Ermenegildo Zegna FW2014 @ City & Nature Fashion Show

The Italian's are backed. Stefano Piltai returned to his roots with his Ermenegildo Zegna FW2014 City & Nature Fashion Show. Contextualising fashion. Defining its aesthetic value. Researching an absolute vision responding logically to market demands. Historically the emotional impulse to build has always been inspired by the beauty and majesty of nature. For Zegna nature is strength, progress and research. A journey from and towards the primordial universe is shown to define the origin of the brand. Building on spring-summer’s union of industry and savoir-faire, the new autumn-winter collection celebrates natural fibers, exploring and validating Zegna’s patrimonial, historical and technological identity.

 Stefano Pilati explores, tracks, confirms and combines absolute concepts by relativising their origins: merging the formal with sportswear; dark tones with light; nuances to graphisms; textures to surfaces; functionality to frivolity; natural to synthetic. Fine wool, noble cashmere and precious vicuña are worn with traditional British hunting covert fabrics; Japanese nylon; silk or wool woven with Cordura or Kevlar. Sporty looks become elegant, formal is presented in layers of precious fabrics, defining a silhouette that seems identical yet performs in opposite ways according to construction. Another exercise in style that Stefano Pilati uses to symbolise the relative evidence of appearance, offering a luxurious outfit from a unique and “elevated” perspective.

Artisan-made boots constructed with sublime craftsmanship are modernised by the use of thermal bonding techniques. Patinated skins finish the look of an urban explorer; whose original style, classic and unregulated in its formality, emphasises the Zegna identity. A truly universal aesthetic message with a precise stylistic journey, philosophically and conceptually absolute that looks into the origins that define a new future. Stay tuned for the complete runway reports.

iBLUES @ SS2014 Collection

iBLUES SS2014 collection imagine Summer, sorbet, stripes and traveling to exotic destinations. Hydrangea, coral, grapefruit, aqua: soft colors mixed with original prints like the pixel floral waterproof bomber or the boxy shaped T-shirt. In the same hues, the colored stripes decorate unusual fabrics such as lace, silk faille, cotton/cashmere knitwear which are mixed with polka dots, either alone or together, with lines on more formal outfits or for special occasions. Jackets experiment new volumes, like the cape silhouette, macro ruffles or sequins on the trims. 

Journey revamps the summer part of the collection in an imaginative safari of animal-like jacquard, jumpsuits in the shades of African lands, cashmere-print minidress or Mexican pottery motif, and, finally, asymmetric midnight-blue tunics, with a clear-cut silhouette: flowing, lightweight. 

 A small capsule of six jersey dresses in the colors of spi­ces, enhance fluidity and functionality, so feminine and practical at the same time, in the city and during the holiday, hot days in the office and cocktails at sunset on the seashore. And finally, denim, the strong theme of the season with an update tailoring and lightens with faded treatments, very fine linen or jersey in all indigo hues. 

Effortless, soft, small pieces that fade like tie-dye, large T-shirts, fleece pants, long lace tank tops, all to be mixed and overlapped. The silhouette is set, the textures are many: micro sequins on linen, washed silk, check print georgette, coated fabrics. It is the coolest side of the collection, which combines garments in an original way, such as a see-through tulle dress to be worn over the snake-print pants, the embroidered sweater over the lightweight crêpe de chine top mixed with animal-print shorts, new casual co-ordinates. And in addition the long pleated semi-transparent skirt with the check sweater on the colored lace top.

HUGO BOSS @ HUGO Women Spring 2014 Collection

HUGO BOSS HUGO women spring 2014 collection uses the basic elements to create totally new designs.Transparency, luminous shine, fluid fabrics of contemporary elements. Back to Nature, this is the concept behind the new HUGO Womenswear. There are innovative aqua prints, airy materials and unusual organic cuts – the elements provide fresh impulses for modern designs. HUGO presents its signature clean looks, but with surprising new twists.

Shimmering surfaces, flowing silhouettes, crimped hems: this collection is tangibly softer than its predecessors. Precision-cut pieces that are hallmark HUGO like the pure wool tuxedo jacket with its very skinny shawl collar meet loose-fitting counterparts like a semi-transparent silk blouse with cream and black color blocking. A white summer blazer has see-through sleeves and a high-gloss finish; a black etui dress with T-shirt sleeves features an insert with stud detailing. The fluidity of the looks is distilled in a collage print picturing pooling water; the wavering surface adds an organic touch to a light silk blouse with a hidden placket.

This spring HUGO clearly has more insights in store than ever before: transparent materials are a key element of the collection. A slim-cut silk blouse tells a heavenly dégradé color story, moving from cumulus white to a soft celestial blue; the look comes down to earth with skinny white jeans showing leather piping along the seams. Tangible proof that transparency works even with typical HUGO radicalization: a see-through blouse with a stand-up collar and decorative diagonal seams.

From sky blue through sunset red to grass green: the HUGO palette draws on the elements to paint an abstract patchwork print that features on a silk shirtdress. Not quite as nature-minded: the black & white rhomboid pattern on a silk blouse, for example. Or the photo-print with its fluorescent light show of a big-city night sky. It turns even the tradition-laden trench into a completely different piece in nylon.

Smart Living Store Opens in Shatin HomeSquare Mall

Smart Living by HKT opens its first one-stop store in Shatin HomeSquare Mall recently providing smart living services from the latest smart devices, smart interior design and home broadband network to home automation.  With an elegant and modern design by celebrated architect and interior designer James Law*, the 1,000-sq.ft store showcases various living lifestyle needs.

Smart devices wearable electronic products such as Fibit Flex wireless activity and sleep wristband that track the number of steps walked, distance covered, calories burned and sleep quality, iRiver On wireless headset with fitness tracker, GoPro Hero 3+ Black Edition camera and Boom wireless speakers and etc enhance our life with fun.

Smart Living combines home automation, home entertainment with home broadband network. Visitors can experience one-stop control of home settings such as lighting, air-conditioning, curtains, home entertainment products and home surveillance systems through a customized remote control.

Smart home design is a end-to-end dream home creation solutions by a team of technical consultants and interior designers. The solutions cover unique integrated designs with Smart Living solutions, recommendations on equipment, overall set-up and after-sales service.

 Mr. Alex Arena, Group Managing Director of HKT, unveiled the Store to hundreds of guests today.  Mr. Ringo Ng, Managing Director of HKT’s Consumer Group, said, “Following the success of our Smart Living showrooms in selected PCCW-HKT shops and customer service centers, the Smart Living Store offers even more comprehensive services and products to customers.  Smart Living exemplifies a new lifestyle concept by making use of the latest technologies to enhance the quality of daily life in terms of comfort, convenience, and efficiency.” Starting from today till March 23, an exhibition entitled “A Culture of Smart Living” is held at the HomeSquare atrium featuring demo zones of indoor, outdoor and other themes, plus a wide array of smart devices.

Leonardo DiCaprio Wears TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph

Leonardo DiCaprio wore a TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph while attending the 2014 BAFTA Film Awards in London.

CONRAD Koh Samui @ The Luxury of Being Yourself

When was the last time you have indulged yourself with the luxurious level of intuitive and personalized service island getaway? Stop counting your fingers, pack you bag at once if you can't recall, head on to one of the world's most unique and innovative luxury hotels that has the know how to blend luxury and technology with artistry and expertise. Yet, offering stunning views of the Gulf of Thailand ~ CONRAD Koh Samui, the unpretentious resort with 65 ocean view pool villas, 14 ocean view two bedroom pool villas and 1 royal ocean view pool villa furnished with original artwork and artifacts provides you an innate sense of contemporary Thailand. The luxury resort will certainly let you bring home with the everlasting memory that last for a lifetime. Too good to be true? Indeed, you only live once and that's the luxury of being yourself. Life is about living it, this is what we can promise ourselves to do just it.

32'c. 90% humidity and a light breeze, that welcomed us from the land of smile. After a 40 minutes ride from the airport picked up by the hotel's 4 wheels drive, we arrived in great condition. The first view that appeared into our eyes was the magnificent fabled five islands looking out vastly uninterrupted from the very top of the hill at the resort's entrance. Can't wait, we stepped out from the car at once to look closer for such vistas, there are no words can be described but to see it with your naked eyes, simply breathtaking. Stefano Ruzzza, the General Manager of this heavenly resort and his paraded team awaited for our arrival......with a big welcoming smile.

Stefano organized an ocean view two bedroom pool villas for our next 2 nights stay. " You may need more room to move around and perhaps a space to work and this villa type is just perfect for you both." The thoughtful Ruzza urged. Buggy service is the mean and major transportation to get around as the resort was built on a dramatic hillside. Nested on the south-western tip of the idyllic Thai island with lush, palm fringed coast overlooking the azure reefs of Aow Thai Beach, this 25 acres secluded coveted vantage point is no doubt the paradise on the island.

Knock! Knock! Knocking on the heaven's door......Welcome Mr. King, Villa 502, our temporary home welcoming us to explore, our voyages of discovery with luxurious escape begins here. From the ultra exclusive ocean view extending over two levels, this deluxe ocean view two bedroom pool villa is the ultimate vacation experience. We were more than please.

The open foyer encompass a living room with comprehensive entertainment system, powder room, a fully equipped kitchenette, and a full-sized dining room for stylish gatherings, this is perfect for families or friends. With the inspiring details in natural tones, the contemporary Thai-inspired motif, tropical wood finishing, and designer furniture complement the villa luxuriously. It was more than what we needed for the next 2 days stay, we knew we were in good hand.

Undraw the curtain, bright shining light enters the living room and looking out spaciously with an unblock sea view, once again, the fabled five islands drawing one step closer from our villa. The 297 sqm of the total indoor and outdoor living space over two stories comes with a 12 meters infinity edge pool. The upper floor entrance opens onto an emerald lawn replete with sala from which to view the sprawling seascape below. Once again, we were spoiled.

The full-height windows overlooking the infinity view separate the indoor and outdoor experience. The bedroom and bathrooms flow onto their own private outdoor deck and the edge pool for limitless relaxation.The bed adorned with Egyptian cotton and exquisite Thai silk finishing provides indulgent sensibility. One of the villa's most luxurious features is the grand spa-inspired bathroom, from the double sinks to the oversized bath tub and rain shower is positioned to take full advantage of the design and space.

The stunning lookout from all possible directions around the resort with artistry and eye catching architecture design. 

Enjoy the uninterrupted ocean view in our very own ocean view two bedroom pool villa to relax and rejuvenate in the most luxurious way. We begin to get use to that.

When nature called......from our stomach, it meant it was time to have a bite and we headed down to AZURE Bar & Grill next to the resort's main infinity pool. A less than 5 minutes wait after we rang for the buggy service, our ride with a "personal driver" chauffeured us through the steep and winding path and dropped us to the lowest part of the resort. The area surrounded by beautiful landscaped gardens, local stone features and we were told this place is one of the best spots of the resort to watch the sunset. 

AZURE provides a casual and contemporary dining option, a broad range of international classics supported by a grill-oriented menu and pizza oven. It is a perfect pool-side retreat for casual meals and cocktails at all hours of the day.

John, from the guest servicing team approached us while we were waiting for our food who later took us for an orientation tour of the resort. Our tour began 20 minutes later, the well spoken John drove us on the buggy around the compound and began his commentary. John showed us the map of the entire resort and indicated our location followed by a brief introduction of the resort architecture design. As we were driven around the resort, John pointed out each building block for us to identify the difference of the villas as well as other Food & Beverage outlets available.

The main entrance of the hotel with name the CONRAD Koh Samui hang smartly on the stone wall.

AURA Bar & Lounge ~ Another perfect spot to watch the finest sunset while enjoying some innovative cocktails and fine spirits. Perched high above the resort, AURA faces directly into the golden waters of the Gulf of Thailand on the island. The setting is further enhanced by primordial rock an open-flame fire pit, the refined and relaxed area creating an exclusive and stylish ambience in the evening. "You will be having a pre-dinner drinks there this evening." John hinted.

All luxury hotels and resorts come with their very own signature spa, CONRAD Koh Samui has no exception. The resort spa offers an experience of unique quality that focuses in personal attention, sensory engagement and exceptional results. Each of the treatments unites contemporary luxury with ancient healing traditions to enhance the well-being of your body, mind and soul.

The spa is set over two floors and incorporates a mixture of luxurious, spacious and self-contained single and couple treatment rooms. John walked us in to the stunning treatment suites feature over-sized tubs, steam and a private deck overlooking the water with a private spa plunge pool. The expansive open spaces with the ravishing view create a sense of style for the ultimate sensory experience. Another WOW interior design especially the floor to ceiling glass sauna and steam room looking out to the Gulf of Thailand. A total tranquil relaxation zone yet privacy ensure.

John's product knowledge impressed us, with almost every facts from the resort inquiry, this young man has not disappointed us, he came well prepared. Our tour finished around 4 pm and we decided to take a dip at the pool to relax and enjoy some cocktail by the main infinity pool to end the afternoon before meeting Stefano for a drink at AURA followed by dinner at JAHN (which will be featured in a separate article).

The next morning, we woke up by the rumbling sound of the heavy down pour and we decided to stay in our villa to watch the rain over a cup of English Breakfast tea. The fabled five islands was still mystically visible despite the dulled weather and the sea was rather calm. Looking at the weather report from the local channel, it could clear up sooner. As the local believe " Pray for the Buddha" in no matter what goes against you. To our favor, half and hour later, the rain stopped and we were ready to head out to ZEST for our morning "ritual" ~ a full breakfast awaits.

To our expectation, the buggy arrived not too long after we called for the service and drove us to ZEST. The humidity was rather on the high despite the heavy down pour, we chose to sit indoor. Knowingly, another hot steamy day ahead. In ZEST, the all-day-dinning restaurant is a casual indoor and outdoor al fresco dining venue and promise a change in taste, every day. The well spread intercontinental breakfast buffet with vibrant Pan-Mediterranean flavors married to fresh, local and organic ingredients.

The restaurant unique fixture, The Food Library showcases artistically prepared ingredients that are incorporated into tempting dishes by their expert chefs. We sampled some local dishes as well as some international dishes. Tom Yum Gong and Seafood Phad Thai was already in our must-have list followed by the local meatball noodle with clear broth to cleanse the heat as well as the Egg Benedict with papaya salad. A perfect meal to start the day.

Zest indoor and outdoor al fresco dining with ceiling height glass door provides plenty of bright natural lights to the restaurant.

The well spread local and international morning buffet set up with diverse selection to start your day.

The exclusive lounge where guest can sit back and relax on the chic oversized furniture either after the morning breakfast or watching the sunset from a different perspective.

The Library houses private events and provides various selection of books is an alternative hide-away for those who prefer staying away from the sun.

The blue sky was backed after noon and John had arranged a boat excursion for us to the nearby beaches. He wasn't sure if we could do it due to the morning heavy downpour as the sea may still be rough and choppy.

We guessed "praying to Buddha" help heaps, thanks to the perfect weather condition and our boat excursion remained on schedule. The boat depart directly from the Conrad's private jetty, a 20 minutes journey took us to white sandy beaches and one of the best spots for snorkeling in the area.

Seeing is believing. The spectacular view of the surrounding islands and the best opportunity to view the resorts that was built on the entire hill cliff from the water in a different perspective was ideal with the boat excursion, it was indeed a joy ride. The boat excursion is complimentary for hotel guest and available 3 times daily at 10am, 12pm and 2pm with weather condition permits and prior bookings are necessary.

A perfect view from the water, the main infinity pool, ZEST restaurant and the lounge are clearly seen.

Our boat man throwing in fresh bread to attract fishes to come around at the snorkeling hot spots.

When we returned from the boat excursion, we headed right away to the main infinity-pool for some fresh water and ordered ourselves a couple of cocktail and watched the sunset for our last night of stay.

All good things must come to an end especially when you were being treated well with the prompt and greatest hospitality. It was addictive, with that regards, you certainly would want to ask for more. It was hard to say goodbye in a paradise on earth, we could only pack up all the fond memories and to look forward to our next visit. Adios for now CONRAD, Koh Samui and we will be backed!

Tried & Tested:

Location: 4/5

Interior & Design: 4/5

Service: 4/5

CONRAD Koh Samui

49/8-9 Moo 4

Hillcrest Road Tambol

Amphur Koh Samui

Sur, 84140 Thailand

Tel: +66 77 915 888