EDITOR’S LETTER
Once again, Singapore is facing another round of tightened social restrictions, but over here at Prestige, we prefer to look on the bright side. After all, the luxury brands and our newsmakers have given us so much to be curious, excited and optimistic about.
We are referring to the three technopreneurs we interviewed on just how they making a bang in our community. No, they’re not your fintech start-ups poised to rake in big money, but those with a specific purpose to empower and improve the lives of others. Benjamin Wong of Kinobi runs a fast-growing career accelerator that trains and mentors Gen Z across Southeast Asia; John Cheng is the brains behind Innovate 360, Singapore’s first food incubator that has launched some of the most exciting food tech start-ups we’ve seen in a while. Leanne Robers founded the world’s largest start-up competition for women and technology, which offers them a global stage to showcase their talent. Now isn’t that truly something?
While business continues as usual in the luxury world, it’d also appear that in spite of the latest lockdown, the most prominent maisons are still powering ahead with new creations that herald the power of belief.
Our cover shoot with Cartier this issue signals the start of a buzzy high jewellery season this year, which gives those of us who love haute joaillerie much to cheer about. Just when you’d imagine it’s next to impossible for an extensive jewellery exhibition to be held locally, the Parisian maison surprised us with an incredible private showcase of about 250 pieces at Capella Singapore, where we were given the exceptional opportunity to do an exclusive shoot with its new masterpieces, including some from the [Sur]naturel collection. Thank you, Cartier, for bringing such beauty into our lives just when we needed it the most and keeping us dreaming.
Missing Paris too much already? Well, our fashion spread takes you there with a tribute to the enigmatic Three Colours trilogy by acclaimed film director, the late Krzysztof Kieślowski. This spirit of daring and creativity continues in this month’s other stories, including the second segment of our report on the key watch launches this year, as well as news on the most fascinating releases from your beloved houses – from Henry Jacques and Hermès to Graff, Tiffany & Co., Jaeger-lecoultre and Chopard. Here’s a special mention for Gucci, which just introduced its ambitious high watchmaking collection.
For your personal wellness and improvement, we have a host of insightful, educational reads that prepare you for action when the time comes. Learn more about the rise of Chinese tea culture; the potential of our very own version of Malay gastronomy; how you could “biohack” your way to a better version of yourself; the revival of Thailand’s Koh Pha Ngan from full moon party island to high-end resort paradise; and the latest advanced facials that many of us are dying to indulge in.
If, like me, you love French wine, then our report on Bordeaux’s 2018 vintage will point you to some choice bottles to hoard and gift daddy dearest with. Stay sane, safe and sound!