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新一期季刊隆重登場！

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Watch & Jewellery

Caroline Tam

English Editor 

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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.

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

創意策略 Creative Strategy Mountain Yam X Susanna Soo

基因鬥士  莊淑貞醫生

[embedyt]https://youtu.be/vArVsDsKqRM[/embedyt]
蔡佳宸（Fanny Tsai）身為泛台塑家族第三代千金，有著龐大的家族事業等著她去接手，卻偏偏選擇離開家族事業，邁向自己的道路。摘下台塑千金的光環後，她靠自己重新戴上「后冠」——成為台灣知名珠寶設計師，自創品牌Weng Collection，更得到國際時尚界認可，成為英國L.K.Bennett London、法國Karl Lagerfeld等品牌的代理，打造了屬於自己的時尚王國。
J：Jessica Ng 
F：Fanny Tsai&nbsp;
畢業於美國加州大學洛杉磯分校的她，曾在美國梅西百貨擔任採購，返國後當上台塑總經銷商的執行副總，最後決定自主創業，從零開始——充滿故事的蔡佳宸，在我們面前一如既往的乖巧優雅，連說話都是台灣女生獨有的柔情似水，平生的第一次叛逆就是離開家族事業，自己創業——不叛則以，一叛驚人，放棄如此輝煌的前途，還要面對家人的反對，實在需要巨大的勇氣。
J：為甚麼當初會決定離開家族事業，並且從事的行業也與家族行業無關，家族亦不容易從事業上支援你，要面對的困難會更多吧？ 
F：我在家裡是老大，從小就很乖乖女，說甚麼我都說好，好辛苦唸書，其他孩子在玩的時候，我都在學這個學那個。長大後覺得讀了那麼多書，學了那麼多知識，為甚麼人生卻都已經被安排好？我很渴望過自己的生活。這當然是自己喜歡的事業，才做出這樣的決定。如今也因為做了這樣的決定，才有現在的改變和充實的感覺。雖然很忙，但是很開心自己選擇了這件事情，做喜歡的事情確實很開心；你可以自己創造自己的未來。
J：決定離開家族事業的時候，家人支持嗎？ 
F：他們一開始時覺得不可思議，因為我從小就是乖乖牌，他們說甚麼我都說好，這是我人生第一個叛逆，第一次沒有聽爸爸媽媽說，那個時候我很渴望過一種簡單地生活，很渴望自由，很希望可以做回自己。現在他們也都能夠理解。
J：家人對你的事業有怎樣的幫助或影響？ 
F：我從小就看著爸爸媽媽、爺爺奶奶怎麼做生意長大的。他們積累了很多的經驗，做事情一定要親力親為。在這樣的環境下長大，對我現在創業有很大的影響，我學到他們從容面對很多不同的壓力，不同的挑戰，所以我的抗壓性很高，很能忍耐。他們跟孩子相處的時間相對比較少，也是種遺憾。小朋友的成長就是一次，所以我就算再怎麼辛苦，也不想為了任何的事情影響和孩子相處的時間，不想留下遺憾，所以我現在都會保證騰出時間給孩子。
<img src="https://prd-cdn.jessicahk.com/files/_MG_8053cc_0.jpg" title="讓時尚更有溫度 蔡佳宸" class="paragraph-image" alt="讓時尚更有溫度 蔡佳宸"/>
13歲就到美國唸書的蔡佳宸很環保，她的心目中，時尚是涉及到生活的方方面面，而不是僅僅跟著潮流走。她一直記住在美國時的一位高中導師的一句話：「不要活在別人的審美觀裡，最重要的是要穿的得體。」讓蔡佳宸堅持「時尚就是要做自己的經典」，能夠清楚自己的初衷與目標，並且堅持下來最重要.
J：在經營上跨界跨的這麼廣，業務範圍亦廣，這當中收穫了甚麼？遇到甚麼困難？你又如何去克服？ 
F：與很多頂級品牌合作，當中可以學的非常多。記得和LV集團總裁聊過，他說現在的時尚不再是限於要去買一個包包，而是打造一個生活一體化的時尚模式。所以我們的產品是比較多元化的。我們的設計可以用在服裝、鞋子、包包當中，甚至可以用在家飾家品當中，好的生活品質包含的範圍已經很廣，不再僅僅是好看的珠寶服飾，也包括了家裡使用的物品，包括衣食住行。因為產品的多元化，所以涉及的面比較廣，範圍很大，事情就特別的多，須要花費的時間也多，當然同時學到的東西也很多。
J：你的事業版圖不斷擴大，也做得很成功，你的主要理念是甚麼呢？ 
F：一間公司應該有自己的見解和想法，能夠去引領這個潮流，而不是等別人給你一個潮流。比如說現在正在流行運動風，大家都喜歡穿球鞋——都做一樣的東西，你要怎麼做才能吸引顧客？就要有自己獨特的吸引點，比如說前段流行的老爹鞋，我們推出可以在老爹鞋上面定制簽名，注重舒適、富有彈性等，可以定制自己想要的設計元素等等，就很好的吸引到了消費者。此外，還要有一個好的平臺，去做曝光去做銷售。
與諸多頂級品牌建立了合作關係，自己的設計也得到更多認可，同時引進了更多的國際品牌。蔡佳宸的時尚王國版圖在不斷擴大，如此成就，離不開她每一天的付出。
J：如果想要從事時尚推手行業，想要代理時尚的品牌，你有甚麼建議或者提示？ 
F：會買比會賣來的重要，要有眼界，有時尚的敏銳度。因為潮流每天都變，買手要有很優秀的眼光，能夠去瞭解潮流的趨勢。要做好的買手，你是必須往前看，不能只看眼前，要看將來。
J：對未來有何想法，或者說期許？ 
F：我喜歡挑戰很多的事情，不是只在常規的時尚上面，接下來想要將自己的設計發揮到衣食住行當中，把設計融入貫通。我們讓客戶有更多的選擇，除了設計，我們在台灣還有餐廳，還會做咖啡，我們還想要做第一個設計師IPO。現在都在說文創文創，但是文創到底怎麼樣？我想就是讓時尚更有溫度，接地氣一點，讓文創更時尚一些。目前在台灣有比較多的拓展，香港還沒有開始，因為需要好的宣傳來開拓市場，香港市場目前還不夠熟悉，接下來也會有相關計畫吧。其他時間，會多多陪伴孩子的成長，不留遺憾。
蔡佳宸小檔案 
Weng Collection宸諾股份有限公司創辦人暨執行長蔡佳宸女士
台灣出生，於美國成長，為台灣第一大塑化家族第三代，但她選擇走出塑化王國，於 2014年與丈夫創立自家品牌 Weng Collection，並將公司命名為宸諾－－Weng Collection以Fanny的父親所重視的家族中間名字「文（Weng）」命名，以作為家族的傳承。
Fanny引領公司團隊正式進軍了時尚產業，並致力於提倡溫暖時尚，打造親民的輕奢體驗。2015 年受香港賽馬會「優越」計劃肯定，成為當年冠軍騎士的指定貴賓禮。2017年創立自有輕珠寶品牌 byFanny，並擔當品牌珠寶裁縫師。2018年 Weng Collection與老佛爺Karl Lagerfeld品牌簽定授權代理，其餘代理品牌包括意大利Chiara Ferragni 、英國L.K.Bennett、丹麥Ilse Jacobsen，以及自家品牌byFanny。

Text: Fang Ping Qin 
Photo: Raymond Chan 
Makeup and hair: Will Make Up(Fanny Tsai)&nbsp; 
Gown by 張暘設計師品KILIN COUTURE系列 
Jewelry by byFanny 
Location: Special thanks to Island Shangri-La for the perfect location
&nbsp;

讓時尚更有溫度   蔡佳宸

#vvip

JESSICA 會員

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