Watches
What makes the perfect gentleman? Chopard has the answer
Defining the man

10.01.2017
By Gwen Ong

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A polished man is rather hard to come by these days. Hence, maybe it’s time for a lesson or two on what makes the perfect gentleman. Take a seat and let Chopard school you on “The Gentleman’s Way” through its series of short films.
The eleven simple lessons touch on fashion sense and manners with a touch of humour and quirky elements. These rules are to be taken light-heartedly but we won’t fault you if these character-building principals actually appeal to you.
The Swiss watchmaker’s films begin with a man spelling out the initials, L.U.C. – a reference to the brand’s founder Louis-Ulysee Chopard, who is the namesake behind the watch collection showcased in the footage.

When Chopard debuted the L.U.C calibre in 1996, it left quite an impression in the watch industry and when its first L.U.C watch was introduced a year later (with the L.U.C 1860), the accolades started rolling in. Two decades may have passed since the auspicious debut, yet Chopard continues to be a classy, stylish and timeless piece for the modern men. In the ways of a dashing, dapper man, Chopard do know a thing or two.

So, what are the ways of a perfect gentleman? Watch the videos to find out:

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Skincare
BURO Beauty Stash: 5 New skincare launches you need for your summer travels
Travel essentials

22.06.2023
By Redzhanna Jazmin

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The best acne and spot treatments to help curb your breakouts

Travelling can take a toll on your skin—that’s why we’re here to help you discover the best products to manage everything from sun damage to hard water and the like.
Headed away for the summer? We’re jealous. Well, that, and we’re concerned. A lot can go wrong when you go away—sunburn, hard water exposure, eczema—but, lucky for you, we’re here with June’s BURO Beauty Stash to help you navigate the tricky world of travel skincare.
From skin-soothing essentials like Murad’s new enzyme-packed and oatmeal-based collection to the multitasking powerhouses from Dr Dennis Gross and Sunday Riley, we’ve got everything you need for glowing, beautiful skin.
Ahead, find our curated list of travel skincare essentials, as reviewed by Team BURO:

Sunday Riley
B3 Nice 10% Niacinamide Serum

“I have spent the better part of two weeks essentially baking myself under the sun and my skin is suffering—was the beach day worth it? Questionable. Either way, I’m currently dealing with enlarged pores, redness and hyperpigmentation and there is only one thing that has worked to relieve my sad skin. The brand-new Sunday Riley B3 nice serum is a water-based niacinamide and trans-resveratrol serum that targets every one of my current skin concerns… and then some.
“I love the lightweight, silky texture of the serum as well as its almost immediate effects. Not only is my skin tone more even, but the texture is smoother and my pores are more refined. Plus, I’ve noticed that my skin is less oily these days—whether it’s thanks to the work of the serum or just the result of a fluctuation in my hormonal cycle (or a combination of both), I’m pleased! Overall, after using this serum religiously over the course of the last two months, I can say it’s going to be a firm staple in my routine—right up there with Good Genes!” — Redzhanna Jazmin, Senior Beauty Writer

SK-II
GenOptics Ultraura Essence 30ml, RM670

“With a blend of the exclusive Pitera, SDL Pro and White Lotus Complex, SK-II calls it the brand’s stronger, faster and brighter brightening essence. The GenOptics Ultraura Essence coincides with their findings that yellow dullness that’s produced from oxidative stress is caused by sleep deprivation, so much so that lacking one night’s worth of sleep alone is enough to cause ‘yellow skin cloudiness’ for five days. I figured this was a great reason to bring it along for my trip to Japan where I expected possibly shorter hours of sleep and dry weather. It certainly kept my skin well-moisturised throughout my stay and it looked brighter too, though admittedly I don’t think my skin suffered much from yellow dullness. But since the SK-II GenOptics Ultraura Essence can keep my skin from looking dry and dull in dry spring weather, and without causing my skin to be too oily in our local humidity, I’m definitely keeping it in my skincare routine.” — Rachel Au, Consulting Editorial Director
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Dr Dennis Gross
DermInfusions™ Fill + Repair Serum, RM375

“I received this product on a press trip with the Dr Dennis Gross brand a few months ago, and I have been impatiently waiting for it to launch so I could finally talk about it. The latest serum from Dr Dennis Gross Skincare is an absolute godsend!”
“Made with pore-refining niacinamide, four weights of hydrating hyaluronic acid, four barrier-strengthening peptides and a healthy dose of antioxidant ectoin, this serum is a real multitasker. Not only does it plump and hydrate your skin, but it actually smoothes out fine lines and crepey textures to reveal a more rejuvenated, younger-looking complexion.
“It uses the brand’s breakthrough MicroCelle Delivery System, a technology that ‘reduces the molecular size of active ingredients’, for rapid absorption into the skin with no tacky residue. Personally, I love how quickly it sinks in and gets working, and I love layering it under makeup. Not only does it give me the perfect boost of hydration, but it doesn’t take ages to absorb into my skin so I don’t have to wait long before going in with my primer and sunscreen. I love how it preps my skin, allowing my foundation to go on smoother. I actually took this with me on a tropical beach holiday and found that it worked wonders as a moisturiser in the hot and humid climate, offering just enough hydration without the heavy, greasy feel of a traditional moisturiser. Essentially, it’s many skincare steps all in one convenient bottle!
“Now, the brand describes it as a ‘3D alternative to injectable fillers’, and I definitely understand why, but I wouldn’t say the results are necessarily comparable. That said, this serum works overtime when it comes to plumping and firming the skin, and I cannot recommend it enough!”. — Redzhanna Jazmin, Senior Beauty Writer

Melixir
Vegan Airfit™ Sunscreen SPF 50+ PA++++, RM180

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“Wherever you are in the world, sunscreen is a must—and Melixir’s Vegan Airfit Sunscreen is among one of the best I’ve ever tried. Rich and creamy yet lightweight and grease-free, it has become a firm staple in my daily beauty routine. Whether you’re headed to the beach or kicking about the city, this SPF50 formula is your new best friend.
“It blocks both UVB and UVA rays, so you can be confident that you’re fully protected wherever you go. Plus, it’s also infused with lots of medicinal Asian ingredients like pine leaf, kale, and basil which help to soothe irritated skin and protect against environmental stressors like pollution. I have personally found it useful on my stressed, red, and irritated skin—it both moisturises and protects my complexion, reducing redness and itchiness almost immediately. It also has absolutely no white cast, so it’s perfect for brown and black skin! For me, it’s up there with my go-to’s: Ultra Violette’s Supreme Screen and Supergoop’s Every. Single. Face.” — Redzhanna Jazmin, Senior Beauty Writer
SHOP HERE

Murad
ExaSoothe Collection review

“A couple of months ago, I got my hands on Murad’s ExaSoothe Collection—which is made up of the Soothing Oat and Peptide Cleanser, Quick Relief Moisture Treatment, and Daily Defense Cream—and it has since become one of my favourite daily skincare sets. I find myself reaching for it whenever my skin is in need of some deep, deep hydration and irritation relief. To start, the ultra-gentle Soothing Oat and Peptide Cleanser is very much ultra-gentle on the skin. So gentle, in fact, you can even wash your eyelids with it and not worry about burning your eyes. But don’t let its ultra-gentleness fool you, because not only does it do its job better than most sulfate cleansers out there, but it also nourishes the skin with a boost of hydration, replenishes irritated areas, and effectively removes makeup. What more could you ask for?
“On the other hand, the Quick Relief Moisture Treatment is a fast-absorbing lightweight ointment packed with oat lipids, fatty acids, and ceramides that are powerful against all sorts of skin complications. With just a thin layer of product, the hydrating cream will instantly relieve redness, rashes, swelling, and itching, even for dermatitis and eczema flare-ups. What’s more, it’s clinically proven to help reduce sensitivity to eczema triggers and replenish severely irritated skin barriers. It just so happens that my partner’s eczema recently reemerged, and this product has been a great remedy for calming his flare-ups and preventing them from spreading.
“Last but not least, perhaps my most-loved product out of the bunch, the Daily Defense Cream is a must-have daily moisturiser for anyone struggling with dry, sensitive, or problematic skin. I was quite taken aback by its extremely thick, oatmeal-rich and grainy consistency when I tried it for the first time, but I’ve grown to love it more than most moisturisers I’ve tried. Despite its heavy formula, it’s surprisingly lightweight on the skin—almost cloud-like. It’s formulated with a variety of skin-loving ingredients, such as niacinamide to strengthen the skin barrier and retain moisture, mondo grass sugars to soothe irritation and prevent flare-ups, oat lipids to heal skin complications and maintain its natural balance, as well as 0.1 per cent colloidal oatmeal to relieve eczema and dermatitis discomfort. Great to use both during the day and night, this deeply hydrating moisturiser works like magic on all types of skin.
“All in all, Murad truly knocked it out of the park with this new oat-rich skincare range. While the collection is specifically designed for sensitive and eczema-prone skin, even those with the most flawless, clear skin would absolutely love these products. If you struggle with any type of skin complications, you need to get your hands on these! Plus, it’ll definitely come in handy if you travel lots, especially if you’re up against hard water or exhausted skin.” — Phyll Wu, Editorial Assistant
SHOP HERE

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Beauty
#BirthdayLook: 7 Products to own to get on the glitter trend
For the glitterati

12.07.2017
By Wei Yeen Loh

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

Glitter is seeing a comeback like never before, from sparkly face accessories to glittery roots that will save you some time at the hair salon. But instead of looking like a 12-year old playing dress up for the first time, here’s how you can ace a runway-worthy beauty look like a professional:

If you’re worried about how messy a complete glittery lip can get, try a topcoat such as Urban Decay’s Vice Special Effects Long-Lasting Water-Resistant Lip Topcoat over your existing lip colour for an otherworldly effect. Available in shimmer, glitter and metallic finishes, this gel-cream formula has moisturising properties that will lock in the colour on your lips.

In case glitter freaks you out for its fallout, try this shimmery eyeshadow for its unique, wet formula that blends seamlessly into your eyelids. 3CE Pot Eyeshadow‘s range of pink-gold to gold hues are scoring extra points in our books, thanks to its superfine texture that adds dimension to your eyes depending on how much you layer on and blend.

But if you’re feeling ambitious and ready to let your party animal out loose, try this special-edition glitter in a vivid turquoise shade to amp your all-black getup. M.A.C Cosmetics Glitter/Chromat is usable on all areas of your face, skin and hair for a futuristic, glamourous look.

Glitter eyeshadow isn’t the only thing you need to make your peepers pop. Add on a layer of Marc Jacobs Lamé Noir Ultra-Glittering Mascara that will give you look-at-me lashes. Its brush is coated with an ultra-reflective micro-glitter in gold and noir for a lamé-like effect. Definitely a must-have for your evening look.

This double-ended glitter liner from Tarte will elevate your look easy breezily. Tarteist Pro Eye Jewels Glitter Liner in a limited edition Rose Gold hue is what you need for a high-octane beauty look. Define your eyes with one end that’s a metallic, quick dry liquid liner for the daytime, and amp it up for the evening with the no-budge glitter liner for extra pizzazz.

Don’t forget about your nails post makeup application. We love this dazzling Ruby Glitter metallic nail polish by Burberry for its fine glitter flecks reminiscent of bold sequins. Wear it both ways: Paint over your natural nails for a subtle effect, or layer over an onyx black nail polish for a dramatic aesthetic.

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Road tripping and food feasting

Lifestyle
Road tripping and food feasting
On the way

17.02.2017
By Buro247

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Any opportunity for me to hitch a ride to Penang invariably fills me with glee, because, more than just the chance to immerse myself in the majesty of the natural landscape flanking the highway, the drive north also affords me the perfect excuse for road trip feasting, and the position of being food guide on said trips is a task I take most seriously and, not surprisingly, excel at. I’m writing this today because I’m riding to Penang with Debra, an attentive driver who loves making the trip, but prefers to do it with a (food loving) companion to keep her company. And although we have made plans to fortify ourselves with pork noodles at Shangri-La in Jalan Batai (with perhaps a tiny side of char kway teow to, you know, add colour to breakfast), before heading directly to Penang “with only one toilet stop” in order to arrive in time for lunch, Debra is unaware that I intend to thwart her plans with (as yet) unscheduled stops in Bidor and Ipoh.
It always seems such a thunderous squandering of opportunity to make a beeline for Penang without taking the time to stop at these two gastronomic landmarks. After all, they are on the way!
First stop en route: Bidor, where duck noodles, yam puffs, local fruit, petai, and chicken biscuits tend to be the most sought after items by day trippers. Pun Chun (38 Jalan Besar, Bidor) is unquestionably the place to go for all of the above, and whilst I might grumble that portion sizes, quality, and value for money have slipped, the duck noodles—herby, aromatic, nourishing, moist—will still do the job in lining not yet appeased stomachs and keeping them going till the next stop: Ipoh.

A post shared by Audrey LM Jee (@audreylmjee) on Dec 19, 2015 at 10:41pm PST

Quite often it takes all my powers of persuasion to convince my drivers of the day to stop in Ipoh, especially when the intake of food in Bidor has exceeded initial expectation and packets of chicken biscuit originally bound for Penang are opened—and consumed—prematurely, and highway guilt sets in. It’s amazing what a little arm-twisting can do however, and as we drive into Ipoh, I can hardly contain myself at the prospect of gobbling a plate or two of chicken rice (Onn Kee, 51, Jalan Yau Tet Shin; Lou Wong, 49, Jalan Yau Tet Shin) and Ipoh hor fun. Finding meritorious versions of Ipoh hor fun outside of Ipoh can be challenging because the purportedly magical properties of the water from the surrounding limestone hills contribute to the plump crunchiness of the Buntong bean sprouts and the silken texture of the noodles. Whether there is truth to this urban legend I cannot say, but I can certainly attest to the pleasingly buxom bean sprouts and the satin smoothness of the kway teow, and so when in Ipoh I make a beeline for the iconic Thean Chun (73, Jalan Bandar Timah), famous not just for its food but also for its cameo in a Lat comic. A wait is inevitable, so waste not precious time in, well, waiting, for a plethora of pleasing diversions in the form of chee cheong fun, pork satay, rojak, and caramel egg custard beckon.

A post shared by Han Xing Ong (@hx_ong) on Jan 30, 2016 at 3:14am PST

By this time, my driving hosts tend to get a bit twitchy about getting back on the road, so my persuasive muscles are given another hard flex as I tell them that they simply cannot resume the drive without a reviving bowl of soya bean curd. Their hesitation gives me the perfect opportunity to steer them to Funny Mountain for aforementioned tau fu far, which, lo and behold, happens to be right across the road from Ayam Garam Sin Tat Seng, thereby enabling me to tacitly accomplish my proverbial strategy of killing two birds with one stone: wolfing down a steaming bowl of TFF whilst deftly packing a salt baked chicken to go.

A post shared by MERAH (@firrazizddn) on Sep 25, 2016 at 12:54am PDT

After Ipoh, I will keep my silence, because I know I will have stretched my host’s willingness to accommodate me to the limit. It’s also because I will be busy secretly texting my parents to secure a table, order plenty of char siew, and rendezvous at Sky Café in Chulia Street with us when we arrive in Penang. I do so love road trips!

Follow Fay on Twitter and Instagram at @misskhoo.

More stories by Fay:
Penang food: When too much still isn’t enough
How to eat like a king in Johor
The great, great foods of home

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3 days in Hong Kong: Why the world-class K11 Musea is the best place to spend your time in


Beauty
Put your best face forward: 10 celebrities reveal their best tips
Lit from within

05.08.2015
By Buro247

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Elyna Effendi, 39, TV Producer, Entrepreneur, Director

What are your favourite ways to de-stress?“It would be sports for me. I play a lot of badminton and balance it with pilates. I have also just recently started to appreciate aromatherapy massages, and sometimes just a quiet moment for myself with a diffuser filling the air with my favourite scent – that does the trick too.”
What is your skincare routine like?
“I keep a fairly simple routine, but it is still five steps at least, which is the most I can really manage as I’m always rushing out of the house. I’ve always had concerns with my skin being dry and now with age I am even more careful to use the right products for my skin condition. So even when I travel I must always bring a good facial cleanser, toner, moisturiser and serum.”
How did you first hear about Sulwhasoo? “I heard about it from some friends of mine who have amazing skin. When I first saw the products, I loved the packaging at first sight. Then for its unique scent, which is always important to me. It looked like a brand and products that I could trust.”
Beauty is…
“…when a child looks at the world and sees rainbows, when a person genuinely shows care and love for others. Beauty is walking with grace, dressing with style, caring with kindness and speaking with honesty.”

Dennis Lau, 30, Violinist, Songwriter, Producer

“I like the scent of Sulwhasoo products. I’m not someone who has a full range of skincare, I just apply what is necessary and using the First Care Activating Serum EX seems to have improved my skin. It’s my favourite product so far, and it’s such a bonus that it absorbs quickly as well and you don’t get that sticky feeling after.”

Bernie Chan, Emcee

“Sulwhasoo is gentle on the skin, great for our humidity and is non-sticky. My skin can be a bit sensitive but it seems more ‘settled’ now. My skin soak the serum up immediately, which is good because I sleep in air-conditioning and my skin didn’t feel dry in the morning.”

Chelsia Ng, 33, Actress, Singer, Songwriter

“I like how Sulwhasoo’s product packaging is sleek, clean and simple. It reflects the simplicity and oriental feeling of the Korean brand, and since Korean products are all about the results. I’m really into the texture and smell of the serum because it feels watery and light and it absorbs quickly into my skin. And because i’m into essential oils, I appreciate the herbal scent, which is extremely soothing and relaxing.”

Teoh Juwei, 26, Social Media Personality, Model

Tell us more about your budding career in the music industry.
“I met my current music producer at an event. I was surprised when I heard he said he followed me on Instagram and that he liked my voice! He asked if I would be interested to record my own album. At first, I thought he was joking, but he was serious! After several discussions, I decided to accept his offer.”
What keeps you going when you’re feeling down?
“Music keeps me calm. When I’m down, I prefer to listen to music. Apart from that, shopping is also one of my favourite forms of therapy!”
Where did you first hear about Sulwhasoo?
“I knew of Sulwhasoo through the Internet, and I did some research on their products and ingredients. I was interested to test them out, so I went to their counter and bought my first Sulwhasoo Concentrated Ginseng Cream.”
Having tried Sulwhasoo’s range of products, what are your thoughts?
“Overall, the texture of Sulwhasoo’s products, especially the serum, are lightweight and absorbs well into the skin. This really preps my skin well as a first step! I feel Sulwhasoo’s products works really well with my skin”
How did your skin react to the First Care Activating Serum EX?
“It makes my skin feel softer, smoother and younger. It also helps my makeup stay on better.”

Zaida Ibrahim, 30, Co-Founder of Impressed (Cold-pressed juices)

“Given its natural ingredients, it’s not harsh on the skin, which is great. My skin is sensitive to products with a lot of chemicals but with Sulwhasoo, my skin reacts positively. It hydrates my skin and gives me that beautiful glow. I have dry skin and sometimes I would need to re-apply mosturiser throughout the day. With the serum, my skin looks and feels hydatrated and supple thorughout the day.”

Nadia Heng, Miss Malaysia World 2010/2011, TV Host, Emcee

“I learnt of Sulwhasoo through friends when it was first launched. My first impression was that it was quite a luxurious brand. I love it. It is ever so gentle and nourishing, I also find the scent very therapeutic. My favourite product is definitely the Essential Revitalising Serum! I don’t use a serum as often as i should but I would definitely incorporate it into my routine.”

Michelle Lee, 23, TV Host, Radio Announcer, Entrepreneur, Emcee

“I love the fact that the first thing on the list of ingredients is the root extract in the activating serum. I definitely feel Sulwhasoo is making a difference to my skin . My skin looks brighter and feels more refreshed and ‘activated’. Plus the smell is subtle and not too strong which just makes it feel extra luxurious.”

Valerie Ong, 27, Director of KIP Group, Summit Holidays and The Point Restaurant and Bar

“I like skincare that can keep my face moisturised, radiant and oil-free, as I do not apply makeup on a daily basis. Sulwhasoo products are very natural and not heavily scented. A serum is an important part of my skincare range. I cannot live without moisturiser and serum. I can go without other products but not these two.”

Angela Karto, 35, Homemaker

“I noticed that after using Sulwhasoo products after a week, my eczema slowly went away. I got comments that my skin was glowing and friends said it was my pregnancy glow! I’ve never stopped using Sulwhasoo since. Initially, I was hesitant as I thought the Korean brand would contain ingredients that are too rich for me, but I was pleasantly surprised it worked. I like that the First Care Activating Serum EX absorbs extremely well into your skin. It is moisturising and I feel I don’t have to use too much of it each time – I’m definitely addicted.”

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Beauty
Caudalie Resveratrol Lift: The secret to youthful skin
Firmness revolution

03.11.2015
By Su Fen Tan

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

Many of us, if not all, dread the day where our skin begins to lose its youth. With age and under the effect of oxidative stress, it is inevitable that our skin function deteriorates: the contours are less clear, features are relaxed, and the skin is less toned and elastic. Thankfully, Caudalie has unveiled the secret to skin longevity—Stabilised Vine Resveratrol.

By stabilizing the exceptional anti-ageing properties of Resveratrol from vine shoots, the Resveratrol Lift line acts to boost the skin’s natural production and protect collagen fibres for a deep restructuring effect. Replenished and plumped from within, the skin will look visibly firmer and younger.

Resveratrol Lift Firming Serum, RM260

The line’s star product, this firming and anti-wrinkle treatment contains the most concentrated formula. On application, the fresh and silky oil-free texture is instantly absorbed, features look smoothed and skin appears firmer, younger and more toned.

Resveratrol Lift Eye Lifting Balm, RM190

An anti-wrinkle, eyelid lifting firming treatment, this expert product helps reduce under-eye puffiness and smoothes the eyelids. The outcome: eyes look well-rested and younger. It works well on the lip area too.

Resveratrol Lift Face Lifting Moisturiser SPF20, RM219

Aside from the SPF20 filters, we love how this oil-free formula firms, lifts and moisturises all in one, making skin appear younger and fresher in one step. It also acts as an excellent make-up base.

Resveratrol Lift Night Infusion Cream, RM219

A soft, rich, soothing cream, this cult Caudalie product is radiance in a jar. This comforting cream intensely regenerates the skin while you sleep, leaving you with a lovely luminous complexion in the morning.

Caudalie Resveratrol Lift line is now available at the Caudalie Boutique Spa at Bangsar Shopping Centre, Kens Apothecary at Bangsar Village II and 1 Utama, and all Sephora stores.

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Learning to live with less

Features
Learning to live with less
Quality, not quantity

18.01.2016
By Buro247

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

Late last September I found myself in a most unusual predicament. Due to a massive breakdown in communication with my parents and the movers, my entire shoe closet was accidentally packed up and put into storage amongst 243 other identical boxes. The movers refused to go hunting and so I was left with the pair of sneakers I was wearing and oddly, four pairs of Birkenstocks they had neglected to pack. My initial reaction was utter panic (I may have shed a couple hundred tears) but soon after, calmness descended and all I felt was the oddest sense of relief.

At boarding school I wore standard black Dr Martens 1461s five days a week—our strict uniform codes negating any margin for one-upmanship. The benefits of limited choice are in fact, liberating. What I found when I didn’t have a fully stocked library to choose from was that it took me a lot less time to get ready in the morning. More importantly, I also felt far less self conscious when having to get dressed; I didn’t have to think of when I was last seen in a certain pair of shoes because I didn’t have a choice—I only had one pair of shoes.

The day after the moving debacle, I made a quick dash into Dr Martens in Pavilion and got myself a pair of 1461s in a smooth black with contrast yellow stitching. I’ve worn them almost every day since September last year, occasionally interspersed with a pair of Birkenstocks (when I find myself too hungover for shoelaces). In the beginning, reaching for my one pair of Docs filled me with a sense of melancholy; the emptiness of the shoe closet matched the emptiness in my heart. As the weeks dragged on, I found that I began to care less and less about what people thought of what I wore, or whether I fit in.

Fashion is a funny place in that while its denizens are a motley crew of misfits, outsiders and in-betweeners, it can also be the most viciously judgmental industry. Not having shoes showed me that it was enough that I loved my pieces and that I felt comfortable in what I wore. I didn’t feel the need to compete with my peers to have the best, biggest, brightest or most Instagram-worthy—my lack of options allowed (forced) me to be comfortable with what I did have. I also found that my shopping philosophy has been ever so slightly altered. I no longer make as many impulsive buys—rather, I give myself time to deliberate and think about how much I love a piece and how it will fit into my wardrobe. Oddly, I find myself focussing on variations of a theme, harking back to a time when I had less decisions to make and no bills to pay.

My boxes are due to arrive next week and with it, my precious shoes. The first thing I shall do when I receive them is a serious edit of my collection. I am dedicated to doing away with extraneous materials in my wardrobe and am looking forward to a massive cull. I have given much thought to the fundamentals of my closet and in my head, I’ve boiled it down to the essentials of what I feel comfortable in and most importantly, what I feel represents me. Once the wardrobe is done, I am looking to apply the same practices to my social media and then hopefully, to my social life. In essence, what I have learned from losing my shoes is that I no longer need 10,000 shiny things to occupy my life and to keep me entertained. I don’t need to hold on to things for the sake of nostalgia or because of a path we may have walked together in a distant past; I prefer to think of my heart as a forever home, not a halfway house. Autonomy and a capable mind afford me my own decisions and for now, mine is to separate the wheat from the chaff and to hold on only to things that matter. And to those who don’t make the cut: bye, Felicia.

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Art + Design
Frieze puts L.A. on the map of the global art market scene

21.02.2019
By Su Fen Tan

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8 Best art galleries to visit in the Klang Valley

Despite a thriving gallery circuit, L.A. hasn’t had the best of track records when it comes to art fairs. Paris Photo held only three editions in the City of Angels before pulling the plug, while French art fair FIAC announced an L.A. edition but scrapped its plans before the first edition took off. Art Los Angeles Contemporary (ALAC) marks its 10th edition this year, but one can’t quite say it’s the gathering point for the very top tier of the world’s art galleries.
“Over the last five years, the art world has really continued to grow here, and the only thing it lacked, really, was this kind of moment to celebrate that extraordinary cultural scene,” Frieze Fairs director Victoria Siddall tells Artsy in an interview. “It’s a city that had all the right ingredients; it just didn’t have that moment to tie it all together”.
Naturally, all eyes were on Frieze’s debut in Los Angeles, with anticipations running high for the prestigious art fair to inject that oomph into the city’s art calendar.

It’s safe to say Frieze Los Angeles delivered. The inaugural edition kicked off to great fanfare last Thursday at Paramount Pictures Studios, where the VIP opening was graced by Hollywood elites including Brad Pitt, Jodie Foster, Michael Keaton and Leonardo DiCaprio, on top of some of the world’s biggest collectors. Under the fair’s signature white tent—designed by L.A.-based architect Kulapat Yantrasast—was a lean selection of 70 galleries; a modest size in contrast to the usual 160 and 190 exhibitors in London and New York respectively.
The concentrated, perhaps careful, approach bode well for the fair. If it’s a numbers game, Frieze L.A. passed with flying colours. By the end of the fair on Sunday, many galleries reported sold-out booths, with a number of notable big-ticket sales to boot. This includes Yayoi Kusama’s Infinity Nets (B-A-Y) (2001), which was sold by Lêvy Gorvy with an asking price of $1.6 million.
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Beyond the gallery tent, Frieze Projects took over the Paramount’s New York Street backlot, allowing artists to transform the artificial city setting with site-specific artworks that ranged from sculptures and installations to performances. Among the most photographed projects were Hannah Greely’s High And Dry (2019), featuring hand-painted, cartoon-like clothing, rainbows and clouds pegged onto clotheslines between buildings, and Paul McCarthy’s larger-than-life Daddies Tomato Ketchup Inflatable (2007).
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It’s official: this won’t be the last we see of Frieze L.A. “We’re here for the long term”, said Siddall, adding that the art world should mark their calendars for the sophomore edition in February 2020. Planning a trip to Tinseltown? Perhaps this is something you’d want to take note of too.

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News
8 Myths about Covid-19 vaccines spreading on every parent’s chat groups—debunked

28.06.2021
By Natalie Khoo

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Despite the efforts of global health regulatory bodies and our own JKJAV (Jabatan Khas Jaminan Akses Vaksin Covid-19) to disseminate science-backed information about Covid-19 vaccines, there’s still plenty of fake news circulating around today. At the rate they’re spreading, it’s almost like we need a mask or vaccine to protect us from fake news itself.
Unfortunately, some of these myths and conspiracy theories about Covid-19 vaccines are partially to blame for the slow registration and Covid-19 administration rates in Malaysia. From concerns about Covid-19 vaccines making us magnetic and infertile to them rewriting our DNA, we’ve just about heard it all.
So the next time you get a forwarded text about the preposterous side effects the Covid-19 vaccine *could* give you, reply with this article instead as we debunk the eight most popular myths out there about it.

Photo: Unsplash
Myth #1: “Vaccines can cause Covid-19”
Fact: None of the approved and recommended Covid-19 vaccines can cause Covid-19.
While some vaccines may lead to side effects such as fever, fatigue, nausea and so on, these are simply indicators that the body is building protection against the virus—not symptoms of the virus itself. This means that getting vaccinated won’t make you test positive for Covid-19 on PCR tests.
However, getting vaccinated does not fully guarantee that you won’t get Covid-19. It typically takes a few weeks for the body to develop immunity against the virus, which means that one could still get infected with Covid-19 just before or after getting a Covid-19 vaccination.
Cases of contracting or spreading Covid-19 after a full vaccination are very rare, but possible. These are called “vaccine breakthrough cases”, which are still being studied. Nevertheless, the evidence collected so far has shown that the “overall risk of hospitalisation and death among fully vaccinated people are much lower than among people with similar risk factors who are not vaccinated”.
Myth #2: “Some Covid-19 vaccines can cause blood clots”
Fact: To date, the AstraZeneca/Oxford and Johnson & Johnson/Janssen Covid-19 vaccines have been linked to blood clot cases, but these are very rare.
Both vaccines have reported cases of thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome (TTS), a rare and serious condition that involves blood clots with low platelets, which has caused deaths. The AstraZeneca vaccine has reported 390 cases of blood clots out of 42.3 million doses administrated, while the J&J vaccine has reported 28 cases of blood clots out of 9 million doses. This translates to three to five blood clot cases per one million people for the respective vaccines. It’s much lower compared to the 39 blood clot cases reported per one million Covid-19 patients.
These cases have prompted investigations and halts/withdrawals of these vaccines in some countries. Nevertheless, the WHO and European Medicines Agency maintain that both vaccines are generally safe for the vast majority of people, unless otherwise recommended by your doctor/health professional.

Photo: Unsplash
Myth #3: “…but tons of people have died from the Covid-19 vaccine”
Fact: Cases of deaths after vaccination are very rare and except for the aforementioned blood clot-related cases, no causal relationship between vaccines and death has been established.
When reading reports on deaths from Covid-19 vaccines, it is imperative to look at things (especially numbers) in context. (Read: don’t jump into conclusions from headlines.) Don’t worry, we’ll break it down for you. Based on data from the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS):
14 December 2020 – 21 June 2021

318 million doses of Covid-19 vaccines administered in the United States
5,479 reports of death (0.0017 per cent) among those people who received a Covid-19 vaccine

As of 25 June 2021

33,599,202 confirmed cases in the United States
603,474 deaths due to Covid-19, which equal to roughly 1.796 per cent

If you compare the two data above, both mortality rates are low, and even so, you’re more likely to die or experience life-long side effects from Covid-19 itself than from the vaccine.
To add, the FDA requires healthcare providers to report any death after Covid-19 vaccination, even if it’s unclear whether vaccines are the cause. It’s likely that some of these deaths are due to other underlying conditions. As mentioned, the only plausible causal relationship identified so far is between the AstraZeneca and J&J vaccines and TTS.
Myth #4: “Covid-19 vaccines make you magnetic”
Fact: All Covid-19 vaccines are free from metals and will not make you magnetic, not even at the site of your vaccination (usually your arm).

@ley2460

Reply to @clancp4 ##covidmagnetchallenge ##covidmagnet ##science ##notmagnetic ##covid19 ##covid ##covidvaccine ##covidvaccinemagnet ##foryou ##fyp
♬ original sound – Ley

Sorry, but you can’t automatically gain a fraction of Magneto’s powers from a Covid-19 vaccine. There are no ingredients in any Covid-19 vaccine that will cause an electromagnetic field on your vaccination site. Moreover, Health reports that the typical dose for a Covid-19 vaccine is less than one millilitre, which is not enough to attract magnets even if a vaccine was filled with magnetic metals.
But what about those viral #covidvaccinemagnet videos you may have come across? There are several plausible explanations for them. For one, TikTokers fetching for views may be using transparent tape, glue or even body sweat to make a magnet stick. Others may suffer lockdown boredom and resort to practising a balancing act for their next (Zoom) party trick. It’s worth noting that most coins aren’t ferromagnetic (note: strongly attracted to magnets), so using them to “prove” magnetism just doesn’t hold (pun intended).

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Credit: @Miss_Chinney / Twitter
Myth #5: “Covid-19 vaccines have a microchip tracker”
Facts: There are no microelectronics, electrodes, carbon nanotubes, and nanowire semiconductors whatsoever in any of the approved and recommended Covid-19 vaccines.
Conspiracy theorists have been spinning this facetious myth for years, jumping from one culprit to another. Covid-19 vaccines are the latest target, but like the magnet claim, their speculations have no basis. You’re far more likely to be tracked via your smartphone than by a Covid-19 vaccine that saves lives. But if you’re still sceptical, feel free to scrutinise the full list of vaccine ingredients on the CDC website here.

“I’m not getting a COVID vaccine so they can microchip me,” the man typed into his phone that tracks his every thought and constantly logs his location
— Otto Zone (@SortaBad) November 9, 2020

Myth #6: “mRNA vaccines can change your DNA”
Fact: Covid-19 vaccines do not change or interact with your DNA in any way.
There are two main types of Covid-19 vaccines: messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines and a viral vector vaccine. Both mRNA and viral vector Covid-19 vaccines deliver instructions (genetic material) to our cells to start building protection against the SARS-CoV-2 virus. However, the material never enters the nucleus of the cell, which is where our DNA is kept. All Covid-19 vaccines work with the body’s natural defences to safely develop immunity to disease.

The vaccine is totally safe and effective but does have one small side effect pic.twitter.com/7BZYHB0z4s
— Slade (@Slade) December 17, 2020

Myth #7: “Covid-19 vaccines cause infertility and problems with pregnancy”
Fact: There is currently no evidence that Covid-19 vaccination causes any problems with fertility or pregnancy, including the development of the placenta.
In Malaysia, pregnant or breastfeeding women are eligible to register for Covid-19 vaccination. While no one can guarantee that there will not be any complications in pregnancy, this uncertainty should be weighed against the risk of contracting Covid-19 during pregnancy, which is far riskier for both mother and baby. In addition, there is no evidence to show that Covid-19 vaccines affect breastfeeding or future ability to conceive.
Myth #8: “Since Covid-19 has a high survival rate, vaccines are unnecessary”
Fact: Citing survival rate alone is ill-advised as it overlooks other health problems that may persist in survivors.
The mortality rate of Covid-19 varies and is influenced by age, gender, co-morbidities (underlying illnesses) and social contact. A study in the United Kingdom has found that more than half of Covid-19 patients had persisting symptoms three months after discharge from hospital, with worse outcomes among those below 50, women, and those with higher pre-Covid fitness levels.
Another study reported that discharged patients had higher risks of developing a respiratory disease (six times), major cardiovascular disease (three times), chronic liver disease (2.8 times), chronic kidney disease (1.9 times), and diabetes (1.5 times), than those who did not contract Covid-19 (at least, based on the control group from the said study).
In contrast, long-term effects of Covid-19 vaccination are still being studied, but the CDC states that “vaccine monitoring has historically shown that side effects generally happen within six weeks of receiving a vaccine dose”. Millions of people have received Covid-19 vaccines since the global rollout began last December, and no long-term side effects have been detected thus far.
BOTTOM LINE:
There is no perfect Covid-19 vaccine out there and concerns over the risks are understandable. With that said, global research groups and local regulatory bodies alike are confident that 1) vaccines are the best line of defence against the Covid-19 virus; 2) the likelihood of severe adverse events occurring after vaccination is low; and 3) the benefits of the vaccines far outweigh the risks.
If you or your dependent have not registered for the vaccination programme, you may do so here. If you have, it is still important to follow the SOPs and maintain good hand hygiene as there is a small chance of contracting Covid-19 even after vaccination.
You can also find out more information via the ‘Covid-19 National Immunisation Programme guidebook’ which you can download via the VaksinCovid website.
For more on the Covid-19 pandemic, click here.
Sources: CDC, WHO, JKJAV

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Beauty
Take your performance further with Under Armour’s latest Vanish collection

29.06.2018
By Gwen Ong

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In the world of sportswear, brands are often looking at innovations and technology to best support an athlete. Constant improvements are being explored and adopted to help take every individual further in her game. Whether you’re an amateur runner or a hardcore gym-goer, you know that it’s all about pushing boundaries. The latest Vanish collection by Under Armour is designed to do just that by providing the best workout experience to its wearer. See superwoman Jessie Graft demonstrates below:

The Vanish collection features the brand’s Microthread technology in the fabric. While Microthread isn’t new, Under Armour has updated the activewear to be lighter, cools quicker and does not stretch out. This translates to a flexible range that will keep you cool throughout. Hence, even when you’re doing your toughest activity, you can be assured of the ultimate comfort without compromising your performance or even passion.

You can choose from three different types of layers including loose for a more relaxed fit; fitted for a next-to-skin feel without the squeeze; and compression for a second skin fit with a locked-in snugness. Here we picked out some of the gears to inspire you to go further in your next workout session.
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Under Armour Vanish collection is now in stores and online.

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Is the future the Samsung Galaxy Fold?

Technology
Is the future the Samsung Galaxy Fold?

16.12.2019
By Gwen Ong

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You’ve all heard the hype and seen the (breaking) videos, the Samsung Galaxy Fold is probably one of the most striking hybrid phones to have been released in the market. It is after all Samsung’s first foldable smartphone. And like every first, the first impression counts! Mine was one of disbelief mixed with awe. I was truly bowled over by the 7.3-inch Dynamic AMOLED Infinity Flex display that could be folded into a compact device. Surely, this can’t be real! – I muttered sceptically under my breath as I held the phone in my hand. What do I think of this future? Well, allow me to break it down for you below:
That screen issue
Ok, let’s address the elephant in the room. When the Samsung Galaxy Fold was unveiled earlier, there were a lot of concerns about its screen and whatnot. The company took heed and some improvements were made to the display since then. It was rebuilt with new screen technologies incorporating tissue thin bonded layers with innovative polymer, a new foldable adhesive and a first-of-its-kind virtual dual-axis hinge. Essentially, these elements translate to a plastic screen that allows the device to easily fold and unfold while keeping debris off from the hinges, gaps and etc. Now I’d be lying if I say I wasn’t a tad nervous when ‘opening and closing’ the device. The Samsung Galaxy Fold feels really fragile in the palm of my hand. I was mostly scared of damaging the thin screen. But if anything, Samsung Malaysia is offering its members a one-time screen replacement or repair within a year of wear and tear.

That huge display
Galaxy Fold is supposedly Samsung’s way of reimagining the smartphone screen. Here are the numbers to note: the outer 4.6-inch Super AMOLED HD screen (1,680 x 720) opens up to the 7.3-inch Dynamic AMOLED screen (with a QXGA+ resolution at 2,152 x 1,536). You know what they say about the bigger being better? Well, I couldn’t agree more—the Galaxy Fold opens up like a mini book and the expansive display is definitely a joy to read, watch videos and multi-task on. The colour is beautiful and sharp, and the viewing experience is fantastic. But once the “book” closes, that’s when you’ll find some issues with the device. It was bulky and heavy, and I didn’t particularly like adjusting to the smaller screen after being spoilt with the large screen inside. It wasn’t enjoyable to view content, what more to type!
That productivity factor
The Samsung Galaxy Fold in an essence is a device made for productivity, it is meant to help you do and accomplish more. On paper it is engineered to work like a phone but it also doubles up as a tablet—both that you can easily switch to back and forth seamlessly so the experience is as smooth as butter. The App Continuity function is really useful; you can transition any app from the 4.6-inch screen automatically to the 7.3-inch screen seamlessly. Once unfolded, you can open up to three apps at a single time. The downside is that two of the apps will appear to be a tad too small for you to do anything much. Other things to note: the phone runs on a Snapdragon 855 processor, 12GB of RAM and 512 GB of storage. So performance and space are not an issue, neither is the battery life at 4,380mAh capacity.
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That camera experience
Just like for most Samsung premium smartphones, you will geek out to the camera function of the Galaxy Fold. There are six integrated cameras—including a 10-megapixel front camera; dual 10-megapixel and 8-megapixel cameras when the phone is unfolded; and a triple-lens camera on the rear (a 16-megapixel ultrawide lens, a 12-megapixel wide-angle lens and a 12-megapixel telephoto lens). All these numbers but what it boils down to is how crisp are the images and how easy it is to point and shoot. To answer, the colour and details are mostly clear (best in daylight or well-lit area), but not quite convenient to use as you’re essentially trying to take a photo/video with a tablet.
The Samsung Galaxy Fold is a pretty impressive gadget to own. It was the life of the party at every social event that I attended. Personally, I find the draw comes from the 7.3-inch screen while the foldable element ranks second in my book. Now the question: is it worth the hefty price? If you’re a diehard Samsung fan, yes.
Samsung Galaxy Fold retails at RM8,388. For more information, click here.

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Fashion
Little gifts for the discerning gentleman
The finishing touch

16.12.2015
By Buro247

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

Lacquered wood limited edition box set of Louis Vuitton City GuidesNobody knows the art of travel like Louis Vuitton and these city guides are the connoisseur’s guide to discovering a city. Four more cities were added to the collection this year: Bangkok, Chicago, Prague and Rome. This box is available exclusively in Louis Vuitton stores.

Black leather and fur gloves by FendiSoft as butter sheepskin, lined with cashmere and trimmed in fur. Gloves don’t get more luxurious than these ones by Fendi.

Alejandro striped espadrilles by GucciEspadrilles are the perfect summer shoe. The jute sole screams for the beach (or a private yacht) but the delicate embroidery elevates what was once regarded as peasant footwear to the high life.

Simple key wrap in blue by Campbell ColeThis simple wrap case for your keys is not only aesthetically pleasing but will also keep phone screens safe from hard stainless steel edges.

Fair Isle cotton-blend socks by Anonymous IsmSocks are socks are socks, right? Wrong. Hailed as Japan’s “Master Sock Makers”, Anonymous Ism are forty levels up from standard footware. All socks are crafted in Japan and these Fair Isle ones are in our opinion, the perfect boot socks and the handsomest stocking stuffer.

Square-frame acetate optical glasses by Kingsman with Cutler and Gross  Kingsman was hands down the most stylish movie of 2014 and we’re still dreaming of men who speak, act and dress like Colin Firth. Cutler and Gross has been in the spectacle frame business since 1969 and if it’s good enough for Firth, it’s good enough for us.

MH 30 headphones by Master & DynamicThese leather and aluminium headphones not only sound great, but are pretty sexy as far as headphones go. And headphones really are the perfect way to discourage randoms from trying to start a conversation.

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Culture
Jameela Jamil and The Millennial Therapist share how women can rise up with self-love

28.03.2021
By Rachel Au

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The words’ self-love‘ sound simple but ponder a minute longer, and one might start to wonder, where does it begin, and when does it constitute being selfish. Mental health issues are more prevalent than ever, and as loud as messages about accepting your body as it is (healthy, that is), so are the blatant ideas that beauty is skinny is flawless. It’s a vicious cycle.
One such notable name in the market is The Body Shop, the first beauty brand to talk about self-esteem—since 1997. Founder Anita Roddick believed that beauty is an outward expression of everything you like about yourself. The iconic 1997 campaign featured the slogan: “There are three billion women who don’t look like supermodels and only eight who do.”
The brand continues to promote this, especially with the recent launch of their campaign, Rise Up with Self-Love. Joining this movement is Jameela Jamil and Sara Kuburic (also popularly known as The Millennial Therapist on Instagram).

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A post shared by The Body Shop Official (@thebodyshop)

You might know Jamil from the show The Good Place or as a passionate advocate and creator of I Weigh, a platform/community that encourages radical inclusivity in all forms. The multi-hyphenate star is well known for her brutal honesty matched with fantastic humour. Kuburic’s Instagram handle isn’t just a catchy-cool username. She is a real-life existential therapist, writer, life coach and mental health advocate—and has a clinic that operates worldwide.
We joined them in an exclusive panel discussion on the topic of self-love, hosted by The Body Shop, and it was a powerful conversation by women, amongst women, for women. Here are some of our favourite quotes.

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A post shared by The Body Shop Malaysia (@thebodyshopmalaysia)

Saying no to her images being Photoshopped during her modelling days
Jameela Jamil: “I knew I felt terrible about myself because I couldn’t help but compare myself to a digitally-enhanced image. When we edit our own photographs, we’re setting ourselves up for failure. Human beings are trying to live up to impossible standards set by technology. When you scroll through the Explore page on Instagram, it’s the same beauty look. It’s not even Angelina Jolie specifically. It’s the big lips but a tiny nose, the big eyes and thin-but-beautiful face—all of that at the same time. Everyone’s very contoured and altering images so much that I think it sets you up for sadness in the mirror.
“I don’t want airbrushing or Photoshop because it makes me feel bad about myself. I need to get used to seeing my pores and wrinkles, and I think women aren’t encouraged to find those beautiful. Women are inherently gorgeous in our own special way, and I want us to feel better about things like lines or a lack of symmetry. As an ethnic minority, I don’t want my skin lightened. I don’t want my nose to be made smaller or to look more Euro-centric. I want to look like where I’m from, and I want to look that way with pride. So, it just means a lot to me. I’m not doing it for attention, but it’s something I’m doing to protect myself.”

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A post shared by Jameela Jamil (@jameelajamilofficial)

How to truly embrace that self-worth transcends social media presence
Sara Kuburic: “Focus on the relationship with yourself versus how other people relate to you. Change the conversation and think what a massive shift it would be if we put as much effort into the relationship we have with ourselves as we do with other people. It would change the way we present ourselves on social media too because most of that is us wanting attention, acknowledgement and appreciation. None of those things is wrong but social media can be set up in a way that makes us try to get it—and that is quite harmful to us.”a
Their thoughts on certain challenges (e.g. Earphones Waist Challenge) on social media platforms that can negatively affect young women and their self-esteem or body image
Jameela Jamil: “We need to start a revolution against it. I’m upset to see so many adverts to young women about weight loss products slotted in between videos of extremely thin—and often edited—young girls. A lot of whom are struggling with their own self-image and eating disorders in order to stay thin enough to be, well, appreciated on social media. The fact that these challenges are allowed and how these adverts are specifically targeting teenage girls too. The men that I follow do not get targeted by diet adverts, but I do based on the algorithm. I would sit with my friends, and we’ll see what comes up for us, and it’s completely different. That is sexist, inappropriate, and it is literally killing people. Eating disorders are the number one cause of death in any mental illness. We need to start taking that seriously—an eating disorder is not a vanity problem for a teenage girl where she’s just consumed with her own self-image. It is severe and deadly.”

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A post shared by I WEIGH 📣 (@i_weigh)

Sara Kuburic: “No, it’s horrifying. I heard about those challenges a couple of weeks ago, and I can’t believe that it’s allowed. I know a lot of activists who get shut down just for posting pictures of their cellulite—of having too much—which the platform deems as inappropriate content. It was really fascinating to see how it’s intended to harm mental health. It’s intended to tell women that they’re not good enough, not skinny enough, not ‘whatever’ enough. What could be helpful is teaching women that genuine connection does not equate to social media. Having adequate boundaries around it is really important.
The Self-Love Index by The Body Shop talks about how people who spend more than two hours on social media find that their mental health and self-esteem generally decrease. That’s a significant finding.
So I think it’s really crucial for us to start having boundaries on what content we do follow, what platforms we do support just by being on time or how much time we spend on them. We don’t have an agency over what sort of crap is thrown our way all the time, but we can at least take some responsibility for what we choose to follow or not follow. What sort of ‘challenges’ we choose to reenact or not reenact. As women, it sucks that we’re put into these positions, but we have to take a better responsibility over how we can protect ourselves from a society that is designed, in a way, that can harm our mental health.”

How their self-love journey began
Jameela Jamil: “Starting therapy. Once you start, you lift up that first layer of pain and trauma. As a woman, especially, you tend to be an onion of stored trauma because we tend to have to tolerate and swallow everything stoically. Therapy made me realise that I’ve wasted a lot of my life and time trying to please other people. God forbid, a woman should be selfish and selfish enough to ask what kind of life she wants to live.
“I started to imagine if I had an app that can tell me how many minutes of every day I’ve spent wondering how I could fit into the patriarchy’s ideal of who I should be and what I should look like. And I wanted to cry at the thought of how many hours, months, days or years I have spent, distracted from my happiness, my growth, my mental health, good sex—all of these different things. It’s been an ongoing journey since then to dare to ask myself what do I want.”
Sara Kuburic: “I had an event in my early 20s that triggered severe panic attacks for a year straight. That was my wake-up call—I suppose many people could relate to this—that I wasn’t living for myself but for other people. Just because I was getting so many pats on the head as well as accolades for being who I should be being. I didn’t realise how miserable I was. That phase substituted any genuine self-esteem or relationship I had with myself. When I started to struggle with panic attacks, a lot of trauma came up, and when I went to therapy, it was like that same onion peeling moment.
“What was really helpful for me was when I started travelling around then, and I realised what it means to be a woman in different cultures. What it means to be a white woman when I show up in different cultures—the different expectations. It showed me my privilege and insecurities. It showed me who I was, regardless of context. It was one of the most beautiful ways to solidify who I want to become, to ask myself what do I really deserve and how do I want my legacy or impact to be. That was my journey towards self-love.”

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A post shared by The Body Shop Malaysia (@thebodyshopmalaysia)

Their advice on silencing the worst critics in our life—ourselves
Jameela Jamil: “Someone once told me that words have authority over thought, and I have found it to be true. The more I listen out for that inner bully—an inner bully planted by society—the quicker I identify it. And I think, would I say that to a woman I love or respect? Never. So why am I saying it to myself, and there’s no one to protect me because I’m saying it in the privacy of my own company. Identify that inner bully and stick up for yourself. Do it out loud. I interrupt those thoughts out loud: ‘No, no, you can’t talk to me that way.’ Sure, I look quirky doing it in public, but that’s what it takes to shut that practice. ‘I’m not too old for this. I’m not too fat. I am entitled to love and respect just as much as anyone else,’ I’d say.
“We not only need to be more careful about what we say to ourselves, but to each other. If you noticed that a friend has lost weight, don’t congratulate her. You are putting pressure on that friend who will try to maintain that weight loss. They feel scrutinised. It’s not a compliment because then it also implies that weight gain is a failure—and that is not true. Switch up your compliments to friends—compliment what they’re wearing or how funny or intelligent they are. These non-traditional compliments will change us as a community as well as how we think. That there’s value in how smart or helpful someone is.”

Sara Kuburic: “Yeah, it’s similar for me too. Except (laughs) I make myself apologise. ‘No, no, we’re going to take a moment, and you’re going to admit what you did wrong. And then you’re going to reframe what you were trying to communicate with me because it wasn’t that I suck or I’m too fat or not smart enough. It was that you were feeling scared or triggered, so let’s get to the bottom of what you were really trying to communicate and then we can move on.’ That’s something I’ve been really intentional about, and it takes a lot of time in my head, but I think it’s so important. I ask my clients to do this all the time.”
Catch a recap of the IG Live session that Jameela Jamil and Sara Kuburic did below:

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A post shared by The Body Shop Official (@thebodyshop)

To follow the #SelfLoveUprising movement, follow The Body Shop on Instagram.

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Fashion
Blake Lively dishes on her childhood crush on Michael Kors’ Glamour Games
You'd never guess who

11.04.2017
By Wei Yeen Loh

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It’s no surprise that Michael Kors and Blake Lively go way back. The actress is a regular at her fashion BFF’s shows, and has shown her support by donning his designs in a handful of red carpet appearance and events. In the latest iteration of Glamour Games, the duo play a round of Fact or Fiction, with Lively sharing personal tidbits of her life including her childhood crush and her husband Ryan Reynolds’s song of choice while she was in labour (you’d never guess!) Kors also reveals his birth name in this personal trivia face-off along with the celebrity he took Jell-O shots and couch danced with. This is the fourth video in the Glamour Games series—Gigi Hadid starred in the first short playing pictionary with the designer back in 2015; while supermodel Lily Aldridge and actress Kate Hudson were part of the second and third installment in 2016.

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Lifestyle
24 Minutes with Nana Al Haleq on her trip to Baltimore
Malaysia represent!

05.09.2017
By Rachel Au

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Out of all the personalities in the country, Nana Al Haleq was specifically picked to represent Malaysia at the Global Influencer #AssembleYourArmour event in Baltimore where each Under Armour Global Brand Ambassador of different backgrounds from several countries was invited to share their fitness expertise and journey. Of course it wasn’t just all work and no play so now that Nana is back from her trip, we decided to ask her to share her experience as well as some travel recommendations of Baltimore, USA.

Hi, Nana! How was your trip?
Surreal! I still can’t believe I was picked to represent Malaysia. Everyone was super helpful, friendly and nice, but above all, they all had an amazing story to share. Each of these athletes comes from different disciplines and have touched many lives in their own journey and that is what connected all of us.

Three lessons you learnt from others during the session at the Under Armour Performance Center.
Paola Antonini, Brazil — To always be grateful, positive and show love and gratitude in whatever you are doing. To embrace life and to see all the good things in life. She embodies courage, strength and always does her best regardless of her challenges—all while having an amputated leg. For example, during one of the boot camp sessions, we had to push a weighted sled, and though she wasn’t supposed to do it due to her condition, she tried her best and showed no signs of giving up.

Maria Riccetto, Uruguay — I was further reminded of the importance of humility thanks to Maria. She’s an amazing individual who has enjoyed huge success; from being a principal ballerina in her company to being the double for Mila Kunis in Black Swan. I was in awe of how she could be so successful yet humble. I learnt that age is only a number and great things can be achieved if we put our best foot forward, remain dedicated and stay true to ourselves.
To always be grateful, positive and show love and gratitude in whatever you are doing. To embrace life and to see all the good things in life.
Emine Diilek, Turkey — A former national athlete turned Pilates instructor, Emine’s story taught me that something good can come out of any experience. Due to an injury, she was forced to quit her sport and turned to Pilates as a form of recovery. We didn’t speak much as we had a language barrier but I remember her telling me that Pilates can cure everything after I shared my own recovery journey (I have an injury in my knee and hip).

A post shared by Nana Al Haleq (@nanaalhaleq) on Jun 16, 2017 at 7:46am PDT

What’s one of the things you shared during the session?
I was paired with Maria and I was excited to learn basic ballet from her. Since she has great body awareness and control, I shared the difference between general fitness and aesthetic fitness (body building)—how the latter would lean more towards having a symmetrical, proportioned and well-condition physique. I can still picture her screaming and laughing while she was doing all the intense continuous glutes exercises I gave her. She did well, of course, and told me, “Getting a great booty is hard work, girl!”

A post shared by Nana Al Haleq (@nanaalhaleq) on Jun 19, 2017 at 11:16am PDT

Could you share a little bit about your fitness journey?
It all started a few months ago before my wedding. I was super skinny (I was 42kg) and wanted to build my glutes to have more curves (my hips were at 32″). Back in the day, I was a state-represented athlete and I missed my athletic build—only my upper body was well-conditioned from my rock climbing passion so I was toned but still skinny.
I then started training and shared my journey on Instagram. It became like a diary for me and it’s something I won’t be stopping anytime soon. To my surprise, it gained quite a following and a year later, I quit my corporate job to focus entirely on fitness. I was enlightened by how much I could do as a fitness personality—how I’ll be able to educate and inspire Malaysian women to lead a healthier and more fit lifestyle. It’s been almost five years and looking back now, I guess fitness has always been my calling and I’m humbly blessed with all the love and support I’ve received.

A post shared by Nana Al Haleq (@nanaalhaleq) on Aug 13, 2017 at 10:03am PDT

Aside from this trip, how do you usually keep up with your fitness regime when you travel?
Simple. Above everything else, I make sure to choose an accommodation that has a gym and a kitchen that can help me maintain my nutrition and training needs—especially when I’m preparing for a competition or a photoshoot. In the event my destination does not have such facilities, I would usually (or rather, always) bring my own resistance bands so I can fit in any type of exercises while I’m on the go. As for meals, I always pack a digital scale to weigh my food (to ensure it fits my macro needs) and of course, simply opt for healthier choices. When there’s a will, there’s a way!

Which eateries in Baltimore would you recommend people to try?
1. Crabs at Nick’s Fish House! The seasoning is a little bit rich for my taste buds but then again, maybe I’m too used to healthy food.
2. The dinner course menu at The Pendry Restaurant. Eating at this fine-dining restaurant might cost a bomb but it will be worth it. Everything I had was super delicious and I’d especially recommend the fish and asparagus dish.
3. Vaccaro’s Italian pastry shop! The biscuits, the cannoli, everything.
4. Breakfast at Blu Moon Cafe! Their pancake is to die for! And being Asian means the portion is perfect for sharing—unless you have a super big appetite!

Three must-visit places in Baltimore.
1. Under Armour Performance Center @ the Under Armour Campus obviously! If you are a fitness freak, you definitely shouldn’t miss it.
2. Sagamore Distillery where you’ll have an amazing experience learning how they brew their own liquor. If you drink, you’ll get to taste it as well and if you don’t, well, they have chocolates too.
3. Fort McHenry if you love history. Otherwise, go watch a baseball game if you are into it.

A post shared by Nana Al Haleq (@nanaalhaleq) on Jun 16, 2017 at 5:29pm PDT

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Buro Loves
Red is more than just a colour as #BuroxDiorMY shoot party showcases

21.09.2018
By Gwen Ong

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You can never go wrong with red, not when you have a whole lipstick collection that revolves around it. Add to that, a group of beautiful women who know how to rock a red lip with confidence and cheekiness. Introducing the Rouge Dior Ultra Rouge lipsticks — a semi-matte collection that is super comfortable and pigmented. Yesterday, 20 ladies got to experience the magic of makeup at the #BuroxDiorMY shoot party in celebration of the latest lipstick collection from Dior to drop in Malaysia.
Following a quick welcome speech by Editor-in-Chief, Cai Mei, the ladies were off to party the afternoon away at Woobar, W Hotel Kuala Lumpur. It was the perfect setting to bring these gorgeous girls together for a day of sexy pouts and sassy spirit. The Woobar was transformed into a mini studio complete with makeup and hairstyling stations that the girls could get refreshed in. This was also an opportunity for them to try on the Rouge Dior Ultra Rouge lipsticks and get comfy in the brand’s signature shades. Could its 12-hour long wear be true? Of course, this was put to the test with a selection of canapés and drinks that came their way. As the 20 Friends of Buro can attest, the Rouge Dior Ultra Rouge is what you’ll want for that night (or even day) out with your girlfriends.
Amidst the partying, each girl took turns to be in front of the camera and starred in her own beauty shot. Profiling four beautiful shades – Ultra Dior, Ultra Love, Ultra Star and Ultra Shock – the women showed us how a red lipstick can be all the difference you need to bring out your biggest smile and boldest attitude. It’s true when they say red is rad.
For the finale, the girls were surprised each with a special gift by Dior in the shape of a boombox. The exclusive and limited edition kit contains the Rouge Dior Ultra Rouge lipsticks and also the brand’s new Ink Lip Liners and Vernis nail polishes that they were all excited to try out.
Catch all the highlights from the shoot party below:

Stay tuned to see the girls’ full look coming soon on buro247.my

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News
7 Things you can do in KL (or at home) this CMCO weekend: 1 & 2 May 2021

27.04.2021
By Rachel Au

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

1. Wet & Licky

When: 1 May 2021, Saturday
Time: 4pm till late
Where: Wet Deck, Level 12 @ W Kuala Lumpur
Reservations: 6012 347 9088 or [email protected]
Two of the hottest spots in town are coming together for an enjoyable collaboration. Licky Chan is an up-and-coming ice cream parlour in the city, known for its wacky flavours and Instagrammable aesthetic. And W Kuala Lumpur is synonymous with its fun energy. Together, expect an afternoon (turned evening and then, night) of ice cream by the pool. We hear there’ll be some exciting flavours to try—including boozy ones too! Be sure to stay past 6pm cos that’s when ice cream and Barcardi cocktails will be served.
For more info, visit their Facebook.
2. Order in of Chef Wan’s Ramadhan sharing sets

Prefer to stay at home this weekend? Liven it up with Smartbite’s collaboration with De.Wan 1958 by Chef Wan—delectable Ramadhan feasts for the family, featuring only the best classic Malay dishes. There are two sets (RM248+ and RM368+ respectively) to choose from, and each serves enough for up to four to five people. Expect tantalising items such as Chef Wan’s famous Ikan Jenahak, the fan-favourite Daging Puteri Manis and the signature Ayam Pencok. Are you salivating yet?
For more information or to order, head to SmartBite’s website.
MORE: Alternatively, check out our list of Ramadan buffets in KL
3. Fabrications 101 Workshop
Where: Me.reka, Publika
When: Pick a time between 11am – 4pm, Mon-Sun
Price: RM200
Looking to pick up a new skill (that’s not baking)? Me.reka’s Master Builder, Tauqeer, is up for the task of guiding you through the process of woodworking, metalworking and welding. Yes, you’ll really get your hands dirty, learning how to handle tools such as the grinder and the drop saw. The aim is to show you how to breathe life into materials, just with an idea you might have.
To register, click here.
4. “Let’s Mess Up Luigi’s Kitchen”—a one-night-only culinary mashup

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A post shared by Mandarin Oriental Kuala Lumpur (@mo_kualalumpur)

When: 29 April 2021, Thursday
Time: Pre-dinner drinks at 6pm, dinner at 7pm
Where: Mandarin Grill @ Mandarin Oriental, Kuala Lumpur
Price: RM588 per person
Some of the best chefs in KL are coming together to, well, mess up the kitchen of Luigi Stinga, Chef de Cuisine of Mandarin Grill. That’s what friends do, right? But instead of a real mess, diners will get to enjoy a unique seven-course degustation menu, transporting your senses from Asia to Europe. Chef Luigi will be joined by Jun Wong of Kikubari, Chai Chun Boon of Copper, Tyson Gee of Atas – Modern Malaysian, Lroy Lim of Willow, and Jeff Ramsey of Japas. It’s a stellar line-up, complemented by guest bartender Giovanni Andrea Magliaro of Frank’s Bar with his delicious cocktails that boasts his unmistakable flair.
For more information or reservations, call +603 2330 8798 or email [email protected].
5. Donate your unwanted denim pieces for a good cause

Where: The Gardens Mall
A little help goes a long way so, if you have any unwanted denim pieces lying around, drop them off at the South Palm (Ground Floor) of The Gardens Mall. The collected items will then be donated to the single mothers of Suri, a social enterprise that employs single mothers from low-income communities. The women will transform the material into new clothes and other household items. That’s helping two causes: the women in need and the environment.
6. Riuh Raya/Tiffin Ber-Riuh Raya

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A post shared by RIUH (@riuhinthecity)

When: 1 & 2 May 2021, Sat & Sun
Time: 2pm – 10pm
Where: Sentul Depot
At long last, Riuh is back after more than a year’s absence. Following strict SOPs*, the event is even bigger than before, and it’ll be a collaboration with Tiffin (yes, they’re back, and you can check out their upcoming plans here). There will be much to explore as the line-up includes 52 exciting homegrown brands and a delicious curation of 12 F&B purveyors. Supporting local includes supporting charities—shopping from any of the 12 ‘Buy For Impact’ retail vendors will give back to groups like single mothers, youth refugees, and more. Last but not least, what’s a Riuh outing without live performances. Headliners include Ushera, Colour of Voices, Mai, Merakki and more.
*To ensure crowd control and in adherence to strict SOPs, event admission will be by admission only. Register for your slot here.
For more information, visit Riuh’s new website.
7. Win yourself a ‘Monkey Shoulder: After-Work Drinks kit’

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The giveaway ends this Sunday, 2 May 2021, and it consists of two Monkey Shoulder bottled cocktails, a mini speaker, card games and more. Don’t miss out!

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Buro City Guide: Ipoh

Travel
Buro City Guide: Ipoh
Ipoh mali

17.10.2016
By Rachel Au

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Surrounded by a lush scenery of vast hills, Ipoh was once a booming mining town and was known as The Hill City, among many other fond nicknames. Still rich in greenery, the quiet town has steadily gained an influx of tourists and travellers, local and foreign, in recent years thanks to its culture and heritage, the growing food and cafe scene, and street art (made especially famous by artist Ernest Zacharevic). It was even in Lonely Planet’s top 10 places to visit in Asia.

And because it’s only a two hour drive from Kuala Lumpur, it’s a popular road trip destination for tourists and KL-ites—like the Buro 24/7 Malaysia team who stayed over there for a night before heading off to Penang during the #BuroRoadTrip. Here are some of the places we discovered during our 2D1N stay.

Check out the fashion shoot we did with the best pieces of AW16 around the streets of Ipoh here.

WHERE TO STAY
Planning to stay the night? There aren’t many options for a luxury accommodation in Ipoh but boutique hotels are certainly aplenty.

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WHAT TO EAT AND WHERE
Prior to the #BuroRoadTrip, we had a long list of places to go for food but alas, so much to eat, so little time. Here are some of the places we managed to visit during our short stay.

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Style
Venice Film Festival 2020: The best fashion moments on the red carpet

13.09.2020
By Joan Kong

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Features
Fall from grace—a timeline of what happened to Kanye West
Ye’s highs and lows

19.12.2022
By Pravin Nair

Images from @Ye_Gallery on Instagram

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The demise of Kanye West’s career in both fashion and music can be traced to a single needle in an enormous haystack. To surmise, we believe it to have happened during his Yeezy Season 9 show early this autumn. To further explain, we’re going to set the scene moments before the ‘crime’ takes place.

The rumbling before the storm
One could say that all of Ye’s dramas begin as it always does—through a long, cumbersome rant on his Instagram page. For context, the rapper legally changed his name in 2019 after getting it appealed in 2018. In one of his many long-winded posting sagas just this year alone, the Famous singer discussed issues from his divorce with ex-wife Kim Kardashian to his rocky partnership with GAP, as well as the Yeezy Season 9 show on October 3rd.
Flash forward to October during Paris Fashion Week when Demna of Balenciaga is set to showcase yet another jaw-dropping collection discussing matters of the human dilemma through the use of garments. Titled The Mud Show, Demna focused on the issues of fascism and the unjust treatment of individuals through military-inspired pieces and the use of shocking makeup. The audience viewing the show was surprised by the first model to walk down the runway—Kanye West himself.
Famously known for his influence over fashion and being good friends with Demna, West donned a military jacket, a mouth guard and makeup that depicted him being beaten up. Following the bold move, both West and Demna were met with adulation from fans.

Ye opens the #Balenciaga mud show pic.twitter.com/Sd7dkl43UM
— Vanessa Friedman (@VVFriedman) October 2, 2022

That shared adulation would come to a screeching halt very quickly the next day during his own runway show and West’s stand in society as the “greatest human artist of all time” would become impugned, separated by those who stand for its right and those who engage in supreme bootlicking for an artist that has, time and time again, done very alarming things.
In the crowd of 50 guests, names like Anna Wintour of Vogue, Demna, singer Jaden Smith, and Vanessa Friedman of The New York Times sat front row at the Champs-Élysées venue. The show began an hour after its supposed scheduled time.
For guests in attendance, tardiness is no foreign concept when viewing a Yeezy show. And if you’re wondering when the nightmare begins, it is the moment the designer sets foot on stage. West began with a rant, this time in person as opposed to the usual digital verbal vomit his followers are destined to receive weekly.

Ye, speaking before his #YZYSZN9 show and calling out LVMH’s Bernard Arnault pic.twitter.com/yn6AL9lh1E
— Vanessa Friedman (@VVFriedman) October 3, 2022

Approaching his audience, West wore flip-flops and an unseeming. unprovocative black ensemble. However, turning to show his back, the words ‘White Lives Matter’ were present in bold.

Kanye West wears a “White Lives Matter” shirt to his YZY SZN 9 fashion show pic.twitter.com/kiAQ8ttI89
— No Jumper (@nojumper) October 3, 2022

Undeniably known for his performative acts and off-putting opinions, West’s choice of words on the T-shirt set off displeasure among his audience. Jaden Smith, who was disturbed by the unfolding of the events, left the venue before models rolled out on the runway.
After his lengthy rant, which touched on LVMH’s CEO Bernard Arnault, the audience was then presented with a performance from the Donda Choir led by his daughter, North West, followed by the premiere of his collection. Models marched down the runway in the usual Yeezy silhouettes—angular, futuristic, and minimalist pieces. Other models, such as Givenchy’s Matthew Williams and Michéle Lamy wore puffer jackets, dresses, and hooded head-to-toe ensembles that were reflective of Demna’s couture collection earlier this year. Undeniably, the show was lacklustre, where the illusions of “greatness” were enshrouded in a loud spectacle made by West’s very controversial statements.

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Hundred to zero in the fashion world
To think that when facing insurmountable backlash, the appropriate thing to do would be to retreat into solitude. The opposite is always a matter of practice for West. From the 2009 VMAs incident involving Taylor Swift and Beyonce to his break-up with ex-girlfriend Amber Rose, who has accused the rapper of constant berating and bullying, and his very public divorce from Kardashian, West has become one of the most controversial figures in modern-day history.
A fact worth noting is that West has always had an affinity for fashion. In 2005, after receiving his Grammy award and completing an album, the rapper noted that he would be venturing into fashion. In 2013 West entered a partnership with Adidas, forming his cult line, Yeezy. Receiving great reviews and selling out every pair of Yeezy Boost 750 “Light Brown”in under 10 minutes, West would find career-defining success as a designer over the next nine years. During this period, the rapper was even cited multiple times by his ex-wife as being her personal stylist. From dressing up in clashing pieces that featured loud, bold statements, Kardashian now goes by simple neutrals, an aesthetic which has even trickled down to her shapewear label, Skims.
Following his Season 9 show, Vogue Global contributing editor Gabriella Karefa-Johnson expressed her dismay at the ‘White Lives Matter’ pieces that were sent down the runway, and West turned to Instagram for another round of bullying. This time, the Donda singer shared (in a now-deleted post) a picture of Karefa-Johnson with the caption, “This is not a fashion person”. This comment of his, while not filled with hateful words, caused backlash online from the likes of Gigi Hadid and Hailey Bieber to Tremaine Emory of Supreme. “You wish u had a percentage of her intellect”, commented Hadid under the rapper’s post about the editor.
Truth be told, there is much more to the true extent of Kanye West. It also involves the use of religion as a tool to appeal to far-right extremists. From donning a confederate flag to saying that slavery was a choice and even supporting the “Make America Great Again” movement incited by then-President Donald Trump, one can confidently say that West has done it all.
The final straw to his self-destruction came in the form of a Tweet inciting harm towards Jewish people—and that’s putting things lightly. Upon its posting, West was locked out from Twitter, removed from Balenciaga’s website, had his partnership with Adidas terminated (causing him to lose his billionaire status), and had partners such as JP Morgan drop him as a client.

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What does this mean for fashion?
One thing we can admit to is how cancel culture has worked to keep people in check. However, people like West do not fear it until the gavel has hit the block. On one hand, many celebrities have been cancelled for less and others who have committed far worse have come back stronger than ever. Designers like Dolce Domenico and Stefano Gabbana of Dolce & Gabbana, or Alexander Wang have said and done offensive things time and time again, making them great examples of how they have escaped fashion’s watchful eye nearly unscathed. From spreading flagrantly racist, misogynistic and homophobic sentiments to assaulting people who are under the influence, it seems that nothing can get you booted from the industry if you have enough status and power.
West has set an unprecedented chain of events, urging racial discourse and the ways in which the fashion industry holds its people accountable. Fashion is an ever-changing landscape but is not one without its follies. Models are to be skinny, only certain types of designers are allowed to be applauded, and race-based preferences are still practised today by major houses. And though brands are actualising ways to improve themselves by becoming more diverse, there is always a need for improvement.
Be it by age, race or gender, the point of the discussion leads back to one thing—the need to be mindful and inclusive. In the case of Kanye West, we remain seated at the edge of our seats, with trepidation on when the next shoe might drop. Understandably, one main lesson that we can all take away from the unfolding of Kanye West’s life is simply this—hate should not be the driving motivator for any creative output.

For more fashion stories, click here.

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Fashion
Levi’s ‘We Are Original’ campaign celebrates authenticity
This one's for denimheads

31.05.2016
By Wei Yeen Loh

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Classic American brand Levi’s may have just one-upped any other denim brand’s marketing campaign in Malaysia this season, with its We Are Original star-studded campaign that brings together more than 20 local personalities from various fields, including Sheena Liam, JC Chee, Farah Ann, Jane Chuck, Liyana Fizi, Jin Lim and Reuben Kang, Amy Search, Hatta Dolmat, Poova and more. Celebrating its values of originality and authenticity, the campaign sees stars decked in various Levi’s pieces, from rugged denim jackets to baseball caps.
{insert gallery tpl=”slide-freesize.tpl” id=”Levi’s Personalities” rid=”4045″ order=”a_tstamp”}
Apart from that, Levi’s has also released four new ranges focused on functionality and comfort this season. The Levi’s Commuter series returns with a slew of technical features and innovations to keep urban cyclists comfortable, safe and dry during a ride. This includes a U-Lock holder, rivets, 3M reflective on back adjustment tabs for visibility.

The Stretch range does what its name suggests—impeccable stretchability with comfort in mind while retaining its shape and colour after repeated washing. The Cool collection, however, might pique your interest especially if you’re looking for a pair of jeans to wear comfortably in this hot and humid climate. This innovative line is made from breathable fabric that’s twice as soft as cotton and enables proper body ventilation. But for ladies who like a leg-lengthening, tummy-tucking pair, the Lot 300 series is one for you. Mid-rise jeans from this line are available in two premium fabrics to allow maximum movement and offer support and life for a flattering look.
{insert gallery tpl=”slide-freesize.tpl” id=”Levi’s Range” rid=”4046″ order=”a_tstamp”}

Levi’s Commuter, Stretch, Cool and Women’s Shaping ranges are now available at all Levi’s stores nationwide.

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Culture
Malaysian activist Nicole Fong shares her list of must-read books that celebrates diversity

28.09.2020
By Brent Taalur Ramsey

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The term “diversity” can often be rather vague; in literature, we’re talking about representation, with themes that cover gender, race, culture, sexuality and class, among others. And these stories have never been more important to help us self-learn, reflect on what privileges we may have, and celebrate the diversity of humanity.

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A post shared by Nicole (she/they) (@nicolefws) on Jul 14, 2020 at 7:21am PDT

This month, we’ve asked Malaysian activist Nicole Fong, an ardent voice for climate justice and LGBTQ+ rights, to share her must-read books that celebrate diversity. After all, the world is a diverse place—let’s all applaud that with books that do it justice.

The Paper Menagerie by Ken Liu

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“This short story holds a special place in my heart because it is equal parts magical and devastating. It left me in tears and in shock at how powerful a short story could be. It speaks about cultural identity and acceptance as an immigrant or being ‘the Other’ in America. Children of immigrants who struggle with the pressure to assimilate into the majority culture would really connect with this story of wanting to fit into the dominant culture while still preserving your own cultural identity. Please do check out his other short stories as they are equally as powerful and important narratives from an East Asian perspective in the sci-fi, fantasy, and historical literature world that is typically dominated by white voices. You can also listen to LeVar Burton narrate it really beautifully on his podcast here.”
SHOP: The Book Depository

Care Work: Dreaming Disability Justice by Leah Lakshmi Piepzna-Samarasinha

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A post shared by Revel & Fern (@revelandfern) on May 13, 2020 at 4:15pm PDT

“This book has challenged me to assess how I perpetuate ableism and evaluate the inclusivity and accessibility of my activism, such as the physical spaces we organise in, and also the unhealthy, burnout ways we operate in. She writes about the history of the disability justice movement, the importance of accessibility from a sick, disabled, queer, femme, Black, indigenous, people of colour, point of view, how to honour and celebrate femme emotional labour, and deconstructs the survivor-industrial complex of having to present their trauma a certain way to be palatable. Her words validated me by affirming all the unpaid, unnecessary emotional labour I hold, and care work I do as a femme in the relationships in my life, work, and activism. This book makes me want to incorporate a disability justice framework to my activism that centres sick and disabled people of colour, queer and trans disabled folks of colour.”
SHOP: The Book Depository

The Body Is Not an Apology: The Power of Radical Self Love by Sonya Renee Taylor

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Beauty
Korean Social Media Sensation Irene Kim Scores a Pretty Sweet Deal
It’s good news in beauty!

15.07.2015
By Terry Saw

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These days, the saying goes – “You can tell a lot about a person by their Instagram tiles.” One quick scroll over Irene Kim’s IG feed and you’ll see a fun and fearless fashion and beauty tastemaker – cue her candy-tipped bob plus a variety of almost Cara D-like candid videos and street-style pictures, which keeps her 554,000 followers on @ireneisgood coming back for more.
The fashion student turn model, and now social media star has the world at her feet, having just added Estee Lauder’s Global Beauty Contributor to her beauty duties. Through this unique collaboration, Estee Lauder and Irene aim to fuse the best of eastern and western beauty tips and techniques through a series of curated digital content across the brand’s online and social media platforms. From what we see, @ireneisgood is just the beginning to many exciting things to come for beauty… #WatchThisSpace.

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Unpredictable colour combinations from SS16 you can try
A multihued vision

01.12.2015
By Wei Yeen Loh

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Despite a wave of monochromatic collections made of simple, utilitarian silhouettes on the runway as of late, you can’t deny that colour will always be trending, especially when it clashes so discordantly that it actually makes sense. If you have always shied away from colour contrasts because you fear you’d end up resembling a walking traffic light, you’d be surprised at how some colour combinations may work if you wear it right.

Spring/Summer 2016 saw an infusion of colour from the usual names in the industry, along with a few others who went out of their comfort zone with brighter colour palettes, from Miu Miu, Dries Van Noten, Roksanda, Fausto Puglisi to Haider Ackermann, Christopher Kane, and Gucci. Here are some colour combinations you can pull off:

Blue + orange

Blue is usually paired with colours reminiscent of the Union Jack (red, white, blue), but blue and orange makes a refreshing combination that isn’t too jarring or outlandish. Bright orange and navy blue was spotted at Sportmax, and a pale orange and faded blue at Roksanda.

Pink + green

While red and green is wonderfully Christmassy and festive-appropriate, go for pink and green for an unusual switch-up. Start out with pairing green with a subtle blush pink (Gucci), or go all out with vivid pink against green like how Monique Lhuillier did it.

Jewel tones

The beauty about deep jewel tones is that you can pair most together without worrying about discordance. Take notes from how Jason Wu did it, with deep teal and rust separates, whereas Alber Elbaz styled four different colours together (eggplant, blue, red, and chartreuse).

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