https://www.scmp.com/rss/11250/feed en https://assets.i-scmp.com/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www.scmp.com In the lens of the media, it looks as if humanity is undergoing an existential crisis. Reports of violence take up headlines every day, while TV shows and movies often depict cruelty in disturbing detail. Meanwhile, the issue of climate change is raising alarm worldwide, bringing on doomsday predictions about our planet becoming uninhabitable. The upcoming New Vision Arts Festival – an annual performing arts event in Hong Kong organised by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department – will... https://www.scmp.com/native/lifestyle/arts-culture/topics/performing-arts-cutting-edge/article/3231263/complexities-humanity-be-explored-through-dance-film-and-lasers-hong-kongs-new-vision-arts-festival?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/native/lifestyle/arts-culture/topics/performing-arts-cutting-edge/article/3231263/complexities-humanity-be-explored-through-dance-film-and-lasers-hong-kongs-new-vision-arts-festival?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 18 Aug 2023 08:00:15 +0000 With less than a month until christmas, it is time to pull out the shimmer and turn up the festive glow indoors. There is a seasonal décor style for everyone, from handcrafted pieces to splashes of creativity that add a unique quirk to traditional trimmings. Start sprucing the home by avoiding unseasonal colours such as light pastels, and be creative when using traditional colour combinations, such as red and green or silver and gold, says Heather & March president Wendy Siu. “Incorporate more... https://www.scmp.com/special-reports/christmas-magazine/article/2121718/interior-firms-tempt-hongkongers-spruce-homes?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/special-reports/christmas-magazine/article/2121718/interior-firms-tempt-hongkongers-spruce-homes?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 29 Nov 2017 16:48:57 +0000 A wedding’s wow factor is no longer just about the dress; the groom has to look the part too, regardless of whether it’s a ballroom do or a beach bash for the couple’s nearest and dearest. As weddings have evolved into tailored events that reflect the personality of the couple, even the most reluctant suit wearer is willing to slip into something a little less familiar that will live up to the occasion. Grooms are paying attention to their wedding day best, and appreciating the dress codes that... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/fashion-beauty/article/2121445/why-grooms-should-go-bespoke-their-wedding-day?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/fashion-beauty/article/2121445/why-grooms-should-go-bespoke-their-wedding-day?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 29 Nov 2017 02:03:38 +0000 Designers are dreaming up new looks for brides getting married next year, with the latest bridal shows expressing emerging ideas and previewing a glimpse of styles to come. Brides-to-be who are wary of the risqué wedding gowns that were almost entirely transparent bar a few strategically placed embroidered or lace embellishments can heave a sigh of relief. A major bridal trend for next year is notably more demure, with a shift towards a timeless look that covers modesty. One of its key aspects... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/fashion-beauty/article/2121430/modesty-makes-comeback-bridal-fashion-wedding-gowns?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/fashion-beauty/article/2121430/modesty-makes-comeback-bridal-fashion-wedding-gowns?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 28 Nov 2017 07:00:56 +0000 Forevermark’s revelation that its coming marketing campaign will target women who buy jewellery for themselves is no coincidence. The strategy is an indication that the diamond market has finally realised the influence women have on consumer spending. Global diamond sales rose to US$80 billion last year, reversing the slump caused by weaker demand from markets such as China and India, according to industry experts. While these sales were bolstered by demand from the United States, the world’s... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/watches-jewellery/article/2111871/why-more-women-are-buying-their-own-diamonds?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/watches-jewellery/article/2111871/why-more-women-are-buying-their-own-diamonds?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 20 Sep 2017 01:01:11 +0000 Once the bride has found her dream gown, comes the search for dresses for the bridesmaids. For the bride, it’s a quest to find the perfect set to complement the overall style of her wedding; for her ladies in waiting, it can be a fine line between supporting the bride’s wishes and a desire to look and feel great. Stepping into the bridal party can mean navigating all kinds of unchartered wedding prep territory and the colour, style and fabric of a frock can potentially raise some touchy... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/fashion-beauty/special-reports/topics/weddings/article/2098309/how-choose-bridesmaid?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/fashion-beauty/special-reports/topics/weddings/article/2098309/how-choose-bridesmaid?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 15 Jun 2017 03:00:15 +0000 From dream-worthy gowns to two-for-one options that allow the bride to switch looks from ceremony to reception, wedding dress collections flow with variety that guarantees every bride will find “the one”, whatever her taste or budget. Brides-to-be are leading one of the biggest trends in bridal wear, with many reconsidering their wedding dress budget in order to spend more on other parts of their big day. As a result, wedding dress designers are finding new ways to give brides more value for... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/fashion-beauty/special-reports/topics/weddings/article/2098308/why-brides-are?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/fashion-beauty/special-reports/topics/weddings/article/2098308/why-brides-are?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 15 Jun 2017 02:30:15 +0000 Nature has long captured the imagination of designers. Breathtaking marine life, the vivacious colours of flora and fauna or the predatory presence of a wild beast, each provides a decorative proposition. Jewellery brands have taken symbols of nature as their own. Cartier embodies the regal, powerful stance of its panther, as much as Piaget has a legitimate claim on the rose; Yves Piaget was an avid rose grower and has a species named after him. Fuelled by the nuances of the seasons,... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/watches-jewellery/article/2094070/jewellers-inspired-nature-create-sparkling?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/watches-jewellery/article/2094070/jewellers-inspired-nature-create-sparkling?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 14 May 2017 07:00:30 +0000 Hong Kong-based jeweller Ronald Abram marks half a century in the business this year, with a self-effacing “how time flies” response to a milestone that others might mark with considerable fanfare. This reaction belies the presence of Ronald Abram the high jeweller, and the man behind the eponymous company. Ronald Abram the founder built the company on the backbone of his expertise in rare and exceptional gems, some of which are customised into one-off jewellery pieces for prominent... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/watches-jewellery/article/2094039/hong-kong-jeweller-ronald-abram-boasts-precious?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/watches-jewellery/article/2094039/hong-kong-jeweller-ronald-abram-boasts-precious?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 12 May 2017 02:05:06 +0000 As the warmer weather digs in, interiors are reconnecting with nature in all its forms. Sleek and chic are making way for warmer materials, with prints and colours providing a new cocoon for the home. “As our lives continue to get busier, there is a growing desire for our homes to be a break from the intensity, a calming space or even a sanctuary,” says Amanda Norton-Knight at Bowerbird. “In line with this, we have focused on a more lush tropical and botanical look.” Tropical print cushions by... https://www.scmp.com/special-reports/business/topics/horizon-plaza/article/2093878/back-nature-interiors-embrace-natural?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/special-reports/business/topics/horizon-plaza/article/2093878/back-nature-interiors-embrace-natural?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 11 May 2017 07:48:15 +0000 The home is much more than a functional space to collapse into at the end of a long day. More than ever interiors are becoming a comforting antidote to the world around us and, as designers play with ideas and moods, homeware collections are offering an energising mix of inspiration with unique designs that add beguiling charm. H. D. Buttercup marks its first foray beyond its Los Angeles base with a curated collection of furniture at Horizon Plaza that “will soon become adored additions to Hong... https://www.scmp.com/special-reports/business/topics/horizon-plaza/article/2093875/home-comforts-designers-impress?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/special-reports/business/topics/horizon-plaza/article/2093875/home-comforts-designers-impress?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 11 May 2017 07:30:40 +0000 Next month in Geneva, Christie’s will auction a private collection of Cartier pieces, including jewellery, watches and objets d’art. The collection of more than 100 pieces was accumulated by Eric Nussbaum, the so-called “eye” of the jewellery business and one of Cartier’s most significant figures of his time. Nussbaum joined Cartier in 1969 and almost a decade and half later he was tasked with establishing The Cartier Collection, beginning a two-decade odyssey collecting an historical inventory... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/watches-jewellery/article/2093879/cartiers-iconic-high-jewellery-pieces-mark-moments?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/watches-jewellery/article/2093879/cartiers-iconic-high-jewellery-pieces-mark-moments?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 11 May 2017 02:33:33 +0000 Historically, the choker has had a difficult relationship with fashion. From its connotations in post-revolutionary France as a sympathetic gesture of death by guillotine to its indication of a woman’s nightly profession, it has been associated with the less salubrious sides of society. Nevertheless, the choker is far from dead. Fashion dictates that it ebbs and flows according to fads – last year’s proliferation on runways and as the accessory of choice at festivals is making way for longer... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/watches-jewellery/article/2093741/chokers-make-comeback-luxury-jewellers-create-new?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/watches-jewellery/article/2093741/chokers-make-comeback-luxury-jewellers-create-new?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 10 May 2017 10:01:56 +0000 The relationship between red-carpet events and product placement is long established, of course. Come awards season, speculation is as much about the outfits celebrities might wear as the potential winners, reflecting the anticipation, glamour and escapism that these high-profile events have come to represent. The competition to dress Hollywood’s elite is intense with the stakes resting on red-carpet appearances as high for the brands as they are the nominees parading their wares. For winners,... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/watches-jewellery/article/2091488/why-red-carpets-sparkle-worlds-best-luxury?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/watches-jewellery/article/2091488/why-red-carpets-sparkle-worlds-best-luxury?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 28 Apr 2017 08:15:45 +0000 We spend about one-third of our lives sleeping, so it makes sense to invest in a comfortable mattress. Just what exactly constitutes a comfortable mattress is of course subjective. One person’s ergonomic support is another’s slate of marble, and with all the technology that now underlies a good night’s sleep, finding the ideal mattress is a lesson in pocket spring coils and memory foam. A good night’s sleep comes down to the body’s ability to relax so blood can flow effectively through the body... https://www.scmp.com/special-reports/lifestyle/topics/homesquare/article/2083440/good-night-comfortable-and-supportive?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/special-reports/lifestyle/topics/homesquare/article/2083440/good-night-comfortable-and-supportive?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 30 Mar 2017 04:49:37 +0000 Move over utilitarian industrial chic, because the new season brings an entirely new spread of interior trends. As recent crazes for no-frills chic fades with winter, a new mood for nurturing and fun is on the horizon, as designers seek an antidote to global affairs. Natural materials and themes are big news as interiors move towards a casual, comfortable space. “Incorporating natural materials and themes continues to become increasingly popular. Distressed furniture adds character to your home,... https://www.scmp.com/special-reports/lifestyle/topics/homesquare/article/2083438/natural-designs-and-neutral-themes?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/special-reports/lifestyle/topics/homesquare/article/2083438/natural-designs-and-neutral-themes?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 30 Mar 2017 04:46:24 +0000 Roger Dubuis is steering its creativity in a new direction with a partnership that promises to move its innovative streak up a gear. This year’s SIHH debuted the brand’s alliance with Formula One tyre maker Pirelli, launched on the back of a “dare to be rare” campaign for the first of the novelties. They are the Excalibur Spider Pirelli Double Flying Tourbillon and the Excalibur Spider Pirelli Automatic Skeleton, featuring straps made from a Pirelli tyre, but not just any old tyre. The... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/watches-jewellery/topics/sihh-2017/article/2082391/roger-dubuis-launches?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/watches-jewellery/topics/sihh-2017/article/2082391/roger-dubuis-launches?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 27 Mar 2017 04:45:00 +0000 Piaget continues the revelry, which started with last year’s Sunny Side of Life collection, by celebrating the 60th anniversary of the Altiplano, its ultrathin watch that redefined the boundaries of movement and design in haute watchmaking. This refocus of attention switches the spotlight back onto Piaget’s most important collections, and continues its upbeat disposition towards business. The debut of the manual-winding 9P timepiece in 1957 revealed a movement just 2mm thin, a first that Piaget... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/topics/sihh-2017/article/2081462/thin-still-piaget-remains-master?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/topics/sihh-2017/article/2081462/thin-still-piaget-remains-master?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 23 Mar 2017 03:45:45 +0000 François-Henry Bennahmias promised a streamlined collection with new mechanisms, designs and materials when he assumed the reins as CEO at Audemars Piguet four years ago. That pledge started to emerge last year with the Royal Oak collection, and all eyes were on it at this year’s SIHH, as the watchmaker unveiled novelties showcasing new designs and materials across its signature line. They included the Royal Oak Openworked Double Balance Wheel with two balance wheels on the same axis to improve... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/watches-jewellery/topics/sihh-2017/article/2081458/eye-catching-audemars-piguets?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/watches-jewellery/topics/sihh-2017/article/2081458/eye-catching-audemars-piguets?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 23 Mar 2017 03:45:15 +0000 Confidence comes with age and, as Parmigiani Fleurier eases comfortably into its third decade, it is revamping its most important creations that will serve as a solid foundation for the future. The idea is to form a defined structure within the company with a streamlined vision, backed with signature creations that will “stand the test of time”, the brand says. Parmigiani Fleurier’s founder, Michel Parmigiani, is well-versed in the importance of traditional watchmaking that can withstand the... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/topics/sihh-2017/article/2081445/parmigiani-fleurier-upgrades-some?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/topics/sihh-2017/article/2081445/parmigiani-fleurier-upgrades-some?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 23 Mar 2017 03:00:00 +0000 Gemstones are the visible face of high jewellery, displaying their natural beauty to dazzling effect. These gems hold intrinsic value, but painstaking techniques and extraordinary craftsmanship give them heightened worth. Cartier’s Paris workshop is a hotbed of artisanal craftsmanship where gem cutting, glyptics and figurative artworks are exquisitely applied. Such skills are driven by an innovative and creative team, and they are instrumental in audacious high-jewellery collections, says image,... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/watches-jewellery/article/2051129/gems-gain-worth-thanks-painstaking-craftsmanship?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/watches-jewellery/article/2051129/gems-gain-worth-thanks-painstaking-craftsmanship?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 02 Dec 2016 07:15:30 +0000 Nothing sets the scene for Christmas as much as decking the home for the season, and this year’s array of embellishments promises to spread a shimmer of festive cheer everywhere. From shiny metallic shades and opulent textures to the more traditional themes, a festive-looking home is all for the taking. Silver and gold may be failsafe colours for Christmas, but this year designers are pairing hi-shine metallics with jewel shades and luxe fabrics to dramatic effect. Tequila Kola’s creative... https://www.scmp.com/special-reports/special-reports/christmas-magazine/topics/christmas-magazine/article/2050349/bring?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/special-reports/special-reports/christmas-magazine/topics/christmas-magazine/article/2050349/bring?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 01 Dec 2016 04:15:30 +0000 Wedding dress designers are reshaping the way women think about their biggest splurge on a frock, combining traditional accoutrements into gowns charged with sensuality. Necklines that bare skin, fabrics that play on illusion, and billowing skirts, veils and capes all add a sense of drama and romance, as designers play with silhouettes and a bride’s modesty. “This year is one of the most glamorous we see with all the brands,” says Erica Ling, director at Audella Bridal House. “We see a lot of... https://www.scmp.com/special-reports/business/topics/moment-wedding-special/article/2048177/wedding-dress-designers?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/special-reports/business/topics/moment-wedding-special/article/2048177/wedding-dress-designers?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 22 Nov 2016 04:30:00 +0000 Décor can set the tone for any celebration, and in this era of themed weddings and microplanning, it takes more than colour coordinating floral arrangements with table linens to pull off a spectacular aesthetic display. Table décor has become a key part of a wedding’s overall aesthetic, where colour, props and flowers all play a bit part in binding a theme together. Michele Li, founder of The Wedding Company, says weddings are becoming more detailed with lots of little touches and... https://www.scmp.com/special-reports/business/topics/moment-wedding-special/article/2048171/make-wedding-table-feast?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/special-reports/business/topics/moment-wedding-special/article/2048171/make-wedding-table-feast?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 22 Nov 2016 03:45:45 +0000 Today’s grooms are just as willing to rise to the occasion and dress up for their big day, and with a willingness to let trends inspire and a confidence to experiment, men are side-stepping the hard and fast rules of wedding dress attire. The menswear movement has changed over the past five years with men much more educated on trends, grooming and accessories, says James England, who runs his own menswear label in Hong Kong. Men no longer rely on trends and are more willing to play around with... https://www.scmp.com/special-reports/business/topics/moment-wedding-special/article/2048175/grooms-are-willing-play?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/special-reports/business/topics/moment-wedding-special/article/2048175/grooms-are-willing-play?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 22 Nov 2016 03:45:45 +0000 Whether you’re looking for a small token to mark the occasion or a significant addition to the newlywed home, homeware outlets offer a range of luxurious items that make an ideal gift. Double Happiness was the first to offer an online wedding gift registry service in Hong Kong, spotting a niche that goes against the grain of giving monetary gifts to the bride and groom. The online service puts more than 70 retailers at the fingertips of the happy couple and their guests, making it one of the... https://www.scmp.com/special-reports/business/topics/moment-wedding-special/article/2048170/hong-kong-brides-are-spoilt?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/special-reports/business/topics/moment-wedding-special/article/2048170/hong-kong-brides-are-spoilt?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 22 Nov 2016 03:30:45 +0000 Milestone editions enable watchmakers to highlight their expertise, enhance their collections and offer connoisseurs new special-edition pieces. Vacheron Constantin celebrated its 260th anniversary last year with a one-off masterpiece. Commissioned by a collector, it contained 57 complications that revealed all the maison’s mechanical marvels. This year, the watchmaker marks the 20th anniversary of its Overseas collection, which followed the brand’s tentative forays in the 1970s into luxury,... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/topics/timepieces/article/2046865/happy-anniversary-watchmakers-commemorate?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/topics/timepieces/article/2046865/happy-anniversary-watchmakers-commemorate?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 17 Nov 2016 04:45:00 +0000 Certain jewels spring to mind when you think of gemstones. The “big four”, emeralds, rubies, sapphires and diamonds, have been sought-after by those seeking jewelled objects that court a familiarity – an aesthetic beauty, and a value, sentimental or monetary, for example. This surge in demand has exacerbated the supply and demand issue of gems already limited in quantity, pushing prices up and forcing designers to find more creative ways to appeal to consumers. As a result, jewellery brands are... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/topics/jewellery/article/2043043/colourful-times-leading-designers-are?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/topics/jewellery/article/2043043/colourful-times-leading-designers-are?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 08 Nov 2016 04:45:15 +0000 Couture jewellery is grand in scale and lavish in detail. A single piece might be years in the making, on hold until an elusive jewel that perfectly matches another is found or a niggly design flaw is overcome. Yet, once those challenges are mounted, the result is an opulent tempo to precious gems. Dior’s artistic director of jewellery, Victoire de Castellane has a reputation for pairing colour combinations and cuts of precious stones that few others could, and the brand’s latest collection of... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/topics/jewellery/article/2043044/couture-jewellery-made-specially-those-who?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/topics/jewellery/article/2043044/couture-jewellery-made-specially-those-who?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 08 Nov 2016 04:30:45 +0000 Parisian jewellers along the prestigious Place Vendôme in Paris are turning to wheat for their latest jewellery collections that interpret its cycle of life from seedling to golden harvest. The collections launched during Couture Fashion Week in the summer and Place Vendôme was transformed into a field of golden tipped wheat stalks swaying in the breeze. The installation by French street artist Gad Weil was part tribute to the rebirth of life that wheat represents, “to remind everyone how much... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/topics/jewellery/article/2043027/chanel-boucheron-and-chaumets-latest-high?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/topics/jewellery/article/2043027/chanel-boucheron-and-chaumets-latest-high?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 08 Nov 2016 02:00:00 +0000 This year's SIHH was all about bringing together its revelations in mechanical watchmaking with haute joaillerie creativity, displayed in new timepieces that combine familiar Cartier references with artisanal flair. Cartier first dabbled with the concept of floating hands in 1912 with its mystery clocks. It provided the blueprint for innovations that led to its mystery dial, characterised by invisible sapphire discs that give the appearance of the hands or movement suspended in gravity that... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/article/1962328/cartier-pushes-boundaries-45-new-complications-sihh16?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/article/1962328/cartier-pushes-boundaries-45-new-complications-sihh16?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 02 Jun 2016 02:15:15 +0000 The world of watchmaking, it seems, is being turned on its axis. As quickly as luxury brands traditionally rooted in jewellery are turning their attention to horology and acquiring partnerships with manufacturers to prove their worth in the industry, traditional watchmakers are demonstrating they can cast a bejewelled spell on timepieces with a cache of precious gems. What this means for the consumer is an expertly executed array of designs that combine Swiss watchmaking and high jewellery in... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/watches/article/1891790/traditional-watchmakers-turn-precious-gems-sparkling-timepieces?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/watches/article/1891790/traditional-watchmakers-turn-precious-gems-sparkling-timepieces?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 16 Dec 2015 03:45:45 +0000 Since its establishment in 1833, concern for detail has been a driving force behind the manufacture. It numbers 180 skills under its roof, including a dedicated art studio housing a small team of enamellers deftly applying their artistic bent to mechanical timepieces.  Enamelling is an art of its own, with dozens of procedures and techniques that without great skill can result in ruin. Far from wanting to be labelled the Asian equivalent of Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie (SIHH),... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/article/1863124/jaeger-lecoultre-focuses-enamelling-skills-and-new-models-inspired?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/article/1863124/jaeger-lecoultre-focuses-enamelling-skills-and-new-models-inspired?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 01 Oct 2015 03:45:30 +0000 There's no question watches are big business. While major markets such as the mainland are levelling, exports of Swiss watches are still above average and the women's sector is on the rise. According to World Watch Report, the industry's leading market research group, sales of women's timepieces rose by more than 7 per cent last year. Luxury watch brands are showing greater appreciation for the role women can play in the industry as consumers and decision-makers.  More are dedicating a bigger... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/watches/article/1768469/dawn-new-era-women?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/watches/article/1768469/dawn-new-era-women?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 17 Apr 2015 06:30:00 +0000 Eating in is gaining favour in a city where dining out is a national pastime. With a growing appreciation for creature comforts and entertaining at home, the kitchen is becoming the hub of family and social life in Hong Kong. Interior designers are responding with integrated spaces that accommodate a more social interaction within the home, and kitchen brands are providing smarter designs to fill them with advanced appliances that appeal to home cooks and connect them to their kitchens more... https://www.scmp.com/article/1710184/could-smart-kitchens-make-eating-new-going-out?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/1710184/could-smart-kitchens-make-eating-new-going-out?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 13 Feb 2015 01:30:45 +0000 After years of stainless steel and chrome influencing interiors that could elevate contemporary aesthetics, softer shades of metal are making a bold statement. Hues such as brass, bronze and burnished gold are among the home interior picks for 2015. Interior designers began warming to the trend last year by applying rose gold to designs, following as interior trends follow in the footsteps of fashion and accessories. Experts predict the glow of mixed metallics will be stronger this year and... https://www.scmp.com/article/1700225/softer-shades-metal-making-bold-statement-throughout-home?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/1700225/softer-shades-metal-making-bold-statement-throughout-home?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 10 Feb 2015 06:30:30 +0000 Watches&Wonders is an important acknowledgement of the Asian market, and with its strong customer focus, the fair is an opportunity for watchmakers to reach a broad audience. Nicolas Bos, president and CEO of Van Cleef & Arpels, says as the event will focus on watchmaking and the heritage of watchmakers, it is an opportunity to introduce the Asian audience to the brand's values, history and creativity, and to connect with consumers who have a large appetite for information about the craft. "Asia... https://www.scmp.com/article/1316734/pure-poetry?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/1316734/pure-poetry?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 24 Sep 2013 16:00:00 +0000 All eyes are on Hong Kong as it debuts the region's Watches&Wonders fair. With its clear focus on customers, the event is being used by brands to leave a lasting impression on the Asian audience. Georges Kern, CEO of IWC, says Asia is a valuable market of "utter importance", and the fair is an opportunity to give visitors insight into the Swiss company's heritage and values. "This trade fair will give us a chance to explain who we are and what we offer to all the Asian guests who are passionate... https://www.scmp.com/article/1316721/many-different-faces?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/1316721/many-different-faces?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 24 Sep 2013 16:00:00 +0000 Parmigiani celebrated rock 'n' roll at this year's SIHH, unveiling a collection that pays tribute to the United States and British music scenes. The Tonda Woodstock and Tonda Woodrock set was one of the more offbeat collections to emerge and adds a new bow to the brand's know-how, marking its first foray into marquetry. This ancient process of cutting and assembling veneers is a meticulous craft that appears less frequently in watchmaking than other art forms. Artisans spend hundreds of hours... https://www.scmp.com/article/1189099/musical-influences-dominate-collection?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/1189099/musical-influences-dominate-collection?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 12 Mar 2013 16:00:00 +0000 Baume and Mercier tuned into the golden '50s for its new Clifton collection, unveiled at this year's SIHH. Tapping into 183 years' worth of knowledge and 700 design references, the watchmaker chose a 1950s museum piece as the template for a collection to reinforce the brand's Swiss heritage. Modern-day preferences for larger dials and functionality are combined with a pared-down vintage aesthetic characterised by an elegant case, long lugs, a domed sapphire crystal and applied numerals and hour... https://www.scmp.com/article/1189089/golden-erareveals-vision?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/1189089/golden-erareveals-vision?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 12 Mar 2013 16:00:00 +0000 Women's timepieces are the tour de force at Vacheron Constantin this year, with novelties cultivating the gender's appreciation for haute horlogerie. The brand, one of the founding Swiss watchmaking companies, was also one of the earliest to produce mechanical timepieces for women. This year it puts the spotlight on them. New creations are added to the Patrimony, Malte, Overseas and Metiers d'Art collections, with some debuting novelties for women. The Metiers d'Art line is the watchmaker's... https://www.scmp.com/article/1189108/womens-world?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/1189108/womens-world?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 12 Mar 2013 16:00:00 +0000 Christie's Hong Kong hopes to bring rare collectibles to a wider audience with its autumn auctions and exhibitions, being held from today until Wednesday at Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. A series of events open to the public will coincide with the auctions, which will see more than 4,000 lots, estimated to be more than HK$2.2 billion, go under the hammer. These items will be auctioned under six categories - Chinese classical and modern paintings (Monday and Tuesday), Asian 20th... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/arts-culture/article/1088317/masterpieces-grabs?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/arts-culture/article/1088317/masterpieces-grabs?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 22 Nov 2012 16:00:00 +0000 The Andy Warhol Foundation has engaged Christie's for future sales of Warhol's work from its collection. The upcoming Hong Kong Private Sales exhibition follows the inaugural New York auction of Warhol at Christie's, which totalled more than US$17 million. The sale will feature 37 works by Warhol at a variety of price levels. Christie's Private Sales represent an opportunity for first time buyers and seasoned collectors to acquire a work by the artist who had often been referred to as the... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/arts-culture/article/1088318/37-andy-warhol-works-hong-kong-pre-auction-exhibition?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/arts-culture/article/1088318/37-andy-warhol-works-hong-kong-pre-auction-exhibition?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 22 Nov 2012 16:00:00 +0000 As one of Hong Kong's original baby superstores, Bumps to Babes offers a vast range of goods for expectant mothers, newborns, toddlers and children up to the age of eight. With more than 2,000 items in its Horizon Plaza outlet, parents are spoilt for choice. Bumps to Babes stocks top European, American and Australian brands, covering hardware such as pushchairs, nursery furniture and car seats from Quinny, Bugaboo, Maclaren and phil & teds, with new products including the latest Maclaren Quest... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/family-education/article/1030768/mum-knows-best-well-stocked-store?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/family-education/article/1030768/mum-knows-best-well-stocked-store?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 06 Sep 2012 16:00:00 +0000 Wedding gifts, rather than lucky money, are becoming a popular option among Hong Kong couples who see them as a chance to fill the gaps in their home or serve as a reminder of their big day. A gift registry at a department store or boutique outlet takes the stress out of the search, especially for guests less familiar with a couple's likes and dislikes. Stores such as Inside, White Contemporary Homes and Bed & Bath offer a list service on items such as linens and accessories, while outlets such... https://www.scmp.com/article/1004498/wealth-choice-all?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/1004498/wealth-choice-all?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 20 Jun 2012 16:00:00 +0000 Once the initial excitement of the proposal settles down, planning for the big day begins. Landmark views and expansive ballrooms make hotels the venue of choice for many couples, and some offer a full wedding-planning service with in-house experts to pull together every detail and turn dreams into reality. Eva Kwan, director of catering and events at The Mira Hong Kong, says it acts as a one-stop-shop for everything from ideas to execution. 'Everything that happens inside the hotel, we can take... https://www.scmp.com/article/1004488/stairway-heaven?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/1004488/stairway-heaven?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 20 Jun 2012 16:00:00 +0000 Weddings are filled with elaborate customs and the banquet is one of the most important. But in response to growing concerns about environmental and sustainability issues, some traditions are making way for modern variations. Between 50 and 80 per cent of the shark's fin market is handled in Hong Kong and, along with the tradition of serving it at Chinese wedding banquets, the delicacy was always guaranteed a place on the menu. Nevertheless, the city's appetite for dishes such as shark's fin... https://www.scmp.com/article/1004491/no-appetite-delicacy?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/1004491/no-appetite-delicacy?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 20 Jun 2012 16:00:00 +0000 Since its launch more than 50 years ago, the Corum Admiral's Cup series has been associated with the ocean. The series was named after the Admiral's Cup race, launched by the Royal Ocean Racing Club in 1956, and takes inspiration from maritime influences. Following its decision to divide the range into three distinct segments last year - clearly delineating classic, sports and extreme-condition timepieces - the Legend classic line expands with four new models showing off strong aesthetics and... https://www.scmp.com/article/1000024/legendary-tribute-ocean-racing?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/1000024/legendary-tribute-ocean-racing?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 03 May 2012 16:00:00 +0000 Jacob & Co built its business on creating imaginative watches and jewellery that make a statement. Always sidestepping the comfort zone of convention in an industry steeped in tradition, the company has pushed the boundaries by fusing Swiss expertise with artistic vision. The Five Time Zone watch earned Jacob & Co respect for its technical accomplishments and creative punch. A dial showing local time and the time in four major international cities characterises the watch. The brand has added 11... https://www.scmp.com/article/1000020/technically-creative-collection?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/1000020/technically-creative-collection?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 03 May 2012 16:00:00 +0000 Chopard has added a Classic collection to its portfolio with the Classic Manufactum, unveiled at BaselWorld. The understated line is inspired by the Belle ?poque pocket watches that helped founder Louis-Ulysse Chopard establish his reputation as a watchmaker. The Classic Manufactum represents traditional watch design with a porcelain-type dial, black Roman numerals, slender golden hands and a rail-track graduation on the small seconds subdial at 6 o'clock. Housed in a rose, yellow or white gold... https://www.scmp.com/article/1000008/classic-understatement?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/1000008/classic-understatement?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 03 May 2012 16:00:00 +0000