The brainchild of fashion and lifestyle blog The Haute Pursuit, Vanessa Hong has earned herself quite the cult status with her innate sense of style and her serendipitous love for healthy living. Shot here in the heart of the Sahara Desert in a glistening Off-White sequin dress, her cool, low-key approach to styling is acutely tuned to the forever merging worlds of fashion and well-being – mind, body and wardrobe. We catch up with Vanessa on her inimitable style and her holistic mindset while getting the low-down on yoga hot spots in some of the world’s coolest cities.
New Loves
‘I like to think of fashion as my first love and health & wellness as my new love. I discovered yoga six years ago - very spontaneously too - when a stranger on the street handed me a free weekly pass to a local studio. That exchange literally started a chain of events that changed my life and transformed me into the yogi, wellness seeker and champion of holistic living that I am today.’
‘Once thought of as new age-y and esoteric, the health and wellness industry has quickly become mainstream and yes, even #ontrend. Today we live in a world of Moon Juices, Reiki-on-speed-dial and hip meditation apps that make mindfulness cool. Suddenly, wellness has become very fashionable. Don’t believe me? Just wander into your neighbourhood market where kombucha is likely to be sidled up next to beer, or peruse Instagram where yogi-contortionists have 1+ million followers.’
‘Fashion too has taken notice and is moving in fast. Sporty diffusion lines have made athleisure a $44 billion dollar industry (according to Forbes magazine in 2016). Long gone are the days of looking slovenly at the gym. Today, what you wear is just as important as what you do in it. And can we all just rejoice on that note? Clink those glasses of green juice or sunshine milk in celebration of fashion and wellness - finally (and rightfully) reunited.’
Vanessa's Favourite Yoga Hotspots
New York
'MNDFL is a chic new meditation and mindfulness centre - believe it or not, you can actually ‘book your cushion online.' I always recommend this place to friends, especially during fashion week!'
Paris
'The cafe and superfood mini-market Sol Semilla is dedicated to healing foods and nutritious meals. The owner Jean Francois has been making superfood pilgrimages to Peru for decades, sourcing only the finest in raw healing foods. Their raw carob powder is life-changing!'
Hong Kong
'In my opinion, the best yoga in Hong Kong is definitely at the Yoga Room. Make sure to take Megala’s Ashtanga Class; her teaching is transformative and uplifting! Book in advance because her classes are always full.'
Beijing
'One of the first restaurant cafes to do vegan food in Beijing is Tribe Nutrition. When I lived in Beijing, I ate here almost 3 times a week! Make sure to try their home-made kombucha and house pickles.'
Los Angeles
'Moon Juice is also very special - the founder, Amanda Bacon Chantal was doing adaptagens before it was a real ‘thing.' Make sure to pop by the original shop in Venice for potions and good vibes! I love the rainbow crisps and deliciously vibrant protein powders.'