GUILTPROOFING THE LUXURY WORLD

Chopard provides the only form of sanity in the crazy world of luxury consumption

AT A FAIR like Baselworld, marketing spiels are a dime a dozen. Anyone at the fair can attend some 50 presentations over those four or five days and be assaulted by a barrage of information about the newest timepieces. You’re quite literally in the thick of it. With the seemingly endless succession of releases, it’s easy to get swept along till all you can do is smile and nod.

Some watches stand out but more often than not, nothing really surprises you.

It’s probably why most journalists were set for a bit of a rude awakening at Chopard’s press conference this year.

Imagine this: you’ve spent the past 48 hours hearing about the luxury of owning a watch and you’re about to attend yet another conference that is bound to expound on the idea that you need to/should buy a luxury watch.

A Loaded Question

Instead of that, journalists were faced with a troubling question posed by someone outside the luxury space. With her voice raised ever so slightly, tinged with emotion, Noëlla Coursaris, a guest of Chopard’s at the conference, demanded to know, “Why were (her) people in the Democratic Republic of Congo starving when they’re being mined for cobalt?” The former model, who is now an activist and philantrophist, explained that cobalt as a material was used widely in the batteries of smartphones and had been mined in Congo for the longest time without the nation’s people necessarily benefiting from it.

100% Sustainability

Coursaris was talking about unethical mining in the African continent, something that Chopard has been actively working against since it announced its commitment to 100 per cent ethically-sourced gold in its production by July.

Far too often, the materials of our luxury

at the waiting lounge where they were served complimentary drinks and reading materials. Once settled down, the experts on hand proceeded with giving Jeanbasri, Wan Azim and Captain Joe a brief introduction of their services and treatments, including its comprehensive range of products that range from hair and skin care, to professional and advanced derma-care, each containing only the most powerful, natural and active ingredients developed over years of research, complete with fragrances and barbering tools.

Our A-Listers had the opportunity of luxuriating in the Anti-Aging Facial and Booster Facial treatments, both involving the use of Gentlemen’s Tonic’s Advanced Derma Care products, the spa’s first ever range of cosmeceutical products, designed specifically for men’s skin. At just 60-minute long, the Anti-Aging Facial utilises a unique protein enzyme that stimulates cell metabolism to dramatically lift, tighten and firm the skin whilst increasing textural clarity and tone. The Booster Facial, on the other hand, is a 30-minute quick-fix facial for those who are permanently on the go, an effective way to introduce the skin to active ingredients that cleanses, tones, soothes and hydrates the skin. Throughout the treatments, our A-Listers also enjoyed modern facilities such as their personal plasma screens, in the company of experienced, knowledgable staff.

THE BURROW BARBERSHOP

Tucked within the modern independent general store Merchant & Sisters in Damansara Heights is this hidden gem for men’s grooming. The Burrow is an unmarked, classically styled barbershop. Hidden away from public view, it allowed our A-Listers to enjoy some peace and privacy, as well as their barber’s full attention. Attending to only one client at a time, The Burrow provides excellent haircuts and beard trims as well as products such as pomades and cologne by artisanal local brands such as Mentega, Apothecary, and The Elektrik Chair.

The Burrow opened in June last year as a partnership between resident barber Al Siew and Subang-based barbershop, Othrs., founded by hairdressing maestro and our 2016 Men of the Year, Activism honoree Lex Low. Al, a law graduate who traded textbooks for clippers and never looked back, enjoys fresh challenges and opportunities to innovate. His diverse clientele reflects his commitment to providing an inclusive environment that extends a welcome to female clients seeking edgier looks. External engagements have included charity events, pop-ups, and even cutting hair in an experimental theatre performance.

Each of our A-Listers enjoyed an exclusive consultation with one of the two founders, followed by a personalised haircut tailored to enhance his natural good looks. The trio left The Burrow looking stylish, confident, refreshed and satisfied with their boys’ day out in this episode of The A-List 2018 x Mercedes-Benz #MyUrbanHunting grooming escapade. AM