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.
Mulberry Chinese Valentine’s Day capsule collection
I’m really picky when it comes to the colour pink. Unless it’s a dusty version or perhaps an electric kind of pink with a sharp design, I generally find it way too sweet for my liking. However, I think if you contrast it with a bright scarlet red, it suddenly becomes bold and tastefully romantic — a colour combination that I’m quite obsessed with. With Chinese Valentine’s Day coming up on 7 August, Mulberry has launched a limited-edition capsule collection in this brilliant colour duo, and it’s got me rather excited. I know not many people celebrate this traditional day anymore, but this certainly gives all the more reason to surprise that special someone — or yourself, why not? — with a little gift for an extra touch of romance. I particularly enjoy the Amberley wallet (HK$3,700) for its clean design, which gives extra focus to the very sleek-looking rider’s lock closure. There is also a special edition of the new Keeley satchel (HK$11,900) that comes with an interesting embossed leather, for those who have extra money to splash. The entire capsule collection will be available for purchase at the end of July at Mulberry’s Harbour City store. —Cindie Chan, Style Editor
Cult Gaia’s ‘Jasmine’ leather sandals
When I did my high school studies in Australia a century ago, wearing flip-flops out and about was such a natural thing to me; I didn’t understand my parents’ disapproval when I did the same when on holiday back in Hong Kong. But as I furthered my studies in the UK, and as I grew older and got more into fashion, I turned away from them without regrets and now see them as something far too casual — just for people who want to make absolute zero effort. While the rest of the fashion world used to agree with me, lately it’s taken a surprise turn as shoe designers from Gianvito Rossi to Aquazzura have created elevated versions of the footwear that was once deemed unworthy. Anna Wintour (American Vogue‘s editor-in-chief and the most powerful woman in fashion media) recently gave her approval too, but I think it really is a case-by-case scenario that depends on the design. These ones from Cult Gaia (HK$3,011) are just lovely: I like that they are not merely normal-looking flip-flops with heels attached. Instead, it’s more thought-out and comes with a ’90s-inspired square-toe design and spherical hand-carved heels that are both very on-trend this season. —CC
Ring Jacket RBKC06 khaki ‘raglan topcoat’
In case you hadn’t noticed, I’ve been a little obsessed with raincoats lately. Hong Kong’s consummate July downpour means you can never be too careful; and while it’s easy enough to find waterproof outerwear that’s convenient to pack and carry, it’s much more challenging to find something you’ll actually want to wear. Personally, I like the RBKC06 model from Ring Jacket (HK$7,500): In typical Japanese fashion, the brand have taken to calling this a “raglan top coat”, which is slightly misleading given that the details all conspire to make it rainproof. Patch pockets trimmed with deep flaps ensure your incidentals stay dry, a deep centre vent reduces the total number of openings on the garment’s surface, and the cotton-mohair fabric used has been engineered for maximum breathability and moisture-wicking. I recommend you size up one — especially if you’re going to be wearing this with trousers and a sportcoat underneath. Pro tip: show Drop93 some love on social media to get another 10 percent off the listed price! —Randy Lai, Staff Writer
GHD Ink on pink charity limited-edition styler
GHD already has a trusted reputation for their top-of-the-line hair stylers (particularly its smart Platinum+ styler launched last year), but it has an even more special place in my heart now as it launches its annual limited edition tools for charity. For 15 years, the brand has raised £18 million to date in supporting the fight against breast cancer. For this year’s special edition, GHD has teamed up with renowned tattoo artist David Allen to create an elegant blush pink and black floral tattoo design for both the GHD Platinum+ (HK$2,680) and GHD Gold (HK$2,080). Allen reportedly boasts a two-year waiting list, specialising in dreamy floral tattoos aimed at women who have undergone mastectomies — helping them regain confidence in their renewed, badass bodies after combating illness. HK$100 from every sale of the pink limited edition stylers goes to the Hong Kong Hereditary Breast Cancer Family Registry. If you’re in the market for a reliable new hair styler, why not go for something that serves a worthwhile cause? —Evelyn Lok, Associate Editor
Cindie Chan
Style Editor
Fashion blogger turned editor, Cindie has spent over seven years covering all things stylish in the digital world. When she’s not busy poring over the latest covetable releases or attending the most talked-about fashion events in town, you’ll find her enjoying some precious downtime with her newborn son and sweet dog Rosy.
