Author Archives: Yan Joon Wing

5 luxuy watches to reward your dad this Father’s Day

If diamonds are women’s best friend, then watches are the male equivalent of it.

So, for this coming Father’s Day, we have compiled a list of watches that we recommend as the ideal gift for fathers that are luxury watch lovers and haute horology enthusiasts.

 

Tudor Black Bay GMT with Manufacture calibre MT5652

As one of the lineup of Baselworld 2018, the Black Bay divers’ watch is back with a new enhanced look that comes with GMT function.

The new Tudor Black Bay GMT is decorated with two colours – burgundy and blue – for its bezel to give it an alluring appearance.

Its heart is powered by a self-winding Manufacture calibre MT5652 movement and encloses in a polished and satin finished 41mm steel case.

 

Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch Co-Axial Chronograph

 

Inspired by Earth’s nightlight, Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch Co-Axial Chronograph 44.25mm is a black ceramic watch accentuated by a “vintage” colour of earth tone.

The watch is paired with a brown leather strap to express the vintage design code and the 44.25mm case houses a matte dial with its indexes and hands illuminated by “vintage” Super-LumiNova (earth tone Super-LumiNova), whilst it is powered by the Omega Co-Axial calibre 9300 movement.

 

Patek Philippe 5531R with calibre R 27 HU

 

Debuted at the “The Art of Watches Grand Exhibition New York 2017”, the Patek Philippe 5531R watch combines two complications, the minute repeater and the world time display that is able to show multiple time zones on the dial.

To match this trailblazing masterpiece, Patek Philippe also created a new calibre R 27 HU movement with a totally recessed mini rotor in 22k gold for the watch.

 

Breitling Superocean Heritage II B01 Chronograph 44

 

If your dad is smitten with masculine watches, this Breitling watch will satisfy his desire.

Bedecked in a navy blue body with steel mesh bracelet, the watch boasts of the Breitling Manufacture Calibre 01 as its heart.

It also comes in few variants namely black dial with silver counters, blue dial with silver counters or silver dial with black bezel and counters.

 

Tiffany & Co. CT60 3-hand 40mm

 

If your dad is the minimalist man who fancies simple designs, this Tiffany & Co. CT60 3-hand 40mm watch is to his liking.

Expressing simple design language, the timepiece is adorned with white Soleil dial and gold poudré numerals with a self-winding movement with 42-hour power reserve.

 

Cartier has a leading role in the coming Ocean’s 8 movie

Cartier took on a new motion venture in the film Ocean’s 8 as the exclusive jewellery partner. This collaboration comes together naturally as the all-female lead movie complements Cartier’s ethos of empowering women with the boldness to be themselves. It is now opening in the theatres this June, featuring the recreation of a historic high jewellery Cartier necklace as the centre of the plot.

Ocean’s 8 is a feminist reboot of the 2001 Warner Bros. film Ocean’s Eleven. Instead of Clooney, Pitt and friends, we get an all-female lead cast starring Cate Blanchett, Sandra Bullock, Helena Bonham Carter, Anne Hathaway, American Horror Story’s Sarah Paulson, rapper Nora Num aka Awkwafina, Mindy Kaling and even Rihanna.

The movie’s premise surrounds Debbie Ocean, estranged sister to the trilogy’s Danny Ocean; rather than hitting Vegas in some macho caper, she attempts to pull off a jewel heist at the Met Gala.

The crown jewel of the film is none other than one of Cartier’s most iconic jewellery pieces – a diamond necklace á la the whimsical Jeanne Toussaint, artistic director of Cartier in the 1930s. Originally designed in 1931 by Jacques Cartier for the Maharaja of Nawanagar, the OG Toussaint necklace features the Queen of Holland, a blue-white diamond weighing 136.25 carats and was known as “the finest cascade of coloured diamonds in the world.”

For this cinematographic project, the featured necklace – to be worn by Anne Hathaway – is a high jewellery replica created with the blueprint from the original sketch, composed of colourless diamonds.

While it is chosen to be the centre of the plot, the Toussaint Necklace will not be the only Cartier creation featured in the movie. From jewellery to watches, the Maison’s Cartier collection and high jewellery collection will all make appearance during the pivotal Met Gala scene – much like they did on the actual gala this year.

Releasing in the Malaysia movie theatres on 14th June 2018. 

Discovering the Spirits of Curiosity with H.O.M.E By Martell in Penang

This year, H.O.M.E by Martell is picking off from where they left off last year with the same “Be Curious” theme surrounding the pop-up.

This time, however, they are inviting their guests on an intriguing voyage to explore Cognac at Penang Rendezvous at Straits Quay, set against an emerald sea speckled with lavish sailboats and yachts.

H.O.M.E by Martell Kuala Lumpur 2017

Happening from 26th to 29th July 2018, guests attending the event will be taken on a slew of adventures. From floor to ceiling, entrance to exit, every facet of the pop-up will be packed with secret rooms and optical illusions to challenge curious explorers and open their minds to never-before-had experiences with Martell cognac.

H.O.M.E by Martell Kuala Lumpur 2017

The event will consist of two special paid sessions: the Martell ‘Be Curious’ cocktail mentoring workshop and a special gastronomic experience. As a treat to your taste buds, the Martell “Be Curious” dinner will have locally acclaimed Chef Nathalie from Nathalie Gourmet Studio serve up French cuisine to savour with Martell cognac, which will only be held on the first three days of the event (26th to 28th July 2018), 7 pm to 11 pm.

H.O.M.E by Martell Kuala Lumpur 2017

H.O.M.E by Martell Kuala Lumpur 2017

Both the cocktail mentoring session and the dinner are available to early birds packages. For others who just wish to discover the trove of delights within H.O.M.E by Martell can enjoy free admission where you will be entitled to two Martell cocktails for the price of one.

 

Follow Martell’s Facebook to receive the latest updates leading to the event. 

5 show-stopping moments of Alexander McQueen’s career

 

The wait is almost over as U.K. will be the first country to view Alexander McQueen’s documentary on 8th June.

Set to show in the Picturehouse Central in London on 8th June 2018, the Alexander McQueen’s film, titled “McQueen”, had the fashion world to rave about.

The film will delve into the life and career of Alexander McQueen with the exclusive interviews with his closest friends, footage of fashion shows, portray of his beginning career, his appointment on Givenchy and others.

According to Variety, Embankment Films, a film financing company had close deals with film distributors in Germany, Switzerland, Benelux, Japan, Australia and Scandinavia. That means the countries mentioned probably have the chance to view the movie, besides U.S. and U.K.

 

While we are waiting for the release of the movie, let’s us refresh 5 iconic moments from Alexander McQueen’s illustrious career.

 

Robotic spray from Spring 1999 fashion show

Dubbed the No.13, the Spring 1999 show was his thirteenth collection and one of the most memorable shows he has ever created.

At the end of the show, supermodel Shalom Harlow was seen standing on a revolving wooden platform wearing a white strapless dress with a tulle underlay and fastened by a belt. She twirled her body slowly as she confronted by two moving robots.

The most unforgettable moment was when she was sprayed with paint by the robots leaving her dress spattered in colours. Highlighting the concept of Arts and Crafts movement, the show was definitely something new that you have never seen back then.

 

The hologram of Kate Moss on Autumn 2006 fashion show

Paying tribute to his Scottish background and re-imagining the creation of his “Highland Rape” Autumn 1995 fashion show, the collection was imbued by the Scottish fantasy heroines.

On the fashion show, the models wore extravagant hairdresser strutted around the giant pyramid.

During the finale, the lights dimmed and a spirit like visual appeared inside the pyramid. It was Kate Moss, who wore an ethereal gown, floating inside the pyramid via hologram projection. Nothing could describe it but hauntingly beautiful.

 

You can read an exclusive interview with the directors of McQueen here.

 

The Armadillo boots from Spring 2010 collection

One of the final collections helmed by the late British fashion master, Alexander McQueen did not disappoint us as usual.

This fashion show steered clear of his usual mind-blowing concepts for the presentation of clothes; rather he focused on a way to make his fashion accessible by the public.

Enabling live-streaming for the first time, the fashion show started with a recorded video of a naked model laying on the sand was writhing her body while being covered with snakes. Then two gigantic cameras leaned towards the audiences to get a close-up shot and returned to the runway to project the catwalk.

Above all, the real standout from the fashion show was the footwear. Two striking creations, the Armadillo boot and Alien shoe stole the attention of everyone on and off the runway.

 

Ring of fire at the Autumn 1998 fashion show

Alexander McQueen would never let us bored for a second in his shows, even it was back in the ’90s.

Following 1997’s concept of water fashion show, he turned to the idea of fire in 1998, delivering a show rife with darkness and anger.

At the end of the show, the closing model donned in red fringed dress stood at the middle of the runway where a ring of fire shot up and surrounded her while she struck eccentric poses.

The collection as well as the closing act were the reference to the execution of Mary, Queen of Scots, murdered Romanov children and Joan of Arc – all under the themes of martyrdom and persecution associated with blood and violence.

 

The naked girl from Spring 2001 Voss show

Alexander McQueen did it again with his breathtaking Spring 2001 collection.

Celebrating nature and dubbed “Voss”, – the name of a Norwegian town renowned as a wildlife habitat – some of the pieces from the collection were constructed razor-clam, mussel and oyster shells and the entire show manifested madness and incarceration.

Looking back at the fashion show, the show was presented in an enormous glass box, which resembled a padded cell in a psychiatric hospital.

The entire show was astonishing especially the unpredictable ending – the glass box shattered to reveal the naked fetish writer Michelle Olley.

 

Watch the trailer of Alexander McQueen’s documentary below

Pope’s Lamborghini Huracán: Auction proceeds donated for charity

The Lamborghini Huracán RWD Coupé, previously donated to His Holiness Pope Francis by Automobili Lamborghini was sold for the astonishing figure of US$855,615 at the RM Sotheby’s auction held on May 12 at the Grimaldi Forum in Monaco, coinciding with the Historic Grand Prix.

Fully customised and built to European specifications by Lamborghini’s Ad Personam program, the unique model of Huracán RWD was painted in Bianco Monocerus (white) and finished with Giallo Tiberino (yellow) stripes running along the rims of the ride made to reference the colours of the Vatican City flag.

To top of its exclusivity, the Lamborghini Huracán RWD was personally autographed by Pope Francis when the car was first unveiled to him on November 27, 2017.

The sale of this Huracán signifies an opportunity to acquire a custom-designed special edition of a Lamborghini for a worthy cause in the name of His Holiness, as all the proceeds from the sale will be handed the Holy Father, who will then allocate the proceeds into four deserving charities entities near and dear to his heart: 70% to aid the rebuild of church the city of Nineveh, Iraq (a city heavily besieged by ISIS), 10% to the Pope John XXIII Community, 10% to “Progetto Casa Papa Francesco” (Pope Francis House Project) and 10% to “Amici per il Centrafrica” (Friends of Central Africa), which has been working with projects primarily dedicated to women and children for years.

 

New Blloc smartphone is the world’s best smartphone you’ve never heard of

Since the Nokia ‘matrix phone’ and the Light Phone 2, the new Blloc smartphone is the latest and perhaps greatest kid on the block sporting the minimalist technology.

Aimed to minimise distraction and curb screen addiction, the Blloc smartphone still contains your favourite functions for maximum performance and functionality.

One of the highlights of Blloc’s redesigned OS is its lasting battery life, capable of going hours beyond conventional phones due to its power-saving operating system. Furthermore, its 3100 mAh capacity battery is fast charging enabled, a plus point for those constantly on the go.

Designed to work completely in monochrome, the Blloc’s OS saves incredible amounts of power by running everything in greyscale (something the Instagram app does too with its black white and red UI).

However, will you need to view images, videos, web pages, etc. in colour, simply place your finger on the fingerprint sensor and LCD display lights up in a full-spectrum colour.

The key feature, called “the Root,” is Blloc’s take on what the home screen. It pulls all the relevant essentials of your smartphone — be it emails, Uber, weather, Google maps, WhatsApp or Spotify — into a monochrome interface.

The simple OS does away much distraction, omitting all the flashing dots, numbers, banners, and notifications that commonly meet our eyes on our smartphones.

Whatever task it is, Blloc’s functions are designed to perform simultaneously yet seamlessly. The smartphone captures incredible pictures with a 13-megapixel sensor camera, with a dual-camera setup that’s capable of capturing RAW output and 4K video at 30fps.

No worries on running dry of battery, as all these are boosted by the energy and memory efficient screen. It also offers 64GB of storage, Bluetooth and USB Type C connections.

In alignment with its concept, even the packaging of the smartphone embodies the minimalistic approach with a sealed black and white pouch.

 

Visit here for more information.

Rolls-Royce Cullinan takes on new high roads

Since its announcement three years ago, the “most anticipated” Rolls-Royce Cullinan marks a shift away from the luxury saloon cars the luxury brand is best known for.

An all-terrain high-bodied car, the Cullinan will realise the urban dream of luxury off-road travel.

 

Named after the world’s biggest natural diamond, the Rolls-Royce Cullinan launches with luxury, performance and usability levels never before seen in the SUV market.

Rolls-Royce Cullinan certainly signifies the changing consumer demand, as more luxury car makers such as Bentley and Lamborghini have also launched SUVs, with Ferrari following the trend next year. With keen intentions of overtaking the Range Rover and Bentley Bentayga to become the new king of the ultra-luxury SUV segment, Rolls Royce has invested heavily in both the production and marketing of its Cullinan.

The 6.75 litre twin-turbo V12 Rolls-Royce engine delivers 563bhp/420kW and 850Nm/627lb ft of torque to all-wheel drive and steer system needed to overcome any challenge.

 

Branded as a full-capability off-roader “able to do whatever a Range Rover can do”, Rolls-Royce stresses Cullinan’s breadth of capability with a series of artfully filmed clips showing prototypes tackling rough roads and huge dunes, with the slogan “effortless, everywhere”.

A century-long pedigree of adventurous quests and campaigns successfully carried out across all terrains thanks to the luxury offered by a stout vehicle that was swift, stealthy and dependable. “A Rolls in the desert is above rubies” – T.E. Lawrence.

The contemporary and functional design ensures Cullinan gains iconic status in the face of increasingly bland SUV designs. Retaining the refinement and luxury of a limo, the Cullinan is perhaps most practical of Rolls-Royces – versatile, family oriented, fun-to-drive.

The first “three-box” car in the SUV-sector. Cullinan’s partition wall creates a distinct environment for passengers, separated from the luggage compartment.

 

Built with a modular aluminium space frame and a twin-turbo V12, the Rolls-Royce Cullinan promises utmost smoothness and quietness. The 563bhp is developed at a relaxed 5000rpm, while the peak torque of 627lb ft occurs at only 1600rpm, made for optimal performance both off-road and on-road.

The SUV also has a rolodex of other novel features, like a cargo compartment separated from the cabin, suicide rear doors, and an automatic lowering system that drops the SUV 1.5 inches when the driver approaches.

The interior of the car is fashioned with the brand’s usual paragon of quality and style, lined with box-grain leather and comes with an impressive array of equipment. In the face of adventure, it plays even more roles, with wildlife and pedestrian warning, alertness assistant, and four-cameras with all-around visibility and a “helicopter view” to offer its riders a panoramic view of their surroundings.

The cabin of the Cullinan combines authentic Rolls-Royce luxury with simple, symmetrical functionality that expresses the car’s inherent strength.

 

The Bespoke division even offers a Viewing Suite and Recreation Module – a superbly made container filled with tools tailored to the buyer’s lifestyle demands, from croquet to drone racing.

To explain the shift in focus to luxury SUVs, Chief Executive Officer Torsten Müller-Ötvös observes how the changing target group of “ultra-high net worth individuals” has gotten “younger and younger”, with many rejecting the “old cliche that Rolls-Royce is chauffeur-only”. The new clientele wants to “drive themselves”, in a car that boosts versatility – “fits to go to the opera, which brings you up to the chalet in the Swiss Alps and so on”.

Also available in classic Tungsten Grey and a more striking shade of Magma Red, deliveries of the Rolls-Royce Cullinan will begin in 2019.

 

Get this diamond of a car here.

Givenchy launches WeChat store

Following the digital footprint of rivals Christian Dior, Gucci, and Louis Vuitton, the French luxury powerhouse Givenchy has officially launched its online WeChat boutique on May 15.

According to a public statement by the brand, the new WeChat boutique store was created as an extension of Givenchy’s premium offline service, to offer a more convenient yet immersive shopping experience for the Chinese luxury consumers. Designed by Creative Director Clare Waight Keller, the online store collection takes orders from its followers directly on the app itself. Besides pieces from ready-to-wear apparel and leather goods to accessories, users can also access exclusive, limited-edition collections.

Exceptional attention is given to details including web design, photo selections, and the presentation of product information and brand history, all of which work together to form a seamless online-to-offline connection for the shoppers.

Last year Valentine’s Day, Givenchy co-designed the Mini Horizon handbag with Mr.Bags, that was made exclusive for Mr.Bags’ followers.

 

With almost a billion monthly active users, WeChat is now a marketing necessity to connect with Chinese consumers. A new report issued by digital marketing agency reveals the power of WeChat in driving online consumption in traditional sectors. Shopping, food, and travel increased exponentially in 2017, up 22.2 percent to 333.9 billion RMB (more than RM 208billion).

“Luxury goods mega-brands have been adopting WeChat as an e-commerce platform,” wrote Luca Solca, luxury goods analyst of Exane BNP Paribas”.

In the investor’s note, Solca also remarked how almost all leather goods mega-brands – including Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Prada, and Burberry – have launched an official e-commerce store in the past year.

Givenchy debuted its new Duetto handbag collection on gogoboi’s WeChat store last summer.

 

Before the launch of the WeChat store, Givenchy tested out sentiment in their consumer base through collaborations with the country’s top-tier fashion KOLs – gogoboi and Mr.Bags. The success of both collaborations have proved the brand’s popularity among Chinese shoppers, with all 80 pieces in the Mr.Bags collection reserved in 12 minutes and the entire collection on gogoboi’s WeChat store wiped out in 72 hours.

Just some time back, luxury brands were still cautious of venturing into e-commerce sales, fearing brand dilution. Now, brands are more eager to join the WeChat platform to harness its immense selling power. However, it will still remain a real challenge to strike a balance between online sales and luxury exclusivity, which we will have to observe and see how these digital efforts unfolds.

 

Connect with Givenchy’s WeChat boutique here.

See how the Chopard Red Carpet Collection for Cannes is made

With over 20 years of partnership with Cannes Film Festival, Chopard continues to cherish the relationship and has now introduced a stellar red carpet collection for the occasion.

The collection, which was dreamed up by Co-President and Creative Director of Chopard Caroline Scheufele, comprises 71 creations to reflect the edition number of the Cannes FilmFestival.

Taking inspiration from the journey of Scheufele where she came across architecture, art, literature, cinema and nature – which were her muses –, this Haute Joaillerie collection was rife with glamour and profusion of colours.

Among the 71 pieces of jewellery, the one-of-a-kind feather necklace has drawn our attention the most.

For the first time ever, Chopard created a necklace using real feathers to complement the annual prestigious French film festival. Co-created with feather artist Nelly Saunier, an acknowledged expert with 30 years experience, this creation is a masterpiece of exceptional mastery and fervent passion in jewellery.

Influenced by the costumes and traditional skills of the people on the Mongolian Plateau, the plumage necklace is beautifully adorned with the rooster, grey heron, ostrich and black pheasant feathers and accentuated by a sculpted gold cameo.

Snagged from the centre spot, the gold cameo is decorated meticulously by volutes of blue apatites, violet garnets and red jasper.

On the jewellery imbued with the free-spirited creature, Nelly Saunier said, “Birds are born with this elegance and appearances are never deceptive. They demonstrate total freedom in revealing their beauty. It is this spontaneity and this authentic form of expression that I share. Feathers are all about emotions .”

See more details about the intricate masterpiece in the gallery below:

Dolce & Gabbana and Smeg collaborates for homeware collection

Have you ever thought about having an arty kitchen decorated with the most unique home appliances? Now you can add another collection to your shopping list: the Dolce & Gabbana x Smeg kitchen range Divina Cucina.

The third collaboration between Italian fashion house Dolce & Gabbana and Italian appliances manufacturer Smeg, it now features an extensive collection for “Sicily Is My Love”.

This third instalment of the collaboration has two design variants. The first is a warm-toned design inspired by Sicilian puppet theatres and traditional hand-painted cart dominated by fiery red and orange colour.

As for the second one, it is a cold-toned art creation adorned by majolica print in shades of blue and white. This collection also highlights a medley of kitchen appliances including freestanding cooker, cooker hood and Fab28 Fridge as well as small kitchen equipment such as coffee machine, hand blender and four-slice toaster.

This collection is a melange of Smeg’s innovation and Dolce & Gabbana’s creativity and it is designed to celebrate the Italian heritage which is home to both brands.

 

The Divina Cucina collection is available later this year from Smeg’s flagship store at London’s Regent Street.

 

Welfare Projects By Bali hotel Alila Seminyak

In an effort to conserve the beauty of Bali’s nature and give back to the society, Alila Seminyak has launched three welfare projects for the cause –  Bali Coins, Nurture Culture and Nurture Nature and A Day with Alila.

Bali Coins is a fundraising program created to elevate the living and build a brighter future for the orphans by providing financial assistance to their health, well being and education. It also aims to create awareness on critical health risks, prevention and care.

As a benchmark leader of eco-sustainable, Alila will also help to solve the issue of excess ceremonial waste as the luxury hotel highlights on its Nurture Culture and Nurture Nature agenda to tackle the pollution issues in Bali.

Giving back to the society aside, Alila will also organise fun activities with local elementary school students with A Day with Alila project. The objective of the project is to offer creative opportunities to the students encouraging them to discover their own interests and to pave way for their future.

Malaysia’s First Blancpain boutique has opened at Suria KLCC

It is a great news for Malaysia’s watch connoisseur because Blancpain has marched into Suria KLCC with its very first standalone store.

A shopping hub that has high traffic from both locals and international visitors, it is no surprise that Blancpain decides to open its first Malaysia’ boutique in Suria KLCC.

Spanning 84 sqm space, the boutique is adorned with polished cherry woodwork and refined mouldings that bring watch connoisseurs to explore the maxim of the Manufacture: “Innovation is our tradition”.

The luminous setting from Vallée de Joux will lead the visitors to the in-counter displays, where you can witness 280 years of watchmaking expertise from the likes of classic Villeret collection to the iconic Fifty Fathoms diving watches.

 

As revealed by Blancpain, there are more in-store events coming this year. Watch out this space for more updates.

Japan’s first Bvlgari Hotel to open in Tokyo

Bulgari Hotels & Resorts has just signed an agreement with Mitsui Fudosan Co. Ltd. to open its first ever Japanese hotel in Tokyo.

Scheduled to open at the end of 2022, the Bulgari Hotel Tokyo will share the same building with other retail properties and offices inside an ultra skyscraper, as part of the Yaesu 2-Chome North District Category-I Urban Redevelopment Project.

Situated in a strategic location where the guests can head over some of the best attractions like Imperial Palace and vibrant shopping areas of both Nihombashi and Ginza at walking distance, Bulgari Hotel Tokyo will be occupying the top seven floor from 39th floor to 45th floor of the new development.

The Italian owned hotel will host 98 guest rooms in a medley of selections from twin and double rooms to luxury suites and their very own Bulgari Suite to satisfy various needs of patrons.

This luxury hotel will also house signature Bulgari Hotel features including IL Bar, IL Ristorante and Fireplace Lounge, all of which will have outdoor terrace spaces.

Satisfying the discerning palates aside, the Bulgari Hotel Tokyo will also allow its guests to relish exceptional well-being services, be it the 1,500-sqm Bulgari Spa, fitness centre or 25-metre indoor pool.

The soaring hotel will be designed by Italian architectural firm Antonio Citterio Patricia Viel and like all other Bulgari Hotels and Resorts, it will express the Italian sophisticated aesthetics, which captures the essence of Bvlgari’s creativity and craftsmanship.

Joining other Bvlgari Hotels in Milan, London, Bali, Beijing, Dubai, Shanghai, Moscow and Paris, Bvlgari Hotel Tokyo will be the ninth property under Bvlgari Hotels & Resorts.

Elton John set to retire after world tour and two albums

Again, another music superstar is going to retire!

Elton John has announced a retirement tour at a New York press conference early this year and it is a three-year tour with 300 dates, which he dubbed “Farewell Yellow Brick Road”.

On the press conference, Elton John says, “My priorities have changed in my life. I’ve had an amazing life, an amazing career, but my life has changed. My priorities now are my children and my husband and my family. I thought the time was right to say thank you to all of my fans around the world and to say goodbye”.

Before the retirement tour begins, Elton John has also released two albums on 6th April 2018 to celebrate his achievements on musical journey with longtime songwriting partner Bernie Taupin: the Revamp album, a pop-leaning album featuring the current biggest superstars and Elton’s personal favorites; and Restoration album, a country music gem contributed by different eras of country singers.

The Revamp album has invited a big tent of prominent superstars and bands like Coldplay, Demi Lovato, Ed Sheeran, Lady Gaga, Mary J. Blige and the list goes on. The famous singers were given chances to choose their desired songs to cover while granting the freedom to add their personal twist making the song their own rendition without losing the original taste.

Every song is perfect when it comes to their favourite singers to cover Elton’s songs. Take Coldplay’s cover of “We All Fall In Love Sometimes” for example, Chris Martin did not disappoint us with his beautifully haunting vocal for his ballad rendition of the “Captain Fantastic and The Brown Dirt Cowboy”.

On the other hand, the Restoration album is just as amazing, one that highlights talented country vocals with the likes of Chris Stapleton, Dierks Bentley, Miley Cyrus, Kacey Musgraves and others.

The Restoration is a country songs galore covered by different generations of singers to tackle fans of various ages. One of the most noteworthy songs is the Chris Stapleton’s “I Want Love”. Specially requested by Elton John, Chris’s version of “I Want Love” strikes the right chord in the hearts of listeners with his whiskey-gravel voice.

The album is definitely a masterpiece with Elton’s songs making a comeback and to stay relevant to the younger generation.

6 luxury brands that are going fur-free in 2018

This year is a complete turnaround for the fur industry as a list of luxury fashion houses have started to abstain from fur for their collections, following the footsteps of other brands like Calvin Klein, Stella McCartney and Tommy Hilfiger that have stopped using fur years ago.

So, let’s do a quick refresh and see which other brands have joined in the ranks to go fur-free:

 

Gucci

Starting from its Spring Summer 2018 collection, Gucci has gone completely fur free. Under the heft of the new policy, Gucci will cease the use of fur from mink, coyote, racoon dog, fox, rabbit and other species bred for making fur.

This plan finally came into operation after a few months Gucci president Marco Bizzarri and its creative director Alessandro Michele discussed the matter.

Bizzarri says, “Do you think using furs today is still modern? I don’t think it’s still modern and that’s the reason why we decided not to do that. It’s a little bit out-dated”.

 

Michael Kors & Jimmy Choo

Michael Kors is another brand to go fur-free at the year of 2018, along with its newly acquired shoe label Jimmy Choo. 

Committing to the fur-free pledge, both brands will phase out products with fur by the end of December 2018.

Michael Kors’ chairman John D. Idol says, “This decision marks a new chapter as our company continues to evolve its use of innovative materials”.

 

VERSACE

In a recent interview with The Economist’s 1843 magazine, Donatella Versace revealed that her family’s eponymous brand will turn its back on fur.

Joining the ranks of fur-free luxury houses, Versace has cottoned on the animal cruelty. Known for its glamorous style, fur has been a staple in its collection including mink, racoon dog and fox.

On the decision, Donatella said, “Fur? I am out of that. I don’t want to kill animals to make fashion. It doesn’t feel right’.

 

Maison Margiela

The inspiration behind the decision of going fur-free is a unique encounter for the creative director of French fashion house, John Galliano.

Being described as a fated encounter, John Galliano ran into PETA senior vice president Dan Mathews in Saint-Tropez.

He revealed it to Elle France, “One summer, I was swimming in the sea with Penélope Cruz in Saint-Tropez. And just then, Dan’s face popped out of the water. It was like in Jaws, very frightening!”

 

Furla

For Furla, the Italian fashion house will go completely fur-free in November with their resort collection.

According to WWD, the fur ban is influenced by their growing number of ethical consumers.

CEO of Furla, Alberto Camerlengo, revealed, “The decision to progressively ban from the collections the use of animal fur is a project that confirms the brand’s increasing interest in the environment, with particular attention to the animal world, to which Furla is very sensitive. The decision, moreover, responds to the growing request for ethical products by consumers who are more and more aware and attentive to these themes.”

 

 

Other brands who have already banned the use of fur include: Armani, Calvin Klein, Donna Karan, Hugo Boss, Kate Spade, Ralph Lauren, Stella McCartney, Tommy Hilfiger, Vivienne Westwood.

Four Seasons Hotel Kuala Lumpur to be opened in mid-2018

Set to open its doors mid-2018, Four Seasons Hotel Kuala Lumpur is one of the most exciting luxury hotels opening in Kuala Lumpur and we decided to take a little sneak peek of what’s inside this new establishment.

Boasting of 65 stories, the hotel is nestled inside the exclusive Golden Triangle neighbourhood and features 209 expansive guest rooms and suites.

Also within the hotel, there will be 242 private residences and 27 serviced apartments for people who lust after a 5-star hotel-scaled luxury home.

Notched up as second tallest building in Kuala Lumpur after Petronas Twin Towers, the culinary offerings from six restaurants and lounges by Four Seasons are just as attractive as its exterior, which is led by Executive Chef Junious Dickerson.

The list includes Chinese restaurant Yun House; cocktail bar Bar Trigona; The Lounge at Four Seasons, a space off the lobby where you can enjoy meals from day to night; Curate, a buffet restaurant; Pool Bar & Grill, a Middle Eastern cuisine eatery by day and pool bar by night; and Decadent by Four Seasons, a patisserie shop to satiate your desire for sweet indulgences.

To glitz up your holiday after a good sleep and sumptuous meals is the spa featuring two designated couple’s treatment rooms perfect for couples who are on honeymoon. The spa also consists of eight treatment rooms and utilises ancient practices combining modern therapies.

A getaway is not complete without the joy of shopping. The Shoppes, occupying six floors boasts designer boutiques, speciality store and F&B outlets, will give you an exceptional shopping experience.

Shopping aside, there is a fitness centre for exercise lovers which includes steam, sauna, whirlpool and others. This will be the ideal place if you wanna hold events of any scales with a ritzy setting such as weddings, social events and business meetings.

In celebration of its upcoming opening, enjoy an Introductory Offer by the hotel. Visit www.fourseasons.com/kualalumpur for more information.

Phantom of The Opera Musical Concert is finally here

To all the classical music lovers out there, it’s time to be excited because “An Evening With The Phantom of The Opera” is going to happen on 18th April at Manhattan Ballroom at Berjaya Times Square Hotel.

Here is your chance to watch one of the longest-running Broadway musicals, which is organised in celebration of its 30th anniversary on Broadway.

For this coming concert, the organiser Milestone Production collaborates with internationally acclaimed theatre performers Michael Cormick and Claire Lyon to present the classic musical in 75 minutes.

Having an illustrious portfolio as the lead character “Raoul” in the London West End production and Green Room Award nominating role “Mabel” in the Broadway version of The Pirates of Penzance respectively, the two world-class theatre performers Michael and Claire will work together with Bernard Walz, protégé of the late Dr Tommy Tycho to deliver an outstanding performance.

Buying a ticket does not only entitle you to a world-class performance, you will also help unfortunate children as a portion of the revenue will be donated to the Tuanku Ja’afar Educational Trust.

Great entertainment partnered with a great cause, what reason do you have to not go for this?

 

Visit www.milestone-entertainment.com for more information to purchase your tickets now.

IWC Schaffhausen celebrates its 150 years of excellence at Singapore’s exhibition

A celebrated Swiss watch manufacturer, IWC Schaffhausen is celebrating its 150th anniversary with an exclusive retrospective exhibition at ION Orchard, Singapore this May.

Decked in an industrial-style decor that mirrors the IWC manufacture in its early days, the exhibition is a celebration of all of IWC’s past glorious inventions and the new Jubilee watch collection – set to open from 1st May to 13th May 2018.

Back in 1868, a young man aimed to bring his vision of making the best pocket watch movements to life. Travelling all the way from America to Switzerland, Florentine Ariosto Jones established a watch company and that was IWC Schaffhausen.

Under his leadership, the Maison has gained international recognition for its innovation such as Special Watch for Pilots Ref. 436 (1936), the Yacht Club Automatic Ref. 811 (1967) and Lepine Pallweber III pocket watch (1886), which will grace the Singapore’s exhibition.

And this is also your chance to admire the masterpieces of the new Jubilee collection, namely the diamond-encrusted Da Vinci Automatic Moon Phase 36 Edition “150 Years” and the Portugieser Constant-Force Tourbillon Edition “150 years”.

On the anniversary celebration, Managing Director for IWC South East Asia Mr. Stanislas Rambaud says, “For 150 years, IWC has remained true to the legacy of its founder F.A. Jones and made many lasting impressions from both an artistic and a technical perspective in the world of fine watchmaking”.

 

The IWC Schaffhausen 150th Anniversary exhibition will take place in ION Orchard, Singapore from 1st May to 13th May 2018.

Find out more on www.iwc.com.