Still Glowing Strong: Hong Kong's Neon Heritage Burns Bright Amid Preservation Projects Spotlighting a Vivid Aspect of Contemporary Chinese Culture 香港霓虹地標的二次生命

Growing up in Hong Kong, Cardin Chan often walked confidently at night on streets illuminated by giant neon signs whose kaleidoscopic beams pierced the darkness, forming phosphorescent pathways that mapped the city into distinct districts with their own visual signatures. Featuring customized logos and Chinese calligraphy, the signs had been emblazoning the facades of family-run restaurants, bars, shops and theatres for decades, infusing Hong Kong’s commodity-driven economy with kinetic energy, character and otherworldly glamour.

Design DialogueFête ChinoiseSeptember 20, 2024art, chinese, hong kong, Hong Kong, design, product design, design annualComment

The Inspiration Behind Love at Mid-Autumn 2024: A Time Capsule 愛在中秋2024：霓虹幻境

In this article, you will have a chance to read about the inspiration behind the 2024 design which represents the feature story in this edition: the disappearing neon lights of Hong Kong’s streetscapes. Each and every handmade glowing neon sign symbolizes a life and history — a dream, a business, a family’s livelihood and service to the local community. This year’s tin design is a love letter to Hong Kong’s infamous vistas, full of life and vitality, and the city’s spirit, hustle, and bustle. Enjoy our design process!

Design DialogueFête ChinoiseSeptember 18, 2024art, chinese, Love at Mid-Autumn, hong kong, Hong Kong, Mooncakes, Mid-Autumn FestivalComment

Hins Cheung “The Prime Classics”: Unforgettable First Solo Concert in Toronto

August 3, 2024, marked a momentous occasion for fans of Hins Cheung as the renowned Hong Kong singer held his first-ever solo concert in Toronto. Coinciding with his 23rd debut anniversary, the event was the grand finale of his North American tour, held at the OLG Stage at Fallsview Casino. This concert was a long-awaited moment for many dedicated fans, who had eagerly anticipated his return to the city after 15 years.

Current AffairsFête ChinoiseAugust 6, 2024music, Music, hong kong, Hong Kong, concerts, CelebrityComment

Mirror — A Reflection 2.0

I knew one day we no longer needed to be long-distance anymore — reflecting on the journey leading up to the Mirror world tour concerts in New York City and Toronto, it's clear that it was one heck of a ride filled with excitement, determination, and a real sense of belonging to the Hong Kong community. It all kicked off when Mirror dropped the bombshell that Toronto was on their Feel the Passion Concert Tour map — quite a surprise, I must say! Having been through the ticket frenzy for their Hong Kong concerts, I knew I needed a game plan to snag those tickets.

Current AffairsFête ChinoiseApril 19, 2024music, Music, hong kong, Hong Kong, concerts, CelebrityComment

Stay Curious: Bernice Liu's Lifelong Journey of Wine and Beyond

We were honoured to host Bernice Liu at our Toronto Signature Event on February 3rd, 2024. Bernice, a beloved Canadian actor, has captivated audiences not only through her on-screen performances but also through her remarkable journey as a winemaker and cultural ambassador. Having previously graced the pages of Edition 7 of Fête Chinoise, it was a pleasure to catch up with Bernice once again and delve into her diverse career and profound insights.

Personal StoriesFête ChinoiseMarch 1, 2024chinese canadian, actor, chineseactor, Actor, hong kong, Hong KongComment

Romain Jacquet-Lagrèze: Thirty-Six Views of Lion Rock 獅子山三十六景, a Collector’s Gem

Print is for from being obsolete. Beautiful photo books have become collectors items and coveted print pieces that capture the spirit of collective memory. Celebrated photographer, Romain Jacquet-Lagrèze, launched a brand new book and solo exhibition, Thirty-six Views of Lion Rock 獅子山三十六景. It was unveiled at Blue Lotus Gallery in Hong Kong from September 8th to October 9th, 2022.

Qipao: Heart of a Craftsman 東方美‧匠人心‧旗袍韻

The appearance of the qipao is the origin of modern Chinese fashion. Women adorned in high-collared and fitted qipao dresses were seen as embodying “oriental” beauty. A hundred years later, the qipao has weathered the storm of the many historical changes in China and established an irreplaceable position in modern Chinese culture. This charming dress form has become part of mainstream fashion around the world.

Art and FashionRuizhou LiJune 24, 2021qipao, Art, fashion, Hong Kong, hong kong weekComment

The Master of Traditional Handmade Silk Buttons 傳統花釦之工藝大師

In Hong Kong resides a traditional artisan of embroidered button fasteners for cheongsams (qipaos) and other garments. Master Po Ming-Wah is one of the few artisans of this craft still practicing in Hong Kong today, however, this art is becoming extinct. Fête Chinoise had an opportunity to sit down with Master Po and presidents of Cheongsam Connect, Anita Tsang and Donna Cheung in Hong Kong to better understand the history and current challenges of the practice. Each of Master Po’s intricate knots have auspicious names, an intentional meaning, and a corresponding design.

Art and FashionDeborah Lau-YuJune 3, 2021Hong Kong, hong kong week, cheongsam, qipao, silk button, craftmanshipComment

Harmony in Cinema: Fagara (2019) [Spoiler Alert]

Fagara (2019) boldly takes on the issues of blended families through the story of a trio of half-sisters separated by geography, only to be reunited by the hotpot restaurant their deceased father left behind.

Fête ChinoiseOctober 13, 2020Film, Film Review, Hong KongComment

Selena Lee: The Star Urging Us to Protect the Oceans

Learn more about Hong Kong-Canadian celebrity Selena Lee and why sustainability matters so much to her.

Current AffairsFête ChinoiseAugust 23, 2020Celebrity, Actor, Hong Kong, Recommended, Environment, Magazine PhotoshootComment

Classic Craft, Modern Meaning in Hong Kong

Learn more about this non-profit local arts and crafts programme that seeks to explore potential modern adaptions of the gradually fading traditional crafts in Hong Kong - on now until June 23, 2020!

Art and FashionFête ChinoiseMay 12, 2020Art, Hong Kong, ExhibitionComment

Fête Pulse on Esther Cheung, TIFF Next Wave Film Festival Director

Esther Cheung’s film, 風不太冷 In Passing, is part of TIFF’s Young Creators Showcase. The film portrays 1970s Hong Kong through the eyes of her parents. Her work has already won the 2019 Taichung International Animation Festival Jury Distinction Award (Taiwan) and the 2019 Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival, Air Canada Award (Canada). This week, Fête Chinoise sat down to learn more about this young creative.

Guest UserFebruary 11, 2020Film, Hong KongComment