When French photographer Laurent Segretier asked us to bring wine glasses to our Sheung Wan photo shoot, we thought he might have a penchant for sharing a good bottle of Burgundy while he captures images. Little did we know that the glasses, usually employed for Friday drinks at Tatler Towers, would be integral to achieving the ethereal, moody images we had requested.

“When I was a broke photographer living in Paris, I looked for a way to add light to the shot without hiring expensive equipment,” explains Segretier. “One day I discovered that holding a wine glass on one side of the frame created the exact ambiance I wanted. It gives a dream-like quality.”

Segretier and Claire Hsu share a passion for beautiful images. During the shoot, they wandered ahead of the crew, looking for interesting spots with dappled lighting and eclectic colours. Hsu’s enthusiasm for the fast-changing district was particularly infectious and, thanks to her, we all discovered hidden coffee shops, remarkable wall art and cluttered antiques shops. “I love this area and because Asia Art Archive is based here in Sheung Wan, I’ve watched it transform yet still retain most of its original charm,” she says.

As the sun sets, Segretier reluctantly calls “It’s a wrap” and we move to one of the many inviting bars on Hollywood Road to toast the day and rest our tired feet.

Watch the action unfurl in our behind-the-scenes video below: 

Videography: Tyrone Wu
Photography: Laurent Segretier
Stylist: Justine Lee
Hair: Ken Hui
Make-up: Megumi Sekine