Travel
Tumi’s Fall 2017 collection is all about New York
Welcome to New York

08.09.2017
By Rachel Au

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There’s just something about New York, the pulsating city that has become an icon; vibrant with  electric energy, charming culture, and people from all walks of life. That very metropolitan sophistication was taken as an inspiration for the colour palette and graphic prints for Tumi’s Fall 2017 collection. Here are some of our favourite pieces that will make great travel gear for your next trip (be it to New York or not):
{insert gallery tpl=”slide-freesize.tpl” id=”Tumi Fall 2017 Collection” rid=”5439″ order=”a_tstamp”}
Related stories:
Nico Rosberg and Claudia Kim are the faces of TUMI’s Global Citizen campaign
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#WednesdayWishlist: Travel essentials we can’t live without

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Fashion
Watch Kristen Stewart smoulder in Chanel’s ‘Paris in Rome’ campaign
Brooding beauty

13.06.2016
By Wei Yeen Loh

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

The latest installment of Chanel’s Métiers d’Art Paris in Rome 2015/16 campaign sees Karl Lagerfeld’s muse Kristen Stewart doing what she does best in the same plush ambiance spotted in campaign images earlier this April. The face of Chanel’s Eyes Collection lounges around the Parisian apartment in the videos below as she preps and primes for a night out, packing her purse (the latest 2.55 flap bag from the Paris in Rome collection) and checking her makeup in the vanity mirror. The video takes a sensual turn as the sultry star unbuttons her lace blouse and removes her earrings, as though preparing for a secret rendezvous for the night.
Kristen Stewart showing off ready-to-wear line from Chanel’s Paris in Rome collection:

Spot her arm candy—the newest Chanel 2.55 flap bag in ultra soft calfskin below:

Chanel Paris in Rome collection is now available in Chanel KLCC.

Related stories:
Chanel Allure Homme Sport’s new campaign shows you how to embrace nature with audacity
Pharrell collaborates with Chanel on Métiers d’art 2015/2016 collection
Kristen Stewart reveals a different side for Chanel Eyes Collection

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Watches + Jewellery
Best of Baselworld 2018 Day 4: Hublot, H. Moser, Longines, Glashütte Original and Maurice Lacroix
#Baselworld2018

29.03.2018
By Su Fen Tan

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The Cartier Privé collection is about history and modernity

HUBLOT
Big Bang hits: Masters of the ‘art of fusion’, Hublot’s latest material breakthrough lies in the Big Bang Unico Red Magic, where the world’s first vibrantly coloured ceramic take centre stage. Hublot took four years to bring this innovation infusion to life (ceramic is notoriously hard to work with), with a magic formula that has also increased the resilience of the material. From the bold, passionate colour of red, to the crystal clear hues of sapphire; Hublot also introduces the Big Bang Sapphire Tourbillon this year, putting the in-house skeleton tourbillon movement on full display in a completely transparent case.{insert gallery tpl=”slide-freesize.tpl” id=”[Стандартная] Hublot Big Bang baselworld” rid=”6089″ order=”a_tstamp”}
World Cup fever: As official timekeeper for the upcoming FIFA World Cup in Russia, Hublot has customised a smart watch for the referees—and you can own one too! Limited to just 2018 pieces, the Big Bang Referee will keep you up to date with the tournament all on your wrist. Aside from two neutral dials in analogue and digital, you can also pick from one of the 32 dials inspired by the flags of the participating countries, with matching straps to boot.

H. MOSER & CIE
True blue: The newest addition to H. Moser Concept timepieces is the Venturer Concept Blue Lagoon, featuring a gorgeous turquoise fumé dial, like that of an island paradise, encapsulated in a 39mm Venturer case. In true H. Moser & Cie style, it is classic and elegant, with a refined, minimalistic dial that captures the brand’s purist spirit.  Only 20 pieces of this reference will be available.

LONGINES
New conquest: Longines HydroConquest collection expands with reimagined variations fitted with a ceramic bezel insert in the same colour of the dial, rendering it more resistant and scratch-resistant, while staying true to its diver’s heritage with a screw-down crown and case back, 300m water resistance and unidirectional rotating bezel. The timepiece is available in three colours and two sizes, with the option to be paired with a stainless steel bracelet or rubber strap.{insert gallery tpl=”slide-freesize.tpl” id=”[Стандартная] Longines hydroconquest” rid=”6088″ order=”a_tstamp”}
Black classic: Longines’ updated Legend Diver retains the original watch’s traits and design codes from the ’60s, while looking resolutely modern in black PVD coating and a Milanese-style rubber strap. Of course, the insides are upgraded too—the automatic Calibre L888.2 with a 64-hour power reserve.

GLASHÜTTE ORIGINAL
Refined engineering: If you think the Senator Excellence Perpetual Calendar – Limited Edition looks good here, trust us when we say it looks even better in person. With the innovative Calibre 36 at its heart, the dial indicates the time, day, date, month and leap year simultaneously. The movement’s cover plate on the unique skeletonised dial features hand-crafted guilloche decoration, with openings to reveal the interplay of the calendar discs.

MAURICE LACROIX
Automatic icon: Maurice Lacroix’s Aikon—modelled after the brand’s best-selling watch of the ’90s, Calypso—is now available with an automatic movement. Enter Aikon Automatic and Aikon Automatic Chronograph, bold new icons in their own rights: the former is decorated with a Clou de Paris motif, instead of the assertive lines that donned the quartz version, while the latter’s subdials sit on a backdrop of brick-like squares.{insert gallery tpl=”slide-freesize.tpl” id=”[Стандартная] Maurice Lacroix Aikon Automatic” rid=”6086″ order=”a_tstamp”}
Moonlit dial: The Eliros Ladies 35mm has been equipped of a moonphase display. Besides the elegant complication, the graceful everyday watch is given a sprinkle of sparkle with indices of numerals and diamonds. There is also the option of a mother-of-pearl dial, which really looks quite exquisite. Switch it up as you desire with the ‘easychange’ feature, which allows you to change between the leather strap and stainless steel bracelet easily. {insert gallery tpl=”slide-freesize.tpl” id=”[Стандартная] Maurice Lacroix Eliros” rid=”6087″ order=”a_tstamp”}

Catch all our Baselworld 2018 coverage here.

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Features
‘All Of Us Are Dead’ star Yoon Chan-young on being Coach’s first ambassador for South Korea
Come alive with Coach

27.04.2022
By Buro247

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What do leather backpacks, zombies and Coach have in common? Rising Korean actor Park Chan-young. It was only early last month that the 21-year-old breakout star of Netflix’s zombie K-drama ‘All Of Us Are Dead’ was appointed by Coach as the fashion brand’s first ambassador for Korea, joining the likes of Jennifer Lopez, Michael B Jordan and Jeremy Lin as a face of the global Coach family.

Since then, the young actor made a fitting debut in a campaign for the brand’s Spring 2022 denim signature ready-to-wear and Hitch backpack––an accessory that plays a pivotal role in the tradition and heritage of the New York fashion house. After all, Coach was founded 80 years ago as a men’s accessories brand and built its reputation on leather innovation and craftsmanship. And who better than rising star Chan-young to join the fashion house on their ongoing journey of reimagining their heritage and celebrating the new generation under the encouragement of authentic self-expression?
To find out more, we caught up with the actor over Zoom to learn more about his newfound fashion partnership, personal style and the power in dressing for yourself:
1. His first direct encounter with Coach was––in a way––a dream come true
Upon finishing ‘All Of Us Are Dead’, Coach gifted Chan-young with a leather backpack to congratulate him on successfully completing the project. “I always had a dream that I would have a leather backpack to carry with me on my way to school when I became a college student,” he shared. “Coach giving me that backpack as a gift meant that I was able to attend school as I had dreamt of and I’m super grateful of that.”

2. Since then, they’ve been inseparable…
“You asked me of the experience? The people at Coach told me that we are now one family and that’s the impression that I’ve received while working with Coach. I felt like I was a genuine member of the Coach family. They have this warmth towards me and it has been a heartwarming, fantastic experience working with them,” Chan-young said, adding that the brand also gifted him with a handwritten letter and cardigan for his mother in celebration of his 21st birthday a couple of days ago. “I was able to be born because of my mom––it was a special day that was made possible because of her so I was really touched that Coach would even think of my mom and prepare something for her.”

3. …And the synergy is undeniable
“Coach has a brand purpose which is the courage to be real. I’ve always believed that there is a strength that comes from being your authentic self, being your natural self. I think that I am a good match with Coach in that sense. They are a global brand with a long history and heritage but nowadays you can see that it tries to be very different with new projects, and new collaborations with different brands. This really appeals to the younger generation to people who are interested in fashion so they provide items that appeal to different people, and a wide spectrum of choice. There are items that has its tradition and there are also trendy items as well. I think there is a very good harmony between the two.”

4. His personal style can be described as…
Oversized and comfy. “I like clothes that give out a cute feel, and styles that are neat and tidy. Having said that I think Coach matches with all of what I said because they have a wide spectrum of different items that give out different feels. For example, there’s the dandy yet tidy look, the comfortable look and the outfits that look cute as well. These can be matched with different bags and accessories which create a synergy and I think it’s a good match with my style,” the actor explains.
5. Nothing beats the joy of dressing up
“My fashion secret? I like to wear clothing that is comfortable but I also like to dress up. When I feel great, I like to wear a party look and wear a shirt, slacks, a ribbon tie, a watch. On days when I dress up, it feels like I’m at a party the whole day, and it really brings my spirit up.”

6. It always comes back to the Coach leather backpack
When asked of his Coach item of choice for survival during a zombie breakout, the actor decided a leather bag would be the most practical choice. “Survival is what’s most important here,” he explained. “With a big leather bag, you can carry a lot of the things you’d need for survival. Coach’s leather bag also has this outstanding quality and durability. They can be used by fathers and handed down to their sons, so they’re well maintained during a crisis situation. You can use it as protective gear to make sure you’re not bitten by the zombies and also as a weapon by throwing it at them. On top of it all, the bag is also stylish!”
7. But his go-to Coach item for the everyday would also have to be his baseball jacket
“It’s from two seasons ago and the arm part is made out of leather. This was a style that I really liked since trying it on for the first time. From winter all the way to early spring, it was a staple for me––I had it on wherever I went.”

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A post shared by 윤찬영 Yoon chanyoung (@yooncy1)

8. If you want to feel confident in what you wear…
Chan-young’s advice is to stay curious! “I think that the more you try on different styles, the more you’ll be able to understand what the right style for yourself is. One of the Coach brand values is to wonder what if, which means that you should have this curiosity to try something new. Don’t be scared to try something that you’ve never tried before.” He adds that he enjoys visiting shops on off days to try out new things: “I prefer offline shopping than online, because I think it really helps to understand the history of the brand to find the right style for yourself.”

9. New York and Los Angeles are on his list of places to visit
“I have this fantasy of New York and also Los Angeles because I love ‘La La Land’. I understand there’s a fashion show in September in New York and I think it would be a great experience if I was able to visit New York at that time with Coach!”

10. As for what’s next?
Season two of teen noir drama ‘Juvenile Deliquency’, in which Chan-young plays the role of exemplary student Gong Yoon-tak, airs this month. “In June, I’ll also be shooting ‘Delivery Man’ where I play the role of a taxi driver,” he adds. “There’s a chasing scene, there’s romance and it’s also kind of a thriller, so there’s various things to look forward to so I hope you enjoy it!”
Read more fashion insider features here.

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Features
New York Fashion Week AW16 Day 8: The cream of the crop
Fashion's A-listers

19.02.2016
By Buro247

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

As New York Fashion Week AW16 finally closes, we’ve decided to pick some of our favourite ensembles that we’ve seen on the last day. Whether it’s Irene Kim’s kitschy fur coat and pink silk pants combo or Negin Mirsalehi’s ultra coveted suede skirt and booties, style lessons are best learnt from the streets during fashion month. At the end of it, I think we can all agree upon one thing—the best fashion statement will always be the one that you exude confidence and are the most comfortable in.

{insert gallery tpl=”slide-freesize.tpl” id=”New York Fashion Week AW16 Street Style Day 8″ rid=”3819″ order=”a_tstamp”}

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Fashion
Louis Vuitton x UNICEF’s Silver Lockit now comes in five colour variations
A good cause

11.08.2017
By Wei Yeen Loh

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

Did you know that the Syrian Civil War has been ongoing for seven years now, with nearly 6 million children in need of assistance and more than 2.5 million refugees displaced from their homes? If you’ve always wanted to do your part in raising awareness to the crisis, lend a helping hand via Louis Vuitton’s #MakeAPromise campaign in partnership with the United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF).

Earlier this year, four remarkable individuals from our country were recently appointed as ambassadors for this campaign. For every Silver Lockit sold, $200 will be donated to UNICEF to fund programmes for over 9 million children in Syria and its neighbouring countries. Since the campaign’s inception in January 2016, the UNICEF partnership has successfully raised more than $2.5 million in life-saving humanitarian support. This time around, the French luxury brand is rolling out a new interpretation of its Silver Lockit by way of colour bracelets to continue raising awareness and funds. UNICEF’s initiatives for the Syrian children include providing safe water, sanitation services, healthcare and essential nutrition and plenty more.
{insert gallery tpl=”slide-freesize.tpl” id=”Louis Vuitton Silver Lockit” rid=”5372″ order=”a_tstamp”}
Why the Silver Lockit? Inspired by Georges Vuitton’ invention (an unpickable tumbler lock) circa 1890, the sterling silver lock serves as a symbol of protection—and now comes in five various colour cord bracelets you can choose from.

 Louis Vuitton Silver Lockit (RM1,150) will be available 14 September on louisvuitton.com; and worldwide, including Malaysia on 15 September for a limited time only.

Related stories:
Meet Malaysia’s 4 ambassadors for Louis Vuitton x UNICEF’s #MakeAPromise
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Features
Best of Australia Fashion Week street style
All-rounders

22.05.2016
By Wei Yeen Loh

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

Another fashion week has come and gone, but if there’s one thing that Sydney’s street style folks know best, it’s how to layer and style separates impeccably well. We learned a handful of lessons from the best in Sydney’s fashion world: how to rock a Dion Lee fringed dress like Natalie Cantell did effortlessly, Eleanor Pendleton’s artful way of styling extra-long sleeves, and Sarah Ellen’s envy-inducing, all-leather Emma Mulholland getup that juxtaposes biker-cool with a hint of femininity:

Take a leaf out of these fashionistas’ books here:
{insert gallery tpl=”slide-freesize.tpl” id=”Best of Australia Fashion Week Street Style” rid=”4022″ order=”a_tstamp”}

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Film, TV + Theatre
Best new K-dramas to watch in August 2021 on Netflix, iQiyi, and Astro

10.08.2021
By Adelina Tan

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14 Thrilling new TV shows and films to stream in July 2023

This month, travel to different parts of South Korea—and through time—without leaving home. Visit a picturesque seaside village, an exclusive residence home to Seoul’s elite, spartan army barracks, the campus of a police university, and the most prestigious academy of painting in the Joseon era. Your journeys will include uncovering the secrets of romantic entanglements, the bonds between soldiers, the price of power play, and the simple of joys of life:
The Road: The Tragedy of One
When: Beginning 5 Aug on iQiyi and tvN (Astro Ch 395 HD, 9.15pm), with new episodes every Thursday and Friday
Who’s in it: Ji Jin-hee (Move to Heaven), Yoon Se-ah (Sky Castle), and Kim Hye-eun (Itaewon Class)
Who’s behind it: First-time director Kim No-won and screenwriter Yoon Hee-jung; based on a novel by Rintaro Norizuki

What is it about: Suspenseful and dramatic, The Road: The Tragedy of One peels off the masks and layers worn by residents of Royal the Hill, home to society’s top 1 per cent. Living here is the cold-blooded broadcast journalist Baek Soo-hyeon (Ji Jin-hee), who is married to Seo Eun-soo (Yoon Se-ah), the daughter of an influential chairman. Cha Seo-yeong (Kim Hye-eun) is Soo-hyeon’s colleague who is always hungry for success and rarely satisfied with all she’s achieved. The series unravels the chain of events leading from one tragedy to another.
Watch it here (iQiyi)
Watch it here (Astro Go)
The Box
When: 7 August on iQiyi
Who’s in it: EXO’s Chanyeol and Jo Dal-hwan (The Road: The Tragedy of One)
Who’s behind it: Yang Jung-woong, a musical theatre writer and director

What is it about: In this moving movie about pursuing dreams and passions, Ji-hoon (Chan-yeol) is a talented performer who loves music but suffers from stage fright. His phobia is so severe, only by hiding in a box can his musical talent be showcased. Min-soo is a washed-up music producer (Jo Dal-hwan) who only cares for success. When the two meet by chance, they embark on a musical journey across the country. Watch this if you’re a pop music enthusiast, as The Box features covers of popular Western and Korean songs.
Watch it here
Police University
When: Beginning 12 August, with new episodes every Thursday and Friday at 9.10pm on KBS World (Astro Ch 392 HD)
Who’s in it: Cha Tae-Hyun (Team Bulldog: Off-Duty Investigation), Krystal (Search), and Jung Jin-young (Love in the Moonlight)
Who’s behind it: Director Moon Jung-min of Matrimonial Chaos, which also stars Cha Tae-hyun

What is it about: When a professor and two students of the National Police University form a joint investigation team, there’s never a dull time as comedy and hijinks ensue. The unlikely trio is made up of Yoo Dong-man (Cha Tae-hyun), who has 20 years of experience in criminal homicide and cyber investigation; freshmen Kang Seon-ho (Jung Jin-young), a former hacker; and Oh Kang-hee ((Krystal), an intelligent and principled first-year student. The series also depicts the conflict and harmony on campus.
Watch it here (Astro Go)
D.P.
When: Beginning 27 August on Netflix
Who’s in it: Jung Hae-in (Something in the Rain), Kim Sung-kyun (Reply 1988) and Koo Gyo-hwan (Kingdom: Ashin of the North)
Who’s behind it: Writer and webtoon artist Kim Bo-tong

What is it about: Based on its webtoon creator’s own experience in the army, this hard-hitting adaptation reveals the anguish of a soldier who arrests deserters. When the cantankerous Sergeant Park Beom-goo (Kim Sung-kyun) notices Private An Joon-ho’s (Jung Hae-in) tenacity and observational skills, the young soldier is transferred to the D.P. (Deserter Pursuit) team. They work alongside Corporal Han Ho-yeol (Koo Gyo-hwan), who is both an annoyance and useful source of know-how to Private An.
Watch it here
Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha
When: Beginning 28 August on Netflix
Who’s in it: Shin Min-a (Oh My Venus) and Kim Seon-ho (Start-Up)
Who’s behind it: Director Yu Je-won (Oh My Ghost and Tomorrow With You) and writer Shin Ha-eun (The Crowned Clown)

What is it about: In this sweet and quirky love story set in the beautiful seaside village of Gongjin, a big city dentist and a popular resident of the village go from frenemies to lovers. Yoon Hye Jin (Shin Min-a) is a dentist with both beauty and brains. However, she faces obstacles in life due to the tiny spark of righteousness in her heart. Unlike her, Hong Doo Shik (Kim Seon-ho) is popular with the locals. Despite being officially unemployed, he’s a master of odd jobs who cheerfully helps everyone who needs assistance.
Watch it here
Lovers of the Red Sky
When: Beginning 31 August, with new episodes every Tuesday & Wednesday at 8.10pm on One (Astro Ch 393 HD)
Who’s in it: Kim Yoo-jung (The 8th Night) and Ahn Hyo-seop (Dr. Romantic 2)
Who’s behind it: Director Jang Tae-yoo (My Love from the Star)

What is it about: Adapted from a novel by Jung Eun Gwol (Sungkyunkwan Scandal and Moon Embracing the Sun), Lovers of the Red Sky is based on the only known female painter of the Joseon era. Hong Chun Gi (Kim Yoo-jung) is the first female painter admitted to Dohwaseo, the palace’s royal academy of painting. She crosses paths with Ha Ram (Ahn Hyo-seop), a mysterious government official who cannot see but is well versed in reading the constellations. They’re soon swept up in romantic entanglements and the royal politics between two very different princes.
Watch it here (Astro Go)
For July’s K-drama guide, click here.

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News
Quantum of the Seas: Why Malaysia is cruise-cial in its future and all the sea-riously fun stuff to do onboard

09.12.2019
By Ronn Tan

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

Have you ever been on a cruise? If you’ve stepped foot in a mega ship and experienced the perks of being in one, you’d know that cruises are, in fact, fun. After all, imagine having everything in one gigantic moving entity while floating on a vast blue ocean. Call it peaceful, call it euphoria. Being on a cruise means disconnecting—you won’t have data! Fret not because there are still a plethora of activities to keep you occupied.

Quantum of the Seas side view
Did you know that Royal Caribbean International is the largest cruise brand in the world? From November 2019 to November 2024, hundreds of thousands of tourists will be brought to Malaysia and the region. The cruise line’s five-year deployment in Southeast Asia has officially begun—increasing the number of sailings into the country starting with Quantum of the Seas. In addition to being one of Asia’s largest cruise ships, it has also undergone a multi-million-dollar refurbishment.

Quantum of the Seas top view
What’s even better is that Quantum of the Seas (whose godmother is Kristin Chenoweth) will make a record-breaking 55 calls to Malaysia starting October 2020 (until 2021). It is estimated that a total of 430,000 will visit the country in the next two years.

Quantum of the Seas Flow Rider
Well, what is there to do on Quantum of the Seas? Amenities include an escape room, glow-in-the-dark laser tag, the North Star observation capsule, and the Two70 hi-tech entertainment venue. The mega ship also has a Bionic Bar powered by Makr Shakr (the drink-making robots), a music hall, a Seaplex, FlowRider Surf Simulator, a rock-climbing wall, a sports court, a video arcade, four pools (two indoors and two outdoors), and outdoor movie screen—among many others. If dilemma hits and you can’t decide what to do, there is a spa and a medical centre. The former to keep you relaxed and the latter, well, to make sure you’re at your best state to keep enjoying the luxuries of the cruise.

Wonderland Restaurant
As for dining options, you will not be out of options. There are 19 spots for you to choose from, including Silk, The Grande, American Icon Grill, Jamie’s Italian, Izumi Japanese Cuisine, Wonderland, Solarium Bistro, The [email protected], and Windjammer. Oh, for the love of food!

Bionic Bar
The Quantum of the Seas made its maiden voyage on 2 November 2014 and was built in Papernburg, Germany. Here’s a fun fact: the ship can accommodate a total of 4,905 guests and 1,500 crew.

Solarium Pool
It is also the 50-year anniversary of the Royal Caribbean and the brand has come a long way since 1969. Well, Malaysians are, without a doubt, proud and happy that our cruise industry is flourishing and showing tremendous growth. As we await newcomers and re-visitors to the country, let’s rejoice in the fact that we are one of the fastest growing source markets in the region for Royal Caribbean. This also means a major boost to our tourism industry!

Quantum of the Seas North Star
Are you ready to go on a cruise yet? Quantum of the Seas’ itineraries will include four-night cruises to Penang and Phuket, five-night cruises to Phuket, Kuala Lumpur (Port Klang), and Penang, a seven-night cruise to Phuket (with an overnight), Kuala Lumpur (Port Klang), and Penang, and a seven-night cruise to Bangkok (with an overnight) and Ho Chi Minh City.
For more information, visit this website.

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Lifestyle
Grammy Awards 2017 nominations’ biggest snubs and surprises
Hit and miss

07.12.2016
By Su Fen Tan

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

The Grammy Award nominations for 2017 are out, and while some of the major contenders came as no surprise (hello Adele and Beyoncé), other favourites were nowhere to be seen. Queen Bey leads the field with nine nominations, while Drake, Rihanna and Kanye West follow closely with eight each, and Adele snagged five nods across the major categories: Album of the Year, Record of the Year, Song of the Year, Best Pop Solo Performance, and Best Pop Vocal Album.

Big names like Bruno Mars, The Weeknd and Frank Ocean were not on the list. However, they were not exactly snubbed—the first two released their albums after the 30 September deadline and Ocean’s 2016 releases (Blonde and Endless) while eligible, were not submitted for consideration. But there were some other names we thought deserved a mention or two. Here’s a rundown on the nominations’ snubs and surprises:

No love for Justin Timberlake’s ‘Can’t Stop the Feeling’
…aka the song that dominated airwaves and had us bopping to its upbeat tune. It’s like history repeating itself for JT – a few years ago The 20/20 Experience was left out of the major categories, and this time around his #1 hit misses the Song of the Year and Record of the Year lists, or even any of the pop categories. Instead, the song settled for a relatively paltry Best Song Written for Visual Media nomination. Ouch.

Shawn Mendes misses out on Best New Artist
It sure seemed like Mendes would’ve been a shoo-in to the list, seeing how his debut album Handwritten took #1 on the Billboard chart back in 2015, and his most recent album Illuminate has been churning hits that are all over our radio. He proved to be a good sport over the snub though, congratulating Chance The Rapper, who scored a Best New Artist nomination, on Twitter.

Where is Alessia Cara?
It is no secret the young pop-R&B singer with the powerful, soulful vocals is a Billboard Top 40 darling – her newest singles ‘Wild Things’ and ‘Scars to the Beautiful’ from her debut album Know-It-All topped the charts. But the 20-year-old Canadian, like Mendes, is nowhere to be seen in the nominations.

David Bowie’s Blackstar shut out of major categories
The late pop culture icon last album was nominated in the Best Alternative Music Album, Best Rock Performance and Best Rock Song categories, and has been regarded as one of his finest creative statements, yet it missed out on the major categories such as Record of the Year and Album of the Year. Then again, David Bowie has never had much luck with the Grammys, having only taken home one award in his almost five decade-long lauded career.

Beyoncé is in a Rock category
Yep, amongst the pack leader’s nine nominations is one in the Best Rock Performance category. The track – ‘Don’t Hurt Yourself’ from Lemonade – features Jack White, and is going up against the likes of Bowie, Alabama Shakes, Disturbed and Twenty One Pilots.

De La Soul scores a nomination
And the Anonymous Nobody is the inventive hip-hop pioneers’ ninth full-length album in their near 30-year history, and finally scores them a well-deserved nomination of their own in the Best Rap Album category – they won Best Pop Collaboration back in 2006 for the Gorillaz collab ‘Feel Good Inc.’. Competition is not easy though, the album will be going up against works from Drake, Kanye West and Chance the Rapper.

The 2017 Grammy Awards will take place on 12 February 2017 at Staples Center, Los Angeles. Find the full list of nominations here.

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Beauty
Barbiecore nail looks to sport this month
For the girlies

14.07.2023
By Redzhanna Jazmin

Image: @dualipa

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

Need some nail inspo for your ‘Barbie’ premiere look? We’ve rounded up the prettiest-in-pink manicures for you to try this month.
In case you missed it,  Barbiecore has absolutely dominated this year’s trend reports, and for good reason too. The first teaser trailer for the highly-anticipated Margot Robbie-led Barbie film was dropped in December of last year, and ever since it has inspired a wave of hot pink and glitter galore across every Pinterest beauty board and Instagram explore page. Of course, we only expect the hype around the trend to build, given that the movie premieres in just under a week.
Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ll know that absolutely no one on the entire internet has been able to stop talking about their plans for their Barbie movie outfits. As such, we can only assume that you’re already well into planning your look for the day and that it’s a certifiable jaw-dropper. We’re picturing cute little co-ords, polished updos and, of course, a whole lot of pink. That said, while we’d never doubt your vision or your organisational skills, we just want to make sure that you’re covered on all fronts. So, if you’ve already ticked off your makeup look, hair picks and your outfit, there’s just one thing left: Nails.
If there was ever a time to make a departure from your bog-standard classic nudes and French tips, now would be it. The mass appeal of the Barbiecore movement has created a rare opportunity for us all to embrace our inner girlie-girls and try something new and bold with our next mani-pedis—unapologetically. Specifically, we were thinking hot and bubblegum pink, gems of all shapes and sizes and incorporating plenty of intricate motifs.
Of course, while there is definitely room for practical nail art—there’s nothing wrong with sticking to the tried-and-tested winners—we urge you to take the chance to also try something out of the box for yourself; really let your creativity run wild.
Feeling overwhelmed? Fret not—to help you pick your mani of the month, we’ve taken the liberty of compiling some of our favourite “think pink” nail art for you. We’ve got ideas for everyone, whether you need short nails for work or you’re ready to embrace the full spectrum of glamour for your upcoming watch party—scroll down to get inspired!

A classic hot pink manicure

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A classic hot pink manicure… but with a metallic twist

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Horticulturist Barbie chic

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Cocktail hour Barbie

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Lava lamp lengths

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Barbie, but make her lethal

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For the chrome girlies

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This logo and silhouette combo

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This diffused, negative space French tip

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This Barbie: Mermaidia set

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This Barbie is on fire!

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This marbled manicure

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Butterfly Barbie

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Barbie in Hawaii

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This Barbie loves cherries!

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This Barbie uses exotic skins (ethically!)

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For more beauty inspo, click here.

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Lifestyle
Christmas 2019: 6 Amazing gift ideas for animal lovers and pet parents

24.12.2019
By Zoe Yang

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Christmas is meant to be celebrated with our loved ones, and that includes our furry family, too! This merry season, make a pawrent, a furkid, or an animal lover’s day a memorable one. P/S: We recommend giving these to yourself (and your furry ones) too if you have a furbaby at home! See the naughty nice list below and get started on your shopping stat:
tadaa!’s Christmas Surprise Box for Dogs
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This year, tadaa! curated a Christmas Surprise Box for Dogs to help pet parents and their fur-friends celebrate the festive season together. This advent calendar set is the perfect gift for your four-legged friend to explore unique treats with new tastes, preferences and textures — all in one box. The set comes with 24 packets of different treats and chews, and the best part is, they are all made from quality, natural ingredients! These snacks are suitable for all dog breeds and all life stages, too. Also, in collaboration with a stationery store, Stickerrific, each packet is designed with an adorable illustration of different dog breeds which also serves as the perfect ornaments for your Christmas tree! While the doggos get their treats, pet parents can also expect a personalised gift and a description card that informs you of the types of treats you’re giving your little one.
Where to purchase:
You can visit tadaa!’s official website here; or visit Stickerrific at Jaya One
Adoption at Malaysian Dogs Deserve Better (MDDB)
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If your special someone has been hinting, or eyeing to get a puppy or a dog, Malaysian Dogs Deserve Better (MDDB) is the place to go. This Christmas, do a good deed and rescue a puppy, or a dog in need of a loving home. These little ones have been through a lot such as cases of abandonment, homelessness, abuse, and severe injuries. MDDB is not only a canine welfare project, but also a non-profit organisation that actively uses Facebook as a platform to be transparent about what they do, and at the same time, allow the public to share and post information about rescued dogs in need of urgent care. If a potential pet parent is committed to adopt, make sure the individual is prepared and able to provide all the necessary care and attention for his or her furry kid. Alternatively, if adoption is not the right time now, you can also donate to MDDB in the name of the gift receiver; it’s definitely a feel-good gift for both you and a passionate animal lover.
Side note: Do bear in mind that MDDB is not an animal shelter. Drop them a message on Facebook to ensure they’re open before you pay a visit!
If you’re interested in adopting with Malaysian Dogs Deserve Better, you can find them:
– Every first Sunday of the month at One City
Address: West Boulevard, Jalan USJ 25/1B, One City, 47650 Subang Jaya, Selangor
– Every third Sunday of the month at Jaya One, Petaling Jaya
Where: Block NB1, facing Station 1 and Old Town White Coffee
Other places to find kittens, cats, puppies, and dogs for adoptions:
If you’re interested in adopting with Pet Finder, visit here.
If you’re interested in adopting with PAWS Malaysia, visit here.
If you’re interested in adopting with SPCA, visit here.
Toys from Waggy Woffie Store
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As if our fur-ever friends aren’t cute enough, this store offers a wide range of adorable and delicious-looking toys for your furkids; equally fun for cats and dogs. Some mouthwatering, calorie-free soft toys include a doughnut, a taco, a fried chicken, and a pancake. Drop the mummy or daddy guilt as these cuddly toys make a fun gift for when the humans are busy!
Where to purchase:
You can drop them a message here.
Healthy treats from Barkery Oven
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As pet parents, it’s only natural that we care about our furkids’ health and diets, making sure that the food they consume are safe and nutritious. Barkery Oven produces a range of wheat-free, sugar-free, grain-free, and no preservatives treats for both cats and dogs. Their purr-fect treats for cats include air dried jerky such as ikan bilis, mackerel skin, beef lung, and rabbit liver jerky; and biscuit bites such as chicken and parsley bites, and mackerel and parsley bites. For dogs, their delicious treats include fudges and pawffins, namely Wheat Free Peanut Butter Pawffin, Wheat Free Pumpkin Pawffin, Salmon with Parsley fudge and Pork & Beetroot Fudge; natural dehydrated food such as Naturally Bilis, Naturally Porky and Naturally Chick-y; biscuits such as Wheat Free Mango & Chia Biscuit, Wheat Free Cranberries & Oats Biscuits, and Wheat Free Mackerel, Vegetable, and Herbs Biscuit. These gifts are definitely the way to keep one’s fur-riend happy forever!
Where to purchase:
You can get these treats here.
Did You Feed the Dog reminder

Have you ever gone through moments where you wonder if anyone in your family has fed the cat, or dog? If you’re tired of having to text or call to check with everyone, this would be a helpful tool to keep track of your pets’ feeding schedules. One thing about this gadget—it also works great for cats, fish, rabbits, guinea pigs—you name it. If you would like to DIY your very own “device”, you can easily use a whiteboard, draw up three sections: morning, evening and treats into three columns horizontally.
Where to purchase:
You can get this item on Amazon here.
Sad Animal Facts by Brooke Barker
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This New York bestselling book is anything but sad, it is filled with informative and entertaining facts about animals that will make you laugh. Author Brooke Barker’s adorable, hand-drawn illustrations are paired with witty and hilarious yet sad facts about each creature. Swipe through the gallery above and see who you would want to gift this to.
Where to purchase:
Kinokuniya Malaysia
Book Depository
For more holiday content, visit our Buro’s Christmas Village, where you can find fun stories including Christmas giveaways and more gifting ideas.

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Beauty
Here’s what Prince Harry and Meghan Markle used to scent their wedding
Smells like love

23.05.2018
By Wei Yeen Loh

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It’s been a couple of days since the Duke and Duchess of Sussex officially got hitched, and while you already know all the sordid details of the royal wedding (from the gown to her beauty look and even what Meghan’s celebrity friends were wearing), here’s something we bet you don’t know just yet — what the wedding space smelled like.
If the floral arrangements at St George’s Chapel were anything to go by, let’s just say that guests of the Royal Wedding (alongside the bride and groom) were treated to a pleasant, floral olfactory ambience that day. But on top of that, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle opted to deck the chapel with renowned French fragrance house Diptyque’s scented candles and room sprays. “We are extremely proud to have been chosen to scent such an important moment for Their Royal Highnesses, The Duke and Duchess of Sussex,” said Fabienne Mauny, Global Managing Director of Diptyque. “We were touched to have been part of such a significant day, made more special as one of our founders, Desmond Knox Leet, was British. We hope the fragrance contributed to such a memorable day.”
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Diptyque’s iconic floral and fruity scents made the cut, with the enigmatic Tubéreuse, warm and woody Figuier and sensual Roses filling the space with a heady spring-appropriate redolence. If you’re keen on engulfing your room with the similar scents, here’s how you can enjoy a Diptyque candle to full extent:
1. Let the candle burn for at least an hour to allow the wick to soak up the paraffin and burn properly. This helps to form a homogeneous melting pool, preventing the wax from hollowing out later on.
2. Don’t forget to regularly re-centre and trim the candle wicks with a special wick-trimmer once you blow them out. Trimming it helps to control the amount of wax for the candle to light up the next time — this also ensures that there will be less soot formed while the candle burns. Each Diptyque candle can burn up to approximately 60 hours.

Available at Diptyque and Kens Apothecary stores

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Watches
Girard-Perregaux brings large date and moon phases to its GP 1966 collection
Aesthetic simplicity

01.09.2015
By Buro247

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The Cartier Privé collection is about history and modernity

Bringing together classical elegance with technical finesse, Girard-Perregaux refines its 1966 collection with its latest innovation. As a technically advanced addition to the collection, the timepiece pairs its exquisite moon phase indicator with a patented large date display, which advances in less than 100th of a second. Alongside its mechanical expertise, the new model houses a 41mm diameter case that is enriched by a crystal and polished, diamond-effect bezel.
With a thickness of 0.10mm, the upper disk is virtually invisible, exhibiting its highly perfected mechanism consisting of two superimposed disks finely embedded within the GP03300 automatic manufacture movement. Composed of 290 parts, the movement is exposed with the watch’s sapphire case-back, revealing its oscillating weight ornamented with Côtes de Genève.

Drawing a fine line between contemporary and classic, the timepiece features a curved dial enhanced with applied baton-type markers and curved, polished leaf-shaped hands. The watch’s horns are also similarly curved to enhance the watch’s appearance and to ensure maximum comfort at the same time.
For more information about the collection, visit the website.

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Technology
Leica Sofort: The most stylish instant camera
Would you Leica new instant camera?

19.09.2016
By Rachel Au

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Surprise! Who would have thought Leica would go down the instant camera route? If you have always hoped it, then it’s a wonderful dream come true. And one that looks utterly adorable because let’s face it, features aside and at first glance, the Leica Sofort differs from other instant cameras with its unique design to reflect the very light-hearted essence and fascination of instant photography.

While it’s available in orange, white and mint, Leica has also fitted this beauty with the decent makings of an instant camera – because no one buys instant cameras for HD pictures with stunning depth of field details. You buy it for its spontaneity and to capture the live-in-the-moment moments that can’t be reprinted or saved on a hard drive (or to be Photoshopped).

Here’s the gist of the Leica Sofort’s available features. It has four main modes: Automatic, Party & People, Sport & Action, and Macro. In Automatic, it delivers pictures with a more authentic and natural look by taking advantage of as much natural light as it can take without triggering the integrated flash.

You can also toy with the creative programmes for multiple and time exposures, as well as set a self-timer with two different delays. For the latter, the camera will automatically adjust the parameters (exposure time and aperture) to the selected self-portrait mode – there’s a mirror on the front of the camera – to ensure the best photos are printed (selfies, anyone?).

A photo posted by Leica Camera USA (@leicacamerausa) on Sep 15, 2016 at 12:03pm PDT

As for the film, it can use the ol’ Fujifilm Instax Mini film or Leica has two options of their own to offer – colour and monochrome that come in a warm shade of cream for its frames.

The Leica Sofort will be available at RM1,260 (price inclusive of GST) from November 2016 at Leica Store and all authorised dealers. For more information, visit Leica’s website.

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Casio Malaysia launches new detachable outdoor camera
10 Amazing 360 photos spotted since Facebook introduced its new feature
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Style
Swarovski brings back your cartoon favourites with a fun Looney Tunes collection

24.06.2019
By Stephanie Boey

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If Bugs Bunny, Tweety Bird and Sylvester the Cat played a huge part in your life growing up (and still do), you’ll be delighted to hear that Warner Bros. has partnered up with Swarovski to add a whimsical sparkle into your life.
The 19-piece collection consists of jewellery, cufflinks, tie pins, bag charms, phone cases and figurines depicting your favourite childhood characters. Decked in Swarovski crystals, the small accessories add a fun touch of shimmer into your everyday look.
Still head over heels with Bugs Bunny? You’ll love the “What’s up, Doc” pin and the sparkly pendant necklace while his favourite snack, the carrot dangles alongside him as an additional charm. The collection also has more formal accessories such as the Tweety Bird and Sylvester the Cat cufflinks. We recommend getting both sets and wearing them the odd couple as a pair.
View the full collection below:
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The collection is set to launch in Swarovski stores and Swarovski.com on 1 August 2019.

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NYFW SS16: Badgley Mischka

Fashion
NYFW SS16: Badgley Mischka
Evening glamour

16.09.2015
By Su Fen Tan

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

Mark Badgley and James Mischka painted a romantic picture of Buenos Aires of the 1950s in their heads, and interpreted that vision in an alluring collection that is, as Mischka puts it,”beautifully tailored by day and very sensual and elegant by night“.
Badgley Mischka demonstrated the versatility of their collection, with pieces fit for most occasions—from the exquisitely designed tweed shorts suit for your daytime ventures, to wonderfully elegant gowns with floral appliqués made for a glamorous night out.
One of the standout numbers was a charming tea-length tulle dress, featuring an illusion sweetheart neckline and a feminine flared silhouette with lovely gold foil butterflies.
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Fashion
10 Must-have designer bags to shop right now
Leather and hardware galore

28.09.2022
By Pravin Nair

Images courtesy of respective brands

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

There were some very chic items presented in the AW22 runways earlier this year, and the best thing is that they are available in stores right now! All the fabulous coats, jumpers, tailored trousers, and shirts that you’re coveting can only be completed with the pièce de résistance—a really, really good bag in your hands! To ease you into making this month’s big splurge, we’ve listed ten of our favourite carry-alls, released over the last month. Read on for our full line-up and where you can shop them.

1. Chanel Small Flap Bag with Top Handle
This small flap bag is the stuff of dreams. Crafted of classic Chanel wool tweed in bold red and navy blue, and gold-tone metal and leather accents, this pick is both classy and cosmopolitan. Wear the bag against a dark blue outfit as per the runway look to really stand out.
Shop the bag here.

2. Longchamp Box-Trot

Longchamp has been accruing a significant amount of attention from the internet, and though the focus has been on the ever-iconic Le Pliage bag that’s very suitable for work or school, today’s highlight is the Box-Trot bag. Fitting so seamlessly with the ‘French Girl’ demeanour with its rectangular silhouette, the Box-Trot allows anyone using it to utilise it to its fullest potential.
It is crafted out of supple calfskin leather and finished with hardware that subtly highlights the label’s affiliation to the equestrian sport—a pale gold medallion featuring a horse and its rider sits in as a clasp. Available in an array of colours and in three sizes, the Box-Trot is a definite must-have this season.
Shop the bag here.

3. Saint Laurent June Box Bag

Here’s another box-shaped bag that’s ‘in’ this season. Presenting the Saint Laurent June Box, a September highlight from the fashion house. This piece is a reinterpretation of the traditional Parisian chic look, constructed out of supple and soft lambskin leather, offering luxury and elegance at its finest.
Completed with a diamond-shaped quilted finish across the bag and the ever-iconic Saint Laurent insignia acting as a clasp for the opening, the June Box fits your day-to-day accessories and other items too, if you’re in need of that extra space.
Shop the bag here.

4. Panthère de Cartier bag

Held together by leather and a metal chain, and finished with the panther logo for its clasp, the Panthère de Cartier bag is presented with volume and fluid, soft nature, allowing its user to mould it to fit any occasion. Finished with zero sharp edges and seams, the item is regarded as an ‘attitude’ and a symbol of luxury.
Make an appointment here.

5. Kate Spade New York Origami Sam Bag

Updates have been made across several accessories in many fashion houses and Kate Spade is no exception. Introducing the refreshed adaptation of the Origami Sam bag that was first introduced by the New York label in 1993. Regarded as the It-bag of its time and known for its angular patterns and simplicity, the Origami Sam bag is seeing a resurrection today with updated design techniques.
Using new materials—namely spazzolato leather and embroidered velvet in colours like feather pink and fiery orange that best reflect the transition into autumn and winter—the Origami Sam is a must-grab bag for the end of the year.
Shop the bag here.

6. Louis Vuitton Nano Bucket Bag Metallic Garden

Fresh, updated and elevated to match the mood of the colder months, the Louis Vuitton Nano Bucket Bag was first released in the Maison’s AW22 collection. Finding its roots within the house’s Louis Vuitton Garden animation, the Nano Bucket Bag features a flower pattern on the exterior canvas of the bag. Completed with adjustable leather handles and straps, and a cute zipped pouch with a matching monogrammed canvas, expect to rock multiple looks with this flexible piece in your hands.
Purchase the bag here.

7. Loewe—puffier and in new colours

This season, the kitschy and campy Spanish brand under the guiding direction of its Creative Director, Jonathan Anderson, is serving up fresh new designs. The updates in question? The Puzzle bag, Hammock and Bracelet Pouch now come in solid colours that reflect the bold and earthy tones of the autumn and winter seasons. Utilising a single colour has allowed for all attention to be focused on the silhouette and craftsmanship of each piece.
Additionally, The Goya, Puzzle Hobo and Flamenco have been altered to a state of puffiness, becoming the Puffer Goya, Puffer Puzzle Hobo and Puffer Flamenco respectively. Crafted from Nappa lambskin leather, the bags are puffed up with natural goose feathers to give them their volumised shape.
Shop the bags here.

8. Salvatore Ferragamo Aura Bag

At the house of Ferragamo, the Gancini is an everlasting emblem and a signature Italian code. It is from this symbol that the Aura bag was created. Resembling a saddle, this contemporary piece is made just in time for the winter season. Formed in a half-moon shape with a matching tonal chain and enhanced by a 3-D Gancini emblem, the Aura is made to be worn in various ways—from a shoulder bag to a crossbody or a clutch—for any time and occasion of the day.
Shop the bag here.

9. Versace Greca Goddess

Love and light beams from the house of Versace this season with an updated rendition of the Versace Greca Goddess Bag in a new colourway, available only for the Asia-Pacific region. A key style piece for its AW22 collection, the Greca Goddess is finished in a blush pink hue and is completed with the Greca insignia, forever marking the campy codes of the house.
Shop the blush pink bag in Versace boutiques.

10. Bottega Veneta the Strand

Creative Director Matthieu Blazy pays homage to an iconic New York City institution—The Strand. Three limited-edition renditions of the renowned Strand book tote have been crafted to offer exclusivity and craftsmanship to both The Strand’s and Bottega’s clientele. To add some joie de vivre to the capsule collection, Blazy collaborated with the cartoonists of The New Yorker to realize comics to mark the occasion, further cementing his artistic vision in the creative world.
Check out the bag here.

For more fashion stories, click here

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Food + Drink
Food review: Dinner, drinks and caviar at Shin’Labo by James Won
Transcendental dining

08.04.2022
By Adelina Tan

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Understanding the symbolism behind Shin’Labo’s name is akin to reading the label on a bottle of champagne or whisky: you get an idea of what to expect and, more importantly, why. Shin, in Japanese, could mean “true”, “extend”, “new” or “heart”. And Labo, both in French and Japanese, is the word for “laboratory”. The etymology of labo is especially significant to Chef James Won, as the fusion of two cultures birthing one cuisine is the very foundation of yōshoku, a Japanese-Western style of cuisine that came about from experimentation.

Hokkaido Scallop & Caviar
In Won’s hands, elevated yōshoku is an intricate amalgamation of modern French techniques, exquisite Japanese produce and Malaysian indigenous ingredients. Shin’Labo is simultaneously a nod to Won’s culinary heritage, a homage to his time in top Japanese and French kitchens, as well an opportunity to do things differently post-pandemic. No detail has been left to chance. Take its location at the entrance of Lalaport BBCC. It’s hard to miss, while also allowing diners to be dropped off and picked up discreetly without having to walk through the mall.
A distinct lack of windows keeps out prying eyes, but step in and you’ll notice the space doesn’t feel claustrophobic or cavernous. Instead, good use of lighting, texture, colour and interior architecture evoke an intimate ambience. I immediately felt at ease and invited to linger, chat and engage with my surroundings.

Shin’Lounge

Calling Shin’Labo a restaurant—or a restaurant and bar—wouldn’t do it justice, as Won has envisioned it as a “transcendental experience”. Come for afternoon tea or a pre-dinner drink at Shin’Lounge, which seats just 14 guests, giving it the cosy exclusivity of an invitation-only club. If you’re not in the mood for a multi-course meal, the lounge’s menu includes small bites akin to a modern take on luxury kushiyaki.

Caviar bar and lounge

A few steps away is the Shin’Labo x Maison du Caviar Caspienne pièce de résistance: a luxe bar and caviar lounge where you get to see, taste and discover top-tier caviar. Won is so confident about their quality that he urges us to examine the caviar under a magnifier. Up close, each egg is perfect—round, unbroken, and without any liquid around them. These are truly the crème de la crème: pure-breed sturgeon caviar, farmed and selected directly from the heritage sites of the Caspian Sea.
In the mouth, they taste mild and slightly briny, like fresh ocean water. The buttery richness is divine, with my favourite (for now) being the Royal Beluga as I enjoy its stronger flavour profile. It’s a delicacy a long time in the making, as the farm waits 20 years before harvesting any eggs from their beluga sturgeons.
The Baerii is milder and smoother, while Won prefers to incorporate the rich and nutty Sevruga in his dishes. The Almas is also available to taste when it’s in season, as Maison du Caviar Caspienne selects only the best from each season irrespective of the sturgeon breed.

Krug Ryoutei

Then there’s the Krug Chef’s Table, dubbed “the most prestigious dining room in the world” and a privilege granted only to a Krug Ambassade. Here, it’s styled as a Krug Ryoutei in keeping with the spirit of Shin’Labo’s French-Japanese influences. This private dining room, furnished with a state-of-the-art Chef James’ Test Laboratory (aka Won’s test kitchen) comfortably sits up to 16 guests and has its own lounge area. Besides specially curated food and champagne pairings, it also offers access to a very private list of limited-edition Krug champagnes.

Shin’Kappou

The room where most diners will embark on their gastronomical journey is the Shin’Kappou. Separated from the other areas by a sliding door, it’s the only dining area in Shin’Labo with floor-to-ceiling windows on one side. The effect is contemporary and fluid, in symmetry with the space’s juxtaposition of textures and tones: light with dark, and matte with glossy.
Won’s exacting vision for Shin’Labo extends to the sleek tableware, from Italy’s House of Pinnifarina, and cutlery designed in collaboration with the brand and emblazoned with his signature. The seats and tables are built to comfortably accommodate the height of Asians, so you never have to lean forward too much just to pick up your food, or find it uncomfortable to rest your feet on the floor while seated.

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Kappou is a style of cooking originating in Osaka, which involves making dishes and cooking in front of diners. By closing the gap between guest and chef and engaging all five of the senses, this multi-course kappou meal is a less formal experience than kaiseki dining. (Chef James Won’s Omakase can be arranged at least seven days in advance, with the menu starting from RM2,000.)
In this age of social media, Shin’Kappou is designed to showcase both people and food in the best light, both literally and figuratively. I remark on this to Won, who quips that it’s to ensure he looks good in photos. That’s all the encouragement we need to whip out our phones and take a selfie for the ‘gram.

Kappou Dinner

Tsukemono pickles are presented at the start of dinner

Sashimi Trio

Either French or Japanese oyster will be served, taking into account freshness and seasonality

Decor aside, the food’s elegant simplicity is also inherently Instagrammable. For inspiration, Shin’Labo looked to the intricate layering of a geisha’s dressing and makeup: distinctive, yet cultured and restrained. The Kappou Dinner menu presents diners with two options: Kikuryo (RM668+) and Kikumaru (RM888+). What’s different in Kikumaru is the addition of Binchotan Duck à l’Orange, the choice of A5 Ribeye Omi Hime Beef instead of Tomahawk Beef (MB3), and Truffle Hayashi Rice in place of Bouillabaisse Donabe. I recommend opting for Kikumaru as it’s worth the top-up in price, with all three dishes ending up among my top five.
At the core of every dish is a delicate balance between umami—a meaty, savoury taste that deepens flavour—and amami, the sweet taste which counters umami. This harmony between both flavours is explored by Won and his team via prepping, cooking and presentation methods based on the five elements of wood, fire, water, earth and metal.

Kikumaru

Omurice
From the get-go, it’s apparent that while Won has taken inspiration from time-honoured traditions, each dish is a fresh interpretation. For example, the amuse-bouche trio of Omurice, Hambagu, and Korokke will sound familiar to purveyors of Japanese cuisine—but they don’t take the form you’ve come to expect. Likewise, Won’s version of sambal olek doesn’t contain any belacan but retains a spicy tang. This theme of subverting preconceptions continues throughout the meal, so keep an open mind to fully enjoy the experience.

Blue Prawn
I discovered this personally with the Binchotan Duck à l’Orange. The duck—as with all meat used at Shin’Labo, including fish—is dry-aged to remove its liquids, a process that firms up the meat and seals in its flavour. It’s then beautifully seared over a bincho grill. The result is duck that’s tender and juicy, with a subtle smoky flavour. As someone who’s wary about encountering the unpleasant gamey taste rather typical of red meat, the lack of it here did not go unnoticed: I enjoyed every morsel that was on my plate.

Binchotan Duck à l’Orange

Truffle Hayashi Rice

Duck meat also features in the Truffle Hayashi Rice, topped with an onsen egg. As a prelude to dessert, it’s warm and flavourful comfort food that reminded me of feel-good, food-centric Japanese dramas like Midnight Diner: feeding the soul and tummy. Other dishes I wish I could have right now are the super-fresh Japanese Oyster; Hokkaido Scallop & Caviar; and melt-in-the-mouth A5 Ribeye Omi Hime Beef. And dessert, all of it, from the strawberry (diners get seasonal Japanese fruit) to the Soba Sablé, Keluak, and Chocolate Parfait to the sip of green tea.

Serendipitous pairings
It isn’t a James Won dining experience without a selection of expertly curated drinks to complement the food. For the Kappou Dinner, Won’s picks are the Krug Grande Cuvée for amuse-bouche; Tanaka 1789 x Chartier sake for the entrée; and Iwa 5 sake to go with the grilled dishes. Both sakes stand out for their French influences and affinity with Shin’Labo’s own genealogy. The Tanaka 1789 x Chartier is surprisingly aromatic for a sake, lending itself well to the lighter flavours of the entrées. The Iwa 5 is also pleasant to drink; here, it’s best enjoyed chilled, with the sake’s acidity cutting through the fats of the grilled meat to release more flavours. Kanpai!

In short, Shin’Labo is an exciting addition to KL’s upscale F&B scene, tailored for post-pandemic dining with its emphasis on the intimacy of smaller groups and integration of lounge, dining areas, and caviar bar. The food is exquisite and so are the drinks, with every attention paid to detail.

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Collections
The best of PFW AW19 day 1: Christian Dior and Saint Laurent

27.02.2019
By Stephanie Boey

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Christian Dior
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Who: Creative director Maria Grazia Chiuri was Inspired by Teddy Girls, a British rebel youth subculture from the 1950s. They were known to be strong females and dressed boldly in mannish silhouettes. Edwardian-style men’s jackets, velvet scarves and jeans were their uniform.
The low-down: Chiuri dove deep into their archives and revisited the New Look. The bar suit first invented by Dior himself was given a 21st century update, cutting at more masculine line and heavier fabrics like the velvet collar. True to the original New Look, nipped-waist silhouettes were seen through gathered skirts paired with a belt bag for a modern touch.
Buro loves: The silkscreen slogan tees which pay homage to the literary works of Robin Morgan. ‘Sisterhood is Global’ is going to be our go-to girl power slogan for the rest of the year.

Saint Laurent
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Who: A mixture of young Hollywood and celeb legends graced the show with their presence. Ezra Miller, Felicity Jones, Kate Moss and Catherine Deneuve brought star power amid the famous front frow.
The low-down: Mannish shoulders taken to the extreme, coats and jackets with strong square shoulders set the shape and silhouette. Creative director Anthony Vacarello offset the masculinity with thigh-grazing mini dresses, tapered trousers and hints of skin, toeing the fine balance between the two spectrums.
Buro loves: For the finale, the lights went low and revealed a string of neon looks that’s sure to turn heads, with or without the need of a black light. Neon is the new black — time to get on it.

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Culture
Not quite a #selfie: Isa Ho redefines the self-portrait
Defining oneself

21.10.2015
By Buro247

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If you’ve ever followed Isa Ho’s work, you’d likely perceive her as an incredibly strong and independent, almost intimidating character who goes beyond the boundaries of the norm. While the former is evident, a chat with the Taiwanese photographer in person revealed that Ho is not just quirky in the execution of her ideas, but is also widely perceptive and rather humble for an artist who has travelled the world to exhibit her photographs.
Known for her bold visual language that navigates “selfhood,” Ho has often explored ideas surrounding the way women perceive and project themselves in patriarchal societies, as well as how generation gaps affect theese roles of women in society. And while her narratives challenge the norm, Ho often injects humour and irony into the images she creates. Often the model in her own photographs, Ho usually carries out her projects on her own.

Setting foot in Kuala Lumpur for the first time, Ho decided to explore the cross-culture impact of the K-Pop phenomenon in Malaysia. But there’s a twist. Set against a backdrop of traditional dance, Ho points out that although the two are generations apart, they are very similar. “With K-Pop everything is planned out, from the dance moves, the costumes, the backdrop – everything has to be detailed and perfect,” Ho tells me. “But when you think about it, traditional dance is also the same. People often learn it from young for detail and perfection.”
Finding her muses and inspiration from local dance studios while learning both K-Pop and traditional Malay dances, Ho’s upcoming exhibition will run from 4th November to 4th December 2015 at Shalini Ganendra Fine Art gallery. A continuation of her Peony Pavilion series, the collection of photos will explore how Malaysian youths identify with the K-Pop phenomenon, juxtaposed with traditional dance.
Laughing as she reveals to us that she is always nervous just before revealing her work at exhibitions, Ho also divulges that her learning process hasn’t stopped – that she just recently took a photography course while in New York. In our interview with the photographer, she tells us more about her photography work, as well as her daring narratives that come alive through her images.
When did you first discover your passion for photography and digital art?
It was after graduating from the College of Taipei Fine Art where, although we didn’t have a lot of photography classes and I had to study fine art, my early love for photography continued to develop. We only had one class on black and white photography. After graduating from the oil painting course, I started to explore performance art. I dressed as Snow White on the street.
Since society gives people identities, I was questioning whether I could even identify myself to begin with. I dressed like Snow White and enjoyed people in the streets calling me Snow White because that identity fit in with my personal views. Then, I tried to transpose this idea onto oil painting, combining photography and oils. I painted the poetry of myself on the photo – that was the beginning. Photography works for me because it is an alternative reality. Photography feels real which is why I moved into it rather than oil painting, and have stayed with it as my medium of choice.
How did you come about choosing to focus on your main narrative of the role of women in society?
I always find this a funny question because why would I not focus on the role of women? I am a woman, so I best understand “female.” In school I was taught to use a masculine stance in my work, and in the patriarchal world of visual art, we are told to understand work from a male point of view. This is what my work tries to reverse; pretending to be a man does not make me any stronger. I can see things better from my own point of view. For example in my series I Got Super Strong Courage, all the symbols used are intrinsically female, but this dows not mean my work can only resound with women; it should resound with everyone, regardless of gender. Ultimately, it is people I am interested in.

What would you wish to see change or improve in society, based on the narrative of your artwork?
I want to see a change in how females think about themselves, I want to see women identifying not through men, but as females, as a complete and whole identity. We are so influenced by the media, tradition, and society’s point of view that we have stopped thinking about ourselves as ourselves; we have stopped thinking from our own perspectives. This needs to change.
Much of your work is also narrated through fairytale themes. Why do you think these fantasies are important in conveying your narrative?
My generation was taught that fairytales were stupid. I want to use this idea of stupidity, but with my own perogative. I use costume and fancy dress in my work because I realised that what I wear completely influences how I am treated, and it constructs my identity for others. So I picked a character like Snow White, whose state simply fluctuates between happy, asleep, and happy ever after. This fairytale structure clearly resounds with the female role in society. Snow White is considered such a simple character yet she inspires much discussion, and research reveals so many different versions of her. Fairytales become a vehicle, almost scarily, to consider the identity crises of women today.
Tell us more about your project in Kuala Lumpur. What intrigues you about our city?
I am so interested in Kuala Lumpur. It has such a mix of cultures – Malays, Chinese and Indians – yet it seems more traditional than all those countries. Kuala Lumpur looks like a conservative society, yet K-Pop is still inordinately popular here. I am fascinated, considering how this dance is still a cultural phenomenon in such an orthodox part of Asia. I want to think about how the youth of Kuala Lumpur discovered this type of expression and information.
Does your Kuala Lumpur project deviate from your usual narrative? What do you hope to covey through it?
It might and it could. I have yet to find out. The exciting aspect of developing projects is the element of surprise for the artist and the audience. So, though the Malaysian exhibition will be a thematic continuation of my series Peony Pavilion, the new works should also reveal something very different. It will show the impact of the environment on how a cultural phenomenon is experienced. It might also show me similarities between here and Taiwan that may surprise me. I am investigating traditional and contemporary dance in Malaysia as performed in an urban centre, to see how it impacts my characters, whether it will set a backgound for me work. I am looking forward to discovering how this exposure develops my insights into K-pop.
As you model in many of your own projects, what’s your take on the trend of the selfie?
There is something so interesting about the way people showcase themselves and their lives in selfies. Selfies can be very revealing, often much more than the taker realises. I do not take selfies, and because the way I feature myself in my own work, I am actually very careful about not putting selfies online. The way I position myself in my work is precise and symbolic, and so every image of me matters: I worry people would get confused about my work if they saw a selfie.

Catch Isa Ho’s Preface to Peony Pavilion, Malaysia at Shalini Ganendra Fine Art, Section 16 Petaling Jaya from 4th November to 4th December 2015.

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Culture
Want to start a Malaysian snack food company? Amy Zheng of Amazin’ Graze shares her story

11.07.2018
By Rachel Au

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We’ve all been there where a single thought wandered its way into our brains and for a moment, we have this cool business idea that could potentially take off. Make soap at home. Sell cakes and biscuits for Raya/Chinese New Year/Christmas/etc. Whip up candles. A minute or two passed by and our minds are back on the train of thought on a different track.
But not so for the girls behind Amazin’ Graze. The need to fill that gap for healthy (but tasty) local snacks pushed them, made them experiment, and soon, it wasn’t just friends and family craving for more, but friends of friends and strangers who were hungry for their granolas and nuts. But what does it take to build a success story? What does it take to go from a party of three to a company of forty (and more)? What does it take to see the production of these very snacks move from home kitchen to a three-storey production centre? As Amazin’ Graze celebrates their upcoming third anniversary, Executive Director and co-founder Amy Zheng tells all.

Hi Amy! Congrats on Amazin’ Graze’s huge milestone. Three years ago, did you envision Amazin’ Graze to grow this huge, this fast?
I still remember setting up at our first market stall at Bangsar Shopping Centre in August 2015 and we sold out all 600 packets of our granolas and nuts over that weekend. It was at that moment that we realised that the market is ready for a local, healthy snacks brand.
But as this was our first food business, we didn’t know what to expect. Most food businesses were already established and we were one of the first people to create a healthy snacks brand in the region. We tried different business models and product ranges and worked with a lot of different customers. It wasn’t until a year ago that we felt confident in our approach and the direction ahead.  I guess our approach is to work as hard as we can and don’t look back!

That’s awesome. As the Executive Director, what are some of the gritty tasks under your belt?
The list is pretty long. It ranges from chasing accounts receivables from customers to uploading new products onto our website to dealing with IT issues when the server is down to administration and HR responsibilities. I also manage our public email address so I can filter and track what people are emailing us about and deal with customer comments and complaints.

That sounds like a lot!
Yes, but generally, we have a pretty good work-life balance here at Amazin’ Graze, so I am able to leave work between 6-7pm. That’s when I get some time to either cook or catch-up with friends over dinner and get some time to read books or watch Netflix.

So what would you say is the best part about your job?
The ability to create and to work with talented young people, which I find extremely inspiring. On a daily basis, I get to think about new products and flavours that we can create and how we can solve people’s problems with these creations. I also get a big kick out of working with my team, all of whom are young, ambitious and also want to lead impactful lives. They, in turn, inspire me.

And the worst?
Dealing with financial matters like chasing overdue payments. It’s really tedious and quite stressful, but extremely important to keep the company afloat.

It’s all part and parcel as they say. With that being said though, there must be a couple of misconceptions that people have about starting a business like Amazin’ Graze?
There are so many that I can probably write a book about this! I think the most obvious one is how easy it is to enter this kind of business. In a way, it may be easy to introduce a product but it’s extremely challenging to scale it into a brand.
A lot of home-bakers can come up with their own granolas or other food products and sell at weekend markets, but becoming a food brand is an entirely different thing. You really need to understand the scope and organise a host of things such as food science, operations, large-scale production, distribution, brand and product marketing, and have sizeable funds to finance growth and supply cash flow.

On that note, how much of an investment should aspiring home entrepreneurs expect to have on hand before making the leap?
For those wishing to start a food brand and want to scale the business outside the home, you can start by renting a small commercial unit with the basic necessary equipment, preferably somewhere close to home.
From there on, you can set proper working hours, develop process flows and hire employees. In terms of investment, it really depends on the type of product you want to create and whether you can get a unit that is already set up to operate a kitchen. My advice is to start off with a budget of at least RM200,000 with more than half going into rental, equipment and renovations and the rest for raw materials, marketing, branding and other cash flow needs.

In the beginning, what or who were the biggest resources instrumental to Amazin’ Graze?
There’s a saying that it takes a village to raise a child.  I think we definitely experienced the same here. We were extremely fortunate to have three founders at the beginning who each brought something unique to the team. The same can be said about our family and friends. They were really open to giving us their time and sharing their experience, expertise and feedback, as well as spreading the word about us.
We also participated in the Alliance Bank SME Bizsmart Challenge in 2016 where we received formal mentorship from business leaders. In addition, we were mentored by more than 10 industry leaders through the Endeavour Entrepreneurship Program earlier this year.

Amazin’ Graze is an all-female startup but outside of the company’s circle, do you face any sexism with your work?
Fortunately, we haven’t faced outright sexism so far. However, whenever we attend business competitions, fundraising pitches or conferences, we see that the startup world is dominated by men which can often be discouraging for female-led startups.
We have had one encounter where we were encouraged to hire more men, just because all three co-founders are female, just so that we can be taken “more seriously”. While diversity is important, it means there is also an assumption that there is something wrong with an all-female management team.
Hence, there’s also a big misconception out there about female-led food or fashion companies that these are “lifestyle” businesses or hobbies, and not serious or professional endeavours. There’s also a perception that decisions are not made quickly or that the founders are “not as ambitious”.
We are saddened by such comments but we also understand that this is a common perception in our society which we have to actively battle against. It just motivates us to be our best and grow Amazin’ Graze into a brand that Malaysia and Asia can be proud of.

Biggest lesson you’ve learnt over the years from running Amazin’ Graze?
It’s a marathon, not a sprint. Good things take time so be patient and don’t be overly encouraged or discouraged by short-term results. Keep going, build a great foundation and ensure that you surround yourself with people that have the right attitude. I will choose someone with a good attitude over experience or skill set any day.

With the upcoming third anniversary, Amazin’ Graze is due for several changes. Tell us more about it!
The decision to refresh the brand with a stronger look and identity came about as we dug deep into who Amazin’ Graze is after three years of operations. Looking back, we were quite shy about our branding, our Asian roots and the greater possibilities of the company on the global stage.
As part of the anniversary celebrations, Amazin’ Graze will introduce a new look and version 2.0 of our products that will more fully encompass who we are and provide better value to our customers.  We are really excited about this change, so please stay tuned!

Lastly, what advice would you give to anyone aspiring to start a business like yours?
Be prepared for the long haul. This is not a one or two year endeavour. It will take at least 10 to 20 years to really build a global snacks business. Definitely find your hero product that people will rave about and keep innovating to delight your customers.
Once you have an awesome product, get out of your house, hire your first employees and scale quickly. Find distributors that believe in your product (or be your own distributor). Find business partners that can compliment you, are equally committed for the long journey and are not afraid to tell you the truth. Surround yourself with curious and ambitious people that are better than you and give them the tools and the freedom to be their best. And always be hopeful and optimistic because things will get tough, but with a great attitude, you can overcome them!

For more info on Amazin’ Graze, find them on their website, Facebook and Instagram.

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Fashion
7 Style lessons to learn from Captain Marvel’s Brie Larson

07.03.2019
By Stephanie Boey

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

#1 Own your tone

Brie has a cool skin tone and this silver chainmail gown by Celine that she wore to the #Oscars2019 complements it perfectly. Her platinum blonde hair and diamonds on her ears and wrists completed the look.

#2 Sun’s out, toes out
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What better way to flaunt your pedicure with comfortable open-toe sandals? Brie nails it with statement slides and feathered lace-ups.

#3 Throw on a hat
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Bad hair day? No problem. There’s nothing a straw hat can’t fix. Pack it along during a vacay for when the beach hair takes over.

#4 Tickle yourself pink

If you’re going with shocking pink, make it worthwhile with layers of lace, ruffles and ribbons. Brie wore simple nude heels to balance the look.

#5 Fancy pyjama party

 The ultimate luxury: sleeping in your PJs that’s trimmed with ostrich feathers. Bonus points if you have egg-printed socks.

#6 Walk on the wild side

Break the rules of the animal kingdom. Ostrich feathers and leopard print make a fierce pair.

#7 Put on your power suit
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Captain Marvel is no stranger to slipping into a powerful uniform and neither is Brie. She coordinates like a pro in prints and block colours. The final ingredient? Lots of swag.

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Beauty
How to: Build a fragrance wardrobe from scratch
Bespoke scents

18.03.2016
By Terry Saw

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Some of us have a field day out of organising our wardrobe down to the colour but do just the exact opposite when it comes to managing our collection of scents. Just like personal style, rarely will you find a ‘one size fits all’ scent that speaks directly to you let alone how you feel on a particular day, which brought us to chatting with scent-layering expert Jo Malone for a guide to building a fragrance wardrobe that is truly unique to you.

 The best way is to think of it as accessoring
“This way, it’s an elegant and exciting experience to wear a fragrance that’s a little different to how you may be used to. At Jo Malone, we’ve created each of our fragrances to be worn alone or combined with others for this very reason—so each scent can be layered to made completely unique.
“The way to experiment is to play with layering; try a Bath Oil, followed by Body Crème for an all-over scent and finish the ritual with a Cologne, or Body & Hand Wash followed by a Dry Body Oil. Layering scents and textures creates something bespoke; that way, the finished can be totally personal to you.”

Experiment with scents that play really well together
“As a starting point, you could look at the different fragrance families. You may find you are drawn to citrus, spicy, fruity or floral. You will have an emotional and sensory connection with a particular genre of scent.
“From there you can play to lift or to deepen the fragrance, to spice or to complicate, to simplify or to add mystery, and create something that is special to you. Just as an example, Amber and Lavender Body & Hand Wash lingering on your skin will be enlivened by the zing of Grapefruit Cologne and a Red Roses Bath Oil followed by Peony and Blush Suede Cologne will create a symphony of florals—it’s all about experimenting to get the combination that speaks to you.”

Open your mind to unconventional combinations
“One of my favourite combinations at the moment is the Mimosa & Cardamom layered over Nutmeg & Ginger. The warmth of the ginger intensifies the floriental heart in Mimosa & Cardamom and complements the cooling spice of cardamom. The precious ingredients in Cologne Intense also lend themselves perfectly to Fragrance Combining and work with each other to create scents that have a deeper darker edge.”

Speak to a scent advisor at your nearest Jo Malone boutique at Mid Valley Megamall or Suria KLCC for further tips on getting started.

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Lifestyle
Mixologists Angel Ng and Andrew Tan set to stir up a storm at H-Artistry
#DareToDream

28.09.2016
By Su Fen Tan

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H-Artistry is back. For the first time, the high energy music event will be going digital with a live stream from the party on the website. And if you haven’t heard, an international line-up of performers, including Tinashe, HyunA, DJ Crizzly and local rock band Mad August, will take the stage at the Malaysia International Exhibition & Convention Centre (MIECC) @ Mines Resort City on 8 October 2016.

Besides the music, H-Artistry gathered four local tastemakers—PS150’s co-founder and bartender Angel Ng, owner and bar director of Hyde at 53M Andrew Tan, light artist and architect Jun Ong, as well as Hugh Koh, head of design at Pestle & Mortar—to curate two unique experiences for party-goers at the event.

We last touched base with Angel before National Day this year, when she gave us PS150’s Lychee No. 3 recipe for readers to create at home. For H-Artistry, she’ll be working with Hugh Koh on a collaborative bar to heighten the party-goers experience at the event. Find out a little more about what to expect on the night as we catch up with the head bartender of one of the hottest cocktail bars in town here:

How did your involvement in this H-Artistry project come about?
“By fluke, hard work and tons of passion. Aren’t these the keys to make dreams a reality?”
Well said. Tell us about your collaboration with Hugh Koh. What can we expect on the night itself?
“You can definitely expect a high energy night however it’s the experience while walking into our collaborative bar that really enhances the tipple. I can’t tell you anymore as words won’t describe what we have in store for you!”
What was it like working with Hugh Koh?
“Working with Hugh was easy; we have a lot of things in common when it comes to the pride of a Southeast Asian even though both of us were educated in a western society. We understood what is needed to be done to improve the society we live in by creating colours in our own industry.”

Which element or step to you is the most important when it comes to making a cocktail?
“Rule 1: Know your basics, learn the classics. The formula is a very good guideline of a balanced beverage.Rule 2: Use what you have on hand. Vanilla pods are great and elderflower is a life saver but they are expensive. In Southeast Asia, we have an abundance of ingredients that many countries will envy over it. We should embrace this land that has provided for us and make full use of it.Rule 3: The story. Who made it? What are the influences? Why did you use this ingredient and not that? Almost everyone I met love a story attached to a cocktail. It brings them closer to the industry and the people who created it and hoping it will transport them back to the particular era.”

What is your all-time favourite cocktail? And what food or bites will you pair it with?
“This is like asking a foodie what is his or her all-time favourite food. I can’t say I have a faourite cocktail, but I do love my Red Snappers in the morning, Shandy during lunch, refreshing Rickey when sun down, Dirty Martini as the diamonds splash through the black sky and lastly some H20 to end the night. However, when I am overwhelmed by the menu, a Campari Orange with Club Soda will do just fine. Shandy and Rickey are great with deep fried local snacks or double half pounder with all the trimmings. The rest I would rather drink on its own.”
Do you have a signature drink at PS150?
“We have a few but two of my favourites are Salty Chinaman and Lychee No. 3. I enjoy tall drinks and find it disappointing that the culture’s concept of going out at night is “drink to get drunk”. This cheeky Salty beverage is slightly sweet, slightly bitter, slightly sour and slightly savoury. Lychee No. 3 is a twist of the delicious yet diabetic-prone Lychee Martini. For the Asian twist, we have switched the vodka to gin to give a deeper dimension, add lime to balance and ginger flower for the exotic floral flavour that we love in our Asam Laksa!”
PS150 has only been opened for less than a year, yet it has already been making waves in the local cocktail bar scene. Has everything gone the way you wished it would?
“Not everything for sure as you always notice things around that can be improved. I guess this is something my Dragon Lady mother instilled in me. However, one thing we have been working om is for the public to understand what’s the difference between a speakeasy and a cocktail bar. PS150 is not a speakeasy as we have broken all the rules with the signboard at the front, the full address on all publications and many others.”
Where do you see yourself in five years?
“Being the UN Ambassador for Green Politics. That is what I would like to see myself doing in five years, but a lot of things can happen in five years. I would think it is not practical to plan that long especially when you are chasing a dream. Usually I give myself around a year and a half to complete a mission and once done, start another one that it’s in your bucket list. This is a method which I started few years back, and it has worked amazing for me—not only have I completed things I never thought I would, it has also taught me what is priority in life.”

We also spoke to Andrew Tan, who co-owns and heads the bar at Hyde—a speakeasy-style bar that is hidden above The Good Batch café (which he also co-owns). Andrew is collaborating with Jun Ong on an exciting space at H-Artistry, where we can expect a captivating light installation and exclusive artisanal cocktails.

How did your involvement in this H-Artistry project come about?
“It was a continuation of a long-standing business relationship and I’m really excited to be a part of the project.”

Tell us about your collaboration with Jun Ong. What makes it unique?
“Think trippy lights and a superb selection of artisanal cocktails. Jun’s light installation will set the perfect mood for cocktail creations made for the event, bringing a different kind of aesthetic experience to the cocktails and the event itself.”

What was it like working with Jun?
“I have been an avid follower of his light installation projects around the world, and it’s been truly a pleasure having worked alongside someone as talented as Jun.”

When did you first start bartending?
“I started bartending in my early years and when I realized how much I love it, I wanted to build my career from it.”

What is your favourite cocktail and why?
“My go to drink is the Old Fashioned because I’m a classic guy who likes his drinks strong, mighty fine and straight to the point.”

What is your personal philosophy when it comes to creating your own cocktails?
“Don’t complicate the cocktail, but don’t give up on it. Think about the sensory experience, be persistent and be patient with it. There are no short cuts with making the right drink.”

What is your signature drink at Hyde at 53M?
“It has to be Japonism, made with Hennessy VSOP and sake, presented on a Japanese paper fan. It is a fun combo of French and Japanese tastes, and of the sensory and aesthetic experience.”

You currently co-own a café and a bar. What is next for you?
“We’ve got exciting plans in the pipeline—we want to further grow our F&B family and perhaps venture into retail and distribution in the near future.”

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