Kaitlyn Lai, English Editor
Most Worn Fashion Item:
Yves Saint Laurent Le 5 à 7 Supple Small Leather Shoulder Bag
I snagged this minimalist beauty in Tokyo while travelling to cover a Calvin Klein event in the fall of 2023. The Japanese yen was in the dumps, but hey, that meant a discounted YSL bag for me. I’ll admit, I let it gather dust for a while last year. But then the rainy season rolled in and my trusty YSL became my go-to again. It’s the perfect size for carrying my umbrella and everything else I need, all while looking chic in any weather. Plus, it reminds me of the time I got to meet BTS’ Jungkook up close in Shingawa. Did you see my bag?
Most Worn Beauty Item:
Makeup By Mario Soft Pop Powder Blush In Mellow Mauve
Shoutout to my diva of a friend, Edmond, who hauled this blush all the way from Canada for me back when I was starting out at this job. I used it off and on over the years, but this season, it’s been living in my bag like it pays rent. The shade? A dreamy pink that makes me feel alive, even on my most zombie-like days. I may or may not have developed blush blindness — but if I did, this would still be the cure.
Most Binged Show:
F1 Academy
Every weekend, it’s been me, my couch, and the roar of F1 engines. But this quarter, the sound didn’t come from Drive to Survive — it came from F1 Academy. Watching those girls race gave me the delusional confidence that maybe, just maybe, I could too. So after starting my first episode on a flight, I landed, booked a go-karting session in Manila, and channelled Bianca Bustamante. Or so I thought… My friend recorded my lap on video. Let’s leave it at that.
Most Listened-To Song:
What It Sounds Like, HUNTR/X
Whenever this battle anthem comes on, I feel ready to seal the honmoon. Even though KPop Demon Hunters only dropped on June 20, the soundtrack has already dominated my Q2 charts (well, and global charts too). Just hearing the first notes of “What It Sounds Like” makes me feel like I’m gearing up for an epic, demon-slaying, perfectly choreographed fight sequence. And the chorus? It somehow takes me back to my a cappella days in school, striking a nostalgic chord every time. If you haven’t watched K-pop Demon Hunters yet, it’s time to fix that. Don’t be a stray soul my friend, go find your harmony!
Most Visited Restaurant:
Barchua House
Rainy days call for spicy noodles, and Barchua House delivers the goods. Imagine: fragrant pork chops swimming in a tangy, spicy soup that hits you in all the right places. It’s less of a meal and more of a warm hug for your taste buds.
Alyanna Raissa J. Payos, English Writer
Most Worn Fashion Item:
Vibram Fivefinger V-Soul
Some hate them, some love them, and I am of the latter crowd. I have absolutely fallen for the look and feel of Vibram FiveFingers. The V-Soul model is one of two pairs that I currently own and are probably the ones you’ve seen most fashion enthusiasts rock. Think of them as your socks but better. There is something so inherently sleek (and honestly, kind of sexy) about seeing the complete silhouette of the foot in all its five-toed glory, and as someone who dresses rather simply come summertime, they add a great bit of character to any outfit. Despite their intended use as indoor exercise shoes, if you do your due diligence of warming up around the house in them first, they’ll fast become your go-to citywalk shoe. I may be on the verge of my third pair of FiveFingers…
Most Worn Beauty Item:
Byredo Blanche Absolu Parfum
I have been on a mission to find my signature, everyday perfume for quite some time now, and Byredo’s Blanche Absolu just might be it. It’s a step up from the original EDP’s longevity and coveted “fresh linens” scent; at the initial spritz you’ll get that crisp burst of aldehyde and powdery rose intensified with black pepper and neroli, but the fragrance mellows out throughout the day into a soft blend of violet, jasmine and cashmeran.
Most Binged “Show”:
Critics At Large
As a result of my rotting, chronically online mind, I came to realise that I had become a remarkably passive consumer. Just scrolling, watching, and reading with “no thoughts, head empty”. Though not in the joyful, carefree kind of way. The critical thinking skills I once prided myself on have jumped ship, leaving me stranded in waters deemed incredibly dangerous for any writer. So in attempting to remedy this intellectual malaise, I turned to the Critics At Large, a weekly culture podcast by Naomi Fry, Vinson Cunningham, and Alexandra Schwartz of The New Yorker. Both fun and cerebrally stimulating, the podcast is teaching me once again how enjoyable it is to engage with literature and media, and how fulfilling it is to simply wonder. To wonder if, wonder why, and wonder how.
Most Listened-To Song:
Do It Again, Shinichiro Yokota
Like many younger sisters, I grew up thinking that whatever my sister was into was cool. Some things never change and I still constantly look to her for music recommendations. Discovering new artists has never been my strong suit, and not to shift blame, but Spotify’s algorithm also sucks. Her latest gift to me is Japanese house music courtesy of Shinichiro Yokota, recognised as one of the household (haha, get it) names of the genre. “Do It Again” has an incredible old school feel reminiscent of 90s video games, and a hypnotising sound that is clean, funky, and ethereal all at once.
Most Visited Restaurant:
Honbo
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Oh, you know, just my all-time favourite spot for a good ol’ smash burger. There’s virtually nothing I am more proud of than being Honbo’s biggest fan—and I can prove it too. Shortly after they opened a new location in Central this February, my beloved burger joint launched the one thing I had long been waiting for: a loyalty card. And guess what? I own the very first one. Call it a weird flex but if you’ve had a Honbo burger you’d be doing the same.
Karrie Lam, English Writer
Most Work Fashion Item: H&M Blue Light Filter Glasses
Lo and behold: H&M oval frame glasses with blue light filter. Oh, did you think…? No, I wish. These get the job done, but they’re just a bit too narrow for my head, so I wear them every time my eyes start to hurt, but take them off when my big head does.
Most Worn Beauty Item: Nars Blush in 777 Orgasm
The afterglow of the Nars Orgasm blush is not a fad. I’ve tried and tested, and alas, I’m on the peachy bandwagon with no signs of stopping. She has a gold shimmer to her, which, to me, reads summer loving, fresh from vacation. Euro Summer is essentially just a state of mind that you can paint on your face — at least that’s what I tell myself.
Most Binged Show: Severance Season 2
Another select that needs no introduction. It’s been 3 years since I watched Severance season 1, so I thought the magic might have worn off, but I was wrong. As I sat on the floor, looking up at the TV with scenes from Season 1 stitched together as part of the recap, tears welled in my eyes. Season 1 is stunning, and season 2 is the slowest of burns. I do not regret staying in every Friday to watch them, even though I loathe to admit that the atrocious ending does make sense.
Most Listened-To Song: Undressed, Sombr
Why is someone born in 2005 telling me how sick they are of new relationships? Please.
Most Visited Restaurant: Francis
When I think of al fresco dining and fresh food I’ll be sure to enjoy, I think of Francis. I like how you can go back every time knowing that there will be something new to try (I’m eyeing the manti dumplings) while trusty favourites (hello hummus, pita, lamb ribs) are still anchoring down the menu.
Editor
VOGUE HONG KONGCredit
Collage: Talia Tom
