The 29-year-old CEO and founder talks innovation and futuristic designs for his exclusive, tech-forward accessory products and art collection

I have always had an entrepreneurial spirit, which is what encouraged me to pursue my dream and unleash my creative side by founding luxury tech accessory company, GRAY, in 2015. When launching the company, I knew I needed to form a unique team that would share the same vision as me, so I sought to lead a tribe of rebels who could help bring these tech accessories to life. These individuals, made up of visionaries, pioneers and creators, seek to explore the future of our world and leave their mark wherever they go. GRAY’s sleek designs are inspired by the technology of the future and the leaders who are shaping it. Our products are proudly handmade by skilled craftsman using daring mechanical artistry and engineered using high-end materials and metals, making our line of accessories for the tech-savvy consumer the most exclusive and unique that money can buy. Our products range from cases for iPhones, AirPods and Apple Watches, but also cross the cyber dimension with crypto hardware wallets and NFT artwork.

My home of Singapore has greatly inspired the vision of GRAY. Our flagship serves as a global innovation hub and sets a standard for technology and luxury. But we didn’t stop in Singapore. Our network extends worldwide, allowing us to immerse ourselves in cultural differences and integrate a global perspective to ultimately shape a connected future through our products.

I strive to engineer products that are futuristic and will withstand the test of time, while simultaneously redefining the future. When I first launched GRAY, I realized that design and technology were meant to be pushed to the limits. This realization led me to create GRAY’s first product, an Apple iPhone case that challenged the possibilities of what a simple accessory could potentially be. Prior to college and the creation of GRAY, I served as a Lieutenant in the Singapore Armed Forces which deepened my leadership skills and abilities. I took many lessons from that time and applied them to my new company, as I believed that pursuits for change and the betterment were something that could be applied throughout any aspect of life.

Only the finest, luxurious materials are used to create our products. Aerospace-grade metals such as aluminum, titanium and carbodyne make our list for production of accessories for a wide range of Apple and Samsung products, along with everyday accessories like writing pens, wallets, and more recently physical and digital artwork. GRAY’s products are produced in small batches offered as limited-edition collections, sometimes as little as 150 units at a time, making them ultra-exclusive and truly uniquely crafted pieces.

The RESKAR Apple Watch case comes as the latest offering from GRAY’s product line. The timeless, exclusive, and limitedly available Apple Watch accessory is hand-crafted using titanium and carbodyne. For the Carbodyne variant the exterior of the watch case is formed by carbon fiber sheets stacked together in different directions creating a unique, wavy visual that remains sleek and durable due to the metal selection. Such a simple, yet refined piece can transform your everyday Apple Watch into a little piece of art.

I saw a shared optimism for the future of cryptocurrency and wanted to create a product that kept it safe and secure, while delivering a new, digital currency experience. GRAY’s Corazon cryptocurrency wallet, built upon technology from the original hardware wallet Trezor, is machined from aerospace-grade aluminum and titanium, upping your luxury status while quite literally investing in your future.

The rising popularity of Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) has played a role in my forward thinking for GRAY. Last month, our first ever NFT, GRAYCRAFT1 was released and made available for purchase through an auction on OpenSea, a peer-to-peer marketplace for NFTs. My vision for the ethereal digital artworks is bold and of futuristic taste; I plan on continue an ongoing collection of work that show spacecrafts, vehicles and other objects that traverse all realities through physical and virtual worlds. Our GRAYCRAFT1 project marked our first entry into the Metaverse and the digital art world, and we are very proud of its success thus far. These 3D models and animations were auctioned at the GRAYCRAFT EXHIBITION at the RAPTURE Gallery in Decentraland. Aiming to capture the excitement of future space travel, GRAY also machined physical GRAYCRAFT sculptures alongside the GRAYCRAFT1 launch. These physical models, made from aerospace-grade aluminum, are limited to 25 editions and make for a very exclusive GRAY experience as you merge the physical and digital worlds of art.

The GRAY rebels proudly march forward with great ideas for the future in mind. The art of GRAY begins when different ideas, perspectives and experiences are aligned, and true innovation is ignited. Only the most daring of people dream of doing great by shaping reality.

Everything gets better with time as we all know. After five, ten and twenty years of marriage couples are enjoying a more abundant life and are in a different life stage than when they first met.

Oftentimes, to commemorate a significant anniversary in a meaningful and lasting way, men will choose to “upgrade” their wife’s ring to a size that is commensurate with their existing lifestyle and salary.

If you are thinking about an upgrade in the near future, there are a few options to consider in order to achieve a beautiful ring that will take her breath away.

Read on to get my
5 Tips for the Perfect Ring Upgrade:

 

1. Surprise her or Let her Decide ?

Before you begin your search you need to decide if this will be a complete surprise or if you are going to include her in the process. Chances are, she has been dreaming of an upgrade so making sure you’ve done your reconnaissance is key.

Ideally you can gather enough information to know what she would want, and then surprise her with everything else. After 5, 10, 15, 20 years of wearing their original ring, they will either be absolutely sold on the shape they have, or be keen on another shape. Ask questions months before you prepare to shop so she can clue you in on what style and shape she loves now. Women’s taste changes over the years so do not take personally if she likes and wants something completely different. That is generally the case for most women.

2. Trade or Keep?

The ring she is wearing is one of the (if not THE) most significant items you have ever purchase for her. Keeping her original stone is an ideal option if your budget allows. If you decide to keep the original stone you purchased for her, having it set as a diamond pendant is a beautiful way to keep your sentimental gift near and dear to her heart.

A majority of ring upgrades are trade-ins. This means you can trade in your original diamond to upgrade to a larger diamond. A value is given for your diamond (do keep in mind it will not be what you originally paid for it) but the value given for your stone will be put toward her new ring which helps you get more.

3. Same or Different?

You bought her a 1 carat round brilliant solitaire 10 years ago. Should you get her a 3 carat round brilliant solitaire? Or should you opt for a dazzling Oval with a halo around it and switch things up a bit? This is a decision that must be made after gathering information from your wife, whether covertly or overtly. Do not guess on this one, gents. Chances are that she would like to switch things up a bit so make a fun afternoon of it and after lunch with champagne, go try on some rings on Rodeo Drive to find out what she fancies.

She may have fallen in love with colored diamonds (Yellow, pink) or precious gemstones like sapphires, rubies or emeralds over the years, in which case you can start searching in that direction. There is much to learn about each class of diamonds and gemstone which is why enlisting the help of a diamond concierge can save valuable time and money.

4. Bigger or Higher Quality (or both)?

In deciding how to spend your diamond dollars, you need to consider what is most important to your wife. Generally speaking, size (carat weight) is the most significant factor in a ring upgrade. As you may (or may not) remember from 10 or 20 years ago, every step up in carat weight, color and clarity increases the rarity of your diamond and therefore the price. I always share with my clients that size and color are the two most visible C’s of diamonds, so as long as your diamond is eye clean, an SI1 is just fine if that means you can get 1 carat larger. Having access to top make, eye clean stones is a valuable asset when searching for your upgrade.

5. How to Present Her Ring

Now comes the fun part! Whether a big surprise celebration with friends and family, or a private getaway at your favorite luxury resort for just the two of you, watching your wife’s face light up like the sun as she opens a beautiful ring box to an even more beautiful ring is a feeling you cannot replace. And it will take you back to that first moment you got down on one knee and asked her to be yours.

You have both grown together in love, respect, wisdom and sacrifice over the years and honoring her with an upgraded diamond ring is such a special gift that only you can give her.

Based in the Lower East Side of one of the most fashion-minded cities in America, the NYC native brand, Quinn, has been making waves in the pool of minimalist fashion since they’ve opened shop back in 2013. Through the use of complex textiles, intriguing cuts and genuine sartorial ingenuity, the Quinn designers create chic ready-wear that resonates closely with fashion-minded men and women nation wide.

Quinn clothing is designed to be comfortable enough for travel, functional enough for your everyday, and tailored enough for the office. From sleek cotton dresses to cozy cashmere sweaters, each design is made with the millennial mentality in mind—clothing that’s comfortable, versatile and won’t fall out of style after a season. The brand’s head designer, Aussie-born Bree Telford, marries utility with creative design to enable collections that stand out among Quinn’s adversaries.

In the past year, Quinn has had features in the Fall/Winter 2015 Coterie, PROJECT New York, and was seen on numerous celebrities such as Gigi Hadid and Liam Hemsworth. Hemsworth. With more features in the works, the brand is planning to continue the success following the release of the much-anticipated Fall/Winter 2016 collection.

Quinn offers affordable clothing, ranging in price from $120USD to $2000USD, as well as cashmere hats, gloves, blankets and slippers priced at $65USD to $750USD. Check Quinn out in-store or online today.

Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither should your wardrobe be.  In a world cluttered with disposable clothing, we wanted to give credence to a few stand out, go-to pieces that are worth the splurge:

 

1. A leather jacket

Whether it be moto, bomber or a blazer – the style trends change, but if you find the look that flatters you, a great leather jacket is always worth the splurge.  Think Grease, Top Gun, or even The Matrix – the leather jacket just has a way of setting a “says it all” tone. The leather jacket is the perfect juxtaposition for adding a bit of edge over a floaty dress.  Throw over a dressy look and you’ve taken it down a notch in a super cool way.  For the more classic lady, a leather jacket can complete a sleek, tailored look without being too prim.  Any way you wear it, the leather jacket is a go-to wardrobe piece for any fashionista.

2. A little black dress

As men have had their weapons from the dawn of time, a LBD is the crowning piece in a woman’s fashion arsenal.  Useful for all occasions: dates, luncheon, shower or even a business meeting – every woman has to have it.  The magic of the LBD is that it can range from casual to cocktail to more black tie if called for.  Whatever your style, all that matters is it makes you feel like a million bucks and it’s is worth every penny.

3. A proper leather handbag

A timeless leather handbag is essential.  One that will hold up, sit on your arm the way you prefer, and in a neutral color will be hard to find – but worth its weight in gold.  Think about it.  You carry a handbag every day of your life – for hours upon hours.  You need that sucker to lift, carry, haul and be flung about as much as you do day after day.   With that said, I have to admit to being a ardent supporter of great handbag craftsmanship from legendary houses such as Louis Vuitton.  I’ve been amazed how time and time again, I will see 20+ year old Louis that have nary lost their heft and handle.  Now, if you balk at spending close to $1000 or more on a single item, there are plenty of other great options out there as well.   I recommend Cole Haan and Ralph Lauren, whose leatherwork seems to hold up well unto the great pressure that being a woman sidekick is.

4. A Trench

The French have style, hands down.  And, over and over, the trench makes the lists on how to attain that French sense of style.  From Brigit Bardot, to Audrey, to Lauren Hutton – that trench just adds that certain je ne sais quois over any outfit to make you feel polished, pulled together and womanly.

5. A pair (or more) of ballet flats

Again with the French?  Well, all I know is that with all the running around we women do, we’ve got to take care of our feet!  My little puppies can’t handle heels day in and day out, so I say hooray for the ballet flat!   A ballet flat is so chic, so simple and effortless – and a great investment pair will last you season after season for years to come.  Pick a standout color to mix and match with outfits and avoid being matchy matchy.  But, you can’t go wrong with a neutral pair either, just as long as you’re pairing them with ankle pants and flirty dresses.

6.  Statement jewelry

A friend of mine always picks up a bauble worth talking about on her travels.  It’s a great memento to take home and remind her of where she’s been.  I love having a knock out piece for that very reason – give ’em something to talk about!  Don your favorite statement jewelry with abandon – a cocktail ring, a dazzling choker, fabulous arm candy or even a great earring.  In the spirit of Elizabeth Taylor, one stunning gem can take even the most drab to gossip-worthy proportions.

7. A winter coat

As the seasons change, let’s face it – you may spend hours getting dressed only to top it off with that same old coat.  With that said, get yourself a coat you are proud to wear all fall and winter.  Anna Wintour said in this month’s Vogue that it’s her first new purchase every fall.  Pick a color, pattern, and style that works for you, not the trends.  A bright, bold color that cheers every mood or a belted style that defines your waist like no Spanx ever could… Investing in a great coat is like a great fire.  It gives you the warmth, glow and energy to face whatever the elements bring.

Featuring : Charmosa Swimwear, Liz Henry Jewelry, Nichole McKinney Jewelry, Indie Soul, Chechy Benedetti, SWAV Apparel, BDDesigns Jewelry, Natalia Lai, Don Cheng, Lumier by Bariano

 

Spring is in full swing and Summer is around the corner. It’s time to update your closet a with fresh new look. There are a lot of bold statements being made in fashion this season. Here is just a glance at these wearable fashions that dominated the runway.

Bermuda Shorts

While we are still seeing short shorts this season, 2013 is also bringing back the longer shorts. You can dress either casual or fancy with bermuda shorts this spring.  Check out these slouchy, floral shorts by SUNO. You can’t go wrong with these chic shorts that are flattering on all body types. If you are looking for something that will go with just about anything, you will love these denim cutoff shorts by Citizens of Humanity.

Black and White

When you think of spring trends, you probably think of flowers and pastels. However, this spring, black and white is making its appearance in everything from bold checkered patterns to color blocking. You can never go wrong with black and white. Make sure to pick up a sporty black and white dress this spring, like this Herve Leger Graphic Bandage Dress. You also can’t go wrong with this classy Halston Heritage colorblock strapless dress. It’s perfect for that special event!

Bold Stripes

We love stripes! Both black and colorful stripes are making their appearance everywhere this season. Go bold with this colorful top by Dolce & Gabbana or go for a more conservative look with this nautical fit and flare dress by Kate Spade. You can wear stripes year round and they aren’t a style that is going anywhere soon, so make sure you have plenty of this must have style in your closet!

Short Suits

Are you looking for something chic enough for work yet still casual enough for a night out on the town? Short suits are the answer. If you only add one thing to your wardrobe this spring, let this be it! They are both sophisticated and fun. Try this Michael Kors black and white striped short suit. It is the perfect piece to add to your wardrobe this spring.

Sheer

Sheer fashion is making a statement this spring. If you are looking for a bold and daring piece to add to your wardrobe, this is it. Check out this sleek sheer stripe top by Jean Paul Gaultier.  However, for those of you who aren’t ready to bare everything, sheer fashion also looks great layered. We love this sheer vest by Patterson J. Kincaid.

Oversized Ruffles

Add a little femininity to your collection this season with oversized ruffles. Ruffles are making a come back and we aren’t talking about the “princessy” kind of ruffles we saw in the 1980’s.  Today’s ruffles are sculpted, modern, and fresh, like this white pierrot top by Alexander McQueen. You will also see ruffles as a single wave on a structured silhouette, like this pale pinkDiane von Furstenberg bobbie ruffle top.

Now you know what is sizzling for spring, but how can you update your wardrobe without blowing your time and money? Try Shopscotch, a free online service that notifies you when things go on sale. Just install the Shopscotch button in your web browser. Then you can use it to watch products from your favorite retailers. Shopscotch will notify you when the price drops!