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PMQ Hong Kong: art studios, food & fashion. The Refinery, Aberdeen St Social.

hong kong design panda

Poor panda. Looks like he’s crying because I’m hugging him too hard!

Hong Kong’s contemporary design scene used to be scattered around the city. But now, there’s a massive glass building — PMQ in Central — that puts over 100 artists, fashion designers and chefs under one roof.

d*face pmq mural

PMQ’s industrial architecture and pop art mural (by artist D*face) are easy to find. The address: No.35 Aberdeen Street, Central, Hong Kong Island

PMQ 元創方

PMQ’s aim is to nurture young designers. Rent is high in Hong Kong, but this building gives them an affordable space to showcase their works. In return, the artists have an “open-door” policy to the public, meaning anyone is welcome to come in and even take photos.

duck print socks

PMQ opened in spring 2014, and already, most of the studios are occupied. My team and I love this creative hub so much that we visited three times.

elizabeth lau the refinery

Set aside at least a few hours to explore all the little shops and studios. If you’re short on time, I recommend heading straight to one of my favorites: The Refinery HK, a colorful and poppy fashion boutique. 

pancake fish shaped purse

Here, you’ll find unique quality accessories like pancake and taiyaki (fish waffle) bags. The Refinery HK carries various select brands, from both Hong Kong and worldwide designers.

pmq refinery fashion boutique

The boutique is curated by London designer Elizabeth Lau, who also has her own witty and playful fashion line.

hipster earrings

She had just gotten back from a buying trip to Paris Fashion Week. Every season, she hunts for creative pieces like the earrings above.

the refinery hong kong fashion

Elizabeth styled me in this outfit. Can’t get enough of the “Where’s Waldo” hat with a veil.

yellow ribbons hong kong protesters

In a city dominated by big brands, it’s a relief to see this spotlight on indie design. We saw yellow ribbons tied to the front of this jewelry shop, in support of the Occupy Hong Kong movement.

occupy hk yellow ribbon

John Skeleton wears one of these ribbons to support the student protesters. (Photos by me, Eric Bergemann and Melissa Rundle).

pmq building, architecture

You might have noticed that I wear this Shakuhachi dress a lot. The comfort and unique design make it an easy favorite. It’s from West LA Boutique; you can purchase this dress here

pmq green public space

PMQ stands for Police Married Quarters, since this was the previous incarnation of this site. Remnants of the historic building remain, such as an underground tunnel that show the old foundations.

shakuhachi future minimal dress

In urban Central, this courtyard is a welcome green space. The design is modern, while the Chinese bamboo adds a relaxing atmosphere.

chocolate rain pmq

I squished another panda at the Chocolate Rain studio and store in PMQ.

kawaii stores hong kong

As you’ve seen in my other travel guides to Hong Kong, “kawaii” cute design is big here. Chocolate Rain’s original mascots are on every imaginable piece of merchandise: toys, stationery, clothing, home goods.

cute toy store

The gallery space is all about interaction. Customers can take lessons on sewing, painting, doll-making, and more. The restaurant Eat & Play encourages fun with food, through cooking classes.

pmq artist design studios

How cool to see founder and designer, Prudence, painting designs right at the table.

sleepy bear statue

Chocolate Rain and I are currently taking part in a hotel decoration project in Hong Kong. Keep your eyes peeled for announcements, and maybe you can join us for the opening next year.

lotus necklace

PMQ’s artists work in different mediums, from bamboo to glass. Melissa got this unique lotus necklace in a Japanese ceramic studio.

rubber cat purses

If only I could show you photos from inside each store! I hope these visuals give you a sense of the fun, high-quality designs that you can find at PMQ.

aberdeen street social restaurant

The art hub is also home to several creative new restaurants. My friends and I were invited to brunch at Aberdeen Street Social. In the words of John Skeleton, “It’s the perfect place to have a relaxed meal, and take a break from the fast pace of Hong Kong city life.”

Jason Atherton restaurant hong kong

This is the latest venture of Michelin-starred British chef Jason Atherton, a protege of Gordon Ramsay. The restaurant concept encourages socialization, hence the name.

pmq restaurants, aberdeen st social

Two huge floors with outdoor terraces, set in a green garden — unheard of, in Hong Kong!

fresh pressed juices hong kong

We started with a trifecta of fresh fruit and vegetable juices.

lobster egg benedict

Atherton’s modern British cuisine takes the stuffiness out of fine dining. His brunch menu is a home-run of favorites, including the lobster benedict above.

avocado toast trend

John praises the “simple fare like the avocado on toast with poached eggs, to the amazing flatbreads featuring ingredients such as London cured smoked salmon, Iberico ham, and king oyster mushrooms.”

papadum unique cocktails

Save room for the house-made pastries, like the Sweet Social Cheesecake and Matcha Mascarpone (my personal favorite). And you can’t leave without trying at least one creative cocktail. I enjoyed the Indian-flavored cocktail with a papadum (above), and “What The Doctor Ordered,” served with a pill jar and prescription. 

hong kong brunch restaurants

I also ate at PMQ’s Chinese restaurant, Sohofama — here’s my review.

It’s obvious why PMQ is one of my favorite places to visit in Hong Kong. I’ll be back in HK soon for a new project and video… stay tuned for more!

SHARE & COMMENT

44 Comments

  1. Clement
    Posted February 5, 2015 at 11:05 pm | Permalink

    La Carmina は 綺麗ですね

  2. Agnes
    Posted February 5, 2015 at 11:06 pm | Permalink

    awesome! So glad you guys where able to meet up and spread the love to HK!

  3. Dzz
    Posted February 5, 2015 at 11:06 pm | Permalink

    I love your blog

    • lacarmina
      Posted February 6, 2015 at 1:19 am | Permalink
    • Jack Simpson
      Posted April 3, 2018 at 9:19 am | Permalink

      Absolutely. I also loved this blog post. PMQ is really offering space at very good price. Most beautiful parts of this post are eye-catching images. They’ve just stolen my heart, so smartly/beautifully clicked. Amazing!!

  4. Kelly Brito
    Posted February 6, 2015 at 12:41 pm | Permalink

    What a nice building! Prudence’s work is so adorable! And those hats with nets on top… so cool! Of course, the food looks divine too.

  5. Liana
    Posted February 6, 2015 at 9:21 pm | Permalink

    Awesome!

  6. natalie
    Posted February 6, 2015 at 9:21 pm | Permalink

    i like the huh? shirt ^__^

  7. Alex
    Posted February 6, 2015 at 9:22 pm | Permalink

    ම້ੁ͡ ૈ ˌ̫̮ ම້ੁ͡ ૈ✧

  8. Sen
    Posted February 6, 2015 at 9:22 pm | Permalink

    cute fashion (^з^)-☆

  9. Raja
    Posted February 6, 2015 at 9:52 pm | Permalink

    So good ..delicious ^-^

  10. Besty
    Posted February 6, 2015 at 10:32 pm | Permalink

    Gorgeous!!

  11. Fatima
    Posted February 6, 2015 at 10:35 pm | Permalink

    What a unique and inspiring style! :D

  12. Djalit
    Posted February 6, 2015 at 10:35 pm | Permalink

    Interesting and very nice :) keep it up

  13. Olivia Aimes
    Posted February 7, 2015 at 12:32 am | Permalink

    Everything is so cute!

    http://fridaynightstyle.com/

  14. abitina
    Posted February 7, 2015 at 4:17 am | Permalink

    amazing!

  15. MAYU
    Posted February 7, 2015 at 4:17 am | Permalink

    Kawaii♥

  16. NATAŠ
    Posted February 7, 2015 at 4:17 am | Permalink

    Love it :D

  17. GG's Pin-Up Couture
    Posted February 7, 2015 at 6:31 pm | Permalink

    Love this! Would love to visit one day <3

    • lacarmina
      Posted February 7, 2015 at 7:26 pm | Permalink

      It would be great if you could visit! There’s some amazing fashion here.

  18. Rose
    Posted February 7, 2015 at 11:11 pm | Permalink

    See you soon dear<3

  19. WW
    Posted February 7, 2015 at 11:11 pm | Permalink

    Welcome again!

  20. yukiro
    Posted February 9, 2015 at 6:18 am | Permalink

    wanna go back to HK :D

    • lacarmina
      Posted February 9, 2015 at 8:09 pm | Permalink

      I still have more pics from our trip to post!

      • yukiro
        Posted February 10, 2015 at 4:51 am | Permalink

        No way!! I cant believe I was only there for 2 days and we did soooo much :D

  21. Alexandria Web
    Posted February 9, 2015 at 10:05 pm | Permalink

    The Lotus necklace is so cool and unique!

    • lacarmina
      Posted February 12, 2015 at 1:48 am | Permalink

      Yes! It was inexpensive too. Melissa couldn’t resist getting it!

  22. Leah
    Posted February 9, 2015 at 10:22 pm | Permalink

    aww I want to join in

  23. Ali
    Posted February 9, 2015 at 10:26 pm | Permalink

    Cute..

  24. Hadie
    Posted February 9, 2015 at 10:26 pm | Permalink

    Oh, nice Zipfelmütze

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