Concert season is upon us and if you’re going to throng through the crowds coupled with Singapore’s humidity, you’ll need some seriously good makeup that won’t make you look like a melting mess. shu uemura has some of the best products that your face and skin can rely on, including setting powders and a fixing mist that’ll keep your makeup looking fresh and natural until you decide to take it off (with the brand’s famous cleansing oil, of course). Take your mind off constantly checking your makeup and having to touch up; here’s everything you need for that long night ahead.
Above (from left to right): unlimited nude foundation powder compact ($13 for case, $66 for refill, $9 for sponge) / Unlimited Stretchable Lasting Concealer ($56) / Unlimited Loose Powder ($76)
With Singapore’s high humidity and the heat from 10,000 other people, a powder foundation will serve you well to mop up perspiration and keep your skin looking polished. And shu uemura’s Unlimited Nude Foundation Powder Compact is perfect for this; you can use a brush for a neat and sophisticated look, or the sponge for fuller coverage.
Then dab on and blend in the Unlimited Stretchable Lasting Concealer anywhere you need — under the eyes, on blemishes, or over redness and pigmentation. This full coverage concealer stays put and looks natural on skin.
To complete your flawless complexion, sweep on shu uemura’s Unlimited Loose Powder; it goes on transparent, has a matte finish and sets your base makeup beautifully.
Above (from left to right): Invincible Reds Collection Rouge Unlimited Kinu Cream Lipstick ($53) / Invincible Reds Collection Rouge Unlimited Kinu Matte Lipstick ($56) / Brow Sword Naginata Eyebrow Pencil ($66) / Unlimited 3D Gel Pencil in sound black ($45)
The Rouge Unlimited Kinu Cream lipstick and Kinu Matte lipstick look and feel incredible on the lips. These are both part of shu uemura’s Lunar New Year limited edition collection, and we love that the colours stay on and last all day.
For brows, there’s the Brow Sword Naginata Eyebrow Pencil that stays sharp and draws the perfect eyebrow line each time. And for the eyes, line them with the Unlimited 3D Gel Pencil in Sound Black; this is a matte, waterproof formula that doesn’t smudge or budge once you draw it on.
Above (from left to right): unlimited lasting makeup fix mist ($52) / ultime8∞ sublime beauty cleansing oil ($76 for 150ml / $180 for 450ml).
When you’re done with your makeup and you really want it to stay looking fresh and in place, use a setting mist. The unlimited lasting makeup fix mist sets makeup and hydrates the skin as well; it creates a thin lasting film that feels lightweight, and it won’t affect the makeup finish.
Then at the end of the night when it’s time to cleanse the face, you can’t get any better than shu uemura’s iconic cleansing oil. It’s extremely effective in removing even the most stubborn waterproof makeup, and it does so gently without stripping the skin of moisture. Your skin will feel clean and smooth once you’re done.
see the full collection online at SHUUEMURA.COM.SG and at their boutiques. And if you signed up for our workshop happening on Saturday 20 Jan 2024, see you at their bugis store!
Samsung just announced their Galaxy Unpacked event that’s happening on 18 Jan 2024. So far what we know is that they’re teasing some serious AI and they say it’s going to be a new era of smartphones. You can watch the trailer below, and register for the event here.
Heads up, register now and you’ll receive an $88 e-voucher to offset your next Galaxy device purchase, and also a chance to win a pair of Business Class tickets to Seoul (worth $6,000) should you choose to pre-order as well!
We do anticipate a new phone, and since it’s been a year since the launch of Samsung’s flagship Galaxy S23 Ultra 5G, we’re expecting their next and even more advanced version of it (hence the AI).
In the meantime, the Galaxy S23 Ultra 5G is still the top of its game with its unbeatable camera system that includes a 200MP rear camera with up to 10x optical zoom, and up to 100x digital zoom. It comes in a stunning green shade, as well as 8 other colours.
In the second year of the Barbie movie, we’re celebrating femininity in all shapes and shades, which beautifully coincides with the timeless yet soft, natural pinks seen in Dior Beauty’s Spring collection. Peter Philips, Creative and Image Director for Dior Makeup, envisions a series inspired by the iconic Rouge Dior, itself a symbol of femininity and self-expression, where he has curated six soft and natural shades for the Spring 2024 collection, and then pairs them with eyeshadow palettes and nail polishes for a complete look.
“For this Spring 2024 Collection, I wanted to elevate Rouge Dior and create a collection that completes your look, in a cute and timeless way, with discreet yet exciting shades,” he continues. The word “cute” is unexpected, but certainly lines up with the girly and coquette trends we’ve seen all over social media. This year, Dior also welcomes the charismatic actress Rachel Zegler, most recently seen in the latest Hunger Games instalment, as muse for the Rouge Dior campaign.
ROUGE DIOR
Most recently, the Rouge Dior lipstick has been reinvented with a clean formula, infused with hydrating red peony extract, and a combination of natural origin-plant waxes, fine oils and mineral powders for lips that stay comfortable throughout the day. A new and contemporary range of shades is available too, in either velvet or satin finishes, just as its new blue refillable case sports a new look, now with a more minimalist silver-coloured “CD” ring for a couture-inspired appeal, with the iconic canework pattern on the lid of the lipstick case.
For the Spring shades, Dior has narrowed it down to a harmonious palette of natural beige and soft pink tones, alongside sparkling pinks, bricks and deep red. One of the highlights though, would have to be 720 Icone in a satin finish, a pleasing rosewood with subtle brown accents, and a different take on nude pink.
SPRING 2024 LOOK
Then, there are the other house icons to go along with these Rouge Dior shades, from a limited-edition Diorshow 5 Couleurs palette to a blush, lip gloss and nail polish. For the eyes, we’ve got two curated series of colours to pick from — either 923 Popeline Peach, inspired by sunny notes of pink and coral, or 123 Pink Organza, which combines soft pinks, beige, and taupe in cooler tones.
The Rouge Blush of the season arrives in the shade 225 Delicate Rose, a perfect sophisticated pink that freshens up the complexion like Spring morning. These powders come embossed with a subtle pattern inspired by couture fabrics.
Everyone’s favourite Dior Addict Lip Maximizer gloss is also back, in either 056 Frosted Pink, an icy rose, or 060 Shimmery Spice, a rosy copper, to pair with either warm- or cool-toned eyeshadow palettes. We’re not forgetting your nails too, whether it’s the shimmery coral pink of 555 Popeline, a trendy purple 595 Lilac Organza, or 001 Dior Sequins, a top coat that’ll jazz up your nails with glittery hints of platinum, lilac, pink and deep purple sparkle.
The 81st Golden Globes Awards honoured the best in film and American television productions from 2023. You can see all the winners here, and see below for the fashion highlights that happened at the event in Los Angeles, CA on January 7th.
Talk about music to our ears — luxury fashion house CELINE, currently helmed by Hedi Slimane, is introducing their first-ever wireless headphones that’s also a sweet symphony of treasured brands, since they’re made in collaboration with renowned sound specialist Master & Dynamic.
These audio accessories first made their appearance on the runway at the brand’s Summer 24 ‘La Collection de la Bibliothèque Nationale’ show, where they captivated guests and fashion girlies alike with their sleek and elevated design.
In three classy models, each features an anodized aluminum structure fitted with a supple lambskin leather headband and removable lambskin earpads, available in either monochrome black, tan and silver, or black and silver. Another unmissable feature is, of course, the iconic CELINE branding, where two of the models arrive with the house’s emblematic CELINE Triomphe logo, or simply engraved with the words ‘CELINE’.
Additional “iykyk” details include “CELINE Paris” laser engraved on the charging cables, as well as “designed and developed in Paris” and “Master & Dynamic” discreetly marked on either side of the headphones.
Of course, major aesthetic appeal aside, we’re just as curious about the audio quality of the headphones. This is why CELINE wasted no time in engaging Master & Dynamic in the creation of their inaugural device, tapping on their expertise to achieve precise and expansive sound with clear highs and rich lows, on top of modern capabilities such as Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity with quick pairing technology and up to 30 hours of battery life. No doubt, your stunning new pair of high-fashion headphones can feel, and sound, just as luxe.
CELINE Headphones, $1,350 each. Available in January 2024 at CELINE boutiques.
LOEWE’s 2024 Lunar New Year collection highlights the artistry behind jade carving. Master jade carvers, Xiaojin Yin, Qijing Qiu, and Lei Cheng are commissioned by the brand to each create a series of five limited edition pendants, individually hand-carved and mounted on an 18-carat gold chain.
Above: Master jade carvers, Xiaojin Yin, Qijing Qiu, and Lei Cheng.
Above: The Emerald Green pendant by Xiaojin Yin, takes the form of a cabbage (bok choy, symbolising wealth and abundance) with a cricket perched atop.
Above: Qijing Qiu’s Light Mauve eggplant pendant is a symbol of status and success, with the eggplant believed to resemble a hat-wearing high-ranking official.
Above: Lei Cheng’s Spring Jade pendant is a pea pod adorned with a little snail, carved from a near-flawless piece of jade and symbolising fertility, abundance, and luck.
LOEWE also introduces a new collection of Flamenco Purse Mini bags in an array of colours inspired by the hues of hand-picked antique jade carvings. There’s Emerald Green, Dark Brick, Spring Jade, Sugar Yellow, Dark Khaki, and Light Mauve, each with an orb-like form, and crafted in soft, ruched nappa leather. Inside the bag, there’s a special pocket containing a precious ring of jade stone in a matching colour, to bestow good luck for the new year ahead.
See below for highlights from the collection.
Below: The campaign features Chinese actress and Global Brand Ambassador, Yang Mi, shot by David Sims.
See the Loewe Lunar New Year collection online at LOEWE.COM.
There’s definitely something special in the air as this year’s suite of ‘Year of the Dragon’ collections aren’t tame at all. We’ve got formidable collaborations from high-end houses, while over at the wristwear end, Swatch is proud to present a range of vibrant watches with fiery designs, clearly inspired by the power, strength and good luck that the dragon represents in Chinese culture.
There’s a distinct neon twist to the colour palette, which draws inspiration from the streetlights and signs in iconic Asian cities, while these modern illustration-based designs go across sleek translucent bands and poppin’ colours among the more traditional red and gold inspirations. It’s nice to see that Swatch doesn’t shy away from a bold and bright aesthetic too, so we can really have fun with our CNY outfits.
Several of their signature watch styles feature here, including a BIG BOLD watch seen in ‘DRAGON IN CLOUD’, a supersized statement piece that sports a front-facing dragon across its translucent dial and strap. Those into slimmer designs would appreciate ‘DRAGON IN WIND PAY!’ and ‘DRAGON IN WAVES’, seen in NEW GENT and GENT silhouettes respectively, where we see graphic flames and dragon scales standing out against dark backdrops.
And as mentioned, classic red and gold, the colours of prosperity and wealth, are symbolised via the ‘DRAGON IN MOTION’ and ‘DRAGON IN GOLD’ timepieces. The former pairs a NEW IRONY CHRONO case in gold with a vibrant red watch face and strap and an illustration of a dragon in fluid, contemporary lines; and the latter is a sleek SKIN IRONY in bright gold tones, with a more subtle dragon print that spans across the entire watch.
Here are the watches (and their prices!) in detail:
New year, new me? If improving your health and fitness is part of your 2024 new year resolutions, then it’s time to get serious. Gym membership, pilates or spin classes, or even just running in the park or following a fitness programme on YouTube — we’ll never judge — all these are steps in the right direction towards achieving your fitness goals, and so is this handy device you can wear daily on your wrist: the Apple Watch Ultra 2.
You’ve heard about people wanting to “close their activity rings”, a kinda Apple user-exclusive phrase where users are motivated to complete daily tasks that are able to tracked by the smartwatch, including total steps and workouts completed. Then, there are more advanced metrics such as Heart Rate Zones, Power and Elevation to accompany you from HIIT to hikes, while the build of the watch itself is suitable for outdoor adventures such as biking, running and swimming.
Since it’s designed to be a more “active” watch compared to the Series 9, as an added advantage, you may even take the Apple Watch Ultra 2 under the sea, as it allows one to snorkel, scuba dive and freedive up to depths of 40 metres. Its lightweight 49mm titanium case is precisely made for rugged environments and is corrosion resistant, as well as slightly raised to protect the sapphire crystal from edge impacts.
On the health end of the spectrum, the watch helps track sleep cycles, heart rates, blood oxygen levels, ovulation cycles, and more; it also connects seamlessly to one’s iPhone, acting almost like a easy-access secondary screen for daily tasks. Some new functions that people have been raving about include the double tap gesture that allows one instant access to key functions, and a new customisable Action button that one can use to start a workout and more.
Don’t take it from just us though. We’ve gone ahead to speak to two inspiring Singapore-based fitness enthusiasts, both triathletes, on their journey with the Apple Watch Ultra 2, particularly, how its active functions factor in during workouts, training, and sporting events. Here’s how the experience is like for Cheryl Tay during her recent BMW Berlin Marathon, and Claire Jedrek, while on her IRONMAN event in Langkawi.
Cheryl Tay
1. What are the functions that you use daily on the Apple Watch Ultra 2?
Cheryl Tay: “I use the workout function (swim, bike, run) for my triathlon and marathon training, the Mindfulness app to take breaks during a hectic day, the Camera Remote to take my selfies, the audio reply function for my messages, recording Voice Memos when I want to remind myself to do something and Sleep to understand the quality of my sleep.”
2. How do you use the Apple Watch Ultra 2 for races?
CT: “My most recent major race where I used it was the BMW Berlin Marathon in September. This was my A-race and it was important to me after spending all the hours training for it, so I needed to make sure that my gear is reliable, and this includes using the Apple Watch Ultra 2.
What I love about it is its long battery life — after the 4-hour marathon, I didn’t have to charge the watch for another two days — and the accuracy of its GPS. Apple Watch Ultra 2’s dual-frequency GPS combines L1 and L5 GPS into an antenna design and takes data from both frequencies to calculate distance, pace and route more accurately. I also like how the screen display is now brighter so I can see it easier in the sun!
The Action Button is the best, so I can immediately start the run just by pressing it, without having to scroll to the Workout app and wait for the 3-2-1 countdown. I also use this same Action Button to mark segments during the race, so I’ll know my split times (eg. I split every 5km).
During the marathon, I was suffering around the 25km mark and my partner Grace noticed my pace was slowing as she was tracking me on the app. That was when she texted me (“I love you”, “You got this!”) and I received the notifications on my Watch. It made me cry because I was in pain and I really needed that comfort. I could instantly reply to her with a voice message, simply by tapping the microphone button, and we had a mini conversation that gave me the boost to grit through the pain.”
3. Who would you recommend the Apple Watch Ultra 2 to?
CT: “I would say anyone who appreciates a bigger presence on the wrist as I love watches with big faces; loves adventure since the Apple Watch Ultra 2 has great functions for diving and hiking too; and those who tend to forget to charge their devices. The Apple Watch Ultra 2 can last for a few days before it needs a charge!”
4. What’s your favourite thing about the Apple Watch Ultra 2?
CT: “I like how versatile it is — I wear it all the time, for my daily activities, as well as for my training and the Apple Watch Ultra 2 fits in everything. All I do is just swap out the straps! It also has such a varied range of functions that I can use for work and play, say while hiking and running.”
5. Do you have the Apple Watch Series 9 as well? How would you compare the Apple Watch Ultra 2 and Apple Watch Series 9?
CT: “I was using the Apple Watch Series 7 before I switched to Apple Watch Ultra, then to the Apple Watch Ultra 2 now. Ultra 2 is bigger and I really like the bigger presence it brings. It also has a lot more functions for active people who love adventure.”
Claire Jedrek
1. What are the functions that you use daily on the Apple Watch Ultra 2?
Claire Jedrek: “Daily, it would have to be being able to ping my iPhone. It’s so simple but it’s saved my life every time I run out the house.The second most used function has to be the Workout app which I can launch easily with the Action button. It is the most used app daily, because I exercise daily and I love tracking even my walks. Recently, the new double tap feature has been a massive help to answer phone calls while I’m out and about or driving.”
2. How did the Apple Watch Ultra 2 assist you in the recent IRONMAN race?
CJ: “The Apple Watch Ultra 2 has updated sports functions making it super fluid to cross from one sport to another, and in the IRONMAN you are competing with three disciplines — swimming, cycling and running — so data is so important to make sure you stay on track during a race.
It’s so durable, I don’t blink an eye on the upkeep, going from salt water, to the heat and hard knocks. I’ve been a fan from 2016, first starting with the Apple Watch Series 2 and I’ve seen its progress all the way to the Ultra 2. I’m also big on customisation and Apple is always coming up with functional straps that are comfortable during a race, don’t cause abrasions and won’t fall off in the ocean which is so important for IRONMAN.”
3. Do you go to sleep with the Apple Watch?
CJ: “Actually the only time I take it off is to sleep, I feel like I have conquered sleeping without collecting data on how I sleep. The only time I use it when I sleep is when I’ve had a few drinks and when I’m sick, as I like to see how my Heart Rate responds while I sleep.”
4. How’s the size of the watch for your wrist? Do you use this as your daily wristwear?
CJ: “To be honest I barely notice it’s there, I have fat clumsy fingers so having a slightly wider screen is functional for me. You’ll always see me with the Apple Ultra Watch 2 on, changing straps with my outfit. I love having my wallet and personal assistant on my wrist and Siri has been my language teacher in Mandarin. My kids always ask me to ask Siri how to say certain words in Mandarin.”
5. Do you have the Apple Watch Series 9 as well? How would you compare the Apple Watch Ultra 2 and the Apple Watch Series 9?
CJ: “I don’t have a Series 9 and mainly because the specifications on the Ultra 2, which include a 36 hours of battery life and 72 hours in low power mode, is really good for someone like me who works out and uses the GPS so much. I definitely believe as I am in harsher environments than most, the Apple Watch Ultra is my only choice.”
The Apple Watch Ultra 2, priced at $1,210. Available at Apple stores and online.
HUAWEI held their “Creation of Beauty” event in Dubai on December 12, 2023, and presented several new products including the HUAWEI FreeClip — an innovative pair of earbuds with a never-seen-before C-bridge design. These are launching in January 2024 on HUAWEI’s official store on Shopee. We got our hands on a test unit to see if it’s truly innovative and lives up to the hype from the event.
Above: The huawei freeclip box packaging.
THE UNUSUAL DESIGN AND WAY OF WEARING IT
Above: first look at the huawei freeclip inside its charging case.
It takes getting used to wearing these C-shaped earphones. I keep trying to push the audio ball deeper into my ear for louder and clearer sound; but that’s not how these are meant to be worn. The C-bridge design is meant to just rest around the side of the ear, with audio projected directly into the ear canal. It’s an open-ear listening experience, which means no noise cancellation, but you do get to hear your surroundings (like traffic and announcements).
OPEN-EAR LISTENING
The open-ear design will feel foreign to most users who are used to earbuds that sit directly in the ears. But it’s fast to get used to, mainly because these are so light and it actually sounds pretty good.
Above: the huawei freeclip has a c-bridge design.
You won’t get a prominent bass (like in a pair of Jabras), or profoundly clear separation of instruments and voices (eg. in a luxury device like Bang & Olufsen or Devialet), but you do get balanced sound. There’s a 10.8mm dual-magnet high-sensitivity driver unit that pumps out a decent big sound, which is impressive for such a small body.
And because of the C-bridge open-ear design, the FreeClip is very comfortable when worn, and allows the ears to breathe. Plus, at 5.6g they are extremely light. You can easily wear these for hours on end without even feeling them there.
They are fairly secure when worn and there are press images showing that these are suitable for outdoor activities like jogging. I’m not confident that these will not drop from my ears when I go on a run, so at least for the first few times I use these, I’ll save them for commute.
USABILITY
I like that both sides are interchangeable and on a single charge, they last up to 8 hours. With a fully charged case, you’ll get up to 36 hours in total. Gesture controls are intuitive and responsive. It’s just double or triple tapping anywhere on the FreeClip for different functions.
Above: the earbuds are extremely light.
I say HUAWEI has done it again with something completely new for the market and user. They did it with their FreeBuds Lipstick (earbuds in incredible packaging resembling a lipstick), and now with their FreeClip that sports a C-bridge design not seen with any other brand. Furthermore, the C-bridge design works. It’s extremely comfortable and sounds good, and that’s really all that users want.
Above: the huawei freeclip charging case.
The huawei freeclip is available in black and purple. Pre-orders are from Dec 30, 2023 to Jan 8, 2024, priced at $248 (U.P. $298). available on huawei’s official store on SHOPEE.
2024 may be the year of Peach Fuzz, Pantone’s pick for colour of the year, but not when it comes to German luggage brand RIMOWA. Instead of sunset tones, they’re looking to the sea, both its calming presence and its vibrant allure, which culminates in their choice of colour for the RIMOWA Essential range — Sea Blue.
The signature grooved shell exterior across their series of products now sees a gleaming new hue, a gorgeous saturated yet serene shade that seems to signal a fresh new start to the year. You’ll see this from cabin to trunk plus sized luggages, to a series of travel accessories, including a toiletry pouch and packing cubes, for those who can’t get enough of coordinated fits.
Prices are as follows:
RIMOWA Essential Cabin in Sea Blue, $1260
RIMOWA Essential Check-In L in Sea Blue, $1590
RIMOWA Essential Trunk Plus in Sea Blue, $2010
RIMOWA Toiletry Pouch in Sea Blue, $220
RIMOWA Packing Cube Small, Medium and Large in Sea Blue, $150, $170 and $190 respectively
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Available from 4 January 2024, in stores and online at RIMOWA.com.
We might not yet be ready for 2024, but we know one thing — we’re crushing hard on the latest CHANEL COCO CRUSH jewellery, thanks to these newly-released campaign imagery. Global superstars JENNIE and actress Amandla Stenberg are now joined by Lucy Boynton, British-American actress and House ambassador, in the 2024 COCO CRUSH campaign, a fine jewellery line that sees CHANEL’s iconic quilts done in elegant criss-cross designs across smooth and curved metal.
2024’s edition debuts new COCO CRUSH creations — a new single earring in white gold, and most excitingly, mini bracelets in yellow, white or beige gold, both with and without diamonds. These are slimmer takes of the original bracelets, and feature a patent-pending rotating and invisible COCO TWIST clasp, which enables the bracelets to easily twist into place with a simple turn.
See the rest of the campaign images here —
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The CHANEL COCO CRUSH Mini Bracelets, priced from $7,100, available from 8 January 2024 at CHANEL boutiques.
It’s been more than two years since the Ninja Foodi Multi Cooker came into my life. This kitchen appliance can air fry, slow cook, pressure cook, grill, steam, bake and roast, and it cooks quickly and with no mess. See our full review of it below.
I don’t cook, and I definitely didn’t think that I’d like or use any kitchen appliance so much; but the Ninja Foodi Multi Cooker became one of the most useful gadgets at home, and it’s simple enough for anyone to use — even for a non-chef like me. My Primary school kids can easily toast up chicken nuggets on their own, while dishes like bak kut teh that previously took 4 hours on the stove now only requires 30 minutes in the Multi Cooker under the pressure cook mode.
ABOVE: the new 11-in-1 Multi-Cooker with a smartlid.
Last month, Ninja Foodi refreshes the Multi Cooker with an 11-in-1 (it can do more things) and very importantly — it has an all-new SmartLid. With the previous version that I have, there’s a separate lid that needs to be used when pressure cooking or steaming; and the lid takes up a bit of space when not in use. With the new SmartLid, there’s no “extra” lid to change and store, which makes this new model more compact and seamless when changing modes.
The 11 cooking functions include pressure cooking, slow cooking, air frying, grilling, baking, dehydrating, searing and sautéing, steaming, steam air fry, steam bake and yoghurt.
ABOVE: cooking bak kut teh in the Ninja Foodi 11-in-1 SmartLid Multi-Cooker using the pressure cook function.
The Ninja 11-in-1 has the same capacity of 6L as the previous models, which is large enough to cook a whole chicken; plus it also has a removable cooking pot that’s super easy to clean.
And if you need recipes to get started, the SharkNinja website has tons.
The family particularly likes grilling salmon, which only takes a few minutes to do. The meat inside stays moist, while the skin is nice and crisp.
ABOVE: raw salmon steaks inside the Ninja Foodi 11-in-1 SmartLid Multi-Cooker.
ABOVE: Taking the grilled salmon out of the Ninja Foodi 11-in-1 SmartLid Multi-Cooker.
ABOVE: salmon steaks and grilled vegetables prepared with the Ninja Foodi 11-in-1 SmartLid Multi-Cooker.
You’ll need some counter space to place this gadget, but this is a purchase for the kitchen that you won’t regret. It’ll replace your microwave, toaster, stove and oven, and you’ll be showing this off to your friends when they’re over.
The Ninja 11-In-1 SmartLid Multi-Cooker is priced at $608, and available from the brand’s WEBSITE and on their official store on SHOPEE.
Here’s a reason to travel to Macao this year — they’re now home to the Asia Pacific premiere of Harry Potter: The Exhibition, an interactive touring exhibition that brings the magic and mischief of the beloved Wizarding World to the region.
It looks like Potterheads have one more thing to be excited about in 2024, given that this is touted to be one of the most comprehensive exhibitions ever presented on the franchise, as it spans more than 30,000 sq. ft., with over twenty celebratory galleries, held at The Londoner Macao®.
Currently available in the global cities of New York, Barcelona and Munich, the experience is created and developed by Imagine Exhibitions in partnership with Warner Bros. Discovery Global Themed Entertainment and EMC Presents. It previously debuted in Philadelphia over a year ago, and has welcomed more than 1.7 million visitors through its delightful doors.
As expected, visitors will be able to enjoy iconic moments from the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts films, though it’s also up-to-date enough to include scenes from the Broadway production Harry Potter and The Cursed Child.
To make each guest’s experience even more personalised, you’ll be given an exhibition wristband that supports the immersive design and technology throughout the experience, including selecting a Hogwarts House, picking a wand, and performing the Patronus charm. Competitive folks among us (or, Slytherins) will also enjoy earning points for their house across the numerous activities.
Highlights throughout the exhibition include the the Great Hall Gallery, complete with floating candles; experiencing Hagrid’s Hut and his oversized chair, alongside The Forbidden Forest and its slew of magical creatures; and an educational tour around the Hogwarts classrooms where one not only gets to spot iconic props, but also partake in brewing potions, potting a mandrake, and deterring a boggart using your own wand in Defense Against the Dark Arts class. You’ll even be able to slurp down a delicious cup of Butterbeer!
Over at the gift shop, because of course there’s one, visitors to Harry Potter: The Exhibition will be privy to themed merchandise that includes apparel, jewellery and edible treats, and on top of that, exclusive pieces not available at any other Wizarding World experience.
See more images from the exhibition here —
Harry Potter: The Exhibition, open daily, 11am – 7pm at The Londoner Macao®. Tickets are priced from HKD/MOP 218 for adults and HKD/MOP 168 for children, available for purchase at macao.harrypotterexhibition.com and cotaiticketing.com. Visit here for more information.
Everyone knows the Louis Vuitton Monogram; it’s one of the most recognisable and iconic designs in the fashion world. And for the brand’s latest collection, it’s revived on Denim and Vernis, harkening back to the Y2K trends that are gaining in popularity with the younger generation of shoppers.
The LV Remix Collection consists of a full range of leather goods, shoes and accessories, in new shapes and colours. New models include the Capucines East-West and the Twist West — both featuring an elongated frame, as well as the Twist Little, which is a chic, compact size perfect for every occasion.
Above: A digital campaign rolls out along with the collection, starring Friends of the House, Phoebe Dynevor, Nana Ouyang, Shay Mitchell and Lous & the Yakuza.
If we ever needed further confirmation that animated characters have made it to the height of fashion, here’s what we would refer to: another pop culture-meets-luxury collection, this time, FENDI‘s collaboration with Hiroshi Fujiwara’s FRGMT and Pokémon.
Three beloved dragon-type Pokémon — Dratini, Dragonair, and Dragonite, part of the Dragonite evolution chain — make their way across signature Fendi handbag silhouettes such as the Baguette and Peekaboo, themselves cultural icons of our time.
Dragonite steps up as the key Pokémon of the collection, released just in time for the Year of the Dragon, where its bright orange body stands out against Fendi’s FF jacquard logo in a classic brown shade. We see this across the Peekaboo ISeeU and Baguette women’s bags, alongside men’s accessories, small leather goods, apparel, and even brass jewellery.
A particularly exquisite Fendi Baguette, coupled with a matching fringe hem, appears to be the highlight of the series, as it presents all three characters in beaded detail, and even sports a pair of wings on the logo snap closure. Some of the pieces even feature detailed leather 3D marquetry work, which brings to life Dragonite and Dratini, including their wings and facial features, in the form of Baguette and Mini Baguette bags, as well as nano-sized versions.
Then, there’s a collector’s-worthy Dragonite figurine wearing a silk FF foulard, which took over 30 hours of meticulous handcrafted work by FENDI’s leather artisans. The collection is also further realised in the digital realm, via the game Pokémon GO, where players get to dress digital avatars with items from the collection.
See more from the collection here —
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The FENDI x FRGMT x Pokémon collection, available at FENDI boutiques from 4 January 2024.
Saint Laurent recently opened its largest flagship housed in a historic building on the iconic avenue des Champs-Élysées in Paris. “I wanted to realise one of Yves Saint Laurent’s wishes when he arrived in Paris and said he wanted his name to be written in fiery letters on the Champs-Élysées.” says Anthony Vaccarello, Creative Director of Yves Saint Laurent.
Above: Several Donald Judd furniture pieces are displayed throughout.
With this new boutique, Vaccarello introduces an entirely new design concept that celebrates the essence of the building’s original architectural elements, while instilling a sense of discovery with an interpretation of modern luxury. The striking, luminous interior features a series of unique spaces that flow naturally; there’s a tension between rough textures and precise details, with thoughtful design guides for visitors to explore the vast boutique, while products are showcased on marble displays.
Above: A curving staircase in black-lacquered wood seen within the boutique.
Above: A double-height foyer featuring a neon light sculpture by artist Cerith Wyn Evans and commissioned by Saint Laurent is a highlight of the new boutique.
Saint Laurent’s complete offering will be available at the Champs-Élysées boutique, including men’s and women’s ready-to-wear, handbags, shoes, accessories, and fine jewellery. A special assortment of items has also been curated for the space, reflecting its elevated nature. See the rest of the new boutique’s interior here:
Saint Laurent Champs-Élysées opened on December 9, 2023, at 123 avenue des Champs-élysées. Visit YSL.COM for more.
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