Yes, it is the thought that counts. That said, a little extra effort (or cash spent) in getting your special someone a really nice Valentine’s Day gift makes a difference. Here are some ideas.
Cartier Love bracelet. Photo: Cartier
Created for Cartier in the 1970s by designer Aldo Cipullo, the Love bracelet embodies a bond of freedom to be worn on the wrist.
In making a compelling statement, it has no clasp and can only be opened using a special screwdriver supplied with each purchase.
The sleek, unisex design is made from 18K pink gold, further set with ten diamonds.
Ballerina wrap top from Diane Von Furstenberg. Photo: Diane Von Furstenberg
Celebrate the women in your life this Valentine’s Day with Diane Von Furstenberg’s statement designs.
From wrap dresses in bold colours, to soft scarves and stylish accessories, these chic gifts will surely impress.
The prints used incorporate motifs of hearts and lips, of which, suitably marks the occasion.
Omega Ladymatic. Photo: Omega
Since released in 1955, the Ladymatic from Omega has retained every ounce of its captivating style.
The brushed metallic bracelet of the latest model is crafted from 18K Sedna gold and stainless steel.
Radiating around the white, mother-of-pearl dial is a bezel paved with snow-set diamonds.
An extra Brilliant Omega cut diamond placed within the polished crown completes it.
Bulgari Cuore pendant. Photo: Bulgari
Last year saw Bulgari presenting the Cuore collection as a dedication to love.
The heart (“cuore” in Italian) was the key motif, which also happens to be one of the emblems of Rome.
The jewellery maker is now adding two new pendants to the collection – one in white gold and pave diamonds, and another, made of pink gold and carnelian.
Alexander McQueen Be My Valentine scarf. Photo: Alexander McQueen
Alexander McQueen has unveiled a limited edition Valentine’s Day scarf for 2016.
This “Be My Valentine” silk chiffon design combines a skull motif with a smattering of hearts on a magenta base.
The British label’s skull-printed scarf first made its debut in Spring 2003 and has since become an iconic item that is reproduced every season using new materials, patterns and colourways.
Prada sunglasses. Photo: Luxottica
These softly rounded sunglasses of the new Prada collection for women denote a 1970s vibe.
The finishes of the acetate circles are harmoniously balanced by a lightweight metal structure.
It even has a front feature with a double bridge and comes in hues of black, pumice and tortoiseshell ivory.
Gifts that last
While flowers and chocolates are often the norm for Valentine’s Day, some women may prefer presents that last beyond Feb 14.
Anna Sui’s Romantica.
Since Valentine’s Day is all about romance, surprise your loved one with Anna Sui’s newest fragrance, Romantica.
Perfumer Steve De Mercado has created a floral scent composition featuring top notes of calabria bergamot, pomegranate and quince.
The middle notes are rose de mai, osmanthus, jasmine and orange blossom.
Water lily and peony blossom add a touch of whimsy and freshness to the heart. The base is complemented with white Ceylon cedarwood, sheer amber, Indonesian sandalwood and musk.
True to the designer’s decorative perfume bottle designs, the fragrance comes in a square bottle with interlacing vine blossoms and dragonflies.
Available at major department stores.
philosophy’s Amazing Grace.
If there’s one element that truly embodies a woman, it would be femininity.
Philosophy allows women to embrace their womanliness with refreshing scent, Amazing Grace.
Specially created to allow women to feel soft and clean, the perfume brings out every woman’s most graceful moments.
The fragrance evokes a clean floral scent of bergamot, muguet blossoms and musk. It comes bottled in a square flacon with a decorative cap.
Available at Philosophy retailers and philosophy.com.
Jeanne Lanvin’s Scandal.
Jeanne Lanvin’s Scandal may be touted as vintage but this iconic fragrance embodies the scent of an independent, rebellious and trendsetting woman.
The effervescent, creamy notes of the fragrance are enclosed within the architecture of the original bottle: a dress of glass with soft curves of a sculpted tear-drop at its centre.
Composed by Anne Flipo, this irresistible nectar reveals sweet, tender notes of apricot and pear, underpinned by the refreshing juiciness of orange.
Its floral heart blossoms in a delicate bouquet of freesia, crystallised rose petals and peony.
Paired with the cottony softness of musk, the beautifully voluptuous sandalwood forms an undeniably unctuous signature that lends the fragrance a sense of renewed radiance. Available at major department stores.
Diptyque Rosaviola candle.
If you love the scent of roses, which is so appropriate for Valentine’s Day, Diptyque has come out with a limited edition collection with Olympia Le-Tan.
The Franco-British designer (who learnt her trade at Chanel and Balmain) started her accessories brand in 2009. She’s known for the famous “book clutch bag”.
This particular collection is called Rosaviola, rose for the fabric characteristic to Le-Tan’s creations and also to the harmony around the eponymous flower and Viola, echoing the violet.
This feminine and floral composition has an added leather note as a backdrop. The collection comes in three limited edition products – candles, scented oval and solid perfume. Available at Diptyque at Pavilion KL and Kens at Bangsar Shopping Centre, Bangsar Village II & Isetan KLCC.
Repetto’s Act 3 III.
Dance your way to your beloved’s heart with Repetto’s Act 3 III, which celebrates the sensuality of a ballerina about to take centre stage.
Perfumers Juliette Karagueuzoglou and Nicolas Beaulieu chose the energising zest of grapefruit with a surprising note of plum blossoms which emanates the delicacy of summer fruits.
The heart note bursts with rose and Virginian cedar.
Finally, a touch of ambergris adds a sensual character to the fragrance.
Available at major department stores.
Miu Miu perfume.
While fragrances aren’t able to convey our thoughts, they can trigger immediate reactions and evoke deep memories.
Miucca Prada – the designer behind Miu Miu – displays personalities of a woman, ranging from fearlessly fun to feminine to independent.
To symbolise these traits in her perfume Miu Miu, Prada worked with Daniela Andrier to create an elegant and sensual floral scent.
The top notes are composed of the soft and fresh scent of rose absolute and jasmine. It is set against a deep earth-toned background comprising wood and pepper of akigalawood.
The fragrance comes in a soft blue-pillowed opaque glass with a white matte collar which is simultaneously traditional and pop. Available at major department stores.
Be Atomic Bath Collection.
For Valentine’s Day, Sephora has released its Be Atomic limited edition bath collection, which is apparently specially concocted for romantic alchemy.
The range comprises scented bath confetti which is said to be the prescription to “ignite passion”.
The range also comprises lip balm and nourishing velvet cream.
The bubble bath and shower gel is a must-have item of the brand which is set to “rekindle the flame”.
There’s also the cream hand wash with a cotton flower fragrance.
Not only does it clean, but it also perfumes. Available at Sephora.
Laura Mercier’s Paris after the Rain.
Girls love make-up and you can’t go wrong with eyeshadow colours (provided it’s the right shade).
For Valentine’s Day, pick up Laura Mercier’s Paris After The Rain featuring eight eye colours that are inspired from the reflection of lights on the cobblestone streets of Paris.
As duo-chromatic as sheet lightning, this spring collection of subdued, neutral matte shades changes colours when topped with special effect multi-chrome pearls.
Available at Kens Apothecary at 1 Utama, Pavilion Kuala Lumpur, The Gardens Mall, Bangsar Village II, Sunway Pyramid, Empire Shopping Gallery, Sunway Putra Mall, KL.
A version of this article appeared in the print edition of Star2 on Feb 10, 2016, with headlines Romance is in the air by Bervin Cheong and Gift of love by Sheela Chandran.
