Who started it? Hong Kong celebrity Gaile Lai Kei-yi and Australian Ozlem Esen launched jewellery label Smoky Roses by Gia last year. Born to a Chinese father and Vietnamese mother, Lai is many things – cover girl, actress, model and designer. After a high-profile divorce from actor and Canto-pop superstar Leon Lai Ming in 2012, she moved to Bali, Indonesia, where she met and hit it off with Esen, a musician and jewellery designer. Tapping into a shared love of all things rock, the two conceptualised the Smoky Roses by Gia brand, which, in addition to Hong Kong, has been launched in Australia, Bali and the United States.
Why we love it: the jewellery is gothic chic, using bold motifs such as crosses, and gemstones against delicate, layered chains. There’s a sense of opulence and refinery throughout the collection and it’s definitely not the sort of jewellery that should (or can) be worn subtly. With only 30 pieces in total, each is a standalone statement and would give a shot of glamour to any outfit.
What we’d pick: a magpie at heart, we’ve fallen in love with the heavy cross and diamond earrings (top; HK$2,999). If you’re into finer pieces, there’s the delicate gold-plated bracelet that slinks up to a single-jewelled ring (above; HK$1,399) … very Arabian nights!
Where can you get it? Smoky Roses by Gia is available at I.T, 1 Hysan Avenue, Causeway Bay, tel: 2890 7012.