November is upon us! As the year-end parties start rolling in, I catch a preview into what’s new in the scene. Let’s start with fashion.
MAH Collection: Venus In The Shell Preview
Singapore-based designer, Ondina Montgomery, held a preview to her new collection at her residence on 1 November. The fact that MAH stands for Mad About Hue says everything. Her latest collection, Venus In The Shell, includes apparel and accessories in ruby red, powder pink & mint green. This previous interior designer’s talent for juxtaposing geometric patterns with soft ethereal materials comes through strongly. A mix of strong Portugese and Peranakan tile motifs, alongside elaborate European influences, repeat across soft silk robes. Although impressive work has gone into garment construction and intricate beading, producing great silhouettes, the pieces are effortlessly comfortable to wear.
I try on a red silk robe with a plain yellow collar and love how it goes nicely with my cheongsam. Also by a Singaorean designer, I had first debuted this cheongsam in Stylo Milo Style Avengers In Triologie. MAH Collection’s red silk robe feels wonderful against my skin. Furthermore, I love how it can either be cinched at the waist or breezily let out.
Next I try on a mint robe with a beaded collar while May twins with a patterned robe. We are delighted with how the clashing colours and prints work. What’s more, we are pleased we can feast heartily with these forgiving cover-ups. May had previously featured my husband & me in a food story when she was writing for the Business Times. As such, food is typically something we discuss when we meet. https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/lifestyle/food-drink/a-christmas-kitchen-story
Harper’s Bazaar X Larry Jewelry X The Paper Bunny Preview
Later that evening, I bring M5 to a party thrown by Harper’s Bazaar at Larry Jewelry store. We attend a short presentation on why their Lazare diamond is so brilliant, mathematically & aesthetically. It is a good chance to catch up with old friends like Winnie who works at an art gallery and Jaime Lee who runs The Paper Bunny. In fact, we are all treated to a sneak peak at a video collaboration between Jaime & Larry Jewelry. Congratulations, Jaime!
Christie’s Hong Kong Autumn Auctions: Singapore Preview Private Reception
Of all the events on 1 November, the preview I enjoy the most is an exhibition of Christie’s auction of Asian contemporary art. The reason is that I am able to bond with M5 over art, time which I consider invaluable. She is overwhelmed by the many beautiful paintings, dashing around to take them all in. We take some photos of her mimicking the poses of the subjects and have a giggle. I introduce her to friends and she tells them about her favorite artworks. Presently, she discovers a catalogue and sits down to look at the pictures. She identifies the ones she likes and asks me about the artists. I read aloud from the catalogue and we both learn something that day.
High Tea & Private Viewing Of Jewellery
The next day, M5 & I return to the Christie’s preview. I am grateful for the opportunity to see some exceptional gems like this Kashmir blue sapphire. Having recently written about the rarity of Paraibas in Jeweluxe And The Fellowship Of The Ring & Obsessing Over Tourmalines This October , I am thrilled to see a gorgeous one there. We also play with a colour-changing Russian alexandrite that goes from green to purple in different light. That is pretty awesome.
In fact, all the previews over the opening couple of days of November were awesome. If this is any indication of what the rest of the month has in store, well, the future looks very bright indeed! I’ll be dancing into the end of the year; join me and let’s end 2018 on a positive note.
