Dubbed the Fragrant Harbour from its historic agar-wood incense markets, Hong Kong has always been a city characterised by trade. Merchants and visitors from all around the world have streamed into its ports, resulting in a city of contradictions. East and West, tradition and modernity, mountain and sea. Incense-laden temples are just a short walk from futuristic shopping malls. And office workers descend from their pristine steel-framed skyscrapers, catching a glimpse of shimmering roast ducks hacked away by the local butchers. This is a city of infinite change and ambition. No further proof is needed than to look at M+, the city’s world-class museum and a cultural institution to rival other global cities. Amid this bubbling backdrop, MR PORTER spotlights five leading gents in business, design, creative and culinary circles, to get their take on this metropolis, and understand what the horizon holds.

Achieving critical success in the music and film industries simultaneously is no small feat, but Mr Juno Mak has managed to find that balance. As a singer, scriptwriter, actor and director, his career has provided onlookers with a firm idea of who he is. This was evident in _Rigor Mortis _(2013), his directorial debut, which veered into the dark and supernatural. Mak’s career highlights a man who is wholly determined. Whether it is a song or a film, he is fully intent on transforming the inkling of a creative idea into fully fleshed reality.

What makes a good story in a film?

I believe films should incorporate some element of fantasy. As a kid, when I went to the cinema, I wanted to fall into the world in front of me. Fantasy doesn’t have to mean a movie like Avatar, but I believe every story should feel like people coming together collectively to make a dream, a creative vision come true. It’s an approach that is different from other directors in the city that like to tackle topics grounded in real life.

What new projects are you working on?

I’ve recently finished a three-year project that involved releasing one new album per year. As the project was quite extensive and spanned 30 songs, I’m happy to explore other creative pursuits. One of them involves working on my recently launched fashion label. I’m also excited to get back on screen, and I’m working already on an early script.

Does Hong Kong give you creative inspiration?

For me, it’s not necessarily the city that gives me creative inspiration, but the details. I can get inspiration from a cigarette, or from my pet cats. Inspiration comes from life and where I am at any one point.

If you didn’t work in show business, what would you do?

It’s difficult to say, though I’d love to be an author because I love writing. Interestingly, as a kid, I used to think that I wanted to be librarian. Later on, my interests moved to comics. And I’ve also said before that I wouldn’t mind working in a bookstore. But honestly, I think whatever career I would have, it would have to be something creative.

Mr André Fu is one of Hong Kong’s leading architects, offering a new language of design for spaces in Hong Kong, Asia and beyond. He has overseen the creation of iconic hotel spaces and beautiful homes, showcasing a philosophy grounded in quiet consideration and refinement. Fu’s work takes a courageous and compelling approach to modern luxury, eschewing ostentation for timeless forms, subtle textures, and craftsmanship.

Hong Kong is a busy place. How do you find peace?

Interestingly enough, I find my inner peace whenever I am simply sketching with a pencil – it’s the moment when I am fully immersed in a world that connects my mind with what is being drawn on a sheet of paper. I enjoy that level of fulfilment and focus.

We heard that The Upper House recently named the penthouse suite after you. What’s that all about?

When The Upper House first opened 11 years ago, it was considered the antithesis of what typically defines an Asian luxury hotel. At the time, I attempted to infuse how I saw hospitality going forward into this property. Fifteen years later, I am still excited to evolve with the House as it has remained a key relationship for me throughout my career. The idea for the name was borne out of an informal conversation with the team at the hotel, and I’m grateful for it.

Which Hong Kong buildings inspire you most?

I am particularly drawn to the local cafés built in the 1970s and 1980s, most of them complete with mid-century furniture, contrasting mosaic tiles and metal ceiling fans. I am also drawn to the purist spaces at the newly opened M+ museum by Herzog & de Meuron, and also to the Kadoorie Estate, which is adorned with a vast collective of houses built between the 1950s to the present day.

Work and inspiration have brought you to so many parts of the world. What continually draws you back to Hong Kong?

I think it is the energy of the city that keeps bringing me back. I enjoy the eclectic aspect of Hong Kong – in particular, the way in which this city constantly reinvents itself. I am a firm believer in the future of the city, too.

In the 1970s and 1980s, Hong Kong was one of the world’s leaders for both toy design and manufacturing. Mr Michael Lau, who grew up during this boom, immersed himself within the local toy-making community, sourcing interesting models before eventually transforming the everyday objects into bona fide designer collectibles. Dubbed as the “godfather of designer toys”, Lau’s influence spans far and wide, touching street, hip-hop and skateboarding communities.

How did you become interested in toys?

I grew up in a family that ran a farm, so the only “toys” I had back then were nature and a soccer ball. Because of this, I learnt to be creative by building my own toys, dismantling different objects and putting them back together in different forms. Hong Kong was also a leader in terms of toy design and production, with samples and dead stock available for sale, so by the time I grew up and started earning money, I started investing in interesting pieces I could find.

Tell me about your most recent solo exhibition.

My exhibition, MAXX HEADROOM [2021], was held at WOAW Gallery. It was a passionate self-reflection, and a journey of maximum effort and fresh aspirations. It reexamined one of my career’s hero characters named MAXX from my Gardener series, and the show featured both new and older works and explored concepts of youth, passion and perseverance.