Starhill Gallery, in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism and Culture, Malaysia; today unveiled details for A Journey Through Time IX, Asia’s premier watch and jewellery showcase. This marks the beginning of a new era in how consumers here acquire, value and share their appreciation for the best timepieces and jewellery in the world.
“A Journey Through Time has become a destination event that supports Starhill Gallery’s position as a luxury retail epicentre. It also brings our appreciation for the finest timepieces and jewellery to life as we assist a new generation of discerning consumers across Asia better understand and acquire the right pieces to accentuate their personalities, lifestyles, and watch and jewellery collections,” said Mr. Joseph Yeoh, Vice President, YTL Land & Development , YTL Hotels and Properties.
One of the longest running events of its kind in Asia, A Journey Through Time IX will be held across 30,000 sq ft of Kuala Lumpur’s premium shopping and lifestyle destination, Starhill Gallery, over eight days from 20th to 27th November 2015.
In attendance at A Journey Through Time IX’s Media Conference today was Yang Berbahagia Dato’ Hj. Azizan Noordin, Deputy Director General (Promotions) of Tourism Malaysia who commended Starhill Gallery for “its continuous work towards supporting the tourism sector of the country with prestigious world-class events like A Journey Through Time.”
The event has over the past eight years featured rare timepieces and jewellery showcased for the first time in Asia; witnessed the openings of one-of-a-kind boutiques in the region at the host venue of Starhill Gallery; and brought enthralling performances by leading international talents in music, fashion and the performing arts to a wide range of people from all walks of life.
“This year, we are expanding our efforts to connect with a younger audience even as we continue to meet the expectations of our long time attendees. This includes bringing an expanded range of experiences from luxury watch, jewellery, fashion and lifestyle brands to A Journey Through Time IX that suit a wider range of tastes and spending preferences.
We have made the offerings complimentary to visitors, including timepiece appreciation talks for beginners, trendy watch and fashion exhibitions and even fashion parades showcasing one of a kind collections and couture gowns, curated timepieces and dazzling jewellery a mainstay of this year’s event,” Mr. Yeoh added.
This was also key to the event’s efforts in reaching a broader base of consumers across the region alongside partners like the Ministry of Tourism and Culture, Malaysia.
“We have always leveraged on smart partnerships with the private sector to develop the tourism industry of our country. A Journey Through Time is a good example of a successful partnership between Tourism Malaysia and Starhill Gallery. For instance, we work with them to promote the event through our overseas offices that encourage tourists to visit us and for Malaysians to travel locally while enjoying a world class experience,” Dato’ Hj. Azizan Noordin said.
Event Highlights This Year
A Journey Through Time IX offers something for enthusiasts from all walks of life. This includes beginners to seasoned collectors and curious visitors who are looking at learning a little more about the beauty of a finely crafted watch or a dazzling piece of jewellery that has its own unique story.
This year, over 125 international watch, jewellery and lifestyle brands will participate in the 8-day event. A Journey Through Time IX will feature collections from international watch brands including Bedat & Co, Breguet, Cecil Purnell, Hermès, HYT, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Maîtres Du Temps, Moritz Grossmann, Mühle-Glashütte, Omega, Speake-Marin and Zeitwinkel. Exquisite jewellery brands on display with special collections will include Carrera y Carrera, Ceres, Emperor’s Fine Jewels and Gübelin and Mouawad. Also not to be missed is the exclusive Omega watch exhibition showcasing the limited edition James Bond collection for the first time in Malaysia.
In addition to these feature collections, Starhill Gallery welcomes new boutiques Patek Philippe, Cortina Watch and HYT in time for A Journey Through Time IX.
A key highlight of A Journey Through Time IX is also another first for the event, as it unveils an exclusive collaboration with iconic British designer Julien Macdonald.
The Julien Macdonald Fashion Show will feature designs created exclusively for A Journey Through Time IX, his latest collection from London Fashion Week and couture pieces. Julien Macdonald’s beautiful creations will be shown at the event’s Opening Gala and the open-to-public Fashion Parade on 21 November 2015 at Adorn Floor. The Julien Macdonald Retrospective Exhibition will feature couture pieces worn by the likes of Beyonce, Rihanna, Katy Perry, Taylor Swift and Kim Kardashian at Starhill Gallery’s Indulge Floor during event days. A private viewing of his latest collection will also be available by-appointment on 22 and 23 November 2015 from 12pm to 5pm via Starhill Gallery’s concierge.
Seven public workshops led by horologists, experienced collectors and brand experts covering a wide range of topics will offer everyone from beginners to seasoned collectors the opportunity to speak with, learn more from and explore the art of watch making and appreciation
The A Journey Through Time IX experience is further complemented this year with special curated menus that are only available over the 8 days. Feast Village’s new Executive Chef – Chef Richard Sawyer, has created a special A Journey Through Time IX à la carte menu at Shook! Restaurant that will tantalise the taste buds and refresh visitors to the event. A veteran with 26 years of experience, Chef Richard Sawyer has worked in two Michelin-star restaurants in London. Newens Tea House has also come up with a luxurious high-tea menu consisting of Newens Tea House’s finest plus special creations for the event themed Fashion High Tea at RM160nett for 2 persons.
Performances by international artistes Ms. Carly Paoli, Mr. Alessandro Safina and Mr. Gareth Gates are set to mesmerize guests at this year’s event as well. British pop-idol Mr. Gareth Gates will be performing at the Opening Gala on 20 November 2015 and at A Journey Through Time IX Sunday Brunch at Shook! Restaurant on 22 November 2015 at 12 noon; while critically-acclaimed British-born mezzo-soprano Ms. Carly Paoli and renowned Italian tenor Mr. Alessandro Safina are set to captivate at the Closing Gala on 27 November 2015. Ms Carly Paoli will also be at the Starhill Christmas Activation event at Newens Tea House on 24 November 2015 at 3.30pm.
A much-anticipated part of the programme this year is the specially hosted gala nights and high-tea jewellery showcases by luxurious brands in Starhill Gallery including Bedat & Co’s Gala Night on 21 November 2015, Gübelin’s Gala Night on 24 November 2015, Mouawad’s Jewellery High-Tea on 23 November 2015 and Carrera y Carrera’s Jewellery High-Tea on 26 November 2015.
A Journey Through Time IX will come to a grand finale with Starhill Gallery’s Watch of the Year Awards on 27 November 2015. Determined by an esteemed judging panel, results of the coveted awards will be announced at the Closing Gala. Nominated brands will have a chance to be crowned the best of 2015 under seven categories; Starhill Gallery Favourite Ladies’ Watch Award, Starhill Gallery Favourite Men’s Watch Award, Starhill Gallery Watch with Complications in Movements Award, Starhill Gallery Timeless Jewellery Award, The YTL Spirit of Classical Art Award, The Judges’ Choice Award and the Ministry of Tourism and Culture, Malaysia – Most Revered Award.
Watch and jewellery enthusiasts can win exclusive passes to the Gala Nights, special events and other prizes by participating in the contests running on the Starhill Gallery Facebook page and with selected partners. For further details of this year’s event and the latest updates, log on to www.ajourneythroughtime.com.my or visit www.facebook.com/starhillgallery.
