CELINE has finally made its presence at ION Orchard, one of Orchard Road's unmissable landmarks. Building on the House's architectural design concept that had been put in place since 2019, the latest CELINE boutique greets eyes with a curved glass façade and Calacatta oyster marble that stretches from floor to ceiling. The interior is a constant juxtaposition between the natural and the industrial as metallic elements and furnishings (together with a lot of mirrored surfaces) are positioned with natural stones such as Basaltina and marble as well as warmer, wooden accents.
Like other CELINE boutiques the world over, the furniture (some commissioned) were curated specifically for the boutique. They're especially opulent in the boutique's private salon that can be easily closed off for added privacy with movable mirrors. It is also here that a CELINE Art Project piece is on full display, among a selection of other art pieces. Created by Royal Academy of Art alum Machteld Rullens, "Dolphin Creme" is a wall object reflective of her usual practice where used cardboard boxes are reshaped and then covered in epoxy resin—turning something that was once fragile into a sturdy piece. The artwork hangs to the right of the salon, a stark contrast from the glossy black wall that it's positioned against.
The ION Orchard boutique is dedicated to both the men's and women's universe of the House, including ready-to-wear, accessories, leathergoods, and the beloved Haute Parfumerie collection. It also marks the first time in Singapore that a CELINE boutique has a dedicated counter for the new CELINE Beauté line premiered a few months ago. While only one lip colour has been launched thus far, more are on the way.
There's no doubt that this new CELINE boutique is striking from the outside, but its interior offers a more playful and luxurious feel that needs to be experienced in person. Sure, online shopping is convenient but luxury shopping is all about the experience and living the brand, even if it's just for a moment.
The new CELINE boutique is located on the first level of ION Orchard.
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.
When duralumin was first discovered by German metallurgist Alfred Wilm in the early 1900s, no one could have predicted that the aluminium alloy would change the course of aviation. And certainly none could have foreseen it becoming the hallmark of a German brand for decades to come.
Successfully claiming a colour or a unique design or even a motif is quite common for brands, but not many can claim a material like RIMOWA has.
Legend has it that in the 1930s, a fire completely engulfed a RIMOWA factory leaving nothing save for the aluminium. This incident inspired second-generation owner Richard Morszeck to turn to aluminium as a replacement for subsequent RIMOWA creations, instead of its foundational wooden designs. Morszeck had already toyed with the idea in the 1920s, having created the brand’s first aluminium trunk.
The thing about claiming something as part of one’s branding is the need for constant innovation in order for the association to stick. A brand can be known for one thing (let’s face it, RIMOWA isn’t just about aluminium) but it doesn’t mean doing the same thing over and over again.
Much like how air travel has changed since, RIMOWA’s aluminium creations too have evolved. Initial aluminium suitcases were trunk-like with no wheels (the horror!) before wheeled luggage became mainstream in 1972; RIMOWA introduced its first Roller suitcase with removable wheels in the very same year. Eventually, the brand streamlined its aluminium offerings into three series: the super sleek Original, the Classic with leather handles, and the polycarbonate-based (another RIMOWA invention) Hybrid framed by aluminium accents.
The brand’s iconic grooves became part of RIMOWA’s design language in 1950. Taking inspiration from the all-metal (duralumin, of course), made-in-Germany Junkers F 13 plane that was a significant aviation milestone, the grooves run parallel to the length of every RIMOWA piece. And while the grooved design remains as an identifying element to a large majority of the brand’s creations, it had experimented with other decorative treatments for aluminium. The limited-release Hammerschlag collection for example, was inspired by a Hand-Carry Case from 1966 that featured a “hammer hit” exterior. The textured surface reflects light in ways its flatter predecessors don’t while at the same time, minimises any obvious nicks and bumps of prolonged use.
Over the years, RIMOWA’s presence in luxury has been strengthened not only by its distinctive aesthetic, but also by its steely determination to stick to it while innovating. It’s no longer just a luggage brand; it’s a luxury mobility brand with the aim of creating pieces for every and any movement. The brand’s use of aluminium evolved from protecting travel necessities to keeping just about anything that matters to an individual. Aluminium has been shaped into specific functionality such as vanity cases, an attaché solely for mahjong, and a watch case fit for three timepieces.
Aluminium’s more wearable, everyday functions have seen it being transformed into a number of bags and accessories. The crossbody Personal bags—a crossbody and a sling clutch iterations—have become known for their mini-sized similarities to RIMOWA’s trusted suitcases, but cleverly designed with unique locking mechanisms adapted for heightened ease of use. The brand has even crafted aluminium into a sleek cardholder that opens with a rather sexy swivel, and protects against RFID and NFC technologies.
And if you’re wondering, RIMOWA hasn’t stopped innovating with aluminium. In the last quarter of 2024, the brand released two new aluminium expressions. The Original bag is the brand’s first unisex, multi-carry handbag that takes on the shape of a shrunken suitcase adapted to be carried as a top-handle, a shoulder bag or a crossbody. Then, there’s the limited-edition Original Cabin Optical with a new take on the aluminium suitcase featuring a truly mesmerising interpretation of the grooved design.
Where will RIMOWA go from here? It has already built its aluminium legacy and will continue to do so. Perhaps, like its high-flying inspirations, the sky is the limit.
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.
That's right. We got a Tesla-looking Jaguar before GTA 6. Recently unveiling at Miami Art Week, the concept car looks ...nothing like a Jaguar. And that's supposedly the point. Type 00 (pronounced "Type Zero Zero", should you be creative enough to pronounce otherwise) signals a shift in the most dramatic way possible.
Set to be an electric-only brand in 2026, Jaguar kicks off the audacious new direction with a long bonnet, sweeping roofline, and fastback profile in two distinct colours. Miami Pink nods to the city the cars debut in, while London Blue pays tribute to the brand's British heritage.
Of course, Type 00 isn’t just about being a head-turner. It's built on the Jaguar Electrical Architecture (JEA), a platform developed from scratch just to create a driving experience that matches the radical exterior. The performance range promises topping 478 miles on a single charge, and the ability to recharge 200 miles in just 15 minutes.
We get it. This is the next step of a major transformation, so the difference has to be unapologetically blatant. Yet looking at a flagship Jaguar devoid of any reference to an illustrious automotive legacy seems a bit of a pity.
Sure, the once-conspicuous hood ornament has been phased out decades ago. Here, the iconic emblem flattens into a 2D monogram. The laser-etched hand-finished brass ingots hide rear-facing cameras, charging ports and front air intakes. They harmonise nicely with the rest of the flushed surfaces. Like the panoramic roof and glassless rear tailgate to further the seamless agenda.
Inside isn't any less unusual. Amongst other interior features, the cabin spans a central 3.2m brass spine across its length and divides parallel dashboards ...that slide? We've yet to see how this all works out.
Perhaps that's the rub. It's not that the design is terrible; far from it. Only, we've seen this happen to countless brands across various industries trying to keep up with the immense pressure to innovate and stay relevant. Apparently all consumers want is minimalistic homogeneity, according to the pattern we're seeing.
Jaguar claims to base its new visual identity on the “Copy Nothing” ethos of founder Sir William Lyons, but it's hard to pinpoint how the silhouette deviates from what currently exists in the market.
Nonetheless, it appears that the polarising aesthetic is achieving what it set out to do: Get people talking about it, like we are now. The brand's first reimagined production car will be an electric four-door GT that will be made in the UK and revealed late next year. Until then, we'll be reflecting on the choices we made that led us here.
Long before fashion houses consciously co-opted colours as brand identifiers, Dior was one of the first few to have incorporated the colour grey (specifically Trianon Grey or Montaigne Grey) as part of its visual vocabulary. Grey has become such an integral colour for the house that you’d be hard-pressed to find a single collection without the use of it.
It is said that Monsieur Dior’s fascination with the hue first began when he was establishing the couture house on the now-historic 30 Avenue Montaigne address. He drew inspiration from his childhood home in Granville, which featured hues of blush pink and grey. The latter, he regarded as a practical and neutral shade that’s elegant in every material expression from wool to tweed.
Grey continues to be a core element of the House and one that Dior Men artistic director Kim Jones refreshes time and time again. Across renewed menswear tailoring, reimagined bag silhouettes as well as modern classic pieces, Jones typically includes grey as a part of an item’s colourway. We reckon it’s equal parts to honour Monsieur Dior as it is exemplifying just how elegant the pigment truly is.
As one of Dior Men’s explorations of reimagining its icons, the recently released Dior Gravity series now receives a greyed out treatment. The embossed Dior Oblique motif is achieved through a delicate technique that marks the leather with the aid of gravity—hence the name. The latest iteration of Dior Gravity adds another layer of craftsmanship with a gradient of greys beautiful executed through a hand-spraying process. Dior artisans then cut, assemble and sew the elements one by one.
A duo of backpacks and messenger bags as well as a clutch are dressed in the gradient Dior Gravity. And just as how Monsieur Dior himself had envisioned, the distinct Dior elegance is apparent despite the pieces crafted as more modern, casual accessories. The Dior Oblique motif is slightly obscured as the shift from life to dark glides over each piece, adding a sort of dramatic subtlety—a kind of intricate element you'd find on a couture piece.
Before he was a prince, a wizard and a master of the air, Callum Turner was a model. Runway. High fashion. Louis Vuitton Spring 2009: the London lad was clad in an all-white 'fit of Paul Helbers' design.
So, becoming an ambassador for the luxury stalwart feels like a 360° moment for the actor who’s just a swish and a flick away from becoming a household name.
“I’ve always loved LV from way back when, and I truly enjoy the full circle part of joining the guys,” he exclusively tells Esquire.
For the customary announcement shoot, LV kitted him out in its yet-to-release men's Spring/Summer 2025 collection (his prop, a supersized sakura shade Speedy) showcased in June at Paris Fashion Week Men's.
Turner says they're the kind of pieces he would wear for “going out out”—a phrase we're sure went over a few heads in Paris—but also “for every day”. He's not surprised that Pharrell, “a constant influence” in his sartorial choices, designs clothes that align with his style. “I love Pharrell in everything he does,” expresses Turner. “His clothes are incredible, [and] the collection is fresh and cool and exciting.”
Speaking of fresh and cool and exciting, Gabriel Moses was the photographer on set, much to Turner's delight: “It was nice to work with a fellow south London boy all the way in Paris. We had a lot of fun.”
The buzzy British-Nigerian photographer is something of an LV ambassador himself, having shot several moments for the maison during Pharrell's reign and walked in the first show designed by the musician-turned-creative director.
Once a Louis Vuitton man, always a Louis Vuitton man, it seems.
Originally published on Esquire UK
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.
When Tiffany & Co. announced the Tiffany Titan by Pharrell Williams collection back in May, it somehow didn’t feel quite... well, Williams in essence. Don’t be mistaken—the first drop was a brilliant display of ingenuity in jewellery design. The spear-shaped links feel like a fitting update to gold chains popularised by rappers since the ’80s, and Williams conceptualising an iteration of that under a brand like Tiffany is historic. Yet, something felt amiss.
Williams is a true multi-hyphenate. He’s a Grammy-winning musician and producer, a designer, a co-founder of streetwear brand Billionaire Boys Club and its sub-labels, and, of course, the men’s creative director for Louis Vuitton. But beyond that, Williams is a fashion icon in his own standing with a sense of style that often precedes him. The man knows a thing or two about accessorising and is hardly seen without a necklace or two. But what has always been somewhat of a mainstay is his penchant for pearls. Whether it’s a simple string of nacre or multi-layered like a statement Chanel piece, Williams dons them nonchalantly.
The latest drop of Tiffany Titan by Pharrell Williams is, in comparison, more Williams than its debut with the introduction of freshwater pearls. And, let’s not forget, diamonds.
“The inspiration of the collection comes from my affinity with water; andthenameofthecollection,‘Titan’, draws influence from Poseidon, ruler of the sea, King of Atlantis. ‘Atlantis’ is also the name of the community where I grew up in Virginia Beach,” Williams explains. “In Japan, it was believed that pearls were created from the tears of mythical water creatures; so I naturally gravitated towards them as a means of expressing this connection to water.”
High-lustre freshwater pearls of over 11mm adorn every piece, imbuing both sophistication and added refinement to the collection. By the size of the pearls alone, there’s no denying that these latest designs are meant to make statements. Even at its simplest—a pendant featuring a single orb seemingly pierced through with the collection’s spear-shaped motif lined with diamonds and on an adjustable gold chain—the eyes would instantly be drawn to the jewellery.
There’s no mistaking that pearls are the centrepiece. In place of the spear-shaped links, the collection’s bracelet and necklace consist of alternating pearls with gold spike rondelles; a trio of spear-shaped links act as the clasp on each piece with the middle on set with diamonds.
“With this new design, it’s almost like a harmonious juxtaposition. They contrast each other...the spear is bold and fearless, and the pearls are soft and precious, but they fit perfectly together. They almost look as if they are protecting each other,” says Williams. You could say the same of Williams—a man of constant juxtaposition across different disciplines and personal style. And just like he said, this iteration fits perfectly.
The second drop of the Tiffany Titan by Pharrell Williams collection is now available in Tiffany & Co. boutiques and online.
It's not quite the festive season in London until famed department store Harrods is completely decked out and lit up. And this year, Loro Piana has gone full on with a complete takeover of Harrods' façade and more.
Across 36 windows of Harrods, the Italian brand invites everyone on a fantastical journey of its inner workings. The various animations showcase Loro Piana's 100-year-long heritage and savoir-faire as quality materials and brand icons are transported from one scenography to the other in beautifully intricate displays. It's like a grown-up, more luxurious version of Santa's workshop where, instead of toys, cashmere creations and bags such as the Loom bag are the gifts. Each window is also a lesson into the Loro Piana story with blurbs of descriptions to things like its Coat of Arms, the Gift of Kings series, technology like the Storm System, and more.
Beyond the splendour of the windows and decorations, the Loro Piana takeover includes two special pop-ups stocked with a series of gift ideas made exclusively for Harrods. They span across both women's and men's ready-to-wear rendered in winter-ready fabrications the likes of Sopra Visso wool, Baby Cashmere, and Vicuña. Timeless pieces like scarves (in a variety of materials and designs) and a slate of tailored selections offer everyday style accompaniments with a British undercurrent of equestrian touches, checks and classic solid hues. A selection of scarves can also be customised with initials for that extra personalised touch.
While the takeover and pop-ups are temporary, they herald Loro Piana's expansion within Harrods. Two permanent spaces are due to open—one dedicated to a kids' collection, and another to Loro Piana Interiors. It's safe to say that with its 100th anniversary this year, the Maison definitely wants to end it big.
The Loro Piana takeover of Harrods London will run until 7 January 2025.
You watch a runway show, get immersed in the designer’s POV for the season, but then fail to find anything you’d wear. It happens, and it’s not because the collection is poorly thought-out, but rather, not everything paraded on the runway may be practical for real-world application—or at the very least, for the average man.
Dior Men artistic director Kim Jones recognises the conundrum. Given that the Dior Men clientele ranges from those who are familiar with Jones’ proposals for modern menswear with an elevated sense of masculinity, to those who prefer to dress more understatedly, the assortment of choices is already wide. Well, Jones just made it simpler with a capsule that’s fittingly called New Essentials.
The capsule riffs on the oft-used idea of wardrobe essentials but injected with elements signatureto the house. It’s a tight curation of must-have pieces ranging from tailoring to sportswear, each crafted for a refined look. Knits are made for comfort, trousers cut for maximum practicality, and casual jackets and blazers are sophisticated with clever inclusions of Dior motifs. An all-over Dior Oblique motif, for example, is rendered in a tonal treatment on a jacket and topped with subtle branding at the back. Elsewhere, calculated use of textural elements and precise constructions elevate pieces like a bomber jacket.
Sure, the New Essentials capsule collection is designed to be wearable, but there’s hardly anything basic about any of the pieces.
And if you ever feel adventurous enough to obtain a Dior Men runway piece, a New Essentials piece would most definitely make for easy pairing.
