Charles Lam at Voyages by Alain Ducasse (Photo: Moses Ng/Hong Kong Tatler)

Following the grand opening of Morpheus, City of Dreams, Macau, style guru Charles Lam checks out the fashion scene and luxury facilities at the striking new hotel

What are some of your greatest achievements to date?

Publishing my book "Behind The Scenes" with my best friend, Hong Kong actress Anjalia Chan, was a great achievement. We wanted to explore and show the changing dynamics of modelling, blogging and the acting industry.

Founding and being the Creative Director of my own company C1 Productions is also a great personal achievement. I worked hard to become a recognised voice in the fashion and lifestyle industry, so I’m very proud of that.

"Don’t be afraid of trying—that is the first step of success"

How do you define “success”?

For me, it’s about recognition and respect from peers within my industry. I might not be a singer or an actor, but if the fashion and style world recognises me, that is a success. I like the idea of not being afraid to fail. Don’t be afraid of trying—that is the first step of success.

Tatler Asia
Charles Lam at the Morpheus Boutique (Photo: Moses Ng/Hong Kong Tatler)
Above Charles Lam at the Morpheus Boutique (Photo: Moses Ng/Hong Kong Tatler)

What is the greatest award you have ever won?

I think the greatest award I've won is hopefully the respect of others. I started out as an assistant at a magazine before modelling and every step in my career from that point on has been very important. I’ve worked hard over the years and can appreciate that respect isn’t something that money can buy, you have to earn it.

I have my own identity, people recognise my work, my name, my face. The universe has given me a gift to influence others and that’s a responsibility I don’t take lightly.

What are some of your highlights of Morpheus?

I love Art on 23. "Good Intentions" by KAWS, the parent and child sculpture they have in there right now is amazing and so relevant. Relationships are so important throughout our lives, and this monument reflects that perfectly. In the Spring/Summer 2019 Dior show KAWS featured again. Even in the fashion world, he’s so iconic.

See also: 10 Things You Need To Know About Morpheus Macau The Newest Hotel At City Of Dreams

Tatler Asia
Charles Lam at Art on 23 (Photo: Moses Ng/Hong Kong Tatler)
Above Charles Lam at Art on 23 (Photo: Moses Ng/Hong Kong Tatler)

As a globetrotter, what are some stand out features of Morpheus that you think make it unique from other hotels?

Firstly, Dame Zaha Hadid. To me, she’s the most iconic architect of our generation and I adore her work—this building is a piece of art! Secondly, when you travel as much as I do, hotels become a second home, so it’s important to feel settled. Although the outside is super modern, metallic with slivers and blue, the inside is very homely with natural tones—it all flows so well together.

My room is very spacious, and the wood and earth tones make me feel relaxed and calm which is exactly what you need at the end of a busy day.

“When you travel as much as I do hotels become a second home, so it’s important to feel settled.”

During your stay at Morpheus, what has been a highlight of your shopping experience?

The shopping space is so open and I really like the bright, light and minimal design. When shopping, you need to feel relaxed as you walk around with easy access to stores, my experience here hasn't been overpowering at all, it's a pleasure strolling around the spacious boutique at Morpheus.

I love the funky T-shirt wall, it has a young, modern vibe and is well designed. Having the Thom Browne store in its current location near the Morpheus lobby is also a wise decision, the grey/white colour tone matches perfectly. Shopping here is great because the merchandise and themes rotate throughout the year which also keeps it fresh and exciting.

Tatler Asia
Charles Lam at the Morpheus Boutique (Photo: Moses Ng/Hong Kong Tatler)
Above Charles Lam at the Morpheus Boutique (Photo: Moses Ng/Hong Kong Tatler)

What are some key features that you look for in a luxury hotel?

Small things make a big difference because luxury is in the details. Facilities need to work and work well, like in-room Bluetooth—it should connect easily and effortlessly, thankfully here at Morpheus it does. Lighting is really important for creating a relaxed and cosy environment and can be one extreme or another in some hotels, but Morpheus has it exactly right.

The service is also a great feature here. As a globetrotter, I face jetlag a lot of the time. During my stay for example I ordered room service at 1:30am (I am still on London time) and it arrived promptly at 1:45am which amazed me!

See also: Video: Barney Cheng Talks Us Through The Uniforms At Morpheus, Macau

It’s no secret that you love good food—what are your thoughts on the dining options at Morpheus?

Voyages by Alain Ducasse is so vibrant and the bar is very cool. I like that they use earthy tones with orange to make the room pop. Fine dining to me is all about the food and atmosphere and this restaurant delivers 100% on both.

As it’s a fusion restaurant, the first dish I tried was Japanese with a Western influence. I think it’s good to always try something new and not always have steak and fries, although I’m sure they’re great here too!

Tatler Asia
Charles Lam at Voyages by Alain Ducasse (Photo: Moses Ng/Hong Kong Tatler)
Above Charles Lam at Voyages by Alain Ducasse (Photo: Moses Ng/Hong Kong Tatler)

"I’ve always been a big believer in the law of attraction, that everyone has the power to handle your own destiny"

What misconceptions do people have about you being a social media influencer?

There’s more to me than just great Instagram photos—I’m a 3D person not just someone who exists on a screen!

One misconception is that I don’t really do anything other than travel, go to fashion shows and eat good food, but that’s not the case. I’m a solo media and content creator. I do everything from hair, make-up, styling, photographs to write and fill my website with creative ideas and opinions.

Tatler Asia
Charles Lam at Voyages by Alain Ducasse (Photo: Moses Ng/Hong Kong Tatler)
Above Charles Lam at Voyages by Alain Ducasse (Photo: Moses Ng/Hong Kong Tatler)

Along with recording and producing I’m also my own manager, so I handle a variety of clients and brands which can be a lot of work but I’m the whole package and I love it. I’ve always been a big believer in the law of attraction, that everyone has the power to handle their own destiny, so I hope that with my voice I have the opportunity to spread positive news and inspire others.

Morpheus at City of Dreams, Estrada do Istmo, Cotai, Macau, +853 8868 8888, cityofdreamsmacau.com

 


Credits
Photography: Moses Ng | Styling: Spencer Leung | Hair And Makeup: Becky Kwan at Wendy's Workshop | Shot At: Morpheus, City Of Dreams, Macau

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