As my plane descended gently onto a landing strip by the French Riviera after a 13-hour flight from Singapore to Nice, the charming houses lining the coast came into view. Painted in shades of ivory and topped with terracotta roofs, the quaint sight set the mood for what was to come later that evening.
Soon enough, my car was stopping outside the hotel, the entrance to which was thronged by a horde of celebrity spotters and paparazzi. As I weaved among them and stepped inside, I was met with yet another crowd in the lobby. Some paced up and down while speaking into their phones, while others stood around silently, wonder written all over their faces. Either way, the excitement was palpable.
“Welcome to Hotel Martinez!” greeted a receptionist from behind the counter. “This is where all the celebrities are staying,” she said knowingly, as if she had somehow heard my inner thoughts. In that moment, I realised that the intensity filling the room was emanating from a horde of anxious creatives (fashion stylists, make-up and hair artists, brand representatives and photographers) waiting to be let into their rooms. As I surveyed their anxious faces, it dawned upon me that the clock was ticking—and it was nearly showtime.
An hour later, I was back in the lobby, all suited up. The room was no quieter, but this time, the air smelt like a mish-mash of Angel from Mugler and Oud from Tom Ford. Alton Mason, the first black male model to have walked for Chanel, brushed past me hurriedly—clad in full Balenciaga—as we jostled our way through the mob and into our respective cars.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Reunited and It Feels So Good
The joy of a return is palpable for K-pop star Sandara Park, who's back on stage as a member of 2NE1 for the Welcome Back tour— the group's first headlining concert since eight years of inactivity.
AP
As 2024 draws to a close, Grammy- and Tonynominated actress Ashley Park reflects on her most transformative chapter yet.
Blue HOUR
Meet the whisky of the moment the Johnnie Walker Blue Label Ice Chalet. Released in partnership with luxury skiwear brand, Perfect Moment, it is a fashion-forward ode to the allure of après-ski culture.
MEETING of MINDS
A long-standing patron of arts and culture, Chanel is making its mark in the world of literature with the Literary Rendezvous at Rue Cambon, imagined by house ambassador and spokesperson Charlotte Casiraghi. The series' next writer of focus? Acclaimed French author Colette.
The WORDSMITH
Singaporean author Amanda Lee Koe's books defy definition-as does their maker.
MAGIC Show
Cartier has unveiled The Power of Magic, its latest exhibition dedicated to the enchanting powers of its creations. Vogue Singapore's watches and jewellery editor reports from Shanghai and speaks with the director of the Cartier Collection.
Rebel REBEL
A surprising team-up for the ages: Japanese pearl jeweller Mikimoto collaborates with uber-cool Hollywood luxury label Chrome Hearts.
Glorious MOVEMENT
Seeing an athlete at the top of their game can be awe-inspiring, a sense captured in the RM 07-04 Automatic Sport by Richard Mille.
Picture PERFECT
In Shanghai, the Milanese jeweller Pomellato debuted its first retrospective exhibition, celebrating its free-spirited story.
The SPECTRUM OF BEAUTY
In an industry where neurotypical is the default, how do neurodivergent individuals navigate their relationship with beauty? Vogue Singapore investigates.