Weekly Obsessions: Sacai’s Einstein t-shirt, an 1989 Cartier Tank Louis and more

As editors at Lifestyle Asia, we’re privileged to get a first look at the most exciting new luxury goods every day. 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 fashion must-haves of the moment to lust-worthy watch releases, scroll through to see what our editors are obsessing over this week.

Sacai Einstein t-shirt

With the ongoing need for wearing a face masks everywhere we go, I’ve adopted a more laid-back approach to my everyday wardrobe, and the humble, ultra-versatile t-shirt has become my absolute go-to. I’ve been getting plain ones in a range of hues, including white, black and military green, which I then dress up with pants and skirts that give off a more contemporary, elevated spin.

With my new-found obsession with t-shirts, this interesting version by Sacai featuring Albert Einstein just caught my attention. Originally debuted on the brand’s FW20 men’s and pre-fall women’s runway shows, the unisex design (HK$2,100) features the theoretical physicist’s famous tongue-out portrait, along with his words of wisdom that say “I believe in intuitions and inspirations. I sometimes feel that I am right. I do not know that I am.” Especially in times of uncertainty and change, I think this quote about believing in your instincts feels rather timely. — Cindie Chan, Style Editor

1989 Cartier Tank ‘Louis’ in 18K yellow gold

This week, as much of Hong Kong reverts to the ‘work from home’ shtick, it’s only reasonable to assume dress codes will be relaxed accordingly. (If I may be so bold, why not try a polo with all the cosiness of a blanket?) Still, time spent toiling inside the abode isn’t a reason to abandon standards, and one of the easiest means of preventing that is to persist in wearing a few choice accessories.

Instead of a hamfisted lecture about the importance of time management, allow me simply to say that this Tank ‘Louis’ (approx. HK$60,480 with box and papers), with a matching, solid gold bracelet no less, is a beautiful piece of wearable art — bound to inject gravitas into your stay-at-home routine. The low maintenance quartz ticker seems particularly appropriate in times such as these; and the ‘beads of rice’ bracelet is one of those all-time great details that provokes bursts of joy throughout the day. When you’re staring at the same four walls this much, it’s all about the little things. — Randy Lai, Editor

Hourglass ‘Unlocked’ Instant Extension Vegan Mascara

With salons flitting in and out of temporary closures in recent months, I’ve traded in my once beloved eyelash extensions back to mascara (and, when I can, keratin lash lift treatments), so I don’t have to be caught in a bind when I can’t reach the lash parlour at the end of my lash extension lifecycle. Whether it’s to step out to buy groceries, a day at the office or even to look a bit more alive during yet another Zoom call, Hourglass’s latest addition to its eye makeup repertoire has truly surprised me with its lifting and volumising new tech. 

A sweep of the ‘Unlocked’ Mascara (HK$260 from Lane Crawford) coats each lash with shockingly smooth extension fibres that are able to fan out perfectly without clumps. It’s not quite to achieve the drama of 4D lash extensions or falsies, but I’m loving the natural glam look. And, for something that isn’t waterproof — it washes off simply with warm water — the fibres hold up surprisingly well with zero smudging even after a full day at work.

What’s more, the ‘Unlocked’ vegan and cruelty-free mascara is the brand’s first foray into a collection that aims to support the liberation of caged wild animals in captivity. Five percent of all profits from these products go towards the Non-human Rights Project, an American non-profit working to secure civil rights for non-human animals.