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<p>Luxury shoppers and travellers today are craving experiences that go beyond simple products and services. Taking strategic steps outside their boutiques, fashion brands have found the perfect combination to satisfy both their growth and customer demand by projecting a whole lifestyle. The smartest among the fashion-forward companies have already entered the hotel industry, including Armani and Versace; the Italian duo recently expanded their portfolios by opening properties in Dubai and Macau respectively. French luxury goods behemoth, LVMH, which owns Louis Vuitton, has also announced its ambitions in the hospitality industry. In fact, company CEO Michael Burke revealed that Louis Vuitton’s Paris headquarters will be converted into a hotel and shopping centre.</p>



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<p>The overlapping between fashion and hospitality is far from uncharted territory, but travelling comfortably forward, this year’s crop of entrants seems particularly well-positioned to not only succeed but potentially scale up. Although specifics of the Louis Vuitton hotel project have not yet been disclosed, LVMH is no newbie to the world of upscale hospitality. The conglomerate’s holdings include: the upscale travel company Belmond, which manages more than 30 hotels; the luxury jewellery, accessory and hotel brand Bulgari; and the Cheval Blanc luxury hotel chain as well as the famed winery.</p>


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<figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="768" height="768" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Bvlgari_pepl24.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-76126" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Bvlgari_pepl24.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Bvlgari_pepl24-200x200.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Bvlgari_pepl24-100x100.jpg 100w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Bvlgari_pepl24-280x280.jpg 280w" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /></figure></div>


<p>Bulgari Hotels &amp; Resorts, a division of Bulgari established in 2001 thanks to a partnership with Marriott International, has a strong presence in the market. Indeed, it may be the fashion world’s most successful hotel venture to date. The brand currently has outposts in Milan, London, Dubai, Bali, Beijing, Shanghai, Paris, Moscow and Tokyo, with Rome to open this month and Miami, the Maldives and Los Angeles in the pipeline.</p>



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<p>Executive Vice-President of Bulgari Hotels &amp; Resorts Silvio Ursini highlights that Bulgari’s long-established association with beauty, exclusivity and glitz contributes to the hotel concept’s longevity. “As a luxury brand, we know how to pamper and build a true relationship with our customers,” he says, adding that business across the portfolio has remained robust in recent years, thanks to increased demand for “ultraluxe experiences”.</p>



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<p>The Bulgari properties also function as great showrooms for the company’s jewellery and accessories. Each has a few Bulgari items on show in the lobby, and some, like the ones in Shanghai, Dubai, and Paris, also include a retail store. “A hotel guest dedicates at least one or two days, if not more, to their stay and has more time to observe and choose a piece,” notes Ursini.</p>


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<figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="768" height="514" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Palazzo-Versace-Dubai-Lobby.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-76132" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Palazzo-Versace-Dubai-Lobby.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Palazzo-Versace-Dubai-Lobby-200x134.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Palazzo-Versace-Dubai-Lobby-418x280.jpg 418w" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /></figure></div>


<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Indulgent Elegance</h3>



<p>Attention to the smallest details and touches is what fashion is all about. Luxury products offer a certain level of excellence, from the tortoiseshell buttons that adorn our winter coats to the finely built bags we can’t live without. This kind of indulgent elegance, which includes chauffeur-driven Rolls-Royces, breathtaking views and culinary creativity, is what draws tourists every year to the top fashion designer hotels in the world, especially at a time when luxury becomes more accessible and diverse. Needless to say, stays at popular traditional hotel chains won’t feel the same once you experience the high-end designer holiday sensation.</p>



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<p>These expansion approaches are key to the success of luxury brands. The upscale hotel experience allows them to be closer to their target segment, while the cache of owning five-star properties around the world elevates their brand even further.</p>


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<figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="768" height="480" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/versace.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-76135" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/versace.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/versace-200x125.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/versace-448x280.jpg 448w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/versace-480x300.jpg 480w" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /></figure></div>


<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Beyond Haute Couture</h3>



<p>Two decades after the first luxury fashion brand ventured into luxury hospitality – with Palazzo Versace on the Gold Coast of Australia claiming that landmark breakthrough in 2000 – the past few years have also demonstrated that haute couture isn’t the only door into hotels. High-profile companies in the likes of publishing and furniture design have made their own excursions into the hotel industry, frequently with the intention of bringing their brand equity and aesthetics with them.</p>



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<p>Swiss watch company Audemars Piguet has been luring tourists to its hometown of Le Brassus in the country’s Vallée de Joux region. The company debuted Musée Atelier Audemars Piguet in the summer of 2020, then opened the 50-room Hôtel des Horlogers next door two years later – the name translates literally as “the watchmakers’ hotel”.</p>


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<p>In collaboration with luxury management company Marugal, footwear icon Christian Louboutin opened a boutique hotel and restaurant this spring. A long-time favourite vacation spot for the designer, the town of Melides on Portugal’s Alentejo coast is home to the 13-key Hotel Vermelho.</p>



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<p>France’s fashion publishing giant, Elle, made waves in spring 2022 with the announcement of two hospitality brands. The 25-room Maison Elle collection premiered in Paris’s 17th Arrondissement recently. Its resort division, Elle Hotel, is scheduled to launch this summer with a beach property in Jalisco, Mexico.</p>


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<p>La Maison Fragonard, created in Arles by Agnès and Françoise Costa, scions of the century-old perfume business, and Paris-based design company Ateliers Saint-Lazare, added a little extra fragrance to Provence last summer. Its six rooms are above a ground-floor boutique selling clothing, houseware and perfume including the newest Fragonard release, Belle d’Arles.</p>



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<p>Lastly, leading US luxury home brand RH has expanded into hospitality via the opening of the RH Guesthouse in New York City. The 1887 structure, a cosy distance from RH’s Meatpacking District showroom, has nine rooms and suites decorated in Italian travertine and white oak, as well as a restaurant and a basement caviar bar. Its top attraction – literally – though is a huge draw in New York: a rooftop pool.</p>


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<h3 class="wp-block-heading">From Hotel to Retail</h3>



<p>Back here at home, the luxury brand and hospitality collaboration trend continues as Rosewood owner and Chief Executive Sonia Cheng plans to transform the luxury hotel and resort Text: Joseff Musa group into a fully-fledged lifestyle brand within three to five years. “[This new direction is] about the attitude we’re seeing and what our guests are interested in, and being able to engage with them,” says Joanna Gunn, Chief Brand Officer of Rosewood Hotel Group. Before joining the company in May 2020 after two decades in the luxury retail sector, her most recent post was at Hong Kong’s iconic department store, Lane Crawford.</p>



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<p>Brand-hotel partnerships will only grow in importance as the latter place more emphasis on their role as “staycation” destinations. Beyond international travel, luxury hotels have become places of entertainment outside of the home. How sweet it is to be living the suite life!</p>


INN Style: Because fashion is a lifestyle, luxury brands are increasingly getting into the hotel game

<p><div style="width: 640px;" class="wp-video">
<video class="wp-video-shortcode" id="video-61939-1" width="640" height="360" autoplay="1" preload="metadata" controls="controls"><source type="video/mp4" src="https://www.igafencu.com/video/2111/2111_GMHK_Interview_HelenMa.mp4?_=1" /><a href="https://www.igafencu.com/video/2111/2111_GMHK_Interview_HelenMa.mp4">https://www.igafencu.com/video/2111/2111_GMHK_Interview_HelenMa.mp4</a></video></div></p>
<p>For a girl discouraged by her father to work, she blazed a trail in fashion, beauty and catering. Now in her 40s, a mellower Ma focuses on quality content and personal contentment.</p>
<p>You are a beauty expert, philanthropist, fashion guru and mother – how do you make wearing so many hats look so effortless?<br />
My daughter Shyme is eight years old; my mother is 88 years old; and in the midst of family and work commitments, I try and make life happen. It might look effortless or easy from the outside, but a lot of chutzpah, dedication, hard work and multi-tasking goes into doing all the things that I do. I have to be fluid and flexible on a regular basis, do things with gusto, plan my schedule to a tee and be accommodating to change. Learning to appear calm and maintaining your zen is very important, and stepping out of your comfort zone is critical.</p>
<p><figure id="attachment_61985" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-61985" style="width: 466px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/gafencu_people_interview_helen_ma_one_plus_one_ecommerce_hongkong-7.jpg"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-61985" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/gafencu_people_interview_helen_ma_one_plus_one_ecommerce_hongkong-7.jpg" alt="gafencu_people_interview_helen_ma_one_plus_one_ecommerce_hongkong (7)" width="466" height="700" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/gafencu_people_interview_helen_ma_one_plus_one_ecommerce_hongkong-7.jpg 466w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/gafencu_people_interview_helen_ma_one_plus_one_ecommerce_hongkong-7-200x300.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/gafencu_people_interview_helen_ma_one_plus_one_ecommerce_hongkong-7-186x280.jpg 186w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/gafencu_people_interview_helen_ma_one_plus_one_ecommerce_hongkong-7-120x180.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/gafencu_people_interview_helen_ma_one_plus_one_ecommerce_hongkong-7-400x601.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 466px) 100vw, 466px" /></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-61985" class="wp-caption-text">Dress by&nbsp;Bottega Veneta</figcaption></figure></p>
<p><strong>When you were young, what was your ambition in life?</strong><br />
It’s funny as I always had an inherent sense of style and a passion for fashion and beauty, yet growing up, I didn’t aim to become anyone or anything. I grew up in a conservative family where my dad thought there was no need for girls to work – or even marry if the family can support them, because no guy would be good enough for his girl [laughs].<br />
When I left university, I knew I wanted to do something in the fashion industry. I was lucky that the LVMH group offered me my first job. After two years of hard work and learning the realities on the ground, I realised that while I have a strong love for fashion, I didn’t necessarily want to be a part of the industry. I switched to Joyce Group and started their beauty wing in Hong Kong. I opened the first three stores – the flagship outlet in Russell Street, Times Square, followed by Pacific Place and New World Tower in Central. It was at this time that my dream of bringing a high-end skincare brand to Hong Kong took shape.</p>
<p><a href="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/gafencu_people_interview_helen_ma_one_plus_one_ecommerce_hongkong-4.jpg"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-61982" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/gafencu_people_interview_helen_ma_one_plus_one_ecommerce_hongkong-4.jpg" alt="" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/gafencu_people_interview_helen_ma_one_plus_one_ecommerce_hongkong-4.jpg 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/gafencu_people_interview_helen_ma_one_plus_one_ecommerce_hongkong-4-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/gafencu_people_interview_helen_ma_one_plus_one_ecommerce_hongkong-4-421x280.jpg 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/gafencu_people_interview_helen_ma_one_plus_one_ecommerce_hongkong-4-120x80.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/gafencu_people_interview_helen_ma_one_plus_one_ecommerce_hongkong-4-500x333.jpg 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/gafencu_people_interview_helen_ma_one_plus_one_ecommerce_hongkong-4-400x266.jpg 400w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/gafencu_people_interview_helen_ma_one_plus_one_ecommerce_hongkong-4-600x399.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" /></a></p>
<p><strong>You have launched a magazine, Helen Ma Loves Muse, run a successful F&amp;B venture, and introduced the French-influenced Japanese luxury skincare brand Evidens de Beauté to Hong Kong. Which of these venture is closest to your heart?</strong><br />
I do everything with passion and conviction, but being a Hong Kong girl I have a love for all things beauty and skincare. That’s the reason I started Evidens de Beauté in Hong Kong and China, and its associated spa, Le Spa Evidens. But to my own surprise, I enjoyed my stint in food and beverage the most. In 2003 I started out as a silent partner in catering company Manna Group International, but it wasn’t until 2017 when my business partner, Quentin Chiu, convinced me about its potential that I became more involved in the business. The idea of running the successful Manna Market pop-up at Lane Crawford had me intrigued and though I’m no culinary expert, I love how food touches everyone’s life and leaves an impression.</p>
<p><a href="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/gafencu_people_interview_helen_ma_one_plus_one_ecommerce_hongkong-8.jpg"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-61986" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/gafencu_people_interview_helen_ma_one_plus_one_ecommerce_hongkong-8.jpg" alt="gafencu_people_interview_helen_ma_one_plus_one_ecommerce_hongkong (8)" width="466" height="700" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/gafencu_people_interview_helen_ma_one_plus_one_ecommerce_hongkong-8.jpg 466w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/gafencu_people_interview_helen_ma_one_plus_one_ecommerce_hongkong-8-200x300.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/gafencu_people_interview_helen_ma_one_plus_one_ecommerce_hongkong-8-186x280.jpg 186w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/gafencu_people_interview_helen_ma_one_plus_one_ecommerce_hongkong-8-120x180.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/gafencu_people_interview_helen_ma_one_plus_one_ecommerce_hongkong-8-400x601.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 466px) 100vw, 466px" /></a></p>
<p><strong>What’s next on the business front?</strong><br />
I’m very excited about stepping outside my comfort zone and going digital with my lifestyle e-commerce platform, One Plus One. The focus of the e-commerce venture will be wellness, creating healthy recipes, sustainable trends, home styling and engaging experiences. The aim is to produce quality content and sell niche products at affordable prices. Our website is still in the testing phase, and I’m taking it slow and making it right, but once we launch, I want our venture to become a one-stop destination for excellent lifestyle content and product curation.</p>
<p>Many creative collaborations to empower female talent, their products and stories are in the works. One of the entrepreneurs with whom we are partnering took candle-making classes with a HK$10,000 grant from the government. She’s a hardworking young woman in her 20s with a clear vision of who she wants to become. As an entrepreneur these are the kind of inspirational stories I want to support.</p>
<p><strong>What’s your advice for the modern-day career woman juggling family and work life?</strong><br />
Hang in there; it’s not easy, but it gets better. Balancing a thriving career and a blissful family will take too much of your strength and resilience. Try to live guilt-free, happy and take out some ‘me time’ – whether it’s chilling with friends, a spa day, dinner and drinks or seeking solitude. You’ll need something just for yourself to recharge, refuel and stay on top of your game.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>“Balancing a thriving career and a blissful family will take too much of your strength and resilience. Try to live guilt-free [and] happy”</em></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>You are known for your impeccable glamour. How has your personal style evolved over the years?</strong><br />
I’ve lived multiple fashion lives over the past two decades. My 20s were marked by maximalist dressing, exuberant makeup and strutting around town in high heels. I was somewhat calmer, though still edgy with fashion choices in my 30s. But now that I’m in my 40s, I don’t feel the need to dress to impress anymore. At this stage of my life, confidence, comfort and ease are far more important than following a rulebook. Neutral colours, pristine, clean lines and conscious, elegant choices define my everyday relaxed style.</p>
<p><strong>When you’re not busy with work, where are you most likely to be found?</strong><br />
At the pool – lounging in the water, soaking up the rays, is my favourite way to unwind. And if I’m not by the pool, I’ll be relaxing at home in pyjamas!</p>
<p><a href="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/gafencu_people_interview_helen_ma_one_plus_one_ecommerce_hongkong-5.jpg"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-61983" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/gafencu_people_interview_helen_ma_one_plus_one_ecommerce_hongkong-5.jpg" alt="gafencu_people_interview_helen_ma_one_plus_one_ecommerce_hongkong (5)" width="466" height="700" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/gafencu_people_interview_helen_ma_one_plus_one_ecommerce_hongkong-5.jpg 466w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/gafencu_people_interview_helen_ma_one_plus_one_ecommerce_hongkong-5-200x300.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/gafencu_people_interview_helen_ma_one_plus_one_ecommerce_hongkong-5-186x280.jpg 186w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/gafencu_people_interview_helen_ma_one_plus_one_ecommerce_hongkong-5-120x180.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/gafencu_people_interview_helen_ma_one_plus_one_ecommerce_hongkong-5-400x601.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 466px) 100vw, 466px" /></a></p>
<p><strong>As the autumn-winter weather descends upon us, please share some styling recommendation</strong>s.<br />
Keep your seasonal edit classy and clean. Oversized jackets, hoodies, sweaters and chunky loafers are always good to cosy up in. Bottega Veneta’s mini Jodie bag and the ‘25cm’ Hermès Birkin are chic choices for a fancy dinner or a laidback brunch. You can’t go wrong in neutrals – black, navy, khaki, army green; these shades blend seamlessly, are perfect for layering and give a classy vibe.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>“I don’t feel the need to dress to impress anymore… confidence, comfort and ease are far more important than following a rulebook”</em></p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>What’s your haircare and skincare philosophy for the change in season?</strong><br />
In the winter, skin tends to lose more moisture, so tweak your entire regimen to keep it protected. It’s very important to stay hydrated and apply masks. You can never over-mask; I try and apply one every day, selecting different types for toning, moisturising and restoration. Masks with hyaluronic acid and antioxidants are effective in countering anti-ageing and pigmentation. Your hair needs extra TLC in the changing season for that shiny, healthy look. A simple coconut oil massage or a deep-conditioning mask are both excellent to nourish and combat dry, brittle ends.</p>
<p><a href="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/gafencu_people_interview_helen_ma_one_plus_one_ecommerce_hongkong-9.jpg"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-61987" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/gafencu_people_interview_helen_ma_one_plus_one_ecommerce_hongkong-9.jpg" alt="gafencu_people_interview_helen_ma_one_plus_one_ecommerce_hongkong (9)" width="466" height="700" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/gafencu_people_interview_helen_ma_one_plus_one_ecommerce_hongkong-9.jpg 466w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/gafencu_people_interview_helen_ma_one_plus_one_ecommerce_hongkong-9-200x300.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/gafencu_people_interview_helen_ma_one_plus_one_ecommerce_hongkong-9-186x280.jpg 186w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/gafencu_people_interview_helen_ma_one_plus_one_ecommerce_hongkong-9-120x180.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/gafencu_people_interview_helen_ma_one_plus_one_ecommerce_hongkong-9-400x601.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 466px) 100vw, 466px" /></a></p>
<p><strong>Where do you see yourself 10 years from now?</strong><br />
I look forward to life. Ten years from now, I will be in my 50s, my daughter will be in her teens and off to university, and if I’m lucky enough, then my mom will be close to her 100th birthday and I’ll be seeing her every day! It will be a stable, simple, slow life in which I’d still be working… but I’d also hopefully be half-retired [laughs].</p>
<p><strong>Thank you.</strong></p>
<p><em>Interview by: Nikita Mishra; Photographer: Jack Law; Art Direction &amp; Styling: Jhoshwa Ledesma</em></p>

gafencu_people_interview_helen_ma_one_plus_one_ecommerce_hongkong

Hong Kong socialite Helen Ma talks about life & her latest venture

<p><div style="width: 640px;" class="wp-video"><video class="wp-video-shortcode" id="video-50788-2" width="640" height="360" autoplay="1" preload="metadata" controls="controls"><source type="video/mp4" src="https://www.igafencu.com/video/2001/2001_GMHK_Interview_SyedAsimHussain.mp4?_=2" /><a href="https://www.igafencu.com/video/2001/2001_GMHK_Interview_SyedAsimHussain.mp4">https://www.igafencu.com/video/2001/2001_GMHK_Interview_SyedAsimHussain.mp4</a></video></div></p>
<p></p>
<p>Syed Asim Hussian, Co-Founder of Black Sheep, Hong Kong’s most intriguing F&amp;B chain, talks to Gafencu about the success of his restaurants and his role in it.</p>
<p><strong>With your family already successful Hong Kong restaurateurs, did you always feel destined for the hospitality sector?</strong></p>
<p>I have always felt like that. This business is in my blood and in my bones. My brother and I started working in my father’s restaurant when he was just 12 and I was just 11. Even at that age, I knew this business was all about looking after your customers and that’s always been how I’ve seen it. While outsiders often seem to think the restaurant business is all about fine wine, beautiful people and virtuoso music performances, it’s really not. It’s about you coming to my house, and me taking good care of you. If I look after you well, then you’re going to come back.</p>
<p><figure id="attachment_50791" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-50791" style="width: 466px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="wp-image-50791 size-full" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/syed-3-min.jpg" alt="Black Sheep" width="466" height="700" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/syed-3-min.jpg 466w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/syed-3-min-200x300.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/syed-3-min-186x280.jpg 186w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/syed-3-min-120x180.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/syed-3-min-400x601.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 466px) 100vw, 466px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-50791" class="wp-caption-text">Black Sheep Restaurants Co-Founder Syed Asim Hussain</figcaption></figure></p>
<p><strong> At university, you studied finance and international relations, rather than anything hospitality-focused. Was that a deliberate move?</strong></p>
<p>If I’m honest, finance was a sort of a mistake, I fell into it because my university was primarily known for its business and engineering programs. As I had no aptitude for engineering, I naturally gravitated toward the business school. As to international relations, well that was more out of personal interest. To this day, global affairs and international politics continue to fascinate me and I still read every issue of <em>The Economist </em>from cover to cover.</p>
<p><strong> After graduating, you worked in New York as banker. How did that experience shape your subsequent career?</strong></p>
<p>Well, as I graduated in 2007, the financial crisis hit its height not long after I started work and banks were soon looking at cutting staff numbers. As I really didn’t want to be fired from my first job, I decided then that I had to be the best at everything I did – even if that meant, sometimes, being the best bagel runner. That is, basically, how I survived at the bank.</p>
<p>There was, however, something interesting happening in the restaurant world at about the same time. The traditional 7pm-11pm fine dining market was stagnating and people were just not spending as much on eating out as they used to. This, of course, was partly down to the fact that banks and consultancies had slashed their entertainment budgets. As a result, though, you started to see a number of restaurants emerging where the emphasis was on providing great value for money. I was on the sidelines of this but couldn’t help thinking what a great concept it was, while wondering if the concept could be replicated in my own home city.</p>
<p><strong> This is what then led you to co-found Black Sheep Restaurants?</strong></p>
<p>While I knew I was going to return to Hong Kong and test out this new idea, initially I had no intention of launching out on my own. My plan was to come back and relearn all the things I thought I needed to know. This led me to take up an apprenticeship with a prominent Hong Kong restaurant group and that was my life for about 18 months.</p>
<p>Although I had a vision of how I wanted to progress from there, for quite a while things failed to fall into place. I was then fortunate enough to meet Chris Mark, the guy who ultimately became my business partner. During our first encounter, he was actually quite disparaging towards me, even going as far as telling me he had lost money when he had bet I wouldn’t continue my apprenticeship after the first day. After that, though, we seemed to click and we soon realised we shared many similar ideas and had a similar approach to business. The rest, as they say, is history.</p>
<p><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-50792 size-full" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/syed-4-min.jpg" alt="Black Sheep" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/syed-4-min.jpg 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/syed-4-min-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/syed-4-min-421x280.jpg 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/syed-4-min-120x80.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/syed-4-min-500x333.jpg 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/syed-4-min-400x266.jpg 400w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/syed-4-min-600x399.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" /></p>
<p><strong> Black Sheep seems to pride itself on its embrace of a wide range of different cuisines, so how do you ensure they all remain authentic? </strong></p>
<p>Honestly? We don’t try to. We have a creative resource, which is Chris and myself, that’s a blend of nostalgia, curiosity and pure fantasy. Whenever we try new things, it’s always that creative well we draw on. I also think that ‘authentic’ is something of a dangerous concept in this particular business. While we may have travelled to the home regions of many of the cuisines we have on offer, what we serve up is our interpretation of the various dishes and cooking styles we have encountered.</p>
<p><strong> How do you gauge which particular dishes will be to the taste of Hong Kong diners?</strong></p>
<p>I don’t. And I don’t much care either. We try to stay well away fads and short-term trends. We want to produce a menu that stands the test of time. Truly great restaurants are passed from one generation to the next and we hope that, long after we’re gone, Black Sheep will still be around.</p>
<p><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-50789 size-full" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/syed-1-min.jpg" alt="Black Sheep" width="466" height="700" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/syed-1-min.jpg 466w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/syed-1-min-200x300.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/syed-1-min-186x280.jpg 186w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/syed-1-min-120x180.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/syed-1-min-400x601.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 466px) 100vw, 466px" /></p>
<p><strong> Are there any prospective Black Sheep projects that you’re free to talk about?</strong></p>
<p>The plan, right now, is to open six new sites in Hong Kong in the coming months, as well as one in Europe. That’s all I can really say right now. My hope, though, is that another explosive year is on the cards for the Black Sheep family.</p>
<p><strong> What do you think is the biggest misconception diners have with regard to how the restaurant industry works?</strong></p>
<p>I think, with the rise of social media where you eat, as well as where you shop, have all becomes part of people’s individual brand. Sometimes, though, people fail to understand that a passion for consuming something is not the same as having a passion for a particular business sector. Essentially, loving to drink coffee is very different to being passionate about selling coffee.</p>
<p><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-50790 size-full" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/syed-2-min.jpg" alt="Black Sheep" width="466" height="700" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/syed-2-min.jpg 466w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/syed-2-min-200x300.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/syed-2-min-186x280.jpg 186w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/syed-2-min-120x180.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/syed-2-min-400x601.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 466px) 100vw, 466px" /></p>
<p><strong> How have the long hours affected your personal life? Was it difficult to meet someone who tolerated the demands your business had on your time?</strong></p>
<p>Basically, you have no personal life. We’ve been successful because we&#8217;ve sacrificed everything for the business. If you want a personal life or want to be able to take time off whenever you feel like it, then this is not the industry for you and nor are you likely to create a truly great company.</p>
<p><strong> Finally, what other advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs?</strong></p>
<p>The first thing I’d say is that it’s a mad pursuit and you have to be a little bit crazy to choose it as a way of life. Secondly, if you feel you have to ask for advice, then you’re too normal and you probably shouldn’t be doing this. Beyond that, true excellence lies in doing everything – even the smallest of things – correctly and consistently. It isn’t being a ‘nine’ one-day and ‘three’ the next, it’s about being at least a‘7.5’ every day.</p>
<p><strong>Thank You</strong></p>
<p><em>Text: Bailey Atkinson</em></p>


Tag: hospitality

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Hong Kong socialite Helen Ma talks about life & her latest venture

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Tag: hospitality

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INN Style: Because fashion is a lifestyle, luxury brands are increasingly getting into the hotel game

Hong Kong socialite Helen Ma talks about life & her latest venture

Head Baa Man