Annual watch and jewellery fair A Journey Through Time is set to return to Starhill Gallery for the 10th year, featuring a curation of unique new offerings for connoisseurs and enthusiasts to celebrate the art and craftsmanship of watches and jewellery, complemented by high fashion, fine food and world-class entertainment. Presented by YTL Corporation, this annual affair is being held this year for 10 days instead of the usual eight, from Nov 4 to 13.
Presented with the support of the Ministry of Tourism and Culture, A Journey Through Time will bring its 10th anniversary theme of ‘Legacy and Icons’ to life through an expanded calendar of exclusive offerings. Watch aficionados will get to preview iconic and never-seen pieces in Asia while jewellery lovers will be able to indulge in rare gems and exquisite creations by award-winning jewellers. The best of local and international fashion houses will collaborate with renowned watch and jewellery labels in shows and exhibitions, while culinary experiences for guests by Starhill Gallery’s Feast Village will be as diversely flavoured as A Journey Through Time itself.
Key highlights of the event this year include the debut of Malaysia’s first watchmaking company MASA Horlogerie and their Kerabat Series, a new experience in fine jewellery appreciation presented through a curated series of thematic events and exhibitions called JeweLuxe and the Timeless Royal Weave exhibition, which will feature iconic British designer Dame Zandra Rhodes’ contemporary songket dresses.
The annual Tourism and Culture Gala Night: Watch and Jewellery of the Year Awards Presentation 2016 will open the event on the evening of Nov 4. Set to perform at this invitation-only society event is critically-acclaimed British mezzo soprano Carly Paoli. Seven awards will be given out that night, the winners will be selected by a panel of international judges that includes horology experts and renowned collectors. Throughout the 10 days of the event, private gala nights and special by-invitation cocktail events hosted by renowned brands will take place and it will come to a resounding close on Nov 12 at Shook!.
“This year is special as it is a double celebration. The event is marking an important milestone and we see a stronger content of Malaysian creations taking centre stage through a showcases of our very own cultural legacy — the songket, Malaysia’s first-ever watchmaking company of its calibre — MASA Horlogerie and Simone Jewels’ creations by Malaysia-born, Singapore-based designer Simone Ng.
“It is a testament on how it has grown to be more than an event that exhibits international brands but encourages and supports home-grown talents too. This is exactly what Tourism Malaysia has hoped to see as we continue to support local efforts like A Journey Through Time,” said Tourism Malaysia Director-General Datuk Seri Mirza Mohammad Taiyab.
In 2015, Malaysia welcomed 25.7 million tourist arrivals and RM69.1 billion in receipts with top arrivals coming from Singapore and Indonesia. Shopping and dining are key to tourism spending and A Journey Through Time has contributed to the strengthening of Kuala Lumpur’s position as a shopping and dining haven for tourists.
“Luxury shoppers from Malaysia and around the world have come to expect well-curated experiences in our annual event as we push for more creative content every year,” said Joseph Yeoh, vice president of YTL Land & Development and YTL Hotels and Properties. “As A Journey Through Time is moving to the next decade, we have also made our offerings more inclusive and open to the public, encouraging young novice collectors and enthusiasts from the public to discover, better appreciate and acquire timepieces and jewellery in Starhill Gallery. They are the future of the watch and jewellery industry, which is expanding to capture new and emerging markets of consumers. Our event must also grow in tandem to appeal to new interests and expectations.”
Visit www.ajourneythroughtime.com.my for more information and updates on the much-anticipated watch and jewellery showcase and follow A Journey Through Time at www.facebook.com/starhillgallery.