PMQ

A wonder of light and metal...is how I would describe the newly refurbished PMQ on Hollywood Road, Hong Kong. As a former Police Married Quarters (hence the name), it was originally built in 1951 as the first dormitory for Chinese police officers and their families. After falling into disuse at the beginning of the millennium, it was recently renovated and revitalized as a center for creative industries in Hong Kong. Although the renovations have been in accordance to Hong Kong's shiny and minimal aesthetics (think glass and metal everywhere), the history of PMQ has still been preserved. The existing dormitory structures built in the functional, modernist style were retained, albeit with a fresh coat of paint. At the ground level, there is even a glass viewing area where the original foundations of the site can be seen. With the conservation of historical buildings for fresh industry, PMQ is very much a juxtaposition of old and new. The individual dormitories have been leased to up and coming local designers in Hong Kong, from Susanna Soo to Chocolate Rain, as both a workspace and a place to sell their creations. The open air layout and quirky vibe takes the shopping experience to a new hipster level. With PMQ being so close to where I live, I'm beyond excited to go and gawp at the shops, as well as take outfit shots next to the hyper sleek architecture. Now if that's not killing two birds with one stone, I don't know what it is.

PMQ 35 ABERDEEN ST, CENTRAL, HONG KONG

#INSTAJAPAN

Just a quick post in the midst of Chinese exams, internal assessments, and other school stuff that I probably shouldn't bore you with. Hong Kong has been stuck in this weird weather rut in between winter and spring, when it's too cold for shorts yet too hot for turtlenecks. I sort of miss the constant onslaught of snow and chill in Japan, which gave me the excuse to don wool coats and thick jumpers that only see a couple weeks of wear in Hong Kong. This is a compilation of the photos that I took over in Niseko, Sapporo and Nara - evoking nostalgia for Japan's soft-serve ice cream, powdery ski slopes and AMAZING shopping. If you follow me on Instagram, you've probably already seen these before. But who can resist the food porn potential of a cup of matcha tea?

JAPAN  NISEKO, SAPPORO AND NARA

雪国

Having read the Japanese novel Snow Country as a student, I always pictured the colder regions of Japan as author Yasunari Kawabata depicted them - bleak, melancholy and desolate. In my many subsequent trips to the Japanese ski resort Niseko, I was pleased to have my expectations defied. Despite the occasional snowy day with zero visibility and the trepidation of skiing blind through blizzard-like conditions, there was many a day with azure skies, crystalline snow and visions of the majestic Mount Yotei. Enjoy the view. PS. The first photo was taken after a long and arduous hike up to the top of the Niseko peak with ski gear in tow. I really do love you all - I did actual EXERCISE for this.

NISEKO, JAPAN

The Big Apple

Going to New York has always been number one on my bucket list. Well, I'm definitely glad I didn't die before this trip. New York is a place that is ubiquitous in movies, TV, books etc. Seeing New York through a computer screen doesn't even come close to experiencing it firsthand. The city is a perfect marriage of sophistication and grunge, and a giant melting pot of the world. Just walking around the city, I came across people from all walks of life: artists, musicians, businessmen, upper east side wives and the occasional hobo. As I said, cultural melting pot, and style melting pot also. The streetstyle was an eclectic mix of 90's grunge, pared down minimalism and more. I was really impressed by the taste level of most people in the city. There seems to be an innate sophistication that come with being a 'New Yorker'; I have yet to attain that elusive quality. In the short couple of days I've been here, I've fallen in love with the city in the most cliche way possible. I love the Art Deco modernity of the Chrysler building juxtaposed with the neo-classical style of the Met. I love the peaceful greenery of Central Park in the midst of the bustling metropolis. I love the mouthwatering Momomfuku crack pies and Serendipity frozen hot chocolate. New York - it ain't called the empire state for nothing. PS. Sorry for my constant use of analytical words, I'm still in essay writing mode from school

NEW YORK CITY GRAND CENTRAL STATION BROOKLYN TIMES SQUARE NEW YORK UNIVERSITY CHRYSLER BUILDING FIFTH AVENUE METROPOLITAN MUSEUM OF ART MOMOFUKU MILK BAR CENTRAL PARK

Boston Strong

For a city just a couple months past a bombing, Boston is remarkably unruffled. I guess the order and efficiency I observed during my summer time stay is just an indication of classic American resiliency and the ability to move on. Indeed, Boston really is a beautiful city teeming with historicity and collegiate air. The many historic monuments and buildings integrated within the modern city inspired me sartorially with their gothic elements and gilded decorations. Even though the delicious food (New England clam chowder!) questioned my ability to fit into clothes, all the sightseeing (ahem college hunting) kept me from having a giant, gelato-stuffed food baby. That's the thing I love about America, ice cream and pizza are their own separate food groups. PS. Next stop...New York!

BOSTON & PROVIDENCE

Land of the Rising Sun

niseko, nagoya and kyoto. photos taken by me

Ski, snow and sushi. I doubt that anyone could ask for more in a vacation. My trans-Japan Christmas trip was really a beautiful mix of extreme sport and culinary delights - don't even get me started on the ice cream. I had thoroughly enjoyable experiences skiing in fresh Niseko powder, and equally shopping in the plethora of Kyoto malls. Ever since my trip, I've been in awe of the Japanese fashion sensibility, the way everyone looks so put together in their everyday lives. Whether it be the Kyoto girls in their peacoats and heeled boots, or the high school boys in their black suit uniforms, I felt that they all exuded a formal sophistication. Aside from that, I was also extremely inspired by the traditional fashion in Japanese culture. The intricacies of the obi fabric, the silkness of the kimonos, undoubtly there will be some Japanese inspired posts coming up. Watch this space!

xo emmy

A Roadtrip Down California 1

places: stanford campus, monterey bay aquarium, capitola, big sur, venice beach and santa monica beach in los angeles

A collective of my summer spent in sunny California, where everything is chill and beautiful

xo emmy