Thursday, February 28, 2019

ODE TO YELLOW DIAMONDS---A FABULOUS SELLING EXHIBITION AT SOTHEBY'S LONDON

KEE@FSWMAG.COM

SOTHEBY'S
34–35 NEW BOND STREET, LONDON, W1A 2AA 

An Ode to Yellow 
YELLOW FEVER! 



Brazilian Jeweller Creates Capsule Collection For World-Class Diamond Boutique

 Art and Architecture-inspired Pieces Designed to Enhance the Life and Light of Rare Yellow Diamonds 

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Selling Exhibitions in London until 5 March 2019 and in Hong Kong, 29 March - 2 April 2019 

“How wonderful yellow is. It stands for the sun.” - Vincent Van Gogh

The colour yellow has inspired some of the greatest artists of all time, from Rembrandt and Van Gogh to Mark Rothko and Anish Kapoor. 

Incredibly rare and sought after by jewellery connoisseurs, yellow diamonds have similarly played a key role in the history of jewellery. 

This week, young Brazilian jeweller Lily Gabriella Elia will unveil her first capsule collection she designed for Sotheby’s Diamonds - the retail boutique specialising in the world’s finest diamonds. 

An ode to yellow, the collection predominantly features rare yellow diamonds set in breath-taking designs inspired by art and architecture – two leitmotifs in Lily Gabriella’s aesthetics. 

Of various hues and shapes, the stones are a testament to Sotheby’s Diamonds’ unique ability to source and select diamonds of extraordinarily beauty and rarity. 

Celebrating jewellery as a form of art, the nine pieces in the collection are on view in Sotheby’s London galleries until 5 March 2019, alongside works from Sotheby’s forthcoming Impressionist, Modern and Contemporary Art sales. 

They will then be showcased at the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre from 29 March until 2 April. 

Patti Wong, Founder and Chairman of Sotheby’s Diamonds, said: “Lily is somewhat of an architect of light and colour. The jewels she has created perfectly capture Sotheby’s Diamonds’ unique signature, where diamonds are the masterpieces, always at the heart of the composition. Some say yellow is “the new Millennial pink”! 

With their resolute modernity, Lily’s creations will no doubt resonate to the young generation, but above all they celebrate the timeless and universal beauty of diamonds”. 

Lily Gabriella Elia added: “It is a rare privilege for a jeweller to be given the opportunity to work with such a “palette” of diamonds and create the perfect frame for them. Each diamond has its own personality and my aim was to enhance their intrinsic quality and colour with the use of unusual materials and contrasting coloured gemstones. 

"I have always been fascinated by the way architects sculpt light and this is what I have tried to reproduce here, with geometric and quasi-biomorphic shapes capturing the life and light of the diamonds.” 

Many pieces in the collection take their inspiration from the Art Deco period: The Halcyon Earrings The bold stylised geometric design of the Halcyon Earrings is inspired by the iconic intricate lines of the Chrysler Building. 

Each of these diamond pavĂ© set earrings mounted in 18 carat yellow gold centres a radiant cut diamond: one Fancy Yellow weighing 3.53 carats, the other, Fancy Light Yellow weighing 3.03 carats. 

The Solar Cuff 
Reminiscent of the Art Deco sunrise motif, this sculptural 18 carat yellow gold hinged cuff with ajourĂ© detailing has been designed to highlight and maximise the natural beauty of the 21.15 carat oval yellow diamond at its centre. 

The stone is surrounded by white and yellow sapphires to recreate the fragmented shapes with multiple perspectives so typical of the architecture of that era. 

The Honeycomb Ring 
The honeycomb structure of this ring echoes to the natural geometric structures in the work of Santiago Calatrava and Jean Nouvel’s building for the Louvre Abu Dhabi. 

The fiery 6.12 carat pear shaped Fancy Intense Yellow diamond adds a striking element to the 18- carat yellow gold hand carved mount, enhanced with full cut white diamonds Lily Gabriella’s jewellery celebrates colour and as in many of her signature designs, the pieces in the collection combine striking colourful gemstones with unconventional materials. 

The Holi Earrings Inspired by the riot of colours of the Hindu Holi festival, the Holi earrings feature two cushion cut yellow diamonds: one Fancy Yellow weighing 5.01 carats, the other Fancy Light Yellow weighing 5.03 carats. 

Full of energy and vibrancy, the jewels are set with a striking array of pink sapphires and white diamonds, while the use of enamel and 18 carat rose gold adds depth and texture to the composition. 

The joyful movement and their pastel colourway are also evocative of the paintings by Swedish abstract artist Hilma af Klint and Anish Kapoor’s beguiling “powder” sculptures. 

LILY GABRIELLA FINE JEWELLERY 
Raised in Brazil and Monaco, Lily is inspired by her passion for nature, art & architecture, having grown up in a household that celebrates artists and architects alike. 

She was drawn to the energy and culture of London where she founded Lily Gabriella Fine Jewellery, designing private commissions by appointment. Her expert eye was trained in the valuation and appraisal of fine jewellery in an international auction house, and her technical capabilities developed under the tutelage of one of the world's greatest jewellers. 

Lily’s jewellery celebrates her love of colour, vibrant design and exceptional craftsmanship. She creates statement pieces which combine sculptural lines with contrasting colours, unusual materials, and the finest gemstones and diamonds. 

SOTHEBY’S DIAMONDS 
A pioneering venture, Sotheby’s Diamonds brings together the most exceptional and desirable diamonds, cutting-edge design and superlative craftsmanship in a very modern, forward-looking House. 

Independent of Sotheby’s auction business, Sotheby’s Diamonds operates purely on a peer-to-peer basis, matching individual diamonds with individual collectors at the highest end outside of the auction arena. 

Sotheby’s Diamonds is marked out by its ability to link the entire chain of supply and creation – sourcing the finest diamonds and working ‘with the stones’ to produce settings for them that are not only of the highest craftsmanship, but that also, and very importantly, allow the stones to ‘speak’. 

For this venture, Sotheby’s formed a partnership with Diacore, world-leading specialists in sourcing, cutting and polishing extraordinary diamonds. 

Renowned within the industry, their artisan cutters understand the centuries-old secrets held within a diamond and know just how to unleash the beauty, inner light, life and brilliance of each individual stone. 

Diacore is committed to making a meaningful contribution to the development of the communities in Bostwana and its Corporate Social Responsibility policy encompasses a number of initiatives, including the Gaborone Marathon. 

One of the most respected and experienced jewellery specialists, Patti Wong, Chairman of Sotheby’s Diamonds, draws on her skill and knowledge as well as instinct and intuition to then select the stones that are always the starting point for a Sotheby’s Diamond jewel. 

She is a true insider with an unerring eye and looks not only for superb quality, colour, clarity and excellent cut but also for charm and character, vitality, vivacity, fire, life and brilliance in each diamond. 

Sotheby’s has been uniting collectors with world-class works of art since 1744. Sotheby’s became the first international auction house when it expanded from London to New York (1955), the first to conduct sales in Hong Kong (1973), India (1992) and France (2001), and the first international fine art auction house in China (2012). Today, Sotheby’s presents auctions in 10 different salesrooms, including New York, London, Hong Kong and Paris, and Sotheby’s BidNow program allows visitors to view all auctions live online and place bids from anywhere in the world. 

Sotheby’s offers collectors the resources of Sotheby’s Financial Services, the world’s only full-service art financing company, as well as the collection advisory services of its subsidiary, Art Agency, Partners. Sotheby’s presents private sale opportunities in more than 70 categories, including S|2, the gallery arm of Sotheby’s Global Fine Art Division, and two retail businesses, Sotheby’s Diamonds and Sotheby’s Wine. 

Sotheby’s has a global network of 80 offices in 40 countries and is the oldest company listed on the New York Stock Exchange (BID). 

MRCA (MALAYSIA RETAIL CHAIN ASSOCIATION) CELEBRATED CHINESE NEW YEAR OF THE BIG, FAT PIG WITH ITS ANNUAL GALA AT SUNWAY RESORT, HOTEL AND SPA. NEARLY A THOUSAND THRONGED SUNWAY'S LAGOON BALLROOM ON THE LAST DAY OF FEBRUARY. THOUGH CHINESE NEW YEAR OFFICIALLY ENDED ON 15 FEBRUARY 2019, THE FESTIVE MOOD PREVAILED AS VIPS AND GUESTS ARRIVED WEARING CHEONGSAMS AND ORIENTAL ROBES AND ONLY FIRECRACKERS WERE MISSING BUT THESE ARE BANNED INDOORS ANYWAY. THE EVENING WAS CALLED 'THE PEAK MOMENT' RATHER THAN 'THE PIG PARTY' OUT OF COURTESY TO THE MALAYS.

KEE@FSWMAG.COM

PHOTOS BY CANON POWERSHOT SX 720 HS


MRCA CHINESE NEW YEAR BANQUET 2019 PETALING JAYA, 28th February 2019


The Malaysia Retail Chain Association (MRCA) celebrated the Lunar New Year at their Chinese New Year Banquet 2019 today at Sunway Resort Hotel & Spa, Grand Lagoon Ballroom. 


Themed ‘The Peak Moment’, this auspicious occasion is by YB Minister Tuan Anthony Loke Siew Fook the Minister of Transport Malaysia as the Guest of Honour. 


Over 900 members and guests from top industry players welcomed the year of the “Earth Boar” at this celebratory cum networking banquet. In addition, many entertaining entertaining were prepared and lined for its guests which included lion dance opening performance, singing performances, live band and lucky draw. 


The Organizing Chairpersons for this year’s MRCA Chinese New Year Banquet is Dato’ Liew Bin (Vice President of MRCA) and Mr Jeff Yong (Council Member). 


Dato Liew Bin who is also the Founder and CEO of Brilliant Merchandising Sdn Bhd says: “Every Lunar New Year, it is customary to share this joyous occasion together, to usher in all the good fortune of a new cycle in the Chinese calendar.” 


Mr Jeff Yong, who also is Director of Kimma Sdn Bhd added, “We want to emphasize the special moments we share as members of this big family, bringing members and esteemed guests closer together through this auspicious event.” 


The MRCA is an association for leading retail-chains store operators and franchisors in Malaysia. It was established in 1992 to assist its members in their store expansion and to promote growth in the retail-chain and franchise industry. 


It is recognised by many as one of the most active retail associations in Malaysia, playing an important role in promoting Malaysian franchise brand name abroad and at the same time actively support the government’s policies in promoting Malaysia as one of the top shopping destinations in the world. 


The pinnacle of every event is to celebrate from the heart and what better way than to express by incorporating a segment to do some charity. There were singing performances by special guests to raise funds for the MRCA Branding Education Charity Foundation. 


From the generosity of our guests, we have successfully raised RM160,000. All the programs lined up definitely liven up the night and most important warm the hearts of many. 


MRCA CHINESE NEW YEAR BANQUET 2019 

"With heartfelt appreciation, we would like to thank our Corporate Patrons who have continuously supported MRCA and they are Maxis Berhad, Fusionex Sdn Bhd, & Quill Automobiles Sdn Bhd. 

"We would also like to express our gratitude to all the cash sponsors namely Top Glove Sdn Bhd and OSK Property Holdings Bhd who are the Platinum Sponsors while the Gold Sponsors are FunNow Sdn Bhd, Luen Heng F&B Sdn Bhd, Mitraland Group, Sunway Shopping Malls, The Store Corporation Bhd, Valiram Group and WISE AI Sdn Bhd. 


"Their invaluable contribution is definitely one of the many reasons in bringing this event to a great success! Today, the MRCA has successfully brought together over 480 members who have expanded locally and internationally and are competing with international brands. 


"These remarkable members are ever prepared to compete with the international players. With such a strong organization of leading franchise and retail store operators covering more than 30,000 outlets throughout Malaysia, these members help provide over 150,000 job opportunities to Malaysians across the country. 


"The MRCA is an excellent avenue for retail businesses to network and exchange ideas, share resources and to promote the healthy expansion of the retail industry in Malaysia and abroad. 


"It is also a highly supportive environment to build our business and pool our ideas, experiences and efforts together by placing our members above everything else and continuously discovering opportunities for them to grow beyond the shores of Malaysia."  



 MALAYSIA'S HOT NEW MODEL WHO IS ALSO AN ANIMAL DOCTOR SO WE SHALL CALL THIS MYSTERIOUS HANDSOME HUNK THE VET FOR THE TIME BEING. DATO KEE HUA CHEE HAS BEEN CALLED BEASTLY SO HE AND THE VET GET ALONG FINE BASED ON ANIMAL INSTINCT
 THE VET AND DATO KEE HUA CHEE IN IMPERIAL YELLOW SUIT
 TE VET IS AVAILABLE FOR MODELLING, CATWALK AND TV COMMERCIALS SO BOOK HIM THROUGH HIS AGENT DATO KEE HUA CHEE
 DATO GARRY CHUA IS ALSO AVAILABLE FR MODELLING AND COMMERCIALS WHEN HE IS NOT INVOLVED WITH MRCA AS ITS PRESIDENT ELECT
PRESIDENT OF MRCA DATO GARRY CHUA ALSO OWNS CHAKRI RESTAURANTS AND ROTOL 
 FASHION QUEEN AND KING---DATIN MAYLENE AND DATO KEE HUA CHEE
 DATIN MAYLENE 




 DATIN YONG MAYLENE AND PUAN SRI SUSAN CHEAH
 DATIN MAYLENE AND JEFF

WORLD'S CUTEST PAIR
 OPENING GAMBIT


 LUCKY LIONS DANCING ON STAGE 






 GOSH, THEY LOOK LKE DEDIONE MY DARLING FRENCH POODLE 






 MOVERS AND SHAKERS OF MRCA
 HAPPY NEW YEAR OF BIG FAT PIG 
 WELCOME WELCOME
 YEE SANG 
 PREZ OF MRCA DATO SRI GARRY CHUA 
 MINISTER OF TRANSPORT ANTHONY LOKE
 THANKS TO ALL
 HOORAY FRO MRCA 
CHEERS
 DATO SRI NELSON KWOK, CHOI WEI YEE AND THE VET
 HAPPY CHINESE NEW YEAR OF THE PIG


 GUEST OF HONOUR WAS ANTHONY LOKE THE MINISTER OF TRANSPORT WITH PRESIDENT OF MRCA DATO SRI GARRY CHUA
 EVEN THE GOD OF WEALTH DESCENDED FROM HEAVEN TO JOIN THE PEAK MOMENT PARTY
 VERY KERWEI LAIPING 






 THE VET WAS ENGROSSED
 WORLD'S MOST HANDSOME VET AS VETTED BY UNITED NATIONS


 RADIANT
 TIME TO YEE SANG FOR THE LAST TIME! 
 THE VET AND THE BLOGGER
 THIS VET WILL SOON BECOME A MENSWEAR DESIGNER! 
 PREZ OF MRCA DATO SRI GARRY CHUA'S WELCOME SPEECH 




 KONG HE EHUAT CHAI


 MY VIP TABLE
 MINISTER OF TRANSPORT ANTHONY LOKE 






 THE VET HAS A VERY OVAL, SLIGHTED ELONGATED SKULL BIT LIKE NEFERTITI
 WELL FORMED HEAD!


 TOKEN OF APPRECIATION OF A FRUIT BASKET




 DATIN YONG MAYLENE IN OLD SHANGHAI TRISHAW






 LINA CHUA 












 DATIN MAYLENE AND DATO KEE HUA CHEE




 LINA CHUA AND DATO KEE HUA CHEE




 ENTERTAINERS


 THANKING SPONSORS AND TOKENS OF APPRECIATION 
























 GOD ALMIGHTY, SHE HAS SAME FABRIC AS MY SUIT










 WISE AI MUCH NICER THAN STUPID ONE 
























 MOVERS AND SHAKERS OF MRCA WHO WORKED TIRELESSLY IN 2018










































 DATO SRI GARRY CHUA AND DATO LEONARD TAN
 CHOI WEI YEE OF SUNLIGHT TAXI, DATO SRI GARRY CHUA OF CHAKRI AND ROTOL AND DATO LEONARD TAN
 YUM SENG




 RAYMOND AND DATO KEE HUA CHEE






 DATO SRI GARRY CHUA THE PRESIDENT OF MRCA AND DATO KEE HUA CHEE
 HAPPY HAPPY












 TOP GUNS OF MRCA SINGING HARMONIOUSLY! WALAO EH




































 THE PEAK MOMENT PARTY RAISED RM 160,000 FOR MRCA BRANDING EDUCATION CHARITY FOUNDATION 












ANOTHER FABULOUS CNY PARTY! CONGRATULATIONS TO MRCA TEAM!