Style
Fashion buzz: Yuna gets signed to Wilhelmina, Kai joins Ni Ni in Gucci’s eyewear campaign for AW19, and more

23.09.2019
By Stephanie Boey

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Yuna signs with Wilhelmina agency

Our Malaysian songstress Yuna Zarai is officially a Wilhelmina girl! Founded by supermodel Wilhelmina Cooper in 1967, the American modelling and talent agency is one of the most prominent agencies in the world, and represents many famous names in the industry, such as Shawn Mendes, Nicki Minaj and Kygo. Up top, Yuna! Making us Malaysians proud.

Demna Gvasalia says goodbye to Vetements

A name known for spearhearding the streetwear trend, Demna Gvasalia is leaving his legacy of Vetements behind to pursue other creative projects. He tells WWD, “I started Vetements because I was bored of fashion and against all odds fashion did change once and forever since Vetements appeared and it also opened a new door for so many. So I feel that I have accomplished my mission of a conceptualist and design innovator at this exceptional brand and Vetements has matured into a company that can evolve its creative heritage into a new chapter on its own.” He will continue in his role as Creative Director of Balenciaga and will show this Spring/Summer 2020 collection in Paris on 29 September. His Instagram account has been cleared of all previous postings save for one image with a loading icon. We wonder what he’s working on now.

Ni Ni and Kai are the faces of Gucci’s new eyewear campaign for Autumn/Winter 2019
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Photographed by cult filmmaker and photographer Harmony Korine, Chinese actress Ni Ni continues her role as brand ambassador in the latest Gucci eyewear campaign. Joining her for his debut campaign is South Korean singer Kai from the EXO boy band.

Vans and Vivienne Westwood collaborate to release a fearless footwear collection
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order=”a_tstamp”}Vans classic kicks are given the Vivienne Westwood spin with the latest Anglomania collection. Championing individualism and liberation. the capsule collection reimagines Westwood’s archive prints, graphics and designs for six Vans silhouettes we all know and love such as the Sk8-Hi, the Sk8-Hi platform, the Checkerboard Slip-on, Style #53, Old Skool and Authentic, where you can expect to find Vivienne Westwood’s classic logo, monogram and multi-metal orb.

Louis Vuitton in The Gardens Mall has a whole new look
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Just in time to present its Autumn/Winter 2019 collection to fashion fans, Louis Vuitton has announced the reopening of its store in The Gardens Mall. The updated space is warm and spacious using authentic local elements, and light play similar to the store’s exterior facade. Besides the introduction of ready-to-wear into the store, visitors will be presented with the French fashion house’s famous leather goods, watches, jewellery, shoes, fragrances, accessories and gifts.
Explore the newly refurbished Louis Vuitton store at G-239A, 239B & 240, The Gardens Mall.

Stuart Weitzman has relocated to a new space in Pavilion KL
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The Stuart Weitzman store in Pavilion KL has a new address. The newly redesigned boutique echoes the “modern, feminine sensibility integral to the brand’s DNA”. Inside the new boutique, expect to find a curated selection of styles from Stuart Weitzman’s latest Autumn/Winter 2019 collection. Our favourites include the new boot silhouettes such as the Ernestine block-heel bootie and Wren stretch mid-calf stiletto boot, which easily take you from day to night with its versatility.
Visit the new Stuart Weitzman store at 2.09.01, Level 2, Pavilion Kuala Lumpur.

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Fashion
6 Types of handbag fabrics and materials you should know about
Stylish and durable

26.01.2023
By Benedict Unang

Featured images courtesy of @thebigbagclub on Instagram and respective brands

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One could never walk out of the house without a bag. Aside from being the base accessory for an array of styles, giving your overall look that oomph factor, your arm candy is also an extension of your personality. How well do you know your bag, though?
With a plethora of choices available in store, it’s crucial to understand what goes into a bag before making a purchase—with fabrics being the most important component. If you’re still unsure about it, read on to learn six of the best materials used for making handbags before adding your dream picks to the shopping cart.

Leather
There’s no doubt that leather is the best fabric used to make bags. Soft to the touch and easy to style in different shades, this versatile material is made from the hides of skinned animals. When making handbags, high-end brands usually employ leather, including full-grain leather, lambskin, and patent leather. Sometimes, a little embellishment or flair is all that is needed, as these types of leather are beautiful on their own.

Classic handbag, Chanel

Small chain hobo leather bag, JW Anderson

Nylon
Nylon bags aren’t new—they are still highly sought-after these days, just as they were decades ago. Thanks to Prada, the fabric proved that practicality and luxury can coexist in the world of fashion. Made from thermoplastic silky polymer, nylon is a great material if you desire to look stylish while keeping costs down. Coming at a reasonable price, nylon is a popular material for all kinds of carry-alls, from handbags to tote bags. Even if you stuff your handbag with a lot of items, nylon bags can retain their original shape and easily bear the weight because they are very flexible.

Miu Wander matelassé regenerated nylon hobo bag, Miu Miu

Re-Nylon Re-Edition 2000 mini-bag, Prada

Mesh
Whether you are going to a yoga class or having a picnic by the beach, a mesh bag might be the perfect choice for you. The lightweight material is made of knotted woven or pattern-knit materials with uniformly spaced holes. While it adds a touch of style to your looks, the tough yet soft bag protects your fragile goods with its tighter weave. If you intend to get one, seek a design that has not only handles but also a removable strap that allows you to carry it on your shoulder.

Mesh and straw bucket bag, Miu Miu

Mesh logo-patch bucket bag, Tom Ford

Canvas
Made from cotton or linen fibres, one could not simply resist the appeal of canvas. In addition to its sturdiness, the material is flexible and water-resistant, which makes it ideal for daily use. Given that it is not made of synthetic materials, canvas is more expensive than nylon, but the off-white colour of the natural canvas is surely worth the extra cost.

The jacquard tote bag mini, Marc Jacobs

Medium woody tote bag, Chloe

Vegan leather
If actual leather is not for you, opt for vegan leather. While pinatex and grain make up the majority of the material, vegan leather is essentially made of a range of materials, such as polyurethane and polyvinyl chloride, which contribute to the look of genuine leather due to its wrinkled texture. Pineapple leaves, apple peels, and recycled plastic, to name a few, are also valuable because they are not involved in animal testing and support environmental awareness. Vegan leather is all you can ask for—waterproof, incredibly sturdy, and capable of lasting for many years after purchase.

Stella logo faux-leather tote bag, Stella McCartney

Japanese vegan leather tote bag, Maison Margiela

Polyester
Finally, there’s polyester. Also known as a man-made polymer, polyester is an additional thermoplastic created from petroleum, and trust us when we say that this is much more economical than leather-like materials. With a wide range of textures from rough to silky like satin, the elastic material is also robust and chemically resistant.

Pleated curved tote bag, Pleats Please Issey Miyake

Bead-embellished shoulder bag, Polo Ralph Lauren

For more fashion stories, click here.

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Fashion
Burberry reinterprets timelessness with its new bag collection, the DK88
Classically English

02.05.2017
By Wei Yeen Loh

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When Burberry first introduced its DK88 bag during the February 2017 show in London, little did we know that this silhouette will soon take its spot as a new timeless icon for the British house. The brand has just revealed a full lineup of its DK88 bag collection in a campaign shot at Henry Moore Studios & Gardens in Hertfordshire. Available in a range of sizes for both men and women, the DK88 features seven different styles, from satchel and luggage-inspired to a classic, top-handle shape.

A little fun fact: The DK88 is named after the house code for the brand’s signature gabardine fabric that has been widely incorporated in its trenchcoats and other bags. It also comes in the new Trench Leather, available in a colour palette ranging from black, honey tan, antique red, forest green and even English painterly hues of slate blue, ash rose and blossom pink. What we love is its adjustable leather crossbody strap for convenient, hands-free toting.

“With The DK88 we wanted to create a timeless collection of bags which would have the same spirit and attitude as the iconic trench coat. Each bag is crafted from this incredibly rich Trench Leather, which we designed to reflect and celebrate the fabric at the very heart of our brand,” says Burberry Chief Creative and Chief Executive Officer Christopher Bailey.

As per its house code, the DK88 is handcrafted meticulously to keep in line with Burberry’s rich heritage. It is designed at the brand’s headquarters in London and assembled in Italy—the new Trench Leather as mentioned is embossed with a unique pattern similar to the twill finish of cotton gabardine. A notable feature of the DK88 Top Handle is its oversize brass tone lock and internal pocket tailor made for the accompanying key.

The full DK88 collection is now available globally in store and on Burberry.com, and will evolve with new sizes, styles and colours.

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Beauty
Chanel Beauty Talks: How to get Gisele Bündchen’s sunkissed glow
Guide to looking effortless

22.03.2016
By Wei Yeen Loh

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Chanel Beauty introduces Chanel Beauty Talks, a new series featuring casual chats between Lucia Pica, the brand’s Global Creative Makeup and Colour Designer, and special guests. For the first instalment, iconic supermodel Gisele Bündchen shares a few handy beauty secrets on achieving her sunkissed glow with Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Foundation. Don’t miss: Gisele’s trick to getting natural-tinted lips.
Watch Episode #1 of the Chanel Beauty Talks below:

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Food + Drink
I’ll have some gratitude with my pho, thanks
Un-pho-gettable

22.04.2016
By Buro247

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It’s a truism I know, but I cannot help but feel that if we, the ‘haves’, spent a little less time lamenting about what we don’t (yet) own, and a little more time being thankful for the plenty we already possess, things would be a lot less complicated in this messed up planet of ours. This wisdom is emphatically driven home to me each time I am invited to dine at my friend Hieu’s mother, Anh Kim Ly’s, house in Sydney.

Despite the fact that the Ly family have called Australia home for several decades, a nonetheless distinctly Asian mood prevails each time I arrive. Mum is invariably at the stove, juggling numerous cavernous pots, where she has intermittently been for the last five hours. The (grown up) children are making desultory conversation while scanning the Net for the latest viral video with the grandchildren, and of course, the patriarch of the family is nowhere to be seen. It’s not that nobody wants to help. It just goes without saying that attempting to help (read: interfere) with the cooking process is absolute taboo. And to many of us who reside in palatial bungalows, the modest home may seem small, but to the family who live there, who arrived with nothing more than the clothes on their backs and the gratitude of being given the opportunity to start new lives in a new country, it’s a tangible measure of their decades of unstinting, backbreaking hard work. The kids speak with Australian accents, but Anh speaks hardly any English, due in no small part to the fact that most of her waking hours had been consumed with looking after her children and putting food in their mouths. Socialising was a luxury neither she nor Hieu’s father could afford when they arrived, so it’s especially touching to see the Lys gathering religiously for meals at the family home, and enjoying food that was beyond their means when they arrived in Sydney 30 years ago, after a harrowing escape by boat from Vietnam, and time spent in a refugee camp in Hong Kong.

When Anh gives a terse nod and starts dishing out the broth, everyone obediently files to the table, and I do the same, attempting not to usurp any family member’s seat, and trying, but failing, to contain my excitement at the impending meal. She’s serving pho tonight. Even though Anh didn’t cook before she arrived in Australia (street food was cheap and the family was affluent), she quickly learned from the families they lived with—four families sheltered in four rooms of the same house at one point—and over the years became more confident and creative. It’s hard to imagine this amazing woman as a novice. Her pho—and I’ve had it more than once—is consistently irreproachable and the best I’ve ever had. It’s the product of five patient hours simmering on the stove, sans short cuts. The first round of liquid is dumped after it’s brought to a boil and a fresh batch of water is introduced to ensure only the good stuff remains. A plethora of other vital ingredients like ginger, coriander root, onions and five spice are added, and as each bowl of noodles is transported to the table, I silently salivate and the memory of the exquisitely robust broth is already playing in my head like a cherished melody.

Sure enough, it lives up to—and even surpasses—expectations. I’ve piled my bowl high with such accoutrements as lemon, beansprouts, pickled red onions, braised beef and mint, and with each slurp of the deliriously good soup, my Asian manners vanish like a tablecloth being pulled out from under my feet as I ask, like Oliver Twist, for more long before it’s deemed polite to do so. During the meal, little of consequence is said as the food is voluminously appreciated, but I imagine, for Anh, it’s knowing that she never was defeated, that against the odds, she brought up her kids and was able to provide for them, that is the most satisfying part of all. Well, that and the fact that her son’s strange greedy friend, like her family, thought that her food was the best she had ever tasted. From little things big things grow, dear readers. Let’s be thankful for all we have.

Follow Fay on Twitter and Instagram at @misskhoo.

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Lifestyle
7 Things you can do this weekend: 21—22 April 2018
Going green

18.04.2018
By Buro247

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

1. Nasi Lemak Neighbourhood Pit Stop Buffet at Siti Li Food Studio @ KitaKita, 20 Apr,  12pm – 10pm

If you love eating our beloved national dish, you’re going to love this buffet. Customise your own nasi lemak with eight different lauk (side dishes) to choose from—sambal sotong (squid sambal), rendang kerang (cockle rendang) and more. Available for lunch, tea and dinner, you’ll be all set to start the weekend with a happy stomach.
The buffet is priced at RM48 nett per pax. To make a reservation, call 03 2095 1323.

2. The Bohemian Market at Made by Illy, 21 Apr, 11am – 8pm

Celebrate the bohemian and sustainable life at this market where you’ll find pop-up stores and live performances. Make your own fashion accessory from the macramé necklace workshop that will be held during the event.
For more info, head over to the event page.

3. Flower Bouquet Embroidery Workshop at Midori Studio, 22 Apr, 2pm – 5pm

Regardless of your sewing skills, you’ll be able to learn the art of embroidery with this beginner-friendly workshop. At the end of the class, you will be able to bring your masterpiece home and frame it up on the wall.
RM190 per pax, inclusive of materials, tools and light refreshments. To register, fill up the form here.

4. Mossery Sample Sale 2018 at Mossery HQ, 21 Apr – 22 Apr, 11am – 5pm

Wallets at the ready! Give the stationery a loving home and help reduce wastage. Don’t forget Earth Day is this Sunday.
For more info, visit the event page.

5. All-Fur-Luv at Kyo, 22 Apr, 9am – 4pm

It’s a fundraising fitness festival organised by GuavaPass that aims to support Trap – Neuter – Release – Manage Malaysia’s efforts in neutering and spaying street canines and felines. GuavaPass members and non-members are more than welcomed to participate in the workout sessions while lending a helping hand to our furry friends.
For more info, head over to the event page.

6. Riuh: Safari in the City at APW Bangsar, 21 – 22 April, 11am – 10pm
KL’s most popular weekend markets are back and this time, it’s bigger than ever as they celebrate several things: Sustainability, autism, jazz, books and more. It’s a heap of workshops, pop-up stores, educational talks, showcases and our favourite, food stalls!
For more info, visit their Facebook.

7. Try out Sitka Studio’s April menu

Open only on Friday nights with different tasting menus every month, Sitka Studio is always experimenting with traditional techniques to bring out the best taste of our local produce. For this month, the main course is their homemade duck egg cavatelli; served in a smoked garlic and goat’s cheese emulsion along with lemon and poppy seed for a crunchy citrus taste.
The pricing of the 8-course tasting menu starts from RM195++. Check out the full menu here. For reservations, send a text message or WhatsApp 017 277 7848 or 010 986 9832.

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Travel
Sofitel Kuala Lumpur Damansara officially opens this month
A new standard of luxury

21.08.2017
By Rachel Au

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There are quite a few new hotels to anticipate its completion in the coming year but one of them has recently opened its doors, ready to welcome all. Sofitel Kuala Lumpur Damansara is, as its name suggests, located in the heart of the affluent, up-and-coming Damansara Heights and is the hotel part of an integrated development. The other parts being two luxury condominium blocks, two corporate office towers and a lifestyle mall.
Designed by Wilson Associates, the centrepiece of the hotel is a sophisticated feature wall depicting Malaysia’s Wau Bulan through an Eiffel Tower sculpture. Of course, it’s not the only piece that pays homage to the rich Malaysian and French culture. Completely a sight to behold, walk through the establishment to spot the many stunning art pieces and sculptures that have been specially created for the hotel but before that here’s a quick guide about Sofitel Kuala Lumpur Damansara:

Number of rooms: 312
How big is a room: It ranges from 43 to 105 square metres
Features of the room: The signature bedding concept by MyBed, WiFi and a selection of premium in-room amenities by Lanvin and Hermès.
Suite benefits: Guests will have access to the Club Millésime executive lounge as well as exclusive services such as complimentary breakfast, all-day refreshments, evening cocktails and more.

Dining: Five restaurants and bars which includes the signature all-day dining restaurant Kwee Zeen with its Pan-Asian cuisine; the Chinese restaurant Wan Chun Ting for authentic Cantonese and Imperial cuisinie; the casual French Riviera-inspired restaurant Nizza for a taste of French cuisine; and Le Bar for a fine selection of French wines and afternoon tea. There’s also a Nespresso lounge complete with TWG tea for those who prefer the latter.
Weddings and corporate events: There are six meeting rooms to choose from and one of them is the pillar-less 1,100-square metre ‘Wau Bulan’ Ballroom which can accommodate up to 800 guests.

Facilities: An outdoor pool, SO Spa and SO Fit. With five treatment rooms, sauna and steams, guest can unwind and be pampered by the signature SO Spa facial and massage treatments. It is also here where you can try the country’s first Moroccan Hammam bath treatment.
From now till 1 December 2017, guests can enjoy a weekend getaway at RM399 with breakfast for two at Sofitel Kuala Lumpur Damansara. For more info or to make a reservation, visit their website, call 03 2720 6688 or email [email protected].

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Culture
#MCODiaries: A WFH day in the life of a Lifestyle Writer

11.04.2020
By Ronn Tan

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10th April 2020, Friday
7am
¡Buenos dias! Good morning. It’s Day Infinity of the Movement Control Order—okay, it’s Day 24. My body (and mind) has decided that they are never going to let me wake up later than I usually do, even when my alarm is set at 8.30am.
To be honest, 7am is considered rather late—I’m usually up by 6am (not by choice). Going to bed at 1am or 2am means good bye, beauty sleep! Then again, waking up is considered a blessing, especially on Good Friday.
7.15am
My Just-Got-Up routine has been the same for quite awhile. I first drink two glasses of water (prepared the night before and positioned by my bed). Then, I check on the necessities—social media. I’m not a fan of notifications so I make it a point to catch up on everything.
I’m that one person who always finishes swiping through all the Instagram Stories on my feed; I watch all the TikTok videos that my friends share; and I do my best to reply to every single message—whether on WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, or the like.

Hello, Benee!
One of my morning routines include posting a song on my Instagram Story—one that describes how I feel that particular morning. Today, the song of choice is Evil Spider by Benee. I’ve loved her music since I heard Supalonely, so interviewing Benee the other day was really exciting.
7.30am
It’s time to get off my bed and wash up!
Fridays and Monday are usually my exfoliate-and-shave day. A thought came to mind when I was in the shower: will the Prime Minister be extending the Movement Control Order? I know there will be an announcement at 4pm today by PM Muhyiddin Yassin so I’ll just have to wait. I’d love to go out again but really—positive COVID-19 cases in Malaysia have been increasing and that doesn’t exactly scream “You’re safe”. Personally, I don’t think the MCO will end on 14 April as planned.
Something new that I’ve been doing since the MCO began is put on sunscreen (I’m learning from and listening to our resident beauty expert and Deputy Editor, Wei Yeen). I’m loving the results so far.
8.30am

Hello, outfit of the day!
When I’m not having any con-calls, I’m usually decked in a basic black tee and black shorts or sweatpants. Sticking to my everyday all-black uniform helps instil some form of normalcy in my daily routine. Every once in awhile, I’ll dress up in something a little different—like today. I put on my Alexandre Mattiusi black logo tee, a pair of black trousers, and a black Comme Des Garçons jacket. An outfit I feel great in but the most important part is that I’m comfortable! A long day of WFH ahead.
8.45am
I had a bowl of granola (four tablespoons), some raw cacao nibs, a glass of orange juice, and a glass of green tea for breakfast. While digging in, I read that we now have 4,346 cases of coronavirus in Malaysia with 70 deaths. I have a strong feeling that the Health Ministry will extend the MCO—until mid-May, perhaps?
9.30am

Hello, work station!
I love my room but I’ve been working in my living room at home. It’s airy and I get to see people—mostly my family. As usual, I set up my laptop and a bottle of water before work begins. I checked and replied emails, updated my #BUROSupportLocal articles (including restaurants and cafes that are doing takeaway and delivery during MCO as well as ready-to-cook food kits); and worked on a new article. Hint: it’s about dating in the age of coronavirus.
10.30am
Honestly, time flies when I’m focused on my work. In addition to replying and updating my editor on work stuff, another authority (albeit not work-related) I answer to on a daily basis is my mum. She usually distracts me from my work by making me eat and today was no different: “Are you hungry?”; “What do you want to have for lunch later?”; “Do you want some cheese?”. It’s safe to say that some of my work tasks were rescheduled to a later part of the day.
11am
I took a quick break from work to just walk and run up and down the stairs. I stretched a little and saw that Instagram DMs can now be accessed on desktop. I also went on TikTok to check out the For You page just to do some research to see what’s trending at the moment. I noticed SonaOne’s Bomba, The Weeknd’s Blinding Lights, and Surfaces’ Sunday Best among the most popular. Also, this is one I’m thinking of trying later—the Pitch Perfect Challenge featuring Ace of Base’s The Sign.
12pm

Hello, pizza!
One of the best parts about being at home is getting to indulge in home-cooked food, of course. My mum has taken over the role of head chef during MCO and I have to say that I’m thoroughly impressed. Here’s the thing: my mum never cooks (fat emphasis on never). This isolation period has allowed us to spend more time together, especially while preparing meals.
I took time away from work to help my mum with lunch. Today, we made pizza! Al-dough we’re amateurs, I think we did quite well. One side with pineapples and the other topped with a variety of cheeses. Everyone’s happy—my belly sure was.
1pm
I took some time to rest and relax before I continued with work. I headed to my balcony to sit on the couch—I get a great view of the Maju Expressway (MEX) from here, and as far as my eyes can see, there were literally no cars at all.
Okay, there were a few but still—great job for staying in, guys.
1.25pm

Hello, failed Dalgona Coffee!
I tried making Dalgona Coffee again (yes, again because I failed the first time). It’s clear that I didn’t do a great job this time round but I don’t know where I went wrong. Too much sugar? Did I use the right instant coffee powder? Did I add too much water? I’m really not quite sure. To make myself feel better about my caffeinated failure, I added some chocolate flakes on top. But my concoction ended up erring to the side of just plain weird, so I didn’t finish it. I’ll definitely attempt again. One day.
1.30pm
Work resumes! It’s a Friday so I felt a little lazier than usual. Plus, working from home means distractions, distractions, and distractions across the board. Seated at my work station, it feels like I’m presented with all sorts of challenges. Is it snack time yet? Should I go for a round on the Xbox? Am I supposed to just stay grounded with my laptop? I guess I am. I have to be.
3.45pm
Before I know it, more than two hours have passed. Another 15 minutes before the Prime Minister announces the government’s decision on the MCO extension. I decided to take another quick break. I got myself some pineapple juice from the fridge, looked for the livestream of the announcement, and went on social media while waiting.
4pm

Hello, PM!
Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin announced that the Movement Control Order will be extended from 15 April to 28 April 2020. I think I’m okay with this. Another two weeks of MCO, guys! The WFH situation continues for now.
4.30pm
It’s a little quiet on our team group chat today. I guess everyone’s busy with their respective tasks. My TikTok group on WhatsApp, however, was buzzing with notifications left, right, and centre. I set aside a few minutes to watch everything. My favourite TikTok-ers right now are Neil Shibata, Andrew Lau, Chriselle Lim, Fash, Jeffrey Chang, Leo Tokio, Olly B, and Zach Smitty.
I love that it’s always part-fun and part-work when going on platforms like TikTok and Instagram. TikTok can really make me laugh and I wouldn’t mind some laughter right now. Talking about laughter—Dr. Jason Leong will be on our BURO Hangouts Live session on 11 April 2020 (Saturday) at 2pm.
4.55pm

Hello, random TikTok dance!
I think I should definitely get back to work now. But first—let me record a quick video on TikTok. I’ve been practicing Megan Thee Stallion’s Savage. It’s definitely not easy but I think I’m starting to get the moves right.
5pm
Alright, now I’m actually working again. Ronn, stop procrastinating. It’s the final stretch before you’re done with the work day!
6.30pm
I looked around me and realised that another day is almost over. Tomorrow is Day 25 of MCO and we have a long way to go.
My workout routine since 18 March 2020 is mostly dancing to K-pop—including Itzy’s Wannabe, Oneus’s A Song Written Easily, and (G)I-dle’s Oh My God. This evening, I decided to do a little workout before dinner. It’s rare for me to be in the gym room but I wanted to use the treadmill (for once). Got to sweat it out! I did that for 20 minutes, quickly washed up, then back to the kitchen I went.
7pm

Salted egg pork, courtesy of my mum
I didn’t have to help with dinner tonight (although does it make me a bad person to be secretly relieved as I’m exhausted from the day?). For dinner, my mum prepared salted egg pork—one of my favourite dishes. I was reading the news during dinner and I found out that Pink and Puteri Aishah are among the latest celebrities to be tested positive for Covid-19. I really hope that everyone continues to practise social distancing.
8pm

Hello, tonight’s wine of choice!
It’s Friday night! On non-MCO days, I would probably be at a cafe or a bar with my friends. Tonight, however, I’m drinking all by myself. Put on my favourite tunes and poured myself a glass of wine. Okay, three glasses.
I love taking time to relax over wine because it helps me to unwind. Part of my job is wine-tasting and that’s how I discovered more about this grape-filled realm. Definitely not complaining!
9pm
Inspired by Fashion Writer, Stephanie, I decided to tidy up my wardrobes. I separated the black clothes from the rest, packed the clothes I don’t want anymore, and arranged my accessories (bags, bracelets, sunglasses). I also spent some time re-positioning the skincare products in my bathroom.
9.45pm
After washing up and putting on a mask sheet (I do this every other day), I’m finally in bed and looking through social media again. When I was on Facebook, I saw an article that said Netflix is releasing a special Tiger King episode. I’ve been recommending this crazy documentary to pretty much everyone. So one can imagine how excited I am for more of Joe Exotic and Carole Baskin. Did the Big Cat Rescue lady really murder her husband? Also—where can I listen to Joe Exotic’s catalogue of questionable catchy songs?
It’s also fun looking at all the hot cross buns and Easter egg articles—in preparation for Easter Sunday. I’m not sure if I’m going to attempt making my own hot cross buns on Sunday but I’ll definitely be staying up for Andrea Bocelli’s solo performance at Milan’s Duomo Cathedral.
10.15pm

Hello, Lee Min-ho!
I just saw the trailer for the upcoming Korean drama The King: Eternal Monarch starring Lee Min-ho and it looks so good! I can’t wait for 17 April. Meanwhile, I was planning to watch two episodes of Hotel Del Luna before I sleep; it’s my third K-Drama in succession after finishing both Crash Landing On You and Itaewon Class. (Park Seo-joon, though.)
I ended up watching the first season of Money Heist instead, no thanks to peer pressure.
12am
It just turned 11 April. I checked my Facebook Memories and cringe-laughed at the statuses I used to post back in high school; and browsed through my archives on Instagram to see if I have anything worth sharing. I reminisced on my past travels to Vienna and Malta, and thought about the trip to Seoul that was scheduled for the end of this month. But evidently, that isn’t happening anymore. No matter—there’s nothing quite like memories, especially beautiful ones, to keep me going.
I’m also really excited to share my travel guide from my recent work trip to Queensland with Tourism Australia. That will have to wait, however. I can’t wait to travel again, but for now, virtual walking tours will do.
12.30am
Once I’m done with that and responding to messages, I finally call it a day (well, night). Still feeling the effects of the wine earlier. Good night! ¡Buenas dias!

Hello, closed work laptop!
24 days of staying indoors might sound daunting or boring to many, but I feel like I’m actually getting a hang of it. With today’s extension, we’re in this for a longer haul. I haven’t gone to the supermarket yet because we still have sufficient groceries at home. I’m fortunate to have a work team that makes WFH rather enjoyable, as well as loved ones who keep me entertained. (To be fair, I do most of the entertaining.)
Staying at home, self-isolating, and practising social distancing won’t just keep me safe, but also everyone around me. It’s one way to help flatten the curve. If you’d like to help, check out 16 important COVID-19 initiatives in Malaysia you can support.
Stay safe, people! Another two weeks to go and we can do this as one.

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Food + Drink
3 Invigorating summer-perfect cocktails to keep you refreshed

02.08.2019
By Ronn Tan

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Summer. A term synonymous with beaches, parties, heat, vacations, icy drinks, and topless bods (or just any excuse for less coverage). Who can blame us for the stereotypical view? After all, perceptions of the hot season are constantly enforced through films and television series. But this is not a period akin to traditionally Western practices, just ask any Malaysian. Living in this tropical heat, we’re all familiar with the warm and humid conditions all year round and the need for a sweet (and preferably air-conditioned) escape.
Good news is—we are never too far away from cocktails! The cool, refreshing kind. How to beat the heat? We asked these local bars in Kuala Lumpur for suggestions and you might just win the ongoing war against the torridness with these concoctions.
1. Bar Shake, Platinum Park KL

Name: Ready for a Grape Time?
What is it: “It’s a gin and tonic made with hand-squeezed black grapes, Ford’s Gin and house-made tonic made by chief bartender, Osamu Kinagawa. It has a subtle sweetness, and is extremely refreshing. Perfect for summer for sure.”
Website | Facebook | Instagram
2. PS150, Petaling Street KL

Name: Siam Siam
What is it: “Inspired by Miang Kam and tropical days, this drink is currently one of our specialty cocktails in the PS150 menu. It is born in the warm sun drenched countries of Thailand and Mexico, with a powerful base of Tequila and tropical fruity notes of passion fruit and pineapple. Refreshing and fruity, it’s the perfect thirst quencher for a warm summers’ day.”
Fun fact: Ingredients include Tequila Blanco, Green Chartreuse, passion fruit, pineapple, kaffir lime syrup, and sweet basil leaf
Website | Facebook | Instagram
3. Marini’s on 57, Petronas Tower 3 KLCC

Name: Beach Boy
What is it: With a name like that, what else is the drink most suitable for? The summer! It is a combination of egg white, strawberry syrup, lemon juice, John Jameson, Angostura bitter, and mint leaf.
Website | Facebook | Instagram

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Style
Met Gala 2020: The date, the theme, and the hosts revealed

08.11.2019
By Joan Kong

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Met Gala is fashion’s biggest event—there’s no doubt about that. After another highly successful gala this year, the theme for 2020 has been announced, and it’s ‘About Time: Fashion and Duration’. Inspired by the works of English writer Virginia Woolf and French-Jewish philosopher Henri Bergson, the theme is also a reference from the 1992 film Orlando by Sally Potter. According to Andrew Bolton, the Wendy Yu Curator in Charge of the Costume Institute, “There’s a wonderful scene in which Tilda Swinton enters the maze in an 18th-century woman’s robe à la Francaise, and as she runs through it, her clothes change to mid-19th-century dress, and she reemerges in 1850s England. That’s where the original idea came from.”
One thing’s for sure: next year’s event will be a major one, as the Met Museum will celebrate its 150th anniversary. The exhibition will feature 160 pieces of women’s clothing from the past 150 years, bridging the best of fashion from the past, present, and future. The co-chairs of 2020 has also been revealed—aside from Anna Wintour, the list includes Louis Vuitton’s womenswear creative director Nicolas Ghesquière, Emma Stone, Lin-Manuel Miranda, and Meryl Streep, who will be attending her very first Met Gala.

While we patiently wait for the first Monday of May to come, take a look back at all the celebrity looks from this year’s event:
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Beauty
Three girls share how they inspire their senses for fresh beginnings
Essential Energy

19.04.2018
By Gwen Ong

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For the modern day women, life is as exciting as it can be. You face challenges head on while balancing career and family with a heavy social calendar that sees you on the go from day to night. Your days are full and demanding but you take pleasure in the intricacy of life. It’s a sensorial experience that is worth the journey.
It’s a blissful feeling that resonates closely with Emily Lim, Nadia Heng and Anni Tai, whose life is brimming with various wonderful moments as an actress, emcee and embroidery artist. Each day brings about different ways to inspire the senses that help them to respond with a youthful energy. Here, they share what being alive is all about.

On a typical day in their life
“I’m usually awake by 5am when I’m filming and I’ll be on set till evening. I enjoy the process of getting into character even though filming can be pretty hectic. The first thing that I like to do when I get home is to remove all my makeup and take a shower. Then I’ll unwind with a cup of chamomile tea and prepare for my shoot the following day. On non-working days, I like to take a little time out for myself with a good workout whether it’s kickboxing, rock climbing or yoga,” – Emily

“I typically start my day with my skincare regime and then I hit the gym. After a shower, I’ll usually take a time to have breakfast at the balcony and savour the moment. Then I dive straight into work, be it replying emails, reading scripts or heading to meetings. With the nature of my job as a host and emcee, I often work long, erratic hours. By the time I get home, I just like to unwind by lighting some scented candles and relaxing to jazz music to calm my mind,” – Nadia

“I like to work with my hands, it’s a feeling that is very satisfying to me. So my day is about creating something beautiful with my hands. I first look at some floral bouquets for inspiration and study its shapes. Then I sketch out an embroidery pattern and choose the colours. This is the hardest part as it can make or break the artwork. But it is also my favourite as the final result is really pretty. At the end of a long day, I turn to art as a way to de-stress and get inspired again,” – Anni

On staying inspired with their current lifestyle
“I like to surround myself with positive people and also friends and family who loves me. I feel it’s important to spend time around good energy. When I need to recharge, I go outdoors and do a bit of yoga to realign my senses,” – Emily

“To stay motivated, I like to work up a good sweat. This always lifts up my spirit without fail. I indulge in a little me-time when I can to help me find my balance, much like a soundbath experience, which is a real treat to my senses,” – Nadia

“I’ve always been a crafty person, even when I was a kid. I’m happiest when I get to create things that I love. So my inspiration comes from everything that I see, my senses seem to come alive with embroidery art,” – Anni

On their skincare routine
“I think the key to good skin is to stay hydrated and maintain proper cleansing. I usually double cleanse if I have makeup on. To restore balance, a hydrating mask is my favourite followed by a good moisturiser after that. I like Shiseido Essential Energy Moisturising Gel Cream’s lightweight texture that gives my skin proper hydration without any greasy or sticky feel,” – Emily

“I always follow this rule – never sleep with makeup on. And I always make sure to cleanse, tone and moisturise every morning and evening to keep my skin healthy and happy. With Shiseido Essential Energy, it is a refreshing break from the norm. I particularly like how the moisturising gel cream feels in my hands – from its texture to the simple packaging inspired by Japanese tea bowl ,” – Nadia

“I truly believe that using the right skincare is important. I’m now using the Shiseido Esssential Energy range and it has helped my skin stay hydrated and smooth from day to night. On days that I want to relax, I massage my face and pamper it with a hydrating serum. Once I know I’ve found the right products for me, my confidence soar. My skin feels rejuvenated and healthier,” – Anni

Shiseido Essential Energy is a skincare range consisting of a cream, gel-cream and day emulsion that is inspired by neuroscience. It supports the skin’s responsive power so it reacts, detects and adapts to visible changes to help you look your best. Read more on the range here. Available now at Shiseido counters nationwide.

Videography: Shepherd Pictures Coordination: Gwen Ong & Angel YauStyling: Cai Mei Khoo Art Direction: Yi Suen Chong Hair: Juno Ko Makeup: Shiyo JooLocations: Whimsical Gellateria & Caffe, Be Urban Wellness and OhanaJo Studio.

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News
#HappyHeadlines: Plans for police reform, BTS stans raise $1.1 million in a day for BLM, and more

11.06.2020
By Kelly Lim

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Despite the ongoing pandemic, the world is focused on reopening after months-long lockdowns to revive a declining economy.
As George Floyd is laid to rest in his hometown of Houston on Tuesday, his legacy continues to resonate across the globe, sparking debate and reflections from East to West on the problem of racial inequality. Anti-racism protests enter their third week in the U.S. and continue to spread around the world as tens of thousands join the Black Lives Matter movement both online and off to fight for the lives and futures of the African American community. Their rage is no doubt justified, but their joy is just as important.

Across industries, leaders, brands and businesses are being held accountable, with people going online to call out performative posts, tell their stories and expose the environments that have repressed people of colour, signalling that no matter who you are, racism of any kind will no longer be tolerated.
As we enter the new normal with ideas of change in mind, here’s a rundown of what went right this week to keep you optimistic towards the future:
States propose plans for police reform

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Lawmakers across the States have begun to propose major police reform measures to reduce police violence and make officers more accountable for their actions. The U.S. House Democrats unveiled a reform bill on Monday to tackle the excessive use of force and racial discrimination as well as remove barriers in the prosecution of police misconduct. Congress is also slated to introduce reforms that will limit qualified immunity for officers and restrict military weapons.
Over in Minneapolis, where Floyd was killed, plans vetoed by City Council members proposed the dismantling of the city’s police department to replace it with community-based public safety programs instead. Police departments in both NYC and LA have received cuts in funding, while laws on chokeholds bans and the prohibition of racial profiling were passed in the New York State and Colorado. Louisville’s city council passed Breonna’s Law—named after Breonna Taylor, an unarmed Black woman tragically shot eight times in her home by police back in March—to place more stringency on warrant applications and restrict the issuance of “no-knock” warrants, a factor that played a major role in her death. Elsewhere…
The end of false idols

In the wake of the global protest movement, troublesome, urban monuments reinforcing racism are being torched, occupied and removed. From America to Europe, many of the now-toppled statues have stood for years as overt reminders of heritage and history of black slavery, racial apartheid and the wars that fought to uphold it. Confederate statues across multiple states are being officially removed by city leaders, who are also reconsidering the names of schools and streets that honour Confederate soldiers and other known racists.
In Britain, demands also grow for statues honouring the authors of colonialism to be torn down. The Stop Trump Coalition—a group established to protest the US president’s visit to the UK in 2017—launched a new website called Topple the Racists to show protestors which colonist monuments need destroying near them. This move was inspired by a moment in Bristol when protestors took matters into their own hands by removing one on their own over the weekend. Similarly, the mayor of Tower Hamlets announced the removal of a statue of an 18th-century slave trader outside the Museum of London Dockland near Canary Wharf, telling Reuters at the scene that he strongly felt it was no longer appropriate to leave the statue in place.
Harper’s Bazaar appoints its first ever black editor-in-chief

Samira Nasr, previously executive fashion director at Vanity Fair, will head the US edition of Harper’s Bazaar from next month, publisher Hearst announced Tuesday. This is the first time in the magazine’s 153-year-history that a black editor-in-chief will run the US title, a move that comes less than a week after the publisher announced a fundraising effort for organisations fighting racial injustice, aiming to match and double contributions up to 500,000. In a video posted on social media, Nasr said: “As the proud daughter of a Lebanese father and Trinidadian mother, my worldview is expansive and is anchored in the belief that representation matters. My lens by nature is colourful, and so it is important to me to begin a new chapter in Bazaar’s history by shining a light on all individuals who I believe are the inspiring voices of our time.”
BTS fandom matches the band’s $1M donation to BLM in a day

The band released an official statement last week to show their support.
Never underestimate the power of Stan Twitter, particularly in the realm of K-pop. Fandoms have been harnessing their power for good in recent weeks, joining thousands around the world to fight against systemic racism and police brutality. Using their immense platforms and influence, they’ve buried online white supremacist movements, stopped police snitches and even influenced their idols, who are usually mum on social issues, to speak out against racism.
Following BTS’s announcement of a $1 million donation to the Black Lives Matter movement, the group’s fandom ARMY quickly flooded Twitter with #MatchAMillion campaign to organise a donation pool amongst themselves to raise the same amount for the cause. After 25 hours, the community raised an incredible $1.1 million with the support of BTS’s ‘One In An ARMY’ fanbase charity organisation and allies around the world. The charity went on to announce that the current movement “isn’t something that has a time limit, it’s a belief that everyone needs to carry in their everyday lives.”

Malaysian organisations join forces to support local restaurants and communities in need

Malaysian creative collective That One Thing has collaborated with 15 eateries in Klang Valley and Penang to launch “Food for Thought”, a t-shirt campaign to support communities hit hardest by the COVID crisis. The project aims to encourage support towards local F&B businesses and help them get back on their feet. In addition, it hopes to raise awareness on food waste and food poverty as 100 per cent of profits from t-shirt sales will go towards The Lost Food Project (TLFP), the non-profit pioneer of sustainable food banking in Malaysia. Since the beginning of MCO, the TLFP has provided over 180,000 meals for the less fortunate by rescuing nutritious, surplus food that usually ends up in a landfill and distributing it to communities living in food poverty. Find out more on the project and t-shirt pre-orders here.
Ghanaians invent solar-powered basin to encourage hand-washing habits

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During the lockdown in Ghana, Richard Kwarteng and Jude Osei transformed an old-recycled metal barrel into a solar-powered hand-washing basin to encourage sanitation habits among the neighbourhood. Finished in just five days, the invention works like any other normal hands-free sink and runs on a 25-second timer, in correspondence with CDC’s guidelines for handwashing duration. Osei’s video of Kwarteng demonstrating their invention went viral on social media and caught the attention of the Ghanaian government. The pair are now working to construct more machines for placement around cities throughout the country.

HK photographer wins SWPA first place for thought-provoking photos of protest

Chung Ming Ko, Hong Kong, Category Winner, Professional, Documentary, 2020 Sony World Photography Awards
Highlighting the issue of police brutality, Chung Ming-ko’s photograph, titled “Wounds of HK” was announced the first place winner of the documentary section in the Sony World Photography Awards (SWPA). The series depicts 24 men and women—some with scars and bandages sustained from the city’s ongoing pro-democracy demonstrations—photographed against a black background. Chung told SCMP, “While the scars and bruises may fade, we must remember what caused them. The struggle of man against power is the struggle of memory against forgetting.”
The Hong Kong photographer’s work aims to draw attention to the rise of cases in depression and PTSD in the city as a result of the protests and police violence, which was first triggered by the introduction of an extradition bill by the Hong Kong government last summer. This follows the temporary removal of Chung’s photos from SWPA’s website in February due to its “sensitive nature”, raising online concerns over possible censorship.
Indonesia’s startups come together to produce local coronavirus test kits

Tech startups and unicorns in Indonesia have joined forces to produce test kits locally, the Straits Times reported today, as cities moved to ease restrictive measures across the country with places of worship and workplaces reopening this week in the capital of Jakarta, Indonesia’s epicentre of infections. From e-commerce platforms to genomic technology organisations, companies are pooling efforts and funds to raise testing capacity to help the world’s fourth most populous country keep the spread of infections down. According to Worldometer, Indonesia had one of the lowest testing rates among countries with populations of relative size before June, but it’s since increased to a rate of 1,570 for every 1 million population.
The Criterion Collection is streaming films by Black filmmakers for free

In support of the BLM movement, the Criterion Collection has lifted its paywall on all its titles from Black filmmakers and documentaries about the Black experiences to amplify black voices and spotlight their stories. Films by pioneers of African American cinema, such as Maya Angelou, Julie Dash, Cheryl Dunye, and more are part of the selection of documentaries, film shorts and contemporary works that are now available online for free, even if you aren’t a subscriber of the video distribution platform. Additionally, the company have pledged to contribute an initial donation of $25,000 to organisations fighting racism in America.
Watch the films here.

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Features
The Year Ahead: 4 Malaysian creatives on making the most of their wardrobes in 2022

25.01.2022
By Kelly Lim

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New year, new you? Whether you’re due for a closet clean-out or simply want to shop more sensibly in the year ahead, resolution season’s energy can burn bright and fast. So if you’re in need of some fashion motivation to get re-inspired and kickstart your resolve, what better way to do so than by getting a shift in style mindset? Ahead, we picked the brains of local creatives to hear about their style predictions, intentions and how they plan on making the most of their wardrobe in 2022.
Silas Oo, artist and model

BURO: What are three must-have pieces in your forever wardrobe?
Silas: “Firstly, a good pair of black leather boots, something with a good fit that’s comfortable enough for daily wear, with good construction, and a versatile and visually pleasing silhouette. These should last you a good ten years at minimum if you find the right pair and take good care of them. Next would be a well fitting pair of trousers or jeans. I enjoy quality, artisanal construction and materials with every garment so naturally I’d want that in my trousers. Choice of cut is always going to change with the times but I think a slim fit will always remain the most versatile and reliable.”
“My third must-have would have to be a good casual jacket. Like trousers, it would have to be something fitted and versatile, but with quality construction and rugged, heavy yet breathable fabric that would age and break in with the wearer.”
BURO: How would you describe your personal style today? Has it changed in the last year?
Silas: “It has definitely changed, or at least refined. I used to wear more vintage styles, pulling from different eras in fashion, but I’ve pulled away from that and moved more towards the avant-garde in the past couple years, focusing on more artisanal details and construction, as well as interesting silhouettes. In short, I try to study and collect from designers I find interest in.”

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BURO: What’s one fashion trend we should leave behind in 2021, and what do you think will be big in fashion for 2022?
Silas: “I think formalities have been and need to continue to be blurred as we move towards the future. Fashion is no longer just a means to ‘look good’ or ‘attract a partner’. It can be a luxury, an art-form; a means to live out a fantasy or participate in a community. I think the trend to break is normalcy––gender norms, style norms, so called ‘rules’. Come on, we’re way past that now. This is the future.”
“As for what I believe will be big in fashion this year, I think sci-fi- and fantasy-inspired fashion will flourish. There are already so many designers taking inspiration from fictional characters; cartoons, cyborgs, aliens, video games. All kinds of mind-bending and lucrative textiles, silhouettes and details are being explored and boundaries being pushed. It’s insane, and I look forward to the madness.”

BURO: What’s the most-worn item in your wardrobe right now and why?
Silas: “A pair of Nike Air Force 1. They’re heavily worn, with paint and grime splattered all over them as I wear them to work in. They’re not my favourite article of clothing but they’re comfy and get the job done.”

BURO: What are your fashion resolutions and/or creative goals for the year ahead?
Silas: “I want to build a capsule wardrobe filled with a lot more intention and quality pieces. Things to invest in and not replace, that will appreciate and age beautifully. All of this includes decluttering; getting rid of a ton of things I don’t want or need; getting more in tune with my own tastes and design philosophies; saving up for pieces and buying less often; and of course documenting the process, hopefully.”
BURO: What changes do you hope to see in fashion for 2022 and beyond?
Silas: “I hope to see less consumption and consequently less production overall, especially when it comes to things like fast fashion. There are so many factors that people tend to close an eye to when looking for ‘the look for less’––things like quality or durability, labor costs, design integrity, originality, ethical sourcing, and so much more. With social media platforms becoming so incredibly prevalent in marketing and consumption (fashion being an extremely major part of it), it has never been more pertinent to be intentional and considerate in our spending and purchasing habits.”
Veen Dee Tan, co-founder of Hanya

BURO: What are three must-have pieces in your forever wardrobe?
Veen Dee: “Blazer, low cut tanks and a pair of good jeans.”
BURO: How would you describe your personal style today? Has it changed in the last year?
Veen Dee: “Definitely making business casual cute. I guess my style has changed, in a way that I opted for more oversized silhouettes and less playful items. I no longer shop for skimpy outfits because I am not sure if it’s legal for a 32 years old to dress up in butterfly print lilac halter top. But let me know––asking for a friend.”
BURO: What’s one fashion trend we should leave behind in 2021, and what do you think will be big in fashion for 2022?
Veen Dee: “Checkered outfits (my unpopular opinion). I think pleats and colour blocking will be big in 2022 as it was shown across many shows during the Spring/Summer 2022 season via brands like Dior, Valentino and Fendi––to name a few.”

BURO: What’s the most-worn item in your wardrobe right now and why?
Veen Dee: ” The boyfriend shirt and blazer because it brings out the girl boss energy in me whenever I need to pick myself up. You can never go wrong in them.”
BURO: What are your fashion resolutions and/or creative goals for the year ahead?
Veen Dee: “More colours! And get fitter, not skinnier but fitter!”

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BURO: What changes do you hope to see in fashion for 2022 and beyond?
Veen Dee: “More sustainable approaches in the fashion scene. I see many brands claim to be sustainable but being sustainable is not just about the materials used during the production process but the entire ecosystem. It goes down to the waste we create during the creation process; minimum wage and age for workers; as well as packaging and promises to the community. I plan to create more upcycled pieces for Hanya to gain more awareness of sustainability, so fingers crossed!”
READ: Conscious fashion: 7 Malaysian labels keeping the planet and the people in mind
Nazreem Musa, digital creator

BURO: What are three must-have pieces in your forever wardrobe?
Nazreem: “Navy blue blazer, bootcut jeans and a comfortable pair of leather boots.”
BURO: How would you describe your personal style today? Has it changed in the last year?
Nazreem: “It hasn’t really changed. I feel like my personal style has been the same for the past 10 years. It has always been androgynous, edgy and comfortable.”

BURO: What’s one fashion trend we should leave behind in 2021, and what do you think will be big in fashion for 2022?
Nazreem: “Hair scrunchies. I think a lot of people tried bringing it back in homage to the lockdown we all went through in the past two years, but I don’t see it. Definitely not in 2022.”
BURO: What’s the most-worn item in your wardrobe right now and why?
Nazreem: “Basically all my hoodie co-ords. I feel like that was my official lockdown uniform throughout 2020 to 2021. I sleep, eat, and repeat in my hoodie and sweat suits. It is almost illegal how comfortable I get in them.”

BURO: What are your fashion resolutions and/or creative goals for the year ahead?
Nazreem: “I look forward to supporting small businesses and young up-and-coming designers, especially ones in Malaysia. We have so many talented artists and I’m already eyeing a few. Another resolution would be to share more #OOTD photos with my followers and trying something new every other week.”

BURO: What changes do you hope to see in fashion for 2022 and beyond?
Nazreem: “Gender-fluid fashion. I feel like it is already happening slowly. Gender-fluid fashion is becoming more accepted and advertised within the mainstream media today. I just hope it’ll stay as is or even more so in the future.”
Deanni, fashion stylist

BURO: What are three must have pieces in your forever wardrobe?
Deanni: “It’s hard to say because I have so many important pieces in my closet! If I had to choose, it would be a pair of platform boots, a skirt, and an oversized jacket. I feel like these pieces are essential to me no matter where I go, and I could wear them with almost everything.”
BURO: How would you describe your personal style today? Has it changed in the last year?
Deanni: “I think that my style today is completely different than it was a year ago, and that goes for every year before that. Today, I’d say that I’ve become more into gothic and punk fashion: I’ve started to wear more boots, more eyeliner, more darker colours, but I still keep elements of my style from previous years such as by layering pieces and wearing oversized clothes.”
BURO: What’s one fashion trend we should leave behind in 2021, and what do you think will be big in fashion for 2022?
Deanni: “It’s difficult for me to answer this, because I don’t usually keep up with the yearly trends in fashion and focus on elevating my own personal style. As for this year’s prediction, I think that there would be a comeback of wearing loud colours that pop out like the 70s or 80s era, unlike the muted/dark colours that we see a lot of today. That would be really exciting to see!”

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A post shared by Deanni (@urfavramen)

BURO: What’s the most worn item in your wardrobe right now and why?
Deanni: “It would definitely have to be my platform boots. I literally wear them everyday, or any pair of boots! I don’t know why really, but after getting my first pair, I got obsessed with owning and wearing different boots, it makes me feel comfortable and empowering in them! (It also makes me taller hehe.)”
BURO: What are your fashion resolutions and/or creative goals for the year ahead?
Deanni: “Personally, I’d love to explore of my own style and implementing different styles––going out of my current comfort zone, especially. Other than that, I hope to work with more brands that understand my style and share the same vision as me, because that’s one of my favourite parts of my job.”

BURO: What changes do you hope to see in fashion for 2022 and beyond?
Deanni: “I think I’d love to see more people exploring their own styles, without the need to follow the latest trends. I also hope for more support for sustainable fashion, and more incorporation of that in big fashion.”
Discover more fashion features here.

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Beauty
Tried and tested: PurelyB’s 30-Day Weight Loss Challenge – Week 3
Still going strong

02.02.2016
By Cai Mei Khoo

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BURO Beauty Empties Giveaway Week 2: Win up to RM4,500 worth of beauty prizes

Mon, 25 Jan
It’s a public holiday today (Happy Deepavali!) so I start my day with a hot Pilates session, which I thoroughly enjoy as I find that the heat allows for a deeper stretch. I’m meeting up with some girlfriends for dim sum brunch, which is out of clean eating territory. I opt for braised chicken feet and steamed prawn dumplings – almost everything else on the menu seems to be deep fried or ensconced in some puff pastry. One of the girls suggests a run this evening so I join her for a 6km run—what better way to work off the dim sum and train up for We Run KL at the same time.

Tues, 26 Jan
I have a Chinese New Year work lunch (another one of those 8-course meals) but I think I’ve become slightly better with my portion sizes – weirdly though, I kind of miss having a salad at lunch so I look forward to dinner, which was a mix of cauliflower, sweet potato and carrots. Root vegetables are my favourite. I somehow thought I could squeeze in a run before an event tonight but didn’t have the time to so I head home and do Dave’s workout. This week’s workout is called Full Body Hit, which incorporates jumping jacks, plank and rows, toe taps and jump squats, which I can’t do 45 seconds of without having to stop. Dave calls them the ‘king of fat burning exercises’ – if I can get over my thighs burning.

Wed, 27 Jan
After reading my Week 2 review, a friend texted to say that I should try Raisin’ The Roof at Plaza Damansara as they have dairy-free, and gluten-free options. A quick look on their Instagram account reveals that they do dairy-free ‘Nice Cream’ – I’m sold! I meet local designer, Cassey Gan, for lunch there and order a tempe wrap, which turns out to be a lot more filling than it looks and left no space for Nice Cream. There will be a next time.

Thurs, 28 Jan
I must have been a good girl (yes, I have been!) as today’s food delivery comes with a bag of granola and raw desserts – three bliss balls and a slice of what looks like a purple sweet potato pie. I generally don’t eat refined sugar so these sweet treats totally made my day – the raw chocolate avocado chia pudding I made this morning can wait. Today’s meals come from Foodmatters, a company I’ve not heard of but I like how the packaging includes nutrition facts (total calories, fat, carbs and protein) – the Mexican Bean Salad with Steak I have for lunch hits the spot. I find myself feeling pretty peckish today. I’ve been staying away from granola as I’m trying to keep my carb intake down but since it was part of the treats sent today, I decide to have some granola, since I’ll be going for a run after work anyway. But unfortunately, the weather decided otherwise so I head home and do Dave’s HIIT workout.

 Fri, 29 Jan
After a couple of weeks searching different places for dairy-free, soy-free protein powders, I finally manage to get my hands on some plant-based protein powder. I’m starting to train up for my first half marathon and the only time I get to run is at night, but by the time I’m done with my run, it’s too late to have a proper meal so this is just what I need. I mix it into my green smoothie and find it a tad too sweet.

 Sat, 30 Jan
I try out a new gym near the office this morning that offers a mix of functional and high-intensity training. Post-workout, I have a baby spinach salad with beetroot and a poached egg but the salad is also baby-sized so I head home and have a protein shake – I will be running this evening anyway so I don’t worry about consuming too much protein. On this diet, I also get to have 3 alcoholic drinks per week so I make plans for drinks tonight – until I get a text from Shan about a fun run tomorrow morning at 6am, which is not so fun, but I decide to go anyway as I need to start working on my distance.
QOTD:
“YOU HAVE TO EARN YOUR CARBS.”

Sun, 31 Jan
I’m on the road by 5.30am thinking about how things have changed – once upon a time, I’d be driving home at this time after clubbing… We do a 10km run, my first in over a year and it feels good. Cross-training has definitely improved my fitness levels. I stretch it out at a hot Pilates class post-run and then meet up with friends at a salad bar for lunch. They have a flexi-menu that allows you to pick what you like – there’s beetroot, sweet potato and even kimchi! I think I’ve found my new favourite lunch spot.

Related stories:
Tried and tested: PurelyB’s 30-Day Weight Loss Challenge – Week 1
Tried and tested: PurelyB’s 30-Day Weight Loss Challenge – Week 2

For more info on the 30-Day Weight Loss Challenge with Dave Catudal, click here. PurelyB is offering a special 10% discount for both the basic and premium programmes with the code ‘BURO247’. Promotion valid till 29 February 2016.

Check back next week for my final review on Week 4 of the 30-Day Weight Loss Challenge with Dave Catudal. Got a question? Connect with me on Instagram at @caimei.k

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Beauty
Why Cosme Decorte’s new lotion and emulsion is the moisture-packing duo you need
Botanical blends

06.02.2017
By Wei Yeen Loh

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BURO Beauty Empties Giveaway Week 2: Win up to RM4,500 worth of beauty prizes

Not a fan of emulsion and lotion—or anything extra apart from cleanser and moisturiser—for its sticky, weighted feeling on your skin? Enter Cosme Decorté’s new Prime Latté (emulsion milk) and Vita de Rêve (lotion), both formulated with botanical oils and extracts that hydrate your skin without leaving a tacky residue. Below, we make a case for this new pre-moisturising duo:

A host of botanical ingredients to impart major goodness to your skin
Cosme Decorté Prime Latté’s standout ingredient is avocado oil, known for its high level of essential fatty acids that support barrier function. It also contains oils of olive, lavender, sage and rosehip—all emollients that soften skin, strengthen immunity and promote skin regeneration.
Cosme Decorté Vita de Rêve’s four botanical extracts include sage, perilla leaf, wild thyme and rosemary water—essentially moisturising agents that have nourishing properties, be it anti-inflammatory or anti-bacterial.

Both work in tandem for quick absorption and moisturisation
Like its bestselling Liposome Treatment Liquid, the Prime Latté has a quick-absorbing texture to boost the effects of products used after it. It caters best for skin that’s dry or that require a balance between oil and hydration. The Vita de Rêve however, is suitable for skin prone to problems resulting from changes in the environment/weather, with a botanical blend that penetrates quickly to promote a higher-resistant skin barrier.

In case you need an extra boost of hydration…
We love skincare products that you have multifunctional properties. And in this case, the Vita de Rêve doubles up as a mask if your skin requires a dose of pampering. After applying the Prime Latté emulsion, fill a container with Vita de Rêve and place a mask inside. Once the mask has soaked up the product, unfold and apply it over your face. A good five to 10 minutes will leave your skin glowing.

Cosme Decorté Prime Latté (RM185) and Vita de Rêve (RM185) are available at all Cosme Decorté counters nationwide.

Related stories:
3 Reasons to add Cosme Decorté AQMW Rouge Glow into your beauty kit
Cosme Decorté hits the target with the new Whitelogist whitening duo

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Food + Drink
8 Hotpot restaurants in KL that are delivering during EMCO

27.06.2021
By Eugene Chen

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Review: Sky35 KL presents an omakase experience plated on Hermès finery

With lockdown/FMCO (or at least some form of MCO) set to go on for a little while longer, one way to keep sane during this pandemic period is to indulge in the things you love pre-COVID-19. For many of us, that’s hotpot! Hotpot is the ultimate comfort food, especially during a time like this. What’s not to like about cooking almost anything you want in a delicious broth. Check out our suggestions for hot pot places that deliver below and satisfy your cravings.
*All prices and details are correct at the time of publishing*

1. Beauty In The Pot

Available from its outlet in The Gardens Mall, there are three different sets to choose from—starting from RM198+. You can select two types of soup base from the following: Beauty Collagen Broth (Dried Scallop and Pork Bone Soup), Spicy Nourishing Broth (Pork Bone Soup), Vitamin C Tomato Sweet Corn Broth, Longevity Wild Mushroom Broth (Vegetarian), Hearbal Drunk Chicken Broth, Hearty Shrimp Broth, and Cooling Coconut Broth. Depending on which set you get, your hotpot ingredients will differ too. Check out the full menu here.
Opening Hours: 11am – 7pm
Contact: 017 576 1772
Facebook | Instagram
2. Feng Wang Fu

Available from both their Klang and Fahrenheit outlets, Feng Wang Fu delivers authentic Chengdu hotpot to you during this F/MCO. Check out the menu on their Facebook and Instagram page. Options include Fresh Beef Tripes, Handmade Bamboo Shrimp Paste, Snowflake Beef Slice, and their signature Double Flavoured Pot. Choose two types of soup base from the following: Spicy Mala Soup, Tomato Soup, Bone Soup, Mushroom Soup, Pickles Soup, and Fish Maw Soup. To order, contact them through Whatsapp using the number below.
Opening Hours: 12pm – 8pm
Contact: 011 3984 1230 (Fahrenheit); 011 2102 4921 (Klang), 011 5638 5267 (1Utama)
Facebook | Instagram
3. Haidilao

This hotpot brand is, without a doubt, one of the most popular in Malaysia. They are delivering during F/MCO too. To order, just call any of their outlets—Sunway Pyramid, One Utama, Pavilion, and Sunway Velocity. Haidilao also provides cookware renting service; so don’t worry if you don’t have a pot at home.
Opening Hours: 11am – 7:30pm
Contact:
Sunway Pyramid (03 5611 5188)
One Utama (03 7661 2678)
Pavilion (03 2110 0520)
Sunway Velocity (03 9770 0070)
IOI City Mall (03 8683 1298)
IOI Puchong (03 8080 1254)
Bangsar Village III (03 2202 2070)
Facebook | Instagram
4. Xiao Long Kan

Available from the Kuala Lumpur outlet, you can also get hotpot delivery from Xiao Long Kan. Their prices range from RM128 (2-3pax) to RM 258 (4-6pax). To order form them, call of Whatsapp the number provided below.
Contact: 012 467 1381
Facebook | Instagram
5. Fei Fan

Fei Fan is known for its all-you-can-eat hotpot, with multiple locations all over the city. They’re probably the most budget-friendly hotpot place you can find on this list. So, if you’re not looking to spend too much on hotpot, this is the place to order from. If you’re ordering for a whole group of people, take a look at their value set, which includes all of their specialties. Fei Fan is available on multiple delivery platforms such as Beepit, Grab Food, Food Panda, and Tableapp.
Contact:
SS15 Courtyard Mall (03 7496 6438)
163 Retail Park (03 6419 4928)
1Utama Shopping Center (03 7731 7928)
Paradigm Mall (03 7887 6438)
Setia City Mall (03 3358 6567)
Website | Facebook | Instagram
6. Shu Da Xia Hotpot

Originally from Chengdu, Shua Da Xia specialises in Sichuan-style mala hotpot. The KLCC outlet’s extensive menu makes decision-making easy since there’s an option for everyone at the table. Not only does this hotpot hotspot have many options, but all their ingredients are also of the highest quality. They even have Japanese A5 Wagyu for those who are feeling boujee. To order, use the link below.
Opening Hours: 11:30am – 8:00pm
Contact: 011 1204 1268
Order Link: Here
Facebook | Instagram
7. The Tavern Hotpot

The Tavern Hotpot is a reasonably priced hotpot restaurant, with sets ranging from RM168 to RM388 depending on the number of pax. What sets them apart from other hotpot delivery services is they offer something called “Buffet in a Box”. When you order this, the Tavern Wagon will drive to your doorstep so that you can fill up a box with all the ingredients you want, all for just one price. This can be arranged by contacting the number below via WhatsApp.
Opening Hours: 10:00am – 8:00pm
Contact: 012 280 9322
Order Link: Here
Facebook | Instagram

8. Da Long Yi Hotpot

Da Long Yi is another Chengdu-based hotpot restaurant. They currently have over 300 restaurants set up all across the globe and, finally, opened their doors in Malaysia last year. So if you’re looking for an authentic tongue-tingling mala experience—some have even claimed that this place has the best mala broth—give it a try. The only way to order from them is by contacting them through WhatsApp using the number below.
Opening Hours: 11:00am – 8:00pm
Contact: 011 3863 3336
Website | Facebook | Instagram
If you’re craving for hotpot during lockdown/FMCO, these are great options to check out in the Klang Valley. Self-isolation and social distancing are thoroughly important—but you can still enjoy delicious food. Even better, you don’t have to join the long queues outside these restaurants in KL anymore; you’ll get the same scrumptious goodies at the comfort and safety of your own home.
Many eateries in KL are available for delivery and self-pickup, so there are still plenty of food options for you to choose from. If you would like to put your cooking skills to the test, there are even ready-to-cook food kits.
For more restaurants and cafes doing takeaway/delivery in KL, click here.

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Style
Kimono update: Kim Kardashian is changing the name of her shapewear brand

02.07.2019
By Joan Kong

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The ultimate wedding shoe guide for the bridal party

Following accusations of cultural appropriations (and an open letter from the Mayor of Kyoto, Daisaku Kadokawa), Kim Kardashian has announced that she will be launching her shapewear line under a new name. In her latest Instagram post, the star said, “Being an entrepreneur and my own boss has been one of the most rewarding challenges I’ve been blessed with in my life. What’s made it possible for me after all of these years has been the direct line of communication with my fans and the public. I am always listening, learning and growing – I so appreciate the passion and varied perspectives that people bring to me. When I announced the name of my shapewear line, I did so with the best intentions in mind. My brands and products are built with inclusivity and diversity at their core and after careful thought and consideration, I will be launching my Solutionwear brand under a new name. I will be in touch soon. Thank you for your understanding and support always.” A launch date has yet to be revealed

The name of the brand aside, the public is generally excited with the launch, as the brand champions inclusivity and will feature sizes XXS to 4XL in nine shades. One of the most talked about designs include the “solution short” where one side is longer than the other-perfect for those who wear dress or skirt with a slit and still need that extra support.

Stay tuned for more updates.

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Lifestyle
Watch: The 2018 Malaysian Rap Up featuring Jin Hackman

19.12.2018
By Su Fen Tan

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

If you’ve come to look forward to Jin Hackman’s yearly recap of the most news-worthy and sometimes ridiculous things that has happened locally and internationally in his annual Rap Up—the wait is over. Covering everything from the monumental election to food debacles and the nasi lemak burger trend, Hackman left no stone unturned as he (w)raps up the eventful year in three minutes. Head to this link now to watch the video (produced in collaboration with Netflix this year), and spot the cameos by Datuk Jalaluddin and Sharifah Amani!

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Beauty
Sulwhasoo TimeTreasure: The new game-changer in anti-ageing skincare
Eternal beauty

02.08.2015
By Terry Saw

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BURO Beauty Empties Giveaway Week 2: Win up to RM4,500 worth of beauty prizes

2015 is a year of beauty breakthroughs for Sulwhasoo, to say the very least. Just fresh from releasing the fourth-generation of its award-winning First Care Activating Serum (which has over 100 uses, mind you), it continues to raise the bar in beauty – this time with the third-generation release of its luxurious TimeTreasure anti-ageing skincare range, naming the legendary Korean Red Pine as its key ingredient.
Koreans have long identified 10 potent ingredients – which were ‘worshipped’ in the ancient times for a variety of skin and health benefits – one of the 10 being the Red Pine, of course, which is fully capable of withstanding some of the harshest blizzards and even the most agonising heat to stay verdant and lush. Despite all odds, it also flourishes beautifully in barren soil for up to a millennium, which is more than convincing as far as survival skills go.
Armed with this new ingredient knowledge, Sulwhasoo has discovered a new skin-fortifying and anti-ageing formula: the DAA, found deep in the Red Pine, which effectively repairs signs of ageing and rebuilds skin strength from within. The result: a new and complete Sulwhasoo TimeTreasure range; a premium step-by-step system, which is designed to prevent, treat and reverse signs of ageing.
TimeTreasure Renovating Water EX, 125ml, RM340

This contains even smaller emulsion particles than a lotion to ensure the quick delivery of moisture to the innermost layers of your skin for long-lasting hydration. Smooth over a cleansed face, starting slowly from the center outwards.
TimeTreasure Renovating Emulsion EX, 125ml, RM380

Infused with the liquid crystal emulsion technology, this enhances skin radiance, while strengthening the skin’s barrier functions. Use after the Renovating Water EX, also starting from the center of the face outwards. Gently pat until the emulsion is fully absorbed.
TimeTreasure Renovating Serum EX, 50ml, RM1,010

Next, comes this nutrient-rich serum that has a super-antioxidant complex to rejuvenate the skin. Rub the serum between the palms of your hands before spreading it evenly over the face from the center outwards for instantly firmer, smoother skin.
TimeTreasure Renovating Cream EX, 60ml, RM1,360

Infused with red pine and wild mushroom extracts, this cream – to be used after the serum – is formulated to restore firmness to the skin and rebuild its elasticity from within.
Tip: Warm cream between the palms of your hands before inhaling for three seconds, and exhaling. Repeat twice to three times for a quick therapeutic, sensorial treat.
TimeTreasure Eye Cream EX, 25ml, RM825

The star of the range, this eye cream addresses fine lies, wrinkles and pigmentation around the eyes, while works effectively to ‘lift’ the delicate eye area for an instantly more ‘awake’ look.
Tip: Use your fingertips to dab the product around the eyes (on your eyelids as well as under and the sides of your eyes). Gently massage the cream into the skin, using your ring and middle fingers – you can also use the spatula provided as an extra massaging tool for delicate points such as between the eyes (where the bridge of nose intersects the parallel line from the eyes).
The Sulwhasoo TimeTreasure EX range will be available September 2015 onwards at Sulwhasoo Parkson outlets at Pavilion KL, KLCC, One Utama and Gurney Plaza Penang.

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Features
Recap: Izrin Ismail introduces Innai & Co, and talks about Innai Red’s first Raya ready-to-wear collection

26.04.2020
By Stephanie Boey

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Fashion Insider: Content creator Eros Erfe on the inspiration behind the ‘Bags of KL’ series

Sometimes things don’t go according to plan, and that’s alright! The silver lining to the MCO for Izrin Ismail and her team? Pushing ahead with plans to go online and launching Innai Red‘s first ready-to-wear collection in time for Raya 2020, despite the pandemic. Also more exciting news, what was formerly known as Innai Group (which consisted of brands Innai and Innai Red) is now known as Innai & Co, with a whole new look, too. In fact, she pushed up the launch and announcement, just in time for our BURO Hangouts Live session! Listen to her break the news to us below.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by BURO Malaysia (@buromalaysia) on Apr 25, 2020 at 12:33am PDT

We hear you have a big announcement to make today. Tell us more!
We’ve improvised our logo, and now we’re called Innai & Co! It’s pretty much just a new platform for us. Previously, we called ourselves Innai Group for our social media handle. So now, we’re calling ourselves Innai & Co, to consolidate Innai and Innai Red. Also, we’ll be launching our first e-shop very soon. (Edit: They are now live at innaiandco.com!)
Previously at Innai and Innai Red, the brand has always been about exclusivity and the experience of shopping in our store. So now [because of COVID-19], we have to go digital in some way, and we need to have a presence online. We’re pretty much far behind, so it’s about time! It’s amazing how this MCO has got us all to get everything sorted, and in a few days time, we’re launching the website.

Can you tell us more about the logo redesign?
The Innai & Co logo will only be for our social media and e-shop, because we’re gonna have Innai Red and Innai on board. We also have the new Innai and Innai Red logos that were tweaked as well, and will be debuted soon. They’re pretty much on the same chapter as the Innai & Co logo.
The news just came out today, too!
Yes, just today (21 April). To be honest, we were supposed to launch it and make the big announcement by Friday, but because we’re doing BURO Hangouts Live today, I thought might as well get it all started and excite a little bit.
What else is Innai & Co up to now?
Innai Red’s on board with MODA Malaysia, so we’re producing and sewing PPE for our frontliners. In the first week of the MCO, I was considering to help out, but I didn’t know where to source the materials and didn’t know who to connect with, until I saw Melinda [Looi] reaching out to designers and getting people on board.
A quick text to Melinda, and she responded almost immediately. She said, “I need you to get on board! I’ve got the materials, I’ll pass it to you in an hour!” And the very next day, I asked my team to come in, but we work in rotations. My team consists of twenty staff, but obviously have to play our part in social distancing. We’ve got two separate workshops, so I can get four to six staff in one, and four to six in another. The fear is there, I wouldn’t want to jeapordise anything.
But within staff, they feel so comfortable. So it’s quite hard for them to remember to practise social distancing, because you’re so used to seeing your colleagues everyday. Seeing a colleague in a small space, you tend to act like things are normal, so I remind them to sanitise, stock up on sanitisers and masks. But it’s beyond my control what my team does after work hours. Everyone’s an adult, people should be responsible for their own actions. [As a business owner], what I can do is inform them to take these precautions.

Are there other challenges in the workplace in the time of COVID-19?
Melinda said, “Izrin, be sure that your staff wear gloves [while working”. I said, “I’m sorry but it’s so hard to wear gloves and sew!” So I make sure that my staff are properly sanitised with their hands.
From high fashion to medical-grade PPE, how has the major switch been like?
It’s quite straight forward to sew the PPEs. Even my husband, Marcus knows how to sew one! He’s been sewing as well. For my workforce, we’ve got our departments. So we’ve got the cutters, the seamstresses and the finishing department who normally do beadwork and embroidery. They too, took their part and to be honest, they have not touched a sewing machine in probably ten to fifteen years, so this was the time for them to pick it back up. However, because it’s so straightforward, they were able to. The first two days, [productivity] was on the slow side, but later on, they were really fast. And I’m happy they took this challenge because everyone in my workforce is playing their part, it’s such a noble cause.

As a business owner, what was your first reaction like when you heard bout MCO? And what’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned during this difficult period?
I was concerned in the first two weeks. As an employer, I wasn’t sure what we could do and what we couldn’t. And when the stimulus package came out, we brainstormed and found the best solution. Sales aside, know that it’s gonna be bad business for everyone. But how to sustain and keep my staff and retain them, that was a fear for me. I need them and still want them to be with us, so we had to do a quick mapping on what would benefit them and what we [as the company] could do, that’s one of the biggest challenge.
I think I take it with quite an ease because these things are out of my control. I can only pray to God, and hope things will get better. But I think we’ve found a good track for now. Because at first we didn’t want to launch our Raya collection. We thought nobody was gonna be buying, and perhaps save it for later. I felt that the hard work that the team has been given for this collection, it needs to launch regardless.
So even if it’s MCO and almost impossible for me to launch, because Innai Red Luxe is a bespoke label. Normally our customers come to the store, they choose the materials and go through rounds of fittings. I thought it was impossible for me to do online or virtually! But I felt even with that hardship, we managed to manouevre our way and [realised] that it was possible.
We got it rolling, I’ve blasted out e-lookbooks to our customers and regulars. I feel very blessed that we’ve got our supporters who keep coming back and ordering their baju Raya even if it is going to be celebrated at home. I’m so happy we went ahead with the launch, we made a right choice. Also, we had a great muse to work with this year for the Raya campaign, Zahirah Macwilson.
Can you tell us more about the Innai Red Luxe Raya 2020 campaign?
Every year, we have a muse. This is our ninth Raya campaign so far, and we chose Zahirah because she recently got married. I also think she’s an ideal woman to represent the Innai Red brand. She’s so poised and elegant, it’s really nice to see her donning our Hari Raya garments.
To be honest, [the campaign] was such a last minute thing. Sometimes you’d like to plan things earlier on and things just don’t go in the right track. Sometimes last minute work tends to work wonders!

Was the campaign shot during the MCO?
It was shot a week before the MCO, perfect timing!
Can you tell us about the key trends found in the newest collection?
There are two separate collections, there’s Innai Red Luxe as well as ready-to-wear. This RTW launch is new, Innai Red has never done a Raya RTW collection before. It’s Raya so it’s baju kurung, but the cuts are a bit more modern. We play a lot with shoulders and exaggerated sleeves with our Raya RTW collection which will be available on our website.
What is the price range for the RTW collection?
It starts from RM580 until RM780, and they’re all really beautiful! I was like, I need to launch this [during the MCO] by hook or by crook!

How are you faring with video consultations?
For our regulars, we already have their measurements. But some of them want to make [baju raya] for their children, so we show them how to take their measurements. Some of them don’t have measuring tape, so we post it to them! So similar to what we’re doing now via video conferencing, we guide them on how to do it.
It works for us, we have been doing that previously actually, because we’ve got customers from overseas. We’ve been taking appointments virtually via Zoom, Facetime and Houseparty.
You mentioned possible collaborations. Do you have anything in the pipeline already?
Not yet. We were supposed to collaborate with a bag brand, but it didn’t make it in time unfortunately. Because when China was under lockdown, I guess production was on the slow side. So unfortunately we couldn’t launch that but hope to launch just after Raya, hopefully in June.

London Fashion Week announced that they’ll be going online and gender-neutral. What are your thoughts on this?
I guess it’s a very innovative way to take things. The next LFW is in June, so they get to plan that early, too. They’ve got a good one month plus to plan that out. And I think going gender-neutral is best, because you’ve got everyone focused. I think the consolidation is great. For obvious reasons, I think other fashion weeks will go the same way as well. There’s nothing to lose.
Back to Raya, how do you envision Ramadhan and Raya to be like this year? How will you and your family be celebrating it?
I think we’ll still be under MCO, or just been lifted, I’m not too sure. But I feel that there’s not gonna be any grand celebrations or any large congregations. I don’t think we’ll be able to gather like how we normally do, and that’s going to be the same with my family as well. If the MCO is lifted, we’ll go to my mum’s place and keep it small. I think everyone will take it very simple this year and celebrate it very modestly as well. A very humbling Hari Raya this year.
For Innai Red Luxe, there’s been a decline in sales but we also have the RTW. So I do hope that my customers will channel themselves there, if they’re not wanting to pay for something so premium, we have an extension with a RTW line. So we have options for those who really want to go for something luxe, and for those who don’t, too.
How has COVID-19 affected production?
We’re working to make PPEs in the workshops, but the [fashion] orders that we’ve been getting, they’re all sewn at home by my team. So obviously, if they work from home, the process is going to be longer because there’s a lot of back and forth, from the cutter to the seamstress, and then on to finishing, and then quality control, and then finally the customer. The process is tedious and long, but we just gotta hustle.

It is a difficult time, especially during a festive season. What is your message to fellow Malaysians?
Everyone should take this moment to reflect and do good deeds as much as you can. I think it’s God’s way of telling us not take things lightly and it’s a challenge for us. I feel that we should keep being positive, hopeful and taking it one day at a time. We should spend as much time as we can with our family and keep it simple. It’s definitely going to be very different, but we should embrace this New Normal. Feeling blessed with what you have, it’s also the time for you to give and help. With every hardship, there comes ease.
We’ve got a whole new line-up next week. Starting with a chat with model and embroidery artist, Sheena Liam! Click here for our schedule.

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Style
Here’s how Loewe and supermodel Doutzen Kroes are saving the elephants

24.07.2018
By Joan Kong

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Remember the cult-favourite Loewe elephant bag that’s been spotted all over the fashion week sidewalks? The brand has now launched a limited edition variation, and this time, it’s for a special cause. Together with the Knot On My Planet campaign featuring global ambassador Doutzen Kroes, they aim to bring an end to elephant poaching and the illegal ivory sales in black markets.

Highlighting the popular Tan Elephant Mini bags, the brand has engaged the Kenyan women in the Samburu workshop to give their own spin, with intricate handcrafted beadwork for that extra flair. The Samburu people have always shared a special relationship with elephants due to their spiritual beliefs, as they think that the animal is very similar to humans. Aside from its cute factor, what we love most? 100% of all sales proceeds will be donated to the Elephant Crisis Fund. A joint initiative between Save The Elephants and the Wildlife Conservation Network (that are in partnership with the Leonardo Dicarpio Foundation), the money raised will be deployed to elephant conversation projects across Africa and Asia.
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Watch the interviews with the Save the Elephants founder, Iain Douglas-Hamilton, and global ambassador Doutzen Kroes below:

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