Welcome to the Issue
For the past decade, what we consider to be an extravagance has shifted from the decades before. The rise of sportswear in the 2010s has opened the door for streetwear supremacy. Balenciaga sneakers and Adidas Yeezys have become as coveted as Manolo Blahniks and Christian Louboutins. The red carpet, a tried and tested barometer for extravagance, now welcome oversized hoodies next to sharp tuxedos. But some things don’t change. A classic luxury handbag will always be a dream purchase (pages 29 & 38), as are flowy dresses (page 94) and chic trouser looks (page 104) that allow for ease and freedom of movement. We also explore how extravagance isn’t just about indulgence, it can also empower (page 32-37). And we can’t talk about extravagance without touching on jewellery and luxury timepieces: our special supplement on all things shiny and sparkly begins on page 55. Speaking of jewellery, we’ve also gotten our hands on some of the finest high jewellery pieces in town and have asked make-up artists Cat Yeong and Sheng Shaw to create looks inspired by these gorgeous gems (page 47). But extravagance is not just about materials things, it’s also about the life we want to experience. In the age of the coronavirus pandemic, comfort, security, connection and the possibility of travel are extravagances we long to afford. Just remember that all good things are worth the wait. We will get to indulge in all that again soon enough. Until then, what’s to stop us from getting that watch we’ve been eyeing for some time now?