Angela Loh, CEO and Founder of UltraLuxe explains the resin behind this year’s theme of inspiring, indulge and invest: “It is a dream come true for me this year as the constellation of talents and passions in Singapore and from around the world partaking in the showcase this year will not only INSPIRE new concept of luxury styles and expressions but also INDULGE connoisseurs and collectors with experiences that tantalise their various senses as well as elevate their desire to INVEST in luxury for long term value preservation. This year, we are proud to present a curation of niche luxury that spans jewellery, watches, fashion, spirits, leisure and living that inspires, indulges and invests.”

As a festival of unparalleled opulence, UltraLuxe 2024 is divided into four distinct pillars: Jeweluxe, Homme, Advocacy, and DineLuxe. Each pillar offers a unique perspective on luxury, catering to the refined tastes of connoisseurs and collectors alike. At the heart of UltraLuxe 2024 is JeweLuxe, an exquisite showcase featuring gems valued at over 200 million dollars USD from independent jewellery houses and renowned designers. This segment serves as a testament to craftsmanship and artistry, offering collectors and connoisseurs exclusive access to iconic designs. According to Loh, CEO, “True luxury is not just about the price tag, but the story behind the piece. Independent designers bring unique creativity and passionate expressions to the world of style and sophisticated living, offering a niche luxury that sparks consciousness and connection.”

Highlights of JeweLuxe

Edition 1: 4-8 October 2024

THE PROTAGONIST

First inaugurated in 2014, The Protagonist is an internationally acclaimed exhibit that emphasizes mindful practices. This year, it marks its debut in Singapore after successful shows in New York City. Visitors can expect to see collections that embody responsibility, originality, and innovation, crafted from ethically sourced materials. Loh continues, “Successful independent brands have the heartware to deliver a consistently exceptional experience to an evolving and discerning audience who appreciate purpose, meaning, and fine taste.” The Protagonist not only highlights the beauty of jewellery but also shares the stories behind each piece, connecting attendees more deeply with the art of jewellery-making.

GEMAGICAL

Gemagical brings together the world’s most sought-after rare and unique gems, transforming them into stunning works of art. Celebrated jewellery houses from Asia, Europe, and the UAE will showcase audacious designs and innovative approaches to contemporary jewellery. Brands such as Alexander Laut, Autore and B.P. De Silva will present their finest works, merging traditional craftsmanship with modern aesthetics. Each piece on display tells a story—of its design inspiration, materials used, and the cultural significance behind it. This segment aims to elevate the appreciation of jewellery not merely as accessories, but as integral parts of personal history and cultural heritage.

MODERNISSIMO

Modernismo unites iconic European jewellery houses and designers in a celebration of creativity. Featuring talents like FOPE, Paolo Costagli, AKILLIS and rising stars from the European market, this segment showcases cutting-edge designs that challenge traditional norms. Attendees can expect jewellery that pushes creative boundaries while respecting classic craftsmanship. The exhibit epitomizes the fusion of traditional techniques with modern sensibilities, offering guests a chance to appreciate the versatility and adaptability of luxury jewellery in an ever-evolving market.

NOUVEAU ASIA

This segment spotlights the incredible talent emerging from Asia, focusing on local designers like 4928, Goi Jewellery and Summus Faye, who weave cultural narratives into their creations. Nouveau Asia celebrates the fusion of tradition and innovation, featuring pieces crafted with an ethos that resonates with modern-day values. Loh underscores the importance of this narrative, noting, “UltraLuxe is redefining the concept of niche luxury with an unwavering determination to foster an inclusive collaborative ecosystem.” This section will also include unique offerings from artisans in Taiwan and Bhutan, enriching the narrative of Asian luxury jewellery.

Edition 2: 9-13 October 2024

The second edition curation of JEWELUXE is focused on “ready to wear” jewellery for everyday styling.

STYLE INC

Displaying jewellery pieces that are fashion-forward and elevate everyday style into iconic statements. Look out for trending vintage house Bakhache (Australia) and fashion-conscious labels such as Faipo (HK), Kevork Khatcherian (Lebanon) and La Joie (Singapore) for every bling styling.

GLAMORA

A high-octane curated selection of jewellery from internationally renowned labels to iconic pieces by independent designers that have endured through time.

Enriching Experiences at UltraLuxe

UltraLuxe 2024 offers more than just stunning jewellery showcases; it also provides an array of enriching experiences designed to engage and inspire attendees. This year’s UltraLuxe proudly partners with CIMB Singapore, a leading ASEAN bank, as the official sponsor to present:

Advocacy Panel Discussions

The festival emphasizes collective insights through Advocacy panel discussions, hosted in partnership with CIMB Singapore, a leading ASEAN bank. These discussions will feature industry leaders sharing their experiences and insights on luxury, sustainability, and responsible indulgence. Loh notes that “fostering purpose through luxury will create lasting impressions and collaborations that resonate with today’s audience.” Topics will include the nuances of personal branding in today’s marketplace and the responsively shifting landscape of luxury consumerism. Participants will engage in meaningful conversations designed to provoke thought and inspire action.

The Ultimate LuxeScape

Partnering with CIMB Singapore, a leading ASEAN bank, and the official sponsor of the Ultimate LuxeScape, UltraLuxe presents an exclusive and immersive showcase of niche luxury for affluent individuals, this extraordinary experience takes guests on a journey through the realms of iconic jewellery, fashion, timepieces, and culinary delights. Divided into three captivating scapes—AsiaScape, VisionScape, and RareScape—each showcase offers a unique perspective on luxury. AsiaScape celebrates Asia’s style heritage from the founding years of Singapore, VisionScape celebrates the beauty of nature with art, and RareScape indulges the mind and palette, taking guests through an authentic haute
joaillerie bespoke experience paired with the appreciation of culinary rarities of Japanese fine beef and whiskey.

DineLuxe

Another highlight of the festival, DineLuxe, invites culinary enthusiasts to celebrate the art of fine dining through luxurious ingredients and culinary techniques. Emphasising “Purism in Culinary,” top chefs will present their interpretations of refined dining. Each culinary experience is carefully crafted to elevate traditional recipes with modern flair, allowing guests to savor exquisite flavors while indulging in the highest standards of service.

The Homme Experience

In addition to the unrivaled jewellery showcase, the festival presents Homme in Edition 2 (9-13 October 2024), exploring modern masculinity through curated showcases of timepieces, fashion, and lifestyle accessories. HOMME lifestyle social is an immersive Exploratorium featuring curated showcases of sophisticated and elevated living to satisfy the passions and interests of discerning modern men spanning timepieces, fashion and living style:

• Ultra Bar
• ChronoSphere
• StyleSphere
• LuxEscapade

Travel Experiences at UltraLuxe

UltraLuxe launches LuxEscapade for those seeking niche travel experiences, preluding with UltraLuxe festival itinerary for international visitors to enjoy red-carpet runway shows, high-profile networking events, and shopping experiences with over 120 international brands. More travel experiences exploring niche luxury and sophisticated living spanning countries, such as Italy, France, Indonesia and Thailand, will be unveiled at the festival.

The Future of Luxury

UltraLuxe 2024 serves as a cultural event that invites attendees to reflect on the intersection of luxury, creativity, and sustainability. With its emphasis on ethical consumption and artistic integrity, the festival encourages visitors to consider the broader implications of their luxury choices and engage with brands that align with their values. Angela Loh’s vision for UltraLuxe underscores the transformative power of luxury that transcends mere consumption: “At UltraLuxe, we aim to harness the attention of and engage with a global community of supporters and collectors.” This vision pushes for a collective journey towards a more conscious and purpose-driven understanding ofluxury. Don’t miss your chance to experience UltraLuxe 2024, where the art of living beautifully awaits! Mark your calendars for this captivating festival that promises to inspire, indulge, and invest—where every moment spent is a testament to the beauty and innovation defining the luxury of today and tomorrow. Join us for this celebration of creativity and craftsmanship and embark on a journey toward a new era of refined living.

Exclusive Giveaway: 10 complimentary VIP passes worth $500 each to be won! Be the first 10 readers to register here and comment “Champagne Gem” in the form submission to qualify.

Once again I would like to thanks SIJE and CEMS Group for this amazing opportunity and looking forward to the next year!

You can watch all the videos in HD on my YouTube Channel and follow the below hashtags on social media to see all the posts!

#SIJE2015

#SingaporeInternationalJewelleryExpo2015

#ChampagneGemIsGoingToSingapore

#ChampagneGemInSingapore

Enjoy all the sparkle and 

xoxoxox

Bebe

YOEL DEIL DIAMONDS

TRANCE JEWELS

MOR BROTHERS

]]> https://champagnegem.com/2015/09/sije-part-iv-the-complete-experience-videos/feed/ 2 2522 https://champagnegem.com/2015/09/sije2015-a-warm-welcome-to-paolo-costagli-world-of-significant-designs/ https://champagnegem.com/2015/09/sije2015-a-warm-welcome-to-paolo-costagli-world-of-significant-designs/#comments Thu, 10 Sep 2015 06:17:12 +0000 https://champagnegem.com/?p=2466

Paolo Costagli

 Another exciting encounter during my SIJE2015 experience, was meeting the outstanding designer Paolo Costagli in person. It was a delight to see the incredible pieces that are made under his name brand Paolo Costagli. The brand’s main house is located in New York and the pieces are showcased through his atelier on Madison Avenue, Bergdorf Goodman and select independent boutiques. I managed to ask few questions from Paolo himself, read below to get a better image of the designer behind the brand:

CG: Paolo, it is a great pleasure to meeting you in person! Let’s start with a bit of background on how did you get involved in jewellery industry and design in particular? 

PC: My passion for gemstones first emerged during frequent visits to the famous Ponte Vecchio in my hometown, Florence, where my mother would take me frequently during my childhood to admire the jewels and gemstones displayed in the shop windows. When I was 21 years old, I left Florence against my parents’ wishes and studied Gemology at the Gemological Institute of America, which was at that time in Santa Monica, California. In following years, I worked with and collected many stones, but didn’t start designing my own collection until I moved to New York City in 1991.

CG: When did you establish Paolo Costagli? What was the inspiration behind that?

Paolo Costagli Signature Stacked Florentine Rings

PC: Paolo Costagli New York was established in 1993. The inspiration behind the designs in my early days, and still today, are the materials and gemstones themselves. I am a gemologist at heart, and my intention is to create a jewel that will showcase the natural beauty of the gemstone or precious metal that has inspired the design in the first place.

CG: Given you are based in New York, how much art and fashion are influential on your unique designs?

PC: I appreciate art very much and end up at the Metropolitan Museum of Art at least once or twice a month. I just can’t stay away… Each visit is a lesson of proportions, shapes and beauty.

CG: What is the process of making one piece from sketch to finish and how much time do you spend on creating each?

PC: I actually do very little sketching, but instead see the final piece in my mind first and work backwards to realize my vision. It is an unconventional design process, but it comes naturally to me. Of course, we incorporate modern technology into this process, but the root of our design is my initial vision.

CG: I have noticed that you use coloured gemstones in your designs as the main feature, what is your favourite gemstone?

PC: I can’t pick one favorite gemstone… it’s like asking a parent who is their favorite child!

CG: Do you hand select the gems? What sort of standards do you have when selecting a gemstone for a specific piece?

PC: I do hand select the gemstones used in our collection. The standards vary with the material. For example, with diamonds, we look for old mine material in unusual shapes and cuts that I find more interesting and unusual than many modern cuts. With colored gemstones, I very much prefer a stone with no window, intense color and antique shape. But, I have been known to fall in love with gems of all kinds…

Paolo Costagli Oval Diamond Golconda Type IIa D IF 3.34 carats set in Platinum further enhanced with pave-set round brilliant diamonds weighing approximately 1.80 carats, D-F VVS

CG: As you know, I have a particular fascination for diamonds; please share with our readers about the most exquisite diamond you have come across with through your career? PC: The most exquisite diamond I have come across is actually currently in our collection and has been featured in your work! It is our 3.34 carat moval “Golconda” diamond (a cross between a marquise and oval cut). In addition to being colorless and internally flawless (D, IF), it is also certified by GIA to be type IIA “Golconda”. As the story is told, the Maharajas in India would describe “Golconda” diamonds as having a mix of fire and ice, and it is so true in this diamond. Mesmerizing… The mounting is a love knot to complement a jewel that will represent the purest love possible.

CG: When should we expecting the new collection of Paolo Costagli, and give us a hint of what theme we should anticipate?

PC: We are continuously making new jewels and designs in our Bespoke collection which are revealed daily on our Instagram page, website and email newsletter. The next complete collection is to be revealed soon and is named for my first love in Florence… I hope that’s enough of a hint to get you thinking!

Thank you again Paolo for your time, wishing you all the best and looking forward to the launch of your new collection.

You can visit www.paolocostagli.com for more information.

You can always read Part I by clicking on the following link:

#SIJE2015 – Part I Diamond Rings & Loose Diamonds

And stay tuned for 2 more follow up posts to complete my #SIJE2015 experience featuring Coloured Gemstones and All the Videos that I have from the show.

Alternatively, check out following hashtags on Instagram, Facebook & Twitter:

#SIJE2015

#ChampagneGemInSingapore

#ChampagneGemDiaries

Already looking forward to next year’s show!

Sit back and Relax, here are some fascinating pieces that I have ever seen.

xoxoxox

Bebe

Multi Shaped Diamond Necklace by Marawella by Vishal by Trance Jewels

Multi Shaped Yellow White Diamond Necklace by Marawella by Vishal by Trance Jewels

Multi Shaped Diamond Long Necklace and Earrings by Marawella by Vishal by Trance Jewels

34ct Pear Shaped Rose Cut Diamond Necklace by Azar Gems

90ct Multi Shaped Diamond Necklace and Matching Earrings by Azar Gems

90ct Multi Shaped Diamond Necklace and 57ct Rose Cut Diamond Earrings by Azar Gems

]]> https://champagnegem.com/2015/07/sije2015-part-ii-necklaces-earrings-bracelets/feed/ 0 2199 https://champagnegem.com/2015/06/singapore-international-jewelry-expo-2015-part-2/ https://champagnegem.com/2015/06/singapore-international-jewelry-expo-2015-part-2/#comments Sun, 21 Jun 2015 01:04:48 +0000 https://champagnegem.com/?p=2063 With only 12 days to go before the grand opening of Singapore International Jewelry Expo 2015, I am excited to learn that there are several stage programs that could be of interest to jewellery retailers and manufactures.

One of the speakers that I am looking forward to meet is Ms Premanjali Gupta from EuroMonitor International, who is going to highlight the key digital trends, social media impact on the luxury jewellery industry and digital strategies that global jewellery players are taking on now.

I believe this is a very important speech to attend for companies which like to grow and leverage their jewellery business to the next level.

Euromonitor International & SIJE 2015 Exclusive Program For Highlighting Digital Key Trends and Social Media Impact on Jewellery Industry

The next interesting topic will be presented by Master Lim Eng Cheong from Chang Consultancy on how to improve your Feng Shui for good luck.

Master Lim Eng Cheong of Chang Consultancy on Feng Shui

Stay tuned for more updated and my live coverage  from Singapore July 2nd-5th on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and behind the scenes on Snapchat champagnegem.

xoxoxo

Bebe