This may be just the third installation of UltraLuxe, but the signature 10-day event that is setting up shop at the TENT@Ngee Ann City Civic Plaza once again from 4 to 13 October, has been around in various permutations since 2003 (it was known as Singapore JewelFest until its JeweLuxe rebranding in 2016). This is an important point to note because it shows just how much expertise has gone into its making and how much of an evolution this year’s event has undertaken.
Showcasing an international array of over 120 niche luxury brands that span fashion, watches and jewellery, to interiors, spirits and even dining, UltraLuxe is back with a unique proposition that touches all facets of life—and it intends to leave no one out. There are four components to this year’s installation: JeweLuxe, with more than $250 million singular jewellery designs and investment-worthy gems; Homme, which caters to discerning men with a specially curated lifestyle social space; the Advocacy with panel discussions and masterclasses that provide insight into specialist topics and interests; and lastly, DineLuxe, which throws the spotlight on the exceptional culinary talents and dining experiences to be found on this island.
As Angela Loh, CEO of The Advocators & Co., founder and CEO of Ultraluxe, says: “This year’s UltraLuxe overarching theme is ‘Inspire, Indulge and Invest’. I hope through this festival, talents in Singapore and around the world can inspire new concepts of luxury styles and expressions, indulge connoisseurs and collectors with experiences that tantalise their various senses, as well as elevate their desire to invest in luxury for long-term value preservation.” She tells us more.
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UltraLuxe introduces something new with each edition. How does this year's installation differ from previous ones?
This year’s UltraLuxe sees many firsts! The festival is working with Elliot Barratt from Elliot James Interior for the first time to design the Ultra Bar, a creative showcase of living style and curation of spirits with a spotlight on whisky this year. We have expanded our curated showcases to include co-curated purposeful presentations that educate and elevate jewellery appreciation and shopping—like The Protagonist, co-curated with Condé Nast Italia, which showcases fine jewellery based on mindful practices, responsible sourcing, and sustainability; and Glamora, a new collaboration with Katerina Perez that presents fine jewellery at accessible price points for a wider audience to elevate everyday style. There’s also The Advocacy Panel Discussions presented by CIMB that feature game changers in the finance sectors to share insights on their journeys to create breakthrough in life and profession, and Homme Masterclasses, which are insights-sharing sessions to explore and discover the inspired and the investible in design and craft and a sophisticated life.
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You also introduced DineLuxe this year. Can you tell us more this?
UltraLuxe is an eco-system and community that is dedicated to profiling and promoting talents and passions in niche luxury. Since its launch, we have expanded from jewellery to timepieces, then fashion and living style. Besides these genres, we have seen a surge in young and new talents in the culinary field and would like to play a part in spotlighting their passion and supporting their growth. I hope through this platform, we are able to bring visibility to these brands and talents.
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What are you most proud of about this year's installation?
This year's UltraLuxe installation has truly been a remarkable journey, and what I'm most proud of is the exceptional level of curation we've achieved with international brands—each with a unique story and unparalleled craftsmanship—across the different pillars of UltraLuxe. This has resulted in a vibrant, multi-dimensional experience that ensures every visitor, regardless of their specific interests, finds something that resonates deeply with them. This level of detailed curation and the ability to bring together such a wide range of international brands under one roof is what sets UltraLuxe apart: It’s a testament to our team's dedication and a reflection of our commitment to elevating the luxury experience to new heights.
(Clockwise from top left) Alexander Laut’s ring with a central 29.05-carat Mozambique paraiba; Caratell’s Enchanted Orchard earrings; Bakhache’s owl brooch with coral, chrysoprase and diamonds; Gemayel’s necklace with 31.43-carats of emeralds
What are some not-to-be-missed highlights to look out for?
There are two parts to the festival. In Edition 1 (which runs from 4 to 8 October), cannot-miss highlights include The Protagonist that I mentioned earlier; Gemagical and its finely curated showcase of rare gems in awe-inspiring designs; Nouveau Asia, which profiles Asian heritage in fine jewellery; Modernissimo’s line up of brands with unique propositions ranging from Scott West and its amazingly huge array of pink diamonds, to Unsaid’s jewellery with impossible cut lab-grown diamonds; and Fope with its out of this world flexible jewellery.
In Edition 2 (9 to 13 October), visitors most certainly have to check out Homme to explore the spectrum of niche timepiece brands that span investible bespoke creations by Vianney Halter to icons from Azimuth, Romago, Bomberg; and also pre-loved collectible Rolex, Patek Philippe, etc. RetroSpark showcases over 35 brands of curated vintage from internationally renowned brands and niche independent designers’ dating back to the 1920s. LuxeScapade "Resort to Sea" showcases property, lifestyle and home equipment to promote luxury lifestyle. Look out for all these happenings and visit the Ultra Bar to taste some rare whiskeys throughout the 10 days!
