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If you’ve never been to Barcelona, it should definitely be firmly on the agenda for your next European trip. Few other cities on the continent can match it for its sheer verve, stunning architecture, vibrant nightlife, Catalan cuisine and cosy beach-side restaurants.
Barcelona is a city that has sought to maintain its independence from the rest of Spain, with its own culture, music, cuisine and unique take on the language. While Catalans are warm and welcoming to visitors, they are also a proud people with a fierce sense of their own destiny.
1. Park Güell
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-67033" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/gafencu-travel-8-places-visit-barcelona-city-spain-Park-Güell.png" alt="gafencu-travel-8-places-visit-barcelona-city-spain-Park Güell" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/gafencu-travel-8-places-visit-barcelona-city-spain-Park-Güell.png 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/gafencu-travel-8-places-visit-barcelona-city-spain-Park-Güell-200x133.png 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/gafencu-travel-8-places-visit-barcelona-city-spain-Park-Güell-600x399.png 600w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/gafencu-travel-8-places-visit-barcelona-city-spain-Park-Güell-421x280.png 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/gafencu-travel-8-places-visit-barcelona-city-spain-Park-Güell-120x80.png 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/gafencu-travel-8-places-visit-barcelona-city-spain-Park-Güell-500x333.png 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/gafencu-travel-8-places-visit-barcelona-city-spain-Park-Güell-400x266.png 400w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" />
The best place to start your exploration of the Catalan capital is with a celebration of Barcelona’s favourite son, Antoni Gaudí. The famed architect is hailed as the greatest ever exponent of Catalan modernism – incorporating themes of nature and religion – and developed his own individual style that none have been able to replicate, although many have tried.
A good starting point for an expression of Gaudí’s work is Park Güell – so named for the Spanish entrepreneur, Eusebi Güell, who commissioned the architect and funded this truly unique vision. Park Güell is a naturalistic park made up organic architectural elements, colonnades, enigmatic sculpted structures, striking tiles and gardens.&nbsp;The original vision when Gaudí and Güell began work on the project in 1900 (it was completed in 1914) was for it to be a naturalistic park where people could live as part of an innovative urban space.&nbsp;
2. Sagrada Família
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-67035" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/gafencu-travel-8-places-visit-barcelona-city-spain-Sagrada-Família-basilica.png" alt="gafencu-travel-8-places-visit-barcelona-city-spain-Sagrada Família-basilica" width="466" height="600" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/gafencu-travel-8-places-visit-barcelona-city-spain-Sagrada-Família-basilica.png 466w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/gafencu-travel-8-places-visit-barcelona-city-spain-Sagrada-Família-basilica-200x258.png 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/gafencu-travel-8-places-visit-barcelona-city-spain-Sagrada-Família-basilica-217x280.png 217w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/gafencu-travel-8-places-visit-barcelona-city-spain-Sagrada-Família-basilica-120x155.png 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/gafencu-travel-8-places-visit-barcelona-city-spain-Sagrada-Família-basilica-400x515.png 400w" sizes="(max-width: 466px) 100vw, 466px" />
Another masterpiece by Antoni Gaudí is the&nbsp;Sagrada Família Basilica.&nbsp;No trip to Barcelona is complete without a trip to the breathtaking landmark.&nbsp;Construction of the Sagrada Família began in 1882 for which Gaudí quickly became its chief architect – transforming the project with his own style by combining Gothic and curvilinear Art Nouveau forms.
The architect devoted the rest of his life to the project and at the time of his death in 1926, less than a quarter of the project was complete. To this day, finishing touches are still being applied. Nevertheless, the exterior is stunning – with its delicate fairytale spires. Inside, the expansive, coloured windows let in a kaleidoscope of light and the hush created by the soft acoustics make for a preternatural experience, while the intricately composed columns gave the interior the otherworldly sense of being in a magic forest.&nbsp;
3. Besta Restaurant
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-67037" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/gafencu-travel-8-places-visit-barcelona-city-spain-restaurants.png" alt="gafencu-travel-8-places-visit-barcelona-city-spain-restaurants" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/gafencu-travel-8-places-visit-barcelona-city-spain-restaurants.png 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/gafencu-travel-8-places-visit-barcelona-city-spain-restaurants-200x133.png 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/gafencu-travel-8-places-visit-barcelona-city-spain-restaurants-600x399.png 600w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/gafencu-travel-8-places-visit-barcelona-city-spain-restaurants-421x280.png 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/gafencu-travel-8-places-visit-barcelona-city-spain-restaurants-120x80.png 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/gafencu-travel-8-places-visit-barcelona-city-spain-restaurants-500x333.png 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/gafencu-travel-8-places-visit-barcelona-city-spain-restaurants-400x266.png 400w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" />
Now that the cultural stuff is out of the way, it’s time to explore some of Barcelona’s earthly delights. Barcelona’s top eatery is generally regarded as Besta Restaurant. But be warned, it’s very popular and you will need to book well in advance to secure a table.&nbsp;
A match made in heaven, Catalonian Carles Ramón and Galician Manu Núñez blend their regional backgrounds together to create unique flavours from seasonal ingredients that make up a varied menu of Catalan cuisine.
4. Mr Porter Restaurant
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-67038" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/gafencu-travel-8-places-visit-barcelona-city-spain-restaurants-food-dining.png" alt="gafencu-travel-8-places-visit-barcelona-city-spain-restaurants-food-dining" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/gafencu-travel-8-places-visit-barcelona-city-spain-restaurants-food-dining.png 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/gafencu-travel-8-places-visit-barcelona-city-spain-restaurants-food-dining-200x133.png 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/gafencu-travel-8-places-visit-barcelona-city-spain-restaurants-food-dining-600x399.png 600w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/gafencu-travel-8-places-visit-barcelona-city-spain-restaurants-food-dining-421x280.png 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/gafencu-travel-8-places-visit-barcelona-city-spain-restaurants-food-dining-120x80.png 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/gafencu-travel-8-places-visit-barcelona-city-spain-restaurants-food-dining-500x333.png 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/gafencu-travel-8-places-visit-barcelona-city-spain-restaurants-food-dining-400x266.png 400w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" />
Another notable mention in the eatery stakes is Mr Porter Restaurant, with its speciality of lobster and beef steak. For something with a definitive local flavour, it’s also well worth sampling some Jamon Iberico ham, a famous Catalan delicacy.
Whatever you choose, wash it all down with a big jug (or two) of sangria. It’s refreshing fruitiness is the perfect way to settle in for a long, lazy lunch.
5. La Roca Village
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-67039" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/gafencu-travel-8-places-visit-barcelona-city-spain-shopping.png" alt="gafencu-travel-8-places-visit-barcelona-city-spain-shopping" width="466" height="600" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/gafencu-travel-8-places-visit-barcelona-city-spain-shopping.png 466w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/gafencu-travel-8-places-visit-barcelona-city-spain-shopping-200x258.png 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/gafencu-travel-8-places-visit-barcelona-city-spain-shopping-217x280.png 217w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/gafencu-travel-8-places-visit-barcelona-city-spain-shopping-120x155.png 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/gafencu-travel-8-places-visit-barcelona-city-spain-shopping-400x515.png 400w" sizes="(max-width: 466px) 100vw, 466px" />
If it’s a little shopping you’re interested in, check out La Roca Village, which boasts more than 130 luxury boutiques. Once your suitably sated and shopped out, it’s time for a little recreation and relaxation. Go for a little amble along the beach. Before long, you’ll most likely encounter an open-air self-styled wellness centre, replete with oversized cushions and mats – harking back to the decadent delights of Morocco.
Here, you can be pampered and get a gentle massage in Arabesque-style luxury – a refreshing drink in hand – with the soothing swish of waves lapping the shore of the Mediterranean.
6. Picasso Museum
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-67040" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/gafencu-travel-8-places-visit-barcelona-city-spain-picasso-museum.png" alt="gafencu-travel-8-places-visit-barcelona-city-spain-picasso-museum" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/gafencu-travel-8-places-visit-barcelona-city-spain-picasso-museum.png 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/gafencu-travel-8-places-visit-barcelona-city-spain-picasso-museum-200x133.png 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/gafencu-travel-8-places-visit-barcelona-city-spain-picasso-museum-600x399.png 600w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/gafencu-travel-8-places-visit-barcelona-city-spain-picasso-museum-421x280.png 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/gafencu-travel-8-places-visit-barcelona-city-spain-picasso-museum-120x80.png 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/gafencu-travel-8-places-visit-barcelona-city-spain-picasso-museum-500x333.png 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/gafencu-travel-8-places-visit-barcelona-city-spain-picasso-museum-400x266.png 400w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" />
It would be remiss not make mention of Barcelona’s other favourite son and one of the world’s foremost painters: Pablo Picasso. Contrary to popular belief, Picasso was not, in fact, born in Barcelona. He was born in the northern Spanish port town of Malaga. But it’s in the Catalan capital where he has been honoured with the Picasso Museum (Museu Picasso de Barcelona), housing over 4000 of his works – the largest collection anywhere in the world. It is the ultimate homage to the great artist. Here, you can while away a fascinating afternoon marvelling at the creations of this master painter.
The museum follows Picasso’s progress as an artist in chronological order. Starting out with superb classically painted creations in a naturalistic manner, which gradually evolves into his distinctive avant-garde cubism style that the art world has come to identify him with.
7. Palau de la Música Catalana
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-67041" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/gafencu-travel-8-places-visit-barcelona-city-spain-Palau-dela-Música-Catalana.png" alt="gafencu-travel-8-places-visit-barcelona-city-spain-Palau-dela-Música-Catalana" width="466" height="600" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/gafencu-travel-8-places-visit-barcelona-city-spain-Palau-dela-Música-Catalana.png 466w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/gafencu-travel-8-places-visit-barcelona-city-spain-Palau-dela-Música-Catalana-200x258.png 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/gafencu-travel-8-places-visit-barcelona-city-spain-Palau-dela-Música-Catalana-217x280.png 217w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/gafencu-travel-8-places-visit-barcelona-city-spain-Palau-dela-Música-Catalana-120x155.png 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/gafencu-travel-8-places-visit-barcelona-city-spain-Palau-dela-Música-Catalana-400x515.png 400w" sizes="(max-width: 466px) 100vw, 466px" />
Spanish guitar is, of course, immensely popular in Barcelona. As you explore the city’s attractions and hotspots, you are likely to encounter a busker displaying his (or her) musical talents as they strum up a storm on their guitar street-side. The Gypsy Kings seem to feature prominently on the playlists but it’s a vibe that blends in well with the city’s soulful ambience.
But there are also opportunities to catch live shows at any number of venues. One of the best – and most picturesque – places to experience a live show is the Palau de la Música Catalana. This stunning locale is worth a tour by day in its own right, but why not trip the light fantastic by taking in a night-time live flamenco dance show. This beautiful Barcelona theatre, and the performances held here, have consistently received rave reviews from audiences. Vibrant, with an explosion of vermillion, dance and music, it’s a life-affirming slice of authentic Spanish culture that will stay with you long after you have farewelled the Catalan capital.

travel-8-places-visit-barcelona-city-spain-gafencu

Catalan Carousing: 7 places to visit in Barcelona, Spain

Originally founded by Gilles Dyan in 1994, <a href="http://www.operagallery.com/">Opera&nbsp;Gallery</a> has established 12 locations around the&nbsp;world including London, Geneva and New York.&nbsp;With museums as well as private clients worldwide,&nbsp;Opera Gallery is one of the leading dealers in modern&nbsp;and contemporary art.&nbsp;
In celebration of Art Month, we talked&nbsp;to Sharlane Foo, Director of Opera&nbsp;Gallery Hong Kong to learn more about&nbsp;life as a curator.
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-33968 size-full" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/466x700-opera-gallery3_opt.jpg" alt="Inside Hong Kong’s Opera Gallery" width="466" height="700" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/466x700-opera-gallery3_opt.jpg 466w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/466x700-opera-gallery3_opt-200x300.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/466x700-opera-gallery3_opt-186x280.jpg 186w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/466x700-opera-gallery3_opt-120x180.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/466x700-opera-gallery3_opt-400x601.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 466px) 100vw, 466px" />
Having started your career at the Museum of&nbsp;Contemporary Art Loewen in Singapore and then&nbsp;relocating to the UK for further studies at Sotheby’s&nbsp;Institute of Art, it is clear that you have always had&nbsp;a passion for art.&nbsp;What are your earliest memories&nbsp;and experiences with art and what were your main&nbsp;inspirations behind these pieces?&nbsp;
My father travelled a lot for work and he always brought&nbsp;a book home. For me, I treasured the art books the most&nbsp;and I would read them until I wore them out.&nbsp;During one of our family trips to London for the&nbsp;summer, while in my early teens, a poignant moment for me&nbsp;occurred on a visit to the Tate Modern. Entering the Mark&nbsp;Rothko room was such an incredible experience and that&nbsp;was when I decided that I wanted to be in an industry that&nbsp;allowed me access to such beauty.
What inspires you to drive awareness for collectors&nbsp;and emerging artists?
My role in the gallery is to bridge the gap between artists&nbsp;and collectors. I find that collectors gain the most satisfaction&nbsp;when they have the utmost understanding and a true&nbsp;connection to the artist. I feel extreme happiness when I can&nbsp;bring both sides together.&nbsp;You have a wealth of experience in contemporary&nbsp;and modern art.
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-33967 size-full" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/700x466-opera-gallery2_opt.jpg" alt="Opera Gallery" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/700x466-opera-gallery2_opt.jpg 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/700x466-opera-gallery2_opt-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/700x466-opera-gallery2_opt-421x280.jpg 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/700x466-opera-gallery2_opt-120x80.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/700x466-opera-gallery2_opt-500x333.jpg 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/700x466-opera-gallery2_opt-400x266.jpg 400w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/700x466-opera-gallery2_opt-600x399.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" />
How do you use this to strengthen&nbsp;collaborations with artists?
I am blessed to have had great experiences with artists,&nbsp;and feel doubly fortunate to be part of the Opera Gallery&nbsp;group led by Founder and Chairman Gilles Dyan. As&nbsp;a global organisation with 12 galleries worldwide, we&nbsp;(collectively) have a wealth of experience and knowledge&nbsp;of the industry that we all call upon. I also work very&nbsp;closely with the group’s Art Director David Rosenberg to&nbsp;bring on new artists to our Hong Kong gallery roster.
Have you observed any recent trends among&nbsp;Hong Kong art collectors and more specifically, at&nbsp;Opera Gallery?
Opera Gallery Hong Kong has gone through a number&nbsp;of changes over the past year. We are progressing and&nbsp;moving with the times and our collectors. One trend that&nbsp;has become apparent is a slight shift in the demographic&nbsp;of the clientele. We are now seeing more of a younger&nbsp;crowd walking through our doors, which is exciting. We are always keen to meet new collectors and to learn more&nbsp;about their interest in the works on our walls.
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-33971 size-full" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/700x466-opera-gallery1_opt.jpg" alt="Inside Hong Kong’s Opera Gallery" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/700x466-opera-gallery1_opt.jpg 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/700x466-opera-gallery1_opt-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/700x466-opera-gallery1_opt-421x280.jpg 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/700x466-opera-gallery1_opt-120x80.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/700x466-opera-gallery1_opt-500x333.jpg 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/700x466-opera-gallery1_opt-400x266.jpg 400w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/700x466-opera-gallery1_opt-600x399.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" />
Will Opera Gallery feature any art exhibitions at&nbsp;Art Central in March?
We are thrilled to be a part of Art Central 2018 and will&nbsp;showcase a number of magnificent artists, one of which&nbsp;includes Manolo Valdes. Following the great success of&nbsp;Valdes’s monumental sculptures shown in Singapore and&nbsp;Paris, we are bringing the same energy to Hong Kong.&nbsp;During Art Month in March we will also have a group&nbsp;exhibition at Opera Gallery for three amazing Korean&nbsp;Artists: Yoo Bong Sang, Lee Gil Rae and Seo Young Deok.&nbsp;We consistently strive to bring unique talent to Hong Kong&nbsp;to engage local art enthusiasts.
Following the success of Mike Dargas’ exhibition,&nbsp;what’s in store for Opera Gallery this year?
The successful opening of <a href="//www.gafencushop.com/opera-gallery/">Mike Dargas’ </a>exhibition&nbsp;empowered us to take on more avant-garde works by&nbsp;young global emerging artists. We have a great 2018&nbsp;ahead of us with a superb line-up for the coming year.&nbsp;With four floors of gallery space, we can bring Hong&nbsp;Kong a diversity of artists that work closely with us&nbsp;and we are always thrilled to see new faces through&nbsp;our door!

Curator Conversations: Inside Hong Kong’s Opera Gallery

<img decoding="async" class="aligncenter" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/guest101-1.jpg " alt="Narcisa_01" /> 
Narcisa Pheres runs her own Tokyo-headquartered Italian fashion house with studios around the world. She also designs and sells jewellery, while advising on investing in fine art and even finer wines.

<h5 style="text-align: center;"><a style="color: #ad0707;" href="//www.gafencushop.com/video-the-pheres-factor/">Click here to see Narcisa Pheres on video</a></h5>

You are involved in quite a range of business sectors. Why do you think your career has proved to be quite so eclectic?
I am a professionally-certified diamond expert and jewellery designer and so, about 18 years ago, I began buying diamonds for Japanese collectors. A number of the buyers liked the centre stone, but not the jewellery itself. They would then ask me to re-design it for them. That was the beginning of my jewellery line. Later, I became quite interested in fashion design. So off I went to Milan to study the design aspect of fashion, then to London to learn more about the marketing side. Ultimately, this led me to launching my men’s fashion line in Tokyo some 10 years ago.
Given my background, I get invited to lecture on investing in jewellery and gem stones, as well as in fine art and wines. I recently organised one of the largest purchases of impressionist art outside of Europe. It was a very complicated project, but also quite fascinating. Given a choice, I prefer to deal in the old masters and rarely handle any contemporary art – unless, of course, I know the artists personally.
I also advise film stars, politicians, celebrities and even royalty as to how to dress for success or just how to dress to impress. Most of my clients know what they want and I just add a hint of colour and that extra finishing touch. You only ever have a few seconds to create a first impression – one that must last – so it’s vitally important to get it right. People need something to remember you by, that special element that makes all the difference. It’s a part of my work that I really thoroughly enjoy.
Sentient robots – ever on the cards or purely the stuff of sci-fi?
I work with someone who is very involved with robotics and artificial intelligence and so I am sure that will come to pass. The current thinking is that robots will be able to make decisions at a certain level, but probably not as intelligently as humans. Many of our own decisions, however, are based on statistical analysis and that’s something robots can handle with ease.
If you had your own TV show, what would you like it to be about?
Well, I have had a few and I know what they were about. I think now, though, I would change my direction. I’d love to host a show about travel and lifestyles. I enjoy travel and I am doing a lot of work now with spas, while also looking at exploring exotic places. It would be great to introduce some of the more interesting destinations to people. There are too many fashion shows on TV nowadays, though, and sadly they are mass-produced and lacking in any real quality. I would like to integrate fashion into lifestyle, while also considering its wider impact. All the current street fashion, for instance, is non-biodegradable and, in its own way, it is helping to destroy the earth. Fads change too quickly, so clothes become out-dated while they are still virtually new. I want to make fewer clothes, but of a higher quality so people will wear them for longer. I would like to mix these ideas up with, travel, food, eco-friendly living and green hotels. I’d like to show you can have a good life, be fashionable and still be “green.”
<img decoding="async" class="aligncenter" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/guest102-1.jpg " alt="narcisa_02" /> 
What’s your take on the current crop of reality shows?
Project Runway, to be fair, did help a number of aspiring designers to suddenly become well known. America&#8217;s Next Top Model also did some good for the beauty industry. I am less convinced of the value of things like Keeping Up With The Kardashians. It displays the fashion world in the most negative way. Suddenly these people have become muses for all the famous fashion shows. It’s quite sad. Up and coming brands are using these sort of people to get their messages across on social media. If they have these people in mind when they are designing their latest looks, then the whole fashion world is in trouble.
When did you last go to the cinema?
I went a few weeks back. I like to have a Saturday movie night every now and again. The last one I remember seeing was The Martian. That was quite a while ago now though.
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Is there a word that you feel you use too often?
“Amazing” – it is something I am always saying. I suppose it is better than “awesome” or “bloody.” I like that word. It relates to my state of mind. It is a very happy word and I’m a happy person. I find it can also be used in so many different instances.
What’s the worst advice that you’ve ever been given?
I am sure there’s been lots of such advice, but I never listen. I generally like to make my own mistakes. I suppose quite often, when I ask for advice, I am actually looking for confirmation of something I’ve already decided about. My husband always says to me: “Why do you ask me when you already have the answer?” I tell him that I have to check that my decision is right. If I make a mistake, then I really only have myself to blame.
Where do your children go to school?
They go to Beacon Hill School – part of the English Schools Foundation. We live near Kowloon Station, so we are in the capture area for that school. I am really happy with it. My eldest daughter – my seven-year-old – loves the school. The younger one is just five so doesn’t understand much yet. The school really promotes creativity and encourages art, playing the piano, public speaking, anything like that. They also stage debates, which I think is amazing for seven year olds. They are always exploring and discovering new things.
In your view, who is the greatest person to have ever lived?
Oh there are so many. Probably at the top of my list would be the great Greek mathematicians and philosophers – Plato and Socrates – or some of the more recent scientific figures, Einstein, Galileo, Edison, Da Vinci … Da Vinci was one of the most incredible. You have to wonder just how he had the time to do all the science-related things that he did, as well as his paintings. We mustn’t forget other amazing people, though, people like Mother Teresa. Greatness really depends on how you change other people’s lives – what you leave behind.
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Do you believe in the death penalty?
As a punishment, no. I don’t think anything gives us the right to kill. Imprisonment for life I understand. Take away a person’s freedom, but not their life. That makes us no better than the people we are trying to punish. I don’t see that it’s ever proved to be a deterrent. Life imprisonment gives people a long time to think about what they’ve done and is actually a far more severe form of punishment in many ways.
Which do you think is the most overpaid profession?
Banking. Look at the whole financial meltdown. Everyone was just focused on getting their bonuses and were too bullish on the markets. It’s a different story now, but a lot of people got hurt back in 2008 on account of all that greed. Plastic surgery is another overpaid profession. It does absolutely nothing for humanity. I can accept reconstructive surgery after an accident or an injury. The whole plastic surgery thing is quite prevalent in the fashion arena due to the superficial nature of the industry and the huge insecurities that go with it. Then again, the whole fashion industry is based on other people’s insecurity.
Is there a TV show you particularly detest?
I suppose I don’t really hate anything on TV that much. If I am not enjoying something, I just turn off the TV. Hong Kong could do a lot better in terms of TV. They should do more to promote travel and Hong Kong’s cultural heritage, all those little things that make this place so absolutely unique.
What was your most extravagant purchase?
A chinchilla coat that I bought in Saks on Fifth Avenue earlier this year. I needed something warm for a ball that I was attending in Monte Carlo in March. I felt rather guilty afterwards. It was just a small bolero coat.
What is in your handbag right now?
Credit cards, my driving licence, some money – in a number of different currencies. I don’t know why I always have a certain amount of US dollars with me. Some make-up, some extra jewellery for the photo shoot today, an Octopus card, my laptop computer and two phones. One is my personal phone and the other one takes better pictures, which is important in my line of business.
What’s your greatest indulgence?
Oh I have a few. I love chocolate. I’d like to say spas, but no, its chocolate – especially dark chocolate made from more than 70 percent cocoa. I also like many of the Japanese chocolates – the ones with spices inside. The Japanese make some of the most amazing – that word again – chocolates. I also love good wine and cheese, especially the wines from the Bordeaux region. I also love good champagne. I try and have a champagne brunch every weekend if I can.
Are you a good listener or good talker?
I don’t think I am a good listener. I admit it. I tend to listen at the beginning and get an idea of what is needed. As I am usually operating in an advisory role, I am expected to talk more. I listen a lot when I am with friends.
What is your favourite style of food?
Japanese, without a doubt, though I am also very partial to fine French cuisine. I especially like duck à l’orange. As a lover of seafood, I am very found of sushi and sashimi. When I am in Japan, I go to those little tiny corner family-style restaurants. You find you’re always in for something of a surprise. There are some places where they have no menu. They just ask if you have any allergies and then make a special dish to surprise you. I love that sort of thing.
Do you keep a diary?
Yes, I do. I like to go back and read things over again. Even my daughter keeps a diary. It is such a busy world. Sometimes I can’t even remember what I had for breakfast, let alone what I did yesterday. I feel duty-bound to write things down for posterity.
Thank you.
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