新光

As a kid growing up in the 1980s (yes, I'm that old), one of my most deeply-influential style icons were mahjong aunties. You know who I'm talking about: the ladies -- and they are ladies, dammit -- with the big, teased hair, jade and diamond jewellery, meticulous eyebrows, smelling of Poison, wearing glamourous, Dynasty-worthy sequinned, beaded, embroidered or lace (or all of the above) dresses and high heels for all occasions and at any time of the day. I bet some of the mahjong aunties I know probably sleep only in silk nightgowns trimmed with marabou feathers plucked only from virgin storks, and edged in beads so fragile, they look like the (non-Neil Gaiman) Sandman's tears.

As a young pup, I often strayed from the mahjong auntie style path, and I still don't always follow it. For example, the last time I wore stockings, they were ripped fishnet ones to a Japanese heavy metal show in Kwun Tong.

However, on a daily basis, I do try to incorporate at least one element of mahjong auntie style, whether it's my beloved leopard print, big belts or terribly high heels. And as I get older, I'm more able to dress according to the style commandments laid down by mahjong aunties.

By the way, I'm really serious about how much I love these women, and if anyone makes fun of them, I will cut you with a piece of steel broken from from a mahjong auntie's glare.

Anyway, I haven't had a chance to watch Cantonese opera at 新光 yet, but I've passed by many times just to look at the posters and feel inspired by the place. It is a big mahjong auntie hotspot.

The lobby.

I love how opera fans are so appreciative of the stars.

After a show. It ended at around nine-thirty in the evening, I think, so that the oldies can go home and sleep early. Tsk on that dude smoking in the lobby, although I approve of his shorts (pattern and length are perfect).

Here's a close-up of some of the posters.

See what I mean about mahjong auntie glamour??? When I started dyeing my hair rainbow colours as a teen, and my mom got pissed at me, I was defended by mahjong aunties, who themselves had streaks of different colours in their hair. Honestly, mahjong aunties are some of the most open-minded and fashion-forward people.

I so want a black lace, beaded qipao and a white mink shrug!

Hm...I'm not too fond of the qipao style. It's a bit too Manchurian-traditional for me with the rounded shoulders, but I love her hair accessory.

The jewellery! The eyebrows! I love a lady who can rock a big-ass brooch. She is more pimp than a rapper; mahjong aunties never wear cubic zirconias, only diamonds and precious metals touch their skin. As a goldsmith, I have to really be thankful for these ladies because I love making brooches.

Perfect. I would wear a white mink or silver fox shrug, but I can see why she made that choice.

I got scolded by an uncle for taking pictures of fake flowers.

Opera-lover uncle: Tsk, girl! Can't you tell they're fake? Why are you taking pictures of plastic?

I didn't dare tell him that I actually didn't realize they were fake until he pointed it out. The lighting was dim! And there were so many real flowers next to this bouquet that I couldn't smell the difference.

Also fake.

The uncle then pointed me towards the real flower displays.

新光 is in North Point on King's Road. Get out at Exit B from the North Point MTR Station, and you'll see it across the street. You can also take a streetcar or bus it there (bus routes 10, 18, 23, 97, and 102 and more).