Full disclosure—we think it’s about time to step away from the heart-shaped, cutesy silhouettes that we are normally inundated with around this time of year. Bouquets for Valentine’s Day? Groundbreaking. Forget the syrupy, pink-hued vibe that’s anathema to original and creative gift ideas in this season of romance; instead of the usual roses and chocolates, how about something different? Here are 14 gift ideas for 14 February.
Jane Austen
In her own words: “Affectation of candour is common enough—one meets with it everywhere. But to be candid without ostentation or design—to take the good of everybody’s character and make it still better, and say nothing of the bad—belongs to you alone.” In praise of prose, the popular works of Jane Austen—Pride and Prejudice, Sense and Sensibility, Mansfield Park, Emma, Northanger Abbey, and Persuasion—in a leather-bound set would be regarded priceless by literary lovers. Well, at Lok Man Rare Books, on Chancery Lane in Central, they are yours for a mere HK$16,000. Illustrated so sumptuously by Hugh Thomson and Charles Brock, the collector’s gift is presented in a bespoke, fleece-lined, scarlet-cloth-covered slipcase with ribbon pull. In fact, head to the little shop around the corner for more rare gems, first-editions, and vintage collectibles. Shop here.
Louis Vuitton
Spell on You, the perfume from Louis Vuitton, is scintillating but trudge carefully—gifting someone perfume may imply that you are not particularly aroused by their aroma. But when it comes to Louis Vuitton, something so gorgeously packaged, no offence shall be taken or implied. While the mellifluous voice of songbird Nina Simone replays in our head, Jacques Cavallier-Belletrud entices us with the scent of iris and a variety of floral olfactory nuances. “It’s like the finest varietal in a grand cru,” says the master perfumer. “Where there is love, there are flowers.” And there’s plenty of both at Louis Vuitton in stores or online here.
Chanel
Anything from the house of Chanel is going to ignite a favourable response, but this Valentine’s Day, pick a piece from the Chanel Coco Crush collection, as the latest, oh-so-chic campaign features a mix of Asian and Western stars: Jennie from Blackpink, Lucy Boynton, and Amandla Stenberg. What we like most about the range is that there’s nothing “cute” about it, only pure elegance. Peer into the diamond-shaped quilting motif that you often find in the maison’s iconic bag, magically transported to the pattern in the jewellery. Inspired by the equestrian world, the design is immaculate; think clean-cut incision criss-crossing on the soft, rounded surface of hand-polished gold. Jewellery should be worn and adorned daily, not locked up in vaults, so these often-delicate, easy-to-wear, ready-to-wear accessories are perfect for him, her, them—everyone. Available in stores or online here.
Montblanc
While the fine art of penmanship may be fading, those who can write cursive reveal a state of mind and style that is as timeless as can be. In honour of the genteel and the gent, Montblanc presents a carefully curated selection of gifts for Valentine’s Day, wrapped in handwritten expressions. Will one of the superb Montblanc pieces from the elegant assortment inspire your next love letter? We hope so. Available in stores or online here.
Loro Piana
For understated elegance, look no further than the Spagna Jacket at Loro Piana, a wardrobe staple of the premium brand since 1998; the original silhouette was inspired by Spanish officers’ uniforms. For spring-summer 2024, the garment is presented with a contemporary take and more casual flair, with a standing collar, two large patch pockets, and horn buttons to make for an elegant and timeless gift. Loro Piana offers a practical and versatile version in a combination of 60 per cent cotton denim and 40 per cent cashmere. As with most things Loro Piana, the quality of the fabric is in the wearing—simply exquisite. For that glorious sense of touch, head to any of the Loro Piana boutiques or shop online here.
Chaumet
If you spotted a serpentine queue spilling out of Chaumet’s boutiques, know that it’s due to the maison’s new campaign starring Korean singer and actor, Cha Eun-woo. Such is his popularity that people were lined up to see the images—and hopefully shop! In the campaign, Cha dons necklaces that include the Jeux de Liens pendant in white gold set with square-cut sapphires and brilliant-cut diamonds, and the Liens Évidence pendants in both white and rose gold. On his fingers, he wears the graphic Liens Évidence rings in white and rose gold, while on his wrists, the Liens Évidence bracelets in white and rose gold. Named after the French empress Joséphine, look for Chaumet’s signature elements like the V-shaped aigrette, pear shape, interplays of asymmetry, and the confluence of elegant colours. Will the new campaign be enough to convince you of this collection? Available in stores or online here.
Lane Crawford x Skims
Lane Crawford, one of Hong Kong’s oldest department stores, has teamed with the hottest brand of recent times to launch a Valentine’s Day pop-up experience in ifc mall. When Skims was first launched in the city early last year, it sold out within days. Now, the Kim Kardashian-owned company will showcase its latest Valentine’s Day collection at the Lane Crawford pop-up in February, including delicate intimates, luxuriously soft loungewear, and limited-edition gift sets. Like the reality TV show, the line of attire is a guilty pleasure for many. Head to ifc this month to see the pop-up and shop till you drop.
Cartier
For a bit of glamour, the Santos de Cartier collection includes a watch and cufflinks box that is crafted from ocean-blue lacquered wood and adorned with a moon-phase motif—perfect for storing accessories. It is also furnished with a set of cufflinks, a pen, and a wallet presented in the iconic red Cartier box—a refined gift if ever. Find it in stores or online here.
Judith Leiber
Few can fathom the popularity of the tongue-in-cheek, pop-art-inspired accessories from Judith Leiber that many of society’s swans clutch at cocktails in rarefied circles, from New York to New Delhi, Beverly Hills to Hong Kong. Perhaps it makes for a good conversation starter? Without a doubt, the French Fries Fresh and Hot clutch at Lane Crawford is cheeky and makes for a fun gift, though the price tag is certainly no laughing matter. Shop here.
Roger Vivier
Roger Vivier’s Viv’ Choc Mini Jewel Bag is handcrafted in elegant satin, adorned with a reinterpretation of the signature crystal buckle. Available in primary colours to complement your full look, it translates well from day to night at any elegant soiree. Get yours here.
Thom Browne
No stranger to idiosyncratic creations, here’s a little something for your funny Valentine: the Sheep top-handle bag. As the name suggests, this bag is shaped like every farmer’s favourite four-legged woolly friend, except with a main compartment and zip pockets inside. Perhaps the eccentric British designer (who, when he came to Hong Kong, wore his signature shorts to every event in town) loved Shaun the Sheep as much as we did growing up… Shop here.
Valentino
A Valentino for your Valentine—it writes itself, doesn’t it? But there’s a twist in the tale: It’s the story of Valentino in Japan. Indeed, the maison’s encounter with Japanese craftsmanship for a new accessories collaboration between Valentino Garavani and Porter has been the talk of the town. Unveiled at the spring-summer 2024 menswear show in Milan, those who loved the capsule collection of bags can purchase theirs now, as the accessories line is finally available in Hong Kong as of this week, just in time for Valentine’s Day. Following rigorous design and construction standards and Valentino’s famed commitment to quality, all pieces are entirely made in Japan. Available in stores and online here.
Tod’s
A special edition of the T Timeless bag for Valentine’s Day—in two styles, both in pink calf leather—has been released in Hong Kong. On the perpetual hunt of the season’s “it” bag, we are throwing in this one as a contender. Available in boutiques and on here.
Aman
What says romance like a secluded island retreat far, far away from the madding crowd? Look to the Romance at Amanpulo package, a three-night stay at Aman’s Palawan resort in the Philippines, including breakfast and dinner at the Club House, Beach Club, or Lagoon Club, a sunset cruise with cocktails and canapés, and a private beach barbecue. Now, we’re not saying you’ve got to have a commitment ceremony or wedding blessing on the white-sand beach between heaven and hearth, but it can be arranged, for a moment to last a lifetime. Are we dropping hints like pebbles in the ocean? Book your trip here.
