Cover Jessicacindy Hartono and Willabelle Ong at a private tea party in the Ion Suite
Jessicacindy Hartono and Willabelle Ong at a private tea party in the Ion Suite
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Luxury isn't just material, but also present in the moments that lend their permanence—and we savoured all facets with these gorgeous BFFs over a watch and jewellery-adorned tea party for two
Crowning Singapore's bustling cityscape is Ion Orchard, the eight-level shopping destination that the style set descends upon for all their luxury desires. It is here, amidst gleaming boutiques and the coveted collections within, that tastemakers with discerning passions find themselves spoilt for choice with a diverse mix of high fashion, jewellery and horology offerings, paired with tantalising dining and lifestyle experiences.
Drawn to the esteemed locale for exactly this are style savants, Jessicacindy Hartono and Willabelle Ong—long-time best friends whose love for sartorialism and scintillation have brought them together for countless shopping sprees and creative projects across the globe for work and play.
“I’ve always appreciated the technical craftsmanship of watches, and started to take collecting more seriously a few years ago”, expresses Ong, a noted content creator and arbiter of style. Much like her wardrobe choices, as seen and liked by thousands in her daily fashion-focused videos, Ong’s taste in timepieces oscillates between sharp and structured, and elegantly delicate—with diamonds a constant theme stringing throughout. Her growing collection comprises a harmonious blend of classic and contemporary pieces, each telling a captivating story, ranging from a graceful Vacheron Constantin Égérie to a stalwart Patek Philippe 5172G Manual Winding Chronograph. With every visit to Ion Orchard, Willabelle is naturally allured by the collection of boutiques that line level two’s corridors: particularly Cartier, Graff, Tiffany & Co. and Vacheron Constantin.
Above Willabelle and Jessicacindy arriving in a Mercedes-Benz EQS450
Above Jessicacindy in Valentino blazer and Tiffany & Co. Hardware diamond necklace; Willabelle in Tiffany & Co. Bird on a Rock necklace, Saint Laurent dress
Willabelle and Jessicacindy arriving in a Mercedes-Benz EQS450
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As for Hartono, designer and founder of her eponymous label specialising in ethereal couture and bridal gowns, she finds herself perennially enamoured by the brilliance of jewellery. From the inimitable sparkle of diamonds to the lustrous glow of white, pink and yellow gold, each piece she owns or sets her sights on holds a special place in her heart—and jewellery box. “As a gown designer, I understand the intricacies of details and the level of craftsmanship that go into a piece that one not only invests in, but looks to as a tapestry of emotions”, she muses. A celebration of life’s most cherished moments, jewellery—like a wedding dress—marks a momentous milestone, and Hartono applies this philosophy to both the bijoux and timepieces that grace her ears, wrists, fingers and decolletage.
Above The pair admiring Cartier's Baignoire watches
Above Franck Muller Double Mystery watch; Franck Muller Vanguard Rose Skeleton Black Diamonds
The pair admiring Cartier's Baignoire watches
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One fine afternoon, their shared love for masterful accoutrements draws them to the renowned boutiques of Ion Orchard, where they find themselves immersed in the prestigious mall’s world of watches and jewellery. Walking past the gleaming facades of the likes of Franck Muller, Harry Winston, Roger Dubuis, Chaumet and Bulgari, the ladies arrive to a private TWG Tea party specially set for two—bedecked with a melange of precious pieces.
Above Bulgari bangle and rings; Chaumet ring
Above Roger Dubuis Excalibur watches
Bulgari bangle and rings; Chaumet ring
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“In a world of fleeting seconds, real luxury lies in not having to rush… to be able to savour the essence of now with loved ones, and to cherish eternal treasures that stand the test of time,” says Ong, as they take their time to admire each creation, discussing both the elegance of skilled artisans, and the technical symphony of gears and springs. Hartono adds: “This spirit of timelessness is reflected in every tick of a watch, in the fine filigree of jewellery and in the multi-facted sparkle of a rare gem…where beauty and luxury intertwine in perfect harmony.’
Watch this video of Jessicacindy and Willabelle as they savour the scintillating collection of watches and jewellery Ion Orchard has to offer and beyond.
Special thanks to Mercedes-Benz and TWG Tea.
