One of the latest luxury brands to open at Iconsiam, though certainly not the last, is Bvlgari, a name associated with jewellery for more than 100 years.

But it’s not just the precious metals and stones that have found their way to the bank of the Chao Phraya River. Bvlgari has also brought the timeless elegance of Rome’s Via dei Condotti, its home since 1905, to Bangkok, mirroring a design concept that draws on its Mediterranean origins and Roman traditions while meeting the modern shopping landmark. The grand opening event last week saw the presentation of Fiorever, a new enchanting diamond collection that symbolises the Roman passion for life.

Sze Lin Teo, Bvlgari regional marketing and communications director, Seri Souvanna Phouma, the brand’s commercial manager and Caroline Murphy of Siam Piwat were joined for the glittering event by Alisters and celebrity figฌures Chanya Sawangchit, Thawin Seawtong, Vatanika Patamasingha Na Ayudhya, Sonya Singha and Nittha Jirayungyurn.

The first tribute to the Roman DNA of the brand is the store’s outer facade, developed in partฌnership with MVRDV Studio. The facade design is mainly characฌterised by the repetition of the iconฌic shape of the portals at Via dei Condotti.

In a geometric yet asymmetric modularity made of waved brass and coloured glass windows, the doublestorey facade reproduces the different shades of the Roman sun as it lights the building during the day.

As always, the brand is placing innovation and creativity at the centre of its activities, reinterpretฌing its history according to contemporary architecture and design trends. The partnership between the Bvlgari internal design team and the Netherlandsbased architecture studio, started in 2016, leading to a first facade in Kuala Lumpur in early 2018, and now in 2019, in Bangkok.

The iconic Condotti portal shapes, inspired by Francesco Borromini, the Italian architect of the 17th century, who was a chief formulator of Baroque architectural style, underline Bvlgari’s presฌence and serve as the starting point of a journey into the Roman origins of the brand.

The floor at the entrance bears the brand’s signature eightpointฌed star in red porphyry. A univerฌsal symbol of balance, harmony and cosmic order, the eight lines symbolically represent the four cardiฌnal points (North, South, East, West) and time (two solstices and two equinoxes). According to the legend, the star stands for “Roma Caput Mundi”, meaning “all roads lead to Rome”. Italian marble is ubiquitous throughout the 180squaremetre boutique and the walls are decorated with vintage photographs of the brand’s most famous endorsers including Elizabeth Taylor.

Adorned with Imperial Saffron–colored shantung silk, the iconic Condotti windows on the walls also recall the warm Roman atmosphere and are a reproduction of the original windows still present in Bvlgari on Via dei Condotti.

From the main area, clients can access other rooms, which are more intimate and warm, where they can sit down and enjoy Bulgari creations with different levels of privacy, thanks to different flooring materials and decor characteristics.

And shoppers will certainly be interested in Fiorever, an entirely new collection of bold diamond jewellery. The name derives from Italian word for flower, “fiore”, and the English word “forever”, “Fiorever” establishes the flower as an official symbol of the Roman jeweller, one which it has interpreted with craftsmanship and creativity since 1920.

The collection’s signature is a wild bloom with four petals, plucked from Rome’s heritage. The gracious motif decorates many of the vestiges of the Roman Empire: the garden frescos of Villa di Livia, the sculptures of Palazzo Massimo, and the ceiling mosaics of the Santa Costanza Mausoleum, to name a few. Exclusively crafted with bold lines and priceless diamonds, the new icon is a sparkling joy.

The freespirited energy of Fiorever shines through the fourpetal flower, glittering with the highest quality diamonds (colour DF, clarity IFVVS). The centre is a precious solitaire from 0.10 to 0.50 carats, and around this immutable heart, the petals of each exquisite flower tilt upward, a display of Bvlgari’s trademark style of design through volume.

To fight against the inevitable wrinkles we all experience as we age, much of it caused by our unhealthy behaviour, French skincare expert Sisley Research is kick starting the year with the launch of its new serum Sisleya L’Integral Antiage AntiWrinkle Concentrated Serum.

“Sisley Research introduced its new Sisleya L’Integral Antiage line back in 2016 when we highlighted the impact of epigenetic factors on the appearance of the signs of ageฌing due to what we call behaviour ageing’. This focused on how our lifestyles and individual environฌments significantly influence the visible signs of skin ageing,” says Nicolas Chesnier, regional managฌing director.

“Since then, every product from this line has harnessed these techฌnological advancements, formulatฌed with a unique combination of key active ingredients – Persian acacia and lindera extracts, and yeast and soy protein complex– that target the cells’ lifecycle, which is to protect during the day and to repair during the night with the right energy and increase cell longevity.”

Last year the premium skincare brand launched, Sisleya L’Integral Antiage Firming Concentrated Serum and has continued its research into epigenetic factors by addressing the very source of behavฌioural ageing.

“Of course, we want to fight wrinฌkles. As we age, the skin loses its elasticity, and wrinkles gradually begin to form. We know about genetic and environmental ageing. But our lifestyle, in particular, is the multiple aggressor of our skin and what we are subjected to on a daily basis degrades the collagen and accelerates the formation of wrinฌkles. Every smile and emotion is slowly etched into our faces until those familiar expression lines start to appear. On top of these is such unhealthy behaviour as smoking, lack of sleep, lack of exercise, not drinking enough of water, and stressful lifestyle.” he notes.

“In 2019, Sisley Research has reached a major turning point in the fight against the visible signs of behavioural ageing. It has succeedฌed in optimising collagen producฌtion directly to help skin become visibly smoother with fewer wrinฌkles,” Chesnier continues. “The key ingredient, porcelain cacao extract, a new Sisley active ingredient, tarฌgets collagen to reawaken and kickstart its synthesis, which are silenced by negative behavioural factors and ageing. Wrinkles are also caused by significant structural and composiฌtional changes inside the dermis, which acts as the skin’s framework.”

The result is a powerful serum with a comprehensive antiwrinkle action that targets two completely new focuses –reawakening collagen production at its source and regenฌerating the extracellular matrix, that directly influence the producฌtion of collagen, which is essential for smoother skin. The result is a boost in the production of collagen.

The Sisleya AntiWrinkle Concentrated Serum is absorbed deep into the skin to act on the ExtraCellular Matrix on three levฌels for a comprehensive antiwrinkle action.

Soy peptide extract boosts the activity of fibroblasts, cells responฌsible for collagen production in the dermis, to increase dermal density and help achieve a powerful global antiwrinkle action. Blue agave yeast extract promotes the syntheฌsis of hyaluronic acid and replenฌishes the skin from within. Skin is hydrated and smoother and wrinฌkles are reduced. White willow leaf extract, which is rich in antioxidant polyphenols, helps to shield the derฌmal fibres from free radicals while slowing down collagen and elastin degradation to give fewer wrinkles. The antifree radical and antioxiฌdant properties of tanninrich roseฌhip extract boost the effects of the white willow leaf extract and proฌtect the skin from oxidative stress caused by factors such as pollution and a stressful lifestyle. Lastly, moisฌturising and softening Iris extract inhibits hyaluronidase activity (an enzyme that breaks down hyaluronฌic acid). It works to protect the hyaluronic acid, the synthesis of which has already been boosted by the blue agave yeast extract.

Sisleya L’Integral Antiage AntiWrinkle Concentrated Serum can be found at Sisley counters in all leading department stores.

Leading global brand Cartier marked the start of 2019 by cele¬brating the spirit of its iconic Juste un Clou and Ecrou de Cartier jew¬ellery inspired by nails, nuts and bolts, hosting the Cartier Precious Garage in Bangkok for the first time and at an unconventional venue – a warehouse in Khlong Toei.

The brand’s avantgarde art installation concept on the theme “When the Ordinary Becomes Precious” was designed by New Yorkbased Puerto Rican visual artist Desi Santiago to showcase the creative twist on everyday objects that makes the ordinary exquisite. Adding to the sparkle of the centrepiece – a unique gold Corvette – were Thai superstars Mark Prin, Mario Maurer, Natapohn “Taew” Tameeruks, Jarinporn “Toey” Joonkiat, Thanapobb “Tor” Leelutanakajorn, Sunny Suwanmethanont and Gunn Svasti as well as Alisters Sonya Singha, Jay and Jareyadee Spencer, Tirawan Taechaubol, Kanachai Bencharongkul, Patsarakorn Chirathivat, Gulapat Kanokwatanawan, Karoon Sosothikul, Orawan Ingkhasit and Tachamapan Chanchamrassang.

Despite the smog that has been plaguing Bangkok for the past few weeks, a long red carpet was laid out outside the warehouse leading to the cavernous space within, which had been transformed into a world where form and mechan¬ics collided in a novel art installa¬tion concept realised as Cartier Precious Garage. True to the refined Cartier touch, every detail of the event had its own implica¬tion.

A gold shipping container greet¬ed guests at the entrance, confirm¬ing the arrival of Cartier Precious Garage in Thailand. A gold tunnel guided guests to the highlight installation – an exceptional gold Corvette flanked by two large walls, one in gold adorned with Corvette parts and components, and the other in white displaying mechan¬ic’s tools.

The interior was inspired by two of Cartier’s iconic collections. A nail turned into jewellery, the famous Juste un Clou collection was creat¬ed for Cartier in the 1970s by Italian designer Aldo Cipullo who left his homeland to pursue his dream in New York. An expression of a rebel¬lious nature. Cipullo’s radical appropriation of a utilitarian object as a piece of jewellery echoed the anticonformist state of mind of the era.

Cartier used the party to intro¬duce the new slimmer, flexible ver¬sion of the Juste un Clou bracelet, which wraps around the wrist in a single bold motion. Available in yellow and pink gold, it can be worn alone or alongside the original or even with the Love collection.

Cartier wrapped the special evening with an after party where guests were fully entertained by celebrated Korean DJ Tim Thal, a star of the Ultra Music Festival.

And you don’t have to be celebri¬ty to appreciate the jewellery. The entire Cartier Precious Garage art installation is now featured in a popup exhibition at Siam Paragon’s Hall of Fame on M Level until Sunday.

THE CHINESE NEW YEAR or the spring festival is a time of change and new beginnings, and a time too for showing off new clothes and accessories on visits to friends and family on New Year’s Day. It’s believed that new clothes are auspicious and can protect the wearer from evil spirits and misfortune.

Red represents good fortune and joy. Chinese people decorate their homes with red lanterns to ward off bad luck. Still, the most popular way to celebrate the Chinese New Year is to hand out red envelopes filled with money.

Equally traditional is the belief in Chinese astrology with 12 animals of the zodiac representing the year when you born and how it will affect your life throughout the year. 2019 is the Year of Pig!

And, as ever, the world’s leading brands are aiming to attract Chinese spenders with special designs to celebrate the grand festival.

Polpat Asavaprapa, founder and creative director of Asava Group and president of Bangkok Fashion Society, notes that fashionistas should have no problems looking the part during the festivities if they follow a few tips.

                                                                             ASV

“Red is a naturally strong and bold colour. My tip for wearing a successful red look is to balance the colour with embroidery that is not too dramatic and not too sexy because the whole purpose of dressing up is to visit family and respected elders. In a strict family, tradition demands that the entire dress is red. So mixing in black may not be a good idea. You may wear the red dress with red lipstick if you are confident but you can also tone things down with a nude lipstick. My family also celebrates the Chinese New Year and I think tradition is very important in the way it pays respect to ancestors.”

In term of designing a special collection for the occasion, Polpat says he relies on demand and supply. Marketing with faith is the most powerful tool, he adds.

“I’ve created a modern take on the traditional Chinese gown known as the qipao’ in Thai or Cheongsam for the ASV collection. The look is straightforward but chic, easy to wear and comfortable.”

Burberry turns to Chinese actresses and newly appointed brand ambassadors Zhao Wei and Zhou Dongyu for its Chinese New Year campaign, which celebrates family traditions and togetherness. Shot and directed by photographer Ethan James Green and inspired by classic portraiture, the campaign is reimagined in an informal urban environment, juxtaposing the old and the new, the traditional and the contemporary.

The focus is on classic Burberry pieces including archive-print scarves and the trench coat contrasting with urban staples including hoodies, shirts and joggers, all of which are available globally online and in-store from today.

“A family portrait is a very simple concept, but the ceremonial sense behind it holds so much more. For me, being able to go home once a year to spend quality time with my family is something I value above all else, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything,” Zhou Dongyu stated in a release.

Emporio Armani presents a new collection for Chinese New Year with pieces in which the animal that is this year’s symbol of the Chinese zodiac – the pig –is seen in a tribal version in the men’s range, resulting in looks that are fun and urban. The men’s range has a street feel, comprising branded t-shirts and sweatshirts paired with skinny jeans. The palette is very distinct, in shades of red and black, and the seasonal print is featured on all the garments.

In keeping with the traditional hues of Lunar New Year, Michael Kors’ campaign highlights the Mott camera bag in red, the petal quilted Whitney shoulder bag also in red, the Rhea backpack in black and the white Poppy lace-up sneaker – all of which feature glamorous gold detailing. This year’s money envelopes highlight the jet set lifestyle and heritage with a small plane motif and the skylines of Paris, New York and Shanghai. The envelopes, available for Michael Kors customers worldwide, come packaged in a glamorous, specially made box.

                                                                Michael Kors

The Cos limited-edition collection of wardrobe staples is reimagined and styled alongside timeless pieces in rich navy and textured neutrals across womenswear, menswear and childrenswear. The holiday celebrates tradition, friends and family and this sense of togetherness comes to life in the campaign imagery.

Inspired by the brand’s signature Patricia shoulder bag, MCM releases a two-fold wallet in minimal sophistication. Crafted from Visetos, its streamlined shape is beautifully accented by a contrast front flap in the finest Spanish leather. Inside there are twelve card slots, a bill sleeve and a zipped pocket that’s perfect for stashing coins. It is also fitted with a removable chain that lets be carried over the shoulder as a compact purse.

In celebration the Year of the Pig, Bottega Veneta introduces a unique selection of leather goods, shoes and jewellery. A long-time symbol of luck and fortune in Chinese culture, the pig is interpreted on men’s jewellery and a selection of playful charms, including the nappa leather and hand-enamelled key rings. The pig is also featured on the engraved gold plaque of the women’s Intrecciato Checker sneakers, made in a rich palette of Baccara Rose, Deco Rose and Poppy.

                                                                                             Bottega Venetta

The selection of items includes men’s wallets, pouches, tech accessories, bags, and slip-on sneakers featuring the Tartan Dots craftsmanship in varying shades of

blue and red. The intricate workmanship, introduced for Cruise 2019, provides a unique three-dimensional effect through an exclusive serigraphic printing technique.

Furla presents a new print for the Furla Metropolis S Size. The new bag is part of the Cruise 2019 collection, and brings delicate elements, which define the Serenity print, borrowed from the oriental aesthetic, to the iconic Furla crossbody. It is a tribute to the Year of the Pig with the print boasting a finely drawn graphic representation of the animal, stylised, in white on a red background and surrounded by pink flowers with white petals, and pale yellow ochre pistils.

The piglet, symbol of the new Marni Capsule Collection, comes from an imaginary universe dedicated to the Chinese New Year. A range of accessories for her and a new original version of Big Foot sneakers for him pay homage to the twelfth protagonist of the Chinese horoscope, as well as the sign’s cheerful and dreamy character. Sophisticated and versatile, the necklace features a stylised and semi-rigid jewel pendulum for a rebel touch when juxtaposed with a thin leather strap. The pendant is also the protagonist of the key ring charm, characterised by a snap hook and contrast leather structure. The jewellery range is completed by an ironic pair of pig-shaped earrings.

                                                                                 Marni

Earlier this year, British luxury brand, Mulberry introduced a line of bag scarves that can be added to the handles of any accessory for a poetic styling touch. For Lunar New Year, the brand collaborated with artist Li Rui on a bespoke printed scarf design inspired by the traditional landscapes that are prominent in ancient Chinese artworks. The artist’s signature has been worked into the design, adding an element of modernity. The collection features two much-loved silhouettes, the Small Amberley Satchel and the Mini Seaton – available in Scarlet or Black Croc Printed leather. Both styles feature the brand’s signature equestrian inspired Rider’s Lock and detachable straps in keeping with the heritage, form and functionality that is at the heart of every design.

Leading Italian brand Tod’s presents a special collection emphasising

the pig as the symbol of wealth and fortune. Designs include a tiny leather charm in the shape of a pig, ready to stick to bags and smartphone cases and sneakers for women in white or metallic pink and personalised with leather wings.

Tory Burch too marks the occasion with red for good luck, and a touch of gold on clothing, handbags and chic accessories, while Peggy the Pig Mini Bag shines in mirror-finish gold leather.