Who is Leo Thom, Hong Kong's Star Beauty Photographer?
Hong Kong/ Fashionista/ Style

Fashion and Beauty Photographer Leo Thom Captures HK’s Glitz and Glamour

Leo Thom Hong Kong Fashion and Beauty Photographer Captures the Cities Glitz and Glamour

Leo Thom is a leading beauty and fashion photographer behind the wonders of Hong Kong’s top models, leading makeup products, and glitzy gadgets.

The American photographer is now 852-based with his wife, famed YouTuber and KOL Karen Yeung, also known as Karen O, and first-time father to baby daughter, Dove. Primarily, Leo works as a photographer and creative director in Karen’s team for her social media campaigns.

“Life in Los Angeles had its fair share of ups and downs, like life in any big city,” Leo explains to The Beat Asia, about his former home. “We met amazing people, grew our careers and saved up enough money to purchase a home in Orange County. Working in LA has given myself and my wife Karen innumerable opportunities to pursue our creative dreams.”

Entering his second year living in Hong Kong, after landing in the city in summer 2022, Leo recalls LA’s cut-throat industry and life quality, “close friends backstabbing us for career advancement, heard management horror stories ruining client relationships, shootings in our neighbourhood,” all of these instances had convinced him and his family to live and work in Hong Kong.

“Hong Kong was a natural destination since my wife has many family members in the area and we both loved visiting HK over the years. We’re happy to call the 852 home."

Formerly working as a web engineer in Silicon Valley at LinkedIn, Leo would devote swathes of time to assist Karen with shooting fashion look-book videos at home after work, and take breaks in their career jobs to attend social media conventions hours' away to make connections in the industry.

“As my wife’s success began to grow, we started to get more serious with our time commitments and our gear. I still remember buying my wife her first DSLR camera - a camera in which you could change the lens out. It drastically improved her quality, and we made similar professional improvements like that over the years.”

Karen was hired by ipsy, Michelle Phans make-up subscription bag company, which saw the couples’ content creation “ramp up to full blown professional”.

“We got to be on Hollywood studio sets and see how “the big boys” ran things when it came to video, audio and photography. A few years after moving to LA, I got more serious about my portrait work and focused on taking pictures for my wife and our circle of KOL friends.”

Leo enrolled in online courses, took private lessons from other photographers, and worked deep in the career on fashion and luxury shoots, his skill level grew and was able to assist Karen on capturing high-end luxury imagery for her campaigns. “It’s a nice synergy,” he says.

Transitioning from an amateur photographer in Los Angeles to a full-time member of the husband-wife team to deliver content for Karen pushed Leo to become devoted to his professionalism.

“On our team, we have an agent that helps plan our career and negotiate deals along with our lawyer to help ensure everything is all balanced. We have strict protocol we follow and execute to our client's wishes while still injecting our own creativity into the content.”

Leo focuses primarily on beauty, make-up art and skincare in his work, with Karen existing as his main client. “Personally, I find the beauty space to be so creatively enriching and always evolving. It’s fun to partner with a new model or make-up artist to create unique imagery.”

“The barrier to entry is also a lot lower relative to a fashion shoot, which would require wardrobe pieces, a stylist to put them together well and a larger space to showcase the clothing. I’m all about being scrappy and resourceful, so if I can keep the team and space small, I’ll try to do that.”

Working full-time with his wife, Leo is innately involved in the influencing world of Karen and her online journey, capturing their new family life alongside the birth and growth of their daughter, Dove.

“Fatherhood has made prioritizing my life so much easier. It really surfaces what’s important, and everything else just falls away. I don’t have the time to dwell in negativity anymore when there’s so much positivity and love around me. Fatherhood is the best thing ever to happen to me.”

“I’m much more aware of what I post online if it involves Dove. I ask myself – would she be embarrassed by this post 10 years from now? If the answer is maybe or yes, then I don’t post it.”

“Oftentimes, parents love to embarrass their children without considering the long-term consequences. I want all my images of Dove to make her proud and happy at any stage of her life.”

The Year of the Rabbit in 2023 is bright for Leo. The next chapter, Leo describes, is to “push the boundaries of high-end luxury beauty photography in Hong Kong.”

“As a photographer, I want to shine a light on the immense talent around me in Hong Kong. Outside of shooting, I’m creating Hong Kong's first ‘creativity gym’ with a few other photographers and creative friends of mine.”

“We’re calling it Gymnasia, and we want to host workshops and meet-ups for the Hong Kong photography community specifically focusing on beauty, fashion and boudoir. We’re still building out our curriculum and aim to launch in the second quarter of 2023.”

Get the latest curated content with The Beat Asia's newsletters. Sign up now for a weekly dose of the best stories, events, and deals delivered straight to your inbox. Don't miss out! Click here to subscribe.

This Week's Event In Hong Kong View more

This Week's Event In Hong Kong

Hong Kong/ Fashionista/ Style
Embrace New Beginnings with 7-Eleven’s Fresh and Festive Collaboration
588002 PR Photo for Q1 2025 Media Outreach jpg 1 Photo by 7-Eleven Hong Kong

These cute bags will round up your entire look for sure!

Usher in good fortune and joy for the upcoming New Year with 7-Eleven’s first surprise collaboration of the year. 7-Eleven Hong Kong teamed up with two beloved Japanese icons, Peko-chan from Fujiya and Sho-chan from Soap Studio for a special collection.

Together, they created a series of eight trendy Denim Style Bags with eye-catching designs, each with a unique style to fit your needs and any occasion. The collection features a striking red and blue color scheme accented with Japanese-inspired patterns on denim, giving a fusion of fashion and function.

Peko-chan and Sho-chan are darlings who captured the hearts of many, and their pairing in the collection symbolizes “good luck and happiness,” wishing everyone a New Year filled with blessings and joy.

Each bag design incorporates eye-catching Japanese-inspired patterns like peach blossoms and fireworks, alongside Peko-chan and Sho-chan. Whether it’s for your daily commute, school, shopping, or visiting family, these bags will surely elevate your style for the New Year!

All 8 bags part of 7-Eleven's collaboration with Peko-chan and Sho-chan
7-Eleven Hong Kong

Japan-Style Shoulder Tote: The bag features the cheerful faces of Peko-chan and Sho-chan on a denim print in deep blue. The design is complemented by Japanese-inspired mountain and peach blossom motifs.

The Big Blessings Sling Bang: Also on a denim print together with the faces of Peko-chan and Sho-chan, the design features peach blossoms, fireworks, and the auspicious Chinese character for luck.

Chill Vibes Crossbody Bag: Made with a denim print and textured padded cotton, it has the faces of Peko-chan and Sho-chan.

Festive Fortune Bag: The bag has the Chinese character for “Spring” and is decorated with peach blossoms and the faces of Peko-chan and Sho-chan.

Big Blessings Eco Tote: Peko-chan and Sho-chan are interwoven with peach blossoms, fireworks, and the auspicious Chinese character for “luck” against a vibrant, deep blue background.

Creamy Eco Tote: A bag with a simple design exuding a fresh and charming aesthetic, that features a unique pattern of Peko-chan, Sho-chan, peach blossoms, and fireworks.

Happy Half Moon Bag: A stylish pouch made with a denim design and a subtle Japanese wave pattern for a cool and minimalist vibe, with Peko-chan and Sho-chan’s faces!

Subtle Style Pouch: This features a unique and understated pattern of Peko-chan, Sho-chan, peach blossoms, and fireworks printed on fabric with a denim design.

“Denim Style Bag” Promotion Details

From Jan. 15 to Feb. 25, 2025, customers can earn 1 physical stamp or digital FunStamp with a single purchase of HK$20 or more at 7-Eleven stores or online. For every additional HK$10 spent, an additional stamp will be added.

To collect FunStamps with online purchases, customers must download the 7-Eleven app, register as a member, and link their Yuu account. For in-store purchases, customers need their Yuu ID scanned by the cashier before payment or pay with a linked Octopus or Hang Seng enjoy card.

Stamps are awarded on single transactions, and split transactions are not allowed.

Redemption Details

FunStamps: From Jan. 15 to Feb. 28, 2025, you can either: collect 20 FunStamps and add HK$1 to redeem one (1) random “Denim Style Bag”, collect 5 FunStamps and add HK$48 to redeem one (1) random bag, or 8 FunStamps and add HK$88 to redeem two (2) random bags.

Physical Stamps: From Jan. 15 to Feb. 28, 2025, collect eight (8) physical stamps and add HK$48 to redeem one (1) “Denim Style Bag” at random, or collect 12 physical stamps and add HK$88 to redeem two (2) bags at random.

Yuu Member Exclusive Offer: From Jan. 15 to Feb. 28, 2025, members can redeem one (1) random “Denim Style Bag” with 8,800 yuu points and an additional HK$18.

For more information, follow 7-Eleven Hong Kong on their Facebook and Instagram pages.

Get the latest curated content with The Beat Asia's newsletters. Sign up now for a weekly dose of the best stories, events, and deals delivered straight to your inbox. Don't miss out! Click here to subscribe.

Hong Kong/ Fashionista/ Fashion
KYUBI Collabs with ‘Squid Game’ for Pop-Up Store at Airside Mall in Kai Tak
20250115 KYUBI Squid Game Photo by Airside/Website

Round and round we go, round and round we go!

The ‘Squid Game’ hype has taken over the world — and Hong Kong — after season 2 dropped last December 2024. With the show still all the rage everywhere, local fashion brand KYUBI has collaborated with ‘Squid Game’ for an exclusive pop-up event at the Airside Mall in Kai Tak.

From Jan. 10 to Feb. 5, 2025, ‘Squid Game’ fans in Hong Kong can enjoy and relive many of their favorite scenes from the popular Netflix show with six unique and Instagrammable installations, exclusive products, and more.

What to See at the Squid Game x KYUBI Pop-Up

Just by the entrance, you’ll be greeted by a four-meter-tall Young-hee, the doll figure that the show is known for. Inside, fans can enjoy a close-up experience of some of the show’s iconic settings like the staircases, as well as see a human-sized replica of the 3D mask worn by the Front Man, a giant piggy bank hanging from the ceiling filled with KRW45.6 billion.

There are more Young-hees inside the pop-up store, by the way. There’s even one that shows the inner wiring and gears.

‘Squid Game’ x KYUBI Merchandise

KYUBI is a rising brand in Hong Kong’s fashion scene, encapsulating the city’s dynamic spirit with their fusion of trends, culture, and entertainment. The name takes inspiration from the Japanese mythical creature, the nine-tailed fox.

As part of the brand’s collaboration with ‘Squid Game,’ the store is spread out with miniature versions of the brand’s characters, Kyu and Kyubi Bear, in both the Front Man’s clothes and soldier uniforms.

KYUBI’s collaboration has apparel and accessories patterned after the popular Netflix show, with three t-shirts featuring the Front Man and Young-hee. They also have a Front Man-themed hoodie that’s perfect for the season.

If you’re not big on graphic tees, KYUBI has two pairs of socks (black and pink) and a Kyubi soldier purse to add to your fit.

There are also collectible figures in-store, with Kyu and Kyubi dressed as the Pink Soldiers and complete with the Square and Triangle masks.

You really shouldn’t miss out on this pop-up! Go check them out while they’re still there!

For more info and updates, visit KYUBI’s Facebook and Instagram pages! Should you wish to pre-order some merch, you can visit their website here.

Location: Airside Mall, G015, G/F, Airside, 2 Concorde Road, Kai Tak

Opening Hours: 11 AM to 9 PM

Get the latest curated content with The Beat Asia's newsletters. Sign up now for a weekly dose of the best stories, events, and deals delivered straight to your inbox. Don't miss out! Click here to subscribe.

Hong Kong/ Fashionista/ Beauty
Byredo Launches Coming Home Campaign for the Year of the Snake
Untitled design 2025 01 08 T130104 694 Photo by Courtesy of Byredo

In celebration of the Year of the Snake, the Swedish fragrance brand Byredo has partnered with Chinese artist Wei Yijuan to craft a limited-edition motif inspired by nature’s organic forms, such as the oscillating curves of a snake.

Shot by Annie Lai, the campaign for Byredo’s latest Coming Home Collection captures an intimate portrait of homecoming, tradition, and togetherness. The imagery is rooted in Wei’s family home in the Dongping mountains, a serene escape from city life where the artist often reconnects with loved ones.

campaign pictures
Courtesy of Byredo

Through Annie’s lens, special festive moments come to life — paper lanterns glowing on rooftops, family meals prepared together, and sparklers lighting up the night, all celebrating connection and traditional symbolism.

At the heart of Byredo’s Coming Home Collection is a celebration of comfort and community, in the form of perfumes, hand creams, body lotions, and body wash.

Rose of no man's land
Courtesy of Byredo

Byredo has also unveiled new scents: Blanche and Rose of No Man’s Land, which evoke a familiar warmth with rose and raspberry notes, and Desert Dawn, a fragrance that invites fresh discovery with cardamom, rose petals, and sandalwood notes.

tree house candle
Courtesy of Byredo

Enhance your home with scented candles housed in sleek, smoked black glass, and incense holders, like their new comforting, woody scent Tree House, consisting of cedar, bamboo, sandalwood, guaiac wood, and hay scents.

Location: Multiple Stores

For more information on the products, visit Byredo on their website, or follow them on Instagram, Facebook, and X (Formerly Twitter).

Subscribe to The Beat's newsletter to receive compelling, curated content straight to your inbox! You can also create an account with us for free to start bookmarking articles for later reading.

Hong Kong/ Fashionista/ Style
SKIMS MENS Launches in Hong Kong Exclusively at Lane Crawford
Untitled design 2024 12 20 T113736 471 Photo by Website/ Lane Crawford

Gentlemen, brace yourselves — SKIMS has announced the launch of its men's sub-line, SKIMS MENS. After Kim Kardashian launched the underwear brand in 2019 with co-founder Jens Grede, SKIMS is back for gentlemen, and available at Lane Crawford stores in Hong Kong.

The brand, now valued at US$4 billion, is prized for its comfort, and champions body positivity and inclusivity. The menswear collection was launched on Oct. 26, 2023 and stars the football prodigy Neymar Jr, and NBA All-Star’s Shai Gilgeous in the campaign.

The SKIMS MENS Fall-Winter 2024 collection offers a sleek lineup of briefs, boxers, tanks, tees, sweatpants, and hoodies in premium fabrics such as cotton and stretch blends, a mixture of comfort, athleisure, and luxury to wear at home or as a statement.

SKIMS
Website/Lane Crawford

The prices are steep yet approachable for Kardashian-level glam: a three-pack of SKIMS MENS Cotton Boxer Briefs will set you back HK$500, while the Stretch Boxer Briefs pack of three comes in at HK$600. And let’s not forget the classic Cotton Briefs for HK$400.

Just affordable enough to stock up, yet polished, to make you feel like you’re starring in your own SKIMS campaign (minus the moody lighting).

Not just about comfort, this collection takes aim at the intersection of functionality and fashion.

Follow Lane Crawford on Instagram or Facebook. Shop the collection here.

Subscribe to The Beat's newsletter to receive compelling, curated content straight to your inbox! You can also create an account with us for free to start bookmarking articles for later reading.

Hong Kong/ Fashionista/ Beauty
Fragrance Brand NONFICTION Opens Signature Store in Central
Untitled design 2024 12 19 T123208 424 Photo by Courtesy of NONFICTION

NONFICTION, the South Korean fragrance brand redefining personal care is making its debut this December on 49 Hollywood Road, Central, inviting Hong Kong to indulge in the art of scent and self-care.

Founded by Haeyoung Cha in 2019, NONFICTION began as a personal quest to enhance the small, intimate moments of daily life, like her ritualistic evening baths.

The brand has since become a leader in Asian beauty, celebrated for its plant-derived products that exclude 17 harmful ingredients, such as sulfates and parabens.

NONFICTION signature scents
Courtesy of NONFICTION

NONFICTION’s signature fragrances are primarily made in France and produced in South Korea, blending raw, natural ingredients into evocative scents that feel both familiar and transformative — like stepping into a memory you’ve never had but instantly recognize.

The collection includes signature scents like Santal Cream, a warm mix of sandalwood, vetiver, and fig; Gentle Night, a soft blend of fig, white tea, and cedarwood; and Gaiac Flower, a luxurious combination of wild rose, amber, and vanilla. Complemented by body care and home fragrance line, NONFICTION's Signature Store offers a sanctuary to create new personal narratives in the holiday season.

Now, with its Hong Kong debut, NONFICTION invites you to embrace a new kind of addiction — one that turns ordinary moments into unforgettable rituals. As Chappell Roan so aptly puts it in HOT TO GO, "It's all in my head, but I want non-fiction."

Subscribe to The Beat's newsletter to receive compelling, curated content straight to your inbox! You can also create an account with us for free to start bookmarking articles for later reading.

Hong Kong/ Fashionista/ Style
JOY UNLEASHED: HEARTS ON FIRE Introduces Festive Campaign
Untitled design 2024 11 18 T113255 793 Photo by Courtesy of Hearts on Fire

HEARTS ON FIRE is lighting up the season with JOY UNLEASHED, a holiday campaign launched globally in stores on Nov. 14, 2024. Known for their modern, signature-cut diamonds, the brand invites everyone to embrace the magic and wonder that makes this time of year so special.

The campaign is complemented by a curated Holiday Edit of jewels that are perfect for gifting—or treating yourself. From everyday indulgences to show-stopping statement pieces, this curated collection is all about adding a touch of festive glamor.

Hearts on Fire Joy Unleashed
Courtesy of Hearts on Fire

Highlights include the BARRE collection, where modern design meets the pulse of the city. Its unconventional floating diamonds and graphic gold elements create a fresh, standout look.

For something timeless yet distinctive, explore the contemporary pieces from the VELA collection, showcasing a masterful French-cut pavé setting in sleek silver.

Holiday Gift Sets
Courtesy of Hearts on Fire

And don’t miss the AERIAL collection, where marquise and pear-shaped illusion settings bring every piece to life with a radiant sparkle. Classics from the Fulfillment and Temptation series are also here to add that signature HEARTS ON FIRE brilliance to your holidays.

Discover the joy of giving—and glowing—this season! To find out more, visit their website here, or follow HEARTS ON FIRE on Instagram and Facebook.

Subscribe to The Beat's newsletter to receive compelling, curated content straight to your inbox! You can also create an account with us for free to start bookmarking articles for later reading.

Hong Kong/ Fashionista/ Beauty
The Ordinary Unveils Holiday Gift Sets and Slowvember Sale
Untitled design 2024 11 18 T104208 268 Photo by Courtesy of The Ordinary

This holiday season, premiere skincare brand The Ordinary (part of DECIEM) is inviting customers to embrace thoughtful, intentional gifting through their “SlowvemberCampaign and Holiday Gift Sets.

The skincare brand is pushing back against Black Friday and will close all their stores on Nov. 29, 2024, marking a stand for mindful shopping. Instead of frantic flash sales, The Ordinary encourages customers to shop at their own pace with their Slowvember Sale, offering a 23% discount on all products through the month. This year, the offer is being extended till Dec. 6, 2024, both in-store and online.

Hyaluronic acid
Courtesy of The Ordinary

For the holidays, The Ordinary is introducing its Holiday Collection: four specially curated gift sets, catering to a variety of skin concerns from hydration and brightening to age support. These sets feature scientifically crafted formulations, making them ideal gifts for both skincare beginners and aficionados.

Hyaluronic Acid
Courtesy of The Ordinary

The highlights include – firstly – The Resurface & Hydrate Set (HK$84), perfect for those seeking advanced exfoliation and hydration, this travel-sized duo includes the popular AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution 15 ml and Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 15 ml. For brighter, smoother skin, try The Glycolic Acid Set (HK$125). This set includes 7% Exfoliating Toner which comes in two sizes, the larger 240 ml and travel sized 100 ml.

Holiday Sets
Courtesy of The Ordinary

If you have dry skin, The Nightly Set (HK$212) is ideal. This trio includes Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 at 30 ml, Retinal 0.2% Emulsion at 15 ml, and the 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil (30 ml) for ultimate nightly nourishment.

Looking for the perfect introduction to skincare? The Mini Discovery Set (HK$225) has got you covered. This set includes pocket-sized versions of six of The Ordinary’s best-sellers, perfect for newcomers exploring The Ordinary’s range.

From Dec. 1-6, customers who purchase the Squalane + Amino Acids Lip Balm online or in free standing stores, will also receive a complimentary gift. The lip balm also features a unique keychain lid, making it easy to carry on the go.

What’s more, NIOD, a brand focused on skin optimization, is offering a 50% discount on two advanced hydration products: Multi-Molecular Hyaluronic Complex and Hydration Vaccine. DECIEM aims to make high-tech hydration more accessible, as it’s essential for optimal skin performance.

To find out more, visit The Ordinary on their website, or follow them on Instagram and Facebook.

Subscribe to The Beat's newsletter to receive compelling, curated content straight to your inbox! You can also create an account with us for free to start bookmarking articles for later reading.