In our weekly series, we bring you the latest in luxury news from around the world. This week’s highlights: Van Cleef & Arpels unveils Treasure Island-inspired fantasy jewels, Ralph Lauren Purple Label’s latest collection is timeless sophistication personified, and more.
Van Cleef & Arpels Sets Sail For Treasure Island
Van Cleef & Arpels latest treasure chest, inspired by Robert Louis Stevenson’s novel Treasure Island, opens up to reveal fantastical jewelled creations. Instead of a parchment paper, the Carte au trésor clip is a rolled-up yellow gold map sealed with a tasselled rose gold cord that glitters with diamonds, while a ruby is the X that marks the spot. Its intricate details within reveal an engraved map of evocatively named locales such as Sapphire Island and Emerald Lagoon.
Next, the En haute mer transformable necklace reimagines sailor’s knots like never before, by deploying its celebrated braided yellow gold craftsmanship to reproduce three-dimensional ropes in yellow and white gold as well as diamonds. The piece’s literal crown jewel is a dazzling 55.34 carat emerald-cut sapphire that can be detached to reveal the intertwining lines. Part of a dazzling trio is the Pirate John clip, made with astonishing detail with his body, clothes and accessories set with rubies, sapphires and diamonds.
Ralph Lauren Purple Label’s Pre-Spring 2025 Collection Oozes Sophistication
Ralph Lauren Purple Label, its menswear line representing the pinnacle of the brand’s craftsmanship, presents its Pre-Spring 2025 collection with contemporary yet timeless updates. Shake off the winter blues with warm seasonal hues and traditional patterns in custom fabrics. Think windowpane tweed and herringbone cloth custom-woven with cashmere, tussah silk and line, which balances warmth and elegance. The impeccably created pieces combine the sartorial elegance of the label’s tailoring traditions with the highest forms of Italian craftsmanship that will make you look molto bello.
Their blazers are essentials created from custom fabrications encompassing heritage tweeds, with a standout piece being a suede blazer crafted with custom-dyed suede, hand-tailored in Italy, which whispers of your refinement. Pair this with an exceptionally soft jumper such as their signature cable knit crafted with meticulously combed cashmere or a thick-gauge intarsia-knit pullover, which will work in any season. Bring it all together with tasteful accessories such as the Bedform Calfskin Duffel or the Harold Calfskin Driver.
Loewe Introduces the Ballet Runner 2.0 Sneakers
Loewe’s signature Ballet Runner sneaker, a hybrid running shoe and ballet flat, which was first introduced in 2019 is being reintroduced with new details and a fresh colour palette. Its refreshed details include a revamped ‘L’ monogram on the quarter and embossed anagram on the tongue, as well as an upgraded, wavy-textured rubber outsole that extends to the toe-cap. Besides being lightweight, comfort is enhanced with its Sacchetto construction, which creates an internal sock-like structure. The new model is offered in five new colourways and upcoming White, Black, and Cinnamon calfskin leather variants.
The Brand-New Aman Nai Lert Bangkok Launches In April
Aman makes its debut in Bangkok, launching for the first time on 2 April 2025. Situated in Nai Lert Park, the hotel boasts 52 suites—among the largest in Bangkok—ranging from 94 to 713 sqm. Its expansive 1,500-square-metre spa and wellness centre spans two floors, offering a range of treatments, from an IV lounge and cryotherapy chamber to a private Banya Spa House. Other highlights include a convivial 1872 lounge bar, Arva (its signature Italian restaurant), a poolside bar, and an infinity swimming pool. On the 19th floor, an open-air terrace features exclusive amenities for Aman Club Founders, including an atmospheric Aman Lounge, a Cigar Bar, and two additional restaurants.
Reservations are now open and can be made here.
Cheong Fatt Tze, The Blue Mansion Presents Aria di Passione: The Heart of Italian Opera
The palatial mansion in the heart of Georgetown, famously known as a filming location for Crazy Rich Asians, has evolved beyond being a hotel and heritage site to becoming a renowned venue for exquisite musical presentations. On 9 March 2025 at 5pm, be transported to the magical world of opera with performances by mezzo soprano Lim Yee Fen and baritone Seow Chee Chuan. The hotel’s Central Courtyard, with its splendid acoustics, will act as a backdrop to the masterpieces of Mozart (Là ci darem la mano), Verdi (Dio! Mi Potevi Scagliar), Rossini, and Puccini. Tickets are priced at RM80 per person.
The Minotti Daylight Collection Is A Seamless Transition To The Outdoors
Minotti’s Daylight outdoor collection, designed by GamFratesi, is named for the sheer pleasure of basking under the sky. Daylight is crafted with cylindrical teak feet and characterised by sculptural backrests like an unfurling fan. The collection includes a large sofa, a round armchair, a loveseat, and a sunlounger, each standing as a statement on its own or arranged as a cohesive set. Designed with the same attention to comfort as Minotti’s indoor pieces, Daylight offers a natural connection between interior and exterior spaces.
Picture a dining area that extends into an alfresco lounge or a yacht deck where you can unwind in the ocean breeze—this is the atmosphere that the Daylight outdoor collection proffers. To experience the complete Daylight series, check out the coffee tables made to complement the seating pieces. These tables feature the same teak frame and cylindrical feet, topped with Ceppo di Gré, a striking natural stone with deep ties to Milanese architecture.
The Bell & Ross BR-03 Astro Is A Limited-Edition Timepiece Inspired By Space
This is something exceptionally whimsical from Bell & Ross, which is a watch brand made famous by its aviation instrument styling. Instead, the BR-03 Astro—while maintaining the brand’s iconic circle-within-a-square case—has aimed much further afield with a cosmic perspective. A rendition of the Earth is at its centre, seeming to float over a dark blue aventurine backdrop. In the ‘mysterious’ tradition, time is told via three other bodies travelling through space—Mars, the red planet, indicates the hours; a laser-engraved moon showcases the minutes; and a miniature satellite indicates the seconds as it races around the Earth once per minute. The 41mm case is micro-blasted black ceramic, and the watch is limited to 999 pieces.
Wei-Ling Gallery Spotlights Ivan Lam’s Latest Thought-Provoking Solo Exhibition
View more of the artist and his works
This February, Wei-Ling Gallery presents Ivan Lam’s highly anticipated solo exhibition, titled The Dichotomy of Opposites—a series that explores the conflicting aspects of the human condition through visual, auditory, and sensory experiences. On display until 29 March 2025, the Malaysian contemporary artist will showcase a body of work in the gallery’s main space, depicting intimate scenes of comfort, such as well-worn shoes, a cat café he frequents with his children, and other life’s simple pleasures. This exhibition immerses viewers in the liminal spaces where black and white converge, blurring the lines between structure and spontaneity.
Oppo Unfolds the Future with Find N5 Foldable Smartphone
View more photos of the Oppo Find N5
Oppo has unveiled its groundbreaking Find N5 foldable smartphone in Singapore, touted as the “world’s thinnest book-style foldable” at just 8.93mm when folded. The device features a revolutionary Titanium Flexion Hinge, an 8.12-inch main OLED display, and a 6.6-inch outer screen. Powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset and running on ColorOS 15 with Google Gemini AI integration, the Find N5 boasts a Hasselblad-tuned triple-camera system and supports macOS integration. Available in Misty White and Cosmic Black, pre-orders will start from February 21, with deliveries of the devices expected to commence on February 28, 2025.
Oppo
