T&C TERMS & CONDITIONS
EMBRACING CULTURES REFLECTING ON HONG KONG’S PAST
Model Ethan Chu & Raina Aloui
Stylist Sarah
Photographer YK
CONTENTS
14 22 25 29 30 40 42 46
In The Mood For Love Harmony in Heritage Nasheya’s Cultural Journey Lizzie’s Words Sector 8 by Sam Wong Discovery Through My Fashion Sense Brand Collections Finding Belonging Through Culture
50 54 58 60 70 72
The Blue Room
Fallen Angels The Delhi Club Brand Collections WeLoveThisCity & CSA Notes from the team
Model Rachel Lei
Stylist Brenda Tham
Photographer Erique Brown
Makeup: Ines Costa
家
家, what exactly is home? Is it a place you grew up in or something you find from within?
This question has lingered in my mind for some time now, one that strikes me when I’m alone with my thoughts. Walking down life’s winding roads and facing trials and tribulations, I discover and learn more about my identity and what home means. It all starts with acceptance and facing my fears at my own pace. I grew up in a rather traditional household but went to an international school my whole life. At one point, I was torn between who I was at school and home. It’s as if I had to switch between two identities, which was eating at me from the inside. Towards the end of high school, I was ecstatic for the next chapter: to be myself and live the life I wanted. However, when I reached the States, I had trouble adjusting to the world I thought I knew best. I grew up listening to pop music and watching Hollywood movies; I was the “Western girl” back home. Slowly, specific questions arose, with no answers to be found. Why was it so hard to fit in? Why didn’t I feel a sense of belonging? Why did I want to return to the place I escaped from? What was home to me? It took some time; it all started from acknowledging that the “fresh start” I had planted in my head was a form of escapism. I had built a vision that studying abroad would cure the missing hole of not having a sense of belonging when I was in Hong Kong. And so I stopped. I stopped running and slowly turned the page to learn about my culture, the food around me, the music, and the language. Fashion has always been a big part of my life, so I delved into the evolution of fashion in Chinese culture. I learned about how cheongsam came to be. I talked to more people in my city and eventually my confidence grew as I embraced my culture. Home is where I feel the most connected to myself, my roots, and the most authentic version of myself. Today, no matter where I go, Hong Kong will always be a part of me. Even though I grew up from two different backgrounds, my culture and traditions will always be a part of me. Knowing I’ve embraced my culture, I feel more at peace with my identity. I hope this second issue can bring joy to all of you. To connect cultures and send a love letter to Hong Kong.
KAT TSE
EDITOR IN CHIEF
Model Anastasia Herasymova
Stylist Sarah
Photographer YK
T&C TERMS & CONDITIONS
Editor in Chief Kat Tse
Head of Writers Justin Sin
Head of Creatives Brenda Tham
Head of Photography Erique Brown
Founded by Kat Tse, Terms and Conditions is a Hong Kong & London fashion wellness magazine that breaks down barriers and starts conversations in the creative world while supporting small businesses and entrepreneurs. Terms and Conditions hopes to create an inclusive community for readers to start deeper conversations and connect. The magazine provides digital content and printed issues, and each new publication delves into a fresh theme in the fashion or wellness world. These publications highlight how the power of fashion, photography and writing can capture stories and conversations rarely spoken of in society.
T E R M S
A N D
C O N D I T I O N S
Embracing Cultures through the lens of fashion is Terms and Conditions’ 2nd issue. This issue delves into how fashion is much more than a clothing piece, style or trend. It has the power to bring out, encapsulate and relay one’s story through the power of storytelling. A section of this issue is a reflection on Hong Kong’s past. We recreate fashion outfits, famous film posters and showcase fashion designers who have incorporated the theme of old or modern-day Hong Kong into their collections. This issue also uncovers how individuals feel regarding certain clothing pieces from their culture and how their upbringing and experiences have shaped them into who they are today. Embracing cultures is about bringing communities closer together and accepting the beauty and importance of culture’s role in fashion, a beauty born from a sense of belonging.
Special thanks to Canva Pro, Northeastern University CAMD, Sasha Waseem at FILM AWARDS TV, Betsy Ludwig, Women Who Empower, Bogosplit, Tracy L. Fink & Professor Michelle Carr
IN
王 . 華 家 年 衛 樣 花E MOOD FOR L
OV E
TH
Model: Rachel Lei & Mia Ming Steel
Stylist: Brenda Tham
Photographer: Erique Brown
Makeup: Ines Costa
Model Rachel Lei
Stylist Brenda Tham
Photographer Erique Brown
Makeup Ines Costa
Qipaos are a significant part of Chinese culture; some even consider them a symbol of identity for Chinese Women. In the famous film “In the Mood for Love” directed by Wong KarWai, there were over 22 cheongsam styles worn by the character, Mrs. Chan. Throughout this issue, you can see various styles and patterns of cheongsams that our creative team has incorporated with a touch of our creativity mixed with modern interpretations.
Model Rachel Lei
Stylist Brenda Tham
Photographer Erique Brown
Makeup Ines Costa
I
am wearing a Gharara in this photograph, an ensemble synonymous with traditional Indian attire. The gharara is a two-piece ensemble consisting of the kurta (a tunic-style top) and the gharara itself - a pair of wide-legged pants ruched at the knee so they flare out dramatically. The ensemble is typically made from fine, luxurious materials and is often richly decorated with intricate embroidery, beads, sequins, or other embellishments. My roots are deeply entwined with the artistry of mirror work, a flourish that gracefully adorns the Gharara and serves as a visual ode to my ancestry. Originating in Uttar Pradesh during the Mughal rule of India, the Gharara is not merely a garment but a living testament to the rich history and diverse tapestry of Indian culture. The intricate work, including zari (gold thread), zardozi (gold embroidery), and gota work, on ghararas embodies the artisanal talents, making it an inherent part of the cultural heritage. I am from an ethnic minority in India called Saurashtra, now in present-day Gujarat; I have had the unique experience of navigating not only both Indian and UK social contexts but also within Indian contexts, as I do not belong to one group. My journey unfolds against the backdrop of a dual identity—Indian by heritage but a resident of London. Growing up outside the borders of India has been a unique combination of experiences, where the vibrant hues of my cultural heritage seamlessly blend with my life in the UK. Proudly representing my Saurashtra heritage in London, I'm deeply involved in celebrating our culture. As a key figure in our community's first Hindu temple, I serve as the youth coordinator, orchestrating vibrant events for festivals and fostering participation among fellow Saurashtrians. Beyond the temple, I showcase our traditions through Bharatanatyam performances at religious gatherings, extending our cultural richness even to my workplace in Consulting. Embracing our legacy, I actively weave the tapestry of our vibrant heritage into every facet of my life here in London. By participating in cultural festivals, such as Diwali and Holi, I have built a sense of belonging by keeping in touch with my heritage and taking steps to learn more about my ancestry. This has contributed to shaping a distinct and evolving identity, ensuring that I always feel at home, no matter where my travels in the future may take me.
Model Pavi Neelagiri
Stylist Brenda Tham
Photographer Erique Brown
Editor Lehar Dhamani & Justin Sin
CANACO
Model Chae Eun Son
Stylist Rose Darsi
Photographer Fisherman Bill
Model Mohamed Allam
Stylist Brenda Tham
Photographer Erique Brown
J
ust reflecting, growing up in the conservative Islamic Republic of Pakistan was caging, especially in the way I was allowed to express myself through clothes. Fashion is prominent in how we see ourselves and the image we reflect to the world. Unfortunately, the rigid dress code I grew up with prohibited me from ever being my true self. I never allowed myself to show off my body proudly as I was always taught that 'good' girls cover themselves. And those who didn’t would be in danger of rape, catcalling, unwelcome gazing eyes and, of course, shame. The misogynistic culture back home enabled a life of fear under a farce of modesty. Even when I adhered to the societal expectations of women being covered and wearing our traditional clothes, shalwar kameez, I faced harassment my whole life. I vividly remember being groped shamelessly by a vendor, even though I was just a teenager when I was shopping with my mother in a local market. It was an event etched into my memory, which resulted in my everlasting fear and shame regarding my body and sexuality. To this day, I mostly wear a 'shalwar Kameez'' back home as blending in with these simple, covered clothes is more manageable. My fashion style does a 180, and I become almost unrecognizable. I hide my liberated, outcast self behind loose drapes that hang over my defeated being, forced to give in to the norms of my ‘modest’ culture. When I landed home, arguments with my mom erupted regarding what clothes I could and could not wear. Even at home, as an adult woman, I am prohibited from roaming the house braless or in my shorts to ensure that our male helper doesn’t judge me– or harass me. I’m expected to always dress as per the male needs; supposedly, insatiably hungry men wouldn’t blame ‘modest’ women for tempting them. Even in 2023, Pakistani culture focuses on controlling women's fashion and behavior rather than reprimanding men and teaching them to be respectful in their behavior.
W R I T T E N
B Y
N A S H E Y A
P E R A C H A
However, some women back home feel liberated and beautiful in a more conservative style and willingly embrace that. Pakistani fashion also has immense beauty, especially when free from social expectations. It is colorful and incredibly gorgeous, with bold patterns and heavy jewelry decorating our sun-kissed skin. I cherish the times when I proudly adorned my traditional clothes, especially at my wedding, where I shone brightly in my mother's bright pink bridal outfit. Nevertheless, despite the beauty in our traditional fashion, the pressure of modest dressing disallowed me from letting my body free. Leaving Pakistan is what slowly allowed me to spread my wings as I started experimenting with fashion without the shackles of the Islamic Republic I call home. I became a free bird and had the luxury of slowly shedding the fear and shame associated with my fashion. It was a challenging feat. Despite being away from home, home was still in me. I’d get easily disheartened by the constant reprimanding I faced from family for sharing pictures where I owned my style. It took me years to feel unapologetically myself. Arriving in Hong Kong five years ago undoubtedly jump-started my present style. My fashion sense started evolving into one that enabled me to own my sexuality and also embody a sense of equality that should've always existed between men and women. I now walk around unafraid and unashamed as I show off my body. Most importantly, I walk proudly, wearing clothes that help me express my casual, chic and untethered self. The diversity in Hong Kong’s melting pot of cultures and people has brought immense freedom for me and numerous others walking the streets, proudly owning their unique style. I've experimented with various hair colors, hairstyles, and tattoos across my body and exhibited clothes that represent my best self. Walking amongst citizens of Hong Kong who are bold enough to go loud and soft, simple and extravagant, cliche and unique, covered and exposed, has liberated me. I am grateful to be a part of a collective culture that celebrates the individual. Fashion in Hong Kong allows you to be yourself in a beautiful concrete jungle, where you can easily get lost amongst a crowd.
E D I T O R
J U S T I N
S I N
fashion CHOICES
Model Rachel Lei
Stylist Brenda Tham
Photographer Erique Brown
Makeup Ines Costa
Fashion
CHOICES “Fashion is a vessel to go where you want to be. It has also been a massive part of my womanhood.”
Model Lizzie Aomi
Stylist Brenda Tham
Photographer Erique Brown
Model: Sam Wong & Rania Aloui Stylist: Sarah | Photographer: YK
旺
角 Model Jasmine, Andy, Natalie, Esya & Ana
Photographer YK
Model Nicole, Katherine, Andy & Hilda
Stylist Gloria & Meher
Photographer YK
INTERVIEW SAM WONG| SECTOR 8
Could you tell us about your brand, SECTOR 8? I started my brand, SECTOR 8, two years ago. SECTOR 8 is more than just a clothing brand I created: It is a creative community that inspires other designers while opening people’s desires to connect. Though I am still in the experimentation phase for my brand, I aspire to create as many multipurpose designs as possible to allow the brand to interact with its audience. What makes SECTOR 8 unique in the streetwear fashion style industry? Everyone can start a fashion brand, but at the end of the day, a successful brand must be unique and have a targeted audience. What makes SECTOR 8 different is that I strive to tell stories through my more adventurous designs, which combine futurism with postmodernism. What inspired you for the old Hong Kong collection? The Old Hong Kong collection showcases an interruption of the past and a radical move into the future. The line is a commentary on how architecture has inherently influenced Hong Kong's identity and, as such, our overarching fashion culture. The inspiration behind this line stemmed from Virgil Abloh’s 3 per cent rule, which he had applied to his Nike and Off-White collaboration, which kickstarted a resurgence of streetwear in global fashion. It is essential for designers to understand how to take inspiration from their roots, add their twists and elements, and stay original to their aesthetic.
Could you dive into the experimentation process of choosing your fabrics? If so, have you faced any challenges? A good understanding of fabric is essential; the type of fabric, weight, and production will all affect your garment's final look and shapes as they all have their unique purposes; you can almost say personality.
What was the process behind making your and the patterns representing the theme? The main influences behind my brand are futurism and post-modernism architecture. My interpretation of these themes involves using different fabrics to create contrast in texture and structure. Therefore, the outfit I chose to represent the theme, Old Hong Kong, is a cropped shirt paired with flared pants with a pattern inspired by Hong Kong's developing skyline. While the flared pants are influenced simply due to their popularity during the 80s and 90s, my creative input shines in the variety of textures in the cropped shirt. The skyline pattern demonstrates how Hong Kong became a more glamorous city through the development of society during the 80s, which contrasts nicely with the simplicity of the cropped shirt and flared pants. I chose these specific designs to demonstrate how we can disrupt fashion trends by breaking the past and building the future, similar to how Hong Kong is a constantly growing city.
Q & A
W I T H
S A M
W O N G
What’s the most important advice you have gotten as a fashion designer? Stop comparing yourself to other people. I can’t say that I’ve never done it myself. Comparing ourselves to others is a human instinct, but once you break out of that instinct, your mind can develop and grow at full speed. Aside from fashion design, always be curious to learn different skills. You never know what might inspire you during your creative process. I’ve done a collection based on a pair of chopsticks I got from some takeaway food I ordered. I’d also say learn your fashion history, understand your fabrics, and understand yourself, which will help build the brand’s identity. I am working with the right people because I have been messed up by some untrusted companies, which is a lesson to learn, and I am glad it happened earlier than later. Always have an open mind and design with passion and happiness.
What exciting news or things are you looking forward to with SECTOR 8? SECTOR 8 will keep growing. It’s been growing steadily since it’s started. I need to find the right people, such as Kat, to work with. I have a lot lined up and designs up my sleeve. I’m just waiting for the right opportunities and moments to launch the brand properly when SECTOR8 matures. Hopefully, the brand will grow alongside me, and we’ll implement some runway shows soon, where you’ll be able to see my collections on the shelves. Finally, what’s the best way to reach you? Here’s my personal Instagram: @sam_wsy0114. I post most of my designs and behind-the-scenes activity on there. The page for my design will also launch soon.
Model Ana Wadsworth & Ande
Stylist Kat Tse
Photographer YK
IG @Vivia_JI
Model Vigin Tsang
Hair Adrian Fan
Photographer YK
IG @psy.lau.official
A DISCOVERY THROUGH MY FASHION SENSE Derek Wong
Fashion has always been an ever-present subtle influence on our social identity. It acts as a placard highlighting our background, a symbol of our personality, or even an emblem of our cultural identity. As I grew up in a predominantly masculine environment, it was difficult for me to imagine why men would care much about one’s fashion sense. However, what stood out to me was the social stigma and clout that surrounds both brand merchandise and personal style. For example, I remember back at school when I’d walk around with a Ralph Lauren Polo quarter zip my mum bought for me. While ecstatic and grateful for wearing something unique, I remember someone saying, ‘Oh Derek, that’s not Supreme; that’s soo dead.’ Fast forward a couple of years, Ralph Lauren is at the pinnacle of a vintage resurgence, whereas through one Google search of Supreme, I’ve found some articles entitled ‘What happened to Supreme.’ Oh, how the tables have turned… To an outside observer, this seems trivial. Yet, this demonstrates the prevalence of branding and consumerism surrounding fashion within what we deem “cool” in society. Take your average male Hong Konger, for example. Almost all my friends there grew up wearing Gap clothing, Adidas or Nike trainers, or something from Bossini for the autumn and winter look. Speak to them now; all you hear is how Zara and Uniqlo are ‘all they wear.’ It’s as if it were some recited incantation programmed to be repeated. To me, branding was associated with social status. Wearing that Gap Hoodie was a sign of being a typical Hong Konger who went to an international school. The rare occasions where I wore Ralph Lauren as a kid were reserved for special events with the parents, where I was expected to give face to the other uncles and aunties. Wearing these clothes contributed to an overall image I was scheduled to present as a kid: the image of a well-put-together, hardworking, and good boy. Yet, public judgement on fashion sense is not limited to what brand I wore. It also affected my overall style. For example, a ‘finance bro’ wears a suit and quarter zip or gilet as if it’s a modern-day suit of armour that exudes confidence, which sometimes tinges on arrogance. A marketing girl may wear a shirt with a colourful cardigan, which portrays a sense of elegance yet a trendy and hip vibe, showcasing her vast knowledge of trends. At Durham, my university, I’d see everyone wear skinny scarves and colourful trousers to show a hip yet trendy look. This demonstrates that fashion indicates and reflects one's character and personality. Fashion looks best when you are true to yourself. For example, in Durham, a big fashion trend among the student body is wearing vintage outfits such as Carhartt or an unknown branded charity shop vintage outfit to reflect that youthful ‘chillaxed vibe’ that emphasises eco-consciousness. However, having dipped my toes into the Durham fashion trend, I could tell that some aspects of Durham clothing were not for me. For example, some types of vintage clothing, especially skater brands, seem to suit those who are taller, skinnier and looking to give off a relaxed and slightly rebellious perception. Yet, my personality seems to revolve around simplicity and directness with a slight hint of flashiness. Thus, my clothing, in turn, reflects that, with the use of bright yet straightforward colours and the occasional patterned pocket square for a suit. Put me in those skater clothes; however, it drains my confidence, makes me quieter, and, most importantly, I don’t look good in them.
Model Parth Panchal 2 Photographer YK Makeup Andy Lee Hair Adrian Fan
Model Alty Tamer
Stylist Rose Darsi
Photographer Fisherman Bill
MO&Co. X Matchshowroom
FINDING BELONGING THROUGH CULTURE Model Rachel Lei Mia Ming Steel
Photographer Erique Brown
Stylist Brenda Tham
THE BLUE ROOM OF
EDELLE
Model Edelle Mariano
Stylist Brenda Tham
Photographer Erique Brown
Makeup Artist: Ines Costa
KEEP FOLLOWING YOUR
HEART
Model Edelle Mariano & Mia Ming Steel
Stylist Brenda Tham
Photographer Erique Brown
Makeup Ines Costa
INTERVIEW AKASHDEEP GILL
The Delhi Club has been operating for 35 years, and I, Akashdeep Gill, am the third generation of the business. The Delhi Club is a traditional Indian restaurant serving cosy, authentic dishes ranging from chicken tikka to garlic naan, butter chicken, and mango lassi. From kids to adults from different ethnicities, we have a range of customers dining with us every day of the week! It’s fantastic to see the growth of the Delhi club, and I’m so proud to be part of such an incredible community. Delhi Club Address: Shop 3, 3/F, Block C, Chungking Mansions, 36-44 Nathan Road, Tsim Sha Tsui
THE DELHI CLUB WHAT DOES FASHION MEAN TO YOU?
I was born and raised in Hong Kong, and fashion has always been a part of my life in some way or form. Growing up with three sisters, fashion was the pivotal conversation in our house. My sisters would be the ones to pick my clothes. Initially, I wasn’t interested in fashion, but as I grew older, I realized its importance. People respond to how you dress, and I have taken it upon myself to dress well and make my fashion statement since.
WHY DOES BUILDING A COMMUNITY MATTER TO YOU? Building a community matters to me for several reasons, the most important being providing a sense of belonging, support and connection with like-minded individuals, which can lead to establishing long-term support and impact one personally or professionally. To me, it’s important to foster personal and social development. It is also a source of collaboration and opportunities, connecting with others with complementary skills and shared interests.
PLEASE TELL US A BIT ABOUT SPOTLIGHT TALENT! Spotlight Talent embraces diversity and ethics. We are a fashion-forward agency open to anyone who has talent! Our talents are the core of our agency, and it's essential to provide a platform and support them in any way possible. We provide high-end training and professional guidance for their career development and progress. We also offer our talents, resources, and abilities that will all contribute to helping them succeed in their career path. We are planning an entire year's plans for our agency, but we want to open up with a big bang! We will officially launch our company next year and work on events ranging from music to fashion shows to runway events. We are immensely looking forward to 2024
ABIGAIL
“Culture is your core while fashion is expression of your core”
Model Abigail Chin
Photographer YK
Stylist Rose Darsi
GIANNE
“Fashion empowers me to reclaim my identity, celebrating my body and declaring that I wear the clothes, they don’t define me”
Model Gianne Chan
Stylist Rose Darsi
Photographer YK
Model Jasmine Li
Photographer YK
Stylist: Kat Tse
Model Leo Lui
Photographer YK
Model Rachel Lei & Edelle Mariano Makeup Ines Costa
Stylist Brenda Tham
Photographer Erique Brown
L A U N C H
E V E N T
Terms and Conditions Magazine will be celebrating Issue 2's launch party on January 4&5 at Hong Kong Soho House, followed with a launch party in London in March.
Kat Tse is the Editor in Chief of magazine Terms and Conditions, speaker and student at Northeastern University. She’s passionate about creating a platform to support and connect other creatives in the industry while spreading kindness. With the 2nd issue out, she hopes the magazine can continue to serve as a community to support one another and start meaningful conversations about finding a sense of belonging within culture and fashion. Born and bred in Hong Kong, Kiyoko is the founder of her wellness platform Kosmicland where she focuses on bringing to light one’s subconscious, through higher self guidance to elevate one's overall well-being. KOSMIC is where Kiyoko shares her divine inspiration with the world by combining her creativity, and spiritual wisdom of Feng Shui and divination techniques. Leanne Blu is a speaker, wellness writer and life coach. With over 4 years of experience in content creation and media, she now focuses on youth and female empowerment to help individuals reach their highest potential outside of societal limitations. Her platform, The Blu Journal and highly ranked podcast Beyond the Label provide a safe space to discuss self-love, inclusivity and mental health awareness. Jennifer, a Hong Kong-based fashion designer, is an ambassador at the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) and holds a fashion design degree from Parsons The New School for Design in New York. With a strong academic and professional background in New York, London, and Paris, Jennifer established Orientale in 2021. The brand draws inspiration from the rich sartorial heritage and lifestyle of ethnic culture in China. Orientale's philosophy revolves around striking a harmonious balance between tradition and the present.
NO.3 CULTURE Written by Justin Sin
究竟咩意思？
Third Culture, Is it understanding the difference between British and Chinese tea? Is it the American accent, Despite never having lived a day in the States. Is it being told English Is the most important thing? And then being blamed When it is all that you can sing?
第三文化。
Like First and Third Class on a plane? Or First and Third Class Honours?
係咪睇唔明街邊嗰啲字？
Or is it being called Jackie Chan while waiting at Terminal 3? What about calling your friends’ parents, Uncle or Auntie? Pele speaks "Righteous, " Sister Zina says, "Funky." ‘How come your English is so good?’ ‘ ? My dude.’ , Jackie Chan, , fuc*ing Chinese ‘I know you aren’t a native speaker, but your writing’s worse than my niece.’ What if I told you I speak English better than Cantonese?
『香蕉 』
你好嗎 『鬼子』
‘Why are you talking like that?’ How can I explain that, I’m just a parrot with feathers that don’t match my song.
究竟咩意思？ 海龜
Third Culture, Is it the experience of someone living over sea? Maybe that’s why we are called , TMNT? I am sometimes one And sometimes two And occasionally three. With every new understanding, I want to learn more, so maybe four Is the next step for me. Next bus station, please?
IG @psy.lau.official
Model Parth Panchal
Photographer YK
Makeup Andy Lee
INTERVIEW DECLAN RHYS SIDEY Maug.Photography | Editor Kat Tse & Justin Sin
Congratulations again on your 1 year anniversary for WeLoveThisCity, could you give us a recap on this year? Thank you, kindly. It’s been a whirlwind across industries, from fashion to music, art and beyond. Launching exclusive venues, collaborating with local and international artists and really smashing any glass ceiling when it comes to premium nightlife events, venues and creative experiences. We have found our niche in nightlife entertainment through our expertise in music and authentic community engagement and management. Now, we are looking to the next phase of this exciting start-up’s journey.
Why was it so important for you to choose Hong Kong in bringing people together? Do you think music is a universal language that brings communities closer? Hong Kong chose me. Singapore was initially targeted; however, I had visa challenges and thus made my way to the fragrant harbour. It was meant to be a 6-8 week Summer trip but I’m still on site 3+ years later. Music and sport– in my mind– decimate our predispositions for each other as humans and unite us as one as we should be.
As the founder of Rize Records & WeLoveThisCity, what career advice would you offer to young entrepreneurs? Take full responsibility for every failure. Irrespective of the business venture undertaken– it will ultimately be both far more challenging than you ever anticipated. Fortunately, the taste of success is also sweeter and more fulfilling than you ever imagined. Believe in yourself, your vision and your team, it’s not over till you win
What does Hong Kong mean to you and why do you love this city? Hong Kong is unique in so many ways. I guess– for me– it’s the diversity of the people combined with the the harmonious coexistence of both natural and urban scenery. It’s rare to have a city filled with people from all over the world surrounded by mountains and the ocean. As a people, we have also been incredibly vocal in our love for culture. For one, it can be seen in the widespread appeal of Afro or Latin themed music.
What inspired you to get into the music and events industry? How do you see culture playing a role in the music industry? I was fed up with the barriers to entry for new comers in the industry. I don’t allow others to define my skillset or success. I take full responsibility to lead myself and those who trust me to victory. Currently, we are making our way there. The question now being asked is what do we consider as a win? For me, it’s a continued expansion of WeLoveThisCity with international shows. From Cape Town to Lagos, Mykonos, Tulum, Berlin and beyond. Secondly, I want to create a platform and a path for Artists to reach their greatest potential.
CHINESE STUDENT ASSOCIATION Northeastern University in Boston
"The Chinese Student Association is an organization on Northeastern's Boston Campus that aims to create a safe space for undergraduate students interested in Chinese and Chinese-American culture. If you've ever been to one of our events, you have probably heard us say that we're 'not Chinese exclusive, but rather Chinese inclusive,' which means that you don't have to be Chinese to join our club— contrary to popular belief. Our overarching goal as an organization is to create a community where people turn to celebrate themselves and find a family away from home. We try and do this through general meetings, programs, and gala-style events that celebrate prominent Chinese holidays and incorporate aspects of Chinese culture people might have experienced growing up. We welcome anybody, and to be considered a member, you just have to show up to our events and say hello” -Johanna Zhao, President
FINDING A SENSE OF COMFORT WITHIN MY CULTURE "Although I had been surrounded by Chinese fashion as a natural extension of growing up with Chinese culture, I had never really understood the beauty of it until my senior year of high school. Going back, I distinctly remember my freshman year of high school when we had a "culture day", and I came dressed up in my traditional Chinese vest. However, I realized that a majority of people in my school chose to not dress up, making
me feel left out and harboring more negative feelings about representing my culture through clothing. Come senior year, I chose to do a project on studying historical figures and creating a modern character design, something that is commonly done in modern films that show historical figures. Through studying specifically Empress Wu Zetian, the first female empress of China, I came to understand the hierarchical fashions of the Tang dynasty and was able to infuse regal elements of a headpiece, an elegant hanfu, and golden nail guards in my final design. The background research I did in this project made me realize how varying Chinese fashion is and how it has developed into the modern day with more of an inclusion of contemporary twists. In my freshman year of college, I became more comfortable with my culture through CSA, and I was able to wear the same traditional vest as I did that one culture day in high school during the annual Lunar New Year Gala."
Model Edelle Mariano
Photographer Erique Brown & YK
Stylist Brenda Tham
EDITOR’S NOTE
Embracing Cultures through the lens of fashion holds a dear place in my heart as I continue to embark on my journey in life. A few years ago, I was confused and conflicted with my identity. I was raised from a traditional Chinese household but went to an international school and now study at an American university. I was battling with finding a sense of belonging in the city I grew up in. With fashion grounding me in feeling more confident about myself, I took the leap to discover and learn more about my culture and now embrace the personal connection I found for my home and fashion. Though there are times where setbacks may occur, my experiences and surroundings have inspired me to start breakthrough conversations on how culture and fashion can be intertwined while bridging individuals together to celebrate the beauty of culture & fashion. When the first issue, “Redefining Love” launched, I never thought how far the magazine would come and I’m so grateful for the community we are building. As Editor in Chief, I hope Terms and Conditions can continue to serve as a place for more conversations to take place in the creative world while spreading kindness and support to one another. I’m so proud of our growing team and thankful for everyone who has been extremely supportive. I hope you enjoy this issue as much I did planning it out.
NOTES FROM OUR CREATIVE TEAM JUSTIN SIN Hi, I’m Justin, Head of Writers. I was born and raised in Hong Kong but studied at an international school and then university in London. As such, I was lucky enough to be exposed to a unique blend of Western and Eastern values. Fashion is a big part of my self-confidence; I feel the changes in my fashion sense reflect my personal growth. Compared to the past, when I made no effort at how I appeared, less because I believed I was insusceptible to fashion trends and more because I had no idea how to be fashionable. Since then, I have tried to find myself and adhere to clothing that represents me. Now, fashion is a unique way to express my third culture background and personal media consumption as I attempt to mimic the styles I find most inspiring in the movies and shows I watch. For example, I sometimes blend traditional martial arts clothing styles with indie fashion. As such, it was a pleasure to edit these issues, which focus on how other aspects of culture have shaped some of our writers’ views on fashion. Photo Credit Ryan Tan
BRENDA THAM Hi! I’m Brenda Tham and I’m Head of Creative for Terms & Co. I’m from Malaysia and moved to the UK for uni and you could say I rediscovered my culture through being in the UK. I realized the importance of culture and heritage and most importantly to me the way fashion ties into cultural identity. I’m ethnically Chinese and the Qipao is one of the most well known pieces of clothing that is traditionally Chinese, I wanted to explore how the traditional style intersects with how Chinese women/girls are styling the Qipao today. That’s why it was such a pleasure to create a shoot showcasing and exploring the Qipao.
Photo Credit: Brenda Tham
ERIQUE BROWN Erique Brown is a London based photographer who loves to create abstract portrait that invokes different feelings for the world to see. He also loves films and watching sunsets on hills.
Photo Credit: Charlotte Pang
SECTOR 8
T H E
T E A M
Pavi Neelagiri
Yiu Kwok Wong ( YK)
Nasheya Perach
Derek Wong
Head of Events & Writer
Photographer
Writer
Writer
C O N T R I B U T O R S
Rose Darsi Stylist
Sam Wong
Fisherman Bill
Designer
Photographer
IG: rosedarsi_stylist IG: rosemary_model
Declan Rhys Sidey
Akash Deep Gill
Entrepreneur
Entrepreneur