Lifestyle
This Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient has always practiced freedom of speech
A real MVP

13.01.2017
By Buro247

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“To know Joe Biden is to know love without pretense, service without self-regard, and to live life fully.”
These were words uttered by President of the United States, Barack Obama prior to awarding the Presidential Medal of Freedom to his vice president and friend, Joe Biden in a surprise ceremony. On top of it being the highest honour an American civilian could receive, the medal presented by Obama—for the first and only time in his presidency—boasted an additional level of veneration, as he proclaimed the award to be the “Presidential Medal of Freedom with distinction”.

Amid tears and a dropped jaw, Biden exclaimed, “I had no inkling.”
The 74-year-old was overcome with emotion as he expressed his gratitude. “This honor is not only well beyond what I deserve, but it’s a reflection of the generosity of your spirit,” Biden said to Obama. “I don’t deserve this. But I know it came from the president’s heart.”

“Bidenisms”
Before we get choked up, let us take a glance back at some of the moments that remind us of how he charmed a nation and cemented “Bidenisms” (political gaffes or verbal flubs made by one Joe Biden whether knowingly or not) in a country’s lexicon:

“A man I’m proud to call my friend. A man who will be the next President of the United States—Barack America!”—at his first campaign rally with Obama

“Isn’t it a b*tch? This vice president thing?… That was a joke, that was a joke. Best decision I ever made. I’m joking. That was a joke.”—to a student body’s vice president at Harvard University

“…His mom lived in Long Island for ten years or so, God rest her soul and uh um, although wait, your mom’s still alive, it was your dad [who] passed. God bless her soul!”—during the awkward mix-up between the Irish Prime Minister’s parents

“It’s like Yoda said, ‘Live long and prosper’.”—at San Diego Comic Con

“Failure at some point in your life is inevitable, but giving up is unforgivable.”—at the Democratic National Convention in 2008

“Folks, I can tell you I’ve known eight presidents, three of them intimately.”—at a campaign event in Detroit

“And I’ll say this to American youth: Sniffing a little glue never hurt any one.”—during his Democratic National Convention speech

“You think, I’m joking, they’re almost all gymnasts, the stuff they do on hard wood, it blows my mind.’’—on the topic of cheerleaders in a speech to a group of student athletes at Newport High School

“We’re going to be OK because of the American people. They have more grit, determination and courage than you can imagine.”—in an interview with CNN’s Larry King

“The greatest gift is the ability to forget—to forget the bad things and focus on the good.”—in a speech remembering his mother and deceased wife

“I promise you, the president has a big stick. I promise you.”—citing Theodore Roosevelt’s famous quote, “Speak softly and carry a big stick”

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How to accessorise your party outfits, according to these celebs in Chopard

19.12.2018
By Joan Kong

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The Cartier Privé collection is about history and modernity

As cheesy as it sounds, an outfit is never complete without some form of bling, and what better time to bring out all your stunning jewellery collection than the holidays? Thinking of ways to accessorise your look may seem tough for your (seemingly never-ending) events end of the year, but we’re getting a tip or two from these celebrities who have nailed their glammed-up looks to a T. Whether you’re letting your jewellery do the talking (Julianne Moore is the look to emulate, in our opinion), or stay true to the girl’s best friend with an array of diamond pieces incorporated into your ensemble (à la Gigi Hadid and G.E.M), regardless of your style and the occasion, we’ve got a style inspo for you. Warning: Be prepared to turn heads.

Below, 10 celebrities who were spotted in Chopard jewellery, and why we love their look:
{insert gallery tpl=”slide-freesize.tpl” id=”[Стандартная] Chopard jewellery celebs” rid=”6823″ order=”a_tstamp”}

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Must-eat seafoods in New Zealand

Food + Drink
Must-eat seafoods in New Zealand
The freshest catch

04.09.2015
By Buro247

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Here are 5 must-try seafood delicacies from the South Island region of New Zealand.

1. Green-lipped mussels

A specialty that is unique to New Zealand, this large and flavoursome mussels are freshest from Marlborough where 80% of New Zealand’s mussel production is based. These mussels stand out with their dark green shell with a bright green lip that they are named for. The best way to enjoy them us overlooking the natural beauty of the Marlborough Sounds on board a mussel cruise with a glass of equally well-known Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc.

2. Crayfish

There is no better place to eat crayfish in New Zealand than at the town that literally translates to ‘eating crayfish’ in Maori — Kaikoura. Although New Zealand crayfish is marketed as lobster in some markets, it is actually smaller than a lobster. The best way to enjoy is is to boil it whole, split it, and serve with seafood dressing.

3. King Salmon

The king salmon offers the highest natural oil content of Omega-3 and New Zealand accounts for more than half of the world’s production of this sought after fish. In the Southern Alps of New Zealand sits the highest salmon farm in the world, Mt Cook Alpine Salmon, also recognised as one of the world’s most sustainable salmon farming operations. The New Zealand salmon season runs from early October to late April every year and there’s no better place to purchase fresh salmon than at Mt Cook.

4. Whitebait

This tiny fish has a big reputation for being one of the most sought after seafood in New Zealand. Catching whitebait is an art and fishermen need the appropriate equipment and a whole lot of patience to score a sufficient bounty during the short fishing season. The most popular way of cooking whitebait in New Zealand is the whitebait pattie, which is definitely a must-try when you see it appear on any menu.

5. Oyster

For large, plump and juicy oysters, Bluff is the place to be. Home to New Zealand’s oyster production, Bluff oysters are carefully harvested from the cold sea each season to maintain sustainable stock for the future. Eating Bluff oyster fresh out of the shell, neat, is the perfect way to enjoy the fresh oysters.

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Fashion
Blast from the past: The most iconic fashion moments in the history of MTV

26.08.2019
By Stephanie Boey

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Lifestyle
In my shoes: Kicking goals and taking names in the latest Nike Air Max Dia

23.03.2019
By Terry Saw

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There is something inspiring – empowering even – about standing in a pair of cool kicks designed by women, for women, that makes me stand up a little straighter and walk a little taller.
The powerful backstory behind Nike Air Max Dia isn’t just one about how an engineer, a designer, a product manager and a developer came together to design the most expressive, functional and sophisticated pair of Dia yet, but also one that champions some of the most important conversations today surrounding women empowerment, inclusion and diversity at the table – above all, a story that deserves to be told and celebrated.
Personally, the storytelling is down to a tee, but did the rest of the new Dia features check out? Here are my key takeaways after (literally) living in them for the past week:

Comfort and craft
These points scored high on my list – the Dia is super light despite its bulkier appearance and is expertly designed with a feminine silhouette and a tapered toe-box (read: none of that Bigfoot vibes) to balance out the other cool aspects screaming for attention – in a positive way. Striking a good balance between colour, features and volume was key throughout the design process of this shoe, and I think this was quite cleverly achieved both technically and visually.
The longest I’ve worn my pair of Dia came close to 15 hours – it was a super long day of running around and being on my feet, clocking in at close to 20,000 steps. So, when it comes to long-wear comfort, I am walking proof that it’s a day-to-night or desk-to-drinks go-to. Bonus: no chafing or blisters from my first wear, which I sometimes get with new sneaks – you can definitely do more with them, but these shoes are made for walking.

Height over heels
My style aesthetic leans on the edgier side, so I’m usually swapping between loafers, boots and heels depending on how I feel. And while I’m still working my way to sassy Jonathan Van Ness‘ level of heel confidence, I would not be the first to turn down a little extra height in my shoes.
My collection of sneaks is usually reserved for more casual, off-duty occasions but what I do like about the Dia – besides its strong lifestyle appeal – is the exaggerated stack height in the Air unit for that extra boost, without the visual bulk or need for band aids to keep blisters at bay.

The Dia also comes with maximum foam and cushion padding at the base, so all-day comfort is a given, and I immediately felt dressier than usual despite what I’m wearing. And trust me – I’ve tried pairing it with many different outfits just to make sure I can safely say, it’ll go with most things in your wardrobe too.
Did I imagine I would be wearing sneakers all day, every day – by choice? No. Do I (magically) feel a little more confident with the stack height? Yes. Would I wear this every day and bid goodbye to my heels forever? Since the Dia – debatable.

Easter eggs alert
The other thing I love as much as a good story, is the Easter eggs that come with it.

The deconstructed translucent Nexkin upper, a similar Zoom Fly trait, is a fun and winning feature for me. This part of the see-through vessel ‘reveals’ the colour (or print) of your sock, which completely reinvents the colourway and your look, allowing you to switch things up instantly. Something to note though, this only works for certain colourways – I have the pale ivory-black version, which sadly, does not support this ‘peekaboo’ effect but still a feature I can really appreciate.

Lastly, the four dots you see on the heel of the shoe is a subtle finishing touch – a nod to the powerful collaborative effort of the four pillars (and women) behind this creation. Not only did they come from diverse professional backgrounds with varying strengths but complemented each other beautifully to achieve the perfect balance in a shoe designed for women, by women. So, you see, it’s true what they say – real Queens do fix each other’s crowns.
The Nike Air Max Dia is now available in Nike stores globally.

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Fashion
A handy guide to Longchamp’s My Pliage Signature—the customisation you never knew you needed

22.09.2020
By Joan Kong

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Fashion
I love Timothée Chalamet so much, I copied some of his looks

30.03.2020
By Stephanie Boey

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Fashion
Coach releases a limited-edition space-inspired capsule that’s out of this world
Space age

04.06.2017
By Wei Yeen Loh

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If you love nothing more than geeking out to space-related facts and count E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial as one of your favourite movies of all time, Coach’s latest space-inspired collection is going to blow your mind. Space Rexy and NASA embossed patches on a slew of bags and jackets? This might just be our favourite all-American capsule collection from the brand.
“The collection is very nostalgic. There’s something about the time of the Space Program that just gives this feeling of possibility. The space references, rockets and planets are symbolic of a moment of ultimate American optimism and togetherness.” — Stuart Vevers, Creative Director of Coach
The theme is an inspirational one to boot—it is influenced by American dreamers past and present, referencing the nostalgia of American space exploration. This collection comprises ready-to-wear, bags and accessories for both women and men, including the iconic Dinky and Saddle bags embellished with elements from space such as stars and Apollo rockets. As mentioned, Rexy the Coach Dino makes an appearance on t-shirts and bags, this time sporting an astronaut helmet and jetpack—ready for take off. Alongside that, two new silhouettes are introduced to this capsule: The Dylan bag that’s inspired by flight bags of the ’70s, and the League Backpack that harks back to ’80s school bags.

Here are our favourites from the capsule collection:
{insert gallery tpl=”slide-freesize.tpl” id=”Coach Space” rid=”5109″ order=”a_tstamp”}

Coach Space for Prefall 2017 is now available online and at Coach stores nationwide.

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Trends
Shop now: 10 Rainbow pieces to sport for Pride Month 2018 (and all year round)

27.06.2018
By Joan Kong

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With the month of June coming to an end, so is Pride Month, but that doesn’t mean we should stop rocking the rainbow—continue to wear your pride on your sleeves! Take baby steps to lend your support by adding that extra dash of rainbow hues in your wardrobe. Aside from the cause, it’s also a fun trend to sport, especially in this gloomy weather. While we may not have access to products by brands which are specially dedicated to helping LGBT organisations, we’ve curated a list of trendy separates that you can wear all year long. Take a look at the Burberry checked button-down shirt from its rainbow collection (presented at its chief creative officer Christopher Bailey’s final show before his departure earlier this year); the oversized Gucci sunglasses and T-shirt that are extra fun thanks to the colourful embellishment; and the cute Rockstuds that are peppered all over the Valentino ankle-strap heels. These pieces will lend that notice-me factor to the simplest of outfits, for sure.
1.     Oversized embellished T-shirt, Gucci
2.     Rainbow elasticated bra, Emporio Armani
3.     Gavi rainbow-heeled wedge sandals, Salvatore Ferragamo
4.     Checked cotton-poplin shirt, Burberry
5.     Rainbow clutch bag, Fendi
6.     Sienna woven leather slippers, Tory Burch
7.     Zigzag stretch-knit kaftan, Missoni Mare
8.     Laelia embroidered linen and cotton-blend skirt, Zimmerman
9.     Rainbow Rockstud d’Orsay sandals, Valentino
10.  Square-frame glittered acetate sunglasses, Gucci

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Food + Drink
3 Indian restaurants in KL to try this weekend
(If you haven't already)

19.10.2017
By Rachel Au

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Since Deepavali and Diwali (yes, there is a slight difference between the two) are four- and five-day celebrations, the festive spirit continues on into the weekend. After you’ve attended the open houses and indulged in these popular snacks, move on to any of these Indian restaurants in town for a true feast that each stand out on its own.

Nadodi

The word means nomad in Malayalam and this fine dining restaurant describes its offerings as Nomadic cuisine. Try any of their degustation menus and you’ll understand why. Every dish will bring you on a journey of flavours from the southern lands of India but the execution is a modern and creative interpretation. Our recommendation: Prepare your palate and your stomachs for the 10-mile journey.
Address: Lot 183, 1st Floor, Jalan Mayang, Off Jalan Yap Kwan Seng, 50450 Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: Dinner only with three services (closed on Sun)
Phone number: 017 390 0792
Website | Facebook | Instagram

WTF – What Tasty Food

A vegetarian restaurant with Northern Indian influences, WTF is a regular receiver of high praises. From the Tandoori Platter to the daal makhani and paratha to the Mushroom Tikka Masala, the food tastes authentic and is well worth the wait. Yes, it can get quite crowded so try to visit during non-peak hours or make a reservation.
Address: 98, Lorong Maarof, Bangsar, 59000 Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 11.30am – 10pm (Mon – Thurs); 11.30am – 11pm (Fri – Sun)
Phone number: 019 261 7070
Website | Facebook | Instagram

The Ganga Cafe

Touted as one of the best vegetarian Indian/Banana Leaf Rice restaurants in town, it’s easy to eat clean at The Ganga Cafe. For one, they don’t use MSG or food colouring. Secondly, it’s so good you won’t even remember your love for meat. Don’t forget to order their Masala Tea.
Address: 19, Lorong Kurau, Taman Bukit Pantai, 59100 Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 8.30am – 9.30pm (Mon – Sat); 10am – 3pm (Sun)
Phone number: 03 2284 2119
Facebook | Instagram

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Fashion
The best of Haute Couture Week Autumn/Winter 2022
Fashion meets art

12.07.2022
By Pravin Nair

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Established around 50 years ago to promote French fashion culture, Haute Couture Week—as hosted by the Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode—is one of the most important and opulent fashion events to exist. Taking place twice a year, every January and July, this grand affair ushers in designers, labels, fashion critics and couturiers from across the globe to gather for one thing, and one thing only—high fashion.
Kicking off the recent Autumn/Winter 2022 couture week that took place from the 5th to the 7th of July was Daniel Roseberry’s Schiaparelli, boasting pieces that were intricate, unique and mesmerising—so much so that they looked like artworks that belong in a museum. Notable looks from the show included flowers made from coloured stones and metal vine leaves that existed alongside poufy silhouettes and ruched taffeta, a much-explored theme by Elsa Schiaparelli herself.
Elsewhere, Iris Van Herpen drew inspiration from Ovid’s famous poem, Metamorphoses. Debuting tech-infused fashion that’s synonymous with her namesake label, 3D-printed embellishments, upcycled fabrics and laser-cut halos were paraded oh-so gracefully on models down the runway. With too many memorable collections and moments that took place in and outside of Paris, we’ve taken the liberty to list down some of the best. Read them below.
1. Chanel

Continuing her dialogue from the previous couture season, Virginie Viard took to experimenting and drawing allusions to Chanel from the 1930s. Displaying silhouettes that were reminiscent of Mademoiselle Chanel herself, suits, long dresses and garments with lace were familiar but entirely different in their own way.
Tweed jackets and pleated dresses were presented with subtle, yet refined changes to them, paired with necklaces that paid tribute to the 1932 High Jewellery collection, Bijoux de Diamants. As per the press notes, Viard shared that the use of necklaces in this collection as “celestial elements” were fitting as they complemented the pleats on some of the couture pieces. The suits came with strong shoulders and those that were accompanied by pleats were inlaid, reworked and repainted in resin, making them slightly varied from the traditional Chanel look. This season’s collection also showcased Western-chic elements, featuring cowboy boots and T-strap pumps, a beautiful nod to the Étrier de Paris equestrian centre where the show took place.
2. Dior

Maria Grazia Chiruri’s strength in manipulating and reworking fabrics falls hand in hand with her ability to weave stories into its seams. And that’s exactly what has been done this season. Inspired by Ukrainian artist Olesia Trofymenko’s work, which centres around the Tree of Life—a well-known entity that exists in the folkloric tales of many cultures—Chiuri delivered a collection that explores different customs, thus inviting an open dialogue.
Embroideries are brought together by silk and cotton threads, and yarn—depicting the tree of life and its roots, branches and trunks—and were deployed on wool, cotton fabrics and cashmere. On dresses, patchworks of braids were held together by bronze-black lace and guipure. Silk chiffon, on the other hand, was used on long, airy dresses that are reminiscent of smocks—a theme of clothing heavily explored by Chiuri across all seasons.
3. Balenciaga

In an exciting turn of events where the runway had more notable moments than the guests in attendance, the show began with a love poem recited in the background, seemingly voiced by an AI as the models walked down the runway. Once again, Demna explores the dystopian realities of our humanity as evident in this collection. Look 01 saw a model covered neck to toe in a scuba bodysuit, wearing space pumps, a neoprene face shield, and a speaker bag that was designed in collaboration with electronics brand Bang and Olufsen. Yes, the same brand that made Miranda’s phone in The Devil Wear’s Prada.
Weaving in a sense of his own identity into this collection while paying homage to the label’s roots, we are also presented with renditions of Cristobal Balenciaga’s original silhouettes. Look 54, as seen on model Bella Hadid was the perfect example of taking something old and turning it new. The green satin dress that’s big in volume and with a very recognisable split down the back became the talk of the fashion community on Twitter as it took a similar shape as the Amphora dress from the Summer collection of 1949.

Bella Hadid for Balenciaga, AW22 Couture by Demna Gvasalia/ The Amphora dress from the S59 Haute Couture Collection by Cristobal Balenciaga. pic.twitter.com/YI7Zck9wQe
— REN (@imthespecialk) July 6, 2022

Another breathtaking feat was getting the likes of Naomi Campbell, Nicole Kidman and Kim Kardashian to make an appearance on the runway itself. In a star-studded performance staged by the creative director, Demna’s intent on democratising haute couture to the masses was well realised. A couture store selling certain items from the collection is now open at Avenue Georges V, where you can purchase the iconic speaker bag, upcycled pieces and Balenciaga porcelain figurines as a souvenir!
4. Schiaparelli

The fashion aficionado, consumer of haute couture and avid fan of Schiaparelli must know of the founder’s deep-rooted love for flowers. In an autobiography written by author Meryle Secrest, it was stated: “She relates that as a little girl, convinced of her ugliness, she had a moment of inspiration. Flowers were beautiful. So she would plant them in her ears, down her throat and into her nose. They would grow and cover her face and then she would be beautiful”.
And Creative Director Daniel Roseberry made sure he honoured the late Elsa Schiaparelli so beautifully this season. Models walked down the runway in dresses made out of silk, feathers, velvet, and lavish gold adornments. In a special nod to the beauty of flora, we saw hand-crafted flowers across a few looks, where the sunflowers, roses and lavenders were almost lifelike.
The last look of the show held some poetic semblance to the reality of our current world. Sending a model down the runway with revealed belles poitrines, spray painted in Pat McGrath‘s silver moon dust, wearing a hat, a velvet skirt and holding a white dove in her hand, Roseberry sends a message of wanting peace and calm in the world we live in. In the show notes, the designer remarked that “to make truly beautiful things isn’t actually that easy. But it is a privilege—and I’m grateful for it every day.” To that, we say, he did excellently.
5. Jean Paul Gaultier x Oliver Rousteing

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Jean Paul Gaultier’s collection was highly anticipated as a collaboration with Balmain’s Creative Director, Oliver Rousteing was teased just days leading up to the show. Reinterpreting the designs of the house through his own understanding of the brand, Rousteing started the show by sending male models down the runway wearing prints that have been replicated from the Autumn/Winter 1994 tattoo-inspired show. Throughout the presentation, we were offered tailoring borrowed from his personal style that’s akin to Balmain, meanwhile details were those of Gaultier’s design codes.
Taking references from the label’s archives, Rousteing chose to revisit designs that spoke to him, such as the bespoke Gaultier pieces for Madonna’s Blonde Ambition tour. Elsewhere, pregnant belly moulds were paraded by models, and some were put in gowns that resembled the iconic Le Male perfume bottle. Overall, Rousteing brought both allure and humour to the house of Jean Paul Gaultier for this special collaboration.
6. Valentino

This season, Pierpaolo Piccioli brought the house’s couture show to a landmark of history, both for the brand and the land from which the brand hails. Situated on the steps of the Piazza di Spagna (or the Spanish Steps as they are more commonly known), Piccioli presented a whopping 102 couture looks for both men and women. The location was chosen as a nod to the first Valentino sartoria di Alta Moda located at the top of the Spanish Steps and overall, the show was simply spectacular—think dramatic silhouettes, ruffles, feathers, sparkle, not to mention a strong guest list filled with A-listers such as Anne Hathaway, Andrew Garfield and Kate Hudson, to name a few.
Titled ‘Valentino The Beginning’, clothes were bold, bright in colour and complemented by feathered headpieces, ruffles and sheer fabrics. Models were also varied in figures, spotted in coloured gloves, and sequined coats and blazers that were couture-esque even with their oversized silhouettes.
Mimicking the colours of autumn, where the shades of flora go bright before falling warm and muted, the couture pieces acknowledged the cycle of beginnings and ends that the designer held close to when creating this collection. Sharing in his show notes, Piccioli says, “Beginning and end coincide, in that moment when the orderly sequence of time breaks and something new exists, breathes and lives. This is the Beginning, this is us.”
7. Fendi

Creating a concise collection that is both chic and ethereal, Kim Jones takes us on a journey around the world with tailoring inspired by fragments of different cities, namely Kyoto, followed by Paris and finally, the label’s home ground, Rome. The kimono fabric, as well as the Kata Yuzen, a painstaking Japanese hand-printed technique, laid the foundation for the entire collection. As models walked onto the runway, we saw silhouettes progressing from solid to sheer, lucid and luminous. Complementing the quiet aesthetic of the collection were louder pieces—namely crystal chains, shimmering dresses and a high jewellery collection realised by jeweller Delfina Delettrez Fendi.
For more fashion stories, click here.

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The comprehensive guide to SS16 trends

Fashion
The comprehensive guide to SS16 trends
All encompassing

30.10.2015
By Wei Yeen Loh

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Lingerie luxe

The memo was clear this season: bringing boudoir from the bedroom to the runways, evident with Haider Ackermann’s rock-infused pink slips that were paired with tough, leather jackets and booties, Céline’s beautiful silk camisoles, along with Calvin Klein and Alexander Wang’s full-length lingerie-like dresses.

Cold shoulder treatment

If designers’ intention was to bare some skin for spring/summer, they did it the chic-est way possible—by exposing a little bit of shoulder with cold-shoulder tops. Wes Gordon’s sunshine yellow top was cut-out precisely; Issa’s all-white and Proenza Schouler’s all-black dresses were languid and summery; while Givenchy channeled the same with a gold, couture-like confection.

Elevated denim

Denim is no longer a staple piece that’s casual and laidback for the weekend only. This season, high fashion denim is made for all occasions: Marc Jacobs’ star-spangled outfit with printed denim, Alexander McQueen’s shredded and cuffed jeans, Versus’s edgy bomber jacket, and Chanel’s old school skater jeans.

Spanish influences

From flamenco ruffles to brilliant red hues at Proenza Schouler, Oscar de la Renta, Salvatore Ferragamo, and Blugirl, Latin influences have got us clamouring for summertime at Seville this season.

Futuristic metallics

While inspiration more often than not comes from the past decades, there were post-apocalyptic elements on the runways that had plenty of high-shine courtesy of metallic silver and experimental materials, seen at Iris Van Herpen, Louis Vuitton, Loewe, and Maison Margiela.

Exaggerated sleeves

Whether Victorian-era puffy sleeves or contemporary bishop sleeves, designers injected both ornate and minimalistic silhouettes in sleeves, noted at JW Anderson (mutton sleeves), Fendi (ultra chic bishop), Dior (exaggeratedly wide sleeves) and Céline (full sleeves).

Going low-slung

We thought we’d see the end of this 90s trend, but the low-slung pants have been riding high on designers’ lists this season, especially with labels that offer cool and casual street-chic pieces such as Isabel Marant and Derek Lam; whereas a luxe vibe was exuded at Balenciaga and Ann Demeulemeester.

Pink for spring

A worthy springtime colour, pinks of all sorts came to play in SS16’s palettes. Light coral with salmon undertones reign at Temperley and Mara Hoffman, and blush pink had a scene at Emporio Armani and Roberto Cavalli.

Square peg

60s mod, square-toed footwear is making a comeback this season, with a fresh spin to designs such as Tory Burch’s sculpted slingback heel, JW Anderson’s oxford-like heels, Céline’s monochromatic ankle boots and Paco Rabanne’s rugged boots.

Slouchy knapsacks

A great thing about this purse trend is its fuss-free, practically weightless feel to it, yet it looks super chic when held by hand especially with various colour, print and tasseled (or chained!) options; spotted at Marni, Louis Vuitton, JW Anderson and Calvin Klein.

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Watch the Emporio Armani AW19 livestream here

21.02.2019
By Joan Kong

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Held at its usual spot, the Armani Theatre, find out what Mr. Armani has in store for us this Autumn/Winter 2019. In the meantime, follow the brand on Instagram and stay tuned to the Stories for an exclusive access backstage, and immerse yourself in their preparations ahead of the big show at 6.30pm in the evening.

Watch the Emporio Armani AW’19 show here:

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Food + Drink
The Macallan Edition No. 5: A tale of the unique single malt whisky and the colour purple

06.11.2019
By Ronn Tan

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According to Dr Jim Swan in 2005, drinking whisky may assist in preventing cancer with even greater health benefits than the well-known medicinal properties of antioxidants in red wine. He continued that “single malt whiskies have more ellagic acid than red wine”. The relationship between cancer and ellagic acid? Human beings have rogue cells in their bodies and the presence of ellagic acid through the consumption of whisky (moderately) can help absorb those rogue cells. Other benefits of whisky are lower risk of heart disease according to a study by Harvard University and decrease in probability of dementia according to the Central Institute of Mental Health in Mannheim.

Macallan Edition No5 Purple
In the 2012 film Skyfall, James Bond can be seen drinking whisky—The Macallan, to be specific—and again in 2015’s Spectre. As one of the world’s most admired and awarded single malt whiskies, The Macallan (founded in 1824) has a major reputation. It is universally-known as a brand that exudes outstanding quality and distinctive character. Since its founding by Alexander Reid, The Macallan has had an obsession with excellence and with that fervour and tenacity, the brand continues to progress even 195 years after its inception.

Macallan Edition No 5 Purple table shot
The proof? The Macallan Edition No. 5. In partnership with Pantone Color Institute, The Macallan Edition No. 5 is a tribute to the diversity and complexity of the natural colours of its whiskies. Commitment to the natural colour and complex process of making whisky is celebrated through this single malt. The collaboration with world renowned colour experts at Pantone Color Institute has given birth to a uniquely bold and complex shade of whisky—in the form of The Macallan Edition Purple. What makes The Macallan Edition No. 5 so special?

Macallan Edition No5 Purple box and bottle
In order to deliver a whisky with a wonderfully full flavour, American oak casks were chosen for this single malt—mainly due to their colour. The end result is beautiful sunlit barley-coloured drink. In addition to the interesting shade, sweet notes of caramel and fresh fruit as well as oak spices mean that there is also an intriguingly intense flavour profile.

Macallan Edition No 5 Purple Pantone
The uniquely bold shade of purple is chosen by Pantone Color Institute as a perfect reflection of The Macallan Edition No.5—taking inspiration from the natural colour spectrum and the intricate whisky making process of The Macallan. With the multi-faceted and intricate combination of red and blue in mind, purple can be said to be the most perplexing shade. A little side track: did you know that the 1985 film The Colour Purple (which starred Oprah Winfrey and Whoopi Goldberg) was given its name from the fact that the said colour represents all good things in the world? That is definitely something to think about. Shifting the focus back to The Macallan, it is essential to note that the infinite hues, creativity, and expertise that produces the natural colour of The Macallan are celebrated by this unique purple colour.
What are your thoughts on colours? Do they play thorough parts in the world you live in? Well, colours are definitely influential—affects perceptions, moods, thinking, behaviours, and thoughts. Whether you spell it whisky or whiskey, it is a spirit that has stood the test of time. The Macallan Edition No. 5 follows the launch of four previous releases in the same range—Edition No. 1 celebrated the The Macallan’s utilisation of wood whereas Edition No. 2 highligted taste by collaborating with The Roca Brothers of El Celler de can Roca. As for Edition No. 3, aroma was given the spotlight in partnership with Roja Dove. Last but not least, architecture of The Macallan’s new distillery was the centre of celebrations for Edition No. 4.
Bottled without an age statement at 48.5 percent ABV (alcohol by volume), The Macallan Edition No. 5 is priced at $115 (approximately RM600). The Macallan will be revealing The Macallan e-boutique this coming December. For more information, visit this website.

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Buro Loves
Vanity refresh: 7 New scents you need to update your fragrance collection for 2022

24.01.2022
By Redzhanna Jazmin

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2022 is looking to be an exciting year in fragrances, from juicy takes on classic florals to… artichokes? Indeed, the latest and greatest in olfactory treats are anything but boring.
Ahead, find our picks for the best new fragrances to consider for your signature scent refresh:
Dior
Miss Dior Eau de Parfum, RM350

“The Miss Dior fragrance has been a longtime favourite of mine, and the new Miss Dior EDP is exceptionally bright, sensual and romantic. It embraces velvety roses, uplifts with fresh lily-of-the-valley, and adds a touch of elegance with a powdery iris. For its base: comforting musks, a touch of Papua New Guinean vanilla, a dash of benzoin and a hint of tonka bean and creamy sandalwood. It’s the definition of a true floral fragrance, invoking the image of a vibrant and full bouquet of flowers of every kind. The fragrance’s bottle is distinctive with a new vibrant, pointillist haute couture bow—a “poignard” or “swallow’s tail”—at its neck, giving off a luxurious, feminine touch. Fun fact: the jacquard ribbon was made with over 396 threads and 12,000 stitches at every centimetre. I find myself reaching out for this fragrance especially for date nights!” — Rachel Au, Managing Editor
SHOP HERE
Tiffany & Co.
Rose Gold Eau de Parfum, RM501 (75ml)

“The quintessential metal of the millennial generation, rose gold takes on a new form in the latest fragrance Tiffany and Co. What could that possibly smell like, you ask? Good question. In the eyes of master perfumer Jerome Epinette of Robertet, the rose-tinted world of Tiffany smells like juicy blackcurrant, spicy pink pepper, and sparkling lychee paired with blue rose accord and set against a backdrop of ambrette seed, deep musk, and iris.
“It is a multi-faceted fragrance that is both playful and sophisticated; a very sweet floral that is perfect for both for picnics in the park and evenings out alike. It does last for a fairly long while (around half a day), but if you would like to keep the scent smelling bright, you’ll definitely need a few top-up spritzes. Personally, though, I prefer the way the drydown smells to the initial spritz, so I’d actually recommend applying a little petroleum jelly to your pulse points before spraying the perfume on to increase the longevity of the drydown.” — Redzhanna Jazmin, Beauty Writer
Tiffany & Co. Rose Gold Eau de Parfum is available at Isetan KLCC, SOGO KL, selected Aeons and selected Parksons.
Furla
Irresistible Eau De Parfum, RM400

“The latest fragrance collection from Furla comes in collaboration with worldwide leaders within the fragrance industry, and includes five timeless scents packaged in chic coloured flacons accented with gold. I had the pleasure of trying out three fragrances from the new line—Romantica, Preziola, and Irresistible. Of the three I received, however, my favourite has got to be the Irresistible EDP.
“The fragrance opens up with top notes of orange blossom, freesia and lily, which are blended with floral middle notes of violet, tuberose and white camellia and deepened by base notes of ambroxan, white wood and cypress. Overall, it has this intoxicating and almost ethereal floral scent that I absolutely adore, with a dry down that lasts all day long. It has quickly become my favourite fragrance (high praise considering that, believe me, there are a lot of fragrances in my collection)” — Redzhanna Jazmin, Beauty Writer
SHOP HERE

Diptyque
Eau de Parfum Eau Rose, RM759

“Who would have thought you could make a fragrance with an artichoke? But that’s exactly how whimsical and dreamy diptyque scents can be, and that’s how the Eau Rose family finally has its own EDP. Multi-faceted with four key accords—rose, litchi (lychee), chamomile and artichoke—the Eau Rose invokes a different emotion and a different image every single time.
“From the extracts and absolutes of Damascena and centifolia roses and Firad rose essence, comes a sweet floral note. From the litchi, fruitiness, and from chamomile, you get surprising honey accents. And then, the artichoke presents a deep, green, vegetal accord. It’s exhilarating, and it’s a scent that I couldn’t get enough of!” — Rachel Au, Managing Editor
SHOP HERE
Chloé
Eau de Parfum Naturelle, RM443 (50ml)

“This fragrance by Chloé is unlike others in the house’s lineup. Formulated with ethically-sourced ingredients from 100 per cent natural origins, this woody rose scent is completely vegan. Equal parts earthy and sweet, this elegant take on the rose is one of my favourites to date. I love the intoxicating blend of neroli, citron, and mimosa that subverts the earthy cedar notes and essential rose heart—it’s wonderful both fresh out of the bottle and post-drydown. It also lasts all day long, which is a huge plus for me.
“Better yet, it is the brand’s most sustainable fragrance yet, packaged in 25 per cent recycled glass and 40 per cent recycled card. I particularly love that the Eau de Parfum Naturelle launch is tied to the Green Belt Movement, ensuring that with each set sent, a tree will be planted—the action helps to engage communities and improve their livelihoods, while preserving the environment. All around, it’s a worthy purchase.” — Redzhanna Jazmin, Beauty Writer
SHOP HERE
Le Labo
The Matcha 26, RM820 (50ml)

“A perfect morning in Kyoto on a breezy, summer day with a cup of matcha to start the day—that is what I pictured when I first tried on The Matcha 26 by Le Labo. However, as with most Le Labo fragrances, it’s never quite what you would expect based on the names. Though matcha is in the name, the notes of the green tea is softened by a creamy fig note and is gently dissolved by soft vetiver and textural cedar woods. An uplifting bitter orange scent adds an unexpected fruity accord, thereby creating a fragrance that’s equal parts fruity, floral and woody.
“Personally, as a fan of Santal 33, I’ve had some friends comment that it’s too musky for them, but The Matcha 26 might be the best introduction to Le Labo scents. Designed to be a skin scent, it’s incredibly light, rarely lingers in the air, and is meant for the wearer and those close to him or her (or them).” — Rachel Au, Managing Editor
Available in-store at Le Labo.
Bvlgari
Allegra Fiori D’Amore EDP 100ml, RM984

“The Italians are well known for their colourful lifestyles and superlative emotions, which is the spirit Bvlgari’s Allegra collection seeks to express through fragrance. Representing love, Fiori D’Amore captures the joy of romance and being surprised with a gorgeous rose bouquet. It’s fresh and slightly fruity—perfect both as an everyday fragrance and for dates with your beau.
“For evening soirees and when I want to add more depth to the scent, I layer it with Bvlgari’s Magnifying Musk Essence (RM787), a separate perfume concocted to complement any of the five fragrances within the Allegra collection. This combination adds a sensual sophistication to the sparkling rose notes of Fiori D’Amore.” — Adelina Tan, Deputy Editor
Available at the Bvlgari counter at Parkson Pavilion KL.
For more fragrance reviews like this, click here.

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Food + Drink
Dean & Deluca Malaysia has a new menu of New York-style cafe food

27.04.2019
By Rachel Au

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As one of the many icons of New York City, Dean & Deluca has made its mark around the world with its epicurean treats. From Japan to Thailand to Kuwait, the brand finally found a home in Malaysia last year—specifically at Pavilion Kuala Lumpur. Menu aside, the cafe itself spots a minimalistic design that’s easy on the eyes and cosy in nature.
Fast forward almost half a year later, Dean & Deluca is finally ready for their next phase—by introducing a brand new menu of classic favourites and gastronomical delights. Most of them pay tribute to the New York culinary scene; with a goal to introduce new wholesome flavours to the Malaysian food scene at an equally amazing price point.

To give you a teaser, here are just five of our favourite items from the new menu (which features over 40 selections!):

Egg Florentine Atlantic, RM30

dean-and-deluca-malaysia-menu-egg florentine atlantic
There’s Egg Florentine (essentially sauteed spinach and poached eggs drizzled with hollandaise sauce on English muffin) and then there’s Egg Atlantic (pretty much the same thing except the spinach is replaced with smoked salmon). The trouble is that most of us want both and so, the Egg Florentine Atlantic is the answer.

Dean & Deluca French Toast, RM22

dean-and-deluca-malaysia-menu-french toast
The definition of breakfast indulgence, the house made French toast is drizzled with red berries sauce, red dragon fruit, bananas, strawberries, whipped cream and honey. Are you salivating yet?

Dean & Deluca Signature Meatball Pasta, RM30

dean-and-deluca-malaysia-menu-meatball pasta
New Yorkers really love their meatballs and this dish, as simple as it sounds, is truly big on flavours. It’s comfort food.

Wasabi Salmon Burger, RM40

dean and deluca malaysia menu-wasabi burger
This one is definitely one of a kind! Sandwiched between two fluffy charcoal buns is a very unique patty made with a combination of seared salmon, quinoa and spring onions that sits on a bed of fresh spinach and topped with wasabi sauce. With fries on the side, of course.

Grilled Zucchini Salad, RM25

dean-and-deluca-malaysia-menu-zucchini salad
Salad lovers might find themselves attracted to Dean & Deluca’s salad selections. One of them being the Grilled Zucchini Salad which consists of rocket, mozzarella, green beans, grilled zucchini, cherry tomato, pine nuts, raisins, and house made garlic dressing. The combination is both creative and refreshing.

Dean & Deluca Malaysia is located at Pavilion Kuala Lumpur, C3.10.02, Level 3, Connection. The cafe opens daily from 9:00am to 12:00am.

For more info or updates, follow them on Facebook or Instagram.

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Lifestyle
Queen Elizabeth II tests positive for Covid-19 and Twitter isn’t letting her sleep it off
Some of these *are* quite funny

21.02.2022
By Genie Leong

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On Sunday, 20 February 2022, Buckingham Palace announced that Queen Elizabeth II had tested positive for Covid-19. The Queen is reportedly triple vaccinated and is experiencing mild, cold-like symptoms. While it is likely that the 95-year-old Queen will be under quarantine for at least five days, as per the UK’s guidelines for individuals who test positive, and will need to test negative for two consecutive days to officially be in the clear, Her Majesty is expected to continue with light duties through the week.
Upon knowing of the news, heads of state and governments around the world took to Twitter to send wishes for a speedy recovery to The Queen.

My thoughts, and the thoughts of millions of Canadians, are with Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II today. We’re wishing her a fast and full recovery from COVID-19.
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) February 20, 2022

I wish Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth a speedy recovery and pray for her good health. https://t.co/Em873ikLl8
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 20, 2022

Very sad to learn that Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II has tested positive for Covid-19. The people of Maldives join me in wishing Her Majesty a speedy recovery and good health.
— Ibrahim Mohamed Solih (@ibusolih) February 20, 2022

However, the politically correct well-wishes on the social media platform were (of course) accompanied by a slew of jokes and memes. Here are some of the cheekiest reactions to the news of The Queen’s Covid-positive status:

There’s the typical joke about The Queen’s seemingly never-ending lifespan…

the year is 40,000 AD. queen elizabeth sits on her golden throne, slowly decaying, her body inert. a thousand irishmen are sacrificed daily to maintain the power of her mind in the warp https://t.co/0dzLLlIcSu
— punished e****robot (@PunishedRobot) February 21, 2022

…and how she might just outlive her son and immediate heir to the throne, Prince Charles.

The year is 2052. Queen Elizabeth is celebrating her Polonium Jubilee. Charles has been dead for 18 years.
— Marion Cotesworth-Haye, Notorious Ape Thief (@phuzzykins) February 15, 2022

Some imagine Prince Charles seeing this as an opportunity…

The Media : Queen Elizabeth tests positive for Covid
Prince Charles : pic.twitter.com/8aHgswrPbO
— Sketchaganda & Toxic Shop Syndrome (@sketchaganda) February 20, 2022

…others are intent on rehashing how the British media blew up earlier incidents with Meghan Markle, but with a good meme.

british media trying to find a way to somehow blame meghan markle for queen elizabeth getting Covid pic.twitter.com/fvlhNcHsaq
— Hurt CoPain (@SaeedDiCaprio) February 20, 2022

Additionally, the news has some Nicki Minaj fans a little confused…

barbs mistaking queen elizabeth for nicki minaj pic.twitter.com/em5137YH1M
— Spac3 (@spaceeong) February 20, 2022

…but all is well following Nicki’s tweet wishing The Queen a fast recovery and good health.

God save THE QUEEN.
Sending my love & respect to The Queen & her palace.
Wishing you a speedy recovery.
— Nicki & The Barbz
— Nicki Minaj (@NICKIMINAJ) February 21, 2022

There’s the typical Twitter dark humour take…

This soft launch of Queen Elizabeth’s death might be the biggest teaser since the Infinity War trailer
— Kar (@karlogan_) February 20, 2022

…and those on the Princess Diana train…

This ones for diana https://t.co/uXChkOiJMT
— Sue Sylvester apologist (@jaxajueny) February 20, 2022

…but not without a little caution (for security reasons, of course).

I need to stop making queen Elizabeth jokes before I get GOT
— Sue Sylvester apologist (@jaxajueny) February 20, 2022

All in all, with The Queen’s longevity and reign a longstanding topic that social media (especially Twitter) has enjoyed poking some light fun at, the reactions to the monarch’s Covid-positive status were to be expected. Knowing that she’s most probably been through worse—and most importantly, that her current condition is reportedly mild and manageable—Twitter users are (mostly) making light of it in the spirit of good-natured humour.
Should The Queen fall seriously ill, enough so to take her away from her duties for an extended period of time, we’ll expect command to fall into the hands of Prince Charles, who is next in line to the throne after his mother, or the UK’s working government if you have a British sense of humour. For now, though, Her Majesty continues to impress the world with her work ethic. May she have a smooth and speedy recovery.

Click here for more stories on the British Royal Family

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Film, TV + Theatre
10 Inspiring documentaries to spark your creativity

28.04.2020
By Kelly Lim

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During darker days, documentaries are a welcoming escape and an excellent way to entertain, educate and enlighten yourself without having to leave your couch. And no matter the discipline, there’s something especially engrossing about deconstructing the creative process and learning how each individual goes through it to bring an idea, story, emotion to life.
If you’ve been feeling a bit uninspired during the MCO period, here’s a list of inspiring documentaries, spanning the fields of art, design, fashion and gastronomy, that will leave you with lasting feelings and nuggets of wisdom, and might just even change the way you think about the world.
Eames: The Architect and the Painter (2011)

This documentary is the first to offer a fascinating look into the minds and lives of creative couple Ray and Charles Eames, whose collaborative approach to product design was in its own way as influential as that of Steve Jobs. The creative geniuses may be best remembered for their furniture design but the film goes on to chronicle all their other mind-bending creations as they honed their craft over the years—from splints for wounded military during World War II, to photography, interiors, multi-media exhibits, graphics, games, films and toys—while drawing from a huge amount of archival material as well as interviews with friends, colleagues, and critics.
Iris (2015)

The world’s oldest style maven, 98-year-old Iris Apfel is fearless, spirited and truly one of a kind. This documentary chronicles her colourful life and numerous creative pursuits, proving age is just a number when it comes to influence and inspiration. The camera follows Apfel on imaginative shopping expeditions and into her Aladdin’s cave of a home, making it abundantly evident that her endless enthusiasm for art and fashion is present in everything that she does. Sticking to values and work ethic established during a middle-class upbringing during the Great Depression, the bespectacled New Yorker imparts generous wisdom that is motivational to all: “I feel lucky to be working. If you’re lucky enough to do something you love, everything else follows.”
Jiro Dreams of Sushi (2011)

Another nonagenarian on the list, Jiro Ono is world renowned for his craft as a sushi master whose passion earned his Tokyo subway-station sushi restaurant three Michelin stars. Straddling food and art, his culinary work showcases the power of craftsmanship and the art of perfection. The film will transport you to a brighter, beautiful world of mouthwatering visuals, while offering an uplifting and thoughtful meditation on work, family and life.
Abstract: The Art of Design

This highly informative 14-episode series offer extensive coverage of different fields of design through the lens and vision of distinguished guests, including Ilse Crawford, Olafur Eliasson, Tinker Hatfield and more. Perceive the world as they do as you step into the everyday reality and behind the scenes of their lives.
McQueen (2018)

This riveting documentary delves into the complicated inner workings of the late legendary designer, Alexander McQueen, an artistic genius gone far too soon. From live wolves on leashes to robots shooting paint on a white-dressed model, some of Lee’s most awe-inspiring and iconic shows are highlighted in the film, along with new interviews and archival footage from close to 200 sources to portrait one of the most innovative minds in fashion history.
Struggle: The Life and Lost Art of Szukalski (2018)

One of the greatest artists you’ve probably never heard of, Stanislav Szukalski was a talented but tortured Polish sculptor whose intricate paintings and massive sculptures were notable for their dramatic mythological imagery during the period leading up to WW2. Produced by Leonardo DiCaprio and his father, who both knew Szukalski personally, the documentary is a character study that reveals the inner layers of his life, however strange, bizarre and astounding it may seem—he was even approached by Hitler for a commissioned portrait—and make you wonder if it’s truly possible to separate the art from the artist.
Joan Didion: The Centre Will Not Hold (2017)

With one of the most distinctive writing styles of the 21st century, Joan Didion is a literary legend whose confessional accounts of grief, self-respect and loss, alongside her reporting influenced both American culture and generations of devoted fans. This documentary, directed by her nephew, actor and filmmaker Griffin Dunne (and funded party through Kickstarter), is a loving tribute to Didion’s vast oeuvre and impact, offering a rare window into her life through archival footage and interviews with the people who know her best.
Press Pause Play (2010)

With the digital revolution came unprecedented accessibility and opportunity, along with creativity and impact that caused massive cultural shifts in art, film, music and literature. While technological advancements brought positive developments that democratised culture, the documentary questions what happens to the importance of technique and expression in a world where anyone can be an artist. Filmmakers David Dworsky and Victor Köhler explore the hopes, fears and dreams in the reality of our digital culture, alongside interviews with some of the most influential creators in the digital era including Moby, Bill Drummond, Seth Godin, Lena Dunham, Robyn, Sean Parker and many more.
Bill Cunningham New York (2011)

Way before Instagram even entered our lives, New York Times columnist Bill Cunningham was the original street style photographer. An incurable chronicler of fashion, the late photographer tirelessly documented the New Yorkers he spotted on the street and how they expressed themselves through their style. Filmed when he was 80-years old, the documentary profiles the creative’s life and work in the Big Apple, showing how his focus, passion and self-sacrifice allowed him to become the best at what he did.
Waste Land (2010)

This Oscar-nominated documentary is a story about true grit, following Brazilian artist Vik Muniz as he photographs and collaborates with “catadores” (self-designated pickers of recyclable materials) in the world’s largest landfill on the outskirts of Rio de Janeiro to create large-scale art pieces made out of trash. Filmed over the course of nearly three years, the film chronicles the creative process over a transformative journey, demonstrating how what is discarded by others can be recreated into art, and simultaneously go on to transform the lives of the artist, the subject and its viewer.

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Beauty
Out with the man buns, in with the man braids
The Braid-y Bunch

07.10.2015
By Renyi Lim

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Man…braids? Who’s rocking them?

Most prominently, Jared Leto – who, incidentally, never seems to have a bad hair day – was spotted at this year’s Golden Globes sporting a messy ombre French braid with a sharp white tuxedo. New York label Boyswear took things one step further during their Spring/Summer 2016 show for Men’s Fashion Week by sending their models down the runway with yodelayheehoo braids, draped sweetly under their ears. In a classic trickle-down trend effect, #manbraids can now be seen all over Instagram, with plenty of open-minded, adventurous guys deciding to have a go at plaiting their hair.
Is this some sort of newfangled trend?
Hardly. Men have been braiding their hair alongside women since human beings first decided that grooming was a good idea: cornrows, for instance, are thought to date back to 3500 B.C, while ancient Celtic nobles living in 750 B.C. experimented enthusiastically with elaborate braided hairstyles. Another famous plaited style, the Chinese ‘queue’ braid, was worn exclusively by male Manchus of Manchuria between 1664 and 1912, where the hair above the temples was shaved and the remaining hair was tied back in a long pigtail.
Plaits seem kind of feminine to me.
Try watching the History Channel’s TV series, Vikings, where every warrior worth his Scandinavian salt appears on screen bearing an impressive selection of braids woven into their long, flowing locks (and, on occasion, beards). The antihero of the series, Ragnar Lothbrok – played by Australian actor Travis Fimmel – can be seen with a particularly fine plaited mohawk that no one would dare point at and laugh, especially if he’s storming in your direction with an axe. Likewise, on Game of Thrones, Khal Drogo – Season One’s Dothraki horselord, in the form of the imposing Jason Momoa – displays his prowess in battle via the length of his braid. Respect the man braid, yo.
But I don’t have hair that flows like Jared Leto’s!
You needn’t worry about a thing: the men of Instagram have proved that you don’t necessarily need long hair to get the best out of a braid, and you don’t need poker-straight hair, either. In fact, a bit of rumpled, textured hair can make a plaited style look slightly wilder and windswept. Even if you tend to lean towards a hairstyle that’s cropped closer to your scalp, all you have to do is grow the hair at the top of your head ever so slightly longer – just enough to let you plait it down firmly and neatly. Get it right, and the look can turn out subtle, eye-catching, or just plain charming.
Alright, you’ve convinced me – I’ll give braiding a try. What do I need?
First, get your hands on some miniature snagless hairties (make sure they’re either the same colour as your hair or made from clear plastic, so that they don’t stand out too much) and a good hairbrush to get any tangles out before you start plaiting. Acquaint yourself with the basic rules of braiding – and then try it out! It might not look amazing on the first go, and it may turn out that you need to grow your hair out a little more before you can plait it properly, but practice really does make perfect in this case. If you’re super-impatient – and let’s face it, most of us are – get a sympathetic and clever pair of hands to do your hair for you instead.
{insert gallery tpl=”slide-freesize.tpl” id=”Man Braids” rid=”3555″ order=”a_tstamp”}

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Buro Loves
Paris Haute Couture Week SS21: Best in beauty—Fendi, Chanel, Dior and more

03.02.2021
By Wei Yeen Loh

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Beauty
5 Wellness habits you should commit to in the morning for a more productive day
Rise and shine

07.10.2020
By Wei Yeen Loh

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From downing a litre of water to squeezing a workout first thing in the AM, find out if the pros outweigh the cons when it comes to these morning habits.
If your morning routine is a shameless, two-part ritual of 1) trying your hardest to pry your eyelids open as you scroll through Instagram (hoping it’ll wake you up, eh?), and 2) making a mad dash for the bathroom after realising you barely have time to get ready after all that bed-lingering—here’s a suggestion: establish a get-out-of-bed routine first thing in the AM to kickstart a more productive day.
You heard us right—there’s nothing quite rewarding as starting your day on the right foot. Ahead, we debunk some popular wellness habits along with list a few effective ones, from downing a litre of water to sprucing your bedsheets—and why you should commit to them the moment you’re up:
#1: Drink water

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The ubiquitous morning habit you may have heard and read from celebrities—downing a litre of water is touted to be the beauty secret to flawless skin, non-groggy mornings, and a good way to kickstart your digestive system. But what’s the real science behind it? Also, do you really need to chug one whole litre of H2O?
According to clinical psychologist and sleep expert Michael J. Breus, consuming about 400–500ml of water right when you wake up can benefit your mind and body more than you think. While we are asleep, our bodies can lose up to a litre of water through our exhalations; so when you wake up, that groggy, not-in-the-right-headspace feeling is likely attributed to dehydration.
The verdict? Have a bottle of water on your side table so that you can easily down it the moment you wake up. (Yes—even before you brush your teeth or check your phone.)
READ: Self-care 101: The skincare routine you need for that post-lockdown glow up
#2: Make your bed

While making your bed isn’t technically a beauty habit, this seemingly menial task has been touted to make a major difference—you may have heard of it from this Navy SEAL’s inspiring graduation speech: “If you make your bed every morning, you will have accomplished the first task of the day,″ said Admiral William H. McRaven. “It will give you a small sense of pride, and it will encourage you to do another task, and another, and another. And by the end of the day that one task completed will have turned into many tasks completed.”
Now if that isn’t good enough of an encouragement for you not to leave your bed in a just-slept-in state, making your bed also reportedly helps with having a well-rested sleep. A recent poll by the National Sleep Foundation found that those who make their bed in the morning were “19 percent more likely to get a good night’s sleep every night.”
It’s pretty simple: Allocate five minutes to your current lingering (in bed) time to fold your blanket/quilt, pat your pillows down and straighten the sheets. First task on your daily checklist: done and dusted!
#3: Juicing before a meal

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If you are not intermittent fasting and fancy yourself something healthy for breakfast (but not too hearty), juicing seems like it could be your perfection solution. But is it really?
A go-to of A-listers—from Hannah Bronfman to Jennifer Anniston—swear by downing a glass of fruit/vegetable concoction the first thing in the morning, but the truth is that juicing consistently may be spiking your sugar levels. If you aren’t digging into your fruits and ingesting the fibre that comes with it, you’re straight up allowing the sugar levels to be absorbed quickly into your bloodstream. This will hike up your blood sugar levels, which will eventually dip thus rapidly decreasing your energy levels, aka a blood sugar crash.
That said, you can always incorporate veggie juice into your breakfast or lunch—along with a portion of whole fruits and vegetables to ensure you’re getting sufficient fibre and protein. After all, it’s what allows your body to keep its mass and effectively burn calories.
READ: How to boost your immunity and supercharge your system
#4: Exercise

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I know what you’re thinking: Who even has the time (or mental capacity) to work up a sweat, first thing in the morning? But this habit is actually backed up by science—a 2019 study in the Journal of Physiology found that working out in the morning (7am, to be precise) can push your body clock earlier, which will make you feel more alert.
But that’s not all! Low- to moderate-intensity workouts have been proven to relieve stress and improve self esteem, so it’s no surprise that working out in the morning may improve mental health and productivity throughout the day.
Another benefit to getting your heart rate up a notch in the AM: working out on an empty stomach (aka fasted cardio) may burn up to 20 percent more fat than working out in the afternoon or evening, according to a study published in the British Journal of Nutrition. So, it keeps you energetic, burns more calories, and allows you to accomplish more tasks through the day—need we say more?
But if you can’t find the motivation to peel yourself out of bed to hit the gym, start with baby steps. Take on yoga or pilates first, then transition to moderate-intensity physical activity such as brisk walking, jogging or dancing.
READ: 6 Beauty habits we’re committing to this year for better skin
#5: Stretch

Ever wondered why you instinctively stretch like a cat as you wake up? Here’s the real reason why, according to BBC Science: “When you sleep, your muscles lose tone and fluid tends to pool along your back. Stretching helps to massage fluid gently back into the normal position. Also, your muscles protect themselves from over-extension by inhibiting the nerve impulses as they approach their limit. Over time, this safety mechanism becomes increasingly restrictive. Stretching briefly takes your muscles outside their normal range. This recalibrates the feedback mechanisms that determine their normal amount of motion.”
TLDR: This form of stretching is called pandiculating, and it helps to wake your muscles up by loosing and realigning it. Also, stretching can improve your blood circulation and reduce stress at the same time. A couple of stretches you can try while lying in bed include a spinal twist, knee-to-chest stretch and a cobra stretch.
READ: 5 Full-body stretching exercises to practise while you work from home
For more wellness tips, click here.

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ICYMI: #BestofBuro (1 – 7 May 2017)

Lifestyle
ICYMI: #BestofBuro (1 – 7 May 2017)
Weekly highlights

06.05.2017
By Gwen Ong

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7 Things to do in the Klang Valley this weekend: 15 & 16 July 2023

Buro 24/7 Malaysia: The past has caught up with us and looks like the gladiator sandals are currently showing up in more places than we can count. Grecian goddesses or not, the footwear seems to be a choice for the summer. So, what do you think – yay or nay?

Buro 24/7 Singapore: What does a good hotel offer? Aside from the comfiest bed and pillows, and gorgeous views, perhaps a bar that is worth your time? For the perfect nightcap, check out these five hotel bars around the world and some of their signature cocktails to cheers to.

Buro 24/7 Middle East: Earlier this week, the Met Gala was the talk of the world as stars pay tribute to Rei Kawakubo. The Japanese designer’s work for Comme des Garçons is the focus of the spring exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. See some of her visionary fashion pieces here.

Buro 24/7 Australia: The choices we make dictate the life we lead. Our team speak to a personal trainer about living an eco-conscious lifestyle. In addition to taking care of your body and health, let’s also think about the earth and our surroundings. Click through for simple tips to go green all around.

Buro 24/7 Malaysia: Is hybrid car the future? Is Malaysia ready? We talked to three industry experts from Mercedes-Benz, the BMW Group and Audi for an insight on the trend of petrol-electric cars and what we can look forward to from these car brands.

Check out last week’s #BestofBuro here.

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Beauty
4 running shoes to strap on for your next run
Cushion your feet

19.07.2015
By Buro247

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Nike Air Zoom Elite 8

It looks great both on the track and off and the performance of the Zoom Air doesn’t disappoint. The lightest of the Zoom training family, the Nike Air Zoom Elite 8 is built in a minimalist, streamlined manner and doesn’t weigh your feet down. The lowered offset of eight millimeters of the shoe puts runners closer to the ground for more control while the top of the shoe combines Nike Flywire technology, no-sew overlays and lightweight mesh for a supportive, breathable fit.
The snappy responsiveness of Zoom Air cushioning comes from tightly-stretched tensile fibers woven inside a pressurized Nike Air unit. As you are running and your feet makes contact withthe ground, the fibers compress to cushion the impact before quickly snapping back to their original state. The result is a fast, cushioned ride whether the runner is out for a morning run or a marathon personal best.

Reebok Zpump Fusion

It’s a compact shoe made out of just three components: the ZRated Outsole, which is inspired by high performance tires with edges and grooves that give the runner control when making turns; the Fusion Sleeve that envelopes the feet to provide cushioning and Pump technology, which comprises a customisable air-filled cage for locked-in custom fit and support. Just slip your feet into the shoes, use the pump button on each side to inflate air into a valve and into a cage in each shoe. The result is a firm grip about the feet which lasts until you deflate the shoe by pressing the button on a release valve.

Adidas Ultra Boost

Taking the technology used by top engineering institutions like NASA, Boeing and BMW to measure crash tests, vibration analysis and durability studies, adidas has created the Ultra Boost shoe that adjusts to a runner’s stride. Its Stretch Web outsole adapts and stretches to foot movements and there is an entirely new heel construction that frees the natural movement of the Achilles tendon. A carefully tuned external heel counter comfortably cradles the foot and adapts to the high extension of the Achilles. Another feature of the shoe is a dual-density TORSION® SYSTEM, embedded into the shoe’s base to give a more independent movement between heel and forefoot for superior stability and a smooth, more controlled run.
Under Armour Speedform Fortis

Known for their high-performance gear, the new SpeedForm Fortis is another shoe that is set to improve running performance. Featuring an ArmourVent mesh that covers the top of the shoe for breathability, and a cushioned 6mm footbed in the cavity of the midsole that molds to the foot and enhances support. Since the shoe is built for comfort with a charged cushioning for impact protection and a layer of Micro G foam, running long distances isn’t a problem since your feet will feel as light as air.

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Technology
How to tell the four new Samsung Galaxy S10 smartphones apart

21.02.2019
By Rachel Au

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Since the first Galaxy S ten years ago, fans and the general public alike have always highly anticipated Samsung’s “Galaxy Unpacked” event. A decade later and the South Korean tech giant has decided to go big and truly raise the bar. Rather than the usual two options for one flagship, the Galaxy S10 lineup has four variants—all with names that had us in a blur for a split second. Here’s a mini guide to figuring out which Galaxy S10—the S10, S10+, S10e and the most premium of all, the S10 5G—is for you.

Samsung Galaxy S10 Malaysia Difference
GENERALLY…
S10e is the “cheaper” option of the four followed by the S10, S10+ and S10 5G. That being said, all four are impressive, powerful and gorgeous—more so for the models with a higher price point. With an edge-to-edge Dynamic AMOLED screen (a world’s first which also helps to reduce blue light) with barely-there bezels, the entire Galaxy S10 lineup:

Equipped with Fast Wireless Charging
Capable of Wireless PowerShare (where you can charge other Qi-certified smartphones and compatible wearables)
Fitted with an Ultrasonic Fingerprint Scanner on the Dynamic AMOLED display itself and it can instantly unlock your phone even when it’s on sleep mode—with the exception of  the S10e where the Fingerprint Scanner is located on the power button
All rear cameras have OIS, Wide-angle lens (12MP Dual Pixel AF, F1.5/F2.4), Ultra Wide lens (16MP FF, F2.2 (123°))

Samsung Galaxy S10 Wireless Powershare
SIZE
S10e — 5.8-inch Full HD+ Flat Dynamic AMOLED
S10 — 6.1-inch wide Quad HD+ Curved Dynamic AMOLED
S10+ — 6.4-inch wide Quad HD+ Curved Dynamic AMOLED
S10 5G — At the moment, we only know that it will have a 6.7-inch screen

REAR CAMERA
S10e — Dual camera (Wide-angle and Ultra Wide) with OIS and up to 8x digital zoom
S10 — Triple camera (Telephoto: 12MP F2.4, Wide-angle and Ultra Wide) with Dual OIS and up to 10x digital zoom
S10+ — Triple camera (Telephoto: 12MP F2.4, Wide-angle and Ultra Wide) with Dual OIS up to 10x digital zoom
S10 5G — It has four rear cameras with the fourth being a 3D depth-sensing lens to help with photography and AR.

samsung-galaxy-s10e-malaysia
FRONT-FACING CAMERA
S10e — 10MP Super Speed Dual Pixel AF, F1.9
S10 — Same as the S10e
S10+ — Dual camera with the additional 8MP sensor to take portrait selfies with the bokeh effect
S10 5G — Same as the S10+

BATTERY LIFE
S10e — 3,100 mAh
S10 — 3,400 mAh
S10+ — 4,100 mAh
S10 5G — 4,500 mAh
*Note: The Galaxy S9+ is fitted with a 3,500 mAh battery pack

samsung-galaxy-s10-malaysia
MEMORY
S10e — 6GB RAM, 128GB of storage
S10 — 8GB RAM, 128GB of storage
S10+ — 8GB RAM, 128/512GB of storage
*The S10+ will also have an additional variant made with a stronger ceramic body, housing 12GB of RAM and a massive 1TB of storage—add that with the microSD slot and you’d get a total of 1.5TB’s worth of space.
S10 5G — 8GB RAM, 256GB of storage
The first three models above will have a microSD slot (up to 512GB) but the word is that the 5G model won’t-which leads to speculations and expectations.

PRICING AND AVAILABILITY
The following prices are based on the 128GB models:
S10e — RM2,699
S10 — RM3,299
S10+ — RM3,699
S10 5G — N/A
With the exception of the S10 5G, the new Samsung Galaxy S10 phones will be available for preorders on the website beginning 22 February 2019, 10AM till 28 February 2019 (or while stocks last). The devices are expected to officially go on sale on 8 March 2019.

samsung-galaxy-s10-plus-malaysia
So what’s the deal with the S10 5G model?
Not too much is known about the S10 5G phone (yet) but it’s understandable as not a lot of carriers in general and in other countries have rolled out 5G networks. Once that is ready, however, expect this 5G-compatible phone to deliver download speeds 10 to 100 times faster and of course, much better coverage.
The S10 5G, together with its fourth lens, is expected to change the landscape of streaming 3D and holographic renderings. With faster wireless network speeds, playback, as well as image or video capture, would be a lot smoother. Samsung didn’t mention a specific launch date but the S10 5G is expected to be released first in the US during the second quarter of this year.

For more info on the new Samsung Galaxy S10, head over to the website.

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Shop now: Chopard on Net-a-Porter

Watches
Shop now: Chopard on Net-a-Porter
One click away

11.10.2017
By Su Fen Tan

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The Cartier Privé collection is about history and modernity

Chopard officially launched on Net-a-Porter today—yes, that makes one more reason (and a really good one at that) to shop at the luxury e-tailer. Jewellery lovers will be glad to know that Chopard’s signature Happy Diamonds collection, known for its enchanting designs where diamonds dance freely between sheets of sapphire glass, is just a click away. This includes the bold yet elegant Happy Dreams creations, the romantic and lighthearted Happy Hearts propositions, as well as Happy Sport timepieces.

Here’s a selection of our favourite Happy Diamonds pieces, now on Net-a-Porter:
{insert gallery tpl=”slide-freesize.tpl” id=”Chopard Happy Diamonds” rid=”5551″ order=”a_tstamp”}
1.     Happy Hearts rose gold, diamond and onyx cuff
2.     Happy Hearts rose gold, diamond and mother-of-pearl ring
3.     Happy Dreams white gold diamond earrings
4.     Happy Curves white gold diamond ring
5.     Happy Dreams rose gold diamond bracelet
6.     Happy Hearts rose gold, diamond and mother-of-pearl necklace
7.     Happy Diamonds 32 satin, rose gold, onyx and diamond watch
8.     Happy Sport 36 rose gold, stainless steel, diamond and mother-of-pearl watch

Click here to see all the Chopard pieces available now on Net-a-Porter.

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Chopard L.U.C XP Skeletec bares its bones with an ultra-thin movement

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Lifestyle
Karl Lagerfeld goes from fashion to art with his sculptural debut

17.10.2018
By Gwen Ong

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For most of us, being 85 years old is a good enough excuse to sit back and enjoy our twilight years. Well, Karl Lagerfeld is unlike most of us. On top being the creative designer of Chanel and Fendi, photographer and illustrator, Lagerfeld has just added another feather to his long list of credentials as a sculptor. His exhibition, Architectures is set to open at the Carpenters Workshop Gallery in Paris and features eight original sculptures.

The works are crafted out of two rare types of marble—Arabescato Fantastico, which is a white variant with dark grey veins; and Nero Maquina, which is a black variant with brush-stroke white veins. Yes, his signature black-and-white lives on in the functional sculptures, which are inspired by the Antiquity period – a time that he is particularly fond of for its beauty, culture and modernity. Architect Aline Asmar and a group of Italian artisans were brought together to sculpt his vision to reality.

‘Architectures‘ will be on display from 19 October to 22 December at the Carpenters Workshop Gallery.

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Hermès’ new shoes

Fashion
Hermès’ new shoes
Shoe #inspo all day

22.07.2015
By Wei Yeen Loh

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Couture wedding gowns that will make you feel like a fairytale princess

New creative director Nadège Vanhee-Cybulski’s debut line at Hermès incorporates the age-old French house heritage with a minimalistic twist, evident in their A/W 2015 shoe collection. Find patent Epsom calfskin ankle boots that hold strong resemblance to a traditional loafer with a Kelly clasp, English green wing-tip brogues with a slight platform, and a wonderfully refreshing pair of tri-coloured silk satin pumps in blue Curacao, vermilion and fuchsia. Expect an effortless integration of luxury (you can’t beat pimento suede goatskin or alligator) and modern femininity—our favourite is the black suede sandal with their signature Chaine d’Ancre cutout motif.
{insert gallery tpl=”slide-freesize.tpl” id=”Hermes shoe” rid=”3129″ order=”a_tstamp”}

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Travel
The art of slow travel: What it is and the top destinations to explore
Take it easy

30.04.2023
By Carmen Chong

Featured image: Rodnae Productions / Pexels

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In this day and age, travel has become an integral part of the lives of many around the globe. The urge to travel is showing no signs of slowing down, and if anything, people are going at it even harder, particularly during this post-pandemic era. Yes, revenge travel is a real thing!
However, have you thought about why people travel? Some may want to learn a new language, escape the reality of their lives, and step out of their comfort zones. Others simply enjoy the thrill of exploring new places and immersing themselves in different cultures.
Let’s not forget that the ubiquity of travel that has so heavily been fuelled by social media—so much so that it seems uncool not having done it—which could also be the very reason some choose to travel. Whatever their motivation may be, it shouldn’t matter as long as it brings you joy.
Having said that, hospitality trends like slow travel have become increasingly prevalent in recent years. This then begs the question—what does this even mean?

What is slow travel?

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Slow travel is a travel approach that places focus on connection to locals, cultures, food, and music at any given destination. It hinges on the idea that travelling is more purposeful—that it is intended to educate and leave us with an emotional impact while continuing to be sustainable for the communities and the environment.
Beyond a travel approach, slow travel is a mindset that involves taking a step back from zipping from one tourist spot to another in a limited amount of time, and simply embracing what the destination is about and what it has to offer. More than anything, it’s about making the quality of your experiences count.
This could very well mean observing the locals and how they live on a day to day, not having an itinerary planned and letting the wind decide the course of your day, learning an antiquated handicraft skill from an artisan, or simply giving yourself sufficient time to fully appreciate and ponder upon artworks, artefacts, and paintings in a museum or gallery.
No matter what it is, slow travelling ultimately means allowing a trip to leave a lasting imprint on your soul. It should be full of intent, meaningful, and experience-based, with conscious decisions made to help you feel good, relax, engage, and discover.
Now that we have broken down what slow travel actually is, here are eight global destinations you may want to add to your bucket list that are ideal for slow travel.

Sri Lanka

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A perfect combination of nature, beaches, history and culture, the little island nation of Sri Lanka is a South Asian destination that is full of surprises and adventures that await. A lot of its appeal lies within its friendly people, so you’ll feel right at home regardless of the pace you choose to travel.

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Where to visit:
For slow travel, we suggest beginning your trip in the capital Colombo to relish in its Portuguese, Dutch, and British influences as well as museums and religious institutions. Then, head to Polonnaruwa and Sigiriya for the ancient palace ruins and rock fortress before visiting the rolling hills of Kandy, where you can find tea plantations, hiking trails, and take part in cooking classes. To round up your trip, relax on the beaches at the south coast, see the historic city of Galle, and then make your way back to Colombo to prepare for your departure.

Costa Rica

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It’s not surprising why Costa Rica is the most visited destination in Central America. Whether you are looking to let loose or cultivate your adventurous spirit, this rugged nation has outstanding diversity, rainforests, wildlife, beaches, fantastic culture, and so much more. There’s literally something for everyone!

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Where to visit:
The capital of San José is a hotspot for cultural museums and hip restaurants and cafes, which is a great starting point to get a pulse of the country. Besides that, Tortuguero is a little paradise on earth for its famous turtle population and extensive freshwater canals, rivers, and lagoons. Amongst the other destinations worth visiting are Arenal for its wondrous volcano, rainforests and lakes, Monteverde for birdwatching in its cloud forest and night hikes, and Manuel Antonio, a reserve known for its spectacular wildlife and powdery sand beaches.

New Zealand

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New Zealand seems to be a top destination for loads of travelers, and no, it’s not just because of Lord of The Rings. From the breathtaking national parks and insane volcanoes to its snow-capped mountains and charming little villages and towns, this island nation that is made up of two parts offers something new every day.

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Where to visit:
There are so many amazing attractions and cool experiences to check out in vibrant cities like Auckland and Christchurch. Besides that, the magnificent Lake Tekapo is not to be missed for both day and night activities like water sports, hiking, and fishing. Aside from the remarkable Bay of Islands enclave comprising over 140 subtropical islands, the adventure capital of Queenstown is a must-visit for adrenaline junkies. Some other highlights include the Waitomo Caves, Te Whakarewarewa Geothermal Valley, Marlborough, and not forgetting, the 13 national parks dotted across the country.

Tanzania

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As the 13th largest country in the African continent, Tanzania is celebrated for its vast wilderness, glorious beaches, and amazing history, culture and food, and is a prime example of what sustainable tourism should actually be like. It’s literally a traveller’s dream come true.

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Where to visit:
Should you enjoy hiking and climbing, Mount Kilimanjaro is Africa’s highest peak and one of the most iconic elevations in the world. To have a taste of Tanzania’s phenomenal wildlife, look no further than Serengeti National Park, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tarangire National Park, and Lake Manyara National Park. For some relaxation and rejuvenation as well as ancient exploration, Zanzibar is the place to be. If you’re seeking an authentic cultural exchange, the Maasai people of north Tanzania also welcome visitors to their community.

Croatia

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Situated between central and eastern Europe, Croatia is a stunning nation with a wealth of natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. Over the years, Croatia has become increasingly desired as a travel destination, in part due to the hit TV series Game of Thrones, which was filmed across many locations in the country.

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Where to visit:
The historic city of Dubrovnik is a great place to begin your Croatian adventure, known for its preserved medieval architecture and rugged coastlines. Then, move on to the town of Rovinj for its vibrant colours, narrow streets, and gorgeous beaches. No matter the time of year, Plitvice Lakes National Park’s lofty waterfalls, crystal-clear lakes, and diverse wildlife will never fail to impress. While its capital Zagreb is worth a visit too, other towns like Split extend a unique fusion of Roman ruins and modern amenities. On the other hand, the island of Hvar is famous for its nightlife and luxurious accommodation, making it ideal for moneyed revellers.

Canada

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We get how vast this North American country is, but that’s exactly one of its appeals as a slow travel destination. With so much to do and see from coast to coast, expect to find beautiful sceneries and landscapes, diverse adventures, and hidden gems exclusive to Canada alone.

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Where to visit:
Located at the heart of the Canadian Rockies, the Banff National Park is famous for its postcard-worthy mountain vistas and lakes as well as endless outdoor activities. Needless to say, the emblematic Niagara Falls is another destination worth seeing. Several other must-sees in Canada include Toronto for its arts, culture and entertainment, the cosmopolitan city of Vancouver that is bordered by the both Pacific Ocean and Coastal Mountains on either ends, and Montreal, a cultural hub for historic landmarks, top-of-the-line restaurants, and festivals.

Mongolia

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While underrated as a travel destination, Mongolia offers a one-of-a-kind adventure that is chock-full of unique natural wonders and distinctive nomadic culture and hospitality. As the world’s least densely populated country, Mongolia will leave you in awe as you attempt to comprehend its extremes.

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Where to visit:
To begin, try the capital city of Ulaanbaatar where you’ll find a fascinating amalgamation of ancient traditions and modern infrastructure. The Gobi Desert, on the other hand, is one of the world’s most remote and surreal landscapes, and is home to ancient rock formations. Regarded as the ‘Blue Pearl of Mongolia’, the Khovsgol Lake holds pristine beauty and is estimated to be between 2 to 5 million years old. The Orkhon Valley is another popular location, visited for its glorious pastureland and various archaeological remains. Finally, to learn more about Mongolia’s traditional nomadic lifestyle, hop on a tour that takes you through several key areas whereby the country’s nomadic communities live.

Italy

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Italy isn’t the first place that would come to mind when it comes to slow travel, but its vibrant culture, magnificent history, extraordinary landscapes, and divine food helps to make it a journey of a lifetime. Italy’s the place to be to travel slowly and romanticise your life at the same time.

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Where to visit:
After basking in the picturesque views, watching the locals do their thing, and Mediterranean beaches at Cinque Terre, head to the Amalfi Coast for its rich historical legacy and scenic seaside towns surrounded by cliffs and beaches. Known for its alluring beaches, turquoise sea and mind-boggling rock formations, Sardinia is a sophisticated Italian island that is lesser known. If wineries and vineyards are your thing, you will never go wrong with Sicily and Tuscany. Last but not least, the heart of all Italian cuisine is in Naples, and there is no better way to enjoy life than with a slice of authentic Italian pizza in hand.

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In pictures: Milan Fashion Week SS20 Day 5 feat. Boss and Gucci

23.09.2019
By Joan Kong

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Haute Couture Week AW23: The best moments from Valentino, Balenciaga and more

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Harry Styles is the face of Gucci’s new fragrance campaign

30.05.2019
By Wei Yeen Loh

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How your choice of razor can help you get the cleanest shave

If you have still yet to develop a crush of epic proportions on former One-Direction-er/heartthrob Harry Styles, now is as good a time as any—whether it’s his acute fashion sense that borderlines quirky and campy or his ability to rock a tailored suit with ease.
This time around, Styles is making headlines once again with his favourite brand, Gucci, as the new face of the upcoming fragrance launch, alongside other notable personalities including experimental musician Zumi Rosow, artist Ariana Papademetropoulos, filmmaker and photographer Olimpia Dior, musician Stanislas Klossowski de Rola and more.

The new fragrance is named Mémoire d’une Odeur, a unisex scent inspired by the idea of memory, as Michele “has imagined fragrance as an explorer of the power of memories, bringing them back from the past and making them live in our present.” Evidently, the fragrance’s gender-fluidity is evidenced by the one-of-a-kind campaign shot by Glen Luchford.
This piece of news was announced shortly after Gucci’s Cruise 2020 show yesterday at the Capitoline Museums in Rome (side note: have you seen Michele’s pro-choice stance on the runway?). Styles isn’t a stranger to Gucci’s slew of riveting, out-of-the-world campaigns—this marks his fourth time as the face of a Gucci campaign as he joins the legion of fellow Gucci fragrance faces including Jared Leto, Lana del Rey, and Hari Nef.
Gucci Mémoire d’une Odeur’s campaign will be launched this August alongside the fragrance in stores—can you guess the notes of this beguiling scent?

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