Chris Ong: A Keeper of Living Heritage 古宅古物故人情

The light in Seven Terraces filters gently through antique shutters, casting patterns on blackwood furniture polished to a soft gleam. Porcelain kamchengs sit proudly on sideboards, their intricate designs hinting at stories of a bygone era. For Chris Ong, this isn’t just a hotel—it’s a living archive of Peranakan culture, a legacy he fears could fade without care. “Heritage isn’t just about things,” he says, his voice steady but reflective. “It’s about stories, traditions, people—that’s what keeps it alive.”

Design DialogueFête ChinoiseAugust 14, 2025design annual, malaysia, Collections, Heritage, heritageComment

Zoe Siu: Every Knot Tells a Story 繩實設計：蕭俞

Zoe Siu’s hands glide over vibrant ropes, twisting them into intricate forms that elevate both a humble material and an ancient craft into bold contemporary statements. From sculptural jewellery to large-scale installations, her creations breathe new life into the ancient art of Chinese knotting. Based in Hong Kong, Siu has built a reputation for transforming tradition into bold contemporary statements, connecting centuries-old craftsmanship with modern design.

Design DialogueFête ChinoiseJuly 30, 2025design annual, artists, artist, Chinese ArtistComment

Designing Love, at Mid-Autumn: Childhood Lanterns 愛的設計：點亮童年中秋燈籠

Leading the momentum of celebrating Mid-Autumn Festival in Canada in elevated style, the Fête Chinoise collectors’ edition mooncake tin from our Love at Mid-Autumn project created conversations and delight with families in Canada and in Asia last year. The illustrated pattern of Hong Kong’s phenomenal neon lights in 2024 was a huge favourite amongst Fête Chinoise readers and supporters, and sold out very quickly.

Design DialogueFête ChinoiseJuly 24, 2025design annual, Love at Mid-Autumn, MooncakesComment

Dining Diasporas 流徙滋味

Diaspora communities around the world allow for a richness of diversity to flourish. As different cultures of people leave one place and plant their roots in another, the sense of place, of the homeland, transplants through pursuits and stories of cuisine, design, and artifacts. In this chapter, cities and memories collide in London, Toronto and Hong Kong.

Design DialogueFête ChinoiseJuly 7, 2025restaurant, Restaurant, Hotel, Luxury Hotel, design annualComment

Fruit of the Ages How the Peach Became the Symbol for Longevity 壽桃物語

In Chinese culinary tradition, the Longevity Peach Bun (or Shoutao), holds a special place. Often found at birthday banquets for the elderly, this delightful treat is more than just a delicious dessert—it is a symbol of health, prosperity, and a long life. With its unique appearance and cultural significance, the symbolic bun continues to be a staple at celebrations as traditions are passed down generations of families in Asia and in diasporas around the world.

Design Dialogue, Food and LifestyleFête ChinoiseJanuary 3, 2025Weddings, chinesefood, celebration, Food, foodComment

The 12 Course Banquet: Traditional Chinese Wedding Menus 十全十美中式婚宴菜單

Chinese culture values symbolism. On important occasions like the wedding banquet, the ingredients used are chosen with care, and each dish carries different meanings. A typical Chinese wedding banquet menu includes either ten or twelve dishes, symbolizing "full and perfection" or implying that the couple will have happiness throughout the twelve months of the year. For this special feature, we invited Rovey Chinese Catering and Private Dining, to demonstrate twelve classic Chinese wedding banquet courses and introduce the meaning behind each dish.

Design Dialogue, Art and FashionFête ChinoiseDecember 19, 2024art, chinese, chinesefashion, fashion, Fashion, cheongsam, celebration, WeddingsComment

An Enduring Elegance: Kwan Kwa Tradition 欣賞裙褂

For generations, the Cantonese people of Hong Kong have upheld a unique tradition – the wearing of the exquisite Kwan Kwa, a traditional bridal ensemble consisting of a jacket and long skirt, for weddings. While not exclusive to the region, this elegant attire has been meticulously preserved and distinctly developed in Hong Kong, rendering it a cultural icon that embodies the city's rich heritage.

Design Dialogue, Art and FashionFête ChinoiseNovember 21, 2024art, chinese, chinesefashion, fashion, Fashion, cheongsam, celebration, WeddingsComment

Design Moments 從設計尋根

As the Year of the Dragon draws to a close, we take a moment to revisit some of the standout designs that captured the essence of the Dragon. From fashion and spirits to accessories and home décor, these creations have made a lasting impression. Which one is your favourite, and what are you most excited about as we welcome the Year of the Snake?

Design DialogueFête ChinoiseNovember 14, 2024art, chinese, Luxury, product design, design annual, Packaging DesignComment

Dragons and Power: The Origin and Evolution of the Dragon Motif in Chinese Art History 飛龍在天萬乘之尊：龍紋在中國藝術史中的起源與演變

For millennia, representations of dragons have been deeply ingrained in Chinese art across a variety of media. The dragon’s various depictions highlight its pivotal role as a representation of the divine, a symbol of imperial authority, and a dynamic force capable of warding off malevolent influences. Through its role as a benevolent deity, it’s believed to bring auspicious events, such as rainfall, and to foster life on earth.

Design DialogueFête ChinoiseNovember 7, 2024art, Luxury, chinese cultureComment

Cutting Through Tradition: Yang Shih-yi’s Intricate Paper Art 因捨而得的剪紙哲學

In a world where artists often boast about their exceptional and distinctive creations, Taiwanese paper-cutting artist Yang Shih-yi stands apart with his humility. Unlike many artists who speak loftily about their works, Yang describes himself as merely a storyteller, messenger, and servant to serve others' needs. He even goes as far as to say, “The arts might not even be significant.” His primary concern is whether his works will inspire a sense of joy and well-being in people.

Design DialogueFête ChinoiseOctober 31, 2024art, chinese, Taiwan, design annual, Installation Art, InstallationComment

Fastening Elegance: Royce Chau weaves creative flair into the traditional craft of floral button-making 綻放於衣裳上

The art of crafting handmade knotted floral buttons, a cherished Chinese tradition, often goes unnoticed by modern fashion enthusiasts. Adorning cheongsams and other garments, these buttons complement the chosen fabric and colour, serving as a small yet intricate detail in the time-consuming tailoring process of traditional Chinese dresses. Royce Chau knows this firsthand, having studied tailoring Chinese garments when she couldn't find a traditional Chinese outfit she liked while living in Singapore. Unable to find what she sought in numerous department stores, she resolved to learn how to make one herself.

Unfolding a Botanical Tapestry: Exploring the Intricate Design of Vancouver’s Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden 從中山公園看蘇州庭園之美

Vancouver’s Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden is one of a small number of what are known as traditional scholar’s gardens. When it opened 38 years ago, it was the first classical garden built outside China in the country’s most sophisticated style, which was developed centuries ago in the southern city of Suzhou.

Design DialogueFête ChinoiseOctober 4, 2024art, chinese, wallpaper, LuxuryComment