Jewellery is always an investment worth making and now more than ever, there has been an influx in sales. We’re familiar with the dazzle of Cartier and Van Cleef & Arpels. As of late, other labels too are catching our eye.
Chaumet Ring
On the runways, jewellery frequently plays a supporting role as a lovely decoration or a subtle accent that you only see when you zoom in.
Chopard Pendant
But jewellery may also reveal a lot about a person’s personality and sense of style, whether it be basic or maximalist, daring or conservative.
Chopard Ring
It provides insight into a person’s priorities and interests, whether they be family and craft as demonstrated by antique artifacts and hand-made trinkets, or nature with crystals and sustainable materials.
Cartier Bracelet
Elsewhere, fashion’s artistic inclinations came through in astonishing statement hoops, wire-like sculptures, and extra-long fringe earrings, elevating the body to a walking canvas.
Buccellati Pendant
(Text: Joseff Musa)
Unorthodox Beauty- Beauty lines to revive the modern vibe Remix
Look 1
Clockwise from left:
1. Ambient Soft Glow Foundation by Hourglass
2. Phantom Volumizing Glossy Balm Duo by Hourglass
3. Voyeur Waterproof Gel Eyeliner #Cave by Hourglass
4. THREE Dimensional Vision Eye Palette Ally #04 by Three Cosmetics
5. THREE Arising Sprit Lip Glow #02 by Three Cosmetics
6. Translucent Loose Setting Powder (Anniversary Limited Edition) by Laura
Look 2
From top to bottom:
1. Killawatt Freestyle Highlighter by Fenty Beauty
2. Eaze Drop Lit by Fenty Beauty
3. Fenty Icon Refillable Lipstick by Fenty Beauty
4. Match Stix Contour by Fenty Beauty
5. Invisimatte 2.0 by Fenty Beauty
6. Fenty Icon Lipstick by Fenty Beauty
Look 3
Clockwise from left:
1. Liquid Lipstick by Byredo
2. Astronomical Mascara by Byredo
3. Flavoured Lip Balms by Byredo
4. Reunion Lipstick by Byredo
5. Eyeshadow 5 Colours in Metal Boots in the Snow by Byredo
6. Kajal Pencil by Byredo
7. Technical Black Eyeliner by Byredo
8. Colour Stick by Byredo
Look 4
From top to bottom:
1. Always Ready Brow Pencil by Benefit Cosmetics
2. They’re Real Xtreme Precision Liner by Benefit Cosmetics
3. Butterfly Golden Orange Blush by Benefit Cosmetics
4. The POREfessional: Lite Primer by Benefit Cosmetics
5. Benefit Multitasking Cheek Brush by Benefit Cosmetics
Look 5
From top to bottom:
1. Soleil Summer 2022 Ultra Lip Shine #04 Aphrodite by Tom Ford Beauty
2. Shade & Illuminate Blush Explicit Flush by Tom Ford Beauty
3. Soleil Summer 2022 Cheek Duo by Tom Ford Beauty
4. Soleil Summer 2022 Eye & Cheek Palette by Tom Ford Beauty
5. Lip Color Satin Matte #05 Adored by Tom Ford Beauty
Photographer: Jack Law; Art Direction & Styling: Jhoshwa Ledesma; Videographer: Achilles Sparta
Pearly Whites with splashes of gold and silver
Pearls have long commanded the attention of jewellery lovers with there lustrous surface, colour, shape and rarity. Especially having enjoyed the Roaring ‘20s limelight and royal treatment by the likes of the late Princess Diana, the timeless elegance of the pearl has kept its place as a sentimental favourite.
However, amid the buzz of contemporary high jewellery creations and art deco designs, the traditional and classic long, single-strand ivory-hued adornment have made a comeback on the red carpet with a contemporary twist.
Rocking the waters of traditional styles and designs, these beautiful creations have been making waves, not only emphasising femininity, but also crossing barriers into more gender defying roles – particularly in men’s styling.
Just take the gorgeous Chanel and Dior Spring-Summer 2022 collections for example. Not to mention the ever evolving styles of Mikimoto and Boucheron that continue to wow jewellery lovers with fine craftsmanship.
And if the Met Gala costumes of fashion icons like English pop star Harry Styles are any indication, it just goes to show the versatility of these gems of the sea.
Mikimoto Feather Collection ring
Chaumet Josephine Pearls ring
Fall season’s hottest accessories embrace classic sensibility
Though warmer climes are making a slow move away from the city, fall-winter trends are in full swing. Prep your wardrobe with the hottest accessories to add to your ensemble. From handbags to loafers to booties and more. Check out our carefully-curated selection of must-have haute couture items this autumn.
Look 1
Carasky mini bucket by Christian Louboutin; Micro Varenne shoulder bag by Jimmy Choo
Look 2
Cierra 100 boots by Jimmy Choo; The Studio tote bag by Salvatore Ferragamo; Chain bag by YSL
Look 3
Mini Kalimero Bucket bag by Bottega Veneta; One Stud Top handle Bag Valentino Garavani
Look 4
Desiree shoulder bag by Bottega Veneta; Moccasin mid heels platform by Gucci; Trifolio box bag by Salvatore Ferragamo
Look 5
Gancini loafers by Salvatore Ferragamo; Le 5 À Hobo bag by YSL
Photographer: Jack Law; Art Direction & Styling: Jhoshwa Ledesma; Videographer: Jackie Chan; Venue: Casa Modernism Showroom, Horizon Plaza
Whet your appetite with these fine jewellery pieces
Looks so good, you could almost devour it. The delicate stands of diamond necklaces that twirl, wrap and drape decolletage, the scintillating earrings that frame the face and adorn the wrists, and the bubblegum pinks and blues that decorate the fingers, these are the latest of modern, elegant and mesmerising fine jewellery to style with for your next occasion.
Illa Starlight earring, Lorelei Lattice intensive bangle, Illa Starlight ring, and Illa Starlight necklace by Hearts On Fire Jewelry
Move 10th bangle, Lucky Move PM bracelet, Move Uno ankle bracelet and necklace, Move Romane mini hoops, Baby Move necklace, Lucky Move MM Onyx necklace, and Move Noa GM Pavè ring by Messika Paris
Fruit Hoops rings and bangle, Slinkee diamond ring and bangle, Marshmallow ring, Marshmallow ring by Boochier
Pain de Sucre ring , Force 10 ring and Force 10 bracelet by FRED
Schlumberger® V-Rope ear clips, Schlumberger® Bird on a Rock brooch with amethyst, Brooch, Bracelet, and Tiffany Enchant® dragonfly brooch by Tiffany & Co
Photographer: Jack Law Art Direction & Styling: Jhoshwa Ledesma Videographer: Andy Wan
Style Guide: Choosing the right pair women’s shoes for your feet type
Every woman has known the struggle of wearing a pair of shoes that didn’t serve their comfort well. It would seem that blisters and sore feet were synonyms to being a lady. After all, “Beauty is pain”, isn’t that how the adage goes?
However, one thing that cannot be compromised when picking out the right footwear for your feet is comfort. Not only does comfort allow for a smooth stride and unrestricted mobility throughout the day, wearing the wrong pair of shoes for your feet can also adversely affect one’s posture, resulting in back pain, sore legs, and swollen ligaments.
Although the most comfortable shoes may not always be by the most coveted high fashion brands, if you pick the right shoes for your feet, your body will thank you for it. At Gafencu, our resident style experts offers a few pointers of what to avoid when picking out a pair of shoes, and hve created a list of comfortable but trendy footwear that will offer the right support and protection for your specific feet type.
Know your feet type The three most distinctive feet types are arched, flat and wide feet. These types require footwear that conforms to the distinctive shape and form of a person’s feet type to provide the most comfort — more importantly — protection.
Although the norm in any shoe store is to pick a style you like and ask for your size, podiatrists will advice you to pick out footwear according to feet type, and avoiding heals for a long stretch of time. This is because the style you like may not be fitting for the feet you have. That doesn’t necessarily mean you have to compromise on your overall look and elegance though (thank goodness!). Below are our recommendations…
Flat Feet Those with flat feet are prone to ligament laxity and muscle weakness. Avoid shoes that offer little to no arch support, such as thin or flat soles, flip flops, and certain pointed or narrow fronts. Instead, pick footwear that offer more structure and support, cushioned insoles, stable design.
Photo courtesy of NET-A-PORTER
Bottega Veneta‘s Rubber Lido debossed leather mules are made in Italy from padded ‘Sea Salt’ leather. This square-toe pair is designed with thick straps and stiletto heels that offer 90mm of lift but a load of comfort from its padded soles.
Photo courtesy of NET-A-PORTER
Stuart WeitzmanNudistCurve leather sandals is a sturdy and elegant pair that features a very manageable block heel and slightly thicker two strap design for both comfort and support. This pair is made from smooth white leather and has square toes.
Something for the everyday stroll is a podiatrist-recommended VionicKit‘s Kitten Heels. Made from leather and suede, these elegant pair have a low 1.93-inch heel, and features an injected insole, enhanced contouring and padding to support the forefoot.
Wide Feet If you often feel pain in the arch, ankle, heel, along your legs or outside of the foot, it may be that you have flat feet. Avoid footwear with narrow toes like pumps and joggers. Instead, pick a pair shoes that have wider toes and platform sandals or open toed sling backs.
Photo courtesy of Steve Madden
Steve Madden‘s Lexi Multi Collection of opened toe block heels and wedges offers a wider breadth at the width of the toes that offers support for larger feet, and comfort with vegan leather, not to mention they come in a variety of colours to choose from.
Photo courtesy of Clarks
A popular favourite for both extreme comfort and affordable price is Clarks. From leather strap heels to platform sandals in suede, ladies will be spoilt for choice to select from its wide range of styles, height and finishes.
Photo courtesy of Hush Puppies
Hush Puppies is a great alternative choice to shop for more everyday walking. Offering D, E, and EEE width shoes in various styles, especially its ballerina flats fit comfortably on wide and fit wide feet.
Arched Feet
People with arched feet will feel more pressure and pain on their heels, resulting in bone spurs, calluses and are more prone to injuries. Avoid putting excessive weight on the heels and select footwear that have more support, a well-padded and / or shock-absorbing insoles for better protection.
If you thought you’d never find the perfect stiletto for your feet — think again! E’MAR‘s Raya Ankle Strap Pump is one that is specially designed by a podiatrist, so you know your feet will be getting the comfort it needs and deserves. Available in camel suede or gunmental leather, it features a dual-layer memory foam insole and an elongated arch incline for the perfect support.
The Magda Ankle Tie Platform is a strappy yet sassy platform sandal with laces that tie up above the ankle. Square-toed and 15mm in block heels, it offers a comfortable support in structure and feel, crafted in soft bovin leather. Available in four colourways including rhubarb, serenade, black and black leather, its style is one that the everyday modern woman would appreciate.
Photo courtesy of Sketchers
For a pair of runners, Skechers’ podiatrist-certified Arch Fit range is a collection of sneakers, slip-ons and sandals that are the ideal pair for everyday walking and atheltic activities. It provides support for high arches with maximum cushioning for long wear and sock-absorption.
These eyewear specialists go beyond vision with new tech, premium materials and modern designs
Choosing the right lens for your reading glasses is the first priority to consider. Factors such as grading (the magnification of the lens required for each eye) and weight of the lens, and of your spectacles overall, are also key. But reading glasses have come a long way since they first came into existence. Now, style is as much as of a selling point as substance.
(Photo courtesy of Blackzsmith Optical)
Fortunately, there are any number of eyewear specialists in Hong Kong that can give you both great advice on what you need to see clearly, as well as look great. Read on, as Gafencu takes a closer squiz at some of Hong Kong’s most promising eyewear specialists.
The Right Optics
Before you go picking out your next fashion statement, it’s important to feel comfortable with your glasses as well as ensuring your choice of eyewear is as much functional as fashionable. To ensure you choose the right lens for your eyes, it’s essential to make an appointment with a reputable optometrist to test and assess both your eyesight and the overall health of your eyes – determining if you are short sighted, long sighted or have some other issue that impairs your vision.
(Photo courtesy of Absolute Vintage)
A tip to picking the right optics is to note that each eye requires a different level of magnification. Choosing the right lens is essential to enable clear vision but to avoid health issues such as squinting, eye strain and headaches. Another factor to consider is the composition, and weight, of your lens. Generally, durable, high-quality, scratch-resistant plastic (also referred to as acrylic) lenses have the advantage over those made from glass, as the latter tends to be heavier and is easily cracked. In modern optometry, plastic lenses are preferred – ensuring the wearer has the most lightweight and comfortable experience when wearing their eyewear.
3D and Customised
(Photo courtesy of Blackzsmith Optical)
One of Hong Kong’s up-and-coming bespoke eyewear providers is Blackzsmith Optical – making a name for itself by applying cutting-edge technology to its spectacle-making process via 3D printing.
By obtaining facial data with 3D-scanning technology, the bespoke eyewear is created based on customers’ facial 3D models. The process identifies 72 key points on the face and with the data obtained providing a professional basis for the frame design. In excess of 20 different parameters of the 3D eyewear that can be adjusted, including frame size, nose bridge width and temple length and more – with all these parameters coming together to ensure the perfect fit and wearability of the frame.
(Photo courtesy of Blackzsmith Optical)
This label also prides itself on creating spectacles that are handcrafted by the technician with an eye for design and a passion for creativity. The luxurious sensibility of the brand’s collections focuses on traditional skills and immaculate craftsmanship. Blackzsmith is gaining appeal among local Hong Kong pop stars as well as key opinion leaders. Some of the eyewear brands it stocks include Matsuda – which is a favourite of the Japanese imperial family no less. As well as rising eyewear brand Ahlem – creating a buzz among the likes of Beyoncé and Kate Moss, who are apparently two of the French brands most ardent admirers.
Horny Eyewear
(Photo courtesy of Smith & Norbu)
For a spectacle specialist with a point of difference, look no further than Smith & Norbu. One of the key parts of a pair of the brand’s glasses design is the yak horn.
To tease out how this unlikely turn of events came about, we need to go back to 2007. This was when Belgian entrepreneur Benoit Ams – on a trip to Tibet – was transfixed by craft works made from yak horn. The germ of an idea was sown and from there the concept of creating high-end spectacle frames using this fit-for-purpose material was born and eventually found its place in modern eyewear designs.
(Photo courtesy of Smith & Norbu)
The manufacturer explains that natural yak horn is not only a lightweight and highly resistant material, it’s also a surprisingly vibrant natural product with subtle colour nuances that make genuine horn superior to other man-made materials. The use of natural horn makes the frame more comfortable to wear than synthetic alternatives and is also an anti-allergic product.
Manufacturing a piece of spectacles involves as many as 50 separate operations to create a single pair of frames and it takes meticulous attention to detail to produce durable, high-quality eyewear. The process of horn-based spectacle manufacturing is even more precise. First, the horn is cut and pressed into horn plates. Then, individual plates are carefully selected based on their colour pattern. Each finished product is then assembled with the brand’s signature rivet.
Vintage Chic
(Photo courtesy of Absolute Vintage)
But if you prefer to stick with a classic look, or something that’s a little on the edgy retro side, look no further than Absolute Vintage. Since becoming established in 2010, it’s a brand that prided itself on creating bespoke spectacles that are designed specifically to fit the contours of Asian faces. Absolute Vintage also incorporates unique Hong Kong themes and characteristics into its designs. So much so that it has even been featured as as a highlight on the Hong Kong Tourism Board website.
(Photo courtesy of Absolute Vintage)
Bengogh, the eyewear specialist’s chief designer, draws inspiration from the city’s surroundings in each of the brand’s designs, with many named after the streets of Hong Kong – capturing the essence of local culture in each pair of spectacles created. The brand also challenges the notion that reading glasses are just an optical aid, but rather promotes the idea that eyewear are a personalised accessory – and form an essential part of the wearer’s daily attire.
Focusing on classic spectacles and frames with an iconic visage, Absolute Vintage does away with cumbersome glasses by producing personalised, top-notch frames with a vintage aesthetic, while incorporating a range of styles, including round, cat’s eye and square, in a variety of bold colours and, of course, tortoiseshell.
Shades of Chic: Sunny summer must-haves
The right shade and shape of eyewear can frame the face and elevate a stylishly put together outfit. So, Gafencu has put together a hot edit of attention-grabbing sunglasses to pick up this season. Swipe right to see more…
Look 1
Oversized Tortoiseshell sunglasses by Chloe; Square acetate sunglasses by Saint Laurent; Heart sunglasses by Loewe
Look 2
Square-frame sunglasses by Bottega Veneta
Look 3
Round-frame sunglasses by Balenciaga; Cat-eye frame sunglasses by Balenciaga; Xpander sunglasses by Balenciaga
Look 4
Oversize-frame glasses by Alexander McQueen
Look 5
Rectangular frame sunglasses by Gucci
Look 6
Rectangle-frame tinted sunglasses by Bottega Veneta; Round-frame sunglasses by Gucci; Rectangle-frame sunglasses by Balenciaga
(Photographer: Jack Law; Art Direction & Styling: Jhoshwa Ledesma; Videographer: Andy Wan; Venue: Tamar Suite at Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong)
Sneaker Revolution: Spotlighting Hong Kong’s custom sneaker artists
These days, it seems that sneakers carry more cultural weight than even the once most desirable and feted brand names. With luxury brands such as Loewe, Versace and Alexander McQueen now joining the line up of high-end sneakers and collaborations between the luxury world and the biggest name in sports footwear creating a cult following. Yes, we too are coveting the recent Gucci-Adidas and -Balenciaga tie-in.
Photo courtesy of 199xCustom
This generation of footwear aficionados might not be able to name a single Basquiat or Warhol masterpiece but they will tell you in a heartbeat how much a pair of Yeezy sneakers will resell for. The sub-culture of sneaker collection has risen to such heights that its fandom could possibly rival even Carrie Bradshaw’s undying love of collecting designer heels.
But as the hype of sneaker collection continue to rise, it’s no longer enough to get the rarest or most trend-setting pair of kicks. These days, customised sneakers are all the rage. Creatively conceptualised to reflect the wearer’s taste and style, custom-designed sneakers go above and beyond the range of what retail stores can offer. These unique creations give its wearers a personalised pair of sneakers that they can proudly walk in and call their own.
Photo courtesy of 199xCustom
Bridging the gap between designer shoes and bespoke footwear are custom sneaker designers. These artists turns run-of-the-mill canvas footwear into one-of-a-kind custom sneakers. Coming from a background in fine arts, graphic design and fashion design, the diversity of sneaker customisers add a youthful and modern style that many younger generations seek. Out of the box and statement-bearing, these custom sneaker designers are hand-drawn and -painted, each pair is matched to the style and personality of the customer, making no two designs ever alike – an appealing factor that many fashion enthusiasts and shoe collectors love.
Read on as Gafencu spotlights the sneaker revolutionaries in Hong Kong to turn to for your bespoke sneaker fix.
Creative Kicks
Photo courtesy of 199xCustom
Tapping into the niche market is Hong Kong sneaker illustrator 199xCustom, who specialises in animation characters and cartoons – particularly Japanese anime. She first tried her hand at sneaker customisation after a disappointing search for a design that was not available in the market. She subsequently turned to her passion for drawing to create her own, eventually turning fan art creations into an artistic interpretation of sneaker customisation.
“There are actually several different categories of customisation. I specialise in painting and using an airbrush, which generally requires a wide range of brushes, airbrushes, and pigments”, explains the artist.
Photo courtesy of 199xCustom
Anime characters and cartoons account for a large part of her work because it is a unique market not available at a retail level. However, her artistic flare and edgy style stretches beyond animation. Her original designs also range from incorporating elements of Japanese fine art, like ukiyo-e, to create an embroidered dragon and tiger pattern on the mesh body of a Yeezy 350 sneaker.
A pair of customised sneakers could cost anywhere from hundreds to thousands of Hong Kong dollars. Depending on the complexity of each design, the tools and materials required – which often cost a few hundred Hong Kong dollars to purchase as well, (and ultimately) the time it takes to complete each project, prices can vary but the result will, more often than not, reflect in quality and creativity.
Back in Time
Photo courtesy of Simple Union
However, the service of sneaker customising isn’t simply picking up a paintbrush and stenciling a printout. It takes, creativity, skill and passion for art and the process it takes to create a unique concept that will set it apart from everything else already on the market. Other sneaker customisers such as Simple Union, a handcraft brand that customises shoes and other accessories, go beyond just painting and airbrushing. “‘Enjoy Simplicity, Enjoy Life’ is the motto the brand follows’’, says artist and founder FK.
Photo courtesy of 199xCustom
Putting a close focus on the materials is key to Simple Union’s unique designs, they combine traditional culture and craftsmanship with quality materials. The brand is also known for using Italian leather and rare fabrics from Japan, such as old Japanese Katazome, an ancient method of fabric dying, weaving and stenciling – often flowers and bird motifs – that dates back to the Meiji era of the late 1800s.
Photo courtesy of Simple Union
Each design is an original concept that adds a bespoke touch that off-the-rack shoes can’t offer. But Simple Union also accepts commissions by customers, if both the artist’s style and customer’s taste are a good match. On some occasions, the brand would be approached to customise products for other brands and stores as part of a workshop experience or event.
Sustainable Spirit
Photo courtesy of K!bo
Another brand that puts materials on the forefront of their products is pioneering sustainable sneaker brand K!BO. “The name K!BO means hope in Japanese”, says Natalie Chow, co-founder of the Hong Kong sustainable sneaker brand.
Adding a new line of products to their range, the footwear brand will be offering exciting new selections of customised sneakers to thrill fashionistas throughout summer. They will provide a range of limited-edition designs, as well as exciting customisation options that will allow customers the liberty to add their own touch of style to their bespoke footwear.
Photo courtesy of K!bo
Expected to start with a HK$1280 price tag, the initial stages of the new line of products will offer customised pre-order options that will allow customers to get closely involved in the design process, such as including unique and fun patterns and selecting recycled leather with graphic prints, as a way to personalise their #GuiltFreeKicks to show off this summer.
(Text: Roberliza Eugenio, Photos courtesy of 199xCustom, Simple Union and K!bo)
A fresh take on this season’s fashion accessories
Pastel is this season’s freshest colour palette. A touch of meadow green, a splash of cool aqua and a shade of soft peach, these are the hottest fashion accessories to add a sweet slice of style to your summertime sartorial ensemble.
The Fresh Squeeze
Paula’s Ibiza Original sunglasses by Loewe; F-Heel sandal by Salvatore Ferragamo; La Medusa Lilac shoulder bag by Versace
Beach Day
Sabot bag by Hermès; Flower Acid Yellow sunglasses by Loewe; Trifolio Fresh Mint shoulder bag by Salvatore Ferragamo
Summertime Party
Flap bag by Bottega Veneta; Varenne top handle tote with JC monogram by Jimmy Choo
Gold Star
Vlogo Chain Loafers by Valentino Garavani; Heather shoulder bag by Michael Kors; Sun Titanium 8907 sunglasses by LINDBERG; Light gold necklace by PORTS 1961; Gold and silver ring by PORTS 1961
Sunkissed Elegance
Rouge Hermès Shiny lipstick by Hermès; Toyin bag by Bottega Veneta; Bing 100 pumps by Jimmy Choo
Chic Chick
Earrings and Necklace by Bottega Veneta; Small Goya Tan/Lemon bag by Loewe
(Photographer: Jack Law; Art Direction & Styling: Jhoshwa Ledesma; Videographer: Jackie Chan)