Prestige Singapore_022025

THE SELF ISSUE

JESLEY CHUA

GROUP ONE CFO BRINGS

GIRL POWER TO FIGHTING ARENA

MISSION ON EARTH POLAR LIGHT

MISSION ON EARTH POLAR LIGHT

Art is transcendence

Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center

March 28–30, 2025

FIGHTING FIT

With her tanned and fit appearance, Jesley Chua looks every inch the CFO of Group One – Asia’s largest global sports media platform, which owns One Championship –and the lifetime sports enthusiast that she is.

That doesn’t mean, however, that our cover subject does not enjoy getting dolled up when the occasion calls for it. As our hairstylist curls her thick locks and our make-up artist applies winged eyeliner, Jesley looks right at home. Even so, what really puts a sparkle in her eye is talking about a Muay Thai self-defense class that her company held at its recent retreat. Talk about a natural glow.

Words: LYNETTE KOH

Photography JOEL LOW Fashion Styling JACQUIE ANG Hair GREGO, using KEUNE HAIRCOSMETICS

Make-up KEITH BRYANT LEE, using TOM FORD BEAUTY

Photography Assistance EDDIE TEO Fashion Assistance KHONG YAWEN

italian design story

Trench coat, Loro Piana; earrings and ring, both Ferragamo; bracelet, Chua’s own

Blouse and boots, Hermès; pants, Bottega Veneta; jewellery, Jesley’s own Opposite: Jacket and earring, both Bottega Veneta

Guerlain Pêche Mirage

Kosas Revealer Extra Brightening Serum-Powered Color Corrector

Hourglass Phantom Volumizing Glossy Balm

Ouai Detox Shampoo

Marenco sofa design Mario Marenco

Reta Lee is a journalist who covers topics across lifestyle, entertainment and travel. She is also the editor of the book The Stories Women Journalists Tell Reta is a fan of pop culture and finds joy in interviewing celebrities and artistes. When she’s not writing, she’s travelling around the world, shopping the latest fashion and beauty trends and working on her yoga practice. This month, she writes about her experience at Chi Longevity, a longevity clinic, and interviews interdisciplinary artists Inch Chua and Nathan Hartono.

GREGO

Over the past three decades, hair and makeup genius Greg Oh, better known as Grego, has worked with some of the biggest international celebrities and models. Today, Grego is the go-to artist for top local socialites, and also regularly conducts workshops. Check out his hairstyling magic in this issue’s cover shoot.

AUDREY PHOON

Audrey is a luxury and adventure travel writer based in Singapore. She has been published in The Wall Street Journal Conde Nast Traveler, TIME The Telegraph Elle, South China Morning Post and more. For this issue, she writes about the island sanctuaries and the raising demand for luxury rail travel.

JOEL LOW

Singapore-based photographer Joel has had his hand, or rather, eye on photography for years. Starting his career with editorial photo shoots, he has since widened his horizons to dabble in other genres, including fashion, beauty, celebrities and commercial work. This issue, he helms our cover shoot with Jesley Chua and fashion spread.

SINGAPORE

Alfa Romeo Stelvio QF

66 Jewellery News

68 Come Rain or Shine

Three jewellers look back on their highlights of 2024 and share their outlooks for the year ahead

72 A New Era of Trinity

Cartier reimagines its iconic tri-band design with animal motifs and multiplication

74 Put a Ring on It

Statement rings are a striking way to show love to someone special, including yourself

80 Watch News

82 A Show of Strength

Prestige watch expert Lynette Koh picks the most scintillating releases from LVMH Watch Week 2025

92 One for the Fans

To celebrate its 270th anniversary, Vacheron Constantin releases a long-awaited re-edition

94 Time is Eternal

The perpetual calendar is one of fine watchmaking’s most treasured complications

100 A Slice of Zeitgeist

The New Bahru lifestyle enclave has been transformed into an outdoor gallery

106 Clash of the Creatives

Singing sensations Nathan Hartono and Inch Chua couple up for a story celebrating love, resilience and artistry

108 Chasing Longevity

The demand for wellness solutions has led to the opening of Chi Longevity’s second branch in Singapore

110 Value Wines of 2024

Here’s our pick of wines that are priced at S$55 or less

112 Appetite for Change

Top Chinese chefs share insights on the Chinese fine dining scene

120 Quantum Leap

Our favourites from the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas

124 Alfa Max

Alfa Romeo’s Stelvio in its Quadrifoglio form is probably the most engaging SUV money can buy

LAST WORD

128 New Year Spirit

The new Rolls-Royce Series II Ghost gets a snazzy update with revamped fittings and options for customisation

Lynette Koh DEPUTY EDITOR

Jacquie Ang FASHION EDITOR

Candice Chua DIGITAL EDITOR

CONTRIBUTORS

Aaron De Silva, Alvin Lim, Audrey Phoon, Cedric Tan, Charmaine Chan, Clarence Lee, Grego, Joel Low, June Lee, Kames Narayanan, Keith Bryant Lee, Reta Lee, Wee Khim

PRESTIGE ASIA

Stephanie Ip MANAGING EDITOR, HONG KONG

Steve Chen EDITOR-IN-CHIEF, TAIWAN

Joezer Methusael Mandagi EDITOR-AT-LARGE, INDONESIA

François Oosthuizen EDITOR-IN-CHIEF, THAILAND

Tengku Zainab Ajlaa EDITOR, MALAYSIA

Vuth Sovin Chem EDITOR-IN-CHIEF, CAMBODIA

Lena Kwek PUBLISHER & MANAGING DIRECTOR, SINGAPORE AND MALAYSIA

Valerie Leong HEAD OF SALES

Sandra Chua SENIOR ADVERTISING DIRECTOR

Stephanie Tan ADVERTISING DIRECTOR

Elaine Tan ASSOCIATE ADVERTISING DIRECTOR

Oceana Ou PUBLISHER & MANAGING DIRECTOR, HONG KONG

Joyce Cheo BRANDED CONTENT LEAD

Joel Chua SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER

Eswary Tariran SENIOR ADVERTISING TRAFFIC MANAGER

PRESTIGE ASIA

Ronald Liem PUBLISHER, INDONESIA

Desmond Lee SENIOR MARKETING MANAGER

Peony Lee SENIOR MARKETING EXECUTIVE

PERSONAL GLORY

Natasha Kraal ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER, MALAYSIA

Steve Chen PUBLISHER, TAIWAN Björn Rettig MANAGING DIRECTOR, THAILAND

INTERNATIONAL ADVERTISING SALES REPRESENTATIVES BURDA COMMUNITY NETWORK

Michael Neuwirth

Senior Client Service Manager International Media Tel: +49 (89) 9250 3629 Email: michael.neuwirth@burda.com

FRANCE BENELUX

Marion Badolle-Feick

Head of Sales Region France & Benelux

Tel: +33 (1) 72 71 25 24

Email: marion.badolle-feick@burda.com

SWITZERLAND / AUSTRIA

Christina Bresler

Head of Sales Region Austria & Switzerland

Tel: +49 (89) 9250 2232

Email: christina.bresler@burda.com

Kseniia Komarova Client Service Manager International Media Tel: +49 (89) 9250 3035 Email: kseniia.komarova@burda.com

SWITZERLAND

Regina Essig

Senior Client Service Manager Sales Region Switzerland

Tel: +41 (44) 810 21 46

Email: regina.essig@burda.com

UK IRELAND

Jeannine Soeldner

Head of Sales Regions UK&Ireland

Tel: +44 (20) 7607 7979

Email: jeannine.soeldner@burda.com

ITALY SCANDINAVIA / SPAIN NETHERLANDS (FASHION) / GREECE / OTHERS

Lena Kölle

Client Service Manager

Tel: +49 (89) 9250 3197

Email: lena.koelle@burda.com

Tom Bureau CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, BURDAINTERNATIONAL

Björn Rettig CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, BURDALUXURY

Christoph Pagel CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER, BURDALUXURY

Simon Clays DIRECTOR OF PRINT OPERATIONS & STRATEGY, ASIA

Ashish Sharma

REGIONAL DIRECTOR OF TECHNOLOGY & PRODUCT

Netty Venita Prommaporn REGIONAL DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS & CORPORATE DEVELOPMENT

Sonya Shah REGIONAL HR MANAGER

JM Junio REGIONAL TALENT ACQUISITION LEAD

To Pamela Anderson, say “Bravo!” At a time when, thanks to the prevalence of Instagram and TikTok, beauty is so valued that mobile phones come equipped with advanced beauty filters, the former Baywatch bombshell dares to appear on the red carpet – the place where style reputations are made (Zendaya!) or destroyed (Helena Bonham Carter) – without a (visible) lick of make-up.

Would she have risked this in her 20s, when the runway for fame was much longer and roles were as plentiful as fruits in Eden? I am not so sure, but admire Anderson’s decision to go barefaced. The look certainly lent authenticity to her role as an ageing dancer in The Last Showgirl Plus, she became a talking point for the very fact that she was practically unrecognisable. Off the red carpet, she gave ordinary women of a certain age – even those not blessed with her cheekbones – permission to let their natural looks peek through. An outrageous thought, yet the seed is there.

For women who don’t see the point in not leveraging on everything society has to offer to transform into the most glamorous versions of themselves, the future is bright. Luxury fashion brands such as Hermès, Celine, Dolce&Gabbana and Louis Vuitton now have their own make-up lines. And skincare technology is advancing all the time to deliver smooth, radiant skin – the type that looks like a million bucks even without the layers of foundation and contouring. Last month, the Prestige team gave their faces over to various treatments (Face Value, Page 58). I have always felt for those whose faces have been scarred by acne breakouts in their youth, but the experience of a colleague who had undergone a laser plus subcision procedure proved that these mini craters on the skin could be smoothened out. It was not painless but neither does he have to endure the unsightly marks for life.

Beyond the superficial, with the tentacles of technology reaching into all areas of our lives, data is increasingly collected in a bid to stave off that dreaded endgame. Tech millionaire Bryan Johnson has made headlines for subjecting himself to extreme treatments such as blood-plasma transfusion, penis shockwave therapy, gene editing, rigorous medical tests, and a near wagonload of supplements to turn back the clock. The results of his experimentation as well as that of other longevity hackers are monitored on the Rejuvenation Olympics website. Proving that de-ageing is increasingly de rigueur, science-backed longevity clinic, Chi Longevity, opened its second branch in Singapore Four Seasons Hotel last month, after debuting at Camden Medical three years ago. Read about Johnson and Chi Longevity on Page 108. Can say in the meantime that am happy to wait for that magic pill?

line, dressing up lips everywhere with French sophistication.

Jennifer Chen EDITOR-IN-CHIEF jennifer.chen @burdaluxury.com

Is there any beauty item as empowering as a striking red lipstick? Celine’s Rouge Triomphe leads the brand’s first-ever beauty

EVERY DAY’S A SUNDAY

A resort dedicated to infusing every day of the week with Sunday vibes? Sign us up already. Sundays is an idyllic boutique escape set on the water’s edge of private Hamilton Island in the Great Barrier Reef, a picture-perfect plot that will take in guests from April (bookings are already being accepted at its website). On the programme are lazy beach days and slow nature walks, along with more active pursuits like sunrise yoga or golf on an award-winning course (with its own private island, no less). Dining, too, is an event – you can order a picnic to enjoy amidst tropical gardens, or sample the best produce the area has to offer at acclaimed Australian chef Josh Niland’s latest restaurant. Many of the chic, contemporary rooms have been designed to accommodate larger families, making intergenerational vacations as easy-breezy as the laidback resort itself.

HOI AN HEALING

Overtourism may have robbed Hoi An of some of its quaint charm in recent years, but a new resort is boldly promising to restore some of the serenity and quiet that the ancient city was previously known for. Namia River Retreat, which opened in December, is a 60-key all-pool-villas sanctuary dedicated to healing, where guests start their days with Vietnamese breath and movement practice or silent walking meditation, and end every evening with herbal treatments prepared by an in-house apothecary team. The “river” in the resort’s name comes from its location – Namia is set on a tranquil islet overlooking the Thu Bon River, with the buzz of the old town an arm’s length away. If you do want to experience those famous lantern-lit streets though, it’s just a quick ride in on one of the resort’s charming bamboo bicycles.

ALL IN PRIVATE

For years, the island of Koh Russey in Cambodia, sometimes called Bamboo Island for the bamboo thickets that blanket it, was a tiny Cambodian Navy station with an outsized view of the ocean and powderwhite beaches. Now, investors have opened it up for more to enjoy in the form of JATI, the country’s newest island retreat. Located in the Gulf of Thailand, the 82-villa resort has some of the most extensive recreational activities in the region, including tennis, pickleball, mini golf, badminton, Thai boxing and an array of sea sports. Meanwhile, meandering island trails and a spa specialising in Khmer-inspired treatments offer the perfect way to wind down before an evening of sundowners at the first outpost of Phnom Penh’s hottest wine bar, Le Manolis. For parents, the children’s club packed with kid-friendly adventures and qualified babysitters is the cherry on top of it all. Stays start from March.

Until Mar 2 CONSTELLATIONS

BY SUZANN VICTOR

Singapore-born artist Suzann Victor, the first female artist to represent Singapore at the Venice Biennale, is showcasing her second residency exhibition at contemporary art space STPI – Creative Workshop & Gallery. Featuring over 20 new works, the series invites a rethinking of how we encounter light, space and materiality, where art is not just seen but sensed and felt. Highlights include The Image Stammers I and II, Afterglow and Obsidian Moon, where Victor manipulates transparent acrylic discs to create stunning light and shadow effects. These pieces reconnect us with physical experience and spatial experimentation – a refreshing escape from our digitally driven world. stpi.com.sg/exhibitions/suzann-victor-constellations/

Until Mar 6

BEHIND THE CANVAS SERIES 1: JEAN-MICHEL BASQUIAT

A three-month celebration of neo-expressionist icon Jean-Michel Basquiat has landed at Singapore’s Marina Bay Sands Expo & Convention Centre, and it’s a must-see. Spread across 10 vibrant rooms, the exhibition features items like 160 original pages from Basquiat’s Unknown Notebooks, 12 neverbefore-seen works from The Head-The Mind collection, and 25 exclusive licensed prints. Visitors can also dive into the creative process with a hands-on digital portrait experience or explore Basquiat’s world through dynamic video installations, including rare clips of the artist in action. marinabaysands.com/entertainment/events/jeanmichel-basquiat

Until Mar 24

SPACE EXPLORERS: THE INFINITE

The world’s largest immersive space exploration experience has arrived at Singapore’s Science Centre, offering an out-of-this-world adventure through virtual reality. Visitors can join a crew of astronauts for the first-ever virtually captured spacewalk and take in breathtaking views of Earth. They can also gain insights into the daily lives of these space explorers through a 3D model of the International Space Station and witness Nasa’s moon rocket launch up close. infinite-experience.com/singapore

Until Jul 21

LOUVRE COUTURE

For the first time ever, the Louvre is hosting an exhibition dedicated entirely to fashion and its artistic influences. Featuring haute couture masterpieces from iconic fashion houses like Chanel, Givenchy, Balenciaga and fashion designer Jean-Paul Gaultier, the show also includes stunning fashion accessories from the Byzantine Empire and the Second French Empire. Visitors can explore the fascinating connection between decorative arts and fashion, offering a fresh perspective on how these two worlds intertwine. louvre.fr/en/exhibitions-and-events/exhibitions/louvre-couture

NEST OF GREEN

Lush and intimate, the oasis at the refurbished Hyatt Singapore is our pick for a discreet afternoon of self-care .

Words: AARON DE SILVA

In the past year, Singapore’s Orchard Road belt has witnessed a spate of high-profile hotel openings, including Singapore Edition, Artyzen Singapore, Conrad Singapore Orchard and The Standard, Singapore. But stalwarts like the Grand Hyatt Singapore are proving that they can still hold their own against the younger upstarts.

The fact that the grand dame is in her ‘50s works in her favour; the sprawling property boasts plenty of space and is not afraid to show it. Room sizes in the refurbished Terrace Wing, for example, start from 42sqm, which is among the most generous in Orchard Road. Which makes the three p residential s uites, sized at 252sqm, cavernous by comparison.

But what makes the Grand Hyatt even more alluring is its urban oasis-like sensibility.

The hotel is well-known for its landscaping as well as its Damai Spa and Fitness Centre .

D uring the property’s refurbishment, these became the pillars of a new wellness vision.

The spa is the centrepiece of a revamped wellness deck (now known as Level 1; formerly Level 5). New facilities include a w ellness p ool, s team r oom, d ual t herapy

s auna, a ir ounge hydro p ool, and an outdoor lawn for guided meditation, yoga and pilates.

Behind the spa are new quarters

c onverted from former spa suites that offer direct access to the gardens and pools

Designed by Japanese firm Strickland, the studios feature elegant wooden furnishings

and soothing neutral tones to evoke a resort ambience.

The greenery is so lush that you could almost miss the Oasis Bar & Restaurant if you weren't looking out for it. Sheltered daybeds and lounges are tucked in nooks and crannies, making for ideal spots for that tête-à-tête

For visitors looking to burn energy, the new Grand Vitality Fitness & Wellness Membership provides unlimited access to regular classes like taiji, breathwork, and HIIT; plus specialised classes like vertical pilates, chair yoga and barre.

Slow Motion

Luxury rail travel is on the rise – and with it, a wave of grand new journeys that are taking travellers to unique destinations. Here are the best ways to ride the trend.

Words: AUDREY PHOON

As travellers seek more meaningful, sustainable experiences, luxury train journeys – once seen as relics of the past – have picked up speed as the vacation du jour. This year, train vacation specialist Railbookers reported a record 30 per cent year-on-year rise in rail travel bookings, including a staggering 43 per cent spike in the luxury segment, while Trip.com noted “skyrocketing” demand for train trips, particularly in Asia.   Experts say this is largely due to a wave of post-pandemic interest in slow travel – the idea of travelling in a more immersive, unhurried and intentional manner. After all, there are few modes of getting around that are more enjoyable end-to-end than a train journey, where you can soak in the landscapes rolling past from a lavishly appointed suite or a dining car helmed by a Michelin-awarded chef, without feeling intensely guilty about carbon emissions. (According to 2022 data from the British government, trains are the lowest-carbon option for medium- to long-distance travel.) To match the rise in demand, a new crop of top-tier trains has launched that are carving paths through less-travelled places, offering guests inroads to communities that may otherwise be challenging to reach. In Italy, the forthcoming La Dolce Vita Orient Express will cover nearly 10,000 miles of track to whisk guests from the ancient stone city of Matera through pastoral Tuscany to the rugged, mountainous village of Palena. Even the island of Sicily is within reach, with a one-of-a-kind ferry crossing of the Strait of Messina where the train is dismantled and reassembled for its onward journey.  Luxury operator Belmond, too, is diving deep into train travel. Last year, it

relaunched the iconic Eastern & Oriental Express that runs from Singapore to Malaysia, which was put on pause during Covid; this year, it will debut the Britannic Explorer in July, the first luxury sleeper train to run from England to Wales. The 18-cabin train, which will have its own wellness suite, will offer an epic expedition through the wilds of Cornwall and the Lake District, along with activities like open-water swimming. Meanwhile, the brand’s other storied trains, such as The Royal Scotsman and the Venice-Simplon Orient Express, also kick off compelling new itineraries in 2025 that combine time on board with bookending stays at opulent Belmond properties.

By the close of the year, travellers will be able to explore Saudi Arabia’s vast and varied landscape with the launch of Dream of the Desert, a first-of-its-kind offering that will run from the capital of Riyadh across Unesco World Heritage archaeological sites, deserts and forests to Al Qurayyat, a border town near Jordan. And from mid 2026, the famed Orient Express – the first luxury train in European history, and the inspiration for numerous novels including Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express – will once again transport guests on board 17 original carriages from the 1920s and 1930s along routes inspired by the original Paris-toIstanbul itinerary.

While these trips are unique in the terrain they traverse and their idiosyncratic charm (no two trains are ever the same), each one proffers a similar reward: the opportunity to slow down, be more present and connect more intimately with every place visited – ultimately helping travellers to rediscover the joy of the journey itself.

Inside one of the grand suites on board the Britannic Explorer. Above: the interiors of the restaurant cars are inspired by Great Britain greenery.

The Britannic Explorer is the first-ever luxury sleeper train in England and Wales.

MODERN INTERPRETATIONS

Tucked behind an unremarkable wooden door at Pullman Singapore Hill Street in the City Hall district, Japanese-inspired Moga offers a compelling izakaya experience. The name “Moga” (Japanese slang for “modern girls”) pays homage to the liberated women of 1920s Japan who defied gender norms and embraced Western influences. Headed by bartender Gavin Teverasan, previously from 28 Hong Kong Street and Nutmeg & Clove, Moga has launched a fresh menu called Breaking the Norm. Split into two sections, “izakaya” and “modern”, the menu showcases Japanese ingredients in inventive ways. A standout is the Dirty Saketini, a creative take on the classic Dirty Martini, made with sake and shochu, and “dirtied” with house-made pickling brine. A big part of any izakaya experience is always the food, and Moga is no exception. The dishes here include spicy XL clams and crispy squid, highlighting local flavours and ingredients transformed by traditional Japanese cooking techniques. 1 Hill St, Pullman Singapore Hill Street

BLAST TO THE PAST Drawing inspiration from Sentosa’s pineapple plantation history, The Pineapple Room at Capella Sentosa is a cosy spot for an intimate gathering away from the bustling city. The space exudes a posh and elegant ambience chairs and a dark with an exquisite Carrara marble counter This new watering hole serve s drinks packed with tropical fruits, including pineapples, familiar herbs and spices like curry leaves. Try the signature drink that features pineapple juice, tequila and chilli salt. Patrons can Pineapple Room’s bespoke card game, Room for Conversation, which provides conversationstarter questions laughter and making for a truly Capella Singapore, 1 The Knolls,

opening night. The space also houses a restaurant helmed by chef Aiman Hanafi (ex-Pollen and Binomio), and an in-house floral studio, Charlotte Puxley Flowers. Its drinks menu, which is botanical-focused, was developed in partnership with the people behind Cat Bite Club (No. 56 on The World’s 50 Best Bars). Headed by Nikki Lacsamana, previously from Manhattan Bar, Ida’s Bar has nine signature cocktails and eight classics. Guests who bring their fur ry pet s on Sundays, 5pm till midnight, get 10 per cent off the entire bill. 9 Lock Rd, #02-21 Gillman Barracks

Compass Rose at The Pineapple Room

Dirty Saketini at Moga

Fire Watermelon at Ida’s Bar

PLAY TIME

This month we’re coveting a powerful gaming laptop, a fully transparent TV, Leica’s latest camera and yet another Aston Martin.

SEXY BEAST

TOPLESS TEMPTRESS

Yes, we know we were drooling over Aston’s Valhalla hypercar only last month, but the British car brand’s just come up with another corker, in the shape of this new Vantage Roadster. With beautiful lines and around 650bhp from its sonorous twin-turbo V8, this elegant two-seater symbolises everything we love about motor cars. Even better, the roof goes up and down in seconds – 6.8 of them, to be precise.

FAST FORWARD

As this year marks the 100th anniversary of the groundbreaking 35mm Leica 1 camera, we’re expecting plenty from the German manufacturer in 2025 – and first up is the new SL3-S, an upgrade to the SL3 announced less than 12 months ago. With a full-frame BSI CMOS sensor, it’s the brand’s most powerful interchangeable camera yet, which is certainly one way of laying down a marker.

DOUBLE VISION

Say hello to LG’s Signature OLED T, which isn’t, as you might have imagined, some sort of weird storage unit, but a fully transparent TV with a 77-inch screen. Don’t ask us how it works, just be assured that it does, the great benefit being that if whatever you’re watching is rubbish, you can simply switch it off and focus on the view.

This sleek beast slicing through the waters off Genoa is the latest 29-metre 90 GTS from Italian yacht-builder Otam. Configurable with from three to five cabins, and powered by a pair of 2,600hp MTU diesels, it can carry up to 10 people at speeds in excess of 42kt. We note this yacht carries the name Sexy Me : couldn’t have put it better ourselves.

UP YOUR GAME

Gaming hardware specialist Razer has just dropped its thinnest high-performance laptop yet. Measuring a fraction under 1.5cm where the closed profile narrows to its thinnest point, the Blade 16 (it’s pictured at the left of the table) runs Windows 11 Home and features as standard a QHD+ 240Hz OLED display, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 50 graphics and Ryzen AI 9 processor – and it can be upgraded so it’s even faster and more powerful. There’s also a re-designed keyboard with deeper travel, so you can really mash the keys, six on-board speakers with THX spatial technology and up to 64GB memory, while a new vapour chamber system with dual fans keeps the rig cool and also enables the ultra-slim design. And it’s not just for blasting the competition online – it will also shred any serious work tasks you care to throw at it.

Five years ago, Basque Kitchen, the brainchild of chef Aitor Orive, was a go-to Spanish restaurant specialising in Basque cuisine. An autonomous community in northern Spain that borders France, the Basque country is known to have originated the famous Basque burnt cheesecake which became popular here in 2020. The 1-Michelin starred restaurant closed in 2023 when Orive moved back to Australia.

BACK IN ACTION

Chef Aitor Orive returns with Suggara, Southeast Asia’s only modern Basque restaurant.

Australian, but my grandparents are from the Basque country. Since I was little, we’ve always had that part of our culture present, food-wise.

are the only Spanish-Basque-centric restaurant in the whole of Singapore, so we offer something that is unique. There are no other Spanish fine dining concepts either, as most serve casual tapas.

Besides focusing on Basque cuisine, what else differentiates Suggara from other Spanish restaurants in Singapore?

It is the attention to detail and focus on high-quality ingredients. The ingredients are sourced directly from countries like Spain, France and Japan. We’re really happy about our beef from Spain. It was previously prohibited, but approval from the Singapore government came through this year. We dry-age our beef for at least 45 days and not more than 50 days, as it gets funky afterwards.

Which of your personal favourites is a must-try for guests?

Remolacha, a cold dish of beetroot, avocado, apple, and a little herb salad, along with a beetroot sorbet. It is a different and refreshing way of eating the vegetable, which is in season in the winter.

For t he L ove of Food

These new establishments prove that culinary mastery has everything to do with the passion of the people behind it.

VINE AND VIGOUR

There’s a new dining destination for wine lovers in New Bahru, and its name is Le Clos. If that sounds familiar, it’s because wine import veteran and restaurateur Jean-Christophe Cadoret, one half of the duo behind the now-defunct brasserie Clos Pasoh, head s up this concept. The focus here is French comfort food paired with viticultural wonders.

In Le Clos’ exceedingly well-stocked cellar, with around 800 labels in residence you’ll find everyday bottles alongside rarer, esoteric finds, sourced from both established houses and small, family-owned vineyards with a slant towards sustainability. on-site delicatessen offers more treats to take home

CHINESE SKEW

The recently opened Yakitori One in Suntec City Mall ticks many boxes – some, more unusual than others. Like other Japanese charcoal-grilled skewer restaurants, it offers nose-totail dining with unblinking cool, trusting that diners will just as readily devour a chicken’s giblets, windpipe and aorta as they would a juicy hunk of thigh, provided it’s been kissed with binchotan and coated in a house-roasted sea salt blend or a sweet-savoury tare.

What makes the restaurant unusual is its provenance. T hough it pledges its allegiance to Edo-style grilling techniques, Yakitori One is born and bred in Beijing and has five restaurants in China. The people driving it are elevating the yakitori experience by uniting it with another Japanese art – omakase, as available at their first international expansion to Singapore with goodies like foie gras, uni and snow crab.

Fast forward to 2025, the jovial chef is back in action, partnering Resort World Sentosa to launch Suggara, which specialises in Spanish cuisine including that from Basque. Prestige had a quick chat with the chef

What made you decide to dedicate a restaurant to Basque cuisine?

My family, basically – my mother’s

Singapore is known for its sophisticated food culture and discerning palates, making it a highly competitive market for restaurants. What motivated you to open Suggara here, and how do you meet the expectations of such a food-savvy audience?

Well, not really that much that wanted to set up a restaurant, but we just got together with Resort World Sentosa to do something. To answer the second question, I think we

What food is your guilty pleasure?

Something you love that might surprise people?

Dumplings. I love them all, whether they are steamed or pan fried.

If Suggara had to create a dish inspired by Singaporean cuisine, what would it look like?

I would make a lobster laksa paella… but it’s more Spanish than Basque.

THE TAPAS REVIVAL

We might be heading into a tapas renaissance. H ot on the heels of last December’s Carlitos – a buzzy Joo Chiat outfit fronted by Esquina’s Carlos Montobbio and Antonio Miscellaneo of La Bottega Enoteca fame – is Vino Tinto, a new Spanish wine bar and tapas spot in the heart of the Central Business District.

Like Carlitos, it comes with serious culinary backing in the form of star couple Daniel and Tamara Chavez, who jointly run paella and tapas restaurant Tinto and Peruvianfocused Canchita in Dempsey Hill. In naming their latest restaurant after the Spanish term for red wine, the pair make their aim for Vino Tinto clear translate their shared Latin-American heritage into authentic tapas, backed by an extensive list of Spanish wines, sangria and cocktails.

Above and Beyond

Tom Ford’s new flagship boutique at Paragon elevates the shopping experience by offering a full suite of services for the first time.

Words: KAMES NARAYANAN

You can say that the shiny, sprawling 426sqm duplex in Paragon is a Tom Ford universe in the heart of Singapore’s bustling shopping district.

T he new flagship store epitomises luxury with a striking Himalayan white marble facade. The rich exterior flows seamlessly into an elegant interior one that exudes Tom Ford’s signature style – a palette of greys accentuated by contrasting elements of glass and chrome. The presentation of the various collections is made even more compelling

with elegant clean lines, sleek mirror finishes and display cabinets distinguished by Carrara Nuvolato, Paonazzo and Bleu de Savoie marble. Featuring a backdrop of opulent fabric, scintillating glass and polished stone, display areas are conceived as interconnected galleries where new products are highlighted like works of art.

T he same design philosophy results in a carefully sectioned layout , which offer s its patrons a sense of exclusivity. Discreetly partitioned walls throughout the store allows its discerning clients to peruse the maison’s

array of clothes and accessories – spanning women’s and men’s ready-to-wear leather goods and beauty products , eyewear and undergarments – in privacy.

I n addition, the boutique also offers a special made-to-measure service, an exclusive Tom Ford experience. Clients seeking customisation have a host of options in bespoke formalwear, eveningwear and shirting, from fabrics (such as year-round sharkskin and herringbone, as well as seasonal silk) to linings (choices include name embroidery or personalised monograms) and buttons.

HER WINNING WAYS

WITH NERVE STEELED BY A LIFE IN SPORTS, GROUP ONE CFO JESLEY CHUA IS HELPING TO TAKE ASIA’S LARGEST GLOBAL SPORTS PROPERTY TO ITS NEXT STAGE OF EVOLUTION.

Most staff retreats do not involve learning how to take down an attacker by (a) poking the perpetrator’s eyes, or (b) striking the base of his throat, but Group One – Asia’s largest combat sports promotion firm, and the parent company of One Championship and One Esports – is not your typical company. While getting her make-up done on the day of our shoot, Group One CFO Jesley Chua’s eyes light up as she tells us about the company retreat that took place in Bangkok the week before.

While the event also involved more typical activities such as businessdevelopment discussions, the highlight was a Muay Thai self-defence class conducted by Group One founder and CEO Chatri Sityodtong. Aside from practising moves using a punching bag, Jesley got to go one-on-one with former pro fighter UFC Hall of Famer and One Championship vice-president Rich Franklin.

Having previously done some Muay Thai herself, Jesley shares, “People really enjoyed the session. We were going for four rounds times three minutes, which is very close to what our fighters do in the ring. We

were mostly just hitting bags, and it was already very tiring. But it was eye-opening and very fun.”

NEVER SAY DIE

W hile probably not everyone’s idea of a “very fun” staff-retreat experience, hitting punching bags and sparring with former mixed martial arts champions are right up Jesley’s alley. A long-time sportswoman who was part of the women’s rugby team at Stanford University, she participated in the third local edition of Hyrox – a race that combines running and functional fitness elements – last September after hearing about the event from a colleague.

Just a week before the race, Jesley was struck by severe back pain. Training, apparently, had aggravated an old, minor spinal disc injury, but even though she was advised not to participate in the event, she went ahead, having already committed to it. She recalls, “My partner had to do more of the stations that I couldn’t do, like lunges with a 15kg sandbag, because it was just too painful.” She and her team mate managed to complete the race in about 1.5 hours, a decent time but not without consequences.

With a smile, Jesley says, “I had to do rehab for my back for about two months after that.” Not deterred by the setback, s he is already thinking about the next Hyrox competition taking place this June.

RESILIENCE AND REALITY

H aving also played tennis in school in her teens, Jesley credits sports for helping to nurture her never-say-die attitude. On being part of the Division I championship-winning Stanford women’s rugby team for three years, she says, “I was very small compared to everybody else. The sight and feeling of somebody twice your size, barrelling at you and banging into you, is really quite scary.” Such experiences, and sports in general, she says, “helped me a lot in terms of developing resilience and coming back from failures”.   That willingness to leap into depths unknown was what brought the former GIC (Government of Singapore Investment Corporation) scholar to Group One in 2019. Having spent over a decade in asset management, including eight years at Singapore’s sovereign wealth fund, she was keen to put her money where her mouth was. “When you’re an investor, you give

companies suggestions on how to run their business better. But in reality, you’ve never run a business yourself, so it’s very textbook. ‘Oh, why don’t you just reduce your costs?’ It’s like telling somebody who says they don’t have enough money, ‘Just save more.’ Anyone can say it.”

Although not familiar with the business of sports then, the sports buff found One an interesting enterprise as Asia’s first global sports property. She joined as the CEO’s chief of staff, in addition to serving as the interim CEO of its China division. Shortly after, Covid threw an unexpected curveball for the then newbie, but ended up being a good opportunity for her to learn the ins and outs of Group One’s business.

One of her primary tasks then was working with the Singapore government to safely hold One Championship’s live martial arts events. She recalls, “At that time, I had just joined One. We had to come up with these 200-, 300-page operational manuals to share with STB (Singapore Tourism Board). That gave me a lot of insight into how our events are run.” Eventually, One became the first sports property in Asia to resume events in front of a live audience in October 2020.

THE BUSINESS OF SPORTS

Sin ce 2021, Jesley has served as One’s CFO, a role that includes overseeing investor relations, capital markets, corporate and strategic finance functions. In other words, s he sources for the fuel that drives the company’s expansion. With a proud smile, she says, “In my past five years here, we have done three big fundraising rounds. The funding market has been challenging, but sports is very popular right now and investor interest is high.”

A recent funding round raised at least US$50 million (S$67.3 million) from investors, including the Qatar Investment Authority. Other institutions that have invested in One are Sequoia Capital, Temasek Holdings and Guggenheim Partners. While there are no set dates yet, an IPO is in the works.

With martial arts events – including Muay Thai, mixed martial arts, kickboxing and submission grappling – broadcast to more than 190 countries around the world, One ranks among the world’s top 10 biggest sports media properties for viewership and engagement. It currently has some 170 employees in 1 1 cities worldwide. Not bad for a company that only had its start in 2011.

A LEVEL PLAYING FIELD

C ontemplating the appeal of One Championship shows, Jesley says, “It sounds a bit corny, but we’re like the Disney version of fight shows. We’re more family-friendly. Unlike some platforms, which focus on conflict and blood, we focus on sportsmanship, martial arts values and respect. We also focus a lot on the athletes’ backstories. Many of our athletes, especially those from Asia, got into combat sports as a way out of poverty. As they rise up the ranks, they really give back to their communities.”

Unlike some other popular sports, where Asians can be at a disadvantage because of their relatively smaller physiques, Jesley notes, “Combat sports has a very level playing field because there are different weight classes. Further to that, the female divisions of combat sports have done very well for us. Several of our female fighters are on par with our male fighters in terms of technique and fitness levels. When you watch fighters like Stamp (Fairtex, a Thai kickboxer and mixed martial artist) and Jing Nan (Xiong, a Chinese mixed martial artist), you can see how incredible they are.”

Combating structural disadvantages, whether in terms of socioeconomics or gender, is something that Jesley is no stranger to herself. As the co-founder of an alternative lending fund (which she is no longer involved with), she used to find herself ignored by potential investors who only addressed questions to her two male co-founders.

In the male-dominated world of private equity investing, she says, there are still occasions today when she finds herself overlooked during meetings by her male peers – at least initially. Her solution to this

is to be the go-to person in the room. “At the end of the day, I’m the expert on my company, so people have to ask me the questions. I make sure I’m always well prepared.”

Her stellar academic background, which includes a slew of elite schools including Stanford University, Hwa Chong Junior College and Singapore Chinese Girls’ School, belies a humble and tumultuous childhood. Her parents got divorced when she was one, and her mum, a secretary who subsequently started a small clothing-printing business, largely left Jesley and her older sister to their own devices.

While Jesley, ever sanguine, believes that luck played a big role in the fact that she and her sister “turned out pretty well”, she also credits her teachers at Hwa Chong

Junior College who would encourage students to think about their higher academic options. To pay it forward, Jesley volunteers with Advisory, a non-profit that seeks to “empower young Singaporeans to make informed decisions about their futures”.

As she turns 40 this year, she hopes to work with youths more. “When I was growing up, there was a lot less information available about what was out there. Work life is very different now. Very few people, I think, would stay in the same career forever. There are so many industries to explore. At the end of the day, we’re not singledimensional, so it helps to think about our careers in a more multi-dimensional way. If we have different interests, we can explore them at different times in our lives.”

Blouse and boots, both Hermès; pants, Bottega Veneta; jewellery, Jesley’s own

Opposite: Jacket and earring, both Bottega Veneta

SAY MY NAME

In December last year, Very Ralph the HBO documentary on Ralph Lauren’s rise in fashion, made its China premiere with a dazzling starstudded event at the historic Shanghai Concert Hall. A spectacular drone show lit up the night sky over The Bund, Shanghai’s iconic waterfront, illustrating the designer’s journey with graphics including his portrait and the iconic Polo Pony embedded in a silk tie a nod to the brand’s origins.

The timing of the film’s debut in the region was immaculate – just a month later, the 85-year-old became the first fashion designer to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom. The prestigious distinction, America’s highest civilian honour, adds another feather to his cap. Lauren was also the first American designer to be awarded Honorary Knight Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (KBE).

After all, there’s no name more synonymous with American fashion than Ralph Lauren. The visionary fashion icon has long been a symbol of individuality and authenticity. Very Ralph , directed by award-winning documentarian Susan Lacy, delves into the designer’s ambition and achievements, highlighting him as the first fashion designer to successfully extend his offerings beyond clothing to a full suite of quintessentially American lifestyle products. His designs did more than just shape American fashion – they embodied the American Dream itself.

LIFE FORCE

For e very season since 2022, Longchamp has championed sustainability with its Re-Play line – an innovative range of limited-edition bags crafted expertly from deadstock materials, or leftovers. This season, the brand introduces the XS Bucket Bag. Featuring hand-braided two-tone shoulder straps from previous seasons, it evokes a youthful exuberance with vibrant hues and playful typography. The roomy interior and sturdy leather handle make the bag versatile and functional for everyday use.

SEEING STARS

The new crop of celebrities fronting fashion houses.

ZHENG QINWEN AT DIOR

As the newly-appointed global ambassador for Dior creative director Maria Grazia Chiuri’s creations, the multi-award winning Chinese tennis champion and Olympic gold medallist perfectly embodies the maison’s sense of femininity in perpetual motion.

FREEN SAROCHA AT VALENTINO

Thailand’s first female brand ambassador of the Roman house shot to fame as the lead in the Thai romantic television series GAP: The Series (2022), which netted her the People’s Choice Award at the 2023 Nine Entertain Awards. Last September in Paris, Sarocha attended the Valentino Pavillon des Folies Spring/Summer 25 fashion show, Alessandro Michele’s debut presentation for the maison

KIM SOO-HYUN AT PRADA

The Milanese house’s latest brand ambassador is no stranger to K-drama fans, having starred in the record-breaking 2024 Netflix drama, Queen of Tears . Featured by Forbes in their Power Celebrity 40 and 30 Under 30 Asia lists, Kim has portrayed many memorable characters, such as the extraterrestrial protagonist in My Love from the Star

LIU SHISHI AT CELINE

Also known professionally as Cecilia Liu, the Chinese actress has been captivating audiences and bagging awards since her breakthrough role in 2011 ’s fantasy drama Scarlet Heart . She joins the maison’s global ambassador roster one that includes South Korean singer V, a member of K-pop sensation BTS. Says Liu, “I’ve been enchanted by Celine’s creations for as long as I can remember… for me, Celine embodies the essence of Parisian sophistication and utmost femininity.”

It’s In Your Eyes

Shirt and necklace, both Gucci Opposite: Brassiere and skirt, both Prada; glove, stylist’s own

CLASSIC PIECES TINGED IN NEO-RETRO GLAMOUR TAKE THE LEAD IN THE ART OF REINVENTION.

Jacket, bermuda shorts, hair bow, earring, socks with camelia brooches, and shoes, all Chanel

Suit, Fendi; earrings, necklace and mules, all Bottega Veneta

Coat and shirt, both Ferragamo

Dress, coat and earring, all CELINE by Hedi Slimane

Hat and pants, both Louis Vuitton; gloves, stylist’s own

Suit, Ralph Lauren Collection; mules, Bottega Veneta

Hat, Loro Piana; veil, stylist’s own

Top, skirt, undershorts, earring, choker and belt, all Dior

Brownie Points

From the brown eye makeup look to chocolate lips and even a coffee-scented fragrance, these five beauty must-haves celebrate the Pantone colour of the year: Mocha Mousse.

CREAMY

POUT

Looking for a longlasting lipstick that nails the colour du jour?

You’ll find it in Clinique’s Pop Longwear Lipstick in Satin Cappuccino Pop. With a satin finish that balances subtlety and shine, it perfectly captures this year’s love for brown hues. Thanks to its built-in primer, this ultra-pigmented lipstick glides on smoothly and stays put for up to eight hours. Plus, with finishes ranging from matte to shine, there’s a perfect option for every vibe.

MOCHA EYES

CONTOURING,

DECODED

Sculpted cheekbones in seconds? Yes, please!

The Hollywood Contour Wand from makeup icon Charlotte Tilbury is your secret weapon for achieving chiselled features like those sported by celebrities on the red carpet. Now available in five new shades, this must-have product glides on effortlessly with its super-soft cushion applicator, delivering a flawless finish every time.

IN ALL HONESTY

Rare Beauty’s Soft Pinch Tinted Lip Oil in Honesty is a quick fix for any day. The nude brown hue delivers a glossy, lightweight wash of colour that’s perfect for a natural look. Infused with jojoba seed oil and sunflower seed oil, it hydrates and moisturises your lips, leaving them soft, smooth and nourished. With just one swipe, this lip oil creates a plump, luscious pout, making it a must-have for touch-ups on the go.

The Anastasia Beverly Hills Spice Eyeshadow Palette Mini proves that great things come in small packages. Boasting fully pigmented formulas, this compact palette features nine neutral shades that effortlessly take you from subtle to striking, with brown as the anchor. Perfect for daily wear and totally on trend this year, its versatile hues let you create c ountless looks. Pro tip: for an extra pop, spritz your brush with setting spray before applying the metallic shades – hello, dazzling eyes!

COFFEE BREAK

Maison Margiela’s Coffee Break from the Replica collection is a fragrant delight for coffee lovers. It opens with a rich coffee note that instantly transports you to a co s y café. This deep aroma transitions into a refreshing blend of lavender, green mint, and orange blossom at its heart. Finally, the scent settles into the creamy warmth of foamy milk, beautifully balanced by the woody sophistication of sandalwood and cedar offering a sensory escape in every spritz.

Colour by Spirit

As part of a beauty launch last year, beauty brand Kosas invited an aura reader to help members of the media uncover the colours of their personal energy Pearlyn Siew, a local holistic wellness practitioner, was in high demand, as many of us eagerly lined up to discover the colours of our aura . had mine read by Siew about four years ago. Back then, my colours were a mix of blue and purple, interspersed with dots of yellow and green. This time it was predominantly purple and blue, which mean t was expressive, empathetic and intuitive.

“Auras are energ y fields that express your current state of being. They come in different colours, intensities and shapes,”

Siew says “Everything in existence has its own energ y field, encompassing imprints from the past, energies from the present, and the potential of the future.”

Social media platform Pinterest, where people discover and share visual content, encourages individuals to find their aura, wear the colours with confidence, and “consider themselves dipped in vibes all day long” I t’s not just about discovering your aura anymore but embodying it physically through makeup and fashion.

“Aura beauty is a way for us to physically express our inner beauty,” says Siew. It’s as if we show the world the most integrous version of ourselves – no masks or frills, only what is truly real.

YOU ARE COLOURFUL

In the past few years, s ubtle, understated makeup has given way to bold, vibrant looks that reflect personal energy. Think bright

colour palettes: vivid pinks, yellows and reds blending seamlessly from the cheeks up to the eyes, to create full-eye looks with eyeshadow and liner

Pinterest has reported surges in searches for terms like “aura effect”, “golden aura”, and “full-colour makeup eyes”, with increases ranging from 35 per cent to a staggering 365 per cent. The platform has been a solid predictor of beauty t rends of late, having successfully called the “bold brows and fox eyes” look in 2020-2021,

“skinimalism”, or natural-looking skin routines , in 2021, and “androgynous beauty” in 2023.

While the aura beauty trend is gaining traction now, the concept of aura-inspired products isn’t entirely new. Aura-related items like mood rings, first emerged in the 1970s as part of a fashion fad. These rings, said to change colours based on the wearer’s feelings became symbols of self-expression, which was a defining feature of the “Me Decade”.

Chanel Beauty’s Fall/Winter 2024 collection was inspired by Gabrielle Chanel’s fascination with divination art.

The shimmering, high-octane hues of mood rings were not just confined to accessories but inspired trends across fashion and beauty during the 2000s. Fast forward to recent years, a Y2K revival led largely by Gen Z has brought a bold, colourful aesthetic back into the spotlight.

The “clean girl look” which was all about skin-like makeup and minimalism in late 2021, has since given way to more vibrant, statement-making styles.

In 2022, “aura eyeshadow” captured imaginations, with celebrities and makeup artists embracing daring, multi-hued shades to create ethereal looks for the eyes

Last year, aura nails took centre stage, with people opting for vivid, gradient colours on thei r fingers . Celebrities like Dua Lipa, Megan Fox, Hailey Bieber and social media influencer Emma Chamberlain quickly championed the trend, turning it into a global phenomenon.

Beauty brands like Rare Beauty, Kosas, Pat McGrath Labs, Fenty Beauty, and the all-time favourite MAC Cosmetics are the go-to for many people who want to hop on the trend as their makeup products are known to offer a wider range of colour

One of the reasons aura beauty is expected to dominate this year is its universal appeal. This look speaks to different generations and their evolving relationship with beauty, making it a versatile movement that everyone can participate in .

BOLD AND UNAPOLOGETICALLY UNIQUE

For Gen Z, aura beauty is a natural extension of their love for individuality and

eyeshadows, mood rings, and frosted lips dominated beauty trends. Aura beauty brings those elements back but reimagines them with a sophisticated, contemporary edge. It’s a chance to reconnect with playful aesthetics while incorporating the mindfulness and wellness ethos that millennials have embraced as adults.

This demographic also values the deeper meaning behind aura beauty. With its roots in spirituality and self-care, the trend resonates with millennials’ growing interest in holistic wellness and mindfulness practices. For them, wearing aura-inspired makeup isn’t just about the colours but a form of self-alignment and empowerment.

For millennials, aura beauty evokes a sense of nostalgia while offering a modern twist.

maximalism. Known for embracing bold self-expression, this generation has fuelled the resurgence of vibrant Y2K aesthetics, where creativity is king.

Platforms like TikTok are also brimming with tutorials that push the boundaries of traditional beauty norms. Think neon-hued eyeshadows, technicolour blush, and gradient lips that mimic a kaleidoscope of energy.

In fact, Chanel Beauty ’s Fall/Winter 2024 makeup collection plays up the hues. N amed Clairvo yance it is b ased on Gabrielle Chanel’s fascination with

divination arts and features a poetic play of light-dark contrast using shades like purples, greens and oranges.

Gen Z also views mak e up as a tool to showcase different aspects of their personal identities and style, making aura beauty not just an aesthetic trend but also a project ion of their inner energy that helps them stand out amid social media’s polished images.

NOSTALGIA WITH A TWIST

For millennials, aura beauty evokes a sense of nostalgia with a modern twist. Many grew up during the Y2K era, whe n glittery

Even those who favour minimalist makeu p can adopt aura beauty. The trend doesn’t have to entail a full-face transformation ; it can be as simple as adding a pop of your aura colour to your everyday look. A swipe of yellow eyeliner, a peachy blush, or a glowing highlight can channel the essence of aura beauty without overwhelming the face The idea is to connect with your inner energy and wear it with pride.

From the use of augmented reality technology that allows users to “see” their aura to limited-edition collections inspired by specific energy colours, the possibilities are endless. Aura beauty’s rise also aligns with broader cultural movements where greater emphasis is given to wellness and the growing demand for feel-good products Whether you’re drawn to its spiritual roots or its bold aesthetic, this is one trend that truly allows you to wear your vibe on your sleeve – or your face.

YSL Beauty’s Make Me Blush liquid blush range offers an easy way to experiment with colours.

Add a pop of colour with Kosas’ makeup products, which are based on auras and chakras.

Below: Pearlyn Siew, holistic wellness practitioner.

FACE VALUE

From innovative skincare to injections and micro incisions, the latest beauty treatments are given a test-drive by the Prestige team.

GENTLE IS THE DAY

GLOW IS THE NEW LIFT FACIAL

Prick Rating: 0/5

Recently, my partner finally uploaded a decade’s worth of photos onto a digital photo frame. Amid the smiles-for-thecamera and highlights of our adventures –because let’s face it, who wouldn’t want to showcase the best moments? – saw my younger self. Having always avoided photo filters in favour of capturing the “real” me, I was now confronted with 10 years of ageing in a span of 200-odd images. The deepening lines and sagging that softened my face left me feeling wistful.

In need of a lift – both in spirit and appearance – I decided to try Orveda’s

Glow is the New Lift treatment. The French brand’s gentle, green biotech approach to skincare intrigued me. Eschewing machinery and harsh treatments like retinol or acid peels, Orveda offers products that combine bio-fermentation, enzyme function, and plant cell culture to restore skin integrity and youthfulness. The formulas are created from a pool of over 60 active ingredients, including marine enzymes and kombucha.

Even the brand’s forest-green packaging is a refreshing sight, with its name blending “or” for origin and “veda” for Ayurvedic healing. The clincher for me was the spa location amid the urban calm of Raffles Hotel – just stepping into that lush colonial sanctuary felt restorative.

In the posh Gem Suite at Raffles Spa, a

consultant walked me through the Orveda product line, which bridges the gap between commercial beauty products and professional spa treatments. Every item used in the facial can also be purchased, making the consultation more than a marketing pitch – it was an introduction to post-treatment care. The range includes everything from makeup removers and cleansers to essences, serums, and reusable masks. was particularly taken by the smart tools, like the kabuki brush that exfoliates in addition to cleansing; and the silicone pad that makes the application of eye moisturiser feel like butter on the skin.

During the hour-long facial, the therapist deftly massaged each product into my skin, wrapping my face in a warm towel in between segments. There were no machines, no pricks, and no pain – just expert fingers and Orveda tools to facilitate lymphatic drainage and hit the pressure points. The session culminated with my hands enveloped in mitts for deep moisturisation. The aim of the treatment is to introduce “glow, lift and smoothing properties to the skin” for faces that “lack firmness and luminosity”, ideal for individuals seeking an instant skin boost before an important event. The results I experienced were more holistic. My face certainly looked more refreshed and luminous; but the downtime I enjoyed – swathed in a plush bathrobe, sipping Orveda’s delicious tea, and relaxing on the massage bed – felt wondrous. It wasn’t just my face that felt rejuvenated – my spirit did too. – Jennifer Chen

The Glow is the New Lift facial ($360 for 60 minutes) is available at Le Studio, Raffles Spa Gem Suite and Lounge, Raffles Hotel Singapore , 1 Beach Rd.

ELECTROSTIMULATION TO COUNTER TIME AND GRAVITY

HELENA RUBINSTEIN: SIGNATURE

REGENERATIVE FACIAL

Prick Rating: 1/5

I’m not usually one to stress about getting older, but even so, when peer long enough in the mirror, there’s no denying it: The mug staring back at me shows clear signs of more than four decades of life, and exposure to Earth’s gravity. Slowly but surely, things are heading south, literally and figuratively, ending in my increasingly mushy jawline.

I headed to Helena Rubinstein, a legacy brand specialising in science-driven luxury skincare, to see what could be done about this state of affairs. Last October, the company opened its first Southeast Asia flagship store at I ON Orchard. Within the pristine white boutique is a private cabin where a trained facialist carries out the brand’s Signature Regenerative Facial. Before the treatment commenced, a consultant carried out a facial analysis for me using a 360-degree skin profiling machine, which scores one’s skin in areas such as skin firmness, pores, wrinkles and brown spots. To my pleasant surprise, my skin was given an eight out of 10. But why settle for eight when you can get a 10?

It was time to step into the private cabin, where my facialist began the 60-minute Signature Regenerative Facial. Incorporating the advanced elements that Helena Rubinstein prides itself on, the process involves manual techniques as well as electrostimulation delivered by a Thermo Repair device.

The manual techniques include a soothing, deep myofascial massage that targets the muscles and connective tissues, and also involve the application of the brand’s trademark anti-ageing products , such as Replasty Laserist Serum and Replasty Night Cream (which has 30 per cent Pro-Xylane, an active ingredient that aids skin recovery).

What’s unique about the facial at Helena Rubinstein is the use of its Thermo Repair machine, which first uses heat to stimulate collagen, then electric currents to tighten and firm the skin. It was largely uneventful, except for a couple of moments where the probe was directed at a sensitive area near my left cheekbone, and felt a little zap. For the most of the time however, was lulled into a blissful, snore-y state.

The best part of emerging from this cocoon – right in the heart of town, mind you – was seeing my complexion in the mirror that my facialist handed me when the

hour was over. Immediately, could see that my skin looked brighter, my pores looked smaller, and, yes, my jaw looked visibly narrower. Helena Rubinstein recommends returning for the facial every month for the best results. I’ll be there. – Lynette Koh

The Helena Rubinstein Signature Regenerative Facial ($380 for 60 minutes, $480 for 90 minutes) is available at Helena Rubinstein , #B1-15, I ON Orchard , 2 Orchard Turn.

POWER FIX FOR ACNE SCARS

PICOSURE PRO LASER TREATMENT AND REJURAN S INJECTION

Prick Rating: 5/5

Covering the beauty beat at Prestige has given me many firsts, from attending the latest skincare and makeup launches to exploring professional treatments that elevate skincare to the next level. Recently, experienced the latter with a customised treatment by Dr Ngiam Juzhen g founder and medical director of J Laser & Aesthetics. Under the care of a certified aesthetic doctor, underwent a Picosure Pro laser treatment paired with a Rejuran S injection, to address my dark spots and acne scars. This wasn’t my first time trying the Picosure Pro laser. My previous session with Dr Ngiam delivered satisfying results, and this time, the addition of Rejuran S promised to enhance the outcome. After a brief consultation to assess my skin concerns, Dr

Ngiam explained how the treatment would work: the laser would target pigmentation and stimulate collagen, while the injections, containing salmon DNA known for its regenerative properties, would tackle uneven skin texture. This combination in a single setting treatment, according to Dr Ngiam, is a new trend in the aesthetics scene . It has shorter downtime and a lower risk of developing complications like postinflammatory hyperpigmentation (injuryinduced darkspots).

The treatment began with facial cleansing and 20 minutes of numbing cream.

The Picosure Pro laser followed in two phases: targeted shots for pigmentation, which felt like light pricks with a faint smell of burnt skin, and “toning”, where the laser swept across my face with a popping sensation to boost collagen production.

Although the numbing cream dulled the pain, the heat was palpable B ut Dr Ngiam swiftly applied ice packs to cool my skin.

Next came the Rejuran S injections, which, as Dr Ngiam explained, are the gold standard for improving acne scars. Treating my ice pick and box scars required subcision – a process of breaking the tissue bands pulling the scars down. Using the Rejuran S syringe, Dr Ngiam performed this procedure, which felt like multiple paper cuts. I teared, but d espite some bleeding the discomfort was fleeting, and my redness subsided within a day. One and a half weeks after the treatment, the results were remarkable. Some depressed scars appeared “lifted”, my skin looked smoother, and pigmentation was visibly reduced. Even my colleague commented on how much better my skin looked. I am already looking forward to visiting Dr Ngiam again. – Joseph Low

The Picosure Pro laser trial ($530) and Rejuran S injection ( from $680) is available at R oyal Square Medical Suites, #19-08/09, Royal Square @ Novena, 101 Irrawaddy Rd

PLUMP IT UP DEUSADERM COLLAGEN INJECTION

Prick Rating: 4/5

I am notoriously bad at keeping to a consistent sleep schedule, and that lack of discipline, coupled with the collagen loss that comes with being in my early 30s, has left my undereye area with persistent eye bags that need help beyond eye creams and gua sha tools. Enter Deusaderm, a collagengel injectable treatment designed to restore lost volume, smooth out fine lines and enhance skin hydration at targeted spots of the face.

Unlike dermal fillers, Deusaderm uses collagen that is similar to human collagen, offering more natural-looking results with a lower risk of a reaction. As someone who is open to skin-boosting injectables but apprehensive about fillers, I am drawn to the brand , which also s imulates collagen regeneration.

I visit ed IDS Aesthetics to try it out. My experience began with a consultation with Dr Ben Yim, who explained that he would treat my undereye region in two ways: injecting Deusaderm close to the skin, and then at a deeper level to really plump up the area between my eye bags and my nose. He also suggested treating my nasolabial region, which ha d started to show signs of collagen loss since I crossed the mid-20s mark, so I readily agreed.

The examination of my face was swift yet

efficient. My skin was cleansed and numbing cream was applied to the areas that would be treated. The numbing cream took 30 minutes to take effect. Dr Yim asked how I wanted my undereye area to look like after the injection. “More refreshed, so don’t have to edit them too much in photos,” unabashedly said. My face was marked with a white pencil – then it was go-time.

A cannula – a thinner, flexible tube with a blunt tip and an alternative to the conventional needle – was inserted close to the top of my cheek to administer Deusaderm. I felt the collagen-gel enter my skin and the needle moving under it as Dr Yim carefully filled up my undereye area. won’t sugarcoat it: the feeling was uncomfortable. When he began working on the more sensitive, left side of my face, I felt the pain double and teared up a bit. Thankfully, each side took about a minute or so to complete. If the undereye injections were a six out of ten on the pain

scale, I would give the nasolabial injections a one A s they were easier to treat, Dr Yim was much faster. The effects were immediate: my undereye and nasolabial regions were visibly more even. There was facial tenderness and a small bruise on my right cheek, and my face felt sore, but the discomfort was mild. A friend I met that night commented that I look refreshed, like I had just taken a good, long nap as opposed to enduring a long day at the office. It takes time to heal from injectable procedures and my experience with Deusaderm was no exception. My undereye region swelled the next day, though it slowly subsided in the days that followed. It typically takes a week for the collagen to integrate with the skin, and the benefits of Deusaderm are said to last up to a year. – Candice Chua

The Deusaderm Collagen Injection ($1,090) is available at IDS Clinic (#02-02, International Building, 360 Orchard Rd)

STYLISH SYNTHESIS

Chanel shakes up its Coco Crush fine jewellery collection with rubies, letters and a new diamond setting.

Mixing and matching has been at the heart of Chanel’s Coco Crush fine jewellery range since its introduction in 2015. This year, this bold attitude comes into even clearer focus with some of the new additions to the family – ruby-accented pendants, and motifs on earrings and bracelets in the shape of the letters “ C ” and “ O ”, which can be worn together to spell out Gabrielle Chanel’s nickname, Coco.

It’s also the first time that the house is uniting rubies with Coco Crush’s incised gold – a distinctive touch that is inspired by quilted fabric. The use of these precious red gemstones pays tribute to one of Coco Chanel’s favourite hues. And it doesn’t hurt, of course, that these stones go beautifully with Chanel’s signature beige gold, an alloy inspired by yet another colour beloved by the brand’s founder.

Further breathing fresh life into the collection is a new pavé-setting technique. While diamonds have long helped to highlight the diagonal lines of the woven patterns on Coco Crush rings and bracelets, the new setting makes the stones look like they are naturally scattered. It conveys a sense of ease, reminding us that when it comes to wearing Coco Crush, there really are no rules.

SEALED WITH A HISS

Among the renowned organic designs that Elsa Peretti created for Tiffany & Co was the Snake necklace, which fastens at the head of the serpent. As Tiffany continues to celebrate the late designer’s 50th anniversary at the brand, what better time to launch new additions to this ophidian collection than in the Chinese lunar year of the Snake?

Crafted in 18K rose gold, a minimalist bracelet and ring depict the sleek curves of the reptile, complete with diamonds accenting its tail.

Taking a different approach to auspiciousness, the new Lock Ruby Pendant sees Tiffany amping up one of its signature designs with rubies. The Tiffany Lock collection symbolises the protection of love and also, in this instance – with a bit of imagination – the locking in of good luck.

ALL ABUZZ

Last month, actress Zoe Saldana took home her first Golden Globe for her supporting role in Emilia Pérez. That wasn’t her only triumph of the evening.

The Cartier Friend of the Maison also debuted a new high jewellery set by the brand, the Melis necklace and earrings. Requiring more than 738 hours of expert work by Cartier artisans, the Melis – derived from the Greek word for “honey” – necklace represents a stylised honeycomb, from which hangs a bee.

The body of the bee is made from a briolette-cut fancy intense yellow diamond weighing 2.64 carats, while the honeycomb structures around it are made from yellow diamond beads, and briolette-cut and brilliant-cut diamonds.

LUCKY CHARMS

A motif distinguished by its double swirls, the ruyi symbol is an auspicious symbol in Chinese culture. It also inspires some of Mikimoto’s latest creations heralding the Chinese New Year. Including necklaces, rings and earrings, the pieces in this collection are distinguished by ruyi knots

GET IN LINE

Distinguished by unevenly and artfully arranged lines, Dior’s minimalist but never boring Gem Dior collection welcomes fresh additions this season. For the first time, there will be earrings that are made from yellow, white or rose gold. And in a salute to creative director Victoire de Castellane’s love for colour, a new bracelet is enlivened by pink and yellow sapphires, pink rubies and spessartite garnets.

COME RAIN OR SHINE

Three jewellers with very distinctive styles look back on their highlights of 2024 and share their outlooks for the year ahead.

Words: LYNETTE KOH

SIMONE NG

Founder and executive creative director, Simone Jewels

Since starting her namesake brand in 2006, Simone Ng has carved a niche for herself among her clientele with unique, artistic designs inspired by history. Visitors to her cosy Maison at Centennia Suites can admire collections such as her 2024 launch, Dolmabache. The range pays homage to the majestic Dolmabache Palace in Istanbul with intricate creations and details such as mother-of-pearl marquetry, and gemstones encased within three-dimensional structures.

I have been travelling a lot for work, sometimes to two places a month. We began

about a year and a half ago, when we went overseas and realised there was demand for a range that could cater to a wider audience.

venturing overseas more during Covid, and we usually work with retail partners. Now, we are in Paris, and within the US, we have a presence in Los Angeles, San Mateo and San Francisco. There have been challenges along the way, with the most recent being the wildfires in LA. People aren’t in the right frame of mind to shop, so we have to pause and be sensitive to the situation.

We have been working on our product categories and consolidating them, and have also reworked our website over the past year. When we launch a new collection now, we have high jewellery, which comprises unique pieces; as well as fine jewellery, the latter being made-to-order so it’s more sustainable. We launched fine jewellery

Last year, we saw many more A-list celebrities, like Jenna Ortega, Katy Perry and Paris Hilton, wearing our jewellery. Their most-worn piece has been the Rockstar Punk Rock jacket earrings, which is part of our Iconic collection. We actually thought of canning those earrings at one point because people kept telling us Asians don’t like wearing jewellery with sharp edges. Then celebs started wearing them, and sales for that piece just went through the roof.

I’ve liked coloured gemstones since I was a child. My maternal grandmother was a national shooter for Malaysia, and when she went to Bu rma for training, she used to bring back a lot of colourful gemstones. Collectors have been collecting them for a long time, but these stones have become a lot more popular because the Internet has given people access to more information and education. People’s attention has shifted to spinels, aquamarine, tourmalines such as Paraiba and rubellite, and garnets such as rhodolite and spessartite, and prices continue to rise. If you see a tourmaline you like, buy it.

Dolmabache Majestic Mosaic Necklace Below: Dolmabache Majestic Mosaic Ring

Simone Ng Opposite: A model wears Simone Jewels’ Rockstar Punk Rock earrings

As a fifth-generation member of the founding family of B.P. de Silva Jewellers, creative director Shanya Amarasuriya draws plenty of inspiration from her family business’ 153-year history. Last year, the brand launched its first full gender-neutral line, Horizon, featuring a waved form that honours the grand voyage of founder B.P. de Silva, alongside his father, back in the 1800s. The range is fully crafted in Fairmined Gold.

Last year was an eventful one for us. We further extended our experiences beyond our flagship boutique in Dempsey. Celebrities in the US wore our jewellery to red carpet events like the Golden Globes, Hollywood film premieres, and more. We took part in curated jewellery fairs including the Doha Jewellery and Watches Exhibition and Couture in Las Vegas.

Our six-piece, numbered Pocketful of Gems collection features traceable sapphires. The story began in 2020, when we did a pilot test, to see if traceable sapphires were feasible for our brand. Quantities are incredibly limited, due to our stringent house standards, paired with the

jewellery with old romantic cuts; new materials; and more coloured gemstones for engagement rings that really speak to their personality, or sentiments. Clients are also more interested in being an active part of the process, and offer their ideas readily.

JESSIE FOO

Founder and designer, Yuli Inc Fine Jewellery

fact that each natural rough is directly and personally sourced by B.P. de Silva gemologists and specialists. Years of trial and error, and sourcing, reaped us hundreds of rough sapphires, and out of the hundreds we thoroughly examined, only six made the final cut.

Interesting trends I have noticed in recent years include vintage-inspired

‘ 90s nostalgia will continue to influence trends this year I think stackable rings and charm bracelets will come back even more strongly. Also becoming more important are custom designs, or ways to differentiate and personalise pieces. Our Bespoke Journey is our most time-honoured service. Our design team really takes the time to know our clients and their needs, and from there, we bring our expertise in design and craftsmanship to the table.

Even if times are challenging, hope to see more creativity and human connection – with craftsmen, our clients, and our partners . Tough times remind us of our interdependence, and how we are stronger together. As a company that’s been around for 153 years, we’ve seen our fair share of tribulations, but we’re still here.

Founded by Jessie Foo in 1995, Yuli Inc Fine Jewellery is best known for its bold, colourful bespoke jewellery. But even before she started her business proper, the irrepressible designer was making the rounds among groups of ladies in their homes, with a bag of gemstones and a head full of design ideas. Over the decades, Yuli Inc Fine Jewellery has occupied spaces in Palais Renaissance and Shaw House, but last year, Jessie bought an apartment at Scotts Square that serves as a permanent home and showroom for her brand.

Some of my customers have been with me for more than 30 years. I also have many younger clients, some in their 20s. One of them has a four-year-old son, and she wanted something colourful to wear to a party at his school. I came up with a necklace with big, irregular shapes, using enamel and a mix of coloured gemstones. like to do bespoke commissions because it takes a certain kind of client to appreciate such bold designs.

I’ve used coloured gemstones for a long time. like them because colour is not easy to work with, and you cannot repeat a design in that exact colour in the same size and cut. It also takes confidence to wear them. One of my customers used to think that orange would look bad against her tanned skin, but convinced her otherwise. She bought mandarin garnets from me a couple of years ago, and now she loves the colour.

Coloured gemstones have become a lot more expensive. Even if you are willing to pay, it can be difficult to find high-quality, larger stones. There’s really no such thing as “semi-precious” any longer. Many people are now going for Paraiba tourmalines, rubellites, tsavorites and spinels. A gemstone that I find interesting and isn’t too expensive right now is blue zircon, which is very hard and has good lustre and scintillation.

To make diamonds more interesting, I mix them with coloured stones and also with electroplated gold. I started using such coloured gold around 2019 because it makes a design statement. I’ve done earrings for

instance, with Paraiba

rubies and red plated gold, and with white diamonds set in blue plated gold.

This year marks Yuli’s 30th anniversary. I don’t often do collections – my last collection was Beyond 26 in 2022, for our 26th anniversary. I’m planning the 30th-anniversary collection now. Together with my eldest son, who works in marketing and branding, I’m also thinking of a campaign that will be centred on our customers, from both the older and the younger generations.

tourmalines with red

Clockwise: Celestial Radiance necklace, Sunflower brooch and Coastal Splendour earrings Jessie Foo

Creative director, B.P. de Silva Jewellers

Simone Ng

Horizon Wave Bands Below: Actress Erika Alexander wearing B.P. de Silva’s Deco Empire Morganite Earrings

Shanya Amarasuriya

A New Era of Trinity

Cartier reimagines its iconic tri-band design with animal motifs and a different shape.

Words: LYNETTE KOH

Studs that are pyramidal or pointed, swivelling freely on bracelets and rings. Exposed screws on watches and jewellery creations. And of course, the panther, prowling majestically across jewellery, leather goods and home accessories. In the watch and jewellery world, Cartier is peerless when it comes to reimagining and mixing its most iconic motifs across product designs and categories.

The latest incarnations of Trinity once again prove the French house’s knack for such creative remixing. Having just marked its centenary last year, Trinity –distinguished by three interlocking bands in different-coloured metals or other materials – now returns in novel guises.

These new creations fall broadly into two categories: The first introduces a trio of animal motifs; while the second group expands on the cushion shape – an evolution of the classic circles of Trinity – introduced last year.

Zooming in on the first category, no one would be surprised to see panther spots decorating one of the three Trinity bands of the new rings (one of which is meant to be worn across two fingers), bracelets and single earring. More unexpectedly, the panther spots are paired with bands sporting tiger stripes and snake scales. While this sounds like a wild mix, it somehow all works together, thanks to Cartier’s attention to details, and sensitivity to texture and volume.

Created by hand using black lacquer, the panther spots and tiger stripes are applied to yellow gold and rose gold respectively. The panther-spot band is rounded , while the band with tiger stripes has a pyramidal form. The scales of snake skin are represented by lozenge-shaped details, partially or fully set with diamonds.

The second category of Trinity novelties focuses on the cushion shape introduced last year. Even though these bands are squarish instead of circular, they slide over each other

with the same fluidity as their circular brethren. The latest additions multiply the cushion shape – big time. Fully handassembled, the XL necklace features an entire chain of interlocking cushion-shaped bands – in yellow, rose and white gold – in different sizes.

For those who find that too much of a statement, there is also a necklace and

bracelet, both of which combine a number of Trinity bands with a regular gold chain. Prefer smaller pieces that still pack a brilliant punch? A new pendant and two rings are lit up by pav é diamonds set on a white-gold band. Even after a hundred years, the minimalist yet tactile tri-band form of Trinity continues to evolve in ways that surprise and delight.

The latest version of the Cartier Trinity features animal prints - snake scales, tiger stripes and panther spots.

Above: One of these new Trinity rings features an oversized band meant to be worn across two fingers.

vo vLo

CHANEL

Plucked from the Plume de Chanel collection, these toi et moi rings delight with their feather motifs, white diamonds, and pink diamond (top) and pink sapphire (below).

HERMÈS

Opposite: Can't choose a colour? Wear them all with this artsy double ring, which is set with a 4.4-carat baguette-cut tanzanite, emeralds, rubies, spessartite garnets, and blue, purple and yellow sapphires.

Am

A m Ou u r

PUT A RING ON IT

With rich eye-catching colours and vibrant organic shapes, these statement rings are a high-impact way of giving that special someone, including yourself, some love.

Words : LYNETTE KOH Art Direction: AUDREY CHAN

Part of the Treasure Island collection, these rings channel the structure of a boat (top) and the lavishness of Renaissance jewellery (below). At their hearts is a 32.68-carat pink tourmaline and a 12.34-carat blue tourmaline, respectively.

Leb i Lebe i e

VAN CLEEF & ARPELS

HARRY WINSTON

Inspired by elements of New York City, the Eagle ring (top) pairs a fancy yellow diamond with white diamonds, while the Central Park ring glows with a 3.16-carat emerald and a medley of diamonds.

TIFFANY & CO

A reimagining of the Jean

by Tiffany Phoenix

these rings represent the mythological bird bursting into flames and rising from the ashes. At their centres are a rubellite of more than six carats

and a

BOUCHERON

The Or Bleu collection pays tribute to water. Featuring obsidian and a 2.01-carat diamond, the Eau d'Encre ring (top) is a nod to the dark waters of Iceland. Below, the Écume ring uses rock crystal and pavé diamonds to represent the surf crashing against cliffs.

Schlumberger

brooch,

(top),

black opal of over 12 carats (below).

MAKING THE JUMP

With its unique Crazy Hours complication, distinguished by seemingly randomly placed hour markers, Franck Muller is no stranger to unusual time displays. Its latest retrograde-display timepiece, the Cintrée Curvex Double Retrograde Hour, continues the brand’s tradition of showing the time in unorthodox ways. But first, what is a retrograde display? Featuring a hand on a scale that snaps back to its original position after it has reached the end of a

measurement segment, the retrograde display dates back to the 17th century, but remains relatively uncommon.

Franck Muller has put a fresh spin on this complication with the Cintrée Curvex Double Retrograde Hour. The watch features two retrograde hour scales that also serve as day and night indicators. The top arc is for the day hours, while the bottom is for the night hours. When the top hand reaches the end of the scale at 6pm, it jumps back to the

beginning of the scale and stays there as the lower hand begins its evening journey. This bottom hand tracks the next 12 hours until the next morning at 6am, when it snaps back to its original position, allowing the top AM hand to take over again. (In the photo provided, the time is 10 .35am.)

Powered by an automatic movement, the Cintrée Curvex Double Retrograde Hour comes in a stainless steel case measuring 36mm by 50.4mm, and is available in a variety of hues.

ENGAGING THE SENSES

Dedicated to brand founder Michel Parmigiani, the Armoriale Répétition Mystérieuse is a unique timepiece that melds a high complication with sublime aesthetics. Its minute-repeater function – where time can be told via chimes – is made possible by a Renaud & Papi-built hand-wound movement that features sonorous cathedral gongs. Instead of a typical time-telling dial, the front of this 42mm white-gold watch features a pine cone-inspired guilloche motif that is beautifully finished with pastel green Grand Feu enamel. The time is shown on the back of the watch, via a “secret dial” adorned with Guatemalan white jade.

SHAPE OF LOVE

Whether you are celebrating Valentine’s Day, Galentine’s Day, or simply a day dedicated to the awesome person that you are, Chopard’s Happy Hearts watch is a whimsical way to express those feelings of fondness. This model features five freely moving elements – three round “dancing” diamonds along with two dancing hearts, one paved with diamonds and one set with motherof-pearl. Housed in a 36mm case made of Chopard’s signature Lucent steel, this quartz model is part of Chopard’s Happy Sport watch collection, which has been delighting fans since it was first created by company co-president Caroline Scheufele in 1993.

SHOW OF METAL

In recent months, Omega has been unveiling new additions to its Seamaster Diver 300M range, one of the brand’s most popular collections since debuting in 1993. Moving away from the ceramic-focused designs that we have been seeing in previous years, the latest Seamaster Diver 300M feature s metallic styles (right down to a mesh bracelet), taking inspiration from the 007 edition worn by James Bond in the film No Time to Die One of these novelties is the Seamaster Diver 300M in titanium and Bronze Gold, featuring brushed Grade 2 titanium for the case and bracelet, and Bronze Gold – proprietary to Omega –for the bezel, helium escape valve, and coating for the hands.

A SHOW OF STRENGTH

Originally scheduled to take place in Los Angeles in January, LVMH Watch Week 2025 shifted instead to New York City and Paris because of the Californian wildfires. Unfortunate circumstances aside, the first event on the horological event calendar continues to grow from strength to strength, with nine LVMH watchmaking brands taking part this year – including luxury powerhouses Louis Vuitton and Tiffany & Co making their debut. Here are our highlights of th is y e ar’s novelties.

LOUIS VUITTON

TAMBOUR TAIKO SPIN TIME AND TAMBOUR TAIKO SPIN TIME AIR

Making its debut at LVMH Watch Week, luxury powerhouse Louis Vuitton continues to evolve its signatures . Uniting its LVMH Watch Week novelties is the Tambour case, a taiko drum-inspired case the brand introduced in 2002, and slimmed down significantly in 2023 with the 8.3mm-thin Tambour Automatic.

Now, Louis Vuitton refreshes a signature timepiece, the Tambour Spin Time from 2009, with the Tambour Taiko Spin Time range, featuring a redesigned case and new movements. C reated by Michel Navas and Enrico Barbasini, the founders of La Fabrique du Temps – the movement manufacture acquired by Louis Vuitton in 2011 – Spin Time is a jumping-hours display featuring four-sided hour cubes that rotate one by one The Tambour Taiko Spin Time 39.5mm is the starting point of the collection. Powered by the self-winding LFT ST13.01 calibre , the highly dimensional Spin Time display is housed in a white gold case 12.15mm thick . While not the sveltest, the case has been refined for a slimmer-looking profile; it begins curving inward near the bottom of the case middle, and tapers into a domed caseback. The addition of sculptural lugs also gives the new cases a sleeker look.

T he Tambour Taiko Spin Time comes in two variants: white gold; and white gold with diamonds. Both have blue-grey dials, but the regular model has a sunray finish, while the gem-set version has a dial centre made of a quartz called hawk’s eye.

Larger in diameter than the regular Tambour Taiko Spin Time at 42.5mm, the Tambour Taiko Spin Time Air allows more space for the “floating” version of the Spin Time display. Also powered by the LFT ST13.01 calibre, but with longer shafts for the hour cubes, the time display appears to levitat e within the case. A diamond-set version is also available.

TAMBOUR TAIKO SPIN TIME ANTIPODE

Being synonymous with travel, Louis Vuitton is no stranger to world-time watches. The Tambour Taiko Spin Time Antipode sees the house once again creatively reimagining this travel complication. Housed in a 42.5mm white gold case, the watch combines Spin

Time and world time, showing the time in 24 time zones across the world simultaneously, along with a day/night indication.

T he Taiko Spin Time Antipode pairs 24 cities in the 12 cubes of its Spin Time mechanism, using them in tandem with a 12-hour chapter ring that turns counterclockwise . All the paired cities are 12 hours apart, with a silver background indicating it is daytime in that region, and a blue background denoting night. It’s all made possible by the self-winding LFT ST12.01 calibre.

TAMBOUR TAIKO SPIN TIME FLYING TOURBILLON

TAMBOUR CONVERGENCE

Like the Tambour Automatic from 2023, the Tambour Convergence is a slim – just 8mm thick, and 37mm across – time-only model in a range that leans hefty. But that’s where the similarities end. Powered by the new automatic Calibre LFT MA01.01, the novelty pays tribute to vintage watches with guichet displays, which show the hours and minutes in two windows using moving discs. Here, t he upper window displays the hours while the lower one reveals the minutes. The time is indicated by the two ends of a lozenge between the windows.

In the Tambour Taiko Spin Time Flying Tourbillon the airy dynamism of the floating Spin Time mechanism is enhanced by a flying tourbillon at the centre of the dial. ntegrating the flying tourbillon to create the LFT ST05.01 movement and incorporating the minute hand around it required extensive adjustments to the base calibre. Crafted in steel, the tourbillon cage takes the shape of a Monogram flower for a touch of whimsy.

Tambour

Taiko Spin Time

Flying Tourbillon

Clockwise from left: Tambour Convergence in pink gold, Tambour Taiko Spin Time and Tambour Taiko Spin Time Antipode

Prestige watch expert Lynette Koh picks the most scintillating releases from LVMH Watch Week 2025.

Words: LYNETTE KOH

DANIEL ROTH AND GÉRALD GENTA

DANIEL ROTH: EXTRA PLAT

SOUSCRIPTION

With Daniel Roth and Gerald Genta having come firmly under the powerful umbrella of La Fabrique du Temps Louis Vuitton, both renowned brands continue to produce covetable timepieces upholding the standards of their namesake founders.

First up, the Daniel Roth Extra Plat (“plat” is French for “flat”) Souscription, a dress watch based on the Extra Plat created by Roth in the 1990s – but updated with the new, specially created DR002 movement.

Housed in a yellow gold case in the Daniel Roth signature double-ellipse shape, the 20-piece limited edition measures 35.5mm wide, 38.6mm lengthwise, and a svelte 7.7mm in height. Decorated with hand-guilloche C lou de Paris, its yellow gold dial is contrasted with blued hour and minute hands, with text and numerals in the same rich hue.

Powering this elegant timepiece is the DR002, a manual-winding movement with the finest finishes and details, right down to a fully satinated winding click. (The click being the component that produces that satisfying feel and sound when a watch is

being wound.) However, staying true to the discreet spirit of the brand, this movement has been concealed behind a yellow gold solid caseback. We can’t lie we wouldn’t have minded trading a bit of historical faithfulness for the chance to appreciate that beauty through a clear caseback.

GÉRALD GENTA: GENTISSIMA OURSIN

FIRE OPAL

Gérald Genta’s inspirations came from everywhere: His Oursin watches, whose name means “sea urchin” in French, came about after he spotted one while on holiday on Corsica in 1994. Three decades later, Maison Gérald Genta has resurrected these rare timepieces, unveiling the fourth in the series this LVMH Watch Week. The boldest edition in the modern Gentissima Oursin range, the Gentissima Oursin Fire Opal is surrounded by 137 fire opals that are individually screwed with 3N yellow gold pins into the 3N yellow gold case. In its entirety, the case is about 36.5mm in diameter. Complementing this vibrant colour palette is a dial crafted from orange carnelian, and hands and five-minute markers in 3N yellow gold. The mechanical heart of this wondrous “sea urchin” is a Zenith Elite movement kitted out with a specially designed rotor in yellow gold.

BVLGARI

SERPENTI SEDUTTORI AUTOMATIC

It’s the Year of the Snake, and what better way for Bvlgari to mark this Chinese lunar year than with new versions of its Serpenti timepieces? Not taking the easy way out though, the brand is making meaningful changes from the inside out with a new self-winding movement, the Lady Solotempo BVS100. Featuring a power reserve of 50 hours, th is petite in-house movement has a distinctive rotor decorated with the Bvlgari logo and a snake-scale pattern. This new manufacture movement follows the unveiling of the Piccolissimo – the world’s smallest mechanical watch movement – in 2022. The Lady Solotempo powers the latest additions to the Serpenti Seduttori range. While the previous versions of the Serpenti Seduttori had quartz movements, these new self-winding models reconnect to the earliest, mechanically - driven versions of the

Serpenti. In addition, they are also a logical response to the demands of increasingly savvy female watch buyers, many of whom are seeking out mechanical timepieces. Fans will be spoilt for choice with several references being unveiled. Measuring 34mm in diameter, the new Serpenti Seduttori watches come in yellow gold, rose gold, stainless steel, or stainless steel with a rose gold bezel; all are framed by bezels set with 36 round brilliant diamonds. There are also full gem-set iterations in yellow gold or white gold, each set with 273 round brilliant diamonds.

SERPENTI TUBOGAS AUTOMATIC

Another Bvlgari ophidian favourite, the Serpenti Tubogas, distinguished by its signature wrap-around bracelets inspired by industrial pipes of the 1920s, also welcomes automatic versions powered by the Lady Solotempo BVS100 movement. The new

self-winding model features a white opaline dial with a guilloche sunray pattern, as well as a 35mm rose gold case with a bezel set with 40 round brilliant diamonds, and a rose gold crown set with a pink rubellite cabochon. Both single- and double-twirl versions are available.

Serpenti Seduttori Automatic with the new Lady Solotempo BVS100 movement

Above: Serpenti Tubogas Automatic in rose gold

Daniel Roth Extra Plat Souscription Right: Gérald Genta Gentissima Oursin Fire Opal

TIFFANY & CO

BIRD ON A ROCK

Participating in LVMH Watch Week for the first time since the event made its debut in 2020, Tiffany & Co is on a mission to remind onlookers of its horological heritage, which dates back more than 175 years. While Tiffany’s horological offerings in the past decade have included traditional watches such as mechanical chronographs, the brand is refocusing the spotlight on its jewellery timepieces with its latest launches. Echoing the brand’s emphasis on the designs of renowned designer Jean Schlumberger in its jewellery collections post-LVMH acquisition in 2021, two new

bejewelled Bird on a Rock watches headline Tiffany’s novelties. Part of the Jean Schlumberger by Tiffany watch range, these timepieces feature the iconic crested bird, attached invisibly to a rotating outer ring on the dial. The ring, along with the bird, moves freely with the wearer’s wrist movements. The two models are the Bird on a Rock

Full Pavé Diamond Watch, and the Bird on a Rock Tsavorite Watch. Featuring a 36mm, gem-set white gold case and bracelet, the former glitters with 1,318 round brilliant diamonds totalling more than eight carats. Of these, 204 round brilliant diamonds sparkle on its dial, framed by a rotating outer ring set with 30 baguette aquamarines. While the full pavé diamond model is powered by a quartz movement, a selfwinding movement by Swiss movement specialist Le Temps drives the latter. Housed in a 39mm white gold case, the Bird on a Rock Tsavorite Watch contrasts a diamondset central disc with the rich green hue of 36 baguette tsavorites on the outer ring.

JEAN SCHLUMBERGER BY TIFFANY TWENTY-FOUR STONE WATCH

Comprising eight gold cross-stitches placed among 16 diamonds, the Sixteen Stone ring is – like Bird on a Rock – another famous Jean Schlumberger signature. Housed in a 39mm white gold case, and powered by a self-winding Swiss movement, the TwentyFour Stone Watch splendidly interprets this classic design. Twenty-four diamonds, interspersed with yellow gold cross-stitches, are set in a rotating ring on the rim of the dial. The case and dial are set with 707

diamonds totalling over 6.5 carats.

From casting and mounting the gold crosses, to setting the diamonds, it takes 25 hours to create each of these glittering rotating rings. Each gold cross-stitch motif, for instance, requires the creation of an individual mould that is shaped according to the design, with allowances of just fractions of a millimetre. Each solidified gold cross is removed from the mould when it has completely cooled, and is polished by hand before being set on the rotating ring.

ETERNITY BY TIFFANY WISTERIA

As interior design buffs would know, Tiffany has lit up the world with more than just its gemstones – it has also done so with its stunning and still sought-after lamps. Featuring shades made of multicoloured glass, and bronze bases, the lamps were crafted by Tiffany Studios at the end of the 19th century and the early 20th century.

Designed by Clara Driscoll in 1902, the Wisteria lamp inspires the Eternity by Tiffany Wisteria watch, a self-winding model presented in a 38mm white gold case. Like the lamp, the dial features translucent and vivid colours, created by an artisan using plique-à-jour enamelling. A challenging technique to master, it calls for the

suspension of transparent enamel within small metal cells. Topping off the celebration of Tiffany codes are the Eternity collection’s signature diamond hour markers, comprising 12 diamonds in different cuts.

CARAT 128 AQUAMARINE

Most high-end watches have protective watch glass made of synthetic sapphire crystal. The one-of-a-kind Carat 128 Aquamarine watch uses a faceted 35.23-carat aquamarine as a watch glass instead. This high-jewellery timepiece is part of Tiffany’s Carat 128 watch collection, which is named after the famous Tiffany Diamond, the house’s 128.54-carat cushion-shaped yellow diamond.

The faceted gemstone helps to further amplify the shimmer of the dial, which is snow-set with 382 diamonds in five sizes. Crafted in white gold, the 27mm cushionshaped case is snow-set with 255 diamonds, also in five sizes. Even the white-gold time-setting crown is set with nine round brilliant diamonds. The bracelet in itself is no less of a showstopper: Its five rows are set with 251 brilliant diamonds in three diameters, totalling 28 carats.

From left: Tiffany Carat 128 Aquamarine and Eternity by Tiffany Wisteria

Above right: Jean Schlumberger by Tiffany Twenty-Four Stone Watch

on a Rock

HEUER

FORMULA 1 CHRONOGRAPH

Motorsports remains a major theme for Tag Heuer, with the brand’s early launches for 2025 including collaborations with Oracle Red Bull Racing as well as Porsche. As it returns as the official timekeeper of Formula 1 this year, it has released five Formula 1 models, comprising four chronographs and a highlight piece, the Tag Heuer Formula 1 Chronograph x Oracle Red Bull Racing. Featuring accents in vivid colours like red, blue and lime, these chronographs have been refreshed to look more modern while preserving the youthful edge that once established the Formula 1 – first introduced in 1986 – as the first watch of many enthusiasts. F1 cars are a key inspiration, naturally. The restyled 44mm cases, now in grade 2 titanium, and even the hour indexes take inspiration from the front of these race cars, while the micro-perforations on the bezel are a nod to their brake discs.

Racing to the front of this pack, the Tag Heuer Formula 1 Chronograph x Oracle Red Bull Racing stands out with its special touches. Housed in a 44mm grade-2 titanium case and powered by the selfwinding Calibre 16, the timepiece’s sporty accents include a tachymeter bezel with a forged carbon insert, and a blue opaline dial with a checkered flag pattern.

CARRERA CHRONOGRAPH AND CARRERA CHRONOGRAPH TOURBILLON

Slow but surely, purple has been gaining a foothold as a popular dial hue. Different shades of the colour of royalty distinguish

the latest releases from Tag Heuer: There is the vibrant aubergine of the new Carrera Chronograph models shown here; while a new version of the smaller 36mm Carrera Date has a lilac face.

Featuring a Glassbox design that incorporates a domed sapphire glass, the current generation of Carrera Chronograph models have been released in colours such as green, blue, and black-and-silver “panda” combinations. Following the Monaco Chronograph with a purple dial, which was warmly received when launched in 2022, the Carrera Chronograph (housed in a 39mm steel case) and the Carrera Chronograph Tourbillon (42mm steel case) feature gradient dials that transition from vibrant purple in the centre, to black at the edges.

ZENITH

DEFY SKYLINE CHRONOGRAPH SKELETON

All Zenith watches are powered by an in-house movement. So it is hardly surprising that the Le Locle-based manufacture likes to create skeletonised versions of its timepieces: What better way to show them off? Its latest offering picks up from last year’s launch of its Defy Skyline Chronograph models. The freshly unveiled Defy Skyline Chronograph Skeleton features the openwork style we have come to expect from Zenith: Angular, architectural and modern in a style that’s almost aggressive. As with the time-only Defy Skyline Skeleton, the dial of the Defy Skyline Chronograph Skeleton features geometric cut-outs that reference the double Z logo used by the brand in the 1960s. Presented in a 42mm steel case, the watch is available in black or blue – with the skeletonised dial,

mainplate, bridges and star-shaped rotor finished in the same colour.

As for the movement that is deservedly visible? That’s the El Primero 3600SK automatic, a high-frequency 5Hz movement. It stands out not just with its ability to measure elapsed time to the accuracy of 1/10th of a second, but to do so with clarity, thanks to its central chronograph hand that completes a full rotation every 10 seconds instead of the usual 60.

CHRONOMASTER SPORT RAINBOW

Boasting bezels decked out with multicoloured gemstones, “rainbow” watches are a classic favourite with watch enthusiasts.

The Chronomaster Sport Rainbow continues this tradition, and is also a cheery follow-up to last year’s bejewelled Chronomaster Sport in rose gold, set with black spinels, and grey and blue sapphires.

Housed in a 41mm white gold case, the Chronomaster Sport Rainbow is crowned with a bezel that dazzles with 50 baguettecut gemstones – comprising 10 diamonds and 40 sapphires in striking hues. Matching sapphire hour indexes stand out even more against an inky black dial. Within the timepiece beats the high-frequency, self-winding El Primero 3600 movement.

Defy Skyline

Chronograph Skeleton

Right: Chronomaster Sport Rainbow

HUBLOT

BIG

BANG MECA-10 42MM

With a distinctive movement inspired by Meccano building blocks and an exceptional 10-day power reserve, the Hublot Meca-10 became one of our favourite watches by the brand when it was launched in 2016. One of its limiting features, however, was its diameter of 45mm – rather too large for slim wrists. The latest incarnation of the Meca-10

sees Hublot downsizing it to a much more versatile size of 42mm. Housed in cases made of titanium, King gold (Hublot’s own red gold) or Hublot’s Frosted Carbon, the latest-generation Meca-10 replaces the original HUB1201 calibre with the newer, smaller HUB1205 movement. Movement parts are galvanically coloured to match the case shades. While the HUB1205 movement retains

from top:

the original movement’s foundation –featuring a ring-shaped base plate with attached bridges – it has a more open layout that is, interestingly, also more compact. For instance, the power reserve display, which was formerly at 6 o’clock, has been integrated into a mainspring barrel (this watch has two of them) at 3 o’clock. A Meca10 signature that happily remains is the linear rack system driving the power-reserve

display; the system’s linear gear at 12 o’clock, which moves in a straight line, adds to the Big Bang Meca-10 42mm’s construction toy-ish charm.

BIG BANG TOURBILLON AUTOMATIC GREEN SAXEM

Creating coloured sapphire is a tricky task. Since the launch of the MP-11 Emerald Green in 2019, Hublot has relied on an alloy called Saxem to achieve sapphire cases in brilliant shades. A combination of aluminium oxide – the main component of sapphire –and certain rare earth elements, Saxem is similar to sapphire, but has a different crystalline structure that allows it to take on consistent and vibrant hues.

Two years ago at LVMH Watch Week 2023, the brand unveiled the Big Bang Tourbillon Automatic in neon yellow Saxem. Last year, it launched the Big Bang Unico in a green Saxem case. Demonstrating a logical evolution, the new Big Bang Tourbillon Automatic Green Saxem unites elements

from those two creations. Its 44mm green Saxem case houses the self-winding MHUB6035 movement of the Big Bang Tourbillon Automatic, characterised by a micro-rotor at 12 o’clock and airy, open architecture.

SPIRIT OF BIG BANG CHRONOGRAPH

The Spirit of Big Bang was Hublot’s first non-round watch when it was launched in

2014. Over the past decade, it has grown into a full-fledged family that ranges from diamond-set time-only models to designs with complicated mechanics and aesthetics. Now, the tonneau-shaped watch range marks a new first: The Spirit of Big Bang Chronograph is presented in three coloured ceramic cases that were previously only offered in the round Big Bang watches. The colours are Sky Blue, Sand Beige and Dark Green, and sticklers will be pleased to note that each watch’s hour markers, chronograph counters and hands are finished in tones that match that of the case. Powering the Spirit of Big Bang Chronograph is the HUB4700 self-winding chronograph movement, which originates from the famous El Primero integrated chronograph movement by Hublot’s sister brand Zenith.

SPIRIT OF BIG BANG “YEAR OF THE SNAKE”

As we just noted above, the Spirit of Big Bang watch has come to house some of Hublot’s most interesting creations. Here’s another. Inspired by the Chinese Year of the Snake, this auspicious timepiece sees the serpentine creature making itself felt in several ways. Plated in gold and intricately laser-engraved, it slithers around the three subdials of this self-winding chronograph timepiece. The 42mm black ceramic bezel, too, is engraved with its scales. Even the rubber strap has a scaly pattern, which appears velvety with a slight shimmer, an unusual effect that is achieved via a special embossing technique.

Clockwise

Big Bang Tourbillon Automatic Green Saxem; Spirit of Big Bang “Year of the Snake”; Big Bang Meca-10, 42mm

Spirit of Big Bang Chronograph

ONE FOR THE FANS

To kick off its 270th anniversary celebrations, Vacheron Constantin releases a re-edition enthusiasts have been waiting almost half a century for.

When Vacheron Constantin unveiled the Historiques 222 three years ago – a modern revival of the brand’s first integrated bracelet sports watch from 1977 – it caused quite the stir. Not only was it the first time the 222 design had appeared since production ceased seven years after its debut (to pave the way for the Overseas collection), but the revival also arrived in a decidedly un-sporty, though fully on-trend, yellow gold edition. Now, the moment fans have been anticipating has finally arrived: the Historiques 222 in stainless steel. Like its yellow gold counterpart, the steel Historiques 222 incorporates the same thoughtful modern concessions: a more comfortable bracelet, a repositioned date window that no longer encroaches on the minute track, and, of course, an in-house automatic calibre and a sapphire crystal caseback from which to admire it. The calibre 2455/2 bears the Hallmark of Geneva, beats at 4Hz, and provides 40 hours of autonomy.

introducing icons like Audemars Piguet’s Royal Oak, Patek Philippe’s Nautilus, and IWC’s Ingenieur. But Vacheron Constantin had its own ace up its sleeve: Jorg Hysek, the visionary behind creations like the Breguet Marine, Tag Heuer Kirium, Seiko Arctura, and more.

The 222 likely emerged in response to the 1970s’ growing obsession with sports watches that embraced subtle elegance over casual ruggedness. It was also the decade when Gerald Genta cemented his legacy as the era’s greatest watch designer,

For the 222, so named for Vacheron Constantin’s 222nd anniversary, Hysek conceived a watch with a scalloped bezel, baton hour markers and hands, and large, hexagonal central links for the bracelet that tapered toward the clasp. An additional Maltese cross emblem was placed at 5 o’clock. The Historiques reissue preserves these iconic elements and adopts the

original “ j umbo” case dimensions of 37mm and a matte blue dial.

Only 500 of the original 222s were produced during its run – in stainless steel, bimetallic steel and gold, and yellow gold –so it makes sense that a non-limited revival is exciting news. But this is just the first release to commemorate Vacheron Constantin’s 270th anniversary this year. Previous anniversaries saw a veritable parade of show-stoppers, like 2005’s L’Esprit des Cabinotiers with a secret clock concealed within an eight-petalled pink gold orb that was hand-engraved with a sky chart by Louis XV’s geographer, Robert de Vaugondy. Then there’s 2015’s Les Cabinotiers Ref. 57260

pocket watch, which boasts 57 complications and the world’s first Hebraic perpetual calendar.

“These milestone anniversaries celebrate a philosophy that combines mechanical research and innovation with a deep commitment to craft and a stylistic approach that is both progressive and highly respectful of classical elegance,” says Vacheron Constantin’s style and heritage director Christian Selmoni. “This 270th anniversary will also bring its share of horological ‘surprises’ and expressions of watchmaking expertise – undoubtedly worthy of standing alongside the previous anniversary models.” We can hardly wait.

Left: The Historiques 222 made its appearance in steel this year. Below: The first edition of the Historiques 222 came in yellow gold.

Words: CHARMIAN LEONG

AUDEMARS PIGUET

Opposite: The Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar "John Mayer" designed with the musician combines a 41mm white gold with a "Crystal Sky" dial

A. LANGE & SÖHNE

The Datograph Perpetual Tourbillon Honeygold "Lumen" packs a flyback chronograph, perpetual calendar and tourbillon into a 41.5mm case crafted from a unique gold alloy Lange calls Honeygold.

JAEGER-LECOULTRE

Opposite: An enduring study in elegance, the Master Ultra Thin Perpetual Calendar has been further refined with details such as slimmer lugs. It features a 39mm pink gold case and Calibre 868, which has a power reserve of 70 hours.

IWC

Most modern perpetual calendars will have to be adjusted in 2100 because of the Gregorian calendar's leap-year exception rules. The 44.4mm platinum Portugieser Eternal Calendar goes a step further, not requiring adjustment until at least the year 3999.

PANERAI

Opposite: Featuring a burgundy dial and Chinese characters for the day and date, the Luminor Perpetual Calendar PAM01688 is a nod to the Chinese New Year, but will work for any occasion where you want to make a statement. It comes in a 44mm Goldtech case.

TA SLICE OF ZEITGEIST

he New Bahru lifestyle enclave has already captured public attention with its keen-eyed curation of trendy boutiques, stylish restaurants , fitness studios and art spaces , all with the intent of showcasing local businesses . Last month, the folks behind its conceptualisation, The Lo & Behold Group , transformed the premises of the old school grounds into an outdoor gallery.

The artworks are six billboard-size images by local photographers, strategically displayed to integrate the setting into the storytelling. The shots – a hugging couple, a crushed face , flora amid concrete, a floating paper balloon and blurry abstracts – capture moments in time The works were curated by Singapore artist Dawn Ng, whose own ongoing series Into Air, explores the idea of time and temporality in photographs of melting ice.

“I find it meaningful to push work out of the confines of a gallery or institutional setting,” says Ng of the exhibition, titled Now Now, adding that the striking size of the works have a confrontational quality that stops people in their tracks and slows time down for the viewer.

In deciding where to situate each art work, she considered the image ’s composition, colours and resonance and the space in which it can be best amplified . For example, Lavender Chang’s Eldest Daughter #6, a portrait of a girl pressed against a desk with multiple hands holding her head down evokes a sense of compression and trapped weight It was therefore p laced at the end of a long corridor, where your eyes are drawn to a physical dead end.

Now Now will run at New Bahru until the end of the year, with plans for renewal in 2026. “It’s an evolving project that feel has many avenues for expansion,” says Ng.

SPACE BETWEEN GIANTS

KHOOGJ, photographer (b.1985)

WALTZING IN (OPPOSITE)

Jovian Lim, photographer (b.1984)

The award-winning commercial photographer has once been called a romantic realist , a characteristic very much evident in his capture of ephemeral beauty in common things . The bright colours of Waltzing In at the entrance of New Bahru, for example, lighten s visitors’ mood but few know that it is an image of an orchid, Singapore’s national flo wer. Lim has had project commissions by leading spatial, luxury and design companies , with his work widely featured in design publications.

“When I was stooping down to observ e the orchids, I asked myself ‘How do make something small, immovable and commonplace feel large, spirited and monumental?’ always seek to distil my images to their purest form. By framing with the lens and stripping away the things that hold us down, the images become windows into something larger. We suddenly step into another world, are transported to a timeless place filled with big feelings and inexhaustible dreams. The flowers stand frozen, but they are very, very alive.”

Guo Jie Khoo who goes by the professional name of KHOOGJ is driven by curiosity and an interest in the cause and effect of the world. This image is part of a series exploring the evolving landscape of our built environment and our relationship with progress. Spaces Between Giants, his solo show, opened in Geneva, Switzerland in 2022 ; and his photographs are regularly featured in design publications.

“It’s wonderful to witness a moment where, despite the rapid growth our society, we wil never overshadow nature. This reminds me of Hiroshi Sugimoto’s essay Until the Moss Grows which draws from Buddhism, emphasising that everything eventually returns to nature. The slivers of light symbolise hope, no matter our circumstances.”

The New Bahru lifestyle enclave has been transformed into an outdoor gallery documenting the Singapore experience.

ELDEST DAUGHTER #6

Lavender Chang, visual artist (b.1983)

Describing herself as an “observer of the unseen beauty within the mundane”, Chang ’s oeuvre explores the subtle emotions, quiet connections, and “ stories that linger in the periphery of our awareness.”

Eldest Daughter #6 is centred on the idea of women taking on responsibilities once reserved for sons – such as financial support of the family – while still handling

household duties in today’s Chinese culture. Chang has received numerous awards, including the President Design Award and France+ Singapore Photographic Art Award , and exhibited in cities in China , Singapore, New York and Yogyakarta.

“When I took this photo, was reflecting on my own experience as the eldest daughter in my family and wondering about the pressures others in similar roles face. After

interviewing them, I realised each had a different relationship with this responsibility. To visually express their emotions, invited each family member to place their hands on the eldest daughter’s face, pressing it against the dining table in their home. I sought to express not just the pressure, but the connection between family members. The image became a way to symbolise both the weight of expectation and the familial bond that shapes their experience.”

WHEN WE WERE TOGETHER

Akai Chew, visual artist (b.1987)

Trained in architecture, Chew is passionate about exploring hidden stories in everyday spaces. His photographs are a confluence of urban memory, history and provocative landscapes. Chew has participated in both solo and group shows in Perth, New Delhi and Bandung.

“(This) photo was shot outside of my old kindergarten. I was imagining a surrogate memory of children playing with a paper

ball, having fun after kindergarten, and reminiscing about happy times together. The title of the work is a reference to the children’s song The More We Get Together . wanted to capture the dreamy, lazy afternoon feel of time suspended; and the liminal memories and events inhabiting everyday architecture. This photograph is a rework of a 2014 work. By reworking the 2014 image, a layer of self-reference is added, much like how each time we recall something we create a new reality.”

YOUNG LOVE

Sean Lee, photographer (b.1985)

Lee is drawn to revealing the “sacredness of ordinary life and the saintliness of common people” in his art. Gracing the tallest parapet of New Bahru’s factory space, this particular image of embracing lovers encourage viewers to reflect on the people they once were.

Lee’s photographs have been displayed at renowned institutions and festivals worldwide He has written two books,

Shauna (2014) , which was added to the MoMA Library collection, and Young Love , published in 2022.

“I was intrigued by her gaze and the sense of ambiguity that came with it. felt the embrace could mean many things. It is as much a gesture of union as it is of farewell. The image hints at themes of intimacy and loss – feelings which I have been drawn to for a long time.”

DYING BLUSH, 2024

Liu Liling, visual artist (b.1993)

Liu uses her photographs as a starting point and medium, manipulati ng the printing process to create abstract images. She importan ce of allowing understand the work at their own time and pace, and to engage it with their own life experiences.

“The source of (Dying Blush) is photographs of gradients in the sky captured at different times of the day. The photographs are reworked with the printer to form new images done by halting and repeating the printing processes. The accumulation of layers helps me achieve depth, saturation and visual texture – and is

a more self-reflective aspect of the image-making process, highlighting the construction rather than the depiction of the subject matter.

I wanted to touch upon one’s memory of looking out to the horizon, and a feeling of warmth quietly present in th ese moments.”

IClash of the creatives

Two of Singapore’s most accomplished musicians and performers, NATHAN HARTONO and INCH CHUA come together for a staging of a story that celebrates love, resilience and artistry.

Words: RETA LEE SRT, which is also behind the biennial Shakespeare in the Park, tells us that she recognises a significant gap in the company’s programming.

nterdisciplinary artist e Inch Chua and singer-actor Nathan Hartono are both barefoot when we speak at The Singapore Repertory Theatre (SRT)’s office. “Honestly, it’s much easier to rehearse and walk around like this,” Nathan explains as he catches my expression.

The duo then make themselves comfortable, all feet on the couch –sometimes in a cross-legged or a dive bomb pose. Their body language reveals a clear level of comfort and familiarity between them. This established rapport will undoubtedly serve them well as they navigate the complex dynamics of their roles as a couple in the upcoming musical, The Last Five Years

Created by Tony Award-winning composer Jason Robert Brown in 2001, the show’s success has transcended the stage, with a 2014 film adaptation starring Anna Kendrick and Jeremy Jordan. Notable Broadway productions have featured acclaimed actors like Jonathan Bailey ( Bridgerton ) and Nick Jonas, solidifying its place as a modern classic.

The critically acclaimed musical will now be staged here in Singapore, for the very first time. Helmed by award-winning actor and director Daniel Jenkins, the story follows struggling actress Cathy and Jamie, a successful novelist, as they navigate the emotional highs and devastating lows of their relationship.

Charlotte Nors, managing director of

“We have done a lot of family musicals at our venue under The Little Company, (which plays to children), but have never staged an intimate musical for adults in our own space,” she acknowledges. “It is time.”

In staging the musical, SRT had the good fortune to have been hosting Inch as a resident artist e for the past year. She ha s known Nathan for over a decade, having collaborated with him on previous projects.

“It was one of those kismet situations,” he recalls, “where everything just kind of fell into place.” He continues “It was also, ‘What can this show look like with the both of us?’ Because neither of us are traditional theatre actors by any means.”

LOVE WILL TEAR US APART

Identifying deeply with her character, Inch saw a profound reflection of her own artistic journey. “On some level, my character experiences insecurity in life, and goes through that kind of rejection on a day to day basis,” she shares. “I am drawn to Cathy in that she’s neurotic and unhinged,” the artist e explains. “It’s quite fun to explore those parts of me as well and accept or embody that in some way.”

Nathan reveals that his character is going through things that he has experienced before making it challenging to see parts of

himself in that way “A lot of the conflict comes from what it’s like to be in a relationship with another creative. Careerwise, you’re not always going to be in the same headspace ” he shares.

Inch identifies with his frustration. “I ’ve dated other creatives before but never again,” she declares, firmly believing that a relationship can accommodate only one creative personality. This conviction stems from her self awareness, as she confesses that she can be something of a “ maniac ”.

For close to five years, Nathan has been in a long-distance relationship with Dutch-Korean actress-singer Jeon Na-Young, whom he met on the set of The Great Wall

musical in 2017 The experience has given him a nuanced perspective on being single vs being in a committed relationship.

“I definitely appreciate everything that comes with a relationship,” he shares . But having been in situations where there was co-dependency or a loss of personal identity he notes the importance of having some independence when you’re part of a couple. “When two people merge a little bit too much, that might not be the healthiest.”

Inch believes that humans are inherently social creatures. “I don’t think humans are meant to be solitary,” she asserts, identifying herself as more of a relationship type of person.

STRETCHING ONE’S LIMIT

Nathan reveals that he was initially concern ed about the musical’s potential obsolescence, as it was written more than two decades ago.

However, he soon realised that its true strength lies in its honest portrayal of universal human emotions. “It wasn’t trying to be any kind of pop culture thing. The story has actually aged quite beautifully. We’re able to play it exactly as it was written, and it still feels very real.”

As the pair move into the second week of rehearsals, Nathan discovers a challenge: playing the piano. T hey both have to play three instruments in the musical, and he’s never learned to play the piano properly.  For Inch, it is her aware ness that movement and acting are not her strongest suit: “I am trying to move naturally without thinking too hard about it.” It turns out that it’s tough to seamlessly integrate physicality into a performance.  What’s even more challenging is that all eyes will be on the actors; there is no place to hide. Says Inch, “We’re playing instruments and moving things around on stage. That’s what happens when you have a two-hander. We’re just, literally, two people on stage.”

The Last Five Years opens from Feb 12, at the KC Arts Centre – Home of SRT

CHASING LONGEVITY

The burgeoning demand for sophisticated wellness solutions has catalysed the growth of longevity clinics, including Chi Longevity, which recently open ed its second branch in Singapore.

Words:

The buzzword “longevity” encompasses the pursuit of not just a longer lifespan, but a healthier and more vibrant life, often achieved through a combination of lifestyle interventions, medical advancements and technological innovations. Options ranging from readily accessible home kits predicting biological age to immersive wellness retreats and convenient online supplement services are flooding the market to meet this demand. In today’s healthcare landscape, many longevity clinics try to distinguish themselves by offering a personalised and proactive approach. They utilise cutting-edge medical technologies and science-backed methods to identify and address the unique health concerns of each individual.

Prominent in this field in Singapore is Professor Andrea Maier, who not only co-founded the first Chi Longevity clinic at Camden Medical Centre in 2023; she is also currently serving as the Oon Chiew Seng Professor in Medicine, Healthy Ageing and Dementia Research at National University of Singapore. She is also the co-director of the Centre for Healthy Longevity at the National University Health System (NUHS).

Last month, I went on a tour of Chi Longevity’s new 1,205sqft clinic at Four Seasons Hotel, led by Dr Naras Lapsys, the chief clinical officer and senior dietitian. The first visit to most longevity clinics entails a thorough evaluation of the patient’s health. Comprehensive assessments at Chi Longevity encompass a wide range of evaluations, including a rigorous physical test on a futuristic-looking VO2 max machine – where you cycle while being monitored by an attending physician for oxygen consumption. This, combined with various tests, scans and detailed interviews, typically takes between six and eight hours.

Dr Lapsys explained some of the tailored health assessments , which incorporate advanced diagnostic tools such as blood tests, cognitive testing and genetic profiling. was impressed by the use of advanced technology, like the Atcor Sphygmocor device for blood pressure measurement, which provides highly accurate data and helps predict cardiovascular risk.

In my two-hour window, I underwent a Bioelectrical Impedance analysis (BIA) scan to assess body composition, a spirometry test to measure lung function, and a Resting Metabolic Rate (RMR) test.

All my results were recorded in The Reveal, a user-friendly portal that provides a centralised view of my health data and allows me to easily access my personalised health plan.

Besides the availability of cutting-edge technologies, Chi’s team of healthcare professionals will collaborate to monitor your outcomes, refine strategies and adapt interventions as needed to support evolving health goals. The longest health optimisation and longevity programme spans 10 months.

BIOHACKING TO A HEALTHIER, LONGER LIFE

The concept behind longevity clinics isn’t entirely new. Throughout history, individuals have sought ways to extend their lifespan and improve their health. In recent years, however, the global wellness industry has exploded, reaching a staggering US$6.3 trillion (S$8.6 trillion) in 2023, according to the Global Wellness Institute. This represents a remarkable 25 per cent surge since 2019, solidifying its position as a dominant force that now eclipses both the sports and pharmaceutical industries. The nonprofit’s research attributes the industry’s growth to several key factors, including an ageing population, the rise of chronic diseases, and a growing emphasis on mental health.

The public’s fascination with longevity has also been significantly amplified by the Netflix documentary Don’t Die : The Man Who Wants to Live Forever , which chronicles billionaire biohacker Bryan Johnson’s audacious quest to defy ag e ing. Driven by an ambitious goal to reverse his biological age to 18, Johnson, a tech entrepreneur, has garnered significant attention for his

US$2-million (S$2.7-million) -a-year “Blueprint” protocol. This rigorous antiageing regimen, while demonstrating some success, demands extreme dedication.

Johnson adheres to a strict schedule, including an 11am eating deadline and solitary sleep. His daily routine involves consuming over 100 supplements and subjecting himself to an array of invasive procedures, from blood plasma transfusions and microneedling to full-body LED exposure and frequent MRI scans.

While these approaches offer significant potential, the access to such high-level healthcare is not always feasible, particularly for those with limited financial resources.

Many individuals like content creator Brooke Paulin, 33, prioritise a more holistic approach to health, focusing on lifestyle factors like regular exercise through gym memberships, incorporating health-promoting supplements into diets, and cultivating overall well-being.

Paulin and Johnson are among about approximately 4,000 individuals ranked on the leaderboard of the Rejuvenation Olympics. The online competitive longevity game monitors and ranks the biological ageing progress of the individuals, aiming to identify those who are successful in slowing down the process. It’s based on epigenetic DNA tests, which provide insights into how environmental factors and lifestyle choices

can affect gene function. Johnson is currently ranked number three, with Paulin slightly behind at number five.

SINGAPORE’S WELLNESS BOOM

The medical longevity movement is evident in Singapore. A year after Chi Longevity opened at Camden, Alexandra Hospital and NUHS launched the Healthy Longevity Clinic – the first of its kind in the world involving a public hospital , which also studies and develops drugs that could combat dementia. Founder of Asia Retina Eye Surgery Centre and Asia Wellness Medical Centre, Dr Claudine Pang, is also due to open her third clinic cent e ring on the concept of longevity in April this year. The clinic’s holistic approach will encompass rejuvenating aesthetic treatments and groundbreaking longevity protocols –including hyperbaric oxygen, red light therapy and pulsed electromagnetic fields. Says Dr Pang, “The rise in longevity treatments can be attributed to an increasingly affluent ageing population that prioritises maintaining a high quality of life in later years. This is further propelled by breakthroughs in science suggesting the possibility of age-reversal treatments and a paradigm shift in medicine toward preventive, proactive and holistic healthcare.”

The health evaluation at Chi Longevity includes a rigorous physical test on a VO2 max cycling machine.

VALUE WINES OF 2024

Of the more than 42,000 bottles rated by the JAMESSUCKLING.COM team in 2024, more than a few stood out for their combination of superb quality and great value. Here’s our pick.

Last year was a busy one for JamesSuckling.com, whose team of 11 tasters rated more than 42,000 bottles in 2024, travelling to dozens of regions to discover the best the wine world has to offer. While they’re always hunting for great quality regardless of price, they also keep an eye out for great value –since they, too, are wine lovers with budgets. The wines below widely retail for US$40 ( S$5 5) and below, according to WineSearcher. The JamesSuckling.com Top 100 Value rankings are based on a price-score metric, as well as global availability and production volume. Excluded were wines with limited offerings on Wine-Searcher, while those that are available in a few regions only (or just one, such as Europe) are ranked further down the list. Each producer was also limited to one wine only.

Of the 12 countries that made this year’s Top Value list, France (15 wines), Germany (14) and Italy (13) topped the charts,

followed by Argentina (11), Australia (10), New Zealand (9), Spain (9), Chile (7), the United States (5), Portugal (3), Austria (3) and South Africa (1). The wines are mostly rated 95 points and above, along with a select few extremely affordable 94-point wines. France, Germany and Italy in particular provided plenty to choose from in terms of quality – their 2024 Top 100 lists exclusively featured wines scoring 96 points or higher. However, the global trend of rising prices has made it increasingly difficult to find great yet affordable wines. Many have become too expensive to qualify for this list due to climbing production costs and the protection of profit margins. As an extreme example, the average price of the wines on the Top 100 Wines of the US 2024 list reached a staggering US $170, with only a couple priced below the US $40 value threshold. Even in regions such as Chile and Argentina, where great-value wines were once abundant, many have become costly.

stunningly focused red that shows inspiring energy and minerality. It comes from what has long been considered the top site of Morgon – the isolated hill of Côte du Py, home to blue-stone granite and schist soils that give rise to more concentrated and tannic expressions of the usually thin-skinned gamay grape. This wine retails all over the world for about US $25 and it comes from a large, 6ha parcel, so is readily available.

The other Beaujolais wine in the Top 10 is the fourth-placed Domaine Anita Moulin-àVent Reine de Nuit 2022. A structured yet graceful offering made with 100 per cent whole bunches, it’s produced by Anita Neveu, who’s part of a new generation of winemakers bent on making serious, age-worthy wines from the gamay grape. None of the French wines on this list come from Champagne, Burgundy or Bordeaux, where premium prices rule. There are fewer great wines from Bordeaux under US $40 this year, influenced by the good but not great quality of the 2021 vintage.

At number five is the Max Ferd Richter Riesling Mosel Brauneberger JufferSonnenuhr Spätlese 2023, a classic example of the Spätlese category, showing the elegance and aromatic finesse that can come from a young riesling. Its moderate residual sugar is well integrated with a wealth of mineral, herbal and spicy nuances, with JamesSuckling.com’s Stuart Pigott saying it reminds him of the great 1990 vintage of this wine. It’s widely available in international markets at less than $30.

Meanwhile, the seventh-placed MüllerCatoir Weissburgunder Pfalz Herzog EL 2023 is an incredible white wine with extravagant aromas of mandarin oranges and white flowers, as well as an endless, mineral finish. It’s a decadent example of weissburgunder (pinot blanc or pinot bianco), and the only non-riesling of the German wines on this list.

Blumeri 2020, at number 10. Schiopetto is better known for its white wines, but this blend of merlot and refosco is superbly focused with ultra-fine tannins and will gain more complexity with further ageing. It highlights how Collio in Friuli makes some great reds as well as whites.

Two outstanding Spanish wines also made the Top 10. The Bodegas y Viñedos Ponce Bobal Manchuela Pino 2023, at number six, turns this usually fruity grape into a meaty, structured and stony wine. It also has spicy and floral notes; JamesSuckling.com’s Zekun Shuai says it reminds him of a “beautifully refined, linear Rhone-style syrah”.

Especially surprising was the paucity from Chile, whose output of such wines had once been prodigious, but perhaps this is a sign of success for that country’s maturing wine industry. Meanwhile, many great-value wines can be found within Australia, New Zealand and Germany, but these can be difficult to find beyond their borders.

In France, Beaujolais continues to be an under-appreciated region, despite its amazing quality-for-value proposition. Beaujolais wines consistently deliver exceptional value – especially considering the soaring prices in neighbouring Burgundy.

In fact, 12 of the 15 French wines on this year’s list hail from prestigious “cru” villages, such as Morgon and Moulin-a-Vent. These wines are structured and serious, easily rivalling many highly rated Burgundies. And Beaujolais has one of the largest concentrations of old vines in France.

The number-one wine, Jean-Marc Burgaud Morgon Côte du Py 2022, is a

Our second-placed pick, the K Vintners Syrah Yakima Valley Motor City Kitty 2021, has long been on the radar as being one of the best-value wines from the US, and it’s one of only five American offerings that made this year’s value list. It also finished at number seven in JamesSuckling.com’s Top 100 World Wines of 2024. The Motor City Kitty is a seriously delicious red, full of savoury, earthy and peppery aromas, with astounding freshness, energy and minerality. Retailing globally for US $40 – the cut-off price point for this list – it proves you don’t have to pay hundreds of dollars for a serious syrah. What’s more, it’s widely available with a production of around 3,000 cases.

Although we excluded many Australian wines because they aren’t widely available outside the country, 10 managed to make it, from a range of varieties – including shiraz, riesling, savagnin and Sangiovese – and appellations. From Western Australia, the Frankland Estate Riesling Frankland River Isolation Ridge 2022 (at number three) has enormous depth, nuance and concentration, plus creaminess from long lees contact. It was also placed third wine on the Top 100 Wines of Australia 2024 list.

The 2023 vintage in Germany was marked by complicated weather patterns that resulted in lower vineyard yields. But despite excluding several German wines because of their meagre worldwide distribution, the country is still well represented on this list.

The 13 Italian wines in the Top 100 showcase the value to be found across the country, from diverse areas in the north, such as Alto Adige, Veneto and Piedmont, to the central region of Tuscany and down to Sicily in the south. The Manincor Sauvignon Blanc Alto Adige Tannenberg 2022, at number eight, is an agile yet dense expression of this international variety, full of tension and focus, and produced from biodynamically farmed grapes. It’s from a unique wine region in the north of Italy where Alpine coolness mitigates some of the hot and dry weather in recent vintages, such as 2022.

For a refined and beautiful red, check out the Schiopetto Venezia-Giulia Podere dei

Lastly (but certainly not least) is the ninth-placed Guímaro Mencía Ribeira Sacra Finca Meixeman 2022, which was also the 2024 Spanish Wine of the Year. A wildly aromatic, juicy and expansive red from a stunningly scenic, terraced vineyard area, it’s 70 per cent mencia with a field blend of other local varieties using a large proportion of whole-cluster fermentation. It certainly captured the attention this year and retails widely for under US $30 in Europe and for under US $40 in the US.

This list turns a spotlight on the very best value available in the wine world, but you can find more wines that offer excellent value by checking out JamesSuckling.com’s national and regional reports and focusing on the 92- to 94-point wines. Regardless, the tasting team’s commitment to finding exceptional quality wine without breaking the bank remains unwavering in 2025.

The Juffer-Sonnenuhr GG sites in Germany’s Mosel gave us the fifth-placed Max Ferd Richter Riesling Mosel Brauneberger Juffer-Sonnenuhr Spätlese 2023.

APPETITE FOR CHANGE

Chinese cuisine is as varied and complicated as the cultural entity it springs from, with refinements ongoing since antiquity. Here, chefs at China’s top culinary establishments share insights on the Chinese fine dining scene.

Words: CEDRIC TAN

Chinese cuisine is bewilderingly expansive and dynamic. There are officially eight major caixi (classification) across the distinct landscapes of China but the scope extends far beyond. From the humble soups and stir-fries a Chinese family puts on the table daily to the elaborate feasts staged by eminent chefs at grand restaurants, it would take a tome or two to record the classics already in existence, and then more for the ones that are prodigiously created by innovators of the field today.

Cantonese cuisine is probably the most beloved Chinese cuisine today, but its global following is keenly trailed by the rising popularity of Shanghainese, Szechuan and other regional flavours. The delectable signatures of each caixi differs – think Cantonese and mirages of roast goose, crispy pigeons and luscious abalones are conjured while Szechuan is better known for its robust hotpots and fiery entrees, but the top chefs all adhere to the golden rule of progression –refinement, refinement, refinement.

In the trade, a Chinese chef’s training is based squarely on learning, then refining the techniques that were passed down for generations. It takes years just to learn the basics of stir-frying but it will take considerably longer to make an art of it. The culinary abilities of Chinese chefs are also termed gong fu in the trade, and only a handful of novices progress to the top of the game over what is usually a span of decades. Fortuitously, developments within China are still conscientiously attuned to traditions, and fine dining establishments across the

JINSHA – FOUR SEASONS , HANGZHOU

One -Michelin star Jinsha is arguably the city’s most popular fine dining restaurant by the edge of West L ake and helmed by executive chef Wang Yong, whose masterful reinvention of Hang Bang classics like Dong p o pork and West Lake vinegar fish has been garnering awards and attention over the years.

“Fine dining Chinese draws influences from the past with a wide array of regional traditions. At Jin Sha, my interpretation of Zhejiang cuisine embodies a harmonious blend of classical techniques and modern interpretations. I respect traditional recipes and cooking methods that have been passed down through generations, yet I believe that culinary evolution is vital for keeping cuisine relevant and exciting.”

major cities are keeping the heritage alive and well even as preparation and presentation methods undergo constant evolution. With the pressure to keep pace with developments, especially those of an economic nature, time-honoured methods will invariably morph into less exacting formats. Some got good, while others got lost into a sea of mediocrity.

With the ever growing fondness for the cuisine, chefs today are hard at work reinventing old school dishes with new forms. The best of them do not cut corners, and they certainly don’t have to resort to odd old-new marriages to keep the innovations meaningful (caviar on suckling pig, techni-colour dim sum and over-truffled entrees are just some flippant demonstrations I’ve encountered on the job). At the top echelons of the Chinese culinary scene are the exacting chefs who keep the heritage and traditions alive in their kitchen, resulting in sincere and studied renditions of time-honoured classics that are refined yet simple, attesting to that adage that less is more at the core of their evolution. More than just elegant presentation, fine dining Chinese cuisine is really an experiential summation centuries in the making – in the bygone era, refinement meant exotic ingredients, fanciful knife work and laborious preparation techniques.

From the Zhejiang penchant for sweet flavours to the Cantonese pining for familiar comforts, here are six of the best fine dining establishments in China today with the chefs who are reinventing and redefining the future of China’s culinary landscape

Hang Bang c uisine is a prominent branch of the Zhejiang caixi which also includes Shanghainese, Ningbo and Shaoxing cuisines. This culinary style, which originated from the Song Dynasty, is celebrated for its robust and sweet characteristics. Wang’s culinary signatures are inventive, but they are grounded in authentic flavours and plated with modern aesthetics in mind.

Braised pork belly with abalone, plated with a modern sensibility.

Chef Wang Yong believes in the necessity of culinary evolution.

Dragon Phoenix, raised within a historic Bund institution, is an entrenched favourite for quintessentially Shanghainese

Ma

and

“Exquisite Chinese cuisine comes from traditional craftsmanship fused with modern innovation. It is the combination of culinary skills and artistic expression. While respecting the authenticity of Shanghainese cuisine, I aim to resonate with contemporary diners. What is best robust remains robust and what can be lightened we lighten. Preferences can

change but the soul of the cuisine must stay.” Case in point, his seasonal persimmon dumplings are coloured with cheddar powder and served on dry ice, but their chewy texture and Ma Lan Tou (local wild vegetable) filling remain quintessentially Shanghainese. Dragon Phoenix also serves the best t ea s moked c rispy c hicken, Peking duck and x iao l ong b ao in the city.

TANG COURT – THE LANGHAM , HONG KONG

Tang Court is a hallowed sanctuary for Cantonese food lovers in the Chinese territory, having clinched three Michelin stars for nine consecutive years at press time. Executive chef Wong Chi Fai, who is best known for his classical signatures like braised pork with preserved vegetables and baked stuffed crab shell with crab meat, has been holding down the fort since 2021.

Despite the accolades, the cuisine here is presented with surprising simplicity. “The most important task for a chef is to make sure the food we serve is tasty regardless of the price. Diners may have higher expectations for fine dining restaurants as we offer a more elevated experience , but for me, food quality and consistency are my priority.”

Wong’s menu and entrees all read and taste quintessentially Cantonese. There is no pretence to what he sets on the table – the roast goose, stuffed beancurd and braised abalone noodles et al are heavenly in taste but earthy in presentation. There are certainly no fancy makeovers for the classics here.

Clockwise, from above: Stuffed crab shell, baked pastries with whole abalone, and chef Wong Chi Fai.

Clockwise, from below: Shanghainese-style braised pork belly, chef Ma Hao Cheng, and sauteed crystal shrimps.

DRAGON PHOENIX –

FAIRMONT PEACE HOTEL, SHANGHAI

flavours as designed by executive chef

Hao Cheng, offering updated classics like Shanghainese smoked fish

braised pork belly.

FU CHUN JU –THE PUXUAN, BEIJING

While simplicity is a cherished ethos, there is a constant predilection for refined simplicity in China. Fu Chun Ju in Beijing is a popular one- Michelin - star red Cantonese restaurant with executive chef Waikit Yeung at its helm since 2017. The menu he curated for the restaurant is sterlingly Cantonese and elegantly presented, minus the decorative fuss. The standout dishes are his sliced pork with taro, steamed Qing Yuan chicken, and a deceptively simple crispy beancurd.

“In my opinion, innovation is essential in every industry. Fine dining Chinese cuisine offers unique cultural and sensory experiences, but at its core, it is still about meeting the diverse needs of the general public. I tend to lean toward traditional flavours, but these are the flavours that I understand and personally connect with. Most people will ultimately return to the flavours of their childhood despite trends and fads.”

Sliced pork with taro and fermented red beancurd.

Above: Chef Waikit Yeung leans toward traditional flavours.

Terrace bar at The Puxuan.

FENG WEI JU – STARWORLD

HOTEL, MACAU

Feng Wei Ju, a two -Michelin star red fine dining restaurant helmed by executive chef Chan Chek Keong, is renowned for its inventive Szechuan and Hunan dishes like boiled Mandarin fish fillets in chili oil, boneless beef ribs with homemade chili sauce and crispy chicken fillets. “Many dishes in fine dining Chinese cuisine are

rooted in history and tradition, with stories and symbolism behind them. While respecting tradition, fine dining Chinese cuisine also embraces modern culinary trends and fusion concepts. What I deliver from my kitchen honours time-tested methods but today we have to work on visual appeal with modern plating techniques that turn each dish into a work of

SHANG PALACE –SHANGRI-LA , SHENZHEN

art.” Indeed , a pot of something inundated in chilli oil isn’t everyone’s idea of appetising and Chan’s thoughtfully crafted dishes offer an initiation into the regional flavour without maiming one’s ability to taste. His Tianfu stewed minced chicken and egg white soup for example, a notoriously difficult dish to replicate, is a masterclass in culinary refinement.

Dim sum, a perennial classic of Cantonese cuisine, have been treated to plenty of inventive mutations over the years. One of the remaining bastions of delightfully traditional dim sum is at Shang Palace. Holding court at the 30 year old institution is master dim sum chef Yue Zeng, who explains that in th is realm, there are no shortcuts.

“Firstly, we need to focus on tradition, then we can innovate. For us at Shang Palace, heritage and innovation go side by side, and aesthetic presentation is not achieved at the cost of forsaking tradition.”

Indeed, the adherence to traditions at Zeng’s kitchen is admirable – every dim sum here is discernibly made by hand, from the mincing of the fillings, to the expert pleating that seal the delicious morsels. Few chefs in circulation today know how to make congees that hold their texture even after an hour, or delightfully fluffy char siew buns with expertly seasoned fillings, and these are just some of the delightful signatures Yue and his team routinely churn out at the restaurant.

Clockwise, from left: Stir fried radish cake with XO sauce, steamed dumplings and chef Yue Zeng.

Boiled Mandarin fish fillets in chili oil.

Left: Chef Chan Chek Keong tempers the flavours of Szechuan and Hunan.

QUANTUM LEAP

Startups and major industry players alike unveiled a mesmerising array of tech innovations at this year’s Consumer Electronics Sho w in Las Vegas, ranging from AI-integrated televisions to solar-powered beach umbrellas. Here are a few of our favourites when it comes to “self-serving” tech.

Words: BRUCE SCOTT

Over 141,000 attendees representing over 150 countries, regions and territories  descended on Las Vegas last month for the annual Consumer Electronics Show (CES), which ran from Jan 7 to 11. In total there were more than 4,500 exhibitors, including 1,400 startups, as well as over 6,000 media attendees; all of whom were eager to see the latest innovations and technology trends.

In addition to all the gadgets and gizmos, there were visionary keynote presentations, thought-provoking conferences, and more than a few mind-blowing exhibits. Not surprisingly, a great deal of focus was on artificial intelligence (AI) and one of the most eagerly anticipated keynote addresses was the one given by Jensen Huang, the founder and CEO of the chip and data centre specialist N vidia

Approximately 6,300 attendees filled the

hall as Jensen proudly unveiled the GeForce RTX 50, a GPU (graphics processing unit), that surpasses their RTX 4090 graphics card in performance. He also wowed the crowd with Agentic AI – a real-time assistant to streamline consumer workflows – and introduced the Cosmos World Foundation Model and generative AI tools to advance robotics navigation. Finally, he announced a partnership with Toyota to develop next-gen autonomous vehicles using the safetycertified N vidia DriveOS, a major step in AI-driven innovation.

With the growth of high-power demand technologies like AI, cloud, and other data centre innovations, this year’s CES also put a focus on experimental energy solutions, including green hydrogen and small modular nuclear reactors. Quantum technologies were another hot topic, offering a glimpse into the future of networking and computing. As always, mobility is a segment where

ELECTRIC AVENUE

innovations seem to be never-ending, and 2025’s offerings included breakthroughs in self-driving and electric vehicle (EV) technologies – for planes and boats, as well as automobiles. Sustainability also proved to be a crucial trend-shaping concern, especially when the question is raised: “Where do we get all the power to run these things?” As such, new battery technologies abounded – as well as alternative material development, like graphene, and off-grid renewable energy solutions – but this year’s CES also shone a spotlight on such innovations as synthetic microbes, bioplastics and self-healing concrete (which will contribute to sustainable construction).

Finally, let’s not forget the “startups”, who were once again on display in Eureka Park – a place where innovators, investors, and the media converge in order to get hands on with the technologies poised to shape our collective future.

For those who can’t wait for a world filled with self-driven cars, industry giant Honda has developed the “ 0 Series ” an upcoming line of hi-tech EVs set to launch in North America next year. The first two prototype models – the Honda 0 SUV and the Honda 0 Saloon – both made their debut at CES 2025, embodying the automaker’s Thin, Light and Wise development approach. These sleek, futuristic looking vehicles have been built with a special operating system called “AISMO OS ”, which is an homage to the humanoid robot that Honda brought to CES two decades ago. Integrated into the vehicle systems, it provides reliable automated driving capabilities (backed by the Level 3 automated driving technology), as well as ultra-personal optimisation for an experience that’s customised to each individual user.

Jensen Huang, founder and CEO of Nvidia, unveiled the powerful new GeForce RTX 50 series at CES 2025.

GARDEN GIZMO

It’s a true luxury to enjoy freshly picked herbs and vegetables, so why not grow them year-round in the privacy of your own home? With the Smart Indoor Garden by Plantaform you can grow up to 15 plants at a time using “fogponics” – a N asa -developed technology – which is a clever combination of fog, special lighting, and nutrients. Even better is the fact that the device itself, which looks like something out of an old 70s sci-fi film, is both self-cleaning and self-watering. It’s available in either a white or black design, and there’s even an app included that helps novice farmers to control factors such as temperature, humidity, light wavelengths and watering cycles.

VERSATILE VACUUM

We all dream of the day when our housecleaning is done by tireless machines, which is why robot vacuums are so popular. But you still have to pick up all the clothes, toys and other obstacles from the floor before running your robo-vac, right? Well, not according to Roborock, a company that has equipped their Roborock Saros Z70 robot vacuum with a foldable five-axis mechanical arm that can grab and move small obstacles while it cleans. Able to recognise socks, sandals, tissues and towels, the device can even be programmed to deliver said items – as long as they weigh 10.6 ounces or less – to where they need to go. Measuring just under 8cm in height, the first model is set to launch in the first half of 2025.

HEALTH IS WEALTH

LIGHTWEIGHT CYCLING

Riding an e-bike is a great way to get around, but if you’ve ever had to lift one you know that they’re pretty heavy, often weighing between 25 kg and 30k g . That’s why news of the Titanium Zero, a concept vehicle from Hong Kong’s Urtopia, generated so much interest wh en it was shown at CES 2025. The whole thing weighs in at just over 10k g and that includes a 3D-printed frame made of a titanium alloy, coupled with wheels, fork and hollow crankset made from carbon fibre. Add to that an exemplary 12-speed electronic derailleur system from SRAM, a 300Wh/kg -state battery, and a custom torquedense Quark DM1.2 mid-drive motor, and you’ve got one fine ride on your hands.

If you’ve experienced the pleasure and practicality of working on multiple screens, then you know how hard it is to go back to just one. But what to do when travelling, or if you’re away from your normal setup? For the answer to that we turn to Lenovo, who have incorporated flexible screen technology into their ThinkBook Plus Gen 6 Rollable. With a simple keystroke (or hand gesture) the screen extends upwards, going from 14 to 16.7 inches, significantly expanding the monitor real estate. Then, when it’s time to pack up, the whole thing scrolls back into its more compact form. Under the hood this lightweight laptop boasts an impressive 400 nits of brightness, as well as 100 per cent DCI-P3 colour accuracy and a high-refreshrate 120Hz display, making it ideal for video editing, coding, or project management.

As always, a big focus at CES is health-tech, and one of the standout items launched this year was Withings’ Omnia mirror, which stands six feet tall and displays vital stats that provide you with a comprehensive health report. Utilising advanced AI technologies, as well as your own personal inputs, the device offers meaningful insights tailored to your unique health profile, helping you decode your own personal health metrics. Described as the ultimate health hub, it’s paired with a horizontal base scale that tracks vitals such as weight, heart health, and even your VO2 Max (a measure of the capacity your body has to use oxygen when exercising). While still in development, and not available for sale quite yet, it does offer a peek at how technology will eventually reshape everyday health check-ins.

GOTTA LOOK SMART

Smart glasses never took off like they were supposed to, but Halliday seems to have developed a pair that might just click with the public at large. These stylish, black - framed specs feature a 3.6mm monochrome green display that projects information right on to the wearer’s eyeball, used to show everything from incoming messages to web search responses. In addition, an optional smart ring lets you control things using gestures, although you can also tap on the side of the glasses or use voice commands to navigate through the interface. There’s also an AI assistant, connected from your smartphone, which offers real-time translation, document summaries, notification management, and chatbot - generated responses to any questions you may pose. Inconspicuous and lightweight – just 3 5g – they even have tiny speakers built into the arms.

SUPERCHARGE IN SECONDS

It sounds too good to be true, but the new Swippitt Hub promises to charge your smartphone in just two seconds. There is a bit of a catch however, since your phone needs to be in a custom case – called the Link – with a special external battery integrated into it. This extra battery, meanwhile, tops up your phone throughout the day via a power connector integrated into the case. But once all the power runs out you simply insert your phone into the Swippitt – which is available in either black or white, and somewhat resembles a toaster – and the case battery instantly gets swapped out for another fully charged one. There’s a total of five 3,500 mAh batteries inside the device, allowing multiple people to use it one right after the other.

ALFA MAX

Like many established luxury brands, legacy car manufacturers lean heavily into their heritage, enticing their customers with tales of past glories, and histories that are inevitably both

“storied” and “rich”. Mercedes-Benz, for example, can trace its origins to the mid1880s, while Rolls-Royce was founded almost 120 years ago – and even that relative upstart, Ferrari, is now approaching its 80th anniversary – and naturally all three trade heavily on their respective provenances, and the philosophy and reputation each can be said to represent.

But does the average car buyer care?

A simple headcount of the vehicles passing by my front door suggests they don’t, as increasingly they’re badged with names – Tesla, BYD, Denza – that didn’t exist a quarter of a century ago. And were you to ask their owners what values or emotional connections those nameplates evoked, they probably wouldn’t have a clue.

Yet for that dwindling – possibly misguided – coterie who still harbour an enduring passion for the automobile, heritage does matter. We spy the black prancing horse on the front of a Ferrari and understand it represents the greatest thrills driving can provide, just as the winged figure atop the Parthenon grille of a Rolls-Royce promises levels of luxury and sophistication that no other car manufacturer is capable of providing. We know, too, that their names carry not only the weight of history, but also the aspirations of the designers, engineers and entrepreneurs who, decades ago and fascinated by all things mechanical, took over small workshops with the aim of building a motor car – an ambition their successors are dutifully perpetuating today, only now they’re doing it in enormous factories.

Another name equally evocative to enthusiasts is that of Alfa Romeo, a car company founded 115 years ago in the northern Italian city of Milan (the word

Alfa Romeo’s Stelvio may be getting on in years, but in its ultimate Quadrifoglio form it’s probably the most engaging SUV money can buy. Words: JON WALL

ALFA ROMEO STELVIO QUATTROFOGLIO

“Alfa” is an acronym that roughly translates as the “Lombardy automobile factory limited”, while Romeo is the surname of the engineer who bought the business five years later). Never quite in the same elevated league as, say, Rolls or Ferrari – though the latter’s founder, Enzo, did run its motorracing outfit for many years – Alfa is nonetheless loved for its combination of stellar performance, engineering excellence and innovative design, not to mention relative affordability and daily usability, attributes that continue to distinguish its products. As far back as the late 1930s, the American motor magnate Henry Ford is said to have remarked to the Italian company’s president, who was visiting the US at the time, “When see an Alfa Romeo, lift my hat.” Were in the habit of hat-wearing, I might even do so myself. Alfa may now have been absorbed into the automotive multinational Stellantis, but to petrolheads its cars remain as distinctive and desirable as ever. Although it recently burnished its reputation by producing a gorgeous two-seat supercar, the 33 Stradale, in a limited number identical to the figures in its name, its product line is currently restricted to a trio of SUVs in varying sizes,

as well as the 10-year-old Giulia saloon, which, though approaching the end of its production run, remains as sublime as it was when it first rolled out of the factory.

Almost as “old” as the Giulia, Alfa Romeo’s first SUV, the Stelvio, broke cover in 2016 as a competitor to Porsche’s Macan, BMW’s X3 and AMG-badged versions of Merc’s GLC, and recently received a mild refresh for the 2024 model year. Inevitably it’s both taller and a little heavier than the Giulia, though as it shares the saloon’s “Giorgio” platform – underpinnings, not so incidentally, that have helped make even baseline versions of Alfa’s saloon more than a match for any of their German rivals – the increased height and girth don’t pose so much of a dynamic issue as you might think. Moreover, as the Stelvio I’m taking out on the road today is carrying on its flanks the four-leaf-clover Quadrifoglio (QF) triangle, worn by all the company’s racing cars since the 1920s, this is evidently no ordinary urban tractor.

If to no great surprise the Stelvio lacks the impeccable looks of its Giulia counterpart – despite a valiant effort by the stylists, who’ve managed to mask a good deal of its bulk, it is an SUV after all – this QF

ENGINE

2.9-litre twin-turbocharged V6

TRANSMISSION

Eight-speed automatic

MAX POWER

514bhp

MAX TORQUE

601Nm @ 2,500rpm

MAX SPEED

283km/h

ACCELERATION

0-100km/h in 3.8 seconds

UNLADEN WEIGHT 1,830kg

variant makes up for any such shortcomings by the shovelful. For a start, Alfa has slotted under its bonnet the same 2.9-litre, twinturbocharged V6 engine that makes the Giulia QF the most compelling highperformance saloon money can buy. Built by Ferrari and sharing the same architecture as Maranello’s F154 3.9-litre V8, it produces more than 510 horses and 601Nm, the latter at an extremely useable 2,500rpm – and it goes without saying it sounds glorious when you let it loose.

Taming that hefty grunt is an eight-speed automatic gearbox and a smart four-wheel-

drive system that in normal driving conditions vectors power solely to the rear wheels via a carbon-fibre drive shaft, but direct s up to 50 per cent to the front when things get lairy. Among the recent upgrades, a mechanical limited-slip differential is a further aid to traction.

Acceleration is, to say the least, rapid – under full throttle from a standstill the QF will hit 100km / h in less than four seconds – while for a high-body SUV the 280-plus top speed doesn’t bear thinking about. Even in its Natural drive mode, plenty of the car’s sporting character blazes through, but when I rotate the selector to the Dynamic setting (or, improbably, Race), things get positively incandescent, with the engine trumpeting towards 7,000 revs and the exhausts spattering gearshift gunfire à la Tchaikovsky’s

1812 (though be warned that “R” also switches off the traction control, which maybe isn’t so clever on the public highway). Of course, a car that’s named after the highest paved mountain pass in Europe – a road in Italy that climbs to more than 2,700m via dozens of tight bends – isn’t solely engineered to go fast in straight lines. As with the Giulia, the Stelvio’s steering is a dream, deliciously precise and pointy, though never too sharp for nervousness. For a high car, body roll is well controlled and grip hugely impressive, too – and, thanks to the standard adaptive dampers, the ride ain’t half bad so long as you’ve dialled in the mo st supp le chassis setting. Despite its evident agility, however, you should never forget you’re riding aboard a big beast, one whose width approaches that of a minibus,

so while storming across the Alps you’ll need to take care when negotiating those hairpins. Lightweight carbon-ceramic brakes are an option, though there’s really no need for them. Hammer on the anchors when you’re travelling at speed and the regular set-up brings you smartly to a halt, though perhaps the pedals could transmit a tad more feel.

Viewed strictly as an SUV – emphasis, in other words, on the “utility” – there’s decent space for passengers front and back (though leg room is restricted in the cheaper seats) and the front sports chairs are excellent. Ergonomics are predictably driver-focused – as with the saloon, the metal gearshift paddles and the slim, Alcantaracovered steering wheel are superb, while the gauges and central display are simply OK, as they a ren ’ the most up-to-date.

As for the cabin build and material quality, aside from the weaved carbon-fibre inserts on the dash and console, it’s really no more than average, especially when compared with the likes of Porsche, BMW and Merc (and let’s not forget the Stelvio QF’s elevated sticker price either), though there’s plenty of easily accessible load space behind the seats. N one of those issues is likely to discourage the died-in-the-wool Alfa fan, but those less passionate might find them a deal - breaker.

It’s taken for granted , though, that the rip-roaring Stelvio QF isn’t for everyone. Those who, when buying new wheels, care little for heritage or excitement, but are more seduced by touchscreens and similar such trinket ry, clearly won’t be stopping by their nearby Alfa showroom. I f the intangibles of history, personality and thrills do matter, however, doubt there’s a better urban 4x4 on the market. You should realise, of course, that everything the Stelvio excels in will be done that little bit better by its Giulia saloon sibling, but if you’re dead set on it , this peach of a car is the one for which the “S” in SUV really does mean “sport”.

Although an SUV, Alfa’s halo Stelvio isn’t your average urban tractor. Above: Excellent sports seats.

Stelvio QF’s dynamic abilities are in a class of their own.

NEW YEAR SPIRIT

If Rolls-Royce carmakers were the sort to set New Year’s resolutions, theirs would probably read, “Do everything the same, but better.” Because that’s exactly what describes the Ghost Series II – it’s a snappier, snazzier, silkier update to a beloved carriage that does what it’s been doing since 2020, but somehow, to an even greater degree than ever before.

The car – which kickstarted its AsiaPacific tour with a grand unveiling in Singapore last month – still boasts the purr and power of a twin-turbo 6.75-litre V12. However, updated fittings like daytime running light graphics that glide from the grille’s lower section to the front wings signal a digital evolution – an evolution that continues within, where a central display

loaded up with the brand’s proprietary Spirit operating system dominates. Though the Series II packs new options like a metallic blue livery, upholstery and interior material, the money, as always, lies in the marque’s formidable customisation programme. Orders for the Series II and the souped-up Black Badge edition are available now.