Kaitlyn Lai, English Editor

Just when I thought we’d left tomato girl summer in 2023, the meme-inspired Loewe Tomato waltzes into my mind to live rent-free. In case you couldn’t tell, this summer is all about food for me: tomatoes, guavas (imagine smacking your lips after swiping on Eadem’s new Guava Fresca Le Chou Chou shade…absolutely divine), and butter, because Stella McCartney’s butter-yellow tie-neck scarf top is every girl’s summer dream. Ah, and dark chocolate, of course — this time in the form of a luxe chocolate suede croc Mini Chrystie bag from Freja x Heaven Mayhem’s latest collaboration. I, for one, was not aware that suede croc leather existed. And now, there’s no turning back. (It’s Freja’s custom-developed vegan ultra-fibre suede leather, by the way.)

While everyone around me is riding the boho-chic wave in cowboy boots, I’m opting for Gucci’s Horsebit ballet flats in GG suede instead. God forbid a girl clings onto her 15 years of classical ballet training, but these horsebit flats feel like the perfect compromise between style and nostalgia. And, of course, what’s summer without a pair of shades? Specifically, vintage cat-eye Chanel sunnies, complete with mini logos perched on each lens. Très chic.

Alyanna Raissa J. Payos, English Writer

According to countless Instagram posts and discussions surrounding the topic, it turns out that my quality of life could greatly improve with a little more tenderness and whimsy. In compiling a list of ways to achieve that, I’m throwing in a Lirika Matoshi Bathroom T-shirt as the ultimate encapsulation of both those things. The charming textural elements remind me of a touchy-feely children’s book, as do the frilly pleated hems of a Good Squish scrunchie or the shiny whorls of Eyland Jewellery’s handmade spiral earrings.

With the peak of Hong Kong’s wet season drawing closer, perhaps I ought to replace my gloomy turmoil with the juvenile sense of joy that comes with quite literally knowing how to dance in the rain. Invest in a pair of Atelier Aigle boots and I could even jump in a puddle or two. Who knows the whimsical better than your inner child? It’s a sentiment passed down to me from fictional heroes like Mary Poppins, who also taught me the value of having a bag that fits all your necessities and more. Bottega Veneta’s gorgeous new Veneto sling bag might fall short in storage, but no matter if I have the latest viral tech accessory: a Ninja Labs phone case that boasts an endlessly capacious pocket. 

Karrie Lam, English Writer

They say alliteration is a disease, but I think bows are the addiction that I just can’t quit. London-based Aligne does an onion-green satin blazer in a relaxed fit, balancing out the daintiness of its two bows. While bows have been haunting me since 2023, Chan Luu is my latest obsession. Established in 1996, the brand took off in the 2000s when Hollywood A-listers were spotted in their boho designs. Since 2021, Vietnamese designer Chan Luu has passed the torch to her niece, Tessa Tran, who has done such a beautiful job transforming natural treasures into timeless jewellery pieces. And as a Pisces, all their fish-inspired designs just do it for me. It doesn’t hurt that Koi fish are a sign of good luck, either.

Timelessness also comes in the form of Repetto Camille ballet flats, and supporting local businesses. Kitdo was invented by Hong Kong fashion stylist Denise Ho, who has opened up endless possibilities for every garment with her magnetic clip. Similarly, Marimekko’s signature unikko flower is a symbol of creativity, and its vibrant colours bring me as much joy as glowy skin does. Saie might just have the secret to how that’s achieved. 

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Check It Out: 12 Plaid Pieces To Shop

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Collage: Kaitlyn Lai