L'Officiel Malaysia N°50 August 2020

N° 50 August 2020 www.lofficielmalaysia.com

MY HERO ATIK AH K ARIM

N° 50 August 2020

Edito

PHOTOGRAPHY DANNY LIM STYLING MONICA MONG MAKEUP AMBER LEE HAIR MEI CHOI MODEL ATIKAH KARIM/ 3M MODELS DRESS, BOOTS AND HEADBAND, SAINT LAURENT

BY ANTHONY VACCARELLO

page 12

Contributors page 14

Editor’s Pick page 16

STYLE Heroine Chic page 20

News page 30

Sweet Dreams Are Made Of These page 32

The Bobby Bag By Dior page 33

Lady Of The House page 34

Eye Candy page 36

page 36

page 16

page 30

BIJOUX In Capital Letters page 42

Today In Herstory page 50

Dangerous Liaisons page 54

Modern Fairytale page 58

Letters To Juliet page 59 page 42

News page 60

Chrono Action page 62

The Speedmaster 38 mm Full Gold

by Omega page 63

Bold & Beautiful page 64

Full Circle

page 60

page 70

Chained Melody page 74

Top Of The Game page 76

Great Exploits page 78

Back To The Future page 80

page 76

page 50

BEAUTY What Goes Around Comes Around page 84

News page 90

Home Hits The Spot page 92

The White Caviar Eye Extraordinaire

by La Prairie page 93

Back To Black page 94

Choose Your Weapon page 94 page 96 page 102

Made In Malaysia page 96

MODE Homecoming Queen page 102

In The Flash page 114

LIVING News page 124 page 124 page 114

What It Means To Be Alive page 126

A Lost Paradise page 132

LAST WORD Cushion Innovation page 144

page 132

N° 50 August 2020

EDITORIAL

SALES & MARKETING

MANAGING EDITOR MONICA MONG

VICE PRESIDENT AILEEN SOH

DEPUTY EDITOR TAN SIOK HOON

SENIOR SALES & MARKETING DIRECTORS CHRISTINA LOH ASHLEY LOH

SENIOR ART DIRECTOR CHONG MENG CHEE SENIOR WRITER NIKITA NAWAWI WRITER JOYCE FAN EDITORIAL ASSISTANT AMELIA TAN DIGITAL DIGITAL DIRECTOR CALVIN CHONG DIGITAL WRITERS NOEL KHOO YAN JOON WING

SENIOR ADMINISTRATOR HELEN TANG FINANCE CHIEF FINANCE OFFICER ELLIN ZHAO MANAGEMENT CEO/PUBLISHER OLIVIER BURLOT EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS GAËL BURLOT JULIAN PEH MOHD KHALID BIN IBRAHIM

CONTRIBUTORS AMBER LEE, DANNY LIM, KIE KIYOHARA, MEI CHOI, SATOMI SUZUKI, SOON LAU, SOPHIE ISOGAI, TOMMI CHU, YANA ZAINAL, YUTA KOTANI

INSTAGRAM: @LOFFICIELMALAYSIA FACEBOOK: WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/LOFFICIELMALAYSIA WEBSITE: WWW.LOFFICIELMALAYSIA.COM EMAIL: INFO@HEART-MEDIA.COM

All rights reserved. The edition in Malaysia of “L’Officiel de la Couture et la Mode de Paris” is published under an exclusive license granted by Les Editions Jalou. All texts reproduced from the French edition of “L’Officiel de la Couture et la Mode de Paris” and included in the Malaysia edition have been translated under the exclusive liability of the company Heart Media Group. “L’Officiel de la Couture et la Mode de Paris” is a registered trademark of Les Editions Jalou. The rights for reproduction, including reproduction on electronic media, of editorial and publication material appearing in the present edition and initially published in the French edition of “L’Officiel de la Couture et la Mode de Paris” are exclusively owned by Les Editions Jalou.

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L’Officiel Malaysia is published 10 issues a year.

Printed by BHS Book Printing Sdn Bhd Lot 4 Lorong CJ 1/1B, Kawasan Perindustrian Cheras Jaya, 43200 Cheras, Selangor, Malaysia Published by HEART MEDIA SDN BHD C10 2nd Floor, Mail Box 334, Fahrenheit 88, 179 Jalan Bukit Bintang, 55100 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

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ÉDITO

Dear Atikah Karim, It has been a very difficult time for all what we are going through right now.

But thanks to Covid-19, this July is a different one as every July in the past few years, I would be in another city shooting the cover for our biggest issue of the year—the September issue, which is also our anniversary issue.

This year, we are stuck, or rather safe, in our homeland. You had the foresight to leave New York to head back to Malaysia before the situation had gotten worse in the Big Apple.

I remember you leaving everything behind here years ago to move to New York one day out of the blue. You said you just wanted to do it.

Here you are now, walking the shows of established houses like Rick Owens and fronting big campaigns like your most recent one with Shu Uemura—basically keeping the Malaysian flag flying high on the international map.

It’s great to finally have you on board fronting our L’Officiel Malaysia August 2020 cover! Our last few attempts to book you had been unsuccessful as you were hardly home. And when we were able to meet mostly during fashion week, your schedule was filled with castings, fittings and shows. So it never happened... till now.

We worked a few times together before you relocated overseas for work. Though it’s not the best way for us to be in the same city at the same time like now, I am glad that after a long wait, we have finally got our first L’Officiel Malaysia cover done together. Thanks to your homecoming with Danny Lim, your partner in real life and for this project, your working partner as the lensman of the shoot, alongside a full Malaysian crew on our tanah air.

This could be one of the best memories we have created together as industry professionals. A very rare moment for all I think.

My best wishes to you and Danny, and continue to make Malaysia proud.

Thank you.

Love, Monica Mong (@mongnica) Managing Editor, L’Officiel Malaysia

PRINCESS FLOWER COLLECTION | robertocoin.com E XCLUSIVELY AT S TARHILL G ALLERY UG 31, AD ORN FLO OR ROBERTO COIN@MYS TIQUE-UNIVERS AL .COM TEL : +603 2141 9669

CONTRIBUTORS SATOMI SUZUKI Hairstylist Satomi Suzuki was 20 years old when she developed a deep fascination for fashion while working at a salon.

After obtaining her cosmetology licence at a beauty school in Japan, she took a great leap of faith and went to London to gain more knowledge and uncover more hairstyling techniques. During her five years there, Satomi Suzuki collaborated with a number of fashion magazines as well as assisted some professional hairdressers. On top of that, she also participated backstage at fashion shows in London, Paris and Milan. Currently based in Tokyo, she continues to achieve further success and recognition for her work within the industry.

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KIE KIYOHARA Makeup Artist Growing up, Kie Kiyohara knew she wanted to be a makeup artist. Born in Wakayama Prefecture, Japan, she would spend hours putting on makeup for her schoolmates and styling their hair. After graduating Belle Époque in 2005, she wasted no time in kick-starting her career in hair and makeup. She soon moved to New York in 2010 to broaden her horizons by lending her expertise in fashion magazines and at the backstage of fashion shows. In 2012, she returned to Japan and had Yuku Washizu as her mentor before transitioning to be a freelancer. Today she is known for her ability to highlight the strong and beautiful features of her subjects through the application of makeup that showcases the intricacy of different textures.

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DANNY LIM Photographer Despite being raised in a family of medical professionals who constantly advised him to excel in the scientific field, Malaysian-born Danny Lim has always showed a greater appreciation for artistic endeavours instead. He began pursuing art and design in university where he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in graphic design. From there, he travelled to different cities to photograph models and soon developed a profound interest in fashion photography. In 2014, he made a significant move to New York and worked as a photography assistant at Milk Studios. He went on to assist other great lensman like Roe Ethridge and Laurence Ellis before eventually making a name for himself.

MEI CHOI Hairstylist For as long as Mei Choi can remember, she has always been amazed by the hairdressers’ work whenever she followed her mother to the salon as a child. This then led to the commencement of her journey to becoming a professional hairstylist.

For Mei Choi, hairstyling, makeup and fashion are all interconnected not just in representing style, but also in expressing personality. Her work is mostly inspired by styles from the ’60s to ’90s which she would often give her own modernised twist.

She has since amassed more than 15 years of experience and remains passionate in the field.

“Are you a...

MASK-A-HOLIC?” - PETER THOMAS ROTH

Soothe, Hydrate & De-tox™ Lift, Firm & Glow

Brighten, Hydrate & Firm

A MASK FOR EVERY TASK!

2020

Exfoliate, Peel & Polish

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1. Sacai: Single-purpose bags are here to stay. Sacai keeps the trend alive with arresting details comprising a curved silhouette, polished metal embellishment as well as an ultra-thin leather strap.

4. Prada: After a season of shorts suits, designers are once again turning workwear on its head with inspired office skirts. Miuccia Prada, for one, puts hers through a leather shredder to jazz up the ensemble with fun fringe.

7. Balmain: The perennial bucket bag has been given a sleeker update at Balmain. Now with a more structured profile, the bag comes crafted in muted canvas and black leather with the brand’s signature logo.

2. Agnona: Bulky belts are back in style but not necessarily in the way that you might expect. The Fusciacca, for instance, eschews the cliché with its calfskin sash, covered buckle and monochromatic hand stitching.

5. Marine Serre: With tension brewing over the coronavirus outbreak back in February, Marine Serre’s vision of fashion in a tumultuous world for Fall/ Winter 2020, evidenced by her staple facecovering numbers, was eerily spot on.

8. Saint Laurent: You know what they say: sex sells. And this time around, a kinky slinky dress is how you do sexy. Anthony Vaccarello’s skin-tight black latex dress in particular is catnip to the Selina Kyles of the world.

3. Maison Margiela: When it comes to the most anticipated fashion collaborations of the season, the Instapump Fury Tabi places high on the list. The footwear features Maison Margiela’s split-toed upper and Reebok’s original Instapump Fury design.

6. Givenchy: G et your self the latest GV3 shades for protected vision.

Inspired by the brand’s handbag of the same name, the acetate sunglasses boast a gold hinge with interlocking double-G logo that references the bag’s clasp.

9. Pierre Hardy: Oozing modern a n d s e n s u a l g l a m o u r, t h e n e w h e els by Pier r e H a r dy a r e m ade for a memorable night out in Paris.

Drenched in glittering champagne, the pair stuns with its textured skin and cut-out details.

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Celine

Givenchy

Salvatore Ferragamo

Tod’s

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Michael Kors Collection

The Fall/Winter 2020 fashion runway celebrates triumphantly iconic women of all style tribes across the decades in the past, present and future—accompanied by a resounding clarion call for optimism, inclusivity and female empowerment.

BY TAN SIOK HOON

SUPER WOMAN

Valentino

Balmain

Heroine Chic

Short of dressing a cinematic superheroine, designers roll out a myriad of capes and ponchos for the courageous and fashionable set this season. Popular as alternatives to structured coats in the early ’70s, capes were layered over long, flared skirts and trousers as outerwear. In the same vein, F/W 2020’s iterations cover both day and evening, and traverse casual and formal wear, with Celine, Tod’s and Michael Kors Collection showcasing practical capes for day, and Salvatore Ferragamo offering a tailored or suiting version that empowers with a sense of warmth and protection. For after hours, Valentino and Givenchy’s gorgeous capes cascading over a full-length dress are compelling statements that elevate their wearers into invincible forces of fashion.

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This season’s ode to volume with an emphasis on strong sleeves, shoulders and silhouettes champions the gigot or leg-of-mutton sleeve of sorts. Regal and historical romance reminiscent of fairy-tale and real-life queens and princesses is evoked at Chanel and Alexander McQueen. Back in the late ’30s, society girls were seen embracing Edward Molyneux’s opulent puffsleeved designs, while the ’80s New Romantic movement and power dressing’s reference to volume was memorably epitomised by the late Princess Diana above all. Overflowing from last season’s collaboration with Christian Lacroix, Dries Van Noten continues with a tribute to the nocturnal party girl of the ’70s and ’80s. Reinterpreting volume for the now generation, JW Anderson and Acne Studio’s semi-structured silhouettes and contemporary construction are sure to crowd please.

Chanel

POWER PUFF GIRL

Acne Studios

Dries Van Noten Christopher John Rogers

JW Anderson

Alexander McQueen

Max Mara

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Celine

Saint Laurent

Rochas

SHE WEARS THE SHAG

Miu Miu

Burberry

Stella McCartney

MSGM

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Whether to make an entrance and leave an impression that panders to the inner boho slash rock chick or to offer comfort in turbulent times, brands such as Burberry, Miu Miu, Celine and MSGM subliminate and spread the love through their abundant offerings of shaggy outerwear in oversized proportions. These “yeti” coats, à la mode in the late ’60s, are luxe statementmaking pieces that allude to rock ‘n’ roll swagger. Who could forget the fuzzy coat worn by Kate Hudson’s groupie character in Almost Famous, along with all the furry numbers draped over the shoulders of euphorically worshipped musical heroes and their entourage in the Sixties. Faux fur is preferred these days and brands are complying with a multitude of knitted, sustainable or other inventive variants.

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A fixture in glitzy and glamourous outfits, fringe makes a surprising swing into daywear for F/W 2020. Giving a sophisticated turn in the Roaring ’20s as beaded tassels trimming the sheaths worn by feminist flappers shimmying the night away, fringing assumes quite a different character and vibe this season. Beyond the tricky matter of wearing these wild chords and strands, fringe is seen embellishing classic coats and skirts at Bottega Veneta, Prada and Dior. The juxtaposition of fun frivolity with an authoritative statement affirms that femininity and strength can co-exist in harmony.

Elsewhere on the runway, evening fringe gets a pitch-perfect reinvention at Salvatore Ferragamo and Givenchy, where a sublime minimalist and monochrome sensibility brings fringe’s fashion quotient up a whole new level.

Dior

HEAR HER ROAR

Gabriela Hearst

Prada Jil Sander

Bottega Veneta

Salvatore Ferragamo

Givenchy

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Maison Margiela

Marine Serre

A.W.A.K.E. MODE

CLIMATE CHANGE CRUSADER

Paco Rabanne

Toga

Comme des Garçons

Richard Quinn

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There’s no escaping dire news about the global environment these days, especially after teen activist Greta Thunberg, Nobel Prize nominee and youngest Time Person of the Year, stunned with an unapologetic message to “make politicians open their eyes to the climate crisis.” Fashion-wise, a handful of designers are diligently bringing awareness to a dystopian dilemma if status quo remains. Dressing for a future apocalypse but with a sense of hope and purpose is best demonstrated this season by Marine Serre, with upcycling; Comme des Garçons, with futurism; Maison Margiela, with restoration; and Toga, with insulation—along with protective headpieces, masks, hoods and snoods that accompany these revolutionary and innovative ways to dress forward.

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A chromatic jolt is guaranteed to enliven things and with the current uncertain scenario, the transformative and therapeutic quality of art is a godsend for boosting a flagging morale. The colour theory, one of the building blocks of art, is mooted and surprisingly for a usually more muted fall/winter season.

Having slipped off the scene, colour blocking—made famous by 20th century mid-century modern artists Piet Mondrian and Mark Rothko—makes a resurgence on the runway. The refreshing return of clean lines and contrasting solid hues at Hermès, Prada, Miu Miu and Maison Margiela infuses a freewheeling mod-chic mood in the spirit of Yves Saint Laurent’s ’60s Mondrian dresses as a precursor of vibrant days ahead, we hope.

Maison Margiela

JOY LUCK CLUBBER

Carolina Herrera

Gucci Sies Marjan

Hermès

Miu Miu

Prada

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Hermès

Fendi

Chanel

LADIES WHO LUNCH

Michael Kors Collection

Miu Miu

Saint Laurent

Celine

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Thanks to Hedi Slimane’s lead at Celine, French bourgeois style circa the late ’70s and early ’80s is now reinducted into our fashion consciousness as the height of chic. This season at Saint Laurent, Fendi, Hermès, Miu Miu and Chanel, we see the rejuvenation of a spectrum of elegant options favoured by the society of upper-class and affluent women in a move that dethrones the popular pantsuit of the past few seasons.

In our minds, the Melania Trumps and Brigitte Macrons of the world are the poster child of this rich-girl dressing. Defined by razor-sharp silhouettes, immaculate tailoring and richly textured fabrics, these matchy-matchy skirt suits transport us in swanky style to the posh domain of bourgeoisie ladies where luxe, ladylike refinement is the endgame.

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Top-to-toe hero looks may be de rigueur for the red carpet or runway, but reality dressing that is greater than the sum of its parts (or separates) rules in relevance. Brands helmed by mostly Gen X creative heads such as Gucci, Burberry, Sacai, Dries Van Noten and Maison Margiela deconstruct full-look ensembles to create a hi-lo amalgam, shining the spotlight on tartans, plaids and checks—a full-fledged standalone trend for Fall/ Winter 2020 itself—in a nostalgic nod to the nonchalant, antifashion sensibility of the ’90s grunge icon of their generation, Kurt Cobain, and his lady love, Courtney Love. Similarly, Coach channels the eclectic artists and hipsters of ’80s downtown New York, while Louis Vuitton celebrates different time cycles, countries and cultures with a deft medley of old-world couture meets 21st century athleisure and tailoring.

Louis Vuitton

MASH-UP MISTRESSES

Maison Margiela

Coach Sacai

Burberry

Gucci

Dries Van Noten

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Valentino

Saint Laurent

Bottega Veneta

THE NEO-MINIMALIST

Brandon Maxwell

Burberry

Miu Miu

Celine

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If there were an evening dress that pleases the die-hard minimalist, it would be a column dress. To reprise the stark yet striking silhouette of the ’90s, think of Tom Ford’s Gucci era and Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy, whose less-is-more sartorial aesthetic was a welcome palate-cleansing antidote to the excess and theatricality of the Eighties. Revisiting now this low-key, pared-down New Age easy dressing has particular pertinence post pandemic; and Pierpaolo Piccioli is ahead of the curve at Valentino in going embellishment-free that allows the woman to shine. For the season’s best slinky and shimmery columns, look to Saint Laurent, Burberry, Celine and Bottega Veneta for a subtly sexy way to vamp while being fully covered from the neck to the wrist and ankle.

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Maybe an unfamiliar silhouette today but the greatest 20th century couturiers from Pierre Cardin to Hubert de Givenchy, Cristóbal Balenciaga and Yves Saint Laurent for Dior created versions of the bubble dress for the world’s most well-heeled and well-dressed women throughout the ’50s, before Christian Lacroix’s poof skirt created waves in the “dress to impress” Eighties decade. This season’s parade of the voluminous and protective cocoon shapes is advocated by Simone Rocha, Nina Ricci and Balmain, along with Loewe and JW Anderson— both helmed by Jonathan Anderson, whose risk-taking and cultural approach to draw up new silhouettes for women not just attracts the fashion-forward and art slash design cohort, but is right up the alley of game-changing high priestess Rei Kawakubo herself over at Comme des Garçons.

Guy Laroche

THE AVANT-GARDIST

Simone Rocha

JW Anderson Nina Ricci

Loewe

Comme Des Garçons

Balmain

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POSITIVE VIBES ONLY

IT’S ALL IN THE HAT When tracing the history of the hat and how it became a symbol of French haute couture and elegance, Dior always emerges as the ultimate tastemaker. The Dior Hats book published by Rizzoli NY tells this story as it revisits the many unique creations bestowed to us by Monsieur Dior himself as well as John Galliano, Maria Grazia Chiuri and more. The tome also features never-before-published photographs

by Sølve Sundsbø and text by Dior’s milliner Stephen Jones.

Amid the global health crisis and ongoing racial tensions, Gucci is stepping in to spread some much-needed positivity with a revolutionary initiative that further affirms its commitment to human rights and environmental advocacy. The Italian luxury label recently launched Gucci Equilibrium that comes with a new Instagram account and a refreshed website—both designed to share the brand’s efforts in impacting change on a broader scale. This includes publishing its Environmental Profit and Loss results, which quantifies its environmental impact, as well as posting articles that detail its campaigns in support of girls’ and women’s empowerment, diversity and inclusion.

HOMECOMING

Virtual Reality

While the current circumstances may have prevented us from enjoying experiences on a physical level, Salvatore Ferragamo is realising dreams through the means of other tools or more specifically, 360° high-resolution images, videos and information panels to pull off a virtual tour of the Sustainable Thinking exhibition at Museo Salvatore Ferragamo.

The innovative and interactive experience allows viewers across the globe to explore the exhibition space in detail directly from their personal devices. Accessible round the clock in both Italian and English, one can now uncover and rediscover works by artists and creatives made with sustainable materials on ferragamo.com

Known for creating some of the most covetable accessories throughout his admirable career in designing, Johnny Coca is set to revamp Louis Vuitton’s accessories line as the label’s newly appointed Women’s Fashion Leather Goods Director. “It’s with great pride that I join Nicolas Ghesquière and the Louis Vuitton teams to further develop the women’s handbag collections. For me, the journey now has come full circle, to the place where I was lucky enough to hone my passion first-hand and learn the fundamentals of leather craftsmanship in the ateliers at Asnières. It opens a new chapter in my own creative adventure, in an extraordinary laboratory that blends heritage and modernity,” says Coca.

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Founders Soo Shea Pin & Teh Wenfei

FULL OF FEITH Art Of Stripping

Saint Laurent Rive Droite is exclusively launching photographer Mario Sorrenti and conceptual artist John Baldessari’s photobook titled Noses Elbows and Knees.

The acclaimed book was published at the end of 2017 and features the works exhibited at Half Gallery, New York under the curatorship of Neville Wakefield. Within its pages, the duo shows how beauty conventions are deconstructed by stripping off clothes and societal codes through fashion, collage and photography. Now available for pre-order at Saint Laurent stores in Paris and Los Angeles where each copy comes with a certificate of authenticity signed by both Sorrenti and Baldessari.

A NEW DAY

The discourse over Givenchy’s future after Clare Waight Keller’s departure has now come to an end. The French luxury fashion house has named Chicago-born designer Matthew M. Williams as its new creative director. Filling in the post left by his predecessor, Williams will assume all creative responsibilities for the brand’s women’s and men’s collections, and present his first collection in Paris this October.

We spoke to mother-and-daughter fashion entrepreneurs Soo Shea Pin and Soo Wenfei, who recently embarked on a new venture, in the launch of Feith. Situated at Fahrenheit 88, Kuala Lumpur, the store’s welcoming and sparklingly feminine interior showcases an eclectic selection of European artisanal footwear brands, alongside Feith’s debutant house brand.

How did the idea and concept for Feith come about?

Soo Shea Pin (SP): After leaving my 20-year legal practice and being in fashion retail for 11 years, I realised it was time to start my own brand! In the rediscovery of my “faith” in life with my daughter Wenfei (or Fei), we created the portmanteau Feith.

We have registered the Feith brand in London and are now working patiently on various platforms to create more (brand) awareness. It’s going to be a long but magical journey!

Tell us about the Feith brand and its product curation.

SP: As we grow, we want to work and learn from other great partners so we decided to start as a multi-label boutique.

The Feith brand of shoes are produced in Spain by a fourthgeneration shoemaker; France, Jonak is owned by a thirdgeneration family and it is a top performer at Galeries Lafayette; S.Novio is a London-based label but made in Italy. We are looking out for more “hidden gem” European brands to bring freshness and elegance to the shoe industry.

Soo Wenfei (WF): We are very focused on curating a beautiful amalgamation of elegant, chic and sensual styles in our store to tell our story of what Feith represents and what women want in shoes. We hope this comes across when you visit our store.

And the unique selling point of each of the brands?

SP: We believe that women should “look good and feel good” in their shoes ... just looking good doesn’t justify the pain and discomfort. Why should women have to suffer in heels and struggle silently in pain?

WF: For Feith, we strive to bring chic and comfort to a luxurious level with beautiful leathers and fabrications; Jonak’s Parisian vibe is stylish yet wearable; S.Novio is all about lovely embellished designs and amazing Italian craftsmanship. All the brands provide a different feel but have the common goal of offering style and comfort for women to feel confident in.

Are you looking to retail Feith online soon?

SP: Definitely! We see a huge potential for our brand; we are working on creating our website and hope to launch the Feith brand in London next year!

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Crystal teardrop earrings

Queen crystal jewels necklace

Pink matelassé leather handbag

Black matelassé leather handbag

Silver heels with crystal embellishment

Black mules with crystal embellishment

White pumps

Tartan pumps

Patent leather block heel boots

Black platform boots

Sweet Dreams Are Made Of These To pull off a dreamlike visual that brings the internal life into the external world, Miu Miu goes to great lengths to reimagine a world of classical literary heroines for Pre-Fall 2020, decked in a vintageinspired wardrobe of homespun florals, sparkling sequins, arty patchwork and whimsical ruffles.

BY JOYCE FAN

L’Officiel

Anatomy

The Bobby Bag

By Dior

Maria Grazia Chiuri delivers a new classic as she revives the women’s liberation movement from the Seventies with her Fall 2020 collection.

BY NIKITA NAWAWI

With intense sartorial showdown taking place all across the city, all eyes were on Maria Grazia Chiuri to see if she would recalibrate the bearing at Dior—and that she did. Her feminist leaning remained at the forefront but it was expressed in a more discreet fashion this time. It was a quiet protest, if you will, led by a battalion of empowered females in checked get-ups and faded denims, flinging women’s rights manifestos in the season’s chicest bag: the Bobby.

The no-nonsense Bobby is as practical as they come. Its curved silhouette is a reimagination of the quintessential hobo style but conjured up in exceptional box calfskin with refined grain

that lends the bag a silky smooth feel. On top of that, the detachable shoulder strap easily transforms the Bobby into a handheld, shoulder or cross-body bag. It is a true testament to the house’s sublime leather craftsmanship that trails back to its leather goods atelier in Florence.

The new icon comes in a neutral palette of colours: black, white, camel, as well as blue Dior Oblique canvas. It also boasts that covetable CD hardware on the front with the relief embossed “30 Montaigne” signature—a reference to the brand’s historic address—on the back and the magnetic clasp with Monsieur Dior’s initials under the buckle.

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Style

Lady Of The House

Joining the Dionysus, the Marmont and the Horsebit 1955 as a beloved line of the House, Gucci’s leading lady is reimagined and imbued with new relevance.

BY JOYCE FAN

Before Michelle Obama came into the picture as one of the most fashionable first ladies in American politics, there was Jackie Kennedy. During her time in the White House, she was recognised as a true pioneer of power dressing. Her confidence and grace often shone through her trademark styles, ranging from her ladylike pillbox hats, signature oversized sunglasses to a certain Gucci handbag.

Initially named the G1097 when it was first introduced in 1958, the hobo bag along with its elegant curved shape and distinctive gold hardware closure was considered to be emblematic of the 1960s and ’70s jet-setter lifestyle. It was the year 1961 when the late first lady was frequently photographed with the unstructured, unisex Gucci tote on her arm that sent its popularity soaring.

The bag has since been renamed as simply “The Jackie”, going through several iterations over the years while still remaining a key member of the House’s bag family through the decades.

This fall, creative director Alessandro Michele returns to the

Gucci archive to bring the icon back to life as the Jackie 1961, which recently made its debut at the men’s Fall/Winter 2020 fashion show.

Re-emerging to rise above its traditional classification, the wardrobe icon takes on an entirely new character that is a combination of Alessandro Michele’s contemporary vision and his interest in reviving archival codes. For one, the Jackie 1961’s diverse unisex looks now assume three different sizes of medium, small and mini—all presented in a new pareddown silhouette.

This Jackie incarnation also sports clean lines that highlight a unique piston closure and rich leather. A longer, removable shoulder strap also enhances its versatility and practicality.

Now available in black and red leather as well as GG Supreme canvas with Web stripes, the small and mini variations boast an extended palette comprising neutral-coloured python alongside candy-paste hues of lilac, butter, light blue and soft pink.

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Eye Candy

The Coach Originals collection was born from the House’s Sixties and Seventies icons and the revisiting of its archival designs by creative director Stuart Vevers. While it celebrates heritage in a playful and irreverent way, its clean lines and lightweight leather speak of practical modernity.

PHOTOGRAPHY SOON LAU/AWESOME IMAGE STYLING MONICA MONG

Coach Originals Turnlock Flat Crossbody 12 in white.

Coach Originals Turnlock Flare Belt Bag in blue.

Coach Originals Turnlock Flap Wallet in baby blue and Saddle Bag Charm in baby blue.

STYLING ASSISTANT AMELIA TAN

Coach Originals Turnlock Zip Satchel in light grey.

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In Capital Letters Louis Vuitton shines the spotlight on its beloved initials in the electrifying LV Volt collection, showcasing the characters in their own pure form and in intricate weaves of brilliant gold and fiery diamonds.

PHOTOGRAPHY OLIVER HADLEE PEARCH & ERIC SAUVAGE STYLING EMILIE KAREH

LV Volt Mesh earrings in yellow gold with diamonds, LV Volt One pendant in white gold with diamond, LV Volt One pendant in yellow gold with diamond and LV Volt One pendant in white gold with diamond.

LV Volt Multi ring in white gold, LV Volt One Band in white gold with diamond, LV Volt Mesh ring in yellow gold with diamonds, LV Volt One Band in yellow gold with diamond, LV Volt Multi ring in yellow gold and LV Volt Multi ring in white gold.

LV Volt One stud in yellow gold with diamond, LV Volt Curb Chain necklaces in yellow gold and LV Volt Mesh ring in yellow gold with diamonds.

LV Volt Multi bracelet in yellow gold, LV Volt Multi bracelet in white gold, LV Volt One Cuff in yellow gold with diamonds, LV Volt Multi bracelet in yellow gold and LV Volt Multi bracelet in white gold.

LV Volt Upside Down rings in yellow and white gold with diamonds, LV Volt Upside Down rings in yellow gold, LV Volt One stud in yellow gold with diamond, LV Volt Upside Down pendant in yellow and white gold with diamonds and LV Volt One pendant in yellow gold with diamond.

LV Volt Curb Chain bracelet in yellow gold, LV Volt Mesh bracelet in yellow gold, LV Volt Upside Down bracelet in yellow and white gold with diamonds, LV Volt Upside Down ring in yellow and white gold with diamonds and LV Upside Down ring in yellow gold.

LV Volt Upside Down rings in yellow and white gold with diamonds, LV Volt One stud in yellow gold with diamond, LV Volt Mesh necklace in yellow gold, LV Volt One pendant in yellow gold with diamond and LV Volt Mesh bracelet in yellow gold.

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Today In Herstory

A thoughtfully crafted piece of jewellery is a treasure with hidden depths. When you look closely, it captures the zeitgeist of the era it was born in.

BY NIKITA NAWAWI

Photos Flickr Commons and Unsplash

L’Officiel

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CARTIER

Appropriating mundane, utilitarian objects as luxury items was something that’s unheard of until Aldo Cipullo jackhammered his way into Cartier New York. The house designer who loved the hardware store so much that he declared it as his second home revolutionised the game with his radical approach to jewellery-making that’s exemplified by his 1971 nail bracelet.

The bracelet nailed the high-octane energy bursting across the city especially around the legendary Studio 54. But more importantly, it alluded to a much bigger cultural event—a social change that was happening in that period of time.

Stemming from the recession of 1969, the precarious state

of the city worsened throughout the subsequent decade particularly during the fiscal crisis and the notorious 25-hour blackout.

Cartier’s head of image, heritage and style Pierre Rainero reportedly said that the anti-conformist attitude of New York at the time resulted in a demand for jewellery with a sense of tension within it. The subversive nature of the nail remains relevant nearly half a century later. Melding the hardware into jewellery in shades of gold, bare-boned or paved with diamonds, the Juste un Clou has become an elegant symbol of resistance.

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TIFFANY & CO.

With a vision of a modern rebel in mind, Tiffany & Co. launched the Tiffany HardWear range a little over three years ago. The industrial collection highlights the brand’s iconic gauge links and welds them into sleek earrings, rings, necklaces and pendants. These no-nonsense pieces exude the urban soul of New York City, the house’s birthplace, which resonates with the new generation of gemophiles.

Interestingly, the collection takes after the Tiffany “Ball and Chain” bracelet by designer Donald Claflin that can be traced back to 1971. Prior to that, Claflin had impressed jewellery aficionados

with a dedicated Tanzanite collection as well as a ground-breaking Tiffany setting he devised in which the diamond centre stone is set in the cross of two intersecting bands of precious metal.

This shift in creative direction from his signature witty and whimsical figurative designs to the bold ball-and-chain motif was seen by some as Claflin’s own commentary on the social and political unrest that was plaguing the city. The Tiffany HardWear echoes this sentiment with new lock and ball embellishments, pared down to the minimum to give the wearer the luxury of freedom and versatility.

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STEPHEN WEBSTER

Stephen Webster is always in tune with significant cultural and social changes. A couple of years ago, the British designer put together the Dynamite collection, which represents the aftermath of the digital Big Bang theory. The idea came to him amid the Brexit kerfuffle, specifically when the 2016 United Kingdom European Union membership referendum revealed that a majority of the voters were in favour of the split-up.

“Dynamite is a contemplation of the world we’re living in right now. It started with Brexit as we were all like ‘wow, that’s weird, why did we do that?’ There’s this huge uncertainty over what’s

happening and what’s to come, so Dynamite is about blowing it all up and eventually rebuilding it into something new,” said Webster in an interview with L’Officiel Malaysia last year.

Using cutting-edge techniques, Webster expresses the tension vibrating through the country with a sharp, jagged silhouette. This dramatic contour brings for th strong geometric lines that further illustrate the idea of postmodern architecture. The severity of the Dynamite, however, is softened and beautifully matched with 18k gold frames, white diamonds and enamel.

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Dangerous Liaisons

If looks could kill. A look back at Cartier’s treasured creation that’s Panthère de Cartier.

BY NIKITA NAWAWI

One does not simply recount the iconic moments in jewellery and consciously leave out the plethora of treasured jewels churned out by Cartier. Its ferocious panther alone is enough to earn the maison a spot in the upper echelons of the luxury world. First sighted in 1914 when the feline’s shiny coat inspired a particular women’s wristwatch that was articulated through a juxtaposition of onyx and diamonds, the panther has since amassed a legion of devoted fans, as evidenced by its staying power.

The wild cat afterwards made another head-turning appearance on Cartier’s Dame à la Panthère—an invitation for a jewellery exhibition. Illustrated by George Barbier, the image featured a refined young woman in layers of pearl necklaces with the beast lounging at her feet. It was said that Louis Cartier had hand-picked the panther in homage to a woman whom he called his “Petite Pantheré”. That same woman would go on to lead a seismic change at Cartier as we know it—the legendary Jeanne Toussaint.

Stylish, creative and with a whole lot of charm to burn, Belgium-born Toussaint ascended the Parisian social ladder in

a breeze. The “panther” nickname stuck to her like glue given her rebellious spirit and raving determination, on top of the long fur coat that she’d famously worn in her heyday. Her eye for contemporary fashion, especially when it involved the Art Deco movement, became an invaluable asset that ultimately landed her the coveted role as the creative director of jewellery at Cartier in 1933.

Her enlisting here was a long time coming. Having met with Louis Cartier during World War I, it didn’t take much for Toussaint to recognise their shared vision of style. The dynamic duo fed off each other’s energy and expertise, with Toussaint lending her artistic view and in turn soaking up everything there was to know about jewellery—from gemstones and diamonds to settings and techniques. In her hands, the panther’s traits were beefed up and fleshed out in the most revolutionary ways imaginable.

Only two years into her tenure, Toussaint had transformed the agile predator into a three-dimensional character. A singular ring crafted in yellow gold and black enamel with a central ruby,

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for the first time, featured two panthers in their semi-full forms with graphic heads and limbs. In 1948, the panther was finally revealed in all its glory as the designer created a panther brooch in yellow gold with emeralds and black enamel for the Duchess of Windsor—one of the original members of the Panthère tribe.

Fellowes was also enchanted by “panthermania”—a term coined by Jean Cocteau—as she acquired a diamond panther brooch with sapphire spots. Fun fact: the design of the brooch was inspired by the necklace of the Order of the Golden Fleece, an ancient and prestigious order of knighthood.

WOMEN WALK AHEAD It is worth noting that the world was a different place when Toussaint rose to the top of the Cartier pyramid. Back in the Thirties, one would be hard-pressed to find a major establishment with a woman at the helm. Toussaint’s reign at the jewellery house had opened up a window of possibility that lifted the limit on what women could achieve. She saw jewellery as a symbol of independence not just to enhance a woman’s beauty but also to reveal her personality, and it especially resonated with those of the Panthère tribe.

Screen legend María Félix was another reputable figure enumerated in the tribe’s logbook. She once commissioned a bracelet made up of two panthers with their heads facing opposite directions and front legs outstretched, and also had her hands on an equally stunning panther brooch. The creature’s power of seduction lingers to this day with a whole new generation of jewellery wearers who have fallen under its spell. From Mariacarla Boscono to Annabelle Wallis and Ella Balinska, these personalities perfectly embody the fearlessness of the panther.

The Duchess of Windsor, for instance, was so captivated by the feline’s magnetic charm that she procured a second brooch shortly after her first. The platinum piece set with pavé-cut sapphires was often seen on her belt. Fashion icon Daisy

JOURNEY OF THE PANTHÈRE And just like how the faces of the Panthère tribe have diversified throughout the years, the exotic cat too has evolved beyond expectations. Starting as an abstract interpretation, its silhouette

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gradually took form in the naturalist style. Here, the panther was captured in its primal element whether it’s lying in wait, pouncing, preying or resting. The design was intended to intensify the panther’s persona, and by marking the edges, exaggerating the volume or accentuating the figure, Toussaint did just that.

But there’s more to Panthère de Cartier than meets the eye.

Underneath all that glitters lies a complex combination of skills, creativity and technology. Take the panther’s coat as an example—in order to get that realistic, shiny effect, Cartier devised the “fur” setting that requires a critical conversation among its accomplished artisans.

She then pivoted to the sculptural style as she channelled the panther’s untamed energy by accentuating its muscles, features and volume. With this anatomical knowledge of the animal, Cartier eventually developed the graphic style approach that gave birth to the geometric panther. Revealing the structure of the panther through simplified volumes as well as taking into consideration ergonomics and comfort factors, the brand successfully rejuvenated the historic motif for the 21st century women.

The technique goes from the jeweller who first sculpts the metal and produces the structure of the jewel to the gem-cutter who then cuts the precious or fine stones, customising their size to recreate the panther skin. The cut stone is then sent to the gemsetter for mounting in the respective position. To convey lifelike fur threads, each stone is encircled by minuscule, elongated and curved metal grains that hold it.

And speaking of the world at present, Cartier continues to move the panther with the times and keep things exciting with its savoir-faire. Case in point: a glyptics workshop has been put in service to broaden the horizons for the panther as it allows the lapidaries to experiment with atypical materials like hardstone, petrified wood and fossilised organic substances.

This painstaking process epitomises a labour of love—a love of nature, history and craftsmanship. By breathing life into the panther and embracing its fierce personality, Cartier lures strong, independent women to its gilded menagerie and implores them to recognise and appreciate the fundamental freedom of individuality.

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“Blanc Nuage” ring in white gold with diamonds, Dior Joaillerie.

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“Flora” ring in white gold with diamonds, Gucci Fine Jewelry.

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“Coco Crush” ring in white gold with diamonds, Chanel Fine Jewelry.

Modern Fairytale A twist on the classic white gold ring.

“Idylle Blossom” two-row ring in white gold with diamonds, Louis Vuitton.

“Perlée” ring in white gold with diamonds, Van Cleef & Arpels.

BY NIKITA NAWAWI

“Happy Spirit” ring in white gold with diamonds, Chopard.

“Horizon” ring in white gold with white diamonds, De Beers.

“Possession” ring in white gold with diamonds, Piaget.

L’Officiel

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Letters To Juliet

Forever inspired by the unique and vibrant Italian cities, Roberto Coin dedicates the Love in Verona collection to the country’s city of lovers.

BY NIKITA NAWAWI

There are not enough hours in a day to list down the abundance of allure Italy is endowed with. To cite its historic architecture, illustrious art scene and picture-perfect bounty of nature is only to scratch the surface. Revered jeweller Roberto Coin, who was raised in Vicenza, the beating heart of Italian jewellery industry, has over the years expressed his appreciation for this crown jewel of south-central Europe through the brand’s many creations.

Having taken jewellery devotees on journeys across Portofino’s Mediterranean villages with the Portofino collection, Rome’s majestic palaces with Roman Barocco, and Venice’s narrow alleyways with Venetian Princess, Roberto Coin now heads

to Verona. Known as the stage for Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, the city is also home to the Juliet Club—a collective that reads and responds to the love letters addressed to Juliet, and keeps them in a dedicated archive.

Bringing into play the distinguished four-petal diamond flower which has become one of the cornerstones of the brand, the collection evokes the passion synonymous to the medieval town. Love in Verona hits the right balance between classic and contemporary especially with the repetition of single flowers over the gold pieces, in polished and satin finishes.

Interestingly, the design points to another one of the city’s emblems as an ode to the Arena of Verona.

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THE ELSA EFFECT

Celebrating the 50th anniversary of Elsa Peretti’s Bone cuff, Tiffany & Co. has released a reissue collection in vibrant red, blue and green. Here, Peretti’s carved stone style is injected with her love of colour and the result is nothing short of spectacular. With this specialedition range, the brand signals a revival of the Bone especially with versions in sterling silver with black jade or turquoise and 18k yellow gold with green jade slated to drop next month.

She’s Back!

Cara Delevingne once again imparts her signature cocktail of English rose charm and millennial spunk to a new Dior Joaillerie campaign. Parading creations by Victoire de Castellane, the actress and model is decked in pieces from the Rose des vents, Rose Céleste and Mimirose collections. The latest Rose des Vents cuff and bib necklace, especially, steal the show with mother-of-pearl and malachite pairing that highlights Monsieur Dior’s cherished star.

Swarovski

Pandora

ADD TO CART Good news for gemophiles! You can now shop Roberto Coin pieces in the comfort of your own home as the brand launches its e-commerce website. Featuring exceptional items that are on display at the brand’s Vicenza headquarters showroom, the page boasts a user-friendly interface and guarantees that the products offered are of the highest standard. To demonstrate this, Roberto Coin promises that each purchased jewel shall be taken to the brand’s quality control department for inspection and sanitisation before being shipped out.

Stephen Webster

Silent Seduction

Keep the golden rule of “less is more” in mind while accessorising and opt for either one of these dainty single pendant necklaces.

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Turning Twenty

Thomas Roussel

New Partner In The House

Collaborating with Richard Mille is iconoclastic composer and musician Thomas Roussel, famed in classical music and electronica, and also for composing feature film scores and orchestrating monumental musical events from New York to Beijing.

Roussel’s free thinking and creativity aligns him naturally to the Richard Mille brand, founded in 2001 to disrupt the conventional codes of haute horlogerie while promoting craftsmanship and extreme technicity. “The uncompromising standards and inventiveness of Richard Mille watches echo the rigour and imagination required for composing orchestral music. But beyond this, we share the same notion of communicating passion and emotion, and the same desire to carve out new creative pathways,” said Roussel, seen here wearing RM 67-01 Automatic Extra Flat.

Adriana Luna

Stephanie Benedetto

AnnaSophie Hartvigsen

Temie GiwaTubosun

Nadia Gamal El Din

Charlotte Wang

Joanne Howarth

FEMALE GAME CHANGERS Due to an unforeseen year, the results of the 2020 Cartier Women’s Initiative (CWI) were announced virtually on the Cartier and CWI’s websites and social media channels. Seven laureates, selected by an independent international jury committee from 1200 applicants hailing from 162 countries, were honoured for their contributions to promote health and well-being, reduce inequalities, build sustainable cities and communities, and encourage responsible consumption and production. They will receive support in strategic financial thinking, mentoring, media visibility and international networking opportunities, as well an INSEAD executive education programme on scaling social impact together with all 21 CWI fellows. New laureates Adriana Luna Diaz (Mexico), Stephanie Benedetto (USA), Anna-Sophie Hartvigsen (Denmark), Temie Giwa-Tubosun (Nigeria), Nadia Gamal El Din (Egypt) , Chunguang (Charlotte) Wang (China) and Joanne Howarth (Australia) will each receive a grant of US $100,000, while second and third runner-ups will get US $30,000 each. It was also announced that for the 2021 CWI chapter, the annual international entrepreneurship programme will welcome a new Science & Technology Pioneer Award in a new thematic category to support women impact entrepreneurs at the forefront of scientific and technological innovation. Find out more on cartierwomensinitiative.com.

Chanel’s iconic J12 timepiece turns a remarkable 20 this year and to celebrate, an anniversary model has been issued in 33 mm and 38 mm case sizes. Anointed with the emblems of the Maison, the unique J12·20 boasts the signature highly resistant ceramic and steel case with a steel unidirectional rotating bezel, as well as a whitelacquered and diamond-set dial with rhodium-plated motifs. In the trajectory of its two-decade reinvention, the J12’s self-winding mechanical movement or Calibre 12.1 being awarded a prize in the Ladies category at the 2019 Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève is among its many milestones.

TIMELY TIE-UPS

Setting out as a watchmaking project in 2018, Baume’s mission was to refresh traditional watchmaking. Embarking on its second developmental phase, Baume will now be presented as a Baume & Mercier collection in its own right while being committed to its unique design aesthetic, and social and eco-responsible philosophy. Proudly featuring the “Swiss Made” label, Baume timepieces will be produced at Baume & Mercier’s Swiss Jura workshops in Les Brenets. “This development will make it possible to introduce a new dynamic, pairing the recognised expertise of Baume & Mercier with Baume’s totally new approach combining minimalist design, digital innovation, and watchmaking expertise, while integrating the principles of circular economics such as reclaiming and reusing,” explains Baume & Mercier CEO David Chaumet.

L’Officiel

“Carrera 160 Years Silver Limited Edition” in stainless steel with silver sunray brushed dial and Calibre Heuer 02 Manufacture automatic movement, TAG Heuer.

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“L.U.C Chrono One Flyback” in stainless steel with slate grey dial and Chopard 03.07-L manual-winding calibre, Chopard.

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“Star Legacy Nicolas Rieussec Chronograph” in stainless steel with anthracite dial and MB R200 automatic movement, Montblanc.

Chrono Action Live your best sporting life with these striking chronograph partners.

“Admiral 45 Chronograph” in titanium with CO 116 automatic movement, Corum.

“Ocean Star Chronograph Special Edition” in stainless steel with black DLC coating, ceramic bezel and Caliber 60 automatic movement, Mido.

BY TAN SIOK HOON

“Chronomat B01 42” in stainless steel with silvered dial and Caliber 01 self-winding movement, Breitling.

“Laureato Chronograph” in 904L steel with silver “Clou de Paris” dial and GP03300-0137 automatic movement, Girard-Perregaux.

“Classic Fusion Aerofusion Chronograph Ceramic (SEA Special Edition)” in ceramic with 18k King Gold H-screws and HUB 1155 self-winding movement, Hublot.

L’Officiel

Anatomy

The Speedmaster 38 mm Full Gold

by Omega

Omega’s great chronograph icon, now redefined and refined by the precious sheen of gold and a discreet touch of femininity.

BY TAN SIOK HOON

Born of a distinguished heritage that involved space exploration—as the only piece of equipment used in all of NASA’s piloted space missions from Gemini to the current International Space Station program—the Speedmaster is inextricably and intrinsically tied to an adventurous pioneering spirit.

For more than five decades, Omega’s iconic timepiece has been part and parcel of events that have challenged physical endurance and human courage, epitomised by the first manned moon landing in July 1969 and every subsequent lunar mission thereafter. When astronaut Buzz Aldrin planted the first famous steps on the lunar surface back in 1969, he had a Speedmaster Professional chronograph strapped on his wrist—also known as the Moonwatch, the first watch worn on the Moon.

The Speedmaster 38 mm transports elegantly the grit associated with the legendary Speedmaster—introduced in 1957 and characterised by its precision, readability and robustness—into our contemporary setting. By juxtaposing the Moonwatch’s timeless design with a sophisticated feminine flourish, it is easy to see why it has become a firm favourite of women from all over the globe.

Crafted in full 18k gold, the latest Speedmaster 38 mm iteration is luxurious yet extremely effortless. It is available in two gold variants: vibrant red-toned 18k Sedna™ gold with a creamy silvery dial and taupe-brown leather strap, as well as radiant 18k yellow gold with an opaline silvery dial and a green leather strap. While the red 18k Sedna™ gold rendition features 18k Sedna™ gold hands and indexes, and a date window at 6 o’clock; the 18k yellow gold version is fitted with hands in a mix of 18k yellow gold and green varnish, together with 18k yellow gold arrowhead indexes.

True to a minimalist aesthetic, all the subdials share the same colour with the main dial, but choices abound for this timepiece classic in the case of its famous tachymeter scale. It is offered on an aluminium bezel for those with a taste for simplicity, or alternatively, an innovative dual bezel split between aluminium and an outer circle of 90 full-cut diamonds for others yearning for a discreet dose of shine and sparkle.

Flipping to its case back, Omega’s unique Seahorse medallion can be seen beautifully stamped on the underside of the watch where lying beneath the cool, sturdy gold case is the Omega Co-Axial Calibre 3330 that comes fully warranted for five years.

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Bold & Beautiful

Diverse in design and aesthetic, and technicity and craftsmanship, these singular timepieces are among the bright sparks of 2020 in fine watchmaking.

BY TAN SIOK HOON

DE VILLE TOURBILLON NUMBERED EDITION BY OMEGA Omega has marked another milestone in its watchmaking tradition with the release of the new De Ville Tourbillon Numbered Edition. Extending its eminent trajectory in the art of tourbillon craftsmanship, this model is the Swiss watch brand’s first-ever Master Chronometer-certified, manualwinding central tourbillon—a certification that testifies of and guarantees the Swiss industry’s highest standard of precision and performance.

Back in 1947, Omega created the first-ever wristwatch tourbillon calibre that was entered into precision competitions at three major European Observatories, with a record set in Geneva in 1950. Thereafter in 1994, it debuted the first self-winding central tourbillon wristwatch, with the tourbillon carriage positioned in the middle of the watch. It then produced the first tourbillon wristwatch to be chronometer certified in 2004.

Marked by the brand’s boundary-pushing innovative streak, this exceptional timepiece is yet another technical breakthrough, courtesy of Omega’s expert watchmakers in achieving two extraordinary feats in the creation of an antimagnetic tourbillon.

First, the tourbillon cage is able to keep rotating even under a magnetic field of 15,000 gauss. Secondly, the tourbillon’s speed is set to one revolution per minute allowing the display of seconds, an essential criterion for being certified.

Powering the timepiece is the Omega Co-Axial Master Chronometer Calibre 2640, with a 3-day power reserve indicator, which can be viewed through a sapphire crystal case back. One can sneak a glimpse at the luxurious and beautiful 18k Sedna™ gold bridges and mainplate—hand-bevelled for a decorative finish—sitting within the sturdy case of the watch.

Equally noteworthy is Omega’s prowess in advanced materials, particularly for the two precious alloys it made famous. First is 18k Canopus™ gold, an exclusive white gold alloy known for its high brilliance, whiteness and longevity, which is used for the 43 mm central case body, buckle logo and crown logo. The other is Omega’s trademark rose gold alloy, 18k Sedna™ gold, which is used for the lugs, bezel and case back.

Also sporting Sedna™gold is the sun-brushed dial but rendered in an attractive dark shade with black PVD treatment.

Showcased at the centre of the dial is the star of the show: the tourbillon cage with hand-polished bevels in black ceramised titanium, ingeniously driving the movements of the hands.

The brand tells us it takes an entire month of intensive work to create each of these timepieces, meticulously handcrafted by a select group of horologists at Omega’s Atelier Tourbillon. On top of a five-year warranty, the watch is presented in a special box that contains a travel pouch, watch crown winder and a certificate noting the specific number of each watch.

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LANGE 1 TIME ZONE BY A. LANGE & SÖHNE Based on A. Lange & Söhne’s Lange 1, and fifteen years after its launch, the Lange 1 Time Zone has been updated with a new manufacture calibre. The ability to indicate the time at home and in another time zone at a quick glance sets this timepiece apart from other world time watches, making it a convenient complication for global nomads and the jet set.

An asymmetric dial with two time displays that shows the world’s 24 time zones via its “second time zone” function, together with an outsize date and a power-reserve indicator grant the watch its recognisable aesthetic. As legible and superbly crafted as ever, the timepiece displays home time on the larger time circle while the smaller time circle can be conveniently set to a second time zone by adjusting the switchable city ring retained from the previous models. Best of all, both of the times displayed are corrected simultaneously whenever the time is adjusted with the crown.

Using the synchronisation system, the zone time can be transferred from the smaller to the larger dial—useful during a long overseas stay. Pulling out the crown to its second position synchronously adjusts the times of both zones. To correct the outsize date connected with main time, press the 10 o’clock

pusher. Also status quo is the 8 o’clock corrector button— when pressed, it moves the city ring from west to east by one time zone, and concurrently advances the hour hand of the subsidiary dial by one hour to indicate the zone time of the city beneath the golden arrow applique.

Innovation-wise for the new Lange 1 Time Zone are the niftily designed and ultra-readable ring-shaped day/night indicators for home time and zone time. They tell the wearer whether it is the first or second half of the day, in conjunction with the hour hand. Originally displayed with rotating arrow hands, they are now relocated to the centres of the two time circles.

Further bolstering the watch’s functionality quotient is the second innovation located in a small aperture of the golden arrow applique at 5 o’clock. This indicator shows the reference location for the zone time that has been set, where the aperture shows red if the respective city has a daylight-saving time regime, and if not, the display appears on a bright background.

Finally, the pièce de résistance of the new Lange 1 Time Zone: the new manufacture calibre L141.1, with 72-hour power reserve achieved with a solo spring barrel, which now endows all models of the Lange 1 family.

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TWIN TURBO FURIOUS BUGATTI 300+ BY JACOB & CO. The maximalist, over-the-top tendencies of Jacob & Co. turns heads even amidst formidable competition in the luxury realm of high watchmaking and jewellery. Partnering recently with automotive brand Bugatti, the perfect match has further fuelled Jacob & Co.’s extreme exercise in watchmaking—evident on the latest timepiece released from the collaboration between the superpower pair.

Following from their previous timepiece inspired by the classic Bugatti Chiron, the new launch is the Twin Turbo Furious Bugatti 300+. Created to celebrate the world’s fastest series production hypercar, it flaunts a brand-new aesthetic that captures the essence of the Super Sport 300+ in design and technology. Extremely exclusive, only three pieces of the Twin Turbo Furious Bugatti 300+ are being produced. For context, Le Mans winner and official Bugatti driver Andy Wallace had set a new speed record by smashing the magical 300 mph barrier driving the Bugatti Chiron Super Sport 300+ on August 2nd of 2019.

“In Jacob & Co. we have found a partner, who understands the way we see exclusivity and how every object carrying the Bugatti name has to combine extreme power and the most sophisticated technology with pure luxury and the unmistakable Bugatti aesthetics and elegance. The Twin Turbo Furious is another product created in the spirit of this

partnership”, says Bugatti president Stephan Winkelmann.

Powering the Twin Turbo Furious Bugatti 300+ is a black titanium twin triple-axis tourbillon movement, which includes a decimal minute repeater and a mono-pusher chronograph with reference time. To reference the exposed carbon fibre bodywork of the hyper car, the watch comes aptly housed in a forged carbon and black DLC titanium case.

Upping the ante, the super watch brings into its fold two accelerated triple axis tourbillons. These tourbillons work together to offset the effects of gravity on the precision of the movement. Pulling itself even further ahead of the pack, the Twin Turbo Furious Bugatti 300+ adds to its arsenal a very rare complication that is incredibly difficult to conceive, the decimal minute repeater. This minute repeater complication enables the timepiece to chime on demand ten-minute intervals after the hours and before the minutes.

What is the composition of a grand complication creation like the Twin Turbo Furious Bugatti 300+? The exact figure rounds up to 88 parts for the case and 832 individual parts for the grand complication movement, capped by a 50-hour power reserve. With such high specifications, the Twin Turbo Furious Bugatti 300+ springs a surprise with its sporty and comfortable construction that makes it easy enough to wear on a daily basis.

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LAUREATO ABSOLUTE LIGHT BY GIRARD-PERREGAUX Positioned among the first generation of luxury sports watches, the Girard-Perregaux Laureato collection has slowly evolved since being launched in 1975. Its recent experimentation with different materials and technologies is a concerted effort at innovating and gearing itself for the watchmaking universe of the 21st century.

Interestingly, the Laureato started life with a quartz movement in the 1970s before transitioning the mechanical movements in the mid 1990s. Its solid comeback in 2016 to celebrate the brand’s 225th anniversary has cemented its presence among watch icons, especially with the unveiling of a full Laureato collection with multiple variants in the following year.

It was at the Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie in 2019 that the Laureato Absolute collection was introduced in the spirit of reinventing the brand’s icons. This year’s Laureato Absolute Light rendition comes in an 88-piece limited edition, an interpretation that is decidedly among the most audacious of the Laureato Absolute family. On show is sapphire crystal, the material of choice for the Laureato Absolute Light—a hard and brittle material that is challenging to work with, belonging to the modern and high-tech category.

Though not a novelty in general and for the brand, sapphire crystal watches are still rare due to the technical difficulty of producing them. Prior to this, the brand used the same material

on the game-changing Girard-Perregaux Quasar Light, whose case and bridges have been sculpted from sapphire crystal. For the Laureato Absolute Light, the play with light is achieved by illuminating the skeleton movement with sapphire crystal. Not only is the effect visually mesmerising, but aesthetics is fused with functionality to transform the technical components into design features. The striking transparent view of the movement from all angles with light perfectly reflecting off its matte and polished surfaces is an art in precision engineering.

Housed in the 44 mm sapphire and titanium octagonal case is a reworked interpretation of the skeletonised GP01800 automatic movement that enhances the reflection of light. For the first time, the mainplate is octagonal and screwed together with the bezel, case and case-back on the eight points of the octagon that showcases the Laureato’s iconic form. On top of that, the bold anthracite NAC-treated bridges and mainplate are cloaked in an impressive four different finishes.

Taking the spotlight is the distinctive oscillating weight in hollowed-out gold that ensures the full visibility of the movement. For readability, the 12 curved sections of the black NAC-treated ring between mirror-polished triangles act as hour-markers. Sandwiching the sapphire case are two brushed titanium lugs that integrate the rubber strap with a microadjustment system seamlessly into the watch.

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ARCEAU INTO THE CANADIAN WILD BY HERMÈS This visual art tribute to the great outdoors of Canada and its spectacular nature is reduced and resized to fit onto the dial of a wristwatch. A miniature painting on aventurine is posited on the understated and unique Arceau, replete with its timeless round case with asymmetric stirrup-shaped lugs. Designed

by Henri d’Origny in 1978, the watch lends itself as a curved canvas for the creativity and craftsmanship of Hermès.

Taking the spotlight are two animal themes referenced from the maison’s Into the Canadian Wild silk scarf designed by British artist Alice Shirley in 2017 for the momentous occasion of Canada’s 150th anniversary. The original artwork draws inspiration from the treasures of Canada with its vast expanse of nature and abundant flora and fauna, enveloped by the oceans, lakes and rivers.

Singled out for this artistic interpretation by Hermès Horloger are two animals from the Canadian wild. A snowy owl, an emblem of Canada’s province of Quebec, is depicted flying amid the magical Northern Lights (aurora borealis) and rendered on the first model; and next is the polar bear accompanied by its cub, perched above swirling waves and overlooking a myriad of animals below on the second watch model.

To perfect the miniature work on this decorative piece of craftsmanship, the artisan takes more than a week per dial. The impeccable workmanship begins with the tracing of the motif’s contours on the shimmering aventurine base. Thereafter, it is fired in the kiln to keep the lines and colours drawn on the dial in place. The textures and volumes of the rendition of landscapes and animals comprise of subsequent layers of paint alternated with successive firings. To create a successful finishing of this drawing miniaturisation, immaculate intricacy is needed to create the manifold nuances of volumes, tones and other subtle details.

This Arceau Into The Canadian Wild collection is available in two limited series of 24 pieces each. Crafted in elegant white gold set with 82 diamonds framing the handcrafted dial and complemented by smooth sapphire blue alligator dial made by the Hermès Horloger artisans, it captures the free and wild spirit of nature on a dial. Watchmaking, craftsmanship and artistry unite on this watch pair, powered by a mechanical selfwinding Hermès movement. For the model with the polar bear, hours and minutes are displayed while the snowy owl model is accompanied by a moon phase.

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ALTIPLANO TOURBILLON INFINITE BLUE BY PIAGET Piaget’s heritage in ultra-thin movements and timepieces started with Georges Edouard’s initial business of producing super thin components in 1874, before he founded the Piaget brand in 1943, along with its own line watches. Today, out of Piaget’s 35 in-house calibres, 23 belong to the ultra-thin category where ultimate thinness continues to serve the style and elegance synonymous with Piaget.

counter. Meticulously handcrafted in Piaget’s Ateliers de l’Extraordinaire, this special shape requires absolute precision and expertise to cut and set the diamonds.

For the 60th anniversary of its ultra-thin movement in 2017, the Altiplano flying tourbillon—a manual-winding movement featuring the time at eight o’clock and the tourbillon at two o’clock—entirely made and assembled in Piaget’s Manufacture was unveiled. Its cache of 157 ultra-thin and ultra-light components has truly made it an engineering triumph, besides holding a patent for its stem mechanism with an intermediate wheel that allows the time on the off-centered dial to be set—a first for the watchmaking industry.

Acting as the base for all three timepieces is an exquisite blue sunburst PVD dial and a matching blue alligator strap. For the Piaget Altiplano Tourbillon Infinite Blue Limited Edition 38, it is embellished with 135 diamonds on the bezel, lugs, buckle, and dial with an Infinite diamond figure encircling the 670P flying tourbillon movement and the off-centred hour and minute counter. Next is the Limited Edition 18 reference, which hypnotises with swirls of diamonds perpetuating the Infinity and figure 8 symbol across the dial. A total of 276 diamonds adorn the watch, including the bezel, lugs, and buckle. It is also powered by Piaget’s 670P flying tourbillon at two o’clock that forms the Infinite sign with the off-centred hour and minute counter at eight o’clock.

This year’s release of a trio of Altiplano Flying Tourbillon timepieces, sheathed in a serene shade of blue that is akin to the night skies and deep oceans. With gem-set dials, each of these stunners features a magical and meaningful motif: the Infinity symbol and the figure 8, formed by the juxtaposition of the tourbillon carriage and the off-centred hour and minute

Last but not least is the Limited Edition 8, whose dazzling baguette diamonds intensify both the dial colour, and the 670P tourbillon movement and off-centred hour and minute counter.

For contrast, brilliant-cut diamonds decorate the lugs, the buckle and the case (profile & back), with a grand total of 386 diamonds for this spectacular high jewellery wristwatch.

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Patek Philippe's new production building in Plan-les-Ouates in the outskirts of Geneva

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Full Circle

Patek Philippe breaks its watchmaking pause with the launch of Ref. 6007A-001 to commemorate its new headquarters in Geneva.

BY TAN SIOK HOON

A disrupted year it has been for many industries but what has heartened us is how major players have creatively pivoted on the unusual circumstances, whether to consolidate and strategise, or extend and extrapolate. After hearing news that Patek Philippe would not be releasing any novelties for 2020, it was a pleasant surprise to be treated with a debut from the Genevan fine watchmaking behemoth—thanks to what transpired five years ago. (At the time of sending this issue to print, the brand has subsequently released a trio of grand complcations.)

Driving the expansion plans in 2009, incumbent manufacture president since 2009 Thierry Stern, Philippe’s son, had two primary goals in mind in consideration of the present and future: the relocation of the ateliers from Perly to Plan-lesOuates, and the provision of additional space especially for the growing production and training activities for the next two to three decades. It was not what one would assume for the aim of bumping up its annual production beyond the almost 62,000 pieces, a number that is naturally derived and limited by the extremely strict quality directives of the Patek Philippe Seal.

TOMORROW’S VISION TODAY Back in October 2015 after a modest groundbreaking ceremony, construction commenced on Patek’s new production building located in Plan-les-Ouates in the outskirts of Geneva city.

And fast forward to early 2020, production activities in the newly completed, sleek and modern facilities have officially begun where once again all of the manufacture’s Genevan ateliers have come under one roof. The raison d’être behind this significant move and concerted effort to unite all of Patek’s individual activities scattered over a dozen sites throughout the city into a single venue was to ensure the continued independence of the watchmaking concern.

Accounting for nearly half of Patek’s current collection today are complicated watches such as the patented Annual Calendar, Weekly Calendar, Travel Time Two-Zone display and World Time—that saw rapid growth over the last 25 years.

Hence, the required number of special mechanisms has also monumentally increased and along with the watchmaker’s customer-centric development philosophy, the average number of components per watch continues to rise. With a product palette of over 160 models—consisting of simple watches, useful complications, grand complications, casually elegant watches, ladies’ watches, jewellery watches—crafted in series from a dozen to several hundred pieces, along with the need for a broad selection of in-house calibers and increased demand for rare handcrafts watches, the need to tremendously bolster production space became an issue of great importance.

The pioneering idea of this concept of centralisation, especially for the watchmaking industry, was mooted much earlier, in fact in 1996, at the lead of then president Philippe Stern for a new manufacture of unparalleled proportions in Plan-les-Ouates, or rather “Plan-les-Watches” as it is now commonly referred to after Patek became the first brand to establish a presence in this Genevan suburb.

To its fortuity, Patek’s engine of growth soon overwhelmed the production capacity of its already amply sized facilities at the time. So much so that in 2003, its exterior operations (production of watch cases and bracelets) were shifted to the neighbouring Perly community. To accommodate its booming activities, Patek was obliged to purchase additional land to extend its Plan-les-Ouates plot, while it also converted an existing office block into an atelier complex to produce all its movement components.

Designed by Frisk de Marignac Pidoux (building concept) and Frei & Stefani SA (interior architecture), Patek’s new expanded building complex comprises 10 floors—6 above ground and 4 basement levels—covering floor space of approximately 133,650 sqm and costing CHF 600 million.

Its modern architecture is characterised by large-format glazing, white concrete passageways along the entire façade and the intermittent bronze-coloured fire escapes in the New York style that brings to mind an ocean liner with a defined silhouette. In line with the Patek language of subtlety and refinement are the slight horizontal curvature of the passageways (think of the gently rounded octagon of the Nautilus case) and the balustrades of the fire escape ladders that resemble the leaf-shaped hands.

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The Ref. 6007A-001 commemorative limited edition

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Recalling the Patek Philippe Watch Art Grand Exhibition in Singapore last year with its ten themed rooms covering 1,800 sqm , we can only imagine this new Patek manufacture as a colossal version of it. The ground floor and the first floor are reserved for production and manual finissage of movement parts (plates, bridges, wheels, form parts, etc.) while the second floor focuses on machining, manual polishing, and the assembly of exterior parts (cases, bracelets), and gem-setting. Crafting spare parts also takes place here aside from producing the current collection and restoring antique timepieces. The third floor accommodates further production-related departments such as Research & Development, an haute horlogerie department, and a new unit for prototyping operations. The fourth floor is where the rare handcrafts skills (manual engraving, enamelling, guilloching, wood micromarquetry, etc.) are carried out, besides housing an auditorium that can seat 299 persons and training rooms. A penthouse restaurant for 880 guests crowns the building on the fifth floor, along with four VIP lounges with a panoramic view. The first basement provides wardrobes located along a large “boulevard” where staff members can circulate freely before heading to their work stations above. The four basement floors contain all building technology installations as well as a parking facility for a total of 635 vehicles.

launched to pay tribute to the commissioning of the new PP6 flagship and production building for the creation, development, and production of Patek Philippe watches.

A rarity for Patek, especially for the Calatrava where precious metals is the norm, the Ref. 6007A-001 flaunts a steel case, which it has in common with Ref. 5212A Calatrava Weekly Calendar, the only other Calatrava to be encased in steel in Patek’s current collection, At first look, the Ref. 6007A-001 captivates with its vibrant and dynamic look that comes from the broad cambered bezel in polished steel and an inimitable face defined by the railway track scale of the hour circle with triangular markers, together with the baton hands for the hours and minutes. The integration of the self-winding caliber 324 S C movement with an aperture date at 3 o’clock and the applied Arabic numerals also do their part to complement the dial’s striking and graphic architecture and personality.

In line with the drive towards sustainability in our modern age, the new Patek Philippe building is in compliance with the “Haute Performance Energétique (HPE)” standards pursuant to the energy laws of the canton of Geneva, with a pending application for the Minergie-P label, the highest energy efficiency classification.

Other factors that imbue the Ref. 6007A-001 with its spirited vibe comes courtesy of a gray-blue hue; a discreet circular satin finish that strikes a sharp contrast with the white dial imprints as well as the applied numerals and the white-lacquered hands in white gold with luminescent coating; and most of all, a “carbon”-style texture in the centre of the dial that catches the light at different angles and reverberates with a high-tech sensibility. To complete the timepiece, the calfskin strap with white decorative seams, the prong buckle, and a delicately embossed pattern reminiscent of textile fabrics coordinate well in colour and structure, as well as with the other details of the watch.

COMMEMORATE AND CELEBRATE It has always been Patek’s tradition to issue limited-edition commemorative models to accompany key events in its corporate history, such as the incredible collection we witnessed (and were wowed by) at the Singapore Watch Art Grand Exhibition. A definitive moment in its momentous chronology has now come to pass and an exclusively created Calatrava in stainless steel with a unique design and a 1,000-piece limited edition has been

The fusion of tradition and innovation is emphasised with great refinement on this Calatrava. This is a theme that also weaves through the new Patek production building that sees the Genevan watchmaker corral its entire activities back to Plan- les-Ouates once again after a quarter of a century.

Epitomised by its illustrious Genevan roots and unmistakably forward-looking stance, the future of Patek’s watchmaking artistry looks very bright indeed.

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Chained Melody

With its elements and notes melding in harmony, the Maillon de Cartier strikes all the right chords in geometric and kinetic design.

BY TAN SIOK HOON

At the evocative Cartier, Crystallization of Time exhibition in Tokyo last October, we were privileged to witness how the evolution of shape, form and volume is central to the Cartier watchmaking oeuvre. In no small measure, it is the driving force behind the brand’s slew of icons such as the Tank, SantosDumont, Tonneau, Tortue, Baignoire, Ellipse, Ballon Bleu de Cartier and Drive de Cartier.

and a 3-D profile that infuse it with a radical spirit that reflecting modern architecture and kinetics.

For its 2020 novelties, Cartier dips into its boundless archives to delightful effect in the reprising and rejuvenating of these models: the graphic Pasha, edgy Tank Asymétrique and enduring Santos-Dumont. Joining the impressive line-up is the sophisticated Maillon de Cartier jewellery watch, which makes a thoroughly sophisticated and head-turning debut.

Boasting seven references—each fitted with a quartz movement and a diminutive dial measuring 16 mm x 17 mm with a height of 6.8 mm—the Maillon sings of Cartier’s excellence in materials and craftsmanship. Kicking off with an 18k yellow gold version featuring a silvered dial, Roman numerals and a sapphire cabochon crown, it is joined by white and pink gold iterations with a diamond-paved bezel and diamond cabochon crown.

At first sight, the Maillon is unmistakably feminine and elegant, looking even more entrancing close up. Most significantly, what gives the bracelet watch such a new and awe-inspiring perspective is torsion or the twist of lines. Rounded and polished to mirror-like sheen, the bracelet’s chain-links are unexpectedly skewed and off-centred. Graphic motion is evoked as you follow its silhouette formed by the intertwining of the dial, case and links.

This bias alignment with perfect cadence brings to mind Louis Cartier’s predilection for line and geometry with a notion of rhythm and harmony, order and symmetry, and clarity and flexibility, while echoing a discernible Art Deco sensibility.

Beyond exuding Cartier’s sense of rhythmic geometry, the Maillon’s rectangular links, hexagonal dial and bevelled brancards are also characterised by strong and angular volume

“We wanted to deconstruct the bracelet and transcend its design through a volume approach. Emotion is in the movement and tension,” timepieces creation director Marie-Laure Cérède explained.

Elevating the sparkle factor, other variants include one in pink gold with a silvered dial and fully diamond-studded bezel and bracelet; alongside a white gold model whose dial, bezel and bracelet are entirely embellished with diamonds. The penultimate interpretation is a 50-piece limited edition in yellow gold with a black lacquer dial, and diamond-paved bezel and bracelet. Finally, shining bright is the magnificent 20-piece limited edition in white gold, paved perfectly with diamonds, tsavorites, and blue and turquoise lacquer—a beautiful serenade of watchmaking and jewellery artistry in a colour palette that showcase Cartier’s most innovative and adventurous streak.

Discover Cartier’s 2020 watchmaking novelties including the Maillon de Cartier at www.cartierwatchmakingencounters.com.

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Margot Robbie

RM 07-01 CARBON TPT® BRACELET (left) and RM 037 GEM-SET CARBON TPT® (right)

Michelle Yeoh

Ester Ledecka

RM 07-01 GEM-SET CERAMIC AND CARBON TPT® CASE

Top Of The Game

Richard Mille’s team of female brand partners is a diverse one, but whose qualities are in precise tandem with the visionary watchmaker in breaking boundaries and scaling ever new heights.

BY TAN SIOK HOON

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From the red carpet to the sporting arena and beyond, renowned and respected public figures such as Michelle Yeoh, Margot Robbie and Ester Ledecka may hail from different countries and professional realms, but their strengths, talents and accomplishments, as well as their affinity and affiliation to the watchmaking brand of Richard Mille are in absolute solidarity.

Among the phenomenal females in the Richard Mille family is Malaysian-born, award-winning actress Michelle Yeoh. Known for her beauty, talent and fearless attitude towards work and life, the prolific Asian superstar with a global profile and portfolio was chosen and appointed as the first female brand partner.

From the silver screen to off-screen engagements such as designing a pair of Richard Mille jewellery watches for women, serving as a UN Goodwill ambassador, and raising awareness for the ICM Bain and Spine institute; Yeoh’s credentials in show business and humanitarian work lend great substance to her brand partner appointment.

“We share the same artistic values and principles. Richard chooses his ambassadors based on the values they represent— the same ones he wants his brand to be associated with.

Be that elegance, determination, integrity or any number of specific things,” said Yeoh.

Another exemplary Richard Mille partner is Australian actress and producer Margot Robbie, whose ascending stardom is showing no signs of slowing down. In recent years, she has won awards and garnered nominations for acclaimed roles in films such as I, Tonya, Suicide Squad and Once Upon A Time In Hollywood from her distinguished filmography.

“I was astonished by the intricacy of the watches, by the way in which, when you look closely, the detail and craftsmanship are incredible. I was simply amazed that a thing so delicate felt so sturdy on my hand,” Robbie remarked. “I am really excited to join the Richard Mille family, I have always admired the brand’s artistry and innovation. The watch we are working on embodies Richard Mille’s vision of horology; it’s beautiful, unique and modern. I can’t wait for everyone to see it.”

From the grit of working in front of film cameras to the glamour of film premieres and award events from Hollywood to Cannes, we traverse to the snowcapped Alps, Olympic stadiums and highprofile sporting venues to find the Richard Mille family’s ninth female partner, Ester Ledecka. Famed for being the first athlete to combine snowboarding and alpine skiing internationally at the highest level, this trailblazer boasts a record-breaking performance in the PyeongChang 2018 Olympic Games that puts her in the league of the world’s elite sportswomen.

“Richard Mille and I both love what we do. We strive to be the best in our field and enjoy it,” said Ledecká, neatly summing up the raison d’être of her relationship with the brand.

Parallel to its universe of female brand ambassadors, the

Richard Mille ladies collection of watches similarly inhabit a uniquely feminine universe in fine watchmaking. What sets it apart is the juxtaposition of extreme watchmaking with beautifully elegant expressions in a quest to turn dreams and desire into reality. Case in point: the peerless and ultra-creative Talisman and Bonbon collections launched in recent years boast stunning designs and inimitable technicity, being truly second to none.

In constant pursuit of technical solutions, boundaries are constantly being pushed at Richard Mille that includes a mission to create unusual and exceptional ladies’ movements.

This is encapsulated by the brand’s very first in-house automatic-winding tourbillon used to power the RM 71-01 Automatic Tourbillon Talisman collection. Designed with ten different dials and available in various permutations of stone settings and colours, the collection exemplifies watchmaking for contemporary women with a taste for the utmost.

Highly focused and outstanding, Richard Mille’s ladies timepieces can be said to follow very closely behind its men’s collections in the choice of materials. In 2016, Richard Mille extended the use of its proprietary NTPT carbon, a signature feature of its men’s collections, to the case construction of its women’s collections that gave not only a striking and powerful appearance, but ensured optimal protection for the calibre.

Following this milestone, the brand charges along to mount its next apex by debuting a Richard MiIlle exclusive: gem-set NTPT carbon, which was applied to references RM 07-01 and RM 037. Besides being a showcase of unmatched elegance, the brand’s technology of setting stones in cutting-edge materials like ceramic and Carbon TPT® is an achievement in technicity that has made it possible for the first time ever to combine 21st-century case materials with every type of setting, alongside enhancing the watches’ comfort and ease of use. The RM 037 and RM 07-01 in Carbon TPT® are available in both plain and gem-set versions.

Never one to rest on its laurels and paving the way for the brand’s next breakthrough is a full bracelet in Carbon TPT®, developed for the RM 07-01. This wristwatch is emblematic of and tailor-made for the multifaceted lives led by modern and remarkable women for its unparalleled lightness and strength, and sophistication and sportiness. It can only be concluded that the variety and choice of settings, materials and stones in its ladies models—such as those reflected in RM 037 and RM 07-01—is symbolic of the achievement by the Richard Mille ladies collection in technicity, beyond the freedom of choice with options such as precious metal bracelets and straps in a plethora of of colours and materials.

Dedicated to creating the most extraordinary women’s timepieces imaginable, Richard Mille perfects its feminine realm that allows a woman to express and empower her personality, lifestyle and aspirations.

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Great Exploits

The Longines Spirit collection soars high as it reimagines the brand’s heritage in aviation and exploration in the context of contemporary codes and innovation.

BY TAN SIOK HOON

If you need a reminder to be courageous, there may very well be a perfect timepiece to help with that. A brand-new collection joining the Longines Sport category has been released in a nod to the design philosophy of Longines timepieces worn by some of the most legendary aviators and explorers of the 20th century. Drawing from this deep and revered tradition, the Longines Spirit is a collection that is backed by an impeccable pedigree. A testament and tribute to the pioneers that continue to inspire us and also, embolden new generations to launch forth and push boundaries.

Pioneers Amelia Earhart, Paul-Emile Victor, Elinor Smith and Howard Hughes had famously put their trust and life in Longines time instruments in conquering the air, land and sea.

To navigate safely and successfully on their missions, they endured and battled unpredictable and extreme conditions due to fluctuations in weather, lighting, altitude and temperature.

Ultimately, they were able to overcome these adversities on their exceptional journeys to leave a mark on the annals of history, be it a record, an exploit or a display of audacity— thanks to their Longines watches and devices that performed with absolute reliability, accuracy and robustness.

The Longines Spirit references the traditional elements of pilot’s watches where accuracy and precision are mandatory.

Features such as an oversized winding crown that can be adjusted with gloved hands are top of the list, besides complementary details seen in the flange and pronounced step around the crystal; the diamond-shape index; and the prominent high-contrast and reflective numerals and hands with luminescent coating for night-time flying.

For its debut, the collection has been simultaneously reworked

and injected with a modern sensibility and state-of-the-art technology. Among the features showcasing that is a crown with an elegant blend of microblasted and polished textures that reveal the embossed Longines logo. Other supporting elements include the aesthetic coherence of the case, bracelet and outer dial flange; prominent highlight of the stars and lettering for accuracy; sophisticated and sporty metal bracelet that sits comfortably; 6-screw case back that is a classic Longines hallmark; and domed sapphire glass with multilayered anti-reflective coating. Most notable is its self-winding movement with a tiny silicon balance spring that has been exceptionally crafted to be harder, lighter and more durable than any traditional balance spring as to ensure the accuracy of the chronometer certification.

The Longines Spirit collection is available in three hand/ calendar models in 40 mm and 42 mm, with choice of a matte black, grained silver or sunray blue dial that comes stamped with five applied stars. There is also a chronograph version in 42 mm. To match all these variants are a choice of steel bracelet, or leather strap in dark brown, light brown or blue. Optimal versatility for the Longines Spirit can be found in the “Prestige” edition, which is presented with three interchangeable straps: steel, leather and NATO in brown leather.

Now more than ever, this call to surpass our limits, to pursue new dreams and visions, and to believe in the impossible cannot have come at a better moment. Reinforcing this mantra are the words of Paul-Emile Victor, “The only thing we are sure to fail is that which we do not attempt.” The legacy and courage of Earhart, Victor, Smith and Hughes, channelled through the Longines Spirit collection, will absolutely continue to keep the pioneer spirit alive for a long time to come.

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Back To The Future

Louis Vuitton ups its stake in high watchmaking by launching a splendid parade of exceptional timepieces with the Tambour Curve Flying Tourbillon Poinçon de Genève leading the pack.

BY TAN SIOK HOON

Tambour Curve Flying Tourbillon Poinçon de Genève

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Tambour Spin Time Air Aventurine

It took just five years for Louis Vuitton to finalise the acquisition of La Fabrique du Temps in 2011 after partnering with it from the onset of its establishment. Founded in Geneva in 2007 by Michel Navas—born to a “watchmaker” family in Spain and a trained master watchmaker with over 20 years expertise— and Enrico Barbasini, the high watchmaking workshop carves its niche in the conception and fabrication of high standard movements, such as the tourbillon and the minute repeater.

To thrive in haute horlogerie, traditional fine watchmaking expertise and a cutting-edge streak are essential ingredients— clearly exhibited here by La Fabrique du Temps Louis Vuitton in the release of their 2020 hero product: Tambour Curve Flying Tourbillon Poinçon de Genève. Bearing the Poinçon de Genève seal at 6 o’clock, the watch is an absolute reinvention of an existing icon in every detail, bolstered by its prestigious certification of origin, unsurpassed craftsmanship and reliability, including the technical excellence of a movement that required over 120 hours of work among its lauded credentials.

Masculine and defined by its lightweight, openwork (as opposed to skeletonised) design, the hand-assembled and finished timepiece showcases an all-new calibre and also materials used for the caseband, strap and folding clasp.

Flaunting a progressive and graphic aesthetic, the watch’s futuristic design takes the form of a stretched, elongated shape with a convex surface enclosed in a circle—a silhouette that perfectly follows the natural curve of the wrist.

Qualifying the Tambour Curve Flying Tourbillon Poinçon de Genève as a standout is its outer case of CarboStratum®, a composite material developed exclusively for Louis Vuitton—a millefeuille of over 100 assorted carbon sheets have been layered at random, compressed at a controlled temperature and milled using next-generation multidimensional machines. This ultra-rigid material is akin to the super-lightweight, resistant technical ones employed in aeronautics but translated into soft and powerful curves for the timepiece. After the carbon overlay is positioned on a grade 5 titanium base, the watch’s micro-machined, extruded titanium lugs are set firmly in the CarboStratum® case.

The next factor that elevates the timepiece to haute horology status is its innovative mechanical movement with 80 hours of power reserve and a tourbillon regulator. An homage to kinetics, the in-house designed and crafted LV108 calibre

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Voyager Tourbillon Volant Poinçon de Genève

Tambour Moon Mystérieuse Tourbillon Volant Saphirs Rainbow Lagoon

features a geometric openwork construction that draws the eye to the titanium tourbillon carriage at 9 o’clock. Inspired by the Louis Vuitton Monogram, the fully integrated LV initials is a clever play on architectural transparencies in surroundings which highlight the art of bevelling.

While the Tambour Curve Flying Tourbillon Poinçon de Genève paves the way to the future of watchmaking at La Fabrique du Temps Louis Vuitton with its elegant, dynamic architecture, an array of stunning supporting acts created alongside this masterpiece also deserve mention.

TAMBOUR SPIN TIME AIR AVENTURINE The 42.5 mm diameter and 18k white gold case of the watch houses the LV88 calibre developed and assembled at La Fabrique du Temps Louis Vuitton. Fun design convenes a with weighty watchmaking in this novel way of telling time, derived from an inventive hour display that replaces a central hand with 12 rotating cubes where one of each corresponding cube spins every 60 minutes to reveal blue sapphires. With a bejewelled halo against a transparent back with a floating centre display in aventurine, reading the time surely can’t get any more ethereal than this.

VOYAGER TOURBILLON VOLANT POINÇON DE GENÈVE Not only a proud bearer of the eminent Poinçon de Genève seal seen amidst a delicate, skeletonised calibre and seethrough case, this timepiece’s 41 mm diameter and 18k pink gold case is one that straddles the shape of a circle and a square. Fitted with an LV104 calibre crafted at La Fabrique du Temps, the movement makes an impression with its semblance of a mid-air suspension of invisible forces.

TAMBOUR MOON MYSTÉRIEUSE TOURBILLON VOLANT SAPHIRS RAINBOW LAGOON The watch’s LV110 calibre, developed and assembled La Fabrique du Temps, is an adaptation of the mysterious movements created in the 19th century that offer an optical illusion of levitating hands owing to crystal discs arranged along a verticle line, replaced now by sapphire crystal discs for the watch. An openwork monogram flower displaying hours and minutes sits at 12 o’clock while the tourbillon carriage at 6 o’clock appears to float mid-air. The enchanting watch in 45 mm diameter and 18k pink gold transparent case is encircled by mesmerising lagoon-hued baguette sapphires.

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L’Officiel

What Goes Around Comes Around

From the wide array of radical Fall/Winter 2020 beauty trends, we break down some of our six favourite key looks which riff heavily on iconic makeup from the past.

They will not only evoke a strong sense of nostalgia, but also leave you feeling confident and liberated.

Adeam

BY JOYCE FAN

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WALK LIKE AN EGYPTIAN

Richard Quinn

Ancient Egypt is easily one of the most interesting periods of history and this is partly due to its unusual beauty practice that saw both men and women routinely wearing makeup liberally regardless of their social class. The use of cosmetics was not only to enhance appearance but it originated from ritual functions whereby an unadorned eye was believed to be vulnerable to the Evil Eye, and the practice of wearing black kohl was, for instance, to ward off infections and provide sun protection.

Little did we know, the classic cat flick that accentuated the ferocious gaze of mighty queen Cleopatra would turn into a timeless trend favoured by many on the runways throughout the years. This fall is no different with shows like Miu Miu, Moschino, Prabal Gurung and Richard Quinn creating their own contemporary interpretation of the bold cat eye expressed through thick, distinctive black lines in a nod to the fearless leader’s signature jet-black eyeliner look.

Tom Ford

Christian Cowan

Nicole Miller

Then there was the decadent Egyptian beauty tradition that constituted decorating the face in precious gold to illuminate complexion as well as heal the skin. Present time, this technique of refined glamour is similarly emulated via eyes swathed in hefty layers of rich shimmering gold. Case in point: Tom Ford and Christian Cowan went for a smouldering coppergold eyeshadow look. Nicole Miller and Adeam, on the other hand, resorted to adhering tiny specks of gold leaf around the lid for added impact.

Chromat

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Prada

Matty Bovan

Self-Portrait

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IT’S AN 80’S PARTY

Ashish

An era that was all about more is more. A time of extremes and major creativity. A period defined by self-expression through experimental yet impactful looks with beauty queens like Madonna and Cyndi Lauper setting a precedent for embracing maximalist makeup. If you haven’t had the chance to experience those ten gnarly years of ’80s unabashed glamour, you now have a reason to get your glow on as the use of bold, daring colours are slowly making their way back onto the runway.

We couldn’t help but reminisce about bright, neon eyelids as a number of shows found escapism to counter the chilly season within pops of optimistic hues. Self-Portrait and Matty Bovan, for one, sported a swipe of traffic-cone orange and heavy circles of bubblegum pink respectively. Feeling a little more adventurous? Then take on Ashish and Chromat’s attentiongrabbing method of artfully executing various graphic, multicoloured creases in a trio of vivid highlighter shadows.

Altuzarra

Anna Sui

Charlotte Knowles

If punchy eyes are too high-voltage for your liking, modern makeup artists have found a way to bring the intensity down a notch without trading off its maximalist essence. Introducing jewel-tone eyes, the more mature version of the intensely vivid look but more interesting than earthy tones. Models at Altuzarra and Anna Sui were given dreamy ombré eyes while Prada’s metallic pristine floating rectangles and Charlotte Knowles’s swoops of two clashing hues were surprisingly subtle but still strking.

R13

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Rodarte

Marc Jacobs

Max Mara

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SMELLS LIKE TEEN SPIRIT

Toga

On the other end of the spectrum, individuality was celebrated by embracing the daring personas of rebels from the ’90s. In the midst of prevailing capitalism and societal classes, the generation then showed no desire to conform to the status quo thus expressing their disdain by adopting an anti-mainstream outlook. This entails the heavy and haphazard use of kohl pencil and dark lipstick to put together goth-punk makeup that was edgy and decidedly effortless.

This season, the grunge movement is making a comeback in the form of smokey eyes but this time involving a little more technique and implication than the OG. For instance, black eyeshadow was excessively blended and smudged on the lids at Marc Jacobs and Max Mara to pull off a polished take on fatigue chic. Things took a darker turn at R13 and Toga when models rocked a warrior-like look with an abstract wash of black pigment across the crease of the eye, exuding toughness and grit.

Dries Van Noten

Emilio Pucci

Chocheng

Also unleashing their inner Nirvana were Chocheng, Dries Van Noten, Emilio Pucci and Rodarte. They cranked up the drama by giving us the most wearable interpretation of grunge: vampy pouts. There really is no subtler way to embody this moody aesthetic and incorporating it into your daily looks. All that is needed is a swipe of a dark-coloured lipstick in striking shades of plum, maroon, oxblood and burgundy while keeping most of the face bare with just a clean, no-makeup look.

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Botanical Spring Shampoo (Smooth) Sakura & Peach, BOTANIST

Botanical Spring Treatment (Smooth) Sakura & White Strawberry, BOTANIST

No.4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo, OLAPLEX

No.5 Bond Maintenance Conditioner, OLAPLEX

Cocomino™ Glossing Shampoo, DRUNK ELEPHANT

Cocomino™ Marula Cream Conditioner, DRUNK ELEPHANT

Be Gentle, Be Kind™ Banana + Coconut Nourishing Superfood Shampoo, BRIOGEO

Be Gentle, Be Kind™ Banana + Coconut Nourishing Superfood Conditioner, BRIOGEO

Normal Hair Shampoo, SACHAJUAN

Normal Hair Conditioner, SACHAJUAN

THE GANG’S ALL HERE If the launch of Gucci Beauty’s lipstick range and mascara has left you wanting for more, the House and its creative director Alessandro Michele have answered your prayers with a face and eye makeup line. Designed to enrich and complement its existing beauty collection, you can now do full-face makeup using only Gucci Beauty, thanks to the addition of three new products: smoothing mattifying face powder Poudre De Beauté Mat Naturel, defining brow pencil Crayon Définition Sourcils and gel gloss Éclat De Beauté Effet Lumière.

Riding The Milk Way Raise your glass (of milk) to Drunk Elephant’s colourful new member!

The E-Rase™ Milki Micellar Water is a nourishing cleansing water formulated at a pH of 5.0 to gently and thoroughly dissolve makeup and rinse off dirt minus the sensitisation and irritation.

Its milky texture comes from the unique mixture of ultra-mild micelles, soothing vitamin E, replenishing fatty acids and non-fragrant plant oils. Use it all over including the eye and lip area before, after or even in place of your night-time cleanser.

Painted Petals

As if we don’t already adore Fresh’s best-selling Rose Face Mask, it now sports a gorgeous limited-edition watercolour design by Californiabased designer and illustrator Jayde Cardinalli. The collaboration aims to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the beloved product—“planted” in 2000 and still “blooming” in 2020—and its hydrating formula of real rose petals.

“I love the juxtaposition of a rose—it has this beautiful but dangerous thing going on. I wanted the packaging to have this wild lush feel which reflects the mask’s silky, soothing flowerinfused texture,” says Jayde of the dreamy illustration.

TAKES TWO TO TANGO

Let’s talk about haircare. We all know that shampoo and conditioner are the baseline of any hair regimen. When used together, they help to reduce breakage and smooth tangles while keeping your locks at its healthiest. Yet have you ever wondered if you are using the right pair? Lucky for us, most brands typically couple their shampoo with a matching conditioner. We have rounded up some of our favourite duos to include in your wash, rinse and repeat.

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Farah Ann

Phei Yong

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Joey Leong

Marianne Tan

THIRST FOR MORE

With over 26 years of experience in fulfilling ‘skin thirst’ and restoring complexion to its hydro-radiant best with its Water Bank line, Laneige recently unveiled its new season campaign titled #ThirstForLife in conjunction with the release of its limited-edition Water Bank Hydro Essence and Water Bank Hydro Cream. The campaign seeks to inspire others to expand their boundaries and explore their potential through the stories of five inspiring personalities from the local scene. They include Malaysia’s 7th time SEA Games gold medalist Farah Ann; Malaysian actress Joey Leong; popular YouTube content creator Phei Yong; Malaysian model and 2014 Asia’s Next Top Model winner, Sheena Liam; and actress and illustrator Marianne Tan.

Bondi Hydrating Mist, DR ROEBUCK’S

Facial Spray With Aloe, Sage And Orange Blossom, MARIO BADESCU

The Satin Skin Mist, TATCHA

Cicapair Facial Calming Mist, DR.JART+

Moisture Surge Face Spray Thirsty Skin Relief, CLINIQUE

Water Bank Hydro Mist, LANEIGE

Do The Dew

If there is one beauty product that you should consider to be a work desk necessity, it is the face mist. And before you go about labelling it as an overpriced bottle of water, we suggest you give this well-formulated pick-me-up a quick spritz and bask your dry, cranky complexion in its hydrating and nutrientfilled droplets. You will never turn your back away from being able to instantly uplift and refresh skin on the go ever again.

CHEEKY SUMMER Fenty Beauty Summer 2020 collection is getting us excited and its star Cheeks Out range, featuring a series of blushes and bronzers in stunning vibrant hues and bold shades, is perfect for putting together a natural and fresh glow. Global Makeup Artist of Fenty Beauty joins us in an exclusive interview to share about the products, makeup tips and more.

Tell us a little bit about Cheeks Out. The Cream Blush and Bronzer give a really natural-looking wash of colour that brightens and enhances your complexion.

They have a unique balm-like texture that feels incredibly lightweight and just melts into your skin. Plus, they are sweat and water-resistant. I love the flexibility when it comes to this blush—you can use just a touch for a natural look or build for bolder colour. Some of the shades may look pretty vivid in the pan, but they actually have a sheer finish so it’s really easy to build up the colour to your desired look.

What are your favourites from the collection?

They’re all so pretty! But if I had to call out a standout shade it would be Amber from the Cheeks Out Cream Bronzer collection.

It’s the same perfect cool-tone contour shade for people in the 100-200 skin tone range. As for the blushes, my personal favourite would be the Cool Berry shade, which is the perfect pinky mauve shade with a slight shimmer that gives the skin an extra dewy finish.

Do you have any tips or tricks on using the new Cheeks Out collection and Match Stix Glow Skinstick to maximize that perfect summer beauty look?

I would use the Cheeks Out Freestyle Cream Bronzer to warm up the complexion—apply it under the cheekbones, jawline, on the top of your forehead and on the sides of your nose. This will sculpt and add dimension as well as give natural warmth to your face. Then use the Cream Blush on the cheeks to create a natural flush. Meanwhile, the Match Stix Glow Skinstick is great for creating a dewy finish—I use this on the high points of the cheeks, the brow bone and cupids bow.

L’Officiel

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Home Hits The Spot

While the saying “the grass is always greener on the other side” may ring true for some, you will be surprised by how diverse the wellness and healing tradition is here on our home soil. In support of the local spa industry, ahead are three uniquely Malaysian massages worth exploring.

BORNEO RITUAL Looking to immerse your senses in the heady aromas of Borneo? You can get a similar experience over at Mandarin Oriental Kuala Lumpur when you request for their Borneo Ritual. A Boreh body wrap containing a mix of clove, ginger, nutmeg, kaffir lime and cinnamon imparts a comforting, warm and aromatic sensation to improve circulation, revitalise skin tone as well as promote the tranquillity of the mind, body and soul. This is followed by the drizzling of warm coconut oil onto the hair in preparation for a traditional Indian head massage to stimulate the scalp while also leaving behind smooth, silky locks. A chamomile-infused soothing facial treatment completes the ritual.

DUSUN INAN BODY THERAPY Another great local treatment to restore balance and heighten the sense of wellbeing, this award-winning deep tissue massage follows an age-old traditional therapy practised by a local tribe in Northern Borneo known as the “Lotud Dusuns”. In an effort to ease the aches and pains of back-breaking work in the paddy fields and to restore mobility, the women of this indigenous tribe acquired and mastered the technique of applying thumb pressures to various pressure points of the body. Choose between sessions of 60 or 90 minutes to experience the healing touches of this time-honoured massage to effectively release tension and relax those muscles.

URUTAN MALAYSIA Why indulge in one when you can enjoy the best of three restorative practices derived from our nation’s multi-ethnic society in one comprehensive and efficient massage? This invigorating 90-minute procedure is an accurate portrayal of Malaysian spirit as it seamlessly integrates the Malay, Chinese and Indian cultures. This involves a combination of the finest elements of Malay massage techniques, Indian head massage along with Chinese Qi Going breathing and reflexology. Not only will you get to experience a taste of holistic wellness with a localised touch, you are guaranteed to step out of Swasana Spa feeling more rejuvenated, refreshed and relaxed than ever before.

The Spa Mandarin Oriental Kuala Lumpur Kuala Lumpur City Centre, 50088 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

UR SPA The RuMa Hotel and Residences 7 Jalan Kia Peng, 50450 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Swasana Spa Impiana Hotel 13 Jalan Pinang, 50450 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

+603-2179 8722

+603-2778 0888

+603-2147 1111

mandarinoriental.com

theruma.com

impiana.com

Photo UR SPA / THE RUMA

BY JOYCE FAN

L’Officiel

Anatomy

The White Caviar Eye Extraordinaire

by La Prairie

La Prairie looks to make the eye extraordinary once more with a rich, delicate concoction that is inspired by how light reveals shape and vice versa.

BY JOYCE FAN

A new chapter in the Science of Light beckons as La Prairie introduces an additional element to last year’s Equation of Light, where colour and reflection function to enhance skin luminosity.

This time around, shape and its influence on the interaction of light around the planes of the face are being explored in great detail. While colour and reflection affect the quality and intensity of light, shape orchestrates its spatial distribution thus creating a pattern of contrasts between shadow and light. These findings on the eye’s three-dimensional architecture would soon result in the birth of White Caviar Eye Extraordinaire, La Prairie’s latest creation designed to address all three aspects.

The innovative formula is now enriched with the breakthrough illuminating molecule Lumidose, the most potent inhibitor of tyrosinase which is the enzyme responsible for melanin formation to boost the reflection of light from the skin. Also infused within its pristine white cream is Golden Caviar Extraction for promoting of collagen production. The complementing Ceramic Pearl, an special rotating sphereheaded tool, further enhances the experience by imparting a cool touch to visibly alleviate under-eye bags and dark circles.

As firmness and elasticity are gradually restored, the eye’s shape becomes more refined than ever to better reflect light.

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Shiseido MicroLiner Ink Eyeliner in 01 Black

Shu Uemura Lasting Gel Pencil in Intense Black

Burberry Beauty Effortless Kohl Eyeliner in 01 Jet Black

Pat McGrath Labs PermaGel Ultra Glide Eye Pencil in Xtreme Black

Smashbox Always On Liquid Lipstick in Tar Pit

Yohji Yamamoto

Fenty Beauty Stunna Lip Paint Longwear Fluid Lip Color in Uninvited

Dior Rouge Dior Lipstick in 602 Visionary Matte

Back To Black

Make Up For Ever Artist Rouge Lipstick in C604

Yohji Yamamoto’s penchant for black and dynamic shapes take form through Pat McGrath’s deft use of black eyeliner to produce sketchy and evocative scribbles around the eye against the models’ pale complexions. Black and grey are then diffused to create a captivating shadow on one half of the lips, rounding up the gothic creation.

Gucci Rouge à Lèvres Satin Lipstick in 700 Crystal Black

BY JOYCE FAN

NARS Full Vinyl Lip Lacquer in Everglades

L’Officiel

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Choose Your Weapon

Looking for a sidekick you can count on to battle alongside as you take on all your skin concerns? Take a pick from any of these six game-changing beauty tools and devices to lead the way towards a better-looking and healthier complexion.

BY JOYCE FAN

ESTÉE LAUDER RE-NUTRIV ULTIMATE FACIAL MASSAGER If you are looking to take facial massage to another level of self-indulgence, this diamond-faceted massage roller by Estée Lauder will be your go-to ally. Made from a cooling golden alloy, it is fitted with two precisely angled rollers that caress every single nook and cranny of the face. Its sculptural design and ergonomic shape ensure the ultimate therapeutic experience as it gently massages the facial muscles and reawakens that coveted healthy-looking flush. Pair it with a good serum or moisturiser before allowing its cool touch to infuse the formula into areas along the jawline, cheek and cheekbone.

HERBIVORE BOTANICALS JADE FACIAL ROLLER An ancient China beauty tool dating back to the 7th century, Herbivore Botanical’s Jade Facial Roller is more than just a pretty face. This ethically mined jade roller is as aesthetically pleasing as it is efficacious on the skin. Start off by smoothening a few drops of facial oil onto skin to help the roller glide with ease while promoting better absorption. From there, begin rolling the stone across the entire face and under the eyes in short, delicate strokes for improved elasticity, eased facial muscle tension and reduced stress. Another tip: store in the fridge for extra depuffing effect.

SHISEIDO CLEANSING MASSAGE BRUSH Investing in a brush to assist with your daily facial cleansing may feel completely unnecessary but according to skin experts, it is absolutely necessary to thoroughly remove every last scrap of dirt and grime that your fingertips are unable to reach. Shiseido’s luxurious cleansing brush and its silk-soft finely tapered bristles are made for this very job. Not only does it greatly heighten the benefits of foam cleanser, its delicate yet deep facial massage is guaranteed to cleanse the pores, stimulate microcirculation, as well as improve well-being without aggravating the skin.

SKIN INC OPTIMIZER VOYAGE TRILIGHT ++ Imagine having the technology of NASA, Chromother a py a nd L ow Fre quency Stimulation all in the palm of your hand.

Skin Inc’s award-winning and ultra-coveted Optimizer Voyage Tri-Light certainly makes its wielder feel invincible as it imparts five skin benefits—repair, glow, soothe, optimise and V-sculpt—at the click of a button. This nifty wireless device is now supercharged with two new power combo lights, orange and purple, in addition to the three original targeted red, blue and yellow LED lights for a truly bespoke facial within the comfort of your home.

FOREO IRIS EYE MASSAGER Taking inspiration from the lymphatic eye massages in Asia, FOREO seeks to enhance the technique’s visible benefits beyond the capability of fingertips alone. Introducing IRIS, your extra-gentle solution in combating visible signs of crow’s feet, dark circles and bags under the eyes. This ophthalmologistapproved eye massager emulates the fingertip massage via two modes: Pure Mode and Spa Mode. Apply your favourite eye cream before gently running the gadget from the centre to exterior, under and above the peepers. Doing so will dramatically maximise absorption and efficacy of the product.

DR DENNIS GROSS DRX SPOTLITE™ ACNE TREATMENT DEVICE You can now find satisfaction in zapping those stubborn zits (literally) thanks to Dr Dennis Gross’s trusty compact treatment device designed to target acne at every stage, even before it surfaces. This ingenious wand-like tool harnesses the full spectrum of acne-fighting wavelengths by delivering a powerful dose of medical-grade blue and red light which penetrates just beneath the skin’s surface to fight acne-causing bacteria and rapidly reduce inflammation simultaneously.

Place it directly onto breakout on dry skin and within days, you will see a reduction in pimple size and calmer skin.

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Made In Malaysia

The local beauty scene of late is absolutely thriving as fervent Malaysian entrepreneurs step up with home-grown delights that offer quality yet affordable alternative solutions to their international counterparts. So the next time you need to stock up on skincare essentials, why not add the products of these four Malaysian labels into your cart instead?

BY JOYCE FAN

Jidienne Ibañez

THE MINERAW @themineraw A name that is a combination of the words ‘minerals’ and ‘raw’, this Kuala Lumpur-based skincare brand is the brainchild of Jidienne Ibañez. Determined to debunk the need of an elaborate skincare regimen, Ibañez promotes one that’s drastically scaled back and touches on only the bare necessities. Positive reactions from friends and family about the founder’s own transformed and glowing complexion courtesy of her four crafted potions—Glow Serum, Toner, Purify and Honey Glow—gave her the assurance she needed to bring The Mineraw into action.

The brand has you covered for a simplified yet complete routine, offering all things vegan and cruelty-free ranging from cleansers to scrubs and sunblocks which are all manufactured in small batches with sustainability in mind.

This means using consciously sourced raw ingredients complemented by recyclable packaging.

What to get? Glow Serum Face Oil. An oilbased serum that penetrates deep into the skin to retain moisture, reduce inflammation and impart a dewy glow without the greasy residue.

L’Officiel

Beauty

Sian Chiew

ROOT REMEDIES @rootremedies What started out as a six-month natural skincare project for Sian Chiew soon evolved into a full-fledged business that is now known as Root Remedies. When commercial products in the market failed to nurse her problem skin back to health, she began rigorously testing formulas and cooking up her own skin-loving concoctions from scratch. This involved the traditional extraction method of oil infusion—a tedious process of soaking locally sourced raw ingredients in oil for a long period of time to retain its natural nutrients and scent. The result, when combined with her penchant for all things minimalist, is an exceptional cruelty-free skincare line packed in clear brown bottles that not only remedy all skin types from within but also provide support for our Malaysian suppliers whose locally grown produce is featured throughout the range.

What to get? Tamanu Pure Oil. Apply three to five drops of this nourishing and fast-absorbing oil sourced from Polynesia for visibly reduced stretch marks, scars and blemishes.

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Nabella Anuar

KAYMAN BEAUTY @kaymanbeautyhq A brand worth adding to your skincare arsenal especially if you are looking to introduce the use of activated charcoal into your daily cleansing. Established in 2017, Kayman Beauty is a true labour of belief and determination which had Nabella Anuar take on the role of dropship agent in selling clothing items and even getting a loan from her grandmother to generate enough revenue to kick-start a skincare enterprise that prioritises the wellbeing of the skin and not just its appearance.

Throughout its three-year of operations, it has launched a total of five products including the best-selling Rosa Glow Treatment Essence and CoalFace Soap—all formulated by Nabella with the assistance of cosmetic chemists to ensure their efficacy and safety. The brand has since garnered an impressive estimate of 87,000 and 35,000 followers on Instagram and Twitter respectively.

What to get? CoalFace Soap. This low-pH bar soap is a combination of activated charcoal and honey, both working together to combat acne-causing bacteria, absorb excess oil and nourish the skin.

L’Officiel

Beauty

Louise Chu

CLAIRE ORGANICS @claireorganics If you are a mother yourself, you should be able to relate to Louise Chu’s maternal instinct of yearning only the best for her child. Not wanting to expose her newborn to the harmful chemicals that may be found in conventional skincare offerings, she was motivated to curate her own natural personal care products.

This include learning to make her first bar soaps from breast milk which she then shared with close friends and family members. When encouraging feedback with many claiming the soap had eased their skin problems, she eventually channelled her passion into starting a brand named after her daughter Claire which carries the meaning “clean and pure” in French. Today, Claire Organics offers a diverse line of handcrafted soaps and skincare items formulated using natural remedies and quality ingredients with nourishing and healing properties.

What to get? Soother Healing Balm. The widely acclaimed solution especially for those suffering from eczema, thanks to its blend of pure essential oil, hydrating avocado oil and nourishing shea butter.

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Homecoming Queen She’s back! Atikah Karim talks living life in a pandemic limbo, her illustrious career in the Big Apple, and being the hero of her own story.

PHOTOGRAPHY DANNY LIM STYLING MONICA MONG

Dress and boots, Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello.

Top, Loewe; necklace, Chanel; bra, stylist’s own.

Dress and shoes, Givenchy; earring, Dior; stockings, stylist’s own.

Coat, belt and bag, Alexander McQueen; stockings, stylist’s own.

Top, pants and belt, Dior; bra, stylist’s own.

Top and dress, Fendi; earrings, Dior; shoes, Bottega Veneta; stockings, stylist’s own.

Jumpsuit, bodysuit and shoes, Bottega Veneta; bra, stylist’s own.

Blazer and pants, Bottega Veneta.

Dress and necklace, Chanel; bra and stockings, stylist’s own.

Bra and gloves, Gucci.

When did you come back to KL? I came back in March due to Covid-19. At the time, the number of cases in the US was still low but I just knew that it would rise.

I thought this was my chance to come home and spend time with my family during this tough time.

Is your family still in Kota Kinabalu?

Yes, I have been back for two months now since March. I did a 14-day self-quarantine before I went to my parents’ home. I missed my parents, our cats and my dad’s cooking.

Now that you have some down time, what are you looking forward to exploring or trying?

I just want to keep my health and mental state in tip-top condition by doing lots of exercises, eating healthy, going to the beach and just enjoying Malaysia at the moment.

How do you usually unwind?

Meeting my friends and hanging out with them or I’d go to a spa, get a facial—pampering myself.

Looking back at your journey, are there things that you wish you had done differently?

I wish I had taken a leap out of Malaysia at the right moment and the right time. Back then, I felt like the agency didn’t know if I were able to book jobs; the clients didn’t know how to cast or categorise a Southeast Asian girl. I wish I had been more positive and openminded in dealing with all the rejections! Remembering my first experience in London makes me feel depressed.

What would you say is your career high so far?

I’ve had quite a good, long run in my career. It takes sacrifice and effort to be where I am now but I still think that the journey hasn’t ended and the best is yet to come. It’s just a matter of time and luck.

What are the things in your list that you have yet to achieve?

Improve myself by learning new skills and expand my knowledge.

Aspiring models are looking up to you as an inspiration.

Does that affect you in any way?

It doesn’t affect me but I do appreciate it and I’m willing to share my journey.

Having made it to fashion’s big leagues now, do you see yourself as a (national) hero?

I don’t see myself as a national hero. But I do wish I could be a hero to my friends and family whom I care most about.

Who are your heroes?

My heroes can be anyone, especially those who are always there to help others and give them strength to go through life’s difficulties. Also, those who manage to find it in themselves to conquer their fears, whatever those may be, and just do it!

TEXT NIKITA NAWAWI MAKEUP AMBER LEE HAIR MEI CHOI STYLING ASSISTANTS AMELIA TAN AND JOYCE FAN PHOTOGRAPHY ASSISTANT TOMMI CHU MODEL ATIKAH KARIM/3M MODELS

In The Flash

Light up the ordinary with oversized proportions and exaggerated volumes, served with an uplifting side of whimsy.

PHOTOGRAPHER SOPHIE ISOGAI STYLIST YUTA KOTANI

Dress and boots, Ann Demeulemeester.

Coat and shoes, Yohji Yamamoto.

Vest, blouse and pants, JW Anderson.

Jacket and top, Anrealage.

Coat, Toga.

Coat, Sacai.

Top and pants, Acne Studios.

Coat, top and leggings, Junya Watanabe Comme des Garรงons.

MAKEUP KIE KIYOHARA HAIR SATOMI SUZUKI MODEL MIKO KAWABE/NUMBER EIGHT

05

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L’Officiel

News

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GAME ON

Expanding its made-to-order games collection, Louis Vuitton has introduced its first-ever billiards table.

Utilising identical craftsmanship to that of a Louis Vuitton trunk, the wooden table is sheathed in the brand’s iconic Monogram motif, Monogram Eclipse, Damier Graphite, smooth leather or versions of Epi leather. Completing the set are essential accessories that include billiard balls, two pairs of leather and Monogram two-piece cues, and a hot-stamped leather triangle. louisvuitton.com

MAKING A LADY’S MAN

Diet Dior

Cordelia de Castellane has turned in a new tableware line for Dior Maison and this time around, it features striking motifs by American artist and designer Shawn Stussy. Inspired by the Dior Fall 2020 men’s collection, the series of extra fine Limoges porcelain plates and mugs boast graphic prints as well as a Dior logo reinvented with graffiti-like tag. dior.com

For those who are looking for something that’s both aspirational and practical to gift their men, The Mr Porter Guide To A Better Day would definitely be a good pick. Published by London-based Thames & Hudson, the book serves as a manual to help men live effortlessly and elegantly in the modern world. It also features profiles and interviews with outstanding personalities including Virgil Abloh, Jon Hamm and Francis Mallmann. mrporter.com

L’Officiel

News

125

Express Yourself

Everybody has his or her own way of coping with all the distressing events happening around the globe. For writing enthusiasts, being reunited with old-school handwriting might just do the trick. This was what prompted Montblanc to launch the #InspireWriting initiative on Instagram where netizens are invited to partake in writing challenges set by the Montblanc Mark Makers. The brand, in turn, will spotlight some of the most inspiring writing on its own channels for others to enjoy. montblanc.com

Running Mate

No workout session is complete without some uplifting anthem blasting of the eardrum and Bang & Olufsen knows it. The Danish brand’s newest drop, the Beoplay E8 Sport wireless earphones, is designed with sportspeople in mind especially with its dust, sweat and waterproof function. The ergonomically shaped earbuds come with silicone ear tips and soft fins for an optimised fit, and the all-day battery life allows users up to seven hours of non-stop music. bang-olufsen.com

SEAS THE DAY

DRINK IT LIKE YOU STOLE IT

This might be one of the rare occasions where drinking and driving make a good combo of things. Looking up to the world of motorsport and racing, Drive Coffee channels that spirit of “drive” and motivation with its java offerings. Its Le Mans variety, for instance, captures the practicality and endurance of the GT40 that dominated the French race event with its medium roasting and strong tasting notes of chocolate, toffee and almond. drivecoffee.com

Pos Malaysia celebrates the country’s rich and diverse ocean life with its latest stamp series. Dubbed the National Definitive Series: Iconic Marine Life, the venture offers five original stamp designs featuring the hawksbill turtle, Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin, whale shark, small giant clam and dugong.

Meanwhile, the Miniature Sheet will come in a unique die-cut design of a hawksbill turtle hatchling. pos.com.my

L’Officiel

Living

What It Means To Be Alive This month, we tip our hats to local frontliners and essential workers who put their lives on the line to care for others.

BY NIKITA NAWAWI ILLUSTRATION YANA ZAINAL (@YANATURES)

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Living

127

DR IZYAN RAHMAT Medical Officer Currently serving as a medical officer in the Anesthesiology Department at Sultanah Aminah Hospital Johor Bahru, Dr Izyan Rahmat plays a crucial role in and out of the operation room. Her job scope ranges from ensuring the patients undergoing an operation are in stable condition to taking care of critical patients in the intensive care unit (ICU). And with a lethal viral disease in the equation, the stakes are now higher than ever.

When did it sink in for you that the Covid-19 threat is real?

I still remember, on 7th March. My head of department called me at 3PM to tend to a patient who required oxygen support in the ICU. That patient was the second case in Malaysia. When I reached the ICU at 9PM, I could see the patient was not in a stable condition and that a high ventilator setting was required in view of poor oxygenation.

How does the Covid-19 patient treatment differ from others?

Incharged Covid-19 patients are not as easy to treat as other ICU patients. To intubate them, we need to wear a powered air-purifying respirator. Our staff nurses will help us make sure that we follow standard operating procedure (SOP). Other than that, we need to insert a central line for inotropic support and other medications.

How do you contain the virus from spreading?

We wear multiple sterile gloves with proper personal protective equipment (PPE). And unlike other ICU patients, we cannot disconnect their endotracheal tube from the ventilator circuit to avoid exposure to the virus. Also, we’ll clean ourselves after we do rounds. For a 12-hour shift, sometimes we shower up to five times, even at 2 or 3 in the morning (and the water heater does not work).

What’s the procedure like going to work these days?

All staff need to have their temperature taken at every entrance.

Most departments at our hospital work alternate days to avoid contact. For ours, almost half of the operation rooms are no longer functional. Doctors who are in charge of the General ICU need to come to work as usual whereas the ones in charge of Covid-19 ICU are divided by a shift system.

How does it affect your personal life?

I started renting a new house near the hospital compound when I was designated to take care of Covid-19 ICU patients.

Even though I followed the SOP, I still felt guilty staying with my family. They were so worried when I informed them about me being assigned the incharged Covid-19 patients.

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Living

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L’Officiel

Living

129

MOHAN CHINNASAMY Broadcast Journalist It has been nearly 10 years since Mohan Chinnasamy came on board at Radio Televisyen Malaysia. In those years, the broadcast journalist cum newscaster has had his fair share of gruelling experiences as a first responder that includes covering the disastrous flood case in the East Coast and the disappearance of MH370 flight in 2014. But getting to the frontline to deliver the latest on Covid-19 proved to be an entirely different ballgame for him.

What was your first field assignment after the Movement Control Order (MCO) was announced?

It was a press conference by Health director general Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah. I also went to LRT Ara Damansara to survey if commuters followed the SOP, which they did. They even overrode the recent decision made by Prasarana Malaysia Berhad, of which Rapid Rail is a subsidiary, to scrap social distancing regulation on the trains. Our people are very mindful and alert of the situation.

What has been the biggest challenge you faced on the job so far?

When I was tasked with covering the return of Malaysians from Wuhan, Iran and Italy. I went to the Air Disaster Unit, situated near Kuala Lumpur International Airport, where the inbound Malaysians would be screened. Those who had fever were immediately sent to Sungai Buloh Hospital and the rest was quarantined for 14 days at a rehabilitation centre in Nilai. I did four cross coverage on this.

Why did you agree to take on the assignment?

Other reporters were scared to do it so my boss told me to go. My wife was also angry with me especially since she was pregnant. But I took it as a challenge. I followed the entire SOP that includes donning the PPE, and I received full cooperation from the Disaster Management Unit, the Fire and Rescue Department and others.

How do you keep “clean” especially with a baby on the way?

I’m not going to lie; I was really scared at first. It’s our first child and my wife is due at the end of this month. But I always take necessary precautions; I wouldn’t go home right after an assignment. I’d shower at the office, change into a new set of clothes and send the worn ones to the laundry. I’d also take turmeric baths at home—it’s an Indian belief that turmeric powder is antibacterial.

What would be the first thing you do when the world returns to normalcy?

My wife and I are planning to go to Thailand. She just loves Thailand’s tom yum, especially the ones sold in the Thai town of Betong. It’s actually just outside of our Pengkalan Hulu border.

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Living

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L’Officiel

Living

CHRISTINA TOH Area General Manager With an illustrious, three-decade experience under her belt, Christina Toh is a walking encyclopedia of the local hospitality scene. That said, her fabled capability was recently put to the test as Dorsett Grand Subang opened up its doors to house Malaysians seeking refuge amid the Covid-19 pandemic. The hotel’s area general manager shares what the experience was like and how it has changed the way things work.

How did the hotel come to be gazetted as one of the quarantine stations by the government?

It’s a combination of social responsibility and making the best of the situation in hand. Many hotels were closed during MCO but we remained opened because we had guests already staying with us. So we thought, we might as well do that (partake in the program). Of course, it also helped us to reduce our overheads and expenses. We have the livelihood of our associates and staff to think about.

Tell us about the homecoming Malaysians you hosted.

The first batch came in April and there were over 200 quarantiners. The Ministry of Health (MoH) had set up a makeshift clinic here where they conducted swab tests before the quarantiners checked in. We hosted two groups during this period and they all tested negative. On top of that, everybody was compliant to the rules and regulations.

What kind of preparation was required for the quarantine hotel program?

We received compulsory training by MoH where we were informed on the guidelines as well as the dos and don’ts. We also did a lot of sanitisation works according to the SOP, which we already had in place as a hotel operator. We just sort of intensified our routine. For example, instead of cleaning four times a day, we conducted the sanitisation process on a twohourly basis.

How did you keep a safe distance from the quarantiners?

There was no contact between the staff and those in quarantine.

Even if they had found some technical faults in their rooms, we weren’t allowed to go up and fix it. MoH personnel would come over, deliver a new room key and they would have to change room on their own. And when we had to be in close proximity with them, during check-in or when the staff went up to deliver their meals, we’d be wearing a full hazmat suit.

How has Covid-19 altered the way things work at the hotel?

We realised that technology is the way forward. Online delivery business is one of the key words and it’s catching up. As a matter of fact, we activated our delivery services during the MCO.

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I Thought, We Can Stay Strong Like Stones Acrylic, charcoal and oil on canvas 120(H)x180(W) 2017

A Lost Paradise

Malaysian artist Chok Yue Zan divulges the memories of his childhood, believing how the past can have a very tangible effect on the future.

BY JULIA ROXAN

Tawau-born and KL-based Chok Yue Zan is an emerging force in the contemporary art world. Zan grew up with his grandparents in a forested environment surrounded by lush greenery and breathtaking scenery. It was his sanctuary, a place he considers his “lost paradise”, which together with nostalgia and memories are recurrent themes that vividly colour his oeuvre.

Tell us more about this “lost paradise” in your art?

Sabah in Borneo is a beautiful place surrounded with lush forests and ocean. Unlike other kids, I was very lucky to grow up with my grandparents who were living in a beautiful paradise.

It is all about my childhood happiness and joyful moments. I remember the first time I was here in Kuala Lumpur, where I easily got lost while in the big city but I never got lost in the paradise of my childhood. Trees and rivers always led me in the correct direction. The paradise is a space; at the same time, it is a guardian. Following the passing of my grandparents in 2006, the paradise that I hold dear to my heart started to disappear.

How does “memory” influence your vision of the future?

Memory is always central to my art. It’s all about original stories

happening in our journey. I believe everyone has a unique memory in his or her heart. My last solo exhibition Retrospect of Paradiso in 2018 at Art Porters Gallery is a recollection of my childhood memories where I pay homage to my family ties and the environment I lived in. Recently I’ve been working on a new series called De Upside Down, which contemplates the imbalanced world and personal memories. The world we live in is transient. Nothing is permanent. With this series, I want to emphasise the connection between memories and unfamiliarity, using natural landscapes as an analogy. These works are based on my personal memories and experience growing up in Sabah. Simultaneously, I have planned another series or a project focused on how technology today affects our life and memory. This is an interactive work with people who are using the smartphone. Smartphones have become such an important necessity in our daily lives. A big issue to tackle today is how information is recorded with smartphone photography.

What are some of the techniques you have used in your work?

I am always interested to explore different mediums and materials that I can apply on the canvas. In early 2017 when I was a tutor and studio technician of printmaking and sculpture at Dasein Academy of Art, Kuala Lumpur, I discovered this technique, inspired by woodcut print of carving into layered canvases to bring out the colours which have been mixed with gesso beneath to create a solid surface that the woodcutting

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Living

133

Memory Of The Ocean Acrylic and charcoal on canvas 115(H)x210(W)cm (Triptych) 2018

knife can etch into. I am also interested in creating texture on canvas. The tactile quality of an object’s surface appeals to our sense of touch which can evoke feelings of pleasure, discomfort or familiarity. Texture is something that I can play with through the manipulation of medium and technique to narrate my emotions.

How important is the recognition of your talent in 2017 when you won the UOB Painting of the Year Award (Malaysia)?

First of all, I would like to thank UOB (United Overseas Bank) for this programme to support talented artists every year. This has created a big change in my life. I didn’t have high expectations when submitting my very first painting of the Tough Like Stones, I Thought series to them. I just wanted more exposure for my new series and it was an opportunity at that time. To my surprise, I won Painting of the Year (Malaysia) in 2017, and also a one-month residency in Fukuoka Asian Art Museum. This award gave me huge confidence in my field. Also, a big nudge for the next stage of my journey. Thankfully at the same time, I joined Art Porters Gallery as one of their artists. It was a new start and a new challenge in my art journey.

Being a nature lover, what have been your thoughts on Covid-19 in Malaysia and around the world?

As we know Covid-19 has seriously affected the global economy and our daily lives. Simultaneously, some countries

faced political and government issues in this time, including Malaysia. From another angle, it is a good time for healing our Mother Earth. For me, I could take some time to think about environmental issues, read some books and do more research on my next project.

If you were to name a mentor or a hero figure who has greatly influenced your art and vision of the world, who would that be?

In my early career, I did a lot of research on Anselm Kiefer. I really like his work. I study how he thinks and the materials he used on the canvas—materials have their own significance and techniques as well. From there, I always think about the medium I choose and what I want to narrate through my concept. Like charcoal and the carving technique in my paintings.

What are some of your hopes and desires for your work and also for the future?

I hope to have the opportunity to stage an exhibition in any city around the world. I believe different places come with their own audience and art lovers who will be able to enjoy my work in diverse ways. At the same time, it will be wonderful to hear from them about what they feel when exposed to my art.

Additionally, I would like to participate in more international artist residency programmes to expand and learn in my journey as an artist, and also to be inspired by different environments and people.

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Last Word

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Cushion Innovation

BY JOYCE FAN

After months of product development, Laneige once again steps up as a pioneer in innovative cushion offerings with the unveiling of the NEO Cushion. The newly transformed c us hio n n ow b o a s t s t h e l ate s t te ch n o l o g y w hil e delivering both key fundamental makeup benefits and innovative designs. Not only does it feature a 360-degree borderless design by Korean designer Yeongkyu Yoo that allows a comfortable hold as well as a “One-Touch Spinning Refill” method, it is currently also the first blue light filtering certified cushion. Every application shields the skin from the ravages of harmful blue light emitted by electronic gadgets while leaving behind two different finishes: matte and dewy.