Category: Collectibles

Gaggenau’s climate-controlled wine cabinet gets a nod from champagne expert Richard Juhlin

German home appliances manufacturer Gaggenau recently has introduced a wine climate-control cabinet called Vario Cooling 400 series at the Kitchen Infinity Cubus showroom in Causeway Bay. The Vario Cooling 400 series simulates the conditions of wine cellars in a temperate country with its separately regulated climate zones where temperate, light and humidity can be controlled.

For the occasion, Gaggenau invited the world’s leading champagne maestro Richard Juhlin – famous for his precise blind-tasting skills – to emphasize the importance of proper storage for wine. According to Juhlin, Gaggenau’s latest offering is perfect for humid, tropical places like Hong Kong, as the moisture and the heat can completely tamper with the tastes of the best wines.

He also talked about a number of other factors that are crucial in bringing out the maximum flavours from a meticulously brewed bottle. Not only is it important to buy the best vintages, it is equally important to store them under proper conditions (the optimum temperature being 7 – 9 degree Celsius), use the right glasses, apply proper pouring techniques and have the right food pairings.

At the event, Richard shared his views on champagne storage and unveiled his new book Champagne Hiking – The 100 Best Champagne Locations in the World.

Photos: Gigi Ip and Kitchen Infinity

Donnersmarck Diamonds: Opulent gemstones with a saucy history

Donnersmarck Diamonds were commissioned by Prussian Count for courtesan La Paiva
The Donnersmarck Diamonds were commissioned by a Prussian Count for infamous courtesan La Païva

As part of its Magnificent Jewels and Noble Jewels auction, Sotheby’s is offering a pair of cushion and pear-shaped diamonds weighing in at 102.54 and 82.47 carats, respectively. Colloquially known as the Donnersmarck Diamonds, the duo was estimated to fetch between US$9-$14 million when it went under the hammer in November.

Physical properties aside, they possess a unique provenance, having previously belonged to the Russian-born French courtesan La Païva. A legendary socialite who arrived in Paris at 18, La Païva was infamous for throwing decadent soirees at her hotel particulier on the Champs Elysées. After a trifling marriage to a Portuguese marquis, she settled on the Prussian industrialist Count Henckel Von Donnersmarck – among the wealthiest of Europe’s 19th century aristocrats.

Historians report that the Count was so besotted with La Païva that, after they were married in 1871, he commissioned the Donnersmarck Diamonds. Imaginatively classified by Sotheby’s as “Jewels of Noble Provenance”, they are the latest in a slew of lots dedicated to gemstones owned by aristocrats. The stones remained in the Donnersmarck family long after La Païva’s death, appearing at auction for the first time in 2007.

Images: Sotheby’s

‘Let there be light’ with Atelier Cologne’s city-themed candles

Atelier Cologne

Atelier Cologne forays into the world of candle-making with Collection Maison, a range of 10 candles that captures the essence of 10 different cities with their distinctive cultures.

Inspired by founders Sylvie Ganter and Christophe Cervasel’s love for travel and exploration, the candles transport you to unforgettable places and cherished memories. Each scent has been specifically formulated to create the most vibrant olfactory experience reminiscent of cities such as New York, Venice, Seoul, London and Barcelona, among others.

Handmade in France, the candles are made from a custom blend of fine wax with a generous dose of fragrance oils. The signature Venetian blue bottle with a protective lid is a thing of beauty it itself and makes for a good showpiece even after the candle has burnt out.

Priced at HK$590, these collectibles make a perfect ‘thank you’ gift for your party hosts and hostesses this festive season.

French artist Invader attacks Harbour City with street art for a good cause

Have you noticed some quirky mosaic artwork on the walls of Harbour City recently? If you are wondering who’s behind this, we’re here to unravel the mystery!

Iconic French street artist Invader has hit Hong Kong with a new series of 32 impressive artworks. He recently invaded Harbour City installing 18 of his art pieces on prominent locations around the mall. His signature piece Space Invader is one of the most eye-catching installations. Other pieces like Anchor, Mermaid and Emojis match the theme of Harbour City.

What makes this collaboration so unique is that this is the first time that the iconoclastic artist is pairing up with a shopping mall for a charity fundraiser. For the occasion, he has designed a limited-edition umbrella printed with the same mosaic Anchor pattern that is displayed at the Ocean Terminal Rooftop Carpark.

Harbour City x Invader Limited Edition Umbrella – Charity Redemption Details

Date: 18 December 2017 – 11 February 2018
Time: 12noon – 8pm
Location: Level 3, Ocean Centre, Harbour City (near OC312, Leonidas)

Participation Method:

  1. Upload three photos of Invader’s mosaic artworks in Hong Kong or elsewhere on personal Facebook or Instagram account; hashtag #harbourcity & #hcart; and @harbourcity (at least one of the photos must be a self-portrait taken with the mosaic artwork at Harbour City)
  2. Present the related post and personal ID proof for verification, with simple registration and onsite donation of HK$200 to “Hong Kong Blood Cancer Foundation” to redeem one umbrella.

*Each person can redeem one umbrella throughout the whole redemption period only. Quota applies on a first-come-first-served basis while stock lasts.

More details on http://www.harbourcity.com.hk.

Gold Phantom: Opéra de Paris and Devialet launch limited-edition speakers

Devialet and the Paris Opera launch limited-edition Gold Phantom speakers
Limited-edition Gold Phantom Opéra de Paris | Devialet speaker

Earlier this year, the famed Paris Opera and French sound solutions brand Devialet announced a ten-year partnership and licensing agreement. To celebrate the occasion, the duo have crafted a special limited-release Gold Phantom Opéra de Paris | Devialet speaker.

Inspired by the gilded interiors of Palais Garnier (home to the Paris Opera), the speaker gets its shiny patina thanks to hand-applied leafs of a palladium-yellow gold alloy called moongold. But don’t be fooled by the pretty exterior. This wireless Bluetooth speaker packs a punch, producing up to 4500 watts and reaching up to 108 decibels.

Devialet Gold Phantom speakers showing at the Palais Garnier
Gold Phantom speakers on display at the Palais Garnier

Hong Kong will be one of only three international locations outside of a unique Devialet sound discovery area within the Palais Garnier to carry this collectible gadget.

Just 88 pieces of the limited-edition Phantom speaker are up for grabs. Get your own Gold Phantom Opéra de Paris | Devialet speaker (HK$27,800) at Devialet stores in ifc mall and Harbour City from 16 January while stocks last.

Spread the Joy this Christmas with Gafencu’s Exclusive Luxury Gifts

It’s Christmas time, are you still looking for gift ideas? If you are still undecided about choosing the right gift, we have just the solution for you. We present the Gafencu e-shop, your one-stop shopping destination for luxury lifestyle products.

There’s even more reason to celebrate. From elegant jewellery and limited-edition accessories to exclusive homeware items, everything in the Gafencu online collection is now available at a special Christmas promotional price.

Log on to the E-shop today and discover our carefully curated selection of exclusive luxury goods.

Corum throws watch appreciation party for the launch of its Golden Bridge ladies’ watch

Swiss watchmaker Corum recently hosted the “Golden Bridge of Love” Watch Appreciation Party to celebrate the launch of its Corum Lady Golden Bridge Round 39mm at Jinjuu in Lan Kwai Fong.

The Golden Bridge Round focuses on a fine balance between shape, materials and functionality, following the design codes of Art Deco Movement. Featuring a round case adorned with diamonds and colourful straps in golden, red, pink, blue and green, the watch is a looker as well as a performer.

To accentuate the colourful aspect of the watch, the venue was decorated in matching colours. A slew of celebrities, socialites and watch connoisseurs showed up to support their favourite brand. Of them, the most notable were renowned actors Jason Chan and Sarah Song, models Ana R and Krissi Cristina, socialites Ava Yu, Amanda Lui, Gigi Ho and Lily Ho.

A large number of the guests attended in golden attires to echo the party’s theme. The “Best Dressed Award” went to Amanda Lui, who was presented a Corum ladies’ watch by Soon Boon Chong, Asia Brand Director of Montre Corum Sarl.

Make the Most of Christmas with Gafencu’s Exclusive Luxury Gift Selection

 

With December nearly here, it’s almost time to spread a little festive cheer. This year, why not delight your loved ones with the perfect gift from the Gafencu E-Shop‘s selection of exclusive luxury lifestyle products?

And there’s even more reason to celebrate. From elegant jewellery and limited-edition accessories to the most debonair of timepieces, every item in the Gafencu online collection is available at a special Christmas promotional price.

Log on to the Gafencu E-Shop today and discover just what our carefully-curated selection of exclusive luxury goods has in store for you and for those you cherish.

Last-minute Christmas gift ideas you just can’t go wrong with

 

With the clock ticking away towards Christmas, it’s more than high time to start planning for the perfect present for our loved ones. But what do you gift to the most discerning, elegant of individuals who has everything?

Fret not, for we have for you a selection of the most luxurious gifts that is guaranteed to satisfy even the most astute sensibilities.

Spread the Joy this Christmas with Gafencu’s Exclusive Luxury Gifts

With Christmas just around the corner, it’s time to start planning for the perfect gift for your loved ones. But with a plethora of Christmas-special offers and discounts to lure you, it’s easy to get confused while choosing the right gift. To streamline the experience, we have for you the Gafencu e-shop, your one-stop shopping destination for luxury lifestyle products.

There’s even more reason to celebrate. From elegant jewellery and limited-edition accessories to exclusive homeware items, everything in the Gafencu online collection is now available at a special Christmas promotional price.

Log on to the E-shop today and discover our carefully curated selection of exclusive luxury goods.