京剧大师周信芳之子: Mr Chow老板周英华

他就是Mr Chow的周英华

作者：Christina Ohly Evans 编译：FT中文网实习生 陈亦珈

 

 

 

 他是京剧大师周信芳之子，而今以伦敦“Mr Chow”餐厅老板的身份为人熟知。他同时也是被时尚圈追捧的潮流制造者。他有怎样的生活方式？ 

我的个性风格：最有代表性的就是Cutler and Gross的这幅圆形眼镜。我这样打扮已有15年，它让我看上去像是贝聿铭那样的建筑师。www.cutlerandgross.com上的售价为299英镑。

 最近购买的喜爱之物：是Peter Blake的一副微型肖像油画，画布上是个年轻女孩儿，我在佳士得拍卖会上拍到的，它在我的众多收藏中占有很特殊的地位。 

下一个准备购买的：是新推出的爱马仕卷尺。它体积小，由皮革制成，且设计得非常漂亮。www.hermes.com上的售价为285英镑

 新“发现”：是位于洛杉矶的一家日本小餐馆Nishimura，它坐落在太平洋设计中心附近一处静谧的小花园中，对我来说这完全是一次意外的邂逅。那里只提供寿司，非常美味。 

引发我灵感的地方：是孟加拉国达卡的国民议会厅。这幢雄伟的建筑建造在水面上，其规模令人惊叹。另一个给我灵感的地方是建筑大师勒柯布西耶（Le Corbusier）设计的朗香教堂，位于法国东部的上索恩地区的一座小山上。高迪设计的米拉公寓也很有启发性，它位于巴塞罗那。

 送出的最好的礼物：当属埃米尔•雅克•鲁尔曼于1920年设计的Cla-Cla书桌，这是我在DeLorenzo画廊为我的妻子Eva购买的。在我看来，鲁尔曼永远是世界上最伟大的家具设计师，我过去常常收藏他的作品。 

收到过的最好的礼物：是我女儿China送给我的生日礼物，一条爱马仕桌布，由毛毡和皮革制成，它与起居室里的Jean Dunand漆木桌非常相配。

 我的冰箱里经常储藏着：什锦蔬菜色拉和一瓶库克香槟，这在我看来是很棒的奢侈品。冰箱里面还会有很多做早餐的食材，包括鸡蛋和切达芝士，它们用来制作我每天都吃的鸡蛋卷。 

我床头柜上放的书：大部分是关于艺术的。我最近在读的是《卢齐欧•封塔纳：艺术家的素材》（Lucio Fontana: The Artist’s Materials），书中介绍了很多这位阿根廷画家的作品。还有一些书是关于法国艺术家伊夫•克莱因的，譬如《伊夫•克莱因：空洞、饱满的能量》（Yves Klein: With the Void, Full Powers）。

 我最近购买的唱片：是《马友友和莫里康尼的电影情缘》（Yo-Yo Ma Plays Ennio Morricone）。意大利导演赛尔乔•莱翁内的大部分电影都是由莫里康尼谱曲的，而我则是他的超级粉丝。 

我永远不会扔掉的：是齐白石的一副水墨画，我认为他是20世纪最伟大的艺术家。我的父亲周信芳，曾是一名京剧演员，齐白石创作了这幅《六鱼》，以纪念他登上舞台50周年。这幅水墨画和画上的题字，对我有特殊意义。

 过去一年中去过的难以忘怀的地方：是瑞士的巴塞尔。这是一座美丽的城市，将当代文化与历史建筑融为一体。从富丽堂皇的酒店，到便捷的有轨电车，我都很喜欢，它们让我想到上海。我最喜欢位于近郊的拜尔勒基金会博物馆，这是由意大利建筑大师伦佐•皮亚诺设计的，从窗外望去，能看到连绵起伏的山脉。那里收藏了许多艺术品，包括卡尔德、克利和莫奈的作品。同时，巴塞尔很适合徒步探索，这和我在洛杉矶的生活不太一样。

 
我一直使用的护肤品：是韩国品牌雪花秀的男士精养细肤水和精养乳液。我对于洗发水和肥皂的品牌并不在意，反而对肥皂的形状和尺寸更感兴趣。美学对我来说很重要。在网站us.sulwhasoo.com上，雪花秀男士精养细肤水售价60英镑，精养乳液售价50英镑。 

我的时尚偶像：是已故演员加里•库柏（Gary Cooper）。他已超越了“优雅”所能诠释的一切，女士们都爱他，他的风格永不会过时。但他的感性、他走路的姿势和他看待自己的方式，却与今日格格不入。

 家中我最喜欢的一个房间：是“金屋”。金子或许低俗，但我并没有把它们放在客厅里，没有和Peter Blake的油画、我收藏的雕塑艺术品和令人惊艳的Murano枝形吊灯放在一起。“金屋”是收藏珠宝的地方，空间大，功能齐全，且非常便捷。 

上一顿让我印象深刻的正餐：是在纽约的Balthazar餐厅。我最近去那儿吃了次晚餐，餐厅的人气很高，热闹但不拥挤。菜单不是很厚，但每一道菜都非常美味。我们吃了海鲜和牛排薯条，非常普通的食物，但很美味，且让人有种怀旧的感觉。

 我永远不会放弃的爱好：是扑克游戏。我认为艺术和扑克有许多相近之处：两者都有高潮期和低谷期，都在锻炼大脑。扑克要求人在很短时间内做出决定，我喜欢这种自己和自己对抗的游戏。 

如果可能的话，我会收藏的作品：是达•芬奇的。他作品的美感和深度，是其他任何艺术家都无法企及的。

 我最近添置的一件衣物：是六条颜色各异的灯芯绒裤子，均由巴黎爱马仕为我量身定做。不过可能这些颜色不太适合我。 

我的个人造型：鞋子是由George Cleverley鞋店定制的，头发是由比佛利山庄的小约翰理发店打理的。这家低调的理发店历史悠久，几乎所有的好莱坞明显都会去那儿。

 我最喜欢的网站是：YouTube。我是一个喜欢视觉艺术的人，喜欢在纸上阅读，我有些古板，并不精通电脑。不过，我一直保持着年轻的心态。 

如果我只能在一个城市的一个街区购物：我会选择罗马的西班牙台阶。从Hassler酒店出发，我喜欢逛Condotti大街上的时装店，那里有Gucci。Gagosian画廊也是个好选择，就在Veneto大街附近。这个区域是罗马的“心脏”，只是想想它就让我开心。

 我买回家最好的纪念品：是我在上海找到的一块瓦片。我十几岁时就离开了上海，这块有历史味道的瓦片对我有着独特的意义。这块瓦片的形状和颜色都很美，我觉得它是一件绝佳的雕塑艺术品。 

如果我不住在洛杉矶，我会选择住在：香港。我喜欢那个城市，气候适宜，还可以吃到地球上最美味的食物，并且什么都能找到。我喜欢半岛酒店和它的下午茶，能让我有些怀旧。我喜欢住在太平山顶，那里的风景很美。

 如果我不是从事现在的职业：我希望成为一名指挥家。我喜欢创作音乐时的纯粹和完美，也喜欢排练时的彼此合作。我希望成为托斯卡尼尼那样的指挥家，不过是以另外一种方式。 

（本文根据FT旗下奢侈品杂志《如何消费》（How To Spend It）2012年11月刊文章 “Mr Chow talks personal style”编译。更多文章，请登陆 www.howtospendit.com）

Mr Chow talks personal style: Part One

Founder of his eponymous London restaurant, Mr Chow has overseen a global expansion that includes outposts in New York, Miami and LA
December 03 2012
Christina Ohly Evans

My personal style signifier is my pair of Mr Chow Spectacles by Cutler and Gross. They are based on the style worn by architects such as IM Pei, and I have worn them for more than 15 years now. From £299; www.cutlerandgross.com.

The last thing I bought and loved was a miniature oil portrait by Peter Blake, a canvas depicting a young girl, which I bought at Christie’s. It has a very special place in my collection. www.christies.com.

And the thing I’m eyeing next is a new tape measure by Hermès, to replace my old one. I carry this small, beautifully made leather measure with me wherever I go. £285; www.hermes.com.

A recent “find” is the tiny Japanese restaurant Nishimura in Los Angeles. It is located in a serene little garden near the Pacific Design Center and was a completely unexpected surprise. They only serve sushi there, and it is delicious. 8684 Melrose Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90069 ([phone]).

The site that inspires me is Louis Kahn’s National Assembly Building in Dhaka, Bangladesh. This majestic parliamentary building is set on the water, and the scale is breathtaking. Also inspirational to me are the chapel of Notre Dame du Haut – or “Ronchamp” – by Le Corbusier, and Gaudi’s Casa Milà in Barcelona.

The best gift I’ve given recently is a 1920s Cla-Cla reading table by Emile-Jacques Ruhlmann, which I bought at DeLorenzo Gallery for my wife, Eva. I consider Ruhlmann to be the greatest furniture designer of all time and I used to collect his work extensively. 956 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10021 ([phone]; www.delorenzogallery.com).

And the best one I’ve received is a felt and leather Hermès throw that was given to me by my daughter, China, as a birthday gift. It fits beautifully over the top of a Jean Dunand lacquered table in my sitting room. www.hermes.com.

In my fridge you’ll always find assorted crudités, as well as a bottle of Krug champagne, which I regard as a great luxury. There is also a selection of ingredients for making breakfast, including eggs and Cheddar cheese for the egg-white omelettes I eat every day. www.krug.com.

The books on my bedside table are primarily about art. I am currently reading Lucio Fontana: The Artist’s Materials, about the work of this Argentine artist, and several books about Yves Klein, including Yves Klein: With the Void, Full Powers.

The last music I bought was the CD Yo-Yo Ma Plays Ennio Morricone. Morricone wrote the scores for nearly all of Sergio Leone’s movies, and I’m a big fan of his work. www.enniomorricone.it. www.yo-yoma.com.

An object I would never part with is an ink painting by the man I consider to be the greatest artist of the 20th century, Qi Baishi. My father was a Beijing opera actor and Qi Baishi created this “six fishes” work as a celebration of his 50 years on stage. This artwork and its inscription are incredibly special to me.

An unforgettable place I’ve travelled to in the past year is Basel, a wonderful city that mixes historical architecture with contemporary culture. I loved everything from its grand hotels to the efficient tram system, which reminds me of Shanghai. Among my highlights was the Renzo Piano-designed Beyeler Foundation that’s just outside the city, looking out over rolling hills. It features an incredible collection of works by Calder, Klee and Monet. Most of all, though, I like that this is a city best explored on foot, which makes for a nice change from life in Los Angeles. Baselstrasse 101, CH-4125 Riehen, Basel ([phone]; www.fondationbeyeler.ch).

The grooming staples I’m never without are Sulwhasoo’s Essential Skin Refiner and Moisturizing Fluid. I am not particular about shampoos or soaps, although I do think that the shape and size of a bar of soap matters. Aesthetics are very important to me. Essential Skin Refiner, $60, and Moisturizing Fluid, $50; us.sulwhasoo.com.

My style icon is the late actor Gary Cooper. He was beyond elegant, women loved him and his style was eternal. His sensibility, his walk and the way he carried himself are unmatched to this day.

My favourite room in my house is the “gold room”. Gold is typically vulgar, but it isn’t in this sitting room, which contains paintings by Peter Blake, sculptures and an original Murano chandelier that is quite spectacular. This space is a jewel within my house, and it is big, functional, and very well used.

The last meal that truly impressed me was at Balthazar in New York. I went for dinner recently and the restaurant was incredibly lively, and the mix of people was just right. The menu isn’t huge but they do everything so well. We had fruits de mer and steak frites – simple food, but very nostalgic and delicious. 80 Spring Street, New York, NY 10012 ([phone]; www.balthazarny.com).

An indulgence I would never forego is the game of poker. I think art and poker have a lot in common: you get certain highs and lows from both, and they each force you to exercise your mind. Poker requires split-second decision-making, and I like that you play against yourself.

The one artist whose work I would collect if I could is Leonardo da Vinci. The depth and beauty of his creations is simply apart from everyone else.  

The last items of clothing I added to my wardrobe were six pairs of corduroy trousers in various colours that were custom-made for me by Hermès in Paris. All of those colours might have been a mistake... 24 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, 75008 Paris ([phone]; www.hermes.com).

The people I rely on for personal grooming and style are Little Joe’s in Beverly Hills for my haircuts – his modest barbershop has a lot of history to it and all of Hollywood goes to him – and George Cleverley for my bespoke shoes. George Cleverley, 13 The Royal Arcade, 28 Old Bond Street, London W1 (020-7493 0443; www.gjcleverley.co.uk). Little Joe’s, 9602 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90210 ([phone]).

My favourite website is YouTube, which I like to look at because I am a very visual person. I prefer to read things in print, as I’m ancient and not well versed in computers. I am, however, young in spirit. www.youtube.com.

If I had to limit my shopping to one neighbourhood in one city, I’d choose the area surrounding the Spanish Steps in Rome. After setting off from the Hassler Hotel, I like to shop on the Via Condotti at boutiques such as Gucci. The Gagosian Gallery there is also wonderful, as is the Via Veneto nearby. This area is the heart of Rome and it makes me happy just thinking about it. Gagosian Gallery, Via Francesco Crispi 16, 00187 Rome ([phone]; www.gagosian.com). Gucci, Via Condotti 8, 00187 Rome ([phone]; www.gucci.com). Hotel Hassler Roma, Piazza della Trinità dei Monti, 00187 Rome ([phone]; www.hotelhasslerroma.com).

The best souvenir I’ve brought home is a roof tile that I found in Shanghai. I left China as a young teen so, for me, this historical tile is very personal. I consider it a powerful piece of sculpture, as it has a beautiful shape and colour.

If I didn’t live in Los Angeles, the city I would live in is Hong Kong. I just love the idea of it: the weather is great, you can eat the best food on earth and it has literally everything to offer. I like the Peninsula Hotel because it feels nostalgic, with its afternoon tea. I would love to live in The Peak area for the incredible views. Peninsula Hotel, Salisbury Road, Kowloon, Hong Kong ([phone]; www.peninsula.com).

If I weren’t doing what I do, I would be a conductor, as I like both the precision of creating music of pure, perfect moments and the idea of rehearsals and collaboration. I would like to be Toscanini, but in a new way.