City Guide: Fiona Kotur’s Hong Kong

The accessories designer reveals her local haunts

in Harper’s Bazaar May 2013

My favorite things about Hong Kong It’s a city with extraordinary variety – an urban metropolis that also has hiking trails and beaches.  Shops range from tiny, family-owned antiques spots on Hollywood Road that have been there for years to new megamalls.

Best time to visit In May, for the annual art fair, which is now Art Basel Hong Kong.  It’s an amazing week with a huge opening night, fascinating talks, and parties.

Favorite activities Looking for silks in the Western Market, beads in Hung Hom, leather in Sham Shui Po, and meeting family-owned hardware companies in Mong Kok.

Neighborhood Sheung Wan, a place that’s changing by the minute.  It has Chinese antiques shops, brilliant restaurants, and the Cat Street Gallery, a great contemporary art space.

Food & Drink Lunch at the Kee Club is a dim-sum heaven.  Heirloom does delicious coffee, and feels like a slice of New York in central Hong Kong.

Nightlife You can’t beat the views from Café Grey at the top of the Upper House hotel or Sevva in the Prince’s Building for a glass of rosé on a warm evening.

Shopping The best way to go is bespoke. Tailoring in Hong Kong is second to none – and quick!  Soong’s Salon de Mode, in Kowloon cuts the best clothing.  Head to Elsa K.S. Sze & Sons in the Mandarin Oriental to make your jewelry dreams come true, or Mayer next door for custom-made leather shoes and bags.

Relaxation Hong Kong is full of lovely reflexology places.  For the ultimate lazy afternoon, a foot massage and a movie at Ten Feet Tall, on Queen’s Road Central, is a great weekend combination.

Excursion I love going to Shek-o beach.  Somehow those big waves and beaches feel unexpected here, and the views are breathtaking.

Hotel For a slice of old-school Hong Kong, the Mandarin Oriental is a must. Excellent restaurants, bars, and the best service in the world.

Ideal Weekend Outfit A crisp cotton dress from Bottega Veneta, some Balenciaga sandals, one of our own necklaces, and an oversize raffia clutch.

Beauty Essentials An SK-II mask once a week and an Esteé Lauder moisturizer are real skin savers.