Mile Phakphum: The Star Who Lit Up Guerlain’s Festive Showcase 

In the heart of Singapore’s bustling Orchard Road, nestled within the opulence of ION Orchard, an event of extraordinary allure and elegance unfolded. It was here that Guerlain unveiled its Beelieve in Fantasy Christmas Pop-Up. The grandeur of this event was significantly amplified by the presence of a special guest, Thai actor, singer, and model Mile Phakphum, Guerlain’s first Southeast Asian Friend of the House.

The pop-up store, which ran from 1 November to 17 December, marked a new chapter in Guerlain’s storied history, one that intertwines the brand’s legacy with the vibrant spirit of Southeast Asia. It is within this setting that Mile, known for his versatile talent and charismatic presence, took centre stage at the grand opening. Mile’s journey to this point has been one marked by a series of remarkable achievements in acting, music and modelling. His multifaceted talents and innate ability to connect with audiences have made him a beloved figure, not just in Thailand but across the globe. At the event, fans were treated to a memorable experience as Mile serenaded them with his guitar. His musical performance was a blend of elegance and emotion, elevating the festive spirit. As he sang, the audience was transported into a world where beauty, art, and music converge, epitomising the very ethos of Guerlain—where luxury is not just seen or felt, but experienced.

DAZZLING ELEGANCE

Guerlain’s heritage, celebrated for its artistic craftsmanship, finds a new expression through a collaboration with esteemed Turkish jeweller Begüm Khan. Both houses, united in their pursuit of excellence and artistic inspiration, have created a collection that beautifully melds their shared values. Ann-Caroline Prazan, director of heritage and artistic relations at Guerlain, highlights this partnership as a medley of cultures, embodying a unique East-West link.

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This year, Khan adorned Guerlain’s iconic Bee Bottle, celebrating its 170th anniversary, with exceptional designs that echo Guerlain’s rich animal iconography. The standout pieces include a Métier d’Art creation featuring a radiant beetle and a special edition based on the bee for the Imagine Guerlain Christmas rendezvous.

Khan, with a background enriched by her family’s legacy in Ottoman art and her studies in Milan and Shanghai, brings a unique perspective to jewellery design. Her hand-crafted pieces, known for their vibrant, imaginative designs, blend inspirations from Antiquity with a contemporary flair. Her creations feature a mix of real and imaginary animals, each chosen for its symbolism and visual appeal.

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Khan’s approach combines traditional Ottoman craftsmanship with modern techniques, ensuring each piece’s uniqueness and quality. Bee Bottle by Begüm Khan is crafted at her Istanbul workshop, and out of 40 unique pieces available in the world, there is only one in Singapore, making it a highly coveted item for collectors and connoisseurs alike.

Khan’s artistry extends to the Imagine Guerlain 2023 Millésime, which captures an imperial bee amidst a radiant golden flower. The bottle, adorned with a jewelled beetle set in 24K gold-plated bronze and surrounded by sparkling crystals, is inspired by an opulent design from Topkapi Palace, Türkiye. The Imagine Guerlain 2023 Millésime bottle features a bee amidst a golden flower, crafted with 37 hand-set pavé gems, symbolising the bee’s significance in Guerlain’s narrative.

Her L’Art & La Matière jewellery plates incorporated the Maison’s symbol, the imperial bee, alongside her favourite creatures like the royal beetle, the tortoise for longevity, the frog for reincarnation, and the tiger for strength. Each plate, handcrafted and meticulously paved with gems, celebrated the magic that has driven Guerlain since its earliest days.

The Rouge G Fantasy Bee, a prestigious gift set by Begüm Khan, added to the festive allure. Each jewel, adorned with 280 hand-placed gems, encased three iconic Rouge G shades in a velvet leopard-effect suede, embodying the spirit of luxury and creativity.

SEEING IS BEELIEVING 

The Beelieve in Fantasy Holiday Collection from Guerlain adds a layer of enchantment to the festive season. The collection’s centrepiece, a beehive advent calendar adorned with glittering fauna, presents a daily delight, enhancing the anticipation and joy of the holiday season. This exclusive collection, limited to only 30 pieces in Singapore, makes for an exquisite gift for a loved one.

Violette Serrat, Guerlain’s makeup creative director, has envisioned a makeup collection that pays tribute to the brand’s fantastical animal motifs. The Hive of Wonders palette emerges as a vibrant kaleidoscope of bold hues, with signature products like Rouge G, Ombres G, and Météorites inviting guests to immerse in a festive extravagance. The Rouge G series introduces two exclusive case designs—Glittery Tiger and Feline Fantasy—unveiling captivating new, limited-edition shades. Additionally, the Ombres G palette, enrobed in a velvet glitter tiger motif, offers a selection of rich, shimmering colours