The Best of Menswear: Loro Piana

Fine knitwear begins and ends with Loro Piana, and—in full confession—the Italian house’s autumn-winter collection is continually superlative and worthy of being listed among the best of the very best. Had it not been for the attention brought on the brand by the stars of several popular television shows, Loro Piana, with no visible print or obvious logo, would have sailed quietly by the limelight, like two luxury yachts passing in the night.

However, this past year, the autumn-winter collection was a celebration of Loro Piana’s heritage, innovation, and expertise as eyes were guided to the homelands of Loro Piana’s key fibres: wool from New Zealand, cashmere from Mongolia, and vicuña from Peru. Loro Piana’s campaign is asking the world to travel again—in the lap of luxury. For the winter collection, the makers are clearly in a warm, celebratory mood. Coarsehair cashmere, shearling, baby cashmere, and Cashfur (cashmere with a hint of silk) are all embellished with handcrafted, intimate embroidery for a versatile, contemporary look that can be mixed and matched with any other piece in their wardrobe. Look at the comforting joggers, coats, and jackets—irrepressibly sensual, and made of the finest fabric.

The Rebirth of Opulence: Narcisa Pheres on Fluid Gender, Rare Gems, and the New Era of Fine Jewellery

How a designer blending European heritage with Asian influences is championing bold, expressive pieces in a post-minimalist world. Narcisa Pheres, of her eponymous brand, in conversation with P.Ramakrishnan.
In magazine publishing, particularly high gloss editions, bigger is decisively better when it comes to accessories of  the bejeweled kind. Editors, especially art directors like intricately designed, legacy brands with big shiny rocks that glisten on the page, a little razzle dazzle to catch the eye of the reader. Before there was clickbait, there was eyeballs on newsstands. So we are thrilled that fine jewellery has segued from the delicate, can-you-see-the-stone oeuvre and decisively shed its minimalist straitjacket. That's where Narcisa Pheres, a longtime favourite, emerges as a voice of unapologetic exuberance. 
Her latest collections—Fluidity, a gender-fluid ready-to-wear line of gold and diamond pieces inspired by everyday tools, and the couture Garden of Life, an ode to nature's organic forms—capture the zeitgeist of elaborate craftsmanship and personal expression. “I have two recent collections; one is called Fluidity and it’s based on tools: hammer, seesaw, wrench, ruler, screwdriver etc,” she explains. “It’s a gender fluid, unisex collection of ready to wear gold and diamond pieces catering to the design focused, younger generation.” 
Meanwhile, the couture offering is “entirely inspired by nature: flowers, butterflies, flowy rivers.” For this exclusive fashion shoot, for the first time, we've booked a male model to showcase - the best of jewellery! We ransacked the Pheres treasure trove of collectables and opted for this menswear shoot, greatly garnished by all her sparkling accessories. 
This duality—industrial precision meeting botanical poetry—mirrors broader shifts in fine jewellery. Globally, 2024/2025 and beyond have seen a decisive turn towards elaborated designs, with minimalist trends “entirely gone from fine jewelry,” as Pheres observes. “Designs are becoming very elaborated... Collectors are still looking for rare stones, exquisite designs and elaborated craftmanship.” Pearls, in particular, have staged a triumphant return, often mixed with vibrant gems for eclectic appeal—a trend echoed across runways and red carpets.
The designer for years was known for her fine menswear collection that one could find in the haloed corners of Lane Crawford, her own showroom in Central and dotted around Asia, she would showcase her glamorous goods and wears in trunk shows that VVIPs attended. As Narcisa Pheres pivoted to jewellery full time, it is no wonder her select, versatile pieces can be worn by both men or women. She brings and edge and softness to jewellery that perhaps others in her ilk, don't always bring to the forefront. 
In fact, the joy she brings to the table is palpable, be it in the shades she brought to the lining of her suits or the gemstones in her accessories collection, Pheres’ fascination with colour is palpable. “I absolutely love working with Paraiba and rubellites,” she says, highlighting two of the market’s most coveted rarities. Paraiba tourmaline, with its electrifying neon blue-green hue, commands prices from US$1,000 to over US$100,000 per carat for exceptional Brazilian specimens, driven by extreme scarcity and surging collector demand. Rubellites, the raspberry-pink tourmalines, have similarly appreciated, with finer qualities fetching up to US$2,000 per carat amid supply constraints since 2022. 
These align with her investment philosophy: “I would say any rare color gem (Paraiba, pigeon blood ruby, a high-quality emerald or a natural blue sapphire) or any diamonds above 1 ct, D, VVS will uphold its value.” In contrast to volatile markets, “Gold prices [are] going up tremendously,” she notes—indeed, gold surged dramatically through 2024-2025, often exceeding 50-70% annual gains amid economic uncertainties, reaching over US$5,000 per ounce by early 2026.
Yet true value, for Pheres, transcends spreadsheets. “Creativity has no price tag so go for bold fine jewelry designs that you love (there is no better investment than investing in yourself and what you Love).” This ethos resonates in Asia, where men’s jewellery has long been normalised, from traditional gold adornments in India to contemporary luxury in China. The Asia Pacific jewellery market, valued at over USD 230 billion in 2025, is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.9% through 2033, with men’s segments expanding rapidly due to rising disposable incomes and evolving cultural norms.
Pheres observes a convergence: “In Asia, men wearing jewellery is common. Did you find that? ... Used to be very common in Europe: gentlemen had been wearing jewelry for centuries... Same in America, if you actually look at red carpet events, especially the Met Gala, you will notice more and more jewelry on men in the past years.” Recent Met Galas have amplified this, with 2025’s “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style” theme showcasing brooches, layered chains, and statement pendants on male attendees—vintage pins, diamond lapels, even embellished canes. “There had always been watches and cufflinks but recently you see men wearing very elaborated designs not just in brooches and pins but pendants, rings, necklaces and bracelets.”
Her advice to men is refreshingly direct: “Don’t be afraid to mix and layer jewelry; just make sure to find your own style rather than follow what’s trending. Don’t be afraid to experiment with color stones or antique jewelry pieces: a nice brooch or a pin will always be a staple of elegance. Don’t over do it!” This measured boldness defines her brand: “A reinterpretation of European court jewels, art deco and art nouveau inspiration mix with some Japanese aesthetics and organic, sculptural shapes.”
Celebrity endorsements underscore her cross-cultural allure. Pieces have graced Beyoncé, Taylor Swift, Jennifer Lopez, Lady Gaga, Amal Clooney, and, in proud moments, Michelle Obama, Madonna, and Rihanna at the Met Gala. “I can’t pick one star as my favorite as they are all very accomplished and inspiring... the biggest surprise had been seeing Michelle Obama wearing a Narcisa Pheres ring.”
Pheres herself curates daily. “I tend to choose my jewelry according to what I wear that particular day... but what’s never missing will be a big pair of emeralds and diamonds earrings and either a flower or a butterfly in diamonds with some colored gems.” Sentimental favourites? “A few actually. Interestingly they either have Colombian emeralds or Paraiba and diamonds (I love green and turquoise colors).”As 2024’s trends carry forward to 2026—pearls resurgent, rare gems prized, men’s adornment normalised—Pheres’ vision feels prescient. For those craving individuality over restraint, her jewels remind us that true luxury is personal, bold, and enduring.

All photography: Alison KwanModel: Fritz at Model OneGrooming, hair, MUA: Gloomy from Karen Yiu and Co. 

 

For more on Pheres, check out their official Instagram below or check out their official website Pheres.com

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TBT: Celebrity Personal Trainer in Hong Kong: James Wong by Sami Alliot

 

Major throwback. Shot in my living room, French photographer Sami was in town, James my most photogenic friends. Those were dark pandemic times so very few people on our makeshift set. Sam did such a superb job. As always.

James Wong has his own gym now - follow and PT! 
 

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Sarah Pidgeon Shines in Custom Calvin Klein at 2026 Vanity Fair Oscars Party

Channeling ’90s Carolyn Bessette elegance amid Love Story’s runaway success 

Sarah Pidgeon, the breakout star of FX's Love Story—the buzzy Ryan Murphy anthology series that reimagines the magnetic, tragic romance of John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy—made her Vanity Fair Oscars Party debut a masterclass in perfectly timed method dressing. 

Just as the show has reignited feverish 90s nostalgia, with its sleek minimalism, slip dresses, and that unmistakable Calvin Klein polish still echoing through today's runways, Pidgeon slipped into custom Calvin Klein Collection for the glittering after-party in Los Angeles.

The platinum crystal-and-sequin-encrusted floor-length gown, with its whisper-thin micro spaghetti straps (a signature CK detail), front overlap, and deconstructed neckline, felt like a modern evolution of the era's effortless elegance—think CBK's own archival moments, but dialed up for the spotlight. She finished the look with a brushed-silver CK One Clutch, a subtle nod to the fragrance that defined the decade's cool.

It's no coincidence this moment lands now: Calvin Klein is undeniably having its renaissance, channeling 90s restraint and sensuality amid a broader cultural craving for pared-back glamour. 

And Love Story? Despite early critical barbs and pushback from Kennedy-circle purists—who decried everything from hair color to costume authenticity—the series (and Pidgeon's haunting, layered turn as Bessette) has captivated audiences, turning scrutiny into success. In a sea of over-the-top awards-season sparkle, Pidgeon's choice channels the quiet power that made 90s fashion iconic—and proves that sometimes, the most enduring statements are the ones whispered in satin and sequins.

Wendy Yue: Nature-Inspired Jewellery Celebrating Life and Beauty

Hong Kong jewellery designer in conversation with P.Ramakrishnan on Opals, Jade, and One-of-a-Kind Art Pieces in a Shifting Luxury Market. 
In an exclusive interview, renowned Hong Kong jewellery designer Wendy Yue shares insights into her latest collection, which centres on appreciating life and its beauty following the profound changes brought by the thing we no longer wish to speak of or remember, the pandemic. 
“I believe that the Covid incident has really impacted how each of us wants to live our life and has put into perspective what really matters – our health, families and surroundings,” she explains. Nature continues to serve as her primary muse: “Our inspirations have always been nature because we believe preserving nature is what matters most to all of us.”
Yue views each creation as a unique artwork rather than mere jewellery. “Each piece we create is a piece of art for me, and I love each one as if it was my own child,” she says. Over the past decade, her brand has evolved from ghost designing to becoming a recognised name, steadfastly committed to originality: “We try to avoid being in the norm and love to create unique Art pieces whenever inspiration arises.” 
As with innumerable luxury products and services, the pandemic marked a pivotal shift: “The world collectively going through fears together has in fact shifted our perspective. We believe people need an outlet, a way to express themselves and show their personality.” This has led to a more deliberate focus on emotionally resonant, one-of-a-kind designs that celebrate life's beauty.
Designs remain gender-neutral, prioritising personal connection. “I don’t design my pieces for a specific gender, anyone with whom it connects with. It is very important to us that my collectors have a genuine emotional connection to our art,” Yue emphasises. Her global clientele—from America, Japan, Europe, and the Middle East—engages personally, with pieces shared via Instagram (@wendyyuejewellery) rather than mass retail. Artistic influences include Wallace Chan’s fearless approach, alongside nature and architecture: “What I love most about creating art; it all comes from the heart.”
This emphasis on nature-inspired, emotionally meaningful pieces featuring opals, jade, and other coloured stones resonates strongly with current trends in Asia's jewellery market. The Asia-Pacific region continues to dominate, generating substantial revenue and projected to grow at a CAGR of around 5.9% from 2026 to 2033. Rising demand for individuality fuels the coloured gemstone sector, with reports highlighting booming interest in vibrant, unique stones amid high gold prices that encourage lighter, gem-focused alternatives.
The collection emphasises dynamic, light-responsive stones such as opals and jade. “Opals and Jade are stones I’m always drawn to and find it fascinating with the colour reflections due to lights and surroundings, the colour even changes depending on our body chemical reactions such as temperature or body moisture,” Yue notes. 
She pairs these with diamonds and coloured sapphires to produce visually captivating works that “elicit joy.” A standout example is a pair of earrings inspired by Mykonos: “One of my earrings is inspired from Mykonos – my favourite place in the world... I created a pair of beautiful earrings using baroque pearls, turquoise and opals representing the gorgeous hues seen in the water surrounding the island.”

No surprises, jade remains particularly prominent in Asia, symbolising virtue and protection, while opals align with the preference for iridescent, personality-driven designs. Industry analyses note optimism for coloured gems in 2026, driven by potential economic recovery, luxury demand, and a structural shift where coloured gemstones, jade, and organic materials gain share over pressured natural diamonds. Events like Jewellery & Gem ASIA Hong Kong underscore this, positioning coloured stones at the forefront for 2026.
In the broader global context, the jewellery market shows resilience into 2026. The gemstone market is forecasted to expand from US$38.4 billion in 2026 to US$72.8 billion by 2036 at a 6.6% CAGR, according to Future Market Insights, with coloured and traceable natural stones leading premium segments. Coloured gemstone-specific forecasts indicate around 6.1% CAGR through 2031, supported by luxury consumption and ethical sourcing. Sustainability, provenance, and bespoke elements drive growth, alongside bold, sculptural statements that allow jewellery to express individuality against minimalist fashion.
High-end consumers increasingly seek narrative-driven, rare pieces, with coloured gems outperforming in investment appeal. Yue’s approach—crafting heartfelt, nature-evoking art with shifting hues from opals and jade—aligns seamlessly with these trajectories. "I don’t design my pieces for a specific gender, anyone with whom it connects with," she says. "It is very important to us that my collectors have a genuine emotional connection to our art. Over the past decades, we try to avoid being in the norm and love to create unique art pieces." 
Follow the designer and see her collection on her official Instagram @WendyYueJewellery

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