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Star Power Meets Swiss Craft: OMEGA's Latest Leading Man

Star Power Meets Swiss Craft: OMEGA's Latest Leading Man

BusinessToday26-05-2025
(L to R) OMEGA President and CEO Raynald Aeschlimann and OMEGA President and CEO Raynald Aeschlimann
From the red carpet to the watchmaker's bench, Aaron Taylor-Johnson is embracing his latest role as a global ambassador for OMEGA. The announcement was made during his visit to the brand's headquarters in Biel, Switzerland, where he toured OMEGA's renowned watchmaking facilities and heritage museum.
Reflecting on the experience, he said: 'I have always had an appreciation for timepieces, but especially for OMEGA. Now, after visiting the factory, I am in awe of the skill required to manufacture such a luxurious product.' On the day, he wore the Speedmaster First OMEGA in Space on a brown leather strap.
Taylor-Johnson's connection to the brand is personal and rooted in family history. He revealed that his interest in watches began with his father, a working-class man who saved to buy an OMEGA—an act that sparked a lifelong admiration for the brand.
OMEGA President and CEO Raynald Aeschlimann praised Taylor-Johnson's versatility and pioneering spirit, noting his diverse roles across action, thriller, and romance genres. He also highlighted the actor's genuine enthusiasm for horology, saying: 'Aaron represents the very best of contemporary talent—authenticity, ambition and timeless style.'
Taylor-Johnson began his career on the West End stage at the age of ten before taking on prominent film roles, including his breakout portrayal of John Lennon in Nowhere Boy, and appearances in Kick-Ass, Avengers: Age of Ultron, Nocturnal Animals, Kraven, and Nosferatu.
His performance in Nocturnal Animals earned him a Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actor. Upcoming projects include 28 Years Later, Fuze, and Blood on Snow.
His partnership with OMEGA comes amid mounting speculation around the next James Bond. Taylor-Johnson is widely tipped as a frontrunner to succeed Daniel Craig, whose final appearance as 007 was in No Time to Die (2021).
Given OMEGA's role as the official watch partner of the Bond franchise since GoldenEye in 1996, the timing of this ambassadorship has fuelled fan and industry speculation. While no official casting has been announced, the alignment between the brand and potential Bond has not gone unnoticed.
Interestingly, Taylor-Johnson's debut with the brand features him wearing the Speedmaster First OMEGA in Space rather than the classic Bond-associated Seamaster. Yet the timepiece's spacefaring legacy offers its playful nod to Bond's more fantastical adventures. Whether a happy coincidence or a carefully timed signal, the symbolism has sparked interest among fans. Related
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New Balance, UNIQLO, Skechers & More: New Fashion Drops To Level Up Your Wardrobe!
New Balance, UNIQLO, Skechers & More: New Fashion Drops To Level Up Your Wardrobe!

Hype Malaysia

time3 days ago

  • Hype Malaysia

New Balance, UNIQLO, Skechers & More: New Fashion Drops To Level Up Your Wardrobe!

Step into Summer 2025 with standout pieces that combine timeless style and everyday comfort. Whether it's legendary watches, classic sneakers, or stylish summer essentials, these picks are sure to elevate your look all year round. OMEGA The OMEGA Speedmaster holds a legendary status in both watchmaking and space exploration. First declared 'Flight Qualified for all Manned Space Missions' by NASA on 1st March 1965, it became the official watch for astronauts and the first to be worn on the Moon. The Speedmaster ST 105.003 passed all 11 of NASA's extreme endurance tests and was even handpicked by astronauts for its accuracy, reliability, and ease of use. Today, the same pioneering spirit lives on in the modern Speedmaster Calibre 321 and Speedmaster Moonwatch models, both built with state-of-the-art precision and design. For those who appreciate the blend of heritage and horology, the Speedmaster Calibre 321 and the Speedmaster Moonwatch are available now at all OMEGA boutiques and authorised retailers across Malaysia. New Balance Some sneakers come and go, but the New Balance 1300JP is built to make history. Released only once every five years, this rare icon returns in 2025 with its signature blend of premium nubuck and mesh, ultra-comfy ENCAP cushioning, and hand-finished craftsmanship straight from Maine. First launched in 1985 and embraced by sneaker lovers in Japan, the 1300JP is more than a shoe – it is a celebration of legacy, quality, and timeless style. The Made in USA 1300JP is now available in Malaysia for RM1,399, exclusively at The Grey Shop and through raffle draw on the New Balance Malaysia page. Maje This season, Maje invites you to escape into a sun-drenched fantasy with its Spring–Summer 2025 High Summer collection. Think flirty halter-neck babydoll dresses blooming with tropical florals, plunging V-necklines made for golden hour, and breezy linen pieces that whisper 'vacay mode.' Delicate pointelle knits and artisanal crochet give the collection that just-enough-skin moment, while vibrant hues and airy textures keep things effortlessly chic from poolside lounging to rooftop soirées. Maje's Spring–Summer 2025 collection is now available at all Maje boutiques and online. UNIQLO UNIQLO has teamed up once again with British designer Anya Hindmarch for the Summer 2025 T-Shirt Shop collection, and it is as clever as it is essential. This collection reimagines everyday wardrobe staples with playful stitching, signature eye motifs, and thoughtful design details that cover everything from cut and fabric to sleeve length and fit. With four versatile styles for women and a charming crew neck tee for kids, each piece is crafted to be functional, flattering and fun. The square pouches, available in two sizes, also make for practical summer companions or gift ideas. Prices start at RM59.90 for women's T-shirts, RM49.90 for kids' styles, and RM39.90 to RM59.90 for accessories, all available now at UNIQLO stores across Malaysia and online. Alexander Shorokhoff The Alexander Shorokhoff Bella and Alla watch is a stunning tribute to love, designed with intricate hand-engraved floral patterns and vibrant enamel details that bring the dial to life. Featuring a black PVD-coated stainless steel case and a bold fuchsia red alligator leather strap, this limited edition timepiece combines exceptional craftsmanship with elegant design. Powered by a Swiss automatic movement with a 42-hour power reserve, it offers both beauty and precision for watch lovers. Priced at RM22,455 and limited to only 13 pieces, the Bella and Alla watch is available now at Red Army Watches boutiques in 1Utama and Pavilion Kuala Lumpur, as well as online. Skechers Skechers just turned up the chill factor with their latest Foamies collection, bringing tropical vibes and serious comfort to your everyday footwear game. Featuring lightweight EVA clogs in nine fresh colourways, this lineup blends bold style with Skechers' signature Max Cushioning and ULTRA GO technology. Whether you're strolling through Bukit Bintang or hitting the beach at Cherating, these water-friendly kicks, complete with breathable uppers and convertible heel straps, keep your feet cool and supported from sunrise to sunset. The new Skechers Foamies collection retails at RM279 and is available now at selected Skechers stores across Malaysia, as well as online, Shopee, and Lazada. Grab your pair and add some effortless tropical flair to your wardrobe today!

#SHOWBIZ: MPO pays tribute to Frank Sinatra and Judy Garland
#SHOWBIZ: MPO pays tribute to Frank Sinatra and Judy Garland

New Straits Times

time6 days ago

  • New Straits Times

#SHOWBIZ: MPO pays tribute to Frank Sinatra and Judy Garland

THE Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra (MPO) continues to stretch its versatility through its season theme for 2025, 'Where Every Beat Tells A Story.' Come 8pm on Saturday (July 12), it celebrates the music of two of the biggest names of mid-20th century American music, Frank Sinatra and Judy Garland at Dewan Filharmonik Petronas (DFP), KLCC, Jalan Ampang, Kuala Lumpur. TRAVEL The MPO will travel back in time with some of Hollywood's most memorable songs on the silver screen, and merge classic pop and symphonic twists, to give the audience musical richness while capturing the spirit of the Hollywood's Golden Age. A household name in the 1940s and 1950s, Sinatra (1915–1998) was an American cultural icon, known for both his baritone voice and stage charisma. On top of music, he also had a successful acting career with an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor for his role in From Here to Eternity (1953). Garland (1922-1969) was an American singer and actress renowned for her powerful contralto voice and emotional vocal depth. Fans of both can listen to Sinatra's evergreen classics such as 'Luck Be a Lady' from the movie 'Guys And Dolls' (1955), 'Three Coins in the Fountain' from the 1954 movie of the same name and 'How About You?' from the film 'Babes on Broadway' (1941). Also included in the programme are gems such as 'I Could Write a Book' (from 'Pal Joey', 1957), 'You're Sensational (from 'High Society', 1956) and 'You're A'wful' (from 'On The Town', 1949). RAINBOW Garland's iconic classic 'Somewhere Over The Rainbow' taken from the movie that catapulted her to fame, 'The Wizard of Oz' (1939)' will be the highlight of her tribute, and this song won the Oscar for Best Original Song. From the 1954 film 'A Star Is Born', the MPO will present 'The Man That Got Away', a song that showcases her vocal prowess. Her other memorable songs in this concert repertoire include the romantic ballad 'The Boy Next Door' from 'Meet Me in St. Louis' (1944), 'I Got Rhythm' (from 'Girl Crazy', 1943) and 'Be a Clown' (from 'The Pirate', 1948). OPERATIC The MPO will be helmed by Richard Balcombe who has firmly established himself as one of the most versatile conductors of his generation, with an impressive operatic and orchestral credits besides actively involved in West End presentations. The vocalists, Graham Bickley and Katie Birtill, return to the DFP stage after enthralling audiences with their collaboration with the MPO in 'The Music of The Bee Gees' concert last year. Graham has performed with orchestras throughout the UK and Europe with over 25 years of West End stage credits. Birtill has enjoyed a varied career in music and theatre and is renowned for her versatile vocals, heartfelt storytelling and dynamic performances. FANS In a recent interview, Balcombe said that the three of them first collaborated with the MPO in 'The Music of The Bee Gees', and they were big fans of Sinatra and Garland. He said: "Sinatra has the most amazing voice with a completely original quality and his legato singing is as good as any 'classical' singer. "I'm lucky that I conduct a variety of music ranging from classical to swing to pop and rock." ENERGY Balcombe added that the MPO's approach to playing was full of energy and the enthusiasm could almost be touched! "I love performing in DFP as it's a very intimate space even while holding a large audience. "You can feel the connection with every member of the audience." STANDARD "The repertoire in this concert is mostly from film so the orchestration is not complicated as the standard symphony orchestra would have been used," he said. Balcombe said that Garland covered all styles from swing right through to romantic melody. "She had such a versatile voice and making the accompaniments is exciting because I always think of what she would have sounded like." Bickley said that while he was a Sinatra fan, he was more of a fan of Nelson Riddle, his inspirational orchestrator. "The combination of Sinatra's voice coupled with Riddle's arrangements were a unbeatable team," he said, adding that his favourite music genres were jazz, swing and 1970s rock. As for Garland, Bickley described her as a troubled soul, who provided a body of work that remains untouchable even today. "She certainly put her heart and soul into every performance," he said.

Sarawak's singing sensation Taylor Louise to make national debut in Dreamweaver The Musical
Sarawak's singing sensation Taylor Louise to make national debut in Dreamweaver The Musical

Borneo Post

time04-07-2025

  • Borneo Post

Sarawak's singing sensation Taylor Louise to make national debut in Dreamweaver The Musical

Taylor (second row, fifth right) joins a photo call with fellow cast members. KUCHING (July 4): Eleven-year-old singing sensation Taylor Louise from Kuching is set to make her national musical theatre debut as the youngest cast member of Dreamweaver The Musical — Sarawak's first original English-language musical theatre production. The highly anticipated show will take place at the Petaling Jaya Performing Arts Centre (PJPAC), 1 Utama, with three performances scheduled — one on August 29 and two on August 30 — bringing Sarawak's cultural narrative to Klang Valley audiences for the first time. 'This is such a big opportunity for me, and I'm really excited to be part of it,' Taylor, who has already begun rehearsals with the cast, told The Borneo Post today. 'I laughed so much during rehearsals, I had no more energy left! I already love my Dreamweaver fam,' she added. Produced by Tanoti and Balkon Media, Dreamweaver The Musical features an ensemble of Malaysian performers and tells a powerful story of sisterhood, courage, and the fight to preserve a fading art form — Sarawak's treasured songket weaving tradition. With an original script and score, the musical presents the richness of Sarawakian heritage through a bold, contemporary lens. The production marks a major milestone in Taylor's artistic journey and highlights the growing national and global presence of Sarawakian talent. In 2024, Taylor was named Division Champion and won Gold First at the World Championship of Performing Arts (WCOPA) in Los Angeles. She later secured double championship titles at the Asia Students Arts Festival in Singapore and Hong Kong. Earlier this year, she represented Malaysia at the Sanremo Junior World Finals in Italy, earning a Special Mention and finishing among the Top 5 global finalists. Her achievements continued at the Song International Singing Competition UK, where she won Platinum for Vocal Pop and Gold for Musical Theatre. She also earned top honours at the Golden Prestige International, GYMC, GASCA International, and the North American Virtuoso International Music Competition — including the prestigious Top Gold Prize. At the Saint-Saëns International Music Competition, Taylor received the Saint-Saëns Special Award for Superior Interpretation, alongside Platinum for Vocal Pop and Gold for Musical. Taylor credits her vocal coach, Sabrina Tnay, for her development. 'I'm very thankful to Coach Sabrina for always encouraging me and helping me grow,' said Taylor. In August, Taylor will also perform at the prestigious Britten Theatre, Royal College of Music, London — once again representing Malaysia on an international stage. Audiences in Klang Valley will have the opportunity to catch the rising Sarawakian star live during the three-show run of Dreamweaver The Musical at PJPAC on Aug 29 and 30. Dreamweaver: The Musical Kuching singing sensation taylor louise

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