Happy New Year from the whole family at Electric sekki!
May 2014 be filled a year of with happiness, health and success.
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Blog
Showing posts with label events. Show all posts
Showing posts with label events. Show all posts
1/1/14
12/25/13
merry christmas!
Merry Christmas from all of us here at Electric sekki!
May your Christmas be filled with love, peace and joy.
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11/28/13
new in: ghd eclipse
Yesterday, we introduced you to ghd, the revolutionary hair styler that has finally launched in Asia, right here in Hong Kong. We chatted to ghd's Australian Ambassador, Jayne Wild, about what it's like to work with ghd. Today, we're taking you deeper into the good stuff: the current trends in hair and how to get those luscious locks you've always dreamt of. Electric sekki was lucky enough to talk to ghd's team of hair-stylists who flew to Hong Kong from all over the world for the launch of ghd in Asia: Jayne Wild, ghd Head of Creative Andreas Stavrou and ghd Head of Global Education Jo Martin. If there's anyone who knows how to use the ghd stylers to recreate our favourite hair looks this season, it's this lot!
Electric sekki: What hairstyles are you loving at the moment?
Jayne Wild, ghd Australian Ambassador: There are fashions at the moment that are bringing back the late-70's early-80's Chelsea boy look, where they would have it shorter on the top and longer on the bottom, but it's changed a bit and not exactly the same for those of us who were there for the original! Back in the day, Northern Soul was the music that they listened to. Now it's all about texture and it's great that there are these tools from ghd that we can create texture with! It's not just about making it all sleek and shiny, it's about little waves and curls. It's the old coming back, it does come around again.
ES: What are some of the trends that you see this season in hair?
JW: Lots of texture in the hair. Even if it's shiny and bouncy, it's got a bit of a kick to it, a bit of texture in there somewhere. It might be a bit rough or a bit unbalanced. I don't see it as being totally perfect. It's a little bit quirky and I think it's gorgeous!
ES: And how can someone achieve that with the ghd?
JW: Well, if you have baby fine sleek hair but you want to funk it up and add a bit of body or a messy wave, that's when you can choose what size styler you like for that finished effect. The great thing about the ghd is that once you've found the one that you like, that's all you need in your kit. We have a model here today on whom we did lots of little curls, so we used the ghd mini on her. We said to her for days, she's going to have people saying, "You have curly hair! Did you get a perm?" But the eclipse, I think, does everything.
ES: There's a range of different stylers in the ghd collection; how would someone use each one differently? Does it depend on the person and their hair type?
JW: It's what the finished result you want is. You can basically do anything with any of them, but I do think, for the best result, if you choose the right size styler for what you want that's the most important thing. That's when you'll get perfection. It depends on what you're going for, what your hair type is. And how much time you have! It's all very well looking at a picture in a magazine and saying, "I want that," and then going out to buy the eclipse, but you have to know how to use it! Which is why education is so important.
ES: What's your favourite hairstyle to create with the ghd? Is there one that, time after time, people always just love?
Andreas Stavrou, Head of Creative: You know what? They do; they love the Gatsby style deep rich wave. It can be difficult to achieve but, actually, with a ghd styler it's quite simple. There are a couple of ways to do that and you can take it in so many different directions; you can put it up, you can pin it, you can have it classic, you can put it into a chignon. I've always liked to work with hair in a very simple way to get the maximum results, nothing too intricate. I think it's good for the soul because it's just simple and effortless to do. That's what I love. Even with our campaigns, they're actually very simple looks to achieve.
ES: They look so complicated!
AS: I know, but it's not! It's so simple. This is the whole point; it's about showing how simple it is to do that with the ghd. I always say that when you take the fear away from something, that's when you can enjoy it. And when you enjoy it, that's when the creative mind is allowed to flourish. And with the ghd, you've got that, and that's how we've managed to build the cult following that we've got.
ES: What are some of the hair trends you love creating with the ghd this season?
Jo Martin, Head of Global Education: vThere are lots of multi textures in the hair, movement and volume this season. Everybody loves that full, glossy hair. If you've got a shorter bob or long hair, you can create movement, wave, curl and texture with any of the stylers.
The ghd eclipse uses patented breakthrough tri-zone technology to guarantee the optimum temperature through styling, it retails for HKD2,559.
ghd stylers and products are available for purchase in Hong Kong at selected salons and retailers.
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11/13/13
electric sekki talks: liger's hilary tsui & dorothy hui
Electric sekki had the pleasure of sitting down with local fashion boutique Liger's co-founders, Hilary Tsui and Dorothy Hui while Henry Holland was in town to launch the Mr Quiffy for House of Holland capsule collection exclusively at Liger in Hong Kong. Though we've worked with them closely for several years now in a professional capacity, we've never had the pleasure of sitting down for a proper interview until now--and what a huge pleasure it was! Hilary's and Dorothy's love of fashion and style is contagious. They're fun-loving girls who don't take themselves too seriously. Their character and personality made for a delightful interview and is abundantly visible in their store, which is why we're certain that they will continue to have immense success in the region!
Liger's co-founders, Dorothy Hui and Hilarty Tsui.
Electric sekki: First of all, can you tell me how you think House of Holland fits in with the Liger sensibility?
Dorothy Hui: I think he has a great sense of humour and that he is very colourful. Before we opened this flagship [street-level] store, we had a little store on the 2/F [on Pak Sha Road] and even at that time we carried Henry [Holland]. Before, his collection was a little bit more funky and maybe more "British"; now, I think he has grown up a bit with his collections and he has become more feminine and elegant in his designs.
DH: Yes, the stones, the embellishment.
ES: Can you describe the Liger personality?
HT: We love fun.
DH: We change all the time!
HT: We like new things. We are people who just want to explore new things.
DH: I guess we are changing; like Henry, we are growing up too! We are now more feminine and more classic. We are picking classic things, too.
HT: Yes, we also like edgy stuff but in the meantime we also appreciate, more and more, timeless pieces and maybe more comfortable things.
ES: So, just like Henry Holland has changed, you have changed, too?
HT: Yes.
DH: Right!
ES: What has the experience been like to work with Henry Holland this time in Hong Kong with this special Mr. Quiffy capsule collection?
HT: He is very easy to work with. I think Hong Kong likes Henry a lot and Henry also makes an effort to communicate with this market. We are so happy to work with him on this collaboration and I think we are one of the stores that can really represent his style.
ES: His personality and your personality are very complementary.
HT: True!
DH: Similar! You know what, he has the same birthday as me!
HT: Same birthday!
DH: Exactly the same day. We are gemini.
HT: So he is also crazy! Different personalities. Sometimes quiet, sometimes can go very crazy!
The Liger girls know how to have fun and don't take themselves too seriously!
ES: How long have you been working with House of Holland now?
DH: Since when? The collection with the denim with the stars.
HT: We were still at [the store on] Pak Sha Road.
DH: Probably S/S '12? No, '11! S/S '11.
ES: So it's been around two years that you've worked together. And Liger has been open for how long now?
DH: Four years.
ES: What has the process been like for you for those four years, to now have a store on street-level in Causeway Bay--you started on the 2/F, then you opened a store in Tsim Sha Tsui, now this--how has that process been for you?
DH: It's so busy now, because we need to buy more brands; we now have 160.
HT: 160?!
DH: Yes, because we wrote it down! Since we opened.
HT: Let me check.
DH: At least 100.
HT: Too many! That's probably not healthy!
ES: How do you choose who gets to be a part of the Liger store; the brands? Do you both have to like it?
HT: It doesn't really have to be that we both like it. That's how we work together. Of course there are some things we like at the same time. That's how partnership works!
ES: Do you think that you have similar styles?
DH: We always choose the same things!
HT: Yes!
DH: When we go to the same shop during different times, we always end up picking the same thing! We have similar wardrobes.
HT: But now we avoid it. We have to pick, even if they are the same shoes, maybe we get them in a different colour, a different print.
DH: We wish we have the same shoe size! Then we could share.
HT: Yes! So we can share shoes when we are on buying trips, so we don't have to bring so many pairs of shoes. Two bags for shoes!
ES: Actually, even today, your colour schemes are very similar. Was this planned?
DH: This is all me!
HT: She picked this out for me. She went to Electric sekki to pick for me and then she picked her own outfit, too. She dressed me.
DH: I guess it will help for photographs, no?
ES: So why did you choose these pieces to wear today, Dorothy?
DH: I always pick the most gorgeous piece for her!
HT: Thank you.
ES: So this [piece on Hilary] is your favourite piece from the collection?
DH: Yes, I love it.
HT: And I think it suits me! She knows I like pink so much.
DH: For my pick, I just match with her! But of course something different.
Hilary and Dorothy both wear pieces from House of Holland.
ES: What's your working relationship like? You were friends first, right, before you became business partners? So how does that work for you?
DH: Well, we were not the very best friends.
HT: We were not seeing each other so much.
DH: And how did the idea come to start Liger?
HT: Before, Dorothy had her own small shop on Cleveland Street. That's where I shopped.
DH: I bought from London; I sold vintage and mixed it with contemporary pieces. I guess I was the first one to 'bring' Topshop to Hong Kong.
HT: And a little bit of H&M too before they opened their stores!
DH: It was very popular and the shop was doing well. At the time, I got closer to her.
HT: Because I shopped there a lot and I also hung out there and we'd chat. All my friends and fashion sisters also liked to go up there and chat with her. After how many years did you close?
DH: Three years.
HT: Yes, three years. She closed and I was a bit bored with taking care of my daughter every day, I felt like a "tai tai", gossiping, and I just felt so bored. I knew I loved fashion and I really wanted to do something with it, but I can't really go to work to be a buyer or a stylist, so we thought to open a shop together. I trust her taste, her judgement and everything. So I invited her to open a store.
ES: What's that relationship like now? Are you [Dorothy] more involved in the day-to-day business while you [Hilary] are not as involved? You always go on buying trips together, though.
HT: We do all the buying together. Of course, I cannot be in the office every day because sometimes I need to go to work - I mean, part of my job is going to some fashion shows and events and things - and Dorothy is the one staying at the office. We work on all the buying together.
DH: But she comes to office, as well.
HT: We have different roles in the company. Maybe I am more involved in marketing.
DH: The image.
HT: Yes, the image of the store and in design of our own production. We work on different things.
ES: And how do you see Liger growing in the future?
HT: We are actually doing our own fashion label, it's called Oh My God! It's our baby. We hope that one day we can have Oh My God! selling outside of Hong Kong ...
DH: Yes, wholesaling.
HT: ... and maybe we can open a shop for Oh My God! too and keep Liger going at the same time.
A liger is a naturally-occurring animal in the wild which is a mix of a lion and a tiger, as expained to us by Hilary and Dorothy.
ES: So how did you find the name Liger?
DH: Oh! From Discovery Channel!
HT: We were already planning to open the store and we didn't have an idea of the name. One night, I was watching TV with a friend and they were talking about the lion and tiger animal mixed together, called the liger.
ES: It exists?
DH: Yes! The offspring of a male lion and female tiger.
HT: Looks like a lion, actually. No stripes really.
DH: It's a light-gray colour.
HT: Google it!
ES: So you liked this animal or you liked the idea of it?
DH: The idea.
HT: Because we're both born in the year of the tiger and in one of our horoscopes, in our moon sign, we are a leo. So 'liger' was perfect for us!
ES: What is it that you like about the Mr. Quiffy collection?
HT: I think it's easy to wear and we are also the exclusive store carrying this collection in Hong Kong. They chose to work with us.
ES: And which are your favourite pieces from the Mr. Quiffy collection?
HT: We have different picks. I like this one, the dress.
DH: I like the Mr Quiffy [tee].
ES: Okay, Hilary, why do you like this dress?
HT: I'm just lazy! I always want to wear a one-piece. So, for me, that's the one.
DH: And for me, a T-shirt is also very easy to wear; it can go with everything, actually. I would wear it with white pants and I wore it yesterday with silver shorts and a blazer--I've actually worn it many times already!
ES: And from the Fall/Winter 2013 collection, is your favourite piece the one that you're wearing, Hilary?
HT: Yes.
DH: And I like the skirt [in runway look 29]. The silhouette! I would wear it with the Mr. Quiffy T-shirt!
Dorothy and Hilary with their favourite picks from the Mr Quiffy for House of Holland capsule collection, available exclusively at Liger.
Visit Liger at G/F, 55 Paterson Street, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong.
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11/11/13
best bet: I.T 25th anniversary exhibition
Some of you may be surprised to know that it's I.T's 25th Anniversary this year. We say 'surprised' because the retail juggernaut has already accomplished so much in just 25 years! With hundreds of retail outlets around the world, including stores for their own in-house brands, I.T has also been responsible for being the first to bring so many upcoming designer talents to Asia, opening their mono-brand stand-alone stores in partnership with the labels. We here at Electric sekki have had the pleasure of working with them on almost every brand we carry in the Electric sekki portfolio and have come to know the team as a fearless, creative force of fashion- and design-lovers who fiercely believe in supporting upcoming talent and nurturing them in Asia. This ideology and approach is similar to that of Electric sekki; our mission, too, is to introduce Asia to cool brands from around the world and guide these labels throughout their growth in Asia. So we're ecstatic to announce that the traveling I.T 25th Anniversary Silver Jubliee Exhibition is finally arriving in Hong Kong! After having seen the exhibition first-hand at their party during Paris Fashion Week, we can now see it again right here in Hong Kong. The exhibition theme is all about silver, as I.T commissioned over 70 world-renowned fashion designers to create a one-off design done in - what else - silver to be displayed within the exhibition. Electric sekki's own ksubi, sass & bide and Richard Nicoll all designed pieces for the exhibition, so make sure to check it out; the exhibition opens to the public from 13-18 November at The Space. What's even better is that it's free entry for all; definitely our Best Bet of the week.
The I.T 25th Silver Jubilee Exhibition
13-18 November in Hong Kong at The Space - 210 Hollywood Road, Sheung Wan.
11am - 7pm daily.
Free admission.
See more from I.T here.
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11/5/13
henry holland takes hong kong
After his whirlwind Asian tour through Bangkok and Jakarta to launch his special capsule Mr Quiffy for House of Holland collection, Henry Holland finally touched down in his last stop, Hong Kong, just in time for Halloween. The fun-loving designer always loves a good opportunity to dress up and so, for his DJ-ing gig on Halloween night at the biggest party in town, hosted at Socialito, Henry Holland dressed up as Zombie Boy while long top Electric sekki friend DJ Eve Speciall (who manned the decks earlier that evening) dressed up as Lady Gaga, both from the music video, Born This Way. After a night of wicked Halloween shenanigans, it was all work the next day; non-stop interviews for Henry Holland at Liger, the boutique in Hong Kong which is exclusively carrying the Mr Quiffy collection. For those of you who might not know, Liger is co-run by Hong Kong celebrity fashion icon Hilary Tsui and her good friend, Dorothy Hui. Their quirky cool store, Liger, is the perfect partner for House of Holland's Mr Quiffy line. If you follow us on Instagram (at @electric_sekki) then you'll already know by now what Henry was up to last week. But just in case you missed it, here's a behind-the-scenes peep at Henry's antics in Hong Kong.
Henry Holland arrives at the Electric sekki showroom to say hello!
Henry Holland getting busy with an media interview.
Henry Holland (right) and DJ Eve Speciall (Left) DJ-ing at the Halloween party hosted by Socialito; both are dressed up as Lady Gaga and Zombie Boy in the music video for Born This Way.
Then, on Friday, it was off to launch the Mr Quiffy for House of Holland collection at Liger in Causeway Bay.
Henry Holland, Dorothy Hui (left) and Hilary Tsui (right) all pose with Mr. Quiffy himself at Liger!
Dorothy and Hilary's favourite picks from the Mr Quiffy for House of Holland collection.
The Mr Quiffy ice-cream truck goes everywhere with Mr Quiffy and has followed Henry around on his Asian tour.
Here's one of Electric sekki's favourite bloggers, Faye Tsui, dressed in a House of Holland dress and cardigan. Thanks for stopping by, Faye!
Find the full Mr Quiffy for House of Holland collection at Liger here:
G/F, 55 Paterson Street, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong.
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11/4/13
lane crawford shanghai opening
The Electric sekki team was thrilled to be invited to Shanghai to join Lane Crawford in celebrating the official opening of their new store in Time Square Shanghai earlier this month. We rubbed shoulders with fashion glitterati, such as mega movie star Carina Lau, heartthrob Godfrey Gao, rising actress Zhou Donyu and heavy-hitting fashion blogger Gary Pepper Girl, to name just a few. The party was as big as the humongous store itself: 150,000 square feet spread over four floors, packed full of immaculately dressed fashion people. It was absolutely one of Shanghai's biggest (if not the biggest) fashion events of the year. Though Mainland China has often been seen as label-hungry and brand-obsessed, Lane Crawford is taking it upon themselves to introduce the growing number of Chinese consumers with increasingly sophisticated fashion tastes to rising design stars from around the world who may not yet have a neither a name nor a presence in China. It's a beautifully designed store, as one would expect from Lane Crawford which expertly mixes gorgeous interiors with modern art and cutting-edge fashion. And it's absolutely at the top of our must-visit list for everyone who's heading to Shanghai. Congratulations, Lane Crawford on a successful opening in Shanghai! We can't wait to visit the store again.
Visit Lane Crawford in Shanghai at:
Times Square, 99 Huai Hai Zhong Road, Shanghai
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10/29/13
henry holland takes bangkok
Last week, Bangkok was taken over by the one and only Henry Holland, who was in town with a very special guest: Mr. Quiffy. That's right, the Mr. Quiffy for House of Holland collection was unveiled at Bangkok's most prestigious mall, Siam Paragon last week, much to the excitement of fans, media and guests. Henry himself was all hands on deck, meeting customers and press, being his oh-so-charming self. We ended things with a big in-store bash at the end of the week, complete with a parade of models, delicious snacks and, of course, some House of Holland-approved shenanigans. The Electric sekki team had an amazing time with Henry in Bangkok, rocketing around in a traditional tuk-tuk, seeing some of the city's iconic sights and coming across culinary delights such as - gasp! - the octopus burger. It's been a joy working with the Siam Paragon team in Bangkok and now it's off to conquer our next destination: Jakarta! See you there, everybody!
Henry Holland checks out the Mr. Quiffy for House of Holland set-up at Bangkok's Siam Paragon mall.
Henry arrives at the House of Holland corner in Siam Paragon, Bangkok, to make sure everything is in place!
Henry Holland poses with Mr. Quiffy himself!
Henry Holland, ever the consumate jokester.
Photo fun at the launch with our guests.
Harper's Bazaar Thailand's Duangporn interviews Henry Holland.
Thai celebrity, Jane, checks out the Mr. Quiffy by House of Holland Collection!
Henry Holland with the Siam Paragon and Electric sekki team. A big thank you from us here at Electric sekki to both Henry Holland and the incredible Siam Paragon team for putting on such a great event!
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10/28/13
galeries lafayette opens in beijing
When Galeries Lafayette announced that they would be re-entering the Chinese market after 15-years of being absent, the fashion industry in the region was abuzz with excitement. They had announced that they would be opening their first department store in China in Beijing, in the popular shopping district of Xidan. What excited us the most was when they announced that they would be bringing 500 brands into the store, more than 200 of which would be made available in China for the first time. Now, that's a gutsy move. Although they store will house well-known luxury labels such as Valentino, Givenchy and Fendi to the area for the first time, it will also house lesser known Parisian favourites such as Maje and The Kooples. Operated in a 50-50 joint venture with Hong Kong heavy-hitting retailers, I.T, the Galleries Lafayette is backed by a wealth of knowledge in the fashion department store industry in both Asia and Europe, which has created an interesting mix of tastes and references within the store. And, if shopping is not for you, the Galeries Lafayette in Beijing also houses renowned French cafe, Cafe Angelina, as well as a Bordeaux wine cellar and, of course, Asian cuisine. It's at the top of our To Do list next time we visit the capital and it should be at the top of yours, too!
The exterior of the Galeries Lafayette Beijing.
The store is home to luxury brands such as Givenchy, Valentino and Fendi.
But it also houses a range of new-to-China brands, such as Parisian favorites, Maje and The Kooples.
The 47,000-square metre space spans across four floors.
A digital projection of the Paris store's iconic stained-glass dome is displayed at the Galeries Lafayette Beijing location.
Top French actress, Audrey Tatou (you may know her from Amelie) was flown out for the official opening of Galeries Lafayette on 18 October.
Hong Kong movie-star and Canto-pop icon, Aaron Kwok, also attended the opening.
Hong Kong actress Niki Chow was also there to celebrate the Galeries Lafayette opening in Beijing earlier this month.
See more from Galeries Lafayette Beijing here or visit the store yourself at this address:
110 Xi’dan North Street, Xicheng District, Beijing, China.
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