Luxury Choices: The most extravagant products to add to your shopping list this month

Explore a world of luxury as we reveal the most coveted products that are gaining popularity among fashionable and elite individuals worldwide. This thoughtfully curated collection offers something for everyone, whether you’re a perfume enthusiast, a fashion lover, or a watch collector.

Rasei Fort Oud Cavaran fragrance

The Oud Cavaran fragrance by perfumer Rasei Fort takes inspiration from the famed caravans crossing the world’s greatest sea of sand. Swaying camels and shifting dunes in the Arabian Desert inspire a distinct signature of aromatic oud, wood and leather. This spicy, oriental composition provides an olfactive journey worthy of the Bedouin, whose tales have long been forgotten. Exclusively available from Scented Niche at K11 Musea, Tsim Sha Tsui, tel: 2608 2205, and Fashion Walk, Causeway Bay, tel: 2608 2206.

Cartier Baignoire watch

Cartier first created the Baignoire watch in 1912 with a rectangular case rounded at the ends like a bathtub. The concept continued to evolve until 1958, with a so-called ‘curved oval’ watch. With its Roman numerals and curved crystal, this timeless model is now available in two new versions. The first celebrates pure elegance, with a ‘less is more’ approach. For the second, the emblematic oval is transformed into a bangle, a circle of gold – whether rose, yellow or paved with diamonds – to be slipped onto the wrist.

Harry Winston Forget-Me-Not collection

American jeweller Harry Winston spent his famed career reimagining nature’s splendour with the world’s most magnificent gemstones – a tradition that continues to this day. One of the most popular flowers in the brand’s bejewelled garden is the effervescent Forget-Me-Not. The Harry Winston designers have reimagined this captivating wildflower in an enchanting perennial collection of delicate jewellery. Nature’s beauty is expressed through round brilliant, pear-shaped and marquise diamonds.

Rado’s True Thinline x Gardens of the World collection

Since Rado and the Great Gardens of the World organisation began their collaboration in 2017, a whole new range of natural textures and shapes has found its way into the watchmaker’s work. Now, elements from three quite different plants bring visual rhythm to three individual dial designs for the True Thinline x Gardens of the World collection. Crafted in monobloc high-tech ceramic, Chapter 8 unites a polished black case with a matching dial; Chapter 9 is a brilliant white reflection of the monkey puzzle tree; and Chapter 10 depicts branches of the dragon blood tree in plasma grey.

Christian Louboutin’s Froufrou Alta platform sandals

Inspired by the flamenco tradition of Andalucia, the Flamencaba limited-edition capsule collection from Christian Louboutin embodies savoir-faire, passion and female empowerment. Requiring a high level of technical skill and an abundance of crepe satin, the Froufrou Alta platform sandals with 150mm heels are embellished with layered frills and a cascading ruffle. With a handcrafted oversized rose atop the toe, Sevillana lamé uppers, delicate straps and a 100mm stiletto heel, the Flora Queen sandals make an elegant standout on dance floors.

Blue Heart Crème de la Mer

The same combination of skin-soothing sea-sourced ingredients that powered La Mer ultra-rich cream to fame now come in a chic collectible jar. Limited-edition Blue Heart Crème de la Mer brings delight inside and out as the regeneration force of giant sea kelp leaves ripples on the exterior. Its contents offer daily moisturising and the promise of skin firming, uplifting and natural renewal.

Laura Mercier High Vibe Lip Colour

From acclaimed makeup artist Laura Mercier comes High Vibe Lip Colour. Presented in a sleek, sophisticated rose-gold tube, this modern, high-resolution pigment immediately amps up lips. Choose from 10 striking coats of colour with light-reflecting vivid pearls to boost vibrancy. The new lipstick is also infused with guava oil, ensuring moisturising all-day wear and a melting sensation as it kisses the lips.

Glenfiddich 12-Year-Old Sherry Cask Finish single malt whisky

Glenfiddich is the world’s most awarded single malt Scotch whisky brand. Ranging from the signature 12-Year-Old expression to rare, vintage and limited-edition bottles, its whisky is renowned worldwide for quality and consistency. This special edition 12-Year-Old Sherry Cask Finish single malt has matured for many years in American and European oak casks before finishing in Amontillado Sherry casks for a distinctively rich and refined depth of flavour.

Drop d’Issey Eau de Parfum Fraîche

Evoking fragrant blossoms in pools of water, A Drop d’Issey Eau de Parfum Fraîche is the new opus from Issey Miyake. It captures the journey of a raindrop in springtime from the moment it falls from the clouds. Each droplet reveals the facets of all the elements it encounters – grass, flowers, wood and more – for an uplifting and refreshing sensory experience. Designed by Todd Bracher, the distinctive drop-shaped flaçon similarly reflects nature in hues that graduate from blue to green.

Anya Hindmarch Raffia Drawstring Small Tote

The summer season has arrived and Anya Hindmarch has released a bag designed for the sunny holiday months. The Raffia Drawstring Small Tote moves from a casual picnic in the park to an elegant event around town with consummate ease. Lightweight and airy, the woven raffia is gathered together at the top by a leather drawstring trimmed with the London designer’s signature tassels – these smooth leather contrasts come in a choice of striking electric blue, chalk or golden hues.

Narciso Rodriguez For Her Forever

American fashion designer Narciso Rodriguez has worked to uncover and enhance each woman’s inner beauty and sense of self. For Her Forever is a new scent introduced to commemorate the 20th anniversary of his popular perfume range. It continues the tradition of the house’s musk-centric scents with a brilliant new version of the unmistakable olfactory signature, paying forceful homage to the legendary For Her collection.

CurrentBody RF Radio Frequency Skin Tightening Device

CurrentBody, which provides salon-grade devices for home use, has made its first push into radio frequency technology. Its RF Radio Frequency Skin Tightening Device uses the power of heat in the service of anti-ageing, making skin plumper, firmer and smoother. Cutting-edge bipolar RF technology enables effective home treatments that adjust to your skin and combats obvious indications of ageing with long-lasting results. For noticeable improvements, use the device once a week as part of your skincare regimen.

Niessing Spannring® Era pendant

Celebrating 150 years of craftsmanship, German jeweller Niessing presents the new Niessing Spannring® Era pendant. An endless band of gold or platinum arches to encircle two diamonds in a fascinating design that eliminates the need for an eyelet while ensuring that one stone is always facing forward. It is available in six precious metal hues – Supla Grenadine, Classic Yellow, Classic Red, Fine Rose, Rosewood and Platinum.

Wrist Candy: Five dazzling high jewellery watches to add to your collection

Although the world of haute horology is, today, a male-dominated sphere, the industry actually owes the rise of wristwatches to demand from the fairer sex. During the late 19th century, when pocket watches were still the norm, it was women who had began adorning their wrists with fashionable gem-studded timepieces. Today, high jewellery watches blend the best of haute horology and high jewellery traditions in utterly stunning expressions that make for captivating timepieces that ensure all eyes are firmly on you…

Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Purple Arums
The line between art and watchmaking is often blurred when it comes to high jewellery watches, and renowned Swiss horologist Jaeger-LeCoultre plays with this amalgam exceptionally well with its latest Reverso, Purple Arums. Taking inspiration from decorative jewellery worn in the ’20s, the 40mm self-winding wristwatch, powered by the watchmaker’s patented Calibre 846 movement, introduces a truly unique Reverso iteration replete with the model’s iconic double-sided rectangular case. Its vivid floral design seamlessly flows across the rotatable case front, exhibiting a high level of craftsmanship that required a painstaking 95-hour process of gem-setting, enamelling and engraving to create.

Vacheron Constantin Égérie
Staying with manual-winding chronographs, Vacheron Constantin celebrates the multiple facets of femininity through its new Égérie self-winding diamond-pavé models. Presented at the Watches & Wonders 2021, the ultra chic and elegantly versatile 35mm jewellery watch is truly worth of being added to the collection of any discerning fashionista. Featuring the maison’s signature off-centre display and asymmetrical geometry (artfully interlace two circles), a total of 574 round-cut diamonds punctuate the dial as well as the watch’s bezel, flanks and lugs, imparting an added sparkle to proceedings.

Piaget Limelight Gala Precious Sunrise
The next entry on our list of stunning high jewellery watches comes courtesy of Swiss luxury watch and jewellery maker Piaget. The Limelight Gala Precious Sunrise is an automatic movement that features an eye-catching 32mm 18K white gold case and a bezel set with 32 brilliant-cut blue sapphires and 10 brilliant-cut diamonds, all of which were carefully sifted through to create the seamlessly flowing gradient that outlines the snowy, diamond embellished dial mixed with different-sized gemstones — a true beauty for the modern-day woman.

Franck Muller Double Mystery Peony
Next up, a marriage between haute horology and haute couture comes through a combination of technical innovation and the art of watchmaking – the intricately detailed Double Mystery Peony from Swiss horology brand Frank Muller. The 42mm mechanical complication, powered by a 42 DM PEONY D 2R CD movement, boasts a gorgeous gem-studded dial replete with 662 brilliant-cut diamonds and precious stones, all of which were painstakingly hand-set. Further accentuating its avant-garde aesthetics are the hour and minute indicators, which are placed on rotating discs at its centre.

Cartier Libre Baignoire Turtle
Rounding out our list of high jewellery watches is luxury maison Cartier’s limited-edition Libre Baignoire Turtle watch. Taking inspiration from its 2019 Baignoire predecessor, just 30 pieces of this masterclass in jewellery watchmaking will be produced. Playful, sophisticated and all-but-guaranteed to ensnare any passing gaze, its geometric motif is punctuated with anthracite, buff-topped sapphires and pavé diamonds that together call to mind the scaling of a turtle’s shell.

Collectible mahjong sets

These luxurious mahjong sets are guaranteed collectibles.

Mahjong, the widely popular Chinese tile-based game, was first developed during the Qing dynasty. Since then, it has spread like wildfire, winning over fans across the globe. Such is its presence on the world stage that numerous designer brands and other luxury lifestyle companies have taken to creating their own special-made and limited-edition mahjong sets. The most expensive and coveted of these – items that stand apart for their unique aesthetics – are made with unusual high-end materials and feature beautifully detailed carvings and designs. If you’re after a statement-making mahjong set, these may be just what you’re looking for.

luxury mahjong (mah-jong) set gafencu magazine s.t. dupont — Image from S.T. Dupont

Gemstone mahjong Set

S.T. Dupont, the French manufacturer of luxury lighters and collectable pens, has opted for gem-studded luxury with its 144 handmade blocks of Tanzanian ruby tiles. Each tile is cased with a gold-vermeil that is beautifully hand-engraved. The set includes chips in the form of ancient coins carved from white or black mother-of-pearl, and two ruby dice with pavé-set diamonds and gold-vermeil casings. As if the rubies, diamonds and pearls weren’t enough, each tile also features more than 1000 Burmese rubies and 300 high-quality diamonds on the face and reserve side of each tile. In short, this is one luxury mahjong set that is sure to appeal to haute joaillerie aficionados.

Price: HK$8,219,823

luxury mahjong (mah-jong) set gafencu magazine Geoffrey parker (2) — Image from Geoffrey Parker

Ox bone and bamboo set

A luxury trunk for the gentleman who enjoys his whisky and cigar over a game of mahjong is this ox bone and bamboo set by English luxury game maker, Geoffrey Parker. Presented within a leather-bound trunk is a set of 144 beautifully hand-carved Ox bone and bamboo tiles by Liu Jun, an expert in traditional mahjong craftsmanship. The trunk, crafted from an exotic ostrich leather, also doubles as an armoire of crystal glasses, cigars and decanter.

Price: HK$304,968

luxury mahjong (mah-jong) set gafencu magazine hermes — Image from Hermès

Leather printed set

The Helios Mahjong Set has been burnished in the iconic orange-brown color scheme of its maker, the French luxury brand Hermès. Crafted from pallisander wood and encased in soft Swift calfskin, each of the 144 tiles is encased with leather, with the requisite symbols printed atop. This limited-edition set enhances traditional mahjong motifs with a wholly modern appeal, though some fans maybe disappointed that the usual cacophony of tiles clacking together has, in this instance, been muffled.

Price: HK$313, 125

luxury mahjong (mah-jong) set gafencu magazine Brunello Cucinello (2) — Image from brunello Cucinelli

Walnut wood and laser carved set

Italian luxury brand Brunello Cucinelli had deftly fused traditional and contemporary elements in its collector’s-edition walnut wood mahjong set. Made from innovative materials like high-quality marble-esque KRION™, and dovetailed with European walnut wood, it depicts a refined reinterpretation of the traditional bone and bamboo style. Its engravings are far from traditional, however, featuring finely and perfectly carved symbols with the use of a laser. It is an impressive take on modern mahjong tile-making. Two hand-made dice crafted from the same wooden material and a case made of two stack able trays and cover complete the set.

Price: HK$73,445

Feature image of Joanna Mahjong Set from Ralph Lauren

Two Moons x Room 309 Presents Limited Edition Craft Gin: Five Flowers Tea Dry Gin

Taking full advantage of the city’s renewed love of all things gin, two of Hong Kong’s leading F&B names, Two Moons and Room 309, have come together to craft a very special limited-edition Five Flowers Tea Dry Gin. If that weren’t enough, they’re also offering three lucky buyers the chance to win a luxurious stay at the boutique hotel, The Pottinger Hong Kong.

Two Moons, Hong Kong’s first gin distillery, and Room 309, an exclusive bar within The Pottinger Hong Kong, come together in a unique partnership to combine the distillery’s award-winning Signature Dry Gin with an ancient remedy, Five Flower Tea, to incorporate a rich cultural heritage into the premium gin. The quality of its production is a reflection of the two brands’ pursuit for artistic elegance and sophistication. The formulation of the 12 selective botanicals in Two Moons’ Signature Dry Gin and the detoxifying Five Flowers Tea fuses into an experience refined for the palette.

The two sought-after brands have also generously offered HK$5,530 worth of exclusive giveaways to three lucky winners upon purchasing the limited herbal flavor-inspired spirit with a chance to win a premium experience of a lifetime at The Pottinger Hong Kong. The prizes included:

Grand Prize: A one-night staycation for two at The Pottinger Hong Kong, inclusive of an in-room service of two cocktails and snacks with compliments by ROOM 309 (worth HK$3,000)

2nd Prize: A private distillery tour for two at Two Moons Distillery in Chai Wan (worth HK$2,000)

3rd Prize: A 700ml bottle of Two Moon’s Signature Dry Gin (worth HK$530)

The Macallan 72 Years Old Set for Spirited Hong Kong Debut

The Macallan 72 Years Old, one of the finest scotches on offer from The Macallan, that most renowned of single malt whisky brands, is soon to land in Hong Kong as the distiller celebrates its epic legacy and enduring impact.

Limited to a release of just 600 bottles on a global basis, each one comes housed in an exquisite Genesis decanter, specially designed by Lalique, that most classic of French crystal creative houses. With a design said to embody the ultimate fusion of contemporary chic and time-honoured tradition, each glass repository is a clear testimony to the brand’s commitment to flawless craftsmanship.

Assessing the import of their singular partnership, Geoff Kirk, the Macallan’s Head of Brand Development, said: “Lalique has a deep and true understanding of our brand, one imbued over more than a decade of joint endeavours.”

Commenting on the significance of this particular launch, meanwhile, Nick Savage, The Macallan’s Master Distiller said, “The Macallan 72 Years Old is an incredibly rare single malt and one defined by years of dedication and craftsmanship. The oldest whisky we have ever bottled, this is a truly momentous occasion and a fitting celebration of our remarkable new distillery.”

To find out more about The Macallan 72 Years Old and its underlying flavour tones of lemons, apples, raisins and vanilla, click here.

LUNAR CELEBRATIONS

With the Rat, the first sign of the 12 Chinese zodiac creatures, about to ascend to astrological supremacy in 2020, Johnnie Walker, the renowned maker of fine whiskies, has chosen to celebrate this grand occasion by unveiling a very special Johnnie Walker Blue Label: Year of the Rat Limited Edition.

Crafted to pay tribute to the rich cultural heritage of Asia and the lasting legacy of the ancient zodiac traditions, the Johnnie Walker Blue Label: Year of the Rat Limited Edition comes housed in a dazzlingly decorated bottle, one that the emblematic Rat take place of pride atop a wave of golden ingots. Within this precious receptacle is that most cherished of whiskies, the sumptuously flavourful Johnnie Walker Blue Label.

The Johnnie Walker Blue Label stands at the apex of Scotch whisky-making. Crafted by a small team of expert blenders including two-time Master Blender of the Year Jim Beveridge, only one in every 10,000 casks of the distillery’s 10 million plus whiskies are deemed worthy of this coveted title, which represents smooth and vibrant Scotch whisky at its very finest.

With the Rat long heralded as ushering in good fortune, luck and vitality, the Johnnie Walker Blue Label: Year of the Rat Limited Edition makes the most auspicious of gifts to that special whisky lover in your life.

Year of the Dog Watches: Top timepieces inspired by the Lunar New Year

As Chinese New Year wraps up, we look back at the best timepieces inspired by the Lunar celebrations. Here are our favourite Year of the Dog watches to look out for.

1) Breguet’s Classique 7145 Chow-chow

At first glance: Breguet’s take on Year of the Dog watches is the Classique 7145 Chow-chow boasts a guilloche dial featuring a hand-engraved black Chow-chow – one of China’s quintessential breeds.

What’s inside: This extra thin (2.5mm) watch holds a self-winding calibre 502.3 movement

Why it’s special: Only eight pieces of this limited-release Chow-chow edition were made. Of those, only ONE will be sold in Hong Kong! A must-have collector’s piece.

2) Chopard’s L.U.C XP Urushi

At first glance: The Akita canine gracing the dial of this limited-edition watch is a nod to 2018’s zodiac mascot. It was crafted using traditional Japanese Urushi and Maki-e lacquering techniques.

What’s inside: The compact 18-carat rose gold case is home to a self-winding mechanical L.U.C calibre 96.17-L movement.

Why it’s special: The extremely detailed lacquer work on the dial was created especially for Chopard by Kiichiro Masumura, the renowned Japanese artist.

3) Vacheron Constantin’s ‘The Legend of the Chinese Zodiac’ – Year of the Dog

At first glance: The latest addition to Vacheron Constantin’s annual ‘The Legend of the Chinese Zodiac’ series boasts a rather unusual ‘hidden’ dial. The engraved dog dial face hides four sub-dials: hours, minutes, day and date.

What’s inside: Calibre 2460 G4 movement powering four sub-dial complications.

Why it’s special: Available in platinum and rose gold, only 12 pieces of each are up for grabs.

Want to explore more Lunar New Year specials? Why not take a look at our round-up of CNY fashion trends here.

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.

Keep Walking: Johnnie Walker Blue Label pays tribute to Hong Kong’s spirit

You may have heard about the genie in a bottle, but have you heard about a city in a bottle? That’s exactly what Johnnie Walker Blue Label has sought to achieve with its Pioneering Cities edition, in which the premium blended whisky-maker has collaborated with local artists from the world’s most thriving cities to depict each city’s true essence through artwork on limited-edition Johnnie Walker Blue Label bottles.

For the Hong Kong edition of the Pioneering Cities collection, Johnnie Walker has partnered with Hong Kong-raised illustrator Victo Ngai, a Forbes Art & Style 30-under-30 honouree and a two-time gold medallist at New York Society of Illustrators.
Victo’s artwork on the Johnnie Walker Blue Label bottles depict vibrant snippets of Hong Kong culture, including a Cantonese opera performer who takes centre-stage with her opulent blue costume, patterned with suggestions from the city’s iconic skyline, colonial architecture and neon lights.

To further underline the Chinese influence, an Oriental-themed tassel hangs decoratively from the bottle’s golden cap, making the bottles a prized possession for any art lover.

Each bottle also has its own unique serial number starting with Hong Kong’s area code ‘852’, followed by a four-digit number.
Talking about the special tribute to Hong Kong, Johnnie Walker Blue Label brand ambassador, Martin Newell, says, “As a progressive city with a never-say-die attitude, Hong Kong deeply resonates the ‘Keep Walking’ spirit of Johnnie Walker.” He further urges whisky lovers to try the limited edition, not just for the artwork, but also for the unique whisky that is blended from one in a 1000 casks, chosen meticulously from all corners of Scotland.

Priced at HK$2300 per 70cl bottle, the Johnnie Walker Blue Label Pioneering Cities Limited Edition is now available at major retailers and specialised stores across Hong Kong.

Text: Suchetana Mukhopadhyay