Culture
Christmas 2019: 10 Creative gifts to get for your friends and family

19.11.2019
By Zoe Yang

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It’s almost that time of the year again where most of us would say: “I have no idea what to get for (insert person’s name here) this year”. Fear not, say goodbye to the dreadful process of finding the perfect gift; we have you covered! Our list here is made up of fun, humorous, and creative gift ideas that you can dive through, making your Christmas shopping easier and stress-free.
Side note: While it’s tradition to get presents for others, you can also find something for yourself. Who’s to say Christmas is a season only to gift others? Be kind and treat yourself to a deserving jolly splurge to end the year with a stellar gift!
Shin-Kintsugi workshop by Genevieve Ang @ Snackfood, Bangsar

The best gifts don’t always have to come wrapped — as part of bringing a meaningful end to the year, Snackfood presents its collaboration with Gellyvieve for a special workshop on Kintsugi. It is the Japanese art of mending imperfections and flaws on unwanted or old ceramics, with gold. It is also a way to convey the beauty of one’s healing from the individual’s own brokenness. Participants can transform broken ceramic pieces into earrings, brooches and clips. Materials are provided but they also encourage you to bring your own unwanted ceramics. An ideal gift for those who love all-things art and creative!
When: 30 November and 1 December 2019. For more information, visit here.
Where: You can book your seat(s) here. Just drop Snackfood a DM and you’re set!
Price: RM250 per pax for 2.5 hours
Lego Harry Potter advent calendar
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This Christmas, get a geeky present for your Potterhead friends or family members. The advent calendar has 24 doors, consisting of Lego toys from Harry Potter movies, including 7 minifigures such as Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, Ron Weasley and more. Fans can also recreate the memorable holiday scenes from the movies, notably the Christmas dinner in the Great Hall and the arrival at Hogwarts Express. Another bonus gift recommendation—there is also a Lego Star Wars Advent Calendar, perfect for fans to get psyched this festive season!
Where to purchase: For the Lego Harry Potter Advent Calendar, visit here. | For the Lego Star Wars Advent Calendar, visit here.
Price: RM129.90 | RM149.90
100 Movies Bucket List Scratch Off Poster

The scratch off poster features 100 must-see movies, ranging from classic films to cult favourites, animations, and modern blockbusters such as The Lord of the Rings (2001 – 2003), The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975), Spirited Away (2001), and Her (2013). This is definitely a fun gift for cinephiles, or budding movie buffs to get adventurous. Bonus: There is also a scratch off poster for bibliophiles—a ‘100 Books Bucket List Poster’ that features 100 must-read titles, varying from Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and Macbeth to The Kite Runner and The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo.
Where to purchase: For ‘100 Movies Bucket List Scratch Off Poster’, visit here. For ‘100 Books Bucket List Scratch Off Poster’, visit here.
Price: $14.99 for the movie poster (approximately RM62) | $13.90 for the book poster (approximately RM57)
Louis Vuitton I (RED) candle

Louis Vuitton is joining hands with (RED), a non-profit organisation to raise money for the Global Fund in the fight against AIDS. You can check out how (RED) and Global Fund are working to help defeat AIDS here. For her, for him, for anyone—Louis Vuitton’s Master Perfumer Jacques Cavallier Belletrud created the candle’s fragrance with the finest-quality natural ingredients. The perfumed concoction uses peony flowers to achieve a calming scent of sweet, not-too peppery, and floral olfactory notes while raspberries add fruity accents. The candle’s white ceramic holder is engraved with Louis Vuitton’s name, and topped with the signature Louis Vuitton hand-sewn, natural leather handle. It comes complete with a stunning red-coloured box too. For each candle sold, USD 60 (approximately RM250) is donated directly to the Global Fund.
Where to purchase: Louis Vuitton Marina Bay Sands, Ngee Ann City, Changi and Ion Singapore and online.
Price: RM840
Aesop: the book
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The linen-bound, 336-page hardback chronicles Aesop’s earliest history to its present day, in an intimate and reflective story—it’s an exclusive behind-the-scenes look into the innovative ideas that were carried out, from product formulation to design spaces. The book has a good mix of photographs shot in natural lighting by Yutaka Yamamoto, archival images as well as narratives from founder Dennis Paphitis and author Jennifer Down. An ideal gift for aesthetes, design enthusiasts, and curious readers. This gift would also make a good coffee table book.
Where to purchase: Aesop’s Pavilion store and online.
Price: RM330
Rock paintings by Bojen Low
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Ever joked with a friend or a loved one that you will be gifting them a rock? Well, that idea is not far-fetched now; you can do it for real this time. The artist, Bojen Low does acrylic paintings on beautifully-shaped rocks that balance well on its base by ‘standing’ or ‘sitting’. Each rock is meticulously and individually hand-painted with intricate details. In addition, his artworks feature many types of adorable animals, ranging from dogs to Star Wars’ Chewbacca (check them out here)! Definitely an interesting gift for someone to have as an art display on their tables, coffee tables or shelves.
Where to purchase: You can liaise with the artist directly here. Drop him a message!
Price: Depends on the art pieces, starting price is at RM70.
Ceramic dinnerware by @bendangstudio_official

It doesn’t hurt to add to one’s dinnerware collection, especially when it comes to aesthetically pleasing ceramic goods. Bendang Studio is a local brand that offers a variety of well-made ceramic dinnerware sets that come in artistic and abstract designs. This would be an exciting gift for the minimalist, contemporary design lovers, or just someone who love having their meals with visually stunning plates. Look out for the Christmas collection launching on 13 December.
Where: Lot 2-5, Level 2, The LINC KL, 360 Jalan Tun Razak, 50400 Kuala Lumpur
Price: Depends on the items, you can check with them here. Drop them a DM!
Parody Parlour’s wall art prints
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If someone you know is into pop culture and art, you might just find the right gift here. Parody Parlour is a local homegrown brand that incorporates humour and pop culture references into its collection of artworks. Their creative designs come in extremely high-quality canvas prints; ideal for a room decor. Some parodies include The Joker as Ronald McDonald, Johannes Vermeer’s Girl with a Pearl Earring, and Edvard Munch’s The Scream. A must-not miss gifting for those with a sense of humour! Swipe through the gallery above and see for yourself; guarantee to send anyone into a fit of laughter, or smirk!
Where to purchase: You can get the prints online or shop at A Day Lifestyle at Intermark Mall, KL
Price: Starts from RM150, depending on the sizes and frames
Marks & Spencer Christmas baubles and tree decorations
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Christmas is not complete without a seasonal gift! Marks and Spencer is most certainly not playing when it comes to the holiday season. A few must-have adorably fun ornaments and tree decors include a dog with a party hat bauble; rose gold luxury glass baubles; London’s iconic postbox, cab, bus and Big Ben; a traditional twist nutcracker; and fairy and Santa tree decorations. If you’re looking for something more than ornaments—the M&S Christmas Nutcrackers would look fabulously seasonal as a table decor. Comes in three different colours: Nordic Wonder Nutcracker Decoration, Traditional Twist Nutcracker Decoration, and Bronze Nutcracker Hanging Decoration.
Where to purchase: Available at Marks & Spencer KLCC store and online.
A Masterclass workshop

For someone who is looking to improve in an area of expertise (but also don’t have the time), this is just the gift for them. Masterclass is a flexible and convenient platform that provides a wide variety of online classes, taught by industry experts at the top of their game. The online classes are conducted in a one-to-one class format, allowing viewers to understand the lessons easily, making it personalised and conversational. Featuring Helen Mirren, David Lynch, Martin Scorsese, Gordon Ramsay, Natalie Portman, Margaret Atwood, and more; Masterclass includes subjects such as photography, writing, filmmaking, acting, cooking, and so many more. (PS: it’s also nice to take a break from all the Christmas wrappings! Gah!)
Where: Check out the “Browse” section (top right) when you click here.
Price: $90 (approximately RM373)
For more holiday content, visit our Buro Christmas Village.

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What’s in my beauty bag: Sandra Woo

Beauty
What’s in my beauty bag: Sandra Woo
#BeautyGoals

03.10.2017
By Wei Yeen Loh

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In celebration of our health and wellness month this October, we ask yoga practitioner and rhythm cycling instructor Sandra Woo about her favourite beauty essentials. If you follow the inspirational fitness lover on Instagram, you’d notice that lithe, intermediate yoga moves aren’t just her forte — her envy-inducing glow isn’t from layers of makeup, but rather, a well-rounded skincare routine coupled with healthy lifestyle choices. Below, find out more about what beauty products she can’t live without along with her secrets to that lit-from-within glow.

1. Please share with us the contents of your beauty bag.
My basic beauty bag which I carry around consists of a few skincare products including Skinsaikel Vitalising Antioxidant Mist, 100% Aloe Vera Gel, Clarins Day-Screen Multi Protection SPF 50, and Blistex Lip Medex.
Other than that, these are the makeup products that I use on a daily basis:
Laneige Pore Control BB Cushion
Shu Uemura Hard 9 Eyebrow Pencil
Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler
M.A.C Cosmetics Prep & Prime Eye Base
Inglot Duraline
Maybelline Gel Eyeliner in Brown
Bobbi Brown Eye Shadow in Saddle
Isehan Heroine Make Mascara
Nyx High Definition Blush in Taupe
Nars Super Orgasm — I use this very sparingly for that barely-there glow
Innisfree Eco Flower Tint
Also, a travel-sized Jo Malone Blackberry & Bay Cologne that comes in handy when I need to smell fresh.

A post shared by Sandra Woo (@sandrawooo) on Sep 19, 2017 at 2:26am PDT

2. What are the top beauty essentials you can’t live without, and why?
It used to be my eyebrow pencil but I got microblading done recently, so now I get to shave an extra five minutes off my morning routine. Apart from that, I don’t think I can do without mascara and lip balm.

3. One beauty item you’re obsessed with now, and why?
I definitely can’t live without lip balm. I have so many different lip balms in every bag I have. My favourite is Blistex’s Lip Medex for awhile now, and Smith’s Rosebud Salve. Clarins Beauty Flash Balm is also a lifesaver for when my skin is looking a little sallow.

4. What was your first experience with makeup?
I can’t really remember, but probably some kind of lip tint I scored from the drugstore when I was 13 years old.

5. A favourite form of beauty pampering you love to indulge in?
I love taking the time to do my own facials. Once a week I do a deep pore cleanse which involves a swipe of Stridex Salicylic Acid Pad, Kiehl’s Turmeric and Cranberry Seed Masque, followed by a massage with high linoleic acid Sunflower Oil and Grapeseed oil blend, which I wash off with a deep cleansing foam, followed by my regular skincare routine.
My skincare routine for morning and nights vary — this allows me to indulge in different kinds of pampering products. I love that my skin always feels lush and glowy.

6. One piece of beauty advice you won’t mind sharing with our readers?
I think it is important to invest time in a good skincare routine that suits your skin type. You don’t have to focus on designer brand skincare — look into ingredients and formulations that suit your skin type and build your routine from there.

A post shared by Sandra Woo (@sandrawooo) on Sep 19, 2017 at 8:35pm PDT

7. Do you wear anything on your face when you’re instructing a class?
I always apply 100% aloe vera gel over my face, so I am not sweating creme moisturisers everywhere. Not forgetting — my eyebrows have to be on fleek. Apart from that I don’t have to be wearing anything else on my face.

8. What are a few sweat- and smudge-proof makeup products that you’ve used and would recommend?
Isehan Heroine Make has a line of very durable mascaras that stay on through hours of sweat and humidity. You will need an oil-based make up remover to get it off though. Shu Uemura’s Hard 9 Pencil has never slipped off my face too!

9. What are your tips on getting glowing skin?
Beauty routine wise, it helps to wear minimal makeup as much as you can (that irony!) It definitely allows your skin to breathe and radiate from within. Also, don’t forget about SPF — absolutely necessary to protect skin against sun rays that can dull and dehydrate the skin.
I always make sure to stay hydrated, and to minimise my sugar intake. Having a good dietary routine helps too — fruits and leafy greens are essential for healthy skin, and a healthy body overall.
I think it’s important to be aware of your allergens — chicken, dairy, anything that might flare you up. Just so that you know to only consume those occasionally or in very small doses.

A post shared by Sandra Woo (@sandrawooo) on Sep 17, 2017 at 4:10am PDT

10. What is your daily skincare regime like?
In the morning I cleanse my face with Cerave Hydrating Cleanser, then apply Thayers Alcohol-free Cucumber Witch Hazel Toner followed with Hada Labo Hyaluronic Acid Lotion. I use 100% Aloe Vera Gel and an SPF of my choice (depending on the day). For a little pick-me-up, I like Skinsaikel Vitalising Antioxidant Mist.
In the evening, I remove my makeup with Shu Uemura Cleansing Oil and cleanse it with any foaming deep cleanser (I’m not picky). I’ll pat my skin down with either toners: Stridex Salicylic Acid Maximum, The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution, or Thayers from my morning routine; followed by Hada Labo Hyaluronic Acid Lotion. Serums wise, I switch between The Ordinary’s Advanced Retinoid 2% or Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA.
For a good dose of moisturisation, I go for Skinsaikel Hydrating Night Cream or 100% Aloe Gel (I love this because it is absolutely non-comedogenic), depending on how my skin is feeling. Lastly I apply Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Concentrate if my skin needs some saving, or indulge in a facial oil such as Aesop’s Fabulous Face Oil or 100% Food Grade Argan Oil to lock hydration into my skin.

11. What is the most memorable beauty faux pas you’ve committed?
Overplucked brows! I think one of the most underrated but equally important beauty tip is to leave your brows alone. Groom them professionally if you can, but absolutely do not thin them. I had them threaded too much one time so I didn’t have much brows for awhile. Your brows frame your face so it’s essential to keep them tidy, not thin and sparse.

12. What is your life motto that you stand by?
Just because you feel like crap, doesn’t mean you have to look like crap. Pick yourself up, brush your teeth, put on nice perfume, get your head together, and own the day.

You can follow Sandra Woo on Instagram here.

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NYFW Men’s AW16: Dynamic duos

Features
NYFW Men’s AW16: Dynamic duos
Good things come in pairs

03.02.2016
By Wei Yeen Loh

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Looking through street style looks from New York Fashion Week Men’s AW 2016 and we noticed that stylish folks tend to travel in groups, or specifically, in pairs. Is it just us, or do people tend to look way more put-together when they are spotted in packs? Perhaps it’s crowd mentality to dress as well as your best friend/other half/right-hand man or woman, but let’s be honest, it’s almost endearing when some of these duos sport a similar “look” – be it with rugged leather jackets or quirky accessories. Here’s to hoping you find someone who can rep the same threads as you while oozing the same kind of cool (#twinsies!):
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Lifestyle
Serena Williams was pregnant when she won the Australian Open
Oh, baby!

20.04.2017
By Rachel Au

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Serena Williams and her achievements have always astounded everyone. She currently holds 23 grand slam titles, which is more than top male tennis player Roger Federer who holds 18 grand slam trophies. And in today’s news, it turns out she won that 23rd title at the Australian Open back in January while she was roughly eight weeks pregnant — and didn’t drop a set through the whole tournament.

The 35-year-old had earlier uploaded a picture of herself on Snapchat where she was posing sideways in a yellow bathing suit and with what looked like a baby bump. The accompanying caption: “20 weeks”. The snap has since been deleted.

The US star will miss the rest of the 2017 season — this includes the French Open, Wimbledon and US Open — according to her spokeswoman Kelly Bush Novak, but intends to return to the circuit in 2018.

Williams will return to being world number one next week and luckily, would be eligible to retain her ranking under the WTA special ranking rule but only if she is ready to play her first tournament within 12 months of giving birth. She is due in autumn.

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Lifestyle
There is a new statue in front of the famous ‘Charging Bull’ on Wall Street
And she's standing strong

09.03.2017
By Su Fen Tan

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The Charging Bull is undoubtedly one of the most iconic sights in New York City, standing unchallenged in Bowling Green Park on Wall Street—but not anymore, at least for now. A bronze sculpture of a small girl in a defiant and unflinching pose now stands just a few feet away from the tip of the bull’s horns, and she’s there to make a statement. A joint effort between State Street Global Advisors ( a $2.5 trillion asset manager) and city officials, the artwork is part of a campaign to pressure companies to add more women to their boards.

A post shared by CFA Institute (@cfainstitute) on Mar 8, 2017 at 6:59am PST

“One of the most iconic images on Wall Street is the charging bull,” Lori Heinel, the deputy global chief investment officer at State Street tells Business Insider. “So the idea of having a female sort of stand against the bull or stand up to the bull just struck us as a very clever but also creative and engaging way to make that statement. Even though it’s a little girl, her stance is one of determination, forwardness, and being willing to challenge and take on the status quo.”

The statue, titled The Fearless Girl, was created by Delaware-based bronze sculptor Kristen Visbal. It isn’t clear how long it will remain on Wall Street, but it will be there for at least a month. Charging Bull was original an act of guerilla art by Arturo Di Modica, but it became permanent after its immense popularity. Perhaps, The Fearless Girl will follow the same path as well.

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Beauty
7 Celeb-inspired bridal hairstyles you’ll love forever
Future-proof

10.07.2017
By Terry Saw

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It’s official – wedding season has truly taken off – according to my social circles anyway. A sudden hike in wedding proposals left, right and center (and I say this with love, don’t get me wrong!) have inspired this quick piece because let’s be honest, the last thing anybody wants is to look back 20 years from now at their wedding pictures and regret that monstrous bouffant, which ‘seemed like a good idea at the time.’
Pretty braids

1/2

2/2

Balance an intricate gown with a softer do – think wisps of hair to frame the face while the rest of it gets pulled into an relaxed low braid that screams pretty, not perfection.
Half up, half down

1/2

2/2

This trend isn’t going anywhere and we love Blake Lively’s take on the style with a twisted ‘love heart’, which keeps things elegant on the front whilst adding interest at the back.
Crown jewels

1/2

2/2

Dress up a simple and sophisticated updo with a headband or a crown embellished with jewels or stones, in complementing textures and tones to your dress.
Sleek pony

1/3

2/3

3/3

When opting for a timeless sleek pony, play with parting for a touch of fun. Here’s how you can ace the center- or no-parting variations, or inject a little playfulness like Gal by twisting the ponytail all the way down for added texture.
French braid twist

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2/2

This works especially well if you have a busy dress with plenty of details to show off, or if you just want to keep the hair off your face while still looking every bit the beautiful bride.
Big on bangs

1/3

2/3

3/3

Here are three ways you can wear growing-out bangs with your updo – sweep them up for a touch of elegance with your topknot, get a quick (professional) trim for wispy bangs to complement a chignon or go for a side fringe to up the feminine factor.
Slicked-back cool

If you’re looking for something slightly edgier, the sleek-and-chic slicked back do may just do the trick. This hairstyle instantly adds character to a simple gown (or power suit) – just dress it up with tons of self-confidence and you’re good to go!

More beauty inspo ahead…
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Watches
A marquetry masterpiece: Hermès Arceau Pocket Ailes et Ecailles
Minute marvels

28.09.2016
By Wei Yeen Loh

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The Cartier Privé collection is about history and modernity

It doesn’t take a lot to notice that Hermès Arceau Pocket Ailes et Ecailles is a delightful masterpiece of its own. The two-piece limited numbered edition sees a masterful process that takes place behind its intricate details, with a combination of the art of scarab beetle elytra marquetry and two techniques, engraving and miniature enamel painting. The engraver begins sketching a motif inspired by a beach towel on a gold plate, with waves and fins of the dial pattern taking shape, followed by Grand Feu enamelling. This is done via applying a specific amount of glass powder into the carved out hollows. After a few firings in the kiln, the bold blue and red shades begin to manifest slight gradations—some opaque, some translucent, and later on the dial’s fish motif is hammered out delicately.

The marqeutry specialist joins in on the process at this point while the engraver is polishing the enamelled surfaces. Fragments of the beetle elytra (shell) are carefully cut to be prepared as scales of the fish. These fragments are individually placed on stencil and adjust to ensure that they meet the perfect size and shape. After that process is completed, they will be secured to the dial in the recesses prepared by the engraver and then fitted into a white gold case that was crafted in the maison’s workshops. Its natural colours come to effect here as the light dances across them, and the hand-assembled and decorated Manufacture Hermès H1837 movement can be glimpsed through the transparent sapphire crystal case-back. The complementing alligator hide cord strap and pouch are also crafted with precision. Upon cutting and stitching the leather together, a furrow that is pressed between the seam and edges will be softened by rubbing and polishing it repetitively.

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Watches
The Graff Venus: A look at the world’s largest D Flawless heart-shaped diamond
Extraordinary facets

07.11.2016
By Su Fen Tan

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The Cartier Privé collection is about history and modernity

It all started with the monumental moment when a 357-carat rough was discovered at the Letšeng mine in the Kingdom of Lesotho, the mine where many of Graff’s most brilliant stones have been discovered. Upon a closer look at the rough through a loupe, Laurence Graff set out to create a magnificent diamond—one that is not only large but is also of the highest grade in all significant attributes: The Graff Venus.

Laurence Graff, chairman of Graff Diamonds, says: “We were given a once in a lifetime opportunity and we created absolute perfection. I am proud to say that we delivered the very best. The Graff Venus is beyond words. It is the most beautiful heart shape diamond I have ever seen.”

From discovery to completion, the process of creating The Graff Venus took 18 months. The Graff team spent several months of in-depth analysis using the latest computer technology and expertise, before proceeding to cut and polish the stone. After the initial cuts were made, craftsmen took the diamond to the wheel and worked carefully to ensure the vital symmetry of the stone. Upon completion, the diamond was sent to the Gemological Institute of America for certification, cementing its place as the largest D Flawless heart-shaped diamond in the world—the D colour grade means it is colourless (the top of the colour scale for white diamonds), while the flawless attribution indicates it is at the top of the clarity scale.

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Watches
A new generation of Jaeger-LeCoultre Polaris is unveiled at SIHH 2018
#SIHH2018

21.01.2018
By Su Fen Tan

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The Cartier Privé collection is about history and modernity

In 1968, Jaeger-LeCoultre introduced the now-iconic Memovox Polaris. A diving watch equipped with an alarm and a triple case back system, it has since went on to become one of the most beloved vintage diver watches amongst timepiece aficionados.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Memovox Polaris. Paying homage to an icon, Jaeger-LeCoultre unveiled the new Polaris collection at SIHH 2018 last week. It comprises of five new models: a three-hand automatic, a chronograph, a chronograph world time, an automatic with date, and a Memovox diver’s alarm watch.

Take a closer look at them here:
Jaeger-LeCoultre Polaris Memovox
The star of the collection, this new take on a classic most resembles the iconic Memovox from 1968 with its special alarm function and vintage design codes. It has three crowns (alarm, inner rotating bezel, and time), and vanilla Super-LumiNova hour-markers just like the original.

At the heart of this 50th anniversary timepiece is the Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibre 956, with a mechanical alarm and instant-jump date-change system. Issued in a limited edition of 1,000 pieces, the new Polaris Memovox comes with a sporty rubber strap and is water resistant to 200 meters.

Jaeger-LeCoultre Polaris Date

Like the Polaris Memovox, this vintage-steeped piece sports the same design codes as the original Polaris. An elegant sports watch, it features a polished and brushed case fitted with either a rubber strap or three-link bracelet.

Jaeger-LeCoultre Polaris Automatic

This three-hand automatic is an embodiment of beauty in simplicity, with a two-crown design and slightly smaller case of 41mm that really allows the three-finish dial to take centre stage. Interchangeable straps allow you to match it with either a leather one or a matching stainless steel bracelet.

Jaeger-LeCoultre Polaris Chronograph

Available in steel and rose gold, the Polaris Chronograph diverts from its diver’s origins and into motorsports. Unapologetically sporty, it is equipped with a tachymeter bezel and contrasting markers that make for easy reading.

Jaeger-LeCoultre Polaris Chronograph WT

The most complicated movement in the new collection goes to the Polaris Chronograph WT. A chronograph and world time complication packed into one, the 44mm case and neatly-designed dial ensure enhanced readability in the density of information.

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Food + Drink
Which mooncakes should you get this year

03.08.2020
By Ronn Tan

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

The Mid-Autumn Festival is approaching again! Just a little refresher—the festival is held on the 15th day of the eighth month of the lunar calendar. While you scratch your head in dilemma wondering where and what mooncakes to get, we have compiled a list for you.
1. Hilton Kuala Lumpur
CLOUDY WITH A CHANCE OF MOONCAKES

Hilton Kuala Lumpur’s mooncake series—Royal Midnight—appreciates the fine art of simplicity and serves as a tribute to the beauty of traditions. Doubling as a jewellery case, the mooncake box features a lunar medallion and silver embroidered clouds on a navy blue sheen fabric. This year, Chynna has created the Bulgarian Blush, comprising of custard cream cheese, Bulgarian Rose petal Jam and pine nuts, and enclosed in a delicate baby pink snow skin.
Other options include the likes of Heavenly Gold (Snow Skin with Pure Premium Musang King Durian); Blue Moon (Snow Skin Amaretto Lotus Paste with Blueberry Cheese Feuillantine); as well as Baked White Lotus Paste with Single Yolk.
Availability: Now – 4 October 2020
Price: From RM35 nett per mooncake and from RM258 nett per Royal Midnight gift box
Contact: 03 2264 2264
Website
2. Sheraton Petaling Jaya
THE FLORAL INDULGENCE

To honour Mid-Autumn Festival this year, the hotel have put together series of collections of its mooncake boxes—combining vibrant Fuchsia and refreshing Tiffany Blue. Designed for the special occasion, the three series are Peony, Plum Blossom, and Tiffany Blossom.
Each box comes with four mooncakes—Pure Lotus Paste, White Lotus Paste with Single Yolk, Baked Pandan Paste with Single Yolk, and Bakes Red Bean Paste.
Availability: 10 August 2020 – 1 October 2020
Price: RM138 per box set
Contact: 03 7622 8888
Website
3. EQ Kuala Lumpur
THE ONE WITH CELESTIAL COLOURS

Photo by EQ Kuala Lumpur
Curated by Chef Tan Tzaan Ling, EQ’s mooncakes—aptly named Celestial Treasures—are perfect for personal indulgence and as gifts. Flavours include Snow Skin Musang King Durian; Yuzu Pandan with Pumpkin Seeds; EQ Signature Black Sesame Single Yolk; Taro with Red and Black Goji; as well as Snow Skin Green Tea Red Bean with Mixed Nuts.
Availability: 3 August 2020 – 1 October 2020
Price: From RM32 per mooncake and from RM168 per box
Contact: 03 2789 7839
Website
4. Mandarin Oriental Kuala Lumpur
THE RED CLASSIC

Photo by Mandarin Oriental Kuala Lumpur
Made with the special Mandarin Oriental recipe, the selection of mooncakes include the likes of Baked Durian with Melon Seeds; Snow Skin Salted Egg Custard Paste; Malaysian Single Origin Dark Chocolate; Snow Skin Musang King Durian; Baked Golden Pandan Flavour with Single Egg Yolk; as well as Red Berry Chocolate. The beautiful red mooncake gift box will be given for every six individual mooncakes ordered. The mooncakes are also available for delivery.
Price: From RM33 per mooncake
Contact: 03 2330 8798 or [email protected]
Website
5. The St. Regis Kuala Lumpur
THE WELL-TRAVELLED LEGACY

The hotel is celebrating the celestial season this year with traditional mooncakes available in two variations—the classic white lotus seed paste with single yolk and the signature 6.5-inch super mooncake with eight yolks. Designed in red faux-leather ornamented with vintage brass studs and a clasp, the trunks are available in two versions—Classic Trunk of four and the Super Mooncake Trunk.
Availability: 3 August 2020 – 1 October 2020
Price: RM180+ for Classic Trunk; RM200+ for Super Mooncake Trunk
Contact: 012 2801 303
Website
6. Shangri-La Hotel Kuala Lumpur
SOMEWHERE OVER THE MOONCAKES

Photo by Shangri-La Hotel Kuala Lumpur
This year, Shangri-La Hotel KL is celebrating the special occasion with beautifully-designed and customisable gift boxes. The Master Chef Gift box—resembling a lantern—consists of eight pieces of Pandan Lotus Paste with Black Sesame and Bird’s Nest whereas the Premium Gift Box has six pieces of Mini Golden Ping Pei Musang King Durian. Other mooncakes you will be able to get here include Ping Pei Dark Chocolate with Almond, Lotus Seed Paste with Double Yolk, and Ping Pei with Custard and Bird’s Nest.
Availability: 25 July 2020 – 1 October 2020
Price: From RM32 per mooncake; RM428 for Master Chef Gift Box Set
Contact: 03 2074 3560
Website
7. Four Seasons Hotel Kuala Lumpur
THE ONE THAT SPARKS JOY

Photo by Four Seasons Hotel Kuala Lumpur
The hotel’s decadent mooncakes with indulgent flavours include the likes of Bird’s Nest with Almond Cream, Musang King Durian, and Brandy Chocolate. Other unique concoctions to try are Pu Er Tea Paste with Tangerine Skin and Avocado with Egg Custard. Deliveries can also be arranged if you prefer to have your delectable pastries sent to you.
Availability: Until 1 October 2020
Price: From RM38 per mooncake
Contact: 03 2382 8640
Website
8. Sofitel Kuala Lumpur Damansara
The Luxurious Orange Moon

Presented in a luxurious orange leather box, the hotel’s collection of carefully curated baked and snowskin mooncakes include the newly introduced Dragon Fruit with Blueberry Truffle, the Black Charcoal with Cheese, the Coffee Paste with Butter Cream, and Pumpkin with Chocolate Truffle. You will also be able to grab classics such as White Lotus with Double Egg Yolk and Pandan Single Yolk.
Availability: 6 August 2020 – 1 October 2020
Price: From RM36 nett per mooncake; RM198 nett per gift box with four mooncakes
Contact: 03 2720 6688
Website
9. InterContinental Kuala Lumpur
THE ONE WITH THE CR-EAT-IVE SPIRIT

Specially curated by Tao Chinese Cuisine’s Chef Lo Tian Sion, unique flavours include Durian Snow Skin with Custard and Salted Egg Cream; Scarlet Snow Skin with Pandan, Minced Yolk, and Bean Paste; Bamboo Charcoal Snow Skin with Milk Tea; Green Tea Snow Skin with Green Pea and Dragon Fruit; Butterfly Pea Flower Snow Skin with Bird’s Nest; as well as Golden Jade Single Yolk.
The Oriental Splendour series mooncakes are available in either the  Classic Cherry Blossom Gift Box or the Luxe Leather-Bound Gift Box. You can also opt for the mooncakes to be delivered to your loved ones directly.
Availability: Until 1 October 2020
Price: From RM118 per box with four mooncakes
Contact: 03 2782 6128
Website
10. New World Petaling Jaya Hotel
THE TIMELESS DELIGHT

This year, the hotel offers a selection of traditional and limited-edition mooncakes with a four-tier bright red-hued tiffin carrier inspired by Peranakan’s colourful traditions and culture. Mooncake options include Longan Wolfberries, Pomegranate Lotus, Blueberry Lava, and Chocolate Tiramisu Lava.
Availability: 1 August 2020 – 1 October 2020
Price: RM128 nett per gift box of four pieces
Contact: 03 7682 0000
Website
11. Le Méridien Kuala Lumpur
CHEST TO CHEST, MOONCAKE TO MOONCAKE

Available for pre-orders from 10 August 2020, the hotel’s mooncakes come in a red chest inspired by mid-century vintage travelling trunks. You will be able to get classics such as Pure White Lotus Paste with Single Yolk and Golden Pandan Paste with Single Yolk as well as new flavours like Assorted Fruits and Nuts; Hojicha Green Tea Lotus Paste; Red Bean Lotus Paste; and Pandan Lotus Mung Bean.
For whisky aficionados, there is the Chivas Whisky with Golden Raisins. For those who love all things coffee, Le Méridien also offers the Signature illy Coffee Snow Skin Mooncakes with Soft Peanut Mochi Heart.
Availability: 24 August 2020 – 1 October 2020
Price: From RM28 per mooncake; RM178 per box with six mooncakes
Contact: 03 2263 7434
Website
12. The Ritz-Carlton Kuala Lumpur
FROM THE MOON TO THE RITZ

Dim Sum Chef Tan Tiong Guan has curated a selection of traditional baked and snow skin mooncakes—available at Li Yen. Signature classics include the exclusive Mini Snow Skin Moët & Chandon Champagne Mooncake and Mini Snow Skin Moët & Chandon Rosé Imperial Champagne Mooncake as well as the Mini Snow Skin Cream Cheese with Port Wine Mooncake.
The mooncakes are available for pre-order and for purchase from 15 August with delivery options. You can place your order by contacting the number provided below.
Availability: 15 August 2020 – 1 October 2020
Price: From RM16 nett per piece; RM112 nett per box of four baked mooncakes
Contact: 018 646 8033
Website
13. W Kuala Lumpur
THE BRIGHTEST MOON

Crafted by the culinary team at Yen, W Kuala Lumpur’s mooncakes include classics such as Red Bean Paste with Tangerine and Almond Skin; White Lotus Seed Paste with Melon Seed; Traditional Five Nuts; White Lotus Seed Paste Double Yolk; Pandan with Single Yolk; as well as Yellow Lotus Single Yolk.
The reversible sequined tote bag is available in bright tangerine or sky blue and is a result of a collaboration with the Gung Ho collective—comprising of gallery curator Edith Ho as well as artists Jonny Zerox and Lim Kok Hong. A set consists of four mooncakes.
Availability: 15 August 2020 – 1 October 2020
Price: From RM41 nett per piece; RM168 nett for Limited Edition W Kuala Lumpur Mid-Autumn Festival reusable tote bag with four mooncakes
Contact: 012 347 9088
Website
14. Pavilion Hotel Kuala Lumpur
A MOON FULL OF TREASURES

This year, the hotel is back with classic mooncakes such as Yam Lotus Paste with Single Egg Yolk, Pandan Lotus Paste with Single Egg Yolk, White Lotus Paste, and Red Bean Paste. The Pavilion of Treasures are now available for purchase at Pavilion Hotel Kuala Lumpur—encased in a premium designed jewellery box that would make a perfect gift.
Availability: 15 August 2020 – 1 October 2020
Price: RM188 nett per box with six mooncakes
Contact: 03 2117 2888
Website
15. Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur
OPULENCE IS THE WORD

The hotel’s traditionally baked mooncakes are making a comeback for the first time in seven years—encased in an auspicious red box. Flavours include the likes of Pure Lotus with Double Yolk, Lotus White Single Yolk. Pure Lotus, and Pure Red Bean. Go for the Red Opulent Set and choose any two of the four flavours available.
Price: From RM43 per mooncake; from RM86 per box of mooncakes
Contact: 03 2182 1234
Website
Have you decided on the mooncakes that you will be getting for yourself and your loved ones this year?
For more mooncake-related stories, visit this website.

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Watches
The time-shifting Piaget Polo S is back in black
#PlayADifferentGame

14.07.2017
By Buro247

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The Cartier Privé collection is about history and modernity

The Piaget Polo wrote itself onto a page of history in 1979 as it made its debut and grew steadily to become an icon of its time. Fast forward to the month of July, in 2016, an heir to the successful timepiece was unveiled. The Piaget Polo S was born to rewrite the story. The new generation embraced the successor. And now, Piaget Polo S line is enriched with three new creations that sing the same ode to the elegant sport of polo while they knit the Piaget DNA together with the vein of innovation.

Bearing the signature Piaget “shape-within-shape” design, the new Piaget Polo S features a cushion-shaped dial within a round 42mm case. Modern horizontal guilloche and superluminova dauphine hands adorn the front whilst the beauty of Piaget’s in-house automatic movement is discreetly revealed through a sapphire case-back.

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For the first time ever, the Piaget Polo S Chronograph equipped with the 1160P movement is made available with a slate-gray dial. Both in a limited run of 888 pieces, the same chronograph variant and a 1110P version round up the new launch in black dials replete with ADLC-treated bezels and the option of black rubber straps or calfskin leather in ebony.

Related stories:
Piaget Polo S: The watch for this generation’s game changers
Celebrating 60 years of the supremely elegant Piaget Altiplano
The Piaget beauties to have in your ‘Possession’

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Style
Inside Tod’s first designer collaboration—with Alessandro Dell’Acqua

28.09.2018
By Joan Kong

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Introducing T Factory—Tod’s new (and first) series of collaboration with creative talents across different industries, who are invited to inject their own spin into the brand’s DNA. The first to kick-start the project? Italian fashion designer Alessandro Dell’Acqua, who is also the founder of N°21. Consisting of nine shoe styles and seven ready-to-wear pieces, the designer injected an extra edge into the pieces. The ballerinas and booties, in particular, were accentuated with extra details in the form of Tod’s signature ‘Gommini’ studs, and the former, complete with a velvet bow. All the pieces will be in a neutral colour palette, namely the brand’s tan, and Dell’Acqua’s powder pink and black hues. While Tod’s has yet to announce its second collaborator, you can expect capsule lines to drop a few times in a year, reflecting a new creative approach.

Take a closer look at some of the pieces by Alessandro Dell’Acqua on models Liu Wen and Edie Campbell below:
{insert gallery tpl=”slide-freesize.tpl” id=”[Стандартная] Tod’s by Alessandro Dell’Acqua” rid=”6603″ order=”a_tstamp”}

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Beauty
Bold and bright additions to prep your beauty look for Deepavali
Light it up

28.10.2016
By Wei Yeen Loh

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

Prepared to take on this weekend’s Deepavali highlights in your brand-spanking new festive getup? While celebrating the festival of lights, put your best face forward with these ultra bold and bright beauty must-haves that will complete your ensemble in no time. From M.A.C Cosmetics’ shimmery gold and copper eyeshadow hues to long-wearing matte lippies from Too Faced, these seven makeup essentials will guarantee a vivid, jaw-dropping look this weekend:
{insert gallery tpl=”slide-freesize.tpl” id=”Diwali Makeup” rid=”4530″ order=”a_tstamp”}

Related stories:
7 Things you can do this weekend: 29 – 30 October 2016
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Collections
In pictures: Paris Fashion Week SS20 Day 8 feat. Chanel, Miu Miu, and Louis Vuitton

02.10.2019
By Joan Kong

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

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7 Gary Oldman films you should not miss

Film, TV + Theatre
7 Gary Oldman films you should not miss
Screen chameleon

21.03.2016
By Su Fen Tan

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Tom Hardy calls him “his hero”, while the likes of Brad Pitt, Ryan Gosling and Daniel Radcliffe have cited him as one of their favourite actors. Gary Oldman turns 58 today, and we believe that like fine wine, he just keeps getting better. To celebrate the iconic British actor’s birthday, we are rounding up some of his best movies to date. It was a tough call, and regrettably some stellar works had to be left out, but someone has to do it. In chronological order, here are 7 films that should be in your not-to-miss list:

Sid & Nancy (1986)

This was his breakthrough film in Hollywood, and Oldman’s compelling lead performance in the powerful biopic as Sid Vicious, the bass player of The Sex Pistols, was only a hint of what he would be capable of in years to come.

Prick Up Your Ears (1987)

Another (tragic) biopic, another gripping performance by Gary Oldman—his role as British playwright Joe Orton earned him his first BAFTA Best Actor nomination and the Actor of the Year award by the London Film Critics’ Circle.

Bram Stoker’s Dracula (1992)

Oldman’s performance as Dracula arguably plays a major role in propelling the 1992 to its blockbuster status that year. That coupled with Francis Ford Coppola’s magic touch, makes the film one of the best adaptations of the novel to date.

Léon: The Professional (1994)

At this point, he is already well known for his versatile acting capabilities, particularly in playing antagonist roles. But his character in Léon, a corrupt and amoral Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agent called Norman Stansfield, rightfully goes down in history as one of cinema’s greatest villains.

Nil by Mouth (1998)

While he did not star in this film, it was his first (and only, so far) shot at writing and directing. It depicted the story of a family surrounded by domestic violence, drugs and booze—a fine achievement by Oldman that swept up a number of notable awards along the way.

Immortal Beloved (2004)

Delving deep into the role of the character he plays (as always), Gary Oldman captured Beethoven as a brilliant yet erratic figure struggling with his deafness and other obsessive demons to vivid effect.

Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy (2011)

Adapted from the novel of the same name by John Le Carre, this Cold War espionage film featured a stellar line-up of actors, including Colin Firth, Benedict Cumberbatch, Tom Hardy and John Hurt. It showcased another stellar performance by Oldman, one which finally earned him his first Oscar nomination.

Related stories:
Mark your calendars: Five (more) upcoming superhero movies in 2016
9 British television shows you should watch
9 Unexpected romances in unromantic films

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News
7 Things you can do in KL this weekend: 11 & 12 May 2019

10.05.2019
By Rachel Au

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

1. Weave a ketupat for charity at Pavilion KL, till 13 June 2019
We’ve previously established that ketupat-weaving is truly a form of art, and one that is possibly on the verge of being forgotten. We last attempted it via our Side by Side Challenge (watch it here) and boy, it was challenging. Unlike our challenge, Pavilion KL has an easier task: Learn how to create a decorative ketupat from them and passed it back. For every woven decorative ketupat, Pavilion KL will donate RM1 to charity.

2. Take Mum to any of these spots for a fantastic Mother’s Day special
From delectable afternoon tea sessions to wholesome buffet spreads, take your pick from here.
READ: Here are even more ways to celebrate Mother’s Day this year

3. Creative Whimsical Artisans and Designer Market: Ramadan at Lot 10, 10am – 10pm, 9 – 12 May 2019
It’s never too late to shop for Raya so if you’re looking for new Raya baju (even for the guys), accessories, beauty products and more, this is the market to visit.
For more info, visit their Facebook.

4. Preloved Is Reloved 7 at APW Bangsar, 10am – 6pm, 11 & 12 May 2019
APW’s beloved secondhand market is back and this time, they’ll be hosting 60 vendors ranging from clothes to jewellery to homeware to delicious food. You’ll definitely walk away with a bargain from here.
For more info, visit their Facebook.
READ: How to take care of your favourite fashion pieces so you don’t have to say goodbye to them

5. Special Mother’s Day with Cycle & Carriage at TREC KL, 10am – 5pm, 12 May 2019
If you’ve been thinking of getting Mum a new car (or maybe Dad has been thinking of it), this Mother’s Day will present the perfect opportunity. Besides exciting specials, mothers will also get to enjoy a complimentary hand massage and manicure; and when she/you test drives a car, a complimentary flower bouquet and a Mercedes-Benz tote bag would await.
For more info, visit their Facebook.

6. Craft Affair: Mother’s Day Edition 2019 at Main Place Mall @ USJ, 10am – 10pm, 10 – 12 May 2019
A market of arts and crafts products as well as a busy lineup of workshops that you and Mum can take part in.
For more info, visit their Facebook.

7. Visit the best bar in Kuala Lumpur, as officiated by Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2019
Can you guess which bar it is? Actually, three bars in KL made it into the list. Find out more here.

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Culture
NFTs in Malaysia: Meet 5 local artists and their digital artworks

01.09.2021
By Natalie Khoo

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Non-fungible tokens (NFTs) have been gaining traction in the Malaysian art scene of late, with several local artists making international headlines for their artworks. To get the unacquainted up to speed, an NFT is a digital certificate that represents an asset, such as art, music, videos, in-game items, and so on (you can read our 101 here).
In the past few months, Malaysia has seen the launch of its first-ever Crypto Art Week (CAWA Malaysia), an NFT marketplace named Pentas, and millions of ringgit worth of NFT sales. The variety of NFTs we’re seeing from local artists span from 3D animated worlds to internet memes to stunning illustrations of our culture and heritage.
For a glimpse inside the Malaysian NFT landscape, here are five Malaysian NFT artists and their most impressive digital artworks to know about.
Katun

Katun

Mythical Fruits

Garden of the Bloom

Earlier last week, Malaysian graffiti artist Katun (Abdul Hafiz Abdul Rahman) made waves in the local art scene when he sold two of his NFT collections for 127.6 ETH or approximately a whopping RM1.6 million in just 24 hours. He is also the first artist to launch an NFT on the cryptocurrency platform, Superfarm, which is co-founded by famous YouTuber elliotrades.

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A post shared by KATUN_ (@katun_)

Katun’s debut appearance in the NFT world included two releases, namely “Apes Stand Strong” and “Mystical Fruits”. The former is a limited-edition of 50 mints, which sold out in record time of 30 minutes; whereas the latter is an open edition of 776 pieces, which sold out in 24 hours. The artist’s total earnings from both collections makes it the most expensive batch of NFTs sold in one release by a Malaysian artist!
Check out Katun’s artwork on SuperFarm or follow him on Instagram @katun_ for more updates.
Red Hong Yi

Photo: Annice Lyn
Red Hong Yi is no stranger to the world of contemporary art, known for using everyday objects and materials to create larger-than-life art installations. Calling herself “that artist who paints without a paintbrush”, Red entered the NFT space in June with her take on one of the most iconic memes of this generation: Doge, the Shiba Inu. Titled Doge to the Moon, it was the first NFT from her Meme Banknotes Series, which comprises six spoofed banknotes from different countries.

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A post shared by red*hongyi 康怡 (@redhongyi)

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by red*hongyi 康怡 (@redhongyi)

Her inaugural NFT is based on the Chinese Yuan—a nod to China being the first in history to issue paper money during the Song Dynasty. It was minted and auctioned on the Binance NFT Marketplace for two weeks, with a top bid of 36.3 ETH, or roughly a little over RM320,000. The bidder “Anonymous_2la3” is now the proud owner of the NFT, as well as the physical copper plate and the printed banknote on silk.
Check out Red’s artwork on Binance or follow her on Instagram @redhongyi for more updates.
Ronald Ong

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Fashion
See the beauty of Dior through the brushstrokes of Mats Gustafson
Stroke of genius

16.02.2017
By Buro247

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Before glossies and studio photography, fashion—couture or pret-a-porter—was disseminated through works of illustration. But since the medium fell out of vogue in the second half of the twentieth century, the art form has faded to near obsolescence.

Dior has always appreciated the artistic expression—evident in collaborations between Mr. Christian Dior himself with the renown ’40s illustrator, René Gruau on advertising campaigns for the brand. Fast forward to 2012, Mats Gustafson, a Swedish illustrator, was chosen by Dior to recreate the magic of the previous century.

From the very first issue of Dior Magazine and in every edition since, the fashion drawings of Gustafson have delivered unique interpretations on the maison’s creations. The Dior woman, clad nuanced and romantic brushstrokes, relays fresh perspective on silhouettes and surface, at times, even movement.

The bound compilation will feature Mats Gustafson’s captivating pieces in watercolour, pastels, and collage, alongside a feature written by Tim Blanks on the revered relationship between artist and couture house.

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Art + Design
A walk through the most renown works of Vincent van Gogh
Post-Impressionism great

30.03.2016
By Su Fen Tan

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8 Best art galleries to visit in the Klang Valley

Here, we honour Vincent van Gogh by taking you on a visual walk through some of his most famous works, accompanied by quotes from the numerous letters written by the brilliant yet troubled Dutch post-Impressionist painter to his brother, Theo van Gogh:

The Potato Eaters, 1885. The Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam.

Painted in Nuenen, Netherlands, Potato Eaters depicts the harsh reality of peasants, with dark, gloomy palette of greens and browns and rough, scrawny subjects.
“I really wanted to make it so that people get the idea that these folk, (…) have tilled the earth themselves with these hands they are putting in the dish, and so it speaks of manual labour and – that they have thus honestly earned their food.”

The Bedroom, 1888. The Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam.

This is Van Gogh’s painting of his bedroom in the Yellow House, Arles, France. Simple furniture and his own paintings adorned the room. Van Gogh had hoped his paintings would bring comfort, thus the simple interior and bright colours.
“When I saw my canvases again after my illness, what seemed to me the best was the bedroom.”

Sunflowers, 1889. The Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam.

Part of a series of decorative still life of sunflowers painted for Paul Gauguin, in hopes of welcoming (and impressing) his fellow artist and friend – and he did. Gauguin thought the final painting was “a perfect example of a style that is completely Vincent”.

Self-Portrait as a Painter, 1887-1888. Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam.

Self-Portrait as a Painter was the last work Van Gogh produced in Paris. The French city had exhausted him both mentally and physically, as he portrayed himself “quite unkept and sad” in the painting. Soon after this, the artist set off in search of new surroundings in the South of France.

Red Vineyard near Arles, 1888. Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts, Moscow.

Van Gogh works were, sadly, ignored until after his death in 1890. Although he completed around 900 paintings in just over a decade, only one oil painting was sold while he was alive – The Red Vineyard. It was sold to Anna Boch, an impressionist painter and art collector from Belgium, at the annual exhibition of Les XX in 1890.

Starry Night Over the Rhone, 1888. The Musée d’Orsay, Paris.

Van Gogh painted this at the bank of the Rhone River, which was a one or two-minute walk from the Yellow House.
“The sky is aquamarine, the water is royal blue, the ground is mauve. The town is blue and purple. The gas is yellow and the reflections are russet gold descending down to green-bronze. On the aquamarine field of the sky the Great Bear is a sparkling green and pink, whose discreet paleness contrasts with the brutal gold of the gas. Two colorful figurines of lovers in the foreground.“

The Starry Night, 1889. The Museum of Modern Art, New York.

One of his most iconic paintings, Starry Night depicts the view from the east-facing window of Van Gogh’s asylum room at Saint-Rémy-de-Provence (he was admitted in 1889 after a breakdown that resulted in the self-mutilation of his left ear).
“I  (…) need a starry night with cypresses or-perhaps above a field of ripe wheat; there are some really beautiful nights here.”

Blossoming Almond Tree, 1890. The Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam.

This painting of delicate almond blossoms against a clear blue sky was done by Van Gogh for his new-born nephew Vincent Willem. It was the work that remained closest to the hearts of the Van Gogh family.
Fun fact: Vincent Willem went on to found the Van Gogh Museum.

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Fashion
New York Fashion Week AW16: Highlights of Day 5
Set sail

16.02.2016
By Wei Yeen Loh

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RECOMMENDED

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

There were interesting themes on the runway of New York Fashion Week AW16 Day 5: cowboy and pop art at Jeremy Scott, lady bosses in Tokyo at 3.1 Phillip Lim, and full-on nautical-themed everything at Tommy Hilfiger.

Kitsch is always on the moodboard of Jeremy Scott. There were oversized rhinestone buckle belts, plastic cowboy boots worn over fishnets, musical motifs such as guitars and music notes, and one sparkly pink tinsel-like coat—all in all a spectacle that veered towards sensory overload. Although the said inspiration for 3.1 Phillip Lim AW16 was Japanese-leaning, the collection also had predominantly sporty/military elements in hues of olive, rust, and black. Apart from kimono-like sihouettes spotted on dresses, quilted puffer jackets with velvet patchwork details along with a myriad of plaids made a few of the eye-catching pieces on the runway.

Meanwhile, notable names in the industry Lucky Blue Smith, Julia Restoin Roitfeld, Caroline Vreeland and Olivia Palermo set sail aboard the T.H. Atlantic (which resembled a sizable passenger liner from the 1930s) where Tommy Hilfiger presented a wave of nautical-themed clothes and accessories. He left nothing out, from sailor-knot chokers to sailor-collared frocks in various materials, whether silk or sequined alike—all modeled by a bevy of (you guessed it) IT girls including Gigi Hadid, Binx Walton, Hailey Baldwin and more.

It’s hard to be unpredictable when you’re known for flowy romantic pieces that are always ethereal and feminine. But Carolina Herrera kept up with that aesthetic while embracing technology and reinventing structure and movement of a garment. Despite a seemingly beautiful sight of frothy florals and  fabrics, there were 3D elements with cutout flowers that made the collection more springtime-worthy than anything else.

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New York Fashion Week AW16 Street Style Day 5: Classic monochromeNew York Fashion Week AW16: Highlights of Day 4New York Fashion Week AW16 Street Style Day 4: Statement accessories

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Culture
5 Simple tips for setting the dinner table this Christmas
Dress (the table) to impress

22.12.2016
By Su Fen Tan

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1. Choose a simple colour scheme—and stick with it
Sometimes less is really more, so perhaps toning down on the colours will be a wise choice. If you want to go with the season’s festive hues, we think rich festive greens on top of a white tablecloth will make for an elegant backdrop. Or take a leaf out of our book: at the recent Buro Christmas lunch, we featured a classic White Christmas theme complete with touches of blue and silver—it went with the setting of the room perfectly.

2. Keep it modest with the centrepieces
You can’t go wrong with flowers. Pick your lovely bunch, and place them in glass or metallic vessels. And as mentioned, less is more. Instead of lining the length of the table with blooms, position them sparingly for a polished look. Tip: Go for flowers that are reasonable in size and height—you want them below eye level when they are set on the table so guests won’t have to talk through them.

3. Light ’em up
Scented candles, too, make for pretty centrepieces. Tip: While dancing candlelights are charming, an overpowering aroma is not. Opt for candles that will give a soft, subtle fragrance to add festive warmth to the atmosphere.
#BuroPicks: Lime Basil and Mandarin candle from Sanctuary by Jasmine Gan

A photo posted by SANCTUARY by Jasmine Gan (@jasminegan.com_) on Dec 15, 2016 at 6:33pm PST

4. Spread a little festive cheer
For an extra Christmassy touch, sprinkle a touch of decorative ornaments like pine cones or baubles on the table. And since it is the season of giving, why not surprise guests with a little gift at their place setting? This S’mores Kit from Craft Kitchen will make for a cute gift. Place it on the chair so you won’t crowd the table.

5. Do one final scan
Before you wrap up, just give the table one last sweep to ensure every place setting has the plates and utensils (including ones for dessert) your guests will need for the entire meal, two glasses (one for water and another for wine) and drink refills at the ready—there is no harm in chilling that extra bottle of wine.

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Fashion
Best fashion moments from CW’s Gossip Girl

18.07.2019
By Stephanie Boey

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

Hey there Upper East Siders, your favourite guilty pleasure is making a comeback: HBO Max has picked up Gossip Girl for a reboot. The hit show premiered in 2007 and is based off Cecily von Ziegesar Young Adult novel series of the same name. The drama series ended in 2012, so it’ll be interesting to see how the show will be reimagined in the height of social media and the crux of the digital age. One thing we know for certain-the fashionable outfits will still be on point. We can only expect the best from the upper echelon of New York’s finest. Ahead, we take a walk down memory lane and reminisce on the most memorable outfits from CW’s Serena van der Woodsen, Blair Waldorf and gang.

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#WednesdayWishlist: Swanky sportswear

Fashion
#WednesdayWishlist: Swanky sportswear
Premium threads

19.01.2016
By Wei Yeen Loh

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

Cai Mei Khoo, Editor-in-Chief: Something from the next Riccardo Tisci x Nike collab

The Givenchy creative director’s previous collection with Nike in 2014 saw the fashion crowd and sneakerheads queueing for a pair of Air Force 1’s everywhere . Over the weekend, Tisci posted the above photo of Stallone (hey, good looking) with the hashtag #comingsoon. If his previous collection’s anything to go by, I already have my eye on the yet-to-be-seen Air Force 1 Low.

Jason Lim, Fashion Editor: Techloom Pro Running Sneakers by Athletic Propulsion Labs
Christmas was the banana peel that caused me to fall flat on my behind and after copious amounts of alcohol and endless feasting, I’ve gotten a little too comfortable in my sedentary position. Athletic Propulsion Labs (APL) first exploded onto the sportswear scene in 2009. Founded by twins Adam and Ryan Goldston, their basketball shoe was so advanced it was banned by the NBA for giving players an unfair advantage (the shoes helped players jump up to 3.5 inches higher). In 2014, the Goldston brothers launched a line of running shoes that applied a similar technology to that of their infamous basketball shoes. In test runs, their “Load ‘N Launch” technology took an average of nine seconds off runners’ mile times. These shoes are just the ticket to get me motivated and into the gym as in view of my extreme lethargy, I really will require all the help I can get.

Loh Wei Yeen, Fashion and Beauty Writer: Yoga bra and leggings from Live The Process

When it comes to gym attire, I’m one of the stereotypical girls out there who find that shopping for aesthetically pleasing workout gear is therapeutical and motivating at the same time. There’s nothing else more exciting than acquiring an entirely new workout ensemble and getting all psyched up for tomorrow’s Barre class. That said, this rose quartz inspired yoga bra and sports leggings from Live The Process is so pretty that it makes me want to wear it outside of the gym. Made from stretch-Supplex and Lycra, I’ll be busting some moves ultra comfortably while repping this year’s Pantone colour of the year as well (Rose Quartz!)

Jessica Fang, Culture Writer: Anya Hindmarch SS16 collection

Who says you have to be an athlete to look like one? Thanks to the popularity of sporty luxe, numerous designers have made this look available to just about anyone who can afford it. I’m particularly crazy over Hindmarch’s SS16 collection, which is strewn with those elegant long-sleeved body suits, the kind that would fit right into an Olympic diving or gymnastics event, complete with sports jackets, sweaters and backpacks. Though I probably wouldn’t want to do cartwheels in those knee-length boots or ankle cut-outs, it’s the fact that everything about these looks seems to make your legs look elongated and stunning… at least, on the models.

Rachel Au, Lifestyle Writer: The OMSignal sports bra

As a borderline couch potato, my wardrobe is adequately prepared for the number of times I exercise (once every three months). But after trying out the Nike+ Training Club app, I supposed I do feel like indulging in a few more activewear pieces (anything to motivate me, right?) and one that caught my eye recently is the world’s first smart bra! Made from stretchable fabric, mesh, cups and adjustable straps, the OM bra will literally be able to adjust to fit to your body changes. In addition, it tracks your biometrics to give you an insight to your performance thus far and gives you a push based on it to help meet your targets. Like I said, anything to motivate me, right?

Tan Su Fen, Editorial Assistant: Proenza Schouler printed swimsuit

The last swimwear I bought was from the kid’s department—that is just an indication of how long it has been since I’ve gone for a proper swim. But I have been thinking of hitting the pool again for quite some time now, in hopes it will help improve my terrible stamina, and this amazing swimsuit by Proenza Schouler just gave me one more reason to do so. Made to flatter, this sculpting one-piece with its tonal blue paint-splatter print will definitely keep things nonchalantly chic in and out of the water.

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Skincare
Taking care of my skin at home with the Curicare Haru LED Mask from Korea

26.05.2021
By Rachel Au

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At-home skincare devices such as LED light therapy masks are on the rise—but is it just a gimmick?

The short answer is no. Considering that I’m writing this review here versus on the brand’s website shows that my experience is a positive one. The beauty device in question is the Curicare Haru LED Mask from Korea. If you watched the Korean drama The King: Eternal Monarch, where Lee Min Ho’s character wore this huge Ironman-like LED mask, you should be pretty familiar with such LED masks. (If you’re interested, we did review that same mask here.) The Curicare Haru LED mask, by comparison, is lighter, smaller and easier to use.
Having been in this CMCO/MCO period, it has been ages since I had a facial and despite not wearing makeup as often as before, my skin does look like it has seen better days. There’s only so much that sheet masks and sleeping masks can do. Hence, the rise of Light Emitting Diode (LED) masks—originally touted as Instagrammable and celebrities’ luxury device—is only timely.
Traditionally, light therapy treatments at clinics are more costly and, thus, more effective. They’re able to penetrate deep into the skin to trigger cellular-level reactions. It can accelerate skin renewal, stimulate collagen production, reduce redness and inflammation, among many things. These procedures at clinics are often targeted and specific to the patient’s skin concerns. These LED masks can offer similar results (at a moderate level) for a more accessible price range within the comforts of your home. It also takes less time of your time.

WHAT DOES THE CURICARE HARU LED MASK DO?
Every LED mask is different. For this, Curicare Lab—and its group of Korea’s top technology development experts—has devoted 20 years of their experience and knowledge in the beauty industry to develop the Curicare LED Mask. While some LED masks can only penetrate the dermal layer up to 3mm, the Curicare Haru LED mask can go up to 7mm! As a result, the skin’s collagen production is boosted, and the skin’s brightness, density, elasticity and moisture levels are improved.
HOW TO USE IT

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A post shared by Curicare LED Mask 큐리케어 아시아 (@curicare.asia)

The Curicare Haru LED Mask is so easy to use. After all, the box comes with the mask, a stand, detachable eye shields, a charging cable and the user guide. Just cleanse your face, apply either a hydrogel mask or toner, tighten the mask around your face and press the (only) button at the top of the mask. Press again (and again) to select the mode of your choice. There are four customised modes to select based on your skin’s needs or preference:

Daily Mode — The all-rounder. It improves and strengthens skin’s elasticity and promotes collagen generation

Calming Mode — Great for those with sensitive skin as it soothes rashes and reduces inflammation that causes reddish spots and wrinkles. It improves the appearance of brown spots and freckles too

Secret Mode — Perfect for those who are sensitive to light or glare as it’s a light therapy with a non-visible light. It accelerates the healing process and the growth of cells why boosting collagen production and skin’s elasticity

Rhythm Mode — A 3-in-1 extensive LED therapy (combines red, yellow and NIR wavelength) that helps smooth wrinkles, promotes skin metabolism, and brightens the skin tone

Each mode runs for eight minutes and will automatically stop once the time is up. After that, it’s recommended to wash your face with lukewarm water and then apply your moisturiser.

THOUGHTS: YAY OR NAY?
I’ve yet to try other LED masks, but the Curicare Haru LED Mask is a winner in my books. For starters, it’s quick and easy. It only takes eight minutes, and I can use it daily or on alternate days. In that eight minutes, I’d just listen to music or podcast to disconnect just for that little while. I’d have to warn you, however, that if you’re a little claustrophobic like me, it might take a few times to get used to it. But because of the ‘ventilation window’ at the bottom of the mask, you can still breathe like normal.

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A post shared by Curicare LED Mask 큐리케어 아시아 (@curicare.asia)

In addition, the shape of the mask means the light therapy is applied from your hairline to the neck area. All bases are covered. And my eyes are pretty sensitive to light (and gosh, it is very bright even with my eyes closed), so it’s nice that there’s the Secret Mode option. After each use, my skin does feel a little dry, so my tip is to apply your heavier creams (don’t forget your serum!) once you’re done. The treatment also helps the skin to better absorb your skincare products. Because of this, I prefer to use the LED mask at night. To my surprise, the first morning I woke up, post-treatment, my skin saw almost immediate results. The skin felt more moisturised, firm and had a glow. I’ve also been having horrible maskne and blemished around my hairline, but their appearance was all reduced too.
On the other hand, my only gripe with it is that it’s hard to tell if I selected the right mode after putting on the LED Mask. This was especially true when I used the Secret Mode. I couldn’t see any lights, of course, and for eight minutes, I wondered if I was just wearing it while it was turned off. (It wasn’t.) This leads back to another pro of the Curicare Haru LED Mask. It turns off (or pauses) automatically if the mask is worn correctly and emits a small beep to let you know.

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A post shared by 큐리케어 공식 인스타그램 (@curicare.official)

FINAL THOUGHTS
Overall, I’m a convert. There are more pros to cons, and I see more results (and faster) with just a few uses. It’s incredibly lightweight as well. If you’re new to LED masks, the Curicare Haru LED Mask is a great entry-level device to get started with.
The Curicare Haru LED Mask is available at SGD$619 / RM2,600 via their website.

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Style
Editor’s picks: The most striking designs from Bao Bao Issey Miyake’s Spring/Summer 2020 collection

18.05.2020
By Joan Kong

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Japanese designer Issey Miyake is one of most creative visionaries in the world, and his Bao Bao Issey Miyake brand is a testament to that. Having debuted in 2000, the line was created based on architect Frank Owen Gehry’s idea of “shapes made by chance”, and the designer’s continuous experimentation with fabric and construction.
Created by fixing rigid triangles onto mesh fabric, the bags—that can lay completely flat—transform into different shapes when they’re in use. Fast forward 20 years later, it’s still one of the most loved brands around, thanks to its instantly recognisable design that is lightweight and versatile to boot.
Below, our favourite lines from the Bao Bao Issey Miyake Spring/Summer 2020 collection:
Maru Maru

Take your love for geometric shapes to another level with the maru (‘circle’ in Japanese) details that are inspired by an image of moving spotlights at a parade.
Lucent Metallic

The soft Lucent series has always been one of our favourites, but this season, the collection is updated with an array of pretty pastels for spring and topped with a metallic frosted material.
Platinum Mermaid

Any form of bling is always welcomed, and the Platinum Mermaid designs feature a combination of the mirrored details with an enamel texture. The silver-and-light-blue Bilbao tote radiates an “ice princess” vibe.
Gravity Paint

Want to carry a walking piece of art? The Gravity Paint series is created with action painting, where the ink runs down the bag and blends into other colours, resulting in a one-of-a-kind marble pattern.
Prism Frost

Like the Lucent series, the Prism line is also given a spring update in terms of colours, while the grey mesh and strap give it a softer finish.
Wring Bi-Colour

Designed based on a drawstring bag, the Wring backpack and shoulder bag turn into a rounded shape when they’re worn over the shoulder, thanks to the weight that creates a natural pull.
Lucent Gloss

Last but not least, for those of you who can’t live without punchy hues, the Lucent Gloss line is made for you. Referencing the Olympics or a colourful parade, this sporty series can elevate the simplest of outfits.

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All hail the mighty lard

Food + Drink
All hail the mighty lard
Porky goodness

22.01.2016
By Buro247

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I remember the concomitant sensation of trepidation and euphoria that enveloped KL when the first pork restaurants began to open around town more than a decade ago. Of course, Chinese restaurants had been doing pork since time immemorial, but these were pork-centric eateries, with pork as the centrepiece, and with food that had as its provenance such diverse territories as Italy and France. Most exhilarating of all was the tacit knowledge that these early eateries would be game changers and would pave the way for others to follow, and follow they did.
It’s a testament to our government that despite the national religion these restaurants were allowed to operate so freely and prodigiously, and it heralded a new era in dining, where chefs had room to experiment with culinary genres and produce cuisine that was as daring as it was delicious. One of the earliest players to enter the fray was Sanbanto (32, Jalan SS2/63, Petaling Jaya, +603-7876 1728). With a pork farm—whose key USP was hormone-free premium pork where the meat had been cold-chain treated to eradicate the porcine stench that besets other less privileged pork specimens—it made sense for them to have a brick and mortar business to showcase their products, ergo a retail counter was complemented by a restaurant in which pork was unabashedly the star of the show. Though the food lacked finesse and had a pronounced problem with over-seasoning, punters cast their vote and the answer was a resounding ‘ay’. The rest, as they are wont to say, was history.

Naughty Nuri’s
But has pork-mania, improbable though it may appear, finally begun to subside? Have we reached the end of a protracted cycle for this beloved meat? Ostensibly, pork restaurants are still going gangbusters, with Bali’s Naughty Nuri‘s (2, GF, Jalan 20/70A, Desa Sri Hartamas) looking set to open yet more outlets and boldly taking up the challenge of resuscitating the rib fever that had for so long entranced diners. With char-grilled meat-that-falls-off-the-bone-ribs as its calling card and a plethora of naughty cocktails, Nuri’s appeals to a younger audience that had missed the boat the first time round, when eateries like Checkers (19, Lorong Setiabistari 2, Damansara Heights) titillated diners with naughty graffiti that proclaimed “praise the lard” and hearty dishes like their garlic and barbecue sauce-smothered Lord of the Ribs had diners enthralled.

Speak to the proprietors of freshly rebranded Bliss (erswhile Riblee’s, a rib institution that quietly went about its business for more than a decade) Gastrobar (41-1, Wisma CKL, Jalan 23/70A, Desa Sri Hartamas, +603-6201 0180) and you’ll get an entirely different picture. Their menu, though revamped, continues to be dominated by pork, and they’re confident that their nasi lemak babi berempah featuring pork slices coated with spices and then fried to produce a supremely satisfying morsel will be just one of many dishes that will persuade diners to remain faithful to their porcine persuasions.

Stoked
But it’s Stoked (Jalan Kasah, Medan Damansara, +603-2096 1645), ultimately, that will set the benchmark for others to follow in this next epoch of porcine dining. Also a rib-centric restaurant in previous incarnations (variously The Rib Shop, and Ribs by Vintry, though both were owned by the same proprietor who now helms Stoked), Stoked no longer focuses exclusively on pork ribs as its raison d’etre. Rather, it has been reborn with a sense of purpose, and the food that’s delicately charcoal-smoked in the impressively hefty Bertha oven is a masterclass in gastronomic excellence. Showcasing such stunners as their beautifully restrained but thoroughly compelling rosemary Iberico ribs and orgiastically fatty but wonderfully refined Duroc pork belly, Stoked is owner Yin How’s succinct coming-of-age statement as a restaurateur, where food, service and menu have been comprehensively finessed, and collectively set a benchmark that other restaurateurs can only hope to aspire towards. With Stoked leading the charge, it’s inconceivable that pork will go gently into the good night quite just yet.

Follow Fay on Twitter and Instagram at @misskhoo.

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Men's
Valentine’s Day: Gift ideas that he’ll *actually* appreciate

05.02.2022
By Redzhanna Jazmin

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Lookfantastic
Beauty Box Valentine’s Scent Edit For Him, RM314.50

Is your beau a fragrance fanatic? Even if not, this delightful scent edit is the perfect way to treat him to a well-rounded olfactory experience. This set features five incredible mini-sized fragrances, including Jean Paul Gaultier Le Male Eau de Toilette and Scandal Pour Homme Eau de Toilette, and Paco Rabanne 1 Million Eau de Toilette, Paco Rabanne Phantom Eau de Toilette, Paco Rabanne Invictus for Him Eau de Toilette.
SHOP HERE
Trudon
Balmain X Trudon Candle 270g, RM695

The limited-edition version of this best-selling collaboration is a great gift for his space this V-day. The Balmain X Trudon Candle scent is an evolution on the brand’s Ernesto scent—that of masculine cedarwood, gunpowder, and cigar notes—blended with a floral and feminine flourish that makes it the perfect staple in any home office, studio or lounge.
This particular one-off creation reimagines the stunning candle in a warm crimson hue with gold stripes for a modern yet luxurious addition to his home decor.
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Art + Design
First look: You can now book a stay at street artist Banksy’s first ever hotel
Surprise debut

06.03.2017
By Gwen Ong

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As per his usual practice of dropping surprises with his work, Banksy gave a preview of his first art lodgings called The Walled Off Hotel that is located on the West Bank in Palestine. The 10-room establishment is the artist’s first foray into hospitality and it is quite an unusual one. The Walled Off Hotel looks out to the Israeli’s West Bank Separation Wall with the upper floors facing the Israeli watch towers. Yup, the view is really something!

What is Banksy without some dystopian twist right? The hotel features a statue of a monkey bellhop to welcome visitors at the main entrance, a piano lounge that comes equipped with CCTV cameras while the dorm-style accommodations are modelled after military barracks. The Presidential Suite on the top floor boasts a big red bed, a small cinema room and has a Jacuzzi in the middle.
{insert gallery tpl=”slide-freesize.tpl” id=”Banksy Walled Off Hotel” rid=”4886″ order=”a_tstamp”}
The artist himself decorates each of the rooms. In one mural, a pillow fight between a soldier and protestor is seen above a luxurious bed. While other decorative artwork includes a painting showing Palestinian children swinging around the Israeli watch tower like they’re on a carousel.

In true Banksy fashion, no one had any idea that the hotel was being built and it threw even the Palestinian officials off when it opened its doors suddenly last week. The Walled Off Hotel is reportedly a genuine accommodation lest you think it is part of an extensive installation like his previous theme park project, Dismaland.

The Walled Off Hotel employs 45 staff and will highlight works by Palestinian artists as well. Rates start at US$30 (RM135) onwards for the bunk-bed room and bookings can be made from 11th March 2017.

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Beauty
Adidas goes green with the Z.N.E Zero-Dye range
Sustainable tech

21.04.2017
By Su Fen Tan

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The new adidas Athletics Z.N.E Zero-Dye range, as the name suggests, features apparels created using a no-dye process, saving resources by using materials in their natural colour. This sustainable technique shows adidas’ respect for the environment, while still aiming to provide premium comfort to athletes, helping them find focus as they go from the street to the game.
Zero dye process = less water waste
A new campaign tagline accompanies the Z.N.E Zero-Dye range, fronted by leading adidas athletes, including footballer Paul Pogba, track and field athlete Tori Bowie and tennis player Coco Shilin. The tagline – “Find focus on what really matters” – reflects adidas’ concept of finding focus and making athletes conscious, not only of their performance, but also the environment that surrounds them.

The adidas Athletics Z.N.E Zero-Dye range features the Z.N.E Zero-Dye Hoodie, available in short- and long-sleeved options, and Z.N.E Shorts, now available online and in stores.

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Inside the Atelier: Fern

Features
Inside the Atelier: Fern

28.08.2019
By Joan Kong

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Think of batik and chances are the traditional geometric and floral patterns on indigo and brown fabrics will come to mind, but in recent years, many designers aim to change that by radiating a trendier appeal with their designs. With her tagline “The New Batik”, Fern Chua, in particular, is making waves in the industry. I remember first discovering Fern at a Riuh bazaar two years back, where her contemporary yet minimalist batik pieces caught my attention. Fast forward to now, the brand has opened its first flagship store in Bangsar, and if you’ve yet to check it out, you should. To get to know more about the brand, we paid a visit to Fern’s workshop in Rawang, where we had a behind-the-scenes look at the batik-making process, and I even got to experience making my first batik piece.
The brand has been around since 2013, how did it come about?
It actually happened accidentally. About 10 years ago now I met a car accident, where I had two tendons and median nerve cut on my left wrist, and that really impacted my hand movement for six months. During that period of time I really thought about what I wanted to do, so I decided to pick up sewing to rehabilitate my hand movement. One thing led to another, from there I actually bought some batik materials from Central Market and I fell in love with it. I made it into a sundress and I thought to myself “Hey there’s something more interesting than what it seems to be”, and I decided to move on to that path. So that really gave me the whole inspiration to learn more about batik. Few years later, I stumbled across this brand called Ruzz Gahara. They create all these beautiful batik textiles, and I fell in love with their work. We actually did a collaboration and tried to sell it in Singapore, and also in KL, and the response was great. Not long after, I enrolled myself in a competition called Fashion Pitch by My Creative Ventures, and I won the competition. So that’s how the ball got rolling from there.
What’s the one big difference between your batik and the traditional batik?
Batik has evolved into something more freeform. It’s great, but unfortunately it has always been very floral-ish and traditional in a sense that the colour combination is usually quite loud, so of course, it’s very hard for people to be receptive towards the idea of batik. I’ve always thought about what I can evolve it to, and how can I use my inspiration to develop patterns and colours that we actually use for the collection.

How’s the process of making one of your batik pieces like? Does it differ from the traditional batik?
I always tell the story of my travels or things I come across through every collection, so I would snap a lot of pictures of the nature, the landscape, or something that catches my eye, and I would share these pictures with my team. From there, we would brainstorm the colour combinations, fashion trends, and things that people tend to like. I’m known to be the rebel when it comes to batik-making, I don’t submit myself into doing canting work. I usually use all sorts of tools, down to sponges and brushes—anything I can translate the wax onto the fabric.
Can you tell us more about your latest collections?
The Coral series is a little different from the previous collections that I’ve done. I brought my team to Perhentian Island, and we went diving with GoPro cameras, snapping pictures of the corals everywhere we went. It’s so fun because in terms of developing patterns and colours, it’s always best to refer it to nature and not just Pinterest. During the trip, I also realised that the corals are dying, and it’s really heartbreaking. So when we released the collection during Raya, we also gave back to the Perhentian Marine research project. We wanted to educate our customers that this problem is real, and we need to do something to preserve our nature.

As for the upcoming Fern collection, it holds dearly because my name is Fern (laughs). When we were planning the launch for our flagship store, I knew that I’d like to dedicate a collection to my dad who’s a big fan of nature, and who named me after fern. Unfortunately, he has passed away. It has always been emotional for me whenever I talk about him, but only recently I realised that my love for nature was because of my dad. So when I develop patterns, it’s actually based on all these elements he has taught me, and I want to dedicate the collection to him.
What do you think are some of the biggest challenges you face, not only as a batik brand but as a fashion brand to thrive in Malaysia?
The thing with the batik industry is that it’s getting more saturated in terms of florals and abstract prints overused, but it only comes down to the core—how do you be different, how do you be unique. For me, it’s about creating your own patterns, down to the colour combinations. To see what technique actually works, and to be able to do something different than what another batik-maker is doing.

Can you tell us more about your flagship store in Bangsar Village II?
A flagship store has always been a dream of mine; I am very grateful that the dream is now a reality. Fern’s flagship store is designed to be very welcoming and comfortable for our customers, we want to offer them a physical space where they can browse our collection, try the pieces as well as customise them. One main highlight of the store is our lounge area. Here, customers are able to have a one-on-one consultation with our staff to fully customise a piece of their own. I believe for a brand like mine, it is important to have customers really experience our pieces in a physical space as opposed to just looking at images online. With the Fern Batik + Artisanal Collective Flagship Store, we are also able to bring in other designs from local and international artisans. These accessories really complement my pieces, and I’m also always looking for ways to try to help out other artisans’ brands.

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What’s your proudest achievement so far? After winning the Fashion Pitch back in 2013 and starting my label, it’s honestly very overwhelming to be where I am today. I have received such great support and positive feedback from loyal customers as well as prominent people in the batik industry. I am truly thankful for all of this, it is great to see that all my hard work and efforts all these years has paid off. Opening this flagship store is, to date, my highest achievement. And all of this is possible because of the support I have.
What’s next for the brand? We are looking to launch a few more collections in the coming months, so watch out for it! One of which will be the Fern series.
Below, the final product (which I’m very proud of!):

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Fern is located at UGF-17A, Upper Ground Floor, Bangsar Village II, No. 2, Jalan Telawi 1, Bangsar Baru, 59100 Kuala Lumpur.

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