Celebrity Life

For those looking to do a little digital art shopping for their kawaii valentine, Phillips is hosting an online auction of NFTs from 14-22 February 2022. The Japanese word kawaii in English means cute and the My Kawaii Valentine online auction celebrates the spirit of love as all the artwork that is a part of the auction is based on the themes of cuteness, companionship, self-appreciation and flowers.

My Kawaii Valentine online art and NFT auction

The online auction being held by Phillips features six non-fungible tokens (NFTs) as well as various physical paintings and prints. The pieces that are being auctioned during the season of love have been chosen keeping in mind the Gen Z, millennials and expert art collectors. This auction has something for everyone.

The paintings being sold at the auction are by artists who are currently in demand with the crowd such as Yoshitomo Nara, Mr Doodle, Tomoo Gokita, Katherine Bernhardt, and Edgar Plan. As for NFTs, the auction holds artwork by artists such as Pomme Chan, MonoC, Maciej Kuciara and Lili Tae.

The online auction is slated to start at 9:00 pm HKT on 14 February and close at 6:00 pm HKT on 22 February. Along with Hong Kong Dollars, Phillips will also accept cryptocurrency (Ethereum or Bitcoin) for the NFTs.

The Art

Drowning In Love

Drowning In Love is one of the most special digital art pieces being auctioned. It is the world’s first NFT by a virtual artist – MonoC. The NFT will be auctioned on the last day as it will be created by MonoC based on the data coming in real-time on all seven days of the auction. The algorithm behind this process will work on the data that will come in each day, altering the final outcome of the NFT and bidders will be able to see the changes made every day. This one-of-a-kind process is the result of a collaboration between Hong Kong’s homegrown BrandTech firm Gusto Collective, who created MonoC, and Phillips.

Not just that, they have also partnered with composer Terrence Ma (T-Ma) who will be creating music accompanying the digital art piece which will be sold in a video format. The opening bid for the unique 150-second long video will be HK$ 1,000.

Her Body Is Metal

Made by Polish digital artist Maciej Kuciara, Her Body Is Metal is the second NFT piece from his famous Showtime Universe series. The piece is the result of his time spent as a Hollywood film designer and his love for art.

Other NFTs

Love, Me by Bangkok illustrator Lili Tae features heavy influences from Japanese schoolgirl magazines that had girls declaring their love on Valentine’s Day making it a perfect piece for the My Kawaii Valentine auction.

Tomoo Gokita’s, Fake Cezanne #1 honours post-Impressionist painter Paul Cézanne. Ultimate Smokey Eye by Gina Beavers was originally painted in 2019 and is the artist’s perception of online makeup tutorials and how people tend to show themselves in the online world.

The auction will take place on Philips.com

(Main and Feature Image Credit: Courtesy of Gusto Collective)

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With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, pre-owned watch specialist Watchfinder & Co. take a look back at some of the world’s most iconic couples and the watches they gifted each other as tokens of their affection.

Why buy pre-owned? There are many gems hidden in the market – limited editions, cult classics and otherwise impossible to obtain bestsellers that your local AD won’t give you access to. Watchfinder & Co is recognised as a trusted source in the industry and considered one of the best routes to access this growing stock of attractive timepieces.

Paul Newman and Joanna Woodward

Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward were Hollywood’s golden couple and the Rolex Daytona (ref. 6239) gifted to Paul by his wife in 1968 went on to become one of the most famous watches in horological history. The timepiece, now recognised as the ‘Paul Newman Daytona’, featured a white exotic dial, pump pushers and a steel bezel. What made this specific watch all the more unique was the words ‘Drive Carefully, Me’ inscribed on the caseback by Woodward as a reminder to take care on the racetrack. When the watch appeared at auction in 2017 it sold for a staggering $17.8 million, making it the most expensive Rolex ever sold. 

Shop Rolex Daytona here.

John F. Kennedy and Marilyn Monroe

A more scandalous pairing was that of Marilyn Monroe and U.S. President John F. Kennedy. On the evening of the former president’s birthday—where Monroe famously sang “Happy Birthday”—the actress gifted JFK a gold Rolex Day-Date, with the inscription “JACK, with love as always from MARILYN, May 29th 1962”. The engraved timepiece alluded to a longstanding affair however, to this day, it has never been proven. Allegedly Kennedy instructed his aide to get rid of the watch and never wore it. However, 43 years later the timepiece re-appeared at auction alongside a longing poem Marilyn had written. The watch sold for $120,000. 

Shop Rolex Day-Date here.

Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor

One of the 20th century’s most iconic power couples, the twice married Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor were known for their extravagance, with Taylor herself a keen watch collector, amassing watches from Cartier, Bulgari, Patek Philippe and Piaget, amongst many others. In 1970, celebrating Burton’s CBE awarded by Queen Elizabeth, Taylor gifted Burton a gold Omega Constellation watch which featured a square dial and an 18-carat yellow gold case and bracelet. In 2015, the watch sold for more than $12,000 at auction. 

Shop Omega Constellation here.

Prince William Duke of Cambridge and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge

In 2014, in celebration of the couples’ third wedding anniversary, Prince William presented his wife with a Cartier Ballon Bleu. The watch featured a stainless-steel bracelet, blued-steel hands and a blue spinel set into the crown. Prince William chose that particular watch as it matched the Duchess’ sapphire engagement ring which was previously owned by his mother, Diana, the Princess of Wales—who was also a big fan of Cartier watches. 

Shop Cartier Ballon Bleu here.

Jay-Z and Beyonce

In 2018, for Jay-Z’s 43rd birthday, Beyoncé gifted him with the most expensive Hublot ever made – a $5 million Big Bang. The timepiece was covered with 1,282 diamonds – all of the highest grade. The watch was a custom, one-off design that took 14 months to make, and required 12 cutters and five setters. 

Shop Hublot Big Bang here.

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In our beauty edit, we’re looking at everything from the best Valentine’s Day beauty collections to limited-edition makeup releases, floral fragrances, luxurious candles and more.

We love love — or at least, we’re fond of Valentine’s Day, a nice reminder to spend more time with the special someone in our lives, with our loved ones, with everyone we care about and cherish. And all the pink and red, hearts and roses themed items out for grabs on the day of love don’t hurt either.

Whether it’s an item for gifting or a purchase of your own (little bit of self-love!), we’ve put together the ultimate list of beauty picks for this year’s Valentine’s Day. It’s time to indulge.

The Best of Valentine’s Day Beauty

The post Everything’s Coming Up Roses: The Best Beauty Products For Valentine’s Day appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

If you’re stumped on what to get the woman in your life this February, the editors at Prestige Hong Kong have you covered with a selection of Valentine’s Day gifts to celebrate her.

Valentine’s Day Gifts For Her

Anastasia Beverly Hills Matte Lipstick — Blackberry

Impress the woman in your life with this little tube — You know trends. You follow the news. You know Anastasia Beverly Hills just launched an entire collection of matte and satin lipsticks (18 shades in 2 finishes!) and lip liners. Formulated to deliver intense colour payoff and housed in a luxurious rose-gold component, this is the lipstick bullet to buy for Valentine’s. Pick up the shade Blackberry, a deep berry with a comfortable matte finish, as well as the matching lip liner.

Sakina Abidi – Editorial Assistant

Love Potions Classes at Dr. Fern’s

Why taking the woman – and bar lover – in your life out for a drink when you can impress her with cocktails made by you? Exclusively available on February 12 and 13, guests can book a private cocktail masterclass with Dr. Fern’s mixologists to create three enchanting ‘potions’ with their loved ones.

Marta Colombo – Digital Editor

MOHLIA Valentine’s Day Advent Calendar

Why settle for one gift when you can get … 14? MOHLIA has put together the ultimate advent calendar (these aren’t just for Christmas anymore) featuring 14 artisan-made products from 11 brands in Hong Kong. You’ll find everything from classic chocolates and flowers, to exciting offerings like a crystal candle, a portable charger, jewellery and more. Brands featured include Mia Marca, L’Dezen, Skincure Asia, Crystals for Night, Anaphe, Freedom2Sparkle Jewelry, Munchin Chocolatier, Social Baos, Eternity Jewels, Le Glamor and Flying Wish.

Stephanie Ip – Managing Editor

Pavo Florals Madonna Rose Box

What do all women want? A love that lasts a lifetime. And here, we have it — or, an expression of it, anyway — in the form of everlasting, handcrafted silk flowers. Although sunflowers are my favourites (take note, boys!), Pavo Florals’ signature Madonna Roses are an impressive two to three times larger than the average bud; a glorious, customisable arrangement that will brighten up any living space in an extravagant statement of love.

Sandra Kwong – Features Editor

Tiffany Knot Double Hinged Bangles

Why yes, I do have multiple items on this list, but it’s Valentine’s Day! And my birthday coming up hot, too. So, for all my friends and suitors reading this, I do indeed have my eye on a little bit of gold and ice. Let a girl dream. Anything that symbolises unity will always tug on my heartstrings, and for the very large, insatiable magpie within me, it would certainly be nice to be adorned with one or two items from the brand’s latest Tiffany Knot collection.

Sandra Kwong – Features Editor

Valentine’s Day Lunch at Andō

There’s nothing more exciting for a foodie than a surprise 9-course lunch at one of the city’s most talked about restaurants. One-Michelin-star Andō by chef Augustin Balbi is serving a special selection of earthy dishes rooted in the Argentinian chef’s contemporary and innovative approach to auteur cuisine.

Marta Colombo – Digital Editor

Gucci Saint Valentine Shoulder Bag

Nothing says love like … wearing your heart on your hip? But who can resist this adorable Saint Valentine shoulder bag, designed in the shape of a heart in Gucci’s durable GG Supreme coated canvas? A fine chain strap and bold red letters spelling LOVE and a heart stamp complete the dream. Available at Net-a-Porter.

Stephanie Ip – Managing Editor

Asaya Lodge “Love Myself” Retreat

I can’t resist any excuse for good pampering, and no one does it better than Asaya at the Rosewood Hong Kong. Sure, a couples spa treatment sounds lovely, but so does me-time and nourishing your own mental and physical well-being. The Love Myself one-night retreat comes with a one-on-one consultation with Dr Tal Asaya’s resident naturopathic doctor. Guests are also invited to custom blend their own body scrubs, aromatic oils and bath salts for your ultimate tailored self-care ritual. The stay ends with dining credits to be used at Rosewood’s select dining destinations, plus access to Manor Club lounge for complimentary breakfast, afternoon tea and champagne.

Stephanie Ip – Managing Editor

If you liked our “Valentine’s Day Gifts for Her,” check out this other gift guide

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We talk to four Hong Kong couples about love, romance and long-lasting healthy relationships.

February is a month of celebration: starting off with the Lunar New Year, closely followed by the day of lovers. For this year’s Valentine’s Day, we join Hong Kong couples as they reflect on their relationship and share diverse stories of romance.

4 Hong Kong Couples on Relationships & Romance

Janet Ma and Michael Wong

(Answers from Janet)

How did you meet?

We were shooting a jewellery commercial together.

What’s key to maintaining a healthy relationship?

I think trust and giving each other enough space are very important. It’s very basic, but it does takes time to achieve.

What’s the most memorable moment for you?

Our most memorable moment isn’t Valentine’s Day, but our anniversary.

What brings you joy?

Seeing each other, our children and the people around us being happy brings us most joy.

Tell us a secret about him.

I’m not telling, as I won’t betray my loved one — a secret is a secret.

Which joint goals haven’t you achieved yet?

For many couples, the goal is to be happy ever after. As we still have a long run ahead, we hope to achieve that — like everyone else — by loving each other till the end.

May Chow and Jodie Chan

(Answers from May and Jodie)

How did you meet?

We met at an event a couple years ago through mutual friends.

What’s key to maintaining a healthy relationship?

Communication, mutual respect and trust. Taking an interest in each other’s interests, knowing each other well in terms of the weak and strong parts, and being able to support and cover each other. Prioritising one’s partner over one’s self gives a healthy dynamic.

What’s the most memorable moment for you?

Jodie: The most memorable moment was our official first date. May set up a picnic at Tamar Park and she curated different foods from places that I like. We enjoyed a bottle of wine and the meal together alongside a playlist I created. We don’t celebrate Valentine’s Day, as it can be every day. We make an effort to have regular date nights and keep the romance. We also take a huge number of pictures and videos together to keep every moment unforgettable.

What brings you joy?

We’re both very people-oriented — we both love to eat and spend time with people we love, sharing experiences. Also travelling to new places together and discovering the stories behind things we’re interested in keeps us happy.

Tell us a secret about each other.

Jodie: For anyone who doesn’t know May, she’s a softy — her emotions, in terms of being touched, are easily moved by things and people around her.
May: Jodie is the alpha and the rock who’s able to secure us, as well as the decision-maker in our relationship.

How do you plan to spend Valentine’s Day?

Romance should be all the time, so we love to celebrate Valentine’s Day not just on that day but normal days too, perhaps cooking a meal at home just to keep it simple and intimate.

Which joint goals haven’t you achieved yet?

We’re going to get married and have a celebration of us as a married couple, rather than a commitment to start a family at this stage. There are many adventures for discovery, things we’re looking forward to exploring and achieving together before the next stage.

Cara Li and Matt Reid

(Answers from Cara)

How did you meet?

We were introduced by friends in New York.

What’s key to maintaining a healthy relationship?

For us it comes naturally. We genuinely are each other’s best friends and love being in each other’s company. We share the same interests — we both love to cook and we make each other laugh a lot. We also respect and support each other.

What’s the most memorable moment for you?

Most recently, the birth of our beautiful daughter Ireland, who brings us so much joy every day.

What else brings you joy?

Sharing all these amazing milestones together. We love just being home and having our family over, cooking for them and taking in all these special moments.

Tell us a secret about him.

Matt makes a mean breakfast sandwich.

How do you plan to spend Valentine’s Day?

Last year we had an amazing lunch at L’Envol. Matt knows that a good cheese course is the way to my heart. This year will probably involve some kind of cheesy date.

Which joint goals haven’t you achieved yet?

We’ve both always appreciated design, and we love interiors and furniture. We’d love to design and build a home together from scratch.

Charlz Ng and Clement Tsoi

(Answers from Charlz)

How did you meet?

We were introduced by a mutual friend at a friend’s karaoke gathering.

What’s key to maintaining a healthy relationship?

Being transparent is most important in maintaining our relationship. Putting everything on the table and talking about it can help avoid misunderstanding and friction.

What’s the most memorable moment for you?

A memorable moment was Clement playing a love song to me on his guitar. The most unforgettable Valentine’s Day is yet to come, as this will be our first — we’re looking forward to it.

What brings you joy?

As simple as waking up next to each other every day.

Tell us a secret about him.

Clement participated in the Good Night Show hosted on ViuTV.

How do you plan to spend Valentine’s Day?

We haven’t planned much this year as the Covid restrictions mean we’re unable to do much, so we’ll keep it simple and cook a nice meal at home instead. The must-do list this year is not to eat at Carbon, as we go there almost every day — it’s better to do something different on this special day with Clement. We both love Marvel, so we’ll probably re-watch The Avengers together.

Which joint goals haven’t you achieved yet?

We’ve done quite a lot in our time together, including meeting family, looking after each other while ill, going to the gym and working out together, making small tokens of appreciation and giving surprises that make each other’s day better. Perhaps what we haven’t achieved yet is independency, as we literally spend most of our non-work hours together.

4 Hong Kong Couples on Relationships & Romance

PHOTOGRAPHY ALISON KWAN
STYLING JEREMY WONG
LOCATION THE HARI HONG KONG
HIGH-JEWELLERY POMELLATO

The post Be My Valentine: 4 Hong Kong Couples on Relationships & Romance appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

There’s something about gifting jewellery that’s incredibly intimate and emotional.

Sure, chocolates and flowers are classic Valentine’s Day gestures, but if you want your significant other to feel like the kings or queens of the world, then there’s nothing like a jewellery gift, something you know they’ll treasure for all the years to come. From fun and flirty, elegant pieces, to bold and strong symbolic jewellery and big brand names, here is our selection of the best jewellery pieces your partner will love.

Chopard

The happiest diamonds are the ones that are free. So let your loved ones know just how happy their love makes you with Chopard’s Happy Hearts collection. The open-ended rose gold cuff comes with heart charms on both ends, one with a glossy red stone and the other a sapphire crystal glass case holding a free-moving 0.05-carat diamond. Available at Net-a-Porter.

Yvonne Léon

Yvonne Léon’s jewellery is Parisian chic, inspired by the life and the stylish women in the French capital who wore colourful and bold jewellery most effortlessly. This heart-shaped signet ring is handmade from 9K gold, with a rope-effect setting that holds a heart-shaped malachite pierced with a singular diamond. If you don’t enjoy your heart-shaped jewellery in pinks and reds, this might steal your heart instead. Available at Net-a-Porter.

Sorrellina

Sorellina is a jewellery brand is founded by sister duo Nicole and Kim Carosella, whose aesthetic leans towards bold statements with a hint of vintage charm. This beautiful heart-shaped locket comes with a pink mother-of-pearl centre that’s framed with diamonds and rainbow-hued sapphires. And like any functional locket, it opens up to store a tiny photo of a loved one close to heart. Available at Net-a-Porter.

Cece Jewellery

Emerging British designer and goldsmith Cece Jewellery combines a love for retro tattoos, enamel art and goldsmithing to create these wonderfully whimsical pendants and signet rings, which tell the tales of nautical adventures, mythical creates and animal totems. This piece depicting a pierced heart has our attention. Each jewellery is made from recycled yellow gold and hand-engraved and hand-painted by one of London’s most renowned enamellers.

Graff

Feminity is in full bloom at Graff, whose new Wild Flower collection brings a vision of carefree irreverence and unencumbered self-expression to the playful diamond pieces. Arranged in an open-worked pavé setting, the diamonds appear incredibly light yet full of life – the perfect gift for a loved one.

Boochier

Melinda Zeman turned to jewellery design to satisfy her pursuit of interesting and unique jewellery pieces that incorporate nostalgic elements of her childhood rather than the more run-of-the-mill flora and fauna. Boochier is fun at heart, crafted in diamonds and neon-coloured enamel. This ring in particular is inspired by a childhood favourite, the Slinkee, perfect for the fun-loving partners this Valentine’s Day.

Mateo

Pearls are making a comeback – we’ve not seen pearl chains look as stylish as when strung around Harry Style’s neck. For designer Matthew Harris, pearls are the significant of his brand Mateo. The designer is drawn to the iridescent stones since they’re also his birthstone, and makes use of the cream-coloured jewels in the most classic and wearable ways. Available at Mr Porter.

Samantha Tea

Let Samantha Tea spell it out for you – love should be all year round, not just on Valentine’s Day. The All in Love! Ring is made from solid rose gold, with the world LOVE standing upright and paved in white diamonds in the front and cognac diamonds at the back.

Eden Presley

Bold and daring defines the designs of Eden Presley, who combines classic and traditional motifs with unusual elements and semi-precious stones for a distinctive take on fine jewellery. The Rainbow Love Transformer Earrings features heart hoops in multi-colour gemstones and comes apart so the first heart can be worn as a stud and the second heart as a pendant. Jewellery should be fun and Eden Presley for sure brings it out.

Mikimoto

Love doesn’t have to be loud – this delicate 18K white gold bracelet with an Akoya cultured pearl and a ribbon motif in white gold and diamonds is perfect for those looking for something subtle, less in-your-face, more pure this Valentine’s Day. Ribbons is a precious symbol, according to the Japanese jeweller, who believes it symbolises the unbreakable bond uniting those who love each other.

De Beers

There’s nothing like receiving your very first De Beers jewellery. My First De Beers collection comes in modern and versatile designs that will surely become treasured pieces in anyone’s collection. For Valentine’s Day, pick up a heart-shaped diamond pendant or a tear-drop shaped one – each centre diamond is encircled by a halo of micropavé diamonds to accentuate the diamonds’ romantic shapes.

Stenzhorn

This Valentine’s Day, German jeweller Stenzhorn’s released a fun new collection titled Honey Honey, bee-inspired jewellery to celebrate the joyous occasion with levity and affection. The Honey Honey Collection earrings features baguette diamond links in a geometric honeycomb pattern to represent the sweet connection. A modern silhouette that any chic woman would love. Available at Emperor Watches and Jewellery or online.

Marla Aaron

Marla Aaron has got your heart under lock and key with her fun signature heart pendants, an industrial design that’s inspired by the New Yorker’s passion for bridges, hardware, and jewellery. Shop her fun pieces at Lane Crawford, or online at Farfetch.

Fred

In pink gold and rubies, Fred’s Pretty Woman collection celebrates love in all its forms. The collection, inspired by the movie of the same name starring Julia Roberts, comes with a heart-within-a-heart design for the vivacious and energetic women in your life.

Bvlgari

Snakes are not the slippery cunning creatures you might think they are, on the contrary they represent fertility, rebirth and eternity – strong symbolic jewellery that’s well-suited for your partner in life. And when it comes to serpentine jewellery, no one does it better than Bvlgari.

[Header image: De Beers’ Valentine’s Day Campaign, showcasing the Enchanted Lotus collection]

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