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Here's everything new in beauty this January 2022 that we've had our eyes — and our hearts set — on.

From fashion brand Moncler's first-ever fragrances to the debut of magnetic false eyelashes in Asia, here is this month's roundup of the newest must-have fragrances, makeup, skincare and other beauty products to add to your collection now. And make sure to check our previous instalments here!

New in Beauty This January 2022

Gucci Flora Gorgeous Gardenia Fragrance

It’s difficult to tell what’s most intriguing about Flora Gorgeous Gardenia, the newest fragrance from Gucci: the floral but delicately sweet scent or the stunning bottle it comes in. The perfume blends white gardenia with jasmine grandiflorum and pear blossom, with a touch of brown sugar accord, for a captivating but never overpowering fragrance. And the lacquered pink bottle — featuring the Flora pattern originally created for Gucci in 1966 by artist Vittorio Accornero, now re-imagined by creative director Alessandro Michele — is a standout.

Nonfiction For Rest Fragrance

The sixth signature scent from minimalist Korean beauty brand Nonfiction promises to be sophisticated and modern, with a simple monochrome identity and a fresh woodsy musk scent created by master perfumer Barnabé Fillion. The main notes include hinoki, frankincense, Turkish rose, yuzu and nutmeg. In two sizes, Nonfiction For Rest Fragrance is available at Sephora Hong Kong.

Jimmy Choo Beauty Capsule Collection

Jimmy Choo has launched a make-up and fragrance capsule collection, comprising lipsticks and an exclusive set of six concentrated perfumes. Scents include notes of iris, vanilla, rose, white musk and oud wood. The entire collection is available at a Beauty Botanica pop-up in Landmark until the end of this month, and at select Jimmy Choo boutiques.

Moncler Pour Femme & Moncler Pour Homme Fragrances

Best known for skiwear, Moncler has released its first fragrances: Moncler Pour Femme and Moncler Pour Homme. The scents are the work of four master perfumers who created concoctions that pay homage to the brand’s alpine identity — the fragrance duo share a unique mountain wood accord exclusive to Moncler, and are housed in flask-shaped bottles.

NARS Lunar New Year Collection

If you’re already missing NYE celebrations, ring in the CNY with the Lunar New Year Collection from NARS, which includes two limited-edition products in traditional red and gold packaging. We love the look of the Taj Mahal Quad Eyeshadow — an ultra-luxe four-pan palette inspired by the brand’s classic blush shade — that features a yellow-gold shimmer, a light peach shimmer, a multidimensional burnt-orange shimmer, and a purple-red matte.

MATCHY! Magnetic Lashes

Touted as the first magnet-based false lash brand in Asia, MATCHY! has debuted in Hong Kong with a range of falsies that snap on without the need for glue. Whether you’re a novice or an expert, they promise to give you the lash look you’re after — delicate and natural-looking, thick and full, long and luscious — in no time, and with little effort or mess. The brand carries black and brown lashes in 12 styles and is available at matchylashes.com

Guerlain Orchidée Impériale Foundation Concentrate

Harnessing the brand’s exclusive brightening technology, Guerlain’s new Orchidée Impériale Foundation Concentrate is a skincare–makeup hybrid that delivers intense hydration, high coverage and a flawless finish for up to 10 hours. Velvety to the touch, it adapts to the contours of the face while avoiding bleeding into wrinkles and fine lines — ideal for those with mature or textured skin who seek a natural look.

Kérastase Chronologiste

The rejuvenating Chronologiste range from expert hair care brand Kérastase harnesses the power of three star ingredients — hyaluronic acid, vitamin E and abyssine — to deeply nourish the hair, repair damage and protect your strands from external aggressors. Products include a pre-shampoo hair cleanser, a gentle revitalising shampoo, a hair mask, fragrance hair oil, a heat protectant and a hair serum.

Dior Addict Lip Maximizer Serum

One of the French luxury brand’s star beauty products, the Dior Addict Lip Maximizer plumping gloss is now available as a lip care-focused clear hybrid gloss-serum. The Dior Addict Lip Maximizer Serum promises 24 hours of hydration, nourishing and smoothening the lips with the use of mallow extract, 100% natural-origin hyaluronic acid, a blend of sensorial oils and vegetable waxes, and a peptide that helps stimulate collagen.

Tatcha Red Camellia The Kissu Lip Mask

Tatcha’s bestselling The Kissu Lip Mask is getting a tinted update, featuring the same smoothening and plumping formula with a brand new subtle red hue. Harnessing the nourishing properties of Japanese peach extract, squalane and camellia oil, the non-sticky jelly lip treatment is now available in a limited-edition “Red Camellia” form inspired by the striking red flower of the same name, exclusively at Lane Crawford.

Chloé Eau de Parfum Naturelle

A new addition to french luxury house Chloé’s signature perfume collection, Eau de Parfum Naturelle is a 100-percent natural-origin fragrance developed with ethically sourced ingredients and lower-impact packaging. Featuring the Maison’s fresh woodsy-rose scent, the formula is vegan with water and naturally derived alcohol and free from artificial colouring.

Burberry Matte Lip Colour

British fashion house Burberry has added an all-new Matte Lip Colour to its Burberry Kisses lipstick line — a luminous matte with hyaluronic acid to ensure hydration and comfortable wear on the lips, and an intense colour payoff that promises to last the whole night. Packed with pigment, it only needs one stroke for high coverage. It’s available in 20 shades, including the luxury brand’s signature colours: Red, red-brown Russet, Soft Pink and Burgundy.

Gucci Beauty Rouge De Beauté Brillant

Gucci Beauty has added three vibrant new shades to its Rouge De Beauté Brillant hybrid balm-lipstick line — a burnt-orange Lucy Dark Orange, a dark-pink Diana Amber and an Abbie Maroon Red. Sitting between a sheer and satin finish, the deeply moisturising formula features a concoction of flower oils, fruit butters and hyaluronic acid to deliver hydration and a lip-plumping effect. It’s available now at all Gucci Beauty counters.

Benefit Brightening Face Primer

Benefit’s “that gal” Brightening Face Primer is now available in three shades, with two new colour-correcting options to help even out your complexion and create the perfect base for make-up application. With raspberry, chamomile and oat-kernel extracts, the silky lotion-like primer comes in a Silky Pink for a rosy glow, a Silky Lavender to brighten and cover sallowness, and a Silky Green to conceal redness.

And, while stocks last, here are a few of our holiday collection picks...

The holidays may be over, but there's no deadline on picking up a skincare kit or makeup duo. Grab them while stocks last.

Fenty Beauty Resting Peach Face

We loved everything in the holiday collection from Fenty Beauty — especially the brand new 12-pan Bomb Posse Mega Mix & Match Eyeshadow Palette — but our pick of the bunch is the limited-edition Resting Peach Face duo. Featuring two best-selling cream products in all-new set-exclusive peach shades — a full-size Cheeks Out Freestyle Cream Blush and a mini Gloss Bomb Cream Color Drip Lip Cream — it’s perfect for a soft wash of peach colour to the cheeks and lips.

Hourglass Cosmetics Unlocked + Caution™ Mascara Duo

This limited-edition gift set from Hourglass Cosmetics features the brand’s bestselling mascaras — Unlocked Instant Extensions Mascara and Caution Extreme Lash Mascara — that deliver length and volume to your lashes with long-staying power and absolutely no flaking. Layer both for the most impact, using Caution to build volume and finishing with Unlocked to lengthen. As part of Hourglass’ cruelty-free mission, 5 percent of the annual profits from Unlocked Mascara will be donated to the Nonhuman Rights Project, a US organisation that works to secure fundamental rights for animals.

Drunk Elephant Kissy Face Skin Kit The Babyfacial Routine

Drunk Elephant’s holiday collection included four kits that promise to strengthen your skin’s barrier. Our eyes are on the Kissy Face “softening routine” set, featuring two full-size cult favourites — the TLC Sukari Babyfacial AHA/BHA skin resurfacing chemical exfoliant and the Lala Retro Whipped Cream moisturiser that rescues the skin’s acid mantle.

(Hero image courtesy of Dior, featured image courtesy of Gucci)

The post New in Beauty This January 2022: Dior, NARS, MATCHY! Magnetic Lashes appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

In our autumn/winter 2021 style spotlight, we break down the best in this season’s womenswear runways.

What to wear in a pandemic? Something to remember or something to forget? Something in between perhaps, with many fruitful explorations coming from soul-searching that middle ground.

VALENTINO 

THE BIG PICTURE

The autumn/winter 2021 collection at Valentino is all about precision, with such a pointedly restricted palette – other than monochrome, there was just the odd injection of sand, gold and beige. How eye-catching are the razor-sharp lapels that give all those shirt and jacket combos a subversive ’70s quality? The collection is anchored on the contrasts and shapes created with black and white using sheers, mesh-effect constructions and graphic prints – the most intriguing signature here is when cut-outs reveal what lies beneath.

THE FINE PRINT

Accessories boldly decorated with studs, quilting and leather textures. Slashed or meshed items layered over and under. Killer capes, both long and short.

CHRISTIAN DIOR

THE BIG PICTURE

Fairy tales and their symbols take a mysterious and occasionally dark turn at Christian Dior’s autumn/winter 2021 collection. The runway featured dramatic capes (Red Riding Hood vibes!) and winter cashmere coats worthy of a Grimm Brother’s tale. Although there are plenty of body-skimming pleats and romantic princesses gowns, the collection rides that precarious line between innocence and sensual subversion. Titled Disturbing Beauty, this is a collection full of fantasy, escapism, mystery and provocation – almost a sartorial version of a labyrinthine Gothic novel or story.

THE FINE PRINT

Sensual pleats that are almost sheer, subversively shiny lacquered shoes and boots. Gothic overtones abound.  

GIVENCHY

THE BIG PICTURE 

Matthew Williams’ Givenchy “debut” is all about extravagance – with sleek and modern tailoring, hulking faux fur coats and matching mittens (that look more like boxing gloves than winter wear), structured puffer jackets and cupless bralettes. Lavish but utilitarian, luxurious but comfortable. The looks were mostly in black, chocolate brown and off-white, with pastel purple, deep green and bright red also making appearances. An accessory highlight – the 4G flask with strap bag, making a reappearance from spring/summer.

THE FINE PRINT

Head-to-toe monochromatic looks featuring huge fur coats and mitts, slim tailored suits, elevated streetwear, leather, barely-there bralettes and ski masks.

GUCCI

THE BIG PICTURE

The Aria collection debuted in a special film by Floria Sigismondi and Alessandro Michele, with music credits spanning from Lil Pump’s “Gucci Gang” to Bhad Bhabi’s “Gucci Flip Flops” and Rick Ross’s “Green Gucci Suit”. The equestrian-inspired looks also seem to contain elements of bondage – with helmets, fringes, saddlebags, leather harnesses, riding crops (ie, whips) and boots. We like the accessories best – the big dangling septum rings, the anatomical heart-shaped clutch and necklaces with letter pendants spelling out the brand’s name. Also hard to miss? The logo-printed pieces that stamp Balenciaga’s iconography over Gucci’s emblem.

THE FINE PRINT

Relaxed and retro silhouettes. Nods to horseback riding and the ’70s. Bold, psychedelic prints.

BURBERRY

THE BIG PICTURE 

Sharp and graphic, the autumn/winter 2021 collection from Italian designer Richardo Tisci is far removed from all the gentle bohemian flavours we’ve had so much of lately. Black, white, tans and neutrals made a decisive statement about feminine power on the runway, punctuated by sharp pinks and reds and flashes of full-on metallic evening shimmer. Tisci’s adjustment with the inevitable slowing-down in fashion has resulted in something rather positive and powerful. Structured jackets, trousers and coats were statement-making. Eco-shearling and furs lend a sensual hand this autumn and the cleverest signatures this season involve the deconstructed elements, such as on coat lapels. 

THE FINE PRINT

Roll-neck collars, capes, extended shoulders and sharp silhouettes. Flag-like stripes and shapes were a modern play on the Burberry check and the Union Flag. 

PRADA

THE BIG PICTURE

After what can politely be described as a difficult year, there’s a sentiment that amounts to precarious optimism at Prada. Miuccia Prada and Raf Simons, the Italian brand’s co-creative directors, are putting a spring in our steps with outfits that balance serious structured tailoring with capricious details. Those glorious big coats (so often vintage-inspired) in solid block colours are paired with vibrant graphic prints on skin-tight undershirts, gloves, tights and boots. Fun furry trims provide much delight, a hint at perhaps more opulent times to come.

THE FINE PRINT

Swirling ’60s and ’70s graphic prints, alongside wool, sequins and fur. Some stellar collectable accessories like those leather gloves with zipper pouches.

HERMÈS

THE BIG PICTURE

“It’s urgent now to live again,” Nadège Vanhee-Cybulski told Vogue in a post-show interview. “The message to the world is that I have this conviction of designing clothes for a confident woman. It was about resilience.” The autumn/winter 2021 collection makes use of fabrics such as denim, fine leather and suede for looks that are truly ready-to-wear, right off the runway out into the world. Colours are warm and comforting – in burnt reds, blush pinks and chocolate browns. Don’t miss the details: leather cuffs and belts, and tiny bags just big enough to fit your phone, a card and a lipstick bullet.

THE FINE PRINT

Sturdy materials and neutral colours (denim is a neutral!). “Rich aunty” looks – sophisticated, safe and made-to-last.

CHANEL

THE BIG PICTURE 

Virginie Viard, creative director of Chanel, describes the autumn/winter 2021 collection as a mix of two influences – the ambience of ski holidays (which she adores) and Parisian chic from the 1970s to the present. The looks play with sensuality and contrasts, with voluminous winter coats over bare legs; sheer, light chiffon and crêpe de Chine paired with solid, heavy tweed; and long coats over fragile, slinky dresses. This line-up ranges from muted sophistication to the downright whimsical, usually achieved through bold bolts of colour and material contrasts.

THE FINE PRINT

Luxurious resort outfits for a winter retreat. Tweed suits in classic form-fitting silhouettes, cropped knit sweaters and structured jackets, tiny handbags, chain embellishments, faux fur and shearling.

LOEWE

THE BIG PICTURE 

Loewe’s autumn/winter 2021 collection is avant-garde – there are no ifs and buts about it. The palette is an explosion of acrylic hues (canary yellow, cobalt blue, forest green, pinks and reds) and the silhouettes are big and abstract. The looks feature bold geometric prints striping across quilted coats and asymmetrical skirts, over-the-top circular and square-buckle embellishments, giant tassels on the hems of suede trouser suits and leather harness-vests over knitted wear. A standout accessory? The Anagram cut-out tote in calfskin that pairs beautifully with the matching Anagram belt.

THE FINE PRINT

Canary yellow. Abstract silhouettes. Psychedelic prints. All very audacious and perfect for making big statements.

LOUIS VUITTON

THE BIG PICTURE 

Louis Vuitton’s digital runway had models in pieces that paid tribute to the Golden Age (the Age of Enlightenment), walking through the Michelangelo Gallery of the Louvre Museum. A collaboration with Italian art and design atelier Fornasetti, the pieces were fashion-forward with plenty of streetwear elements (cropped bombers, sweatpants, logos) and slouchy, relaxed fitting. We love the wide shoulders – also present in LV’s spring/summer show – and the Greco-Roman nods, with gladiator-inspired dresses and boots, and Fornasetti drawings of ancient statues and motifs (locks and keys) printed on clothing and handbags.

THE FINE PRINT

Relaxed, slouchy fits. Big and wide silhouettes. Mixing athleisure with evening wear and plenty of layering. 

MIU MIU

THE BIG PICTURE 

Captured in the Italian ski resort of Cortina d’Ampezzo, Miu Miu’s models took a “voyage through the mountains” with a show in the snow. Each look brings out a feeling of the bitter, frigid cold – with knitted balaclavas and scarfs, faux-fur mittens and knee-high mountain boots, and quilted padded jumpsuits. The looks paired heavy winter wear with soft lingerie – utilitarian ski suits layered over crocheted satin camisoles, sheer tops with padded trousers, and long structured coats that revealed embellished satin-silk slip dresses underneath.

THE FINE PRINT

Heavy winterwear and soft lingerie. Pastel tones like lilac and lavender, blush and rose pinks, baby blue as well as deeper shades.

SALVATORE FERRAGAMO

THE BIG PICTURE 

Paul Andrew, Salvatore Ferragamo’s creative director, aims to “disrupt and upgrade 21st-century tropes of uniform” with the Future Positive collection. Moving away from tailored suits in safe colours, models on the digital runway wore shiny parkas and trousers, slouchy wide-shouldered jackets, clear plastic-looking ponchos (biodegradable PVC), and outerwear with fringed yarn and space boots. The looks featured a fluorescent colour palette (cobalt blue, neon orange, lime green) against a sci-fi-, outer-space-themed backdrop – giving the collection a youthful and futuristic feel.

THE FINE PRINT

Influences from sci-fi cinema. Utilitarian fits. Relaxed and casual tailoring. Shiny and metallic finishes.

FENDI

THE BIG PICTURE 

With a bevy of neutral-toned monochromatic outfits, Kim Jones at Fendi is forcing more focus on texture, silhouette and contrasting fabric surfaces (shiny satins, fluffy furs, supple leathers, tactile knits and draped silks) this collection. Ivory, concrete greys, muted moss, camel, chocolate and khaki – the palette follows a very linear journey. It’s full of sophistication, elegance and movement – Jones took as his muses the five Fendi sisters (and the real women he’s surrounded by) – hence such a wearable collection, especially those divine shirt-and-skirt combos. With upcycled furs and repurposed shearling, even Fendi (known for its commitment to real fur) has made some inroads into a more sustainable way in luxury.

THE FINE PRINT

Heritage details are dropped into the collection, such as revisiting the Baguette bag. Monograms laser cut into suede. Clever and artisanal constructions (if you look close enough).

VERSACE

THE BIG PICTURE 

Presented inside a vertical maze, Versace’s digital runway featured the fashion house’s new maze-like print (a rework of the brand’s signature Greca pattern and log) on everything from trouser suits to coloured tights, shiny minidresses and midi skirts, belted coats, opera-style long gloves and handbags. The collection was all about sharp angles and clean lines in a strong colour palette – black and browns (camel, tan, beige, walnut), olive green, royal blue and brights (canary yellow, strawberry red, fuchsia pink).

THE FINE PRINT

Bright pops of colour and bold bandanas. Rounded shoulders and cinched waists. The new Versace print – a dynamic 3D maze.

CHLOÉ

THE BIG PICTURE 

With gentle, natural tones and plenty of padding, quilting and pleating, Gabriela Hearst’s Chloé autumn/winter 2021 collection hit on feminine, pure notes. There was a protective, outdoorsy theme throughout the collection that nodded to sand dunes, safaris and eco-resorts, and, finally, outdoorsy mountain chic with oversized patchwork padded coats. Graphically, V necklines and V shapes on the torso were achieved by oversized zip-ups, pinafores or frills. 

Sustainability is at the heart of Hearst’s work, from production (eco furs and shearling) to aesthetics, making her mark on the French brand by decreasing this season’s environmental footprint by 400 compared to the last autumn winter’s line.

THE FINE PRINT

Big tasselled boots and slouchy bags. Gorgeous knits that skim the body. Stripes and earthy tones paired with caped outfits. Long ankle-skimming hemlines are the order of the day. 

The post Givenchy, Fendi and Versace: Autumn/Winter 2021 Style Spotlight appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

From revolutionary creams, to make-up must-haves and mesmerising fragrances, here are eight beauty products to add to your collection this month.

Clé de Peau

Clé de Peau Beauté has recently released a new Synactif skincare line, a step-by-step regimen that targets skin tone, texture and contours. Newly formulated with Neem Leaf Extract, the Synactif crème shown here helps to fortify the firmness of the skin.

Greenvines

Greenvines, the leading clean skincare brand from Taiwan, is celebrating its 10th anniversary with new packaging. The brand advocates returning to basics by taking the skin’s natural workings into account and supplying it with natural ingredients — notably water and oil — that are biocompatible, while removing beauty products with unnecessary additives, such as lotions, from the equation.

Caudalíe

Natural skincare brand Caudalíe has released its latest Resveratrol-Lift collection featuring a new- generation Advanced Grapevine Resveratrol patent, an unprecedented combination of vine resveratrol, vegan collagen booster and micro-hyaluronic acid. After one day, natural collagen production is enhanced by as much as five times and hyaluronic acid natural production is doubled.

Dior

Dior Forever Couture Perfect Cushion, the on-the-go, long-wearing and skin-caring foundation, has released a new couture case in a limited edition for the season: the Diormania Gold Edition. The cushion, worn for 24-hours, is an ideal solution for perfecting and refreshing the complexion at any time of the day. The skin is weightlessly mattified and glows with a natural, lasting radiance.

Chantecaille

Chantecaille has released an unprecedented night concentrate that uses gold heptapeptide as its base. Uniquely concentrated for visible impact, the powerful combination of peptides and recently discovered botanicals in this potent booster works overnight to smooth wrinkles, and brighten and replenish the skin.

Byredo

Byredo has introduced a colourful array of its Lil Fleur Eau de Parfum in limited editions, a hand-cream collection in three of its signature scents (Blanche, La Tulip and Rose of No Man's Land), as well as a perfumed altar candle in a black glass silhouette.

Chloé

The Chloé floral atelier has released three new fragrances with accords that complement evocative notes of fresh foliage. Each variety, whether floral, aromatic or woody, has its own scent. True to the floral arts, the different essences can be freely combined to create limitless personalised fragrance bouquets.

Mini Luzon

This 24K Pure Gold Mask can be used one time only or as an ongoing treatment to promote healthier-looking skin. The unique combination of a corrective anti-wrinkle mask with gold leaf provides the skin with an immediate sense of wellbeing, treating redness and fine lines while evening out its tone and promoting a healthy glow.

The post 8 Must-have Beauty Products to Buy This Month appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

Christmas can be quite a stressful and overwhelming time of year, so let us take one thing off your mind by providing a curated list of some of the - in my opinion - best gifts that would make anyone smile, be it yourself or someone else. Here's my 2020 Christmas wish list. 

Hermès

There’s no better feeling than cosying up on the sofa or beside a fireplace during Christmas, and this Hermès Brides de Gala jacquard blanket in wool and cashmere will make you feel as if you’re wrapped in a cloud.

Audemars Piguet x Carolina Bucci

Only available at the AP house in Hong Kong, Carolina Bucci’s latest collaboration with Audemars Piguet makes the perfect Christmas gift. Classic, simple and shiny, the hand-made KISS bracelet features Bucci’s signature frosted exterior. To add to the excitement, the bracelet is available in different versions of yellow, pink, white, black and brown gold

Gucci

This colourful GG Marmont Paillette puts me straight in the mood to party. A bucket bag with a mini and small shoulder chain covered in sparkling sequins in multi-coloured diagonal stripes of pastel pink, green, gold and silver, the GG Marmont will definitely turn heads.

Theo Fennell

British jeweller Theo Fennell specialises in meticulously crafted jewellery using precious materials and gemstones. This Christmas, I’d love to receive this ring made from a variety of gemstones to resemble a rainbow, along with this channel-set gold infinity band.

Four Seasons

For those looking for peace and quiet this Christmas, Four Season Hotel Hong Kong’s Harbour View suite is a luxurious place in which to spend the happiest time of the year. The spacious suite is a perfect getaway for a staycation with Hong Kong at your doorstep and a perfect treat to add to my 2020 Christmas wish list.

Saint Laurent

I’ve always been a die-hard fan of Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello for its chic, rock ’n’ roll looks. In particular, this bright red tie-neck jacquard silk minidress with a bow at the front makes for a festive yet stylish outfit for any occasion.

Dior

A new essential designed by Maria Grazia Chiuru, Dior’s St Honoré tote embellished with the CD logo is a practical and elegant bag that I can use on multiple occasions, round the clock.

Chloé

Chloé’s glittery Lauren sneakers in silver grey will allow me party until the wee hours. The wave-like edges of the bottom sole also give it a funky touch!

Giorgio Armani

This sleek Giorgio Armani backpack would make a nice gift for any man - or woman. Made of water-repellent nylon flanked by details in garnet calfskin, the backpack combines performance with design.

The post 2020 Christmas Wish Lists: Florence’s Picks appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

Christmas can be quite a stressful and overwhelming time of year, so let us take one thing off your mind by providing a curated list of some of the - in my opinion - best gifts that would make anyone smile, be it yourself or someone else. Here's my 2020 Christmas wish list. 

Hermès

There’s no better feeling than cosying up on the sofa or beside a fireplace during Christmas, and this Hermès Brides de Gala jacquard blanket in wool and cashmere will make you feel as if you’re wrapped in a cloud.

Audemars Piguet x Carolina Bucci

Only available at the AP house in Hong Kong, Carolina Bucci’s latest collaboration with Audemars Piguet makes the perfect Christmas gift. Classic, simple and shiny, the hand-made KISS bracelet features Bucci’s signature frosted exterior. To add to the excitement, the bracelet is available in different versions of yellow, pink, white, black and brown gold

Gucci

This colourful GG Marmont Paillette puts me straight in the mood to party. A bucket bag with a mini and small shoulder chain covered in sparkling sequins in multi-coloured diagonal stripes of pastel pink, green, gold and silver, the GG Marmont will definitely turn heads.

Theo Fennell

British jeweller Theo Fennell specialises in meticulously crafted jewellery using precious materials and gemstones. This Christmas, I’d love to receive this ring made from a variety of gemstones to resemble a rainbow, along with this channel-set gold infinity band.

Four Seasons

For those looking for peace and quiet this Christmas, Four Season Hotel Hong Kong’s Harbour View suite is a luxurious place in which to spend the happiest time of the year. The spacious suite is a perfect getaway for a staycation with Hong Kong at your doorstep and a perfect treat to add to my 2020 Christmas wish list.

Saint Laurent

I’ve always been a die-hard fan of Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello for its chic, rock ’n’ roll looks. In particular, this bright red tie-neck jacquard silk minidress with a bow at the front makes for a festive yet stylish outfit for any occasion.

Dior

A new essential designed by Maria Grazia Chiuru, Dior’s St Honoré tote embellished with the CD logo is a practical and elegant bag that I can use on multiple occasions, round the clock.

Chloé

Chloé’s glittery Lauren sneakers in silver grey will allow me party until the wee hours. The wave-like edges of the bottom sole also give it a funky touch!

Giorgio Armani

This sleek Giorgio Armani backpack would make a nice gift for any man - or woman. Made of water-repellent nylon flanked by details in garnet calfskin, the backpack combines performance with design.

The post 2020 Christmas Wish Lists: Florence’s Picks appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

Another four years, and another designer rotation at Chloé. The French fashion label announced that Natacha Ramsay-Levi is stepping down as Creative Director. Ramsay-Levi came to the brand from Louis Vuitton, where she worked under the tutelage of Nicholas Ghesquiere. Her brand of runway-to-street chic was a high note for the Chloé brand, with a youthful, cool-girl edge and realism injected into the label’s core DNA codes established by founder Gaby Aghion.  

“Over the last four years, I have had the great privilege, with the support of Chloé’s teams, to express my own creativity, while refocusing the Maison on Gaby Aghion’s commitment to intellectual freedom and to fundamental values that unite all of us,” said Ramsay-Levi, whilst praising the brand’s representation of “meaningful and powerful femininity.”

Ramsay-Levi’s time at Chloe came after Clare Waight Keller, who left the brand to head up Givenchy. It seems that Ramsay’s departure might have been a by-product of the fallout and existential quandary fashion has been thrown in since Covid-19. She explains in a statement that:  

“Over the last months of health, social and economic turmoil, I have thought about the changes I want to see in our industry and how to better align them with my own creative,  intellectual and emotional values. It is this reflection that makes me consider my future differently and my desire to pursue new opportunities.” 

[caption id="attachment_212826" align="alignnone" width="819"] Chloé Fall/Winter 2020 look[/caption]

Whilst the brand says that it plans to appoint a new creative director in due course, this will no doubt be a significant blow. I wonder how many other designers are having similar thoughts. How many of these creatives, many sensitive by nature, have been questioning their own paths or the future path of the industry? 

Fashion’s growth has been shaken to it’s core this year with the pandemic. Retail is disrupted, income security has dropped as has luxury spend in many markets (with perhaps the exception of Mainland China) in the later half of the year).  

Perhaps it is more the case that the fragility of the industry means that more “big name” designers will be more conservative about moving labels, and that fashion’s recent merry-go-round will slow down for the time being.  

The post Natacha Ramsay-Levi Exits Chloé in Wake of Covid-19 Turmoil appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

Another four years, and another designer rotation at Chloé. The French fashion label announced that Natacha Ramsay-Levi is stepping down as Creative Director. Ramsay-Levi came to the brand from Louis Vuitton, where she worked under the tutelage of Nicholas Ghesquiere. Her brand of runway-to-street chic was a high note for the Chloé brand, with a youthful, cool-girl edge and realism injected into the label’s core DNA codes established by founder Gaby Aghion.  

“Over the last four years, I have had the great privilege, with the support of Chloé’s teams, to express my own creativity, while refocusing the Maison on Gaby Aghion’s commitment to intellectual freedom and to fundamental values that unite all of us,” said Ramsay-Levi, whilst praising the brand’s representation of “meaningful and powerful femininity.”

Ramsay-Levi’s time at Chloe came after Clare Waight Keller, who left the brand to head up Givenchy. It seems that Ramsay’s departure might have been a by-product of the fallout and existential quandary fashion has been thrown in since Covid-19. She explains in a statement that:  

“Over the last months of health, social and economic turmoil, I have thought about the changes I want to see in our industry and how to better align them with my own creative,  intellectual and emotional values. It is this reflection that makes me consider my future differently and my desire to pursue new opportunities.” 

[caption id="attachment_212826" align="alignnone" width="819"] Chloé Fall/Winter 2020 look[/caption]

Whilst the brand says that it plans to appoint a new creative director in due course, this will no doubt be a significant blow. I wonder how many other designers are having similar thoughts. How many of these creatives, many sensitive by nature, have been questioning their own paths or the future path of the industry? 

Fashion’s growth has been shaken to it’s core this year with the pandemic. Retail is disrupted, income security has dropped as has luxury spend in many markets (with perhaps the exception of Mainland China) in the later half of the year).  

Perhaps it is more the case that the fragility of the industry means that more “big name” designers will be more conservative about moving labels, and that fashion’s recent merry-go-round will slow down for the time being.  

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I personally find it quite difficult to figure out what I actually want for Christmas. In fact, I tend to focus too much on what I need, rather than what I want, and it’s not until the last second that I usually come up with ideas. But not this year. 2020 has been one hell of a year and I’ve made it my mission to dream big. I’ve searched everywhere, obviously from the comfort of my house, to come up with a list of items that are worthy of a 2020 Christmas Wish List.

Fornasetti

Being obsessed with interior design and contemporary art, I consider Fornasetti, helmed by renowned Italian artist Piero Fornasetti, a mecca for inimitable objects that go beyond their function. The new Metafisica Otto scented candle will be a great addition to my home.

Rodarte

I don’t think there’s anything quite as exciting as sequin embroidery, and this Rodarte floral double- breasted blazer is the perfect statement piece for just about any celebration.

Dior

I don’t think I can say it loudly enough: I can’t wait to travel again. Also, I want to do it with a DiorTravel Vanity Case embroidered with the blue Toile de Jouy motif.

Chloé

While I don't really need a specific reason to want an effortlessly chic Chloé Faye, the small shoulder bag in smooth and suede calfskin comes in pastel mint green, which is the unofficial colour of the year and a personal favourite.

Shinola

2020 was a great year for my vinyl collection and it’s about time I put my hands on the handcrafted rose gold Shinola Runwell turntable.

Bottega Veneta

I’ve been thinking about this egg yolk orange Bottega Veneta teddy shearling coat ever since I first saw it on the runway a few months ago. There’s no question that it will be a timeless addition to my winter wardrobe and a must in my 2020 Christmas wish list.

Delfina Delettrez

I’m all on board with the eye mania trend and I’ve been dreaming to wear this Delfina Delettrez 18kt champagne gold “Eyes on me” diamond and sapphire earring.

The post 2020 Christmas Wish Lists: Marta’s Picks appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

Fifty metres underground — this is the depth that local winemakers chose when they decided to store 10,000 wine bottles in the Aven d'Orgnac caves, an underground tourist attraction located at the southern end of the limestone plateau of the Gorges de l'Ardèche.

The experiment began in March 2018, when a new storage facility was specially created in a disused access tunnel to allow wine to mature in what amounts to a highly stable and peaceful environment.

A living product that ages best in undisturbed darkness, the wine will have benefited from ideal conditions: A constant temperature of around 12°C and an all-year-long rate of humidity of over 95%.

On December 12, 1,000 bottles of Côtes du Vivarais "Grand Aven 2017" from this treasure trove will be passed from hand to hand by a chain of human volunteers who will bring them back to the surface after two years underground. Thereafter, they will go under the hammer with a range of other local vintages in an auction with modest reserve prices.

Lots on offer will include 150 magnums of Terra Helvorum 2017 starting at 30 euros, 350 bottles of 2015 Terra Helvorum for as little as 15 euros and 350 bottles of Grand Aven 2016 from just 10 euros.

On land and sea

These days, experiments to store wine deep underground are very much in vogue in France. On June 3 of this year, 500 bottles were placed in racks at a depth of 103 metres in caves in Padirac under the watchful eye of Serge Dubs, the Best Sommelier of the World in 1989.

The first of these to return to the surface will be brought up for an initial tasting in the spring of 2021. And let's not forget that this experiment is focused on a very particular wine: A Clos Triguedina Cahors, christened Cuvée Probus, which has been produced to honour the 130-year anniversary of the Padirac Chasm.

Surprisingly enough, this new approach to maturing wine was initially inspired by a find at sea. In 2010, divers in the Baltic discovered a wreck containing what turned out to be a cargo of champagne, which was probably on its way to 1840s Russia.

The wave of experimentation that is now ongoing began when the bubbly, which was made by such houses as Veuve Clicquot, Heidsieck and the now defunct Juglar, was discovered to still be delicious after some 170 years under water.

In Saint-Jean-de-Luz in the French Basque country, winemaker Emmanuel Poirmeur has registered a patent for a process that involves vinifying wine in special vats at a depth of 15 metres under water. For its part, Leclerc-Briant set a record when it vinified one of its champagnes at a depth of 60 meters under the Atlantic in 2012, not surprisingly the vintage was christened "Abyss."

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Adapting to our current travel-less lives, we follow our noses to cure our wanderlust withdrawals.

With the loss of freedom to explore the globe, we turn to fragrances to transport us to faraway paradises and exotic locales. From the zesty notes of Sicily to the spicy aromas of Jaipur or the musky tones of Nairobi, we take a trip around the world through our olfactory senses that remind us of the distant destinations on our travel bucket list – even if only for a moment.

Capri, Italy

[caption id="attachment_207014" align="alignnone" width="1733"] HK$1,255/150ml; HK$840/75ml[/caption]

While we could all do with a drop into beautiful Capri during any time of the year, there is nothing quite like summer on the island off the Sorrento Peninsula. Envision yourself sailing away on incredible waters with the relaxing and bright scent Arancia di Capri by Acqua di Parma characterised with radiant top notes of zesty orange, mandarin and lemon fused with a heart of cardamom and finally rounded off with a touch of caramel and musk. Fruity and sunny, this EDT captures the essence of a relaxing Italian Mediterranean vacation.

Ibiza, Spain

[caption id="attachment_207013" align="alignnone" width="1757"] HK$710/50ml[/caption]

Jonathan Anderson shares the same pain of being locked down and locked in. So in “an aide-mémoire of better times to come,” the Loewe creative director partners with legendary boutique Paula’s Ibiza in a collaboration to bring back fond teenage memories spent on the Balearic island in the midst of summer. Coconut water is layered with bright green galbanum and mandarin oils, driftwood, sand lily and frangipani flowers that nod to the tropical Bohemia vibes inherent to Ibiza. Even the candy coloured gradient bottle of Loewe Paula’s Ibiza is reminiscent of summer sunsets.

Palm Springs, USA

[caption id="attachment_207010" align="alignnone" width="1799"] HK$1,050/75ml; HK$860/50ml; HK$595/30ml[/caption]

The name says it all – Nomade by Chloé is all about voyages, exploration and freedom. Envision the sun reflecting on the sand in the heart of the deep desert dunes of Palm Springs in a landscape of colours. Borrowing references from men’s cologne, Nomade combines warm oak moss and soft sandalwood with sweet Mirabelle plum and velvety davana, to create a new intoxicating, sensuous scent for spring which brings memories and dreams of a place in the sun.

Morocco, Africa

[caption id="attachment_207017" align="alignnone" width="1824"] HK$1,850/100ml; HK$1,300/50ml[/caption]

An ode to the fantastical journeys taken by Ben Groham’s father, the founder of Byredo created Bal d’Afrique: a scent to celebrate his vision of African culture and its influence. He visits the land of the Sahara through his infatuation for the continent and blends notes of bergamot, neroli, black amber, Moroccan cedar wood and African marigold to encapsulate the cultures shaped by the art, music, dance and way of life that he relives through the diaries of his father. We can all use a little imagination and save on flight time for a quick excursion to Africa.

Jaipur, India

[caption id="attachment_207015" align="alignnone" width="1820"] HK$1,850/100ml; HK$1,330/50ml[/caption]

India’s royal and spiritual splendour meet in Creed’s Original Santal. The romance and opulence of India has captured the attention of Oliver Creed, who then took the nation’s signature Mysore Sandalwood as the core of his fragrance. The majestic allure comes from the powerful aromas of orange tree, ginger, lemon, rosemary, peppermint, pinkberries, cedar and vanilla. Warm and robust with just a hint of spice, just like south Asia, it captures you at first and leaves you wanting to discover more.

Lake Biwa, Japan

Taking Charlotte Perriand’s passion for extensive travels, egalitarianism, a love for the wild outdoors and modernism, Aesop’s latest fragrance Rōzu is a reference to a blend of the creative muse’s lifelong affections including her love for Japan. Appealing to both genders, the fragrance opens with rich floral notes of rose, petitgrain, bergamot, shiso and pink pepper; while the heart is composed of headier florals such as ylang ylang, jasmine and guaiacwood, with hints of sandalwood, vertiver, patchouli and myrrh to end. Find yourself wandering through a Wabara rose garden off the shores of Lake Biwa by Kyoto with just a spritz.

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While we agree that florals for spring isn’t exactly groundbreaking, it is undeniably the season for newness. Whether you’re looking to switch up your beauty routine, inject some colour into your wardrobe, or changing up your fitness routine, spring is all about new beginnings. And what better way to thaw the winter blues than bring in bright and breezy scents to take you all the way through to autumn. Here, we have set our sights (and noses) on these six fragrances that hit the right notes for spring spritzing.

Gucci Guilty Love Edition Pour Femme

[caption id="attachment_198948" align="alignnone" width="1200"] Gucci Guilty Love Edition Pour Femme[/caption]

If fruits and florals are what you’re after in a scent, then the new Gucci Guilty edition is the way to go. Master perfumer Alberto Morillas opens with a transparent and green freshness using bergamot, grapefruit and watery accord, which is then layered with tangy notes of raspberry and pretty petals such as violet and jasmine, along with musk, patchouli and amber as its base notes. The result is a concoction of bold and bright characteristics that are harmoniously blended together -- think summer romance in a bottle.

HK$840/50ml

Atelier Cologne Pacific Lime

[caption id="attachment_198951" align="alignnone" width="5440"] Atelier Cologne Pacific Lime[/caption]

Atelier Cologne’s latest perfume creation in the Joie de Vivre collection is Pacific Lime; a fragrance that is designed to take you on a journey. The bouquet bursts with refreshing citruses like zesty Mexican lime, Italian lemon, rich coconut from the Philippines, fresh American spearmint, and Chinese eucalyptus. Light and bright, this scent exudes a sense of travel and discovery even when you’re homebound.

HK$1,590/20ml; HK$1,120/100ml; HK$550/30ml

Calvin Klein CK Everyone

[caption id="attachment_198950" align="alignnone" width="1200"] Calvin Klein CK Everyone[/caption]

Who can forget the perfume that ruled the 90s – CK One. The bestseller was way beyond its time with the minimalistic, easily wearable and unisex approach. Two decades later and perfumer Alberto Morillas, who is the nose behind the original CK One, continues to follow the same brand ethos but is taking it a step further by adding clean and environmentally conscious to its list of attributes in its latest release, CK Everyone. Formulated with 79% naturally derived ingredients, you will find citrus notes in the organic orange oil paired with blue tea accord and vibrant cedar wood. The genderless fragrance is all about freshness and sweet sensuality with a little bit of an edge. It won’t be a surprise that this bottle might be as big (if not bigger) of a hit than CK One.

HKK$500/100ml

Chloé Nomade Absolu de Parfum

[caption id="attachment_198952" align="alignnone" width="1262"] Chloé Nomade[/caption]

As the name suggests, Nomade is all about new voyages, exploration and freedom. Envision the sun reflecting on the sand in the heart of the desert in a landscape of colours – was the inspiration behind the scent says the house’s founder Gaby Aghion. Borrowing references from men’s cologne, Nomade combines warm oakmoss and soft sandalwood with sweet Mirabelle plum and velvety davana to create a new intoxicating, sensuous scent for spring.

HK$1,125/75ml; HK$945/50ml; HK$665/30ml

Guerlain L’Heure Blanche

[caption id="attachment_198949" align="alignnone" width="1200"] Guerlain L'Heure Blanche[/caption]

An ode to the colour white, L’Heure Blanche meaning The White Hour, is a light and airy fragrance that is like the first whisper of springtime. Soft and delicate, the ingredients and materials which come together are naturally white in tone; from milky notes and white amber to enveloping musks and powdery iris. The result of which is a gentle lingering of abstract floral accords that bring out feelings of beautiful rainfalls, a sense of expansive openness, and a breath of fresh air.

HK$5,400/125ml

Isabey La Route d’Emeraude

French perfumer Isabey debuted its first fragrance back in 1924 with La Route d’Emeraude. Many years later, the timeless scent has endured the coming and going of trends and is still relevant for spring 2020. With a strong floral bouquet and jasmine as its hero ingredient, the light sweetness of the flower adds a gentle freshness, which is both powerful yet passive at the same time. The top notes of bergamot, cinnamon and rose are blended with orange blossom, jasmine and ylang-ylang combined with base notes of amber, musk and vanilla. A refreshing scent that is reminiscent of blooming gardens from the Far East.

HK$1,680/50ml

The post The 6 New Spring Fragrances of 2020 to Wear Now appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

The height of summer is about saturated hues and daring prints — but keep your silhouettes long and loose or short and tailored to dial up the heat and still stay cool.

[gallery size="full" ids="154554,154556,154553,154555,154550,154557,154549,154552,154551"]

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