Bejewelled blitz
AS THE MERCURY soars to record-breaking heights in Hong Kong, wearing layers has become downright preposterous and the only way anyone can hope to look put together is to pile on the jewellery. We show you how to do this in two ways. In an ode to LGBT Pride Month, our shoot starting on page 20 shows how, regardless of gender identity, you can always bring the bling. More is more here. But for those who prefer to pare it down somewhat, flip to page 40 for how best to make one piece speak with impact.
It was exciting to put together two shoots that presented completely opposing points of view and bookend the content in between, because so much is happening in the jewellery space. We trace the heritage of the Van Cleef & Arpels ballerina clip and the way the maison keeps that legacy alive through partnerships with leading ballet companies ( page 52), and discover the way Patrice Leguéreau, director of the Chanel Fine Jewellery Creation Studio, is celebrating the 100th anniversary of Chanel N°5 through a magnificent haute joaillerie collection. But there are also new players whose fresh perspectives are disrupting a world grounded in tradition, including Nadine Ghosn ( page 60), whose pieces have never been seen before but can still be appreciated across generations.
Putting together an issue dedicated to jewellery also got me thinking about the different meanings of the word “jewel”. Not simply a precious stone, it denotes something worth treasuring or something pleasing (one usage, for example, is “what a jewel of an employee”). And so we investigate the way Chinese chefs are keeping traditional techniques alive ( page 116) and check out a diamond in the rough – NFT technology in art today ( page 102).
We also speak to rising stars Bruce and Chris Tong, who are looking to make their mark in the entertainment industry, and meet five fashionistas who present unique facets to making it as a key opinion leader. One of the most moving moments I experienced when putting together this issue had to be my interview with cover star Vivian Hsu ( page 70), when she shared with humility just how highly she regards the industry she has worked in for over three decades and why her career will always be precious beyond measure.