Editor’s Word: Journey of Wonders
Christmas is upon us! Behold the bustling season filled with emotions, and the precious time when that childlike wonder within us is reignited.
I still vividly recall the thrill of counting down the days to Christmas as a child. Regrettably, as we become ensnared in the mundane demands of adulthood, that once-magical sense of awe gives way to dull familiarity.
In this edition, Magnifissance invites you to reconnect with wonders that are all around us—from everyday objects that speak of ancient cultures to contemporary narratives that uplift and inspire. Each page has been carefully produced to delight the senses and spark curiosity.
Come with us to Gyeongbokgung, Seoul’s grandest royal palace, where we create a visual feast that illuminates the splendor of traditional architecture alongside contemporary fashion. Here, the majestic arches of its roofs rise in breathtaking symmetry, while vibrant colour palettes dance playfully in the light, reminding us of the beauty that has persisted through the ages.
Tom Chapman, co-founder of MatchesFashion, shares his tips for creating wonders at home through his new online platform, ABASK. This exciting hub features over 200 expert makers who continue to master time-honoured crafts.
When we first encountered the ink paintings of artist Cheng-I Wu, a sense of wonder enveloped us. His recent work, inspired by The Classic of Mountains and Seas—a collection of ancient mythical landscapes and creatures from 4th century B.C.E. China—transports viewers into a realm where history and mythology intertwine. Each stroke connects the known with the unknown, inviting us to delve deeper into the mysteries of existence.
One of the most unforgettable journeys featured in this issue is that of Dr. David West Reynolds, a renowned archaeologist, bestselling author, and keynote speaker. Reynolds built the Star Wars website in the ’90s, and launched a feature that Steve Jobs hailed as “the biggest download event in Internet history.” His creation of the crystal-powered lightsaber—wielded by cinematic Jedi knights—has become an iconic symbol within the Star Wars universe and beyond. Venturing through Eastern and Western ancient civilizations, this “21st-century Renaissance man” shows us the transformative power of believing in the wondrous.
“All of us have wonders hidden in our breasts, only needing circumstances to evoke them,” wrote Charles Dickens in his book Martin Chuzzlewit. I hope our carefully curated stories will awaken your inner strength and inspire you to discover your own wonders in the year ahead.
Inspired for a Beautiful Life
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