As 2024 comes to a close, we’re turning the spotlight on the moments, trends, and must-haves that defined our year. From timeless fashion classics and fun trinkets to indulgent eats, Vogue Hong Kong’s editors have curated their ultimate favorites—think of this as your backstage pass to the best of 2024. Let’s dive in!
Kaitlyn Lai, English Editor
Most-Worn Item Of The Year:
Freja Caroline Bag In Espresso
Is it that sweet? I guess so, uh, that’s that Freja espresso…This bag has been my ride-or-die, my partner-in-crime, my carry-all for life’s chaos. It’s chic enough for meetings, spacious enough for my umbrella (Hong Kong is notorious for unpredictable rain and aircon drip) and versatile enough to match my entire wardrobe.
Beauty Empty Of The Year:
Ole Henriksen Pout Preserve Peptide Lip Treatment in Strawberry Sorbet
I squeezed every last drop out of this tube-like it held the secrets to the universe. Glossy, hydrating, and with a sweet candy-like finish. Shoutout to Suni Lee for casually applying this on camera during the Olympics — you’re the real MVP.
Favourite Trend Of The Year:
East West Bags
Who knew flipping a bag sideways could turn my whole world upside down? Carry your totes north-south if you must, but I’m proudly Team East-West. After two months of patiently stalking, I finally got my hands on the Prada Medium Leather Bag in Brown—and let me tell you, it was worth every second of the wait.
Most Binged TV Series Of The Year:
Formula 1: Drive to Survive
I went in for the fast cars and came out emotionally invested in tire strategies and team rivalries. Who knew pit stops could be this dramatic? By the middle, I was Googling “how to become an F1 team principal” as if it were a viable career option…
Most Listened-To Song Of The Year:
Fatal Trouble, Enhyphen
This song had me in a chokehold all year — catchy, broody, and just the right amount of dramatic. And for my fellow ENGENEs out there who’ve seen the choreography…need I say more?
Favourite Restaurant Of The Year:
Shop B, Hong Kong
Tucked away like a hidden gem in the narrow streets of Sai Ying Pun, but serving food that’s anything but low-key. Every bite made me question why I’d ever eat anywhere else. IYKYK: Shop B is the main character of Hong Kong’s dining scene.
Karrie Lam, English Writer
Most-Worn Item Of The Year:
Matin Kim Stripe Texture Cargo Pants In Black
There’s something about its subtle stripe that just elevates these Matin Kim cargo pants, so much so that they’ve risen the ranks to become my undisputed, most-worn item of the year. Comfortable and versatile, these pants have accompanied me at work, shoots, and travels — I may have ripped a hole in the pocket, but she’s still be my go-to.
Beauty Empty Of The Year:
La Roche Posay Cicaplast Balm B5+
I know instructions say a tiny dollop is enough, but I lather my face day and night in this La Roche Posay holy grail. Thank you for a year of problem-free skin, here’s to many more (no jinxing, please).
Favourite Trend Of The Year:
Suede, anywhere and everywhere
It’s supple, sumptuous, and works in every season. Suede has had a moment in 2024, and I’m all here for it. A whole host of brands have put out suede items in the past year, but this Alaïa Le Teckel shoulder bag? Urgh it has my heart even though I’d have to sell my soul to own one.
Most Binged TV Series Of The Year:
Hacks
Jean Smart’s class, Hannah Einbinder’s delivery, their on-screen chemistry…where do I begin? I have found myself belly-laughing on the floor watching this (no, don’t picture it), and completely in awe of the lengths that this show will go. It’s rich with quick wit, strangeness, and relatability, but shows that ultimately we’re all just human. Major kudos to the writers and all the cast, I’m rooting for them for the Emmy’s.
Most Listened-To Song Of The Year:
Ok Love You Bye, Olivia Dean
I’ve been a major fan for years, and I’m so happy that she’s getting the worldwide recognition that she deserves. Definitely dive into the Messy album, but also give her Live At Eventim Apollo album a listen. You’ll be enamoured by her singing and disarmed by her charm. Oh, and she performed at Glastonbury in a custom Chopova Lowena top with her grandmother’s picture embroidered on it?! We love a fashion girlie (and we see you, stylist Simone Beyene!). Olivia Dean, please come to Hong Kong.
Favourite Restaurant Of The Year:
Keichitsu, Tokyo
The best but most underrated restaurant I’ve tried this year is Keichitsu in Shibuya, Tokyo. Recommended to me by a Japanese Michelin-starred chef, Keichitsu experiments with obscure ingredients like boar blood, peacock, and deer while paying the animal the utmost respect. Yes, I might have had scenes from The Menu flash before my eyes when I first arrived, but no, rest assured that the chef and sommelier will take care of you with the kindest care. A meal there feels like an education on food and dining, I can’t recommend the restaurant enough.
Alyanna Raissa J. Payos, English Writer
Most-Worn Item Of The Year:
Sam Edelman ZENA Mary Jane Flat
As a victim of the damned wide foot, I never imagined that I’d be able to slip into pair of ballet flats that actually felt comfortable. Lo and behold the Zena Mary Janes from Sam Edelman—a simple, forgiving pair made with soft leather and lots of love.
Beauty Empty Of The Year:
&honey Melty Matomake Stick 4.0 Super Hold
I’ve had a very love-hate relationship with my hair this year; it was either long and shapeless or short with strange layers. In bouts of frustration I frequently turned to an easy ponytail or a slicked-back messy bun. This little &honey stick of magic not only successfully cleans up any flyaways or baby hairs, but leaves a lovely just-got-out-of-the-shower scent on the head.
Favourite Trend Of The Year:
Plushie Bag Charms
We’ve really leaned into the joys of girlhood this year, with bows and bag charms being two of the most affecting trends of the bunch. As someone whose inner child refuses to die, having my Usahana plush keychain accompany me throughout my adult working days worked miracles on my perceived stress levels. And yes, this is Usahana propaganda.
Most Binged TV Series Of The Year:
The Boyfriend
I’ve watched my fair share of reality dating shows but none were quite like Netflix’s The Boyfriend. Largely wholesome with relatable lessons on communication, boundaries and respect, The Boyfriend showcased the often petty or embarrassingly emotional sides to dating that are often written off as toxic when really, they’re just human. I also cried a ton, though my serial crier credentials might rid that of any meaning.
Most Listened-To Song Of The Year:
“Red Wine Supernova”, Chappell Roan
When I first listened to “HOT TO GO” on my morning commute, I truly could not believe my ears. Chappell Roan’s music is euphoric. I’d put her entire debut studio album here but alas, that was not the question.
Favourite Restaurant Of The Year:
Ankôma, Hong Kong
Every time I eat here I am blown away. Chef Frankie and his team are incredible at what they do. Dishes are refined yet unpretentious, flavours are rich and well-balanced, and the sauces… oh boy, the sauces. I took some leftovers of their beloved three yellow chicken with ikura rice to work the following day, and even that was among my top ten meals of this year. It’s a big yes for the tasting menus here which are very reasonably priced, but if you’re looking for something lighter, Ankôma has an à la carte menu for their outdoor terrace.
Editor
Vogue Hong Kong
