Christina's Anatomy : Hong Kong Freshly Brewed Blogs pt 1

Meet Brew and Post, the newest fashion-lifetyle blog network from Hong Kong.

“Hong Kong is funny. It's a great environment for everything, but only if you create it...Like Mexican food, it only took one or two bold individuals to start the trend.” introduced JJ. Acuna, Brew and Post's charismatic spokesperson in ArtInfo last year.

Comparisions to overpriced tacos aside, it's a bit surprising that as one of Asia's most liberal, digitally networked and progressive cities, the HK blogosphere is a relatively new phenomenon - unlike Weibo, the hybrid version of Twitter/Facebook China launched less than four years ago with more than 400 million users. Brew and Post is Asia's answer to Now Manifest, the six-strong global blog mafia which includes household names like Scandi-cool superblogger Elin Kling, Bryan Boy and Anna Dello Russo. Each 'tastemaker' is specifically chosen for their unique outlook on the everchanging cultural hubs in the Asia-Pacific. They're already making local media waves, collaborating in commercial projects with high profile brands like Club Monaco, Vans and ASOS.

Call me biased, but like everything else China touches, I reckon the rest of the world will probably soon want a piece of it. Check it out (feeling homesick as I speak). I guarantee it'll be the most up-to-date, eye-opening guide to South-East Asia you'll ever find.

Superwowomg's Denise knows how to stand out in black

Superwowomg

Despite the overexcited title, Singapore born Denise Lai's adventures will melt the hearts of even the most cycnical blogsnobs. Denise, who goes by the moniker D-NYCE Designs is a multi-talented graphics design graduate NY Pratt Institute. Her signature style? Oversized specs, striking black/Smurf-blue hair, funky trainers, a soft spot for biker jackets and cross necklaces. Superwowomg is where she showcases an array of creative talents, from gif-animation, digital photography and of course, design.

It's hard not to love a blogger who obviously loves fashion but isn't afraid to make a fool of herself. Check out her and follow Brew & Poster JJ. Acuna's stitch-inducing antics, including a Peking duck masterclass on a trip to Beijing. Back to fashion, Denise has interrogated designers, Balmain's Olivier Rousteing for his favourite ice cream flavour, as you do (it's bubblegum by the way). Little wonder Cole Haan, Forever 21, J Crew have fallen for her collaborative charms.

Expect fashion photography that's fun and fresh, figuratively and literally (Rocking those TOMS distressed slip-ons at a fruit and veg market, above) . But it's the endearing inclusion of friends, family, travel that bring her stories to life. Mischievous, childish, nutty yet unpretentiously cool, this is a real hoot of a blog.

Phi scuba creepers

No such thing as too much colour

I love you too China

A View from a Beijing rooftop with Jason of http://www.toughlove.hk/

theWanderlister+ Asia

JJ with legendary Chinese sculptor Yue Minjun

Launched in 2011 by architect, JJ.Acuna , aka the Wanderlister is a rare find that highlights HK arts and culture in accessible but knowledable way. Packed with contemporary art, design and fashion, it's quickly become one of the grand-daddies of the Asia blog scene. Apparently WGSN and Time Out HK are fans.

The travel guidefor the visually and culturally curious; it covers both the glossy and grass-root happenings of burgeoning Asia. I particularly recommend Tea Time With Shanghai Street Studios, a creative neighbourhood revival project by local artists Martin Cheung, a photographer and Micheal Leung designer/beekeeper (yes you heard me right) of HK Honey.

Shanghai Street is one of last remnants of 'Old HK', the kind of fetishized, neglected urban district where rustic residential buildings, brothels and authentic shopkeepers can still be found - despite the rapid redevelopment of the surrounding West Kowloon area. It is a invaluable time-capsule that reminisces of HK's 'mongrel-colonialism' heritage, the hustle and bustle of its glory days as HK's Oxford Street, and revealing the heartfelt, unique tales behind the community who are still call it home.

Sincerity and passion radiates from the Wanderlister, whether it's the uber-hip boutiques, design fairs like Manilla FAME, hotels to die for and food snaps so scrumptious-looking they ought to be censored.

One more thing, as a self-confessed oblivious witness to the explosion that is mens fashion (London Collections Men and the like), I can honestly say that JJ is a dapper exception.