Style News: Rimowa debuts leather bags, F1-themed Louboutins and race-day relaxation with Elemis

Rimowa takes on leather bags

High-end suitcase brand Rimowa launched its first line of leather bags on Sept 22. The Groove range comes in four designs: a cross-body style in small and large, a hobo bag and a shopping bag.

Each bears the imprint of the German brand’s iconic aluminium cases, a pattern of grooves and pleats, some horizontal, some vertical. The leather is supple and made in Italy, and every bag is stamped with the brand’s logo on the outside and a custom logo plate with rivets on the inside.

It is a maiden line-up fit for everyday wear. The hobo bag ($2,700) has a relaxed broad top that can fit a 13-inch laptop and an adjustable strap that can turn it into a shoulder or cross-body bag, able to be worn on the front or back. A detachable leather pouch, also found in the shopping bag, is secured by a lace.

The cross-body style ($1,600 and $2,360), shaped like a suitcase, is the most playful. Its strap can be adjusted or removed so the bag can be carried like a handbag, by its handle. Its shiny palladium hardware is played off nicely against its smooth leather body, which comes in black and seasonal colours silver, pink, burgundy and green.

Like the hobo bag, the shopping bag ($2,870) has a handle designed to secure the bag atop any Rimowa suitcase, for a full Rimowa travel kit.

Info: Available at Rimowa stores at B2M 217/218 Casino Level, The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, 2 Bayfront Avenue, and 01-11 Mandarin Gallery, 333A Orchard Road, and online at

rimowa.com

Christian Louboutin launches F1 capsule

The Singapore Grand Prix has got brands and fans all revved up for October’s big race, and Christian Louboutin, known for its red-bottomed shoes, is in on the action.

Its limited-edition F1 Racing collection hit the brand’s Ion Orchard boutique on Sept 22 – the only store in Asia to stock it.

Bright yellow and crimson flames envelop each one of the collection’s four designs, a motif that screams “hot wheels”. There is the peep-toe mule ($1,700) in black patent leather, a modern interpretation of the French house’s Pin Up model. Its 120mm stiletto heel – part dangerous, part fierce – is 20mm higher than the standard.

The clever silhouette of a pointy-toed pump ($1,600) gives the illusion of higher heels.

A pair of sneakers ($1,600) are the third and last pair of shoes in the capsule collection. These are a reinvention of classic 1980s tennis sneakers, toughened up by gunmetal spikes on the toe cap – the maison’s signature – and the line’s explosive, fire-coloured motif.

The striking and functional clutch ($2,400) is made to complement the footwear. Its glossy leather body is finished with a detachable chain strap and bears the brand’s CL badge.

As always, all shoes have red soles.

Info: Available at 01-17 Ion Orchard, 2 Orchard Turn. While stocks last

Elemis rolls out F1 pampering

British luxury skincare brand Elemis has partnered Aston Martin Aramco’s Formula One team for a run of relaxing experiences this racing season. Those looking to slow down can make pit stops at an Elemis “spa-cation” at five participating hotels, a pop-up at Ion Orchard or a spa session at the Aston Martin Aramco Paddock Club Suite.

The spa-cation is available exclusively to guests staying in the club room or suite of Pan Pacific Singapore, Parkroyal Collection Marina Bay, Parkroyal Collection Pickering, Parkroyal on Beach Road and Pan Pacific Orchard for at least two nights. Prices start at $630 a night.

Eligible guests are entitled to a 105-minute recovery treatment worth $310 at the St Gregory spa in each hotel. This means a 75-minute facial and a choice of either a body scrub or back massage. Perks include a limited-edition Elemis and Aston Martin Aramco Formula One skincare set worth $175, an amenity kit worth $160 and complimentary all-day club lounge access, with club benefits including daily breakfast, afternoon tea and evening cocktails.

Bookings for the spa-cation are open from Sept 18 to Oct 19 for stays between Sept 19 and Oct 20.

At Elemis’ Ion Orchard pop-up from Sept 30 to Oct 7, visitors can check out skincare samples and treats, take pictures with a race car and stand a chance to win a year’s supply of Elemis products when they share their snaps.

On race days from Oct 3 to 5, guests at the Aston Martin Aramco Paddock Club Suite will be invited to experience free hand and facial treatments at Elemis stations within the exclusive surrounds of the ticketed VIP clubhouse.

Info: For spa-cation bookings, go to

str.sg/C49d

. The pop-up is at the outdoor area on Level 1 Ion Orchard

Paragon turns 25

Paragon, the luxury mall on the Orchard Road shopping belt, is celebrating its 25th anniversary with a clutch of rewards and an exhibition running until Oct 31.

Its atrium showcase of 25 remarkable individuals is curated by entrepreneur and academic Nadya Wang, and shines a light on business leaders and creatives alike. Think Breadtalk Group’s chairman George Quek and chief executive Jonathan Quek; founders of La Joie Jewellery Jean Nasr and Jessica Nasr; chef-artist Janice Wong of her popular namesake confectionery; and content creators like Dianna Lee and Erica Zhao.

Paragon club members can receive 50 bonus points worth $20 with a minimum spending of $500 daily, 250 bonus points worth $100 for $2,500 weekly and 2,500 bonus points worth $1,000 for $25,000 monthly.

Parking fees will also be waived on the 25th of every month till December.

Info: Paragon is at 290 Orchard Road. For more information, go to

str.sg/ptCP