訂閱電子報，獲取最新時尚資訊

large_jes289aCover01.jpg

medium_jes289aCover01.jpg

small_jes289aCover01.jpg

thumbnail_jes289aCover01.jpg

xlarge_jes289aCover01.jpg

xsmall_jes289aCover01.jpg

jes289aCover01.jpg

新一期季刊隆重登場！

People

GLOBAL

Fashion

Beauty & Wellness

LifeStyle

Watch & Jewellery

Hong Kong is a city where silk meets steel; where echoes of the past bends to fit the rhythm of the present. Jessica Ng, founder of JESSICA, and Grace Choi, the creative force behind Yi-ming, sat down to explore heritage, innovation, and empowerment. Grace has channeled her deep-rooted passion for oriental design into a global mission—one that empowers women by reimagining traditional garments like the cheongsam. By blending cultural heritage with contemporary relevance, she’s crafting a narrative that resonates across borders, making the past accessible and meaningful in the present.<figure class="image"><img src="https://prd-cdn.jessicahk.com/signal_2025_03_19_145910_002_ccba5359e9.jpeg" alt="signal-2025-03-19-145910_002.jpeg"></figure>From Catwalk to Creation: Grace’s Fashion Evolution Grace Choi’s journey into fashion design melds varied experiences. Before founding Yi-ming, she made her mark as a runway model, walking for legendary designers like Vivienne Westwood, Vera Wang, and Hermès. Those years on the catwalk were more than glamorous moments—they were a masterclass in aesthetics, fit, and the transformative power of clothing, skills that have proved crucial in her work today. Off the catwalk, Grace sharpened her organizational prowess and creative vision by founding and running Gorgeous Productions, an event management company. This blend of artistry and pragmatism gave her a holistic foundation, enabling her to design pieces that resonated with people on emotional, cultural, and practical levels.Her transition into fashion design felt natural, sparked by a sharp observation: the underrepresentation of rich oriental culture in modern fashion. Seizing this opportunity, she launched Yi-ming to bridge that divide. “I was inspired to create Yi-ming to promote our rich oriental culture in a modern context,” she says, reflecting on the gap she saw at the time. “I wanted to bridge the gap between traditional craftsmanship and contemporary fashion.” Her ambitious yet clear goal was to celebrate heritage, empower women to embrace their identities proudly, and make oriental fashion accessible and relevant today.&nbsp;“You’re trailblazing—making a difference in your sector. In your case, it’s about fashion and being a voice for Chinese culture,” Jessica said. The sentiment underscores the significance of Grace’s multifaceted background within her work—not only as a designer, but as an advocate and role model for women striving to balance their personal passions with professional ambitions.For Grace, the leap into design was deeply personal. Growing up in Hong Kong, she developed a love for the cheongsam, captivated by its elegance and the cultural stories it told. Yet she noticed a disconnect: younger generations often dismissed it as a costume, relegating it to the past. “When people think of oriental fashion, they often associate it with special occasions like weddings or ceremonies,” Grace explained. Determined to shift this perception, she envisioned Yi-ming as a brand that could breathe new life into these designs, making them accessible and versatile for everyday wear.<img src="https://prd-cdn.jessicahk.com/signal_2025_03_19_151347_002_86296b4afd.jpeg" alt="signal-2025-03-19-151347_002.jpeg">Reimagining the Cheongsam: Tradition with a Modern Twist At the heart of Yi-ming lies a philosophy of balance—honoring tradition while embracing modernity. For Grace, the cheongsam is more than a garment; it’s a representation of elegance, femininity, and cultural pride, a timeless emblem she chose as the cornerstone of her brand. By reinterpreting it for&nbsp;modern&nbsp;wearers, she’s not only celebrating her heritage but sharing it with a global audience, inviting them to hear its story.“Chinese elements can appear old-fashioned, but they shouldn’t,” Jessica noted. While the techniques and shapes of traditional Chinese clothing hold an inherent beauty, interpretations vary from person to person. Grace echoed the sentiment, emphasizing accessibility as her guiding principle. “We incorporate Eastern techniques into more modern clothing,” she explained. By offering ready-to-wear options in standard sizes, Grace encourages women of all shapes and backgrounds to incorporate these pieces into their daily lives.Yi-ming’s signature East-meets-West aesthetic is a testament to Grace’s skill in balancing these worlds. Traditional elements like the collar, Chinese knots, and front lapel cutting remain sacred, while innovative silhouettes and materials bring a fresh perspective. “Today’s women lead busy lives, so I prioritize comfort and functionality in my designs,” she notes. Stretchy, comfortable fabrics and a range of sizes make her garments practical yet elegant. “Accessibility is crucial,” she asserts. “I believe everyone should have the opportunity to wear and appreciate traditional garments like the cheongsam.” This approach transforms the cheongsam from outdated relics into a fresh, timeless part of modern fashion.<figure class="image"><img src="https://prd-cdn.jessicahk.com/signal_2025_03_19_145910_006_fc8b13aa54.jpeg" alt="signal-2025-03-19-145910_006.jpeg"></figure>Finding Inspiration: Grace’s Creative Spark Grace’s creativity thrives on the unexpected, drawing from the world around her. “Traveling is one of my greatest sources of inspiration,” she shares. From the neon lights flickering across Hong Kong streets to patterns etched onto mundane objects like air conditioner units, Grace finds beauty in the everyday. Once, she spotted a pattern that captivated her. “I took a picture of it,” she said, “and months later, I tweaked it slightly to create one of our signature prints.” This knack for finding beauty in the everyday highlights her unique approach to design—one rooted in curiosity and adaptability.Her journey hasn’t been without hurdles. In her early days, traditional tailors pushed back against her modern innovations. “They would say, ‘This can’t be done,’” she recounted. “But we persisted because we knew innovation was key to reaching a broader audience.” Balancing respect for tradition with the demands of&nbsp;modern consumers&nbsp;required patience, negotiation, and countless iterations.&nbsp;Yet, Grace viewed these obstacles not as setbacks, but as opportunities for growth. “Each challenge teaches you something,” she reflected. “It pushes you out of your comfort zone and helps you evolve.”Motherhood and Self-Care:&nbsp;A Balancing Act As a mother of two young children, Grace navigates the delicate balance between nurturing her family and pursuing her entrepreneurial dreams. This dual role has taught her&nbsp;invaluable&nbsp;lessons about time management, self-care, and the critical importance of prioritizing her mental well-being to sustain both her personal life and professional growth.“When I was your age, I devoted all my energy to the kids,” Jessica, a mother of three, reflected. “During the COVID season, we spent a lot of time together. Then I started looking for me time.”&nbsp;This resonated deeply with Grace, who admitted that she too had faced similar struggles.&nbsp;“There are moments when it feels overwhelming,” she shared candidly. “If you’re a mom, you know how it is—when your kids cry or get hysterical, you feel frustrated.”&nbsp;But rather than striving for perfection, Grace focuses on finding balance.&nbsp;“Sometimes, you need a small break—when you come back refreshed, it’s better for the kids,” she said. “If your home environment is positive, it fuels your energy to perform better at work—and vice versa.”<img src="https://prd-cdn.jessicahk.com/signal_2025_03_19_145910_005_7d1d088643.jpeg" alt="signal-2025-03-19-145910_005.jpeg">Her realization came after years&nbsp;of overextending herself, often at the cost of her own health. “Many moms take on too much, myself included,” she reflected. Recognizing this, she began carving out time for herself—whether through a rejuvenating facial, a brisk run, or simply a quiet moment of reflection. “I’ve realized that balance isn’t about achieving perfection—it’s about recognizing that balance is necessary,” she said. “Taking care of yourself is important.” These small acts of self-care have become her lifeline, sustaining her through the demands of motherhood and leadership.Grace also leans on community. “Sometimes, you simply can’t handle everything,” she explained, sharing how she occasionally babysits for other struggling moms. “I think mutual understanding and assistance are essential.” This spirit of support reflects her belief that balance is a collective effort, not just an individual pursuit.Fashion as Empowerment: Yi-ming’s Mission Yi-ming is empowerment stitched into every seam. “The cheongsam represents elegance, femininity, and cultural pride,” Grace said. “It is a timeless garment that embodies the beauty of our heritage. By choosing the cheongsam as the focus of Yi-ming, I aim to honor its history while reinterpreting it for modern wearers.” Her designs celebrate individuality and connect wearers to their cultural roots.Beyond clothing, Grace envisions Yi-ming as a platform for community and connection, especially among women. “Through Yi-ming, I strive to educate others about our heritage while creating pieces that resonate with a global audience,” Grace shared. One of the ways Grace fosters these connections is through workshops, which highlight the importance of cultural heritage in fashion. “I wanted to create pathways for young people to explore and express their cultural backgrounds with pride,” Grace explained.&nbsp;Collaborations amplify her reach. Her groundbreaking partnership with Disney—where Yi-ming became the first brand to create a cheongsam-inspired category for Disneyland—merged traditional design with Disney’s iconic characters, introducing oriental culture to a global audience. Another triumph was her mahjong-inspired collection.&nbsp;At the time, incorporating game motifs into high fashion was unconventional, even risky; but Grace trusted her instincts.&nbsp;“I wanted to create something fun and uniquely tied to Hong Kong culture,” she explained. Fans embraced it, wearing the pieces to mahjong games and sharing joyful photos. “It’s heartwarming to know that our designs bring people together and spark happiness—that’s what keeps us going.”<figure class="image"><img src="https://prd-cdn.jessicahk.com/signal_2025_03_19_145910_003_d0334f586a.jpeg" alt="signal-2025-03-19-145910_003.jpeg"></figure>Pioneering the Future: Grace’s Vision for Yi-ming A former model turned entrepreneur, Grace harnesses collaboration to fuel innovation. Under her leadership, Yi-ming has grown beyond evening gowns into a lifestyle brand, offering resort wear, accessories, and children’s lines as she adapts to community needs. Projects like the Botanic Fantasy collection,&nbsp;which blend&nbsp;traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge digital printing, showcase her&nbsp;commitment to pushing boundaries.&nbsp;&nbsp;“You incorporate the oriental techniques into more modern clothing, so it’s not just for show; it's more wearable for different occasions,” Jessica noted—a forward-thinking approach that inspires through designs and initiatives, positioning Grace as a catalyst for change and sparking connections that ripple beyond the runway.Beyond the Runway: Amplifying Impact Grace Choi’s influence reaches far beyond the runway. Through her designs, she empowers women to express themselves with confidence and authenticity, encouraging self-assurance by connecting wearers to centuries of heritage in every stitch. “If you feel comfortable, you’ll have confidence,” Grace asserts—a philosophy that strikes a chord with professional women balancing demanding careers and personal responsibilities.She also champions education as a tool for empowerment, weaving oriental touches into everyday wear to introduce younger generations to their cultural roots. “Social media plays a role in making traditional garments appealing to younger audiences,” she acknowledges. Platforms like Instagram amplify her reach, showcasing the beauty of oriental design and inspiring&nbsp;individuals worldwide.<figure class="image"><img src="https://prd-cdn.jessicahk.com/signal_2025_03_19_145910_010_88823b7aac.jpeg" alt="signal-2025-03-19-145910_010.jpeg"></figure>A Legacy of Harmony and Hope Grace’s journey with Yi-ming is a masterclass in balancing tradition with modernity, motherhood with career, and creative expression with&nbsp;business acumen—a harmony between her brand philosophy and personal ethos. By bridging disparate worlds, sparking innovation, and uplifting women, she redefines&nbsp;what it means to honor one’s&nbsp;heritage in a fast-evolving world.Looking ahead, she sees a future where fashion serves as a unifying force. Yi-ming will expand collaborations, planning partnerships with artists and brands to promote intangible heritage, art, and culture while advancing sustainability. “We’re exploring sustainable practices and expanding our digital presence,” Grace reveals. Educational programs and workshops aimed at empowering young designers and artisans are also in the pipeline, nurturing future talent.Her ultimate goal is a legacy of appreciation and innovation. “Through Yi-ming, I envision a world where fashion celebrates diversity and empowers women to rise, express their stories, inspire and uplift one another, and create lasting societal impact,” she explained. In her hands, the cheongsam transcends cloth, becoming a symbol of unity, creativity, and enduring empowerment.

Caroline Tam

English Editor 

Square_Caroline.png

VVIP ｜ A Conversation Between Jessica Ng and Grace Choi: Where Tradition Meets Tomorrow

在二月的一個星期三，我病到已經失聲，但晚上還要在會展忙著fashion show的製作綵排。當日中午時份，已感覺身體發冷變得軟弱無力，那時忽發奇想會不會有咗，因為聽朋友說過剛懷孕會有這種現象。於是以「貪得意」的心態去買了支驗孕棒測試……結果我真的「中奬」了！ 
<img src="https://prd-cdn.jessicahk.com/files/jbb025a071p04.JPG" title="靚媽Grace日記：去年懷著胎完成的fashion show" class="paragraph-image" alt="靚媽Grace日記：去年懷著胎完成的fashion show"/>最初感覺既興奮又緊張，但心裡還有些存疑，心想今年己計劃了很多新工作，又要轉換新環境，現在懷孕不知會否影響接下來所有計劃。其實今年初我已物色了一個新基地，準備要開店，同時丈夫又剛接受了一份新工作，將赴外地工作。手頭上還有幾個重要的projects ，要在今年完成。本來想將生B計劃推遲一點，沒想到上天在今年賜予我人生中最驚喜的Project。我好感恩！我知道接下來的日子會比較辛苦，但我是一個喜歡接受挑戰的人。Plans must go on，我不能改變計劃，一切如期進行。<img src="https://prd-cdn.jessicahk.com/files/jbb025a071p02.jpg" title="靚媽Grace日記：去年懷著胎完成的fashion show" class="paragraph-image" alt="靚媽Grace日記：去年懷著胎完成的fashion show"/>我把懷孕這個「秘密」收藏了幾天，直至見醫生確認後，那晚，亦是我丈夫將啟程往外地工作前的一晚，我才向他宣佈這個驚喜。他非常高興，也囑咐我要小心自己。懷了BB當然是開心事，但我的心裡也有一種沉重的感覺，我知道這將會是一個辛苦的懷孕過程，可能很多事需要我獨自面對。不過我也對自己說，以前有幾多困難也克服過了，相信這件事難不到我。<img src="https://prd-cdn.jessicahk.com/files/jbb025a071p21.jpg" title="靚媽Grace日記：去年懷著胎完成的fashion show" class="paragraph-image" alt="靚媽Grace日記：去年懷著胎完成的fashion show"/>在36周的懷孕過程裡，相比其他孕婦朋友我要來的比較辛苦。每日都嘔吐四至五次，好多時坐在工作室或開會途中都忍不住要往洗手間嘔吐，飯後情況就更厲害。不要看我身型纖瘦，胃口可真不小，以前我都被朋友封為「食物黑洞」，但懷孕之後食量明顯減少，胃口也反常變差。這個現象也持續了六至七個月，整個過程很辛苦也感到孤獨無助。因為需要獨自面對，就算丈夫在身邊也幫不到我，不過心理上會好過些。<img src="https://prd-cdn.jessicahk.com/files/jbb025a071p22.JPG" title="靚媽Grace日記：去年懷著胎完成的fashion show" class="paragraph-image" alt="靚媽Grace日記：去年懷著胎完成的fashion show"/>好多老人家說過懷孕時不要做裝修及穿針線，也盡量不要外遊太多，但因工作及探望丈夫的關係，我也很難避免，在這一年中相信我是飛得最多次數，當然他也有飛回來香港探我的時候，同時我的新店及studio經過兩個多月的裝修，終於在四月完工。在五月還做了一個開幕禮，很開心看到好多好友到來撐場支持，同時我亦在那時宣布我懷孕的消息。<img src="https://prd-cdn.jessicahk.com/files/jbb025a071p18.jpg" title="靚媽Grace日記：去年懷著胎完成的fashion show" class="paragraph-image" alt="靚媽Grace日記：去年懷著胎完成的fashion show"/>在那個時候我們亦正忙於籌備另外一個非常重要的project，就是我與The Woolmark Company合作設計了我品牌第一個以羊毛做的針織旗袍系列。這是一個非常大的挑戰。第一次正式接觸羊毛針織，在設計過程中遇到很多technical問題，慶幸有Woolmark、生產商團體及同事幫助下，不斷開會、做試片、做版、改良…&#8230;整個過程尚算順利，亦能在我預期中如完成所有製作和攝影，更在剛過的九月做了另一個fashion show。其實在較早前籌備這個設計系列時，也沒有計劃做show，當知道有這個機會時，其實心也猶豫了一陣，因為開show 的日期距離我預產期只有大約一個月，擔心到時體力和壓力承受不到，甚至外表也一定大不如前⋯⋯但當我想起其他事業女性也是工作到產前一兩星期才放假，那我便想為甚麼我不能這樣做，相信只要把所有planning 做好，預早安排妥當應該沒事的。<img src="https://prd-cdn.jessicahk.com/files/jbb025a071p33.JPG" title="靚媽Grace日記：去年懷著胎完成的fashion show" class="paragraph-image" alt="靚媽Grace日記：去年懷著胎完成的fashion show"/>最終Fashion show能順利完成並且也得到很多正面的評價，心裡就像放下了一個心頭大石。在此真的需要多謝很多人及團體的幫忙及支持，自己也覺得非常幸運及感恩。<img src="https://prd-cdn.jessicahk.com/files/jbb025a071p16.jpg" title="靚媽Grace日記：去年懷著胎完成的fashion show" class="paragraph-image" alt="靚媽Grace日記：去年懷著胎完成的fashion show"/>回想起這八個多月的過程已經歷了許多事，由籌備新舖裝修到搬Office，埋首新設計，又要飛往兩地探望丈夫，再加上手上幾個show production 的計劃，還有其他工作及生活上的大小事務，已經令自己忙碌非常，朋友給我的懷孕書籍都沒有甚麼時間好好閱讀，更不要說去準備Baby的物品。好在有朋友不斷在我身邊灌輸我有關做新手媽咪及照顧Baby的知識，令我不會變得太過無知。雖然在整個懷孕過程中有很多事需要自己獨自面對及處理，的確比較辛苦及孤獨，但回想起來，也就是因為我非常投入自己的工作，也享受這忙碌的過程，從中令我得到很多滿足感及正能量，我也沒時間去想太多負面的事情。雖然丈夫時常不在身邊，但他也不斷給我精神上的支持及鼓勵，也為我做到的事感到驕傲，對我來說這是非常重要的精神支柱。<img src="https://prd-cdn.jessicahk.com/files/jbb025a071p30.jpg" title="靚媽Grace日記：去年懷著胎完成的fashion show" class="paragraph-image" alt="靚媽Grace日記：去年懷著胎完成的fashion show"/>在預產期之前最後衝刺的一個月，終於有時間開始籌備一下baby的事。例如買breast pumper，baby用品衣物，搜羅奶粉及準備去醫院的「走佬袋」。 講起奶粉，我發現BabyNes 的智能沖調機及配方奶粉是一個好選擇，沒想到奶粉也可以似咖啡機般用capsule沖，在30秒內可以沖到一杯奶，而且它有給媽咪飲的配方，可以補充我所需要的營養，相信它會是working mom的好幫手。不過當然我也希望在baby剛出世的幾個月盡可能以母乳餵哺。 
<img src="https://prd-cdn.jessicahk.com/files/jbb025a071p09.JPG" title="靚媽Grace日記：去年懷著胎完成的fashion show" class="paragraph-image" alt="靚媽Grace日記：去年懷著胎完成的fashion show"/>好多人問我幾時會放maternity leave，其實當你自己run business，好難答到一個準確的答案。由於坐月也不能回公司一段時間，home office也很難避免，但相信只要安排妥當，與公司同事保持溝通，相信也不會太艱難。當然一個好的陪月也是非常重要。整個過程已經體會到做一個事業女性要兼顧家庭及事業真是一件非常不簡單的工作，相信這就是我目前人生的最大的挑戰。而且這個經歷也令我開始慢慢體會到做媽咪的辛酸，但我也會努力去做一個好媽媽。現在真正明白大家說的「母親的偉大」，真係阿媽唔易做。<img src="https://prd-cdn.jessicahk.com/files/jbb025a071p19.JPG" title="靚媽Grace日記：去年懷著胎完成的fashion show" class="paragraph-image" alt="靚媽Grace日記：去年懷著胎完成的fashion show"/>蔡毅明（Grace）在模特兒界工作超過10年，曾在眾多國際高級時裝品牌的天橋上出現。Grace婚後漸漸淡出幕前，卻沒有放下自己對服裝的熱愛，2011年成立了個人旗袍品牌Yi-ming，開創事業另一高峰。在策劃新一季時裝show時「中了獎」，踏上新手媽媽之路，正式展開人生的新一頁。

square-54828_jbb025a071p32.jpg

靚媽Grace日記：去年懷著胎完成的fashion show

Grace Choi

JESSICA 會員

Grace Choi