As we approach the Year of the Snake, we’ve put together yet another vintage issue of Prestige Hong Kong, one that we trust will brighten your holiday reading. And it’s appropriate that for this most anticipated phase of the calendar, we’re honoured that one of our city’s most treasured and iconic personalities – singer and actress Deanie Ip – agreed to grace its cover.

At a time in their career when many performers are considering a gentle slide into a life of ease, Ip has clearly found a second wind as a performer with what many consider to be her best work ever. Her beautifully considered role in A Simple Life won her a Best Actress Award at the Venice Film Festival – the first ever by a Chinese artiste – and as we go to press she’s currently rehearsing for a series of concerts that will take place in Hong Kong next month.
With more than 40 years in show business under her belt, Ip would be perfectly entitled to play the prima donna – which, to be honest, is pretty much what we all expected when we learned she’d be our cover star. But that could hardly have been further from the considerate and gracious woman who turned up and then proceded to win our hearts – as well as our respect – with her patience, willingness and impish sense of humour. Her candid and occcasionally hilarious interview with us begins on page 206.

Of course, February is traditionally a time for matters of the heart, and if you haven’t yet finalised your Valentine’s Day plans, we’ve asked four prominent couples to tell us what puts them in the mood for love. Along with our 27-page Valentine’s supplement, this issue covers all you need to know to smooth a path towards the perfect romance. And to round out your enjoyment, there’s our customary mix of celebrity, style, arts and culture, food and wine, travel and, indeed, everything that’s good in life.

Whether you’re a Snake or not, it’s our way of wishing you the greatest possible luck, health and happiness in the forthcoming annus anguis.