Sparkle, Sequins & Velvet: Elevate your party looks this season

Flashy, classy or irresistibly sassy — festive greens, reds and whites are all fine, but if you’re aiming for a degree of fabulousness — bookmark our festive fashion edit. After a dull 2020 (we’re talking to you, Covid!), there is really no excuse to go full-out on shiny velvets, sparkles and sequins for the upcoming parties. From Bottega Venetta, Dolce & Gabbana to Loewe and Christian Louboutin, we’ve scoured the luxury stores to sort your outfits for the silvery season.

Take a peek:

Look 1
Necklace, bracelet and rings by Swarovski; Dress by Stella McCartney; Handbag by Dolce & Gabbana; Long boots by Jimmy Choo

Look 2
Rings, dress and long boots by Bottega Veneta; Handbag by Loewe

Look 3
Earrings by Swarovski; Gown by Paule Ka; Heels by Jimmy Choo

Look 4
Earrings, buckled trench coat and loafer boots by Loewe

Also Read: Date night outfit ideas to turn heads!

Look 5
Dress and heels by Valentino

Look 6
Earrings by Swarovski; Jacket by Tom Ford; Heels by Christian Louboutin

Look 7
Earrings, crop top, jacket, pencil skirt, stockings, handbag and heels by Prada

Also Read: Fall beauty trends straight from the runways

Photographer: Jack Law Art Direction and Styling: Jhoshwa Ledesma Venue: Eaton Hotel Model: Valeria S (Primo Managment Ltd) Hair and Make Up: Heti Tsang

Winter Style: Standout fashion accessories to rock the party season!

Winter dressing and party-hopping is having a moment after a year of tight restrictions and cancelled social calendars. Add that much-needed spark of colour and cheer to the most magical season of the year.

From Swarovski jewels to heels by Jimmy Choo and Dolce & Gabbana and bags by Loewe, scroll below to send your spirts soaring with a bold style inspiration…

Look 1
Earrings, rings and necklace by Swarovski

Look 2
Nicole 90 pumps by Jimmy Choo

Look 3
Flamenco clutch by Loewe

Look 4
Ankle boots with DG-logo heel and calfskin clutch by Dolce & Gabbana

Look 5
Embellished Cleo bag by Prada; Embellished Symbole earrings by Prada; Embellished loafers by Prada

Look 6
Rosalie Spikes sandals and Paloma Baguette bag by Christian Louboutin

Photographer: Jack Law Art Direction and Styling: Jhoshwa Ledesma

Date night outfit ideas to turn heads!

When comes time to step out in full chic and glamour, you best have your collection of dine-out couture in check. Picking from the highest in fashion authority, namely, Valentino, Bottega Veneta, Dolce & Gabbana and more, you best believe that date night will be done right with these sartorial match made in heaven.

Look 1
On Her: Earrings by Swarovski; Lurex blazer and skirt by Paule Ka; Handbag and heels by Tom Ford
On Him: Jacket and trousers by Hugo Boss

Look 2
Trench coat, pants and shoes by Bottega Veneta

Look 3
On Her: Earrings and rings by Swarovski, Jacket by Bottega Veneta
On Him: Jacket and pants by Hugo Boss

Look 4
On Her: Earrings, gloves, jacket, cycling shorts, bag and boots by Dolce & Gabbana
On Him: Jacket, shirt, pants and shoes by Tom Ford

Look 5
On Her: Top, skirt and heels by Valentino
On Him: Jacket, shirt, pants and shoes by Hugo Boss

Look 6
On Her: Headband, earrings, crop top, skirt, bag and heels by Prada
On Him: Top, pants and shoes by Bottega Veneta

Look 7
On Her: Earrings by Swarovski; Jacket by Paule Ka; Boots by Jimmy Choo
On Him: Jacket and pants by Ermenegildo Zegna; Top, long skirt and boots by Loewe

Look 8
Top, long skirt and boots by Loewe

Look 9
On Her: Earrings by Swarovski; Lurex blazer and skirt by Paule Ka; Handbag and heels by Tom Ford
On Him: Jacket, trousers and shoes by Hugo Boss

Photographer: Jack Law; Art Direction & Styling: Jhoshwa Ledesma; Venue: Loung Fu Pao Restaurant; Female model: Anna Po (Primo Managment Ltd); Male model: Pierre V (Primo Managment Ltd); Hair and Make-up: Heti Tsang and Joenny Lau

Trendy fashion accessories for the season!

Out from the shadows and into the light with these sparkling fashion accoutrements… It’s the festive season and we’ve put together a trendy edit of rings, earrings shoes, bags, perfumes – accessories which ensure you stand out at the ball!

Make a major statement with the likes of Versace’s Greca small hoop earrings, classy jewellery by Bottega Veneta, Hermès’ Boucle Sellier bag and shades by Loewe, décolletage and accentuate the whiff around you with a dab of Twilly d’Hermès eau ginger by Hermès.

Look 1
Twilly d’Hermès eau ginger by Hermès

Look 2
Greca small hoop earrings by Versace; L’Arriere-Main bangle by Hermès; Clic Clac H Guepards bracelet by Hermès; Clic Clac H Bijoux Trompe l’Oeil bracelet by Hermès; Chain necklace by Loewe

Look 3
Rings and stud earrings by Bottega Veneta

Look4
Logo ring by Versace; Frayme medium shoulder bag by Stella McCartney

Look 5
Dressage boots by Hermès

Look 6
Boucle Sellier bag by Hermès; Sunglasses by Loewe

Photographer: Jack Law Art Direction and Styling: Jhoshwa Ledesma

Get textured with these fun loving fashion designs

It’s time to turn up you fashion game this season. With a ton of sartorial inspiration at your fingertips, there is that can go wrong with a play on textures for your next ensemble.

From tulles and frills to geometric patterns and pops of colour, these playfully accented sartorial statement pieces are sure to be the talk of the town…

Look 1
Earrings and maglia turtle-neck by Giorgio Armani; Jacket by Salvatore Ferragamo; Clutch by Roger Vivier

Look 2
Jacket, pants and handbag by Stella McCartney; Heels by Balenciaga

Look 3
Earrings and dress by H&M Studio; Knee-high boots by Stella McCartney

Look 4
Microcrystal-studded mini-dress by Alexandre Vauthier, courtesy of NET-A-PORTER

Look 5
Earrings, ring, jacket and wrap-around heels by Bottega Veneta

Look 6
Earrings, trench coat and boots by Balenciaga

Look 7
Top, cape, dress and boots by Valentino

Art Direction and Styling: Jhoshwa Ledesma
Photographer: Jack Law
Model: Olha N (Primo Management Ltd )
Hair and Make Up: Heti Tsang
Videographer: Kingsley Lau

Winter 2021 beauty trends: Return to the glam

After a lackluster 2020, it’s time to set up your fashion game! The festive season has been serving us epic beauty trends that have the experts and the Gafencu team obsessing over. From subtler kitten eye liners to the razzle and dazzle of sequins, a classic red pout to heavy metallic eyes, here are our favourite fun and daring looks to go OTT this season…

1. Kitten Eye liner and red lips

gafencu_fall_witner_2021_beauty_trends_kitten_eyeliner_red_lips — *Dolce & Gabbana*

Step aside — boss-babe arrives! Cat eye, the sultry feline-inspired make-up trick returns, albeit with a subtler and finer touch. Dainty but still fierce enough to cut the mould of what a sophisticated lady ought to look like, its fine flick of the wing makes for a cleaner (and easier) go-to trick for an impromptu evening out with the girls. Complete the look with a pair of bold, sugar plum lips — simple, elegant, fierce – and a must for Christmas makeup.

We trust Gucci‘s exclusive holiday set – inclusive of the luxurious limited-edition trio of Rouge à Lèvres Mat lipsticks to nail the vibrant holiday season. If this next-level makeup feels too daunting to mimic, check out the #GucciBeautyWishes campaign starring the 78-year-old Italian actress Benedetta Barzini to give a masterclass in fearless ageing and makup regime.

2. Bold Eyeshadow

gafencu_fall_witner_2021_beauty_trends_metallic_eyeshadow — *Dolce & Gabbana*

Who says winter eye makeup should submit to warm shades of amber, bronze and copper? If anything the silly season calls for more electrifying tints of hues like reds, lilacs and shimmering gold. Aiming for a sophisticated yet playful party look? We can’t get enough of Burberry’s limited-edition Festive Monogram collection – it’s really your one-stop shop for timeless eye and lip shades. Created with the iconic Thomas Burberry monogram in a glam, glossy festive packaging, we’d say it’s never been easier to rock a luminous party look. The three-in-one palette features four eye shadows with signature Burberry shades that flatter and elevate every skin tone.

3. Fringe with Benefits

gafencu_fall_witner_2021_beauty_trends_full_frontal_fringe — *Max Mara*

Edgy, modern and versatile, full-frontal fringes frame the face and anchors an effortlessly elegant everyday look. You might be getting a subtle snip a the front but it definitely won’t be falling short on impact, as proven on the runways of Max Mara and more. Whether you want to let them fall heavy on the front or sweep them to the side, it’s as easy to style as it is to wear — making your morning routines brisk.

Also Read: No-Harm Charm- A five-step vegan beauty makeover

4. Sequin Numbers

Feathers, leather, trims, silk and the most glam of ‘em all – sequin! 2020 was collectively spent in pyjamas and we might still be sulking to spend another Christmas in an (almost) sealed Hong Kong, but it’s always more dazzling to do in sequinned glamour. From Prada to Givenchy and even the high-street, there’s an overwhelming amount of sparkly choice to nailing different shiny looks this December.

5. The return of the humble braids

gafencu_fall_witner_2021_beauty_trends_braids — *Prabal Gurung*

While we’re busy letting loose this party season, braids, however, are returning with a vengeance. Making its comeback on runways of the likes of Prabal Gurung, the season is all about keeping our heads (of hair) tightly knit together while the rest of our party wardrobe enters proclivity — at this point, anything goes.

Also Read: How to make your eyes pop without makeup

Bridal Revisited: Create bespoke wedding moments in Hong Kong

In the charming world of decadent weddings, nothing is off limits. While you may want to create a spectacular ceremony to wow the crowds, when it comes to picking out the top spots for bespoke bridal and wedding frills, leave it to us.

From bedazzling wedding gowns and hand-sewn suits to hand-crafted invitation cards and art deco tiered cakes, here is Gafencu’s list of places to go to add a sumptuous personalised touch to your big day.

Bespoke tailoring by Magnus & Novus
A perfect fit for the modern groom

Attention, guys! If there is one thing you should invest your time and money in during the complex wedding-planning process, it is a top-notch custom-made suit. After all, while everyone’s eyes are on the bride, she’s only got eyes for you.

When it comes to putting your best foot forward on your big day, the artisanal menswear brand Magnus & Novus pulls out all the stops. More than 5,000 handmade stitches, 50 hours of tailoring, and rigorous product development and research go into creating each bespoke suit – all to guarantee that the groom looks his best next to her couture dress.

Through private consultations, customers can collaborate on the design, be it determining the fit of a raw silk jacket or personally selecting from a wide range of fine-pearl requisites and handcrafted accessories to pair with their ensemble. Every minute detail ensures the expression of a gentleman’s personal creativity and debonair style. Each suit takes four to six weeks to perfect, inclusive of at least three visits for measurements and alterations, but in the end you’ll have a wardrobe standout that is forever close to your heart.

For enquiries: (852) 9380 9173 / magnusandnovus.com

A dress for any bride by Marco M Chan
Dressing the bride is an imaginative love affair for Marco M Chan

The wedding dress is often the emblem of a bride’s childhood fantasies – every detail, every twirl, a liberated expression of her desires, wishes and creative imaginings.

Making those fantasies a reality is celebrated fashion stylist-turned-designer Marco M Chan. Earning rapid international fame, Chan has worked with fashionable A-listers, from Paris Hilton and CoCo Lee to G.E.M, and an array of prestigious brands, including Cartier, Omega and Shiseido. Graduating from dressing the stars to cutting his own cloth, he launched his eponymous label of show-stopping tailor-made pieces in 2013.

He thrives on transforming fabric into stunning bespoke gowns and dresses that emphasise his clients’ individuality and unique qualities, giving them a strong sense of confidence and empowerment.
Known for his innovative use of silk and lace, as well as the finest materials from around the world, his designs are recognised for his signature draping, and his way of reforming basic cutting techniques to accentuate the bride’s silhouette perfectly. The painstaking process takes, on average, six weeks from start to finish, but the result never fails to unveil a gorgeous outcome.

For enquiries: @MarcoMChan

Hand-designed invitation cards for your big day
Sandy Chan folds artistry into exquisite stationery for your big day

In the age of email and Instagram, handwritten invitation cards bring a personalised, intimate feel to special occasions. Especially on such an important day as a wedding, formal announcement by the way of a customised invitation card sets the tone for guests, providing a deft foundation for the stated theme and dress code.

Stationery artist Sandy Chan, founder and creative director of Sanstation, caters to the specific, personal tastes of each of the couple she works with. Her decade-long experience in the wedding industry and dynamic background reflects her unique artistry in blending Western art elements with traditional Oriental designs. Having spent her early years in Hong Kong and her teens in Oxford, England, before moving to Canada to study fine arts and graphic design, her passion for paper art and printing techniques unfolded into a career in 2014, quickly followed by the 2015 launch of her own business.

Elegant, tasteful and sophisticated, Chan’s designs have won awards and a number of prestigious titles, including exclusive wedding stationery designer for luxury hotels like The Peninsula Hong Kong and the Ritz-Carlton Hong Kong.

For enquiries: (852) 3956 8780 / sanstation.com

Centrepiece-worthy artisanal wedding cakes
The Butterfly Patisserie’s creative wedding cakes set hearts fluttering

No wedding is complete without a beautifully designed cake. A centrepiece of any reception, the towering wedding cake is more than just a well-constructed mix of flour, eggs, butter and sugar. It’s an important symbol of tradition, commitment and love, as demonstrated in every exciting cake-cutting ceremony.

Serving up premium tiered treats is an elevated, boutique cake shop in one of Tsim Sha Tsui’s most luxurious hotels, The Butterfly Patisserie at Rosewood Hong Kong. Intricately designed and sumptuously moulded with the highest quality ingredients, it offers a slew of edible art with multitiered cakes for weddings and other special occasions.

With prices ranging from HK$1,280 to HK$1,680 per pound, The Butterfly Patisserie’s bespoke wedding cakes will naturally cater to the specific flavour and design requests of customers. From the addition of lavishly sprinkled gold-leaf flakes to elegant marbling, these exclusive, made-to-order creations provide newlyweds with a spectacular feature on their special day, and the sweetest of memories to share with loved ones and close friends.

For enquiries: (852) 3891 8732 / rosewoodhotels.com

Prismatic presence: Bold, trendy accessories for Fall fashion

Geometric designs in every imaginable hue dress these eclectic fashion accessories that delight even the most eclectic of fashion-forward dressers. Dazzling in prismatic presence, check out these Fall-Winter fashion accessories…

Look 1
Wedge boot in calfskin leather by Loewe; DaphnÉe pointed-toe boot by Giuseppe Zanotti; Downtown small shoulder bag by Balenciaga

Look 2
Cleo jacquard knit and leather bag by Prada; Over-the-knee boots by Prada; Prada Signaux bag by Prada

Look 3
Essex boots by Balenciaga; Puzzle small bag by Loewe; Metal round sunglasses by Loewe; Essex pumps by Balenciaga

Look 4
Stella hobo bag by Stella McCartney; Oran sandals by Hermès; Viv bag by Roger Vivier

Look 5
Viva handbag by Salvatore Ferragamo; Dolly heels by Hermès; Trifolio bag by Salvatore Ferragamo; Cover buckled platform booties by
Roger Vivier; Le Cagole shoulder bag by Balenciaga

Look 6
Horse boots by Christian Louboutin; Preppy Viv Chelsea booties by Roger Vivier; Atelier 03 Rose Edition; rain boots by Valentino Garavani; White over-the-knee boots by Prada; Flash boots by Bottega Veneta; Apocalypse gloss boots by Giuseppe Zanotti

Photographer: Jack Law
Art Direction and Styling: Jhoshwa Ledesma
Videographer: Kingsley Lau

Shades of Grey: Your sartorial fall forecast ahead!

Contemporary with just a hint of nostalgia, minimalist yet beautiful… dive into a stunning sartorial world awash in shades of grey. From outfits by Giorgio Armani and Stella McCartney to ensembles by Valentino and Loewe, and more from the highest of fashion authorities, make sure that all eyes are on you.

Look 1
On Her
Earrings by Roger Vivier;Jacket, waist coat, pants by Ports 1961

On Him
Jacket and pants by Stella McCartney

Look 2
On Her
Dress and heels by Valentino
On Him
Turtleneck, jacket, pants and boots by Valentino

Look 3
On Her
Top, belt and skirt by Loewe
On Him
Top by Loewe

Look 4
Earrings, stole and skirt by Giorgio Armani

Look 5
On Her
Turtleneck, sweater, skirt by Stella McCartney; Handbag and knee-high boots by Prada
On Him
Top, trench coat, pants, handbag and shoes by Prada

Look 6
On Her
Maglia sweater, waist coat, pants by Giorgio Armani
Heels by Giuseppe Zanotti
On Him
Vest, pants and boots by Valentino

Look 7
On Her
Dress and boots by Hermès
On Him
Jacket, pants and shoes by Hermès

Look 8
Jacket, pants and shoes by Bottega Veneta

Look 9
On Her
Earrings, dress and heels
by Tom Ford
On Him
Jacket, pants, shoulder bag and sneakers by Balenciaga

Photographer: Jack Law
Art Direction & Styling: Jhoshwa Ledesma
Female model: Angel (Elegance Model Management)
Male model: George N (Primo Management Ltd)
Hair and Make-up: Heti Tsang and Joenny Lau

Top five eco-friendly athleisure brands in Hong Kong

Mindful consumership is on the rise. Eco-conscious shoppers are taking a stand by turning towards brands which engage in more ethical, responsible and sustainable practices. Recycled garments aren’t the only key to sustainability – plant-based materials, like Tencel, crafted from eucalyptus tree are making waves in the athleisure industry. So, if you’re a sustainability advocate and on the lookout for stylish attire to sport for your next gym session, here are five Hong Kong-based sustainable brands to support:

1. Caelum Greene
Perfect for daily yoga sessions or the occasional weekend barre class – Caelum Greene has been a prominent voice of advocacy for ethical and sustainable practices. Offering a wide selection of cosy yoga and lounge wear, while aligning every stage of its business with modern-day mindful consumerism – from the fittings of the store to the their certified environmentally-friendly brand partners –the brand aims to cut down on carbon footprint and not on style or substance.

The label provides products that are sustainably sourced from biodegradable, organic and natural fabrics, as well as recycled materials. Introducing rayon and model fabrics made from the plant cellulose of softwood trees, recycled polyester from repurposed plastic bottles, sustainably-grown and harvested linen, wool and responsibly-sourced organic cotton.

2. Autopilot
Emphasising on fuss-free and season-less wardrobe, Autopilot mindfully fuses active wear with everyday attire, providing a slew of versatile performance and statement pieces. Ideal for a day-to-night look for dynamic boss ladies on-the-go, or for days you wish to scoot straight from the gym to office and then evening cocktails. With less-is-more philosophy, the line allows patrons to maximise their wardrobe while minimising its contents.

Recently launched, its collection uses vegan leather and Ceravida Fresh materials that are lightweight and smartly designed to repel odour and prevent bacterial build up, even during the most intense sweat sessions. Its ceramic and mineral complexes absorb and recycle body heat and energy to regulate temperature and push your workout to the maximum.

Also Read: Five local sustainable fashion brands to start following

3. Skin of Nature
Celebrating the beauty of nature is Skin of Nature, a brand that offers sustainable, versatile and, above all else, durable active wear that lasts all day. Surprisingly soft and breathable with a comfortable stretch, each garment is composed of 47% recycled polyester, 47% normal polyester and 6% elastane; it skips on dye — avoiding water wastage and the use of chemicals. Instead, they are knitted with coloured yarns. Cute!

Mindfully produced with advanced manufacturing technology, quick-drying fabrics from recycled materials, specifically certified recycled polyester, plastic bottles and other non-biodegradable polyethylene terephthalate (PET) materials, the brand’s patented Lucylux and Arte fabrics reduce waste and green house gas emissions.

Also Read: Stitching Sustainability With Innovation – Will Lam, MD, High Fashion International Group

4. Rising Lotus
A brand that will make you feel good in every way is Rising Lotus. Providing a generous range of elegant patterns, colours and design that will excite any fashion forward fitness enthusiast, while giving them the peace of mind of a sustinable and eco-friendly activewear that contributes to positive impact of the fashion industry.

Contributing to the mindful practice of sustainable fashion, the label supports the diversity of women, of every colour, shape and style, while supporting eco-friendly practices and individual empowerment everyday. By producing atheleisure wear created from certified upcycled fabrics that re-purposes polyester from recycled plastic bottles, and presented in 100% biodegradable mailers and garment bags that can be naturally composed within 2 years in open environment.

5. Alibi
Innovation and fashion come together in creating this eco-friendly athleisure brand, Alibi. Offering a wide selection of sustainable active wear that fit comfortable on the skin and last longer on the shelves. With the support of SilvadurTM’s Dupont Technology that utilises silver ions in creating materials that prevent fabrics from developing micro-organisms – the results are anti-bacterial active wear that are gorgeously resilient and ecologically-sustainable.

Providing the ideal fashion fix and for any eco-conscious fitness fanatic, the brand’s collections offer a comfortable yet water-resistant, durable but lightweight and breathable stretchy workout attire.

Also Read: Sustainable Fashion Quiz: How eco-friendly is your wardrobe?