Like all the Cartier creations that never stopped reinventing themselves, the Clash de Cartier collection introduces a forward-thinking capsule collection that clashes sleek geometric lines with dramatised volume.
Free-spirited and authentic, elegant and audacious, the new Clash [Un]limited collection that embodies a new spectrum of vision at Cartier, which is now endorsed by Lily Collins, the star who demonstrated her range and nuance in David Fincher’s Mank and the breakout Netflix original series Emily in Paris.
Cartier has also unveiled a campaign to celebrate the launch of the new Clash [Un]limited collection with Lily Collins. Subdued yet contrasting, the campaign spotlights Cartier’s radical approach to precious jewellery. The spikey and voluminous silhouette are crafted with the duality of attitude in mind, preserving the timeless codes of Cartier while defining new expressions of jewellery.
Binance NFT has teamed up with Jim Thompson and NFKings Productions for an exciting “Mystery Boxes” sale to celebrate Elephant Day on 12th August 2021. A portion of proceeds from the sale will be donated to the Save the Elephant Foundation, an organisation that provides care and sanctuary to ageing elephants.
“Mystery Boxes” are an innovative and engaging way for Binance NFT users to unlock special NFTs. Each “Mystery Box” is guaranteed to contain one NFT, ranging from common collectables to ultra-rare, limited-edition NFTs. All users are provided with an accessible and exciting way to add new NFTs to their collection.
For the upcoming “Mystery Boxes” sale, Binance NFT has partnered with iconic lifestyle brand Jim Thompson to launch a limited series of 10 collectable elephants. Jim Thompson is renowned for its range of lifestyle products using only the finest silk and unique craftsmanship that originates from Thailand.
Everyone who buys an NFT from the first sale will be entitled to one year of Jim Thompson’s loyalty enrolment. Membership level and associated discounts will depend on the rarity of the elephant.
Users who collect one elephant from each tier (Common, Rare, Super Rare, Super Special Rare) will be entitled to enter a draw to win exclusive prizes including vouchers, a unique private dinner experience for two at the Jim Thompson House in Bangkok, romantic dinners on the Chao Praya River, a 2-night stay at the Jim Thompson Suite at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel, Bangkok and, last but not least, the opportunity to name one elephant rescued by the Save the Elephant Foundation.
Frank Cancelloni, CEO of Jim Thompson, says: “This project is an exciting milestone for Jim Thompson who has always been associated with beautiful Elephants design on its products. Thanks to the great partnership with NFKings Productions, Binance and Heart Media Group, elephants lovers and Jim Thompson fans will have the opportunity to own a unique Jim Thompson NFT elephant and win experiential prices”.
Matthew Lim, CEO of NFKings Productions adds “We are very proud to have brought Jim Thompson, a brand with so much history and heritage, into the NFT scene. This project is just the start of how we are going to see an inevitable marriage between the physical and digital world. Blockchain technology through the application of NFTs has now enabled traditional businesses like Jim Thompson an opportunity to experience and interact with the increasingly digitally-savvy user base in a scalable and efficient manner.”
Visit the Binance NFT Platform here on August 12 2021 to participate in the “Mystery Boxes” NFT sale.
With another summer disappearing before our eyes and our next trip to a faraway island seems out of reach, we’re finding a slice of summer escapism in the latest Loewe Paula’s Ibiza drop.
Creative director Jonathan Anderson conjures an everlasting summer with a multi-tasking wardrobe that takes you from a breezy seaside to the subway in a city. The laid-back, asymmetric silhouettes and psychedelic palette stay as the base of this collection; dresses, matching tops and trousers are introduced with textured geometries, faded treatment, crochet and drawstring details to punctuate a craftsy and sunny accent.
Accessories like sunglasses and fisherman hats go playful to switch looks, elsewhere, the Hammock, Balloon and Gate bags are rendered in Ecru and navy canvas as well as tan calf leather.
Swipe the gallery to take a look at our favourite picks from Loewe Paula’s Ibiza 2021 collection:
Following its Green Light and Green District collections, Longchamp takes another sustainable step as it unveils the new Le Pliage® Green.
First introduced to the world in 1993, Longchamp Le Pliage® is loved for many reasons. It epitomises simplicity, durability, the Parisian state of mind, and it has never stopped to reinventing itself. This year, the world’s most famous foldable bag evolves itself with recycled nylon, marking start of Longchamp’s transition to employing this responsible material throughout the entire Le Pliage® collection by 2022.
Available in four coulourways inspired by the nature – Forest, Ocean, Earth and limited-edition Snow, the Le Pliage® Green comes with a body made of recycled polyamide (nylon) canvas certified by Global Recycled Standard (GRS). Pre-consumer waste such as nylon stockings, and offcuts from textile production process are recovered, analysed, treated, then reprocessed into polyamide fibre, then yarn, and finally polyamide canvas.
And not only that, all the details – including the signature Russian leather, hardware, shoulder straps, zip tapes, and embroidery threads – are getting the Green treatment to answer to the needs of the environment and consumers.
And in celebration of the launch of this collection, Longchamp brought French actress Marie Papillon to its atelier to go through the process of creating the Le Pliage® Green bag. Watch the journey below:
With the craving for freedom goes sky-high, Tory Burch Summer 2021 collection presents a wardrobe that delivers comfort, confidence and imagination.
Drawing inspiration from the ‘70s sportswear, the collection exudes the allure of simplicity with a range of airy, relaxed silhouettes with clean tailoring in a subdued palette; prints and patterns – from big florals to gingham – marries volume for a whimsical spin.
“Everything is finished with artisanal details like moulded leather flowers, lightweight appliqué lace, open work and intricate quilting techniques. The collection continues to explore homespun craftsmanship and a sense of ease,” shares Tory Burch on the collection.
Swipe the gallery to take a look at the Tory Burch Summer 2021 collection:
The biggest impact on Longines was the closing of our retailer boutiques for more than 6 months in some parts of the world. But thanks to the digitisation of our business, we could mitigate that by mobilising the distribution channel for markets with e-commerce capabilities while speeding that up in other markets without e-commerce. Today, 13 out of our 38 subsidiaries are equipped with e-shopping and the objective is to be 100% online by the end of this year and to be able to offer this to our retailers. Despite that, we believe in an online/offline balance in distribution and communication. Currently, we are bolstering our social media presence to enhance consumer and follower engagement, and to facilitate buying processes which may begin online with the gathering of technical information before physical sales.
Longings VP, Sales Xavier Ligero
What are the guidelines for Longines to continually strike such a successful balance between heritage and elegance?
Thank you for the compliment and as what I was saying, when it comes to design, our history is in St-Imier, where we have been since 1832. We always reference our heritage while encouraging innovation and adhering to our historical roots that are very strongly reflected in our aesthetical codes. We also try to push our designs as far as possible while retaining quality norms where our biggest advantage is our quality versus price balance where we are No 1 globally right now in the industry for our price segment.
The Legend Diver is a watch that was designed in the early ’60s but whose timeless design gives it a modern appearance with the addition of new technology and colours. It’s a very good example of how we conceive, design and develop our watches—looking at our rich history as a traditional brand that is deeply rooted in the 3 pillars: elegance, heritage and performance, in keeping with the aesthetical codes of the 190 years of our history.
Longines Legend Diver
How did the Legend Diver’s distinct feature of the internal bezel come about versus an external bezel?
Longines was one of the pioneers of the internal turning dials or bezels from the beginning of the manufacture with good expertise in internal turning dials and then bezels for diving watches. After the Skin Diver with an external rotating bezel was created in 1958, we designed the Legend Diver with the bigger compressor case in the ’60s to maximise the security of the watch while underwater. The Legend Diver’s internal bezel requires a very complicated internal construction to design to allow the indicators and gradation on the bezel to merge perfectly with those on the dial.
Longines HydroConquest
What distingushes the Skin Diver, Legend Diver and HydroConquest?
In the coming future, we strongly believe that the Legend Diver will help us to narrate the history of Longines diving-type watches, starting in 1958 with the Skin Diver, the first diving watch produced by Longines and a very important historical watch for us. The Legend Diver is one of our most successful heritage watch collections since 1989 together with Flagship Heritage. It is the first diver watch in our catalogue to be fitted with the new L888.5 calibre with silicon balance-spring for performance. It was the first of the 3 watches to get this great movement with 70-hour power reserve with 5-year warranty. The current rendition is a 42 mm watch with a non-reflective sapphire crystal box, featuring a stainless steel turning bezel with resistant black PVD, and 3 strap options: rubber strap; caramel brown leather which is not water-resistant but cool for a vintage watch; and mesh stainless steel bracelet.
Longines Legend Diver
Longines Legend Diver
Longines Legend Diver
The HydroConquest design was launched in 2007, among our 5 different Sport collections. It is available in different sizes, designs and colours with the ceramic bezel being introduced 4 years ago with pure, clean lines; more readability and new diving watch standards. It is one of the most popular and best-performing in our catalogue today worldwide—just behind our top-selling Master collection. It is a great price point for that kind of calibre, silicon balance-spring, ceramic bezel and component quality. While the HydroConquest is more “commercial”, the Legend diver is “special” in relation to our history, geared towards watch afficionados and collectors, and vintage watch lovers.
Longines HydroConquest
Longines HydroConquest
Longines HydroConquest
How did Silver Arrow for Longines become associated with aviation from the automotive industry originally?
The ’50s was the heyday of Mercedes and Silver Arrow cars in the racing world. Here at Longines, we developed the Silver Arrow model after an in-house contest where our then- president invited and received more than 400 proposals for the name of a new timepiece with an avant-garde design. The winner was the name of “Silver Arrow” where Longines released the first Silver Arrow watch in 1956 with a symbol of a supersonic plane ying through the stars—forging the connection between racing circuits and celestial paths.
Longines Silver Arrow
What was the backstory of the extra big 30-minute counter for the Longines Avigation BigEye?
Most aviation watches at Longines and other brands in history had developed their technical speci cations from the air force. Longines was contacted by an air force company for watches with a slightly bigger 30-minute counter to ensure readability. If you look at different watch brands with Type 20 watches (that’s the name of this watch style at the time), most of them had a big 30-minute counter at 3 o’clock.
Longines Avigation BigEye
For the Longines DolceVita, what inspired the evolution of the Roman numerals dial to the sectorised dial?
DolceVita is our iconic collection, launched in 1997, that propelled Longines as an important player in our price segment for ladies’ watches and gave us the perfect 50-50 balance for ladies and men’s watches. Though DolceVita was initially dedicated to women, the rectangular or square watches attracted a growing interest from men, leading to the Humphrey Bogart advertising 10 years ago with the beautiful chronograph with a silver dial and golden-brown leather strap.
Longines DolceVita
Longines DolceVita
Longines DolceVita
Longines DolceVita
In 2014, the focus again shifted DolceVita to be more delicate and feminine with only quartz models in 4 different dimensions. Then three years ago, we introduced the mechanical movement Calibre L592 to the DolceVita. This required us to widen its profile to fit the movement, making the watch more masculine despite the Roman indicators. But as male interest for the watch picked up, another dial was proposed from our history of Art Deco designs from the 1920s following which these sectored dial designs emerged in the ’40s. This is how the vintage and cool reprisal is now revealed in the new DolceVita Automatic.
At the recent Wimbledon Open, history is made as Serbian world number. 1 player Novak Djokovic scored his 20thGrand Slams while Ashleigh Barty became the first Australian women’s champion for 41 years. These will no doubt go down as some of the most iconic moments in modern tennis.
To celebrate historic tennis moments, Oppo, official sponsor of Wimbledon Open, launched Courting the Colour — a campaign which recolourizes old iconic photographs to retell the stories behind. In partnership with Getty Images, the collection of seven images underwent a tireless process of restoration by experts from black and white images into vibrant, lively images powered by the recently launched Find X3 Pro with one billion colours display and a management system of full DCI-P3 wide gamut and 10-bit colour depth, from capture to storage and display.
From the history-making moment of Althea Gibson to nostalgia of Fred Perry, take a look at these iconic images.
Althea Gibson in 1957
The first African-American woman to win Wimbledon, Althea Gibson is pictured in full colour, leaving the court with her compatriot Darlene Hard after a hard-fought battle on the court. Using one billion colours, the image, originally in black and white, brings new life to a true icon and leader, who never accepted no as an answer in life and was constantly striving to show she deserved her place on the court, regardless of her skin tone.
Helen Jacobs in 1934
Helen Jacobs is pictured at Roland Garros where, in 1934 she changed the face of fashion, being the first woman to wear shorts on the court instead of a dress. Reimagined using one billion colours, in partnership with Getty Images, the image is part of OPPO’s Courting the Colour campaign.
Fred Perry in 1934
Cultural icon, Fred Perry won 14 Majors before creating his iconic sportswear line that changed the fashion world. Pictured here in 1934, Perry is wearing his now world-renowned statement shirt.
Suzanne Lenglen in 1925
Fashion pioneer Suzanne Lenglen is pictured alongside Elizabeth Ryan; one of the earliest images to surface portraying female tennis players athletically. Lenglen became a female icon before her time, through her passion, brought to life for the first time in full colour, as part of OPPO’s Courting the Colour campaign.
As the global prestige and official skincare brand of the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020, SK-II has launched new designs of its signature bestselling PiteraTM Essence.
Sporting the all-white bottles with the word “Tokyo” splashed across the front and back, the new PiteraTMEssence Special Edition comes in five classic cap colours: black, blue, green, red, and yellow, which reflects the Olympic Games’ multicoloured rings as well as the symbol of hope, solidarity and support for the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 and athletes all over the world.
The PiteraTM Essence, which is known as an “age-reversing” liquid with more than 90% PiteraTM derived from fermenting a unique strain of yeast, is loved by millions of women around the world for its intense skin hydration and nourishment as well as the transformative power to crystal-clear skin.
Support the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 and commence your journey to crystal-clear skin with the latest SK-II PiteraTM Essence Special Edition, which will be launched exclusively in Japan, China, United States, Hong Kong, Taiwan and ASEAN.
This season, Dior presents the renewal of the lovable DIORAMOUR capsule collection as creative director Maria Grazia Chiuri dreams up another modern fairy tale that orbits around feminine sensibility, self-expression and awareness.
Maria Grazia Chiuri has continuously proved her prowess when it comes to conjuring sartorial fairy tales where the time-space dimension is erased. More than just a shelter from reality, Chiuri’s version of fairy tales manifests a narrative to revisit classics and rethink archetypes.
Defining the latest DIORAMOUR capsule collection is the colour of red contrasting with black and white. Silhouettes sharpened to an edgy sleekness lined up; loveable heart motifs showers the ready-to-wear as well as the iconic Cannage quilting.
A hooded Bar jacket is tailored for Angela Carter’s Little Red Riding Hood, while the toy soldier’s uniform is reimagined with the softness of cashmere. The archival rose motif created by Monsieur Dior’s collaborator and friend Andrée Brossin de Méré is employed across the collection, paying tribute to Beauty and the Beast, one of the Chiuri’s favourite happily-ever-after.
Swipe the gallery to discover the latest DIORAMOUR capsule collection:
The DIORAMOUR capsule collection will be launched in Dior Pavilion in celebration of its 1st Anniversary.
Amidst a post-pandemic climate, Richard Mille has valiantly gone against the disruption with a steady momentum of new launches and innovations.
Enter the RM74-01 and RM74-02 In-House Automatic Tourbillons as we speak, a pair of novelties being uniquely appealing and technically complex. A double act, similar yet unique—the timepieces exemplify the DNA of the avant-garde watchmaker with elements that boast of its unceasingly innovative streak.
At first glance, though the ultra-skeletonised heart of the two striking models instantly attracts our attention in their likeness, they are demarcated within close range by the fine materials used in their construction.
RM 74-01
First up, RM74-01 flaunts a case in grey Cermet, a remarkable material that juxtaposes the extraordinary lightness of titanium with the hardness of ceramic with its exceptional resistance to corrosion and scratches.
RM 74-01
Taking Richard Mille and microtechnology specialist IMI Group years to develop and design including its singular hue, grey Cermet is technically composed of a metallic zirconium matrix strengthened by high-performance ceramic inserts where the ingenious flash sintering technique is employed. Notably, the Cermet material—typically used for racing car brakes and aerospace’s external fuselage—boasts a density lower than titanium (4.1g/cm3) while its 2360-Vicker hardness is comparable to the diamond’s standard 2400 Vickers. To complement the three-section construction of the case are grade 5 titanium caseband, bridges and baseplate.
In tandem with RM 74-01, side by side and without missing a beat so to speak, is RM 74-02 with yet another Richard Mille exclusive watchmaking material, Gold Carbon TPT®. This challenge is proudly accomplished by incorporating a composite material, the unparalleled Carbon TPT®, with a noble metal, gold leaf.
Just like grey Cermet, Gold Carbon TPT® has entailed years of development in the creation of a resistance-and-lightness tour de force from alternating layers of Carbon TPT® with 24k yellow gold leaf at 45°. The result is a stunning contrast of matte black carbon and glint of precious gold including threads of 24k yellow gold spangled over the curved contours of the case silhouette—all impeccably achieved by specially adapted machining and cutting processes and tools. Complementing the radiant glow are the baseplate and the red-gold 5N caseband with polished pillars, as well as the yellow gold 3N-encircled crown.
From an outward impression, we now journey within to the twin cores of the watches to discover the two new versions of the fully in-house automatic tourbillon calibre. For the RM 74-01, the in-house CRMT6 calibre is its beating heart, while the CRMT5 calibre powers the RM 74-02. The CRMT6 calibre’s baseplate and bridges are crafted from PVD- and electroplasma-treated grade 5 titanium, distinct from the CRMT5 calibre rendered in yellow gold 3N and red gold 5N.
However, the two calibres beat to the same rhythmic mandate of a tourbillon regulator with a free-sprung balance wheel where the constant energy flowing from their fast-winding barrels is smoothly dispersed via the involute profile gear teeth for 50 hours of power reserve and mechanical ballet. Allowing the owners of the twinning but non-identical watches and to personalise the winding according to their individual profile are a variable-geometry rotor from which the two movements distil their energy.
The final compliment that can be paid to the RM 74-01 and RM 74-02 is slimline sophistication that showcases their respective tourbillons at 6 o’clock, majestically placed within their frames. Additionally, the hand-bevelling on the flange further enhances the movements, replete with the detailed touches of satin-polished surfaces, microblasting, hand-bevelling and rolled pivot joints on the movement and case.
Clearly, the peerless refinement of hand-finishing quality has elevated the grace and delicacy of each timepiece to perfectly illustrate architectural elegance and technical performance in high watchmaking.
After announcing Blackpink’s Rosé as its global ambassador, Tiffany & Co. unveils the joining of artist Anya Taylor-Joy, Tracee Ellis Ross, and freestyle skier Eileen Gu in the latest Give Me the T campaign shot by Mario Sorrenti.
Showcasing the maison’s signature collection, and most importantly, reflecting inner strength and individuality through a pared-down and contemporary lens, Anya Taylor-Joy, Tracee Ellis Ross, and Eileen Gu star in three vignettes that orbit around the letter “T”.
The 2021 Tiffany T1 campaign, Give Me the T, features the collection’s latest bracelet, earrings, pendant styles as well as a new 18k white gold iterations. The muses are seen layering the new designs with other iconic T1 pieces such as the diamond-set T1 choker to exhibit the divine craftsmanship and the various expressions of the collection.
“I love jewelry that has symbolism in it, I love it to mean something to me. It doesn’t necessarily have to mean anything to anybody else, but I like to look down at my fingers and have a story.”
– Anya Taylor-Joy.
“Growing up, I would often wander through the flagship store on Fifth Avenue, imagining myself as a grown woman wearing the bold elegance of Tiffany’s signature diamonds. All these years later, to be the face of this iconic brand and to represent the T1 collection is a dream come true. Shooting the campaign was a welcome moment of inspiration and glamour after the challenging year that we’ve all experienced.”
– Tracee Ellis Ross
“Wearing a beautiful piece of jewelry, especially one that is meaningful or motivational in a personal sense, is an inexorable feeling—it’s empowering, inspiring and exciting to express myself, to feel seen and heard without having to utter a single word. I’m obsessed with the balance between elegant simplicity and striking boldness that the new T1 collection offers.”
First making its debut on the runway in February, the Fendi Fall/Winter 2021 collection has been buzzing with excitement for all as the world marvel at the brilliance of Kim Jones as the creative director at Fendi.
Hot off his debut in Spring/Summer 2021, Kim Jones continues to prove himself as the perfect talent for Fendi, wherein Fall/Winter 2021, he decides to explore and pay homage to the legacy of the women in the Fendi family – bringing to light the femininity and savoir-faire celebrated at the Maison.
In a release, he says, “The Fendi family are women of intellect who work hard – and that’s what I wanted to celebrate. A powerful dynasty.”
EVOLVING AND ELEVATING THE READY-TO-WEAR TO ABSOLUTE LUXURY
And the stage was set and the runway presentation was a resounding success. The wardrobes of the five Fendi sisters served as the starting point of the collection’s journey – from the bell sleeves of a washed mink and bonded suede coat to the pinstripes of their office attire, which is now rendered in silken shirting or perfectly proportioned wool tailoring.
The entire collection amplifies and elevates the sisters’ personal style into a fashion dream – one that is luxurious, contemporary, confident and made for the fashion trailblazers of today.
And that leads us to the bags on the runway, where we witnessed a new chapter of Fendi being unfolded – where new silhouettes, innovations and designs surfaced to take our breath away.
FENDI FIRST BAG: THE DEBUT
Directed by Silvia Venturini Fendi, the bags of Fendi have always been iconic stunners that are set to take over the trending page and soon become a forever classic to be cherished and loved.
The top contender for this spot in Fall/Winter 2021 is the Fendi First bag, which pays homage to the off-kilter irreverence of the brand. Here, the FENDI monogram is tilted into the frame of a clutch and is presented in a deconstructed silhouette with myriad variations: from a size roomy enough to fit a tablet to a micro pouch strung as jewellery, and is rendered in shearling, leather, and exotics.
And there are many ways to wear the bag, Kim Jones shows us that clutching it in your arm makes the better statement for fashion and pose.
THE STAPLES: REIMAGINED
The Fendi Peekaboo continues to reign supreme as one of Fendi’s go-to staples where this season sees a refresh where it is distorted into new proportions and decorated with Selleria details. The new Fendi Peekaboo are all designed with the ISEEU accordion-style, where it is made to easily reveal the interior of the bag.
Each of the Peekabo seen on the runway presents different textures, finishing and accessories including teddy bear shearling, python print and grained leather, where some are decorated with a micro version of the Fendi First.
TO BAGS AND BEYOND
On the also witnessed the rebirth of Fendi Baguette in new designs, from fringed looks to furry details and even one constructed fully out of solid wood in a dark chestnut shade. While not the first time, wood is used to make a Fendi Baguette, the new reiteration served well as a fun reminder of the infinite possibilities of the silhouette.
To complement these stunning designs, Delfina Delettrez Fendi (daughter of Silvia) introduced a plethora of graphic accessories, titled Fendi O’Lock. Here, Delfina plays with the Fendi logo where it is transformed into its carabineer form, and come with padlocks that can only be opened by dialing FENDI.
Other fine touches spotted on these accessories include wax seal pendants that feature the playful Karligraphy and metal cuffs with leather and Selleria details.
Finishing off with a spring on your step, feast your eyes on the Fendi First shoes – a design that showcases architectural beauty in the form of a vertically inverted “F” that gives the illusion of a “no-heel” heel. Beautifully crafted in soft leather, these mules are definitely one to get us pumped to head out the streets in the coming months!
This summer, Nespresso is delivering some stylish sizzle with its latest collaboration with Chiara Ferragni. Adored for not only her eye for style but also her endless support towards women empowerment, Chiara Ferragni brings her eccentricity and playful spirit with her to bring this collaboration to life.
From coffee machine to various accessories, the hero products of Nespresso are given the Chiara Ferragni treatment with her signature eye motif clashing with Nespresso’s monogram. The Nespresso x Chiara Ferragni Essenza Mini is accompanied by a matching milk frother Aeroccino 3 to elevate espressos into a luxurious milky coffee. The Nespresso x Chiara Ferragni Coffee Mug is created for a delightful coffee indulgence at home, while the Nomad Travel Mug is tailored for on-the-go lives.
In celebration of the launch of this collaboration, Chira Ferragni has imagined her own iced coffee recipe, fusing her favourite iced espresso with a summer twist of rich coconut flavour, topped with pink cotton candy or pink marshmallows.
Swipe the gallery to take a closer look at Nespresso x Chiara Ferragni collection:
Architect-designer Christophe Tollemer is a master of French elegance as the founder of his eponymous interior design agency based in the quintessential heart of the Rive Gauche in Paris. His approach is holistic and detail-oriented but never conventional in the orchestration of an aesthetic-meets- function sensibility.
Using the eye, innovation and intuition of a planner, artist, jeweller and landscaper, the prolific creative always takes a meticulous yet exploratory route in collaboration with his select and discerning clientele.
Working in the realms of interior and exterior architecture, decoration and landscaping, his acclaimed projects include city and country luxury residences as well as commercial establishments such as fine-dining restaurants and upscale hotels the likes of French ski resort Aman Le Mélézin, the palace-turned-hotel La Bastide de Gordes and the upcoming Le Grand Contrôleon the Versailles compound.
He is fully committed to the mission of integrating his clients’ unique story and way of thinking which makes his appointment as Henry Jacques artistic director a flawless fit.
Henry Jacques Boutique in Hong Kong
Henry Jacques Boutique in Hong Kong
Henry Jacques Boutique in Singapore
Henry Jacques Boutique in Singapore
Henry Jacques Boutique in Malaysia
Henry Jacques Boutique in Malaysia
Firmly grounded in the art of bespoke design and creation, Tollemer lends his flair and influence to the olfactive universe of Henry Jacques, tasked with envisioning and shaping the haute parfumerie’s design identity—centred around perfume flacons and cabinets, gift chests and boutiques emanating authentic and classic French sophistication.
Mr Henry Jacques in the atelier
Among Tollemer’s extensive portfolio in partnership with Henry Jacques are his designs for the Masterpieces collection, emblematic of the maison’s high perfumery legacy— representing nearly half a century of excellence and creativity since founder Henry Jacques Cremona set up his perfume house in 1975. Encapsulating Les Toupies and Renaissance, the Masterpieces family is the quintessence of olfactory art.
These exceptional perfumes of rare and delicate essences are beautifully matched by their dedicated limited-edition crystal flacon creations—specially conceived and designed by Tollemer, and crafted by commissioned artisans.
LES TOUPIES COUPLES
The three pairs of complementary Les Toupies fragrances are uniquely developed as his and hers scents—similar yet entirely different, and living together in perfect symbiosis and harmony. For Chapter 1, Mr. H & Mrs. Y epitomise French elegance; Chapter 2 revolves around No.16 & No.81, classical yet with an avant-garde edge; and Chapter 3 unveils Fanfan & Galileo, spirited yet intimate.
Les Toupies Chapter 1
Les Toupies Chapter 1
Les Toupies Chapter 1
The exquisite “spinning tops” that hold the evocations of joyful dreams and memories embodied by these scents took Tollemer 3, 2 and 3 years of plodding obsessively to design the series of acons for Chapters 1, 2 and 3 respectively.
Les Toupies Chapter 2
Les Toupies Chapter 2
Les Toupies Chapter 2
The complex feat of transforming the design lines into three-dimensional crystal objects—strong in form yet delicate in detail—was entrusted to specially commissioned craftsmen to meticulously create by hand. It is incredible how all the facets, planes and angles of the intricate patterns on the flacons are accentuated to capture and reflect the light, and ultimately evoke the character of the perfume within.
Les Toupies Chapter 3
Les Toupies Chapter 3
Les Toupies Chapter 3
When placed alongside each other, each Les Toupies pair perfectly synergises to elicit a sense of movement from the way the curves of the flacons appear to respond in a rhythmic waltz— whether boasting the graceful refinement of Chapter 1; bold architecture of Chapter 2; or curved exuberance of Chapter 3.
RENAISSANCE FAMILY
Tollemer’s never-ending search for proportion, symmetry and balance with a nod to art and historic French craftsmanship also inspired the Renaissance collection. This striking high jewellery collection by Henry Jacques introduces novel couture scents composed from pure oils that have been extracted from the most treasured and exclusive ingredients, such as Iris and Dehen El Oudh, sourced from all over the world.
Renaissance Collection
The 5 perfume variants are housed in gold-covered, gem-encrusted flacons, again designed by Tollemer, and hand-made by expert Parisian goldsmiths. Like a Renaissance painting, the gold motif wrapped around each crystal bottle mirrors the exquisite lacework and graceful classicism of an intricate gown.
Making the fragrances even more precious are sparkling gems—such as white or brown diamonds, and coloured stones like tourmaline and citrine—embedded on the flacons’ opulent gold lattice. The scents, colours and reflections infuse a rich and inimitable olfactive charm that is akin to an artful masterwork.
Renaissance collection
Renaissance collection
Renaissance collection
Renaissance collection
The Masterpieces collection with its complex craftsmanship of matching crystal and fragrances is a testament to the work and art of living embodied by Henry Jacques. These magnificent perfume icons are only complete with their chrysalises where their scared interdependence is synonymous with magic and emotion.
When it comes to the history of handbags, few elements are as recognisable and inventive as the curved handles of the famous Gucci bamboo handbag. However, like many brilliant innovations—from astrophysics to candy-making—necessity was what drove the creation of this particular novelty. In 1947, countries around the world were still rationing resources due to the aftermath of World War II. When materials like leather were in short supply, Guccio Gucci and his design team got creative and imported bamboo cane from Japan instead. The craftsmen then developed a patented method to heat and bend the bamboo in a way that the shape would be retained before it was affixed to a handbag.
The distinctive bamboo top-handle bags became an instant hit through ’50s and ’60s, and were featured in many iconic movies like Journey to Italy (1954), A Cat On A Hot Tin Roof (1958) and Blow up (1966). Since then, the bamboo handle has been a fixture in Gucci’s handbag line-up—worn and well-loved by many from Lady Diana to Beyonce and Carla Bruni.
Dubbed the Gucci Diana, the centennial version is an iteration of the bamboo handle tote first launched in 1991. Reconceptualised by Alessandro Michele, the Gucci Diana is distinguished by removable, neon leather belts—a nod to the functional bands that once came with the bag to maintain the shape of the handles. Framed by a silhouette that maintains a timeless appeal, it is imbued with clean lines and a minimalistic design.
The colour palette is both bright and elegant with a touch of surprising hues. There are seven colours of leather in total: black, white, a timeless cuir, bright emerald green, striking red, poudre light blue and light rose, across three sizes: medium, small and mini.
Each bag is paired with either a fluorescent yellow, pink or orange belt which comes with a buckle featuring a Gucci script logo in gold metallic film on the outer side. Of course, you can acquire additional leather belts to your liking, while an embossing service for the leather belts is also available.
For an even more luxurious touch, there are versions of the bags in precious leather like python crocodile and ostrich in a variety of colours and finishes. Either way, the classic appeal of Gucci Diana makes it a sure-fire purchase for everyone from boomers to Gen Z alike.
It has only been a little over a decade since its inception but the clout and celebrity status of the Perléefamily is already rivalling Van Cleef & Arpels’ seasoned mainstays, if the many iterations of it are any indication. The Perlée sweet clovers, which marries two emblems of the maison, the golden beads and the lucky clovers, to stunning effect, is the latest entry to the ripe and rapidly expanding line.
Cut from the same cloth as the first Perlée clovers creations, the “sweet” version reworks the shimmering ribbon with ten clover motifs on the bracelet and five on the ring—each featuring a central bead surrounded by four round diamonds— while preserving the contour of glistening globes on its rim. The pieces under the banner come with a chock-full of personality especially in the white, yellow and rose gold renderings.
A worthy stand-alone in its own right, the Perlée sweet clovers, however, is crafted with a duality function in mind that allows it to turn and transform via unique pairings with the jeweller’s other masterworks. Its gleeful gleam blooms opposite the Perlée pearls of gold—radiating on a daytime jaunt when matched with the Perlée diamonds and expressing an elegant harmony when juxtaposed with the calligraphic etching of Perlée signature.
Arthur Hoffner
Clement Chia
Friedrich Neumann
The tradition of creative partnership at Van Cleef & Arpels continues with the rolling out of the new range. This time around, the jewellery house has enlisted three artists and graphic designers specialising in 3D animation to enrich the wonderful universe of Perlée. Arthur Hoffner, Clement Chia and Friedrich Neumann have each reinterpreted the refined curves of the Perlée pieces in a series of visuals and short videos.
“In my eyes, the sphere is almost too perfect to be real. Its quintessential roundness inspires motion, embodies balance and conveys a feeling of suspended time. That’s what I tried to bring out in this collaboration,” says Hoffner in a statement. Chia also shares the same sentiment as he admits to being taken by Perlée’s elegant design: “The precision in each jewel inspired me to find the perfect balance between minimalistic and artistic result,” he adds.
“The Perlée collection is defined by elegant and organic shapes. To convey this concept, it is important to generate a natural and harmonious feel on both visual and auditive levels. The use of light and joyful colours, interesting but minimalist environments and harmonious motion in combination with sound variations was essential,” says Neumann on his thought process. To him, the representative bead ultimately implies a playful and rhythmic interaction between spherical shapes and jewellery.
Van Cleef & Arpels Sweet Clovers Bracelet in rose gold and diamonds
Van Cleef & Arpels Perlée Sweet Clovers Ring in yellow gold and diamonds
Van Cleef & Arpels Perlée Sweet Clovers Bracelet in yellow gold and diamonds
Van Cleef & Arpels Perlée Sweet Clovers Ring in white gold and diamonds
Van Cleef & Arpels Perlée Sweet Clovers Bracelet in white gold and diamonds
Collaboration has become a thing for luxury fashion brands to spark conversations. Although we’re inundated with countless partnerships to the point a collaboration might feel like just another collection, the soon-to-be-released Dior x Sacai collection brings a waft of fresh air to the fashion landscape.
The collection sees Sacai’s Chitose Abe inspiring the collection with her métier of hybridisation and a subtle palette predominated by black and white. A clever blend between Dior’s immaculate tailoring and Sacai’s sportswear hallmarks, overcoat is treated with her calling card of cutting and splicing where a mix of white and ivory fabrics are employed. Elsewhere, white short sleeve top with slits is given a touch of Abe’s signature at the front pocket and layered with a lightweight inner shirt. Knitwear and denimwear have also found their way on the collection, refined by the know-how of Parisian couture house while pairing with reworked soft berets designed by Stephen Jones.
Accessories wise, the iconic Saddle bag is reinterpreted with utilitarian vernacular with detailing on the pockets and drawstrings, and functional nylon in vibrant shades of olive and orange, echoing classic Sacai bomber jacket. The Dior Snow and Dior Explorer boots are also given a facelift with an interplay of layers at the soles. The new necklace composed of a combination of brass and pearls, on the other hand, is definitely a standout that has the potential to be the next IT jewellery.
It’s 2021. For slightly more than a year, most of us have been homebound as borders remain shut due to the coronavirus pandemic. Across Asia, multiple countries are currently experiencing a surge in the number of Covid-19 infection cases. Even Singapore, which at the start of the month clinched the top spot for its effort in combating the virus, had in recent weeks a spike. The highly-anticipated travel bubble with Hong Kong is likely to be cancelled for the second time, another tremendous blow to the travel deprived amongst us.
As travelling won’t be making a comeback anytime soon, fashion brands are taking steps to ensure that they remain front of mind. For Gucci, consider it done. The Italian label is known for its over-the-top pre-Covid and even during this tumultuous period, it is able to command attention. And this year, Gucci will be celebrating its 100th anniversary so we are just getting started with what’s going to be installed throughout the coming months.
For starters, the luxury brand kicked off its centennial festivities with a spectacular Fall/Winter 2021 collection dubbed “Gucci Aria” last month. Alessandro Michele, the house’s creative director picked up Gucci’s equestrian codes but made it more fetishistic. He also brought back the iconic red velvet tuxedo designed by Tom Ford and presumably “hacked” designs of his stablemate Demna Gvasalia, who is the creative director of Balenciaga. The entire collection was full of glitz and glamour, making you want to join the Gucci gang.
After the startling Gucci Aria show, the luxury Italian fashion house doesn’t seem to stop and in a bid to carry on its celebration, Gucci has unveiled its Florence-based Gucci Garden Archetypes . This immersive multimedia experience explores 15 of the most emblematic advertisement campaigns that Michele has done for the past six and a half years at the fashion house. The exhibition delves into the multifarious inspirations from the music, art, travel and pop culture spheres that resonate through the brand’s campaigns. Expect to see all sorts of peculiarities from mythical ark-builders to dancers and angels, all of which are part of Michele’s kaleidoscopic vision.
“I thought it was interesting to accompany people in these first six years of adventure, inviting them to cross the imaginary, the narrative, the unexpected, the glitter. So, I created a playground of emotions that are the same as in the campaigns, because they are the most explicit journey into my imagery,” says Michele of the exhibition who is also its curator.
Alessandro Michele
Spanning across two floors, the Gucci Garden building located on Piazza della Signoria, the exhibition houses 12 rooms that are fitted with interactive installations designed by Florentine creative studio Archivio Personale. Upon entering Michele’s idiosyncratic world, you will be greeted by a stairway of graffiti reminiscent of the Pre-Fall 2018 campaign, “Gucci Dans Les Rues,” which marked the 50th anniversary of the student uprisings in Paris in May 1968. Moving up, a labyrinth of rooms come to view where each represents an iconic campaign.
There is a room dedicated to Michele’s Fall/Winter 2018 “Gucci Collectors”, where it features 182 cuckoo clocks, 1,400 cased butterflies, 110 wigs and 42 ‘Ace’ sneakers, all across the height of one wall. Another is a replication of the designer’s first Gucci campaign for Fall/Winter 2015—a Los Angeles subway carriage—to Berlin’s 80’s nightclub bathroom where the Spring/Summer 2016 campaign was shot.
Apart from just fashion, the designer’s foray into beauty was also covered in the exhibition. Gucci Beauty’s first lipstick campaign was fronted by punk singer Dani Miller, whose imperfect smile threw conventional beauty standards out of the window. It was a clarion call for more inclusivity, something that Michele has been advocating for since he took the helm of the Italian label. While visuals are the first touchpoint, the olfactory senses also play an important role and a scented floral garden of Gucci Bloom has been included to ensure guests visiting can have a well-rounded experience.
While it is a pity that we cannot physically visit the Gucci Garden, a virtual tour will be available online and the fashion house has partnered with global online platform Roblox to bring the Gucci experience to you at the comfort of your home. Fret not, when international travel resumes, you can plan a trip to visit the exhibition which is going to be made permanent.
“It is important to have spaces that are not usual to fuel creativity, which trickles down to the rest,” observed Bizzarri. “This overlapping of sectors can also eventually turn into business. It would have been stupid for us not to enter gaming,” he added, embracing an element of culture that is changing.
The virtual exhibition will run from May 17 and lasts for two weeks only. Head over to the official website here to tour the exhibition.
Since appearing in his first ad campaign for Gucci Guilty in 2016, award-winning actor and musician Jared Leto has pretty much solidified his status as a long-standing member of the Gucci family as he continues to be the face of the fragrance in all of its following adverts. Ahead of the unveiling of the new metallic rose gold bottle design for Gucci Guilty Eau de Toilette Pour Femme, Leto spoke to us about the perfume line, his bond with creative director Alessandro Michele and upcoming projects in an exclusive interview.
What is it about Gucci and its unique DNA that resonated with you?
I resonate with the ideas it represents. The celebration of passion, adventure, art and spontaneity.
It has been an impressive three years since you shot your first Gucci Guilty campaign. Tell us more about your working relationship with Alessandro Michele.
We’re both very creative people and felt pretty comfortable with each other very quickly. The thing about Alessandro is that he lacks any pretence—he’s humble, grateful, and kind—as well as confident and bold. It’s easy to like him. We have a lot of fun when we are together.
Do you have a scent profile that you particularly favour?
The scent of campfire is my favorite scent memory. Scent is a really powerful source of recall and emotion, so it tends to depend on how I’m feeling.
On what occasion does one wear the Gucci Guilty fragrance?
Anytime one feels like indulging, taking risks and going against the grain.
How did you translate the perfume’s bold persona into the character you portray for Gucci Guilty?
I like to take risks, I like to break rules; that’s interesting to me, it’s exciting. I like to allow myself to indulge a bit whether it’s food or climbing mountains. I think we should all do the things that make us feel good. We have limited time and we shouldn’t take it for granted.
You are also widely known as an esteemed actor and the lead vocalist of your band Thirty Seconds To The Mars. Of the two, which do you identify with the most and why?
I am able to be creative in different ways with both of those outlets which I am grateful for. I think music is very personal and gives you such a different experience especially when you are on tour.
What are some of the exciting projects that your fans can look forward to this year?
A movie I made called The Little Things was just released on HBO Max. I am shooting a few projects for the majority of the year this year including the Gucci movie and Tron 3.
Spring season brings a renewed promise of hope and Chopard sets the tone for the realm of jewellery with another uplifting reinterpretation of its Happy Hearts jewels.
Underpinned by the maison’s beloved heart motifs and dancing diamonds which over the years have been alternately placed face to face in a delicate pas de deux, arranged in a line or forming pairs of butterfly wings, the pieces have taken a new form that’s inspired by flowers.
Happy Hearts Flowers Ring in white gold with diamonds
Happy Hearts Flowers Ring in rose gold with diamond and mother-of-pearl
Happy Hearts Flowers Ring in rose gold with diamond and red stone
Nestled at the heart of the collection is the Happy Hearts Flowers ring. Illustrating a blossom in full bloom, five red, diamond or mother-of-pearl hearts have been fashioned into gleaming petals and planted around a dancing diamond. The use of ethical 18k rose or white gold to frame the corolla further attests to Chopard’s commitment to sustainability and ultimately turns the ring into a thoroughly wholesome masterwork.
Crafted by the artisans at the maison’s jewellery workshops whose storied know-how has been passed down from generation to generation, the ring boasts unparalleled workmanship infused with a tinge of nostalgia. And just as this expertise has stood the test of time, the ring—and the Happy Hearts Flowers range as a whole—promises big-hearted women everywhere a companionship that shall last a lifetime.
