Health Column: Relationships Ruined by Digital Distractions

For the Health and Relationships column in Candy magazine. 

Digital distraction is quietly eroding the foundation of intimacy between couples - this bit of info should surprise absolutely no one. Smartphones, social media, and endless notifications have become constant companions, pulling attention away from the person right beside us. Studies show that 51% of partnered adults report their significant other is often or sometimes distracted by their cellphone during conversations, with 40% feeling bothered by the time spent on devices. The only element of news here is that the statistics seem tragically low. Look around a cinema, a restaurant, public transport - is anyone not on a gadget -- particularly if they're of a younger age (and tax!) bracket. 

This isn't just minor annoyance—it's "technoference" or "phubbing" (phone snubbing), where screens interrupt real connection, leading to less quality time, heightened conflict, and diminished emotional closeness.

Romance feels like it's dying because genuine moments of vulnerability and presence are replaced by fragmented attention. Couples sit "alone together" at dinner tables or in bed, scrolling instead of sharing glances, laughter, or even touching each other. Research reveals that higher technology use correlates with less time spent together as a couple, lower relationship satisfaction, and even increased depression. One objective tracking study found partners use smartphones during about 27% of their time together, with 86% doing so daily.

Intimacy—emotional, physical, and intellectual—requires undivided focus, but digital pings create a third wheel that signals "something else is more important." Not only is this noticeable in social construct - but also pop culture.

Rom-coms are fading--have you noticed? The golden era of theatrical romantic comedies, with their grand gestures, witty banter, and hopeful endings, has largely shifted to low-budget streaming fare or vanished altogether. Studios favour superhero blockbusters and franchises over mid-budget love stories, as audiences conditioned by quick digital hits seem less drawn to slow-burn cinema romance. Modern dating apps and curated feeds promote cynicism over escapism; "situationships" and algorithm-driven comparisons replace the meet-cutes that once inspired real-life sparks. Love isn't in the air anymore—it's hallucinating in the digital world only, reduced to filtered highlights, likes, and dopamine hits from virtual validation rather than messy, rewarding human connection.

Here are five ways digital distraction is killing romance:

Eroding Presence and Quality Time: Constant checking of phones during shared moments makes interactions feel superficial. Daily diary studies show days with more technoference lead to worse moods, more perceived conflict, and less positive face-to-face exchanges.

Partners feel ignored, fostering resentment instead of warmth. Fueling Jealousy and Insecurity: Social media exposes couples to curated lives—exes liking posts, influencers with "perfect" bodies, or friends' highlight reels. About 23-34% of younger adults report jealousy from how partners interact online, breeding distrust and surveillance that poisons intimacy.

Disrupting Communication and Emotional Depth: Texts and emojis replace nuanced conversations. Misunderstandings multiply without tone or eye contact, while notifications interrupt vulnerability. This reduces empathetic understanding and makes resolving issues harder. 

Diminishing Physical Intimacy: Devices in bed (reported by over 40% of partners) interfere with sexual connection. Nearly 25% say tech in the bedroom harms their intimate life, as scrolling displaces cuddling, talking, or spontaneity.

Creating Unrealistic Expectations and Comparison: Endless online options and filtered romance make real partners seem inadequate. Algorithms push highlight reels, leading to dissatisfaction when everyday love doesn't match the dopamine-fueled illusion. The result? Love feels performative and fleeting, confined to digital hallucinations rather than grounded reality.

Five Steps to Ignite the Fire Once Again

Reclaiming romance is possible with intentional effort. Here's how couples can fight back:

Create Tech-Free Zones and Times: Designate the bedroom, dinner table, or evenings as screen-free. Put phones in another room or on airplane mode during date nights. This simple boundary rebuilds presence and signals priority to your partner. 

Schedule Undivided Quality Time: Plan regular "unplugged" activities—walks, cooking together, board games, or weekly check-ins without devices. Focus on active listening: share feelings without interruption and practice eye contact to deepen emotional bonds.

Communicate Openly About Digital Habits: Have honest "digital check-ins" discussing how screen use affects the relationship. Set mutual boundaries, like limits on social media during couple time, and address jealousy triggers together to rebuild trust.

Cultivate Shared Rituals and Vulnerability: Rekindle romance through small gestures—handwritten notes, surprise outings, or reminiscing without phones. Be vulnerable: share daily highs/lows or dreams to foster intimacy beyond surface level. 

Practice Mindful Detachment from Digital Validation: Reduce comparison by curating feeds or taking social media breaks. Focus on real-world appreciation—compliment your partner, express gratitude, and seek joy in imperfect, present moments. Consider occasional full digital detox weekends to reset.

Digital tools aren't inherently evil—they connect long-distance couples too—but unchecked, they fragment what should be whole. By choosing presence over pings, couples can revive the spark that makes love feel alive, not just algorithmically simulated. Romance isn't dead; it just needs us to log off and look up. 

--Published February, 2026

Louis Vuitton Menswear 2026: Pharrell Williams Latest Collection in Hong Kong – Review, Where to Buy & What’s Next

Louis Vuitton's latest menswear collections under the watchful eye of Pharrell Williams continues to emphasize timeless luxury fused with contemporary craftsmanship. The Men's Fall-Winter 2026 show, presented in January 2026 in Paris, revolved around the conceptual "DROPHAUS"—a modern glass-walled prefabricated home nestled in a flourishing garden, designed by Pharrell in collaboration with NOT A HOTEL. 

The collection, titled "Timeless," reimagines futurism through enduring wardrobes: think relaxed tailoring in earthy tones (tans, greens, khakis), double-breasted suits, leather blazers, opulent crocodile bombers, elongated coats, and technical outerwear layered over sharp shirts and ties. It celebrates LV's Monogram heritage (marking its 130th anniversary) with refined details like oversized bows, monogrammed accessories, and high-quality fabrics such as cashmere, vicuña, and silk. 

Earlier, the Spring-Summer 2026 collection drew from the spirit of travel, blending Parisian elegance with Indian influences--something we've noted over the past 15 months-- through soft tailoring, sportswear hybrids, vibrant palettes, and signatures like L.V.M. and "Louis Vuitton Paris."

Musician Pharrell Williams has served as Men's Creative Director since 2023, steering the line with his signature blend of music, culture, and savoir-faire. Serious fashion critics have offered measured praise. Outlets like Vogue and WWD highlight the shift toward classic, wearable luxury and superior craftsmanship, calling it "eternal" and "back to the future" with strong Monogram focus which doesn't easily lean into the theme of 'quiet luxury' which was trending for long enough to be rephrased as tired luxury. LV's maximalism has worked in its favour, popular among the youth, the aspirants, the nouveau riche, the rappers, the "enfants terribles" of contemporary culture as the iconic alphabets appear in films, music videos, on the back of every hot star and celebrity worth of note. 

Some note a safer, less avant-garde approach compared to predecessors, grading it solidly (e.g., B in Complex) for quality over bold innovation, yet applauding its livable, high-end appeal that prioritises longevity. 

Since Pharrell's takeover, business appears stable to improved in core metrics, with LVMH's fashion division showing resilience amid market challenges. Creative strength from Pharrell (and women's by Nicolas Ghesquière) has helped LV maintain momentum, though broader luxury slowdowns in China have impacted growth. LV remains a top performer with flagship investments.

Fans can look forward to continued exploration of hybrid wardrobes, global travel narratives, music-fashion crossovers (Pharrell often produces show soundtracks as its been widely reported), and elevated everyday luxury pieces. Expect more focus on sustainable, functional elegance and archival reimaginings in upcoming seasons. It's not nostalgia for the sake of a jog down memory lane in jodhpurs, but a reminder of the brand's long and enduring history. 

In Hong Kong and China, LV retains strong fandom but faces a more discerning market. It is still highly coveted as a status symbol, with robust local demand and major stores like The Louis in Shanghai and the patient line-up in front of flagship stoes in the city. However, economic pressures have led to cautious spending and rising interest in domestic luxury alternatives. The brand's position is solid but not quite as unquestioned as pre-2023 peaks, sustained by celebrity appeal and heritage as reported by Jing Daily. 

Where to get LV menswear in HK? The flagship stores including Louis Vuitton Hong Kong Landmark (Central), 5 Canton Road (Tsim Sha Tsui), The Peninsula, and Hong Kong International Airport, but appointments recommended for exclusive pieces. 

Above: Photographer: Alison Kwan
MUA: Gloomy for KarenYiu.com
Model: Fritz at Model One 

The girl can twirl: Aliya Zaidi strikes a pose for Galaxy Magazine's Wedding Supplement

 

Photographer Samantha Sin in Hong Kong.
MUA: Renny Fensham

Throwback Tuesday: Back to May 2014: Eurasian supermodel Mia Kang

Mia Kang.

MUA by Anael Dermon. 

Casting for a cover shoot.... 

Marie Lichtenberg at Lane Crawford: A one-on-one Chat

Neither trend nor fad can move designer Marie Lichtenberg, but show her artisanal work and an endearing enamel and she’s yours. A former editor of one of the most popular fashion magazines in Europe, Lichtenberg pivoted to accessories, unsheathing herself of her past role and creating a line of jewels as unique as she is. Now on display (and sale) in Lane Crawford’s jewellery department, you will find them lined up in glass-encased stands, beaming.

Available in Hong Kong, exclusively at Lane Crawford. 

RIP Aasha Bhosle: The Sound of Silence

With the quiet passing of the great Asha Bhosle at age 92 early this morning, a golden chapter in the annals of Indian music—not merely film music—has drawn to its poignant close. Her voice, that luminous thread of silver and fire, wove through generations: playful one moment, aching with longing the next, effortlessly bridging joy and heartbreak. For over seven decades, she gifted us an unparalleled treasure of songs that still echo in our homes, and our memories.

I was privileged to interview her twice--and twice blessed to witness her perform live in Hong Kong—those evenings remain among the most cherished of my life. To stand in the presence of such living legend, to hear that immortal timbre rise pure and true, was to touch something eternal. 

A legend in her own lifetime, she now joins the stars whose light she so brilliantly reflected. Rest in eternal melody, Asha ji. You sang for India’s soul. The silence feels deeper without you. 

Om Shanti. RIP

PS: Original photos by Sabrina Sikora. 

Portrait courtesy of the late, great Gautam Rajadhyaksha. 

A weekend staycation: Highly recommend these 6 Hotels in Hong Kong

These luxury properties deliver exceptional experiences for a relaxing escape in the city. Not lying under the advertiser Sword of Democles, these are the top six places I've stayed at, experienced and recommend to visiting friends and clients without hesitation. 

Rosewood Hong Kong, one of the most acclaimed luxury hotels in the world, recently crowned the number one hotel globally on the World's 50 Best Hotels list for 2025. Located at Victoria Dockside district of chaotic Tsim Sha Tsui, it offers a sophisticated urban sanctuary with breathtaking Victoria Harbour views from most rooms and suites, many of which feel like private residences thanks to thoughtful design by acclaimed Tony Chi. High-end finishes, guests rave about the impeccable, personalised service, world-class spa and 40th-floor outdoor pool for ultimate relaxation, diverse dining options, and a serene yet central location near cultural spots like the Avenue of Stars and museums—perfect for an indulgent staycation that blends modern elegance with effortless access to Kowloon's energy. For people with pets, there are provisions -- very few hotels in the city can boast of similar service.

Island Shangri-La Hong Kong provides a classic high-rise escape in the heart of Admiralty, rising 56 floors above Pacific Place mall with panoramic views of Victoria Harbour and The Peak. Strangely, its not the same for its Kowloon cousin... It's got to be the Hong Kong island hotel as this grand dame of local hospitality shines for its refined European-style opulence, spacious rooms, and family-friendly touches, including a dedicated 45th-floor family floor with themed suites featuring fun elements like unlimited ice cream, play areas, and even a DIY laundromat—making it ideal for multigenerational staycations.  For those trying to avoid kids and the mayhem of children screeching in the morning as you nurse a hangover [Lobster bar, you're amazing but its borrowed happiness in the evening that we pay back in the morn']. With seven restaurants and bars, a large pool, spa facilities [possibly the best in HK], and warm, attentive service, it serves as a peaceful oasis amid the city's bustle, conveniently linked to shopping, parks, and MTR access for those wanting to mix relaxation with light exploration.

Regent Hong Kong delivers unparalleled waterfront drama on the Kowloon side of Victoria Harbour, with its prime position offering some of the city's most spectacular skyline vistas directly from the rooms and public areas. Reimagined after a major transformation and reopened to high acclaim (including recognition as a top city hotel in Asia), the property features understated yet majestic design by Chi Wing Lo, spacious accommodations, and a focus on serenity amid the urban buzz. Highlights include exceptional dining like award-winning steak options, the stylish Qura Bar [the service here in phenomenal - and so personable, how DO they remember everyone's name...], top-tier service that feels genuinely warm and attentive, and facilities such as a well-equipped gym—creating an ideal staycation for those seeking iconic harbourfront views, fine food, and a calm, luxurious retreat just steps from promenades and ferry connections. The best view of Hong Kong island bar none--from one skycraper corner to the other, head to the roof for breathtaking views. 

Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong, to pilfer your ad line, I'm a fan. The city’s legendary grande dame, located in the beating heart of Central with an unbeatable position overlooking Victoria Harbour and framed by iconic landmarks like Statue Square. For over 60 years, it has offered a tranquil sanctuary amid the energy of Hong Kong, renowned for its impeccable Oriental hospitality, luxurious spa, and outstanding restaurants including Michelin-starred options and the timeless Captain’s Bar. Rooms and suites (many recently refreshed) provide elegant comfort with stunning harbour or city views, while the attentive service and thoughtful details make it a favourite for both families and couples seeking a sophisticated staycation. Its direct MTR access and proximity to shopping, parks, and business districts add convenience without sacrificing the sense of refined escape. Very specific on this, its got to be "the old Mandarin" as I tell cabbies, as the new Landmark one is such a city hotel with its modest-size rooms [American, except New Yorkers, and European friends who land here are always shocked at the size of the rooms]. The best thing about the Landmark space is of course Amber, but to have an indulgent stay, head to the newly renovate Mandarin Oriental, HK. 

Grand Hyatt Hong Kong offers a resort-like oasis in bustling Wan Chai, famous for its expansive lagoon-style outdoor pool (one of the largest in the city), lush greenery, and sweeping Victoria Harbour views from high-floor rooms and the impressive Grand Club lounge. Combining business-hotel efficiency with indulgent leisure, it features spacious, modern accommodations, a 24-hour gym, tennis and squash courts, and excellent dining options including signature Asian favourites. Guests praise the warm service, serene atmosphere despite the central location, and the wow-factor vistas across the harbour—making it perfect for a relaxing staycation where you can lounge by the pool, indulge in spa treatments at Plateau Spa, or simply soak in the panoramic scenery from your room. Skybridge access to the MTR adds easy connectivity for those who want to venture out. Quite frankly, Hyatt is where most celebrities stay, and the grand entrance looks like a Hollywood set-piece that takes your breath away. There are several other hotels near-by... none I'd recommend. 

And finally, the Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong anchors the prestigious International Finance Centre in Central, delivering a seamless blend of contemporary luxury and effortless harbourfront elegance with floor-to-ceiling windows framing sweeping views of Victoria Harbour and the Kowloon skyline. Recently refreshed rooms and suites feel residential and serene, featuring warm oak tones, soft marine hues, and spa-like marble bathrooms, while the property boasts one of Hong Kong’s most impressive culinary line-ups with a total of seven Michelin stars under one roof. Guests love the resort-style outdoor infinity pools overlooking the water (with underwater music for added delight), the award-winning spa offering Zen-inspired wellness, the acclaimed Argo bar for cocktails with panoramic vistas, and the legendary Four Seasons service that anticipates every need. Its direct connection to IFC Mall, Hong Kong Station, and ferry piers makes it supremely convenient yet wonderfully calming—an ideal staycation for food lovers, wellness seekers, or anyone craving a sophisticated urban retreat with unbeatable views and effortless access to the city’s energy.

These six properties represent the pinnacle of Hong Kong luxury staycations, each with its own distinct personality—whether it’s cutting-edge elegance at the Rosewood, family-oriented grandeur at the Island Shangri-La, timeless harbourfront glamour at the Regent, classic sophistication at the Mandarin Oriental, resort-style relaxation at the Grand Hyatt, or refined culinary and wellness excellence at the Four Seasons. For the ultimate experience, request a harbour-view room or suite, and check for staycation packages that bundle breakfast, club lounge access, spa credits, or dining perks.

I also have a list of ten places I wouldn't recommend... but my lawyers have suggested I skip typing that up. Despite my opinion being just that, property owners sure are a litigious bunch...