2023-05-08

Dior Presents THE DIOR 8 Jeans Line

Dior's timeless and versatile blue jeans icon is being reinvented by Maria Grazia Chiuri in a series of denim pants, promising a look at once elegant, relaxed and infinitely modern.

Named Dior 8, in homage to the founding-couturier’s lucky-charm number, and initially composed of eight irresistible variations, a ninth reference now completes the collection, sublimating all body types.

Made from raw denim, these exceptional creations come in bootcut, flared, wide-leg, boyfriend or cargo styles - as well as a new straight shape thought up for the Dior SS2023 line.

Each pair features a label on the back with the “Christian Dior“ signature, enhanced by two horizontal stripes and the number of the model - from D01 to D09 – a tribute to the art of detail dear to the House.

A profusion of ultra-desirable pieces to (re)discover, season after season.

2023-05-05

THE RITZ-CARLTON HONG KONG - Timeless Luxury Urban Staycation

W
aking up with the magnificent Victoria Harbour view and skyline of Hong
Kong from 102nd floor and above may not be your everyday routine, yet, a timeless luxury urban staycation at the majestic Ritz-Carlton Hong Kong will have your dreams come true with endless wow factor experiences from its outstanding luxury hospitality. For such a lifetime experience, you have to set your foot in there at least once. mylifestylenews writes.


Making a home away from home is always a craving when you are on the road for a long trip and you cannot get any better than having a well look after staycation with top class quality facilities, amenities and hospitality that is at your disposal, not to mention having a more strategic and amazing location with everything at your fingertips underneath the hotel. The Ritz-Carlton Hong Kong is well situated at a prestigious address with ever-ready mindful hospitality to impress as well as some refined and Michelin star’s wine and dine experiences that lives up to the hyperbole, so all we can recommend is make a booking post haste and indulge to the max when you can and while you can.


You can’t possibly miss the handsome edifice of this tallest building in Hong Kong – the International Commerce Centre (ICC) well situated in West Kowloon, as part of the Union Square project on top of the Kowloon station. While it was the 4th tallest building in the world when its construction was completed in late 2010, it also houses the finest Ritz-Carlton Hong Kong offering sweeping views of the city and beyond with luxury accommodations highlighting the enviable feature with almost floor to ceiling large windows and an uninterrupted majestic vista.


Opened in 2011, the luxury hotel occupies 16 floors from 102 to 118 of the ICC with more than a decade of service and operation and the timeless hotel certainly lives up to its name and endlessly strives to provide that top notch service to its esteemed guests as well as the many Ritz-Carlton return guests from around the globe.


The lift from the ground (elevated) level whizzes upward swiftly and silently with a speedy 80 seconds smooth ride to the 103rd floor where the reception check-in takes place, you are entering into a different world of timeless luxury.
Second to none, having your check-in done at this exclusive urban luxury hotel provides a dramatic elevated lobby and high ceiling with an eye-catching mural.


If
 you are booked with the Club rooms (highly recommended for its perks and facilities), the lobby hostess will be escorting you to level 116 for a more exclusive check-in. While a glass of champagne is poured and you have the magnificent panoramic views of Hong Kong’s skyline and Victoria Harbour, suddenly you realize that the world is just under your two feet.  A totally unrivalled arrival experience.
 

The club lounge is in a class of its own, not only being the tallest luxury hotel club lounge in the city but also the panoramic Victoria Harbour view to marvel. The 24 hours free flow of inclusive beverages consists of numerous selection of premium beers and wines as well as French champagne throughout the day from breakfast through to late evening, which is enough to get you hydrated with bubbles throughout your stay.


In addition, the exclusive club lounge also serves up a storm on its sumptuous buffet spread with a live cooking station to delight your demanding taste buds over breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, canapes as well as dinner setting seemingly stopping you from leaving the entire premises with such hospitality on offer.


Pick the right spot and glue yourself to the large sofa to enjoy the sun rise above all ground as well as the golden sunset while the weather permits is what you wish to be doing by upgrading yourself to enjoy the club benefits.


Rising grandly above the waterfront, the eponymous Ritz-Carlton Hong Kong offers Deluxe Victoria Harbour and Club Deluxe Victoria Harbour room view lodgings, as well as One and Two-bedroom Suites and Club Level accommodation offering additional space, services and five star amenities. Our 70sqm Club Deluxe Victoria Harbour Room affording us endless pleasure in the Club Lounge and the room itself had those majestic views, giving us ringside seats to watch the ever changing weather and sometimes we disappeared into the clouds and felt as though we had been enveloped!


Home Suite Home is here. If crashing into the flat-ironed 400-thread count smooth and light as silk bed linen is not enough to give you a sweet dream awakening, you may consider having a bubbly hot bath in the white bright marble bath with an array of Diptyque bath amenities to rejuvenate and enhance your body and soul which is another definite bonus luxury add-on to make your staycation experience even more special and unforgettable. Despite the rooms are ‘of a certain luxurious style’ and do have a very masculine dark feel to them while perfectly comfortable, the colour scheme and style is beginning to look a little outdated and an uplift upgrade to be considered moving forward would elevate the staycation experience in which we look forward to a future visit.


Dining options and experiences in The Ritz-Carlton Hong King are never in short supply and be ready to be spoile
d for choice and you may have trouble wondering how and where to start. The concierge team are well familiar with many of their starred restaurants and bars that offer one of the most stunning locations for dining experiences to chill, unwind and to “dine” for. 


There are a lot of “WOW elements as you survey the scene in each F&B outlet, so be prepared to be amazed, before any food or beverage has touched the lips!


We popped over to Tin Lung Heen for lunch with a prior reservation to sample some of the most authentic Canton cuisine, especially known for its multiple award winning dishes such as Steamed Crab Claw, Double-Boiled Chicken Soup, among many other signature dishes from its beautifully and yummy-licious full on menu.


The 
modern high-tech gym and indoor temperature controlled infinity pool on 118th floor are a must enjoy amenity, particularly the pool deck – imagine sitting in the piping hot jacuzzi on the outdoor terrace in cool weather watching clouds float by, or dive into the highest indoor infinity lap pool in the region with a mirrored ceiling as well as an LED wall displaying highlights of Hong Kong’s whereabouts and other exciting travel visuals.


With one side of the window facing the west part of the city, romantic sunset view awaits when weather is permitting, it will take your breath away.

Breakfast is our pick of the meals at the club lounge with the bright sunrise view without a price tag. Go for the local delicacies from the live cooking station that brings you one of the best flavours in town. We spent endless hours in the club lounge to enjoy every offering they provided and honestly could not fault the quality of the food, the beverage selection, or the service provided. It seems every team member has the same dedicated approach, but Leo, the Club Lounge Manager and Te, a trainee left home from Myanmar to master his hospitality skill, were the standouts for us, that made our time spent there an absolute highlight and such a luxurious offering really puts the cherry on top!

The food is one thing but the luxury staycation is worth it for the unbeatable view in the entire city. Like it or not, all good things must come to an end. All’s well that ends well and we have to bid farewell with a heavy heart for the stunning, bustling and twinkling sky-high day and night Victoria Harbour view with fond memories and stories of unforgettable experiences to share when we get home. We could talk endlessly about why this hotel has become a favourite, but ‘the proof is in the pudding’ – if you haven’t had ‘a taste’ and experienced it yet, you must not delay.

Tried & Tested:
Location: 5/5
Design & Decor: 4.5/5
Room Amenities: 4.5/5
Housekeeping: 4.5/5
Food & Beverages: 5/5
Service: 5/5
Value For Money: 4.5/5
Experience: 4.5/5

 International Commerce Centre
1, Austin Road West
Kowloon, Hong Kong
Tel: +852 2263 2263

Reviews are based on actual day of visit and experience. mylifestylenews reserves the right of final decision in case of any disputes. All images are photographed by mylifestylenews team without any photoshop enhancement and are the property owned by mylifestylenews unless otherwise stated. 

Tiffany & Co. Unveils Its Newly Redesigned New York City Landmark at 57th Street and Fifth Avenue

Tiffany & Co. unveils its newly redesigned New York City landmark at 57th street and Fifth Avenue recently. Now known as “The Landmark,” reintroduces the world to a new Tiffany & Co. Custom artwork, never-before-seen jewels and immersive displays define the new Landmark, which is also one of the largest stores in Manhattan.


The Landmark marks the luxury retail institution’s first holistic renovation of the store since it first opened its doors in 1940. Opposing forces define the transformation: old and new, past and 
future, hidden and revealed treasures. Paying homage to the building’s iconic original structure, the beloved façade with its Atlas statue and clock above the revolving doors was refurbished to honor its original design, while the interiors have been completely reimagined into a new world of wonders.


Two major forces were integral to the store’s transformation. Legendary architect Peter Marino 
reimagined the interior architecture and OMA New York, led by the renowned Shohei Shigematsu, spearheaded the renovation of the building’s core and circulation infrastructure as well as the addition of the new three-story volume above the existing building. The OMA/Shohei Shigematsu-led rooftop addition, replacing the office space added in 1980, features two distinct yet connected forms that make up the unified volume.


Upon entering the new store, clients are immediately immersed in an expansive main floor of 
jewelry cases illuminated by an innovative take on a skylight. The ceiling installation spans nearly the room’s length and is composed of an abstraction of facets. Its unique design is a tribute to Tiffany’s heritage and authority as the purveyor of the world’s finest diamonds. Integrated throughout the Landmark’s 10 floors are nearly 40 artworks, including never-before-seen Tiffany-commissioned pieces. The curation features works by renowned artists including Damien Hirst, Julian Schnabel, Rashid Johnson, Anna Weyant and Daniel Arsham.


On the ground floor visitors are immersed in iconic New York City scenery through video walls that project sweeping views of Central Park and the Manhattan skyline when turned on and serve as mirrors when turned off. Wood parquet flooring throughout the building harkens back to the original 1940’s design, echoing the original pattern from our store interior. A new Tiffany & Co. clock, inspired by the original Atlas statue and clock, also sits on the ground level.


The heart of the store features a sculptural spiral staircase with undulating transparent balustrades adorned with rock crystal, inspired by, and reflecting the sensual and organic designs of Elsa Peretti. The staircase connects floors 3 through 8, while elevators allow access to every floor.


The Blue Box Cafe™ by Daniel Boulud offers a unique take on Tiffany’s coveted dining experience. New York’s Michelin-starred chef Daniel Boulud brings a seasonally inspired daytime menu, including breakfast and tea. The redesigned space now includes a private dining area and bar with art installations. Dedicated museum and exhibition spaces on floors 8 and 9 will offer a rotation of compelling concepts and unique storytelling experiences.


To commemorate the reopening of the store, Tiffany & Co. is also set to debut a range of exclusive designs and one-of-a-kind creations. This offering will include everything from extraordinary diamond watches and limited-edition home objects to eyewear inspired by the Tiffany® Setting engagement ring. Now home to the largest collection of Tiffany High Jewelry in the world with perhaps the biggest wonder of them all - a new design for the legendary 128.54-carat Tiffany Diamond.


The Landmark reopens with a significant investment in leading environmental, health and wellbeing initiatives and was built to operate sustainably for years to come. The Landmark store is on track to achieve WELL Platinum certification and LEED Gold certification. The Fifth Avenue Landmark will reopen its doors to the world for visitors to discover the wonders of Tiffany & Co. during April 2023.


2023-05-02

SING YIN W Hong Kong - Dine Like A Star

L
ocating dining destinations for those in the know foodies is always fun to track down and you are never at a loss to find something special in Hong Kong if you have the right contacts. Blending the old with the new, Sing Yin at W Hong Kong never fails to please when it comes to authentic Cantonese dining cleverly elevated to a more refined taste and utterly full of pampering, emotionally and craving satisfactory Cantonese delicacies in a contemporary modern setting. mylifestylenews writes.


Cantonese cuisine is one of those comfort food delights you can never get enough of, especially when you are in the home of Cantonese Cuisine, Hong Kong - food of paradise that is unlimited and always full of pleasant surprises for its taste of origin and some even brings you back the best childhood memories that once granny’s way of preserving the right kind of recipe that has been respectfully brought down over generations.


The W Hong Kong is known for its hip vibe and cool creed, but they also want to ensure that guests looking for authentic Cantonese food are not forgotten and their in-house signature Sing Yin restaurant hits the spot. Sing Yin literary translated as “Star Banquet Cuisine”, focusing on true classic Cantonese dishes and maybe throw in the odd dish or two with a twist to excite its patrons to explore this to the max and dine like a star.
 

The 112-seat Sing Yin restaurant is set in an evocative urban setting, designed by international architect and interior designer, Steve Leung, who recreates the unique features of Hong Kong’s streetscape in a groundbreaking contemporary sense
The triplex ceiling high narrow entrance is decorated with an elegant setting for you to enjoy the peace and harmony at the foot of Lion Rock and discover the culture of the legendary cosmopolitan city.


Charming interiors come with dim lighting and glass wall partitions separating the dining room seating offering exclusivity for private dining.


The dining hallway setting caters for small groups with cart-setting style against the elegant black and white marble wall and flooring alongside with silky upholstered cushion bench seating for a more intimate dining experience and creates a seamless flow throughout the entire dining space juxtaposed with the elegant and subtle tableware setting.
 

Sing Yin is helmed by multiple award winning Executive Chinese Chef Simon Wong for his carefully crafted set menu that is re-imagined and elevated Cantonese cuisine to new heights as he has one really good palate and true understanding of food and flavour as well as a mainline to the purity and the balance of food by bringing out the best from the carefully chosen prestige ingredients used through his legendary culinary skill. He just wants the best companion by putting the right stuff with the right skill and excels in it. A hearty a-la-carte menu as well as delicate Dim Sum dishes are among many other signature dishes being mastered to delight your palate through Chef Wong’s gastronomic journey. It’s time to indulge!
 

<Sing Yin Deluxe Combination Platter>
This delicate deluxe combination platter comes with three different cold and warm appetizers. We started off with the Jellyfish Marinated In Vintage Vinegar As expected with such a classic “banguet feast” appetizer dish, this was extremely crunchy jellyfish, but what a clever twist to add the vintage vinegar that offers a pleasant aromatic flavour and this takes it to another level, making it so complex and tasty on the palate. A must try!  We then moved on to the succulent Roasted Crispy Suckling Pig that was an absolutely perfect rendition of one of our favourite dishes. The crackling skin was absolutely crispy to the max and the meat was so flavoursome, never too greasy and never enough. The last bite on the plate was the beautifully  Crispy Sliced Lotus Stuffed With Crab Meat  - Another triumphant creation by Chef Wong that came with a perfect combination of a crispy outer shell and delicate yet meaty crab meat being stuffed inside that is not dominating and extremely satisfying on the palate. It was also such a good counterpoint after the richness of the suckling pig. Put this on your hit list!


<Double-Boiled Chicken Soup with Black Wolfberry and Sea Cucumber>
This light chicken consommé is packed with flavour and is simply so heart-warming. The lightly cloudy broth was extracted from the additional ingredients that added some texture but never took away from the key highlight, which could have been enjoyed just on its own, but it made for a lovely presentation with the floating wolfberry that adds a hint of sweetness to the taste.


<Braised Boston Lobster with Fresh Chinese Yam and Chenopodium Quinoa>
Deliciously cooked and artfully presented food deftly balances contemporary influences with unwavering respect for tradition on a large hollow pasta dish plate. The meaty lobster was so fresh and tender, tasting the sea almost immediately and well paired with the really crunchy diced yam that is full of fibre, absorbing the entire accompanied sauce that is simply umami. The quinoa adds another element that is visual and subtle in flavour on the palate. Overall a winning combination that shows Chef Wong's crafted culinary skill.


<Braised American Angus Beef Rib with Gravy Sauce>
Soft, tender, juicy and flavoursome. The meat was sensationally braised in precise cooking with succulent taste, garnished with Bok Choy roots. The gravy was the cherry on top with the added bonus of dried mushrooms, with an all-round quality which cannot be denied. This is a great dish for beef lovers!


<Braised Noodle with Abalone, Ginger and Spring Onion>
Seemingly Chef Wong’s master creation focuses a lot on his most sought-after dishes that uses the braised cooking technique to bring out the best of the chosen ingredients. The presentation on this dish may be quite monotonous yet let the ingredients speak by itself as this quintessential Cantonese noodle dish absorbed the gravy thoroughly and harmoniously in taste with the entire combination of flavours that was so delicious. A good way to end the savoury sojourn. Yum!


<Sing Yin Singature Dessert Sampler>
Osmanthus Pudding Jelly Such a classic and all time favorite desert visually admirable and also taste wise. It provides a refresher for the palate after so many of the rich tastes.  The Crispy Red Bean Sesame Ball - Another classic and brilliantly executed. Fluffy and a little richer in texture that was packed with flavour with sweet red bean filling and was a nice contrast on the palate after the osmanthus pudding jelly and then to round up with the hearty, warm and creamy Almond Soup - This well-like Cantonese soup base and delicious desert that has such a harmonious and delightful flavour to end Chef Wong’s culinary sojourn and you can’t get better than this rendition.
 

The whole evening was pleasant and ticked all the boxes of the best dishes and to highlight the meticulous yet complex cooking techniques that Cantonese culinary is renowned for. The service was perfectly timed and they listened to our every request and always attended to our table at just the right time throughout the evening. You simply must make a bee line for Sing Yin and indulge your culinary senses. Chef Wong’s epicurean perfection focuses on high-level selected ingredients. It was indeed a lucky treat to be able to experience the master chef’s creation with realistic excitement and blissful world class gastronomy adventure. As the name suggests, you can dine like a star at Sing Yin or at least savour the star-rated feast from its renown Cantonese dining and taste from many of their signature star dusted dishes that convey a refreshing interpretation of contemporary and a truly quintessential Cantonese gastronomy, the hearty Sing Yin W Hong Kong is where you need to go.


Tried & Tested:
Location: 5/5
Design & Decor: 4/5
Food & Beverages: 4.5/5
Service: 4.5/5
Value For Money: 4.5/5
Experience: 4.5/5

1 Austin Road West, Kowloon Station, 
Kowloon, Hong Kong
Tel: +852 3717 2848

Reviews are based on actual day of visit and experience. mylifestylenews reserves the right of final decision in case of any disputes. All images are photographed by mylifestylenews team without any photoshop enhancement and are the property owned by mylifestylenews unless otherwise stated.