to
carry it around with headphones plugged
in, along with a box of records as well.
Carrying all of this everywhere was really
a chore, but I need my music with me.
The machine is quite a novel relic. You
can get new ones now at HMV, but they
don’t look as nice, obviously.
I got married last year with my
wonderful wife, and we moved to this area
about two or three years ago. I was in an
apartment in Tai Hang before for about
eight years. We moved to Happy Valley
because we thought this place was a bit
more grown-up and suitable for married
life. What I like about our home is that
we’re on top of a hill, so I feel isolated
even within a secluded neighbourhood
like Happy Valley.
My definition of a home is someplace
where you have to feel comfortable in. For
me, it’s the feeling that you don’t want
to leave it. I really learnt from my wife
about coziness. I’m more minimal, but as
I get older I realize that maybe a bit of
coziness is actually better.
We’re planning on painting one
of the walls a burnt orange, but if the
decision were up to me I would keep it
white. I’m more modern and my wife
is more rustic, so we have to find that
middle ground. It’s that balance of
philosophy when you’re married.
Ex-New Yorker cum Happy Valley resident Drafus Chow opens up about his
vinyl record indulgence, and why the art of coziness is oh-so-important in
decorating a house.
Home Sweet Home DJ Drafus Chow
Chow sits on a corner couch right next to his favourite music memorabilia and record collection.
Small adornments and trinkets, courtesy of Chow’s wife, add a touch of coziness.
An old portable sound burger that Chow used to
carry around.
A well-treasured drawing by John Lennon sits on the
walls of Chow’s living room.
3

3. theclassifiedarchive|issue2|Spring2015
Built in 1863, Pak Tai Temple is nestled away in a
quiet tree-lined corner of Wan Chai. Worshippers
and tourists alike come to pay homage to traditional
Buddhist gods.
Feng shui fanatics will find themselves at home in
the Wan Chai market, where stalls that sell trinkets,
baubles and Buddha statues are part and parcel of
this bustling scene.
Previously housing the Woo Cheong Pawn Shop,
this Wan Chai signature is now home to well-known
restaurant & ‘Botanicals’ bar, The Pawn, re-opened in
collaboration with British celebrity chef, Tom Aikens
in November last year.
The historic Blue House on Stone Nullah Lane is a
four-storey building, famed for its unique features as
a traditional Tong Lau building.
Lee Kung Man Knitting Factory gets to the basics,
with a store that offers traditional undergarments,
t-shirts and cardigans. A heritage brand ripe for
hipster revival.
This quaint little building houses Hong Kong’s
oldest surviving post office building. The branch
officially opened for service in 1915.
Location No. 1
Location No. 3
Location No. 5
Location No. 2
Location No. 4
Location No. 6
Sights & Scenes Wan Chai
4
Pak Tai Temple
WAN CHAI
MARKET
THE PAWN
BLUE HOUSE
Lee Kung Man
Knitting Factory
WAN CHAI
POST OFFICE
Wander along the wondrous streets of Wan Chai,
as our photographer rediscovers a bit of this neighbourhood’s old-fashion charm.
A
successful wardrobe and a successful art fair have
similar objectives, in that ideally they should both
be full of beautiful things. But it’s not always
straightforward to adapt one to the other, particularly
because, in a 72-hour period so thoroughly packed with
THE MR PORTER GUIDE TO
DRESSING FOR ART BASEL
FOR THE COCKTAIL RECEPTION:
THE OLD MASTER
On the style spectrum, you’re a Rembrandt – things
may change, but everyone will always want a piece of
you. Dress the part in a timeless black tuxedo.
FOR CASUAL BROWSING:
THE MINIMALIST
You like concrete, cubes and talk a lot about “space”.
Keep it clean with futuristic, pared- back separates
from Issey Miyake.
FOR THE SALON:
THE DADA
You’re the wild card – no one knows whether you’re
a guest or an exhibit. Impress the critics with a
deconstructed two-tone suit.
talks, workshops, receptions and exhibitions, there are so
many different occasions to dress for. Navigate the various
needs of each (and inject a little of artistry into your look)
with the following guide to personal composition during
Art Basel Hong Kong.
ISSEY MIYAKE
COLLARLESS SHIRT
Go for a collarless shirt for
a summery, exotic look.
JUNGHANS MAX
BILL WATCH
Sharp minimal design from
the German watchmaker.
ISSEY MIYAKE
LINEN-BLEND JACKET
A pleasantly flecked jacket with
a simple shawl lapel design.
ANN DEMEULEMEESTER
CROPPED TROUSERS
A relaxed cut for sauntering
round the gallery space.
ACNE STUDIOS ISHERWOOD
COTTON SHIRT
Choose light chambray for
a painterly sense of ease.
O’KEEFFE WINGTIP
BROGUES
Affect an eccentric charm with
these pebble grained brogues.
THOM BROWNE GREY
HERRINGBONE JACKET
One jacket, two greys.
Enjoy the chaos.
THOM BROWNE GREY
HERRINGBONE TROUSERS
Commit to the two-tone look
with matching trousers.
GUCCI SILK
BOW TIE
Tuxedos and bow ties are like Gucci
and cocktails – made for each other.
CHURCH’S
SHOES
The celebrated Italian shoemaker offers
a contemporary twist on the classic Derby.
VALENTINO
SHIRT
The white dress shirt, perfected
by Parisian brand Valentino.
SAINT LAURENT
TUXEDO
A modern classic from Mr Hedi Slimane.
Future-proof and impeccably sharp.
BROUGHT TO YOU BY MR PORTER, THE MEN’S STYLE DESTINATION
SHOP MORE THAN 300 OF THE WORLD’S LEADING DESIGNER BRANDS AT MRPORTER.COM

4. theclassifiedarchive|issue2|Spring2015
can always send a horrible wedding gift. Maybe present them
with a vacuum or a year’s subscription to Good Housekeeping
Magazine. I doubt she will take the hint but social protocol
dictates that she will have to thank you either way.
More broadly speaking, what attracts one person to
another is about as intuitive as quantum physics, which
is to say I don’t have a clue. What I do know, however,
is that staring at social media the way a moth looks at
a lamp won’t help you find the one. Go out there and
meet people! Who knows, you might even meet Mr.
Right whilst buying your next pot.
Love Always,
You have lived in Hong Kong for six years and witnessed the
evolution of art in the city. Can you tell us what has changed in
the past few years?
There has been an incredible amount of growth. Having been
a part of ART HK and seeing the industry grow, I feel very
honoured to have been a part of the city’s starting art fair. ART
HK has played a major role in the city as an arts hub since its
birth in 2007, and people picked up on the fact that there was
a lot happening here. It was not just people coming from Asia
and gathering. There were also international galleries like the
Gagosian Gallery and White Cube who wanted to be part of what
was happening. Through the fair, they built up a permanent and
long-term presence in this region of the world.
On top of that, you have governmental and non-profit initiatives
like West Kowloon Cultural District, Asia Society and Spring
Workshop who have also risen to prominence. Their presence
is also needed because they provide the kind of context the art
fair and gallery business need in order to really make the whole
movement sustainable.
Working previously for the Gagosian Gallery, ART HK and Art
Basel, how have these experiences prepared you to take on the
daunting task ahead?
Where to begin? Working in a gallery has served me well. I know
what it is like to be on the other side, since now our clients are
galleries. I understand what their pressures are like, since it is an
incredibly difficult business. Working at ART HK has also taught
me so much. Magnus Renfrew [previous fair director of ART
HK] has been an incredible teacher. I am grateful to him for all
his advice. I was not part of the beginning of ART HK, so I can
only imagine now what it must have felt like to debut when there
was not a preceding fair to build on. That said, now that Hong
Kong is already an arts hub, my job of starting Art Central is now
considerably easier!
Hong Kong’s art scene is quite well developed now. How does
Art Central complement the city’s offerings?
When you look at world centres like London and Paris that have
major art fairs, they all also have a range of satellite fairs. It is
quite common to have multiple events happening during an art
week. So what we are doing in Hong Kong bringing this satellite
fair to the city is elevating art week to international standards. In
that sense, we are complementing what is happening in Art Basel.
There are also a few points of difference. The first is our focus on
ink art, with the work of twenty different ink artists on display.
The second is that we are doing VIP tours with Tiffany Beres
who is a curator and ink specialist from Beijing and also running
a public talk through The Asia Society.
What has so far been the biggest challenge in establishing
Art Central?
The first challenge was probably the biggest one, which was
finding an appropriate venue. In Hong Kong, as we all know,
space is a premium. But we have found space in the Central
Harbourfront, which is right in the heart of the city. We are
excited to be able to put a 10,000 square metre tent in the middle
of Hong Kong. The location had to be literally dragged out of
the harbour! After that, the rest of challenges like setting up the
event is hard work, but we can make it happen.
If all goes well, where do you hope to see Art Central in the
next five years?
We will grow with the growth of Hong Kong’s art scene. And
as the city becomes more international, we will be able to bring
more and more high quality art. We are not looking to spread this
all around the world. This is about Hong Kong, for Hong Kong
and we are focused on being present here.
Insight
Barista Blues
Eve Share Banghart, Co-Director of Art Central
Social Problems
6
Along with partner-in-crime Maree Di Pasquale, Eve Share Banghart is leading Hong Kong’s first ever satellite fair, Art Central.
The event’s Co-Director shares her insights into the prominent rise of art in the city and what visitors can expect when the doors open.
W
hen May Fung witnessed her beloved neighbourhood
bookstore close down back in 2008, she took a huge
gamble. Despite her hectic schedule as an artist, arts
educator and administrator, she bought the failing business’s
remaining stock, and set up the non-profit art space and bookstore,
Arts & Culture Outreach (ACO).
For Fung, the promotion of alternative bookstores in Hong
Kong is a particularly important mission. Through ACO, she
hopes to promote the virtues of the printed word on art, music
and literature to the Hong Kong community. “In Hong Kong,
reading culture has been heavily affected by the development of
technology,” Fung asserts, “and when a smart phone provides more
than enough content to occupy people’s attention, what is the
meaning of reading a book in today’s world?”
The question she poses is particularly pertinent, as the
publishing industry is facing profound changes. In particular,
the rising influence of electronic media has resulted in younger
generations who are no longer experiencing the analogue sensation
of the printed word. “How do we get young people to return to
reading a physical book and enjoy that feeling?” Fung asks. These
are the questions that she has been grappling with since the
establishment of ACO.
Even more challenging for her business is how to bring a wider
readership to the type of books that Fung believes are important
to read. “We want books that are not available in mainstream
bookstores, books that are mainly about the humanities such
art, culture, psychology, and philosophy. These are the books that
enrich our inner lives.”In doing so, she encourages all communities
to engage with quality ideas and to be able to think critically.
Opinion Why You Should Support Alternative Bookstores
CentralBusiness Briefs
Not being swayed by commercial concerns or popular trends,
alternative bookstores are an important channel for values and
habits that Fung believes are now more necessary than ever. This
is especially so in a city such as Hong Kong where priorities often
veer towards the lucrative, and technology facilitates a lifestyle
of unhealthy convenience and immediacy. Alternative bookstores
such as ACO promote ideals that go beyond the dollar sign, and
gives space for books, people, and ideas that seek to benefit our
minds and souls instead.
Of course, Fung is no stranger to social resistance. Her
experience as an arts educator in both local high schools and
universities has shown her exactly how difficult it is for youngsters
in the city to sit down with a book and read. However Fung tackles
this challenge by creating new reading experiences, hoping that
this novel approach will draw out a love of reading.
“We have a program called ‘Reading/Creation Project’, which
invites artists, dancers, musicians or other creatives to select a book
and work together with participants to study the book or create
something together,” she explains. “If you are able to expand the
experience beyond reading alone and respond to the book in a
tangible way, you can increase desire and interest.”
Despite the many challenges ahead of her, Fung’s passion for
the cause is fueled by an intangible feeling that she has always
associated with books. “It is that feeling you get when you pick up
a book and it strikes a chord in you: that ability for a book to take
you to another world is irreplaceable.”Alternative bookstores allow
you to reach those places. We should encourage all communities
to engage with them. “Reading culture really depends on how it is
developed and handled. We shouldn’t throw in the towel.”
7
Dear Barista Brad,
I am a young, confident, attractive
woman who has become officially
disheartened. I heard that an old
roommate of mine has gotten engaged
on Facebook! Although I congratulate
her for tying the knot, I’m completely
shocked. How did she manage to snag
this man?
We used to live together and she
had the most horrendous habits. For
example, she lets food grow mouldy in
the open air for months at a time, she
neglects to use the vacuum cleaner at all,
and she has a knack of Skyping in the
wee hours of the morning when I need
to sleep. Please console me!
- Confused
Dear Confused,
As my grandmother used to say: “every
pot has a lid.” So unless you are a frying pan
don’t be discouraged; there is a man out there
who will be the lid to your pot. So your
friend has found a man and you have
not. I don’t see why you are upset. He
might be just as vacuum-averse as
she is.
For all you know, he might
be the Cookie Monster’s
cousin who loves her habit of
spreading stale month-old food
around, as if it were some divine
offering. Besides, you have no way
of knowing if he is “the one”.
If, however, you want to take
more immediate action, then you
60
The percentage of galleries hailing
from the Asia Pacific
10,000
The square metre coverage that
Art Central’s tent will cover
75
The number of galleries
from abroad
20
The number of ink artists
on display
17
The number of galleries
from Hong Kong
KEY NUMBERS
More is More Pedal to the Metal
DRESS TO THE NINES
The Social Network
Off to a Good Start
Window Shopper
Since its inception in 2010, the now
bigger and better Edouard Malingue
Gallery has re-launched earlier this
year. From an initial 750 square feet,
the gallery now occupies an entire
floor. The upgraded space offers a
stimulating gallery experience through
the collaborative works of local and
global artists. Coinciding with this
month’s Art Basel, the gallery will have
its international debut with a special,
inaugural solo artist leading the charge
for more great things later on this year.
6/F, 33 Des Voeux Road Central
+852 2810 0317
www.edouardmalingue.com
Signature Communications has
spearheaded many a lavish party and
strategic ad campaign for the likes of
Lane Crawford, Anya Hindmarch,
Gagosian Gallery and a host of other
blue blood clientele. At the helm of the
boutique public relations firm is founder
and director Nancy Fung, a visionary
woman about town with an address book
for days. This March, the company will
hold bespoke arts festivities for their
clients (Shanghai Tang amongst them),
with high society and celebrity turnout
expected at its peak.
2701 Wyndham Place, 40-44 Wyndham
Street +852 2525 1098
www.signature.hk
Boutique indoor cycling studio XYZ is the
answer to those who reluctantly join Pure
Fitness or California Fitness solely for the
spinning while forgoing everything else.
Founder Belinda Koo steps up the ultimate
cycling experience with a fusion of high
intensity workout, ride customisation and an
electrifying indoor ambience conducive to
some serious sweating. The details speak for
itself: colour-changing LED spotlights create
an experiential space coupled with a powerful
sound system that rivals those of dance clubs.
2/F, New WorldTower II, 18 Queen’s Road Central
+852 2865 0999
www.youarexyz.com
The Wedding Suite’s quaint upstairs atelier
is lined wall to wall with wedding and couture
gowns customised to perfection for clients,
such as celebrities and socialites, of entrepre-
neur and designer Dora Chu. A graduate of
Central Saint Martins, Chu always emphasises
femininity and glamour in each creation. Her
impeccable approach to garment construction
filters down to the very last stitch. As a nice
complement, men’s bespoke tailoring is also on
offer for a client’s better half.
1/F, 61 Wellington Street
+852 2770 0068
Facebook: The Wedding Suite HK
Hong Kong’s ever-growing startup
community has inspired Yana Robbins to
create Jumpstart Magazine, a publication
about startups for startups. Each issue
offers practical guidance on navigating
the bumpy road of entrepreneurialism.
Topics include tips on how to crowdfund
successfully, marketing and design for
millenials, amongst other topics. Free
print copies can be found around the
city at coworking spaces, chambers of
commerce, universities, as well as digitally
on their website.
9/F, 33 Des Voeux Road Central
+852 3952 7221
www.jumpstartmag.com
Dynamic Dutch duo Sjoerd Hoekstra and
Esther van Wijck founded retail design
firm Three Dogs almost twenty years
ago with the hopes of changing the visual
merchandising landscape one storefront at
a time. The bulk of their work can be seen
all over Hong Kong, some in the form of
familiar brands like Smartone Vodafone,
Caffè Habitū and others. The firm’s
specialties also include brand and retail
identity, both of which many Mainland
Chinese companies have harnessed in
launching their businesses successfully.
U/G, 24 Caine Road
+852 2818 5644
www.threedogs.com
No neighbourhood spells big business quite like Central, yet the area thrives in other aspects such as creativity,
design and innovation. Here are some of the area’s most vibrant businesses.

5. theclassifiedarchive|issue2|Spring2015
Super Smooth
Devise A Thorough
Training Program
All horses go through a very
individualised daily regimen of training,
each one tailored to their race profile.
A short-distance sprinting horse will
exercise differently from a long-distance
one. One popular exercise involves
the equine pool, where horses are lead
around the facility and undergo resistance
training in the water. “Swimming allows
the horses to exercise whilst putting no
pressure on their joints,” Yip says. “This is
especially helpful for those that may have
minor leg or tendon injuries.”
2.
Smoothies are a delicious treat, jam-packed with flavour and incredibly
healthy. Four of Happy Valley’s smoothest operators share their thoughts on
this growing food craze.
Pick The Right Horse
Through A Thorough
Selection Process
Yip finds his equine candidates from
a variety of sources, including horse
auctions, dealers and agents he has
worked with over many years, as well
as trial race winners. He also examines
each horse’s pedigree. “In my opinion, a
mare’s bloodline is more important than a
stallion, as the foal stays with the mother
from birth until they are half a year old.”
Yip also looks at physical characteristics,
such as their gait and the conformation of
their legs for signs of success.
Ensure Horses
Are Well-Equipped
Just as important as the horses are the
accessories and equipment they need to
perform at their best. Yip uses a large
variety of devices to help his horses stay
focused. One example are blinkers, which
allow horses to stay focused on what is
ahead of them. Another are horseshoes, of
which there are some nine or so choices
that the stables let you choose from.
Earplugs are also very much an essential,
as some horses are very sensitive to noises
and may start sweating profusely if they
become nervous.
Establish A PersonaL
Connection Of
Care and Trust
Horses are undeniably under a lot of
pressure to perform well. Ensuring
they feel taken care of is of the utmost
importance. For food, Yip swears by a
nourishing feed from the United States
called Eclipse, which he also customises
with his own special mix. “I prefer to
work directly with horses firsthand rather
than hire a horse dietician,” he notes.
Keeping them relaxed on race days is
also important. Yip has all his stables
play calming music to keep his horses
unflustered and happy.
1.
3. 4.
Train a Professional Race Horse
NAME: LIZ
OCCUPATION: SALES PROfessional
“When I’m out and about I’m attracted to
menus that have healthy options: not just
the usual coffee or juices, so smoothies
make a great choice. I also make them
at home as well. My go-to recipe mixes
frozen spinach or kale with a little bit of
fruit like apple, pear, or frozen banana.
I then add some coconut water and chia
seeds for a boost of nutrition.”
NAME: ADAM
OCCUPATION: Theatre enthusiast
“Smoothies are tasty and it feels like you’re
getting something healthy. I drank a bit
of alcohol over the weekend so it’s a great
hangover pick-me-up, actually! I like the
lighter options that taste more natural
and aren’t so thick and sweet. I’ve tried
some more adventurous combinations that
actually taste surprisingly good together.”
NAME: BRANDY
OCCUPATION: TEACHER
“I don’t always order smoothies because
I think that they will fill me up before
my meal. But they are so tasty and
healthy that I can’t help but order them
sometimes! Especially on days when I
feel a little down and need a boost of
nutrition, I’ll go for a green smoothie. I
feel really good after I’ve had a glass, so
for me it is a treat both inside and out.”
NAME: ROGER
OCCUPATION: ACCOUNTANT
“Sometimes I’ll get a smoothie because
everyone else is getting one. I always
like fresh fruit. So, if it comes in a drink
form— all the better! Mixed berries
and almond milk are a combination
that I enjoy. That said, I only like to
have smoothies once in a while for a
nutritional boost. I’m quite wary of the
sugar content in some of the blends.”
8
HOW TO
roundtable
This issue welcomes Natasha Kaye Whiffin, Development Coordinator for Asia Art
Archive, as our guest columnist. Born and raised in Hong Kong as a third culture child,
Whiffin studied photography at London College of Communications before charting
the changing art ecosystem in Asia from 2009 onwards. Here she pens her hard-earned
observations with Hong Kong’s ever-evolving art fair scene.
F
ive years ago, I attempted to convince The Art Newspaper (which I
was interning with in London at the time) to send me to ART HK
to do, well, ‘anything’ I begged them. The art fair was in its fourth
year, and the narrative of how the fair had helped shape the city into one of
the art world capitals was saturating the media. The lure to venture out was
partly a need to return to my birthplace, but mostly a distinctive and almost
gravitational pull to a city that was taking center stage in the disarming of the
art world’s Western-centric base.
Failing to persuade my team, I flew myself out regardless. Upon arriving at
the fair I spotted a press accreditation desk.“Hello,”I said.“I’m Natasha Whiffin
from The Art Newspaper in London... oh you don’t have a pass for me? There
must have been a mix up.” Two seconds later, I obtained a press pass. “That
was easy,” I thought to myself.
I proceeded to rock around the fair and pounded the pavement for five
days, live tweeting various musings and taking photos of gallerists, artists
and collectors. And you know what? It turns out that that is a pretty good
way to introduce yourself to just about anyone. One moment you are on the
outside looking in, and the next you are having a chat with White Cube
gallery owner and art world heavyweight Jay Jopling. The first lesson I
learnt: in Hong Kong, the art world is accessible.
Skip to 2012 during a hot and sticky day in May, and I found myself
hauling bricks through the loading bay of the Hong Kong Convention Centre.
This time I came in not as press, but as an exhibitor. I was working for Robin
Peckham, now editor-in-chief of The Art Newspaper Hong Kong edition
(ironic, I know!), who at the time had just opened a gallery in the city called
Saamlung Gallery. We were the youngest exhibitors on the block.
The bricks we were carrying formed the base of Hong Kong artist
Nadim Abbas’ new work, featuring a fridge installed with homemade ‘moon
milk’. Inedible, but delectable looking nonetheless, the piece sought to intrigue.
And so it did. Not only was the artwork well-received, but also purchased by
prominent Hong Kong art collector William Lim.The second lesson I learnt: in
Hong Kong, the art world is always hungry for good talent.
This year, I return to the newly named Art Basel in my capacity with Asia
Art Archive, where for its third year the organisation will be welcoming art
world influencers to come to the booth and host ‘meetings without walls’ to
develop ongoing projects, catalyse new ones, or simply relish in the opportunity
to make new connections.
Five years on, the fair has become an open platform, a hybrid marketplace
where you can invest not only in artworks, but in cultural production itself. It
is amazing how quickly Hong Kong’s art fair has matured in a short few years.
The third and final lesson I learnt: in Hong Kong, the art world is what you are
willing to make of it.
Guest Column Three Lessons From My Five-Year Art Fair Affair
9
“If you would like to opt out from receiving circular mail, please place a “no circular mail” sticker on the
letter box. The stickers are freely available at all post offices, public enquiry service centres of district offices
as well as estate management offices of public housing estates and selected private residential developments.
However, circular mail posted by the government and related organisations, legislative councillors, district
councillors, election candidates and charitable bodies eligible for tax relief under section 88 of the inland
revenue ordinance are exempted from this opt-out scheme.”
Ahead of Hong Kong Jockey Club’s BMW Hong Kong Derby,
accomplished horse trainer Dennis Yip gives us his take on how to train a sure-fire winner.

6. theclassifiedarchive|issue2|Spring2015
Rest assured in comfort and style this
evening, knowing that your lovely
sojourn will not break the bank. With all
of its practical amenities for work and
play as well as its sleek design, OZO is
your answer. Did we mention its
prime location?
22 Hennessy Road | +852 2292 3000 |
www.ozohotels.com/wesley-hongkong
When did you first discover your passion for rugby?
My parents used to always take me and my friends to the
Rugby Sevens every year. One year, we saw they had Mini
rugby on early in the morning with all the little seven to
nine year olds playing. And my friends and I thought that
was pretty cool. So we begged our mums to let us take
part in the programme, and that is where it all began.
How did you decide to become a professional
rugby player?
Playing professionally was never really on offer in
Hong Kong until recently. I always enjoyed playing, at
least semi-professionally, but it was tough keeping it up
with school, and then university and later a job. It was
only when we won a silver medal in Asia back in 2010
that the Hong Kong government became more inter-
ested in rugby. So when it officially became an elite
sport, I took the opportunity to become professional.
How are your training programmes engineered?
Our head coach Gareth Baber along with help from
Kane Jury and Nathan Stewart manage our workouts.
So Kane and Gareth plan our training, and Nathan
looks after our gym work. We’re right now working
on a thirteen-week training phase building up to
Hong Kong Sevens and Tokyo Sevens.
What are goals that your team hopes to achieve in
the future?
We hope to win the upcoming Hong Kong Sevens,
which is a series qualifier for the Sevens World Series.
That’s really the pinnacle of what a Sevens player
should aim for. And in November there is an Olympic
qualifier, which if we win, will allow us to compete in
the Rio Olympics. So there are two big tournaments
this year and if we get them, then happy days!
You also work for a law firm called Tanner de Witt.
How did that happen?
I was there yesterday, actually! The firm is run by a group
of guys who really enjoy rugby, so I have gotten to know
them over the years when they attended all the matches.
I used to work there full time for two to three years, but
since becoming full-time with rugby, I now go there once
a week.The people there are pretty supportive of what I
do. It is pretty much a dream job and helps me to stay in
touch with reality during my day off from training.
The Busybody Rowan Varty, Professional Rugby Player
How do you deal with the pressure of being a public
figure of rugby?
I do not really think about it. If you stop and do, it gets
quite scary so I try not to.You really realise the pressure
when you go to a Mini rugby festival and the kids want
to take photos with you. And in my head I ask:“why do
you want to take photos with me? I just play rugby.”That’s
when you realise how influential you can be because you are
playing such a great sport and representing Hong Kong.
11
Lala Curio Ozo WesleyGallery 27 Tsuchiya Kaban
Early AfternoonEarly Morning Late Afternoon Evening
Start fresh at Gallery 27 by designer
Alan Chan, and be stimulated by
creative graphic art works by budding
Hong Kong, Mainland Chinese and
Asian artists. The gallery is open to the
public by appointment, so call ahead for
your private viewing.
1901 Harcourt House, 39 Gloucester Road
+852 2527 8228 | www.gallery27hk.com
This place is quite literally an odd one,
a mishmash of artist agency, gallery
café and retail shop bundled into one
multi­faceted space. Odd One Out boasts
affordable art prints in its many forms, as
well as illustrated greeting cards, cool art
magazines and homewares.
14 St. Francis Street | +852 2529 3955 |
www.oddoneout.hk
Tsuchiya has a leather bag for every
occasion, be it work or holiday, classic
or contemporary. With its superior
craftsmanship, functional styles and array
of colours, you can expect truly one ­of ­a­
kind pieces. Find your signature
style here.
6 Sun Street | +852 2745 6821 |
www.tsuchiya-kaban.com.hk
For all you urban men looking to cut
a dash this weekend, look no further
than Delstore to start your day. Once
you’ve finished looking at their goods
on Schooner Street, make sure to hop
on over to their second store on Sau Wa
Fong to continue browsing.
3 Schooner Street | +852 2528 1770 |
www.delstore.com
A day of sauntering through Wan Chai calls
for an intermission at Iyara Day Spa for one
of their sumptuous massages. Men accompa-
nying their significant others will be pleasantly
surprised that they need not wait nearby, as
there are spa services catered to them too.
53 Ship Street | +852 2545 8637 |
www.iyarabeauty.com
Founder Laura Cheung serves up
a retro oriental flair for furniture,
lighting and textile décor at Lala
Curio. For the aesthetically inept
in need of guidance for the home or
workplace, you can also count on the
store’s staff for a dependable face­lift.
32-33 Sau Wa Fong | +852 2528 5007 |
www.lalacurio.com
Finish off your Wan Chai weekender
with a visit to charming store Igloo,
which is akin to a minimalist’s haven.
Design aficionados will love the clean
lines and functionality of Igloo’s furniture
and tableware, which undeniably gives
Muji a run for their money.
26 Sau Wa Fong | +852 2520 0580 |
www.igloohk.com
Early Morning Late AfternoonEarly Afternoon Evening
Iyara Day Spa IglooOdd One OutDelstore
SATURDAY
SUNDAY
36 Hours Wan Chai
10
The past few years have seen Wan Chai
transformed into a wonderland of
interesting stores and cool finds. Here is our
weekend guide on what to do for a fun-filled
Wan Chai weekender.
A Hong Kong Seven’s Typical Training Day
9:00AM
Speed Agility Session
The hour-long training starts with
technical and reaction-based activities, all
to ensure that players can move quickly
and effectively on the field.
Gym Session
These gym sessions help the players to
bulk up, which is especially important
early in the programme. There is an
emphasis on shorter and sharper activities
when tournaments get closer.
Lunchtime
Provided by the Hong Kong Sports
Institute, the buffet-style lunches are
usually healthy and simple. Unfortunatly,
they recently took out the ice cream choices!
Team Meeting
The entire team discusses what training
needs to be achieved in the next few
weeks, and the coaches assesses progress
both individually and as a team.
Field Skills Session
The most important part of their train-
ing programme, these sessions allow the
team to work on their individual skills
and team structures. Occasionally, they
play with contact, though there is a
higher risk of injury.
10:00AM12:00PM1:30PM3:00PM
With an intense training regimen six days a week, Hong Kong Sevens’ Rowan Varty
is focused on bringing home the bacon.