The sun is a warm, insistent pressure on the back of my neck as I shelter beneath a gargantuan shrub bursting with fuchsia camellias. The slightest movement brings a spray of blooms closer to my face, leaving behind a trail of condensation. A bee meanders past, landing on the waxy surface of a leaf overhead. It is possible to imagine that spring has arrived in
Gaujacq, a commune located in the southwest of France. And yet. there are signs that today is an anomalous occasion. A wooden bench feels swollen and damp under my touch, while every step I take is accompanied by a distinctive squelch-signs that heavy rain has just swept through.
"We're having a spot of good weather today," remarks Jean Thoby, international camellia expert and owner of the botanical conservatory garden I am standing in. Indeed, the land in La Chalosse is associated with frequent rainfall and non-existent winds. The fact that the sun has chosen to emerge today feels fortuitous; a blessing befalling us as we traverse the sprawling grounds of Thoby's Plantarium: the home to 2,000 varieties of camellia, including two seedlings from the mother plants that were purportedly ordered by Gabrielle Chanel more than a century ago.
Esta historia es de la edición May, 2024 de Vogue Singapore.
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Esta historia es de la edición May, 2024 de Vogue Singapore.
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Love WINS ALL
The Cartier Love bracelet, one of the most recognisable pieces of jewellery in the world, is more versatile than ever.
A GEM of A THING
At Richard Mille, coloured sapphires are the ne plus ultra of beauty and savoir-faire.
HOT COMMODITIES
Watches by independent makers and microbrands that break the mould are some of the most collectible at the moment.
ALL AFLUTTER
Of the many Chanel symbols and icons, the feather is perhaps the most cherished by connoisseurs in the know. It comes from a lesser known part of Gabrielle Chanel's history. Before venturing into fashion and haute couture, Chanel actually established herself in Paris, in a boutique at 21 rue Cambon, as a milliner. Her first creation that was presented to the press in 1910 was a feathered hat. The latest Plume de Chanel collection of high jewellery pays tribute to the feather in all its lightness and supple movement. Six sets of romantic, evanescent jewels introduce a new, naturalistic silhouette, decorated with diamonds and an array of dazzling pink gemstones such as sapphires, tourmalines and diamonds.
GROWTH in GRATITUDE
It's a simple practice linked to higher optimism, better sleep and improved immunity. But just how much can gratitude journalling power our personalities? Vogue Singapore's contributing beauty writer investigates.
PAINT the TOWN RED
A triad for the ages. Vogue Singapore sits down with the visionaries behind some of Chanel's most trailblazing make-up products to find out more about their creative process, the new age of beauty and more.
Top SHELF
This year, enter your niche hobby era. From beekeeping to the science of fermentation, we round up nine books that delve into a wide range of peculiar subjects—any one of which might pique your interest.
PAY to PLAY
The design team behind The Standard, Singapore shares how the city's most anticipated new stay is making its not-so-standard mark.
A New DAWN
After two decades at the helm of his namesake label, fashion designer Phillip Lim sets sail on a new chapter. In conversation with Vogue Singapore, he looks back on the lessons learnt, the significance of mental health and the endless possibilities ahead.
A GLOWING LIGHT
Qatrisha Zairyah, who made history as Singapore's first transgender finalist of Miss Universe Singapore, opens up about the symbolism of pageantry and being a voice for her community.
