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Saturday, August 31, 2024
IKEA Transforms FRAKTA Bag Into Huggable ‘RESTEN’ Pillow
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Catch-Up On Some Reading With The ONYX BOOX Go 6
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Ten Thousand’s Versatile Shirt Can Withstand 100LBS Of Pressure
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Friday, August 30, 2024
Reusable ‘Tenir’ Mold Transforms Willow Trees Into A Living Bench
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The New Wave of Female Thai Celebrities Leading the Luxury Fashion Industry
Thai celebrities have taken the fashion world by storm in the last few years from brand, campaigns and ambassadorships to red carpets. While the world’s most renowned luxury brands have been gearing towards Asian stars in the last decade or so, we have been seeing more and more Thai superstars emerge in the fashion scene. Thanks to the major influence and rapid growth of Thai entertainment and their dedicated fanbase, these stars have been making major waves worldwide—and luxury brands are vying for a piece of their star power. Thai celebrities are fashion’s new star players, boasting not just beauty, but impeccable style and immense star power. From worldwide superstar Lisa to rising talent Tu Tontawan, take a look at some of our favourite fashion-forward females for all your outfit inspo needs.
The Thai “Rockstar” needs no introduction, she’s the most followed K-pop idol on Instagram, a triple threat and a trendsetting style star. The Blackpink lead dancer and newly minted Louis Vuitton ambassador, is best known for her bold stage ensembles—typically featuring dazzling fabrics, corset tops and mini skirts. While Lisa’s performance fits are the epitome of glamorous, her off-duty looks are much simpler, but equally as stylish. Think: Statement tops and baggy jeans or long flowing dresses, accessorised with a mini bag and some sunnies.
Davika Hoorne
Davika Hoorne is one of Thailand’s most recognisable names in the game, thanks to her success in Thai television and movies in projects like Pee Mak and Astrophile. In 2023, Davika was named as Gucci‘s first global brand ambassador from Thailand and a friend of French jewellery house, Bvlgari. The star does not shy away from experimenting—she is well-known for her versatile sense of style, effortlessly pulling off anything from Thai traditional dress, to haute couture and casual on-the-go looks.
Araya Alberta Hargate
Thai-British star Araya Alberta Hargate also known as Chompoo, is one of the OG Thai style stars, giving us look after look from red carpets to casual outings. Araya is well-known for eclectic signature style, typically sporting mixed and matched patterns, vibrant colours and a variety of bags—each embellished with adorable trinket keychains. More recently, the star graced the prestigious Cannes Film Festival opening ceremony in an archival Pierre Balmain gown from the fall 1988 collection, which landed her on numerous best-dressed lists.
Urassaya Sperbund
Urassaya Sperbund, better known as Yaya, is best known for her work as an actress and model, as well as her effortless sense of style. She can usually be spotted sporting a mix of classic silhouettes and modern trends—like summer slip dresses, slouchy button-ups and puffy-sleeved blouses. The fashionista’s go-to brand for bags is of course, Louis Vuitton. Given that she is a friend of the house, she boasts an extensive collection of their highly-coveted bags from the classics to limited edition collaborations.
Kimberly Ann Woltemas
Thai-German star Kimberly Ann Woltemas is an actress, model and quiet luxury style star. Her style embodies sophistication, timelessness and class. Unsurprisingly her elegant aesthetic is perfectly suited to her status as a Dior global ambassador and a friend of Cartier. Whether she’s attending high-profile events or casual outings, her style remains consistent with the popular ‘clean girl aesthetic’. This is mirrored in her love for monochrome fits, maxi dresses, and the reliable combination of a sleek button-up shirt and tailored trousers.
Supassra Thanachat
Thai actress and model Supassra Thanachat is the image of youthful style. She often plays with patterns in her outfits—sporting floral dresses, gingham and polka dots to give a more playful feel to her looks. Tapped by some of fashion’s biggest brands like Prada, Miu Miu, Gucci and Dolce&Gabbana, the star is no stranger to high fashion but often opts for high-low fits when off-duty. With her feminine sense of style and her knack for mixing high and low with a touch of playfulness, Supassra is the perfect style inspiration for Gen Z fashion girls.
Tu Tontawan
Tu Tontawan is one of the most exciting young stars to watch—having starred in famous dramas, F4 Thailand: Boys Over Flowers and internet-famous movie How To Make Millions Before Grandma Dies. Her sense of style is undeniably Gen Z-coded, with trendy pieces like bubble skirts, graphic tees and fun hats. Her star power has been tapped by none other than Dior, appointing her as a global ambassador for fashion and jewellery. She puts a playful spin on her Dior looks with accessories like headbands, statement jewellery and colourful bag charms.
Minnie
Nicha Yontararak better known as (G)-I-DLE’s Minnie, is a K-pop phenomenon, Thai “it” girl and a fashion-forward dresser. While her stage outfits are unique to each song’s concept, Minnie’s sense of style is extremely similar—exceptionally versatile, fun and bold. She nails every aesthetic from cottage-core, to preppy, to coquette and even the ultra-edgy looks. As a Miu Miu brand ambassador, she is a regular at runway shows and other high-profile fashion events. Additionally, while she is often sporting Miu Miu ensembles, her impeccable sense of style shines through with bold hairstyles, hats and glasses.
This article was first seen on Elle Singapore.
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The post The New Wave of Female Thai Celebrities Leading the Luxury Fashion Industry appeared first on LUXUO.
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Thursday, August 29, 2024
Sony’s New WF-C510 TWS Earbuds Come In Four Colors
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Discover the Wide Range of Montblanc’s Fall Winter 2024 Leather Collection
Mention Montblanc and the associations that naturally come to mind are its range of writing instruments and its stylised six-pointed snowcap logo representative of the Mont Blanc snowcap aerial view. Notwithstanding, the maison’s leather collection deserves to be mentioned in the same breath as it forms one of Montblanc’s core pillars. While the dots connecting Montblanc’s core identity of writing instrument maker and its range of leather goods may seem vague — or worse, disconnected on paper — the division has quietly clocked impressive mileage since its founding in 1926. To keep in mind, Montblanc’s iconic Meisterstück writing instrument collection was born a mere two years before in 1924. When put into context, the legacy of Montblanc’s leather collection echoes long and deep within the maison’s leather workshop in Offenbach, Germany (1935) — before Montblanc’s Pelletteria opened its doors in Florence, Italy some 50 years later.
Despite the richness of the leather collection’s heritage and accumulated expertise and savoir-faire, it was never the poster boy to begin with. Instead, it was the supporting act to the maison’s writing instruments. Protective holders and cases were the first instances created back then, but the collection has since grown into a multitude of offerings — each thoughtfully crafted to accompany its owner on adventures that await. While the leather ateliers went about their business producing quality pieces, the appointment of Marco Tomasetta as Montblanc’s artistic director in March 2021 took the brand forward. Under Tomasetta’s titular touch, the leather offerings have quietly evolved thanks to his past experiences at various luxury fashion houses — the latest being Givenchy. A consistent style was applied across the various leather collection lines with a focus on refinement and sophistication through a blend of form and function.
The Montblanc Fall Winter 2024 leather collection captures the essence of Tomasetta’s thoughtful approach and hints at stability after tiding through the formative transitional years. The seasonal release is spread over nine different lines, including the Meisterstück, Meisterstück Anniversary Capsule, Extreme 3.0 and Satorial, to name a few. While each creation conformed to their distinct identities — such as the carbon fibre-like motif signature of the Extreme 3.0 — they were moulded in the same vision as 1926: to be the supporting act and the best it could be.
The pieces are quiet and steadfast while handling their tasks admirably, without much attention. Black is readily used across the nine collections in various effects — the subtle sheen seen on the Meisterstück Mini Messenger hints at the richness and suppleness of the leather, while the tree bark patterns on the 4810 Messenger come to the fore in matte black. Colours such as navy, rust, and dark brown make their presence felt, albeit in a restrained manner that works well during the transitional periods between seasons. Straddling between green and blue, Avio blue is the season’s hero colour as it is rendered in the Extreme 3.0 Large Backpack, amongst others. An alternative Lavender Grey seen in the Extreme 3.0 Multi-colour capsule is as loud as it gets.
By now, the various bag styles and sizes are no longer strangers to existing owners, though size updates mean more versatility. The slimmer 4810 Thin Document Case still ensures important documents are kept crumple-free sans the bulk of its larger counterparts, while a new larger MY4810 Trunk handles the packing stress of long business or leisure trips to aplomb.
Of the various lines across the Montblanc Fall Winter 2024 leather collection, the Meisterstück Anniversary Capsule is undoubtedly its shiniest star. Crafted to honour the 100th anniversary of the Meisterstück writing instrument, Tomasetta and his team incorporated a writing instrument holder into the bags as a symbolic and symbiotic reference between the two divisions. Whether it is the Briefcase, Messenger or Pochette, the ergonomically crafted holders are designed to accompany a Meisterstück writing instrument and its owner on any adventure.
For more on the latest in luxury style and accessories reads, click here.
The post Discover the Wide Range of Montblanc’s Fall Winter 2024 Leather Collection appeared first on LUXUO.
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Wednesday, August 28, 2024
GMC Yukon AT4 Ultimate: An Adventure-Ready Luxury SUV
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Stay Active Under Recovery With CEP’s Max Support Ankle Sleeve
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Talking to Alexander Gutierrez, CEO of Lang & Heyne and Watchmaker, Jens Schneider
In an age where stainless steel watches are mass-produced by stainless steel machines, independent watchhouse Lang & Heyne is a refreshing anomaly. Their secret? Crafting every watch by hand. German watchmaker Jens Schneider, under the leadership of CEO Alexander Gutierrez, is steadfast in their commitment to traditional craftsmanship and vintage design.
But what does it take to marry the old with the new; to balance heritage with innovation? We sit with Gutierrez and Schneider to delve into the heart of Lang & Heyne, the challenges of carving out an identity in a crowded market and the sheer artistry behind each timepiece.
Who is Lange & Heyne for?
ALEXANDER GUTIERREZ: You are in our target group if you are someone who appreciates fine craftsmanship, whether it’s handmade cars like Morgan or Pagani, or gourmet food and fine dining. Our customers are connoisseurs who are settled, not show-offs. They cherish what they own for themselves. If you enjoy admiring the movement of a watch and winding it yourself, you could be one of our targets.
What have been some of the most significant challenges you’ve faced as CEO, and how have you overcome them?
ALEXANDER: The biggest challenge has been defining the DNA of Lang & Heyne, a relatively young brand at just 21 years old. Unlike established brands, we don’t have a long history or celebrity endorsements to lean on. Instead, our focus is on the product itself, emphasising high-end craftsmanship and in-house production. Our Saxonian heritage plays a crucial role, and we honour it by naming our watches after Saxonian kings, rather than using reference numbers. Balancing traditional watchmaking with contemporary approaches, like using both handcrafting and modern machinery, has been key. Bringing all that together, and in the end, having a successful company, is the main challenge, I would say.
Given the prevalence of contemporary watch designs, why has Lang & Heyne continued its commitment to vintage design elements?
ALEXANDER: We want to maintain our Saxonian roots and heritage, which is why we continue with vintage design elements. Our approach is more about elegance and tradition rather than flashy, complicated features. We focus on craftsmanship, especially the artistic work done by hand, which is central to our brand’s identity. This combination of vintage design with a contemporary approach is what sets us apart. For example, the Sincere Platinum Jubilee Edition showcases this blend by incorporating modern materials like ceramic while retaining a classic aesthetic.
What are the current trends in the luxury watch market, and how is Lang & Heyne positioning itself to stay ahead?
ALEXANDER: The current trend in the luxury watch market is a shift towards independent watchmakers and unique, niche products. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t want to say big brands are not important anymore, but collectors and enthusiasts are increasingly seeking something different and special. At Lange & Heyne, we focus on artisan craftsmanship and customisation, allowing customers to personalise details like hands, dial colours, and materials. This personalised approach sets us apart from larger brands that often can’t offer such bespoke options. By catering to these niche demands, Lange & Heyne is becoming a significant player in the independent sector.
The Watchmaker
Can you walk us through your creative process when designing a new watch?
JENS SCHNEIDER: A Lang & Heyne watch should be one you can use every day. We don’t want to make watches that just sit in a cupboard. It should be easy to read the time and simple to wind. That’s the starting point for me. Then I think about the watch’s character. The next step is to gather information from my mind—things I’ve seen in historical watches and technical solutions—and combine them with my own ideas. You can’t invent a completely new watch; it’s about creating new combinations of known elements from the past with new technology or materials.
Next, I create a simple sketch of the gear train. It’s just circles, but the dimensions of the circles determine the correct position of the hands on the dial. The final step is to design the watch in 3D on the computer. This isn’t easy because you have to consider how all the parts fit together. If you change one part, you have to think about how it affects the others. This is the process we follow.
How do you balance aesthetics with functionality when designing a new watch?
JENS: A watch that looks good but has no function isn’t truly aesthetic. The function is what matters. For example, a very small balance wheel in the corner isn’t appealing because it doesn’t function well. It’s all about the combination: the function should lead, and the aesthetics should serve the function
How do you integrate modern technology with traditional watchmaking techniques?
JENS: You need to be knowledgeable about materials. For instance, using a diamond tool requires a combination of skilled craftsmanship and modern materials. We also use modern machinery. Today, I design using Computer Numerical Control (CNC) programs and machines to create the raw parts. For example, the hands of the Louis watch have a traditional shape, which we achieve through hand engraving after the raw material is cut with a laser.
How do you two collaborate on a project from concept to completion?
JENS: We usually start with a brainstorming session, whether it’s an idea from a customer, a special request, or an internal concept. We discuss the feasibility of the idea, considering both creative and practical aspects because a watchmaker has many ideas, but you cannot realise every idea. We have to consider the economic or capacity constraints, so we prioritise based on importance and resource availability.
ALEXANDER: We often work on custom projects, whether for a large order from a group like SHH or a single piece for an individual customer. The process involves detailed discussions about design, complications, and production logistics. For instance, when Sincere Haute Horlogerie requests a specific number of watches, we assess our ability to meet that volume and the specific requirements. Throughout the project, there’s constant communication to refine the design and ensure it aligns with both our capabilities and the customer’s expectations. For example, the success of previous models like the first and second Georg gave us confidence in the design’s appeal and guided the project from concept to completion.
This article was first seen on Esquire.Sg
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The post Talking to Alexander Gutierrez, CEO of Lang & Heyne and Watchmaker, Jens Schneider appeared first on LUXUO.
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Tuesday, August 27, 2024
Fractal Design Refine: A Premium And Ergonomic Task Chair
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