Indulge in the playful and vibrant trends of the season.
From top to bottom:
1. Gucci slippers
2. Chloe handbag
3. Fendi sunglasses
4. Gucci scarf
5. Chanel necklace
6. Chanel bracelet
From top to bottom:
1. Gucci sneakers
2. Chanel rings
3. Chanel bracelet
4. Gucci handbag
5. Chloe earrings
6. Maui Jim sunglasses
From top to bottom:
1. Chanel ring
2. Gucci shoes
3. Chloe handbag
4. Chloe bag strap
5. Fendi bag
From top to bottom:
1. Gucci sneakers
2. Chloe scarf
3. Gucci handbag
4. Fendi hat
5. Gucci sunglasses
6. Fendi sneakers
From left top to bottom:
1. Gucci slippers
2. Gucci bandbag
3. Fendi bracelet
4. Gucci sneakers
5. Gucci sandals
6. Gucci handbag
7. Cartier sunglasses
The Beautiful Game: Luxury brands are increasingly connecting with sports stars to further the ambition of both sides
Elite sports stars have long held an irresistible attraction for adoring fans, who admire the physical prowess and mental toughness that sees athletes conquer adversity and remain at the pinnacle of their sporting endeavour. The very best are courted by the top global brands wanting to connect their product with the excellence of their sporting ambassadors.
Just last month, German fashion house Hugo Boss looked to two upcoming tennis players from the country, Noma Noha Akugue and Ella Seidel, to spearhead a push into women’s tennis wear. During the qualification rounds of the Australian Open, the young stars wore Boss black and cream sportswear, including plisse-hem dresses or skirts, technical tops and layered shorts complete with logos.
Seidel, an 18-year-old known for her powerful play from the baseline, was certainly happy to join Boss as a brand ambassador, commenting on the win-win deal: “It is a real pleasure to enter this partnership with Boss at this exciting point in my career. I admire the brand’s continuous support for tennis – and sports in general – and am looking forward to channelling Boss energy, confidence and courage into my games.”
Akugue, two years her senior, also expressed delight in the association, opining the opportunity would put women’s tennis firmly in the spotlight and help her “forge a deeper connection with my fans”. Boss’s other tennis ambassador, Italian Matteo Berrettini, was due to sport new designs from the men’s tennis capsule collection he co-created but was forced to withdraw from the tournament due to injury.
Other fashion brands are attracted by the allure and athleticism of tennis players, with Gucci recently signing Jannick Sinner to its stable. The Italian, who carries his gear in a customised Gucci monogram duffel bag, appears in a poetic mood on the Gucci website, musing as he holds a book entitled Sinner by Sinner: “Jannick Sinner is humble. He’s aiming for perfection, and he’s not scared of doing things. … If I could have one superpower, it would be playing tennis forever. My journey is only just beginning!”
China draw
Luxury brands seeking to boost their influence with China’s youth are also offering endorsement contracts to the mainland’s top athletes.
Prada has signed tennis player Wang Qiang, whilst Dior has taken on basketball player Guo Ailun. Both luxury titans view these associations as a powerful means to nurture growth and brand loyalty in a growing market segment. Some analysts believe Chinese sports stars offer a more wholesome image than their peers in pop music or film.
Flying the French flag
Fashion brands are also maximising the opportunity presented by this summer’s Paris Olympics to score more points in the sporting arena. Luxury giant LVMH, whose maisons have created trophies or designed trophy trunks for high-level competitions for years, has struck a deal to sponsor the Games and appointed a trio of French talents as Louis Vuitton Paris Olympics ambassadors – swimmer Léon Marchand, artistic gymnast Mélanie de Jesus dos Santos and fencer Enzo Lefort. Jeweller Chaumet, meanwhile, is crafting the medals.
Marvellous Messi
Part of the excitement of top-tier sport for fans is the narrow margin between success and failure; it could be the width of a post or the toe of a goalkeeper that separates winning from losing. So it proved in the 2022 World Cup Final when the outstretched leg of the Argentine goalkeeper stopped a certain winning goal in the closing stages of that epic game. The eventual victory for Argentina cemented Lionel Messi’s reputation as probably the best player to have ever graced the game of football. His mesmerising dribbling ability, low centre of gravity and perfect spatial awareness left the global audience spellbound. He is quite simply unique, a once-in-a-generation footballer.
Ranked by Forbes as the second highest-paid athlete in 2023 (behind that other international soccer icon, Cristiano Ronaldo), and in the top three in the revenue stakes for eight years running, Messi’s wide appeal is a godsend for brands with big bucks at their disposal. He tops SportsPro’s list of the world’s 50 Most Marketable Athletes.
His star attraction is such that his Instagram account is just shy of 500 million followers. After his departure from Paris Saint-Germain last year, his next club, Inter Miami, had a massive uplift in their following. The Miami side, and potentially the maestro himself, are due in Hong Kong this month for an exhibition match.
Football fever
Messi mania is why Louis Vuitton was so keen to feature him alongside Ronaldo in its advertising campaign prior to the 2022 World Cup. The duo’s combined allure meant the ad went instantly viral. A dozen years earlier, the house had employed the services of a trio of footballing greats – Pelé, Diego Maradona and Zinedine Zidane – in an advert.
Another footballing superstar, David Beckham, has become something of a fashion icon, and in 2015 secured a five-year multimillion-dollar deal with Kent & Curwen, the British menswear outfit offering heritage sporting style. Formerly owned by Hong Kong- based Trinity Group, Kent & Curwen previously had Beckham’s ex-England and Real Madrid teammate Michael Owen on its books.
Passion and risk
High-profile sport whips up a frenzy of passion and emotions, which brings rewards as well as risks for athletes and brands alike. Fans are desperate for success and competitors sometimes take risks, knowingly or unknowingly, that may cross the boundaries of lawful or ethical behaviour, posing huge challenges for their sponsors. Maradona, for instance, experienced a spectacular fall from grace at the 1994 World Cup after failing a drugs test. In 2016, when tennis ace Maria Sharapova tested positive for meldonium, a drug which can boost stamina and performance, sponsors Nike, Tag Heuer and Porsche quickly distanced themselves from the Russian star.
Interestingly, Nike stood by Tiger Woods in 2009 after lurid details of his extra-marital affairs were revealed to a titillated public eager for scandal. Other major brands dropped their endorsement deals with the champion golfer, but not the US sneaker and sports apparel giant. Woods had been with Nike for two decades and the deal they signed in 2000 was thought to be worth US$100 million. Despite the Woods’ sponsorship, sales of golf equipment never reached the levels of others like football, running or basketball, and Nike discontinued its golf range in 2016.
Woods is known to have a close personal relationship with Nike co-founder Phil Knight and both paid emotional tributes upon their professional parting of ways. Such are the bonds forged over sport, its power to shape minds, and the desire of brands to tap into the glory.
The Art of Perfumery: A Guide to the Different Types of Scents
The importance of wearing perfumes goes beyond just smelling good. Wearing perfumes can boost confidence, improve mood, and even have an impact on our overall well-being. Choosing the perfect perfume can be a daunting task. With so many different scents available, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. However, understanding the different types of scents can help you make an informed decision and choose a perfume that suits your personality and style. In this article, we will explore the various types of scents and their unique properties, so you can make an informed decision and find the perfect perfume for you.
Floral Scents
The most common and easily recognisable of all the fragrance types is the floral scents. As the name suggests, these scents get their essence from flowers like roses, jasmine, lavender, peonies and more. They have a calming and soothing effect on them, thus often being the first choice for aromatherapy. For the same reason, floral scents are also found in perfumes, candles and air fresheners.
The Best Floral Perfumes
Dioriviera is an Eau de Parfum with a long-lasting note of roses in combination with the sweet smell of fig.
Creed Spring Floral has strong floral characteristics because of the key ingredients like jasmine and white flowers inside the fancy pink bottle.
Citrus Scents
Derived from the essence of citrus fruits such as oranges, bergamot, lemons, and grapefruits, citrus scents have a refreshing and energetic feel to them. They are also known for their uplifting and invigorating properties thus making them popular choices for morning routines. As this scent family evokes a sense of freshness, it is often associated with the summer season.
The Best Citrus Perfumes
Acqua di Parma’s Arancia La Spugnatura has Vanilla Orange, lemons and mandarins as its starring ingredients which give the perfume its zesty and citrusy smell.
Gucci’s The Alchemist Garden 1921 is another luxurious perfume which has its citrus ingredient, citron lemon, on the top note thereby allowing you to smell it in the first spray.
Woody Scents
Woody scents are extracted from the essence of trees such as sandalwood, cedarwood, and pine. They are known for their grounding and calming properties, making them desirable choices for meditation and relaxation. Due to their strong connection with nature, woody scents easily attract outdoorsy people who love hiking, camping and other outdoor activities.
The Best Woody Perfumes
Le Labo Santal 33 was created to replicate the smell of a campfire, for which the brand included extracts from Australian sandalwood and cedarwood to bring out a woody fragrance.
Bleu de Chanel is appreciated by connoisseurs for its pleasant and perfumy woody notes that come from the New Caledonian sandalwood extracts found in them.
Spicy Scents
Spicy scents are derived from the essence of spices such as cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg. They are known for their warming and alleviating properties, making them popular choices for the fall and winter seasons.
The Best Spicy Perfumes
Aesop Gloam is concentrated with essences from spices such as pink pepper, cardamom, saffron and more that strongly appeal to your olfactory senses.
Imagine the sweet aromas that you smell in a coffee shop, that is mildly what Yves Saint Laurent’s Black Opium smells like with the sparkling black bottle holding essences of the coffee accord, pink pepper and more that give it its spicy fragrance.
Aquatic Scents
Aquatic scents mimic the aroma of the ocean and sea breeze. They essentially remind you of relaxing at a seashore or going on a cruise trip. They are known for their fresh and clean properties, making them popular choices for the summer seasons.
The Best Aquatic Perfumes
Jo Malone London Wood Sage & Sea Salt is characterised as a standout aquatic perfume for invoking the refreshing smell of the sea.
Hermès Eau des Merveilles Bleue is rejuvenating as it smells like the ocean with this eau de toilette possessing the fragrances of the salty pebbles that you find on the seashore.
Out and About – Because fashion’s limit is always the sky
This is the season to make a daring statement and look fashionably confident by including bold and vibrant colours in your wardrobe. To further elevate the look, don’t forget to top it off with some shimmery silver and colourful crystal pieces of jewellery.
Look 1
Bracelets by APM Monaco Enra crochet-knit mini dress by Cult Gaia, courtesy of NetA-Porter Tiered striped silk faille maxi skirt by Christopher John Rogers, courtesy of Net-A-Porter
Look 2
Ear cuff by Swarovski Jacket and short shorts by Tom Ford
Look 3
Rings and necklace by APM Monaco Leather jacket, short skirts, crop top and undergarments by Miu Miu Boots by Jimmy Choo
Look 4
Earrings by Swarovski Jacket, button-up shirt and skirt by Gucci
Look 5
Earrings and rings by Jimmy Choo Long dress by Dior
Look 6
Earrings by Swarovski Paloma silk-satin halterneck gown by Michael Lo Sordo, courtesy of Net-APorter Heels by Tom Ford
Look 7
Earrings and bracelet by Swarovski Top and skirt by Shiatzy Chen
Photographer: Jack Law Art Direction and Styling: Jhoshwa Ledesma Videographer: Jack Fontanilla Model: Angelina D (Quest Artists & Models) Hair and Make Up: Owen Ko
Beatific Prism – Ecstatic, Seraphic, Blissful
There are different ways to express one’s inner blissfulness and happiness but the most fashionable channel has to be through clothing. Whether you want to go for a monochrome look or wear something vibrant, or something more psychedelic, here are some attention-grasping summer 2023 fits that are ecstatic, seraphic and blissful to look your best this season.
Look 1
On Her
Dress by Hermès
On Him
Top, scarf, pants and slippers by Hermès
Look 2
On Her
Top, skirt and handbag by Prada
On Him
Top, jacket and shorts by Prada
Look 3
Earrings by Versace, Printed jersey top by Acne Studios (courtesy of Net-a-Porter) and Bra by Miu Miu
On Her
Dress by Loewe and Heels by Giuseppe Zanotti
On Him
Top by Loewe and Pants by Dunhill
Look 6
Jacket, pants, rings and handbag by Dior
Look 7
On Her
Dress by Gucci, Crystal-embellished mini satin tote by Magda Butrym, courtesy of Net-a-Porter
On Him
Top, vest and shorts by Gucci
Look 8
On Her
Dress and boots by Versace
On Him
Jacket and pants by Dunhill, Handbag by Ferragamo and Shoes by Giuseppe Zanotti
(Photographer: Jack Law, Art Direction & Styling: Jhoshwa Ledesma, Videographer: Jack Fontanilla, Female Model: Ally Teo (Quest Artists & Models), Male Model: Dawson Chen (Quest Artists & Models), Hair and Make-up: Owen Ko & Joenny Lau)
The Best Fashion Collections That Were Inspired by Art
For decades, fashion has become a canvas for some remarkable art pieces, and the result was some phenomenal and much-loved collections that helped people appreciate both art and fashion at the same time. Here are some of the most iconic collaborations since the 1960s.
Yves Saint Laurent has collaborated with many artists to date but the one with Piet Mondrian can never be forgotten. The fashion house’s Autumn/ Winter 1965 collection grasped the geometrics and colour-blocking techniques of Mondrian’s art perfectly. The creation not only gave fashion lovers some iconic vintage pieces but also paved way for the French fashion Maison’s success.
A collaboration that came as a result of Versace’s admiration for Andy Warhol is the Italian designer’s Spring/Summer 1991 collection, otherwise known as the “Pop” collection which included the American artist’s artwork. The most remarkable of them all was a dress featuring Andy Warhol’s best screen prints featuring portraits of Marilyn Monroe and James Dean, and it will always be remembered in the history of fashion.
Japanese artist Hiroshi Sugimoto’s project titled Colours of Shadow was a perfect mix of the artist’s play with colours and the principles of physics that gave a simple ombre painting, a magical effect. Hermés’s artistic director Pierre-Alexis Dumas took one look at the abstract painting and went ahead with the artist’s suggestion to transfer it to Hermés scarves.
Most people recognise Jeff Koons’s famous art pieces, Balloon dog and Rabbit, but art enthusiasts know his most-loved and also very controversial work, The Gazing Ball series. It represented the works of some great artists like Van Gogh and Da Vinci in a new light. Among those who were impressed by Jeff Koons’s The Gazing Ball series was Louis Vuitton who decided to bring the paintings to LV bags
Vincent Van Gogh’s works have been cherished and admired by art experts and common people alike. So, when Vans decided to feature the artist’s paintings in its collection, it gave rise to an incredible line. Van Gogh’s iconic works like Almond Blossoms, Sunflowers, Van Gogh’s self-portrait and Skull took a new life on Vans sneakers and jackets.
The Italian fashion house Gucci’s collaboration with singer-songwriter Elton John brought Gucci enthusiasts and the singer’s fans a remarkable collection. The cover art of his single “Levon” was printed on t-shirts, sweatshirts and tote bags of the brand. The capsule collection supposedly reflects the whimsical characteristics of the song.
Miss Matched: Contrasting wear for the perfect pair
Nothing defines fashionable like contrasting outfits that are paired together with such great taste. As long as you understand the colour combinations and the patterns that go well with each other, it is effortless to look stylish, so below are some inspirations to get you started. Florals, denim, or bold colours – the possibilities are endless. Go play with it!
On Her
Necklace by Roger Vivier
Gloves by Novel Fineries
Kaia feather-trimmed sequined tulle mini dress by Rebecca Vallance (courtesy of Net-A-Porter)
Heels by Ferragamo
On Him
Necklace, bracelet and ring by APM Monaco
Top and pants by Ferragamo
Scandals by Hermès
On Her
Face accessory and dress by Gucci
On Him
Shirt and jacket by Gucci
Pocket art and rings by Novel Fineries
Jacket, shorts, and tote bag by Prada
Dahlia Stem Burgundy Fresh Touch, Olive Leaf Stem, Yellow Dancing
Oncidium Single Stem, and White Magnolia Stem by Indigo Living
On Her
Earrings and rings by Novel Fineries
Dress by Ferragamo
On Him
Ear cuff by Novel Fineries
Top by Ferragamo
On Her
Earrings, necklace, and bracelet by Dior
Coat and heels by Prada
Handbag by Roger Vivier
On Him
Bracelet by APM Monaco
Jacket by Ermenegildo Zegna
Hydrangea Stems by Indigo Living
On Her
Earrings courtesy of VIPOP
Dress by Loewe
Mini handbag by Dior
On Him
Top, jacket, shorts, and buddy pocket by Hermès
On Her
Ring courtesy of VIPOP
Top, skirt, and handbag by Prada
On Him
Necklace, ring, jacket, and shorts by Dior
Tiara, scarf, dress, heels, rings, and handbag by Versace
Forever Blue Arrangement, Hot Pink Peony Arrangement, Exotic Protea Arrangement, Splendid Mixed Bloom Arrangement by Indigo Living
(Photographer: Jack Law Art, Direction & Styling: Jhoshwa Ledesma, Videographer: Jack Fontanilla, Female Model: Shauri (Synergy Model Management Ltd), Male Model: Mai (Synergy Model Management Ltd), and Hair and Make-up: Owen Ko & Joenny Lau)
Exquisite Accessories With A Hint Of Chinese Heritage
Elevate your wardrobe with these stunning accessories that add so much glamour to your look and have you celebrating Chinese culture in a fashionable style. From a crystal-embedded Gucci purse to a diamond-bezel Chopard watch, check out Gafencu’s pick of the best accessories.
Clockwise from top to bottom:
Vanguard Lady Crazy Hours timepiece by Franck Muller
Vanguard Heart Skeleton timepiece by Franck Muller
Double Mystery timepiece by Franck Muller
From top to bottom:
Intreccio Padded bag by Bottega Veneta
Goya Puffer mini bag by Loewe
Origami Rabbit by Indigo Living
From left to right:
Mini gold metallic minaudiere with crystals ribbon and chain shoulder strap by Gucci
RV Broche hair band by Roger Vivier
Lipstrass pump by Christian Louboutin
Jasper Oblong serving tray by Indigo Living
From top to bottom:
Green Carpet collection watch in white gold set with marquise-cut rubies, rubies and diamonds by Chopard
Red Flora Coupe side plate by Indigo Living
Temptations collection necklace in white gold set with pear-shaped tourmalines, oval-shaped rubies,
pear-shaped amethysts, diamonds and amethysts by Chopard
High Jewellery collection earrings in white gold set with rubies and diamonds by Chopard
From top to bottom:
Red Hydrangea stems by Indigo Living
Ruby Low Dimos Thick Glass vase by Indigo Living
Paloma bag by Christian Louboutin
Sunglasses by Cartier
Raspberry Pink case by Rimowa
Gold Anagram Chevaliere ring by Loewe
(Photographer: Jack Law Art Direction & Styling: Jhoshwa Ledesma Videographer: Jack Fontanilla)
Drop-Red Gorgeous – Effortlessly Slaying in Red Outfits
American fashion designer Bill Blass said, “when in doubt, wear red,” and he was surely not wrong because this bold and bright colour can always make you look confident and ready to take over the world by storm. Check out the red outfits that you should add to your wardrobe.
Look 1
Earrings by St. John
Gloves by Gucci
Embellished cutout leather neck midi dress by Magda Butrym, courtesy of Net-A-Porter
Look 2
Dress by Moschino
Look 3
Gown by Ralph Lauren
Look 4
Top, pants, handbag and heels by Versace
Handbag by Roger Vivier
Look 5
Dress, ring, handbag and boots by Loewe
Look 6
Necklace, dress and handbag by Gucci
Look 7
Earrings by Roger Vivier
Strapless gathered floral-print silk-blend mini dress by Magda Butrym, courtesy of Net-A-Porter
(Photographer: Jack Law; Art Direction and Styling: Jhoshwa Ledesma; Videographer: Jack Fontanilla; Model: Octavia Lam (Model Genesis); Hair and Makeup: Heti Tsang)
Cool Paradise- Dreamy Dainties are calling the shots
For the cooler months ahead, the style exudes idiosyncratic energy with popping colors and clashing patterns counterbalanced with modern ease. Outerwear makes a statement, tailoring cuts a dash, loungewear becomes daywear and innerwear becomes daywear and innerwear as outerwear. Its all about playful chains and accessories, avant-garde footwear and striking patterns and colors to do away with the go-to-gray and black winter ensemble.
Look 1
Earrings, gloves, gown, platform boot heels and handbag by Gucci
Green Marble Bar Trolley by Indigo Living
Look 2
Lace knit sweater, jacket, shirt and handbag by Dior
Black Onyx Tray by Indigo Living
Look 3
Jewelleries by Swarovski
Tea sets by Swarovski x Rosenthal
Aura sandals by Aquazzura for Swarovski Creators Lab
Galexia embellished georgette gown by Retrofete, courtesy of Net-A-Porter
Look 4
Earrings, ring, teacup, saucer, top, dress and shoulder bag by Hermès
Look 5
iPhone 14 in blue by Apple
Curiosa cocktail ring by Swarovski
Dress, necklace, handbag and boots by Prada
Belle De Fleur 2-Tier Cake Stand by Indigo Living
Micro Bon Bon mini bag and Varenne Quad XS shoulder bag by Jimmy Choo
Vic’Choc Strass Buckle Pumps by Roger Vivier
Polycarbonate Cross-Body bag by Rimowa
Look 6
Donut link necklace, bracelet, balloon print dress, bra and heels by Loewe
Mini Puzzle bag, Small Goya bag and Large Ivy candles by Loewe
White Basics Footed Cake Stand by Indigo Living
Look 7
Dulcis cocktail ring by Swarovski
Rigid Metal Bouquet Pearl bracelet by Roger Vivier
Organza top by Shiatzy Chen
Oxford Chess Set by Indigo Living
(Photographer: Jack Law; Art Direction and Styling: Jhoshwa Ledesma Videographer: Achilles Sparta Model: Valeria M (We Management Limited) Hair and Make Up: Dorothy Fung)