Writing at a all-women’s retreat — Audemars Piguet
Hello everyone! I’d like to share a little of what we did in July, and one of the corporate events we wrote for was with Audemars Piguet, a Swiss luxury watch brand that exudes a blend of tradition and avant-garde.
The Brief
Audemars Piguet is holding a women’s retreat at Capella Singapore. An exclusive evening gala will be held at Capella Manor on 17-18 July where guests and KOLs are invited for a cocktail reception. They will be able to mingle around, let loose with good music and view the watches in the private showrooms in the manor!
The Client
Audemars Piguet is a prestigious Swiss luxury watchmaker renowned for its craftsmanship and innovation. Founded in 1875 in Le Brassus, Switzerland, by Jules-Louis Audemars and Edward Piguet, the brand is famous for its high-quality timepieces and intricate mechanisms. One of its most iconic models is the Royal Oak, introduced in 1972. The Royal Oak is known for its unique octagonal bezel, "Tapisserie" patterned dial, and integrated bracelet. It was one of the first luxury sports watches, blending traditional watchmaking with a modern aesthetic.
I love how the designs of their watches often feature complex complications, such as perpetual calendars, chronographs, and tourbillons. The brand is also known for its attention to detail and use of high-quality materials, including precious metals and rare gemstones.
What We Did
We have done many ladies focused events events before, from the 13th brand anniversary of Love, Bonito to the anniversary of SSEW (Seasoned Singapore Expat Women). In the two-day event, Nicole and I went with a more casual flow that promotes depth and authenticity in the guests: instead of asking them for 3 words, we asked open questions such as “What kind of poem would you like today?” “What is the season you’re going through right now?” to celebrate their precious time and womanhood.
Upon reaching, I found the manor absolutely magical…it is two storeys which remind me of the chaebol’s houses in Kdramas and even has a cute pool area! They brought me around the manor to take a look in the different rooms and there’s a photowall in one of the rooms, a private viewing area where guests can look at the watches, and lastly a showroom where watches are on display.
I am writing at the main room. This will be my view as I write! I love how they livened up the space with fresh blooms and I could see the pool from where I sat. There is also a DJ right opposite me at the end of the hall.
Showing some of our best works from the two days! Written by both Nicole & I.
I’m honestly very lucky to work alongside such a talented poet as Nicole! Can you spot the slight differences in our style? 😍
We also always try to write in an encouraging and affirmative tone. I’m also very heartened to see the overwhelming response and how much the guests loved our poems, we even wrote an estimated ~46 poems in 4 hours!
The most memorable experience of the night goes to these two lovely ladies here (pictured on far right)
One of them requested a poem to celebrate her & her boyfriend’s retirement, and her friend requested one for her dad’s 80th birthday. When they read it, both were evidently touched and even began to cry!! I gave them a hug and we took a picture to commemorate 😭
The power of words can touch so much…
I already know this, but to witness it anew is always magical.
Hope your loved ones love it as much as you do. Thank you for sharing a piece of your life with me so sincerely.
My special thanks to Rachel, Hannah, & the rest of the iPossible team for the smooth planning of the event. As always, your trusty and reliable presence always made me feel at ease!!
Thank you also to Shao, for assisting me at my booth when I was writing for 4 hours straight!! She grabbed me small bites, warm water and food to keep me going, and even kept track of the orders and talked to guests when I was too busy. I honestly felt very well taken care of and pampered…thanks Shao!~
Thank you to Nicole, my trusty improv poet whom I can rely on and share the workload of writing with.
Thank you to Audemars Piguet for choosing Graceful Quills, for believing that live poetry could be a great addition for your guests.
To end off this post, I am sharing a poem I’ve written for this event, on the concept of time and femininity.
Time stands still
through the seasons
as she flows from moment to moment,
growing from strength to strength.
Her time is malleable
Her time is creative
Her time is becoming
Her time is writing her story.
