Fong Min Liao
HURS CURATOR
FONG MIN LIAO
The Chinese-American painter and writer shares her favorite brands, products and places
Painter and writer Fong Min Liao has always been a creative being. Her interests in psychology, emotional intelligence and beauty in its essential and simplest forms feed directly into her work. Liao’s paintings feature soft and organic shapes in red, neutral and black tones. She takes her understanding of the heart and humanity as references for her paintings. But Liao’s taste level transcends art and writing. Her considered approach to style and design has garnered traction throughout the world of fashion, beauty, art and design.
PABLO NERUDA’S PASSIONATE POETRY
This 64-page book collects Pablo Neruda’s most passionate work. As one of the most talented voices in South American literature, Neruda has been widely celebrated for his passionate poetry. Initially, his poems were published anonymously and caused enormous scandal. But later on the Chilean writer’s work was awarded the Nobel Prize for literature in 1971. “Love Poems” was written on the island of Capri, and takes you on a captivating and passionate journey.
“I am currently working on my first poetry and prose book and thus have been reading more poetry as of late. This is a recent DELIGHTFUL find of mine that I could not put down. Neruda's way with words is luscious, full of passion and intoxicating.”
“Founded by my Tokyo-based friend Misato, this is a BEAUTY brand rooted in eastern medicine teachings and way of being. I designed the packaging of the inaugural launch which consisted of two nail oils and two body scrubs. I love eastern medicine, so naturally I’m obsessed with everything dō does. Their formulas are carefully designed with herbs that heal the body. The body scrub is my favorite and I use it almost daily.”
RESTORING BALANCE BETWEEN BODY AND MIND THROUGH BEAUTY
Japanese beauty brand dō aims to bring ancient traditions and culture into modern lives. Their product range includes a nail and cuticle oil and a body scrub and bath paste. All products contain carefully selected Japanese and Chinese plant extracts found in traditional healing recipes. As our busy lives often catch up with us, dō aims to bring back the balance between body and mind and with that our original health and beauty.
A METICULOUS TEAHOUSE
There was little we could find on Itsu Teahouse. And that’s exactly why we love this recommendation. The Teahouse serves tea as well as found, all made with meticulous attention to detail. We’ll let Fong explain more.
“I stumbled upon this 4-seater teahouse one day in Omotesando, a neighborhood in Tokyo, during my trip to Japan this past summer. The QUALITY of tea and attention to detail here was unforgettable. The only staff here is the owner himself. It's a must visit place for your next trip to Japan.”
“My SIGNATURE perfume. It is a very seductive scent and has a way of pulling people toward you.”
THIS PERFUME SMELLS LIKE ELEGANCE
Frédéric Malle, also known as the perfume publisher, was destined to work with scent. Malle grew up in Paris, with a maternal grandfather who founded Parfums Christian Dior, while his mother was the artistic director at the company. Created by Dominique Ropion, this particular perfume has been recommended to us more than once. With many reporting that they’re often stopped and questioned about the scent. Every 100ml bottle of Portrait of a Lady contains 400 Turkish roses, as well as notes of blackcurrant, clove and sandalwood.
WHERE MODERNITY AND HERITAGE MEET
Founded in 1957, Italian jewelry house Repossi has been passed down from one generation to the next. The brand is known for its timeless jewelry, mostly inspired by architecture and art. While the house focuses on modernity, it also embraces heritage and craftsmanship. Each piece is handcrafted in France and Italy in workshops that the company has collaborated with for over 40 years. Creative Director Gaia Repossi, who was appointed at only 21 years old, has brought a breath of fresh air to the house through her reinvention of traditional jewelry codes.