Weekly Obsessions: Ascot Chang’s reversible cashmere mac, Tom Ford Eau de Parfum and more

Reversible outerwear is by no means a polarising new trend in menswear, however the best examples tend to stand out thanks to construction, functionality and an ability to flatter in the most unexpected of contexts. In that vein, I’m happy to add Ascot Chang to the shortlist of brands (such as Aquascutum and Mackintosh) who manufacture all-round great outerwear. Although they are revered for their “Made in Hong Kong” shirting, Chang collaborated with several prominent Italian artisans on the design of this new reversible mac ($HK18,800). Its facing is made up in pure cashmere from Biellese mill Carlo Barbera, a producer well known for weaving cloth which possesses excellent warmth-to-weight and a distinctive natural lustre. Meanwhile, the reverse side utilises navy coloured Loro Piana Storm System — a proprietary fabric which, thanks to a two-part fibrous/cosmetic treatment, offers proven protection against rain, wind and even nefarious everyday liquids like coffee. Warm, lightweight and conducive to all sorts of layering, Chang’s latest mac will slip neatly into any wardrobe with a balance of tailoring and sportswear. Available exclusively at Ascot Chang’s HK boutiques in burgundy, beige, navy and gray colourways. —Randy Lai, Staff Writer

While it’s a little soon to start humming Christmas tunes, these on-trend sculptural slingback pumps (HK$3,905) are just the thing for the party season, particularly with the inevitably increasing after-work engagements this month. With a clear glass and wood heel, they’re just slightly reminiscent of a bauble, bringing on the holiday vibes without getting too in-your-face festive, making them a sure-win wardrobe staple for the season. A bright pair of slingback heels can liven up any staid black work attire, and this particular pair in yellow matches well with just about anything, whether a stylish cropped pant or well-fitted jeans. They’re also way easier to balance on than stud heels, and will make the post-dinner trip of rolling down the SoHo hills an infinitely easier task. —Evelyn Lok, Associate Editor

Decking out Lane Crawford IFC with an exclusive pop-up release earlier last week is Tom Ford’s latest Private Blend EDP — Lost Cherry (HK$2,400/50ml; HK$5,800/100ml) — Mr. Ford’s latest exercise in daring, sensual fragrances. Lost Cherry by its name refers to of course that once forbidden ‘first time,’ though it’s not quite as salacious: the EDP is characterised by a luscious, playful and easily addictive, juicy scent. You’d expect something exceedingly sweet, but not so here. Ripe black cherry emerges as the top note, with bitter almond oil quickly taking over on the skin with the warmth of cherry griotte syrup, Turkish rose and roasted tonka bean creating a surprisingly lovely creamy aroma. It reminds me of a delicious, straight-out-the-oven cherry-filled pastry perfect for the winter months, bursting with equal levels of comfort and insatiability that you just can’t help wanting to sniff over and over. —EL

The third addition to Maison Francis Kurkdjian’s critically lauded “Aqua” series, Celestia refines the rejuvenative aspects of the line’s previous fragrances by teasing out wearers’ connection to the heavens. In more earthly terms, that concept translates to a perfume that is defined by “infinite freshness”, an olfactory quality which can be attributed to the addition of mimosa absolute. Aqua Celestia (HK$980) marks the first time that Kurkdjian has utilised this interesting botanical ingredient —  harvested from yellow blossoms grown in Provence. The mimosa finds expression in Celestia’s heart accord as a spritzer-like musk; and is preceded by the mischievous sparkle of Mexican lime oil that has been extracted early on so as to mitigate the fruit’s unpleasant overripe facets. The predominantly luminous characteristics of Celestia endear it to daily wear; and (not unlike its predecessor Aqua Universalis) this is a fragrance which is unconstrained by the prospective wearer’s gender and lifestyle. —RL  

Louboutin’s limited edition collection for the sparkly gifting season gets the Midas touch treatment for all of its iconic beauty products, including the likes of its bestselling mascara, nail polish and lipgloss. The brand’s latest sensational release, the ultra long-lasting Tape à L’Oeil metallic eye colour, gets its own gilded iteration too (HK$450/7ml). Swipe a touch of the gel-cream on the lids — a little goes a long way — for gorgeously glimmering eyes, and a high-octane, party-worthy look that should stay put from dinner through to the very early hours. I reckon it would work equally as well as a cheekbone highlight, helping you catch all the light on the dance floor on your spectacularly cut profile. You won’t be sweating anymore, actually just glistening with Louboutin — and how often do you get to say that? —EL