Cover Angela Loh, Natasha Vinski-Borneo, Sharon Sim, Oi Yee Choo, Hillary Wijaya Sutjiono Tjioe, Naazli Somjee, Harmin Kaur and Chang Hong
Angela Loh, Natasha Vinski-Borneo, Sharon Sim, Oi Yee Choo, Hillary Wijaya Sutjiono Tjioe, Naazli Somjee, Harmin Kaur and Chang Hong
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Meet the eight dynamic women who are unafraid to break boundaries and forge new paths in their respective fields. Another thing they have in common? An appreciation for fine jewellery
In the world of haute joaillerie, it pays to break the rules—to stray away from norms and inject an edgy perspective into the time-honoured industry. It’s a good thing then, that many fine jewellery houses and designers these days are doing just that: presenting a fresh, progressive vision of luxury to a new generation of jewellery lovers.
So where can one find such baubles? Mark your calendars—UltraLuxe Festival is back for its second year. Celebrating the best in jewellery and watch craftsmanship, the ten-day event starting from October 13 will feature over 100 internationally acclaimed and Singaporean independent brands of niche luxury.
To mark its celebrated comeback, UltraLuxe invited eight trailblazing women who are not afraid to break the rules and the glass ceiling. Bold, brave and audacious, these women and the show-stopping jewels they are wearing from this year’s UltraLuxe Festival are a match made in heaven.
Above Angela Loh is wearing Fope Luna Flex'it choker style necklaces and bracelets, which are available in white, yellow and rose gold and are designed for both women and men.
Angela Loh is wearing Fope Luna Flex'it choker style necklaces and bracelets, which are available in white, yellow and rose gold and are designed for both women and men.
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Angela Loh
Festival director and founder, UltraLuxe
Angela is bringing a new vision of luxury with UltraLuxe, where passion, perfection and purpose take centerstage. Loh aims to foster an inclusive collaborative ecosystem for global international brands and independent talents to unite and kickstart a new movement to present the concept of “purpose-focused” luxury.
Loh subscribes to the mantra: Live your dream. Love your life. No matter what happens, embrace each moment with passion and resilience.
Fope
Fope has crafted elegant and iconic fine jewellery since 1929 and is the only jewellery brand to be able to craft flexible bracelets that are solely made of 18-carat gold. Delicate and yet incredibly resistant, Fope’s bracelets do not require clasps as one can easily roll them onto one’s wrists.
Made and founded in Vicenza, Italy, Fope combines the strength of its long-standing values with a true flair for innovation, creating unique jewellery which also includes necklaces, rings and earrings.
Above Dr Natasha Vinski-Borneo’s favourite piece of jewellery is her engagement ring, featuring a radiant 30.19 carat diamond. She is wearing a vintage Boucheron diamond and matching blue sapphire necklace and diamond bracelet set paired with a limited edition Max Noah Buenos Aires clutch bag that cleverly uses metals and ethically sourced leather with a modern twist.
Dr Natasha Vinski-Borneo’s favourite piece of jewellery is her engagement ring, featuring a radiant 30.19 carat diamond. She is wearing a vintage Boucheron diamond and matching blue sapphire necklace and diamond bracelet set paired with a limited edition Max Noah Buenos Aires clutch bag that cleverly uses metals and ethically sourced leather with a modern twist.
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Dr Natasha Vinski-Borneo
Medical doctor and entrepreneur
At 17, Dr Vinski-Borneo launched Love Humanity NCV, a non-governmental organisation which focuses on healthcare and education in underdeveloped areas in Indonesia. Today, Natasha is CEO for multiple companies including Vinski Tower, specialising in regenerative medicine, and Aero Queen, an aeronautics company that specialises in luxury helicopters and private jets. Always looking ahead, Dr Vinski-Borneo plans to expand internationally next year with her newest venture, Vinski StemCell Centre with stem cell therapies to bring the best quality of life for clients of all ages.
Dr Vinski-Borneo loves how the detailing on Max Noah’s masterpiece bag made with exotic leather adds a touch of distinction.
Max Noah
Max Noah's goal is to preserve the rich cultural heritage of traditional craftsmanship and translate it into the modern era. This was the main driver behind the establishment of the eponymous Atelier, which was founded independently in 2019.
Through the seamless integration of state-of-the-art technology, paired with the time-honoured techniques of traditional craftsmanship, the atelier is pushing the boundaries of creativity and safeguarding the essence of craftsmanship culture in the modern world. In doing so, it creates exceptional pieces that stand the test of time.
Above Harmin Kaur's favourite piece of jewellery is a Panthère de Cartier ring – a symbolic gift to herself to mark her new career back then as a banker. She is wearing a Zydo Italy ruby ring and pendant, both featuring Marquise-cut diamonds.
Harmin Kaur's favourite piece of jewellery is a Panthère de Cartier ring – a symbolic gift to herself to mark her new career back then as a banker. She is wearing a Zydo Italy ruby ring and pendant, both featuring Marquise-cut diamonds.
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Harmin Kaur
Chair, Women Venture Asia, and co-founder, Stellaire
Harmin Kaur, a former banker from Goldman Sachs, decided to switch careers after 15 years in the banking industry to pursue her passion: advocating for women’s economic empowerment and art de vivre (French for art of life).
This year, Kaur successfully reached a new milestone with her new business, Stellaire, a by-invite-only immersion experience that brings together a community of culturally curious individuals with specially curated experiences that celebrate the art of living. Kaur is most excited about the upcoming September event where Stellaire will feature Yannick Alléno, one of the most celebrated chefs in the world, to present the ultimate luxury dining experience to her community.
Kaur loves how Zydo Italy’s jewellery pieces are edgy, a little bold and feminine at the same time.
Zydo Italy
Founded in 1972 by Davide Zybert, Zydo Italy is today one of the most respected brands in the industry. Led by lifelong masters and leaders of the industry, Zydo is known for its impeccable diamond selection, craftsmanship, and high-end design. The Zydo woman wears jewellery as a symbol of supreme style. She’s fashionable, empowered and sophisticated. The exceptionally superior quality of each diamond and gemstone, as well as Zydo’s outstandingly innovative design makes every Zydo jewel a truly precious work of art that transcends trends and becomes a timeless treasure of luxury.
Above Sharon Sim’s most treasured possession is a diamond butterfly necklace which was gifted to her by her mother to mark her independence as a woman. She is wearing Lakhi Fine Jewellery natural emerald and diamond earrings paired with a matching pendant, sourced and ethically mined from Zambia.
Sharon Sim’s most treasured possession is a diamond butterfly necklace which was gifted to her by her mother to mark her independence as a woman. She is wearing Lakhi Fine Jewellery natural emerald and diamond earrings paired with a matching pendant, sourced and ethically mined from Zambia.
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Sharon Sim
Co-founder and general partner, Purpose Venture Capital
Sharon Sim has always been passionate about giving back, and her goal is to uplift and empower others to create more positive impact in the world. Sim’s latest project is co-authoring a "Why Women Don’t Talk Money" book and podcast series with her friend Serena Wong. The book will explore 20 diverse women’s intricate relationship with money and unravel the deeper meanings attached to money in various aspects of life. She has pledged to donate royalties from the book sales to SG Her Empowerment or “SHE”, an independent non-profit organisation that strives to empower girls and women through community engagements and partnerships.
For Sim, wearing Lakhi Fine Jewellery’s emerald jewellery statement pieces with their inherent brilliance evokes a mood that is empowering, uplifting and energising.
Lakhi Fine Jewellery
Known for their sublime jewels with captivating stories, Lakhi Fine Jewellery has a legacy spanning four generations as custodians of collectible and rare treasures. The house designs contemporary heirloom pieces that are cherished across generations.
Above Naazli Somjee is drawn to the versatility of earrings; not only can she experiment with different lengths, she also likes mixing different stone colours and designs to complement her long neck. She is wearing Umrao Jewels’ emerald pendant diamond necklace with pearl tassels.
Naazli Somjee is drawn to the versatility of earrings; not only can she experiment with different lengths, she also likes mixing different stone colours and designs to complement her long neck. She is wearing Umrao Jewels’ emerald pendant diamond necklace with pearl tassels.
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Naazli Somjee
Business development manager, WTP Furniture
What sets Naazli Somjee apart from others is her keen sense of detail and enormous passion for creating memorable living spaces. Somjee is a firm supporter of the BDS (Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions) movement for freedom, justice and equality in Palestine. She also donates to several other charities such as Orangutan Foundation, which aim to save and preserve orangutan habitats.
When it comes to her jewellery choices, Somjee is attracted to colours and the fun combination of pearls, stones and enamels.
Umrao Jewels
Umrao Jewels is founded by Anuj Shah, a third-generation scion of the Shah family, known for their rare gems that are sought after by collectors and renowned brands alike. Umrao’s team of designers travel extensively around the world for inspiration to create fine jewellery and Shah’s collections have Art Deco influences.
A brand synonymous with excellence in fine jewellery, Umrao’s exquisite designs have adorned numerous Hollywood celebrities, including Michelle Obama, Julia Roberts, Jennifer Lopez, Eva Mendes, and Mila Kunis, to name just a few.
Above Chang Hong has a preference for jewellery that are imbued with small diamonds or special stones. She is wearing an 18K yellow gold Strawberry necklace with rubies, tsavorites, sapphire and diamonds by Alexander Laut.
Chang Hong has a preference for jewellery that are imbued with small diamonds or special stones. She is wearing an 18K yellow gold Strawberry necklace with rubies, tsavorites, sapphire and diamonds by Alexander Laut.
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Chang Hong
CEO, Hitmaker Global Academy
Chang Hong is on a mission to revolutionise music education and empower students to thrive in the music industry. Her philanthropic heart shines through her involvement with impactful organisations such as the International SeaKeepers Society, Cosmos Foundation, and Jazz Association.
Hitmaker Global Academy will launch their first ever Australian system arts High School (for 11-12 graders) Alliance Française later this year.
Chang Hong adores how the stunning gemstones are so carefully selected and artistically placed in Alexander Laut’s strawberry necklace to weave a narrative that embraces her femininity.
Alexander Laut
Alexander Laut opened his eponymous flagship atelier in Hawaii in 2003. His creations are all crafted by hand and are one-of-a-kind art pieces.The multi-talented designer has a unique style that focuses on large, rare, and unusual collectible stones like colored Diamonds, Rubies, Sapphires, Spinel, Alexandrite, and rare Tourmalines. Each Alexander Laut piece is unique, with its own identification code and the author’s stamp.
Above Oi Yee Choo has a strong affinity for rings, finding tactile joy when wearing them. She is wearing a Heart Shaped Ring Choker Necklace with Pear-Shaped Diamonds and a matching band ring and earrings, paired with Zydo’s Stretch Diamond Bracelets and loves the simple elegance and brilliance of Zydo Italy
Oi Yee Choo has a strong affinity for rings, finding tactile joy when wearing them. She is wearing a Heart Shaped Ring Choker Necklace with Pear-Shaped Diamonds and a matching band ring and earrings, paired with Zydo’s Stretch Diamond Bracelets and loves the simple elegance and brilliance of Zydo Italy
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Oi Yee Choo
CEO, ADDX
Within male-dominated industries such as finance, gender diversity remains a pressing issue. However, Oi Yee Choo, a trailblazing woman with extensive experience in global banks, has shown the world that women can break the glass ceiling—all you need is confidence. As a passionate advocate for gender diversity and financial literacy, she believes that all women inherently deserve a chance to grow and be promoted in the workplace. Choo is an active philanthropist and supports the National Gallery, National Kidney Foundation, SJI International and Methodist Girls School.
Above Rings and earrings are an essential part of Hillary Wijaya Sutjiono Tjioe’s wardrobe as they are easy to mix and match. She is wearing Infiniti Jewels’ cabochon emerald necklace and epitome of luxury with 9 stunning Zambian emeralds totalling 69.02ct and the extra sparkle of asscher and round cut diamonds paired with and exquisite 18K white gold micro pave bangle, meticulously crafted with 1,321 brilliant round cut diamonds and a matching cabochon emerald ring.
Rings and earrings are an essential part of Hillary Wijaya Sutjiono Tjioe’s wardrobe as they are easy to mix and match. She is wearing Infiniti Jewels’ cabochon emerald necklace and epitome of luxury with 9 stunning Zambian emeralds totalling 69.02ct and the extra sparkle of asscher and round cut diamonds paired with and exquisite 18K white gold micro pave bangle, meticulously crafted with 1,321 brilliant round cut diamonds and a matching cabochon emerald ring.
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Hillary Wijaya Sutjiono Tjioe
Managing director, MM Galleri Singapore
Hillary Wijaya Sutjiono Tjioe is the driving force behind MM Galleri Singapore, the leading luxury stone specialist in the region. She is passionate about showcasing the high-quality craftsmanship of Italian marble and furniture. Wijaya Sutjiono Tjioe is also active in philanthropic work with the Lions Club of Singapore Vanda and supports other charitable projects such as Hair of Hope.
Wijaya Sutjiono Tjioe is drawn to the deep colours of the emerald and how the ring she is designed for versatility, and can seamlessly transform into an enchanting pendant. When paired with the richness of black onyx, the ring creates a striking contrast that exudes confidence and style.
Infiniti Jewels
Timeless beauty lies at the heart of Infiniti Jewels who are craftmakers of works of rarity. The prestigious Singapore brand are known for ensuring that every gem’s potential is maximised to create jewellery pieces that celebrate beauty and love.
Visit www.ultraluxe.io to learn more about the brands that will be participating this year.
Credits
Make-Up: Clé de Peau Beauté
Hair: The Lawn Hairdressing with Oribe
Photography: Natsuko Teruya
Location: ReCasa Living
