Nicholas Hoult is no stranger to falling in love onscreen. His impressive filmography is a stacked example of his range as an actor—seamlessly flitting in and out of characters as varied as they come. We've seen him with superhuman powers (and blue fur) as Beast in the X-Men series, portray an overzealous foodie in The Menu, struggle with morals in Juror #2, and more. But perhaps, one of his more memorable roles was in Skins, the teen comedy drama that dabbled with all things coming-of-age, including romance.
In a fitting return to the sort of too-good-to-be-true romance the Brits do so well, Hoult is part of a starry cast of Burberry's latest campaign. "It's Always Burberry Weather: London In Love" is a series of vignettes inspired by late '90s/early 2000s British rom coms that focus on the idyllic, everyday romances of Londoners. Hoult is joined by an A-list cast that includes Academy Award-winning actor Kate Winslet, Aimee Lou Wood, Chen Kun, Jodie Turner-Smith, Micheal Ward, Richard E. Grant, Son Sukku and models David Gandy, Liu Wen and Naomi Campbell. There's even a special guest appearance by a chivalrous Burberry Knight in shining armour—you know, rom com things.
And in the spirit of all things love, Hoult indulges us with Burberry first-loves as well as some of his most cherished moments in life and career.
ESQUIRE: What thoughts immediately come to mind when you think of Burberry?
NICHOLAS HOULT: When I think of Burberry, I think of an elegance, cool and—a classic style with a bit of attitude to it. I think of the check pattern. I think of trench coats. And I think of Terminal 5 at Heathrow because whenever I land back in London, there are always big Burberry campaigns and posters, so it makes me think of home, which is a nice feeling.
ESQ: What is your earliest memory of Burberry?
NH: My earliest memory of Burberry is when I went to the market when I was a kid in Liverpool. I remember seeing a lot of imitation Burberry—hats and scarves and things. That was the first time I was aware of imitation being flattery and thought that Burberry must be really good if it’s being copied like this. Did I buy any? I don’t know, maybe.
ESQ: Which piece do you treasure most in your Burberry collection?
NH: I have a black Burberry trench coat. The Burberry trench coat is so iconic and the perfect piece to have in your wardrobe. You can wear it anywhere, at any time. It feels classy and you can dress it up or dress it down. That’s what I go to a lot when getting dressed in the mornings.
ESQ: What drew you to the campaign?
NH: I loved this idea of British rom com and films, and their sensibilities are some of the greatest ever made. I loved the idea of playing tribute to those. And also, there were so many talented people involved so to make something with all of them felt special.
ESQ: What was your favourite moment from the campaign shoot, and do you have any on-set anecdotes?
NH: My favourite moment of the campaign shoot was that I got to drink tea and have biscuits while doing some of the behind-the-scenes. It was also very nice to get dressed up in some Burberry clothes—that felt fun. Also, we got to film on the South Bank with Jodie Turner-Smith, who is someone I’ve wanted to work with for a long time, so that was incredible. I wouldn’t say I loved the rain cannons—it was a bit cold—but I like to feel in the element, so I appreciated the fake rain and the feeling it gave to the scene.
ESQ: What are your favourite things to do in summer?
NH: Go to the park. Get a disposable barbecue and go to the park and enjoy the sunshine with friends and family.
ESQ: What is your most cherished summertime memory?
NH: Probably when I was a kid—being in the garden, riding your bike, making a slip and slide. Things like that are cherished summertime memories for me.
ESQ: What is the best or most memorable advice you have received during your career?
NH: That’s tricky. This isn’t really advise, but in a roundabout way, it is. I read Michael Caine’s book years ago and he talks about how when he was in LA, the bus driver that would drive on the studio lot ended up being the studio president, so he talks about being nice to everyone. Fortunately, I got the chance to work with Michael when I was 14. I was very nervous, and we only did one scene together with a large group. After the scene I went up to him and said, “I know we didn’t really get to act together, but I’m very happy to say I have been in a film with Michael Caine.” He responded and said, “Well I’m happy I can be in a film with Nicholas Hoult.” And that was such a lovely thing for him to say. It meant a lot to me. It’s something I try to pass on—that kindness he showed to me.
ESQ: What attributes attract you to a character when reading a script?
NH: It depends. I try to find varied characters and do something different to what I’ve recently done. Also, an honesty in the writing. It’s something that’s a gut feeling if you connect to the writing and feel like you can add something to creating that character that’s on the page.
ESQ: If you had to live as any of your past characters, who would it be and why?
NH: There could be so many answers to this, but I got to play Tolkien in a movie which is a pretty magical place to pretend to be to try to understand his creativity and imagination. That would be a wonderful place to be. I’m a big Lord of The Rings fan so I could then maybe write more Lord of The Rings stories for myself and everyone else and just enjoy that world a little bit more.
ESQ: Is there a role you would like to play but haven’t had the chance yet?
NH: I don’t know the answer to that, I won’t know probably until I read it and then will hopefully get the feeling I was just describing.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
Chinese New Year is right around the corner, and it often presents two dilemmas: escaping the annual interrogation from the aunties or ponder the age-old conundrum of what to wear. While we can't help with the former, we definitely got you covered for the latter. This guide is your go-to for stepping into the Lunar New Year with style.
If a sleek, refined look is on your agenda this year—you're on the right page. TOM FORD's ivory cashmere and silk polo shirt is a staple piece, accentuated with mother-of-pearl buttons for that subtle sheen. Finished with their signature gold TOM FORD embroidered label, it's the epitome of understated sophistication for this Chinese New Year.
The collection is available in stores.
Loro Piana reimagines its iconic Bomber jacket to celebrate the Year of the Snake. Originally designed in 2003, the Bomber combines the Maison’s signature craftsmanship with refined practicality, perfect for a polished look on a chilly day.
The collection is available in stores and online.
Golden Goose's global brand ambassador Jackson Yee struts the genderless round-neck sweatshirt adorned with hand-embroidered red floral motifs, paired effortlessly with medium-wash denim. The jeans feature intricate snake embroidery on the back pockets—a subtle yet festive nod to the occasion.
When it comes to Golden Goose, its iconic Ball Star trainers take centrestage, reimagined in crisp white leather with snake-print details, bold red stitching, and matching lace for a fresh, festive twist.
The Golden Goose collection is available in stores and online.
Fendi ushers in the season with a bold collection—key pieces include the Peekaboo ISeeU Small and Baguette Soft Trunk bags, crafted from black Cuoio Romano leather. Adding to the allure, the Fendi Eyes motif receives a sophisticated makeover, adorning ready-to-wear pieces and the Fendi Flow sneakers.
The Fendi Lunar New Year collection is available in stores and online.
Kenzo's artistic director Nigo reimagines the House's signature collection with contemporary flair. The iconic Boke Flower has been reintepretated as a golden snake graphic, symbolising prosperity and abundance. The gold and red tones dominate for a vibrant yet sophisticated palette.
The Kenzo Lunar New Year collection is available in stores and online.
This collection proves that Giorgio Armani owns the sophisticated look with its delicate yet intricate snake embroideries on their timeless pieces as seen on Chinese celebrity Hu Ge. The ready-to-wear pieces are perfect for both special occasion and everyday wear.
The collection is available in stores.
Global ambassador Xiao Zhan models the captivating selection of ready-to-wear pieces featuring the snake motif woven seamlessly into each design. The collection exudes effortless style, brought to life with exquisite attention to detail.
Meanwhile, the iconic Gucci Re-Webb sneakers are crafted from beige and ebony Original GG canvas, and adorned with intricate snake details around the silhouette.
The collection is available in stores and online.
Let's not forget about travel and lifestyle accessories that are both practical and stylish. TUMI delivers a limited-edition capsule featuring a glided snake graphic inspired by calligraphy brushstrokes. Each piece is covered in gold detailing, symbolising good fortune and abundance for the year ahead.
And to spice things up, receive a limited-edition luggage tag available only with purchases, while stocks last.
The collection is available in stores and online.
When seeking chic, timeless essentials, the Lunar New Year Capsule from Ralph Lauren is the collection you can trust. This year's offering features the Polo Ralph Lauren corduroy shirt, crafted with fine-wale corduroy and adorned with the signature embroidered Pony. The brand's iconic cable-knit sweaters also come into play, made from luxurious wool and cashmere yarn sourced from Italy.
The collection is available in store and online.
Burberry introduces a capsule featuring a seasonal iteration of the Burberry Check, as well as a B snake on a wide array of garments.
The distinctive design of Burberry's Bubble sneaker exudes a playful charm with its rounded silhouette and enhanced by the subtle B snake detail.
The collection is available in stores and online.
This collection brings together some of Tod's most iconic designs, including the timeless Gommino and the sleek T Vintage Sneakers. Each piece is reimagined in a vibrant colour palette that honours the spirit of the season, in shades of red—a nod to the colour's significance in Chinese culture as a symbol of luck and prosperity.
The collection is available in stores and online.
Creative director Adrian Appiolaza takes inspiration from a painting by Franco Moschino, back in the late '80s, where a three-dimensional stuffed snake framed the artwork. Reimagining this piece for the Chinese New Year, he infuses it with signature Moschino symbols, reinterpreted with a snake motif. Emblems like the peace sign and question mark are given a playful, serpentine twist.
The collection is available in stores and online.
It's safe to say that Christmastime is almost here (for those of us who aren't partaking, the holidays are almost here) and that means, all the festive things associated with this time of the year. In a sort of extension of its "It's Always Burberry Weather" campaign, the British luxury brand is doubling down on the cosy with the "Wrapped In Burberry" campaign. If the former refers to specific products, "Wrapped In Burberry" is more visceral in nature—building memories through traditions and spending time with loved ones.
"Wrapped In Burberry" features a trio of loved ones, including actual Burberry VICs (that's "very important customers") Drs. Herschel and Lilly Stoller, who've been longtime clients for over 20 years. British thespians David Tennant and Alex Hassell, as well as London-based artist Slawn with partner Tallula Christie and their two children, complete the campaign that was shot in London.
In Singapore, the campaign materialised in realtime as Burberry celebrated the opening of three boutiques in the past few months. It was undoubtedly festive with guests and friends of the brand coming together, with South Korean actor Kim Young-dae flying in to revel in the celebrations.
As a way of actually being wrapped in Burberry, the brand highlights scarf personalisation and bespoke monogramming services made to be perfect gift ideas. The range is as wide as one would imagine by the brand known for its iconic check—from two-tone reversible cashmere scarves to classic Burberry check ones. Add on initials (up to three) or labels featuring festive Burberry messaging for a piece of luxury that's a timeless style addition.
The Burberry scarf personalisation and monogramming services are now available at the Burberry Wisma Atria and Marina Bay Sands boutiques until 22 December 2024.
It's become almost a given that a brand would look outside of its own homeground for celebrities and personalities who embody what it stands for. The world isn't confined to just one country or continent, after all. Burberry realises this, already tapping into a globally diverse range of faces and bringing them into the fold as brand ambassadors.
One of Burberry's brightest ambassadors is Bright Vachirawit. The Thai actor has been a constant presence in almost all of Burberry's activations around the world as well as its runway shows in London. It's no surprise then that Bright has grown to be accustomed to London, its people, and of course, its weather.
In the brand's extension of its "Burberry Outerwear" campaign, Bright stars solo as he regales about his experiences in London and waxing lyrical about the undoubtedly "Burberry weather" of the city and its romantic nuances. His outerwear of choice to tackle the unpredictability of London is none other than the Burberry trench—a piece that in essence, is ubiquitously London.
ESQUIRE SINGAPORE: What does London mean to you?
BRIGHT: Burberry makes London special to me. Every time I'm here, it's always with Burberry—they make it feel like a second home.
ESQ: Was London how you expected it to be the first time you visited?
B: It was better than I had expected. At first, I thought it would be sad and maybe moody. But when I got here, it was moody—but in a beautiful way. It made me feel romantic in some way.
ESQ: What was the weather like?
B: The weather was cold and windy, but sunny. I'd heard of the "British weather"!
ESQ: What item of clothing do you always rely on when you're in London?
B: London weather is always unpredictable. You need something that can protect you from all conditions while looking effortless, like a Burberry trench coat.
ESQ: What do you enjoy doing when you're in the city?
B: I love going to bars at night to see live music, and going to football stadiums. Every time I travel, I like to experience as many stadiums as I can. There are a few more I'd love to go to in London.
ESQ: How would you describe Londoners?
B: People in London are so friendly. The way they dress is very classic. It's not just in fashion, but it's part of the culture and the rich heritage; it's the way Londoners dress themselves.
ESQ: What were some of your most memorable moments from the Burberry Outerwear shoot?
B: The entire shoot was very memorable for me. It was another great opportunity for me to work with new people. It was a truly impressive new experience. If I had to choose one moment, it would be the time we cruised along the Thames River on the boat. The vibe was really good and it was a time when you get to see the city, its scenery, and interact with everyone on the boat. It was truly a memorable time.
ESQ: What is “Burberry weather” to you?
B: I think “Burberry Weather” is... a little gloomy sky with unpredictable weather. Never too sure if it’s going to be sunny or rainy. It also reminds me of cool air but windy. And a sense of cosiness. This is why I love a Burberry trench. It protects me from those kinds of weather.
ESQ: What's the best drink to have in rainy London?
B: Tea is good. A cup of earl grey tea will freshen up the moment.
ESQ: You have visited London for a few times with Burberry. What's your favourite seasons and why?
B: I like how it is in February. It's still very cold, which I enjoy. I get to play with my wardrobe, layering up with clothes, outerwear, scarf, and accessories. It's a time of year with weather we don't have in Thailand.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
We reckon Barry Keoghan knows a thing or two about "Burberry weather". The Saltburn actor grew up in Dublin after all, where temperatures rarely go beyond 20 degrees Celcius—perfect weather to be layering over just about any kind of outerwear all year round.
The Burberry global ambassador is one of seven personalities chosen to be part of Burberry's latest outerwear-centric campaign, "It's Always Burberry Weather". Shot across London and the British countryside, the campaign is a series of cinematic vignettes—each individually fronted by Keoghan, actor Zhang Jingyi, Cara Delevingne, England footballers Cole Palmer and Eberechi Eze, musician Simz, and Academy Award-winning actress Olivia Colman—with each highlighting a particular outerwear style reimagined by Burberry. Colman, for example, wears a cosy quilted outerwear while on a drive in the countryside and recounting her sleep trouble woes to a friend over the phone before humorously stumbling upon a flock of sheep. And in the campaign's longest short film (a runtime past the nine-minute mark), Palmer lounges on a deckchair in a duffel coat by a lake, waiting for a fish to bite.
In true thespian fashion, Keoghan's short film sees him running lines with a server at a streetside cafe. He's dressed in a Burberry Check puffer jacket that's very much in line with his own personal aesthetic. It's also reversible—Keoghan wears it with the plain-side out in the short film but is photographed by Alasdair McLellan with the Burberry Check in full display for the campaign's stills. We can't help but draw the parallels between the reversibility of the puffer jacket with Keoghan's own artistry and penchant for taking on characters that aren't exactly what they seem like on the surface—a journey that he tells us, is something that he enjoys discovering while on set and in the moment.
ESQUIRE SINGAPORE: What’s your earliest memory of Burberry?
BARRY KEOGHAN: The first Burberry piece I owned was a Burberry scarf. I remember I used to wear it with anything and everything and it had the traditional pattern on it as well.
ESQ: Being a global ambassador of Burberry now for over six months, you’ve been dressed by the brand a few times, even before the announcement. Is there one significant highlight or moment with Burberry that still sticks out for you?
BK: My favourite Burberry piece I own is the white puffer jacket I wore to the Burberry Summer 2025 fashion show.
ESQ: How did you approach shooting the Burberry Outerwear campaign?
BK: Some of the moments that I remember from the Burberry shoot, was just how fun it was and how easy it was to shoot on film, and how good it was to work with the directors and creative team to bring some humour to the shoot.
ESQ: You do have a penchant for streetwear pieces. How does Burberry Outerwear fit in with your own personal style?
BK: My personal style is sort of like trackies and cropped jackets. I love a good jumper and high neck shirts, and basically a cropped jacket/cropped jumper—I love.
ESQ: Who are some of your biggest acting heroes and non-acting heroes?
BK: Marlon Brando, Paul Newman, and to be honest, animals—I’ve always talked about how I’ve watched and observed animals, and also body language and posture, and documentaries. I gather and observe that. And I also just observe life. I never want to see anyone acting and I’m always looking for what looks true and real and I always find that in documentaries.
ESQ: What has been the most challenging role you’ve taken on so far, and how did you overcome it?
BK: The most challenging would be my Saltburn character. It wasn’t that it was hard or difficult but with the word being "challenging", it's the sort of the thing that I’m drawn to. I like to play characters that aren’t necessarily easy and that I can easily slip in to. I want to always have a challenge and physicality and a skill set I can learn.
ESQ: You’re about to officially take on a role, The Joker, that’s been played by a great number of actors. What’s the thought process like of accepting and then formulating a game plan for a role like that?
BK: Getting into character I have notebooks that I write things down in. I dress like the character, I stay in acting to familiarise with the period, and I do a hobby that the character does. Then I go away for two weeks to get into character and get into the character with no distractions—to live and breathe the character. Then I go to set and be open to collaboration and discovery with the director and team because again, I love to find the character as I go along in the journey and not have everything figured out—just like life.
ESQ: How are you hoping to end the year?
BK: I’m hoping to end the year with some growth and progression in my arts. I hope to be able to look back at it and look at how much I’ve grown and look to set new goals and challenge myself for next year.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
There have been plenty of articles attempting to critically analyse Burberry's current strategy—both creatively as well as from a marketing standpoint. It has become a continuously profound struggle for Burberry, a heritage brand that has been experiencing a sort of fall from financial grace for years now, to find that balance between being fashion-forward and desirable.
The Burberry Summer 2025 runway show proved that chief creative officer Daniel Lee has perhaps found that balance after almost two years of steering the brand back to its British roots. Noticeably, there were a few design elements that Lee initiated in his first few collections that he's now seemed to forgo this time around. The Burberry Check is back in its original rendering after seasons of being skewed at an attempt to modernise the motif, while the revived Equestrian Knight Design (EKD) wasn't as prominent.
Lee likens the collection as a continuation of Winter 2024. "An easy elegance that feels inviting for summer. We want the pieces to feel welcoming, and for the wearers to feel confident," he says. Cue the much softer approach in terms of fabrications, treatments as well as colour palette—as though to say that these pieces are indeed wearable and easy enough buy into.
The fit: A lot of the Burberry Summer 2025 collection's focus is on the military aspects of the brand's heritage. It's evident from the overall swathe of pastel, washed out and weathered colourways that Lee's intention was to highlight Burberry's more utilitarian functionality. The collection's outerwear pieces remained key grounding elements and inherently made the collection Burberry. This time, trench coats were reconstructed into asymmetric jackets, a couple of slightly cropped iterations as well as multi-pocket field jacket versions. They were all season-appropriate—crafted in lightweight silk, linen or bonded wool.
The zipped elements from Winter 2024 made a return on the runway. They were featured on a number of zipped trousers styled open at the knees to further accentuate the roominess of the cut. Where pockets weren't adorned with weatherproof flaps, zipped details reinforced utilitarian elements as well as versatile styling proposals.
Overall, the collection excelled at reimagining Burberry house codes without needing to shout with bold graphics or an overuse of branded signatures and motifs. Silhouettes felt easy to wear with chic simplicity apparent throughout the collection. In some cases, perhaps, they were too simple in execution, especially when broken into individual pieces. Together though, the styling felt the most Burberry that Lee has crafted thus far.
The details: A complete overhaul of the bag offerings seemed to be intentional. The collection saw introductions of completely new styles all designed to be unlined and relaxed. The Country comes as a crossbody, bucket bag and tote in grainy leather with the Burberry Check, while the B Clip—named after its b-shaped front fastening—is a new messenger bag, tote and holdall in tumbled leather and suede with the addition of a rather stunning Burberry Check style in patchwork leather.
Three exceptional looks: The super chic opening look styled almost like a regal, royal officer; look 32's classic Burberry Check rendered in a deep hue for a truly utilitarian ensemble; and the timeless silhouette of look 47.
The takeaway: Lee has found a balance between his own leanings and Burberry's Britishness—how open customers will be to adapting remains the brand's challenge.
View the full Burberry Summer 2025 collection in the gallery below.
Burberry is the final big-named house on the London Fashion Week calendar and it's poised to bring some newness. Unlike previous runway shows by chief creative officer Daniel Lee, the Burberry Summer 2025 runway show will be staged indoors as opposed to the brand erecting a tent. Lee has also enlisted English artist Gary Hume to design the set of the show.
There's been a consistent Britishness about Lee's creative direction at Burberry—rooting designs on the Equestrian Knight Design (EKD) seen above, reimagining Burberry's trench icons, as well as silhouettes that lean on familiar English heritage. It's highly likely that Lee will continue to do so, especially with teasers focusing on "born of function, grounded in heritage". The Burberry check is probably set on making a more prominent design element—but how that will look like remains to be seen.
For confirmation of what the Burberry Summer 2025 collection will look like, stay tuned for the show this Monday live from London Fashion Week.
What: Burberry Summer 2025 runway show
Where: London
When: Monday, 16 September 2024 at 11pm Singapore time
It might be odd to think that something as angular as this tote is called the Rocking Horse. The name actually refers to the line’s initial bag designs constructed with a curved base that allows them to easily rock like a rocking horse, and are distinguished by the “b” closure. Its tote incarnation keeps things classic with a briefcase-like silhouette for some serious corporate-appropriate style chops.
We could all do with some added height and when it comes to heeled boots, hardly anything comes close to Hedi Slimane’s versions for CELINE. These are cut in a familiar Chelsea shape for fuss-free slipping in and off and the pointed toes immediately help to elongate the legs further. Also, peep that subtle Triomphe branding right at the ankle—an extra touch of if-you-know-you-know branding.
Gucci’s connection with London’s The Savoy goes all the way back to when founder Guccio Gucci worked as a porter at the famed hotel. The experience prompted him to found his own luggage atelier upon his return to Florence (no guesses what that eventually turned into). This cabin trolley is a nod to the very beginnings of Gucci, but of course, updated with wheels and a telescopic handle. When not in use, it makes for quite an ornamental interior piece much like a classic travel trunk.
Nothing comes close to being as classic and unbelievably versatile as a pair of leather lace-ups. You’d easily be able to dress them up or down and they go with just about anything. Tod’s may be known for its pebble-soled Gomminos but the comfort of its footwear translates even to something as sturdy as a pair of leather lace-ups. The lugged rubber sole gives it a more contemporary flair and traipses the line between formal and casual seamlessly.
The TUDOR Black Bay is an icon. And like most icons, it requires little tweaking. This latest iteration keeps all the design aesthetics with a monochromatic intent that successfully highlights every detail to perfection. The black sunburst dial is undoubtedly subtle but perfect for a timepiece you would want to put on every day, for any occasion.
RIMOWA’s Personal crossbody bag receives a new seasonal colour in a stunning shade of emerald green, and it’s quite honestly one of the more eye-catching shades in its aluminium series yet. The shell is wrapped around leather straps in a darker shade of green that matches the leather interior, and the palladium hardware contrasts beautifully against the rich hue. It could be an intimidating colour to wear but match this with neutrals for a surefire way of pulling it off.
With an Art Deco-inspired bottle design, you would think that Penhaligon’s The Dandy is somewhat of a traditional, masculine fragrance—heavy, woody and mildly overbearing to most. Yet, the fragrance surprises by being woody without that heavy lingering of intensity. The hints of warm, spicy notes cut through slightly after a while for a more balanced take on a liquor-forward scent. The Dandy is definitely more of an evening scent but its lightweight quality could just as easily be used in the day too.
Never underestimate the power of a scarf, especially one with hand-rolled trims and in colours that will never go out of style. Loro Piana updates the paisley print with bold, stark lines for a more elevated look. It’s a cashmere-silk blend that’s incredibly lightweight yet will definitely provide some warmth should you need it; or wear it loosely around the neck (in as many permutations as you could think of) to simply add a touch of irreverent elegance to an outfit.
The beauty of a Loewe candle is that the moment the wax completely burns off, the ceramic vessel can be used in a myriad of ways, all while looking like a piece of art. The latest Wasabi scent is one of the line’s more intense offerings with its green and spicy notes reminiscent of that first whiff of a spoonful of wasabi. Fair warning: this may make you crave for some sushi.
Yes, you don’t necessarily need a card case any more since everything is pretty much be done with your mobile. But neither do you need a watch nowadays too. It’s all about the aesthetics and this piece by Saint Laurent is a slim iteration with four card slots (just right). It also comes with a detachable strap you’d able to secure around a belt loop or wear around the neck as an accessory. The design is clever—the card slots are enveloped within a leather housing for added security.
Photography: Jaya Khidir
Styling: Asri Jasman
Photography Assistants: Aliy Alam and Syed Abdullah
It's the second Friday of May. You're a couple of days away from turning up to Mother's Day dinner with a flower arrangement that (a) you didn't order in advance so it's pretty much an assortment of leftovers the florist managed to collate, and (b) you're kinda screwed, dude.
Not to bring up an Asian mother trope, but we sure she's going to be nice about receiving a floral bouquet, before flicking through Facebook or her Whatsapp group chat with [insert aunty's name] showcase of the gift her thoughtful son got her. It's no competition, yes. But she definitely deserves something more.
Thankfully, there are plenty of last-minute Mother's Day gift options out there that you don't even need to sneakily get her sizes for. And we've scoured 10 just for you.
Adorned with the signature Visetos monogram, the Ella Boston Bag in Maxi Visetos epitomises timeless elegance and contemporary allure. Drawing inspiration from vintage travel trunks of Munich's golden era, this bag boasts a leather hang tag and a logo-engraved metal padlock, paying homage to its jet-setting heritage. Red roses? Nah.
How do you honour a mother's invaluable and nurturing love? Bulgari’s exquisite Diva's Dream necklaces might offer a radiant answer. Featuring signature shapes with mother of pearl inserts and vibrant malachite, these timeless pieces symbolise unconditional love—a perfect tribute to the extraordinary mothers in our lives.
Encased in a sleek, new design with magnetic closure, a Rouge Dior red lip never goes out of style. Its long-lasting formula ensures comfort, enriched with hydrating lip care for nourishment. There's a spectrum of shades in matte velvet and satin finishes—the matte velvet finish grants full, soft lips with a weightless feel, while the satin finish imparts brightness and shape. More than just a lipstick, it's also a small piece of luxury that she'll be able to carry with her wherever she goes.
We know we’ve been veering from the usual flower choices, but bear with us—these aren't your typical blooms. These exquisite origami flowers are crafted by Atelier Oï in collaboration with Louis Vuitton. It's a partnership that celebrates craftsmanship with creations inspired by emotional material encounters. Each leather petal reflects a story of love and care, reflecting the essence of maternal strength as well as the beauty of handmade artistry. If you want to get her flowers, get her these ones that won't wither after a week.
Made from the handpicked roses cultivated in the House's new Southern France atelier, Henry Jacques reveals its latest expression, Collection de l’Atelier. The limited edition collection features three distinct fragrances—Rose Soleil, Rose Trés Rose, and Rose Azur—in generous 30ml volumes to emphasise the rarity, preciousness and quality. Also available as a set of three, elegantly presented in a handcrafted chest. Limited to just 500 bottles, each a singular creation, this collection is an exclusive offering never to be duplicated.
Handcrafted in Italy from textured calf leather, the Rocking Horse Bag blends nostalgic charm with modern versatility. Featuring a unique "b" closure, it's a nod to the classic rocking horse toy. With an adjustable strap, it effortlessly transitions from shoulder to crossbody wear. Embellished with the iconic tartan-check pattern, this medium version in Lichen ensures versatility and ample space for your mother's everyday needs.
Just as mothers gracefully navigate the twists and turns of parenting, shoes likewise adapt to diverse terrains. Show your appreciation with a pair of Gucci slide sandals—a perfect nod to their resilience and elegance. Crafted from light blue denim, these slide sandals are adorned with an embroidered Gucci script and striped accents, merging style with comfort seamlessly.
Pamper mom with the La Mer Replenishing Moisture Collection Set. This limited-edition set comprises of La Mer's hydrating Treatment Lotion, transformative Eye Concentrate, protective Lime Tea Concentrate, and luxurious Hydrating Infused Emulsion and Crème De La Mer. With indulgent moisture in four simple steps, it's the perfect pampering solution for radiant, youthful-looking skin, suitable for all skin types.
Issey Miyake introduces L’Eau d’Issey Solar Violet. This new fragrance pay homage to nature's beauty, embodying the transformation of water after encountering the sublime. L’Eau d’Issey Solar Violet, crafted by perfumer Marie Salamagne, merges freshness with sensuality, featuring luminous violet and sunny pear notes. Dermatologically tested and suitable for sun exposure with proper protection, it makes a thoughtful gift as a celebration of the radiant spirit of motherhood.
The Dyson Airstrait Straightener revolutionises hair straightening with air, not heat. Its innovative design allows for simultaneous drying and straightening from wet, without hot plates, ensuring no heat damage. Featuring precise directional airflow and intelligent heat control, it safeguards hair's natural shine by measuring temperature 16 times per second. No more accidentally burning her fingers for mom.
In season five of Friends, there's an episode aptly titled "The One With Joey's Bag". The central narrative was of Joey Tribbiani (played by Matt LeBlanc), having received a bag from Jennifer Aniston's Rachel as part of his desire to fit into a role of "a real clothes horse" that he's auditioning for, falling in love with said bag. But of course, given that it was 1999, his friends found every opportunity to ridicule him for even carrying the bag.
You'd think that the bag was in a ghastly shade of pink or a tiny purse that could barely fit anything (even so, there's absolutely nothing wrong with a man wanting to carry either) but in actual fact, it's reminiscent of a top-handle briefcase that's far from extraordinary in today's context.
How times have changed, and thankfully so.
The best bags this season are big. They're made to fit more than just the essentials, with some having the capability to be versatile enough to transition from work bag to gym bag. And of course, because we're all for longterm investments, they're crafted from sturdy and luxurious materials that'll not only last but age well too. From Loewe's latest Pebble Bucket bag to Bottega Veneta's massive tote, we've curated some of the best bags of the season made for every man that you are.
Photography: Shawn Paul Tan
Styling: Asri Jasman
Grooming: Kenneth Chia using KEVIN.MURPHY and TOM FORD BEAUTY
Photography Assistant: Xie Feng Mao
Styling Assistant: Chua Xin Xuan
Model: Aaron C at MANNEQUIN
Brand ambassador appointments are nothing new—in fact, they're quite a regular occurrence nowadays. What's unusual and quite rare are instances where multiple brand ambassadors are announced on the same day and by two very different brands.
But that's the beauty of appointing a brand ambassador. One is carefully chosen based not only on popularity and personal achievements in the space that they inhabit, but also by how they fit in with the brand ethos and aesthetic. Hence, even when Burberry and RIMOWA announced their newly crowned brand ambassadors on the same day (8 March 2024), the distinction was very clear.
Irish actor Barry Keoghan, known for his roles in movies such as Christopher Nolan’s Dunkirk, Martin McDonagh's The Banshees of Inisherin, and most recently, the highly talked about Saltburn, has had many affiliations with Burberry. The BAFTA winner was a guest of the brand for the 2023 Met Gala (dressed in an attention-grabbing outfit featuring chief creative officer Daniel Lee's reworked Burberry check), and opted to wear Burberry to the European premiere of Apple TV+'s Masters of the Air and the 2024 BAFTA Film Awards. If you've been following the Burberry runway shows closely, you would have also spotted Keoghan on the front rows of the Summer 2024 and Winter 2024 shows.
Keoghan's brand ambassadorship seems like a longtime coming then. "I've been a fan of Burberry for many years now. It's such an iconic heritage brand with innovation at its heart, and a commitment to supporting arts and culture. I'm very excited to be a part of this next chapter," he says.
Trust the King of Mandopop to be a fitting ambassador for RIMOWA. Jay Chou confesses to be a longtime fan of RIMOWA: "As I travel around the world, my RIMOWA suitcases have been trusted companions that I share precious memories with. They've accompanied me not only in professional settings but during other travels too, as I delved into new realms to seek out new inspiration." If you're still in doubt about the authenticity of Chou's affinity for RIMOWA, one of his own was showcased as part of RIMOWA's 125th anniversary exhibition SEIT 1898 back in 2023.
Chou is now part of the latest instalment of RIMOWA's Never Still campaign. As an overarching narrative that defines travel not only as a means of personal advancement, but also a catalyst for inner transformation, Chou's campaign sees him relating travel to his musical endeavours and the boundless inspirations that being "never still" offers. "Melodies know no rules, stories unfold spontaneously," he says as he's captured navigating the streets of London (no doubt one of many cities the seasoned entertainer has travelled to) with a RIMOWA Original Cabin in Titanium.
Edited by Asri Jasman
Nostalagia hit the runway at the Burberry Winter 2024 show. Not only was the show's soundtrack a selection of Amy Winehouse's songs—"You Know I'm No Good", "In My Bed", "Half Time", and "Back to Black"—the show was opened by Agnyess Deyn. And if you were in your teens in the 2000s like me, Deyn would be a familiar name and figure—an English model known for her platinum blonde pixie cut and a fashion inspiration for girls and boys of the time.
The fashion served a similar platter of nostalgia. Chief creative officer Daniel Lee refocused his attention towards the military heritage of Burberry for the Winter 2024 collection with a colour palette that captured the earthy tones of the outdoors. Now that the new brand signifiers have been put in place—the Equestrian Knight Design, the Burberry knight blue and key bags emblematic of Lee's creative direction—its the coats that were reworked with a further military slant.
The fit: Trench coats took on new forms both in silhouette as well as the way they were worn. Instead of belting to accentuate the waist, the belt was tied from the back for a more minimal front. The collar was turned up and buttoned up to create a funnel neck (practical for the colder seasons). The trench coats were also dressed with the oversized epaulettes that were first introduced in Lee's debut collection for Burberry, as well as new keyring hardware that zipped up the front of the coat to the storm flap. The latter an example of Lee's penchant for decorative hardware at Burberry.
There was a decidedly oversized silhouette employed throughout the collection, exuding a sense of warmth and protection that Lee intended. But also, an extension of a signature British aesthetic prevalent on the streets.
Duffle coats and field jackets took on more voluminous forms as they were either crafted from fleecy wool or trimmed with a burst of braided fringing. Zippers on these outerwear were extended to trousers too, with each side consisting of three zipper pulls to allow for creative manipulation. They're reminiscent of those trackpants lined with buttons along the sides that were a big part of the noughties, but here, the attention was front and centre.
The details: On the bags front, a variation of the Trench Tote bag seemed to be a key push. Constructed with zippered sides, they were available in a number of materials with the standout being the ones featuring the Burberry check. And if I'm being honest, a more superior version that the original. The Shield bag, on the other hand, received a more functional upgrade with an exterior compartment.
While the knight blue wasn't part of the colour palette, it wasn't completely stripped from the Burberry Winter 2024 collection—its Lee's coloured signifier for the brand, after all. With every step of each model, the colour peeked through from the soles of every footwear. Not that we need to be reminded of how much that colour is now a part of Burberry (there's a whole knight blue takeover of Harrods that's still going on), but perhaps it's one of those subliminal messaging cleverly employed.
Three exceptional looks: Look 7 had the makings of being the next go-to fit for every British renegade youth; the easy and comfort-first look 19 with that plush mustard vest; and look 48's moleskin trench that's cool in every way.
The takeaway: I'm inclined to say that this is the best Lee for Burberry collection yet.
View the full Burberry Winter 2024 collection in the gallery below.