Innholdsfortegnelse for July 2020 i Tatler Hong Kong

TATLER HONG KONG After a long and successful career working with Hong Kong stars such as Leslie Cheung and Anita Mui and brands such as the Mandarin Oriental, designer and artist Alan Chan opens the doors to his pop-up private museum and discusses his dreams to open a more permanent space to display his enormous and eclectic collection. tatlerhongkong.com TATLER INDONESIA Model, actress, triathlete and entrepreneur Kelly Tandiono is on this month’s cover of Tatler Indonesia. She is an inspiration to her many fans and a role model to those determined to maintain a healthy and balanced lifestyle. tatlerindonesia.com TATLER MALAYSIA Olympic divers Leong Mun Yee, Ng Yan Yee and Nur Dhabitah Sabri star on the cover of Tatler Malaysia’s July issue. The young athletes discuss their drive, the misconceptions…

It doesn’t matter how old you are: fancy dress parties never get stale. Hong Kong influencer Feiping Chang celebrated her birthday with husband Lincoln Li by her side at a K-pop-themed extravaganza filled with glittery costumes, over-the-top hairdos and catchy singalongs on May 23. Hosted by friends Jonathan Cheung and Calvin Wang, the city’s it-crowd turned up in full force; Victoria Tang-Owen, Arne Eggers, René Chu, Eleanor Lam, Harris Chan and Tiffany Chan all dressed to impress in their zaniest pop-idol attire. Between the birthday girl’s Lee Sun-mi-inspired pigtails, Tang-Owens’ sleek grey wig and Cheung’s eyeliner, the troupe didn’t shy away from transforming themselves into their favourite pop idols—from Korean music sensations BTS to Girls Generation. Taste buds were satisfied as guests listened to the latest hits of groups like…

Whisky appreciation is often a learned pastime—the intensity of the spirit’s depth of flavour combined with its almost intimidating rich amber hue makes connoisseurship a challenge for almost anyone beyond the most dedicated drinkers. Earlier this year, The Racing Club organised a Whisky Appreciation event for its members. Led by Ronny Lau, the chairman of the Hong Kong Wine and Spirits Writers Association, the foray into the world of whisky guided members through an introduction of Scotch whiskies and Scotland’s six whisky-producing regions, an explanation of every step in whisky production, and a tasting that detailed profiles and characteristics of distinct regions—beginning with a Highland Park 12-year-old whisky and finishing with a Single Cask Series Hong Kong Edition. As members tasted their way through the six regions, Lau delineated the…

VICTORIA TANG-OWEN Creative director of Shanghai Tang and co-founder of Thirty30 Creative DENISE LO Lawyer and advisor for Louis Vuitton, North Asia TANIA MOHAN Founder of Indian-inspired luxury clothing and accessories brand Tabla JANE LOUEY Stay-at-home mother of three…

THERE WAS NO END to the delicious quotes from Josie Ho’s interview for last month’s cover story, but perhaps one of the most surprising revelations was that Ho has never actually met her idol and fellow rock star and actor Johnny Depp, despite her band Josie and the Uni Boys’ hit song about him, as well as her ever-growing prominence in Hollywood. “We’ve never met but I have become good friends with his staff and we did talk about having me in his indie music label,” she says. “I know Johnny heard my song about him and asked to listen to it twice. But his only comment was, ‘Her band is really good.’ I was like, ‘Why can’t you say something about me?’ Now we’re turning that song Johnny Depp…

“I know this sounds ridiculous, but recently I’ve been fascinated by the sound the wind makes when it goes through trees,” says Jonathan Anderson in a deep drawl, surprisingly sonorous given the sweet mien his baby-blue eyes and boy-band hair suggest. The Irish designer and I are in the middle of a Zoom call at 7:30am UK time, talking about trees. “It’s the first time I worked out that it’s actually a collective of leaves making the sound, and I thought ‘What would it be like if I were to break that down in music for a show, to take a few sounds we’re familiar with and dissect them into something atmospheric, you know what I mean’?” The Covid-19 pandemic, while responsible for many horrors, has also provided some unexpected…

Wildsmith Skin debuted in the UK earlier this year to high praise from beauty obsessives, who can’t get enough of the brand’s innovative use of nutrient-rich botanicals. Inspired by the 19th-century arboretum planted by horticulturalist William Walker Wildsmith at the Heckfield Place estate in Hampshire, the sustainably harvested skincare range harnesses the power of plant-derived bioactives and metallic elements such as platinum and copper. Wildsmith Skin debuts this summer at Joyce Beauty retail locations in Asia.…

SUMMER FEELING Everyday jewellery an easy foolproof way to add an extra edge to your look. All you need is a pair of Pacharee’s hand-sculpted earrings and you’re good to go. The Thai-Swiss designer works almost exclusively with baroque and keshi pearls, and designs structures that showcase each gem’s raw and natural beauty. Don’t miss the brand’s latest spring-summer collection of hammered-gold necklaces, earrings and rings. Baroque Floret earring in yellow gold set with sapphires and pearls by Pacharee POSITIVETHINKING Showcasing Chopard s outstanding attention to detail, this 18-karat white and rose gold pendant will have you feeling fun and feminine this summer. Playful and polished, the Happy Spirit collection is perfect for the warmer months thanks to its clean silhouettes and informal design. Happy Spirit pendant in rose and…

Austy Lee is based in high design, using a litany of unusual materials and niche techniques, from lacquering to mastering a special rhodium plating that offers a kaleidoscope of colour. The Hong Kong-based designer is defined by an outrageous palette that’s achieved using handfuls of gemstones including padparadscha sapphires and Paraiba tourmalines. The resulting pieces are awash with colour—from the Lion’s Dance bangle set with slivers of green jade and onyx to the Tricolor Taegeuk ring that swirls with milky opal, orange sapphires and sunshine-yellow diamonds. To celebrate the brand’s opening of its second boutique, near Prince Edward’s fanciful flower market, Austy Lee’s founder, who set up his eponymous brand in 2017, is shining a spotlight on all things floral. The blooms carved into his Lover’s Pink rings are rendered…

The concept of art and luxury is constantly evolving but the one consistent and enduring factor is that people, whether they are experienced collectors or simply enthusiasts, will always be drawn to something beautiful. The inspiring worlds of fine paintings, rare Asian works of art, exquisite jewellery and more will be on full display around Central this July, through a series of live auctions and preview exhibitions hosted by Christie’s. This specially curated treasure trove of art and luxury promises to satisfy even the most discerning collector’s eye for quality craftsmanship, and highlights will be on show at three iconic venues in the heart of the city. This year, the fine art on offer features a selection of Asian and Western masterpieces that mirrors the global, interconnected nature of today’s…

SKINNY LOVE The Altiplano Ultimate Concept breaks the boundaries of horological microengineering. Over the years, Piaget has set numerous world records for watch slenderness, and this year’s Altiplano sets another milestone with its Calibre 9P. It is one of the thinnest mechanical movements ever created and has allowed this watch to measure in at just 2 mm thick. CLOSE TO SHORE Long inspired by the sea, as its anchor logo shows, Swiss watch brand Ulysse Nardin has announced it is sponsoring a study of the ecosystem of blue sharks in the Atlantic Ocean. Scientists are hoping to save the endangered species by studying its habits and environment.…

You’ve added to the Excalibur Huracán, a line that’s made in collaboration with Lamborghini. Tell us about that. This year we’re releasing two Excalibur Huracán models. One is inspired by our partner Lamborghini’s “mantis green” paint and the other comes in all-black. Its 45 mm titanium case and bezel are covered in a black diamond-like carbon (DLC) coating and the hands are filled with a dark-coloured Super-LumiNova. These different shades of black add an extra depth to the piece that’s really special. Why did you choose to partner with Lamborghini? Our partnership with Lamborghini is something we really cherish and it works because we share the same values. It’s a perfect fit. I love how we’re able to surprise people through our joint projects. Who knows what we’ll come up…

How often should we get our watches serviced? This depends on the type of watch and how it is being used, but the general rule of thumb is every four to six years. A watch should undergo a complete overhaul to ensure the accuracy and water resistance of its case. For those who use their watches for their purpose-built intentions, such as deep-sea diving, I would recommend having at least the water resistance tested by a certified watchmaker every one to two years. What should we look for? Servicing a high-end timepiece is much like servicing a high-end automobile: you wouldn’t want parts from a generic manufacturer put into your Ferrari. For watches it is the same. When you bring your watch to an authorised service centre, you can rest…

BUZZ ALDRIN’S OMEGA In 1969, astronauts Buzz Aldrin and Neil Armstrong stepped onto the lunar surface as part of the Apollo 11 crew wearing Omega wristwatches. Unfortunately, upon its return, Aldrin’s Speedmaster was stolen while en route to the Smithsonian Institution. Last year, to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the lunar landing, Omega released two limited edition models: an all-gold Apollo 11 50th Anniversary Moonshine; and a more affordable alternative in stainless steel and Ceragold. Aldrin’s original timepiece, however, has never been found. MARIE ANTOINETTE’S BREGUET A secret admirer ordered a Breguet timepiece in 1783 as a gift for Marie-Antoinette. Dubbed The Queen, the pocket watch’s design featured 23 complications and 823 parts, but wasn’t completed until 1827—24 years after Marie-Antoinette’s gruesome death. Fast-forward to 1983, and while on display…

Wooden rods hammering the studio floor sound like the thump of a beating heart within the cavernous Xiqu Centre, Hong Kong’s futuristic performing arts space. A group of young men chant and pound the ground, creating tension as they circle two fighters. One of them, unleashing a combat shout worthy of Bruce Lee, rushes forward wielding a baton in each hand and brings them down on the head of his adversary, who, tumbling backwards, lands on his own weapon. Oscar Lam, a martial arts coach, whose light-footed agility and bald head bring to mind a Shaolin monk, attempts to shape the mêlée. “Imagine yourself as a tiger,” Lam barks at the fallen fighter. “Lunge at him!” In fair Kowloon, where we lay our scene, these ballet dancers are training for…

Travel Tokyo Calling Get to know the arrivals defining the hotel boom in Japan, starting with a boutique property right at the heart of the city’s newest hot spot The Olympics may be postponed until 2021 but that’s no reason to pass up a trip to Japan. Consider it research for next year’s big event or a treat after months of being cooped up indoors. With that in mind, why not begin by exploring Tokyo’s less trodden districts? Close to the elegant, cobblestone streets of Marunouchi is Kabuto-cho in Nihonbashi, a financial area that is home to the Tokyo Stock Exchange and a neighbourhood currently experiencing a creative renaissance. At the centre of its transformation is K5, a new boutique hotel housed in a 1920s former bank building revitalised by…

EKO YULI IRAWAN From goatherd to Olympic medalist The son of a pedicab driver and a market stall attendant, Eko Yuli Irawan didn’t dream of much beyond tending to goats, which he did every day after school to help his family make ends meet. Seeing potential, a local coach let Irawan train for free at his weightlifting gym, a decision that changed Irawan’s life. Today, the 30-year-old athlete from Sumatra is a three-time Olympian, having won bronze medals in Beijing and London and a silver in Rio de Janeiro. The fact that he’s done this and more despite his tiny stature of 5ft 2in has made him a national hero in his native Indonesia. After winning gold at the 2019 World Weightlifting Championships, he has his sights set at the…

Seventy-five of Hong Kong’s biggest hearts headed to the sophisticated Michelin-starred steakhouse, Beefbar, on May 28 to raise money for Mother’s Choice. The charity, which started in 1987 as a volunteer-led group founded in response to a spike in unexpected teenage pregnancies, has to date transformed the lives of more than 53,000 girls in crisis through residential services, counselling and sex education workshops, adoption and financial support. The spacious room was alive with conversation as some of Hong Kong’s most prominent figures tucked into a lunch of black angus French bavette with caramelised shallots and sautéed courgette while listening to moving anecdotes from the charity’s founder Phyllis Marwah. The intimate luncheon proved unmissable on the social calendar, with guests Yolanda Choy-Tang, Candice Suen-Sieber, Catherine Kwai, Dominique and Arthur de Villepin,…

Sally Lo, founder of the Hong Kong Cancer Fund, pays tribute to Macau gaming legend Stanley Ho and reflects on how the godfather of gambling impacted her life. From dance lessons to his love for astrology, Lo shares memories of the billionaire she was lucky enough to know: “I first met Stanley at a reception at The Mandarin hotel in the mid 1980s. My first impression was of a very distinguished and charming gentleman with a twinkle in his eye. From that time on, we met at numerous social occasions. I was very touched whenever he would ask about my family and he always remembered our previous conversations. “I’ve lost a friend and I will always have a special place in my memory for him” When I started the Hong…

Daphne King-Yao’s 2001 Tatler profile paints a rich picture of not only an art lover committed to bringing her industry into the 21st century, but also a devoted mother with an infectious laugh. Today, despite being one of the leading names in the Asian art world, she is just as open and forthcoming as she looks back over the magazine pages. “I can’t remember any of what happened that day, except for feeling honoured to be interviewed by Tatler,” says King-Yao who is the director of Alisan Fine Arts. Few would expect her to be so humble, considering her family tree reads like a who’s who of Hong Kong: her mother is the respected gallerist Alice King, her uncle is the former chief executive Tung Chee-hwa and her cousin, Leigh…

TIMELESS TOTE In celebration of its iconic Antigona bag’s 10th anniversary, Givenchy is launching the Antigona Soft, a supple, foldable version of the classic pentagonal shape. The original tote was inspired by Antigone, a resilient heroine from Greek mythology. Its new iteration, in solid hues like dusty blue or striking stripes, is meant to feel like a relaxed elder sister. ALL CAPS JW Anderson’s Cap bag and chain loafers from the pre-fall 2020 collection are the statement accessories to own this summer. Made with luxurious leathers but in a cheeky shape or exaggerated details, the pieces make a boyish statement against your prettiest floral dress. “I was looking at the ideas of function and decoration, and flipping them,” says designer Jonathan Anderson. “So for the chain, I took something utilitarian…

Dusty pink stone façades lining the Narmada River in Madhya Pradesh, central India, glowed warmly against the first rays of sunrise. Long boats in a rainbow of hues dotted the water, some gliding serenely behind a young Indian model dressed in sheer, colour-blocked layers with an asymmetrical neckline and ruching, like a shadow of a modern sari. The dress was by Supriya Lele, who debuted at London Fashion Week last fall. Lele, a British-Indian designer who was born and raised in the town of Ipswich in Suffolk, travelled to her ancestral town in India last December in what began as a creative journey with photographer and friend Jamie Hawkesworth. They wanted to shoot her latest collection—a vibrant amalgam of modern minimalism and Indian codes—against this scenic backdrop, but the trip…

Hourglass’s Ambient Lighting Palette is one of the most flattering beauty products launched in the last decade—a light dusting leaves a flawlessly finished complexion and is the next best thing to having that good-skin Instagram filter permanently attached to your face. This summer, Hourglass brings back its other most-iconic offering: the Metallic Strong Lighting Palette, which takes highlighting to new heights, just in time to amplify your sun-kissed summer skin with a touch of gleam and glitz.…

Marquise-cut diamonds date back to the 18th century, when King Louis XV commissioned a jeweller to design a shape that resembled the lips of his mistress The term ‘carat’ is used to describe a gemstone’s weight, and the word originates from the carob tree. In ancient times, traders would compare the weight of gemstones to the carob tree’s seeds In ancient Sanskrit, one of the oldest known languages in the world, rubies were called ratnaraj, or “king of precious stones” In 1477, Archduke Maximillian of Austria commissioned the first diamond engagement ring on record for his betrothed, Mary of Burgundy…

Growing up on the British Isles, as a schoolboy I was always interested in minerology, so when my family was posted to Brazil, I was quickly drawn to the world of coloured gemstones after being introduced to my mother’s favourite jeweller. It was my job, according to my father, to stop my mother from adding to her collection, but the jeweller easily distracted me with a sack of uncut aquamarines. After sorting through the pile, she invited me to select five pieces that were then cut and polished. That was the moment I fell in love with gemstones and when I was first told that De Beers was the best diamond company in the world. Fast-forward to today and I’m the president of De Beers Institute of Diamonds. One of…

DARK HORSE The latest watch from Zenith, the Chronomaster Revival “Shadow,” blends the very best of two vintage models. It’s a revival of a 1970s chronograph that never was, which was proposed by Zenith during the early days of the first automatic chronograph movements. Although some prototypes were made, this retro model wasn’t even allocated a reference number. The new chronograph also comes with the same angular case shape that was designed for Zenith’s original El Primero Ref A384, which debuted in 1969. Shadow’s black case is made from microblasted titanium. Extremely lightweight, wear with a rubber strap. RING THE BELL A Lange & Söhne’s first dedicated striking watch, the Zeitwerk Minute Repeater, made headlines when it was unveiled in 2015. The wristwatch uses technology that was originally developed for…

PATEK PHILIPPE Nautilus Automatic Black-Blue Dial Sporty but also elegant, the Nautilus is very versatile and can be worn to every occasion. But if you want to own one, your chances are slim—you’re probably more likely to win the lottery. Waiting lists are as long as five years, but you can buy one on the pre-owned market—at twice the price. Thanks to collector demand, this watch is likely to retain its value for a very long time. ROLEX Cosmograph Daytona You can’t go wrong with a Cosmograph Daytona, as long as you pick one up at a reasonable price. It doesn’t matter whether it’s a vintage or modern model, this watch will always be highly collectable. Thanks to Rolex’s reputation and heritage, celebrities continue to be spotted sporting the brand’s…

Annie Darling Watches & Jewellery Director of Tatler Asia Breitling is well known for its technical prowess and playful re-editions. A tradition carried on today, as evidenced by this limited-edition chronograph of 2,000 pieces. Inspired by a 1960s Top Time model, the 41 mm stainless-steel chronograph boasts a dynamic dial design that’s been nicknamed “Zorro” by vintage collectors in reference to the disguise worn by the famous pulp novel character. Talk about a good conversation starter.…

A Rolex was famously strapped to the wrist of Tenzing Norgay in 1953 when he and Sir Edmund Hillary became the first men to summit Everest, the world’s tallest mountain. Rolexes were also tested to a depth of nearly 11 km on two famous submarine expeditions into the Mariana Trench—one led by Don Walsh and Jacques Piccard in 1960 and the other by director James Cameron in 2012. There are numerous examples of watches that have aided human beings in the execution of incredible, record-breaking feats and achievements. And impressive though its accomplishments may be, Rolex by no means has a monopoly in this regard. In fact, many watch brands seek out relationships with pioneers and innovators in various fields, including through partnerships in which both parties benefit. An Omega…

There is no doubt who owns this sprawling, 7,000 sq ft apartment in Quarry Bay. Hanging right next to the front door to greet every visitor is an extraordinary oil-on-canvas portrait of designer and artist Alan Chan by leading contemporary Chinese artist Zeng Fanzhi, who rarely paints to order, and not just for anyone. Just around the corner, a series of mock film posters are lit like the marquee of a theatre, each depicting Chan in a different starring role. In one, he’s a suited, James Bond-esque hero. In another he’s posing—tastefully—totally naked. “I have the posters made to mark my birthdays,” says Chan from behind his signature owlish glasses. The latest, an image that features Chan sitting on a crescent moon with a fishing rod—a play on the Dreamworks…

Is it still worth visiting Shibuya? Where should we go after crossing the Scramble? The most interesting thing about Shibuya is the fact that it’s constantly changing and updating itself. The front part of Shibuya station and the former railroad tracks of the Tokyu line are going through a major reinvention. A few years after Hikarie opened, more mega complexes such as Scramble Square, Fukuras and Shibuya Stream—Google moved their Japan HQ to the latter—have made their mark here. However, my favourite joints in Shibuya are hidden within smaller-scale buildings and tucked into the back streets. Umebachee is a great place for chicken sashimi and Japanese sake. After a meal, I go for a deeper stroll over to Kairyo-yu, a renovated public bathhouse, to take a dip and a enjoy…

LUIS R TORRES Luis R Torres is currently the Ballet Master at the Hong Kong Ballet, and has enjoyed an extensive dance career with Ballet Arizona, Ballet Theatre of Maryland and The Washington Ballet. For Tatler, Luis collaborated with dancers of the Hong Kong Ballet on this month’s fashion shoot (p.98) YAU HO YI Yau Ho Yi is a fashion and portrait photographer based in Hong Kong and New York. After working with acclaimed photographers such as Ethan James Green, Santiago & Mauricio and Mariano Vivanco, she developed her clean, bold and intimate style of photography and branched out on her own. This month, Yau photographed dancers from the Hong Kong Ballet dressed in the pre-fall collections (p.98) AMANDA KHO If you’ve marvelled at stories about Hong Kong in Monocle,…

Imagine being so prominent in your sport that, by the age of 20, you are already being compared to its most famous athlete of all time. This is the weight of expectation thrust upon Lily Muni He, whose promising success in golf, early start in the game and visibility in the media have led fans and the press to compare her to Tiger Woods. A bright new star on the green, He, from Chengdu, has enjoyed wins at the 2018 Prasco Charity Championship and most recently the 2019 Ladies Golf Professional Association (LPGA) Q series tournament; victories that earned her coveted membership of the LPGA, the largest organisation in the world for female professional golfers. Players like Annika Sorenstam, Julie Inkster and Michelle Wie all pushed the envelope for women’s…

Ahoy! Jenny Kuo, manager of luxury boat rental company Breakaway, pulls back the tarpaulin on the excesses involved when Hong Kong’s most fabulous personalities take to the high seas. “We’ve had lots of celebrities, influencers and famous chefs onboard. All of our clients require a high level of privacy and many of them have special requests, from particular brands of tea to be served to specific types of music being played,” she says. Ensuring there’s never an empty glass (or stomach) on board is top priority for operations like Kuo’s, with feel-good snacks like fudge brownies and chocolate-chip cookies constantly available to graze upon. But, slightly tame nibbles aside, the real party begins with the pop of a bottle. Beer consumption runs high, with an average 150 bottles glugged per…

1 A tin on tin shaker. It won’t break and you can use the smaller tin to mix stirred drinks. 2 A bar spoon, or any long spoon which you can use to mix stirred cocktails. 3 A jigger or any form of small measuring device. 4 Ice. It’s crucial to always have ice ready in your freezer. Don’t ever leave an empty ice tray in the freezer. 5 A citrus press or a small manual juicer (as most cocktails required freshly pressed juices). 6 Lemons and limes, at all times. 7 A bottle of your favourite tequila, gin, bourbon, scotch, rum or vodka. You don’t need to own them all. 8 Cointreau. You can’t make margaritas, sidecars and many other classics without an orange liqueur. 9 Angostura bitters (if…

“I originally wanted to be a designer; at 16 I saw a picture of John Galliano’s collection and that was the turning point in my love for fashion. I think captivated once you are by the industry, you soon find out what fits you best and which department really excites you”—Tiffany Hsu Mytheresa fashion buying director @handinfire The apparel industry is facing perhaps its greatest reckoning since the invention of ready-to-wear, as designers and retailers rethink everything from how they produce and show collections to how they intend to sell luxury goods in a post-pandemic world. But one thing that’s unlikely to ever really go away is the joy that comes from using fashion as a form of self-expression, even in recent times when that might mean dressing just for…

Who? Marie-Christine Lee-Louey, founder of the Sports for Hope foundation. What? A charity founded in 2008 that supports underprivileged children through professional sports training programmes. Why? Although the Olympic Games have been postponed to next year, Lee-Louey still has much to look forward to in the realm of sport. An avid philanthropist, who hails from Hong Kong’s prominent Hysan Development dynasty, Lee-Louey is on a mission to provide talented but underprivileged children with the means to further their passion for sport. Through award incentive programmes, psychology, nutrition and physiotherapy, she and her team of experts have provided more than 15,000 children with the tools necessary to compete at elite levels. With sport acting as a global unifier, the hope is that her programme will instil trust, discipline…

Kevin Kwan needs little introduction—he is famous around the world as the mind behind the Crazy Rich Asians trilogy, which gave readers an inside look at the lives of Asia’s wealthy and famous. Here, he discusses his new book, Sex and Vanity, and how it differs from his earlier novels. Following the immense success of Crazy Rich Asians, did you need to step back and re-centre yourself to write a new book? I really felt the need to do something totally different. The Crazy Rich Asians trilogy was a huge part of my life for eight years. I started writing it in 2009 and I was on this roller coaster until 2018, so it’s great to be able to slow down and think about a new project. Sex and Vanity…

How did you first realise you wanted to do fashion? Amy: My friend persuaded me to go art school and one of my projects was to deconstruct a shirt—this was the first time I saw clothes in a creative sense. Evan: I have always drawn and been generally creative. I used to imagine and draw stage costumes and sets for my favourite singers when I was a kid, but I think I only properly became interested in fashion when I went to Central Saint Martins. Who was the first designer you worked for? Amy: Before starting Wed, we both spent several years working for other designers in the industry. My first job after university was a traineeship at Stella McCartney. Then I went to COS and later worked with Susan…

In 1991, French synchronised swimmer and water ballet choreographer Muriel Hermine approached Make Up For Ever founder Dany Sanz looking for waterproof make-up that could withstand wear through water show performances. Sanz developed a range of products designed to survive watersports and challenging environmental conditions—and launched it commercially in 2007 as the Aqua line, which became a global category leader in waterproof make-up. This summer, Make Up For Ever relaunches the collection as Aqua Resist, and the products have been rigorously tested for more, uh, contemporary use cases—like, in three-hour-long, back-to-back indoor spin classes in 27-degree rooms averaging 45 per cent humidity—and under other examples of extreme heat and humidity (hello, global warming). Testers were even exposed to 40-degree facial saunas at 90 per cent humidity for six minutes at…

How to wear men’s jewellery with PERPETUA IP With more options than ever when it comes to wearing men’s jewellery, stylist Perpetua Ip shares her list of dos and don’ts. When buying jewellery, you should look for... Pieces that show off your personality. Wearing jewellery can be a way for men to differentiate themselves from others, so make sure you’re wearing bling that says something specifically about you, whether it’s a simple neck chain or signet ring. When wearing jewellery, always… Try versatile pieces that add an unexpected touch to your everyday look. If everything matches, it’s boring. When wearing jewellery, you should never... Over-accessorise. When it comes to men’s jewellery, less is more. For style inspiration, keep an eye on... Former One Direction singer Harry Styles, who has led…

Repurposing old jewellery has been the bread-and-butter of goldsmiths and gem dealers for centuries, but it’s fast becoming a growing trend with a new spin. As consumers grow more conscious about the environmental and ethical impact of their purchases, a practice that may have existed for centuries is now more sought-after than ever. From the simple resizing of an engagement ring to the resetting of gems from a Georgian hairpin, the range of possibilities is endless. And as sustainability becomes a way of life, we’re seeing designers rescue unloved sparklers from dusty draws and seldom-visited vaults. It’s possible to breathe new life into old pieces by recasting gems into new settings, says Hong Kong-based jewellery designer Sarah Zhuang. This involves melting down and reshaping precious metals into stylish silhouettes that…

12.1 Equipped with a self-winding movement manufactured exclusively by Chanel, this new J12 is powered by the Calibre 12.1 CERAMIC The J12 collection has become an icon for contemporary watchmaking largely because of its radical choice of colours and innovative use of ceramic. The J12 Paradoxe Diamonds comes in a polished black ceramic case 20 Chanel is celebrating the 20th anniversary of the J12 watch and subsequently has limited the J12 Paradoxe Diamonds to 20 pieces worldwide 88 The watch’s case and bezel are set with 66 baguette-cut diamonds and its dial is set with an additional 21. If that weren’t enough, the crown is also topped with one brilliant-cut diamond Named after a class of racing yachts, Chanel’s iconic J12 collection has been around since 2000 and over the…

MANY HAPPY RETURNS Following in the footsteps of watchmakers Antide Janvier and Abraham-Louis Breguet, who made clocks based on the natural phenomenon of resonance, François-Paul Journe unveiled his brand’s Résonance collection in 2000. Several versions of this wristwatch have been presented throughout the last 20 years, and a new version has now been unveiled for 2020. This latest model is powered by a single barrel spring and comes in a redesigned case. Choose from platinum or gold. HIGH PERFORMANCE Chopard has announced that it’ll continue its role as official timekeeper of the Mille Miglia, Italy’s famous classic car rally. To celebrate, the brand has designed a new stainless-steel chronograph that’s limited to 750 pieces. A dashboard-inspired blue dial with hour and minute hands painted in what the brand has dubbed…

Jaeger-LeCoultre’s Reverso One gained a cult following during the art deco era (it was first designed in 1931), and its iconic elongated case and sharp-looking hour and minute hands are super cool. I love this striking red-wine dial, which is achieved by applying numerous layers of lacquer over a subtle sunray guilloché pattern that pops against the watch’s polished steel case. Audrey Hepburn said it best: “There is a shade of red for every woman.”…

I’d like to express my deepest sympathies to the three unlucky travellers who recently made the news while flying into Hong Kong from Doha. They reportedly were the victims of one of the biggest inflight thefts in history, having discovered two watches worth US$105,000 had been pinched from their luggage. It’s every collector’s worst nightmare and an unpopular topic to discuss when swapping tales over cigar smoke and whisky at ritzy watch get-togethers. However, the reality is most of us know someone who has had a treasured piece stolen. In December, Hong Kong police arrested five men over an armed robbery during which 47 watches worth US$360,000 were taken. A few months before, a young man walked into a shop in Singapore’s Far East Plaza and ran out with two…

CHANHAS been obsessed with Kewpie dolls since he first visited Japan in the mid Seventies. “First [the doll] was a mascot for a mayonnaise brand, but then they became popular toys on the mass market,” says Chan. “There are two different kinds of plastic dolls—one which is made from darker plastic, which is much higher quality and more expensive. And the other one is for more of the mass market. I have Kewpie dolls from the Fifties, Sixties and Seventies. They still make them. Other people collect them, but I don’t think they collect as extensively as I do. My wife and I have about 100 pieces.” THISROUGHLY five-foot-tall goose sculpture was painted by acclaimed Chinese artist Zeng Fanzhi. “I knew him back in the early Nineties when he was…

Stanley Kubrick’s 1968 cult sci-fi classic, 2001: A Space Odyssey, predicted that by the start of this millennium there would have already been Pan Am-operated shuttles in space staffed by hostesses wearing “grip” shoes in order to saunter down the zero-gravity aisles, as well as galactic hotels and technology to facilitate a mission to Jupiter. Well, we’re not quite there yet. But the world’s billioniest billionaires have taken the prospect to heart and into their own hands, founding private companies dedicated to researching space travel and rocket-building in the admirable quest to make commercial spaceflight a more realistic thing of the near future. Just last month, Nasa sent two American astronauts—Robert L Behnken and Douglas G Hurley—on a mission to the International Space Station (ISS) from the Kennedy Space Center.…

The Covid-19 crisis has affected an unthinkably broad swathe of the planet, but it has been especially cruel to Italy. For anyone whose passions include art, fashion, culture or cuisine, Italy is not just a nation, but also an idea that is suffused with romance, even for people who’ve never been to the country and may never get to go. Though I would never suggest that one person’s suffering is more important than another’s, Italy’s symbolic potency is such that when its heart breaks, so do hearts around the world. As a person whose life and work is intimately bound with Italy—I fell in love with wine while working there over a decade ago—mine is shattered. The long-term cultural, social and economic effects of this virus—as everywhere—loom ominously on the…