Author Archives: Noel Khoo

Gift Guide: Ignite your dreams with the new Swarovski Holiday 2022 collection

The holiday is always about bringing wondrous and magical joy to everyone through the beauty of gifting and every year, Swarovski never ceases to impress us with its curation of jewellery and home decor.

This Holiday 2022, Swarovski invites all of us to open the wonder with its curation of holiday-fitting collections to inspire, pamper and spark joy in your loved ones as they marvel over what is hidden inside that iconic octagonal Swarovski box.

From the brilliant star-shaped Stella collection to the bold and luxurious Millenia collection and an array of luxe decor for the home, here is our gift guide to the best of the Swarovski Holiday 2022 collection.

STELLA

A distinct family of stars that always shine brightly within the Swarovski collections, this season sees the Stella collection making a dazzling entrance with new designs highlighting rose gold-tone plated styles and contemporary designs featuring crystal pearls.

Some of the all-time favourites are also refreshed with mesmerising blue centre stones as new accents to update and elevate your look. Among the many stars we see, the Stella ear cuffs stand on top with its statement design that will turn heads as you enter the room.

Shop the Stella collection below:

CONSTELLA

For those who prefer minimal designs, then turn your gaze to the crystal constellation jewellery within the Constella family. Inspired by the delicate stardust and vibrant cosmos, the new Constella collection welcomes itself back this season in a silver-tone colourway with clear crystals.

Delicate, elegant and still extremely extravagant, the Constella collection is perfect for ladies who want to make a powerful, yet subtle statement this holiday season.

And on top of the jewellery designs, Constella also hosts two holiday home decor design – the Constella Ball Ornaments and Constella Tree Topper -, which is the first designs ever made that are inspired by a Swarovski jewellery family.

Shop the Constella collection below:

MILLENIA

Shop the Millenia collection below:

HOLIDAY HOME MAGIC

After decking yourself out in the best jewellery and sparkles, it is time to deck the halls with the many home decor offering that Swarovski has prepared.

The highlight of the season is definitely the supremely collectable Annual Edition hanging ornament, where this year’s design showcases an intricately faceted snowflake design in both clear and golden crystal colourways. Created to showcase the magic of light refraction, your interior will shine brighter than the constellations in the skies.

Shop the collection below:

Then, there is also the Holiday Cheers collection of figurines and ornaments that will add plenty of sparkle to your display. From an adorable reindeer to Santa Claus and animals in festive headgear, there is much to revel upon with Swarovski.

Other collectable characters like Kris Bear and Mo & Ricci also take on festive forms to bring a childlike and joyful aesthetic that embraces the holiday spirit.

Above all, this year, Swarovski also has the ultimate treat for crystal lovers: a luxurious limited edition Swarovski Advent Calendar that opens up daily crystal wonders leading t the big day. Most of these creations are exclusively made for the advent calendar, making them incredibly rare collectable pieces.

A digital Advent Calendar will also launch on swarovski.com this December in select markets, offering everyone the opportunity to celebrate the magic and joy of the holiday season with Swarovski in a new, interactive way. 

The digital Advent Calendar will promote our key jewellery families and decorative holiday pieces, giving our customers the chance to take home the perfect Swarovski Crystals for the festive season ahead.

The full Swarovski Holiday 2022 collection will be available in-store nationwide and online at  www.swarovski.com.

Bella Hadid shows off multifaceted charms in Swarovski’s campaign

This chapter of Swarovski is all about joyful glamour and bringing a new understanding to crystal. At Swarovski, crystal is more versatile than ever and it’s making its way to our daily wardrobe as an everyday tool of self-expression.

In Swarovski’s latest campaign, Bella Hadid, who’s loved for her fluid and eccentric style identity, embodies the multidimensional allure of Swarovski crystal.

“I was very familiar with Swarovski already. It really is such a timeless and iconic brand. I love the new collections and what the brand has been doing, especially these past two years under the creative vision of Giovanna, and I really see Swarovski as the contemporary jewelry brand of the future,” shared Bella Hadid on the campaign. “Jewelry is about expression and celebrating individuality – Swarovski celebrates all people and the idea of modern glamour, and I love that.”

Scroll down to see how Bella Hadid express herself in Swarovski creations:

Sporty Bella exudes vibrant energy and cheerful spirit in yellow, the colour of the sun. Here, Bella Hadid wears Matrix earring, and Harmonia, Millenia and Ortyx necklaces.

Sweet Bella rethinks pink, bringing an edgy accent to tone-on-tone flushed look with bold, statement-making pieces. Here, Bella Hadid wears Lucent ear cuffs, and Millenia and Gema necklaces, and an Orbita stud earring.

Cool Bella dons a simple cropped hoodie and lets the jewellery does all the talking by layering the pieces. Here, Bella Hadid wears Millenia necklaces, Gema earrings, a Lucent bracelet, and Millenia clip earrings.

Bohemian Bella demonstrates how to effortlessly pull off the laid-back luxe in the serenity and calmness of blue. Here, Bella Hadid wears Millenia bracelet with matching necklace, Lucent hoops, and Lucent rings.

Discover more on swarovski.com.

This article was originally published on www.lofficielmalaysia.com.

In Bloom: Meet Van Cleef & Arpels’ Flora secret watches

They say necessity is the mother of invention and the idea of secret watches was spawned when the social mores at the turn of the 20th century had deemed it inappropriate for a woman to check time in public let alone wear a wristwatch.

How times have changed yet Van Cleef & Arpels has not stopped embracing the inventive piece it created in the 1920s—reinterpreting it time and again with unparalleled creativity.

In the ensuing decade of the 1930s as wristwatches were morphing into quintessential feminine accessories, the Maison capitalised upon this to transform them into precious objects to be worn as jewellery by way of the secret watch.

As the name suggests, secret watches are created with a skilfully hidden dial that allows the wearer to tell time and experience the passage of hours in the most discreet fashion.

A requisite then and a novelty now, the secret watches that have emerged from the ateliers of Van Cleef & Arpels are defined by the convergence of its beloved tradition of mystery and wonder with haute joallerie savoir faire.

Paying homage to the Maison’s fascination with nature’s metamorphoses, its secret watches are often riffs on flora, a recurrent theme in its design annals. Appearing to be bathed in sunlight, the petals of gem-studded flowers and leaves conceal an elegant dial which is revealed in a charming game of hide-and-seek.

Indeed, the heritage of secrète watches runs deep at Van Cleef & Arpels with a treasure trove of archive pieces ranging from its signature Ludo and Cadenas bracelet designs from the 1930s and 1940s to serpent-style silhouettes hailing from 1940 and 1953, along with a Renoncule (Buttercup) floral iteration from 1945 and a secret watch ring from 1944.

Le Jardin Van Cleef & Arpels

At SIHH 2018, an invitation to visit Le Jardin Van Cleef & Arpels was issued, leading to a rediscovery of the passage of hours through the lens of awe-inspiring flora.

Amid the eight floral High Jewelry creations are five sparkling secret watches—instilled with the rhythm, freshness and perpetual evolution of nature, one of the Maison’s go-to inspirations since 1906.

Taking the spotlight, a jewel-encrusted flower is posited at the core of each secret watch: Dandelion, Chrysanthème, Marguerite, Primerose and Cosmos—the first two being unique pieces.

An unmissable beauty, the striking Chrysanthème’s ample and chiselled corolla is mesmerising. When the pink gold cover, embellished with diamonds and pink sapphires, is lifted up using a hidden mechanism, a 10 mm dial affords a decorative view of autumn-hued spessartite garnets. The petals in a subtly gradated palette unfurl and spiral gracefully outwards— accented by pink and yellow gold leaves with diamonds, and a white gold and diamond bracelet.

It is significant how this flora secret watch exemplifies the Maison’s inimitable art of blending stones of varied shades as well as its peerless skill in shaping and combining different golds.

 

In contrast, the Marguerite, Primerose and Cosmos secrète watches are paired with grosgrain straps.

Featuring the effervescent spring-like daisy—blossoming in the Maison’s oeuvre since the 1920s— the Marguerite is rendered with a yellow sapphire heart that raises to present a diamond dial, reverberating through the sparkling petals. Notable about this piece is its embodiment of the Maison’s tradition of transformable creations—the ability of the design to transform into various styles: a piece of jewellery or timepiece, lending playfulness, functionality and versatility in catering to diverse occasions and moods. The Marguerite secret watch can be worn as a clip with its centrepiece holding court amidst yellow gold foliage in polished openwork, carved using ancestral goldsmith’s techniques.

 

Making its floral debut in Le Jardin Van Cleef & Arpels, the hollyhock featured in the Primerose secret watch evokes youth femininity. Its vibrancy—courtesy of carefully set diamonds and shades of pink sapphires on the petals—recreates the blossom’s three-dimensional convex form. An ingenious mechanism allows the secret dial to be uncovered by gently pressing one of the petals. The hollyhock bejewelled piece is also transformable and usable as a clip atop diamond-speckled yellow and white volutes.

 

The Cosmos secret watch exhibits one of the Maison’s signature blooms that first appeared in its creations in the 1950s. Covered with diamonds using the techniques of serti neige-style and beaded-grain settings, the inclined petals— surrounding the diamond dial hidden in the heart of the Cosmos bloom—depict a sense of movement, volume and asymmetry. Transformable, the Cosmos secret watch can be deconstructed and worn as a clip with a refined attachment of pink gold foliage set with diamonds.

Frivole Fest

Moving on to SIHH of 2019, the Maison’s Frivole collection enters the scene with two secret watches on centre stage. Breathing life into the glittering corollas famed for their skin-illuminating gleam, the Frivole family expands its repertoire with firstly, a 7-flower bracelet. The new aesthetic comprises a polished yellow gold bangle with shimmering floral motifs of different sizes combined in a poetic manner.

Unfurling around two or three diamonds, the heart-shaped petals are enhanced with the Maison’s mirror-polishing technique for magnified brilliance, and superimposed to create a three-dimensional composition. Marking its debut as a secret watch, the Frivole piece flaunts a luminous bouquet that delicately pivots to showcase a hidden dial paved with diamonds.

The second Frivole secret watch manifests in a bracelet-watch, rendered in white gold and paved with diamonds. Here, delicately-pivoting corollas similarly conceal a diamond-paved dial that reflects the passing of time. Boasting the Maison’s famed transformable design, the precious bouquet can multitask as a pendant and worn on a chain, or mounted on a jewellery structure as a clip.

 

Ludo Secret

At SIHH last year, Van Cleef & Arpels revisited one of its earliest sources of inspiration since being founded in Place Vendôme in 1906: couture. Replicated into the Ludo bracelet and subsequently, Ludo secret watch, the Ludo straddles High Jewelry and Watchmaking.

An emblematic Maison creation that became an instant hit after it was created in the 1934, it incidentally (and interestingly) bears the nickname of co-founder Louis Arpels.

Forwarding to 2020, the Maison launched the Ludo Secret range of five watches, segregated in two different styles. The set is now staged for the Maison’s resplendent golds and gemstones to light up the first Ludo series, starting with its trademark ruby or sapphire studding the hexagonal links of the belt-shaped flexible mesh, punctuated by a jewel-encrusted motif in lieu of the buckle.

Encapsulating three secret watches—each imbued with a captivating symmetrical rose motif, the design flaunts a luminous interplay of material and colour combinations. Think rose and yellow gold partnered with a myriad of gemstones from rubies and coral to chrysoprase, emeralds and sapphires, and lapis lazuli and blue and pink sapphires. The petals of the precious bloom come alive, depicted by gems of different sizes blossoming around a generous hard stone cabochon, circled with diamonds.

Again, the Ludo Secret watches are transformable; it can be worn sans the glimmering dial, replaced on the bracelet by a hexagonal mesh buckle set with precious stones. The bejewelled rose can also be detached and converted into a clip or a pendant to accessorise a long chain.

It goes without saying that the wonder of a secret watch and its hidden treasures are evergreen, everlasting and ever beautiful.

 

Visit vancleefarpels.com to find out more.

This article was originally published on www.lofficielmalaysia.com.

 

Our favourite picks from Chanel Beauty Spring/Summer 2022 collection

A heritage dear to Chanel, La Pausa is once again at the heart of the house’s Spring/Summer 2022 beauty collection.

In the 1920s, Gabrielle Chanel had La Pausa built on the French Riviera as her sanctuary and escape for serenity. Conceived by Mademoiselle herself, the interior of La Pausa employs an effortless mix of white and beige, accentuated by soft touches of pink and grey. When spring arrives, sunlight fills the villa with warmth and golden rays.

Taking cues from the beauty of La Pausa, the Chanel Beauty Spring/Summer 2022 collection features a spectrum of warm, earthy shades to manifest that sunkissed post-vacation glow.

Scroll down to discover our favourite picks from the new LA PAUSA DE CHANEL collection:

ROUGE COCO BAUME

Inspired by the summer garden at La Pausa, the ROUGE COCO BAUME line offers six serotonin-boosting shades ranging from deep burgundy to dewy pink. This hybrid of colour and care owes its moisturising power to a mindful blend of naturally derived Olive Oleoactive, shea butter and the signature Hydra Boost Complex.

We love how the silky, buildable formula makes defining and contouring so much easier. Get a sheer wash of colour with one swipe or layer it up for a juicier, semi-matte finish.

LES 4 OMBRES – MÉDITERRANÉEN

This newest edition OF LES 4 OMBRES plays with the nuances of sunlight to evoke the serenity of Mediterranean. All the shades come in a satiny formula with shimmery finish to catch the light.

The colours are lovely on their own, so you can wear them alone for a subtle smokey eye or play with the contrast to create depth and intensify the glow.

BLUSH LUMIÈRE

Personally, this is our favourite from this collection. The BLUSH LUMIÈRE has two shades: Pêche Rosée, a shimmery pink coral to create a sun-kissed flush and Brun Roussi, a luminous terracotta brown to dial up the warmth and glam when the sun goes down.

Apply this creamy powder blush onto your cheeks, cheekbones and temples using edge of the half-moon brush and smudge it out with the flat side for soft, precise illumination.

 

The LA PAUSA DE CHANEL collection is now available at chanel.com.

This article was originally published on www.lofficielmalaysia.com.

Banyan Tree KL x Shiseido celebrates spring with Japanese afternoon tea in KL

This season, the Banyan Tree x Shiseido afternoon tea collaboration is back for the second year running.

In conjunction with the launch of Shiseido’s limited edition White Lucent Illuminating Micro-Spot Serum, Altitude at Banyan Tree Kuala Lumpur brings you Shiseido-inspired Sakura Spring Afternoon Tea, located at level 53 of the hotel with breathtaking views of Kuala Lumpur’s cityscape.

This exclusive afternoon tea is available from 1st April to 30th April 2022, between 3PM to 5PM at the price of MYR 188 nett per person inclusive of mouthwatering delights, a Shiseido White Lucent 3-day sampling kit, and vouchers.

The menu features a variety of Japanese classic savouries and sweets including Kurage Kyuri, Takoyaki, Tamagoyaki, Strawberry Chocolate Canapes, Matcha Scones, and more, curated by Banyan Tree’s talented team of Pastry and Culinary connoisseurs.

Swipe the gallery below for a sneak peek for the afternoon tea:

For reservations, please call Altitude, Banyan Tree Kuala Lumpur at 03 2113 1823 or email [email protected].

Visit banyantree.com to find out more.

This article was originally published on www.lofficielmalaysia.com.

Omega and Swatch collaborate to reimagine the Speedmaster Moonwatch

Omega and Swatch have come together to ace the collab culture with an unexpected watch collection launch.

Taking its name from the wordplay of Swatch and Moonwatch, the BIOCERAMIC MoonSwatch collection reimagines the Speedmaster Moonwatch with a dynamic twist and a spectrum of rarely seen colours.

Staying authentic to the Speedmaster Moonwatch’s heritage, the collection draws its inspiration from space to bring to life 11 models named after the planetary bodies in our solar system – from the sun to the ice giant and the dwarf planet.

The watches are crafted in Swatch’s patented BIOCERAMIC, an innovative sustainable blend of ceramic and bio-sourced plastic the watchmaker introduced in 2021. From the asymmetrical case to the Speedmaster subdials, the unmistakable identities of Speedmaster Moonwatch stay, reinterpreted in a curated palette inspired by the planets.

To top it off, each MoonSwatch is finished with its own mission statement and a depiction of its planet on the battery cover.

Swipe the gallery to take a look at the BIOCERAMIX MoonSwatch collection:

The BIOCERAMIX MoonSwatch collection will be available exclusively at Swatch Pavilion on 26th March 2021.

This article was originally published on www.lofficielmalaysia.com.

Complete your Raya 2022 looks with #GucciNojum

Taking its name from the Arabic word for “stars”, the Gucci Nojum collection honours this Raya 2022 with a line-up of creations conjuring the enchanting night sky during this special time of year with a dazzling palette of colours, delicate fabrics and intricate details.

If the elegant aesthetic with an ethereal twist is your cup of tea, it’s hard to not fall for this collection. And the good news? The collection will also be available in Malaysia come April 2022!

GUCCI NOJUM FLORAL SILK THIS FIL COUPÉ DRESS

With a floral cascade motif, airy helm and long puffy sleeves, this fil coupé dress will bring the joy of spring to you in an instant.

GUCCI NOJUM FLORAL PRINT SILK SHIRT

Too cool for floral in blush? This one comes with an edge in metallic silk jacquard that catches the light.

GUCCI NOJUM LUREX FLORAL CARDIGAN

Button up in this floral cardigan for a comfy and chic look.

GUCCI NOJUM BROADWAY PYTHON CLUTCH

Clutch is that foolproof staple for a day-to-night outfit formula, this Broadway Python Clutch will bring fun to your dinner table with its gold and platinum python pattern and torchon Double G hardware.

GUCCI NOJUM BAMBOO 1947 AND DIANA

The ever-classic Bamboo 1947 and Diana are now redressed in luxurious aquamarine blue and coral pink. Nestle it under your arm or wear it over the shoulder with the detachable straps.

GUCCI NOJUM GG EMBROIDERED TULLE GLOVES

These sheer gloves are soft in coral pink and powerful in making a statement about your style.

GUCCI NOJUM SANDAL

Look at that gold and blue metallic leather and crystal interlocking G hardware – do we need more reasons to love these sandals?

 

#GucciNojum collection will be available in Gucci Pavilion from 8th April 2022 onwards.

This article was originally published on www.lofficielmalaysia.com.

Mollie Jean De Dieu, Longchamp GM of Southeast Asia and Ei Founder

As the General Manager of Longchamp and juggling work as a mother of two, Mollie Jean De Dieu still has time to launch Emotional Inclusion — an NGO advocating for mental health in today’s workplace. While managing a luxury fashion brand with grit and guts, her humanistic side looks at how employees struggle with emotional wellness. She wants organisations to start grappling with the bigger picture and view mental health through a medical lens. Human capital is key in today’s workforce and companies can lose good talent through the lack of emotional wellness if they don’t spot the signs early.

Despite her busy schedule, she took time to chat with L’Officiel to share her insights of being a woman in the modern workforce. She explained what she thinks are important traits to survive in today’s business world.

Jean De Dieu says, “To survive in the business world, the modern woman of today needs to be comfortable in her own skin, unapologetically stand by her values, be authentic to herself, be courageous in sharing her vulnerability as it is what makes her approachable and real. She must always be curious as it is the twin sister of humility. Undeniably, she must also be a good communicator and not fall into the trap of comparison as it is really the thief of joy.”

Observing that many women are still afraid to speak up in a male-dominated society, Jean De Dieu would like to see that change. She feels women should assert some bravery in the workforce. “There is also nothing more beautiful or powerful than women supporting other women—we all play a part in creating this sisterhood support network of women cheering-on other women,” she shares of what would be an ideal working environment.

Image: Beatrice Contrini

Additionally, Jean De Dieu also feels that men differ from women because the latter is more in touch with their intuition. She relates that this is the “magical sixth sense” — that instinctive gut feeling to know if something you are doing is right or wrong. She affirms that this is perhaps women’s greatest superpower, which also serves as an amazing internal compass that guides them in making swift decisions.

Working women do stand out in today’s society. Their duplicitous role — one being a mother, another as a working woman — is all about juggling career and family. Gone are the days of women choosing between their careers or children. Jean De Dieu believes today’s working women should be role models for the younger generation. These women are breaking traditions, championing inclusivity, and should be applauded for striking a good work-life balance. As we enter a more digital age, societies and governments are also becoming more progressive and compassionate in this humanistic era and she’s excited to see how it will unfold.

Her tenure at Longchamp has been 15 years working in Asia, and she’s proud and humbled to work for this company. The self-effacing General Manager of Longchamp is honoured to work with the third and fourth generations of the family-run business. She adds that the company’s values are genuine, optimistic, humanistic, sincere and dynamic. Most importantly, Longchamp practices sustainable values and together with the company’s values, these are qualities that align deeply with Jean De Dieu.

Jean De Dieu’s best advice for the new generation of women entering the workforce: “Be who you are even if that means being different; your sensitivity is your biggest strength and ally. You can’t wait for life not to be hard anymore before you decide to be happy. What is delayed is not denied. Also, never let anyone tell you what you can or cannot do. You are stronger and more capable than you think you are.”

On how she would think Longchamp would be in the next five years? Jean De Dieu enthuses, “As a powerhouse of a family-owned Maison that they already are! Longchamp recognises what it means to make an ally of time and ‘longevity’ in business has always been a front and centre priority. Continuity and renewal from generation to generation will continue to make la Maison Longchamp a force to be reckoned amidst a business landscape, where brands are being snatched up by huge conglomerates.”

In addition, Jean De Dieu is also gratified with her Emotional Inclusion initiative, which advocates mental health in the workplace. She’s championing an inclusive workforce. “I like to say that Emotional Intelligence (EI) is all about the knowing (i.e the knowing of how “to identify and manage one’s own emotions, as well as the emotions of others”) whereas Emotional inclusion (Ei) is all about the doing and having companies walk-their-talk in their caring for the humanity of the individuals they lead by investing in a clinical psychologist in their organisations to oversee sustainable organisational growth. We have a whole Program and App in the making dedicated to that and the best part of it is: it works.”

Her determination has led her to create these dedicated digital initiatives to tackle these facets. Part of her meaningful advocacy work includes conducting a series of interview podcasts with global business leaders, ‘movers and shakers’ to discuss emotional inclusion and mental health in the workforce.

Aside from the Ei programme, Jean De Dieu would like organisations to get on the bandwagon of prioritising mental health in their companies. Furthermore, she explains that 90 per cent of employees still feel uncomfortable sharing how they truly fear being labelled as ‘unprofessional’ or worse, ‘weak’ in today’s business landscape. While leaders are not licensed psychologists, they can take time and truly listen to their employees.

For productivity and innovation to thrive, we need to create environments where employees can prosper too. Jean De Dieu believes it is important to keep such conversations going in today’s workplace context. She quotes from a recent Bupa survey: 58 per cent of senior business leaders say that it is still hard for them to talk about mental health in their position. With the current pandemic, it is crucial for companies to normalise and accept human emotions in the workplace, which can benefit the business at large and the employees holistically.

On who she admires today as a role model woman? She looks up to those who speak the truth and dare to take the paths less travelled. To name a few, these include Michelle Obama, Oprah Winfrey, Sheryl Sandberg, Brené Brown, Katherine Hepburn, and Coco Chanel. She admires their conviction, strength, unwavering dedication, and faith in their work and beliefs. Such independent women are bold and brave, and their contribution to the world is one that Jean De Dieu admires and hopes to follow suit in their footsteps.

 

Jacyln Chan, Country Manager of Technogym Singapore on prioritising a holistic, bias-free approach with her management style

With a career spanning more than 15 years, Jacyln Chan has dabbled her hands in many reputable lifestyle and luxury brands regionally and globally. She has worked in leadership consultancy roles and even had her hand in managing property investments. But her eye on the wellness and fitness industry really pushed her passion to engage in this industry as a certified spin and yoga instructor. Her current role as Country Manager for Technogym Singapore has made her prosper in her career pursuit. Also, her passion for people development and fostering a culture of generosity, humility, and respect among her employees have allowed her to lead the charge of this renowned fitness equipment brand.

Being Singapore’s country manager for Italian luxury wellness company Technogym, she’s constantly bent on positively impacting her team and those she works with within her sphere. She desires to bring out the best traits in people while being result-oriented. So, when it comes to what she views as important traits for a modern woman to excel in today’s business climate, she quips, “I believe confidence is based on knowing your own worth and what you can value-add to your work in terms of skill sets. Confidence is also your own ability to hustle to achieve your goals.”

Jacyln also deems self-awareness in recognising biases because bias is prevalent in people and organisations; therefore, an organisation’s culture to help shape or reinforce these biases is critical. “It’s imperative to bring this self-awareness to the team,” explains Jacyln. Then, there is the difficult conversation one must require bravery to speak up such as unacceptable behaviours, and to ensure the conversations take a positive turn.

When it comes to men dominating the fitness industry, Jacyln believes women can be the change and even accomplish things that men can’t tackle. She emphasises that the fitness and wellness industry has evolved a lot with more women taking up leadership and influential positions. Fitness in many people’s minds is all about buff men lifting weights in the gym. The fitness spectrum has expanded so much, even going beyond the realm of physical health. From HIIT exercises to Pilates, people have more to indulge in their fitness pursuits. Women have also become more present in these spaces, too. She wants to see this path of equity for women in the fitness industry as leaders or influencers.

Jacyln enthuses, “I also consciously remind myself and other leaders that having diversity isn’t just about needing to meet an arbitrary ‘inclusion’ target mix number. Instead, the approach should be to select the best candidate for the job based on a rigorous and bias-free selection process, to build a workplace culture that is fair and a team comprising of objective-based people who ‘culture-add’ and not simply ‘culture-fit’.”

So, what can women bring to the table that men cannot? She says employers should recognise that women can also bring the same things to the table as men. Their mindsets and ideal attitudes should be embraced and celebrated regardless of their gender. She adds that women have been stereotyped as overly empathetic or sensitive, or even ‘soft’. But as we now know, pigeonholing traits to gender is to paint an unduly simplistic picture with a broad brush. She stresses the need to recognise individuals for who they are and the lenses they carry into the workplace, which can add a different dimension and value to the organisation. This can apply to all genders.

When asked about how the younger generation will reshape the future of the workforce while balancing career and family, Jacyln proudly opines, “I think it’s possible to have both a career and a family. The traditional thinking and something that’s imbued perhaps in an Asian value system, that still to this day has remnants of patriarchy, is that women would be the ones to choose family over career. Personally, I’ve found that this choice hits all genders in varying degrees.”

She stresses what matters most is that women and men understand the value of time and it is finite. There are windows of opportunity for each priority in life and effective time management allows space to balance priorities well. She knows of a managing director with five kids in tow and men who had given up their careers to make time for their families. She believes that a forward-thinking workforce should not be tied to time in the office; it should be focused on outcomes and goals. All gender should be given the respect when they are managing both careers and families because it is not an easy feat. They can choose to manage their time whether working at home or in the office, but it’s the outcome of their work that should be noted.

She also adds some of the essential abilities and attributes that modern working women should have, including embracing the spirit of reliability, relentlessness, resourcefulness, and respect for themselves and others. Without these qualities, any human being, regardless of gender, won’t be able to stand their ground and showcase their true worth.

Not forgetting, every woman needs to inculcate an attitude of curiosity, love for growth and follow through with concrete steps and action, and not grow for growth’s sake. Do what’s best for you in your present situation. Sometimes staying still and recalibrating brings about more transformative change.

On the right advice to give to women aspiring to become leaders in the workforce, Jacyln emphasises, “Allow yourself to feel, embrace the pain, shame, and anger. We owe it to ourselves as humans to feel. But more importantly, be mindful not to stay in that state for too long. Pick yourself up, recalibrate, let go and move on.”

Jacyln also stresses some of the essential health pointers to own in terms of today’s fitness for busy working women. She encourages women to be active as mobility is crucial for the health and an essential ingredient to ageing gracefully. Physical activity is vital for a wellness lifestyle and is considered medicine for our bodies, minds, and health. Pursuing its mission, Technogym can provide people with bespoke training programs directly from equipment consoles and Technogym App even when they are cooped up at home during the pandemic.

 

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On the type of woman Jacyln admires, she mentions her buddy, Victoria Cambell. Not only was she a triathlon champion, swam for Germany, a Nike-sponsored athlete, and her previous line manager, but she also became her best friend along the way. Jacyln cites, “In one race, she was blocked by two male swimmers in open water. Instead of going either left or right and slowing down, she chose to instead power through and squeezed in between them. In that triathlon, she won first place among both males and females. She embodies the spirit of relentlessness despite the odds!”

As for how she would like Technogym Singapore to be in the next five years, the country manager wants to see the brand be the gold standard for fitness equipment and wellness solutions in Singapore. She says, “I want our customers in Singapore to recognise the credibility and dependability of the brand’s superior innovation and design as well as how all that comes to life is a result of the positive working relationships that my team will undoubtedly bring.

I believe that every successful company is backed up by the people driving the business and it is my goal to enable customers to be able to differentiate us from our competition through a sincere, efficient, and creative approach to how we do business. Technogym with its unique ecosystem made of connected smart equipment, software and apps is the only brand able to offer a complete wellness experience, from the equipment to digital contents.”

Datin Sri Linda Chen on the rise of Bonia

Her name is no stranger in the Malaysian fashion scene as a woman of style and charisma who has always been an entrepreneurial mind and a philanthropist at heart.

She is Datin Sri Linda Chen (@xxlindaclxx), the Marketing and Communications Director of Bonia and Braun Büffel. Having joined the family legacy officially in 2019, both Bonia and Braun Büffel have been propelled into new heights under the leadership of Datin Sri Linda.

As she sets her eye to take both brands to the world stage, we sat down with this charismatic mind to talk about being a woman in the business of fashion and how she navigates through it all.

 

 

What are 3 traits you think a modern woman today needs to excel in the business world?

  • The ability to be calm through adversity and challenges
  • Competitiveness to constantly evolve the brand and stay top-of-mind
  • Communicate efficiently

People who are more concerned with getting to the right answer than with being right, make the best bosses/managers. That’s because they keep learning and improving, and they push the people who work for them to do the same.

 

As someone who has worked in a male-dominated industry, what would you like to see change for women?

In this modern age, I’m a firm believer that gender should not play a role when your value and performance in a company exceeds expectations. The heart of great leadership is a curious mind, heart and soul; and it’s great that there are so many female leaders emulating this.

I personally achieve this by continuous learning and reflection; and feel it’s important for any female leader. I enjoy improving my skills through online courses, coaching and mentoring.

 

Datin Sri Linda at the opening of the new Bonia flagship boutique in KLCC

In your experience, what is something unique women bring to the table in a work setting? Why should more employers place more focus on this?

Women leaders are more likely to lead through inspiration, transforming people’s attitudes and beliefs, and aligning people with meaning and purpose (rather than through carrots and sticks), than men leaders normally do.

If a company spends more time trying to win people’s hearts and souls, leading with both strong EQ and IQ, as opposed to leaning more on the latter and nurturing a change in beliefs rather than behaviours, the company would definitely do better.

 

With the younger generation reshaping the future of the workforce, breaking traditions and championing inclusivity, do you think women will still find it as hard to have both career and family?

The difficulty of balancing between family and work is a myth. It’s already being done by many female leaders now and the younger generation of leaders will continue to find that balance and kick ass doing it.

Having spent over 2 years with Bonia, what would you say has been your most memorable experience?

There were many memorable experiences, from our rebranding journey and the opening of our first flagship store in KLCC but the one thing I come back to is all the challenges that we faced and how we managed to pull through. Every experience is a learning moment and I feel there are more great moments to come.

 

Datin Sri Linda featured in a 2021 Bonia campaign for International Women’s Day.

What advice would you give women aspiring to become leaders in the workforce?

Always be curious and never stop learning. Embrace your emotions but find a balance and be calm in your thoughts and actions. And always try to structure your thoughts and communicate clearly.

 

Would you please share with us some interesting/challenging moments in the course of your daily work?

There are times when I’m bound to make certain tough decisions that would be perceived as demoralizing or that I was too emotional in making decisions. That feedback made me doubt myself for a moment until I did some soul searching and realised it’s a perception that many people have of women leaders.

I cannot change people’s perceptions of how women should behave at work but I can do right by myself and be more curious, calm and communicate better.

 

Where would you like to see Bonia in the next 5 years?

Bonia will by then be a fully developed lifestyle brand with a men’s and ladies ready-to-wear line and additional lifestyle items added to the brand. We’d also have our own brand museum established with an immersive art and culture experience.

 

What are some initiatives that the company is doing to help women achieve their fullest potential

We’re proud to have a strong workforce of women who hold important roles here in Bonia. To help cultivate and nurture their potential, we have a mentorship and leadership development programme in place and regularly conduct workshops to build their skills.

 

Can you share with us an anecdote of a woman you admire?

23-time Grand Slam champion Serena Williams once said “the most important thing in a leader is ownership. Leaders must not be afraid of owning up to mistakes, things that are not great, and should not be afraid of standing up to them.”

I believe female leaders are like any leader, we make mistakes at times but the most important part is we own it and learn from it

 

 

Seven collections to keep an eye out for at Habib’s Diamond Fest 2022

Habib’s Diamond Fest returns with another roster of stunning jewellery creations. The yearly celebration has become a staple event in the jewellery house’s calendar since its inception a little over 40 years ago and a signature campaign that has put Habib in a league of its own.

“Diamond Fest provides a platform for us to share our expertise and knowledge about diamonds and the opportunity to show Malaysians that with HABIB, everyone can own a diamond,” says Group Executive Chairman Dato’ Sri Meer Habib in a statement.

Promising a bigger and better installation of the festival, Habib brings forth an extensive list of masterpieces in white, yellow or rose gold and with exceptional craftsmanship that guarantee to turn heads and capture hearts. Here are seven collections that are not to be missed:

Adore

Femininity is celebrated in the most majestic way via Adore. The jewellery range is renowned for the cluster of round diamonds that effortlessly emulates the look of a hefty solitaire round diamond.

DWA

Those who are looking for their entry-level investment pieces may find DWA particularly appealing. Noted for its minimalist double-row diamond rings, the collection offers modern and trendy designs at accessible price points.

Empress

The Empress collection is distinguished by its unique fusion of fancy-cut diamonds. This ring, for instance, features a princess-cut diamond in the middle that is encircled by four marquise-cut diamonds.

Fire on Ice

Evoking crushed ice cubes, the collection combines baguette and round-cut diamonds. Here, square-shaped motifs are placed at the heart of each piece, generously embedded with multifaceted diamonds to maximise light reflection.

Gelora

Elegance in motion is the name of the game. The collection illustrates the ebb and flow of human emotions with the contrast between space and volume, and elevates them with round-cut diamonds on the five central strands.

H

Modernising the classic in the most thoughtful fashion, the collection is defined by the clean lines that imitate the alphabet ‘H’ as they band in lockstep. Among the highlights here are the chain-link bracelets in 750 yellow, rose or white gold.

 

Polaris

Named after the brightest star, the North Star, Polaris channels the classic solitaire round-cut diamond with its sizeable central diamond surrounded by smaller brilliant-cut diamonds, all sturdily held in place by shared prongs.

 

Diamond Fest will run until 31st March 2022 at all Habib outlets and culminate with a four-day Diamond Fest Grand Finale that ends on 3rd April 2022.

This article was originally published on www.lofficielmalaysia.com.

Cartier’s Regional CEO, Cecile Naour on the importance of empowering women

Cecile Naour is a strong believer in phrase ‘when women thrive, humanity thrives’. The 175-year-old Maison has grown from strength to strength in the decades since its founding, something that Naour attributes to the company’s emphasis on nurturing female talent and fostering an inclusive, diverse environment for all.

“Leaning into the diversity of the team is very important to me,” says Naour, who joined the Maison in 2014 as a business development director, and made a steady ascent to regional CEO. “My priority is to give every one room to express their views and encourage exchanges that make dialogue richer and decisions stronger.”

Naour has seen first-hand the value of empowering women. The Maison’s long-running Cartier Women’s Initiative is a prime example of this. Now in its 15th year, the international entrepreneurship programme has benefited numerous female impact entrepreneurs: Awardees have ranged from a Kenyan woman whose company recycles waste plastic into eco-friendly lumber while creating jobs for people in marginalised communities, to a Chinese woman who uses artificial intelligence and big data to support the development of clean energy.

Here, Naour talks about what more needs to be done to ensure lasting change, and offers her advice for women looking to pursue their dreams.

 

As someone in a traditionally male-dominated industry, what would you like to see change for women, and how do you think this can be accomplished?

Creating an environment that supports women development and career progression is necessary to initiate change. Then creating the conditions for them to succeed in their role is even better!

Cartier has been empowering women for years, so women have an equal voice and chance to succeed in the Maison. This focus on nurturing female talent pipeline and accelerating the promotion of women into strategic positions became even stronger when Cyrille Vigneron re-joined Cartier in 2016 as President & CEO. Today, Cartier Regional CEOs in North America, Middle East, Japan and Southeast Asia and Oceania are women. It started with an unreserved trust in their leadership capacity… and it works!

In Cartier Southeast Asia and Oceania, 70 per cent of our employees are women and slightly over half of the regional leadership team are women. It took a while, but today we have found a good balance as a team and we like working together very much. This is precious, and I am mindful to preserve this balance.

Cartier reaffirmed its commitment towards supporting women impact entrepreneurs at an event in Singapore held at the National Gallery. Image: Cartier

The Cartier Women’s Initiative was established in 2006 and aims to empower women around the world in their various endeavours. How has the Initiative evolved over the years?

The Cartier Women’s Initiative gives women entrepreneurs a voice and brings their ideas to light. Fifteen years on, the Cartier Women’s Initiative has supported 262 women impact entrepreneurs hailing from 62 countries and has awarded a total of 6,440,000 million dollars in prize money to support their businesses.

The fellowship has expanded from funding five Fellows in 2007 to 24 fellows in 2021. Our Fellows continue to contribute and to learn from the Cartier Women’s Initiative, a lifelong community of more than 500 — and that just keeps growing!

 

You’ve been with Cartier, in various directorial roles, since 2014. What are some of your most memorable experiences?

In 2016, I was based in Dubai as the Maison’s Regional Business Development Director. I travelled extensively in the region where I met many incredible women. I was amazed by their brilliant minds, their proactiveness, and their optimistic view of their country’s development and the standing of women in the country.

They had strong beliefs which they shared openly and I really enjoyed and benefitted from my conversations with these women. My interactions with these women left a lasting impression of what empowered women can do. I also felt an immense positivity and optimism that we can, and are already, creating the right conditions for women to thrive. And when women thrive, humanity thrives!

 

In your experience, why should more employers place more focus on equitable employment?

Each employee is unique. My role as a leader is to detect, understand, appreciate and value the unique strengths of each individual and to create an inclusive environment that allows men and women to shine and reveal their uniqueness.

Leaning into the diversity of the team is very important to me. My priority is to give every one room to express their views and encourage exchanges that make dialogue richer and decisions stronger.

 

With the younger generation reshaping the future of the workforce, do you think women today will still face the same challenges as their predecessors?

As of today, it is still a challenge for women to have it all. Women face different conditions depending on where they live and work. Some countries are more favourable towards women having both career and family, while others are still learning and need more time to support women in handling both. It will require time, effort and active change in policies to sustainably anchor such changes in societies. At a company level, improving employee benefits can certainly help.

From my experiences and interactions with women living in the different countries of Southeast Asia, I am optimistic and hopeful that opportunities are opening up for them as women empowerment gathers momentum around the world.

Image: Cartier

What advice would you give women aspiring to become leaders?

My advice is for women in general, not just for those aspiring to be leaders. It’s important to go after your dream, your heart’s desire, whatever that may be. Find your own space and claim it because only you can.

This also means believing in your worth and having the courage to ask for what you want. Size up the opportunity when it presents itself, don’t hesitate to seize it. We need to have the courage to dream and do big, and be the change we hope to see!

 

Where would you like to see Cartier’s SEA and Oceania divisions in the next 5 years?

Cartier is a reference in the world of luxury, making creations that spark desire and stand the test of time. Cartier is known for an iconic style and a legendary art de faire. My hopes for Cartier Southeast Asia and Oceania is to continue to build on that legacy that makes both our clients and employees proud, but also go beyond and develop our purpose-driven mission and engage and nurture dialogue around the Maison commitments.

The Cartier Women’s Initiative is one of them. On International Women’s Day this year, we reaffirmed our commitment towards supporting women impact entrepreneurs across the Region with the Cartier Women’s Initiative (CWI). Building a community takes time, especially across a region as diverse as Southeast Asia, and we’re really sowing the seeds to connect and support women who are leveraging business as a force for good. We’re part of a global wave of positive change, the momentum is picking up fast in the region, and we will lead and be part of that transformation. Women’s Pavilion at Dubai Expo. Image: Cartier

As a leader in the world of luxury, how else is Cartier supporting women to enact change?

We have brought together a global community of impact leaders with the Cartier Women’s Initiative, celebrating women impact entrepreneurs who are creating ripples of change around the world. Six months ago, Cartier opened a historic Women’s Pavilion at the Dubai World Expo, which is an incredible platform for sharing, dialogue and community.

As the first pavilion dedicated to women in more than a century, we collaborated with many creators and designers to recognised and celebrate the achievements of women all over the world and give hope to those who need. And we will continue to do so in time to come!

3 new Longchamp bags you need this Spring/Summer 2022

Ever since its first unveiling last September, Longchamp has gotten us hooked to its Spring/Summer 2022 collection – a collection inspired by the beauty of the south of France.

Celebrtating the French art de vivre, the Spring/Summer 2022 collection highlights the use of linen towels (created in collaboration with Maison Charvet) and intricate embroidery details to evoke an intimate and summery look and feel.

In our recent interview with her, creative director Sophie Delafontaine says, “I wanted to speak about the beauty of the South of France and showcase the idea of a family home in that region, where we can finally meet and gather again with our family and friends to enjoy the French art de vivre with sunshine, warmth and great cuisine.”

But today, let’s put our focus on our favourite things from Longchamp – the bags. This Spring 2022 sees a wide array of new silhouettes including Cuir de Russie, Le Pliage Paris St Tropez, and the Roseau bucket.

The first is an icon within the house of Longchamp – the Roseau, which is a bag with over three decades of history behind it. The Roseau is perhaps the ultimate symbol of its leather heritage and savoir-faire and this season, sees the new look dressed in a variety of finishes.

Now the icon has been reimagined in the hands of Sophie in the form of a structured bucket bag starring the signature bamboo clasp.

From supple leather to the cotton canvas with floral motifs and LGP jacquard canvas with black Russian leather trim, the Roseau bucket (which comes in various sizes) captures the easy, insouciant spirit of the season and transitions perfect on all occasions – be it the streets of Paris or the quaint farmer’s market in Provence.

Click here to shop the Longchamp Roseau bucket bag:

On a summery note, one of the quintessential bags we must have is a good straw basket bag and Longchamp’s answer is the Le Pliage Paris St Tropez bag.

Another versatile bucket bag to add to your list, the Le Pliage Paris St Tropez bag reimagines the classic Le Pliage design with a Provence touch that features the horse icon embroidered on the straw-effect fabric.

Spacious and light, the bag is your perfect beach party or garden soiree partner for that effortless casual chic look.

Click here to shop the Le Pliage Paris St Tropez bag:

And finally, the last bucket variation from Longchamp is the Cuir de Russie bucket bag. The Longchamp famous cuir de Russie (translated as Russian leather) has always been known to be used to create the flap and handles of the iconic Le Pliage bag.

But for Spring/Summer 2022, this specific leather moves from a supporting role to the main star for the Cuir de Russie bucket bag, which highlights a structured body and distinctive grained leather texture.

Unlike the usual Le Pliage that has a zip closure, the Cuir de Russie is an open bag with a snap button closure for a minimal, yet statement design. With six distinctive shades of colour, the Cuir de Russie is a true icon set to take over the scene.

And the best way to sport this bag is to style the bag handle with a colourful Longchamp silk scarf from the Spring/Summer 2022 collection. C’est parfait!

Click here to shop the Cuir de Russie bag:

 

The Longchamp Spring/Summer 2022 collection is now available on Longchamp’s official e-commerce website and all Longchamp boutiques nationwide.

This article was originally published on www.lofficielmalaysia.com.

The Niki Baby Bag by Saint Laurent

Born under Anthony Vaccarello’s creative direction, the Niki bag first made its appearance in Saint Laurent’s Spring/Summer 2018 campaign, in which Kate Moss flaunted a fur coat with the leather bag dangling on her shoulder. And you know it can only be a rock star if a bag makes its debut on the arm of the one and only Kate Moss. The Niki bag was destined to become a modern classic that goes beyond seasons and trends.

With Saint Laurent’s rock ‘n’ roll legacy running deep, its rectangular structure and flap closure are borrowed from elder sibling, the Loulou bag. Reinterpreted in a softer, wrinkled leather that lends a hint of grunge and nonchalance, the bag comes finished with the unmistakable chevron stitching and Cassandre logo. As alluring as it is versatile, the Niki bag comes with a roomy interior and thoughtful pockets to keep close your daily essentials: iPhone, AirPods, journal, purse, hand sanitiser, hand cream, lipstick. Meanwhile, the convertible chain equipped with a leather pad ensures the comfort of the wearer’s shoulder.

This season, Saint Laurent presents the new Niki Baby bag rendered in dark toffee quilted vintage crinkled leather. Muted and monochromatic, this rendition lets the silhouette do the talking as it complements any attire to exude a sense of strength and confidence sans the need of loud colours and logos.

 

Visit ysl.com to find out more.

This article was originally published on www.lofficielmalaysia.com.

 

Watch Out: The Seamaster Aqua Terra 150M by Omega

How to make the heavenly stars and hypnotic oceans converge with a modern twist on your wrist?

It seems Omega’s answer to this is manifested in the Seamaster Aqua Terre 150M Co-Axial Master Chronometer Ladies 38 mm, rendered in Sedna™ Gold and stainless steel.

Used by Omega since 2012, the exclusive 18K Sedna™ Gold is named after Sedna, an orbiting planetoid known to be one of the reddest in the solar system. The fiery rose gold alloy may appear similar to other 18k golds, but its high resistance to colour and lustre fading over time is a triumph, thanks to a unique and stable composition that includes copper and palladium. Juxtaposed with 316L stainless steel for this Seamaster Aqua Terre 150M iteration, a conventional but beautiful and affordable metal meets the precious 18K Sedna™ Gold in a lustrous and corrosion-free perfect match that prevails in the face of high-stress situations and constant daily wear.

Conceived from oceanic inspirations, this Seamaster Aqua Terre is an unmistakably elegant creation whose design is anchored in elements emanating a marine spirit. The agate dial features a subtle yet stunning wave pattern, punctuated by a date window at 6 o’clock. Shaped like sailboat hulls, the indexes, accented in 18K Sedna™ gold, perpetuate the nautical narrative of the timepiece—also endowed with hour, minute and second hands in 18K Sedna™ gold.

 

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The watch’s bold and contemporary sensibility, defined by a symmetrical case and integrated bracelet, allows it to effortlessly resonate with both city slickers as well as active, outdoorsy types. But foremost is what drives the Seamaster Aqua Terre 150M—the OMEGA Master Chronometer Calibre 8800, which is tested by the Official Swiss Chronometer Control (COSC) with precision criteria of -4/+6 seconds per day. The complete watch and its movement have also undergone eight Master Chronometer tests set by the Swiss Federal Institute of Metrology (METAS) with criteria of 0/+6 seconds per day. Its revolutionary components—from the Co-Axial escapement for long-lasting precision to the silicon balance spring for superior anti-magnetism—ensure the highest standards of performance.

To appreciate all the fine inner workings of the self-winding movement with a 55-hour power reserve, a domed synthetic sapphire crystal case back—treated to be scratch-resistant and anti-reflective on both sides—allows one the privilege to do so with ease.

 

Visit omegawatches.com to find out more.

This article was originally published on www.lofficielmalaysia.com.

 

Coveted homeware by Tiffany & Co.

To all the Tiffany & Co. admirers, there is no better time than now to dress and accessorise your home in the unmistakable Tiffany blue. The season of new beginnings is fast approaching and the best way to welcome the Spring season is to freshen and elevate your home.

In recent years, the iconic American jeweller launched a charming array of home decor and accessories and is adding more eye-catching pieces to the collection. Tiffany & Co. has always wowed us with its elegance and brilliance, and the homeware line is no exception. With remarkable craftsmanship and design, the coveted collection is an immaculate blend of luxury and functionality. From bar and kitchenware to games and baby gifts, the collection mainly features crystal, bone china and sterling silver.

Tiffany & Co. has also expanded its home decor universe with Italian jewellery designer Elsa Peretti. The Elsa Peretti Home collection highlights the pioneer artisan’s signature aesthetic and brings a range of everyday objects that are sculptural, organic and captivating.

For Her

Ladies, as you dress in a black sheath gown, like the one Hubert de Givenchy designed for Audrey Hepburn for the 1963 film Breakfast at Tiffany’s, you can revel in your very own Tiffany home in style. Our favourite Tiffany accompaniments are the sophisticated Colour Block sets, Peretti’s thumbprint dishes and black Bombe Frame, as well as the stylish Metallic Vide Poche Set. For curious minds, an intricate chess and checkers set is also available, handcrafted with blue amazonite and wood.

 

For Him

Amongst all of Tiffany’s sleek stationery, worthy of a dapper man and his pristine home office, the standout is the Atlas Fountain Pen. Inspired by the Atlas clock atop Tiffany’s Fifth Avenue flagship store, the sterling silver pen’s timeless design is made in gold vermeil. Other charismatic and exciting products include the geometric Diamond Point Round Clock, a regal Five-piece Flatware Set fit for kings, and a lavish Travel Poker Set with porcelain poker chips.

To complete your office, you can also upgrade the bar area with a pair of Peretti’s Thumbprint Brandy Snifters and the Tiffany 1837 Makers barware accessories with engraving available.

 

For Families

Spruce up your family’s and your rooms with Tiffany’s Pearl Cut vases, inspired by archival crystal designs from the late 1960s. For the study, a bean paperweight that symbolises the origin of all things — an apropos reference to the spirit of spring. In the kitchen and gardens, decorate with Peretti’s timeless Bone Cake Plate in mouth-blown Venetian glass and a sterling silver flowerpot respectively. There is also a baby collection, with tea sets, coin banks and baby combs.

Tiffany has even catered to game night enthusiasts and crafted a luxe Mahjong Set, housed in a Tiffany Blue leather box and complete with equipment made in sterling silver, American walnut and leather. With the rise in popularity of Mahjong and many other luxury brands producing their own versions, this set is also an exceptional gift choice.

Another delightful addition would be the Travel Candles that features three of Tiffany’s signature candle scents of jasmine, basil and fig — perfect for simulating a homely feel when travelling.

 

For Housepets

And of course, not forgetting about our beloved, furry friends. Some accessories include a darling Bone Collar Charm with engraving available, a whimsical Cat Bowl and a bone china Pet Treat Jar.

Style your dream Tiffany & Co. home now at tiffany.com

This article was originally published on www.lofficielmalaysia.com.

Van Cleef & Arpels opens “Poetry of Time” exhibition in Singapore

From February 12 to 20, Van Cleef & Arpels will bring its ‘Poetry of Time’ event to Marina Bay Sands’ Expo Hall B​. We take a look at four major themes that have shaped the world of Van Cleef & Arpels since 1906, referencing pieces that will be on display at the exhibition — read on to discover the creations, and to find out how to visit the exhibition.

Love stories, modern and mythical

Alfred Van Cleef and Estelle Arpels were said to have shared one of those legendary romances – the sort that has inspired sonnets and plays throughout time. It’s little wonder that so much of the Maison’s has been informed by love stories: Take the Aïda & Radamès secret watch, for example. Inspired by Aida – a famous opera that has been sung over a thousand times since its premiere in 1871 – this fascinating piece of high jewellery belies the legend of the tragic romance between an Ethiopian princess and an Egyptian commander.

The watch is wrought of diamonds, mirror-polished gold and a deluge of blue sapphires, turquoise and lapis lazuli – echoing the warm sands of Egypt, and the famed Nile. The watch’s crowning jewel, a 5.93 ct Madagascan sapphire, hides a sliding dial adorned with fine stone marquetry – a subtle nod to the lovers’ secret romance.

 

Enchanting fairies, ethereal ballerinas

 

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Louis Arpels – one of the House’s original co-founders – was famed for his love of ballet. He would often bring his nephew and future scion Claude to performances at the Paris Opera. Later, Claude would continue his uncle’s legacy by collaborating with George Balanchine to create Jewels, a three-act ballet that premiered at the New York State Theatre in 1967.

Fairies, likewise, hold the same sort of ethereal fascination for Van Cleef & Arpels – as seen in the diaphanous Lady Féerie watch. But delicate muses do not preclude extraordinary technological additions: In 2021, the Lady Féerie watch won the Ladies’ Complication Watch Prize at the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève, a ceremony that many have called the “Oscars of watchmaking.” The diamond-studded fairy uses her wand to indicate the minutes, thanks to a retrograde movement developed exclusively for the brand, while a window of mother-of-pearl indicates the passing hours.

 

Messages from the stars

 

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In 2019, the Maison introduced the Lady Arpels Zodiaque Lumineux watches, the feminine counterpart to an existing collection – inspired by the 12 signs of the Western zodiac – for men. Like the original collection for men, the Lady Arpels Zodiaque Lumineux watches utilise a special light-on- demand module that allows electrical energy to be generated mechanically: At the press of a button, the translucent enamel beads on the watch face illuminate, lighting up the corresponding constellation.

These symbolic figures are adorned with precious stones and enamel, using shades that correspond to each sign’s element: Water signs, like Pisces, are glided with blue sapphires and translucent blue enamel beads, while fire signs like Aries are given stones like yellow sapphires and spessartite garnets.

 

Of flora and fauna

 

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It’s not just the beauty of nature that Van Cleef & Arpels is enthralled by – it is the constant state of metamorphoses of both flora and fauna that they admire, and aim to encapsulate. See the wondrously complex Dahlia secrète watch, where dozens of corollas in yellow gold and diamonds wrap ensconce a central diamond; the high jewellery watch required over 1,000 hours of work to complete. A system of subtle articulations give movement to each individual petal when touched, giving the watch the illusion of being a live, quivering flower.

 

Visit this link to book your visit to The Poetry of Time.

This article was originally published on www.lofficielmalaysia.com.

 

Longines presents “The Moment of Love” for Chinese New Year 2022

A tradition highly cherished in traditional Chinese culture, the Lunar New Year festivities are synonymous with kinship, friendship, inspiration and love, as depicted in these evocative tales of reunion.

Central to the narrative are the Longines Elegant Collection and the Longines Master Collection, which star as the perfect gifts of time to convey New Year wishes and to usher in the reunion.

Eddie Peng

In Anticipation, presented by Ambassador of Elegance Eddie Peng, the story showcases the gleaming Longines Elegant Collection gold watches, which bear witness to a joyous surprise party of friends exchanging red packets.

The film’s second chapter, Tenderness, Ambassador of Elegance WINWIN (Dong SiCheng) alongside the classic Longines Master Collection, bring to life a family reunion portraying how companionship is always the best gift of all.

Zhao Liying

For the final chapter, Together, anchored by Ambassador of Elegance Zhao Liying, also highlights the power of companionship. Here, the plot is evoked by simple yet meaningful moments the actress shares with her pet—reflected in apt fashion by the minimalist Longines Elegant Collection.

To find out more, visit longines.com.

This article was originally published on www.lofficielmalaysia.com.

What you can expect from the new Apple Watch Series 7

Riding the wave of the successful Series 6, Apple gives the gold standard software experience, streamlined design and useful fitness features a further boost with its new Apple Watch Series 7.

“Apple Watch Series 7 delivers significant improvements — from our largest and most advanced display, to enhanced durability and faster charging — making the world’s best smartwatch better than ever before,” said Jeff Williams, Apple’s chief operating officer.

“Powered by watchOS 8, Apple Watch brings useful new capabilities to help customers stay connected, track activity and workouts, and better understand their overall health and wellness.”

BIGGER AND BETTER

Equipped with a bigger, more powerful screen, it not only provides onscreen buttons that are easier to tap, but also introduces a full QWERTY keyboard for the first time. The autocorrect function works well, and so is the QuickPath feature.

Having said that, we reckon it’s still best to use your phone for anything more than a short phrase like “I’m already outside your house,” or “Remember to buy toilet paper.” Buttons in apps such as Stopwatch, Activity, and Alarms also makes the screen even simpler to interact with.

Running the same watchOS 8 software as every Apple Watch since Series 3, Series 7 boasts new watch faces specially designed for the larger display. The Contour face extends the dial to the edge of the display, accentuating the Arabic numeral hour markers.

The Modular Duo face takes advantage of the extra space to provide more information via two complications whereas the World Time face keeps track of time in 24 time zones around a double dial. Apple has also finally added the Portraits face that allows you to customise your Series 7 with images taken in Portrait mode on your iPhone.

LONGER LIFE, FASTER CHARGE

In terms of battery life, although it is similar to Series 6 lasting up to around 18 hours – get this: it charges up to 33% faster in comparison. If you think about it, that makes a huge difference especially for those who have the tendency of only charging up watch in the morning before leaving home.

In continuing to adhere to its environmental mission, Series 7 is made with more recycled materials compared to all its predecessors, using 100% recycled aluminium, 100% recycled tungsten and 100% recycled rare earth elements. It is also made without harmful chemicals like mercury, PVC, beryllium, and BFRs.

FIT AND HEALTHY WITH APPLE

The comprehensive Series 7 health-tracking features include the ability to measure ECG for heart rhythm, monitor sleep respiratory rate, keep an eye on the Sp02 (the percentage of oxygen being carried by red blood cells from the lungs to the rest of the body), and track a wide range of different fitness workouts, including Tai Chi and Pilates.

In addition, it now boasts new cycling features. With WatchOS 8, it’s able to recognise the difference between the distinctive motion of falling off a bicycle and other workouts. Besides the Breathe app which I find to be a helpful reminder for me to take a break on a regular basis, it now also comes with a new Mindfulness app – which is the app I have been using first thing in the morning.

Exciting news: Fitness+, the first fitness service powered by Apple Watch, has reached our shores! The array of workouts, which include HIIT, Pilates, strength, yoga and even guided meditation and sessions on mindfulness with new workouts added to the list every week, provides more than enough variations to keep you motivated.

Available in 41mm and 45mm in five new colour cases, the Series 7 features a robust front crystal that is more crack-resistant sans sacrificing on optical clarity.

The watch is IP6X certified for dust resistance and WR50 certified for water-resistant, which means you can now wear your watch to the beach or during a hike.

 

Visit apple.com to find out more.

This article was originally published on www.lofficielmalaysia.com.

We tried the N°1 de CHANEL by Chanel Beauty

A new dawn is breaking at Chanel Beauty as it unveils N°1 de CHANEL, a brand new line encapsulating Mademoiselle Chanel’s holistic beauty vision through minimalist, eco-conscious approach.

Whilst the white Camellia leads the charge in the cult Hydra Beauty line, the Czar, a red variety, is at the heart of N°1 de CHANEL. The red camellia’s evergreen leaves and winter blooms have led to the discovery of the flower’s exceptional ability to sustain skin resilience and address skin senescence as we come of age. To harness the power of the red camellia, Chanel Beauty embarked on a 10-year quest and eventually introducing the N°1 de CHANEL, named as a nod to the iconic N°5.

Without squandering any of the precious bloom, N°1 de CHANEL unlocks the full benefits of the red camellia by bringing together its revitalizing properties-packed extracts, refreshing floral water, nourishing oil and yeast extract that helps fortify skin barrier.

So, think of the formulas as a skin-strengthening shield that revitalises the skin and protects it from external aggressors at the same time. And with a mission to keep beauty minimal and green (and chic), the entire collection is housed in eco-designed packaging using glass, bio-based and recyclable materials. Cellophane is ditched and all paper booklets are replaced by smart QR codes.

L’Officiel Malaysia’s verdict on the Red Camellia Revitalising Serum and Red Camellia Revitalising Cream:

It has been a month since I introduced the Red Camellia Revitalising Serum and Red Camellia Revitalising Cream to my AM/PM skincare routine and they keep those unwelcome back-to-office skin changes at bay like a dream. My sensitive skin behaves despite major lifestyle changes including the daily commute that leads to more exposure to urban pollutants and wearing the mask for an extended period of time.

The Red Camellia Revitalising Serum and Red Camellia Revitalising Cream are formulated with 95% ingredients of natural origin to address the early stage of skin ageing. The serum, powered by 75% of camellia derivatives, has a rich yet dewy texture that sinks into the skin right away.

It reawakens and brings calmness to stressed, tired skin with just a drop or two. To encourage the result, I layer the cream over the serum. Airy to the touch, the cream promises to quench the skin, refine pores and lines and shield the skin from environmental aggressors.

N°1 de CHANEL is more than just a skincare line, but a lifestyle that inspires to seek the finer things in life. From formula to packaging, the art of thoughtful minimalism runs through the entire range.

The tres chic red bottles are noticeably lightweight compared to the CHANEL Sublimage line, cellophane wrapping and paper booklets are dropped, all product information and guides are just one scan away.

 

N°1 de CHANEL is now available at all CHANEL Fragrance & Beauty boutiques and CHANEL Fragrance & Beauty E-Shop.

This article was originally published on www.lofficielmalaysia.com.