Editor’s Word: Life is Poetry

As an art and luxury lifestyle magazine, Magnifissance continually ponders a fundamental question: What truly defines luxury? Is it the tactile, sensuous pleasure derived from the touch of sumptuous, textured hides? Or is it the unadulterated joy of a fragrance concocted from the finest jasmine oil? Or perhaps it’s the poised confidence one feels when dressed in a perfectly tailored suit? Whatever luxury may be construed as, one thing is certain: it transcends mere products. Rather, timeless luxury manifests in the interplay between objects and the senses, invoking a dialogue with our innermost selves.

In our ongoing quest to uncover the true essence of luxury, serendipitously, we encounter a 3,000-year-old masterpiece: The Book of Songs (Shijing). This work of unparalleled beauty and significance has profoundly influenced the literature and aesthetics of the entire Far East. Created in an era devoid of modern conveniences—cars, airplanes, communication networks, or even electric lights—this ancient text transports us to a world that embodies luxury in its purest form: the boundless, unrestrained freedom of the heart. We sincerely hope that the poetic sustenance it offers can be felt and appreciated in our daily lives. In this spirit, we came up with the theme of this issue: Life is Poetry.

In the pages of the Poetry of Objects, we pair curated artworks inspired by The Book of Songs with coveted fashion and home pieces, presenting a unique world where ancient poetry converges with modernity.

In our conversation with Dior’s perfume director, Francis Kurkdjian, we explore the parallels between the art of crafting a scent and composing a poem, with each note meticulously chosen and each layer thoughtfully constructed. The result is a magical, indescribable sensation that can’t be digitized—a poetic quality that sets humanity apart from machines.

For 127 years, Gracie, a celebrated sixth-generation hand-painted wallpaper atelier, has transported us to an enchanting world brimming with poetic romance, where rooms are perpetually in bloom and no two panels are ever alike.

Over to serene Bhutan, the world’s happiest nation, His Majesty King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck has unveiled an ambitious vision: Gelephu Mindfulness City, a groundbreaking urban concept where ancient spirituality and cutting-edge technology, prosperity and mindfulness, coexist harmoniously within the land’s picturesque natural landscapes.

This edition also features previous interviews with eight principal dancers from the world-renowned Shen Yun Performing Arts. Prepare to be awed as they glide through the air like poetry in motion. Shen Yun is now touring North America—don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience 5,000 years of ancient civilization brought to life in the most majestic yet poetic manner.

I often reflect on a quote from John Keating, the English teacher in the beloved film Dead Poets Society: “I have a little secret for you…Medicine, law, business, engineering: these are noble pursuits and necessary to sustain life. But poetry, beauty, romance, love…these are what we stay alive for.”

With more beautiful stories awaiting you, I hope this issue fulfills Keating’s aspiration of bringing to life poetry, beauty, romance, and love in a tangible manner that you can touch and hold forever.