Lucky colours to wear on the first day of CNY

Start the Year of the Ox by welcoming in good luck, health and fortune with the lucky colours that match your zodiac sign. Whether you’re looking for love or a boost in your career, these auspicious colours to wear on the first day of Chinese New Year will bless you with a prosperous 2021.

gafencu magazine lucky colour chinese new year - Rat

Balmain Blazer; YSL blouse; Givenchy pencil skirt; Bottega Venetta chained pouch and hoop earrings; Omega Constellation watch

Year of the Rat

White = Good business
Gold = More wealth
Black = Safety
Blue = Calm emotions

gafencu magazine lucky colour chinese new year - Ox

Barena Venezia blazer; Berluti scritto messenger bag; Bottega Veneta belt; Giorgio Armani sweater; Prada trousers

Year of the Ox

Red = Good business
Gold = More wealth
Purple = Love
Earthy = Good health

gafencu magazine lucky colour chinese new year - Tiger

Versace gold medusa jacket and shoes; Giorgio Armani bag; green tourmaline ring; by Ryder Diamonds; Gucci necklace; Rado golden horse automatic watch

Year of the Tiger

Forest Green = Good business
Gold = More wealth
White = Love
Black = Good health

gafencu magazine lucky colour chinese new year - Rabbit

YSL cashmere and wool jacket; Marni small leather tote;  fancy yellow white earrings by Ryder Diamonds; Versace medusa necklace; ribbed trousers by Victoria Beckham

Year of the Rabbit

Blue = Good business
Gold = More wealth
Yellow = Ward off bad spirits
Orange = Love

gafencu magazine lucky colour chinese new year - Dragon

Marni knit dress; Burberry ankle boots; Hermès silk bag; Fenty Beauty gloss bomb

Year of the Dragon

Red = Good business
Yellow = More wealth
Purple = Love
Brown = Happiness

gafencua magazine lucky colour chinese new year - Snake

Marni knit pullover; Joseph leather leggings; Ports bag; Chaumet link necklace; Chopard happy hearts bracelet

Year of the Snake

Red = Good business
Gold: More wealth
Orange + Red = Love
Green = Happiness

gafencu magazine lucky colour chinese new year - Horse

YSL runway look and silk blouse; Giorgio Armani purse; Fenty Beauty gloss bomb

Year of the Horse

Red + Purple = Good business
Pink = Love
Green = Good health

gafencu magazine lucky colour chinese new year - Goat

Joseph Cenda wool and and cashmere jacket; Jimmy Choo heels; Astteria yellow diamond necklace; Marni small leather tote; Fenty Beaty gloss bomb

Year of the Goat

Orange + Red = Good business
Yellow = More wealth
Bright Yellow = Love
Beige = Good health

gafencu magazine lucky colour chinese new year - Monkey

Dior hoop earrings; Burberry sunglasses; shoes by Golden Goose; Buccellati Macri Classica diamond bracelets

Year of the Monkey

White = Good business
Gold = More wealth
Golden Brown = Good health

gafencu magazine lucky colour chinese new year - Rooster

Canada Goose sleeveless vest; money gold cloth mask by Silkism; Omega Trésor watch; Burberry gold-plated bangle; necklace by Ryder Diamonds

Year of the Rooster

Silver = Good business
Gold = More wealth
White = Love
Yellow = Good health

gafencu magazine lucky colour chinese new year - Dog

Chloe FW20-21 runway look; Bottega Venetta clutch; Breguet Reine de Naples watch

Year of the Dog

Red = Good business
Light Yellow = More wealth
Wine Red = Love
Brown = Good health

gafencu magazine lucky colour chinese new year - Pig

Kingsmen suit jacket and pants; Louis Vuitton long necklace; Cushion diamond ring by Ryder Diamonds; Berluti cashmere scarf

Year of the Pig

Black + White = Good business
Gold = More wealth
Light blue = Love
Dark green = Good health

Drop Down Gorgeous: Dangling designs that enhance your décolleté

It’s no secret that choosing the right pair of earrings can enhance or detract from your overall style. There is one particular category of these gem-studded jewellery, though, whose versatility and dazzling nature have been embraced for its ability to elevate pretty much any look – dangling earrings. 
 

Gucci Hortus Deliciarum earrings; Bulgari Serpenti earrings; Buccellati Cocktail Collection earrings; Chaumet Perspectives de Chaumet earrings; Peonia Gala Collection earrings; niin Vida amazonite drop pendant earrings; David Yurman Novella Chandelier earrings; Boucheron Plume de Jour earrings

Thanks to their elongated appeal, these flowing designs are known for their ability to create the illusion of a slimmer face and enhance the neckline. Embracing this inherent flexibility, a plethora of the world’s leading haute joaillerie maisons have served up a staggering array of these designs to suit any occasion. 

Cartier [Sur] Naturel High Jewellery Liliale earrings; Chopard Red Carpet Collection drop earrings; Graff multi-coloured diamond earrings; Boucheron Bleu Inifini earrings; Sarah Zhuang Mermaid earrings; Harry Winston The New York Collection earrings; Piaget earrings

If you’re seeking to add a subtle flourish to your daytime outfit, you could do far worse than don the sleek Bleu Infini earrings from French luxury label Boucheron. If a monochrome outfit is more your style, the multi-coloured aesthetic of Graff’s diamond-studded design is just the ticket to add a splash of colour. Finally, for the perfect statement piece to round out your glam gala look, opt for larger, bejewelled creations, such as Cartier’s [Sur] Naturel Liliale earrings or the gorgeous sapphire-and-diamond Harry Winston danglers.

 
 

Luxury Choice: The stuff dreams are made of

From elegant adornments to high-tech vehicles, these luxury choices deliver the utmost elegance and sophistication that any man and woman would dream of. Living the best life possible with the best things money can buy.
 

Luxury choice for women:

 
1. Cartier Feline Essence

The newly launched limited edition fragrance, La Panthère Parfum Collection, by Cartier is distinctively marked by an innovative feline-floral accord born out of pure, mesmerizing gardenia and sensual notes of musk. 

2. Bee Ornaments

Chaumet has unveiled its latest Bee My Love collection bannered by fully pavé rings and bracelets to be worn in combination. The bracelet, with a delicate line of white gold diamonds,the matching short necklace in fully diamond pavé white gold, and ear pendants that illuminate the face, together creates a signature parure.

3. Mini Iris bag 

Iconic British luxury fashion brand Mulberry has launched Mini Iris, a petite new bag, available in colour combinations that pair sweet shop shades Acid Yellow, Candy Pink and Cornflower Blue with classic Black. Amply recognising environment issues, Mulberry crafted its Mini Iris collection with leather from gold-rated, environmentally accredited tanneries.

4. Wrist Candy

A dazzling array of new Oyster Perpetual Datejust31 creations have been unveiled by the haute horology experts at renowned Swiss watch manufacture Rolex. Powered by a calibre 2236 movement, the watch is crafted from white Rolesor and features a variety of diamond-set and fluted bezels, it embodies a sleek yet casual elegance that is sure to enhance any lady’s wrist. 

5. Avant-garde footwear

British footwear brand MALONE SOULIERS has unveiled a wide array of elegant footwear in its Autumn Winter 2020 – Runway collection, characterized by innovative and avant-garde designs to suit the discriminating and varied tastes of women. 

Luxury choice for men:

 
 
1. Citrus-based fragrance

Dolce&Gabbana Beauty launched a new fragrance, K by Dolce&Gabbana Eau deParfum. The new essence is marked by an invigorating fusion of zesty citruses, sparkling blood orange mingling with lemon torchio essence to create an effervescent opening accord. 

2. Elegant time pieces

French high-fashion luxury goods manufacturer Hermes has introduced three elegant timepieces, highlighted by the Arceau Lift tourbillon répétition minutes model marked by a horse-shaped cutout in the lacquered dial which reveals the Hermès tourbillon and minute-repeater movement. 

3. Porsche x Boss

Porsche, a German high-performance sports cars producer, and fashion house Hugo Boss have partnered for a fourth season to unveil a trend-driven capsule of menswear designs for their Fall/Winter 2020 collection. Directly inspired by the aesthetics of a Porsche sports car, the collection is marked by bold colours that deliver a younger and more modern feel.

4. Egyptian Flourish

German luxury goods producer Montblanc recreates a historic 1920s design and employs it as  cornerstone for the new Montblanc Heritage Egyptomania collection. The new set, which pairs the aesthetic appeal of vintage Montblanc writing instruments with a modern writing sensation.

5. Travel Time

Legendary watchmaker Patek Philippe has just announced the unveiling of an all new model – the 42mm Ref. 7234G-001 Calatrava Pilot Travel Time. Inspired by the brand’s iconic  ’30s-era aviator watches, it comes fitted with a self-winding 324 S C FUS Calibre movement that powers a second time zone display, as well as the Alarm Travel Time complication that features a 24-hour alarm

Luxury lifestyle choices:

 
1. Flying High

To say that high-end private jet-maker Gulfstream has soared to new heights in 2020 is putting things mildly. Its all-new flagship model, the Gulfstream G700 recently garnered the much-coveted 2020 International Yacht & Aviation Award for its sleek silhouette, powerful performance and elegant interiors.

2. Smart home deals

German global sanitary fittings provider GROHE has unveiled two award-winning and eco-friendly home solutions, Zedra SmartControl Faucet and Blue Pure Filter Faucet. Both new products aim to help homeowners save energy and time in an upgraded smart kitchen, equipped by innovatively-designed new equipment that are eco-friendly, convenient and efficient.

3. Oriental fragrance

Shanghai Tang has introduced two brand new scents to its Home Fragrance Collection — Bamboo and Chrysanthemum, inspired by Chinese culture and iconic plants found in the East. The bamboo scent evokes soothing midsummer memories of sun-dappled strolls in a bamboo forest, while the Chrysanthemum fragrance presents a floral, aromatic bouquet stippled with spicy accords that are ideal to those with a taste for oriental scents.

4. High-tech ride

Mercedes-Benz latest S-Class super deluxe saloon models have been fitted with a wide array of technological innovations and some of the best comforts of home, cementing the German luxury carmaker’s niche in the world’s super deluxe car market.

The second-generation MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) débuts in its new S-Class model, highlighted by the seamless interface between the driver, passengers and vehicle. Up to five screens are featured on board, some with OLED technology that provides spatial perception with 3D effect with a touch of a button. The Burmester® high-end 4D surround sound system provides multi-dimensional musical enjoyment, especially while luxuriating on the vehicle’s in-depth massage seats. 

Be Ringed: Jewelled symbols of eternal love

Precious stones of every hue adorn engagement rings as symbols of eternal love.

Bequeathing engagement rings to your beloved as a symbol of your undying love is really nothing new, but the custom actually originates from a much less romantic practice. Indeed, during ancient Roman times, wives wore rings as a marker of their husbands’ ownership.

Be Ringed Jewelled symbols of eternal love gafencu magazine jewellery

Thankfully, this rather unsentimental convention has given way to more tender leanings in 1477, when Austria’s ruling Archduke Maximillian commissioned the very first recorded diamond ring for his betrothed, Mary of Burgundy, sparking a long-lasting love affair with these bejewelled creations amongst Europe’s elite. 

(Chaumet Joséphine Splendeur Impériale ring / Qeelin Wulu solitaire ring / Harr Winston Golconda diamond ring)

Fast forward 470 years, and diamond merchant De Beers launched its now-iconic slogan “A Diamond is Forever” in a successful marketing campaign that saw sales surge, making diamond rings the go-to engagement gift across every corner of the globe. 

(Yeol Deil diamonds ring / Piaget Treasures Collection ring / Chopard Red Carpet Collection 2020 ring / Cartier Destinée Ring)

In recent decades, however, a new trend has emerged, one that sees precious stones of every imaginable hue adorn these sought-after pieces. One particularly memorable example of this was the ring gifted to Kate Middleton by Prince William, which starred a gargantuan 12-carat oval blue sapphire surrounded by 14 solitaire diamonds.

(Piaget Treasures Collection ruby ring / Tiffany & Co. True engagement rings / Stenzhorn Candy Collection ring) 

But whether topped with sapphires, rubies, emeralds or more traditional diamonds, engagement rings remain the most coveted symbol of potential wedded bliss.

Givens: Must-give gifts for those special to you

Be it elegant fine jewellery pieces or style defining watches. the gifting choices for this Valentine’s Day are just endless. Here are more options curated by Gafencu to gift to your loved ones.

givens

From left:

Two Butterfly earrings in white and pink gold with diamonds and sapphires, Two Butterfly Between the Finger ring in white and yellow gold with diamonds and tsavorite, Two Butterfly Between the Finger ring in yellow gold with lapis lazuli and diamonds, Two Butterfly Between the Finger ring in white and yellow gold with diamonds and sapphires, all by Van Cleef & Arpels

Constellation Manhattan watch in Sedna™ by Omega

Perlée™ Couleurs transformable long necklace in yellow gold with turquoise, Pierre Arpels Heure d’Ici & Heure d’Ailleurs watch in white gold case, Alhambra cufflinks in yellow gold with mother-of-pearl, all by Van Cleef & Arpels

Omega Flower bracelet in 18K white gold with diamonds and mother-of-pearl, Omega Flower bracelet in 18K white gold with turquoise, Omega Flower necklace in 18K red gold with carnelian cabochon, all by Omega

Guirlande de Cartier bag in calfskin by Cartier

givens

Clockwise from top left:

Leather bracelet with wolf-head closure in sterling silver by Montblanc

Sailing bracelet in brushed titanium by Omega

Time Walker bracelet by Montblanc

Seamaster Aqua Terra Worldtimer watch in Sedna™ gold case by Omega

Onyx-bead bracelet with serpent detail in silver by Montblanc

Aqua key holder by Omega

Alpine Eagle large watch in Chopard lucent steel by Chopard

givens

 

Clockwise from top left:

Green Carpet evening bag in calfskin by Chopard

Chaumet Liens Evidence bangle in 18K pink gold with red lacquer by Chaumet

Happy Hearts Twist bangle in 18K rose gold with diamonds and red stone, Happy Hearts Twist ring in 18K rose gold and diamonds, both by Chopard

Extrait de Camélia hoop earrings in 18K pink gold and diamond by Chanel Fine Jewelry

Chaumet Bee My Love bracelets in 18K yellow and white gold with diamonds, both by Chaumet

Extrait de Camélia transformable ring and long necklace in 18K pink gold with diamonds, both by Chanel Fine Jewelry

Chaumet Jeux de Liens Harmony pendant necklace in 18K pink gold with diamonds, Chaumet Jeux de Liens Harmony pendant necklace in 18K pink gold and red lacquer, both by Chaumet

Happy Hearts watch in stainless steel case with diamonds by Chopard

givens

Clockwise from top left:

Lucky Animals cat clip in yellow gold with tiger eye and onyx

Cosmos Between the Finger ring and Cosmos ring in rose gold with mother-of-pearl and diamonds

Lucky Animals dog clip in yellow gold with mother-of-pearl and onyx

Lucky Animals hedgehog clip in yellow gold with mother-of pearl, tiger eye and onyx

Lucky Animals owl clip in yellow gold with mother-of-pearl and onyx, all by Van Cleef & Arpels

givens

Clockwise from top:

Montblanc Heritage Monopusher Chronograph watch by Montblanc

Historiques American 1921 pair watches in 18K 5N pink gold case by Vacheron Constantin

Chaumet Bee My Love rings in 18K yellow, pink and white gold with diamonds, all by Chaumet

Crowning glory: Hair accessories for best-dressed tresses

Both on runways and in real life, hair accessories have made an undeniable comeback. Be it bows, barrettes or brooches, both haute joaillerie maisons and haute couture houses have left no shape, size or statement unexplored in the matter of tress adornments.

Hair accessories
Tiffany Blue Book High Jewellery Collection 2019 hair clips

Yet, it’s hardly a new trend. Indeed, hair pins, dating as far back as circa 1070 BC, are proudly displayed at both London’s famed Victoria and Albert Museum and the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, implying that the humble bobby pin has been holding hair in place for quite a few millennia now. In fact, according to historian M.E. Pilou Miller, the hair pin is considered among the most ancient of human accessories, crafted from handy materials ranging from bone and wood to precious metals.

hair accessories
Les Ciels de Chaumet Etoiles head ornament

However, their functionality isn’t the sole reason why hair accessories have withstood the test of time and trends. Be it Afro hair jewellery like beads and gold cuffs, Thai dance headdresses, Indian bridal hair accoutrements or Western tiaras, almost every culture has its own take on the ornaments that grace our crowns. Indeed, in times Victorian, when displaying long, loose tresses was considered immoral, the humble hair clip became almost a gatekeeper of morality, holding in place not only a woman’s curls, but also her character.

Hair accessories
Cartier Tradition tiara

Now though, such prudent pieces have given way to maximalist hair jewellery. Flaunting crystals, diamonds and other precious and semi-precious stones, they not only add a sheen of glamour to our coiffures, but also bestow the modern woman with extra confidence, as she sets out to conquer the world with her head held high.

Text: Suchetana Mukhopadhyay

Princess Layers: Master the fine art of layering jewellery

Layering jewellery is as tricky as layering clothes… too many layers, and you risk looking like a Christmas tree, too little, and all your efforts go to waste. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t stack them up, when and how you feel like, because, let’s admit it, if done right, layered jewellery brings out your most chic self. Check out our favourite ways of layering jewellery below:

Drop Earrings: What celebrities are wearing on red carpets?

If red carpet trends are anything to go by, there’s one look that celebrities the world over seem to be digging these days – haute couture gowns, swept-up hair and drop earrings. Be it at Cannes or charity galas or other high-society events, it’s easy to understand why this look is so popular with A-listers.

At the centre of this look is of course an eye-catching, glittering, twinkling pair of earrings that spells glam all the way. Choose from the high jewellery collections from the acclaimed purveyors of luxury jewellery, from Chopard’s Red Carpet Collection to Chaumet’s Josephine Aigrette earrings, but do remember it’s a fine line between chic and crass, so here’s out top five picks to help you make the right choice every time.

 

Sweet Spot: Haute haute joaillerie accessories as dandy as candy…

Your cravings for sweets may be satisfied this season without the worry of making a trip to the dentist, as haute joaillerie accessories from luxury brands such as CartierChopard and Piaget have all the latest offerings for those who believe that the sweeter things in life are meant to be worn, rather than eaten.

From Left:
Extremely Piaget Collection necklace in 18K white gold with emerald-cut yellow diamond and pavé white diamonds by Piaget
Volants Noirs et Blancs ring in white gold with diamonds, spinels and opals by Van Cleef & Arpels
Sunny Side of Life cuff-watch in 18K white gold with diamonds and a lapis lazuli dial; Sunlight Journey earrings in 18K white gold with oval-cut opals, sapphire beads and diamonds, both by Piaget

High Jewellery Collection cuff in 18K yellow gold set with yellow and white diamonds;
High Jewellery Collection white gold and aluminium necklace set with rubies, both by Chopard

From left:
Les Galaxies de Cartier ring and necklace in 18K yellow gold with diamonds, yellow and blue sapphires, and fire opals; Les Galaxies de Cartier bracelet in 18K white gold with black Tahitian pearls, all by Cartier
From left:
Mille Miglia Racing Colours stainless steel watch by Chopard
Cartier Santos Dumont watch in 18K gold with steel case by Cartier

From left:
Attrape Moi ring in 18K white and pink gold with diamonds, sapphires, Mandarin garnets and aquamarines by Chaumet
Carré de Sator necklace in white gold set with diamonds, pink and blue sapphires, chrysoprase and turquoise; Apollon Butterfly clip in white, pink and yellow gold set with pink sapphires, diamonds and mauve; Gâteau d’Amour ring in white gold set with diamonds, spinels and coral; Two Butterfly Between the Finger ring in yellow gold set with lapis lazuli and diamonds, all by Van Cleef & Arpels
Piaget Polo 42mm stainless steel watch; Limelight Garden Party collection ring in 18K white gold set with oval-cut pink tourmalines, sapphires and diamonds, both by Piaget
From left:
Josephine Aigrette Imperiale earrings and necklace in 18K white gold with pavé diamonds and pear-shaped pigeon blood rubies; Hortensia
“Aube Rosée” secret watch in 18K pink gold with diamonds, opals, pink opals, pink tourmalines and pink sapphires, all by Chaumet
Montblanc 1858 Geosphere watch in satin-finished bronze case by Montblanc (limited to 1858 pcs)

Wow & Woo: V-day look for lovely ladies

For those who are already counting down to the most romantic day in the year, we have for you the perfect V-day look book for a dreamy date with your significant other.

V-day Look

Wear red: Choose an easy-breezy scarlet dress with kitschy floral prints to keep things casual yet chic. For a formal dinner, however, a cherry-red lacey dress can never go wrong.

V-day Look
Floral print tie neck silk dress by Etro – casual yet classy

Choose high heels: High heels may not be the most comfortable, but they bring out our best postures. Whether you opt for booties or pumps or sandals, make sure the heel has the inches.

V-day Look
Malone Souliers Marguerite Luwolt pumps would up your glam quotient

Bag it: Choose a cute yet classy bag in neutral colour – you want the attention to be on you, not on your bag. Anything in shades of beige, pink and white would complement your LRD (little red dress).

V-day Look
The little heart on the East-West mini Valentine’s bag by Strathberry adds a touch of cuteness to your V-day look

Accessorize: Of course, your V-day look won’t be complete without a petite piece of jewellery, be it an ear stud or a small pendant. Go for subtle feminine patterns instead of the obvious roses, hearts and butterflies. 

V-Day look
Chaumet’s Jeux de Liens pendant would be the perfect finishing touch to your V-day look

Text: Suchetana Mukhopadhyay