“In Time Of” opens its first daily-life story concept store – “The Store In Time” (the shop) at The Mills, collaborating with local artists and telling the stories of everyday life. The shop presents projects through various topics and creative artworks that unveil local food stories from within the community and lead the public to reflect on the relationship between food and our daily lives. 

Since ancient times, food and utensils have been intricately intertwined. Food, as well as the relationship between food producers, the land, and us, are frequently found in utensils. As the first project of the shop, “Rituals of Dining” introduces the dining essentials of plates and bowls made by local ceramist Yiu Chun Wa (Yiu Wa) and containers made by bamboo artist TAKENEKO. Bamboo craft brand Yi Wooo; Guangcai creative group QQKKGoats; premium wooden utensils brand Islandoffer; Ms. Wah from the Wan Chai Kai Fong Chateau; Old Old Maru and the healthy food shop Very Ginger are also invited to showcase their local produce and works. 

Works by Yiu Wa and TAKENEKO are made from local materials collected from around Hong Kong. Along with displaying unique utensils and interactive workshops, “In Time Of” hopes to foster a better understanding of nature and encourage the public to explore more of our local food culture and discover the unique local flavours. 

In addition, the setting of the shop realised the sustainability vision of “In Time Of”, upcycling old wood previously used by The Mill’s exhibition and turning them into the storefront, movable cart, and display racks. Besides, the display stands are upcycled from local plastic wastes by Gaau1 Up, a Hong Kong plastic recycling group, with colour referring to the signature grey walls of The Mills. Whether it is the product or the concept behind the shop, it is the intention to invite the public to get closer to nature and comprehend the importance of coexisting with nature through different experiences. 

Through “The Store In Time”, one can deeply experience the relationship between nature and daily life, as well as the stories behind every design and product of the creator. What’s more, the public can also participate in the local pottery clay workshop and the old-fashioned rattan workshop during July to create their own utensils.