If an accessory is like the icing on a log cake (you know, to decorate and enhance), a scarf is akin to the pieces of candied fruit in a fruit cake, where they serve a bit more of a functional purpose aside from mere aesthetics. Depending on the type, it has the ability to elevate while giving much needed comfort—we're talking about scarves, of course.
Comfort is key, especially this time of the year. And even if it may not necessarily apply to those of us not heading to cooler climes, there are always lightweight silk scarves as options to spruce up an outfit in a manner that's uniquely you. The way we see it, a scarf is a necessary tool to have in one's style arsenal. A quality piece is an investment you'd be able to whip out time and time again—a Loro Piana trait that's consistent throughout all of its creations.
The Loro Piana Grande Unita scarf is a fine example of how the brand's unparalleled elegant aesthetic is rooted in its use of luxurious materials. The scarf is made from the finest cashmere that gives it an exceptionally soft hand feel and a lightweight body, without skimping on its heat-retaining capabilities. The hand-finished details add touches of artisanal craftsmanship to an already sophisticated piece rendered in refined, solid colours. It's understated, yes. But that's exactly what you want in a versatile accessory that can easily be worn for just about every occasion.
For something a tad more versatile, the Two Tone scarf offers additional styling options with two different contrasting colours on opposite sides. The scarf is sublime; crafted from baby cashmere obtained only from the underfleece of Hircus goat kids, the scarf is incredibly buttery soft to the touch. It's so soft that no one will judge should you choose to simply lounge around at home wrapped up in the cosiness of one. Twist or fold the Two Tone scarf while wearing it to show off a hint of its contrasting colour for an added visual interest to every outfit.
No matter how you choose to enjoy a Loro Piana scarf—a gift to a loved one or to yourself—rest assured that it'll be one that'll be used and cherished for years.
Discover a selection of Loro Piana scarves now available in Loro Piana boutiques.
Gifting can be a tricky task, especially when the goal is to gift something that expresses more than just feelings and emotions, but also one that leaves a lasting impression. When it comes to your significant other, the pressure is even higher. At the very least, you'd want to gift something that feels personal yet luxurious, and one she’ll cherish for years.
Here’s why the AUPEN Nirvana bag makes a strong case as the perfect gift: It’s not just a handbag, but a statement of sophistication and timeless design. Crafted by luxury brand AUPEN—known for its craftsmanship—the Nirvana bag blends style and practicality, making it a favourite of a bevy of international celebrities the likes of Selena Gomez, Taylor Swift, and Lady Gaga.
The Nirvana bag is crafted from premium calfskin material, with a minimalist design and versatile structure. Its clean lines and subtle gold accents make it a suitable accompaniment for any occasion, and its timeless appeal ensures it will be cherished long after fleeting trends fade.
Priced from USD340, the Nirvana bag is hardly a significant investment that'll dent that bank account. Furthermore, with AUPEN's partnership with LVMH Métiers d’Art, prices for the brand’s bags are expected to increase as its production expands to include global ateliers under the luxury group. What that simply means is that now is the right time to snag a bag from the brand.
At the end of the day, the AUPEN Nirvana bag isn’t just the ultimate gift—it’s a thoughtful, high-quality accessory made for someone with style, and one that can be enjoyed for years to come. Because when you truly love someone, something that lasts is what they deserve.
The AUPEN Nirvana bag is available 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.
Louis Vuitton has been busy of late. An ambassador announcement, a recent AW24 Menswear showcase and now, an LV-launched chocolate shop on our shores. It seems odd that the brand known for their steamer trunks would dip their toes (or fingers) into chocolate. But having taste the results, it'd seem that the Maison has another winner on its hands.
The opening of Le Chocolat Maxime Frédéric at Louis Vuitton at Marina Bay Sands, marks the debut of the confectionary store beyond its French borders. Created and produced by Maxime Frédéric, the celebrated Chef Pâtissier of the Cheval Blanc Paris, the chocolates are made with premium ingredients in the heart of Paris.
Hailing from Normandy, Chef Frédéric draws from the wisdom of les secrets de nos vergers (the secrets of the orchards). From his farm's chicken breeds to the special hazelnut variety he cultivates, each ingredient is chosen for its distinct flavour. When not sourced directly from his farm, he opts for top-tier supplies, like milk from his friends operating a dairy farm in Normandy. Chocolates are also sourced from small-scale cocoa farmers in Vietnam, Peru, Madagascar, Dominican Republic and São Tome.
Chef Frédéric met with the artisans behind the emblematic LV trunks at the historic home of Louis Vuitton in Asnières. Seeing how the brand upholds craftsmanship, Chef Frédéric said that he saw "a lot of similarities between his work in patisseries and the work of the LV artisans". "Whether it’s a woodworker or a locksmith for the trunks. It’s about handcrafted workmanship," Chef Frédéric says, "and that’s completely in line with our work as artisan pastry chefs, bakers and chocolatiers.”
With prices starting at SGD30, these exquisite chocolates offer an unexpectedly accessible taste of luxury. Like the Damier-shaped Chocolate Tablets, Monogram Flower... even the Chocolate Bar, each piece is inspired by Louis Vuitton's iconic motifs. They bring across a sense of child-like wonderment and are as delightful as they are indulgent.
His centrepiece creations—Vivienne on Malle and the Petula—showcase his ingenuity and mastery in chocolate craftsmanship. Inspired by the Vivienne music box, the Vivienne on Malle (SGD420) is confection wonder. Made of intricate chocolate gear mechanisms thanks to Chef Frédéric's construction, a twist of the chocolate key, Vivienne pirouettes.
The Petula (SGD230), another iconic mascot from Louis Vuitton, also brings an enchanting surprise for clients. Designed like a piñata, each Petula chocolate figure is generously filled with coated hazelnuts. Whack one open and watch the contents spill out.
Guess what—there will never be an end to consumerism. Educate people on the landfills running out of space, the toxic emissions released into the environment, and how only a fraction of what is recycled actually gets recycled; but buyers gonna buy.
You’d think a two-year long pandemic on such a scale would be enough to make folks reconsider the things that are truly of value. If anything, it seemed a momentary blip before the world resumed normalcy, and its citizens returned armed with pent-up consumerism they call Revenge Shopping. Take a look at the statistics and you’ll see that the dip in the pattern has since been on a steady increase.
We’ve generated 1.86 million tonnes of domestic waste in 2022 (out of a total of 7.39 tonnes of solid waste). It’s up from 1.82 million tonnes the year before, and it would be no surprise if numbers are projected to rise. To make matters worse, foreign countries are now implementing import bans of recyclables. Want to take a stab at the total recycling rate of discarded textiles? The lowest of all collected materials at a meagre 2 percent.
Think about the last time you made a purchase you thought would change your life. Now contrast that with how you feel about it now. Even if it still stands as a wise deal, the visceral level of excitement can never match up. So back to the (case in) point. Consumerism will never end because people will never figure out how to satisfy the empty void in their hearts which is further exploited by an advertising culture on steroids to fuel a never-ending pursuit for economic growth. Hurrah.
While there is no hard and fast solution, our proposition is this. Rather than be deluded that recycling will salvage your poor decisions, make better ones.
Of course, we can’t afford to constantly live a fully sustainable lifestyle which isn’t tuned into modern society. We can, however, spend a little more effort to source for items that were perhaps bought by others in the spur of the moment. Or an item carted out online which arrived untrue to the buyer’s size, never worn. If the piece has been lightly used, is there a practical reason why it can’t be utilised again? Or simply an ingrained stigma propagating that pre-owned equates to inferior?
Instead of gratifying the illogical desire for the new and shiny, or conforming to the gifting practice of senseless knick-knacks under a budget; consider giving a deeper meaning to the season. Not just giving loved ones a token of appreciation, but the gift itself a second lease of life.
Cloop, Exit, Flame Vintage, Function Five Thrift Shop, NearestTen, Nonmainstream, Thryft
