Get Luxury Shopping Deals at the Refreshed Pacific Place 'til May 26

It’s an ongoing debate, even today: would you pick quality or quantity? Which would you prioritize? In our modern world, it seems as if people have been overwhelmingly shifting towards fast fashion. Trends, which are quick and ever-evolving, have tempted consumers to have a quantity-over-quality mindset.

Fortunately, others are pushing back. “Fast fashion is a false economy,” said Dounia Wone, Chief Impact Officer at e-commerce platform, Vestiaire Collective. An enterprise that focuses on circularity, Vesitiare is top of mind for those looking to purchase pre-loved luxury items that are ultimately, more sustainable than a checkout from Shein.

“Buying cheap fast fashion is deceptive as, in the end, you end up replacing items again and again. Circularity benefits not only consumers’ wallets, but also protects our planet.”

Vesitaire has gone out of their way to prove their belief, working with Vaayu, a carbon management system, to delve into consumer behaviour. Analysing responses from over 13,000 people alongside 250,000 transactions, Vesitaire has dived into the cost-per-wear metric.

Made mainstream by social media, the cost-per-wear metric equates to first subtracting the resale value from the initial price and then dividing this outcome by the number of wears. This metric aims to reveal the true cost of an item based on frequency of use, total lifespan, and resale value.

In this way, fast fashion becomes less attractive as it proves that fast fashion is worn less often than pre-loved luxury, thereby making it a less sound financial decision.

“In today’s climate of inflation, it is obvious that neither people nor the planet can afford fast fashion,” said Fanny Moizant, president and co-founder of Vestiaire. “This is a wake-up call to combat overconsumption and overspending fueled by tempting low prices.”

What the report discovered was that pre-loved luxury shoes, for example, are (on average) worn 86 times, whereas fast fashion-produced shoes were worn 66 times. Yet, this isn’t even the most staggering finding. Cheaply produced dresses were worn nine times, while pre-loved dresses were worn 71 times, on average. This is almost eight times more cost-per-wear on average. This puts the cost-per-wear value of fast fashion dresses at US$5.66 whereas the cost-per-wear value of pre-loved luxury comes at only US$1.56.

Pre-loved designer bags also have an average of 72% lower cost-per-wear and their resale value is much more significant. Its cost-per-wear was US$2.56 while fast fashion bags came at US$9.05. Across all categories and price points, pre-loved curated fashion pieces offer about 33% lower cost-per-wear versus fast fashion, which are worn two times less on average.

Those who own pre-loved fashion also hold onto their items 31% longer than they hold onto fast fashion items. This makes a lot of sense, as fast fashion items are seen as less valuable due to the way they are made and the sheer quantity of them all. So, while it may be tempting – or even seemingly reasonable at the time – to purchase fast fashion, remember that in the long run, it’s bound to cost you more.

“Our mantra ‘Think First, Buy Second’ makes more sense than ever now,” Wone said.

Spring is here to wrap us up in its embrace, and in celebration of the season of new beginnings, five-star hotel The Murray in Hong Kong has transformed into a paradise full of Cassia blooms!

From April 22 to May 31, The Murray is showcasing the beauty of Cassia petal blooms through a mesmerising display, called the “Cassia Petal Serenade.” The display, set up in the outdoor area of the hotel’s upper ground floor, offers a picturesque view full of pink and white hues and floral decorations.

Exuding a romantic vibe, the display is also embellished with pink phone booths, mailboxes, vintage bicycles, benches, and street signs, where visitors can take pictures at.

To elevate the guests’ experience, the hotel is also offering the “IPSA Flower Blossom Afternoon Tea,” made in collaboration with Garden Lounge and Japanese beauty brand IPSA. The afternoon tea features menu items like Ponzu Dashi Jelly, Mizu Shingen Mochi with Sakura, and Yuzu Mochi Tart, inspired by the unique essence of IPSA’s Bounce Intense Cream.

In line with this, Garden Lounge is also offering a limited-edition light-pink Raspberry Rose Gelato by Italian gourmet chocolate brand Venchi.

Additionally, guests who purchase the afternoon tea set will also get to join a photography workshop where they can learn how to levelp up their social media game, featuring key opinion leaders (KOLs) @briancmed, @travelwithpersian, and @linggholic_.

All of these are available until June 30, with prices starting at HK$788. To book a seat for the afternoon tea, click here.

Grab your friends and visit The Murray soon! For more details, head over to their website.

The Upper House presents a sophisticated experience as they welcome André Fu Living’s “Spirit of Reflections” installation with hues of mineral blue and angled mirrors.

Known for redefining luxury, André Fu is taking over his special installation, “André Fu Living Café,” filled with LED lamps made by him taking over the Tea Room located on the 6th floor of the establishment.

Prepare to be amazed with the intricate details of each design crafted by André, including the Honeycomb which perfectly imitates the geometric grid of a beehive, while Through The Looking Glass transports you to the whimsical world of Alice and Wonderland, and Carousel which showcases a modern and timeless design with its outer shade made out of ripple glass that creates an inner fluted pattern.

Aside from the installation, customers can also delight in the savoury snacks prepared. Feel free to choose from Smoked Salmon Wrap and Mediterranean Wrap, or snack on their Greek Salad Wrap, Fresh Fruit, Chia Seed Pudding, or Acai Bowl, whichever you prefer, the café is ready to serve you.

Running until April 30, you can visit the café from 9 AM to 4 PM while the installation will be available for viewing from 10:30 AM to 8:30 PM.

In a landmark moment for the art world, Christie’s is set to unveil its new Asia Pacific headquarters at The Henderson, a cutting-edge building in Central Hong Kong designed by Zaha Hadid Architects.

Opening its doors in September 2024, this state-of-the-art space will serve as a hub for art and luxury auctions, exhibitions, and special events, ushering in a dynamic new era for Christie’s in the Asia Pacific region.

Christie’s announcement in 2021 to relocate its Asia Pacific headquarters to The Henderson underscored the business's position as a leader in the art market of the region. Occupying an impressive 50,000 square-feet across four entire floors, the headquarters will feature a spacious saleroom, galleries, dedicated client spaces, and offices, providing collectors with a comprehensive and immersive experience.

Designed with sophistication and sustainability in mind, The Henderson aligns with Christie’s global commitment to conducting business responsibly for the environment. The building has received pre-certification for numerous green and healthy building awards, reflecting its dedication to eco-friendly practices and its potential to positively impact Christie’s operations across various areas.

Christie’s inaugural program at The Henderson will span three months, from September to November 2024, showcasing a diverse range of art and luxury offerings. This marks the beginning of a year-round sales and events calendar in Asia, promising collectors and audiences from around the world an unparalleled experience in the heart of Hong Kong.

Before making the transition to The Henderson, Christie’s will present its final season of bi-annual sales at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre in late May 2024. Stay tuned for more, as further details regarding the programming and scheduled offerings by Christie’s new Asia Pacific headquarters will be announced in the coming months.

Prepare to be enthralled as Sotheby’s Asia makes its highly anticipated return to the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre from April 2 to 9,2024 for The Hong Kong Sales. This spring, the prestigious event will showcase a captivating line-up of nearly 20 auctions, spanning the realms of art and luxury.

Kicking off the series of live-streamed sales on April 5 is The Now Evening Auction, promising an electrifying selection of cutting-edge works from renowned artists such as Jadé Fadojutimi, Nicolas Party, and Daniel Richter. This auction sets the stage for an unforgettable evening, presenting masterpieces that redefine contemporary art while paying homage to established and emerging talents alike.

The Modern & Contemporary Evening Auction boasts an impressive collection that spans over a century of artistic innovation. Highlights include a captivating painting by Yoshitomo Nara, a mesmerising abstract piece by Zao Wou-Ki, and iconic works by Monet and Renoir, commemorating the 150th anniversary of Impressionism. This auction is a testament to the enduring legacy of artistic expression across various movements and generations.

Among the luxury offerings, the inaugural live auction of Moutai in Hong Kong, titled Moutai Extravaganza, promises to captivate Chinese spirit connoisseurs. Additionally, jewellery and watch enthusiasts will be delighted by highlights such as a dazzling, coloured diamond and diamond necklace by Boucheron, as well as the Patek Philippe Reference 2526, a historic timepiece crafted especially for renowned collector J.B. Champion.

As anticipation builds, Sotheby’s Asia teases further highlights and events yet to be announced. Click here to view the lots, and click here to find out how to place bids.