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<figure class="wp-block-video"><video autoplay loop src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content.bak/uploads/2023/2312/2312_GMHK_Power300.mp4"></video></figure>



<p>These are the people who will be shaping the next century and leading the city to heights unprecedented. Check out who made our 2023 Power List 300 <strong><a href="https://igafencu.com/pages/the-power-list">here</a></strong>.</p>


2023 Power List:  The 300 Most Powerful People in Hong Kong


<p>From ancient gold jewellery to contemporary gems, we have been attempting to capture the beauty of the natural world in our art and ornaments for thousands of years. Animals have served as a source of inspiration for artists, who have discovered materials that may hold the key to their creation’s mystery in stunning stones and rare metals. Our understanding of our own natures is shaped by these projections, which allude to our ancestry and the transition from nature to culture.</p>



<p>The urge to interpret animals as symbols is related to our understanding of what it means to be human and this comprehension links historical works of art and societies. Animal representations served as allegories, artistic inspirations, or emblems of creation, supporting widely-held myths or beliefs. Through the use of wild animals as intermediates, these animal images help us to comprehend the interactions between humans and nature, as demonstrated by top jewellery houses like Cartier, Buccellati and Chopard.</p>



<div class="wp-block-media-text alignwide is-stacked-on-mobile"><figure class="wp-block-media-text__media"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="1024" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/078-081-Jewellery_November-2023-1024x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-79014 size-full" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/078-081-Jewellery_November-2023-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/078-081-Jewellery_November-2023-280x280.jpg 280w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/078-081-Jewellery_November-2023-768x768.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/078-081-Jewellery_November-2023-200x200.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/078-081-Jewellery_November-2023-800x800.jpg 800w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/078-081-Jewellery_November-2023-100x100.jpg 100w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/078-081-Jewellery_November-2023.jpg 1333w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure><div class="wp-block-media-text__content">
<p>Chopard bracelet</p>
</div></div>



<div class="wp-block-media-text alignwide has-media-on-the-right is-stacked-on-mobile"><div class="wp-block-media-text__content">
<p>Boucheron ring</p>
</div><figure class="wp-block-media-text__media"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="766" height="766" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/11.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-79013 size-full" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/11.jpg 766w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/11-280x280.jpg 280w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/11-200x200.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/11-100x100.jpg 100w" sizes="(max-width: 766px) 100vw, 766px" /></figure></div>



<div class="wp-block-media-text alignwide is-stacked-on-mobile"><figure class="wp-block-media-text__media"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="1024" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/10-1024x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-79012 size-full" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/10-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/10-280x280.jpg 280w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/10-768x768.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/10-200x200.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/10-800x800.jpg 800w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/10-100x100.jpg 100w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/10.jpg 1297w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure><div class="wp-block-media-text__content">
<p>Tiffany &amp; Co. earring</p>
</div></div>



<div class="wp-block-media-text alignwide has-media-on-the-right is-stacked-on-mobile"><div class="wp-block-media-text__content">
<p>Boucheron bracelet</p>
</div><figure class="wp-block-media-text__media"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="1024" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/9-1024x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-79011 size-full" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/9-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/9-280x280.jpg 280w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/9-768x767.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/9-200x200.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/9-800x799.jpg 800w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/9-100x100.jpg 100w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/9.jpg 1061w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure></div>



<div class="wp-block-media-text alignwide is-stacked-on-mobile"><figure class="wp-block-media-text__media"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="866" height="866" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/8.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-79010 size-full" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/8.jpg 866w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/8-280x280.jpg 280w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/8-768x768.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/8-200x200.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/8-800x800.jpg 800w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/8-100x100.jpg 100w" sizes="(max-width: 866px) 100vw, 866px" /></figure><div class="wp-block-media-text__content">
<p>Buccellati brooch</p>
</div></div>



<div class="wp-block-media-text alignwide has-media-on-the-right is-stacked-on-mobile"><div class="wp-block-media-text__content">
<p>Cartier necklace</p>
</div><figure class="wp-block-media-text__media"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="1024" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/7-1024x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-79009 size-full" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/7-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/7-280x280.jpg 280w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/7-768x768.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/7-200x200.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/7-800x800.jpg 800w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/7-100x100.jpg 100w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/7.jpg 1318w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure></div>



<div class="wp-block-media-text alignwide is-stacked-on-mobile"><figure class="wp-block-media-text__media"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="825" height="824" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/6.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-79008 size-full" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/6.jpg 825w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/6-280x280.jpg 280w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/6-768x767.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/6-200x200.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/6-800x799.jpg 800w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/6-100x100.jpg 100w" sizes="(max-width: 825px) 100vw, 825px" /></figure><div class="wp-block-media-text__content">
<p>Cartier ring</p>
</div></div>



<div class="wp-block-media-text alignwide has-media-on-the-right is-stacked-on-mobile"><div class="wp-block-media-text__content">
<p>Tiffany &amp; Co. bracelet</p>
</div><figure class="wp-block-media-text__media"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="1024" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/5-1024x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-79007 size-full" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/5-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/5-280x280.jpg 280w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/5-768x768.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/5-200x200.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/5-800x800.jpg 800w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/5-100x100.jpg 100w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/5.jpg 1187w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure></div>



<div class="wp-block-media-text alignwide is-stacked-on-mobile"><figure class="wp-block-media-text__media"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1109" height="1109" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/4-1024x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-79006 size-full" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/4-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/4-280x280.jpg 280w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/4-768x768.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/4-200x200.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/4-800x800.jpg 800w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/4-100x100.jpg 100w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/4.jpg 1109w" sizes="(max-width: 1109px) 100vw, 1109px" /></figure><div class="wp-block-media-text__content">
<p>Tiffany &amp; Co. earring</p>
</div></div>



<div class="wp-block-media-text alignwide has-media-on-the-right is-stacked-on-mobile"><div class="wp-block-media-text__content">
<p>Cartier necklace</p>
</div><figure class="wp-block-media-text__media"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="1024" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/3-1024x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-79005 size-full" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/3-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/3-280x280.jpg 280w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/3-768x768.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/3-1536x1536.jpg 1536w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/3-2048x2048.jpg 2048w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/3-200x200.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/3-800x800.jpg 800w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/3-100x100.jpg 100w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure></div>



<div class="wp-block-media-text alignwide is-stacked-on-mobile"><figure class="wp-block-media-text__media"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="856" height="856" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/2.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-79004 size-full" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/2.jpg 856w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/2-280x280.jpg 280w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/2-768x768.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/2-200x200.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/2-800x800.jpg 800w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/2-100x100.jpg 100w" sizes="(max-width: 856px) 100vw, 856px" /></figure><div class="wp-block-media-text__content">
<p>Boucheron ring</p>
</div></div>



<div class="wp-block-media-text alignwide has-media-on-the-right is-stacked-on-mobile"><div class="wp-block-media-text__content">
<p>Buccellati brooch</p>
</div><figure class="wp-block-media-text__media"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="954" height="955" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/1.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-79003 size-full" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/1.jpg 954w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/1-280x280.jpg 280w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/1-768x769.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/1-200x200.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/1-800x801.jpg 800w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/1-100x100.jpg 100w" sizes="(max-width: 954px) 100vw, 954px" /></figure></div>


The Wild Side: Inventive and artistic, jewellers across the globe are taking the animalistic approach


<figure class="wp-block-video"><video autoplay controls src="https://www.igafencu.com/video/2311/2311_GMHK_Fashion2.mp4"></video></figure>



<p>As the frosty season approaches, the fashion industry unveils its latest triumphs in menswear collections. &#8220;Winter&#8217;s Key&#8221;, our fashion spread for the month of November, encapsulates the essence of these sartorial wonders, where elegance takes center stage. From luxurious fabrics to impeccable tailoring, these collections harmonize sophistication with the inherent beauty of winter.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Look 1</h3>


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/1881-copy_edit_p-819x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-78382" width="819" height="1024" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/1881-copy_edit_p-819x1024.jpg 819w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/1881-copy_edit_p-224x280.jpg 224w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/1881-copy_edit_p-768x960.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/1881-copy_edit_p-200x250.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/1881-copy_edit_p-800x1000.jpg 800w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/1881-copy_edit_p.jpg 1080w" sizes="(max-width: 819px) 100vw, 819px" /></figure></div>


<p>Cap, net hoodie, shirt, long-sleeves, cross- body bag, pants and boots by Givenchy</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Look 2</h3>


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="819" height="1024" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/1818-copy_edit_p-819x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-78381" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/1818-copy_edit_p-819x1024.jpg 819w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/1818-copy_edit_p-224x280.jpg 224w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/1818-copy_edit_p-768x960.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/1818-copy_edit_p-200x250.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/1818-copy_edit_p-800x1000.jpg 800w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/1818-copy_edit_p.jpg 1080w" sizes="(max-width: 819px) 100vw, 819px" /></figure></div>


<p>Top, handbag, scarf and pants by Hermès</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Look 3</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="819" height="1024" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/1504-copy_edit_p-819x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-78376" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/1504-copy_edit_p-819x1024.jpg 819w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/1504-copy_edit_p-224x280.jpg 224w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/1504-copy_edit_p-768x960.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/1504-copy_edit_p-200x250.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/1504-copy_edit_p-800x1000.jpg 800w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/1504-copy_edit_p.jpg 1080w" sizes="(max-width: 819px) 100vw, 819px" /></figure>



<p>Long coat, shoulder bag, pants and shoes by Prada</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Look 4</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/1635-copy_edit_p-819x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-78379" width="819" height="1024" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/1635-copy_edit_p-819x1024.jpg 819w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/1635-copy_edit_p-224x280.jpg 224w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/1635-copy_edit_p-768x960.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/1635-copy_edit_p-200x250.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/1635-copy_edit_p-800x1000.jpg 800w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/1635-copy_edit_p.jpg 1080w" sizes="(max-width: 819px) 100vw, 819px" /></figure>



<p>Handbag, long coat, pants and boots by Gucci</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Look 5</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="819" height="1024" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/1507-copy_edit_p-819x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-78377" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/1507-copy_edit_p-819x1024.jpg 819w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/1507-copy_edit_p-224x280.jpg 224w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/1507-copy_edit_p-768x960.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/1507-copy_edit_p-200x250.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/1507-copy_edit_p-800x1000.jpg 800w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/1507-copy_edit_p.jpg 1080w" sizes="(max-width: 819px) 100vw, 819px" /></figure>



<p>Jacket, handbag and pants by Bottega Veneta</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Look 6</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="819" height="1024" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/1559-copy_edit_p-819x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-78378" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/1559-copy_edit_p-819x1024.jpg 819w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/1559-copy_edit_p-224x280.jpg 224w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/1559-copy_edit_p-768x960.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/1559-copy_edit_p-200x250.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/1559-copy_edit_p-800x1000.jpg 800w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/1559-copy_edit_p.jpg 1080w" sizes="(max-width: 819px) 100vw, 819px" /></figure>



<p>Handbag, jacket and pants by Dolce &amp; Gabbana</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Look 7</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/1733-copy_edit_p-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-78380" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/1733-copy_edit_p-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/1733-copy_edit_p-420x280.jpg 420w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/1733-copy_edit_p-768x512.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/1733-copy_edit_p-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/1733-copy_edit_p-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/1733-copy_edit_p-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/1733-copy_edit_p-800x533.jpg 800w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<p>Cross-body bag, ring, trench coat, shirt, pants and boots by Dior</p>



<div style="height:75px" aria-hidden="true" class="wp-block-spacer"></div>



<p>Photographer: Jack Law Art Direction and Styling: Jhoshwa Ledesma Videographer: Jack Fontanilla Model: Carlos A (Primo Management Ltd.) Hair and Make Up: Heti Tsang</p>



<p></p>


Winter’s Key: The latest menswear collections align on elegance


<p>Hong Kong’s Mandarin Oriental celebrated its 60th anniversary last month and the luxury hotel remains one of the world’s finest. Since opening in 1963, then known simply as The Mandarin, this graceful building has played host to thousands of guests and remains close in the affections of locals who patronise its fine bars and restaurants daily – many of whom have a particular fondness for afternoon tea in the iconic Clipper Lounge.</p>



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<p>Greg Liddell, General Manager of the Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong, hails the property for having a unique place in the hearts of Hong Kong people and many loyal visitors from overseas. “It was launched as the first luxury hotel on Hong Kong Island in 1963,” he says. “It is where local families have enjoyed special celebrations and where business travellers have held significant meetings and negotiated their deals.”</p>



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<p>He believes the hotel is the epitome of contemporary luxury combined with Oriental heritage and remains “a much-loved address for those seeking an exclusive sanctuary in the heart of the city”. He adds: “It is the quintessential ‘home away from home’ for discerning leisure and business travellers alike.”</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Initial doubts</h3>



<p>With the benefit of hindsight, it is amazing to think that, way back in July 1960 when the idea of building a ‘first-class hotel’ in place of the soon-to-be- demolished Queen’s Building was first proposed at a board meeting of the Hong Kong Land Investment and Agency Co. Ltd, there were many who thought the idea was crazy. A passionate advocate was Hugh Barton, then Chairman of the board, who showed infectious enthusiasm for the idea. According to a book written by Nigel Cameron to commemorate the 21st anniversary of the hotel, titled simply The Mandarin, the project was referred to as ‘Barton’s folly’ in certain circles.</p>


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<p>Of course, it is now clear the timing of the project could not have been better. Hong Kong’s economy accelerated over the ensuing 20 years and visitor numbers to the territory skyrocketed, from 315,000 in 1963 to 2.8 million in 1983, as Hong Kong transformed itself into one of the most important commercial centres in the world.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Great reputation</h3>



<p>Demand for the luxurious services and accommodation The Mandarin had to offer exploded, helped by the fact that it was quickly establishing a fine reputation. Indeed, just four years after opening, in 1967, Fortune magazine cited The Mandarin as among the 11 great hotels of the world.</p>



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<p>Revealingly, this is part of Fortune’s definition of a great hotel: “[It] must be ready for everything, it is not enough that most rooms are faultless; all of them must be, in service as well as in décor and furnishings. It is not enough that the food and wine are impeccable; they must also be served impeccably, even when the restaurant is unexpectedly crowded.”</p>


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<p>Every detail was carefully considered during the design stage of The Mandarin. For instance, the hotel lobby was designed to give arriving guests the feeling of luxurious use of space. Many visitors regularly comment on its sense of old-world charm and superb service standards. Its rooms and suites offer interrupted views overlooking the magnificent harbour.</p>



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<p>“The hotel is a culinary destination of nine outstanding restaurants and bars with an award-winning spa and wellness facilities; it is truly an urban oasis in the heart of Hong Kong,” says Liddell.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">High service standards</h3>



<p>The Mandarin spawned the Mandarin Oriental chain of luxury hotels that now spans the world. Liddel says high service standards are fundamental, with every client whim actioned: “What differentiates the hotel is our colleagues and their passion to deliver exemplary service to each and every one of our guests. It is our mission to delight and inspire our guests at every opportunity; every need is anticipated as we aspire to exceed our guest expectations.”</p>


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<p>There have been numerous upgrades and improvements to the hotel over the past 60 years. It has been ahead of the curve in some areas, such as incorporating an elegant swimming pool. Indeed, the Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group has been awarded the World’s Best Hotel Spa Brand for the past two years.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Constant improvements</h3>



<p>The hotel never rests on its laurels, according to Liddell: “We strive for constant improvement and innovation, as it is inevitably essential for hotels to stay competitive and relevant in the market.”</p>



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<p>He revealed that in 2021 the hotel undertook extensive renovations for Man Wah, the much-loved Chinese restaurant that has been delighting diners since 1968. They also opened The Aubrey, offering an eccentric izakaya experience, which is now ranked at number 17 in the list of Asia’s 50 Best Bars.</p>


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<p>“On the hotel’s 23rd floor overlooking Statue Square garden and the surrounding Hong Kong harbour and cityscape, we have also introduced a brand-new club lounge, The Mandarin Club, to provide a luxurious all-day retreat where our guests will enjoy a host of exclusive privileges and bespoke services including an array of culinary delights from breakfast, afternoon tea to evening cocktails,” he adds.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Ongoing celebrations</h3>



<p>The hotel has been hosting special events and initiatives to commemorate its anniversary. ‘The Mandarin at 60 Exhibit’ is a permanent historical archive in the East Lobby for public viewing. They welcomed four two-star Michelin chefs from their sister properties as well as a number of bartenders from Asia’s 50 Best Bars, who performed guest shifts at The Aubrey. The Mandarin Spa took the opportunity to launch new brand partnerships and bespoke treatments, and a limited-edition chinaware collection was crafted and is available for purchase.</p>


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<p>“We have also launched The Mandarin spirit in collaboration with Two Moons Distillery, a local zero- waste distillery equipped with its own composting machine, a testament to the hotel’s dedication to sustainability,” says Liddell.</p>



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<p>The Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong has partnered with numerous local charities in a bid to give back to the community, and staff have delivered thousands of hours of community services. The 60th anniversary gala celebration, which took place on 26th October, was attended by longstanding guests over the generations.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">On a roll</h3>



<p>Liddell revealed photographs of guests arriving at the glittering party were interpreted live by an AI artist. These real-time portraits, produced in conjunction with Sir Peter Blake and the Studio of Art &amp; Commerce, were painted in a style inspired by traditional Chinese ink calligraphy and compiled into a celebratory collage. The ‘AI on Canvas’ project will be featured on the side of local trams for all to enjoy.</p>



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<p>“It is the perfect expression of the innovation, personal service and handcrafted details that have epitomised the hotel since its launch in 1963,” says today’s proud GM.</p>


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<p>The roll-call of distinguished guests the Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong has welcomed – from royalty to notable statesmen to preeminent businesspeople to famous film stars – grows longer. Liddell believes part of its success lies in its “unparalleled location in the beating heart of Central”.</p>



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<p>The hotel has undoubtedly amassed a rich history and reputation as the central hub of activity in Hong Kong. “If only walls could talk,” he muses.</p>


60 fantastic years: The iconic Mandarin Oriental, one of the world’s great hotels, celebrates a significant milestone


<p>The Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics placed China on the global stage as a major winter sports venue and underscored the ongoing success story that is China’s ski industry. From only about 20,000 visits to the ski slopes in 1996, numbers soared to 15 million by 2012, and last year’s sporting fiesta was a further fillip to this burgeoning industry. Plentiful powder snow now attracts visitors from around the world to mountains that historically have played a rich part in Chinese cultural identity.</p>


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<p>There are more than 20 large ski resorts across the country in areas as diverse as Jilin, Heilongjiang, Yunnan and Hubei provinces. These resorts obviously gained a huge boost from Beijing being chosen to host the Winter Olympics as many locals suddenly wanted to learn to ski or partake in some way in the run-up to the Games. The slopes across China have been built on the back of successive rounds of investment and this money is crucial to their continuing maintenance. Recent funding has focused on upping the luxury level of hotels and amenities, as well as opening more runs and facilities for beginners.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Northern Exposure</h3>



<p>Two of the largest ski resorts in China’s far north are <strong>Beidahu Ski Resort</strong> in Jilin and Heilongjiang’s <strong>Yabuli Ski Resort</strong>, the latter being situated about 200 kilometres southeast of the famous winter ice city of Harbin, home of the annual Harbin International Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival from December to February.</p>


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<p>Beidahu Ski Resort, which played host to the 2007 Asian Winter Games, has established itself as one of the country’s premier ski resorts. Located in a tiny village some 50 kilometres south of Jilin City, the resort has runs over two mountains plus the adjoining valley and is served by an excellent network of gondolas with limited queuing required. It is famous for its steep slopes and boasts the highest vertical drop of any resort in China. The runs from the top of the right-hand mountain would be considered intimidating to most beginners, but recent investment has created slopes suitable for less advanced skiers and the resort now caters to all levels of skiing proficiency.</p>



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<p>Most lodging at Beidahu is at the base of the mountain. The original 200-room hotel created for the Asian Games is an option, although five- star accommodation with superior eating and dining facilities is now available. The nearby village also hosts a clutch of decent restaurants.</p>


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<p>Covering an area of 22 square kilometres, Yabuli Ski Resort has the distinction of being China’s first and largest destination ski resort and the training area for the Chinese Olympic ski team. After an influx of investment since 2009, the resort has grown considerably and now spans two mountains with a good division of advanced, intermediate and beginner runs as well as an international-standard competitive alpine skiing area. High-quality lodges have been built to cater to more discerning visitors who want somewhere to relax and recuperate in style after a gruelling but exhilarating day spent skiing or snowboarding on the slopes.</p>



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<p>Many seasoned skiers believe Yabuli offers the best all-around facilities and ski experience in China. The alpine ski runs here are the longest in Asia, with nine downhill runs, seven cross-country ski trails, six ski lifts and synchronised platforms, and a 90-metre- high alpine jump platform among the attractions. Access to the slopes is facilitated by three chair lifts, three cable-car lifts and a towing cableway. Snow is usually guaranteed as there are multiple snow-making machines to ensure good skiing throughout the season.</p>


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<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Harbin highlights</h3>



<p>A visit to Harbin can be combined with a wide choice of skiing destinations. Scenic<strong> Jihua Changshou Mountain Ski Resort</strong> is located about 45 kilometres from the city in Binxi National Forest Park. This basin setting surrounded by beautiful mountains provides shelter from the severe winter winds. One run here extends over 2.3 kilometres, while another is 100 metres wide, and the vast complex can accommodate 5,000 skiers at any one time. It is considered ideal for cross-country skiers.</p>



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<p><strong>Moon Bay (Yueliang Wan) Ski Resort</strong> in Harbin’s Songbei district is easily reached from the city centre. It has a comprehensive range of accommodation, entertainment and leisure facilities. Nearby attractions include the Siberian Tiger Park to the north, home to magnificent Siberian tigers in near wild surroundings, and Sun Island Park to the east, the location of the beautiful winter snow sculptures. The Ice and Snow World here features illuminated full-sized buildings made from blocks of ice that stand among the finest examples of ice art in the world.</p>


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<p>The skiing at the <strong>Window of Eurasia Ski Resort</strong> in Nangang district, located within a theme park housing the world’s classic architectural landscape in miniature, is tailored to beginners. <strong>Beidahuang Agricultural Park Ski Resort</strong> in Xiangfang district is noted for its abundance of seasonal activities aside from skiing, such as horse riding, hunting and dog sledding. The picturesque setting at <strong>Longzhu Erlongshan Ski Resort</strong>, situated about 60 kilometres from downtown Harbin in the Erlong Mountain Scenic Zone, elevates its attractions including slopes suitable for all abilities. A good choice for the next generation of Olympic champions is the centrally located<strong> Mingdu Ski Resort</strong> in Harbin as it has a ski run specifically for children.</p>


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<p>The city’s <strong>International Golf Club Ski Resort </strong>is convenient for transportation, hotels and shopping malls. The complex comprises ski training, jumping and snowmobiling slopes, a fishing lake and golf driving range, and ice and snow and entertainment areas. The country’s first ski race venue was established at <strong>Wujimi Ski Resort</strong> in 1964, 100 kilometres from Harbin. The location – Shangzhi – has earned the title of “ski town of China” as a result. <strong>Yuquan Weihushan Forest Park Ski Resort</strong> is only half that distance from Harbin and has skiing, skating and ice hockey among other winter activities.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Eastern promise</h3>



<p>Recent slopes to be developed include one on the border with North Korea at Changbaishan, about 15 kilometres from the local airport. <strong>Wanda Changbaishan International Resort</strong> has a fantastic luxury alpine village offering top-of-the-range hotels, restaurants and private condominiums, and it operates a guest pick-up service from the train station or airport.</p>


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<p>Skiing at the Beijing Olympics (apart from the downhill competition) took place around the village of Taizicheng in northwest Hubei province, where a cluster of resorts welcomes enthusiastic amateurs. These include <strong>Wanlong Ski Resort</strong>, a premier ski destination known for its powder snow, the family- friendly <strong>Thaiwoo Ski Resort</strong>, and <strong>Genting Resort Secret Garden</strong>, which has won awards for the quality of its skiing.</p>


Sensational Ski: Head north for the fresh powder snow of China’s many premier winter resorts


<p class="has-text-align-left">A brand-new American steakhouse called New York Cut has debuted in H Queen&#8217;s on Central. With an excellent selection of premium beef from eight different nations in Europe, America, and Asia, the restaurant specializes in serving up premium steak dishes. New York Cut is committed to upholding the best standards in beef quality, cuts, rearing practices, and aging processes. It imports beef from the United States, Italy, Spain, Argentina, Australia, the United Kingdom, Japan, and South Korea.</p>


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<p>New York Cut takes a contemporary and light-hearted approach to redefining the classic upscale steakhouse concept. The main dining space and bar have an excellent collection of art pieces with a New York theme that guests can admire. Each piece captures the rich cultural diversity and artistic legacy of the city. The restaurant&#8217;s unique steaks, which are expertly sourced from all over the world and have rich marbling, soft textures, and juicy delights, are the centrepiece of the menu. Every steak has a distinct flavour character, and the chef offers nine different secret sauce options in addition to making sure each steak is cooked to perfection.</p>


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<p>In addition to its signature steaks, the steak house also offers a range of other main course dishes, including grilled whole live cod, roasted lamb chops, pan-seared pork tomahawk, and a classic grilled whole spring chicken. These specialty dishes showcase the culinary expertise of the chefs, ensuring that both steak enthusiasts and those with other preferences can enjoy an exceptional dining experience.</p>


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<p>A variety of traditional American desserts are also available at the restaurant, including the velvety and rich &#8220;Black Hand&#8221; Tiramisu, the moist and fudgy Marilyn Brownie served with the famed Japanese CREMIA Ice Cream, the delicious New York Cheesecake served with homemade raspberry sorbet, and the fluffy Souffle with homemade mango sorbet that is the restaurant&#8217;s signature dish.</p>


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<p>New York Cut is dedicated to giving its customers an outstanding eating experience. The beef used in the restaurant comes from a number of nations, including Argentina, South Korea, Australia, California, Italy, Spain, and the United Kingdom. The restaurant stands out from other steakhouses because of its dedication to quality and creativity.</p>



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<p><strong>New York Cut</strong>, 2/F, H Queen’s, 80 Queen&#8217;s Road Central, Hong Kong.  Tel: +852 2555 0666</p>


Experience Classic New York Dining with A Curated Selection of Premium Beef from Eight Nations at New York Cut – Central’s Premier American Steakhouse


<p>Regarded as the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance, Tuscany is steeped in culture and boasts a beautiful landscape and climate that is ideal for making wine. With a strong regional identity, the capital is the magnificent Florence, while other fantastic places in this tourist haven include Pisa with its leaning tower, Siena, Lucca and Grosseto. With a long-established winemaking tradition, famous wines in Tuscany include the Brunello di Montalcino, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, Chianti and Morellino di Scansano reds and the white Vernaccia di San Gimignano.</p>


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<p>Tuscany is a very hilly region, with elevated land constituting about two-thirds of the total area, much of which is used for agriculture. The western shoreline touches the Ligurian and the Tyrrhenian seas. It has a fairly mild climate, though further inland there are greater fluctuations in temperature and it can be very rainy at times, which has helped to develop fertile soil.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Magical landscapes</h3>



<p>David Reali, who works for Italian food and wine importer Certa, hails his Tuscan homeland as his favourite wine region. He says: “It is named for the pre-Roman Etruscan inhabitants, and has magical inland and shore landscapes with amazing sandy or rocky beaches, mountains, hills and flat areas.”</p>


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<p>He recalls fondly the area’s outdoors lifestyle, with locals relaxing over good food and wine, and explains why Tuscany, being packed with cultural attractions, draws so many tourists. “The weather is what I love most about my native region. Plus, the history of Tuscany, especially Florence; my city is called la Culla del Rinascimento [the cradle of the Renaissance].”</p>



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<p>As Reali points out, winemaking is a world with infinite variants determined by soil, climate and vinification. Tuscany is a stellar Italian wine area for a variety of reasons. “It is a region with a temperate climate that has significant differences between areas, including variations in soil and various landscapes, which is really suitable for grapes,” he says.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Top crop</h3>



<p>He highlights the topography as an important factor. “In Tuscany, 67% of the region is hilly, 25% mountainous and 8% flat. Numerous precipitations, mostly concentrated in spring and autumn, are perfect for the vineyards, although it is starting to be a challenge considering the world climate change.”</p>


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<p>The proud Tuscan outlines the region’s wine crop. “The main red wines in Tuscany are Sangiovese, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, while white wines produced here are Trebbiano, Vermentino and Vernaccia.” The native Sangiovese grape – one of the 10 most planted grapes in the world – is the singular star of Brunello di Montalcino and the main component of Chianti Classico and Nobile di Montepulciano, three top wines to which Reali is particularly partial.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Sensational Sangiovese</h3>



<p>Describing the tastes and aromas of his favourite wines from Tuscany, he elaborates: “The main characteristics of Sangiovese are red and black cherry, liquorice, black tea and nuances of violet aromas. If aged, it can offer aromas of leather, undergrowth and tobacco. It is typically dry with chalky tannins.”</p>


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<p>The region’s famed Super Tuscans, which first emerged in Chianti in the 1970s, embrace non-indigenous grapes, often boldly blending Sangiovese with international varieties like Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Syrah to create complex and highly structured wines.</p>


Exultantly Tuscan: Hilly terroir, plentiful rain and super wines characterise the beautiful Italian region


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<p>James Heeley, the proud creator of Heeley Parfums, has a strong sense of what makes a good perfume and has an overriding passion for scents that are elegant and pleasurable &#8211; all can be purchased at Scented Niche.</p>


James Heeley: Perfumes to Pleasure


<p>Geneva Watch Days draws a plethora of independent manufactures to the city’s waterfront, where they shine alongside the bigger boys. The summer event acts as a platform for Swiss watchmaking and has been growing in stature since it was inaugurated in 2020 by eight prestigious brands. The number of participants has since mushroomed, and this year some 40 fine watchmakers took the opportunity to release new models or showcase their most eye-catching designs.</p>



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<p>Take<strong> Breitling</strong>, which launched the new <em>Navitimer</em> 36 and 32 – two slender iterations, 36 mm and 32 mm respectively, to round out the Navitimer collection, and ideal for those who prefer a less weighty time machine on their wrists. Powered by the robust Breitling Calibre 17, the luxury models have mother-of-pearl dials studded with lab-grown diamonds and 18-carat red gold cases with cambered sapphire glass that is glare- proof on both sides. They can be worn with a seven- row traceable gold bracelet or an alligator leather strap. The 32mm version embraces the line’s first- ever powdery pink and light blue faces alongside the classic white. Using sustainable gold and diamonds vouches for the watchmaker’s integrity as well as its aesthetic credentials.</p>


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<p><strong>Bulgari</strong>’s watch collections combine Italian aesthetics with Swiss craftsmanship, as epitomised by novelties like the <em>Octo Finissimo Carbon Gold Automatic</em> and <em>Octo Finissimo Carbon Gold Perpetual Calendar</em> which were presented at the Geneva event. Their combination of anthracite high-tech carbon and pink gold makes them true standouts. At just 2.23 mm thick, the Automatic version sports the BVL 138 ultra-thin mechanical calibre movement, featuring a platinum miniature automatic disc with small seconds, a power reserve of 60 hours and waterproofing to a depth of 100 metres. Its forged carbon dial comes with gold-plated hands and hour makers. The more complex BVL 305 self-winding mechanical calibre of the Perpetual Calendar, meanwhile, is only slightly thicker at 2.75 mm and it likewise proudly shows a textured, anthracite carbon face with luxurious accents in rose gold.</p>


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<figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/BVLGARI-2023_Octo-Finissimo-CG-PC_Packshot_02-1024x799.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-78299" width="768" height="599" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/BVLGARI-2023_Octo-Finissimo-CG-PC_Packshot_02-1024x799.jpg 1024w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/BVLGARI-2023_Octo-Finissimo-CG-PC_Packshot_02-359x280.jpg 359w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/BVLGARI-2023_Octo-Finissimo-CG-PC_Packshot_02-768x599.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/BVLGARI-2023_Octo-Finissimo-CG-PC_Packshot_02-1536x1199.jpg 1536w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/BVLGARI-2023_Octo-Finissimo-CG-PC_Packshot_02-2048x1599.jpg 2048w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/BVLGARI-2023_Octo-Finissimo-CG-PC_Packshot_02-200x156.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/BVLGARI-2023_Octo-Finissimo-CG-PC_Packshot_02-800x624.jpg 800w" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /></figure></div>


<p>Through its ultra-thin Octo Finissimo collection, Bulgari aims to create unique timepieces by employing techniques such as contrasting polishing or monochrome treatment on a variety of materials like stainless steel, gold and ceramics. Models are consistently striking with round bezels against octagonal surfaces.</p>



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<p>Interestingly, and highlighting the significance attached to Geneva Watch Days, year-old brand <strong>Byrne</strong> released the <em>Gyro Dial Zero</em> in pink gold and its limited-edition set with diamonds. This updated version follows the original rotating-indices watch concept released at the same event last year, in which the dial changes every day on either the stroke of midnight or noon according to the whim of its wearer. This unique attribute occurs as the dial’s four cardinal indexes (at 3, 6, 9 and 12 o&#8217;clock) pivot in a flash to reveal a different face. The rose gold-encased Zero offers a new stylish, pared-down beauty exposing the magnificent mechanism within.</p>


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<figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/BYRNE-PINK-GOLD-IGOR-FULL-HD-300-DPI-4-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-78300" width="768" height="512" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/BYRNE-PINK-GOLD-IGOR-FULL-HD-300-DPI-4-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/BYRNE-PINK-GOLD-IGOR-FULL-HD-300-DPI-4-420x280.jpg 420w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/BYRNE-PINK-GOLD-IGOR-FULL-HD-300-DPI-4-768x512.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/BYRNE-PINK-GOLD-IGOR-FULL-HD-300-DPI-4-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/BYRNE-PINK-GOLD-IGOR-FULL-HD-300-DPI-4-2048x1366.jpg 2048w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/BYRNE-PINK-GOLD-IGOR-FULL-HD-300-DPI-4-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/BYRNE-PINK-GOLD-IGOR-FULL-HD-300-DPI-4-800x534.jpg 800w" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /></figure></div>


<p>By contrast, <strong>Girard-Perregaux</strong>, founded in 1791, is one of the oldest fine-watch manufactures still in operation and maintaining all the required horological skills in-house, it has more than 100 recorded patents. It displayed the <em>Laureato Absolute Chronograph 8Tech</em>, the latest model in an ultra-modern collection that uses the best solutions in materials technology. Formed of a carbon/titanium composite in octagonal parts via the 8Tech method, the case creates a random structural pattern. Indeed, the whole watch is made from a combination of differently shaped components and materials playfully juxtaposed together, with its splendid swirl decoration adding further interest. The GP03300-1058 automatic movement can be spied through a smoked sapphire-crystal caseback.</p>


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<p>Russian watchmaker and inventor <strong>Konstantin Chaykin</strong>, known for his unique timepieces and artistic creations, auctioned a selection of his amazing monster-face watches and their accompanying sketches at the event. These included the <em>Smilodon</em>, which takes its inspiration from the prehistoric sabre-toothed tiger and boasts some unique functions; the limited-edition <em>Joker Five</em>, which features a distinctive day of the week indicator; and the prototype of his latest Wristmon, a jovial and optimistic-looking character.</p>


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<figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/1693301168_KonstantinChaykin_Kolobok_Catalogue03-1-683x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-78296" width="512" height="768" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/1693301168_KonstantinChaykin_Kolobok_Catalogue03-1-683x1024.jpg 683w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/1693301168_KonstantinChaykin_Kolobok_Catalogue03-1-187x280.jpg 187w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/1693301168_KonstantinChaykin_Kolobok_Catalogue03-1-768x1152.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/1693301168_KonstantinChaykin_Kolobok_Catalogue03-1-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/1693301168_KonstantinChaykin_Kolobok_Catalogue03-1-1365x2048.jpg 1365w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/1693301168_KonstantinChaykin_Kolobok_Catalogue03-1-200x300.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/1693301168_KonstantinChaykin_Kolobok_Catalogue03-1-800x1200.jpg 800w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/1693301168_KonstantinChaykin_Kolobok_Catalogue03-1-scaled.jpg 1707w" sizes="(max-width: 512px) 100vw, 512px" /></figure></div>


<p><strong>Ulysse Nardin</strong> brought out the new<em> Blast Free Wheel Marquetry</em>, a watch which showcases the aesthetic qualities of silicon aside from its undoubted technical specifications. Ergonomically strong with pronounced geometric lines, the 45mm timepiece has an escapement wheel, anchor and balance spring in silicon and uses blades technology. Its ultra-glass box design reveals the avant-garde movement, with a flying tourbillon commanding attention at 6 o’clock. The white-gold case is satin- finished and polished and opened at back with sapphire glass. To top off the unconventional look of the piece, it comes with a distinctive blue matte and polished silicon marquetry dial. The backplate is matte silicon, too.</p>


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<p>Another Geneva Watch Days highlight was the launch of two models by luxury watchmaker <strong>H. Moser &amp; Cie</strong>: the minimalist <em>Endeavour Centre Seconds Vantablack</em> and the <em>Endeavour Tourbillon Concept Vantablack</em>. Composed of super-dark carbon nanostructures, which absorb 99.965% of light that hit them, the Vantablack dials can claim to have the effect of a black hole, sucking in all light in mesmerising contrast with their red-gold cases.</p>


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<figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/HMoser_1804-0403_Endeavour_Tourbillon_RG_Vantablack__Lifestyle-1024x682.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-78301" width="768" height="512" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/HMoser_1804-0403_Endeavour_Tourbillon_RG_Vantablack__Lifestyle-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/HMoser_1804-0403_Endeavour_Tourbillon_RG_Vantablack__Lifestyle-421x280.jpg 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/HMoser_1804-0403_Endeavour_Tourbillon_RG_Vantablack__Lifestyle-768x511.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/HMoser_1804-0403_Endeavour_Tourbillon_RG_Vantablack__Lifestyle-1536x1023.jpg 1536w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/HMoser_1804-0403_Endeavour_Tourbillon_RG_Vantablack__Lifestyle-2048x1364.jpg 2048w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/HMoser_1804-0403_Endeavour_Tourbillon_RG_Vantablack__Lifestyle-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/HMoser_1804-0403_Endeavour_Tourbillon_RG_Vantablack__Lifestyle-800x533.jpg 800w" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /></figure></div>


<p class="has-vivid-red-color has-text-color has-small-font-size"><strong><mark style="background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)" class="has-inline-color has-vivid-red-color">Also Read: </mark></strong><a href="https://igafencu.com/articles/retro-revolution"><mark style="background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)" class="has-inline-color has-vivid-red-color">Retro Revolution: Old and new harmonise in contemporary re-editions with a vintage vibe</mark></a></p>


Swiss Precision: Geneva Watch Days allows Switzerland’s smaller names their day in the sun


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<p>Sam Kima is proud to have developed a rewarding career in the finance industry, a field he was encouraged to enter following advice from his father in the early 1990s. He comes across as modest and sincere, though delight in his achievements is evident on a wall of his office filled with certificates spotlighting his proficiency to trade in the markets.</p>



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<p>“I’m still thriving in this career after more than three decades, winning accolades, awards, spanning Asia to Europe,” he says, indicating a further shelf packed full of trophies highlighting his business success.</p>



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<p>Kima established Sam’s Investment Office in London in 2015, and also plays a huge role in sales and marketing as senior vice-president of First Gold. Jakarta-based PT Cyber Futures Indonesia, which specialises in forex, gold and derivative instruments, is another company that banks upon his expertise. He is also a professional senior analyst working under TraderHub Jakarta.</p>



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<p>His formative years undoubtedly gave him an international outlook highly suited to the world of finance. Born in Hong Kong and further raised in California, he went on to study at the London School of Economics. He now spends his time shuttling between Hong Kong and Indonesia as well as Europe and Los Angeles, which he describes as his second home. He converses with a slight American twang, and with his strong physical presence, he easily commands attention when he articulates sentences in a deep, booming voice.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Carnegie confidence</h3>



<p>Perhaps this innate ability to fill a room with his presence stems from the Dale Carnegie training he undertook at the outset of his burgeoning career. It was a decision that helped him achieve a better life. “Dale Carnegie is super amazing,” he says. “It has considerably influenced me on how to deal with people, colleagues, friends and clients. It guides you to be a smarter person with integrity and morality.”</p>


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<p>He believes such training is all-important when developing a career in a people-centred occupation like finance, and credits the course with nurturing a whole raft of skills. “It develops communication, confidence, problem-solving, emotional intelligence and self-awareness,” he says.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Caring spirit</h3>



<p>A sense of integrity is also fundamental to Kima’s attitude to work and his desire to partake in community service. For instance, every Tuesday he volunteers together with a group of influential community leaders to help serve food to more than 500 impoverished elderly people in Hong Kong. He believes these kinds of activities make someone a more positive person with other knock-on effects: “The better your character traits mesh with your career, the more productive and positive your job performance will be.”</p>



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<p>He also reveals that he is a passionate believer in self-care and investing in activities that nurture body and mind. “This is not in a selfish way,” he adds.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Hungry for more</h3>



<p>Kima likes to set and achieve goals, and his early banking career was spent mastering economic fundamentals like how technical charts play a big role in clients’ decision-making, and how various financial products, forex, gold and silver fluctuate according to data and news. He thrived on the adrenaline rush, constantly learning about the markets, and this made him hungry. “It is an amazing field and I loved what I experienced and was doing,” he recalls of the time.</p>


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<p>This hunger has stayed with him. One can sense he is constantly checking the newswires to sense the market direction. The day of our meeting was soon after the terrible events in Israel and he noted a flight to the dollar as investors sought security in an uncertain world.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">The fear factor</h3>



<p>Shifting assets to the security of gold is another phenomenon in turbulent times, especially when the fear of inflation is pervasive. “As inflation occurs, investors increasingly turn to gold as a hedge, driving demand and price upwards,” he explains.</p>



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<p>His team is part of a tightly interconnected network spanning Australia, Indonesia, the UK and Hong Kong in the rapidly developing investment brokerage field. Live analysis reports by their expert advisors on their state-of-the-art 24-hour trading platform can be the difference between clients making a profit or loss in the most lucrative forex and precious metals markets, according to Kima. He also states they can offer the most competitive spreads and that industry leaders from the Asia-Pacific region turn to his team for their wealth management and analysis reports.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Internet immediacy</h3>



<p>He believes one of the main reasons why gold and forex investing is so easy – and attractive – is its accessibility. “Anyone with an internet connection and a computer or mobile device can access the market. Forex and gold brokers provide traders with trading platforms that allow them to buy and sell currencies, view charts and access real-time analysis and news,” he says.</p>



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<p>His services aim to reduce the time it takes for an order to be routed to the servers for execution, something known as latency. “The high liquidity of forex and gold means that transactions can be completed quickly and easily, and that spreads are often very tight – meaning the underlying market price won&#8217;t have to make a significant positive move in order for your trade to be profitable,” he says.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Get-rich-quick worry</h3>



<p>As he sits in his office in front of a shelf crammed with a bust of Mao Zedong, beautiful Chinese figurines and a lovely model of a traditional sailing boat, he talks earnestly about the dangers of naive and small investors who do not do their homework before putting their savings into investment vehicles. He is acutely aware that the reputation of the financial sector has taken a battering over recent years, and passionately believes that credibility is all-important when dealing in finance. Indeed, he reveals that he did an interview warning of the dangers of cryptocurrency just prior to the great unravelling.</p>


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<p>He fears inexperienced investors post- Covid are exhibiting a dangerous get-rich-quick mentality, and perhaps with this concern in mind, he makes sure his investor clients first go through demo accounts to trade without using real money. “We must make sure that prospective clients are well educated about our markets and understand the fundamentals prior to putting funds in the real market,” he says.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Top track record</h3>



<p>For our photo shoot, he dons an assortment of strikingly coloured suits, and there is certainly the showman side to his persona. In a wistful moment, he yearns for the return of the big pre-Covid society bashes. But he knows what traits are most important: “You will not find one bad review on a search engine about the companies I am involved with,” he reveals with immense pride.</p>



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<p>“Integrity, loyalty, reviews, honesty and track records are the main ingredients and reasons for investing with us,” he adds.</p>



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<p>Interview by: Neil Dolby Photographer: Jack Law Videographer: Jack Fontanilla</p>


Financial Fair Play: Whether metals, forex or other financial products, investment guru Sam Kima values integrity above all


<p>Sleep is one of three pillars of health so being deprived of it can have serious long-term health implications. Insomnia is known to affect most people during some stage of their life, especially in times of emotional difficulty or extreme stress. For some, though, it is not just a temporary situation but a debilitating condition.</p>



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<p>History has seen plenty of famous insomniacs – painter Vincent van Gogh, former US President Bill Clinton and actress Marilyn Monroe all suffered, as did the King of Rock ’n’ Roll Elvis Presley. Speaking to a television interviewer at the peak of his fame in 1956, Elvis said: “I’ve been kind of nervous all my life. And now, going out on personal appearances all the time, I get so keyed up that I just can’t relax.” Nerves and adrenaline would so affect him after live performances that he could not sleep. “You know how hard it is, getting to sleep in a strange room and in a strange bed away from home, particularly when you are kind of nervous and jumpy.”</p>


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<figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Insomnia_05-1024x768.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-78235" width="512" height="384" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Insomnia_05-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Insomnia_05-373x280.jpg 373w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Insomnia_05-768x576.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Insomnia_05-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Insomnia_05-200x150.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Insomnia_05-800x600.jpg 800w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Insomnia_05.jpg 1720w" sizes="(max-width: 512px) 100vw, 512px" /></figure></div>


<p>He went on to describe a scenario familiar to insomniacs the world over: “I’ll go to bed at night and close my eyes and just lay there. And then I’ll start turning. And twisting. And a couple of hours will pass, and I won’t have had had a lick of sleep.”</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Stages of sleep</h3>



<p>A typical night’s sleep (for those who can) spans four or five sleep cycles, each lasting between 90 and 110 minutes. Sleep comes in stages during which different brainwave patterns are exhibited. As we first start to sleep, we spend a few minutes in relaxed wakefulness with eyes closed and brain emitting alpha waves. Next is Stage 1 proper, a drowsy, relaxed state as muscle tension lessens and we experience sensations analogous to daydreaming. After a few minutes of Stage 1, we move into Stage 2 where brainwave patterns called sleep spindles and K-complexes occur, but this is still a light stage of sleep.</p>


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<figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Insomnia_03_p-1024x576.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-78234" width="512" height="288" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Insomnia_03_p-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Insomnia_03_p-498x280.jpg 498w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Insomnia_03_p-768x432.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Insomnia_03_p-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Insomnia_03_p-2048x1152.jpg 2048w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Insomnia_03_p-200x113.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Insomnia_03_p-800x450.jpg 800w" sizes="(max-width: 512px) 100vw, 512px" /></figure></div>


<p>Finally, we reach Stages 3 and 4 which are slow-waved or deep sleep. Physiological activity including respiration, oxygen consumption, heart rate and blood pressure subsides to a low. It is difficult to awaken from deep sleep as awareness of the exterior world is shut out. Usually, this deep sleep lasts for about 45 minutes before progressing to rapid eye movement (REM) sleep or the dream stage where heart rate and breathing rate increase. This more visual and emotional stage is when we are more likely to awaken but will fall quickly back to sleep. Sound sleepers will repeat these cycles through the night.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Types of insomnia</h3>



<p>Elvis’ problem of falling asleep – lying awake tossing and turning – personified one of the three types of insomnia. The other two are waking after some initial sleep and then being unable to return to sleep; and poor quality of slumber despite having no difficulty getting to sleep. While those in this latter category do sleep, they do not feel refreshed in the morning, as though they failed to attain deep sleep.</p>



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<p>Deep sleep normally lasts longer during the early part of sleeping and as the night progresses awakenings are more common since sleep becomes lighter and REM periods increase in duration. Deep sleep is considered critical as a major biological restorative function and means to renew physical energy. The REM stage of sleep remains least understood by scientists, along with the consequences of being deprived of it.</p>


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<figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/pexels-cottonbro-studio-6951508-683x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-78237" width="342" height="512" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/pexels-cottonbro-studio-6951508-683x1024.jpg 683w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/pexels-cottonbro-studio-6951508-187x280.jpg 187w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/pexels-cottonbro-studio-6951508-768x1152.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/pexels-cottonbro-studio-6951508-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/pexels-cottonbro-studio-6951508-1365x2048.jpg 1365w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/pexels-cottonbro-studio-6951508-200x300.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/pexels-cottonbro-studio-6951508-800x1200.jpg 800w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/pexels-cottonbro-studio-6951508-scaled.jpg 1706w" sizes="(max-width: 342px) 100vw, 342px" /></figure></div>


<p>What is known is that long-term insomnia can increase the risk of depression, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and Alzheimer’s disease as well as general increased irritability and reduced concentration levels and decision-making ability. Disturbed sleep must occur at least three times a week over more than three months to be considered insomnia.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Sleeping pill dangers</h3>



<p>To combat his insomnia and anxiety, Elvis experimented with or was prescribed a wide variety of prescription drugs including sleeping pills that were designed to help him relax and achieve better quality sleep. Sleeping pills, though, usually come with side effects. Recent research by New Scientist uncovered that many of the drugs used to treat insomnia like benzodiazepines offer no long-term relief and may cause daytime fatigue, dizziness, general mental fogginess and the risk of dependency. Andrea Cipriani and his team at the University of Oxford found weak evidence that pills offer even short-term benefits and recommended against prescribing them as a first line of treatment.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Sleep hygiene hype</h3>



<p>Good sleep hygiene such as a comfortable mattress and thick curtains and avoiding alcohol and caffeine late at night were all thought essential to avoid disrupting sleep patterns. However, a 2021 academic review of 89 studies into insomnia treatment found that education about sleep hygiene produced barely any improvement in symptoms. The underlying mental processes causing insomnia need to be tackled effectively to have greater success.</p>


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/pexels-anna-shvets-4226221-683x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-78236" width="342" height="512" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/pexels-anna-shvets-4226221-683x1024.jpg 683w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/pexels-anna-shvets-4226221-187x280.jpg 187w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/pexels-anna-shvets-4226221-768x1152.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/pexels-anna-shvets-4226221-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/pexels-anna-shvets-4226221-1365x2048.jpg 1365w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/pexels-anna-shvets-4226221-200x300.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/pexels-anna-shvets-4226221-800x1200.jpg 800w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/pexels-anna-shvets-4226221-scaled.jpg 1707w" sizes="(max-width: 342px) 100vw, 342px" /></figure></div>


<p>Scientific research suggests many people with insomnia are in a state of hyperarousal. According to research by Yishul Wei at the Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, they are often locked into a pattern of negative, repetitive thoughts which affects their sleep pattern. Often, merely thinking about lack of sleep can lead to worsening symptoms (such as fatigue) irrespective of the actual level of sleep obtained.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Talking therapy solutions</h3>



<p>Psychological therapy by trained practitioners may provide solutions for the negative, ruminating thought patterns that inhibit sleep. Techniques developed during sessions of Cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBTI) can reduce sleep performance anxiety; indeed, research suggests 70% of sufferers showed improved sleep after CBTI, with a good chunk of those going into remission. Mindfulness-based therapy for insomnia (MBTI), which involves non-judgmental awareness of the problem using the Buddhist philosophy of acceptance, may also help to lessen rumination and stress. It has borne significant, long-lasting results according to recent studies.</p>


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<figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/pexels-oladimeji-ajegbile-2696299-768x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-78238" width="384" height="512" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/pexels-oladimeji-ajegbile-2696299-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/pexels-oladimeji-ajegbile-2696299-210x280.jpg 210w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/pexels-oladimeji-ajegbile-2696299-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/pexels-oladimeji-ajegbile-2696299-1536x2048.jpg 1536w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/pexels-oladimeji-ajegbile-2696299-200x267.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/pexels-oladimeji-ajegbile-2696299-800x1067.jpg 800w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/pexels-oladimeji-ajegbile-2696299-scaled.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 384px) 100vw, 384px" /></figure></div>


<p>The reasons behind each person’s insomnia are unique, but researchers at the University of Amsterdam have identified five sub-types of the condition, finding that some people with particular sub-types are likely to develop symptoms such as depression – they suggest CBTI would be beneficial in these cases.</p>



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<p>Apps are springing up to provide CBTI courses for those struggling to get a good night’s sleep, and AI algorithms are being utilised to personalise them to the needs of individual insomniacs. Other apps via a smartwatch or phone can deliver short pulses of restful sound at night to induce slow brainwaves associated with sleep. Many scientists agree these solutions are far preferable to the risk of becoming hooked on sleeping pills.</p>


Do So to Sleep: Solutions to insomnia go deeper than a comfy mattress and sleeping pills are not the answer


<p>Hand fans have a long-standing history in Chinese culture, dating back more than 2,000 years. Originally used purely as a functional tool to provide respite from the scorching summer heat, they soon evolved into works of art. Embraced by the literati and nobility, fans became symbols of sophistication, elegance and social status.</p>



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<p>Today, beautifully made folding fans have become treasured collectibles, popular souvenirs and cherished gifts. They are meticulously handcrafted by skilled artisans, who pay attention to every detail. After selecting the finest materials such as silk, paper and bamboo, they carefully paint or embroider intricate designs on the surface that often depict scenes from mythology, nature and folklore, or represent cultural symbols such as dragons, peonies and lotus flowers. Traditional hand fans are now an art celebrated around the world, from cultures as diverse as Japan, China, Spain and France.</p>


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<figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Fan_Model_01-1024x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-78219" width="512" height="512" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Fan_Model_01-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Fan_Model_01-280x280.jpg 280w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Fan_Model_01-768x768.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Fan_Model_01-1536x1536.jpg 1536w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Fan_Model_01-2048x2048.jpg 2048w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Fan_Model_01-200x200.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Fan_Model_01-800x800.jpg 800w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Fan_Model_01-100x100.jpg 100w" sizes="(max-width: 512px) 100vw, 512px" /></figure></div>


<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Rockcoco Fine Fans</h3>



<p>Billed as the first bespoke fan makers in London for a century, Rockcoco Fine Fans is the brainchild of sisters Denise Frankel and Janis Sher whose passion for antique and vintage hand fans evolved into a business. After receiving regular compliments for the pieces in their personal collection, they began to make their own and take orders from around the world. Their vision was to fill the shoes of dedicated luxury fan boutiques that inhabited London’s main shopping streets in the 1920s.</p>


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<figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Fan_05-1024x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-78216" width="512" height="512" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Fan_05-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Fan_05-280x280.jpg 280w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Fan_05-768x768.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Fan_05-1536x1536.jpg 1536w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Fan_05-200x200.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Fan_05-800x800.jpg 800w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Fan_05-100x100.jpg 100w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Fan_05.jpg 1732w" sizes="(max-width: 512px) 100vw, 512px" /></figure></div>


<p>Rockcoco’s striking ready-to-wear collection starts from £55 (about HK$525), but it is the quality of the custom designs that is truly remarkable. Materials are obtained from British royal warrant-holders and precious stones are ethically sourced. From the engraver of the mother-of-pearl, the goldsmith that creates the gem setting and the rivet which holds the fan together, the gilder that finely applies gold leaf into the engraving and the bespoke tassel makers, skilled British artisans work in harmony to bring each fan to life. <em><a href="http://rockcocofans.com">rockcocofans.com</a></em></p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">VLC Hand Fans</h3>



<p>Another all-in-the-family venture, VLC Hand Fans is based in the United Kingdom but has its roots in Valencia, where fan-making developed in the early 1800s and became part of Spanish culture. A secret hand-held language sprung up as lovers flirted through alluring gestures and provocative swishes of their fans.</p>


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<figure class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Fan_08_clip.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-78218" width="480" height="480" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Fan_08_clip.jpg 960w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Fan_08_clip-280x280.jpg 280w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Fan_08_clip-768x768.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Fan_08_clip-200x200.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Fan_08_clip-800x800.jpg 800w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Fan_08_clip-100x100.jpg 100w" sizes="(max-width: 480px) 100vw, 480px" /></figure></div>


<p>The duo behind VLC, Pilar Taberner Quiles and daughter Isabel, hail from a family long involved in the artisanal craft. The fans they sell are made in the traditional way – hand-crafted, hand-painted and hand-assembled in Spain – so each one is unique. Top-of-the-range wood such as sipo, palo santo and ebony is paired with exquisite fabrics including lace, chiffon and feathers to create luxurious and distinctive designs.</p>



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<p>Their fans are striking fashion accessories or serve as decorative art to showcase at home. For bespoke orders, their team of craftspeople carefully select the finest materials, vibrant colours and different wood carvings and textures to meet the requirements of clients. Non- bespoke prices range upwards to £170 (about HK$1,700) and vary widely according to the level of detail and material selection. <em><a href="http://vlchandfans.com">vlchandfans.com</a></em></p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">House of Duvelleroy</h3>



<p>One of the oldest and most luxurious hand-fan boutiques, Duvelleroy was founded in Paris in 1827 by Jean-Pierre Duvelleroy, whose royal clients included Queen Victoria and the Empress of Austria. A venture born of one man’s dream to bring fans back into the hands of elegant women has remained faithful to the traditions of French fan-making.</p>


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<figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Fan_07-1024x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-78217" width="512" height="512" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Fan_07-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Fan_07-280x280.jpg 280w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Fan_07-768x768.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Fan_07-1536x1536.jpg 1536w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Fan_07-200x200.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Fan_07-800x800.jpg 800w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Fan_07-100x100.jpg 100w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Fan_07.jpg 1800w" sizes="(max-width: 512px) 100vw, 512px" /></figure></div>


<p>Engravers, pleaters and embroiderers are involved in the manufacturing of these precious objects. A fan-maker, one of the last in France, assembles every piece by hand and each is embellished by a golden daisy, the emblem of the house. Raw materials of horn, ebony and mother of pearl are cut into layers of only 9-10mm thick, which are then trimmed again and shaped, in the French style, into supremely light frames of 14 sticks. Polishing and engraving are the final touches before the sticks and their outer guards are fastened together by a rivet. Prices rise from US$69 to US$2,250 (about HK$540 to HK$17,600) for the most elaborate designs. <em><a href="http://laperfectionlouis.com">laperfectionlouis.com</a></em></p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Sukhari Designs</h3>



<p>A Taiwanese artist and global traveller, Sukhari Yang expresses beauty and refinement through handmade crafts, which include gorgeous silk fans. The product of rich, artistic influences from Italy to Indonesia and a celebration of the universality of cultures and traditions, her collections are theme-based and handmade by Balinese artisans. Among the most popular are the Lotus Born Master and Flower of Life collections.</p>


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Fan_01_clip-1024x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-78212" width="512" height="512" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Fan_01_clip-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Fan_01_clip-280x280.jpg 280w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Fan_01_clip-768x768.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Fan_01_clip-1536x1536.jpg 1536w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Fan_01_clip-2048x2048.jpg 2048w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Fan_01_clip-200x200.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Fan_01_clip-800x800.jpg 800w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Fan_01_clip-100x100.jpg 100w" sizes="(max-width: 512px) 100vw, 512px" /></figure></div>


<p>Each Sukhari silk fan takes about three weeks to produce with their carved and polished wooden spokes and handles providing quality and effortless movement. They embrace unique embellishments such as an ornate brass ring that can be used to hang the fan from one’s attire and tassels featuring semi-precious stones, and each comes in a black silk slip case. A leather belt with a fan holster is another novelty for fashionable clients.</p>



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<p>Varying in size, colour and design, the fans draw on sacred geometry for their perfect form, proportion, harmony and value. The most affordable options start at US$69 (about HK$540) with no compromise in beauty or intricacy. <em><a href="http://sukharidesigns.com">sukharidesigns.com</a></em></p>


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