Feng Shui Master Thierry Chow Talks Her New CNY Collab With Fortnum & Mason

In this exclusive interview with Tatler, Hong Kong feng shui master Thierry Chow delves into her new collaboration with Fortnum & Mason for Chinese New Year 2022

It’s a rare talent to master feng shui and modernise the centuries-old practice that punches up people’s perception of Chinese culture into something more significant or interesting than it first seemed. Hong Kong feng shui master Thierry Chow possesses that talent—and her innovative approach to applying feng shui concepts through fashion is certainly a compelling one, as evident in her own lifestyle brand Thierry Go Lucky.

Constantly toeing the line between the modern and traditional, Thierry, also known as the daughter and apprentice of legendary feng shui expert Mr. Chow Hon Ming, has a knack for transforming spaces into surroundings that are full of comfort, character and good energy. While Thierry has long been credited for finding unique ways to incorporate feng shui into interiors, she also manages to impress the fashion world with her impeccable sartorial sense, show off great looks, and develop close creative relationships with leading brands including Kenzo, Lane Crawford and Maison Michel.

This Chinese New Year, Thierry and her father are joining hands with Fortnum & Mason—the British heritage brand that’s known for its luxury teas and hampers—to present a festive collection of gift boxes featuring auspicious designs inspired by feng shui principles. Ahead of the festive season, Tatler sits down with Thierry to talk about the story behind the project and what she enjoyed the most about collaborating with the brand.

Above Photo: Courtesy of Fortnum & Mason

How did the collaboration with Fortnum & Mason come about? 

I’ve collaborated with Fortnum & Mason before and it’s always been a joyful and rewarding experience working with them. This year, we wanted to collaborate again and thought it would be fun to have my father Master Chow involved in the project. The best thing about working as a group is that we can exchange ideas from different perspectives to bring the gift boxes to life.

The project also marks your first collaboration with your father Chow Hon-ming since launching your career as a feng shui master. What was it like working with him? 

I loved it, I really enjoyed collaborating with my father. Together we make a great team, and the project gave me an opportunity to spend more time with him. As I grow older, I realise the importance of family and maintaining relationships with loved ones, so this collaboration really means a lot to me. It was a memorable experience that I got to connect with him.

Don't miss: Tatler’s Feng Shui Guide to the Year of the Tiger

Above Photo: Courtesy of Fortnum & Mason

You mentioned the project is particularly meaningful as it’s a blend of East and West, which combines traditional Chinese philosophy with the British heritage Fortnum & Mason embodies. Can you walk us through the creative process? What makes it so special and different from your previous collaborations with other luxury brands?

It’s been super interesting for me to blend traditional feng shui principles with Fortnum & Mason’s British identity in the design process.

To curate the gift boxes, which span across four different themes: Love, Health, Friendship and Career, we handpicked items from Fortnum & Mason’s extensive collection delicacies by observing everything from the package design to product ingredients, with the idea of bringing positive energy, fortune and happiness to everyone who receives the box.

This collaboration was also particularly special because it was done with my father. I learned a lot by observing the way how he took a traditional feng shui approach when designing the boxes.

Can you tell us about the feng shui concepts applied in designing the gift boxes?

We incorporated the feng shui philosophy of five elements: metal, wood, water, fire, and earth into the designs. Different colours have been selected to symbolise the elements, with each hue carrying special significance and varied meanings that correspond to the element.

Each gift box from the collection was carefully curated by combining my father’s traditional feng shui perspective with my modern practices. He picked the items for the boxes with traditional Chinese aesthetics in mind—think jade and bright, auspicious hues such as red and purple. On the other hand, I thought about how I can apply modern feng shui concepts into the boxes, for example, ensuring the packaging design of the products matches well with colours to make the gifts look and feel as auspicious as possible.

Don't miss: Chinese New Year 2022: 11 Best Hong Kong Afternoon Teas to Try

Photo 1 of 6 'Love' Gift Box (Photo: Courtesy of Fortnum & Mason)

Photo 2 of 6 'Health' Gift Box (Photo: Courtesy of Fortnum & Mason)

Photo 3 of 6 'Career' Gift Box (Photo: Courtesy of Fortnum & Mason)

Photo 4 of 6 'Friendship' Gift Box (Photo: Courtesy of Fortnum & Mason)

Photo 5 of 6 The Lunar New Year Gift Box (Photo: Courtesy of Fortnum & Mason)

Photo 6 of 6 The Lunar New Year Hamper (Photo: Courtesy of Fortnum & Mason)

What’s your favourite gift box in the collection and why?

My favourite gift box has to be the Fortnum & Mason Year of The Tiger Love gift box! Love is one of the most powerful energies in the universe, and I love the pink colour palette of the gift box. I mean, who doesn’t want to attract more love and positivity into their lives?

You’re known for your approach to modernising feng shui through fashion. Is there a specific message or feeling that you hope people take away from this collection?

I hope to create a change in people's mindset that there are many ways to interpret the concept of feng shui. It can be fun and applied in different situations, while being practical and useful in our daily lives.

How do you plan to celebrate Chinese New Year?

I plan to celebrate Chinese New Year with my family and my best friends, and I especially want to spoil my nephew as the naughty cool aunt this year!

Lastly, are you working on any exciting new projects?

There are a few projects in the pipeline at the moment, which all aims to spread my concept of demystifying feng shui and making it accessible to the young generation. When the timing is right, I will share more details—stay tuned!

NOW READ

Year of the Tiger: The Best Chinese New Year Puddings in Hong Kong 2022

The Best Poon Choi in Hong Kong for Chinese New Year 2022

The Best Luxury Hampers For Chinese New Year 2022

Topics

feng shui feng shui master thierry chow fortnum & mason chinese new year

Tatler Asia

Exclusive: Feng Shui Master Thierry Chow on Her CNY Collaboration With Fortnum & Mason