Showing posts with label Fritz. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Fritz. Show all posts

Wednesday, 15 April 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 

Friday, 20 March 2026

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 Kwan
Model: 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

Thursday, 17 July 2025

Abs are Made in the Kitchen: Health and Fitness feature


Throwback to this shoot with Fritz. For a feature on good eating - how abs are made in the kitchen, not at the gym. A mantra I've heard so often, I almost believe it. 

Sadly, I can't find the article - as it was in the old computer, not this new laptop. 

Thursday, 10 June 2021

TBT: Outtake from a watch shoot


Photographer: http://matryoshka.ws/

Model: Fritz from Model One. 

August 2016


Tuesday, 21 April 2020

Brief Encounters: Intimissimi Uomo: Italian Mastery Arrives in Hong Kong

Intimissimi has long been popular among the glitterati for its premium women's lingerie that blends sensuality, intricate design with everyday elegance. Intimissimi Uomo, the men's wing of the luxury brand, is the latest addition to the ever-increasing number of intimate (pajamas, underwear) designer men's apparel. Now, with its expansion into Hong Kong (the first store cropped up in the city in 2013, but the most popular and prominent flagship in Central premiered in 2017), discerning gentlemen in the city can access this Italian undergarment innovation with ease and comfort. The PR brief, pardon the pun, is all razzle dazzle, "this isn't just underwear—it's an investment in refined daily living, where premium materials and impeccable design elevate the mundane to the magnificent," says one of the breathless interns who has clearly been given the spiel to memorise, but sure, I'll take her word for it. 
Intimissimi Uomo's arrival in Hong Kong marks a significant milestone for the brand's global footprint. Launched as an extension of the iconic Intimissimi line in the early 2000s, the men's collection—branded as IUMAN—has gained traction for its focus on functional luxury. 
In Hong Kong, availability has ramped up through both physical stores and online platforms, aligning with the city's appetite for high-end European imports. 

As of 2020, the vision for the brand is... um 20/20. The brand's presence is solidified via the official Intimissimi Hong Kong website and select retail outlets, offering seamless shopping for those seeking alternatives to mass-market options. This move comes amid a surge in demand for premium men's wear in Asia, where consumers increasingly prioritise quality over quantity. For Hong Kong residents, it's a timely addition, providing access to pieces that promise durability and style in a humid, fast-paced urban environment that requires relief, ease of movement and endurance. 

To contextualise Intimissimi Uomo's entry, consider the current landscape of men's underwear in Hong Kong. The market is dominated by a mix of international staples and local favorites, with best-sellers reflecting a blend of affordability, comfort, and brand loyalty. Based on recent retail trends and consumer preferences, here are the top five best-selling men's underwear options in the city:
  1. Calvin Klein Cotton Stretch Boxer Briefs – A perennial favourite, these offer reliable support with a soft cotton-elastane blend. Priced around HK$200-300 for a pack, they're ubiquitous in department stores like Sogo and Lane Crawford, appealing to those seeking minimalist all-American style.
  2. HOM Premium Microfiber Boxers – French elegance meets innovation; known for breathable fabrics and ergonomic fits, this is not for those shy of countenance or of wallet. At HK$250-400, they're a hit in specialty shops, emphasizing bold colours, print, shapes and technical finesse like anti-bacterial properties ideal for Hong Kong's climate.
  3. Under Armour Tech Boxerjocks – Athletic performance underwear with moisture-wicking technology. Popular among fitness enthusiasts and regulars at the gym, at HK$200-350, available at sports retailers like Under Armour outlets in Causeway Bay, Central, Tung Chung and a massive property in, aptly enough, Olympian city.
  4. Lululemon Always In Motion Boxers – Soft, quick-drying modal fabric for all-day comfort. Ranging from HK$250-400, they're best-sellers online and in lululemon stores, favoured among the yogis and wellness gurus, runners and athletes.
  5. Uniqlo Airism Briefs – Budget-friendly yet high-tech, with mesh panels for ventilation. At HK$100-200, they're a staple in Uniqlo branches across Hong Kong, prized for everyday practicality, and street-cred coolness. 
These options dominate sales charts, as per insights from platforms such as Zalora.com, Farfetch.com and other Hong Kong shopping and retail sites. They cater to a broad audience, from gym-goers to office professionals, but often prioritise utility over artisanal finesse. Intimissimi leans gently on the more fashionable side. 
What sets Intimissimi Uomo apart, placing it in a league of its own, is its unwavering commitment to Italian heritage in design, product innovation, and material excellence. Unlike competitors that lean on synthetic blends for performance, Intimissimi sources premium fabrics like Supima® cotton—a superior long-staple variety that's exceptionally soft, durable, and resistant to pilling. This "indestructible" quality, as the brand dubs it, ensures pieces withstand repeated washes without losing shape or comfort. 
The design ethos is minimalist yet opulent: seamless constructions minimise chafing, while ergonomic cuts provide subtle support without constriction. Patterns range from classic solids to subtle prints, allowing for personal expression under tailored suits or casual attire. Materials like stretch microfiber and cotton-lisle yarn offer breathability crucial in Hong Kong's subtropical heat, wicking away moisture while feeling like a second skin. 

Reviewers often rave about the luxurious texture—smooth, lightweight, and hypoallergenic—elevating mundane routines into rituals of refinement. In essence, Intimissimi Uomo isn't mass-produced; it's crafted for the man who views his wardrobe as an extension of his  personality, and his role in society that leans over sophistication than sport.

Accessibility in Hong Kong is straightforward, with key locations in all the hubs, Central, Causwaybay and outlets in Kowloon with pricing that positions Intimissimi Uomo as accessible luxury, making it competitive against mid-tier brands while delivering superior quality. Compared to top-sellers like Calvin Klein (HK$200+), it's a modest premium for durability.
Luxury is a lifestyle in Hong Kong, Intimissimi Uomo invites Hong Kong men to rediscover the art of intimates. and for the full exploration of this Italian gem, dive deeper into its collections—your wardrobe will thank you.

All photography: Yana Vilkinia
Model: Fritz at Model One. 
Location: Shot exclusively in Hong Kong.