STYLE | [OOTD] Urban Wanderlust

On me: t-shirt asos | shorts asos | watch Daniel Wellington | messenger bag ro Bags | shoes gram

Rooftopping has been on my to-do list for quite some time already. With over 2,354 buildings, Hong Kong surpasses even the tallest of cities including NYC and Tokyo. With that in mind, it's a terrible waste not to explore the city from this perspective, whether it's at a rooftop party or a quick respite from the hustle and bustle of the streets. Your feet dangle over the ledge – a breathtaking precipice that’s both thrilling and cathartic. The twinkling lights of Victoria Harbour unfolds itself like a private light show and you – small and insignificant – sit amidst the dense concrete jungle that envelops your peripheral vision. Overcrowded and mildly claustrophobic, this stunning metropolis remains to be one of the most magnificent places to live in.

Photo credits to Emily Cheng

It's hard to imagine what my friend Emily had to go through leaving the city she grew up with. Having studied here all my life, I've yet to experience such a monumental change. It's interesting to note that despite my time in this city, there are still many parts of Hong Kong that I haven't explored e.g. the Sai Kung waterfalls that have probably been visited by every expat, exchange/ international student in town. Now that summer's coming to a close, many are leaving for college abroad and it's finally starting to dawn on me that people are bound to leave in such a transient city. Which leaves me thinking, when will it be my turn?

While I don't see myself leaving anytime soon, I'll have to do what Charlotte at Sassy Hong Kong has done if I ever leave my hometown - make a bucket list. A photoshoot in every district of Hong Kong perhaps? Sounds ambitious but it's not a bad way of discovering hidden gems along the way. Having shot a numerous amount of OOTDs, carrying the right gear is just as important as getting the right shot.

Without a doubt, a DSLR with a 50mm lens is a definite must-have. A laptop also comes in handy if you want to edit on location. With such important, albeit expensive, equipment, you'll undoubtedly need a bag to carry it all. Backpacks have been all the rage this summer but I feel it's about time I transition into something more sophisticated for the coming season. Which leads me to the New York City-based ro messenger bag that miraculously transforms itself into a carry-all. A modern take on the classic tote bag, this seasonless essential crafted from waxed cotton canvas and vegetable tanned havana bridle leather is a welcome addition to any gentleman's wardrobe. It's practicality doesn't stop at its clever transformation, with multiple interior pockets for your wallet and even a small opening at the front to hold your sunglasses.

gram's camouflage boots are also one of my essential pieces for trekking around town - comfort, style and durability all in one package. Whether it be hiking up a roof or exploring the streets of Hong Kong, these trusty boots are my pick for capturing street style on the cobbled Pottinger Street. What will your outfit be?

Be sure to stay tuned for more art and style news coming this September!