From Hollywood Road’s galleries to up-and-coming neighborhood open studios to the city’s newest art inspired hotspots, temperatures are rising, excitement is in the air and creativity abounds. The first ever Art Basel is sweeping into town this Thursday, May 23 – Sunday, May 26, bringing with it the prestige of its Swiss roots, the sizzling energy of its Miami counterpart, and the most exciting artists and galleries from Asia, and the world. Ready to paint the town? From exclusive exhibits to arts on parade to insider industry hangouts, we’re taking you to the week’s most inspiring spaces and places…

Know Before You Go
The premiere of Art Basel will showcase works by over 3,000 artists, from more than 245 galleries, with more than half from the Asia Pacific region, 48 never having been seen before in HK.  This diverse collection of paintings, sculptures, installations, videos, and performances will run across four sectors, “Galleries” featuring established galleries from around the globe, “Discoveries” showcasing emerging artists, “Insights” dedicated to art from Asia, and “Encounters” presenting large scale installations that transcend traditional gallery spaces, curated by Yuko Hasegawa. Keep your eyes peeled for the BMW Art Car designed in 1990 by César Manrique and the colourfully awe-inspiring Complete Bin Development installation by Liam Gillick.

Talk the Talk
Every morning and afternoon of the show, Art Basel’s Conversations and Salon, will offer first-hand access to panels of preeminent leaders from the international art world, presenting on a number of highly relevant topics, from “Collecting in the Asia Pacific Region” to “Building Asia’s New Museums” (Open to the Public). Friday evening will see one of the pinnacles of the week, the hotly anticipated Intelligence Squared debate deliberating whether or not “The Market Is the Best Judge of Art’s Quality” (Tickets: HK$300, www.hkticketing.com).

Walk the Walk
Paper Rain. Paper Rain… Sing a long to the melodic harmonies of Art Basel’s harbour front PAPER RAIN Opening Parade, led by artist and musician Arto Lindsay. Featuring the contributions of artists, musicians, actors, and filmmakers from around Asia, the parade will begin with a choir performance at the HKCEC, leading you to Golden Bauhinia Square where you will be ferried to Pier 10 — the starting line of all the action.  Ferries will be boarding at Golden Bauhinia Square to Central Pier 10 at 5pm. Please RSVP to hkparade@artbasel.com with your name and the the subject PARADE to reserve your ferry trip to the parade start. (Space is limited)

See and Be Scene
With interiors by Ilse Crawford, whose design credits include Soho House New York, a world-class exhibition program curated by some of Asia’s cultural icons, a lush outdoor terrace and a Michelin-star Cantonese Chef, the newly unveiled Duddell’s  (3/F & 4/F, Shanghai Tang Mansion, 1 Duddell Street, Central) art salon, restaurant and bar is sure to be the toast of the town. Walk a little farther up the road and immerse yourself in a space filled with history, cultural inspiration and live entertainment, not to mention bespoke cocktails that are works of art unto themselves, at the Adrian Wong designed Wun Dun: Absolut Art Bar at the Fringe Club (Lower Albert Road, Central, open daily from 5pm until 2am). Also top of the art buzz list: KEE Club, AMMO, Café Gray, and SEVVA.

Brush Up
Just in time for Art Basel, the city’s galleries are upping the ante on their exhibits with some groundbreaking, expertly curated shows. Check out: “Writings Without Borders” featuring 11 artists from around the world including UK sensation Tracy Emin at Lehmann Maupin, “Day Falls/Night Falls” by Japanese Master Hiroshi Senju at Sundaram Tagore Gallery, “A Vision in My Dream” by pioneer of modernism Marc Chagall at Opera Gallery, “Light Before Dawn” Unofficial Chinese Art 1974 – 1985 at the stunning Asia Society, a solo show by Japanese contemporary star Takashi Murakami  at Galerie Perrotin, “The Sum of all Evil” by British artists Jake and Dinos Chapman at White Cube, and “Wonderworks” a group show curated by HK’s own Mandy D’Abo at The Space.

Be Inspired
With art top of mind, now is the time to visit one of the city’s burgeoning creative hubs. On the evening of Friday, May 24 and all day on Saturday, May 25, delve into the depths of Chai Wan at Chai Wan Mei Art & Design Open Studio comprised of more than 30 art spaces featuring specially curated exhibitions, performances, pop-up art installations, open-air video screenings, and more. On Thursday, May 23, from 5 – 11pm, check out Wong Chuck Hang Art Night. Start at non-profit exhibition space Spring Workshop before heading to the area’s giant galleries and undiscovered private kitchens (Buses will be available from HKCEC).

Whether you’re a budding art lover or a seasoned aficionado, there’s no place hotter than Hong Kong this week…see you at Art Basel!

Art Basel Hong Kong 2013
Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre
Hall 1 & Hall 3 (Harbour Road Entrance)
Wednesday, May 22, 5pm to 9pm – Vernissage, invitation only
Thursday, May 23, 12pm – 7pm
Friday, May 24, 12pm – 7pm
Saturday, May 25, 12pm – 7pm
Sunday, May 26, 12pm – 5pm
www.artbasel.com/en/Hong-Kong/
For full Show Guide, click here.
For Tickets visit www.hkticketing.com or click here.

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Fashion-set favourite Slink Contemporary Jewellery will be holding a one-day Private Sale at KEE Club and you are invited! On Monday, May 20, from 10:30am – 12:30pm and 2:30pm – 7pm, shop the stunningly edgy and outfit making pieces in gold, rose gold, oyster shell, diamond and pearl. These pieces will take you from day to night and summer picnic to evening affaire, and are produced in limited quantities to ensure you stand out in style. Meet the designers, hear the story and shop the collections for one-day-only on Monday!

Slink Contemporary Jewellery Sale
Monday, May 20, 10:30am – 12:30pm & 2:30pm – 7pm
KEE Club, 32 Wellington Street, Central
**A percentage of proceeds will be donated to Film Aid Asia

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Say arrivederci to your regular Thursday night cocktail spots and get ready to step onto a sizzling sky-high dance floor and rocking party with Italy’s top music maestros. This, Thursday, May 16, from 10:30pm onwards, you are invited to kick off the long weekend at Aqua Spirit,  (30/F, 1 Peking Road, TST) with Bellinis, Martinis and more, before giving your stilettos some action on the dance floor. Milan’s famed DJ Mark Di Meo will be flying in especially to play this event, with HK celeb DJs Hallex M and Abel Rogers keeping the party going until the sun shines over the skyline again!

Click Here for a preview of the action or RSVP below.

Ciao bellas and see you on Thursday!

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Exclusively for Dim Sum & Then Some, Divia Harilela, Hong Kong’s premier international fashion editor, Senior Fashion Correspondent for SCMP and creator of leading luxury and fashion blog The D’Vine (www.the-dvine.com), brings you an up to the minute update of her personal favourite hot off the runway styles, trends, lusts and loves, plus a few “must have” pieces for your wardrobe now…

While designers tend to return to tried and tested favourites each season, this summer’s offerings come with a 2013 upgrade. Here are our top catwalk looks for spring/summer 2013.

Geometry Class
While you can’t beat traditional sailor stripes (the look is tres Parisian, n’est pas?) designers have added more shapes to the mix for spring including windowpane checks, triangles and psychedelic zig zags. Leading the way is Louis Vuitton where checks cover 1960s inspired maxi and mini dresses. Unfortunately a look this bold isn’t always the most flattering, so the easiest way to work the trend is through accessories, namely shoes and handbags. If you want to stick to classic stripes that’s fine too – just spice it up with colour, different widths and new directions.
Hot tip: Choose a striped blazer or pair of trousers instead of a top.
Top picks: Asos Shift Dress
Sergio Rossi Shoes

Monochrome Mania
Colour is overrated, and I for one am thrilled that black (and white) is back. This enduring and elegant colour combo goes hand in hand with spring’s 1960s mod and tuxedo dressing trends. Let’s be honest – there’s nothing more classic than a woman wearing a black tuxedo with a crisp white shirt underneath.  It’s also super flattering (remember Stella McCartney’s illusion dress?) although it can border on masculine. If you want to create a more feminine look then choose black and white prints featuring playful motifs such as polka dots. Don’t be afraid to break up the look with a metallic accessory or pop of colour.
Hot tip: Invest in a black and white silk blouse – you can use it all year round.
Top picks: Roger Vivier Handbag
J Crew Colourblock Pants

Ruffle My Feathers
Newsflash! The peplum has finally been dethroned by its much more flattering cousin, the ruffle. The look this time round is more modern and less ladylike as designers have created sculptural styles thanks to techno fabrics and sharp cuts.  That being said, not everyone can pull off Balenciaga’s stiff flamenco skirts so balance is key. Less is more, so pairing two ruffled items together is a definite no-no. Instead choose one ruffled piece and keep the matching item simple and streamlined. If you are going for bold styles, choose lightweight fabrics like silk and organza to soften the look. Ruffle placement is integral so be sure to avoid highlighting parts of your body you do not like.
Hot tip: Go for unexpected drama with a dress featuring ruffles cascading down the back.
Top picks:Gucci Tunic
JW Anderson Ruffled Tank

Shine On
This season’s metallics are a far cry from the garish 1980 prom dresses that gave them a bad rap in the first place. Shiny materials have gone from cheap to chic thanks to brands like Dior and Burberry. In this case, less is more so that means no mirrored leather or Barbarella-inspired outfits. Lighten the look with streamlined silhouettes (think maxi skirts and draped dresses) in iridescent fabrics. While gold and silver are great neutrals, embrace colour from candy shades (a la Burberry) to holographic effects, as seen at Stella McCartney.
Hot tip: Hologram-effect accessories are bang on trend.
Top picks: Stella McCartney Hologram Clutch
Comme des Garcons Metallic T-shirt

Been Around The World
Summer is all about travel and this is the season to incorporate multi-cultural references into your wardrobe. But be warned that this look is more Chic Afrique than backpacker. Forgo the turbans and animal prints and instead incorporate subtle ethnic elements into your wardrobe such as a fringed skirt (a la Bottega Veneta) or statement accessories made from natural materials such as Raffia (Dolce & Gabbana’s controversial earrings are top of our list). I am also loving the Oriental touches in the form of Japanese inspired floral prints and appliques at Prada. Kimono style jackets are also cool and easy-to-wear. But please no dragon motifs!
Hot tip: Modernise an ethnic print by matching it with something neon.
Top picks: Zara Kimono
Trina Turk Necklace

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Live from Lane Crawford, we bring you their next groundbreaking programme. . . Kicking off a month of art inspired fun in Hong Kong, Lane Crawford has collaborated with global style makers, designers and artists to create the first ever “Fashion Meets Art” live animated event series. To launch this collaboration, four creative enigmas have been invited to share their “expression of style” through installations, limited edition collections, and live art creation. The festivities will culminate this Saturday, May 11 and Sunday, May 12, with a “Fashion Meets Art” Shopping Weekend at all Lane Crawford HK stores, and you’re invited to step into this sizzling live action art scene. Feast on tacos from Mexican hotspot Brickhouse while witnessing live caramel candy making from Papabubble and tasting incredible liquid nitrogen ice cream by Lab made. Buy limited edition “Team T-shirts” featuring the names of iconic artists and fashion designers from Warhol to Gabbana to Hirst, or pick up limited edition skull posters and mini leather skulls from Shanghai artist Jacky Tsai, creator of Alexander McQueen’s iconic floral skull tee. Stop by the Lane Crawford Pacific Place Home Store on Sunday, May 12, from 2 – 6 pm to see live illustrations by illustrator designer and “it girl” Shantell Martin, and live graffiti by HK artist Mark Goss. Plus, through May 19, spend HK$3,500+ in one transaction at any Lane Crawford store to win a HK$500, HK$800 or HK$1,500 shopping voucher.

Lights, camera. . .let the action begin!

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Gather the little ones in your lives for a fun-filled and fabulous day out in support of Children’s Medical Foundation – CMF World Carnival 2013. On Sunday, 5th May, head to Cyberport for a day of alfresco family fun for an amazing cause. Children will receive a “passport” upon arrival and can collect stamps, prizes, and other goodies as they travel to various stops “around the world.”  From oversized bouncy castles, to giant slides, to trains, tag, sweet treats and carnival games, this is an international charitable extravaganza like you’ve never seen before!

Funds raised will help expand critical medical programs that save the lives of babies born in rural China.

Looking forward to traveling around the world with you for a wonderful cause on Sunday!

CMF World Carnival 2013
Sunday, 5th May, 12 Noon – 4:00 pm
Podium & Ocean View Court, 
Cyberport, 100 Cyberport Road, Hong Kong
Passports: HK$200 for children (ages 3-17), includes 5 game coupons
 (can be purchased online or at the door)
Even if you can’t make the event, you can still lend your support by “Pledging to Save a Baby” with a donation online.
Further details and passports available at: www.cmf.org.hk/carnival 

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Whether you’re here in Hong Kong or jet-setting around the globe, we know you like to be up to date on what’s new, what’s next and what’s best. So starting this month, we’re partnering with global concierge extraordinaire Quintessentially Lifestyle to bring you the ultimate insider itinerary for an action packed day of adventures and indulgences in the world’s best cities.  First on the hot list is Sydney, so slip on your oversize sunnies, pack your opera glasses and bring your board shorts, we’re taking you down under…

Breakfast – Surry in a Hurry
There’s nothing Sydneysiders love more than a fabulous brunch…superb produce made into scrumptious platters, combining a little bit of Anglo-Saxon heartiness with Middle Eastern spice and Italian sophistication. The hip inner city suburb of Surry Hills offers a dizzying array of choices, from addictive loafs and pastries at Bourke Street Bakery (+61 2 9699 1011) organic goodies at Kawa Café (+61 2 9331 6811), legendary coffee at Single Origin (+61 2 9211 0665) hip geek culture at Robocog (+61 2 9281 2880) and celebrity chef led indulgence at Bills (+61 2 9360 4762 ) where dishes from ricotta hotcakes to corn fritters promise to start the day off right.

Late Morning – Unique Boutiques 
To stretch your legs and give your Amex a little exercise too, head to Oxford Street and walk along all the way to Paddington. The Darlinghurst end – with its sex shops and 24-hour bars filled with colourful characters – is a bit of a shock first thing in the morning, but soon unfolds into a wave of hip and happening boutiques including internationally adored Aussie labels Alannah Hill, Collette Dinnigan, Sass & Bide, Charlie Brown, Napoleon Perdis, Peter Alexander and Dinosaur Designs.

Lunch – Get a Pizza This
All that shopping left you ravenous? Stop off for a slice (or four) of gourmet pizza at Love Supreme (+61 2 9331 1779), or for a lighter bite, take a seat by the conveyor belt of Toko (+61 2 9380 7001), the smaller branch of the contemporary Surry Hills sushi restaurant. If it’s a Saturday, make your way over to the Paddington Market, and graze at stall after stall of artisanal tasty treats.

Afternoon – Life’s a Beach
Melbourne may have the cool street culture, but Sydney has the beaches. Grab a cab and head to Coogee to begin a languorous coastal walk. On a sunny day, this is simply the best way to take in the glories of the Sydney beach scene. The walk will take you via tiny Gordon’s Bay, the concrete heavy but family friendly Clovelly, historic Waverly Cemetery, Bronte Beach with its sea water filled lap pool, and Tamarama Beach, before ending at the world famous Bondi Beach. Stop off for a dip in the piercingly blue and remarkably clean waters or simply soak in the sun and views of the incredible surfers below.

Dinner – Modern Marvels
Sydney’s fine dining reputation is well deserved, and there are plenty of dazzling Mod Aus options for an elegant dinner. For a quintessentially Sydney experience, book well ahead for a table at either Quay (+61 2 9251 5600) or Aria (+61 2 9252 2555). Sitting on either ends of Circular Quay, both restaurants are amongst the city’s best, while offering stunning views of the harbour and the iconic Opera House.

Late Night – Dance Floor Lure
Sydney has traditionally been known for its mega-clubs, and The Ivy (+61 2 9254 8100) is by far the most decadent dance spot in town. Owned by the reigning king of hospitality, head to this multi-storied complex for your choice of several luxe dance floors, multiple glamourous bars, an exclusive VIP Den and even a rooftop pool to splash the night away.

Watch out Sydney, here you come…

For more tips and insider access to hotspots around the globe, contact Quintessentially Lifestyle at: membershiphk@quintessentially.com or +852 2540 8595.

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Tiered towers filled with bite size delights, sumptuous scones and steaming pots of your favourite infusions…what’s not to love about afternoon tea? Well this spring, two of our favourite hotels are taking tea-time to a whole new level of divine decadence.

Tea for Choo!
From now through 5 May, MO Bar will play host to an exclusive Jimmy Choo Afternoon Tea experience. Taking inspiration from Jimmy Choo’s Spring/Summer 2013 collections, the tea’s signature cakes, cookies, pastries and sandwiches will highlight the haute gypsy glamour of the late ‘60s and early ‘70s including rich, vibrant colors and embossed leather, fringes and tassels. Highlights include smoked salmon cucumber CAYLA clutch sandwiches, decorated with brightly coloured cream cheese pyramid studs and a small but perfectly formed white chocolate bag in one of Jimmy Choo’s iconic leopard prints.

Scent-sational Afternoon
From 6 May to 30 June,  Café Gray Deluxe will collaborate with diptyque to launch an aromatic Moheli Afternoon Tea, inspired by Eau Moheli, the brand’s signature floral fragrance collection launching internationally this spring. This sumptuous spread will play on the notes of ginger, pepperwood, pink peppercorn and Ylang-Ylang Moheli in the fragrance with bakery and pastry specialties including Curry Poached Chicken Salad Tartlet with Ginger Peach Chutney, Mini Cinnamon Roll with Golden Raisin, Salted Caramel and Pink Pepper Flakes, served with homemade preserves and honey.

Book now as these haute teas are sure to sell out almost as quickly as their fashion counterparts!

Jimmy Choo Afternoon Tea at MO Bar
Now through 5 May
+852 2132 0077
lmhkg-mobar@mohg.com
- HK$260 per person from Mondays to Fridays, including the three-tier tea set, a delectable cake buffet and a choice of JING tea or coffee
- HK$280 per person on Saturdays and Sundays, topped with a weekend dessert buffet
- All guests will receive a special gift set from Jimmy Choo

Diptyque Afternoon Tea at Café Gray
6 May through 30 June
+852 3968 1106
info@cafegrayhk.com
- HK$240 per person or HK$420 for two people
- guests will be invited to visit diptyque’s flagship boutique at ifc to redeem a complimentary Moheli fragrance kit

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The Setting: A bright and inviting open-air restaurant and cocktail bar in the quiet backstreets of historic Wanchai. The Characters: Neighbourhood regulars kicking back cocktails alongside die-hard foodies and well-heeled Central-ites.
The Story: The pioneers of HK’s organic and local food movement, and founders of much-adored Posto Pubblico & Pizzeria, Linguini Fini and Homegrown Foods, have broken new ground once again with the opening of Stone Nullah Tavern. A stone’s throw from Wanchai’s history-filled “Blue House” tenement building, this atmospheric drinking and dining spot enhances the neighborhood’s innate charm with its vintage lighting and foldaway French doors tempting you to step inside for a cocktail (or three!). Say goodbye to your staple vodka soda and hello to Stone Nullah’s stellar cocktail list featuring a dizzying array of shaken and stirred concoctions, along with a selection of whiskies, rums and bourbons from boutique brands. Start light with a tropical “Nacional” made with pineapple and rum or kick the night into high gear with the tequila based “Diablo”. Now that you’ve whet your whistle it’s time to go in for the food, and innovative Chef Vinny Lauria has made sure this is a meal you won’t soon forget. No need to choose just one dish, portions are purposefully small and made for sharing. Yup, that means you can order the tater tots AND the mac & cheese! The style of the food is “new American” which, in Chef Vinny’s interpretation, takes the best dishes coming from the US and combines them with the freshest seasonal ingredients available in Hong Kong, creating playful twists on original preparations and totally new, mouthwateringly delicious sensations. Tempt your taste buds with farm fresh Asparagus with crab butter hollandaise, Heirloom Tomato salad bursting with flavour, and Grilled Shrimp with bottarga, confit tomato and aioli negro. Next up, sizzling hot Tater Tots with lardo aioli and siracha ketchup, decadently delicious “Chicken Fried” Tenderloin with sausage gravy, and a zesty twist on Mac & Cheese using egg yolk, sharp cheddar. If you thought dinner sounded decadent, wait until you tuck into the desserts.  Once again, you can order a few, and we highly recommend you try their incredible version of American carnival favourite Funnel Cake, served with Saigon cinnamon ice cream, strawberries and basil, or the equally delicious Ovaltine Ice Cream over bruleed banana, served with chocolate cream, cereal crunch and dreamy drops of peanut butter fudge. Cake fans won’t be able to resist the Fat Kid Cake made with layered red velvet cake, cheesecake, crème brulee and dark chocolate mousse — it’s a birthday party in your mouth! Think it can’t get any better than this?  Think again. Menus will change every few weeks based on the ingredients coming out of the local farms, so there’ll always be new innovations to sweep you off your feet.

This is one tavern worthy of stealing scenes, and maybe even your heart!

Stone Nullah Tavern,
G/F, 69 Stone Nullah Lane
Wanchai, Hong Kong
+852 3182 0128
www.stonenullahtavern.com

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A weekend spent on an idyllic farm in the countryside, ambling up verdant pathways, feasting on the freshest hand picked produce and lazing the afternoon away with a glass of your favourite vino as the sun slides down into the horizon. If only there was someplace you could do that in Hong Kong… Well actually, there is, and this weekend Homegrown Foods is taking you there, at the 3rd Annual Homegrown Foods Harvest Feast! This Saturday, April 20th, from 1-5pm, kick back and enjoy an afternoon on one of the New Territories most beautiful working farms, feasting alfresco on food created by 11 of Hong Kong’s best chefs, while sipping fine wines, craft beers, and artisanal coffee and jamming to live music. Savour sublime dishes in the sunshine while having the chance to meet the Chefs extraordinaire including Gregoire Michaud (The Four Seasons), Jeremy Biasiol (The Mirror), Anthony Fletcher (The Pawn), Shane Osborn (St Betty), Peggy Chan (Grassroots Pantry), Jack Carson (Restoration), Erik Idos (Nobu), Vinny Lauria (Linguini Fini/Posto Pubblico), Tracy Wei (Linguini Fini/Posto Pubblico), Matt Bishop (22 Ships) and Matt Abergel (Yardbird). Each Chef will host an interactive live cooking station serving up a signature dish made with natural ingredients and using at least one vegetable or fruit from the Homegrown Foods’ local harvest. The exact menu has yet to be revealed but we have heard that two of the chefs will be sleeping on the farm the night before to slow roast a whole pig in time for serving the next afternoon…who knows what other decadent delights are in store?

It’s time to slip off your heels, slide on your wellies, and get your appetites ready for a feast like never before…we’re going to the farm!

The 3rd Annual Homegrown Foods Harvest Feast
Saturday, April 20, 2013, 1 – 5pm
Zen Organic Farm, New Territories
(Round-trip transportation will be provided from Central)
Tickets: www.homgrownfoods.com.hk and all participating restaurants
Info: info@homegrownfoods.com.hk / +852 2671-2771
Pricing: Adults HK$1,488 / Children HK$888
(All ticket proceeds will be donated to The Hummingfish Foundation and Homegrown Foods Academy)

PHOTO CREDIT: reddog@reddogstudio.com.hk

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