First Crush, Latest Crush: Chanel’s Newest Coco Crush Fine Jewellery Line
Four emerging Singapore‑based talents share what they’re passionate about right now.
First crush. Latest crush. Romantic crush. Celebrity crush. Biggest crush. Small crush. Mini crush – and what happens when someone’s got a crush on you? As Chanel’s Coco Crush line of fine jewellery – distinguished by its quilted motif – welcomes a bumper crop of new styles this year, F ZINE gets four emerging Singapore‑based talents to share about their passions now and forever. XX!
SHYE, 23, ARTISTE & MUSIC PRODUCER
Shye wears Coco Crush mini 18K yellow gold ring with diamonds (at base of right pinkie), matching plain ring (second from base of right pinkie), small 18K beige gold ring with diamonds (on left index finger), matching 18K yellow gold ring with diamonds (on left ring finger), and Premiere Sound yellow gold‑coated steel watch with lacquered dial and leather strap (worn crossbody), all Chanel Watches & Fine Jewellery; and leather coat with jewelled buttons, cotton tank top, denim jeans with jewelled button, and leather belt with metal and strass, Chanel
WHAT DISTINGUISHES HER WORK:
“My DIY approach to making music – I write, record, produce, mix and master all my music from home. It started out this way due to necessity, as I’m not formally trained and I wanted to learn to do things myself, but it has since become my modus operandi. I love how it means that I’m learning all the time, and it’s a way for me to push boundaries. It has also translated to the visuals of my videos, which tend to be raw and have an intentional ‘low budget’ quality, as I record them on a camcorder. I never set out to represent myself this way, but it’s something that I’ve made work for me and feels authentic to me.”
THE MOST IMPORTANT THING SHE’S WORKING ON NOW:
“I’m finishing my next album, which I had originally intended to launch last year, but I was going through a bit of a slump then, so I took a break and started fresh, and I’m happy I did that because it’s coming together better now … It focuses on the things and people that matter in this lifetime, no matter the struggles and distractions we face.”
Shye wears Coco Crush small 18K white gold ring with diamonds (warn as pendant), Chanel Watches & Fine Jewellery; and cashmere cardigan with jewelled buttons, Chanel
CURRENT CULTURAL OBSESSION:
“I’m a sucker for all things cute and I’ve been obsessed with the anime adaptation of Chiikawa since last year.”
CELEBRITY CRUSH:
“Nana Komatsu is my forever crush. Also, Anya Taylor‑Joy and Sophie Thatcher.”
WHAT MAKES HER CRUSH ON SOMEONE:
“I think it’s attractive when someone is cool but completely unaware that he or she is cool. I also have a soft spot for shy types with a good sense of humour, and find it cute when people geek out about things that excite them.”
SOMETHING SHE’D SAY TO A FORMER CRUSH:
“Who?”
Shye wears (on wrist, from top) Coco Crush mini 18K white gold bangle, mini 18K yellow gold bangle, mini 18K white gold bangle with diamonds, 18K beige gold bangle with diamonds, mini 18K white gold bangle with diamonds, mini 18K beige gold bangle, and 18K white gold bangle, and Coco Crush mini 18K white gold ring (on base of left index finger), small 18K white gold ring with diamonds (second from base of left index finger) and mini 18K beige gold ring (on left pinkie), all Chanel Watches & Fine Jewellery; and denim blouson with jewelled buttons, matching jeans,
THE WORLD NEEDS MORE…
“…loyalty when it comes to love.”
ONE THING SHE’D LIKE TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE WORLD:
“My music as a way for listeners to escape – even if it’s just for a little while”
HER FAVOURITE WORD STARTING WITH “F”:
“‘Family’, but if someone has already said that, then it’s … ‘Fhye’, spelt F‑H‑Y‑E. It’s a new word – inspired by my name.”
ANNA DU TOIT, 24, ARTIST/MAKER & CURATOR
Anna wears Coco Crush large 18K white gold ring, Coco Crush single earring with 18K beige gold hoop and 18K white gold hoop with diamonds (on lobe), and Coco single earrings with diamond in (from left) 18K beige gold, 18K white gold, 18K yellow gold and 18K white gold, all Chanel Watches & Fine Jewellery; and denim blouson with jewelled buttons, and acetate sunglasses with leather bow detail, Chanel
WHAT DISTINGUISHES HER WORK:
“My work is often recognisable through its surreal and beautifully bizarre visual language. I use a ballpoint pen to weave together tendrils, flowers and birds into otherworldly compositions – a glimpse into my mind that many have come to identify.”
THE MOST IMPORTANT THING SHE’S WORKING ON NOW:
“I’m juggling several exciting projects, but the most important is my solo show opening mid‑August. It’ll be the first time I’m showing some of my older works, which is both nerve‑racking and deeply meaningful. Most people have only seen them online, so this physical encounter feels like a huge step.”
HER FIRST CRUSH:
“A boy named Pepijn who used to re‑enact Barbie scenes with me all through primary school”
WHAT MAKES HER CRUSH ON SOMEONE:
“Someone who’s so passionate about what they do that they lose themselves in it. There’s something magnetic about watching someone do or talk about what they love – even if I don’t really understand it.”
Anna wears (superimposed around her) Coco Crush 18K yellow gold ring with diamonds, Chanel Watches & Fine Jewellery; and Fantasy tweed and lace top with jewelled buttons, matching skirt with braided details, lace top, and mesh and grosgrain boots, Chanel
SOMETHING SHE’D SAY TO A FORMER CRUSH:
“I could’ve written a 10‑book series about our never‑was romance. Oh well.”
IF SOMEONE’S GOT A CRUSH ON HER…
“Let’s talk and be friends!”
Anna wears Coco Crush 18K white gold single earring with diamonds, Coco Crush small 18K white gold ring with diamonds (on right index finger), Coco Crush mini 18K beige gold ring (on right ring finger), Extrait De Camelia 18K rose gold transformable ring (worn wrapped around left ring finger), Coco Crush mini 18K yellow gold ring (on left index finger, top), matching 18K white gold ring with diamonds (on base of left index finger), and Les Infinis De Camelia 18K white gold transformable necklace, all Chanel Watches & Fine Jewellery; and cashmere jumpsuit with jewelled buttons, and cotton tank top and matching arm warmer, Chanel
THE WORLD NEEDS MORE…
“…care and connection. There’s a lot of disconnect and chaos in the world right now – things we can’t and shouldn’t ignore. Staying aware and grounded, and choosing to act with intention and care even in small ways is how I believe we can start to make a difference.”
HER FAVOURITE WORD STARTING WITH “F”:
“‘Futon’, because it rolls off the tongue – and sounds like udon. I love udon.”
DANIEL GOLDMAN, 17, MODEL & STUDENT
Daniel wears Coco Crush single earrings with 18K beige gold hoop and 18K white gold hoop with diamonds (worn around top of helix as well as on lobe, sold individually), Coco Crush 18K yellow gold single cuff earring (around middle of helix, top), Coco Crush 18K white gold single cuff earring with diamonds, Coco Crush mini 18K yellow gold ring (on left index finger), Coco Crush large 18K yellow gold ring (on left ring finger), and Premiere Edition Originale yellow gold‑coated steel watch with lacquered dial and leather strap, all Chanel Watches & Fine Jewellery. Vest, stylist’s own
WHAT DISTINGUISHES HIS WORK:
“My curiosity – I always like to go deep into understanding how things work and how people think.”
THE MOST IMPORTANT THING HE’S WORKING ON NOW:
“The most important thing I’m working towards is receiving my International Baccalaureate Diploma, and focusing on understanding the business world through expanding my knowledge on business, theatre and sports.”
Daniel wears Coco Crush 18K white gold necklace (top), matching 18K beige gold necklace, Coco Crush small 18K white gold ring (on left index finger) and matching mini ring (on left ring finger), Coco Crush mini bangles in (from left) 18K white gold and 18K yellow gold, and Coco Crush large 18K yellow gold ring (on right ring finger), all Chanel Watches & Fine Jewellery; and denim jeans with jewelled button, and leather belt with metal and strass, Chanel. Tank top, subject’s own
CURRENT CULTURAL OBSESSION:
“I spent some time in Spain recently and was especially intrigued by its Gothic‑style architecture. And everything felt intentional – from the food to the street art.” HIS FIRST CRUSH: “In grade one, I had a crush on this girl that I used to play football with.”
TRAITS THAT WOULD MAKE HIM STOP CRUSHING ON SOMEONE:
“When someone lacks self‑awareness and they move through the world without thinking about how they affect others. Also, if someone constantly needs to prove they’re better than everyone else instead of just being real, it just breaks the connection for me. Confidence without empathy or reflection turns into ego, and that kills any sort of attachment for me.”
Daniel wears Coco 18K beige gold necklace with diamonds, and (on wrist, from top) Coco Crush mini 18K white gold bangle, 18K yellow gold bangle and mini 18K white gold bangle with diamonds, all Chanel Watches & Fine Jewellery; and leather belt with metal and strass, Chanel. Everything else, stylist’s own
THE WORLD NEEDS MORE…
“…courage – make your dreams a reality regardless of what others expect of you.”
ONE THING HE’D LIKE TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE WORLD:
“I’d love to be someone who encourages others and helps people believe in themselves.”
HIS FAVOURITE WORD STARTING WITH “F”:
“‘Football’ – because football is life”
MILA BEA, 16, SINGER‑SONGWRITER, MUSICIAN & ARTIST
Mila wears Coco 18K white gold single earring with diamond (top), Coco Hoop 18K white gold earring with diamonds (sold in a pair), Coco 18K beige gold necklace with diamonds, and (on wrists, from left) Coco Crush 18K beige gold bangle with diamonds, mini 18K white gold bangle, mini 18K beige gold bangle with diamonds and mini 18K white gold bangle with diamonds, all Chanel Watches & Fine Jewellery; and viscose and cotton dress, Chanel
WHAT DISTINGUISHES HER WORK:
“I’d say I’m definitely distinguished by my honest, emotional and metaphorically packed lyrics. My music – specifically my upcoming songs – carry an Americana flair, which is greatly influenced by the music I listened to growing up. I’m also notable for my visual identity, which includes handmade crowns, swords and boots.”
THE MOST IMPORTANT THING SHE’S WORKING ON NOW:
“I’d say developing as a musician and following my creative instinct. I’ll be going on tour in November, which I’m super excited about. Besides that, I’m releasing new music and preparing for events.”
CELEBRITY CRUSH:
“At the moment, I’d say a combination of Havana Rose Liu’s and Heath Ledger’s faces with Adrien Brody’s voice. And I forever heart Stephen Chow in Kung Fu Hustle.”
Mila wears Coco single 18K white gold earring with diamonds (top), matching 18K beige gold earring, Les Infinis De Comete 18K white gold transformable necklace with diamonds (worn as a double‑tier lariat necklace), and (on fingers, from left) Coco Crush mini 18K yellow gold ring, mini 18K white gold ring with diamonds, 18K white and beige gold ring with diamonds, large 18K white gold ring, small 18K yellow gold ring with diamonds, mini 18K beige gold ring, small 18K white gold ring with diamonds and mini 18K yellow gold ring with diamonds, all Chanel Watches & Fine Jewellery; and cotton hoodie, matching skirt with jewelled buttons, satin hair clips with strass (sold individually), and leather and grosgrain boots with metal chain hardware, Chanel
HER LATEST CRUSH:
“I’d like to know too.”
WHAT MAKES HER CRUSH ON SOMEONE:
“Solid mahogany, set neck, ruby red metallic, 22 medium‑jumbo on an Indian laurel fingerboard with round edges, six strings, standard duo‑volume‑and‑tone layout with era‑accurate CTS pots, and a three‑way toggle, two pickups.”
SOMETHING SHE’D SAY TO A FORMER CRUSH:
“Bye!”
THE WORLD NEEDS MORE…
“…support and validation of teen mental health.”
Mila wears (on fingers, from top) Coco Crush mini 18K beige gold ring, small 18K beige gold ring with diamonds, mini 18K yellow gold ring with diamonds, 18K white and beige gold ring with diamonds, small 18K white gold ring with diamonds, small 18K yellow gold ring with diamonds and mini 18K white gold ring with diamonds, and Premiere Iconic Chain steel watch with leather strap, all Chanel Watches & Fine Jewellery. Top, subject’s own
ONE THING SHE’D LIKE TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE WORLD:
“Good music and good energy”
IF SOMEONE’S GOT A CRUSH ON HER…
“Write me a song about it.”
HER FAVOURITE WORD STARTING WITH “F”:
“‘Folklore’ – I’m very intrigued by mythology, so I’ve been reading a lot of folklore over these past few months”
ALL INTERVIEWS HAVE BEEN EDITED FOR BREVITY AND CLARITY.
PHOTOGRAPHY STEFAN KHOO STYLING DAMIAN HUANG & PANG JIA WEI PHOTOGRAPHY ASSISTANTS ALIF & SOLENN ROBERT STYLING ASSISTANT CHRISTINA GRACE LAI HAIR FOR SHYE, ANNA AND DANIEL EC TAN/KIZUKI + LIM HAIR FOR MILA WINNIE FONG/FLOW SALON MAKEUP KEITH BRYANT LEE, USING CHANEL BEAUTY