THE HOUSE OF SEKHON - YOUR PARTNER IN CAPITAL ASSETS CREATION. USING FREE MARKETS TO CREATE A RICHER, FREER, HAPPIER WORLD !!!!!

Celebrity Life

SYNACTIF Neck & Décolleté Cream: Firming and Radiance-Boosting

Synactif Neck Décolleté Cream Firming and Radiance-Boosting

Christine Hau is a co-founder of the Hong Kong-based architecture and design practice Lead8, which in just seven years has rocketed from start-up to the ranks of the world's leading firms. She tells us about its remarkable success and her own contribution towards it.

For an architectural firm founded just seven years ago to vault into the ranks of the world’s largest practices seems an achievement so remarkable that it’s frankly unbelievable. Yet that’s exactly the feat that Lead8 – a Hong Kong-based architecture, urban-masterplanning, interior-design, graphics and branding company that set up shop in a modest Quarry Bay studio in 2014 and now has offices in Shenzhen, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and London – has managed to pull off.

Not only does it currently rank in 53rd place among the globe’s leading architectural firms – with major projects ongoing in the Greater Bay Area as well as further afield, and a team of more than 250 in five locations around the world – but Lead8 also walked away with five 2021-22 Asia-Pacific Property Awards for its large-scale projects in Shenzhen, Nanjing and Chengdu, as well as a pair of Gold Stevie Awards recognising business excellence. Although continually engaged in the visionary exercise of re-imagining urban and interior living for a future that seems especially challenging, surely such an astonishing degree of success must have been beyond the wildest dreams of the company’s founding partners?

Architecture and design firm Lead8
Architecture and design firm Lead8

“When we set up Lead8, we’d already worked alongside each other for many years, and we shared a passion for creativity and excellence in design,” says Christine Hau, one of Lead8’s co-founders and executive directors who form the company’s global leadership team in Hong Kong. “We all wanted to bring about change, introduce new ideas to the industry and give back to our cities and communities through resilient, meaningful and impactful design. Setting up Lead8 gave us the platform to do that, so this has been a natural progression for us.”

At Lead8, Hau oversees the company’s business, financial, legal and operational sides, as well as leading its marketing, communications, branding and social responsibility activities. Born in Britain and one of the eldest daughters of constantly travelling parents from Hong Kong, her businessman father expected she’d work as his apprentice until an interest in design spurred her to study in that area, later combining it with management.

“You can put on a nice dress or jacket and it’s individual,” says the effervescent and engaging Hau, in an accent that bears no discernible traces of her Scottish birthplace, “but I feel building design – architecture and interiors – is for everyone. I’m captivated by the beauty of forms and details in buildings and cities, so I studied subjects that united my passion for design with my affinity for business – with business providing the means of turning creative visions into reality.”

Christine Hau, one of the co-founders of Lead8
DRESS PORTS 1961 EARRING AND RING BVLGARI WATCH CHOPARD

After completing university, she began her career in the UK, and eventually made the decision to head to Hong Kong. It wasn’t simply a matter of having strong family ties here; she also felt this was a place where she could take her career to a new level and possibly a new direction. “This is a fast-paced place and an international hub, where there are opportunities both here in Asia as well as connections with the West.”

In any case, Hau was already accustomed to an international way of life. “We moved around and travelled a lot,” she says, “so my childhood was quite adventurous and exciting – a mix of cultures and experiences – which is partly why I’ve always believed we should explore opportunities as we go along.

“Learning isn’t just about formal education and books. Experience is also very important in life, which is how I’ve brought up my children. It also probably explains why I’ve persistently changed course in life, grasping opportunities to study and change direction.”

After spending time at other international design practices, where she gained further experience in areas such as finance, corporate law and governance, strategy and operations, Hau took the plunge and joined a group of architects and designers she’d worked closely with to found Lead8. The team moved into its first studio in Shipyard Lane, literally around the corner from the much-expanded premises on King’s Road that the company occupies now. “The move into this new studio was a defining moment for us,” she says. “It marked a step in our evolution from start-up to international design brand and set the scene for our next chapter.”

Christine Hau
SUIT VEST LOUIS VUITTON EARRINGS VAN CLEEF & ARPELS

While the company’s meteoric growth is beyond impressive, it must surely have something to do with the sheer physical scale and breathtakingly imaginative reach of many of its projects, in which every detail – from the macro to the micro – is considered, and natural elements and the latest technologies both form integral parts. Yet for all the size and scope, Hau insists that much of Lead8’s work is underpinned by “design that understands people – and the urge to push the boundaries to deliver destinations and experiences unlike any other” in their respective locations.

Typifying this approach is the vast Hubei Coordination Urban Renewal Scheme in Shenzhen, due for completion in 2024, which conserves and protects a historic 500-year-old village, yet does so in the context of a dazzling and forward-looking 21st-century urban development. Another major undertaking in the Greater Bay Area is New World’s 11 SKIES at Chek Lap Kok, which will be Hong Kong’s largest hub for retail, dining and entertainment, in a development adjoining the airport terminals, along with grade-A office towers, immersive educational experiences and even an indoor/outdoor karting track.

For sheer imaginative bravura, however, it’s hard to beat HarbourLoop, a Lead8 social-responsibility case study that proposes a 23km-long walkway and cycle track encircling Hong Kong’s Victoria Harbour, with two elegant infrastructure additions linking the two sides and a series of community, culture and commuter hubs along the way. “We did it to show the possibilities of urban design thinking for Hong Kong – a zero-carbon network that unites both sides of the harbour,” says Hau. “As a design firm, we’re in the fortunate position of driving and sparking conversations about the future, which is what influences change.”

As for her own role within the firm, Hau says she uses design thinking to inform the way she oversees Lead8’s business, financial, legal and operational activities. “It offers me and my team the opportunity to manage and build a design firm differently, and to help our team of designers do what they do best – which is to create designs that are positively giving back to our communities. We create the platforms on which our global team and operations can function, and we nurture, support and empower our teams – we’re passionate about our people.”

Asked about her experiences as a female in her industry, Hau says she believes that “when it comes to work, women have traditionally been conscious of their gender, but this is changing – and I see the younger generation of women and men active in this shift. But I’ve always had strong female leaders in the industry to look up to and my own experience has been that gender hasn’t limited my opportunities.

Christine Hau of Lead8
SUIT MAX MARA BELT RALPH LAUREN EARRINGS AND RINGS BOUCHERON

“No matter what your gender is, leadership is about more than just being a boss. It’s inspiring, motivating and empowering those around you. Just as design inherently gives back to the cities and communities it touches, at Lead8 we have a deep commitment to the next generations through mentoring and learning opportunities, and we’re equally dedicated to supporting causes that help to build a brighter world.”

And if you were wondering how – with eight projects nearing completion in the next year and several more about to kick off – this working mother manages to find equilibrium between office and home, Hau says there’s always a connection between work and life. “I’m fortunate to have a supportive circle of family and friends, which helps ease the pressure in challenging times. In any case, instead of separating, I prefer to balance these parts of my life, as I’m passionate about Lead8 and the firm we’ve created. Each day is different – and I don’t count the hours at work, but the results we’ve achieved.”

PHOTOGRAPHY KINWAI CHEUNG
STYLING TASHA LING
MAKE-UP KAREN YIU @MAKEUPBEES
HAIR GLOOMY KWOK @MAKEUPBEES
PHOTOGRAPHY ASSISTANT STEPHEN CHENG

The post SYNACTIF Neck & Décolleté Cream: Firming and Radiance-Boosting appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

8 Must-have Beauty Products to Buy This Month

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

beauty products

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

beauty products

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

beauty products

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

beauty products

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.

New In: The 7 Beauty Products to Start 2020 With

Reevaluations and resolutions – the new year comes with a bit (or a lot of) reflection. And while most promises will fall through before February, there are a few fun things that are both good for you and will keep you excited beyond the first month of the year. Plus, if you're looking to switch up a couple of things in your life, this is the perfect time to refresh your regimen. Whether you’re looking to cultivate a more sustainable approach, treat your skin to something slightly more indulgent or searching for a new scent, here are the most anticipated beauty drops this January that will get you through the season, and year.

 

Chanel Chance Perfume Pencils

Launch: 1 January
Price: HK$835

[dual-images right-image-url="https://www.prestigeonline.com/hk/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/3_CHANCE_Packshot_CHANCE-Crayon_Easy-Resize.com_.jpg" left-image-url="https://www.prestigeonline.com/hk/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/2_CHANCE_Packshot_CHANCE-Crayon_Easy-Resize.com_.jpg" right-caption="" left-caption=""]

Chanel No. 5 is probably one of the most sensational perfumes since its launch in 1921. And if not that, then it’s definitely the world’s best-selling fragrance (it’s said that a bottle is sold around the world every 30 seconds). And though classics will always have a place in our hearts, in recent years, we’ve had our eyes (and nose) on something a little more fresh, fruity and floral. The four Chances – the original Chance and its three interpretations, Eau Tendre, Chance Eau Fraîche and Chance Eau Vive – may not be new, but the crayon format is. Sold as a set of four, the solid fragrance is travel-friendly and can easily be applied to pulse points for all day wearability.

 

Dior Prestige Le Micro-Caviar de Rose

Launch: 1 January
Price: HK$2,800/75ml


Growing outside Christian Dior’s childhood home were wild clifftop roses that defied its harsh climate and environment. The resilient rose led to the creation of the first rose created for cosmetics – the Rose de Granville. From 7 rounds of cross-breeding chosen among over 40,000 hybrids, the result is a unique flower with the most extraordinary molecular profile of any rose. Dior Science has taken this nutrient-heavy bloom to create its newest reparative skincare, Le Micro-Caviar de Rose. Each jar holds 17,000 melting micro pearls which diffuse their micro-nutrients into the skin to comfort, repair, restore and revitalise signs of fatigue.

 

Drunk Elephant F-Balm Electrolyte Waterfacial

Launch: 1 January
Price: HK$410/50ml


Since the arrival of Sephora, beauty hoarders have now got another channel to fuel their addiction. With the new stores come new brands, one of which has climbed to cult standing: Drunk Elephant, the fastest-growing skincare brand in Sephora’s history. So when we were told that Founder Tiffany Masterson had a new product up her sleeve launching in 2020, we took it upon ourselves to see if it lived up to the reputation of the rest of the line. The F-Balm is a cooling, quenching overnight mask is said to plump and restore with its electrolyte cocktail. The formula effectively rehydrates hungover, overly-parched skin with its niacinamide, plant squalene, omega fatty acids and antioxidants. The verdict: it’s as promising as it sounds.

 

Laura Mercier Pure Canvas Primer

Launch: 1 January
Price: HK$390/30ml

[dual-images right-image-url="https://www.prestigeonline.com/hk/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/LM_Pure-Canvas-Primer-Illunminating_HK390_30ml_Visual_with-ingredients_pearl.jpg" left-image-url="https://www.prestigeonline.com/hk/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/LM_Pure-Canvas-Primer-Protecting_HK390_30ml_Visual_with-ingredients_Suncreen.jpg" right-caption="Pure Canvas Primer Illuminating" left-caption="Pure Canvas Primer Protecting"]
Considered the pioneer of makeup primer, Laura Mercier first introduced this category, previously unheard of outside of theatrical makeup, back in 1996. Fast forward to 2020, and this tiny tube has become what is integral in everyday cosmetic application. Twenty-four years later, Laure Mercier is growing its collection, with revamped packaging for its original bestseller and four new products in the Canvas Primer Collection. All formulas boost priming effects, extend makeup wear and protect against aggressors, all the while allowing your skin to breathe. Each of the new formulas address a specific skin concern, be it blurring, hydrating, illuminating or protecting. The Pure Canvas Primer Illuminating wins top marks with its “glow from within” effect, formulated with micronised pearls, glycerin and porcelain flower extract, to enhance the skin’s natural luminosity.

 

Clé de Peau Beauté La Crème

Launch: 2 January
Price: HK$4,600/30ml; HK$6,000/50ml


Since its launch in 1982, the acclaimed La Crème has undergone eight transformations thanks to Clé de Peau’s scientific developments and breakthroughs. The latest formula is its most potent and advanced yet, maximising Skin Intelligence – which activates the properties to enable skin to repair and defend itself from external stressors. The studies have also shown that 100% of women who have tried it swear by the results (-- us included). What’s more, the new multifaceted gemstone-like packaging sits beautifully on the bathroom shelf.

 

Byredo Unnamed

Launch: 16 January
Price: HK$1,850/100ml


The Swedish perfumers Byredo has been bottling up scents translated from memories and emotions since 2006. This year, they’re bringing back their ever-popular limited edition Unnamed fragrance. It literally has no name and no direction, just an immaculate label with the promise of a story to write as your own. The reedition is composed of gin accord and pink pepper top notes, a lush violet and orris stem heart and fir balsam and tree moss as a base. Create your own associations – be it a name, a date, a special moment, a dream destination – you can customise your own fragrance name using the iconic Byredo typography in black and the new fluorescent blue, green and pink colours, too.

 

Fenty Beauty Snap Shadows

Launch: 16 January
Price: HK$208; HK$375 for 2


There’s always that shade or two in an eyeshadow palette that remains untouched. It’s true, no one uses every colour no matter what mood or occasion it may be. So, Rihanna decided to roll out mini palettes of only six shades packed with rich, smooth, blendable colours in matte, shimmer and glitter finishes, suited for any skin tone – a collection that she promises you will use. “All the shades you like and none you don’t. That’s the beauty of Snap Shadows – you can mix & match these palettes to vibe with you” says @badgirlriri. How you ask? Each pocket-sized palette can snap onto another (hence the name of the product) to create a handy compact-sized custom palette.

 

 

The post New In: The 7 Beauty Products to Start 2020 With appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

The Top Shelf Beauty Products of 2019

We reveal our favourite beauty discoveries of the past year — find out what our go-to skincare brands are, make-up we never leave home without, where you’ll find us when we’re in need of a luxurious spa treatment, and what 2020 launches we’re excited about.

 

Favourite treatment

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Carol Joy London (@caroljoylondon) on

This one is a toss-up between a two-part treatment at W Hotel’s Bliss Spa – it included one of the best facials I’ve ever had, using Carol Joy London products, and a Saltability body massage using warm Himalayan salt stones – and the Bastien Pedicure at The Oriental Spa, which left my soles and toenails looking better than ever. If I could combine them all into one, it would be my dream treatment.

 

Favourite make-up brand

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Clé de Peau Beauté (@cledepeaubeaute) on

While most people can’t get enough of its award-winning Concealer, I’m a loyal fan of Clé de Peau Beauté for its powders, highlighters and always-on-point lipstick shades. The best is its limited-edition holiday collection, which this year includes my favourite radiance enhancing Refining Pressed Powder (HK$800) and a special Lipstick Cashmere (HK$480) in the bold shade of Red Passion.

 

Make-up item I can't live without

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Too Faced Cosmetics (@toofaced) on

I’m all about “less is more” when it comes to make-up, so I rarely apply a full face of foundation, powder, blush and so on. I prefer some strategically placed concealer, and this year my favourite was the new-to-Hong Kong brand Too Faced’s Born This Way Super Coverage Concealer (HK$225). A little bit goes a long way, and the buildable formula blends seamlessly.

 

The one beauty product I'm always hoarding

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Drunk Elephant (@drunkelephant) on

I can never seem to have enough lip balms, eyelash curlers and hand creams. I’m not loyal to any lip balms in particular but have been liking Drunk Elephant’s Lippe Balm (HK$145) since the brand arrived along with Sephora. Eyelash curlers are always the classic shu uemura (HK$150) or the travel ones from Sephora. And for my mitts, Sisley’s newly launched Restorative Hand Cream (HK$860) is my current fave for its rich-but-not-greasy texture.

 

Favourite beauty hack I learned

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Tata Harper Skincare (@tataharperskincare) on

I think I was late to the game on this one, but I have Tata Harper to thank for introducing me to multi-masking. It makes perfect sense using dierent masks – at the same time – for dierent areas of the face. Now I use a clay mask on my T-zone, a hydrating mask on my cheeks and sheet masks under my eyes. Three masks in one, and I’m done in 15 minutes.

 

Favourite overall beauty discovery

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Royal Fern by Dr. Timm Golueke (@royalfernskincare) on

I’m not sure if it was the fact that I stumbled upon it unexpectedly or that it ended up being so simple yet so good, but my favourite discovery this year was Royal Fern. Founder Dr Tim Golueke’s visit to Hong Kong popped up in my Instagram feed and a few hours later I was introduced to one of the hottest – but still under-the-radar – skincare brands from Germany. Even now I use the cream and ampoules on a regular basis.

 

The brand I'll always be loyal to

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by La Prairie official account (@laprairie) on

I can always count on La Prairie to come out with effective and divinely luxurious products season after season. Its in caviar was one of the first luxury skincare collections I really fell in love with and this year it introduced the Skin Caviar Eye Lift (HK$3,990). Even the loose powder (HK$1,800) and make-up brushes (HK$1,080) it recently released are among my must-haves.

 

Favourite skincare product

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by The Ordinary, NIOD, & more. (@deciem) on

It’s so hard to choose just one, but at least with The Ordinary’s Niacinamide 10% Zinc 1% (HK$80) I know I’m in good company. I was told the brand sells one of these serums every 30 seconds, thanks to its ability to balance sebum, fight blemishes and brighten skin tone. Add to that the quickly absorbed formula and affordable price point, and I’m sold.

 

Favourite haircare product

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Oribe (@oribe) on

This is another one that was introduced by a brand representative during their visit to Hong Kong. Oribe makes ultra-luxurious beauty and haircare products and devices. Its Gold Lust collection — comprising a shampoo, conditioner, hair mask and hair oil — not only smells divine but hydrate and smooth like no other.

 

Favourite beauty personality I met this year

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Isamaya Ffrench (@isamayaffrench) on

So many amazing people visited Hong Kong this year – including Tata Harper, Priscilla Ono, Peter Philips and Barbara Sturm – but my favourite was Isamaya Ffrench. The London-based “beauty exec” made her debut as Christian Louboutin’s first-ever global make-up artist here in Hong Kong, and it was the first time I saw anyone use mascara in red, no less as eye shadow and fishnet stockings to apply make-up. No wonder she started out face painting at children’s parties.

 

Favourite beauty device

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by CHA LING L'Esprit du Thé (@chalinglespritduthe) on

Give me a gua sha and I’ll happily massage the day away. It can be rose quartz or jade, smooth or ridged, as long as it helps with lymphatic drainage. When I have time, I also love the Cha Ling Ba Guan (HK$320). The at-home cupping device is perfect for tackling stubborn fat and cellulite.

 

Favourite beauty-related social media to follow

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Into The Gloss (@intothegloss) on

I think I’ve cycled through just about every make-up artist, #skincareaddict and wellness guru that’s out there. I’ll always be loyal to @intothegloss for its BFF approach, but lately I’m enjoying the somehow hypnotic nail art by Allure editor-in-chief @heymichellelee. I’ll probably never have the patience for nail art, so looking at her feed is the next best thing to getting a manicure myself.

 

Favourite Fragrance

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Miller Harris (@millerharris) on

There seemed to be a new fragrance released every week, if not every day, this year. A number of brands also opened stores in the Fragrant Harbour, particularly at K11 MUSEA, including Miller Harris. After trying out its fragrance profiling, I settled on the Lost in the City (HK$1,440) and have been enjoying wearing it ever since. I also have to give a shout-out to Louis Vuitton, which had a few winners this year too — my favourite being the California-inspired Cactus Garden (HK$2,050).

Favourite Bodycare Product

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Bamford (@bamford) on

Bamford burst on to the Hong Kong beauty scene late in the year, and was an instant hit with its all-natural, wellness-focused approach. Its B Silent Organic Body Oil (HK$400) is my favourite of the entire line thanks to its relaxing scent (from chamomile, lavender and vetiver root oils) and healing properties.

 

The next product I can't wait to get my hands on

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Angela Caglia Skincare (@angelacagliaskincare) on

Angela Caglia, of Rose Quartz Facial Goddess fame, recently released an Anti-Pollution Cleansing Oil (which she teased during her visit in September). I love her less-is-more approach and can see this becoming a favourite alongside her Detox Serum (HK$625) and Soufflé Moisturizer (HK$547) – not to mention the Vibrating Rose Quartz Sculpting Roller (HK$1,530) I use with them. I might have to throw in a few of her sheet masks too (HK$455).

The post The Top Shelf Beauty Products of 2019 appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

Living the Dream: Arissa Cheo

For style entrepreneur and glamorous Singaporean socialite Arissa Cheo, the confidence and assuredness that comes with experience is one of life’s great luxuries. Here, the founder of one of Asia’s hottest fashion lines – aptly named Arissa X – shares her tips for what to wear for dinner at the Captain’s table, as well as why holidays at sea are the ultimate treat.

 


 

[caption id="attachment_191791" align="alignnone" width="1391"] VIP guests can arrive in style on the helipad, Genting Dream of Dream Cruises | Top, vest and skirt: Louis Vuitton | Shoes: Fendi | Sunglasses and rings: Arissa Cheo’s own[/caption]

 

How would you describe your professional life?

I’ve been in fashion ever since I graduated, although it wasn’t planned. I studied Communication and Film, and I was looking at doing something more in media, but I ended up doing something online with my cousin – an online ecommerce site. After that, when it came to starting something on my own, fashion made sense as I already had experience in that.

 

Where did that passion for style come from?

I do love fashion – I love shopping! When me and my cousin were kids, we used to pretend that we had a store and sold clothes, who knows, maybe it came from that!

 

You’ve had the chance to attend many extravagant events. What does glamour mean to you?

To tell you the truth, I actually don’t enjoy every single event – I'm always standing in the corner and then out of there in 30 minutes! Unless it’s for work, and to support friends, of course. In terms of what glamour is, I don’t think it’s about how you look, or what you wear, it’s all about how you feel. So, if you’re feeling comfortable and confident then you’re naturally at ease and can enjoy yourself more. That’s what glamour means to me.

 

So, what’s the secret ingredient to confidence?

You know, I wasn’t confident at all when I was young, although I was very good at covering it up. I think it really takes a long time to gain confidence, and that comes from getting to know yourself better. It’s about being your authentic self. As you grow, you’re learning along the way, gaining more confidence as you go. And if in doubt, put on some heels and lipstick – that can help a lot!

 

And how can you get this inner confidence?

Mindfulness, health and wellness, they do play a part in helping you find yourself. But for me personally, the issue I had when I was younger was not being able to manage what people thought of me, and now I’m at a point in my life when I really don’t care about that anymore. Now, it’s really about how you feel and what the people that really care and love you think. It’s the people that you have the most respect and love for, that’s all that matters really.


So, what would we find you wearing at the Captain’s table, for dinner?

When I’m in Singapore, I’m usually in sweats or T-shirts and shorts, but if I go on holiday then I love to go all out and dress up – heels, gowns, the works! So, for a beautiful evening dinner, I’d love a flowing gown and some stunning jewellery. I accessorise a lot! I always have rings on – right now I’m loving them in gold. But when I go on a cruise or a ship, I dress very differently to how you might normally see me.

 

So, you enjoy spending time on the water?

I love the water! It’s just such a luxury to go aboard. I’ve always loved being in the water, being surrounded by the open ocean. It’s so incredibly calming, and the convenience of being taken from place to place on a boat – you can just hop on and hop off, it’s like a moving hotel. What more could you want!

 

[caption id="attachment_191790" align="alignnone" width="1460"] Palace Villa guests can enjoy an exclusive private bridge tour hosted by the Captain, Genting Dream of Dream Cruises | Jacket, trousers, shirt and tie: Dolce & Gabbana | Hat: Gucci | Rings: Arissa Cheo’s own[/caption]

 


 

Photographer Jeff Chang  

Stylist Jerome Awasthi 

Assisted by Jet Ho

Hair and Makeup Manisa Tan using Clé de Peau Beauté

The post Living the Dream: Arissa Cheo appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

Oscar-Nominated Actress Felicity Jones on the Art of Film and Personal Beauty

She’s been a professional actress for 23 years. She’s portrayed a villain, a resistance fighter and a Supreme Court justice. And she’s widely considered the embodiment of inner and outer beauty. Is Felicity Jones the closest thing to a modern-day superhero?  

 

Felicity Rose Hadley Jones became a working actress at an age when most kids are studying algebra rather than studying lines. “Well, my first role was in a costume drama for television called The Treasure Seekers, about a group of children trying to find a fortune to help their single father struggling as an inventor,” she recalls of the 1996 TV movie, for which the then 12-year-old Jones received second billing. “We shot it in a lovely old house just outside of London where there was a huge tree swing, which we would all play on in between scenes.”

A promotional poster shows the young star grinning widely along with the rest of the cast, a sure indication that Jones had found her calling among her fellow thespians. Nowadays that same cheeky smile can be seen on posters and advertisements all over the world, either for her latest blockbuster film -- The Theory of Everything, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, On the Basis of Sex come to mind -- or in her role as global ambassador for Japanese cosmetics brand Clé de Peau Beauté, a position she’s held since early 2018. But how, one wonders, does she manage it all with such grace, such poise and such an unusual lack of personal turmoil?

“I joined a youth drama group when I was growing up, which I absolutely loved,” says the 35-year-old, who grew up near Birmingham in England’s West Midlands. “We learnt about acting in theatre, film and television. I made some lifelong friends there and that’s where I had auditions for professional work.”

At the time, Jones says, she didn’t have aspirations for a Hollywood career. School and schoolwork took precedence, even when it came to her youth group. “I never knew if I’d be able to act professionally, it was just something that I loved doing,” she says. “It was always such good fun and I loved the camaraderie around it.”

Jones continued acting throughout university, appearing in student plays, as she pursued a degree in English literature at the University of Oxford’s Wadham College. Now her portrait hangs in the college alongside fellow alumnae, including actress Rosamund Pike and author Monica Ali, a testament to the school’s “changing faces”.

Following her graduation, Jones appeared in a number of television movies and series in the UK, including one episode of Doctor Who. But before long the big screen came calling. After bit parts in films such as Brideshead Revisited and Chéri, she was cast as the star in The Tempest, directed by Julie Taymor, and Like Crazy, directed by Drake Doremus.

Like Crazy was a huge experience. Working with Anton Yelchin and Drake Doremus was one of the most extraordinary acting and life experiences I’ve had,” Jones says. “It was the first time I improvised on camera, which I relished.”

It was reported that Doremus and co-writer Ben York Jones put together an outline, 50 pages long, and had Jones and Yelchin improvise off it. Her performance garnered a number of international awards, including Best Female Newcomer at the Empire Awards, Breakthrough Actor at the Gotham Awards, a tie for Breakthrough Performance from the National Board of Review, and a Special Jury Prize at Sundance Film Festival. Doremus must have also been pleased, considering he cast her in his next film, Breathe In, opposite Guy Pearce.

Breathe In was released in 2013, but it was following year that could be considered Jones’s breakout. Besides appearing in The Amazing Spider-Man 2 as Felicia Hardy, aka Black Cat, she captivated audiences as Jane Hawking, first wife of renowned physicist Stephen Hawking, in the biopic The Theory of Everything. A slew of award nominations followed, including Best Actress at both the Academy Awards and the Golden Globes.

But Jones is quick to point out that she’s in it for the craft and the challenge, and not the awards or accolades. Over the years, she’s appeared in several plays and is still fondly remembered for her recurring role as Emma Carter in BBC Radio’s long-running soap, The Archers.

“The most important thing,” she says, “is the story you’re telling rather than the medium. Narrative is everything.”

Indeed, Jones has been known to throw herself into a role, whether she’s playing the villain to Tom Hanks’s protagonist Robert Langdon in Inferno or championing women’s rights as legendary Supreme Court justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg in On the Basis of Sex.

"I definitely like a challenge and I have to feel creatively invested in the story. I have to care about that person I’m playing in some way. I usually go for things that I can’t stop thinking about a couple of days after reading the script."

Once she decides on a role, Jones goes all-in. “I really enjoy researching a character and understanding the world from their perspective. Physical prep is key, too -- how does that person move?” she says. “Also finding the look is very important: trying on wigs, different costumes. There’s a huge amount of collaboration with creatives in the hair, make-up and costume departments. The approach is both external and psychological. Understanding what motivates that person: Why are they behaving in a certain way? Why are they making certain decisions?”

When it came to her latest big-budget, box-office sensation, Jones found herself studying kung fu among other “forces”. Rogue One saw her introduction as resistance fighter Jyn Erso in a critically praised portrayal that left audiences clamouring for more: the Kids’ Choice Awards, Teen Choice Awards and MTV Movie Awards all nominated her in categories such as Choice Sci-Fi Movie Actress and Favorite Butt-Kicker.

Jones followed up her Star Wars turn by embracing the life story of Ruth Bader Ginsburg, the American attorney who championed women’s rights all the way to a seat on the US Supreme Court. “I adored playing Ruth Bader Ginsburg,” she says of On the Basis of Sex, which was released at the end of last year. “I often think of her as someone I would most like to be like!”

Now in post-production, Jones’s next film follows the story of pilot Amelia Wren (played by Jones) and The Theory of Everything costar Eddie Redmayne as they embark on an historic hot-air balloon expedition. “We’re all deeply proud of the film and it was an incredibly innovative story,” she says. “It’s not like anything anyone’s ever seen before. I adored its originality.”

Making so many films back to back doesn’t leave time for much else, although Jones enjoys “swimming, reading, cooking, seeing friends, and going to the theatre and art exhibitions”. She’s also open to looking beyond acting to a more behind-the-scenes role. “I love being involved in all stages of making entertainment. Having studied English literature at university, it feels very natural to be reading books and articles and thinking, could this be a good film or television programme?” she says. “I love exploring this side of production.”

Also keeping her busy is her work with Clé de Peau Beauté, for which she not only serves as muse and spokesperson but also gets involved in its various advocacy and philanthropic programmes. This year saw the establishment of the Power of Radiance, described by the company as “a multi-year philanthropic commitment that honours inspirational women from around the world whose advocacy for women and girls’ education has led to positive long-term impact on lives”.

“It’s an incredible project to be a part of and a highlight was the Power of Radiance event, where women from all over the world were brought together to discuss and celebrate the importance of female education,” Jones says of the global launch event in March in Tokyo honouring the programme’s first Power of Radiance Award recipient Muzoon Almellehan.

Almellehan fled Syria in 2013 and is the first individual with refugee status to be a Unicef Goodwill Ambassador. She spent three years living in refugee camps in Jordan, where as a 14-year-old she went from tent to tent convincing families that their daughters needed an education.

“Muzoon is an extraordinary woman, and her fight for equal education is breathtaking,” Jones says. “She’s articulate and warm and a very strong woman -- an inspiration to be around.” While she may be the “face” that sells Clé de Peau Beauté to audiences around the world, Jones’s involvement in the Power of Radiance programme underscores the fact that she’s much more than meets the eye.

"Beauty is about looking after the inside as well as the outside. It’s about figuring out what makes you feel you and not being afraid to be that person. It’s not always an easy path but true beauty comes from that self-belief."

The post Oscar-Nominated Actress Felicity Jones on the Art of Film and Personal Beauty appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

Prestige Ladies Luncheon: Celebrating International Women’s Day with Clé De Peau Beauté and Harlan+Holden

On March 6, 2019, Prestige held another Ladies Luncheon at Alto Restaurant in Four Seasons Hotel, Jakarta. Honoring the International Women's Day which lies on March 8, Prestige invited 25 ladies to celebrate it with Clé de Peau Beauté and Harlan+Holden. Rani Sutari once again led the luncheon as the Master of Ceremony.

The ladies had a lovely three-course Italian menu in the eclectic red dining room on the 20th floor of Four Seasons Hotel. Especially for Prestige, Japan's top luxury make-up and skincare brand Clé de Peau Beauté gave the first preview for the new Eye Mask range from its Supreme line. The make-up artist and beauty expert from the beauty brand also gave their beauty tips on how to apply your skincare and make-up right. Meanwhile Harlan+Holden, a contemporary fashion label from Philippines, also celebrates the diversity of women by providing styling tips with Celebrity Stylist Alva Susilo on how to mix and match your outfit for all body types.

See the photos from the event in the gallery.

The post Prestige Ladies Luncheon: Celebrating International Women’s Day with Clé De Peau Beauté and Harlan+Holden appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

Prestige Ladies Luncheon: Celebrating International Women’s Day with Clé De Peau Beauté and Harlan+Holden

On March 6, 2019, Prestige held another Ladies Luncheon at Alto Restaurant in Four Seasons Hotel, Jakarta. Honoring the International Women's Day which lies on March 8, Prestige invited 25 ladies to celebrate it with Clé de Peau Beauté and Harlan+Holden. Rani Sutari once again led the luncheon as the Master of Ceremony.

The ladies had a lovely three-course Italian menu in the eclectic red dining room on the 20th floor of Four Seasons Hotel. Especially for Prestige, Japan's top luxury make-up and skincare brand Clé de Peau Beauté gave the first preview for the new Eye Mask range from its Supreme line. The make-up artist and beauty expert from the beauty brand also gave their beauty tips on how to apply your skincare and make-up right. Meanwhile Harlan+Holden, a contemporary fashion label from Philippines, also celebrates the diversity of women by providing styling tips with Celebrity Stylist Alva Susilo on how to mix and match your outfit for all body types.

See the photos from the event in the gallery.

The post Prestige Ladies Luncheon: Celebrating International Women’s Day with Clé De Peau Beauté and Harlan+Holden appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

Top 6 Beauty Must-Haves in March 2019

Bvlgari Rose Goldea

Bvlgari has unveiled master perfumer Alberto Morillas’ Rose Goldea as a tribute to femininity, combining radiant rose and sophisticated musks into a blend of desire. Inspired by the house’s Serpenti collections, this is a floral rose musk made from heart of pomegranate, rose petal extract and nectar of musks. Available at Glow Living Beauty.

 

Sulwhasoo Bloomstay Vitalizing Cream

Inspired by the beauty of plum blossoms blooming in the snow, Sulwhasoo Bloomstay Vitalizing cream is the result of Sulwhasoo’s proprietary research, five germinated fruits and seeds. Yuzu and hardy orange help protect the skin from external stimuli.

 

Miss Dior Eau de Toilette

Dior nose François Demachy likes to think of Miss Dior Eau de Toilette as a musical score in which every notes count and every nuance remains indefinable. The new fragrance sees flowers soar amid an arrangement of light and radiant notes.

 

L’Occitane Terre de Lumière

L’Occitane Terre de Lumière is inspired by the “golden hour”, a moment in time just before the sun sets when the light embraces the sky. With zesty and aromatic top notes, the fragrance develops into delicate aromas of lavender, honey and almond from the South of France.

 

YSL Rouge Volupté Plump in Colour

YSL Rouge Volupté Plump in Colour, at Glow Living Beauty, is a medium-coverage oil-in-stick that provides luscious colour and luminous shine while conditioning lips.

 

Clé De Peau's Supreme Series

 

Clé De Peau Enhancing Eye contour cream Supreme, at Glow Living Beauty, is an advanced cream that promotes a recontoured eye area and a more youthful, lifted eye look. Infused with Iris Florentine Extract, precious essence that helps stimulate and revitalise skin.

The post Top 6 Beauty Must-Haves in March 2019 appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

Gift guide for the woman in your life

From efficacious skincare to a 23.75-karat golden hair dryer, these gifts for the woman (or women) in your life will earn you points all year long.

For more stories like this, visit www.thepeakmagazine.com.sg.

Liquid error (layout/theme line 205): Could not find asset snippets/jsonld-for-seo.liquid
Subscribe