As editors at Lifestyle Asia, we’re privileged to get a first look at the most exciting new luxury goods daily, but with so many new releases rolling out all the time, it’s all but impossible to cover every single lust-worthy find we have our eyes on. That’s what you’ll find in Weekly Obsessions: a running list of highly covetable items we’re currently mad about — because if it’s on our radar, it should definitely be on yours, too. From the must-have accessories of the moment to age-defying beauty products, scroll down to see what our editors are obsessing over this week.
Tohum large Puka gold, rose gold and silver-plated bracelet
I might be wrong, but I suspect everyone’s owned at least one bracelet made from a string of seashells in their lifetime, possibly brought home by your parents from one of those vendors by the beach on a hot summer day. Well, you can relive those fond memories by donning said seashell jewellery again, because according to what we saw on the Spring/Summer 2019 runways, seaside embellishments are officially a trend — already spotted on Gigi Hadid and other style influencers around the globe. Of course, we are talking about more upgraded iterations such as this puka bracelet by Tohum (HK$1,744) that’s rose gold and silver-plated for a more fashionable spin. —Cindie Chan, Style Editor
Rimowa x Alex Israel suitcases
Visitors flying into the inaugural edition of Frieze Los Angeles back in February would have been privy to a first peek at this special collab between Rimowa and artist Alex Israel — there was even a 20-foot Rimowa suitcase installation to commemorate the launch. When seen in the flesh, I can completely understand the immense hype: the suitcase brand has perhaps created one of the most fabulous iterations of its iconic aluminium original yet. Tapping into Israel’s own artwork, which looks at themes of the cult of celebrity, Hollywood and the American dream, the two new suitcases feature amazing sunset hues taken from the palettes of two of his paintings. With colour-matching wheels, custom luggage lining, special luggage tags and an exclusive set of stickers for you to customise your case, it’s certainly something that will turn heads, whether you’re wheeling through HKG or LAX. — Evelyn Lok, Associate Editor
Chloé ‘Rosie’ sunglasses
Other than shell-embellished jewellery, you can complete your summer resort look with a pair of shades with gradient coloured lens reminiscent of that beautiful beach sunset as you lay on the sand with a cold beverage in one hand. These Rosie sunglasses from Chloé’s (HK$3,120) feature lenses with a new, gradient Gold/Violet Fuchsia tone — inspired by the brand’s SS19 ready-to-wear runway show — and scalloped design for a stylish boost in attitude and allure. —CC
Informale T005 black linen drawstring trousers
Over the past half-decade, Australian designers have been at the forefront of what VOGUE has dubbed menswear’s “softboy” moment. Editor Steff Yotka coined the term in reference to a “small but growing club of [brands that emphasise] subtlety, sweetness and sincerity, ideas that in a time of toxic masculinity and logomania, are so welcome”. In other words? The Antipodean brands are nailing apparel that puts comfort and material innovation at the centre of the wearer’s experience. All of that is particularly discernible in Informale: an independent Australian-made casualwear producer that is anything but sloppy. I visited the brand’s showroom earlier this month, and since then have been thinking non-stop about their Riviera inspired pieces — such as these “PT005” trousers (approx HK$1,600). The style combines a sartorial look with the functionality of sportswear, supplementing its high waist and clean legline with details that make it devilishly easy to wear. These are available in stone, olive and navy, though I think the linen fabric is at its most distinctive when dyed black. Wear yours with a crew neck and fun low-top sneakers for a foolproof summer look. —Randy Lai, Staff Writer