Fashion’s Top Brands And Products In Q1 2022

Justin Bieber. Image: Stef Mitchell

With everything that is happening, from the pandemic to the inflation of gas prices and the Russian invasion of Ukraine, fashion’s existence and voice persist. Brands are bringing creative, stunning fashion shows to the stage in the luxury fashion world, teaming up with other desired labels for highly anticipated collaborations, and deep-diving into the metaverse and web3. Needless to say, the industry is booming still and will continue to.

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Virtual avatars for Balenciaga Spring/Summer 2022. Image: Balenciaga

The hottest brands in the first quarter of 2022 range from Gucci and Dior to Louis Vuitton and Bottega Veneta. And retaining the top spot as the world’s hottest brand is the storied house of Balenciaga. Described as “untouchable right now”, Balenciaga is “re-writing the rules of what it means to be a luxury fashion brand today, and supercharging customer intent in the process”, as per Lyst.

1. Balenciaga
2. Gucci
3. Louis Vuitton
4. Prada
5. Valentino
6. Dior
7. Moncler
8. Bottega Veneta
9. Fendi
10. Miu Miu

Top Brands In Q1 2022

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Throughout Q1, there has been a 108 per cent increase in searches for Balenciaga on fashion technology company Lyst. Spanish designer, Cristóbal Balenciaga’s namesake brand has presented its fall/winter 2022 Snowstorm show in Paris and unveiled its new London flagship on Bond Street. Also within Q4 of 2021, Balenciaga released campaigns featuring popular celebrities like Kim Kardashian and Justin Bieber.

Kim Kardashian. Image: BackgridUK

In second place stands Gucci, which has reported a 32 per cent acceleration in revenue growth in Q4 2021. The Italian house has also wowed fashion lovers with its second drop of The North Face x Gucci collection and its steady move into NFTs and metaverse. Among all its exciting collaborations, that may have contributed to securing number two, is Gucci’s collaboration with Adidas which premiered at its fall/winter 2022 runway show. The high demand for both brands has also brought Adidas back into the game with position 17.

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Rihanna and A$SAP Rocky at Gucci’s Exquisite 2022 Fall/Winter presentation. Image: Gucci

Image: Gucci

Image: Gucci

Image: Gucci

Following Gucci, both Prada and Louis Vuitton were vying for the third spot but Louis Vuitton eventually resurfaced triumphantly. After Virgil Abloh’s untimely passing, the French luxury brand presented his final show. In the first quarter, Louis Vuitton has also announced raising prices because of increased manufacturing costs and heightened production by inaugurating two new ateliers in France.

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With the fast pace of social media, where trends go as quickly as they come, climbing up the ranks may not be the easiest. For Miu Miu, however, its viral mini-skirt moment caused a 400 per cent increase in searches for the brand over Q1 2022 — notably rocketing the brand from 20th to 10th. Another considerable jump was made by Valentino, from 11th place to top 5. The Italian brand had the iconic actress Zendaya front its Spring 2022 campaign and also launched its first conscious-driven sneaker.

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Top Products In Q1 2022

In the era of TikTok and more prominent displays of fashion on big screens, the current obsession with Y2K youth culture has further amplified the revival of early-aughts style. Expectantly so, the top products last year were very much in line with mainstream fashion moments.

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However, this quarter’s hottest products were revealed to be a medley of diverse brands and styles. Out of the 20 products, 12 are footwear with a mix of heels, UGGs, Moon Boots and New Balance sneakers.

Image: Lyst

In the first position on the women’s list is Naked Wolfe’s sculptural platform boots, which have been seen on famous figures like Rosalía, Hailey Bieber and Kourtney Kardashian. The sleek boots have also appeared all over TikTok, its hashtag #nakedwolfe garnering 111.2 million views to date. According to Lyst, loafers make the men’s list for the second quarter in a row, with demand now up 87 per cent over the last year.

Ultimately, the fashion narrative appears to include more street styles as influential individuals, and the youth culture drives the industry.

See Lyst’s rankings for Q1 2022 here.

For more fashion reads, click here.

The post Fashion’s Top Brands And Products In Q1 2022 appeared first on LUXUO.

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Watch Buying Guide: All About Watch Crystals

Image: Rolex

Amidst the festive feastings at the end of 2021, we put out a decorated dial buying guide that felt appropriate for the season; Yuletide decors paired with ornate(ish) watch dials. Subtracting the glitz and glamour, this next instalment pales in comparison as we highlight the watch dial’s brother-in-arms — the watch crystal. Note that the reason we use that term is that one of the main purposes of the dial is to protect the movement from damages coming from the front; the crystal has a similar task, only that it provides an additional layer of security by protecting the dial too. Think of it as transparent armour.

While the considerations for watch crystals are fairly straightforward, their importance cannot be understated as they form one of the most crucial components of a watch to ensure dust and water-resistance — of course, they also allow wristwatches to be functionally useful, but that should go without saying (perhaps H. Moser & Cie would like to troll us by making a watch without a crystal – Ed).

Now, watch crystals are frequently ignored as a subject because we literally spend our time looking right through them. But, when your watch meets a hard surface, it is probably the crystal that takes the brunt of the blow. It also has the potential to change how the whole watch looks and even feels. As such, this guide will come in handy for new watch buyers though it can be a good refresher for seasoned collectors too.

One of NASA’s requirements for Omega was that the crystal of the Speedmaster Moonwatch had to be shatter-proof to ensure the safety of their astronauts. Image: Omega

• READ MORE: Rolex and its Timeless Connection to the Cinema

Three Amigos

Across the myriad of watches available in the market, there are three main materials that watch manufactures work with for crystals: acrylic, mineral and sapphire. Okay, only one of those qualifies as a crystal but we do not make the rules on nomenclature (glass is not a crystal, for example)! These are the most common names though there are others coined in the industry such as hesalite or plexiglass used interchangeably with acrylic, and hardened glass used in place of mineral crystals. Depending on the manufacture’s profile, a watch’s specifications or aesthetics, one of these three materials will be chosen. Given the different properties of the materials, each has its pros and cons which translates into strengths and weaknesses.

Friends with the Wallet?

Price is one consideration as the crystal material choice will add to the bottom line of the watch. More often than not, watch manufactures do not offer watch crystals as a customisable option, but our point can be illustrated through the difference between a closed or exhibition case back. Nomos Glashütte famously offers both closed and exhibition caseback options with, as you can expect, an added premium ranging from $380 to $520 after a quick check on several models. Whether or not you feel the pinch during the purchasing phase, the cost of replacing crystals can be a rude awakening during servicing trips…

One of the challenges of producing crystals is ensuring high levels of structural integrity, especially for those with odd shapes such as the one fitted on the Bell & Ross BR 01 Cyber Skull Sapphire. Image: Bell & Ross

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Acrylic, which has been used as a watch crystal material since the 1920s, is essentially a piece of plastic, making this inexpensive to work with. Often transparent and thermosetting in nature, acrylic crystals are easily moulded and shaped with heat before being solidified into the desired form. On the other hand, sapphire crystals (synthetic in nature) sit on the pricey end of the spectrum and are made from aluminium oxide. These oxides are heated to extremely high temperatures before being cast into blocks under high pressure. Pieces of disks are then sliced into desired shapes and polished with dedicated diamond-tipped machinery. Mineral crystals are made from glass and are priced comfortably between acrylic and sapphire crystals.

Dealing with Damage

Nothing feels worse than damaging your watch. Unfortunately, the odd knock or two is inevitable, no matter how cautious we are with our watches. Some are rather innocuous while others, not so much. Scratches, ranging from barely visible hairline ones to deep ones, are one of the most common signs of wear found on watch crystals. Do not discount the probability of a shatter either, as depending on the crystal’s physical properties, there are slight chances of it happening.

A material’s hardness will determine its resistance to scratches. Between acrylic, mineral and sapphire crystals, the latter ranks the highest with a rating of nine upon 10 on the Mohs scale making them virtually unscratchable. Only diamonds are harder than sapphire, which explains why diamond-tipped machinery is needed to work this material. Acrylic and mineral glass register three and six on the Mohs scale respectively, making them more susceptible to scratches. Accidental knocks can result in scuffs or even deeper scratches.

The Longines ref. 5774 made for the French Navy in 1947 features a box acrylic crystal that resists shattering in perilous environments. Image: Longines

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Here comes the interesting caveat — the material’s hardness acts as a double-edged sword of sorts. Given how easily acrylic or mineral crystals scratch, removing them is relatively easy with the help of polishing compounds. Should the damage be beyond salvage, a replacement is unlikely to burn too big a hole in the pocket. Conversely, since it is almost impossible to scratch sapphire crystals, removing scratches is just as difficult; unfortunately replacing the crystal is the only viable option, and is often accompanied by an eye-watering price tag.

Shatters are the worst-case scenario as it means the crystal has been subjected to extreme impact. Owners of sapphire crystal topped watches will be most displeased to learn that the chances of them shattering, while relatively low, are higher than that of acrylic. Sapphire’s hexagonal crystal structure is arranged in such an orientation that makes it brittle. Any form of stress can result in cracks or shattering — cracked mobile phone screens are a good example. Mineral crystals exhibit similar characteristics with sapphire crystals while acrylic ones are almost shatterproof, which explains why Omega outfitted the Speedmaster with hesalite as NASA cannot afford to have shards of glass floating in space vessels.

Coated or Not?

The Panerai Radiomir S.L.C. 3 Days PAM449 features a plexiglass crystal and comes with a spare replacement plexiglass crystal that must be installed by Panerai. Image: Panerai

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Reflections on a watch crystal affect legibility. Harsh lighting or sunlight impedes time telling when watches are read at certain angles. A simple remedy to this is an antireflective coating (AR-coating), a common term listed in tandem with sapphire or mineral crystals when going through watch specifications. Given both materials tend to be reflective in nature, applying one or more layers of AR-coating (top, bottom or both) negates reflections. Acrylics are naturally UV resistant and do not require such coatings. Just like the glasses or camera lenses with the same specs, the idea is to actually allow more light to filter through, rather than bounce off.

The shape of the crystals can affect their legibility too. Distortions are a common occurrence when peering through boxed crystals from an angle while dive watches are usually paired with flat crystals as domed ones go blank when viewed underwater. Some watchmakers offer “double-domed” sapphire crystals (both outer and inner surfaces are curved) to offer a clearer view of the dial.

Aesthetics

With the advent of high-tech materials such as sapphire or ceramics, components fashioned out of those materials are able to remain in as-they-are-condition decades down the road. Chances of discolouration or oxidation (patina as they are affably called in watch terminology) happening are reduced to zero percent, allowing them to remain in pristine condition indefinitely. Acrylic and mineral crystals run the risk of weathering as prolonged exposure to sunlight can cause them to turn yellow. A big shout out goes out to the Rolex Oyster Perpetual Milgauss and its inimitable green sapphire crystal. While coloured sapphire watch cases are gaining traction amongst watchmakers, they do not share the same enthusiasm for coloured sapphire crystals at the moment. Perhaps an emphasis on legibility is holding them back but this could very well be the trend for watches.

The dome crystal of the Franck Muller Vanguard Revolution 3 Skeleton requires sufficient clearance to accommodate its triple axis tourbillon. Image: Franck Muller

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A crystal’s shape influences a watch’s aesthetics too. Domed crystals such as those seen on Franck Muller have a magical elegance while boxed crystals add visual interest and have a vintage charm to them. The latter is especially popular with the rise of neo-vintage watches such as the Tudor Black Bay Fifty-Eight that utilise it to great effect. These days as it adds visual interest to the watch. Since raising the crystal makes it more prone to scratching, having a boxed crystal made with sapphire is the most desirable option.

Debunking Myths

Given the vintage cues of the Black Bay Fifty-Eight, having a box crystal accentuates it even more. Image: Tudor

Having worked in watch retail for slightly over three years, I have come across my fair share of customers who tap a watch crystal to identify its material. They believe that certain frequencies, clarity and crispness of the sounds are linked to a particular crystal. While some get lucky with their guesses, this is not an accurate method as the thickness and shape of the crystal can affect the way it sounds when tapped. This is almost as silly as running a knife blade across your watch crystal to confirm its material nature.

For more watch reads, click here.

The post Watch Buying Guide: All About Watch Crystals appeared first on LUXUO.

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Bugatti Atlantic At Guggenheim Bilbao Exhibition — Art, Beauty & Technology

Image: Bugatti

The Mullin Automotive Museum in California loaned a stunning Type 57 SC Atlantic to the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao’s latest exhibition. A central automotive art piece at the exhibition, the legendary vehicle was automotive designer Jean Bugatti’s pièce de resistance and also one of two surviving original examples. The ‘Motion. Autos, Art, Architecture’ exhibition will be open till 18 September 2022.

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Located in the northern Spanish city of Bilbao, the titanium architecture of the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao is one of the most spectacular buildings in continental Europe. The latest exhibition, personally curated by architect and designer Norman Foster, celebrates and investigates “the parallels between the automotive world and that of art”.

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Image: Bugatti

Inside ‘Motion. Autos, Art, Architecture’ is a hand-picked collection of about 40 of the automotive industry’s most exclusive, breathtaking and technically innovative creations. Among the selection and appearing in the ‘Sculptures’ gallery of the exhibition, the Type 57 SC Atlantic’s engineering excellence was highlighted, along with its prominent flowing lines.

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Mystical Allure & Exclusivity

Shaped by Bugatti’s craftspeople, the 1936 automobile was the first unit originally built for British banker Victor Rothschild. Jean Bugatti created the second-made Atlantic — now infamously known as the “La Voiture Noire¹” — for his personal use which has been missing since 1938 and is presumed to be lost during the Second World War. According to experts, that Atlantic is valued at more than €100 million if it is ever found. The third unit was in a severe collision in 1955 that almost completely destroyed the car. The last and fourth Atlantic belongs to fashion designer Ralph Lauren.

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The striking car features an extremely long bonnet with an overall length of 3.7 metres. Its rear end flows downwards in an oval shape and extends almost to the ground. A raised seam, an outstanding design feature, runs vertically from the hinge in the split bonnet to the tail — dividing the body in the middle.

The Type 57 SC Atlantic is powered by a robust, near-silent 3.3-litre straight-eight engine. It is able to produce up to 200 PS and has a top speed in excess of 200 km/h. A work of art on wheels and also a pioneering innovation at a time when mostly horse-drawn carts were still on roads.

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Image: Bugatti

Christophe Piochon, Bugatti’s president, said the Type 57 SC Atlantic remains one of the greatest pieces of automotive design ever conceived despite being created over 80 years ago, as very few existing cars can command such a distinct presence.

“It is the very definition of the automobile transcending into the world of art, making it the ideal specimen to illustrate our brand’s heritage and design philosophies at the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao,” added Piochon.

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Other beautiful cars include a 2010 Dymaxion #4, an Alfa Romeo BAT Car 7 from 1954, General Motors’ Firebird I, II and III, as well as the space-inspired Pegaso Z-102 Cúpula from 1952. Purchase tickets to Guggenheim Bilbao’s ‘Motion. Autos, Art, Architecture’ exhibition here.

For more car reads, click here.

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Rolex and its Timeless Connection to the Cinema

Image: Rolex

For over a century, Rolex has accompanied explorers and achievers around the world. Today, the brand is present at the most prestigious events in golf, sailing, tennis, motor sport, and at equestrian tournaments while also making a unique and lasting contribution to global arts and culture, science and exploration.

One of the key partnerships within the arts and culture space is with the world of Cinema. They both share a similar vision: creating masterpieces. For one, masterpieces of timekeeping; for the other, cinematic masterpieces. On the surface, it seems hardly comparable, watches and films being two entirely dissimilar products.

However, Rolex has been a feature of the film industry for decades.

Gabriel Byrne in The Usual Suspects (1995)

Film is a very visual medium, and the smallest detail on screen could alter the whole meaning of a shot. When an actor chooses to wear a Rolex watch, its presence on their wrist adds information to the plot. The personal effect lends the character a possible history, past and destiny. It reveals something of the temperament, taste, values, aspirations and mindset of the person who wears it. Famous examples would be the various versions of Rolex Oyster Perpetual Submariner worn by Sean Connery and Roger Moore in Dr. No, From Russia with Love, Goldfinger, Thunderball, Live and Let Die and The Man with the Golden Gun; a gold Oyster Perpetual Submariner Date by Bill Paxton in Titanic; an Oyster Perpetual GMT-Master accessorising Marlon Brando’s stellar performance in Apocalypse Now; and Paul Newman confidently wearing an Oyster Perpetual Datejust in The Color of Money (which was later handled by Tom Cruise).

Decade after decade, a growing cast of celebrities would wear a Rolex onscreen. As their watch of choice, the greatest actors and directors would, in turn, reflect on the watch and bestow it with their own charisma and flair. But after being a guest star on their wrist, both in front and behind the camera, Rolex would soon take on a starring role.

In 2017, Rolex cements its longstanding association with the film industry by entering a formal partnership with the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, becoming the Proud Sponsor of the Oscars, and Exclusive Sponsor of the Governors Awards.

The highlight of the film season is the Oscars, and it begins with the Governors Awards which honour great names of cinema and are presented in recognition of a lifetime of remarkable achievements.

This is followed by the Oscars ceremony which celebrates inspiration and emotion as well as the production process, the technical expertise and all else that goes into the making of a film. To borrow a favourite expression of Rolex founder Hans Wilsdorf, it is an ode to “a work done handsomely”. Cinema is at once an art, a science and an industry, and the Oscars ceremony shines a light on every one of its facets. Since 2016 Rolex has designed and hosted the Greenroom for the Academy Awards as a convivial space where nominees and presenters gather before and after stepping onto the stage. The inspiration for this year’s theme comes from Hollywood and its major studios. Decorative wall panels in an Art Deco style arrange elements from Rolex watches into mosaics to reproduce the skyline of cinema’s home, Los Angeles.

The Oscars Greenroom. Image: Rolex

Rolex encourages the preservation and transmission of the cinematic arts, promotes excellence and celebrates progress with its partnership with the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (the institution, the awards and the museum in Los Angeles), by accompanying living legends as well as budding talents through its Testimonees (Martin Scorsese and James Cameron), and the Rolex Mentor and Protégé Arts Initiative.

Image: Rolex

The brand became a Founding Supporter of the new Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, which opened its doors on 30 September 2021 in Los Angeles. The first of its kind in the United States, the Museum is devoted to the arts, sciences, and artists of moviemaking. Among its 50,000 square feet of galleries is the Rolex Gallery, a permanent exhibit featuring “Stories of Cinema”, described as “a three-floor exhibition presenting the diverse, international, and complex stories of moviemakers and the works they create”. One of the exhibits in the Rolex Gallery is Paul Newman’s Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona, given to him by his wife Joanne Woodward when he embarked on a race car career in 1969. The watch is inscribed with the phrase ‘DRIVE CAREFULLY ME’ and is now owned by a private collector.

James Cameron. Image: Rolex

Exemplifying the shared qualities and values of Rolex and the film industry, both Rolex Testimonees and exceptional filmmakers James Cameron and Martin Scorsese represent the industry at its best, crafting masterpieces. James Cameron has helmed classics such as The Terminator (1984), Aliens (1986), The Abyss (1989), Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991), Titanic (1997) and Avatar (2009); and Scorsese being behind Mean Streets (1973), Taxi Driver (1976), Raging Bull (1980), Goodfellas (1990), and The Departed (2006).

Beyond producing Oscar-winning films, Scorsese pays tribute to filmmaking acclaimed auteurs while maintaining a creative dialogue with younger generations through artistic collaborations and played the role of a mentor in the Rolex Mentor and Protégé Arts Initiative. Launched in 2002, this initiative has paired mentors and protégés in dance, film, literature, music, theatre, visual arts, architecture and an open category covering interdisciplinary pursuits. Out of the 58 mentor and protégé pairs established, eight were from film. As part of his efforts to perpetuate cinematic arts, Scorsese is also behind The Film Foundation which is dedicated to the preservation and restoration of world cinema, an endeavour that has the support of Rolex.

Martin Scorsese. Image: Rolex

So, what is a masterpiece? Whether a masterpiece of timekeeping, or a masterpiece of cinema — such as the films by James Cameron and Martin Scorsese — a masterpiece is something crafted lovingly and meticulously to be the best. It is the power to bring history to life and to explore every possible future, both collective and individual. Like a Rolex watch, cinema is ingrained with our memories and aspirations. It is witness to our ambitions and to our determination to overcome any obstacle we may find along our way. More than simply 24 frames per second, or 24 hours within a day, it embodies the very essence of our emotions.

For more watch reads, click here.

The post Rolex and its Timeless Connection to the Cinema appeared first on LUXUO.

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World’s First Energy-positive Hotel In Norway

Image: Snøhetta Plompmozes Miris

Set to open in 2024, Six Senses Svart will be the first energy-positive hotel on Earth, entirely off-grid and carbon neutral.

Snug and standing weightlessly at the foot of the spectacular Svartisen glacier, the 94-room hotel will present a new perspective for adventurous and eco-conscious travelling — both a growing demand for many after the pandemic eased up more companies move towards ESG trends.

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Image: Six Senses

Neil Jacobs, CEO of Six Senses, said that the hotel takes the company to another level of “pushing boundaries” as exceptional creativity is required for sustainable properties.

“The concept has become bigger than the project itself, as it will provide a futuristic showcase for what can be achieved in terms of sustainability and energy solutions, and therefore a blueprint within our hospitality industry and the development sector in general,” commented Jacobs.

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Sustainable Throughout

Six Senses Svart is the first structure to be built and designed following the highest energy-efficiency standard within the northern hemisphere. Independent from the power grid, it will harvest ample solar energy to return into the system — covering the boat shuttle, hotel, adjacent operations and the energy required to construct the building.

Image: Six Senses

The goal is to reach a scenario where global warming is limited to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. And energy-positive buildings are able to contribute largely to decreasing emissions. The hotel proves and demonstrates that carbon neutrality can be achieved in a sophisticated development at an eco-sensitive site and be profitable at the same time.

Additionally, Svart will be self-sustaining, complete with recycling, renewable infrastructure, and waste and water management. The team will collaborate with existing sustainable fishing and farming operations and engage like-minded local suppliers for the bars and restaurants.

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In enhancing the vision of Svart,  a Net Zero Lab has been established to reach the goal of net-zero travel. Meaning to say, the guest journey will have zero environmental impact from the very beginning to end.

“The mission is to achieve common ground for all stakeholders pushing the technology to the next level to benefit the resort and the industry at large,” said Jan-Gunnar Mathisen, CEO of the project’s owner and developer.

Visionary Structure And Design

‘Svart’, which translates to black and blue in old Norse, refers to the natural heritage of the ancient Svartisen glacier. Six Seven Svart’s location is perfect for travels, where summer days last forever and the breathtaking Northern Lights illuminate winter nights.

For the destination, hospitality company Six Senses “combines a futuristic design and technological innovation with earthy, organic materials that use the least embedded energy”. To minimise land impact and seabed disruption, the hotel is poised on poles above crystal-clear waters of the Holandsfjorden fjord — merging the boundaries of land and fjord.

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Image: Snøhetta Plompmozes Miris

Image: Snøhetta Plompmozes Miris

The Six Senses Svart’s distinct circular shape and transparent appearance create a genuine feeling of “openness and perpetual consciousness of nature”. On top of that, guests will be able to enjoy the stunning panoramic views.

Aside from sustainable Scandic interiors made with superior craftsmanship, the hospitality company brings about an authentic taste of regenerative travel with non-invasive touchless technology. With pioneering wellness known as part of the Six Senses DNA, the Svart Touch concept will adapt the room to respective guests’ health and state of mind.

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“Six Senses is redefining the travel experience through technological innovation, ground-breaking design, and exceptional guest wellness journey by creating a carbon-neutral visionary destination where we can showcase the core pillars of what modern hospitality design and operation can achieve,” Svart development director Ivaylo Lefterov concluded.

Image: Six Senses

Six Senses currently operates 21 hotels and resorts in 17 countries and has 33 more properties in the development pipeline. However, this Norwegian outpost could very well be the start of a new era. Make a reservation for an integrated experience on your next regeneration journey here.

For more hotel and property reads, click here.

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Rachael Sacerdoti: Building The Best Version of Yourself with It’s So Simple

Image: Bryan Foong for It’s So Simple

You are now a recognised coach worldwide. How did the idea of launching It’s So Simple come to you? 

The true genesis of the idea was my personal transformation. After having my children, I found myself in a place where I was very unhappy. I had really let myself go and struggled to cope both physically and mentally. After one of my brothers pulled me aside to share his concern, I realised something had to change. I set out on a journey with little more than determination, and it set me on a path. I lost over 30kg and gained a whole new mindset. 

When Covid-19 hit and lockdowns came into force, a few friends asked for my help to keep them on the right track as gyms had closed. What began as a WhatsApp group amongst a few friends became the start of It’s So Simple. It sparked a real passion in me. I love being able to provide support and coaching to women, thus making their journey simpler and less lonely. By word-of-mouth recommendation and an Instagram account, we have been able to reach six continents in the world. 

You are a qualified Personal Trainer. Talking about your path, you mentioned that “The main ingredients in my personal transformation were: determination, desire, knowledge, and consistency. Once you change your mindset into believing this, you can do anything you want”. Tell us more there? 

Image: Bryan Foong for It’s So Simple

I strongly advocate that if you believe you can achieve something, you can. For me, this belief and determination were what fuelled my transformation. It wasn’t a linear journey. At the outset, I did not have all the knowledge I needed and there were difficult times. But when I set my mind to something, I am extremely determined. So, I pushed myself, I learnt, and I overcame. I realised that there are no secrets to this — it is a mixture of education, attitude and accountability, and so I have designed It’s So Simple to save other women from making the same mistakes I made and to equip them with the environment, tools, support and accountability to succeed. 

It’s So Simple features exercises, nutritional meal plans, progress tracking, personal consultation and a community group. How unique is this proposition? Why is there such a rapid success across the globe? 

The science of nutrition and exercise is no secret and accessible to all. The real secret sauce of It’s So Simple is the support and accountability. I have walked in our clients’ shoes, as have all of our coaches, who have also completed the programme. The community element is critical too. We have a special group of like-minded women from different cultures, religions and countries. We really care. I believe that It’s So Simple is the highest touch online coaching programme you can find. We are by your side for everything related to your health and wellness and as a result, our clients genuinely value this. The community has become a central part of some of our clients’ lives. We have had weddings, births and shared many difficult times together. 

You have been quoting saying, “Weight loss is very much a science. If the calories we take in are less than what we use up through activity, we will lose fat. The overarching idea here is that we want to consume less calories than we are typically using every day”. It sounds appealing and straightforward! What makes It’s So Simple addictive and rather painless? 

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Without a doubt, it is the community and support. Although the science is simple, it is not always easy. By working with us, our clients gain the support and guidance of our passionate coaches, cheering them on and providing constant feedback. The coaches and the group setting also help our clients to stay accountable. We are social beings, and it is always harder to let the group down than to let ourselves down. We help our clients to create virtuous cycles, embedding new habits. When you see other women in the same situation going through similar challenges and (also celebrating the same small wins) you just want to keep going. 

For women into low impact exercise, is the programme still effective? 

We have worked with women in their 70s and with injuries that prevented them from undertaking HIIT workouts. We constantly tailor the programme to the individual circumstances of each client. The programme still works for the women who are on low impact. Exercise is only one ingredient of the programme, and we can be very flexible to work within our client’s capabilities. 

How long do the It’s So Simple clients need to wait to see the first results? 

Every journey is different, but often, our clients start to feel and look different after only two weeks. It is one of my favourite parts of the job when clients see the first shoots of success. 

Some of our LUXUO readers who are not based in the UK, can they still the It’s So Simple programme worldwide? 

Image: Bryan Foong for It’s So Simple

Absolutely! Our clients come from all over the world! We have clients in six continents, from the USA to South Africa, Australia, the UAE, and my hometown of Singapore. Location is 100 per cent not a barrier. We are purely online and bring women together irrespective of where they are, their culture, religion etc. 

ESG concerns are a growing trend. Do you see It’s So Simple as participating in the global movement? 

Definitely! At the moment, we are still a small company with limited resources, but I would love to broaden our impact in the world. 

Will you be working one day on developing smart accessories that aim at improving daily fitness routines? 

Who knows what the future holds! At present, we are working at full pace to grow the current programme and its reach around the world. We are open to looking at any opportunities that come our way. 

You have witnessed an amazing success with It’s So Simple. Where do you see yourself and the company in five years’ time? 

Image: Bryan Foong for It’s So Simple

I would love to see the business continue to grow and make a difference to more people’s lives. Growing the team has also given me immense joy; some of my team members are women returning to the workforce after time out to look after young children. 

I am also thrilled to say that we have lots of exciting plans in the works.

What is the main quality an entrepreneur should always have? 

Passion! To me, this is so much more than a business. I want to make a difference to our clients and help them achieve their goals. If I weren’t passionate about what I do, I would not be able to put in as much as I do. It would be easy to become resentful about the sacrifices it takes to grow a business. 

Your favourite advice to modern active women? 

Image: Bryan Foong for It’s So Simple

Be gentle with yourself. Address yourself with a loving, kind voice and take the time to take care of yourself. The world puts massive demands on us, and only by looking after ourselves can we show up in the best way possible to meet those challenges. 

How do you keep connected with the fashion world in which you grew up? Any regret in not working for a large French or Italian luxury house? 

Growing up, I was surrounded by fashion, and looks were super important to all those around me. I was fortunate enough to work for Christian Dior and my family’s business in New York. I love fashion and style, but I am pleased that I have been able to branch out on my own — no regrets at all. Today my main fashion interests are in athleisure! 

Would you like to name a mentor who inspires you in your daily work? 

It may sound corny, but my guiding lights in my business life are my parents. Growing up, I watched them grow their business in fashion retail in Singapore. I gained my understanding of business and work ethic from them. Even today, in their 80s, they are an incredible example to me (although not on the fitness side!) 

To learn more about It’s So Simple, head over to the website here.

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