This weeks GLAMAMAMAS have great hair! Yes indeed, I’ve seen them in the middle of the day shuttling their kids from A to B, taking glamour to the next level and even keeping super chic salon ready curls on the slopes of Whistler or Niseko in sub-zero temperatures. Viola Chen- Cheong and Vanessa Chen-Kwan are always impeccably turned out.
Viola is every bit a stylish woman who takes elegant risks on a daily basis, whilst Vanessa is often “cinched” showcasing her minute waist and always adds a dash of colour to her fashion repetoire. On the day of our interview, I was greeted warmly by the fashionable Chen sisters.
Viola in Dolce & Gabbana black lace dress that was bonded to jersey, with white lace trim, paired with three Nyphemberg necklaces, was the image of a chic yet understated woman. Meanwhile Vanessa, (whose waist is minuscule by the way) wore a black and gold JC de Castelbajac tribal print dress with a stunning Caroline Dezman necklace.
But don’t let their different styles fool you. These two are partners in every sense of the word. Along with the third partner, childhood friend Jane Chao-Lee, their company Scipian, imports jewellery and affordable luxury with a twist, to Hong Kong.
Viola Chen-Cheong, Vanessa Chen-Kwan and Jane Chao-Lee on the steps of Galerie Huit
Both Vanessa and Viola ventured into this new company at the suggestion of Jane, and since then they have held exclusive trunk shows for contemporary jewellery brands such as Nyphemburg by Patrick Muff, Jewellery by artisan Carolina Dezman and Jewellery by Patrick Muff. When asked about the obstacles of their partnership, the sisters are united in their objectives. One of the main reasons could be that, not only are Vanessa and Viola twin sisters, but Jane is also longtime friend, and the bonds between the two families started when their fathers were business partners together, and hence the legacy between the two families continues.
Nyphemburg by Patrick Muff
A life of glamour is not always an easy ride. All three partners take on a very hands-on role to ensure every aspect of each exhibition is perfect. “When we held the Carolina Dezman exhibition, we knew that we needed to “hang” the jewellery since each piece is a work of art,” explained Viola. “We sourced some mannequin busts from Mongkok and brought them back to Galerie Huit,” said Vanessa. “It was then that we realised that we couldn’t just use them as is, so each one of us took some home to paint!” Instead of sending these “props” out to be painted the ladies decided to make it an art project at home. The end result was artistic and creative.
Jewellery by Carolina Dezman
Aside from the glamorous world of luxury and art, these glamamamas are dedicated super moms in every way. But both will readily admit that being able to pursue this path was wholly due to the support of the family and friends.
Viola with her two daughters and husband Bernard in Whistler “13
Vanessa and her husband Michael, with their two children (Whistler ’13)
Daddy’s girls always
The Kwans
The Cheongs
Vanessa and Viola with childhood friends who they also consider “family”
Scipian will be hosting an exhibition of Patrick Muff’s Private Collection from March 12-14, 2013 at Galerie Huit, 8 St Francis Street, Wanchai. The artist will also be there. So hurry all
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