SCION Apr-Jun 2016

TIARA JACQUELINA Champion of the performing arts

FLOWER POWER

GOOD TIMES

WILD PURSUITS

Add a touch of springtime to your wardrobe

Why old watches make great investments

Safari adventures in bountiful Botswana

ICONIC HOTELS IN ICONIC PLACES

NEW GLAMOUR

AT ITS BEST

THE PANORAMIC VIEWS. A STYLE STATEMENT. THE ART OF NOW. SEE AND BE SEEN. ACCLAIMED WOLFGANG PUCK RESTAURANT. 45 PARK LANE.

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Co n t e n t s

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12 9 – AROUND THE WORLD COVER STORY 12 – RIGHT ON CUE FASHION & BEAUTY 22 – ON THE FASHION TRAIN

32 – MEN IN SPRINGTIME 38 – THE PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS 40 – BEAUTY UPDATES 42 – MIRACLE IN A BOTTLE 44 – READY, JETSET, GLOW!

24 – FLOWER POWER

ACCESSORIES

30 – UP THE HILL

46 – THE ART OF ACCESSORISING

48 – A CUT ABOVE THE REST 52 – THE GOOD OLD TIMES 56 – DAZZLED BY COLOUR

68 – FARTHEST CORNER OF THE WORLD

TRAVEL & DINE

74 – HIGH ON LUXURY

60 – NEWS FOR THE GLOBETROTTER

DESIGN & SPACES

62 – CALL OF THE WILD

78 – UPDATES FOR YOUR HOME

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74 80 – GRAND ILLUMINATIONS 84 – TIDY LITTLE HELPERS DRIVING FORCE 86 - FOR THE AUTOMOBILE ENTHUSIAST

SOCIETY 92 – FRENCH CONNECTION 93 – TAME YOUR MANE 94 – BEST OF SCANDINAVIA 95 – LOVE WILL BRING US TOGETHER

88 – MINI BUT NOT SMALL

ONE MORE THING

90 – RIDE INTO THE FUTURE

96 – FROM MUD TO METROPOLIS

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SCI-ON [sahy-uh-on]

Editor’s Note

A noble descendant, a privileged individual. Scions have the world at their feet. They hold the key to a vault of privileges that only an exclusive few can enjoy. At SCION, the line of wealth, luxury and high-living begins.

April/May/June 2016 Publisher: Wan Zainal Shazali Managing Editor: Pauline Chan Art Director: Novri Rinaldi Assistant Editor: Intan Abu Daniel Finance Manager: Chin Hui Hui Sales & Marketing Manager Bina Chauhan

The thought of packing my bags and flying off somewhere I have never been to before fills me with exhilaration. Days before the trip, I would come alive with positive energy just thinking about the possibility of dislodging myself from my daily routine - the Swiss adventurer Ella Maillart once said that routine “kills all imagination and all our capacity for enthusiasm” - and happily getting lost in a brand new location. Travel is the perfect pill for boredom. Seeing a new place for the first time is like a child being given a new toy, the experience is a mixture of delight, curiosity and wonderment. So in this issue, we feature some far-flung destinations less explored – The Lake District in Chile and the wildlife reserves in Botswana, both countries are now on my list of mustvisit-before-I-turn-80. If you are planning to travel in top style, then our feature on First Class air travel will hopefully come in handy when you make your flight bookings. And don’t forget, all that frequent flying can leave one looking less than perfect on arrival at a holiday destination so check out the travel-friendly essentials that should be in your carry-on cabin bag.

So, is it time for a vacation?

Contributors: Karen Tee, Low Shi Ping, Rohaizatul Azhar, Neil Briscoe SCION A magazine of CHMP Media, Brunei Darussalam Tel: +673 2331031. Fax: +673 2231031 E-mail: info@chmpmedia.com

Scion is published by CHMP Media (Brunei). All correspondence and advertising should be addressed to Scion, CHMP Media, Unit 49, 2nd Floor, Hj Munchit & HJH DYG RAPIAH Complex, Kg. Jaya Setia, Berakas BD2713.

Brunei Darussalam.

All materials are strictly copyright and all rights are reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in whole or in part without written permission of the copyright holder. All prices and data are correct at the time of publication. Opinions expressed in Scion are not necessarily those of the publisher and the publisher does not accept responsibility for advertising content. Any images supplied are at the owner’s risk.

Cover photo:

Producer and actress Puan Sri Tiara Jacquelina is wearing a sleeveless ruffle fringe silk chiffon shift dress, pearl drop earrings and pearl ring, all from Salvatore Ferragamo.

Photographed by Jimmy Khoo @ ZINQ STUDIO

is distributed to:

Ar o u n d Th e W o r l d

WARM UP

BY THE BAY The idyllic setting of Ise Shima National Park on the shores of Ago Bay is now home to a new hot spring resort by the Aman Resorts International.

Amanemu is a relaxed, peaceful and contemplative destination, embracing ‘omotenashi’ – the Japanese welcoming spirit blending with warmth and respect. The resort adopts the classic ryokan tradition in the aesthetics for each of the 24 suites and four two-bedroom villas which feature their own onsen. The property also embraces the most important Japanese tradition relating to ryokan hospitality – ‘okami’, a

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female manager, whose role is central to the meticulously honed art of Japanese hospitality which pays a high level of attention to details and is committed to anticipating the needs of the guest.

At Amanemu, the holistic approach of the Aman Spa aims to promote wellbeing through the integration of treatments, relaxation, movement and nutrition. The abundance of natural hot springs and therapeutic powers of the mineral-rich water, and the resort’s spa facilities and therapies will leave guests more deeply renewed and relaxed. www.aman.com

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TIME WITH GERARD BUTLER The Festina Group launched their new campaign featuring Scottish actor Gerard Butler as their new brand ambassador for the Festina watch brand at the Baselworld 2016 watch fair. ‘Time to Live’ is the title of the new campaign where the actor allows access for 24 hours to his personal life. According to Butler, being a part of the campaign “has been a great experience. Recording in Hollywood, Los Angeles with the amazing Festina staff has been very rewarding. It allowed me also to get close to the watch-making world, one of my passions.” After 25 years of sponsoring the Tour de France and other sports events, Festina aims to reach out to watch lovers worldwide and present a more lifestyle marketing approach with this new campaign. www.festinagroup.com

Ar o u n d Th e W o r l d

MEDITERRANEAN GARDEN Swiss watchmaker and jeweller Piaget chose the talented and popular Korean actress Ha Ji Won to perfectly bring out the radiance of their Mediterranean Garden High Jewellery collection inspired by the beauty of blooming roses, palm trees and shimmering waters of the French Riviera. Working with renowned photographer Huang Tien Jen, Ms Ha said that the jewellery reminded her of ‘the warmth of the sun and magnificent scenery’ during her vacation in the south of France. The High Jewellery collection is distinguished by two high jewellery techniques – working gold in twisted threads and the application of the marquis cut to gemstones, both which Piaget has unrivalled expertise in. int.piaget.com/jewellery

PERFECT FIT Ermenegildo Zegna will have a new artistic director in June. Alessandro Sartori will be responsible for all creative functions across all Zegna brands. His first full season will be the FW2017, which is to be shown in Milan in January 2017. Sartori was artistic director at Berluti for five years and before that, he spent eight years at the creative helm of Z Zegna, Ermenegildo Zegna’s second line. Commenting on the appointment, Gildo Zegna, the group’s Chief Executive Officer said: “I’ve known Alessandro and his style for many years and I am extremely excited to welcome him back to our Group. His talent, creativity, passion and modernity make him the perfect fit to help us take Zegna to the next phase of its development.” www.zegna.com

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RIGHT

ON CUE When you ask Puan Sri Tiara Jacquelina about her work in theatre and film, she goes into a clear and systematic point-bypoint account that leaves you no doubt that this lady, who played a legendary princess in Malaysia’s biggest budgeted movie Puteri Gunung Ledang, really means business. Awardwinning actress and producer, Puan Sri Tiara Jacquelina is a big advocate of the arts and theatre in Malaysia. She founded Enfiniti Vision Media in 2003 to provide content creation and multimedia production services and to date, the company has several highly-acclaimed musicals in its portfolio, including the much-lauded and commercially successful Puteri Gunung Ledang The Musical, P.Ramlee The Musical, sold-out theatre productions such as An Evening with The Phantom, and MUD: Our Story of Kuala Lumpur, the entertaining cultural musical that is currently playing daily at the Panggung Bandaraya.

PAULINE CHAN gets into conversation with the multitalented star and discovers what her life is like behind the scenes.

Co v e r St o r y

Sleeveless printed silk satin jumpsuit, Diane von Furstenberg; cuff bangle, model's own.

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Long sleeve printed silk satin shirt and embroidered high waist A-line skirt, both from Gucci.

Co v e r St o r y

Puan Sri Tiara Jacquelina admits with a laugh that she is a perfectionist. And how can she not be? She has produced several successful stage shows and the demands of a theatre production is no walk in the park. As a producer, she is constantly working with her team to make sure that their projects are running with slick precision. Not one to accept mediocrity, she believes that in their line of work, there is no room for errors. Her stage shows have to be works of perfection as they are all about precision, timing, synchronicity and harmony. There are hundreds of cues that need to go on at any one time, like lighting, moving sets, costume changes, dance steps and music. She explains that, “a show doesn’t pause for anyone so the only way for a show to run smoothly is if everyone works in sync and perfect timing.“ Much as she adores her job behind the scenes as a producer, she will not rule out acting in films - which she has put on hold for some time - altogether, “If there is a suitable role that I find absolutely challenging and worth putting aside the time to do, I am sure I would consider it. Better still, if I can produce it myself, then at least I know I am in control of the quality and the outcome of the film". And this one-time mythical princess certainly knows the perfect recipe for a successful show.

In the Spotlight What was the inspiration for the musical MUD: Our Story of Kuala Lumpur?

The inspiration is the actual people of Kuala Lumpur and the people that make up this city we live in right now. As a company, we are very interested in topics involving racial harmony and unity, so MUD is the story of how our forefathers, the Chinese, the Indians, the Malays, and the other races who formed the early people of Malaysia and KL, came together to set up what we know today as the wonderful, bustling, dynamic city of Kuala Lumpur. But the lesson in this is that we all came from very humble beginnings and we all played a part, every race in Malaysia played a part in building Kuala Lumpur and Malaysia.

You’ve produced a string of successful musicals before this: Puteri Gunung Ledang (PGL), P.Ramlee and The Secret Life of Nora. What are the challenges of putting on a stage show?

For me, whether it’s producing a stage show, a film or TV series, what is critical is putting together a good strong team: the writers, who conceptualise the show, the correct director and creative team who put the show together, a good technical team who gives the shows the big ‘wow’ factor that you see, a production team who manages the show to make sure we’re working on schedule and within budget the whole time, and a publicity and marketing team to promote the show. So it is a huge challenge.

Another challenge is finding people who share the same passion and interest in producing a work of perfection. I don’t do slipshod work and I don’t enjoy working with people who are sloppy in their mindset. So the challenge for me is finding the people who share the same mind-set and who take a lot of pride in their work.

As the producer of the musical, what is your creative input in the musical?

As with every product Enfiniti produces, my role as a producer is much more than just green-lighting a project and financing it. My role

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starts from the inception of an idea, which normally comes from me. Then I am involved in the selection of the correct writer, composer, lyricist and director for the play. Pretty much every Enfiniti product you see on stage has my input from the beginning to the moment the product goes on stage. Even after that, there’s the marketing and sales, promotion and publicity. I am very actively involved in every stage of production and preproduction of any product.

Will you be bringing back the PGL, P. Ramlee and The Secret Life of Nora to the stage?

This year, we are developing PGL and P.Ramlee the Musical into a one-hour version of the show, it is like a showcase of PGL and P.Ramlee. The purpose is to take this show travelling, we can easily take this show to Singapore, Indonesia or even Brunei, to meet audiences who didn’t get the chance to see the show in Kuala Lumpur. In reducing the show to a one-hour version we can also make it more tour-able and it can be performed for corporate events.

What upcoming projects are you working on at Enfiniti?

This year we are focusing a huge chunk of our time promoting and marketing MUD: Our Story of Kuala Lumpur. MUD is a project I am very passionate about so this year I told myself, we are not going to produce new shows, but I want to focus on getting the marketing and promotion of MUD right.

I am also spending a lot of energy and time on making Enfiniti academy a success this year. This will be our

Co v e r St o r y

Floral print wrap dress, Diane von Furstenberg; hair accessory, stylist's own.

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20 fifth year in operation and we have 900 students between the ages of 3 and 53! We are increasing the number of classes, the types of programmes and workshops.

We are also focusing on drama-based leadership training for teenagers who are preparing for college or university and graduates, as well as corporate and government organisations. This is another area that I am very passionate about because I am interested in developing the youth and how we can use drama-based skills to train people to have better communication and leadership skills.

We’ll be announcing two very exciting tourism-related products in the second half of the year and we’re also developing two new shows for next year. I’m really particular about the final products that go on stage or screen and would much rather work the development on paper until it’s perfect rather than produce something that’s only mediocre.

You’ve done both film and theatre, which is the greater love?

With my hand on my heart, I would say theatre. Because I enjoy the live feedback, the energy and appreciation from the audience which is real-time. Also because theatre is an ongoing process that doesn’t end until the curtain comes down. I enjoy the evolution of a play, how it can be very different today and tomorrow, just by removing lines or changing the intention of how a scene is played. Whereas on film, once it’s done, it’s done forever, printed on celluloid. There is a different thrill, of course, in producing and performing in a film.

For instance, I can watch PGL again and again, and appreciate the hard work and care that went into putting it together. But there have been films I have acted in before which I watch again and wonder ‘why on earth did I do this?’ It gives me goose pimples to watch myself! [big chuckle]

Let’s Get Personal What do you enjoy doing outside your work life?

Well, there’s barely time to start with but I do enjoy horse riding and going for runs. Whenever I travel during winter, I enjoy downhill skiing. What I like is sports that give me a sense of speed. I love feeling the wind in my face and in my hair. I love being one with nature, that’s why I love being outdoors. I also love painting and I paint in various mediums, mostly acrylics and oils.

What is one thing people don’t know about you?

That I have a double brown belt in taekwando! I am one step away from getting a black belt. I have been putting this off for many years but I hope to get this black belt. Until now it remains an ambition because I am not putting away the time for it but that’s definitely on my bucket list.

Tell us what’s your favourite food.

I like all sorts of food actually. I am one who is really adventurous about food, I would eat anything from raw food like steak tartare to snails, and I love food that’s well-presented. I do like my local food too, Nyonya food in particular. I love food with very strong taste, like Sarawak Laksa for instance, which is an assault on your senses, it’s got all kinds of things in one dish.

Co v e r St o r y

Round neck silk satin top with detachable floral print sleeves and high way silk satin skirt, both from Celine.

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Sleeveless shirt blouse and high waist panelled chiffon skirt, both from Michael Kors; open-toe butterfly strap high heels, model's own.

Photographer: Jimmy Khoo/ZINQ Studio Assisted by: Wei Ping & Harzeeq Styling: Jayen Chow Makeup: KF Bong Hair: Gavin Soh

Co v e r St o r y

What kind of music do you listen to?

I am really into the electro swing genre right now. My playlist consists of music by Parov Stelar and Caravan Palace. I have always been a fan of U2. There is some music I go back to because they inspire me. When I am working, I like to listen to U2, when I want to chill, I listen to Corinne Bailey Rae. When I have a project on and I want to be in my thinking mode, electro swing gets me going.

Name a skill you wish you were really good at.

I really wish I could play the guitar well, this is something I started taking up a few years ago but I never really put enough time and effort to play it every day to be really good at it. And maybe some day down the line, I may want to take up golf, mainly to be able to play with my kids and my husband who play the game.

What is your biggest indulgence?

French butter, in particular the demi-sel butter, rustic French baguette and chunky marmalade. There is something about French salted butter that really gets me going and I can finish a whole baguette by myself. I have been on a hunt all over the world for the best French baguette, particularly the ones baked in rustic style, and I found it in this place in France, Villefranchesur-Mer. I have never had bread as good as that, in France or any other part of the world.

What are you currently reading now?

I am reading a book called 'How to Relax' by a Vietnamese Buddhist monk and Zen master Thich Nhat Hanh. It’s on mindfulness and how to live in the moment - all the things I am struggling with right now because I am trying to juggle too many things at the same time.

Favourite movie of all time?

I must admit that my list of movies might be a little strange considering I am a film-maker. My favourite movie of all time is ‘The Producers’, the version with Will Ferrell and Uma Thurman. This is my favourite because I can watch it again and again and I really appreciate the work that went into the film, all the song and dance sequences, the jokes, the acting, they’re just so good at what they do, it’s is a laugh a minute show for me and in my downtime I just want to be entertained.

What kind of holiday appeals to you – high adventure, beach bum, city slicker or heritage-site seeker?

I enjoy discovering a new city or a new country from the historical point of view. I like a country with a very rich history. I love going on tours where I can visit archaeological sites and look at their architecture and understand the history of the country from the buildings and whatever remains. I like places where it’s very cultural and I can learn about the people, and where I can explore the local food and art. I am not the shopping kind of traveller, not fashion shopping anyway. I enjoy walking or cycling holidays where you are going at a pace that you can stop and absorb everything around you. I’d rather be in the surroundings either on foot or on a bicycle. That’s my kind of holiday.

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Dunhill Online British luxury menswear label Dunhill has expanded its consumer reach by launching an e-commerce site. The heritage fashion house’s new online component offers more than just retail; through its editorial section, called The Club, users are able to browse through the various Dunhill collections as well as learn about the brand’s history. The new website has been designed in both responsive, mobile and desktop versions, reflecting the evolving habits of our customers globally.

The dunhill online store is accessible in seven languages. www.dunhill.com

Eye Candy Givenchy introduces its spring/summer 2016 eyewear collection with pieces that reveal a subtle yet powerful vibe. Featuring classic shapes, such as the aviator style, as well as modern and edgy goggle-like shapes, the new collection is for those who are not afraid to stand out. The colour palette comprises classic shades and edgy color contrasts, from black to nude, red, white, or sophisticated mirror effects, paired with shaded or flash lenses, for a bold style statement. Available at all Givenchy boutiques and leading optical stores, the new sunglasses and optical frames definitely reflect the brand’s codes while exploring audacious architectural designs. www.givenchy.com

Fa s h i o n & B e a u t y

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Small bags are huge Mini bags are still on-trend - just ask Diane von Furstenberg. This season, the American fashion house has shrunk down its functional It bag, the Secret Agent, to an adorable and convenient size. Complete with an adjustable, detachable crossbody strap, the arm candy also features multiple interior and exterior pockets for easy access to your essentials. Just like the originalsized tote, the Secret Agent mini comes with a detachable clutch, making it a versatile two-inone bag that’s good for both casual and formal events. Available in embossed croc and embossed ostrich, and in different colourways, the celebrityfavourite bag is sold at all DVF stores. visit www.dvf.com

Party Like A Rock Star British designer Erdem Moralioglu celebrated the launch of his fall/ winter 2016 collection with a starstudded party during the recent London Fashion Week. Held at The Old Selfridges Hotel in London and within the set of his fall/winter 2016 show, the after-party saw A-list celebrities including actress Keira Knightley, model Arizona Muse and former Net-a-Porter head honcho Natalie Massenet, who was made a Dame by Queen Elizabeth II earlier in February. Dressed in - what else? Erdem, the star-studded party marked Moralioglu’s 11th year in the industry. www.erdem.com

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Flower

Power Meryl Streep, in her role as Miranda Priestley in The Devil Wears Prada, may have scoffed at the thought of floral motifs on anything for the spring season - it’s not exactly original nor is it awe-inspiring. For spring/summer 2016, however, designers are pushing out feminine looks replete with floral motifs that are simply breathtaking. ROHAIZATUL AZHAR highlights eight must-have pieces for your spring wardrobe.

Fa s h i o n & B e a u t y

1 Printed Cotton And Silk-Blend Satin Dress Prabal Gurung The perfect dress for an evening soiree with friends. Throw on a light cashmere cardigan for a more prim and proper look.

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3 2 Renta Petali Stiletto Heels Oscar de la Renta Stepping out in these exquisite stiletto heels must be like walking on a bed of roses. We love the petal motif that surrounds the shoe.

Floral iPhone 6 Case Dolce & Gabbana Get ready for spring - right down to your iPhone - with this pretty case that’s a bold statement in itself.

Fa s h i o n & B e a u t y

4 Floral Applique Clutch Alexander McQueen Give your formal evening look a more feminine and quirky spin with this floral applique clutch from the English fashion house that’s the favourite of every stylesavvy lady.

5 Silk-Crepe Gown Etro Eschew the common solid-coloured column gowns for this printed silk-crepe number and be the belle of the ball.

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6 Jersey Panelled Jacquard Dress Antonio Beradi Nothing says elegance and sophistication more than this jacquard dress. The floral motifs on the frock is pretty but with a touch of edge.

7 Flock Silk-Satin Floral Headband Yunotme For a playful yet chic look, adorn your hair with this floral headband from Hong Kong label Yunotme.

Fa s h i o n & B e a u t y

8 Lace Evening Gown Marchesa Your dreams of being a princess may come true as you slip into this stunning pastel evening gown.

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Up The Hill With more than 140 years of heritage history, Dunhill is undoubtedly the go-to luxury brand for every welldressed male worth his custom-made Oxford brogues.

ROHAIZATUL AZHAR finds out the story behind this British fashion house, which started as a company dealing with luxury motoring goods and tobacco

Fa s h i o n & B e a u t y

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When Alfred Dunhill took over his family’s saddlery business from his father, he converted it into a luxury motoring goods company, producing top quality leather accessories for luxury cars. In short, the younger Dunhill, who was 21-years-old at the time, ejected horses from his business model to focus instead on accessories for riders of a new form of transport: the car.

In an interview with London’s Evening Standard, Dunhill’s former creative director John Ray, who left the house recently after a successful three-year tenure, said that the founder was always quick to respond to the changing trends. He said: “He went from saddlery into cars, when there were still very few on the road, because he could see there was a future in it. And after the Motorities thing, he got into the tobacco thing. And tobacco became the height of sophistication”.

Dunhill launched its bi-annual menswear collection in 1977 and while it was the epitome of masterful cuts and tailoring, the brand did not gel with the fashion set till much later in the noughties. In 2005, Savile Row tailor Richard James, watchmaker Tom Bolt, menswear designer Nick Ashley and leather-smith Bill Amberg were all hired by Alfred Dunhill to help revitalise the brand.

Additionally, actor Jude Law became the face of Dunhill menswear and, three years later, menswear designer Kim Jones became the Creative Director - a role that was never offered before and a signifier of the revolutionary changes at the brand.

Cementing Dunhill’s name as the go-to British menswear luxury label was the news that the brand would be the tailor of James Bond’s suits for all upcoming movies.

But it was not till 2014, when former Gucci designer John Ray joined the label as creative director, did the label really make its mark as a formidable fashion house.

It has long been one of the most respected menswear brands in Great Britain but Dunhill has long been known for its dedication to excellence in luxury lifestyle goods for men.

Founded in 1893, Dunhill has since become one of the best-known global luxury brands with a presence in all the world’s greatest retail cities. Known for its high quality production and its quintessential English style and design, fans of the brand included male members of the British royal family as well as international A-list American actors such as Cary Grant, Paul Newman and George Hamilton, who was reportedly one of the house’s best customers.

Today, the brand is as popular as ever, with famous male clients the likes of actors Henry Cavill and Daniel Craig as well as recent Oscar winner Sam Smith. The British crooner not only wore Dunhill to the awards ceremony in Los Angeles and to receive the Best Original Song award, Smith also flew the British label’s flag high at the after party.

But the famed fashion house, as many industry insiders know it as today, was not always a company focused on ready-to-wear and custom-made designs.

Under Ray, Dunhill became one of the must-see collections during the annual London Collections: Men. Always on the receiving end of rave reviews for his menswear collections, Ray was often credited for breathing new life into Dunhill. His series of luxe collections, as trade journal Women’s Wear Daily puts it, always featured “the spirit of the nation’s aristocrats and bohemians alike”.

“He always had an elegant touch — even when crafting a plaid shirt or simple sweater vest,” said Samantha Conti, London bureau chief of Women’s Wear Daily.

Indeed, Ray’s tenure at Dunhill made the brand a household name. But, as they say, all good things must come to an end.

The company announced, earlier this year, that Ray would be leaving. In a statement to the press, Dunhill said that the decision was mutual, and the fall collection (shown last February) would be Ray’s last for the brand. It did not say who, if anyone, would replace him.

Still, that does not mean that it is downhill for Dunhill. In fact, the brand is only going to go stronger with a new e-commerce platform as well as expansion plans already in the works.

Dunhill, as it has been known for many years now, is still the definition of style, quality and precision.

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Dolce & Gabbana

Men in Springtime They may not be as hotly anticipated as the women’s shows, but the men’s shows provide just as much insight on the trends you need to look out for come this spring season. ROHAIZATUL AZHAR highlights the best shows and key looks to reference in the next few months.

Fa s h i o n & B e a u t y

Dolce & Gabbana

The men of spring/summer 2016 is a worldly, globe-trotting one. At least, that’s what one gathers from looking at the collection presented during the various men’s fashion week. From bomber jackets to safari looks, sportswear accents to grunge couture, the wardrobe of the fashion-savvy men is nothing if not diverse.

At Dolce & Gabbana, for instance, the Far East and chinoiserie motifs seemed

to be the focal point of the Italian label’s collection. Lace shirts and knitted cardigans as well as sweaters were embroidered with a parade of peacocks, dragons and swallows - symbols of the Chinese culture. And while it looked kitschy, these motifs created playful prints that are bold but not too over-thetop. These pieces are certainly not for wallflowers. Similar influences were also seen at Louis Vuitton and Saint Laurent

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CANALI

Paris, where royal tigers, bamboo shoot and embellishments from the Forbidden City in Beijing, China were re-interpreted as cheeky yet chic motifs on fine silks crafted into bomber jackets and modern day suits.

But those who prefer a more paired down look need not feel left out. On the runways of New York and Paris, military green and khaki emerged as the colour

of the season for your spring wardrobe.

Labels such as Canali and Calvin Klein Collection sent out dapper male models in well-cut separates in shades of army green. These pieces will not look out of place in a safari setting but the utilitarian look is something that has always appealed to men. Italo Zucchelli, Calvin Klein Collections menswear director, presented clean, minimal looks that are representative of the city life. Sturdy

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Fa s h i o n & B e a u t y

CALVIN KLEIN

fabrics like cotton twill added stiffness and structure to the jackets while military parkas, nylon bomber jackets and boxy-cut T-shirts were part of the major military-chic vibe that influenced the collection.

For a number of designers, silhouettes and cuts on men’s shirts and trousers were more relaxed this season, with oversized polo shirts and button-down shirts that

RAF SIMONS

are reminiscent of those worn in the 1950s. Raf Simons and Louis Vuitton, for instance, went for flared trousers and gingham, boxy cut shirts. Suits, though tailored to have that baggy silhouette, did look like they were vintage pieces that were impeccably preserved. At Lanvin, on the other hand, oversize suits and pushed up sleeves seemed to recall the vintage affection of 1980s dressing.

The standout pieces from the collection

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louis vuitton

include shirts with metallic sheen, silk baseball jackets as well as tweed fabric used in coats and blazers.

Other labels, such as Giorgio Armani, Fendi, Craig Green and Etro, opted for wide-legged and slouchy-cut trousers.

These relaxed looks are often paired

louis vuitton

with well-tailored and well-fitting tops and blazers. The contrast between the silhouettes creates a balance that will not make you look like you’ve just stepped out of a costume party.

So, whatever look you fancy for spring, there is certainly something for every guy.

Fa s h i o n & B e a u t y

RAF SIMONS

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THE PURSUIT OF

HAPPINESS Khairah Alhijazi, affectionately known as Rara by those close to her, has laid out some of her favourite handbags in the living room on a round velvet ottoman. It feels like we have arrived in luxury bag paradise, and Rara is still pulling more handbags out of their dust covers for our photo shoot. Rara is a full-time housewife but that is about to change a little bit as this enterprising young lady is taking baby steps to being an entrepreneur. Take Your Pick Jewel is her first online jewellery business designing bracelets using gemstones, semi-precious stones and Swarovski crystals. She reveals that she is also starting her own brand of shawls, so she’ll soon be able to match her own line of accessories with her exquisite handbags. Right now, Rara is doing what she loves best, travelling around the world and hunting down the most coveted handbags to add to her valuable collection.

Tell me about your bag collection.

It all started with a Louis Vuitton Neverfull that I received on my 20th birthday, followed by a Chanel Single Flap on my 21st birthday. Then on my 22nd birthday, I got a Prada Saffiano, and that’s how my collection grew. All three handbags were birthday presents and each had their own stories. I began to appreciate the detailed craftsmanship of a branded bag and since then I got addicted and wanted to collect bags. Every year I have a target to get a new bag - well, I consider it as my birthday treat.

Sometimes, I will just fly out of the country to get new ones. I travel often so the collection is growing.

Which bag is your favorite and why?

My favorite is the black Chanel Single Flap bag in black with gold hardware because it is so classy. It is timeless and makes a nice collectable. And it goes with any look - simple, sporty, chic or classy.

Which is your most-used bag?

It is absolutely my Chanel GST in black with silver hardware because it has three compartments and I can just dump everything inside!

What’s your latest acquisition?

My latest acquisition is the Saint Monogram Leather Crossbody Bag.

Laurent

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What do you look for when buying a bag?

I tend to look for simple and classy ones.

How do you maintain your bags to make them look as good as new?

Every time after I have used my bags, I will put them back in their dust bags and keep them inside the closet in room temperature.

Which bag has a memorable story to it?

The Saint Laurent Monogram Leather Crossbody bag. When I was shopping in Kuala Lumpur with my sister, my dad was in the same area too. I was taking my time to choose a bag, looking at every detail, so my sister called my dad on the phone and complained about me taking such a long time. Not long later, my dad came into the store and said: “Let’s go, we have to go for dinner. It’s getting late.” I took the bag to the payment counter and was about to hand the money to the sales lady when my dad stepped in and insisted to pay for the bag. I protested and we had a little disagreement on the spot before I finally gave up. Dad paid for that bag and said: “You are still my little girl.”

That made my day!

Photos&Illustration: Novri Rinaldi

Is there a vintage bag you will keep forever?

Yes, definitely the Chanel Flap bag, it’s an investment.

What are you eyeing next?

I have a target each year, so this year’s is to get the Chanel Boy bag and Dior Lady Dior bag.

Bling or no bling - how do you like your clutches?

I prefer no bling. I like it simple and easy to match with shoes.

Who’s your fashion idol?

Tamuna Tsiklauri. She is a fashion blogger and a mother who inspires me with her classy style. Her bag collection is to die for!

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Good Enough To Eat If you have sensitive skin, consider switching to natural skincare. Check out newly launched luxury skincare brand INNI by La Source, where every product is made without parabens, mineral oils, artificial colorants, perfumes or fillers, making the range suitable for all skin types.

The brainchild of Jane Soon, the founder of the awardwinning La Source spas in Singapore and Myanmar, the products are formulated with active ingredients derived from botanical sources to purify, tone and revitalise the skin as naturally as possible.

All products contain Austrian Heilmoor clay, a rare nutrientrich ingredient known for its restorative and anti-ageing capabilities. Star products include the Miracle Glow Age Defying Serum, Illuminating Clarifying Cream and Youthful Glow Enzyme Peel. www.lasourcespa.com.sg/ products/

Tress, Destress For runway-ready tresses that are not weighed down in this humid climate, check out Australian celebrity hairstylist Kevin Murphy’s excellent haircare range. The red carpet maestro, who has worked with celebrities including Naomi Watts, Miranda Kerr and Reese Witherspoon, noticed that his looks often fell flat due to the poor quality of haircare and styling products used on set. This led Murphy to create his eponymously named range, which harnesses skincare technology such as vitamins and amino acids to repair and thicken hair, and weightless moisturisers used in high-end creams to smoothen and soften hair. The latest Repair Me range of shampoo, conditioner and treatment contain silk amino acids and shea butter to gently repair and soften damaged tresses. www.kevinmurphy.com.au

Fa s h i o n & B e a u t y

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Make Me Over Spring has sprung, which means it is time to give your beauty wardrobe a much needed update with Laura Mercier’s latest make-up launches which are as innovative as they are on trend. Check out the incredible Velour Lovers Lip Colour collection, featuring 20 sultry shades that impart rich, matte colour intensity without drying the lips, thanks to the mango butter formulation. To get that warm, but not-too-shiny glow on the complexion, use the new Candleglow Soft Luminous Foundation.

Formulated with radiant pearl mica particles, this lightweight foundation provides sheer to medium coverage for a soft focus finish for a healthy, flawless glow. www.lauramercier.com

Doctor in a Bottle Visiting an aesthetic doctor is often the most efficient way to get good skin - but maintenance in between visits is equally essential. Enter Shiseido’s latest White Lucent range which is designed to offer the benefits of aesthetic procedures. To lighten pigmentation, the MicroTargeting Spot Corrector targets melanin spots in a similar fashion to laser treatments. To protect and shield sensitised skin, the Luminizing Surge emulsion mimics the effect of iontophoresis treatments. Follow up with the Luminizing Infuser, which delivers active ingredients to the deeper layers of the skin like a soothing IV-drip. Finally, the MultiBright Night Cream works like a gentle IPL treatment to address redness and loss of elasticity in the skin. The result: an even-toned and radiant complexion minus the downtime of cosmetic treatments. www.shiseido.com

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Miracle in

a Bottle Ever since the discovery that sake brewers in Japan have enviably smooth hands, SK-II scientists have been making women around the world more beautiful by harnessing the powers of Pitera.

by Karen Tee Most people enjoy a tipple of sake with an indulgent Japanese omakase meal. But to beauty lovers, sake is valued for its Pitera extract, which is known for its anti-ageing and beautifying properties.

In 1970, a team of SK-II scientists on a visit to a Japanese brewery noticed the soft and youthful hands of the old sake brewers. This serendipitous observation led them to discover a rare yeast strain in the sake which produced an extract containing a diverse set of skin nutrients called Pitera.

It took the scientists another decade of research before they created the brand’s iconic SK-II Facial Treatment Essence, often called “Miracle Water” by devout fans, for its unique ability to refine the skin’s texture for a crystal clear complexion. It contains a concentrated formula of vitamins, minerals, amino acids and organic acids to stimulate the skin’s natural turnover cycle. With regular use, it is said to transform five key signs of ageing, including reduction of spots and wrinkles, a refined skin texture as well as firm and radiant skin.

Fa s h i o n & B e a u t y

While the Miracle Water remains an essential part of many skincare junkies’ daily regimen, the brand has over the years launched a wide range of other lotions and potions, containing this signature ingredient to further enhance the efficacy of their products.

One of the key hallmarks of SK-II is its close relationship with its brand ambassadors, many of whom were long-term users of the brand’s products, before they signed on with the brand.

Celebrities who have endorsed the brand over the years include Hong Kong actress Qi Qi, Hollywood star Cate Blanchett and Singaporean actress Rebecca Lim. Award winning actress Blanchett, who has been a fan of the brand for the past decade, even uses its products to get herself red carpet ready. She says, “As with any important event, I am slightly more indulgent with my skincare routine in the lead up. My daily ritual has long been the LXP Ultimate Perfecting Series with Facial Treatment Essence but I will complement this with other SK-II treatment products that help to give my skin that added boost.”

In line with the go-getting spirit of modern women, the brand has also launched an all-encompassing #changedestiny campaign featuring inspiring personalities all over the world who have overcome the odds in their pursuit of success. The diverse line-up of campaign influencers include Indonesian singer Anggun, Singapore-Malaysian fashion designer Priscilla Shunmugam and YouTube star Chriselle Lim. And while these women come from all walks of life, what they have in common is the grit and determination to succeed in their respective fields - and of course, a crystal clear and radiant complexion.

Inspired to change your own destiny yet?

The Hit List Add these three SK-II bestsellers to your skincare regimen to get flawless, crystal clear skin.

Facial Treatment Essence The flagship product on which every SK-II skincare regimen is built upon, this is a must-have for any skincare lover.

Made with over 90 per cent Pitera, this original formula has remained unchanged for over 30 years. It gently exfoliates skin and enhances the skin’s renewal cycle to give a firmer, more radiant and wrinkle-free complexion.

GenOptics Aura Essence The first signs of dark spots and other pigmentation often form under the skin when you are in your 20s due to ultraviolet exposure. Prevent them from surfacing by using the GenOptics Aura Essence, which is formulated to target both current and hidden spots and darkening to give a longlasting and even-toned radiant aura.

R.N.A. Power Cream Keep the various signs of aging at bay with SK-II’s R.N.A Power Cream, which is formulated to firm up and smoothen skin for a more youthful visage. The rich moisturising cream offers instant comfort on application and absorbs rapidly to plump up the skin. It also helps to tighten up visible pores for a more refined skin texture.

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Ready, Jetset, Glow!

Leading a globetrotting lifestyle is undoubtedly glamorous, but all that frequent flying can wreak havoc on the skin. Here are some travel-friendly must-haves to tote in your cabin luggage to ensure you step off the plane looking fresh and runway-ready.

by Karen Tee

Nars Velvet Matte Skin Tint SPF30/PA+++ S$70

Shiseido Ibuki Quick Fix Mist

Kiehl’s Facial Fuel Sky Flyin’ Foaming Multi-Gel

Chanel Coco Mademoiselle Touche de Parfum S$132

When travelling, the last thing you want to worry about is smudged or unevenly applied foundation. This is why this latest formulation from Nars, which can be easily blended with the fingers, is a great base product to pack into your travel kit. Its innovative Velvet Illusion Complex and Transparent Blurring Powders create a soft-focus, velvety finish that enhances the complexion without feeling heavy or oily.

This foundation is also infused with skin-friendly vitamins C and E and provides broad spectrum SPF30 coverage to protect against sun exposure.

Comes in nine shades to cater to a wide range of skin tones.

Give travel-parched skin an immediate boost of hydration with Shiseido’s revitalising gel-mist that absorbs rapidly upon application. It contains an anti-shine complex to keep sebum production under control for a smooth, matte complexion. To apply, hold the bottle about 20cm from the face and spritz liberally before patting the product gently into the skin. This mist also helps to refresh make-up so that it does not get cakey or wear-off in the middle of the day.

A perfect travel buddy for men on the move, this all-in-one cleanser also doubles up as a shave gel. It is infused with bamboo, lemon and orange peel extract to deep cleanse skin and remove excess oil and impurities without stripping the skin. It can be lathered up into a dense foam to lubricate skin for a smooth shave that will not cause shave burns or painful nicks. The addition of caffeine and vitamins C and E help to energize and restore fatigued skin, for a fresh visage no matter how jetlagged you may be.

Inspired by the ergonomic design of a lipstick tube, Chanel’s latest fragrance offering comes in a luxurious beige suedette case that can be conveniently slipped into a handbag for maximum portability. Instead of spraying on a fine mist, use the lipglossinspired applicator to dab perfume onto strategic pulse points such as the wrists, neck or the décolleté for a subtle yet long-wearing hint of scent. With feminine notes of jasmine and rose accords combined with deeper accents of patchouli and vetiver, this version of the iconic Coco Mademoiselle fragrance is fresh yet alluring all at once.

www.narscosmetics.com

www.shiseido.com

www.kiehls.com

www.chanel.com

price unavailable

S$40

Fa s h i o n & B e a u t y

Clinique Chubby Stick Shadow Tint for Eyes S$26 each Toss a couple of eye crayons in your bag to dress up your peepers with minimal fuss.

Swipe Clinique’s Chubby Stick Shadow Tint, over the eyelids for a sheer wash of tinted colour that’s long lasting and can be layered for a contoured effect. This spring, pack along Shadow Tints in shades of Big Blue and Pink & Plenty, which are a perfect match for Pantone’s Colours of the Year - Serenity and Rose Quartz.

Pink & Plenty is particularly versatile, as its mineral pink tone can double up as a lip or cheek colour to brighten up a sallow complexion too. www.clinique.com

Bliss Triple Oxygen Radiant Protection Energizing Serum S$106

DrGL Sun Protection Mist SPF29/PA++ S$88

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Cle de Peau Beaute Luminizing Face Enhancer S$140

Dry cabin air, a hectic schedule and a change in climates can cause even the most radiant glow to fade. Give your complexion a boost with this power packed serum, which contains a stabilised form of Vitamin C to protect the skin against external aggressors. This ingenious serum also contains an exclusive complex that delivers oxygen to the deeper layers of the skin to optimise the skin’s cell repair functions. Notice also the immediate brightening effect upon application of this serum, which makes this an essential for refreshing a fatigued complexion.

If there is one thing you should never leave home without, it would be sunscreen. Protect yourself from overexposure from the sun’s ultraviolet rays, which cause pigmentation, premature wrinkles and sunburn. One of the few sprayon sunscreens available on the market, this unisex product can be used on the face, body and even the hair, which gets dry and frizzy under the sun. This colourless sunscreen, which sits on the skin without leaving an unsightly chalky cast, is suitable for oily acne-prone skin and can be washed off with a regular cleanser, instead of a separate make-up remover.

Brighten up a tired complexion with this mix of shimmering orange, ripe peach and pearlescent white that will add a fresh, healthy glow to the skin. Made with ultra-finely milled powders, this highlighting powder uses light-reflecting technology to illuminate the complexion.

For an effortless all-over glow, simply apply a light dusting of powder to the face. It can also be used as a highlighter when dabbed onto the cheekbones, brow bones and nose bridge.

Or simple swirl onto the apples of the cheeks for a natural-looking flush.

www.blissworld.com

www.drgl.com

www.cledepeau-beaute.com

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Haute Medallions

The distinctive Force 10 bracelet by French jeweller Fred has taken on a new incarnation. The twisted, satin-like cable inspired by the marine cables found aboard a boat, is traditionally a highly personalised piece that allows the wearer to pick the colour of its components. Earlier this year, the brand launched a metallic link version in glossy yellow, white and pink gold. It also added a jewelled version of the latter with diamonds on the clasp. With this new interpretation, it is both a nod to the heritage of the house and an injection of creativity into a classic.

It’s a compass; it’s a rose; it’s a star. The centrepiece in Christian Dior’s latest jewellery collection, entitled La Rose des Vents, can be interpreted as many things.

Regardless, they are all significant to the French luxury house’s eponymous founder.

For instance, the flower is Mr Dior’s favourite, which he personally cultivated in the villa he resided in. Inspired by this, creative director Victoire de Castellane has designed necklaces and bracelets in materials such as white gold and lapis lazuli, with the pendant in the spotlight, and she says, “Creation is about searching, turning things over, and then finding one’s cardinal point and setting off on a journey. Creation is the product of a stationary voyage.”

www.fred.com

www.dior.com

Linked In

Ac c e s s o r i e s

SPARKLE AND SHINE Chopard unveiled a splendid Haute Joaillerie collection named ‘Precious Couture’ with a dazzling array of the most precious gems of white diamonds, sapphires, emeralds and rubies. The collection comprises a watch, a pair of earrings and a ring, each member of the set features a lace-edge petal motif. The watch shown here is set with pear-cut blue sapphires, brilliant-cut pastel sapphires and white diamonds. On the dial, baguette-cut sapphires surround a dainty corolla evoking a floral motif which is delicately decorated with snow-set sapphires and diamonds. The watch bracelet continues the same brilliance with the deep blue sapphire lacework theme but a subtler satin strap is also available to carry the precious flower creation with elegance.

The timeless Limelight Gala from Piaget makes a comeback this year with a Milanese mesh bracelet that is built into the case and matches perfectly with the bezel set with gently graded round diamonds and its diamond-set elongated asymmetrical lugs. The fluid and silky mesh gold bracelet shimmers over the skin of the wearer and is fitted to the nearest millimeter through a sliding buckle. Created in 1970s, the Limelight Gala reflects the distinctive Piaget style, just like its cuff watches or long necklaces.

www.chopard.com

www.piaget.com

FEMININE CURVES

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A Cut

Above

The Rest

Ac c e s s o r i e s

130 years ago, Charles Lewis Tiffany created the much-loved Tiffany Setting that has stood the test of time.

By Low Shi Ping

This year is a momentous one for New York jeweller Tiffany & Co. In 1886, its founder Charles Lewis Tiffany introduced the Tiffany Setting, spawning a new trend in the way engagement rings are designed and revolutionising the symbol of ultimate true love.

Before Mr. Tiffany’s invention, diamonds were only bezel set.

In doing so, only the table of the stone was visible, masking the rest of it inside the metal that holds it. He thus decided to create a setting that would highlight the exceptional beauty of brilliant-cut diamonds.

Mr. Tiffany’s idea was to use six platinum prongs to prop the stone on the band, allowing light to enter and reflect off its facets. His creation has since endured for 130 years, mastered by the expert hands of artisans who craft it for countless couples the world over.

Because the focus is on the diamond, it is of paramount importance that its quality is unsurpassed. No surprise then that Tiffany & Co. is a stickler for perfection in its choice of stones. It even has its own grading laboratory where everything from purchasing to mounting the diamonds is done there.

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“Our parameters far exceed those established by the industry,” says gemologist Paul Kong, manager of the grading lab. “We reject fully 99.96 per cent of the world’s gem-grade diamonds.”

Photos: Tiffany & Co.

It is something that Stacie Schwartz, manager of technology, training and quality assurance, echoes. “We accept only the highest quality diamonds, selected by expert gemologists who apply grading standards that far exceed those established by the industry.”

But what is also magical about the Tiffany Setting is the passion of the team of artisans who assemble the rings. Everyone from the diamond cutters, to the polishers and setters are enthusiastic about what they do.

Edgar Jauregui, who is a diamond polisher that has spent 16 years at the jeweller, reveals, “It is very satisfying to make the ring sparkle and to know that someone is going to choose this ring for someone they love, which will totally change their lives.”

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Jauregui’s colleague, diamond setter Marcus Latronico, has spent the past two decades at Tiffany and is still unbridled in his energy for his work. “The Tiffany Setting takes a special set of skills to cut the prongs at the right depth and angle and mount the stone, so it is perfectly straight and centered. It is easy, though, when you love what you do.”

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The Good Old Times

By Su Jia Xian

1.

Ac c e s s o r i e s Vintage watches have been enjoying a spectacular rise in value over the past decade, with particularly desirable models like the Rolex Paul Newman Daytona having doubled in value in the last three years. At international watch auctions vintage watches already form a substantial part of the market. At Christie’s sales in Geneva and New York, vintage watches account for half the lots but a much higher proportion of the value sold, according to John Reardon, the auctioneer’s International Head of Watches.

In fact, majority of the record prices for wristwatches at auction are for vintage timepieces, particularly those made

by Patek Philippe and Rolex, the dominant names in the vintage watch market today. For instance, in December 2015, Phillips sold a Patek Philippe reference 3450 in white gold at its inaugural Hong Kong sale for HK$12 million, or some US$1.55 million, making it the priciest wristwatch sold at an auction in Asia. And just a few months earlier in Hong Kong, Sotheby’s sold a Patek Philippe reference 2523/1 for over HK$7.28 milion. Such results were achieved despite the slowing market globally for fine timepieces, new and old, a trend reflected in the art market.

Such prices are driven by collectors’ desire for vintage watches, something often fuelled by the same sentiment that drives demand for other collectibles like classic cars.

“The main reason people collect vintage watches,” says Christie’s Reardon, “is to literally capture the time from another era.”

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Wearing a vintage wristwatch, continues Reardon, “[shows the owner] appreciates the quality and a uniqueness of owning something from the past that will never be made again in the same way.”

The thrill of the hunt is another major factor, says Sam Hines, the International Head of Watches at Phillips. “Vintage watches from the 20’s to the 90’s can sometimes only exist in a few examples and are incredibly difficult to locate”, explains Hines, “The thrill of finding the perfect example with unrestored dial, unpolished case and all original accompanying accessories can create a rush that is hard to beat.”

And possessing a rare vintage timepiece is akin to membership in “a club for those that know” says Hines. That membership is usually a “quest for perfection”, continues Hines, “The more you learn, the more you want to own the very best quality that your budget can afford. It is a club for those who know.”

But vintage watches are not just unaffordable, record-setting timepieces. “The vintage market is a good place to look for a quality piece at a fraction of the price [of a new, modern timepiece]”, says Chan.

“For well under US$5000,” says Reardon, “you can start a collection with a world class watch in terms of quality and rarity.”

He recommends Universal Genève, Longines, and Omega as brands as a good entry into the world of vintage watches.

1. Patek Philippe ref. 2523/1, sold at Sotheby's Hong Kong in Oct 2015 for HK$7.28 million 2. John Reardon of Christie's 3. Patek Philippe Reference 3450, sold for HK$12 million at Phillips in Dec 2015

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Sometimes, even watches from desirable brands like Rolex can be relatively affordable due to the whims of fashion and taste.

Hines points to his 1940s Rolex Bubbleback, the first ever selfwinding wristwatch. “I love Rolex and the Bubbleback is one of their most iconic watches,” explains Hines, “In the last decade the watch has become unpopular due to the relative small size compared to today’s standards… the prices are very affordable.”

Sotheby’s Head of Watches in Hong Kong, Sharon Chan, also suggests Patek Philippe, “There are quite a few simply time-only vintage models that are at affordable price range for beginners to choose from.” She adds that Patek Philippe is relatively easier to collect because of the documentation that can be ordered from Patek Philippe itself. “This is a very safe area for beginners as vintage pieces from this brand [can be confirmed with an] Extract of Archives,” says Chan, “To prove when it was made, what it was made of and to match the serial numbers on the piece.”

Regardless of brand, what makes one vintage watch more desirable than another is usually its condition. The closer a vintage watch is to the state in which it left the factory, the more desirable it is.

A favoured phrase in vintage watch collecting is “new old stock”,

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3. Sam Hines of Phillips 4. Omega triple calendar, sold for HK$512,500 at Phillips in Dec 2015 5. Rolex Cosmograph Oyster Paul Newman, sold for US$1.09 million at Christie's in Nov 2013 6. Sharon Chan of Sotheby's

November 2013. While ordinary versions of that model have the text “Rolex Oyster Cosmograph” on the dial, this particular specimen read “Rolex Cosmograph Oyster” – a detail found only on a handful of watches. The inversion of the two words was enough for it to sell for US$1.09 million, still one of the highest prices ever achieved for a Rolex at auction.

Whether buying the million-dollar Patek Philippe or an out of fashion Rolex, it’s still important to be mindful when buying a wristwatch that’s several decades old.

“Research is the biggest regret those starting out have,” says Hines, pointing out that a good education can save on expensive mistakes. “Many of the greatest vintage collectors today,” notes Reardon, “learned many of their most important lessons by making significant buying mistakes.”

“Do your homework,” says Chan, while pointing out the reference material is often just a click away, “Information is very transparent nowadays and there are many books and research online that can be used as a good reference before acquiring any vintage pieces.”

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which refers to an old watch that is in new condition, in other words, one that has never been worn in decades.

Accessories like the box, certificate, purchase receipt and hang tags, are also important. The Patek Philippe reference 3450 mentioned at the start of this article, for example, was not only a rare model but also accompanied by its original box and certificate.

Sometimes a minor difference on the watch can result in a massive premium in price. “Prices might vary hugely,” Chan points out, “even if they look very similar.”

Take for instance the Omega triple calendar that sold for HK$512,500 at Phillips’ Hong Kong sale in December 2015.

Its sole distinguishing quality was the Indo-Arabic numerals on the dial, something that made an otherwise average watch exceptionally uncommon. That resulted in a price equivalent to over US$65,000 – well over 10 times the price of the same model with an ordinary, baton marker dial.

Even more minor was the dial variation on the Rolex Daytona reference 6263/6239 “Paul Newman” that Christie’s sold in

Reardon also points out collectors can learn from one another.

“Be active in the local, national, and international watch community,” he advises, “One of the best parts about collecting watches is the people you will meet along the way.”

That’s a sentiment echoed by Hines. “To be a successful collector,” he explains, “you need to love the field and engulf yourself in as much literature, websites and fairs that you can possibly imagine.”

To minimize rookie mistakes, Reardon advocates buying from a trusted source as well as finding a trusted watchmaker to fix the vintage additions to the collection.

Chan points out that the finer details really matter for vintage watches, so pay attention. “Vintage pieces are pre-owned items.

So take a deep look at the dial, case and movement, and don’t be shy to consult the more experienced collectors around you.”

Phillips’ Hines encourages fresh collectors to work with auction houses, “I would check out the auctions first and gain experience through the auction house. They have experts on hand whom can give you advice [and] also give a 5 year warranty on the authenticity of the watch.”

And as with many other collectibles, passion is important.

“Always buy what you like and what will give you pleasure,” notes Hines, “I would always buy the very best quality your budget can afford. If you approach vintage watch collecting in terms of only investment then you will be disappointed.”

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Dazzled

by Colour Step aside diamonds. It’s time to shine the spotlight on gemstones that are not white.

By Low Shi Ping

Chopard Fleurs d'Opales Ring

Ac c e s s o r i e s

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MAKING A BVLGARI NECKLACE

Last December, after auction house Sotheby’s concluded its final jewellery auction for the year, it released a list of pieces that made it to the headlines in 2015. Topping that was a platinum ring set with a 25.87-carat sugarloaf cabochon Kashmir sapphire. The jewel sold for US$5.122 million (estimate $3.5-4.5 million), setting a new auction record of highest price-per-carat at $197,990 for a sapphire of its kind.

Although used in all tiers of jewellery making, their entrance into high jewellery was first popularised by Bulgari in the 1950s. Till today, the Italian house remains true to its roots, periodically pushing out entire collections of masterpieces in bold, audacious styles.

Although diamond-studded pieces also hog the limelight, one thing is for certain: coloured gemstones are becoming a worthy adversary (or companion, if you ask the designers).

The latest from Bulgari is the Giardini Italiani collection launched last year, made up of 100 pieces comprising earrings, chokers, rings and bracelets. Inspired by the art of the Italian Renaissance gardens, the collection bedazzles with colours from sapphires, pink spinnels, citrines and emeralds, just to name a few.

Defined as gemstones that are not white, coloured ones run the gamut from the more affordable semi-precious stones such as amethysts and topaz, to the opposite end of the spectrum reigned over by emeralds, rubies and sapphires.

Bulgari aside, the trend towards coloured gemstones in high jewellery is largely attributed to a rising demand, decreasing supply and better educated consumers in search of diversity for their collection.

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1. Chaumet Joséphine Eclat Floral rings 2. Chopard Butterfly bracelet and brooch 3. Damiani Giglio pendants 4. Mouwad garnet ring 5. CHOPARD Fleurs d'Opales Ring

Another driving factor is the increasing transparency of the industry. Before qualifying for the auction block, coloured gemstones now have to be certified by at least three different independent gemology laboratories such as GemResearch Swisslab. There are also attempts being made now to standardise the colour grading system.

No surprise then that the jewellery houses have hopped onto the bandwagon. The most recent collection from Chaumet is the Joséphine, a 45-piece series inspired by the Belle Epoque and littered with pink sapphires and emeralds.

At the Paris Haute Couture Week in January this year, Swiss jeweller Chopard presented a stunning haute joaillerie collection created with a veritable rainbow of coloured

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gemstones. Worth highlighting is an ingenious cuff bracelet that can be disassembled to become a pair of earrings and a brooch. Artisans used spinels, Paraiba tourmalines and tsavorites, among others, to create the piece.

Independent jewellers such as Mouawad and Damiani too have created entire collections that pay tribute to the rainbow. From mandarin garnets to black diamonds and fuchsia-hued rubies, the pieces add a wonderful splash of colour to any collection.

Practicalities aside, it is clear from the creations that are emerging from the jewellery houses that the designers are going to town with their new “toys”. If anything, it is an excellent way of flaunting their skill and opens a myriad aesthetic avenues.

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SWISS SENSATION Saltz – the new 280sqm restaurant in the Dolder Grand, Zurich opened in the beginning of March with a new interior designed by artist Rolf Sachs. Sachs, renowned for creating ‘emotionalised’ works, draws inspiration from the surrounding Swiss landscape and its cultural references, and creates a different ambience in each area that ranges from the theatrical to the cosy, with unusual materials such as salt, rock, felt and neon lights combined in an unexpected way to form artworks and custom made furniture.

Chef à la carte Patrick Hetz uses the interior as inspiration for the new menu at this all-day dining restaurant. The international cuisine has both typical and sometimes, uncommon, locally sourced produce. The Saltz bar offers guests a few choices: an aperitif before dinner, a quick, light snack or a lively meal for single diners overlooking all the activity in the restaurant. www.dolderhotelag.com

THE LADY RULES Over 300 industry experts from Asia who creates the annual list of Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants has voted the Best Female Chef in Asia for 2016. The winner Margarita Forés is awarded for her exceptional culinary skills, entrepreneurial spirit and artistry. Forés, who is the chef and owner of an acclaimed group of restaurants in Manila, gained an appreciation for authentic Italian cuisine during a tour of Italy in 1986. Although a certified public accountant by training, Forés returned to the Philippines inspired by her experiences and pursued the culinary arts with a determination.

While best known for her mastery in authentic Italian cooking, Forés is also an advocate of Filipino cuisine and has co-authored Kulinarya, a compendium of popular regional dishes as an ongoing commitment to promote her culinary heritage to an international audience. www.theworlds50best.com

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ROMANTIC ESCAPE Stay above water at the Hotel Palafitte in Neuchatel, Switzerland, the only hotel in Europe built on stilts. Each of its 40 ‘rooms’ are basically spacious bungalows, giving you a sense of being the only ones there. The 26 ‘lakeside’ bungalows built over the water have direct access to the lake from their private terrace while the other 14 ‘lakeshore’ enjoys an equally stunning view of the lake.

Besides the bungalows, there is a large lobby, a reception, bar, smoking room and a restaurant with a large terrace.

Situated only ten minutes from Neuchâtel but it is well away from the commotion of the town.

Guests can discover the various museums in the area, indulge in water activities, or explore the surrounding landscape and vineyards by bike. www.palafitte.ch

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Call of

the Wild In beautiful Botswana, where the lush landscape and abundant wildlife makes for some of the most sublime safari experiences on the planet, Karen Tee takes joy in the sights and sounds of Africa.

A lion’s guttural call rumbles just outside my lodge and I jolt awake at 5.30 in the morning. Barely a few minutes later, an answering growl can be heard from the opposite direction, also apparently just a few metres beyond my walls. Fully alert, I turn to my partner who is uncharacteristically wide-eyed for this early hour too, and whisper, “Are those lions?”

He nods, and for the next fifteen minutes, we sit in the dark as we listen to the lions communicate, utterly thrilled yet safe in the knowledge that we are secure within our lodge. It is our second night at the beautifully constructed Tau Pan camp in Botswana’s Central Kalahari game reserve, and although we have been told that this is an area where lions freely roam, it is only at this moment that we realise just how close we are to nature in all its wild, untamed glory.

Photos: Karen Tee

True to the eco-luxury ethos of Kwando Safaris, which runs Tau Pan and a series of other lodges throughout the country and many other safari operators in Botswana - the camps are built without fences to keep animals out. This is to keep the environment as pristine as possible and to allow the natural movement of animals. To ensure guest safety, they are always accompanied by guides when walking to and from their lodges.

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A luxury safari in Africa is on many people’s bucket lists, but what makes Botswana a worthwhile country to visit is the government’s strong stance on conservation. A ban on trophy hunting as well as a well-protected lush and varied ecosystem that includes desert, deltas, grasslands and savannas, has made this country home to a mind-boggling variety of wildlife.

These include the extremely endangered African wild dog, large herds of elephants, zebras, giraffes, various antelope species and the increasingly hard to spot big cats, such as lions, leopards and cheetahs.

1. The deck of a room at Tau Pan 2. Campfire and dining hall at Tau Pan 3. Leopard cub waits for its mother by a termite mound 4. A herd of springbok graze under the shade of a tree in the Kalahari desert

In fact, the government is so determined to keep out the poachers and hunters who are plaguing most of the continent that it has regular border patrols with a “shoot-to-kill” order.

The success of this initiative has led neighbouring countries of South Africa and Zimbabwe to send over critically endangered rhinos to Botswana, in a desperate attempt to protect them from unethical poachers.

This has in turn attracted ecologically-conscious safari companies targeted at well-heeled travellers who wish to reconnect with nature. The quality of a Botswanan safari experience is apparent from the moment we arrive at the airport. A representative meets us at the Maun International Airport before personally escorting us to the private jet airstrip where we hop on a light aircraft that will get us to the camp within an hour, saving us hours of precious time on the bumpy roads. We are greeted upon arrival with a cold towel and iced drink, before the camp manager carefully notes down dietary preferences as well as our beverages of choice for the customary sundowners that are served while out on game drives.

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Kwando Safaris

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On some private concessions in Botswana, such as the ones we visited, there are even regulations that only a maximum of three vehicles may approach an animal at any one time, to minimise overcrowding and stressing the animals. In comparison, it is common to see up to twenty to thirty vehicles crowding a single animal at other locations.

hippos and crocodiles. At Tau Pan, the thick clay walls and thatched roofs of the lodges are designed to shield its inhabitants from the harsh Kalahari Desert winters while at Lebala, each spacious dwelling has walls made of mosquito nets to ensure an optimal flow of cool air and is equipped with luxurious outdoor twin showers and even an indoor bathtub.

To allow us to experience the vast diversity of the animals and landscape, our specialist travel agency A2A Safaris arranged for us to spend eight nights at three camps - Lebala in the wide open plains of the Linyanti Marshes, Kwara at the Okavango Delta and Tau Pan. Just like how the landscape differs vastly, every camp is designed to blend in and even enhance the natural beauty of its surroundings.

Indulgent as the lodgings are, and even with the wealth of sightings to be had within the camp grounds, the highlight of any safari is of course the game drives. As a practically-blind city dweller who can barely spot an elephant in a thicket, watching the guide and tracker identify animal tracks on the sandy paths and then follow them until we get to the animals is nothing short of magic.

For example, the eight tents at Kwara are large enough to hold a king bed with outdoor decks that are strategically positioned to face a secluded lagoon which attracts a steady stream of animals through the day, from the red lechwe, impala and baboon to

On one memorable morning, our guide had barely uttered the words, “Look out for something spotted,� before we almost drove into a magnificent male leopard casually ambling down a sandy path. Other times, such as when the tracker spotted

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rhinoceros tracks, which were “very unusual for this area”, we spent almost an hour following the footprints until they disappeared into the forest to no avail.

Just like the unpredictable nature of nature, the number and type of sightings can never be guaranteed. On some drives, almost every clearing we turned into would be replete with herds of grazing wildebeest, stately oryx or even adorable warthog or ostrich families but on others, we could drive for miles before even spotting a springbok.

Of course, the various breeds of big cats are a perennial favourite, but their shy nature means it is always a lucky treat to see them. At times, lions would bask lazily in the sun after a feed, allowing us to drive within metres of them with barely any acknowledgement beyond the flick of a tail. Once, we spent an adrenaline-filled hour driving alongside a hungry lioness who was desperately trying to stalk some red lechwe in the marshes.

It is also on these drives that one has to face some very stark realities. Animal carcasses and sun-bleached bones left on the plains are a reminder that life is harsh and at times brutal in the wilderness. I will never forget the sight of an old, emaciated lion, who could barely lift his head when we approached. Noticing that I was stifling back tears at the pitiful sight, my guide gently reminded me, “This is life.”

But, as long as humans protect these spaces to allow wildlife to thrive, there is always hope that this delicate balance of life and death will remain preserved for generations to come. As I look fondly on at a leopard cub frolicking around a termite mound while its mother slunk off to hunt for food, I think about how privileged I am to witness this pristine, untouched beauty of the natural world. Before we drive off into yet another glorious African sunset, I make a little wish that the children of the world, and their children’s children will get to enjoy this pleasure too - because nature is a luxury that no measure of man-made technology can replicate.

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Montaña Mágica Lodge is found in the heart of the Huilo Huilo biological reserve

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Farthest Corner Of The World Steak and wine aside, Chile surprises with its southerly Lakes District crammed with national parks, luxury hideouts and adventure sports – best enjoyed on a self-drive holiday.

By Low Shi Ping

Stretching across a distance of close to 340km, the Lakes District of southern Chile occupies the central part of the country and is demarcated by Temuco in the north, and Puerto Montt in the south.

As its name suggests, the region stands out for its deep, clear landlocked water bodies that sparkle in the sunlight, often framed by majestic snow-capped mountains, many of which are volcanic.

Apart from the lake, expect to find a continuous chain of national parks that hide gems of flora and fauna.

Unsurprisingly, adventure tourism options abound.

Mountain biking, white water rafting and canyoning are examples of some of the adrenaline-fuelled activities on offer.

For the more sedate, the area also contains luxury retreats that organise hiking on gentle trails and guided horseback riding tours. Alternatively, opt to just stay on the veranda and soak in the natural views that each of the hotels have to offer.

A road trip in the district is easy to navigate. Perhaps the biggest challenge would be to keep the eyes on the road, what with its stunning but distracting 360-degree panoramas. Here are some recommended sights and activities for a 10-day itinerary with plenty of pit stops so even the driver will not miss out on any of the splendours.

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Start your journey in Temuco. From there, drive two hours to Hacienda Hotel Vira Vira, which will be used as your base. A member of Relais & Chateaux, the property is known to offer the “elegance of adventure” with its all-inclusive stay in the Lakes District. Expect farm-to-table meals at its restaurant, and 23ha of parkland chock-a-block with lagoons, creeks and wildlife.

Day 2 & 3

Spend the day at Pucón, an adventure tourism hub in Chile 30 minutes away from the hotel. Depending on the time of the year, it is possible to swim in the Villarica Lake, kayak, whitewater raft, ski, mountain bike and more. Thereafter, be sure to visit the natural and manmade wonder that is Termas Geométricas.

An Asian-inspired, red-planked walkway is constructed over 17 natural hot springs that seduce with their gently curling mist.

Meet the Chilean beaver along its nature trails, feed the dwarf goats at its farm, or go horseback riding to remote areas of the Cordilleras mountain chain.

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The destination today is The Huilo Huilo Biological Reserve, a 100,000ha natural reserve and privately owned ecotourism project. It is located in the heart of the Chilean Patagonian Rainforest, in the shadow of the awe-inspiring Andes mountain range. The area is managed by the Huilo Huilo foundation that

1. KayakiNG ON THE PIRE HUEICO LAKE IN HUILO HUILO 2. Pucón - Lakes & Volcanoes in Huerquehue National Park 3. A DOUBLE ROOM AT THE HACIENDA HOTEL VIRA VIRA 4. PUERTO MONTT NATIONAL PARK

Photos: Juan Jaeger, Cristiรกn Aguirre, Alerce Andino

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Day 5

Spend a second day at Huilo Huilo and hire a guide to soak in all that it has to offer. Activities include horseback riding, mountain biking, rafting, fly fishing and trekking. Consider hiking a night-time route to see the local nocturnal animals. All the excursions are focused on the stunning protected surroundings.

Day 6

Start the day early since the next destination is a four-hour drive away at Petrohué. As the kilometres fall away, spot the towering Osorno Volcano that also forms the backdrop of the charming Petrohué Lodge. Located on the shores of Todos los Santos Lake, the lodge resembles a home in a Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale and it is an excellent starting point for adventures around the area. Do not miss the raging Petrohué Falls and make time to sightsee along the banks of the emerald-coloured Todos los Santos Lake. ​​ 5.

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Breathe in the fresh air in Petrohué and pick up the pace. Go rafting on the Petrohué River over the Petrohué Falls, hiking in the Alerce Andino National Reserve, or picnicking along the shores of the Todos los Santos or Llanquihue Lakes.

Day 8

Head for Chiloe island, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its historic churches and colourful, stilted lakefront homes and buildings. One of the most unique accommodations in the area is the boutique hotel Tierra Chiloe, about 20 minutes away from the downtown of Castro city. The hotel is contemporary luxury both in its design and gourmet cuisine, and offers spacious rooms overlooking the water. In the evening, curl up by the fireplace in the cosy living room to relax and unwind.

Day 9

works with the local community and entrepreneurs to protect, conserve and restore indigenous cultures and nature.

En route, skirt around the shores of the picturesque Calafquén Lake or take the longer way around and visit the Coñaripe Hot Springs on the edge of Lake Pellaifa.

There are several accommodation options at Huilo Huilo. The Montaña Mágica Lodge is one of the most unique hotels in Chile that looks like it is hewn into a mossy, vertical junglelike hill, but is in fact entirely manmade. Access is via a rope bridge connected to the treetop walkway. Throughout the day, it sporadically spews water over its sides in an effort to emulate a volcano, which it is shaped after. Alternatively, there is the magical Nothofagus Hotel and the luxurious Lodge Nawelpi.

Roam the quaint island of Chiloe and take in the cultural aspects or natural bounty. Among the highlights on beautiful island include the Ancud penguin colony, protected historic churches, and be sure you sample a traditional curanto meal which involves digging a hole in the ground to light a fire and then placing heated stones over it. On top of the stones, ingredients such as seafood, meat and potatoes are layered in between leaves of the Chilean rhubarb, mimicking the effect of a natural pressure cooker.

Day 10

The port city of Puerto Montt is the departure point of the Lakes District adventure. If time permits, drop in at Chilean beef steakhouse Cotelé, where its chef is notoriously meticulous and famously skilled. Then drop off the car at the airport and either catch a flight back to Santiago or head south to Patagonia for another life-changing adventure.

This itinerary is proposed by A2A Journeys. For more information, visit www.a2asafaris.com/journeys/

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HIGH on LUXURY Apartments in the sky, beds with luxurious linens, gourmet meals and endless in-flight entertainment options, these are some of the sumptuous offerings you can enjoy when you fly First Class to your next destination. We profile six airlines and what they have to offer in those cosseted cabins.

By Low Shi Ping

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Singapore Airlines

Asian Dream

“Your private sanctuary in the sky� is how this airline describes its latest first class offering.

Designed with BMW Group DesignworksUSA, it is awash in shades of cream and brown leather with ergonomic headrests and cushions. At each seat, find a fixed-back shell design with curved side panels to mark out personal space. An International Culinary Panel of world-renowned chefs, including Carlo Cracco and Georges Blanc, has created a menu to satiate every palate. In between meals, catch the latest Hollywood blockbuster on the 24inch LCD screen with 1080p full HD resolution. Ready to sleep?

A mattress topper will be added to make the 82-inch-long flat bed even more comfortable.

Emirates

Qatar Airways

All About You

Big And Beautiful

Emirates encourages me-time among its First Class passengers from the moment they slide open the electronically operated door to their 82-inch long suite. Each seat is fitted out with a multi-mode massage system with adjustable speeds and intensities. Thirsty? The built-in mini bar is a great stand-in until the stewardess comes by with a route-specific wine list. Alternatively, if on the Airbus A380, have a drink at the spacious lounge with its dedicated First Class Social Area. Before landing, soak in the shower spa, also found on the Airbus A380, complete with hairdryer and heated flooring, to feel refreshed before disembarking.

When you fly First Class on Qatar Airways' A380 planes, you are experiencing the newest and most luxurious version of the product available in its fleet. Step into a cabin that only accommodates eight seats in a 1-2-1 configuration; start the meal with Oscietra caviar; slather on amenities by Giorgio Armani.

When it is time to sleep, the seat automatically reclines into a fully flat bed with linen from Frette. But what everyone is raving about is the lavatory, which is so generously sized it can fit a leatherclad bench. Also worth checking out is the lounge, embellished by Arabian-inspired chandeliers and fresh flowers.

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Etihad Airways

Home In The Sky

Last year, when this airline debuted its new First Class (or “First Apartment”, as they prefer it to be known) on the A380, it sparked much excitement. Every “unit” is hidden behind sliding doors and comprises an armchair and ottoman-cum-81-inch-bed, upholstered with leather from Poltrona Frau. After boarding the plane, a personal chef drops by to explain the menu and take orders. Then its time to enjoy the little surprises such as the builtin vanity with the Le Labo amenities artfully arranged, the 24-inch flat-screen TV and complimentary Wi-Fi access. Don’t forget to visit the spa-like restroom that even offers five minutes of hot water per shower.

British Airways

Qantas

New Plane New Cabin

Smooth Sailing

When British Airways took delivery of its Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, it boasted a number of firsts, including a new First cabin. Occupied merely by eight seats, the space is designed in dark but sexy neutrals, where the wall covering, seats and carpet are swathed in Raven Black with tusk and putty coloured deco panels. Four new storage areas means you can stow your bags, shoes and jacket within easy reach.

Another advancement: the handset. Containing the seat and in-flight entertainment console, it is operated like a smartphone and also has a jog-dial that manages functions such as the ambient and reading light.

It is no surprise that the national carrier of Australia fits out its First Class fully flat bed with a sheepskin mattress. This is in addition to pillows, blankets, a duvet and two-piece cotton pyjamas. Awaken to luxurious amenities from Japanese brand SK-II, and an entertainment system that has hundreds of options to choose from. When the hunger pangs strike, Australian celebrity chef Neil Perry is present in spirit having designed all the meals for Qantas’ First Class passengers. The best part though, is upon arrival, a complimentary Chauffeur Drive service (pre-booking is necessary) is available to make that airport transfer completely seamless.

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MAKE DREAMS SWEETER For over 100 years, British mattress manufacturer Vispring has been providing luxuriously comfortable mattresses for a good night’s rest in the homes of royalty and noblemen.

As the inventor of the pocket spring in 1901, Vispring as been the leading specialist in the technology ever since.

Every Vispring is individually made to order by hand using the best Vanadium steel to produce the springs. Vispring customers can choose from a palette of natural fibres such as Real Shetland wool, Platinum Certified British fleece wool, horsehair, silk, cashmere, mohair and bamboo to create the ultimate mattress to suit their level of comfort and luxury. Each mattress is hand sidestitched, finished with exquisite fabric and embroidered with the Vispring name as a signature of quality.

Available now at Robinsons, The Gardens, Kuala Lumpur vispring.com

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KNOTTED LUXURY The luxury carpets maker Sahrai Milano teams up with Italian fashion house Gianfranco Ferre and presents a collection of rugs that plays with shapes and colours inspired by different cultures and experiences. Handmade with the finest wool and silk, the rugs display the artistic style of one of the greatest fashion figures ever lived. Shown here are three 300x250cm rugs, Drawing and Abstract in a combination of wool and silk, and Windy in silk, all meticulously weaved by expert hands. www.sahrai.com

CUTTING EDGE Take formal dining to another level and impress your guests at the dinner table.

These cutlery from British design house Grant Macdonald are hand-crafted in London where each piece takes two to three hours of handcraftsmanship to produce. Whether you choose sterling silver or 24 carat gold plated handles, you will be remembered for your good taste in tableware. www.grantmacdonald.com

GRAND ILLUMINATIONS Chandeliers don’t just add light to a space. Whether it’s ornate or functionally uncomplicated, it can turn any space from drab to fab.

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Design & Spa ces

1. VILLARI Madama Butterfly 24-lights chandelier www.villari.it 2. JACCO MARIS Ruban pliĂŠ 15-lights chandelier in stainless steel www.jaccomaris.com 3. LUXXU Empire chandelier in gold plated brass and crystal www.luxxu.net

4. LUXXU Waterfall chandelier in gold plated brass and crystal www.luxxu.net 5. JACCO MARIS Ode1647 9-lights chandelier with silver plated copper braided arms www.jaccomaris.com 6. Liberty 6-lights chandelier in gold and pearls www.villari.it

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Available at: BIAN HOE SDN BHD, No. 3, Spg. 41, Jalan Kilanas Mulaut, Kg. Kilanas BF2520 Tel: 244 8811/22/55 Fax: 242 1694 Email: sales@bianhoe.com Website: www.bianhoe.com

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TIDY LITTLE HELPER The French call it vide poches, we call it a good idea. Empty your pockets and place them in a tray near the entrance of your home and this way, you don’t scatter your belongings all round the house. Here are 6 handy little helpers designed with your loose-pocket items in mind.

Christofle Paix silver-plated vide poche engraved with the word ‘peace’ repeated all over in different languages. www.christofle.com

Christofle Meteores bowl/ vide poche in stainless steel with three areas to separate your belongings. www.christofle.com

Sambonet Sphera Pflaume round tray collects all your loose pocket items and hides them from view. www.rosenthal.de

Design & Spa ces

Henry Wilson solid gunmetal bronze vide poche will darken over time to give a distinctive patina.

Photos: Henry Wilson, Rosenthal GmbH, Luxury Living Group, Christofle

store.henrywilson.com.au

Trussardi box in smooth leather is large enough to hold more than just loose change and keys. www.luxurylivinggroup.com

Versace Prestige Gala porcelain tray with a Medusa head motif and gold baroque elements add fashion glamour to your home.

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THE ROAR OF CHIRON If you want the fastest, most powerful, most luxurious and most exclusive production super sports car in the world, remember the name Bugatti Chiron. French luxury brand Bugatti unveiled its jaw-dropping super car to the world at the 2016 Geneva International Motor Show. Priced at a staggering €2.4 million, the Chiron has a set of performance figures that goes with the price tag. To outperform its predecessor, the Veyron, Bugatti redeveloped its 8.0-litre, quad-turbo W16 engine to produce a power output of 1,500hp - unprecedented for production vehicles – and an exceptionally high torque value of 1,600Nm at 2,000 to 6,000rpm. Combined with a wide range of technical refinements and innovations, the car reaches a maximum speed of 420km/h, which is limited for road use. And with a new carbon fibre monocoque chassis and specially developed tyres, the Chiron is described as an ‘agile, modern Bugatti with handling that ensures maximum driving pleasure.’

The Chiron will be built at the company’s headquarters in Molsheim and only 500 will be produced. According to the company, advance orders have been received for one third of the production run and the first vehicle is due to be delivered to a customer this autumn. www.bugatti.com

D r i v i n g Fo r c e

A SPLASH OF LUXURY When it comes to travelling on water, there is nothing more princely than a fast luxury yacht. Ferretti Group presents the Navetta 42 – the biggest Custom Line Navetta in the fleet. Designed by Studio Zuccon International Project under the guidance of the Ferretti Group, the new yacht is the first Custom Line ship over 300 GT and it will be launched in 2018. It will have four decks – the owner will enjoy his huge suite on the main deck while the versatile lower deck can be designed with four VIP suites or five suites.

The stern area consists of a huge beach club at the sea level with a convenient side opening garage for launching water toys.

As with all their super yachts, the interiors and exteriors are fully customisable. www.customline-yacht.com

RAVISHING GIULETTA Alfa Romeo has presented the New Giuletta at five

simultaneous European reveal events in Turin, Arese (Milan), Paris, Madrid and Frankfurt in a spectacular fashion with music, DJ-sets and 10,000 people attending.

But the star of the shows was the latest Alfa Romeo creation. The bold and beautiful sports exterior

comes with a new 120HP 1.6-litre JTDM turbo diesel engine with Alfa TCT dualclutch automatic gearbox, the exclusive Live services on the Uconnect system, and a range of options to suit your preference: four trim levels (Giuletta, Giuletta Super, Giuletta Veloce and Giuletta Business), two new packs (Veloce and Lusso) nine engine versions, 11 body colours and 12 different 16” and 18” alloy wheel rims in three new exclusive designs. www.alfaromeo.co.uk

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MINI BUT NOT SMALL

By Neil Briscoe

Here’s the new MINI Clubman and it’s a car that fits my personal bill almost to the letter. First off, it’s longer (+271mm), wider (+73mm) and taller (+16mm) than the MINI 5 Door, and almost all of that extra length has gone into the rear seats, so growing kids now have stretching room. The enhanced width further makes for a much improved driving position, which will be appreciated by taller drivers. The boot behind the doors is significantly bigger too, now up to 360-litres with the rear seats up, which can be extended to as much as 1,250 litres by folding down the rear backrest with its 40:20:40 split.

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Facts & Figures MINI Clubman Cooper S Auto Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol Transmission: eight-speed sport automatic, front-wheel-drive Body style: six-door compact estate CO2 emissions: 138g/km Combined economy: 5.9 litres/100km Top speed: 228km/h 0-100km/h: 7.1 seconds Power: 192hp at 5,000rpm Torque: 280Nm at 1,250rpm

And it has proper back doors now too. The previous MINI Clubman’s ‘Clubdoor’ (a rear-hinged flap behind the driver’s door) was always characterful but never entirely practical. The new MINI Clubman gets distinctive Split Doors, which offer greater comfort and practicality.

Additionally, with the optional Comfort Access system and Easy Opener function, the split doors open automatically when you move your feet under the boot and back again, making it easy to load and unload the car.

And it’s still fun to drive. In spite of the extra space, the greater practicality, the bigger boot and the improved comfort, MINI has managed to make the new MINI Clubman still feel like a proper MINI with the same go-kart handling. It’s noticeably more refined than the old one, and far smoother over bumps, even though it comes with 18” light alloy wheels as standard.

The engine we’ve tested is the 192hp 2.0-litre Cooper S version and it’s a cracker. Impressively, its muscular performance comes with surprisingly good fuel economy.

The new MINI Clubman has also become a lot more sophisticated. You can have it with a snappy six-speed automatic gearbox (Cooper variant), or the eight-speed sport automatic (Cooper S variant) that makes for a good match with the engine, shifting gears seamlessly and smoothly. The iconic circular

MINI centre instrument layout is at the heart of the dashboard, and fitted with a full-colour 6.5-inch screen.

It serves as a display for infotainment, phone and optional navigation functions, and has an LED ring surround which can optionally respond to the current situation on the road and to specific operating procedures by means of an interactive lighting display. Selection of all functions is via a controller in the centre console, which comes in conjunction with the standard MINI Navigation System.

The new MINI Clubman can be equipped with all manner of driver assistance and safety systems too, including a forward facing radar which can detect any impending collision and slam on the brakes for an emergency stop. Other Driving Assistant technologies include a reversing camera, active cruise control, forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection and an automatic braking feature, high-beam assist, and park-assist sensors.

And, of course, this being a MINI, you can pick and choose from a myriad optional extra equipment and design features to truly make the car your own – from leather seats to coloured roofs and stripes, from exterior lights that project the MINI badge onto the pavement when you plip the door locks to a fighter-jetstyle head-up display (optional).

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RIDE INTO

THE FUTURE

By Neil Briscoe

The winter sunlight is glinting off the silver-and-blue coachwork as I click the little handle and send the driver's door forward and upwards in a scissor motion. It should look and feel a bit seventies, a bit old-schoolsupercar, but the simple fact is that it feels more futuristic than any iPhone, than any Google Glass.

There are conventional plastics and familiar BMW switches in there, but the overall effect is just so forward-looking. Every

display is digital and you sit low and lying back, with your feet up high, just as all those concept cars said you would.

And it’s electric. Well, partially electric. In fact, the i8 is a plugin hybrid. It is powered by a 131hp electric motor which draws its power from a stack of lithium-ion batteries. Midmounted, behind the vestigial rear seats, the petrol engine is the 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbo petrol engine which is normally found serving in the Mini Cooper. This one’s been significantly

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modified though, so that it puts out a very healthy 231hp.

Still doesn’t sound much by supercar standards (and with its hip-high shape and show-off doors, the i8 can be considered as nothing else) but with a kerb weight of just 1,490kg, it’s hardly going to be slow now is it?

Especially when you consider that the two power systems don’t work separately, they work together so the overall system output, electric and petrol combined, is a rather more generous 362hp, with a whopping 570Nm of torque.

So, you stand on the gas and the i8 goes. And goes. And roars and bellows like a supercar should and keeps going until it has hit 100kmh from standstill in just 4.4secs and utterly redefined what eco-car performance should be like.

Eco-car? Oh yes, thanks to its hybrid drivetrain and light weight, the i8 is officially rated at 135mpg and 49g/km of Co2. In daily driving you should see the sunny side of 55mpg, especially if you remember to keep the batteries topped up. That’s diesel-like fuel economy from a midengined 2+2 supercar that can show an M3 the way around a racetrack.

It is gloriously rewarding to drive, with the steering constantly chattering away in your palms like an eighties Lotus. And when you have the electronics set to Sport mode (and you should ALWAYS have the electronics set to Sport mode) there’s an artificial sound generator that makes you think that the three-pot-plus-electrics have been binned and secretly replaced with a small-block V8 engine. Yes, it's actually quite convincing.

With all of the technology packed into the i8 there is no possible way BMW is actually making any profit on it, so you’re essentially getting it at below cost. And then consider the value, not the price. This is the reset button, the point at which we stop thinking of electric and partelectric cars as oddball green things and start thinking of them as class-leaders.

Facts & Figures Model tested: BMW i8 Engine: 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbocharged petrol mated to synchronous electric motor with plug-in lithium ion battery pack Transmission: four-wheel drive, six-speed automatic for rear wheels, two-speed on electric motor on front wheels Body style: two-door coupé CO2 emissions: 49g/km Combined economy: 134.5mpg (2.1 litres/100km) Top speed: 250km/h 0-100km/h: 4.4 seconds Power: 362hp Torque: 570Nm

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French Connection What: The opening of the new Loft & Co. showroom When: 11 December 2015 Where: Loft & Co. showroom in Little Soho, Bandar Seri Begawan

Photos: The Brunei Times

Highlights: The guest of honour, French Ambassador to Brunei, Loan Forgeron, cut the ribbon with the managing director of Loft & Co, Kheng Yeoh, and the Ligne Roset Global Export Director, Bernard Vinson, to mark the opening of the showroom; after a speech by Mr Vinson, guests were treated to high tea and received gilded photo frames as door gifts.

So c i e t y

Tame Your Mane What: Grand opening of WoMen Hair in Brunei When: 3 January 2016 Where: The WoMen Hair salon in Regent’s Square in Kiulap, Bandar Seri Begawan Highlights: International movie star Wu Chun thrilled fans and media representatives as he cut the ribbon to mark the opening of the salon and posed for photos with his daughter Nei Nei. The star personally led the media on a guided tour around the trendy salon, which is WoMen’s first branch outside Taiwan.

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Best of Scandinavia What: Private preview of the new Sejalin showroom in Brunei When: 13 January 2016 Where: Sejalin showroom in Kg Kiarong, Bandar Seri Begawan

Photos: SEJALIN

Highlights: The company’s principals from Scandanavian Business Seating, Duba B8 and Bang & Olufsen were present to introduce their products to the invited guests; Bruneian songstress Maria ‘Eia’ Grace Koh was their first customer.

So c i e t y

LOVE WILL BRING US TOGETHER What: Wedding of Natasha Assan and Ahmad Syuaib Nasir When: 29 January (Nikah) and 30 January 2016 (Reception) Where: Pacific Sutera Harbour and Magellan Sutera Harbour, Kota Kinabalu Highlights: The bride and groom officially got married on the groom’s birthday which is on the 29 January; the bride and groom have been friends since university days but only recently re-connected through work; the bride wore FiziWoo creations for both events including a customised baby blue songket dress for the reception; speeches were made by the bride and the groom’s youngest sister; Hardy Ardy band from Kuala Lumpur entertained guests at the reception.

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O n e Mo r e Th i n g

FROM MUD TO METROPOLIS Ever wondered how the city of Kuala Lumpur got its ‘muddy’ name? The city began as a confluence of two rivers and the mud that overflowed its banks when the monsoon seasons ravaged the area gave rise to its name, Kuala Lumpur or Muddy Estuary. From this humble beginning comes MUD – Our Story of Kuala Lumpur, a heartwarming musical about the early days of Kuala Lumpur that

aims to enlighten and entertain audiences of all ages.

The story of MUD follows three best friends – Mamat, Meng and Muthiah – who move to Kuala Lumpur in 1880s, a time when tin mining is a booming industry and villagers flock into town to find prosperity.

Their journey in search of fresh fortunes and a new life lead to encounters with various colourful characters from diverse communities, each with their own stories and struggles, and who share a dream to build a better life in Kuala Lumpur.

Produced by Enfiniti Vision Media (a multimedia production company founded by Puan Sri Tiara Jacquelina) and presented by the Kuala Lumpur City Hall, the musical was the brainchild of the Mayor of Kuala Lumpur whose dream was to have regular cultural shows at an iconic venue in Kuala Lumpur that best represent the vibrant arts and cultural scene of the capital. The hourlong musical, set to run for three years with daily shows, has a total of 39 cast, crew and behind-the-

scenes hands. The show promises to be a lively and entertaining multi-cultural experience showcasing the rich diversity of the people who built Kuala Lumpur together. It is an inspiring tale of friendship, perseverance and hope.

MUD: Our Story of Kuala Lumpur is playing twice daily at 3pm and 8.30pm at Panggung Bandaraya, Jalan Raja, Kuala Lumpur. Tickets are RM60 and RM45 (with MyKad). Visit www.mudkl. com or their Facebook page for details.

PLOUM sofa. Design: Ronan & Erwan Bouroullec.

Catalogue: www.ligne-roset.com

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bu hr a y hra a Tun gku ya Tu ng ku

LOFT&CO

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LOFT & CO. Ground Floor, Units 6,7,8 & 9, Block A, Little Soho, Simpang 73-5-8 Jalan Batu Bersurat Kampong Pengkalan Gadong BE 3719, Negara Brunei Darussalam Business hours : Monday - Sunday 10:00am - 8:00pm / Friday 2:00pm - 8:00pm Telephone number : 2420100 / Hp: 8908778