Qatar Airways First Global Airline to Achieve 5-Star COVID-19 Safety Rating

Qatar Airways Becomes The First Global Airline In The World To Achieve A 5-Star COVID-19 Airline Safety Rating By Skytrax

Qatar Airways has become the first global airline in the world to achieve the prestigious 5-Star COVID-19 Airline Safety Rating by international air transport rating organisation, Skytrax.

The announcement follows a detailed audit, carried out by the Skytrax team in December 2020, which assessed how effectively and consistently the airline's stringent COVID-19 hygiene and safety standards and procedures are adhered to, from flight check-in to on-board aircraft.

This included a full review of procedural efficiency checks, visual observation of hygiene and safety levels at all stages of the passenger journey, and on-board Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP) sampling tests to measure the potential level of contamination of contact surfaces.

The achievement of the Skytrax 5-Star COVID-19 Airline Safety Rating is in addition to Qatar Airways' home and hub, Hamad International Airport (HIA), recently being named as the first airport in the Middle East and Asia to be awarded a Skytrax 5-Star COVID-19 Airport Safety Rating in December 2020.

Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, said: "As an industry leader and the 'World's Best Airline', as named by Skytrax, we are well-used to setting the standard for others to follow. We are delighted that our commitment to providing the most rigorous and comprehensive COVID-19 safety programme in existence within the global aviation community has been recognised with the Skytrax 5-Star COVID-19 Airline Safety Rating.

"This achievement highlights the fastidious measures and procedures Qatar Airways have employed to safeguard the health and wellbeing of our passengers throughout the global pandemic to date, and follows HIA's recent success as the first airport in the Middle East and Asia to be awarded a Skytrax 5-Star COVID-19 Airport Safety Rating.

"It also provides assurance to passengers across the world that airline health and safety standards are subject to the highest possible standards of professional, independent scrutiny and assessment.

As Qatar Airways continues to deal with the ongoing impact and challenges of the COVID-19 crisis, we would like to reinforce the message that air travel does not need to be a source of concern to passengers.

"In the meantime, we look forward to continuing to provide the safest possible experience for travellers across the world, and expanding upon our role in assisting the recovery of the commercial aviation industry over the coming months."

Skytrax Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Edward Plaisted, said: "We congratulate Qatar Airways on being awarded with the highest 5-Star COVID-19 Safety Rating and being the world's first major airline to be certified at this level. Qatar Airways kept flying throughout COVID-19, taking over 3.1 million people home since the start of the pandemic, and it is this experience that enables them to deliver an excellent standard of health and hygiene safety measures to keep customers and staff safe."

Qatar Airways' on-board safety measures include the provision of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for cabin crew and a complimentary protective kit for passengers. Business Class passengers on aircraft equipped with Qsuite can enjoy the enhanced privacy this award-winning business seat provides, including sliding privacy partitions and the option to use a 'Do Not Disturb (DND)' indicator. Qsuite is available on flights to more than 45 destinations including Frankfurt, Kuala Lumpur, London and New York.

In addition, the airline also uses the most advanced HEPA air filtration systems on board all aircraft, and recently became the first global carrier to introduce Honeywell's state-of-the-art Ultraviolet Cabin System, operated by Qatar Aviation Services, as a further step in the cleaning of its aircraft. For full details of all the measures that have been implemented onboard and in HIA, please visit qatarairways.com/safety.

Qatar Airways currently operates more than 800 weekly flights to over 110 destinations across the globe.

By the end of March, Qatar Airways plans to rebuild its network to 130 destinations. With more frequencies being added to key hubs, Qatar Airways offers unrivalled connectivity to passengers, making it easy for them to change their travel dates or destination if they need to.

A multiple award-winning airline, Qatar Airways was named 'World's Best Airline' by the 2019 World Airline Awards, managed by the international air transport rating organisation Skytrax. It was also named 'Best Airline in the Middle East', 'World's Best Business Class', and 'Best Business Class Seat', in recognition of its ground-breaking Business Class experience, Qsuite.

It is the only airline to have been awarded the coveted 'Skytrax Airline of the Year' title, which is recognised as the pinnacle of excellence in the airline industry, five times. In addition to this, Qatar Airways home and hub, Hamad International Airport (HIA) was ranked the 'Best Airport in the Middle East' and 'Third Best Airport in the World' by the SKYTRAX World Airport Awards 2020.

Chinaallover.com

ROSEWOOD HOTELS & RESORTS® RELEASES NEW BRAND FILM

ROSEWOOD HOTELS & RESORTS® RELEASES NEW BRAND FILM AS A TRIBUTE TO THE UNLIMITED WONDER OF TRAVEL

Rosewood Hotels & Resorts®, a global leader in luxury travel and lifestyle experiences, has debuted A Sense of Place®, the brand's newest film created in partnership with Studio Dangin, a creative agency renowned for its collaborations with the world's most influential fashion, lifestyle and fragrance brands. A stunning interpretation of Rosewood's guiding A Sense of Place® philosophy, wherein the distinctive ethos of the destination is woven into the identity of each property, the video celebrates the vibrant characteristics of the communities that comprise the brand's global footprint to inspire meaningful travel and togetherness in today's times.

Rosewood Hotel Hong Kong

Directed by Pascal Dangin, esteemed photographer and CEO and chief creative officer at Studio Dangin, the short film takes viewers on a journey to Rosewood's destinations around the world, highlighting the brand's approach to hosting guests as an art form and the leading role that local culture and heritage play in the Rosewood experience.

Rooted in the notion that Rosewood is more than just a collection of premier hotels and resorts, but a facilitator of meaningful journeys, gatherings, and connections, the film speaks to the soul of today's traveler, igniting the pursuit of exploration, wonder, and possibility. Clips showcasing several of the collection's most iconic properties, as well as the larger land and cityscapes to which they belong, are accompanied by smart text overlays that communicate the wonder of travel and Rosewood's commitment to helping guests to capture them.

The film also features a prototype room filmed inside an abstract space as if it were a luxury fashion or beauty product. The serenity of the room is captured in delicate motion, textured with tranquil sounds, and juxtaposed against the film's scenes a fast-moving and busy world. The stylized model room symbolizes that Rosewood is more than a hotel; the sanctuaries exist to inspire gathering across cultures and experiences – to welcome, to share, to dine, and, together, to journey in discovery.

The result is a love letter to the countless excursions that await Rosewood travelers. "Our latest brand film beautifully showcases the vibrancy of cultures and communities that Rosewood is privileged to be a part of," says Sonia Cheng, chief executive officer of Rosewood Hotel Group. "Whether Paris or Phuket, Montecito or Manhattan, each of our destinations encourages a meaningful journey of discovery. As people begin to explore the world once more and look for ways to reconnect with both themselves and one another following this past year of isolation, we are proud to offer inspiration and bring people together over the exceptional experiences that only Rosewood can provide."

Qatar Airways to Operate World's First Fully COVID-19 Vaccinated Flight

Qatar Airways

Qatar Airways

Qatar Airways continues to lead the recovery of international travel, operating the world's first fully COVID-19 vaccinated flight today. QR6421 will depart Hamad International Airport at 11:00 AM carrying only vaccinated crew and passengers onboard, with passengers also to be served by fully vaccinated staff at check-in. 

The special flight, which will return to Doha at 14:00, will showcase all the measures the airline has put in place to ensure the highest standards of safety and hygiene on board, including its latest innovation, the world’s first ‘Zero-Touch’ in-flight entertainment technology. 

The special service will be operated by the airline’s most technologically advanced and sustainable aircraft, the Airbus A350-1000, with the flight also fully carbon offset in line with the carrier’s environmental responsibilities. 

Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker said: “Today’s special flight demonstrates the next stage in the recovery of international travel is not far away. We are proud to continue leading the industry by operating the first flight with a fully vaccinated crew and passengers and providing a beacon of hope for the future of international aviation. With aviation being a critical economic driver both globally and here in the State of Qatar, we are thankful for the support we have received from our government and local health authorities to vaccinate our staff, with over 1,000 vaccinations being administered per day.

"It is in Qatar Airways DNA to be at the forefront, setting the highest standards of safety and customer service. Before the pandemic, Qatar Airways became the first and only airline to be awarded the Skytrax Airline of the Year five times. When the pandemic hit its peak in early April, our airline continued flying to help repatriate millions of stranded passengers and transport essential medical supplies, while also implementing the latest innovations in biosafety and hygiene. As the vaccine rollout begins to gather pace worldwide, Qatar Airways remains committed to being the airline passengers and travel partners can rely on, operating one of the largest global networks to provide the connectivity needed to reunite families and friends and support global trade. "Qatar Airways Cargo has also played a vital role in maintaining a reliable schedule across our network of destinations. Since the onset of the pandemic, Qatar Airways has helped transport more than 500,000 tonnes of medical supplies and delivered close to 20,000,000 doses of COVID-19 vaccines to over 20 countries."

Passengers onboard will be able to livestream the historic experience thanks to Qatar Airways' industry leading Super WiFi onboard that combines the latest technology from Inmarsat, SITA for Aircraft and Thales. To show its gratitude to those who have played key roles throughout the pandemic, Qatar Airways gave away 100,000 complimentary return tickets to healthcare workers and 21,000 to teachers around the world in 2020. Qatar Airways has become the first global airline in the world to achieve the prestigious 5-Star COVID-19 Airline Safety Rating by international air transport rating organisation, Skytrax. This follows HIA’s recent success as the first and only airport in the Middle East and Asia to be awarded a Skytrax 5-Star COVID-19 Airport Safety Rating. These recognitions provide assurance to passengers across the world that airline health and safety standards are subject to the highest possible standards of professional, independent scrutiny and assessment. For full details of all the measures that have been implemented onboard and in HIA, please visit qatarairways.com/safety. Qatar Airways is the first airline in the Middle East to begin trials of the innovative new IATA Travel Pass 'Digital Passport' mobile app. IATA Travel Pass ensures passengers receive up-to-date information on COVID-19 health regulations at their destination country, as well as complying with strict global data privacy regulations to enable the sharing of COVID-19 test results with airlines to verify they are eligible to undertake their journey. A multiple award-winning airline, Qatar Airways was named 'World’s Best Airline' by the 2019 World Airline Awards, managed by the international air transport rating organisation Skytrax. It was also named ‘Best Airline in the Middle East’, ‘World’s Best Business Class’, and ‘Best Business Class Seat’, in recognition of its ground-breaking Business Class experience, Qsuite. Qsuite is available on flights to more than 45 destinations including Johannesburg, Frankfurt, New York and Singapore. Qatar Airways is the only airline to have been awarded the coveted 'Skytrax Airline of the Year' title, which is recognised as the pinnacle of excellence in the airline industry, five times. In addition to this, Qatar Airways home and hub, Hamad International Airport (HIA) was ranked the ‘Best Airport in the Middle East’ for the sixth consecutive year and ‘Third Best Airport in the World’ by the SKYTRAX World Airport Awards 2020.

JD News Roundup

JD News Roundup

BUSINESS HIGHLIGHTS 

JD Logistics JD has established Tibet's largest smart logistics center, after over 100 automated ground vehicles (AGVs) were put into use in the 27,000 square-meter logistics center in Lhasa, on Jun. 9. 

The AGVs are supporting the sales surge during the ongoing 618 Grand Promotion. JD is upgrading the service of its autonomous delivery vehicles during the ongoing 618 Grand Promotion period. Simultaneously, 30 new Level-4 autonomous vehicles were put into use in Changshu, Jiangsu province on Jun. 10. 

International Business JD launched its first cargo flight between China and the US on Jun. 7, following the recent launch of its China-Thailand charter flight in May 28. The China-US route will be an “end-to-end fully self-operated route to facilitate the transport of quality Chinese products to the US and vice versa,” said Stard Huang, president of JD International Logistics. 

Retail JD and Walmart have launched a new omni-channel marketing model called "Jing-Wo New Initiative," which will make use of JD's strength in omni-channel and supply chain middle platform to help brands integrate product launching resources across all channels, expanding new products' touch points and exposure among customers, and more. 

Walmart will leverage its 400+ stores across the country, its online stores including several Walmart flagship stores (both first-party and third-party modes) and more to support the program. As China’s income levels and quality of life rises, so too has its electronics consumption index, according to a new report released by JD Data Research Institute and Xinhua News Agency on Jun. 9. 

Consumers are paying more attention to product quality and being more willing to try and embrace new product categories. Technology "DC/EP has accelerated the cycle for currency settlements, thus lowering a company's operational cost," said Fei Peng, head of the DC/EP program at JD Technology, in an interview with Chinese National TV on June 8. JD Industrial Technology, a division under JD that provides enterprise clients with industrial products and services, has helped Guangzhou Property Management Industry Association build a digital procurement platform aimed at alleviating pressure of property management enterprises in the city in procuring protective supplies during the ongoing COVID-19 resurgence. 

Health JD Health announced plans to partner with Contract Research Organization (CRO) and other pharmaceutical companies on Wednesday (June 10) in Beijing to launch an online clinical trial patient recruitment center to further accelerate the process of new drugs approving and marketing, and make it convenient for patients to find clinical trial projects online both quickly and precisely

Pirata Group Announces Details of Inaugural PICI PASTA RUN

Pirata Group Announces Details of Inaugural PICI PASTA RUN First-of-its-kind virtual race has guests enjoying pasta while navigating to each Hong Kong-island Pici Pasta Bar, all for a charitable cause

香港餐飲集團 Pirata Group 今天以「Eat Pasta, Run Faster」的信念宣布將於 2021 年 6 月 26 日星期六舉辦首屆 Pici Pasta Run。以剛剛在堅尼地城開設第六間分店的Pici而命名，邀請客人身穿奇趣的團隊主題服裝穿梭於港島三間 Pici Pasta Bar，一同享受運動和意大利美食帶來的樂趣。 

參賽者可以透過 runnerreg.com 以四人一組報名，並從三個時段中選擇起步時間，以符合社交距離及令活動更安全。活動將以位於灣仔進教圍 16 號的首間Pici作為起點，每位參賽者都會在此獲得一份免費的新鮮手製意大利麵作為早餐補充能量。之後參賽者必須以自己的方法前往位於鴨巴甸街 24 號的中環Pici，在此可以享用經典意大利小食，然後可以選擇沿海旁前往位於加多近街 55 號的全新堅尼地城Pici作為終點，這裡備有飲品、甜點和更多驚喜.

Pici Pasta Run 將會是第一場不是以速度而決勝負的賽跑，勝出的反而會是最有創意和最別開生面地打扮的團隊，獎品包捨金獎—四人團隊每人一個月免費意大利麵、銀獎—每人一星期免費意大利麵，以及銅獎—免費早午餐，所有獎品均可在香港六間 Pici Pasta Bar 中換領，而所有完成三個關卡的參賽隊伍都會在活動結束後獲得一系列限定Pici紀念品和獎牌。

Pici Pasta Run 將開放給所有年齡和背景人士，費用為每位港幣200 元，所有費用將捐給本地註冊慈善機構Mind HK，該慈善機構致力提高香港大眾對心理健康的認知

緊湊結構 非凡表現 徠卡APO-Summicron-M 35 f/2 ASPH.鏡頭設置全新基準

緊湊結構 非凡表現 徠卡APO-Summicron-M 35 f/2 ASPH.鏡頭設置全新基準

徠卡相機公司發佈迄今為止光學性能最佳的M鏡頭-徠卡APO-Summicron-M 35 f/2 ASPH.鏡頭。與大獲成功的徠卡APO-Summicron-M 50 f/2 ASPH.鏡頭一樣，這一次徠卡的產品設計師依舊恪守了「鑄就極致成像性能，絕不妥協」的原則，但是與以前不同的是，此次推出的新鏡頭採用了廣角的35mm焦段。這款成像細節銳利的鏡頭不止著眼於當下，它甚至可以匹配未來的感光元件。此外，徠卡APO-Summicron-M 35 f/2 ASPH.鏡頭還是M系列鏡頭中唯一一款最近對焦距離近至30cm的鏡頭，配合它在極端光線條件下的出色表現一起，為創作者提供了更多的可能性。

如此卓越的性能離不開構造精密的鏡頭設計和徠卡相機工廠高精度的製造工藝。10塊光學鏡片被分排在5個鏡片組中——其中3塊是非球面鏡片（即3塊中的其中1塊為雙面非球面鏡片）。6塊光學鏡片由具備了局部色散性能的特種玻璃製成，這不僅能將色差降至幾乎為零，而且還提供了複消色差校正能力，使其成為35mm焦段中極少數具有複消色差的鏡頭之一。

得益於能夠確保鏡頭在所有對焦距離範圍內保持一致高素質表現的浮動鏡組，徠卡APO-Summicron-M 35 f/2 ASPH.鏡頭在近距離拍攝中也能提供出色的成像。對焦環可以在300°的精準對焦環旋轉範圍內轉動，即便在對焦距離縮短時也可確保精確對焦。在使用取景器黃斑對焦時，鏡頭的最近對焦距離為70cm，在對焦環轉動到這一點時，會感受到輕微不同的阻力感。在70cm至30cm的對焦距離之間，攝影師可以通過實時取景模式下的相機顯示屏、Visoflex電子取景器或Leica FOTOS應用程序進行對焦控制。

鏡頭遮光罩的創新型結構與高效的防反射塗層使徠卡APO-Summicron-M 35 f/2 ASPH.鏡頭足以抵擋任何類型的雜散光，攝影師可以直接對著日光或其他光源拍攝。不僅如此，色差、變形等光學缺陷也幾乎完全被校正。再加上極高對比度的邊緣成像，共同造就了最大光圈下出色的焦外成像質量。得益於11塊葉片的使用，光圈近乎正圓，因此即便光圈縮小，依舊無損畫質。

使用徠卡M鏡頭創作時，無需為了提高成像質素而特意縮小光圈，而是完全出於構圖需要，這一優點在徠卡APO-Summicron-M 35 f/2 ASPH.鏡頭上更為突出。在最大光圈下，圖像中心和邊緣的成像品質已經極為出色，因此無需為了提高成像質量而縮小光圈。在性能如此卓越的前提下，徠卡APO-Summicron-M 35 f/2 ASPH.鏡頭緊湊、輕便，搭配經典的紀實攝影焦段，這款鏡頭足以勝任任何情況的拍攝。徠卡APO-Summicron-M 35 f/2 ASPH.鏡頭適用於當下與未來的徠卡M系列相機，亦可搭配徠卡SL2和SL2-S相機使用。

徠卡APO-Summicron-M 35 f/2 ASPH.鏡頭即日起發售，建議零售價為港幣$64,800元正。

Chinaallover.com

瑰麗酒店集團推出全新尊貴私人會所CARLYLE & CO.

瑰麗酒店集團今日宣布旗下尊貴私人會所Carlyle & Co.於香港正式揭幕。這一地標性私人會所是瑰麗酒店集團最新品牌的全球首獻，代表了頂級私人會所領域的全新標杆。Carlyle & Co. 崇尚以人為本，旨在吸引擁有不同個性、熱情、興趣與經歷的人們會聚一堂，置身於華麗氛圍中，暫時忘卻個人社會地位或職業，尊享非凡的餐飲和生活方式體驗，以及精彩絕倫的文化和娛樂盛事。

同名於象徵著永恆經典的紐約瑰麗酒店 (The Carlyle, A Rosewood Hotel)，Carlyle & Co. 以堅定不移的誠信和一絲不苟的專注營造了一個生機勃勃的多元化社群。會員們通過彼此有趣的特質緊密相連，產生共鳴，共享人生的光彩綻放。 Carlyle & Co. 處於香港瑰麗酒店，並坐落於維港文化匯發展圈的中心地帶，擁有25,000平方呎私屬會所空間，從綠意盎然的戶外露台可盡覽香港致美風景。

會所設有音樂室、遊戲廳、私人理髮與裁縫服務、酒窖及小酒館等眾多華美空間，為交流、商務、美食和慶典營造至尊氛圍，提供日夜不間斷的會所體驗。充滿了傳奇色彩的Café Carlyle 65年來完美塑造經典夜間俱樂部，也將隨著Carlyle & Co.的揭幕首次在紐約之外耀眼亮相。會員們將在城中最私謐的舞台盡情觀賞炫動的現場娛樂表演。此外，會所在亦設有八間風格迥異的套房，為會員及其貴賓提供專享居停之所。 

 “紐約以其難以抵禦的魅力、獨特風格與無形魔力贏得了我的心。我無比激動可以在香港推出首間Carlyle & Co.私人會所，為更多的人們展現紐約瑰麗酒店的迷人特質。”瑰麗酒店集團首席行政總裁鄭志雯女士說。“Carlyle & Co.象徵著與時俱進的理念，為頂級私人會所領域樹立了獨特的標杆，致力於滿足人們對社群與聯繫的渴望。

” Carlyle & Co.由Studioilse的非凡室內設計師Ilse Crawford擔綱設計，既傳承了紐約瑰麗酒店的獨有風情，也同時擁有自身地域特色。由Jean Philippe Delhomme和 Christina Zimpel創作的壁畫充滿了奇思異想，讓人聯想起紐約瑰麗酒店的傳奇Bemelmans酒吧。8間以獨特設計風格為主的私人套房，都以圍繞著紐約瑰麗酒店歷史的傳奇人物命名，為我們尊貴的會員及他們的客人提供一個別樹一格的住宿體驗。 

Carlyle & Co.的會員構成豐富多元，其文化盛事亦多姿多彩，堪稱該品牌的靈魂。從頂尖的商業策略交流會、身心靈健康課程，到專業品酒會和創新研討會，獨一無二的會所體驗將點燃人們的熱情，激發智趣辯論。Carlyle & Co.是會員共聚、互聯並彼此啟迪的專屬天地，讓人們共享生活的精彩紛呈。

Chinaallover.com

徠卡相機與Sharp宣佈建立技術夥伴關係 在日本市場的智能手機攝影領域展開合作

徠卡相機公司與Sharp宣佈建立技術夥伴關係，並向日本市場推出首款與徠卡合作設計的AQUOS R6智能手機。兩家公司將在光學工程領域展開密切合作，一起開發創新解決方案，希望能為智能手機攝影帶來更為出色的成像質量。 與徠卡合作設計的AQUOS R6智能手機專為日本市場開發。這款智能手機搭載品質出眾的1英吋超大傳感器。與內部集成的徠卡鏡頭技術相結合，不但確保在終端設備上顯示優異畫質，還能輸出畫質出眾的影像作品。 

自1912年成立以來，Sharp一直致力於在眾多產品領域不斷創新。憑借領先的技術和對高品質和高設計標準的不變承諾，Sharp的產品一直具有出色的娛樂性、極高的便利性以及全新的視角。 100多年來，徠卡品牌一直是傑出攝影技術、出眾畫質和一流德國工業設計的代名詞。徠卡公司生產優質的相機和鏡頭，其精密工具總是能給各個攝影領域的專業攝影師和新用戶留下深刻印象。作為品牌文化的一個重要組成部分，徠卡公司一直舉辦各種各樣的活動，以推動攝影藝術發展。徠卡公司歷史悠久，從成立之初就致力於促進全球知名攝影師和新晉青年攝影人才的成長。 Sharp個人通信系統事業部總經理Shigeru Kobayashi表示：「我們很高興推出AQUOS R6，它擁有世界上最大的1英寸傳感器攝像頭。如果沒有徠卡相機公司的巨大貢獻，Sharp不可能取得這個里程碑式的成就。通過這個長期合作關係，我們兩家公司將為市場帶來具有出色拍照功能和用戶體驗的高品質智能手機。」 

「Sharp和徠卡都十分注重傳統，同時不忘追求技術創新，以求實現更高的品質。我很高興能與Sharp合作，並取得第一個成果——這款與徠卡合作設計的全新智能手機AQUOS R6。」徠卡相機公司大股東、全球監事會主席Andreas Kaufmann博士表示。 徠卡相機公司首席執行官Matthias Harsch補充道：「Sharp與徠卡之間的戰略技術夥伴關係表明，雙方對不斷推動技術可能性邊界有著共同的熱情。

與徠卡合作設計的智能手機AQUOS R6是基於我們共同制定的高標準，以及我們對絕不妥協的高質量的共同承諾，反映了我們合作的成功，在各方面都超越了日本用戶極高的期望。」 徠卡香港官方Facebook專頁：Leica Camera 徠卡香港官方Instagram專頁：leicacamerahk #LeicaCamera #LeicaCameraHK #LeicaHK

Chinaallover.com

SHOUT x NOIZ x YAS 全港首個 NFT 藝術展

香港首個 NFT 藝術展覽正式華麗登場！由 SHOUT Art Hub（SHOUT）& Gallery 和 NOIZ 及 YAS 微保險聯合舉辦，由即日起至 6 月 21 日， SHOUT 將於尖沙咀海港城的畫廊展出共 13 組 NFT 藝術展品。

NFT（Non-fungible token，非同質化代幣）是一種虛擬資產，其附有的智能合約具自動執行功能，買方與賣方在區塊鏈中的交易紀錄皆公開可見，故能做到防篡改及刪除。NFT 不僅能保障藝術創作的擁有權，更可為藝術家的創作心血創造更大的商業價值和珍稀度。SHOUT Art Hub＆Gallery 是首個結合 AR 代碼技術，將實物藝術品的真實性與防篡改區塊鏈技術聯繫的畫廊。 

SHOUT Art Hub & Gallery 是次聯乘 NOIZ 及 YAS 微保險，誠摯向大眾推廣 NFT 藝術作品，並為本地藝術家建立一個有助推廣其 NFT 藝術作品的平台。雙方首個 NFT 合作計劃是一場將實物藝術品與 NFT 技術相互結合的展覽。畫廊將展出由 Matt Gondek、Jerkface、Ron English、Parra 等知名藝術家創作的合共 13 套藝術作品，每件藝術作品均配上由 NOIZ 鑄造的 NFT。為讓大眾更容易進入 NFT 藝術市場，YAS 微保險更為是次推出的世界首個 NFT 微保險「NFTY」，為新手買家減低 NFT 藝術作品失竊和有所損失的風險，是次展覽中部分藝術作品更是由 NFTY 獨家承保，保障 NFT 藝術作品買家代幣失竊、 遺失或被黑客入侵等的損失。 

與此同時，為推廣 NFT 藝術教育，是次展覽將邀請到著名本地科技及數碼企業家 Andy Ann 安宇昭先生於 6 月 13 日（星期日）及 6 月 19 日（星期六）下午 2 時半至 3 時半，於展覽場地舉行講座，Andy 為 NOIZ 區塊鏈通訊和營銷技術平台、YAS 微保險及 NDN 多媒體廣告公司的行政總裁及聯合創辦人，屆時 Andy 將會分享各種有關 NFT 藝術的入門資訊，主題為：「NFT For Dummies - What’s an NFT?」。

Launching the homegrown ECO-sneaker label in Hong Kong

Launching the homegrown ECO-sneaker label in Hong Kong

Having been fully funded on Kickstarter, within 24 hours and incredibly reaching eight times their initial funding goal, LONO is ready to show everyone what it's made of and to challenge the status of quo with a ZERO-inventory retail model, the first of its kind in the industry. LONO is a pair of plant-based sneakers designed for a sockless and eco-conscious lifestyle. 

Thanks to TREE fiber, the natural odor-busting, breathability, and anti-bacterial properties are able to perform and translate directly to your feet. LONO is determined in making the transition from synthetic to organic, biodegradable materials. Their goal is to reduce waste and pollution while transforming sustainable resources into shoes with remarkable functionality. 

LONO’s amazing TREE-knit mesh: 100% plant-based fiber; 0% plastic / glue / animal LONO VIP launch 

When: June 22nd, 2021 

Where: The Hangout Cafe & Bar 18 Pok Man Street, Olympic LONO story, experiencing the LONO comfort and showcasing the LONO sneakers.

Chinaallover.com

XOVĒ and Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong Harness the Power of White Truffles

XOVE and Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong Harness the Power of White Truffles for an Exceptional Beauty Experience - May 2021

Masterfully crafted by a team of leading scientists in Switzerland, XOVĒ's renowned efficacy comes from the precious white truffle – known as the tuber magnatum - a natural jewel packed with superoxide dismutase that promises optimal skin restoration, thanks to antioxidant properties that are 80 times greater than sheep placenta extract and 1,000 times more powerful than vitamin E.

In celebration of this collaboration, Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong's Executive Chef, Christophe Sapy, and XOVĒ's brand founder, Gigi Ma, have created a delectable array of afternoon tea treats, spearheaded by a Truffle Croque Monsieur to delight diners.

Precious truffle is woven into a scrumptious, warm sandwich of ham and melted cheese, creating flavourful indulgence with every unctuous bite. This decadent set also features an assortment of sweet treats such as 1963 Mandarin Cheesecake, Yuzu Vanilla Tart, 66% Dark Chocolate Entremets, May Rose & Raspberry Cake and a range of refined finger sandwiches, accompanied by the hotel's iconic, freshly baked classic and raisin scones, served with Mandarin Oriental's signature Rose Petal Jam and clotted cream.

During the promotion, guests who order the XOVĒ White Truffle Treasure Afternoon Tea will receive a complimentary voucher to redeem an exclusive skincare set valued at HKD1,274 at the beauty brand's Indulgence Hall pop-up store on the hotel's Mezzanine floor. The set includes a Treatment Essence, a Cellular Brightening Activator, a Recovery Mask, cosmetic bag and a HKD50 cash voucher to shop at the XOVĒ eshop and the Indulgence Hall pop-up store.

Available at Clipper Lounge and Café Causette located on the hotel's Mezzanine floor, the XOVĒ White Truffle Treasure Afternoon Tea is priced at HKD736* per set for two persons. Afternoon tea at Clipper Lounge is served from 2:30 p.m. to 6 p.m., Monday to Friday, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 4:15 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturdays and public holidays; and 3:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Sundays. Afternoon Tea at Café Causette is served from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. daily. Click here for the full menu.

For more information and to make reservations, please call +852 2825 4000 or email mohkg-restaurants@mohg.com. *Prices are subject to 10% service charge. XOVĒ Staycation Room Package Indulge in timeless luxury with the ultra-relaxing XOVĒ Staycation room package.

This pampering package includes the ultimate five-star stay experience, with a wide range of privileges which include a complimentary XOVĒ White Truffle Premium Revitalization Set valued at HKD1,557 and a personal invitation to experience the exclusive 50-minute White Truffle Treasure Facial Treatment at the beauty brand's Indulgence Hall pop-up store on the hotel's Mezzanine floor and an Intense RF Tightening Eye Treatment.

For room reservations, please call +852 2522 0111 or email mohkg-reservations@mohg.com. All privileges are subject to availability where terms and conditions apply.

Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong Appoints Golin Hong Kong to Lead Communications

Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong Appoints Golin Hong Kong to Lead Communications on the Hotel's Transformation Relaunch in 2021

Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong

Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong has appointed Interpublic Group (NYSE: IPG) agency Golin, to lead all communications activities in 2021 focusing on the transformation of the hotel, including renovated guest rooms and the launch of a new bar and lobby café, all of which will be unveiled in phases this year. 

As the hotel’s first major transformation since its inception in 2005, Golin Hong Kong will be providing strategic consultancy on media and influencer outreach for local and regional media in Hong Kong, while GolinMagic in mainland China will be supporting on digital and social media. 

Bill Taylor, Regional Vice President and General Manager of Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong, comments, "Our new partnership with Golin is particularly exciting, as it marks the beginning of a new journey. Here at Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong, we pride ourselves in setting the hospitality benchmark and creating new standards within the industry. We are excited to share the news of our transformation, and look forward to working closely with the Golin team who offers a wealth of knowledge of the industry and market." 

Carol Yeung, Vice President at Golin Hong Kong, says, "Our team is tremendously excited to support Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong as they transform their already extraordinary property. The hotel is such an iconic landmark to the city, and we look forward to strengthening and amplifying its vision further with our expertise in the luxury hospitality, F&B and lifestyle sectors." Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong marks the latest client to join Golin Hong Kong’s growing luxury hospitality clientele.

Chinaallover.com

Pacific Place Presents Works by British Conceptual Artist Michael Craig-Martin

Pacific Place Presents Works by British Conceptual Artist Michael Craig-Martin Including Three Unique Sculptures

Pacific Place Presents Works by British Conceptual Artist Michael Craig-Martin

Continuing its fervent support of the arts in Hong Kong, Pacific Place is excited to present Michael Craig-Martin at Pacific Place from 19 May to 9 June as part of Swire Properties Arts Month 2021. This year also marks the ninth consecutive year of Swire Properties' partnership with Art Basel Hong Kong. Three unique sculptures by Michael Craig-Martin, a principal figure in British conceptual art, will be exhibited for the first time in an indoor space at Pacific Place, together with another of the artist's works, Royal Academy Flags1.

Visitors to Pacific Place will be the first to enjoy the sculptures before they move on to be displayed at Taikoo Place and then find a permanent home at Taikoo Li Qiantan in Shanghai. Standing at imposing heights of 2.5 to 4 metres, Michael Craig-Martin's three powder-coated steel sculptures, Bright Idea, Headphones (blue) and High Heel (pink), are prominently displayed in Pacific Place. Above them, suspended from the roof of Garden Court, hang his Royal Academy Flags1.

Together, the sculptures and flags highlight the poetic and emotional potency of everyday objects, probing the relationship between object and image. Their vibrant colourway creates a striking presence against the backdrop of Pacific Place, with passers-by given the opportunity make their own personal interpretations of each work. "Bright Idea, Headphones (blue) and High Heel (pink) depict instantly recognisable objects from contemporary life, emphasising their formal beauty, functional integrity and cultural significance,"

Michael Craig-Martin explained. "Through graceful lines formed from powder-coated steel, they give the impression of floating effortlessly above the ground. The delicate contours of these sculptures allow the viewer to look through them to the landscape beyond, playing upon the relationship between drawing and sculpture, line and scale."

Theresa Leung, General Manager of Pacific Place, said: "As part of our commitment to making art part of everyday life, we are excited to showcase Michael Craig-Martin's compelling works to mark the return of Swire Properties Arts Month.

Highlighting our desire to offer unique first-time experiences at Pacific Place, the highly anticipated indoor debut of Bright Idea, Headphones (blue), High Heel (pink) and Royal Academy Flags1 aims to challenge our perceptions of typically mundane objects, elevating them from the ordinary to the extraordinary." Join us at Pacific Place and ignite your bright ideas, with all the exciting first time experiences available during Arts Month.

Chinaallover.com

Liang Yi Museum presents Family Silver: Highlights from the Liang Yi Collection

Liang Yi Museum presents Family Silver: Highlights from the Liang Yi Collection

Liang Yi Museum is pleased to present Family Silver: Highlights from the Liang Yi Collection, a landmark exhibition presenting 150 sets of historic silver from the 18th to 20th century, drawn solely from the Museum’s permanent collection. The largest of its kind in Hong Kong, the exhibition will showcase this rare metal's heritage, design and craftsmanship, explore the lineages of generations of silversmiths; and trace how silverware functions as family heirlooms. Family Silver: Highlights from the Liang Yi Collection will open on 16 June 2021. 

Liang Yi Museum

Silver has long been used in the East and West, both as a type of currency and as a canvas for extraordinary workmanship.

This precious material has been praised for its beauty, intrinsic value, flexibility and durability for centuries. This exhibition provides a rare opportunity for audiences to explore the Museum's preeminent silverware collection's artistic, social and historical significance. Acquired over three decades, Liang Yi Museum’s collection of silver comprises more than 500 sets. The curators have chosen only a quarter to be displayed, and for many of the objects, it will be their first time in the spotlight after their acquisitions into the Museum’s collection. 

The Museum’s collection consists primarily of French and British silver from the 18th and 19th centuries – a particularly fecund period for silversmiths, and one in which silver was available in previously unheard-of quantities in the New World, and at the height of fashion in both the New and Old Worlds. Silversmiths of unparalleled skills such as English masters Paul Storr (1770–1844) and Benjamin Smith (1764-1823) and his sons; as well as the French Jean-Baptiste Claude Odiot (1763–1850) created true masterpieces during this time. Common phrases such as “born with a silver spoon in your mouth” suggests that - in the Occident at least - this material has been collected by the wealthy as an expression of power since ancient times. 

The ancient Greeks and Romans used silver coins as portable wealth; and throughout the many wars and revolutions in history, silver was valued as much for its liquidity (melting down the family silver); as for its artistic applications. In 18th and 19th century Europe, silver was another area of patronage for the rich, who commissioned multitudes from silversmiths. The tradition of aristocratic families commissioning silver to mark important occasions such as weddings, births and deaths makes it the perfect anchor to inspire a greater understanding of pivotal events and historic moments in time. 

Each piece recounts a story that constitutes our most immediate connection to the past. Family Silver is divided into nine sections: lighting; writing; dining; display; toilette; coffee and tea service; alcohol service; vanities; and a special section dedicated to Asian silver. Highlight galleries include a recreated Chinoiserie reading room; a dining hall that illuminates the evolution of dining traditions in the West; and interactive galleries that teach visitors how to read hallmarks and coats of arms. 

Key exhibits include a pair of candelabra made in 1837 presented to Howe Peter Browne, 2nd Marquess of Sligo (1788-1845) by the slaves he emancipated in Jamaica; and a 19th-century silver-gilt tray with Napoleon I's coat of arms (1769-1821): both pieces are not only major artistic accomplishments in their own right, but also demonstrate the major historical events silver pieces have witnessed. The intricate designs and meticulous construct; in addition to the marks and inscriptions on these objects, each brings their fascinating history to life. The exhibition invites visitors to explore the social dynamics and economic contexts within which silver was commissioned, produced and used; and examines the perception and value of silver that has evolved from the age of industrialisation. 

From the livelihood of silversmiths and the guild system; to the commissioning of silver pieces; and finally, the use of silver placed in its historical context – all are instrumental in appreciating both silver’s tangible and intangible associations. The exhibition is a testament to Liang Yi Museum’s commitment to showcasing the best design, craftsmanship, and heritage examples. Known for one of the world's largest and best-curated collections of Chinese antique furniture, along with a premier collection of European vanities, the Museum’s recent exhibitions provide a notable insight into its evolving collections of Japanese works of art and Western historical silver. 

The Museum aims to continue fostering cross-cultural dialogues, nurturing the knowledge and understanding of heritage and its relationships to contemporary life, and serving as a platform for creativity and inspiration through curated exhibitions and dynamic educational programmes. A fully illustrated catalogue edited by Liang Yi Museum and Daniel Roberts featuring over 200 highlight silver sets from the Museum's collection, with essays written by Christie’s Head of Silver, Harry Williams-Bulkeley; art historian Dr. Joanna Longden; and French Empire silver specialist Dr. Karolina Stefanski, will accompany the exhibition.

Chinaallover.com

The APO-Summicron-M 35 f/2 ASPH sets new benchmarks

Maximum performance in a compact construction: The APO-Summicron-M 35 f/2 ASPH sets new benchmarks

With the APO-Summicron-M 35 f/2 ASPH., Leica Camera releases yet another M-lens whose optical performance can hardly be bettered. As with the successful APO-Summicron-M 50 f/2 ASPH., the designers were given just one brief: to achieve maximum imaging performance without compromise – the only difference being that this time, the lens in question has a moderate wide-angle focal length of 35 mm. 

The result is a lens whose sharp detail rendition will challenge not just current, but also future image sensors; in addition, the APO-Summicron-M 35 f/2 ASPH. is the only M-lens with a closest focusing distance of just 30 centimetres, which – in conjunction with the high light sensitivity – opens up a host of new compositional possibilities. This exceptional performance capability is made possible by the elaborate lens design, combined with the high-precision manufacturing processes at the Leica production plant. The ten lens elements are divided into five groups; three elements feature aspherical surfaces (one of them on both sides). 

Six elements are made of glasses with anomalous partial dispersion, which not only reduce chromatic aberrations to almost zero, but also provide apochromatic correction – a quality that is rarely found in lenses of this focal length. 

The APO-Summicron-M 35 f/2 ASPH. also delivers outstanding results at close range, thanks to a floating element that ensures a consistent performance at all distances. The focus ring has a particularly large throw of 300°, enabling precise focusing at all times despite the extended closest focusing distance. Via the rangefinder, the lens can be focused at a distance as close as 70 cm – at which point a slight resistance can be felt on the focus ring. At distances between 70 and 30 cm, the photographer can optionally focus via the camera’s display screen in Live View mode, the Visoflex electronic viewfinder, or the Leica FOTOS app. 

The innovative construction of the lens hood, in combination with highly effective anti-reflective coatings, makes the APO-Summicron-M 35 f/2 ASPH. extremely resistant to any type of stray light – allowing the photographer to shoot into the sun or other sources of light. Optical flaws such as chromatic aberration and distortion are almost entirely corrected. 

This – together with the extremely high, edge-to-edge contrast rendition – facilitates an especially pronounced bokeh at open aperture. Seeing as the aperture is almost circular (thanks to the use of eleven blades), this effect is also retained when the lens is stopped down. Even more than any other M-lens, the APO-Summicron-M 35 f/2 ASPH. only has to be stopped down for compositional purposes – never for exposure control. The rendition quality at the centre and edges of the image is already so outstanding that there is no scope for further improvement by stopping down. Despite its exceptional performance, the APO-Summicron-M 35 f/2 ASPH. is both compact and light-weight. With its classic reportage focal length, this is a lens for every photographic situation that can be used on any current and future model of the M series, as well as the Leica SL2 and SL2-S. The APO-Summicron-M 35 f/2 ASPH. is immediately available at specialist stores as of now for HKD$64,800.

Chinaallover.com