Hello,

It is not surprising to see our definition of luxury evolve drastically in the recent decade. Most people, nowadays, pursue depth in the products they purchase or in the unlisted experiences they embark on. Luxury has now become a quest, more than ever and to put it simply, where one looks for sophisticated elegance from intricacies and impact.

Take one for example the idyllic island of Siargao, a haven for surfers, that has shown resilience and the spirit of camaraderie after braving the test of nature. Not only did it get back to its feet but came out strong with reopened resorts that uphold sustainable and responsible tourism. 

We also highlight this week other stories of redefined luxury:

• Bringing BMR1959 to life: merging Barbiecore and streetwear
• Asia's love affair with beautiful watches thrives, thanks to these leading luxury watch retailers
• Vianca Añonuevo-Favila shares her secrets on how to achieve understated luxury at home
• The 46th Asian American International Film Festival takes Filipino stories to the world stage

Cheers,
Franz Sorilla IV
Assistant Digital Editor

The Barbie frenzy is far from over. It’s just getting started. The much-awaited Barbie movie hit the theatres last week, and all things pink (and blue) have been dominating social media and beyond since then. It’s time to indulge in the dream of being a Barbie, even if just on the way to the cinema. From monochromatic fits of Fuchsia pink to just donning a pop of bright colour as an accent to your attire, it will be the dream of all dreams.

Check out these pieces that will surely bring out the Barbie (or Ken) in you!

These luxury watch retail leaders on Asia’s Most Influential list give truth to the enduring appeal of premium timepieces in the region. These entrepreneurs have grown their companies from single-location timepiece boutiques into networks of speciality stores that bring the most coveted creations by Omega, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Patek Philippe, Rolex, IWC, and more to Asia’s watch collectors and enthusiasts.

Discover how these leading purveyors of luxury watch brands curate a diverse collection of horological marvels for enthusiasts.

Vianca Añonuevo-Favila, co-founder of Empire Designs and Gussy Design and revered interior designer, has some tips for you. With a style that focuses on the idea of “understated luxury,” Añonuevo-Favila believes in the power of well-designed interior spaces to uplift one’s senses. Her elegant design aesthetic allows her to finely strike the balance between functionality and beauty, creating environments that centre on the human aspect.

Know why finding a seasoned interior designer and architect (that you get along with) is a must for homeowners.

As the first and longest-running festival dedicated to representing the artistry of Asian filmmakers, the Asian American International Film Festival (AAIFF) continues to attract audiences from all over the world. For their 46th run, the AAIFF is representing a total of 29 countries and 25 languages along with a number of Filipino narratives, documentaries and shorts.

Catch a glimpse of the Asian diaspora experience from the comfort of your home.