My portfolio, musings, amusing(s - that a word? No? K.) and more. Photoshoots over the years, behind the scenes anecdotes, some awesome celebrity encounters (some horrific ones too!). 21 years+ as a journalist in Hong Kong - that's a lot of verbal diarr... um... discourse!
Experience the fusion of artistry and strategy with Taras Yoom’s limited-edition backgammon set, a sculptural homage to fate and skill.
In a striking new venture, the renowned Bangkok-based artist Taras Yoom has unveiled his debut backgammon set, the limited-edition Another Kingdom. Following the acclaim of his globally recognised chess set series, this latest creation expands the narrative of two opposing realms—serving as a metaphor for the intricate tapestry of human history. Yoom’s foray into collectible gaming captures the essence of chance and will, transforming a traditional pastime into a sculptural representation of life’s unpredictable journey.
Yoom, an award-winning multidisciplinary artist, has exhibited his work in prestigious venues across London, Paris, and New York. Known for his Yoomoota art universe, he weaves the complexities of biology and human nature into his creations, offering a parallel realm that reflects body and mind. His style, termed “biomorphic surrealism,” manifests in diverse forms, ranging from sculptures and paintings to collectibles and jewellery.
Read the entire feature here at Robb Report Hong Kong.
Exceptional creations with the highest standards of artistic jewellery, Cindy Chao’s White Label Collection is perfect for all the right reasons and seasons.
We have witnessed the striking presence of Cindy Chao’s masterpieces in only a handful of prestigious settings: on the red carpet worn by award-winning stars of note, and as centrepieces in haloed museums, displayed in well-lit, foreboding glass cases to be admired from afar. You may look, but certainly not touch these works of rare art.
Cindy Chao The Art Jewel has garnered admiration from connoisseurs and collectors alike over the years as the artist’s work is that perfect amalgam of bejewelled sculptures that can be worn with glittering ease. A perfectly structured leaf or butterfly dazzling in diamonds and precious stones—it must be the art jewel Chao is synonymous with.
While the iconic Black Label Masterpieces remain the crown jewels of the maison, the White Label Collection represents an exquisite expression of Cindy Chao’s artistic universe. It not only embodies the essence of artistic jewellery but also offers a sophisticated entry into her sculptural aesthetic through captivating thematic series, most notably the celebrated Four Seasons.
Read the entire feature here at Robb Report Hong Kong.
Easy-to-spot cases are about to hit airport luggage carousels around the world.
“Go for gold” is the mantra of many an Olympian, and with luxury accessories brand Tumi marking a golden anniversary, it has taken the gilded tone to heart. As the lifestyle brand of the jet set, Tumi is celebrating its 50th year in glittering style with the release of a numbered, limited-edition capsule collection of golden-hued cases and accessories.
For the moving glitterati, here’s a little something Tumi to you… But before you roll your eyes, the collection—a tribute to the brand’s five decades of innovation and craftsmanship—features iconic 19 Degree pieces reimagined in a striking Bullion Gold finish.
Read the entire feature here at Robb Report Hong Kong.
A jewellery and accessories shoot from... 2017/2018
Personally thought all the images came out great but by then editor didn't and refused to expense or sign off on it. Instead of a kill fee of 15-25%, I paid the entire team out of pocket.
Lessons learned. Trust your own taste and conviction. That editor didn't last that long. Poor judgement and choices tarnished her rep.
Indeed, the path to bejewelled heaven is paved in gold and diamonds.
With a legacy stretching back to 1906, in the illustrious world of haute joaillerie, few names resonate so profoundly with star, high society, and celebrity with the same level of prestige as Van Cleef & Arpels. Even today, the French maison continues to push the boundaries of creativity and craftsmanship, and the Perlée collection—the house’s latest offering—is a resplendent testament to this enduring commitment to fine jewellery.
A little history tidbit here: the Perlée motif has been a Van Cleef & Arpels signature since the 1920s. Perhaps not as instantly recognisable as the famed Alhambra motif that has been all the rage since its launch, but the beaded collection—perlée in French refers to the bead pattern—remains a firm favourite. As the gold- and diamond-studded spherical beads mix and match with any look, intermittently, the maison has released novel ideas and stones to add to the formidable roster of bejewelled accessories. Just this past summer, Van Cleef & Arpels revealed this latest line in pictures, and come November, another take is expected on our shores as the latest additions to the exalted Perlée collection roll into the city.
Floral for spring but timeless in nature, Cindy Chao impresses yet again.
When you first enter (by appointment only) the maison of jeweller Cindy Chao (whose company name is Cindy Chao The Art Jewel), the exploratory conceit is, it doesn’t look like a store—or a jewellery shop. When you saunter in, it’s really a museum with singular gem- and diamond-encrusted artefacts in frames. Except, upon closer inspection, it is, in fact, jewellery. And yes, it’s wearable and it’s on sale. It’s also rare, often unique, and made with the most magnificent stones sourced from the world over to create Chao’s notable collection.
Read the entire feature here at Robb Report Hong Kong.
Emotional baggage? We sure are sentimental about these travel accessories.
Most luggage brands and travel accessories prioritise function over aesthetics—look at any airport carousel and stare in horror as dusted and busted, dirt-encrusted, often misshapen rectangles head your way. Unless it’s a piece from the haloed catalogue of famed British travel brand Globe-Trotter, which has just launched a must-have series that we’re unabashedly coveting.
As the biggest brands in town drop the latest accessories, one common theme seems clear: everyone seems to be in the mood to travel. If you, too, have your sights set on distant horizons, these designer bags (don’t you dare call them man bags!) are luxurious, cavernous, and make for a timeless accessory to hop on several planes with. Bon voyage!
My selects, from Loewe to Gucci, Ralph Lauren to Berluti here, only at Robb Report Hong Kong.
Marcello de Cartier is a roomy accessory from a brand that's quietly into leather, writes P.Ramakrishnan.
Later this month, the glittering baubles and watches that line cases in Cartier's boutiques will be competing for the spotlight with Marcello de Cartier bags.
Marlin Yuson, creative director for Cartier leather goods, admits jewellery and watches are always going to be the main event. 'The bags are the supporting cast but an important character,' says the designer, who has worked with Ferragamo, Polo Ralph Lauren and Calvin Klein, and spends her time between Florence and Paris.
The fact that the brand is not known for its leather goods has long represented a challenge for Yuson. 'In a way we are battling a common perception of the brand. Most people don't realise that Cartier does leather bags,' she says. 'If you weren't part of a generation that knew that Cartier did leather products, then the Marcello bags would come as a surprise. I still get that, even after 10 years with the brand. There's no bag campaign and there won't be. The leather goods are part of the family, but they'll never be independent products.'
Yuson says Cartier bags were considered 'it' bags in the '70s and '80s, modelled by celebrities such as Tina Turner. 'Then it stopped. Cartier did other dressy bags but very, very classic bags. And then the whole handbag accessories craze took over.'
When designing the Marcello, Yuson knew what a contemporary bag should - or rather, shouldn't - be. 'I really don't see it as an 'it' bag, not something as ephemeral as what's in trend,' she says. 'I didn't want it to be too old-fashioned and seem like a relic, either. I didn't want to stick a panther or leopard on it; that would be too easy. I haven't put in animal prints, either, yet. And it's really not for 'ladies who lunch'.'
Yuson decided to maintain the hard corner of Cartier's earlier bags. 'I wanted to keep that iconic bookend sort of arch. The bags needed volume and pockets to be practical for the woman on the go.'
Yuson says that she doesn't have a particular muse but she'd love to see Alexa Chung or IMF chief Christine Lagarde carrying her bags. 'Strong, confident, influential women who didn't sacrifice their femininity in their business,' she says. 'Women on the move, who have children, or are working ... they're the ones I hope will embrace the bag, for its practical purposes.'
The Marcello is a large bag with the interlocking Cs logo that will be joined in stores with a series of evening clutches in September.
Cartier's first evening bag came out in 1906. 'Initially, the evening bags were very much about jewellery,' says Yuson. 'The finishings on the bags were precious, and the bags themselves were one-off pieces for royalty and unique order customers.'
She says that when she was creating the designs, she carried the bags around during her travels to observe their functionality.
'Translating the Cartier bag to the present and keeping that identity - that luxury feel to it - is hard, especially where there are so many fashion brands around,' she says. 'I stuck to a family of colours to keep it coherent: red and black, tobacco or cognac.'
The primary inspiration for the bags came from the materials, she says.
'Looking at the quality, texture and colours, concepts come to mind,' says Yuson. 'Even something as trifling as a buckle becomes a starting point. Texture is really important. We don't have too many prints, so the material has to resonate.'
