Hong Kong, Globe-Trotters: Danielle Huthart, WHITESPACE
05.18.2010For a company founded just 5 years ago, Hong Kong-based design consultancy Whitespace has an impressive portfolio ? with work, literally, all over the city, Hong Kong is its canvas. If you live here, you?ll fast become familiar with Whitespace?s creative and branding services; their diverse group of clients include the Press Room, JIA Boutique Hotels, Kush apartments, DOZO! Sushi, and Marie?s Patisserie and Boulangerie (By Brunch Club), just to name a few. Founder Danielle Huthart, a Parsons graduate, is at the helm, making her dreams of a unique creative studio come to life with each project. We got the chance to pick her brain.
For a company founded just 5 years ago, Hong Kong-based design consultancy Whitespace has an impressive portfolio ? with work, literally, all over the city, Hong Kong is its canvas. If you live here, you?ll fast become familiar with Whitespace?s creative and branding services; their diverse group of clients include the Press Room, JIA Boutique Hotels, Kush apartments, DOZO! Sushi, and Marie?s Patisserie and Boulangerie (By Brunch Club), just to name a few. Founder Danielle Huthart, a Parsons graduate, is at the helm, making her dreams of a unique creative studio come to life with each project. We got the chance to pick her brain.
Why did you choose Hong Kong to start your company?
I was born and raised in Hong Kong, and my family is here, so Hong Kong is home. I spent about 10 years in New York and needed a change; Hong Kong was obviously the first place I?d come back to.
If you could start another design consultancy anywhere in the world, where would it be?
I?ve done New York, and even though it?s still one of my favorite cities, I would say Paris because I?ve never lived in Europe. I?m half English, but funny enough, I?ve never lived in Europe. It?s just a fantastic city and [close to the heart of] what we do in design. There?s so much fashion, art and culture there and where so many of these [creative movements] originate from.
Where do you like to shop in Hong Kong?
I used to shop a lot every time I came back to Hong Kong from the States. I liked going to Tsim Sha Tsui and those areas with the cool boutiques that bring back small collections from places like Japan. It think those are a lot of fun to browse and look around. However, since coming back to Hong Kong, I don?t really have much time to shop. But if I do, I like places like D-Mop; I think they have a really good selection. Joyce is also a really good place to look around. Hong Kong doesn?t really have that kind of eclectic boutique where stumble across something, but stores here have a little bit of everything. Buttonhole is still great; I?ve picked out a couple of pieces there that have managed to stay in my closet.
Where do you go in Hong Kong to pamper yourself?
I go to the Four Seasons Spa ? that?s a real treat.
What do you enjoy the most about your career?
I love what I do. I have always really enjoyed art; the fact that I can make a career out of something I?m really interested in is amazing. ? I love working and communicating with people. Throughout that last couple of years, we?ve worked with some really interesting and offbeat clients. Every time we encounter someone new, we learn something from it. Even understanding the client?s business is really interesting. For example, we?ve worked with all these characters: we?ve worked with an orthodontist; we?ve worked with a club owner; and one guy was like a serious gangster. They all have a different perspective on design, and I learn from understanding how they view things. It?s a combination of things that I like: the people, the type of projects that we?ve done, designing, and creating Whitespace.
What are your wardrobe or lifestyle must-haves?
My sister gave me this amazing shawl that I?ve had for years and I never travel without it. It?s the single most useful item I have in my wardrobe. I wear a lot of black, and I also love white. Flat shoes are definitely a must. I love the classics and the basics, just things that are simple. I try to be a bit more conservative in buying things; I try to buy things that last and not buy anything that is too fashionable.
What is your favorite travel destination and why?
I really do love the Philippines. I've only been there once however but still think it's the best place for a beach holiday. I went to Manila for a friend's wedding in Tagaytay, and then headed to Boracay for a few days. I ate mangoes and sat on the beach from morning till night. ? Other favorite travel destinations would either be Paris or Bali.
I was last in Paris in January [and going back soon]. I?m really excited to see Chanel's apartment at 31 Rue Cambon. There are all these great shops in Le Marais such as Merci and Surface to Air on Rue des Archives, and numerous others in Rue de Temple. There are also the little shops that sell old maps, postcards and lithograph prints. Being a graphic designer, I always end up picking up magazines or books. I think there's always something to discover.
When I visit Bali, we stay in Canggu; Eco Beach (which has dark sand) is nearby and there are some warungs [outdoor restaurants] that you can hang out at and watch the surfers. On the way, there's the Tuck Shop for good coffee and WiFi, and then some little boutiques along Jalan Raya Seminyak. There is a good fabric store with interesting prints and batiks that I discovered on the way to Double Six Beach. Up in Ubud, there's an incredible shop on Jalan Monkey Forest that has great indigo fabrics done in a Japanese style. My mother actually lives in Jakarta, so we go down to Bali often to stay at her villa. Indonesia feels more like a second home, but it's still a favorite and frequent travel destination.
Hong Kong, City Secrets: Rugby Sevens
04.06.2010I have a confession. I went to the Hong Kong Rugby Sevens during a spell of what I?d to believe was temporary amnesia. I trooped to the Hong Kong Stadium at Causeway Bay ? despite my annual post-Sevens vow that I will NOT endure another year of the wheat-stenched South Stand (the stadium?s hooligan headquarters) madness, which includes urine-filled beer jugs flailing about, indecent exposure and a whole lot of drunken debauchery from expats and tourists alike.
I have a confession. I went to the Hong Kong Rugby Sevens during a spell of what I?d to believe was temporary amnesia. I trooped to the Hong Kong Stadium at Causeway Bay ? despite my annual post-Sevens vow that I will NOT endure another year of the wheat-stenched South Stand (the stadium?s hooligan headquarters) madness, which includes urine-filled beer jugs flailing about, indecent exposure and a whole lot of drunken debauchery from expats and tourists alike.
In Hong Kong, the Rugby Sevens is to men what Halloween is to women. The female wardrobe du jour (a sweeping generalization) fell into a few categories: cheerleader, air hostess, tutu-dressed-something, discount-Avatar, and the curious choice of Where?s Waldo. But the men dominated the dress-up game with through-the-roof effort. I saw everything from Steve Erwin, the boys from The Hangover movie, pharaohs, an Arab sheikh, an iPhone, sushi, TinTin and Top Gear?s The Stig, to the Mad Hatter and a cross-dressed Alice in Wonderland, Tiger Woods, Care Bears, and Mao Zedong. To say the least, it was an impressive turnout. What was more interesting was how the costumed Sevens zealots were a living, breathing ?year in review.? (Case in point, ?Tiger Woods? was humping every girl he encountered. Slightly crude behavior aside, you can?t deny their wit.)
Frankly, I?m not too sure where this dress-up phenomenon began. How did dressing in your country?s color evolve/devolve into a fancy-dress wildcard spectacle? But, as they say, if you can?t beat them, join them.
P.S. ? I went as Farmer Joe. Better yet, someone asked my friend and I, ?Are you Paris and Nicole from The Simple Life?? Psssssh ?. !
Visit www.hksevens.com for details.
Hong Kong, City Secrets: Temptation Island
03.30.2010Every time I?m in Causeway Bay I make my routine stop at a little 4-story mall called Island Beverley. (That usually means I am there 3 to 4 times a week.) Situated at the corner of one of the busiest streets of Hong Kong, Island Beverley is the heart of local Hong Kong fashion.
Every time I'm in Causeway Bay I make my routine stop at a little 4-story mall called Island Beverley. (That usually means I am there 3 to 4 times a week.) Situated at the corner of one of the busiest streets of Hong Kong, Island Beverley is the heart of local Hong Kong fashion. After going up the escalators to the first floor of the mall, you are immediately greeted by dozens of tiny boutiques just a tad bigger than a telephone booth, crammed with funky accessories, shoes and clothing. Inventories are updated frequently, which explains my just-as-frequent visiting schedule. While some of the stores showcase local designers, others carry hard-to-find Japanese and Korean brands. Every store has its own character: edgy, bohemian, androgynous, fashion-forward. You name it, they?ve probably got it. While it?s true that Hong Kong residents are completely obsessed with luxury name brands and would rather save up for the ?It? bag of the season or scour designer outlets, Island Beverley is still a hit. Thanks to the reasonable prices, young locals and expats alike enjoy this emporium; it?s the perfect way to try out new trends without worrying about their imminent expiration dates. My favorite fashion finds from Island Beverley? Alexander Wang-inspired exposed-zip jeans, a lambskin leather shoulder bag that I have used to death, and an old-school gold Casio digital watch.
Mumbai, Globe-Trotters: Mashoom Singha, model / television host
06.16.2010You?ll see a lot of Mashoom Singha in Mumbai. The model and television host?s sculpted face and never-ending legs make regular appearances in Vogue, Elle and L?Officiel. She?s been featured in Kingfisher?s coveted swimsuit calendar; ad campaigns for Motorola and JW Marriott; and has walked the ramp for top Indian designers like Ritu Kumar, Rohit Bal and Wendell Rodricks.
But meet her in person and you?ll discover a lot more. For one thing, she?s a qualified engineer who, upon her supermodel sister Shamita?s prodding, circulated shots of herself while she crammed for final exams. Ace Indian photographer Atul Kasbekar spotted them and instantly signed her to his modeling agency. And just like that, her life changed. When Mashoom isn?t busy at work, she also runs a Mumbai wine tasting club called We Know Vino. Mashoom lets L-atitude into her closet, her travel plans and her favorite Mumbai haunts.
You?ll see a lot of Mashoom Singha in Mumbai. The model and television host?s sculpted face and never-ending legs make regular appearances in Vogue, Elle and L?Officiel. She?s been featured in Kingfisher?s coveted swimsuit calendar; ad campaigns for Motorola and JW Marriott; and has walked the ramp for top Indian designers like Ritu Kumar, Rohit Bal and Wendell Rodricks.
But meet her in person and you?ll discover a lot more. For one thing, she?s a qualified engineer who, upon her supermodel sister Shamita?s prodding, circulated shots of herself while she crammed for final exams. Ace Indian photographer Atul Kasbekar spotted them and instantly signed her to his modeling agency. And just like that, her life changed. When Mashoom isn?t busy at work, she also runs a Mumbai wine tasting club called We Know Vino. Mashoom lets L-atitude into her closet, her travel plans and her favorite Mumbai haunts.
What do you love most about being a model in Mumbai?
Mumbai is home for me. In spite of the rush and frenzy of the city?s fashion world, which I love by the way, the industry is also very warm and accommodating. I?ve worked with some fabulous and super creative people in Mumbai, many of whom ? model Sanea Shaeikh, choreographer Alison Kanuga, backstage coordinator Vahbiz Contractor - have become close friends.
Which new and upcoming designer would you bet your money on to be the next big thing in Indian fashion?
Anand Kabra's ability to experiment will yield some bold designs in the near future; Nachiket Barve will be recognized for his use of color, textures and the wearability of his garments; and Swapnil Shinde?s luxurious gowns are perfect for the red carpet.
What?s your favourite shopping ritual in Mumbai?
There are a bunch of standalone stores in Mumbai where you get great finds that won?t burn a hole in your pocket. I usually hit boutiques like Izzo and Taxxi & Vitamin K in the hip Bandra district for my monthly shopping fix. If I?m in the mood to hunt, export surplus stores like Cotton On also yield some great finds.
Have you been to any international fashion weeks? How do they compare to the Indian ones you?ve been part of?
I have watched an international fashion show in New York, which was managed at a much larger scale, and the level of organization was exceptional. However, with every passing year Indian fashion weeks are coming closer to achieving international standards ? now, there?s no stopping us.
What?s the most challenging ramp you?ve had to walk?
From fashion shows with escalators to glass lifts, I've done them all. But the most challenging ramp I?ve had to work with was one built on a swimming pool. It was hard to maintain my posture with all the water around, and the stilettos weren?t helping. But I made it across eventually and it was a great experience!
Name one thing you wanted to steal off the ramp and take home with you from the last fashion week.
Exquisite half-sarees and beaded jackets from designerAnamika Khanna.
If you had to do an outdoor shoot anywhere in India, which city would you pick and why?
Studio shoots are boring! I love outdoor pictures. Ladakh [in India?s northernmost state of Jammu and Kashmir], with its stunning visuals of mountains and rivers would make for a great location.
Your job requires that you travel extensively. Tell us about your favourite travel destination and the style souvenirs you bought back home?
My favorite travel destination would have to be Spain. I covered the entire southern region and crossed the river into Portugal. But my coolest style souvenirs are all from Miami's design distract. Here, there are a bunch of wholesale stores that sell great designer wear at half the price. I bought some amazing dress from Adrianna.
What's your favorite travel ensemble?
It would have to be the tracksuit ? comfy for long flights and stylish.
If you could spend an hour with any international designer who would it be and how would you spend it?
I?m crazy about shoes, so it would have to be Christian Louboutin. I would love to watch the genius at work.
You?ve been featured in the coveted Kingfisher swimsuit calendar. Do you think photo shoots in India have gotten bolder in the last five years?
Yes, they have. And so long as it?s done in good taste, I?m all for it. It?s great that people in India are now broadening their minds to make room for all forms of creativity.
You also run a wine club called We Know Vino with your model sister. What?s your favorite place to drink wine in Mumbai?
The Tasting Room in Lower Parel. Not only do they have a great vino collection, but they also offer wine flights [tastings of multiple wines] to those who are experimenting or want to increase their understanding of a specific region.
Mumbai, City Secrets: Bless Your Cart
04.07.2010Mice, lotuses, clouds. The many gods and goddesses of Hindu mythology ride on the oddest things, and their current vessel of choice seems to be merchandise by Play Clan, a line of clothes, accessories and bric-a-brac that we?ve been seriously crushing on.
Produced by a small, crafty (and seemingly insane) collective of designers, Play Clan puts an irreverent, laugh-out-loud spin on everyday objects. During a recent visit to their only outlet in Delhi, we bagged a satirical Zippo lighter bearing popular dialogues from an Indian spaghetti western, arty grey and yellow notebooks that pay homage to goddess Lakshmi, and seriously pretty white cushion covers embellished with intricate sketches of Lord Shiva. We love them too much to use them, but scattered around our desk, they brighten up the dreariest of workdays.
Mice, lotuses, clouds. The many gods and goddesses of Hindu mythology ride on the oddest things, and their current vessel of choice seems to be merchandise by Play Clan, a line of clothes, accessories and bric-a-brac that we?ve been seriously crushing on.
Produced by a small, crafty (and seemingly insane) collective of designers, Play Clan puts an irreverent, laugh-out-loud spin on everyday objects. During a recent visit to their only outlet in Delhi, we bagged a satirical Zippo lighter bearing popular dialogues from an Indian spaghetti western, arty grey and yellow notebooks that pay homage to goddess Lakshmi, and seriously pretty white cushion covers embellished with intricate sketches of Lord Shiva. We love them too much to use them, but scattered around our desk, they brighten up the dreariest of workdays.
We also love Play Clan?s ?Hey Bhagwan? (loosely translates to ?What?s up, God?!?) collection. If you?re not afraid of bling and color, a sequin-scattered T-shirt screen-printed with a comically angry goddess will suit you just fine. (Bonus: the awesome boxes these tees come in make great pencil holders.) The ?Hey Bhagwan? collection also offers holographic postcards that flash different yoga positions and dancing deities, perfect for sharing passages from India with friends.
Shopping at Play Clan is like a much-needed break from the norm with a zany, super fun (and extremely blessed) gang of friends. This, over aesthetics, is the secret to their ever-increasing popularity. After all, who doesn?t want to hang with the cool kids?
Mumbai, City Secrets: Masala Tees: Earl Grey, Black and Not (T)Oolong
06.28.2010Served in dainty Sevres cups and chipped grimy glasses, featured on leather bound menus and at street stalls, hot, milky tea spiced with cardamom, black pepper and sometimes even saffron, is one of the most ubiquitous motifs of Mumbai?s urban landscape.
We recently stumbled across a unique avatar of this city classic at Bombay Electric, one of the city?s hippest, most upscale fashion stores: Masala Tees, cotton T-shirts that come adorably packed in actual ?tea bags.? Embellished with traditional Indian portraits and strategically placed Swarovski crystals, these are available in colors just right for spring: mustard, grey and, of course, hot pink ? India?s answer to navy.
Served in dainty Sevres cups and chipped grimy glasses, featured on leather bound menus and at street stalls, hot, milky tea spiced with cardamom, black pepper and sometimes even saffron, is one of the most ubiquitous motifs of Mumbai?s urban landscape.
We recently stumbled across a unique avatar of this city classic at Bombay Electric, one of the city?s hippest, most upscale fashion stores: Masala Tees, cotton T-shirts that come adorably packed in actual ?tea bags.? Embellished with traditional Indian portraits and strategically placed Swarovski crystals, these are available in colors just right for spring: mustard, grey and, of course, hot pink ? India?s answer to navy.
Masala Tees are designed by Sheikha Mattar-Jacob and Noelline Besson, expats from Singapore and France respectively. They succeed at a formula that many attempt, but few in India get right: combining distinctly traditional elements into a garment that is truly contemporary. These form-fitting T-shirts are a great way to add a little bit of India to your wardrobe without the draping hassles and excessive yards of cloth that so often accompany garments from the Subcontinent.
Better yet, Masala Tees are made from organic fabric (another big trend currently gripping Mumbai), and proceeds from sales often go toward one of several causes the designers support, like women?s issues and sustainable businesses.
Click here to view the collection.
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