From modeling agency to publication and opera singing and now the appointed Creative Director for the venerable House of Amouage has an air of destiny about it, Chong believes in things that happens for a reason as though his fascinating and varied life to date has all been aimed at preparing himself for the task. Adopting an artistic approach and using music as his inspiration, Chong expresses his vision through a series of narratives and is accredited with the creative transformation of the House where his role is part creative and part executive. The pragmatic and jack of all trades Chong talks to mylifestylenews of his latest fragrance creation <Beloved> for men from Amouage and exclusively sold in Lane Crawford during his home coming short visit......
I was brought up in the Lower East Side of Manhattan and my family was originally from Hong Kong.
I have always been fascinated with luxury goods, even when I was a child I was very much enthralled with the great department stores on Madison and Fifth Avenue and I even built tree-houses in the local playgrounds and parks. I love all beautiful and luxury things in life.
I started my own modeling agency dealing mainly with fashion editorial to support my first first degree in Comparative Literature from Fordham University and doing modelling myself simultaneously.
I moved to London to pursue a Master of Arts in Literature, Languages and European Thought. Upon graduation, I conducted research on Roland Barthes, semiotics of fashion and the economic representation of post-war fashion as a sub-culture phenomenon with a strong focus on Dior.
At the same time, I took a number of courses at the prestigious London College of Fashion, specializing in design, pattern-making, draping, buying and marketing.
I was then commenced an operatic training as Lyric Baritone during this time through private tuition for ten years. Working with some of the world’s leading opera teachers and coaches, I participated in many international opera competitions and festivals.
Prior to my appointment at Amouage, I was also the Business and Product Development Manager for a leading British weekly magazine for a number of years.
Today, I have still yet to renounce my operatic training completely, I now ‘sings’ various song cycles through other mediums and especially as the Creative Director of the House of Amouage and this marking a new chapter in his life.
I could not fulfill my responsibilities at Amouage without my chequered past, especially music.
I am now based in London and visits to the Sultanate of Oman frequently to draw inspiration from Amouage’s birthplace and infuses reference points from its rich heritage in his extraordinary and truly original creations.
We work directly with the leading perfumers in Grasse in the South of France to create new fragrances in addition to developing new product categories.
Perfume is about articulating the different colors of emotions and personal history. It is all about the present reconciling with the past. It is more than just beautiful scents. It is a philosophy, a representation of life, living, who we are and how we want to define ourselves.
<Beloved> is a woody Oriental fragrance with top notes of spicy Black Pepper and Cardamom intensified with opulent floral notes in the heart.
The inspirations partly came from one of Christopher Reeve's 1980 movies <Somewhere in Time> where the richness of love and romantic affairs were captivated. The charming, witty, passionate romance about love transcending space and time.
Everyone has a remembrance of a loved one. This intimate fragrance with its selection of rich woods and resins in the base enrapture the wearer in a comforting sensation of warmth that these treasured memories bring.
On the executive level, I am also involved in executive decisions about all other creative aspects of the company’s operations including those relating to marketing, PR, design and production.
My career is somewhat unconventional, more like a quilt with various diverse pieces sewn together in unexpected ways.
My favorite possession is jade. I simply like the mythology believe in its protection against evil.
"Happiness is my ideal way of a living lifestyle". ~ Christopher Chong.
* Special thanks to Frement PR @ the interview arrangement.
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