Following the announcement of Willow Smith as the face of its fall/winter 2016/17 eyewear line, Chanel has released the full ad campaign starring the 15-year-old actress and singer. Karl Lagerfeld invited the energetic daughter of Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith, to showcase the latest designs from the French Fashion House in a series of black-and-white shots.
Come September 6 and Europe’s leading boating event begins in the South of France. From September 6 to 11, more than 50,000 visitors will descend on Vieux Port and Port Pierre Canto for the splendid Cannes Yachting Festival, where nearly 600 boats will be displayed both in water and on land, including around one hundred world premieres. The shipyards offer trips out to sea so that new buyers can have sea-trials on the finest yachts in the world and make an informed choice. The Vieux Port will be the home of many special exhibitions including the Palais des Festival. This space will include the latest water toys and tenders alongside the beach, as well as many banks, interior designers, architects and shipyards. This year’s festival will see the introduction of La Terrasse, a special area for the luxury industry stakeholders that will include automobiles, watches, jewellery, private aviation, prestigious property, gastronomy, tableware, couture houses, leather and saddles, furniture & design, art & photography, hotel, high-tech products, perfume & beauty, premium services as well as luxury yachts.
In a world where science is redefining cosmetology, where precision come prior to packaging, and where anti-ageing products are not good to have but must to have, beauty is serious business. And every once in few years, there’s a breakthrough or a trend that takes pride of place in the beauty industry’s canons. This time around, fair and square in the global spotlight, is K-beauty or Korean beauty products. While the ubiquitous BB cream is one innovation credited to the Korea, the buck has not stopped just there, rather it has taken a giant leap to put South Korea firmly on the map of cutting edge beauty innovation. So, if you have been adding layers to your skincare routine with exotic sounding potions, and appreciate the difference between hot and cold face masks, ampoule and essence, serum and emulsion, then you have all the makings of a Korean beauty junkie, following right in the footsteps of the seasoned product aficionados who are busy working in the ‘skin expression’ factor of their Korean concoctions.
While the Jeju islands, in South Korea, are feted as the fertile mecca of sourcing prized herbs, flowers, oils, minerals and medicinal materials which are then to be beautifully bottled up, the appeal of Korean beauty lies in the flawless overall look that is achieved at the end of a multi-step routine which is like daily skin spa, and the emphasis on new and novel ingredients, almost always harvested from nature. So there are snail secretion and starfish essence, ginseng and green tea, kelp and bamboo sap, orchids and camellias among a few of the organic, traditional ingredients giving K-beauty its unique, apothecary feel. AmorePacific, LG, Tony Moly and Amarte are some of the best known luxe Korean beauty bigwigs, with other niche brands under their umbrage, and are now available at leading department stores such as Bergdorf Goodman, Neiman Marcus, and multi-brand outlets like Sephora. But the popularity and global demand shaping up this business is leading to a specific expansion of online sales channels amping up the worldwide accessibility of K-beauty brands. There are popular Korean e-tailers selling curated Korean beauty products, such as Glowrecipe, Peach and Lily, and SokoGlam, and then there are international fashion e-commerce portals like ASOS, also stocking K-beauty. Now, for our skincare obsessed in India, there are some legit sites stocking a range of high-end and popular K-beauty brands, offering free international shipping, door-step delivery, flash sales, beauty subscriptions and product reviews among other tempting features to add to your e-shopping experience. So, you can head right to Wishtrend, Cosme-de, W2Beauty, or Cosmetic Love for your K-beauty fix, with no trip to Seoul required!
Now, onto listing some of our favourite top-of-the-line Korean beauty brands, we have selected five standout products, one from each luxe brand, which are absolutely fabulous and worthy of your investment of time and money. So, cutting to the chase, we start with our favourite cleanser which, incidentally, is neither in a bottle, bar or box but comes in a twist-up tube. Yes, we are talking about the much sought-after Su:m37 Miracle Rose Cleansing Stick which has seen rave reviews. With over 90% natural ingredients, and bits of rose petals in the stick as evidence, plus the lovely floral scent of naturally fermented damask rose extract, this is one gentle cleanser which fits in perfectly into your double cleansing routine, and also into your travel or gym kit. An innovative cleansing formula which nourishes as it cleanses, this product comes in a blush pink tube proclaiming the Su:m37 name, which is one of the premium brands owned by the Korean giant, LG, which houses other cult favorites like History of Whoo and Belif. Like Korean kimchi, the Su:m37° products have ingredients which go through the process of fermentation to release their skin-enhancing essences, while being free from artificial colour, scent and preservatives. In Korean, “sum” means “breathe” and 37 stands for the optimal temperature for fermentation. Succinct and subtle, like the brand’s au natural philosophy. Price – INR 2200 approx.
Next, we have the BB Cushion from Laneige, which is French means snow, and in Korea stands for a best-selling skincare brand. The star product, its BB cushion, is a classic combination of a BB cream and a compact, offering a natural coverage with a range of shades to match one’s skin tone. Packed in minimal white, this is a literal ‘cushion’ for the skin and is a multi-tasking product which offers brightening, soothing, mattifying effect while also being water-resistant and UV banishing. While its claim to fame is that there is one BB Cushion sold very ten seconds, the beauty blogs certainly seem to be in love with it. The anti-bacterial cell sponge applicator also adds a special touch to this versatile skin-benefiting makeup, which is so much more than a compact and so much easier than a BB cream in a tube. Price – INR 3100 approx.
Founded in 1967 by Sung Whan Suh, Sulwhasoo’s beauty formulations are based on Korean herbal medicines. Drawing from the ancient “Sang-seng” philosophy, which is talks of balancing the inner energies of the skin for a healthy complexion, Sulwhasoo uses ingredients naturally occurring in Korea, like ginseng, lotus, lily, peony, etc. With boutiques in Singapore, Hong Kong, and stocked at Bergdorf Goodman, this is Korean beauty with a brand legacy. One of the top sellers from its varied product line is the Concentrated Ginseng Renewing Cream which was first created in 1966 and was named the “All Best Cream” given its all-rounder capacity to heal everything. Promising the luminescent glow of beautifully clear skin, this product packs in anti-ageing benefits along with deep hydration and protection from free radicals. Ideal to be used a night cream, this is a best seller which has its loyal patrons coming back for more, despite the hefty price tag of INR 18000 approx. With Korean calligraphy and symbols gracing the packaging, each Sulwhasoo product claims to take you ‘on a journey into the heart of Korean tradition and beauty’.
The largest beauty franchise in Korea, Amore Pacific’s stress is on Asian botanicals and sourcing authentic Korean ingredients into their range of ‘luxurious, high-performance anti-aging skin care’. What makes it more special is that Amore Pacific has its own Jeju Island gardens form where comes their most potent green tea, their globally patented Korean red ginseng, and the prized organic bamboo sap, all part of the natural botanicals which make the Amore Pacific formulations the preferred choice for the serious beauty aficionados. From sheet masks to mists to cushion compacts and serums, the range is wide and the packaging luxe. In operation for more than 65 years, this is one brand which continues to lead with its portfolio of select skincare labels, while the main eponymous brand thrives on producing such prized potions such as the Time Response Skin Renewal Crème which consists of 100% first harvested green tea water and a trademarked Complex™ consisting of Green Tea Stem Cell, Green Tea Polysaccharide EGCG, and Green Tea Saponin to create radiant, firm and smooth skin which is flawless, just like the ideal of Korean beauty is supposed to be. Price – INR 48000 approx.
Kim Kardashian announced a few days ago that the bathrobes at Atlantis, The Palm in Dubai are so luxurious, that she actually kept hers when she stayed with them! Erm… we don’t quite know how to react to this unabashed filching of hotel property. But in case you’re eager to find out what exactly makes these robes so special, then here’s the inside info: especially made for Atlantis by luxury French linen brand D. Porthault, these robes were processed over 10 months and their Aqua colour, exclusive to the resort, makes them a helluva lot more tempting. With two style to choose from (Kimono is Kim’s favourite) the robes cost an impressive USD 306 and feature cote de cheval weaving with green piping on the chest. The list of loyal clients in love with these robes reads like an entire Hall of Fame: Charles de Gaulle, Sir Winston Churchill, Jacqueline and John F. Kennedy, Coco Chanel, Audrey Hepburn, Grace Kelly, the Duchess of Windsor, among a host of others. Whew! The hotel is now offering its guests a stay in Kardashian’s favourite signature suites from 2572 USD per night (Staying dates: Until 21 December 2016). Each guest will receive 680 USD to spend around the resort—but if you’re thinking of pulling a Kardashian and keeping the robe, well, the Atlantis IT and security team have held urgent meetings to plan the development of the latest Atlantis app ‘Find My Bathrobe’, anticipating a rush of robe collectors descending onto the signature suites! Now this ought to be interesting!
Summer season 2016 at the Kempinski Grand Hotel des Bains in St. Moritz will last a month longer than the previous year, continuing until 16 October 2016 with the motto “sports, wellness and nature”. Together with Activity Concierge Wolfgang Hoffmann, the relaxed five-star hotel has put together a unique programme for golf enthusiasts: Golf unlimited. The four-day arrangement offers golfers the unique possibility of booking their tee times before arrival. In addition, guests have the privilege of unlimited play during their stay, with a daily access to the 18-hole championship course in Samedan. Founded in 1891, this was the first golf course in Europe and also has the oldest golf holes in Switzerland. The Unlimited golf package is available from now on, for a minimum stay of four nights, from CHF 2,364.00 for two people in a double room. The package includes all green and match fees on the two golf courses Samedan and Zuoz-Madulain as well as a daily transfer to the golf course and back via the hotel shuttle. A golf cart and soft drinks come as added extras, as does the cleaning of golf clothing and own equipment. An Alpine Tonic massage for each person at the Kempinski The Spa, and an exclusive hotel voucher worth CHF 150.00 for each reserved room are also available. Bookings within the hotel can be made at www.kempinski.com/stmoritz or by e-mailinginfo.stmoritz@kempinski.com. Further information can be found at www.kempinski.com/stmoritz.
Mandarin Oriental, Jakarta has recently opened Li Feng, the fine dining destination that serves authentic, lavish Cantonese cuisine in a culturally rich space. Helmed by two talented chefs, Chef Fei and Chef Loy, Li Feng’s menu presents a scrumptious blend of traditional dishes and a creative rendition of classics. Chef Fei is also the man behind the celebrated Jiang at Mandarin Oriental, Guangzhou and has been awarded The Best Chef in China 2016. Chef Loy – Executive Chinese Chef at Mandarin Oriental, Jakarta –brings more than 12 years of experience in fine dining restaurants. The menu features a variety of Cantonese specialties including chef’s recommendations such as the Deep-Fried Swan Dumpling with Black Pepper Duck Meat, Sweet and Sour Chicken with Pineapple and Bell Pepper and Braised Hele Crab with Japanese Rice in Hoisin Sauce. Designed by Hong Kong-based LRF Designers Limited, the restaurant’s interior is inspired by thevoyage history and spices trade between China and the old Jakarta, Batavia. While dining, guests will enjoy viewing ‘A Voyage of the South’ artwork, a large-gilded glass piece by artist Helen Poon from Hong Kong that features an ancient etched and gilded map of Asia drawn up in 1602 by an Italian missionary named Matteo Ricci illustrating the ancient connection between China and Jakarta. The restaurant offers three elegant and distinctive private dining rooms, which are the ideal venues to host intimate gathering or private celebrations.
Of all things private and exclusive, a private jet parking has to be the top of the list. Turnberry Associates’- Turnberry Ocean Club Residences in Miami are now offering elite owners just that— their very own private jet parking! The real estate brand will tie up with Fontainebleau Aviation for providing buyers an access to its new 327,000 square foot private jet terminal at Opa Locka Airport, known to be the largest such facility in Florida. Being more than a mere parking access, the facility is a full round package including aircraft maintenance, aircraft detailing, full time assistance for catering and transportation needs with great discounts assured on fuels and parking rates. Along with this, owners of the Turnberry Ocean club residences can also enjoy other high-end amenities such as its $100 million Sky Club featuring a sky theater, hydrotherapy spas, pool bars, yoga and Pilate’s studio, a sunset lounge, and an outdoor pet retreat, amongst many others. As for the house itself, it boasts an area of 10,750 square feet—encompassing 3-6 bedrooms and an 11-foot deep oceanfront terrace. Set for full completion in 2019, this ultra-luxurious housing project is already 40 % sold out, scheduled to break ground in the last quarter of 2016.
Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London has introduced treatments from premium Parisian skincare brand, Carita, at their award winning spa. Known as the ‘Parisian Maison de Beauté’, Carita is offering two facials, Precious Diamond and Gold Perfection, which can be tailored to individual preferences. A cornerstone of Carita treatments is CINETICLIFT EXPERT, a high tech machine that delivers unequalled results in improving quality of skin tone, smoothness and radiance. An alternative to invasive surgery, it uses breakthrough LED, ultrasound and micro-current technologies. Alternatively, the Carita Rénovateur can also be applied to skin to optimise benefits of the company’s hands-on treatments. Created by the prestigious Carita sisters in 1956, this subtle blend of sunflower seeds and precious essential oils refines the skin, stimulates surface cell regeneration and reveals a soft radiant complexion.
Thomas Pink, the Jermyn Street shirt maker, have unveiled the Englishman at Home campaign on their website, showing the brand’s inspiration for their highly anticipated AW16 range. The Englishman at Home includes some gorgeous imagery of the quintessential British home and some of the main pieces from the AW16 range which is due to officially drop early September. The “Englishman at Home” campaign presents a glimpse of how a gentleman may dress for work, rest or play this Autumn/Winter. The season features deep, rich, earthy tones in luxury cottons and brushed winter fabrics alongside the finest business shirting with woven woollen tailoring to ensure that he will be at his dashing best no matter where his journey takes him. The brand’s new recruits to the menswear line range from shirts to knitwear with a sprinkling of tailoring. The AW16 collection will also bring with it a selection of sophisticated and colourful accessories including pocket squares, ties, socks and cufflinks in on-trend hues and prints. The AW16 drop will also include a smaller womenswear capsule collection including refined pieces designed to revitalise your workwear look. From the silk tops to the crisp shirts, these are some of Thomas Pink’s freshest designs to date. The collection is due to drop early September.
‘Peanuts’ comic character Snoopy has been the inspiration behind Gucci’s Fall collection this time. Say hello to some whimsical chic as the lovable dog features on tees and sweaters deisgned by Alessandro Michele, who is quite an ardent animal enthusiast .His FY 15 collection had earlier displayed eccentric tiger, serpent and bumblebee motifs and designs, and now he has done a snoopy-dog twist, with the cartoon animal imprinted on the front in his characteristic white against the bright red backdrop. The back showcases the recurring Alessandro tiger stripes representing the designer’s motto- “l’aveugle par amour” ( “blind for love” in French). The sweaters are 100 per cent wool with jacquard knit snoopy and Rib trims, all and all units manufactured in the brand’s home country-Italy.
