Latest news with #NatureSauvage
Emirates Woman
05-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Emirates Woman
The most exquisite high jewellery releases of the year
Paris Couture Week played a pivotal role in introducing the year's most extraordinary high jewellery creations, though these remarkable collections will define the entire 2025 luxury landscape. The world's foremost jewellery houses have unveiled their latest masterpieces, transforming nature's wonders into breathtaking wearable art through unparalleled craftsmanship and visionary design. From Cartier's wild felines to Tiffany's oceanic fantasies, these creations represent the pinnacle of jewelry craftsmanship – some immediately available to collectors, others serving as tantalizing previews of complete collections to debut later this year. Cartier Cartier brought its acclaimed Nature Sauvage trilogy to a spectacular conclusion with a menagerie of creatures rendered in precious gems. The collection's centerpiece is a magnificent white gold collier featuring a diamond leopard with onyx spots, poised protectively over a 26.53-carat Ceylon sapphire – a deliberate homage to the legendary 1949 panther brooch created for the Duchess of Windsor. Technical marvels abound, from golden tigers with articulated diamond paws that mimic real movement to crocodile earrings with emerald eyes that glint with lifelike intensity. A particular standout is the octopus cocktail ring, its rosy-hued stone 'tentacles' appearing to undulate around the finger. The collection solidifies Cartier's position as the unrivaled master of animal-inspired jewellery, blending artistry with mechanical ingenuity. Tiffany & Co. Tiffany's 2025 Blue Book collection plunges into the ocean's depths, reimagining Jean Schlumberger's aquatic fantasies for the modern era. The maison's artisans have created a marine universe where starfish and seahorses emerge from intricate diamond tracery, their forms accentuated by deep blue sapphires that capture the sea's mysterious glow. The showstopping bib necklace, with its delicate platinum threads mimicking fisherman's nets, cascades with precisely set gems that play with light like sun on water. Equally impressive are the earrings featuring sea turtles with emerald shells, each scale individually set to create mesmerizing texture. While the full collection won't be available until spring, these preview pieces demonstrate Tiffany's unparalleled ability to transform nature's fluid beauty into enduring jewels. Dior Victoire de Castellane's latest collection for Dior translates the house's lace motifs into 76 exquisite floral jewels. Inspired by Christian Dior's country estate in Milly-la-Forêt, the pieces feature diamond daisies and sapphire roses blooming across guipure-like gold lattices so delicate they appear woven from sunlight. The corsage bracelet is a technical marvel, its diamond-encrusted petals engineered to float independently, creating the illusion of blossoms trembling in a breeze. A necklace composed of pearl-studded forget-me-nots showcases Dior's signature romanticism, while a pair of earrings transforms lace patterns into geometric floral abstractions. This collection reaffirms Dior's position at the intersection of haute couture and high jewellery. Boucheron Boucheron presents two extraordinary collections that bookend its design legacy. Untamed Nature meticulously recreates founder Frédéric Boucheron's 19th-century botanical studies in diamonds and white gold, including a hyper-realistic moth brooch with wings rendered in gray and white mother-of-pearl marquetry that required 800 hours of craftsmanship. On 7 May, the maison will unveil the highly anticipated Serpent Bohème Vintage collection (pictured above), reimagining its iconic 1974 design for contemporary collectors. The updated version features streamlined pear-shaped diamond links that create more dynamic movement, with a fully pavéd white gold iteration that converts into four separate pieces. A brushed-gold cuff with the collection's signature floral motif adds a vintage-inspired option, its textured surface recalling rediscovered heirlooms. Chaumet Chaumet's 10-piece Bamboo collection elevates the humble plant through architectural jewelry design. The standout tiara features diamond-capped white gold stems topped with hand-engraved rose gold leaves, while a bib necklace of platinum and gold 'stalks' centers on a remarkable 13-carat black opal surrounded by mint-green tsavorite garnets. The maison has hinted this capsule is merely the first expression of its bamboo inspiration, with more elaborate interpretations planned for later in the year. The current pieces already demonstrate Chaumet's unique ability to merge organic forms with precise, almost structural design elements. Graff Graff transforms the humble sparrow into a breathtaking symbol of devotion with The Gift of Love necklace. Two diamond birds (125 carats total) appear caught in mid-flight, their sapphire eyes and onyx beaks adding lifelike detail. The romantic narrative peaks as one sparrow offers its mate a rare 13.51-carat fancy intense yellow diamond – a stone so exceptional it elevates the entire composition to museum quality. Piaget Celebrating 150 years, Piaget revisits its 1970s heyday with vibrant, unapologetically bold designs. The phoenix necklace spreads wings of engraved rose gold feathers set with rubies and pink sapphires, its detachable 12-carat pear-shaped rubellite pendant offering versatility. This jewellery collection serves as a prelude to even more jubilant anniversary pieces coming in fall 2025. Discover Piaget's first watch collection in 60 years at Art Dubai this weekend From Cartier's immediate showstoppers to Boucheron's upcoming May release and Piaget's future anniversary creations, 2025 promises to be a landmark year for high jewellery. These collections prove that nature – whether wild, delicate, or mythical – remains the ultimate muse for jewelry's most visionary creators. – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram Images: Supplied & Feature Image: Supplied
Vogue Singapore
29-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Vogue Singapore
Gemma Chan on the magic of evolution and the treasures of a new chapter
The last time Gemma Chan was in Singapore was six years ago for the Captain Marvel festival—in which she played the dynamic Minn-Erva, a Kree member of Starforce. The fan event drew crowds to Marina Bay Sands, all eager to catch a glimpse of her, Samuel L Jackson and Brie Larson on a mid February day. Just before that, she had wrapped filming Crazy Rich Asians in 2017, in which she played the elegant socialite Astrid Leong—a role that touched hearts around the world due to Astrid's loving nature, aspirational lifestyle and impeccable, couture-clad taste. It remains one of Chan's most career-defining performances to date. Gemma wears Cartier high jewellery from the En Équilibre collection. Cartier Statera earrings and necklace in white gold with diamonds and onyx; Alexandre Vauthier jacket; Commando bodysuit; Calzedonia tights; Thomasine gloves. Peter Ash Lee It has now been four years since Chan last graced the cover of Vogue Singapore, for the November 2021 issue. As we speak, she is seated in the lounge at Changi Airport, preparing to board a flight to Hong Kong, having just attended one of Cartier's most anticipated events of the year—the unveiling of the final chapter of its Nature Sauvage high jewellery collection at National Gallery Singapore. Still, she is energetic yet calm, her voice carrying a signature lilt. As she winds down from the high-octane evening, I ask her what has changed in the last four years. 'A lot has changed, actually. On the work side, I started producing alongside acting, so I have many projects at different stages of development. After the pandemic, I have a deeper appreciation of time— spending it with family and loved ones. I've been very lucky that my nephews, who were living in Switzerland, and my sister—they've now moved the family back to the UK, to the place where I live, which is really, really nice.' Cartier Panthère Dentelée earrings and necklace in white gold with diamonds, emeralds and onyx; The New Arrivals Ilkyaz Ozel dress; Swedish Stockings tights; Thomasine gloves. Peter Ash Lee With roles like Astrid from Crazy Rich Asians , Minn-Erva from Captain Marvel , Sersi from Eternals and Mia from Humans under her belt, it is only a natural progression that Chan has sought other ways to tell stories. 'It's always something that I wanted to do as soon as I could,' she says of producing. 'I had lots of ideas for books that I wanted to go after and write for, and stories that I wanted to tell. I enjoyed being part of the creative process in a much earlier stage, putting the whole creative team together. It's a lot of work, but I really enjoy it.' I ask her if there are narratives she's gravitated towards telling in particular. 'They are varied, but a common theme is about people who didn't get their due in their lifetime.' Cartier Panthère Orbitale necklace and ring in platinum with diamonds, amethysts, coral and onyx; Simone Rocha dress; Falke tights; Roger Vivier shoes. Peter Ash Lee Her latest role, as costume designer Edna in Duke Johnson's romantic noir The Actor , strongly reflects this sentiment. Starring André Holland alongside her, it is based on Donald E Westlake's thriller Memory . Set in 1950s America, the story follows Holland's Paul Cole after he suffers a brutal attack to the head—the result of a scandalous affair he was having with a married woman—causing him to suffer memory loss. The film dissects themes of race, identity, politics and truth versus perspective. Johnson based the film's style on a stop-motion animation he co-directed with Charlie Kaufman, aiming to bring that distinctive quality into a live-action format. It was this vision that intrigued Chan, who was already taken by the script. 'It's like the transition of experiences,' Chan explains, when drawing parallels between the two films. 'The sets are also painted to have false perspectives and have this otherworldly feel.' The construction of identity, it strikes me, is an interesting thing to delve into—especially given how easy it is to reinvent yourself in the world of social media. Objects are bought to paint a narrative, clothes are worn to project an image, and monologues are delivered and written to influence thought. In 2025, becoming 'someone new' isn't a farfetched concept. And while the idea may carry a negative connotation, Chan views it as a chance for rebirth. Cartier Statera earrings and necklace in white gold with diamonds and onyx; Alexandre Vauthier jacket; Commando bodysuit; Calzedonia tights; Thomasine gloves; Christian Louboutin shoes. Peter Ash Lee 'I hope that people, when they watch the film, can go on a journey with these characters and that they feel connected to it and, like André Holland's character in the film, they can feel like it's never too late to be someone new,' she shares, pensively. 'When I look back on my life, there have been many lives in one and various versions of myself at different times, simply because the circumstances changed so much and I was so much younger. That's probably true for a lot of people. The idea that we can keep reinventing ourselves, and keep having to evolve and change, that's one of the things that makes life interesting. 'The idea that we can keep reinventing ourselves; that's one of the things that makes life interesting.' The concept of reinvention is portrayed particularly well by Chan's character, Edna, whom Paul finds himself falling in love with when he moves to a small town. As he grapples with figuring out who he is and piecing together elements of his past, he is compelled to come to terms with his present, within a blossoming snapshot of two young people getting to know each other. Cartier Tigris earrings and necklace in yellow gold with orange, yellow and white diamonds, emeralds, topaz and onyx; Burc Akyol jacket. Peter Ash Lee Edna's defining moment is her appearance in a beautifully nostalgic clown costume, which she makes herself. The vision was led by costume designer Suzie Harman, who referenced the 1950s heavily, drawing inspiration from legendary actors like Marlon Brando, specifically in On the Waterfront . 'The kind of costume that Edna wears when you first meet her in the film, Suzie wanted it to look like something that she would have made herself. She had all these great Halloween references. We had a lot of fun picking out which images she might have put onto her outfit and decorating herself. It was playful and a key part of getting into the character,' she shares. Chan's commitment to fashion extends beyond the movie screen. A long-time advocate for Asian creatives, particularly fashion designers, she has spotlighted names like Miss Sohee and Huishan Zhang on some of the biggest red carpets in the world. It is no surprise that she is now one of Cartier's newly minted ambassadors, alongside stars like Jisoo and Deepika Padukone. Cartier Tigris earrings and necklace in yellow gold with orange, yellow and white diamonds, emeralds, topaz and onyx; Burc Akyol jacket; Alexandre Vauthier pants; Christian Louboutin shoes. Peter Ash Lee 'My relationship with Cartier came about organically. I was given a family heirloom, an old Cartier watch that wasn't working. I took it to Cartier and they restored it for me. I also, at the same time, got to have a tour of the original workshop, which is incredible, and it's rare that a place like that is still in its original location and still open,' she reminisces. Her shoot for Vogue Singapore sees her wearing pieces from Cartier's En Équilibre—French for 'balanced'—high jewellery collection, which is described as a testament to the sophisticated simplicity of the maison, and all about 'creating the right balance'—an essence that Cartier describes as the core of its innovation. 'I loved the Tsagaan necklace. It's inspired by the snow leopard. And depending on what angle you're looking at the necklace from, the face of the leopard appears and disappears. It's ingenious and stunning.' Cartier Tsagaan earrings and necklace in white gold with diamonds and onyx; Louis Vuitton dress; Calzedonia tights. Peter Ash Lee This level of excellence is something Chan holds close to her heart as she embarks on a new chapter. A UNICEF ambassador since 2021, she shares plans for the Futures at Risk campaign, which aims to collaborate with the UK government to secure brighter futures for children. On the creative front, she also has a full plate. She is executive producing an Amazon series titled Rise of the Empress —an adaptation of Julie C Dao's fantasy novels, which follow a young girl's pursuit of greatness. She reveals that the writers' room is currently underway, with production set to begin by the end of the year. As for the number one question she gets? If there will be a sequel to Crazy Rich Asians —to which she promises some exciting news soon, with a knowing laugh. As she goes for gold, we pause collectively to think about the essence of the word, which is the theme of Vogue Singapore's June issue. Without hesitation, Chan shares, true to form: 'Excellent and aspirational with an enduring quality of kindness.' Photographer Peter Ash Lee Styling Konca Aykan Hair Neil Moodie Make-up Akari Sugino Manicure Michelle Class Set design Nat Turnbull Photographer's assistants Kurt Lavastida, Elena Santolaya Digitech Julius Bohlin Stylist's assistants Juli Molnar, Isabela Orozco Make-up assistant Jun Local production company Myself Production Local director of production Julien Pegourier Local producers Remy Nino Auriel, Dara Domingues, Mathieu Fresquet Producer David Bay Vogue Singapore's June 'Gold' issue will be out on newsstands from 13 June and available to preorder online.
Emirates Woman
01-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Emirates Woman
The most exquisite high jewellery creations of 2025
Paris Couture Week played a pivotal role in introducing the year's most extraordinary high jewellery creations, though these remarkable collections will define the entire 2025 luxury landscape. The world's foremost jewellery houses have unveiled their latest masterpieces, transforming nature's wonders into breathtaking wearable art through unparalleled craftsmanship and visionary design. From Cartier's wild felines to Tiffany's oceanic fantasies, these creations represent the pinnacle of jewelry craftsmanship – some immediately available to collectors, others serving as tantalizing previews of complete collections to debut later this year. Cartier Cartier brought its acclaimed Nature Sauvage trilogy to a spectacular conclusion with a menagerie of creatures rendered in precious gems. The collection's centerpiece is a magnificent white gold collier featuring a diamond leopard with onyx spots, poised protectively over a 26.53-carat Ceylon sapphire – a deliberate homage to the legendary 1949 panther brooch created for the Duchess of Windsor. Technical marvels abound, from golden tigers with articulated diamond paws that mimic real movement to crocodile earrings with emerald eyes that glint with lifelike intensity. A particular standout is the octopus cocktail ring, its rosy-hued stone 'tentacles' appearing to undulate around the finger. The collection solidifies Cartier's position as the unrivaled master of animal-inspired jewellery, blending artistry with mechanical ingenuity. Tiffany & Co. Tiffany's 2025 Blue Book collection plunges into the ocean's depths, reimagining Jean Schlumberger's aquatic fantasies for the modern era. The maison's artisans have created a marine universe where starfish and seahorses emerge from intricate diamond tracery, their forms accentuated by deep blue sapphires that capture the sea's mysterious glow. The showstopping bib necklace, with its delicate platinum threads mimicking fisherman's nets, cascades with precisely set gems that play with light like sun on water. Equally impressive are the earrings featuring sea turtles with emerald shells, each scale individually set to create mesmerizing texture. While the full collection won't be available until spring, these preview pieces demonstrate Tiffany's unparalleled ability to transform nature's fluid beauty into enduring jewels. Dior Victoire de Castellane's latest collection for Dior translates the house's lace motifs into 76 exquisite floral jewels. Inspired by Christian Dior's country estate in Milly-la-Forêt, the pieces feature diamond daisies and sapphire roses blooming across guipure-like gold lattices so delicate they appear woven from sunlight. The corsage bracelet is a technical marvel, its diamond-encrusted petals engineered to float independently, creating the illusion of blossoms trembling in a breeze. A necklace composed of pearl-studded forget-me-nots showcases Dior's signature romanticism, while a pair of earrings transforms lace patterns into geometric floral abstractions. This collection reaffirms Dior's position at the intersection of haute couture and high jewellery. Boucheron Boucheron presents two extraordinary collections that bookend its design legacy. Untamed Nature meticulously recreates founder Frédéric Boucheron's 19th-century botanical studies in diamonds and white gold, including a hyper-realistic moth brooch with wings rendered in gray and white mother-of-pearl marquetry that required 800 hours of craftsmanship. On 7 May, the maison will unveil the highly anticipated Serpent Bohème Vintage collection (pictured above), reimagining its iconic 1974 design for contemporary collectors. The updated version features streamlined pear-shaped diamond links that create more dynamic movement, with a fully pavéd white gold iteration that converts into four separate pieces. A brushed-gold cuff with the collection's signature floral motif adds a vintage-inspired option, its textured surface recalling rediscovered heirlooms. Chaumet Chaumet's 10-piece Bamboo collection elevates the humble plant through architectural jewelry design. The standout tiara features diamond-capped white gold stems topped with hand-engraved rose gold leaves, while a bib necklace of platinum and gold 'stalks' centers on a remarkable 13-carat black opal surrounded by mint-green tsavorite garnets. The maison has hinted this capsule is merely the first expression of its bamboo inspiration, with more elaborate interpretations planned for later in the year. The current pieces already demonstrate Chaumet's unique ability to merge organic forms with precise, almost structural design elements. Graff Graff transforms the humble sparrow into a breathtaking symbol of devotion with The Gift of Love necklace. Two diamond birds (125 carats total) appear caught in mid-flight, their sapphire eyes and onyx beaks adding lifelike detail. The romantic narrative peaks as one sparrow offers its mate a rare 13.51-carat fancy intense yellow diamond – a stone so exceptional it elevates the entire composition to museum quality. Piaget Celebrating 150 years, Piaget revisits its 1970s heyday with vibrant, unapologetically bold designs. The phoenix necklace spreads wings of engraved rose gold feathers set with rubies and pink sapphires, its detachable 12-carat pear-shaped rubellite pendant offering versatility. This jewellery collection serves as a prelude to even more jubilant anniversary pieces coming in fall 2025. Discover Piaget's first watch collection in 60 years at Art Dubai this weekend From Cartier's immediate showstoppers to Boucheron's upcoming May release and Piaget's future anniversary creations, 2025 promises to be a landmark year for high jewellery. These collections prove that nature – whether wild, delicate, or mythical – remains the ultimate muse for jewelry's most visionary creators. – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram Images: Supplied & Feature Image: Supplied
Straits Times
01-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Straits Times
Take a peek at Cartier's by-invitation-only Nature Sauvage high jewellery showcase
By invitation only for top clients, the showcase marked 30 years of the French luxury jeweller's presence in Singapore. PHOTOS: CARTIER SINGAPORE – The past week, Singapore played host to global stars and millions of dollars worth of exquisite jewels. On April 21, journalists and celebrities descended on the historic Former Command House in Kheam Hock Road to preview the third and final chapter of Cartier's Nature Sauvage high jewellery collection. A visual feast of fauna realised in precious stones and metals, the collection draws from the animal kingdom while blurring the lines between figure and form. In a game of hide and seek, panthers, elephants and tigers playfully reveal and conceal themselves in forms both abstract and naturalist. Nature Sauvage premiered in Vienna in June 2024, with a second chapter unveiled in Shanghai in November, before making its way to Singapore. By invitation only for top clients, the showcase marked 30 years of the French luxury jeweller's presence in Singapore. The choice of Former Command House was fitting too. Once the residence of British military officers, the historic site was transformed to house the pieces across six curated universes, each one inspired by a facet of Singapore's Peranakan culture. No expense was spared in outfitting the space with 10 private viewing salons – as well as Les Moments Cartier, a dedicated room for discovering the brand's savoir-faire – designed in collaboration with local and regional artisans. Home-grown furniture retailer Rooma supplied the rattan and wood furnishings handmade by Indonesian craftsmen. Les Moments Cartier, a dedicated room for discovering the brand's savoir-faire. PHOTO: CARTIER Singaporean artist Mike Tay from Onlewo, known for its storied patterns inspired by the Republic's local cultures, created unique fabrics that were applied on soft furnishings ranging from ottoman seats to woven wall panels. And in a tribute to batik's role in Singapore's rich textile heritage, Cartier commissioned Malaysian sisters Swee Lin and Swee May from Maneknya to create a bespoke batik print that playfully conceals the Cartier fauna. The resulting print adorned cushion covers and silk square wall art in three colourways. The maison capped off the week with an intimate gala dinner for its top clients at National Gallery Singapore, which was graced by global stars including South Korean actor and Cartier ambassador Byeon Woo-seok, and British actress Gemma Chan. South Korean actor Byeon Woo-seok (left) and British actress Gemma Chan at Cartier's Nature Sauvage gala at the National Gallery Singapore. PHOTOS: CARTIER The Straits Times got a peek at the showcase, which runs till May 3, and its highlights. A high jewellery adventure The journey through Cartier Nature Sauvage opened with Thrill with the Wind, a room inspired by the island breeze sweeping through Singapore's shorelines. PHOTO: CARTIER The journey opened with Thrill with the Wind, a room inspired by the island breeze sweeping through Singapore's shorelines. Curved, textured walls echoed the flowing movement of sand, and served as a backdrop for show-stopping pieces including the Red Astralis necklace, in white gold set with a centerpiece rubellite, moonstone, rubellite beads and diamo nds (price upon request for all pieces). Eagle-eyed visitors might have flitted to the Chryseis necklace that hid black-and-white butterfly wings within its intricate play of onyx and diamonds, anchored by a 63.76-carat rubellite. The Red Astralis necklace (left) and the Tutti Karonda necklace. PHOTOS: CARTIER But all eyes were on the Tutti Karonda set, a modern take on Cartier's Tutti Frutti glimmering with rubies, emeralds and sapphires – and the most expensive piece in the showcase. Around them, rising from the landscape were towering Super Flowers woven in rattan, a not-so-subtle nod to i conic symbols of Singapore's cityscape – and a poetic marriage of old (the organic craft of rattan) and new (the man-made Supertrees). Leaving the coastal winds behind, visitors entered Treasures of Land, a room highlighting the urban jungle's mix of nature and structure. Drawing from Singapore's architectural vernacular, the room reimagined angular lines and geometric silhouettes in conversation with sculpted rattan pebbles, soft curves and a graceful orchid. Treasures of Land highlighted the urban jungle's mix of nature and structure. PHOTO: CARTIER The treasures held here were of the feline kind. Taking centre stage were statement necklaces featuring Cartier's emblematic panther. Pantheres Versatiles, which debuted on the neck of American actress Zoe Saldana at the 2025 Oscars, is a modular collar necklace which – with the help of a matching bracelet with a twin panther head – transforms into a piece of shoulder jewellery. Also prowling within the display was the Panthere Canopee, which features a diamond panther lazing on a bed of foliage while guarding a 26.53-carat Ceylon sapphire. The Cartier Pantheres Versatiles necklace (left) and the Cartier Panthere Canopee necklace. PHOTOS: CARTIER For fans of purses, there was Panther in the Jungle, a Singapore-exclusive satin evening clutch with a detachable jewel that doubles as a brooch. The thematic rooms ended in Shapes of Water, a deep cerulean zone anchored by an installation depicting the ebb and flow of water. Shapes of Water was anchored by an installation depicting the ebb and flow of water. PHOTO: CARTIER The subtle, dancing movements of the piece caught the light reflecting off the brilliance of the room's creations – including Eusuchia, a set of lifelike crocodile earrings and ring in yellow gold with light blue tourmalines, emeralds and diamonds. Another highlight was the Echina necklace and earrings, crafted with coral-studded emerald ribbed beads and juicy sapphires to resemble sea urchins. Lying surreptitiously in the corner and not to be forgotten was the White Hana, a milky quartz brooch later worn by Lovely Runner (2024) star Byeon. The Cartier Echina necklace. PHOTO: CARTIER Beyond high jewellery, the other three rooms showcased the brand's artistry and expertise. Celebrating the maison's cherished designs over the years, Cartier Tradition offered vintage pieces – acquired, documented and restored to preserve their craftsmanship – for sale to avid collectors. Horology enthusiasts got their kicks in the intimate cove adjacent, which held Cartier's fine watchmaking universe. The rounded architecture of the room was meant to evoke the perpetual motion of time, while arches adorned with straw marquetry in a radiant sunray motif paid tribute to the sunray dial. The watches themselves perched on woven bamboo pillars that stood as metaphors of resilience and grace. Horology enthusiasts got their kicks in the room which held Cartier's fine watchmaking universe. PHOTO: CARTIER In the final Special Order room, imagination took flight as clients were invited to co-create bespoke pieces with their choice of loose stones. Paying tribute to culture and individuality, the room was inspired by colonial residences and Peranakan shophouses, with colourful ceramic tiles depicting Cartier's fauna. Amanda Chai is style correspondent at The Straits Times, where she covers all things fashion, beauty, luxury and retail. Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Straits Times
30-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Straits Times
K-actor Byeon Woo-seok says 10 years of work has paid off after Lovely Runner role
K-actor Byeon Woo-seok says 10 years of work has paid off after Lovely Runner role SINGAPORE – Amid his busy schedule, South Korean actor Byeon Woo-seok took time out for a whirlwind trip to Singapore last week. On April 24, the 33-year-old star attended a gala dinner held at the National Gallery Singapore celebrating Cartier's Nature Sauvage high jewellery collection, alongside stars like British actress Gemma Chan and Chinese actor Bai Jingting. A selection of the French luxury house's pieces will also be on display at the gallery as part of the museum's City Of Others exhibition, which will run till Aug 17. The Cartier ambassador did not get much time to sight-see during his brief stay here, he told The Straits Times in an e-mail interview, but at least he got to eat some good food. He said: 'I was reminded once again (on my second trip) that Singapore offers so much to see, is a wonderful place for shopping and, above all, boasts a stunning cityscape, especially the night view. During my last visit, I had the chance to try chilli crab and, this time, I enjoyed a delicious bowl of prawn mee.' Byeon made his maiden trip here for a sold-out fan meeting at the Singapore Expo in June 2024 and an accompanying press conference, where he charmed journalists by handing out yellow roses to them . His popularity in the region came on the heels of the hit fantasy romance series Lovely Runner (2024), about a young woman (Kim Hye-yoon) who gets transported back in time and tries to prevent the death of her favourite idol (Byeon). The K-drama propelled Byeon, previously largely known for supporting roles in romance series Record Of Youth (2020) and action comedy Strong Girl Nam-soon (2023), to instant leading-man status , making him one of the most popular K-stars of the moment . Not only did he kick off his first Asia fan meeting tour, but he is also nominated for Best Actor in a TV series at the upcoming Baeksang Arts Awards in May for his performance in Lovely Runner. His rise may seem quick to outsiders, but to Byeon, who made his acting debut in 2016, it is the result of a decade of consistent work. ' Looking back, 2024 feels like an extraordinary moment when the goals and dreams I've worked towards since my early days in the industry have finally become a reality. It's been about 10 years, and I truly feel that all the time I spent and effort I put in have been acknowledged. 'I'm deeply grateful and filled with immense appreciation for my staff and fans who have consistently supported and believed in me , not just up until now, but every step of the way ,' he said. Lovely Runner also marked a new challenge for Byeon's career – singing – as he played the vocalist of fictional band Eclipse. As part of the original soundtrack, the band released songs, such as the popular Sudden Shower, to accompany the show. Byeon, who took singing lessons in preparation for his role, made an appearance to perform Sudden Shower live at music awards ceremony Mama Awards in Japan in November 2024. Sudden Shower managed to squeeze into the Billboard Global 200 chart, peaking at No. 167 – a remarkable success for a song by a group that does not technically exist. When asked if he would embark on a professional singing career, Byeon said: '(Eclipse) was my first time venturing into music. Seeing such positive results, it gave me a sense of accomplishment that felt different from acting. I would love to give it another try if a good opportunity arises in the future.' His popularity also made him a brand darling, landing him the ambassadorship with Cartier, which was announced in November 2024. When asked what sort of jewellery pieces he prefers, the 1.9m-tall heart-throb said: 'Rather than focusing on whether it's gold, silver or gemstones, I aim to choose jewellery that complements the outfit of the day. When my look is simple, I like to accentuate it with something striking. When the look is already elaborate, I prefer to balance it with more refined and understated pieces.' Looking ahead, Byeon is slated to star in a new drama with popular singer-actress IU, who is also nominated for Best Actress in a TV series at the Baeksang Arts Awards for the tearjerker period series When Life Gives You Tangerines (2025). The pair will romance each other in the tentatively titled Wife Of A 21st Century Prince, set in an alternate version of South Korea as a constitutional monarchy, with IU playing a rich heiress and Byeon portraying a prince. He said: ' At this moment, I truly want to challenge myself with a variety of genres and characters. I believe that stepping outside my comfort zone and taking on roles I haven't yet experienced will provide invaluable growth as an actor. 'Additionally, I want to show the public different sides of myself, so that they may think: 'It's refreshing to see such a new side of Byeon Woo-seok.'' Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
