• Duck Ruai stickers 
• Chanel Spring 2006 Valentines Single Flap Canvas Bag
• How I become a chimera wooden folding screen by Shuo Hao 
• Jus Beef Dan Dan Noodles 
• Perfection by Vincenzo Latronico, Translated by Sophie Hughes (Fitzcarraldo Edition) 

2026 begins with a wish for whimsy. The colourful, glimmering, and puckering fish stickers by Thai artist Lun had made a splash on my algorithm, and suddenly all the doomscrolling I had done in 2025 felt like an accomplishment—fatigued eyes to unlock fantasy fish, no complaints. It was also thanks to Instagram that I learnt about Paris-based Chinese artist Shuo Hao. Her artworks stretch across themes of mythology, spirituality and Chinese divinity (易經). For this particular wooden folding screen, a shell, a half-open lily, a comb, and a vase become passageways to an elusive hybrid world, glowing in their “lunar” hues. Coincidentally, Chanel’s oh-so-playful 2006 Spring Valentine’s flap bag boasts a similar colour palette to both aforementioned items. Truly, a trio the world never knew it needed, but a trio of my dreams. What is even more unexpected is Hong Kong’s unusually cold weather. My remedy would be a warm and spicy bowl of dan dan noodles from Jus, if only I could manage to secure a seat. However, this season is not just about the nail-biting cold. The start of the year is always riddled with resolutions, vision boards, and an effort to recenter oneself in one’s beliefs. To actually turn words into action is difficult in itself, but given everything happening in the world right now, no action feels like it amounts to anything worthwhile. Based on friends and reviews, Perfection by Vincenzo Latronico seems to articulate the sense of frustration towards ‘progressive politics’ and authenticity masterfully. If you’ve read this novel, what do you think? —— Karrie Lam, Culture and Lifestyle Writer

Clarks Wallabees, a stamp puncher, and long-sleeve layering

• Stamp Puncher
• Clarks Wallabee Light Pink Suede
• Adrian Cashmere Daisy Double Layer Tee
• Saweeeties Brown Butter Sticky Toffee Pudding Cookies
• The Turmeric Times Mug

My nightstand is a junk journal waiting to be born. Cutouts from snack boxes, printed clothing tags, and receipts of exciting purchases stuffed into a corner for “safekeeping” are begging to be of actual use. I could simply throw them away and face my attachment issues head-on, or I could turn them into postage stamps to beautify a journal and gifts to loved ones—you already know I’ve made my decision. Paper punchers remind me of my youth, as does this Adrian Cashmere Daisy Double Layer Tee. The T-shirt layered over a long-sleeve look is the ‘90s/Y2K trend I’ve lived and loved and can’t wait to live again. Meanwhile, it took one whole year to warm up to the thought of me in a pair of Clarks Wallabees but oh boy, now it’s coming in hot. I tried on a pair at a warehouse sale and why has nobody told me that the C in comfort stood for Clarks?! In my world, C is for cookie (that’s good enough for me!) and the search for the perfect one is eternal. With one of my goals for 2026 being to cook/bake more, I’m banking on Saweeeties’ Brown Butter Sticky Toffee Pudding Cookie recipe to be the answer to all my prayers. Picture this: that heavenly sweet treat in one hand and a gorgeous The Turmeric Times mug filled with Hokkaido milk for dipping in the other. That’s nirvana, baby. —— Alyanna Raissa J. Payos, Senior Culture and Lifestyle Writer