In this world there are those who do and those who watch. Vincent Law is definitely a doer. This 28-year-old Hong Kong native is not only a graduate student in medical studies at the University of Calgary and a television host, he’s also a talented visual artist, style blogger and undeniable presence on the city’s fashion scene. These are certainly not typical trades, but Law is a jack of all of them.
What are the interests and hobbies that make you tick?
Music is a major part of my life. I love singing and in 2007 I was in a singing competition held by a Canadian-Chinese television broadcast here called the New Talent Singing Awards. It’s an annual competition, with regionals held in cities around the world, including Sydney, New York, Calgary, Vancouver, Toronto and Hong Kong. The winner from each city then goes on to represent their home town in the finals held in Hong Kong. It’s almost like Miss Universe for vocalists, and the winner receives a record contract. I made it to the top 10, but I didn’t win.
Music is a major part of my life. I love singing and in 2007 I was in a singing competition held by a Canadian-Chinese television broadcast here called the New Talent Singing Awards. It’s an annual competition, with regionals held in cities around the world, including Sydney, New York, Calgary, Vancouver, Toronto and Hong Kong. The winner from each city then goes on to represent their home town in the finals held in Hong Kong. It’s almost like Miss Universe for vocalists, and the winner receives a record contract. I made it to the top 10, but I didn’t win.
You did leave with a consolation prize, though, didn’t you?
Yes, the network liked me and I’m now a host for one of its television programs. It’s called Alberta Reports and this is my fourth year hosting. Over time I’ve learned a lot and they’ve given me a lot of opportunities to go out and do live shows. Now I’m emceeing the same competition that I was in a few years ago here in town, and for the last three years I’ve been emceeing the finals in Asia. It’s been fun and I’ve met so many people through this work.
Yes, the network liked me and I’m now a host for one of its television programs. It’s called Alberta Reports and this is my fourth year hosting. Over time I’ve learned a lot and they’ve given me a lot of opportunities to go out and do live shows. Now I’m emceeing the same competition that I was in a few years ago here in town, and for the last three years I’ve been emceeing the finals in Asia. It’s been fun and I’ve met so many people through this work.
Although you are a scientist, you are also heavily into art and fashion.
Well, as much as I like science, I’ve always been into the arts and culture. I’ve always had an interest in fashion and just love dressing up and being different. It allows me to be bold and express myself without even saying a word.
I actually went to an art school when I was in elementary, but stopped creating after high school. I’m trying to keep my art going now, so I’m working on finishing a series and my goal is to have a show in the next few years. I like to paint and I love pastel drawing. For me, it’s easier to manipulate and it’s a really great, underutilized medium.
You also have your own style blog. What is your goal with that?
I started my blog, binzentovincente.blogspot.com, as a platform for the artists I find to be amazing. I wanted to give them a little push to promote their work. I’m all about supporting up-and-coming and local designers. I want to expose them to the public and let people know about them.
I started my blog, binzentovincente.blogspot.com, as a platform for the artists I find to be amazing. I wanted to give them a little push to promote their work. I’m all about supporting up-and-coming and local designers. I want to expose them to the public and let people know about them.
Favourite Designers
Clearly drawn to the artists and the avant-garde, Law lists Vivienne Westwood, Yohji Yamamoto, Alexander McQueen, Issey Miyake and Martin Margiela as his top five.
Favourite Musical Artists
Faye Wong, Björk, Florence and the Machine and Roisin Murphy.
Collectibles
“I have a pretty extensive doll and anime collection. When I was in Grade 1, my mom bought me a doll and it started from there. A lot of these toys are vintage, and I have actually learned a lot about their histories over the years.”
The Highlight Reel
“I think the greatest experience so far was when I was able to cover the Gemini Awards a few years back. I met George Stroumboulopoulos and some people from Dragon’s Den, as well as Cory Monteith and Erin Karpluk from Being Erica. That was a highlight.”
The Cutting Edge
“I’m inspired by design—anything that looks unique. I think fashion and art interplay with each other. Fashion is how you put things together and mix and match your outfits. I think style is all about character and personality, and I’m not afraid to show what I like.”
Originally published in Swerve magazine 17.02.12.
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