Film, TV + Theatre
Midpoint review of ‘Mystic Pop-up Bar’: Is the Korean drama worth watching or is it skippable?

04.06.2020
By Ronn Tan

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*Minor spoilers ahead*
Following a multitude of successful popular Korean dramas in the past few months—including The King: Eternal Monarch and The World of the Married, there were high expectations for Mystic Pop-up Bar. Now that it’s available on Netflix, it’s also a lot easier to watch, especially for those who are not in South Korea.

Mystic Pop-up Bar premiered on 20 May 2020 and stars Hwang Jung-eum, Yook Sung-jae, Choi Won-young, Lee Jun-hyeok, and Jung Da-eun. In addition to being BTOB member Yook Sung-jae’s last project before he enlisted for the military, this is also Hwang Jung-eum’s first drama since 2018’s The Undateables. Oh, Sung-jae also sang Love Resembles Memories for the series.

So, here’s the question: is Mystic Pop-up Bar worth your time or should you just skip it? Let’s have a look!
The first episode began by making up the base of the story with lots of plot points—and this is completely normal in Korean dramas. In Episode One, viewers get the impression that the dark tone at the beginning of Mystic Pop-up Bar would set the precedence for the rest of the show. The episode began with Wol-ju (played by Hwang Jung-eum) and her tragic past—including the death of her mother and an otherworldly curse.

Although audiences are treated to a darker start than expected, what’s next is exactly what you’ll notice from the trailer. We’re now in a different dimension and you’ll see “Mystic Pop-Up Bar 99990” on a sign—highlighting the fact that Wol-ju needs to help another 10 people with their dreams and grudges to reach 100,000. It’s fun, energetic, and quirky. The humour only gets better as the episode progresses.
Yook Sung-jae’s character is Han Kang-bae. He works at the supermarket and has the ability to make others pour their hearts out when he touches them. You get to see the crux of his character’s personality which will come in handy in future scenes. There is something about Kang-bae’s clumsiness that’s endearing to me—and I know I’m not the only one.

From the get-go, viewers are treated to a vibrant and creative show—filled with action, laughter, and visuals (the cinematography and the cast). What’s immediately clear from Episode One is that Mystic Pop-up Bar isn’t just another light-hearted Korean drama; the show will also be touching on some really heavy subjects that are common in society, such as depression. Is this excitement reflected in the next few episodes?
Without a doubt, Mystic Pop-up Bar is cleverly written. In addition to being exciting and fun-filled (not to mention colourful), the Korean drama also has a way of making you feel for the characters. Expect a rollercoaster of emotions. It touches on grievance, regrets, happiness, death, and celebrations, among others. Every episode features a different mission; each with its own lesson and theme.

The backstories are heartwarming and packed with life philosophies. We learn that everyone has issues and worries. Just because someone appears carefree does not mean that they are completely fine. Mystic Pop-up Bar places a lot of emphasis on that.
Even when some scenes are rather slow, the plot of Mystic Pop-up Bar deserves a standing ovation. I think it’s really brilliant how writer Ha Yoon-ah managed to bring so many dimensions together without looking gaudy. Of course, a drama won’t be as good without amazing actors and the cast brought out their best. I’ve adored Hwang Jung-eum since Kill Me, Heal Me and She was Pretty. Like many others, I was really excited to watch her again. Although I have never seen Sung-jae act (not even in Goblin), I remember when BTOB first made their debut in 2012.

So, is Mystic Pop-up Bar worth watching or should you spend your time on something else? I think it’s clear from the above that my answer is the former. This is a Korean drama that you should definitely watch. It’s magical yet relatable, and quirky yet full of passion. It’s not your usual rom-com. Just like The King: Eternal Monarch that’s currently airing, I look forward to new episodes every week. Six more to go! What are your thoughts?
Mystic Pop-up Bar is available on Netflix with weekly episodes every Wednesday and Thursday at 10pm.
For a review on Extracurricular, click here.

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Food + Drink
7 Best cafes to explore around Jalan Telawi, Bangsar for brunch
For your next cafe hop

27.03.2023
By Kye Lin Lung

Featured images: @vcrlovesyou / Instagram | @aroundthecoffeeshops / Instagram

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There’s something about the vibrant neighbourhood of Bangsar that makes it a hotspot in KL, and its delightful array of cafes and eateries certainly add to its charm. In particular, the Telawi area is a haven for coffee enthusiasts and foodies alike, with its diverse selection of cafes serving up delicious brews and delectable bites.
Whether you’re looking for a cosy spot to catch up with friends, a quiet corner to work, or a stylish setting for a date, this list of the best cafes around Bangsar’s Telawi streets has got you covered. From chic and trendy cafes with Instagram-worthy decor to quaint hole-in-the-wall spots with delicious homemade pastries, there’s something for everyone on this list.

1. Antipodean Bangsar

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If you ask anyone about where to go for brunch at Jalan Telawi, one of the popular spots would be Antipodean. This long-time neighbourhood cafe brings a taste of New Zealand’s and Australia’s cafe scene to the bustling Bangsar neighbourhood. On the extensive menu written on the walls of the cafe, you can find a variety of savoury and sweet options from hearty breakfasts and fresh salads to sandwiches and burgers, so there’s bound to be something to satisfy everyone. If you’re not sure where to start, some of their top menu items include the signature Big Breakfast and the Banana Bread French Toast. Other than that, no visit to Antipodean is complete without a cup of signature coffee that uses its own roasted coffee beans sourced from small growers all over the world.
Address: 20, Jalan Telawi 2, Bangsar, 59100 Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 7am to 8pm daily
Contact: 03 2282 0411
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2. VCR

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VCR is also another popular name in the cafe scene, especially with its offshoot of newer establishments such as VCR Bakehouse and VCR Ritchie, to name a few. This cosy neighbourhood haunt is a favourite for those catchups over their delicious coffee. Most patrons would start their day with the cafe’s Big Breakfast or Pennsylvania’s Soul—and we think you should too.
Address: 31, Jln Telawi 3, Bangsar, 59100 Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 8am to 11pm daily
Contact: 03 2201 0011
Facebook | Instagram | Website

3. Nutmeg

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A well-known spot among the mall dwellers of Bangsar Village, Nutmeg is known for its wide variety of unique cakes, all-day breakfast, and western menu. Though the seating is limited, the friendly waiters there would make you feel welcome with their great service. If you are wondering which cakes you should try here, we recommend the Coconut Moonlight, Malted Clouds (think Maltesers), and for a local touch, the Cempedak Cake.
Address: UGF-28A, Bangsar Village II 2, 2, Jalan Telawi 1, 59100 Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 9.30am to 10pm daily
Contact: 03 2201 8230
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4. SWÔL

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Featuring an all-white and contemporary design, Swôl is a bistro cum event space that’s a must-visit to feed your minimalist dreams. The interiors are like an art museum where you’ll be sitting on round boulder-like chairs and have your drinks and light bites served on modern tables. In terms of the menu, the bistro serves an assortment of patisserie such as macarons, croissants, pain au chocolate, and even indulgent cheesecakes from the Cheesecake Factory. You’ll definitely want to order a cup of coffee or matcha to go with those bites!
Address: 34-1, Jalan Telawi 2, Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 8am to 8pm (Mondays to Thursdays) | 8am to 10pm (Fridays to Sundays)
Website | Instagram

5. Hani Eatery

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Sip on your cuppa among broken walls and vintage, unique decor pieces scattered around the eclectic Hani Eatery. The cafe serves a mix of Japanese fusion dishes such as rice bowls, and udon along with breakfast sandwiches (until 5pm only). One of the bestsellers to try is the Salmon Dashi Don—rice served with salmon, sautéd vegetables, corn, nori flakes, dashi soup, and bonito flakes. As for dessert, the Chocolate Scone Tart with Salted Strawberry offers an intense and gooey chocolate filling balanced with homemade salted strawberry jam.
Address: 20A, Lorong Ara Kiri 2, Bangsar, 59100 Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 10am to 9pm daily (closed on Wednesdays)
Contact: 011 1136 5396
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6. Urban Daybreak

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Urban Daybreak is another crowd-favourite spot in the Jalan Telawi area where you can go to have a taste of an authentic Australian brunch and feel right at home. The cafe also keeps things interesting by switching up its brunch menu every now and then so you have a chance to sample new items whenever you visit. Some of the cafe’s latest dishes include Cured Salmon with Chopped Eggs, Fish Schnitzel, and a vegan version of Avocado Toast. But if it’s your first time visiting, you have to try everyone’s favourite—the Fried Chicken Waffles and Urban’s Big Breakfast.
Address: 11, Jalan Telawi 5, Bangsar, 59100 Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 7.30am to 5.30pm daily
Contact: 03 2303 0172
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7. Peep Coffee in Vernakular Store

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Located inside Vernakular Store, Peep Coffee is a welcoming cocoon from the heat and post-retail therapy. As you walk into the store, you’ll be welcomed by the smell of coffee and a selection of stylish watches and sunglasses. If you’re feeling peckish after perusing the store’s curated accessories, take a seat at one of the cosy corners and nosh on dishes such as tuna and cheese melt, grilled vege and cheese melt (meat-free), PB & jelly with banana, and more while sipping on freshly brewed speciality coffee.
Address: Vernakular Store, 33, Jalan Telawi 3, Bangsar, 59100 Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 9am to 11pm daily (closed on Mondays)
Contact: 018 465 0733
Facebook | Instagram

For more cafe spots, head here.

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Fashion
The Buro Edit: The fashion team styles each other in 3 Pre-Fall 2019 trends

31.07.2019
By Joan Kong

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We get it, defining the Pre-Fall season can be confusing. There’s no organised schedule, and the collections consist of pieces that are great for summer, and some, to prepare you for the impending autumn. But what we know for sure, is that it has that buy-now factor, thanks to the tried-and-proven trends from the existing hits we cannot (and should not) get enough of. The three trends we’re shining a spotlight on in this video aren’t exactly new, but as we said, this season is where familiar styles and prints make a comeback, proving that they’re not going anywhere anytime soon.
Tie-dye
A continuation from Spring 2019, tie-dye proved that its revival is one that we should all take note of. We understand that it’s a daunting trend to work with—yes, we remember those oversized rainbow T-shirt back in the ’90s—but trust us when we say that elevation is key. From the combination of colours to silhouettes that are much more polished, rocking tie-dye this season can be chic and sophisticated too.
On Steph:
#1

Caption: Shirt, Topshop. Dress, Topshop. Bracelet, Swarovski. Sneakers, stylist’s own.
Tip: Don’t be afraid to go print-on-print. Incorporate your favourite print (in Steph’s case, Hawaiian motif) into your look to give the tie-dye an interesting contrast, but keep it in softer shades to avoid looking OTT.
#2

Caption: Blazer, stylist’s own. Sweater, Uniqlo. Dress, Topshop.
Tip: Tie-dye can look polished too. Just throw on a blazer and a sweater in tonal hues and you’re good to go.
On Joan:
#1

Caption: Denim jacket, Uniqlo. Shirt, Topshop. Jeans, Uniqlo. Bag, Coach. Hairpins, stylist’s own.
Tip: If the typical tie-dye is still intimidating, test the waters with other options such as this shirt in an orderly print that adds a vibrant touch to the simplest of looks.
#2

Caption: T-shirt and boots, both Coach. Shirt, Topshop. Jeans, Uniqlo. Watch, stylist’s own.
Tip: To take it one step further, throw on more colours (in this case: a girly powder pink T-shirt) to tune up the style ante.
Plaid
The classic print will always have a special place in our heart, but this Pre-Fall, it’s one of the top trends to note. Typically associated with preppy back-to-school looks, we’ve styled plaid in two ways to highlight its versatility. One, a casual-cool outfit in plaid head-to-toe that’s great for Casual Fridays, and the other, a schoolgirl-inspired ensemble with a cool-girl twist. There’s a style to suit every taste.
On Steph:
#1

Caption: Shirt, Uniqlo. Pants, Michael Kors Collection. Bag and heels, both Cos. Watch, Swarovski.
Tip: On Casual Fridays, rock an oversized shirt that’s messily tucked into a pair of matching trousers, and to seal it with a feminine finish, rich maroon accessories will pull the look together nicely.
#2

Caption: Cardigan and booties, both Coach. Shirt and skirt, both Uniqlo. Bag, Tory Burch.
Tip: We love to go preppy once in a while, and you can count on a knitted cardigan and an A-line skirt to do the trick. The colourful tote uplifts the mood, and the pair of black booties add that bit of cool edge.
Boiler suit
One of the main reasons why we’re obsessed with boiler suits? They make dressing up ridiculously easy. Relaxed yet statement-making, the utilitarian trend has been making their rounds on the sidewalks since SS19, but we’re not ready to let it go just yet. If you have a petite frame and worried about your proportion, fret not. Opt for a piece with cropped hems, and always remember to finish your look with a pair of heels.
On Joan:
#1

Caption: Boiler suit, Topshop. Watch, Swarovski. Pearl hairpins, earrings and loafers, all stylist’s own.
Tip: Give the workwear uniform a sophisticated update with some bling and luxe leather loafers. Result? An outfit that can be worn from day to night.
#2

Caption: Boiler-suit, Topshop. Maxi skirt, Cos. Necklace, Swarovski. Pearl hairpins and heels, both stylist’s own
Tip: Think boiler suit can’t be worn two ways? Think again. A maxi skirt that sways with every move is an ideal pick to give the jumpsuit an added silhouette.
Credits:
Videography: Shepherd Pictures
Styling and coordination: Joan Kong and Stephanie Boey
Art direction: Yi Suen Chong
Hair and makeup: Gan Chu Fan and Ling Chong

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Watches
Only Watch 2021: The most unique timepieces to keep an eye on

22.07.2021
By Kelly Lim

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Watch collectors, connoisseurs and lovers of beauty, take heed. The ninth edition of Only Watch returns this year with a spectacular line-up of one-of-a-kind horlogerie creations.
Taking place every two years, the biennial charity auction invites luxury watchmakers to create unique one-off timepieces in order to raise funds for research into Duchenne muscular dystrophy, a genetic disorder that affects approximately six in every 100,000 people. Since 2005, the Only Watch auction has raised over 70 million euros across its previous eight editions. Its 2019 edition saw the sale of a distinctive steel Patek Philippe wristwatch at approximately 26 million euros, which broke the world record for the most expensive watch ever sold.
This year, the auction takes place on November 6 at the Four Seasons Hôtel des Bergues in Geneva, hosted by Christie’s and under the patronage of Prince Albert II of Monaco. Below, we’ve rounded up highlights to look out for:
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Jumbo Extra-Thin Only Watch

The last of its kind, this dedicated piece is the official send-off for Audemars Piguet’s iconic 15292 sports model since announcing its discontinuation this year. The final 15202 is cased in a new sandblasted titanium and will also be the last unique piece powered by their ultra-thin Calibre 2121 automatic movement, first introduced on the Royal Oak of 1972. The watch above also features a bulk metallic glass bezel, which is a first for Piguet, to upgrade its body with immense strength and resistance to wear and corrosion.
Bvlgari Octo Finissimo Perpetual Calendar Tantalum

Bvlgari has broken seven world records with watches from the Bvlgari Octo Finissimo collection across the seven years since its first release. For Only Watch 2021, the one-of-a-kind piece is recreated in rare tantalum with a 2.7mm miniature calibre alongside a deep blue dial to echo its metallic casing. A graphic design of the month of November recalls the Only Watch abbreviation in a symbolic shade of colour, as an acknowledgement to the charity auction, and features perpetual calendar functions: retrograde date display, retrograde day, month and leap-year indication.
Chanel The J12 Paradoxe Only 2

Black or white? You no longer need to choose as the French luxury house will be offering two of its iconic J12 Paradoxe timepieces in a unique matte black and pure white ceramic. Its unique design relies on a technical challenge that requires cutting two highly resistant ceramic cases of different colours without breaking them to join them together. The pair also boasts a COSC-certified chronometer and is equipped with the self-winding Calibre 12.1 movement that’s manufactured exclusively for the Maison.
READ MORE: Why Chanel’s J12 was, and continues to be, ahead of its time
FP Journe X Francis Ford Coppola FFC Blue

This brainchild of celebrated filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola and the equally acclaimed watchmaker was birthed over dinner, through a discussion on whether a human hand could tell the time in a watch. And so, with a chrome blue mechanical hand as its dial, the automatic Octa Calibre 1300, a legendary model by François-Paul Journe, is refreshed on its 20th anniversary. The tantalum-cased prototype gleans its power source from the watch’s mainspring and features digital hours indicated by the automaton hand, in which fingers will appear or disappear in several positions to tell the time.
Hermès H08 Only Watch

In keeping with the Maison’s masculine codes, their Only Watch offering is a nod to the wondrous worlds of graphics, mathematics and metaphysics. Angles and curves merge in sports-inspired lines and softened curves in a titanium casing alongside original font numerals. Two interpretations are available in a play of deep colours and iconic orange, arriving in a single box.
Louis Vuitton Tambour Curve GMT Flying Tourbillon Only Watch

For the upcoming auction, a new version of Louis Vuitton’s Tambour Curve GMT Flying Tourbillon is unveiled in shades of warm and vivid orange. Powered by an automatic-winding LV 82 Calibre, the new timepiece’s bold and graphic look is made up of a red-to-yellow face gradation and indexes set with orange baguette-cut sapphires. Coming with it is also a house signature in the form of a customised Monogram canvas trunk hand-painted in Only Watch colours.
TAG Heuer Only Watch Carbon Monaco

First produced in the ‘70s, TAG Heuer’s iconic black Monaco Dark Lord is reimagined as a unique carbon fibre piece to bridge the House’s heritage with its philosophy of innovation. Carbon dominates this timepiece as the material makes up not only the case and its skeletonised dial but also its hairspring, for the first time in the Heuer 02 calibre model. Its distinctive gratte surface is hand-finished through 10 different techniques to give the impression of a chequered flag, alongside a huge sapphire case back mounted to make it all visible.
Tudor Black Bay GMT

A definite one to watch each year, Tudor’s 2021 entry is a twist of its popular Black Bay diver’s watch, seen in a striking case and bracelet finish made of aged stainless steel that gives it a special stonewash effect. Powered by a MT5652 Manufacture Calibre, the timepiece is Master Chronometer-certified—which means it’s anti-magnetic to 15,000 gauss, accurate to within five seconds a day, in addition to its stated water-resistance and power-reserve.
Richard Mille RM 67-02 Charles Leclerc prototype

Richard Mille’s RM 67-02 prototype was developed by a desire to create a “second skin” for Ferrari F1 driver Charles Leclerc. With a white and red Quartz TPT case and an extra-flat calibre CRMA7, this sporty piece recalls the sharp lines and colours of Leclerc’s world. It’s completed by a seamless strap in a bright red that’s also the lightest strap the brand has ever created, making the prototype the lightest automatic of the House’s collections. Additionally, the winning bidder of the watch will also receive two passes for the next F1 Monaco Grand Prix as VIP guests of Scuderia Ferrari.

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Fashion
Cat-eye wonder: Bottega Veneta presents the Felis sunglasses
Limited edition

17.03.2016
By Su Fen Tan

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This season, Bottega Veneta presents Felis, an exclusive pair of new cat-shaped sunglasses limited to only 500 numbered pieces. The blissful matrimony of tradition and elegance is a constant in the luxury house. As is the intrecciato motif, which has become a brand signature and a representation of outstanding craftsmanship. Borne of passion and expertise, Felis features the iconic motif on the upper part of the black frames, hand-weaved in the finest acetate by artisans of Bottega Veneta.

Modern and feminine, the Felis sunglasses is complemented by the world’s thinnest polarised mineral lenses, seven barrels integrated plaque hinge and a customised hand-woven leather case with a matching box. Watch the intricate making of Felis below:

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Maier and Meier head to New York for Bottega Veneta Cruise 2016

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Makeup
How do you fix “bad” brows? A guide to owning your face framers

14.07.2021
By Redzhanna Jazmin

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How to nail the Barbiecore look (and everything you’ll need to do it)

Have you had a bad run-in with a set of tweezers? Did your at-home waxing session go very, very wrong? Fret not—it happens to the best of us, and we’re here to make light of a hairy situation (sorry, too soon?).
Ahead, we’ve compiled all the overzealous situations that may have led to the unfortunate demise of your dear face framers, as well as all the options you have for reincarnation:
You’ve gone too hard on the tweezing

We’ve all been here. You think you’re plucking a few stray hairs here and there, and before you know it, you’re missing half of your brow! Unfortunately, there is no instant cure for overplucking—however, not all hope is lost.
The fix: The obvious solution here is to fake it ’til you make it grow it back. An assortment of brow pencils, brow mascaras, and clever stencilling can do wonders in masking your oopsie. Of course, in the meantime, it’s worth looking into supplements for brow growth, such as lash serums (yes, they work!).
READ: 8 Lash serums that *actually* work (and ship to Malaysia)
Plan B: If it’s a section of your arch or the tail of your brow that’s missing volume, you could opt for a volumising fibre brow gel to mask the sparseness.
Try: Dior Diorshow Pump ‘N’ Brow – Squeezable Brow Mascara
You’re still recovering from the ’90s

If you were a proud purveyor of the pencil brow of the ’90s (and noughties), you may be struggling with a case of the “my brows won’t grow back” blues. The bad news is that, unfortunately, if your brows haven’t grown back by now, they’re probably never coming back. The good news is that makeup tattoos are significantly more sophisticated in 2021.
The fix: Try microblading on for size. It’s a tattooing technique that involves etching hundreds of tiny hairs into your skin to imitate brow hairs (convincingly, when done right). It lasts around 12-18 months, with a couple of touch-ups in between.
Plan B: Brow shapes are constantly coming in and out of fashion (pencil brows were also the hot new trend in the roaring ’20s, FYI), but regardless, 2021 is the year of embracing the unconventional. Everything from bleached to skinny brows is in, as long as you have the attitude to carry it. If your brows won’t grow back, commit to them and wear them as they are!
You left the bleach on your brows for too long

We get it—you were trying something new, and it just doesn’t work for you. Bleached brows are an art, and the results just aren’t for everybody.
The fix: It may not be that the bleached look looks bad on you—the issue may just lie in the tone of your newly lightened brow hairs. Are they too yellow? Try neutralising the unwanted hues with purple shampoo or toner. However, if you’re convinced that the problem is the lightened brows themselves, you can always remedy the situation with a little beard dye. Just make sure you’re colouring within the lines! (Writer’s tip: Coat any exposed skin with petroleum jelly to prevent the dye from staining where it shouldn’t).
Try: Bleach London Pearlescent Shampoo
Plan B: Alternatively, try going wild with your brows—you’ve made it this far, after all. You have the whole spectrum of colours to choose from with this one; pink, blue, purple, or green. Get creative!
You’ve overcompensated too much with the brow tint

Okay, so we definitely did not intend for your little colour correction to go so very sideways. We should probably stress that it’s important to follow the instructions on the box, and to keep checking your dye’s progress periodically—eek! Either way, you’re stuck with brows that are a little too dark now and, ironically, you’re pretty much at the opposite pole from where you began.
The fix: Firstly, chill out for a second. The immediate colour of a brow tint is hardly ever the exact hue you end up with. Wait a week and you may be surprised to find that your brows have lightened up and returned to a normal shade. If not, the good news is that the tint will eventually fade. The bad news is that it could take anywhere between three to eight weeks. So, that’s a possible stressor in your life. Don’t panic, though: In the meantime, try using brow gels in lighter shades to lessen the impact of your power brows. Further, try gently scrubbing your brows for a minute with a clarifying shampoo—the more you wash, the faster the dye should fade. Alternatively, if the offending colour is the result of your skin having been dyed, try approaching the area gingerly with an oil-based cleanser.
Try: Benefit Cosmetics Ka-BROW! Eyebrow Cream-Gel Colour
Your brows are all over the place

Okay, so this may not be any fault of your own. Sometimes, genetics dictates that our eyebrow hairs grow in at odd angles. There isn’t much you can do about your genes, but there are a few things you can try cosmetically.
The fix: If you haven’t heard of brow lamination, it’s like a perm for your brows, only this perm makes your hairs lie perfectly straight in one direction. Think of it as a permanent soap brow.
Plan B: If you aren’t ready to commit to the whole brow lamination process, try getting your mitts on a good brow gel instead.
Try: Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Freeze
Your brows have grown in… lopsided

This one only really applies to those of you out there who are predisposed to uneven brows. While the general consensus rightfully dictates that you should leave all brow shaping to a pro, the ongoing lockdown leaves us with little opportunity to see our go-to’s. Ergo, the responsibility of grooming thus falls on us. It’s easy enough to maintain a brow shape, as long as you’re diligent about picking up stray hairs and grooming regularly.
That said, no one is perfect, and sometimes, adult priorities just do not align in our favour. One day you wake up, and your once sisterly brows have become complete strangers. Now, it’s important to note here that most brows are uneven. That’s totally normal. However, if—like this writer—you find that one of your brows is thicker or straighter than the other (before you hit the brow salon, of course) here is a foolproof workaround for the issue.
The fix: Get a fringe. Not one of those cute microbangs, or those trendy curtain bangs. Live your Zooey Deschanel life and commit to the full, straight-across action to hide your uneven brows. Alternatively, if you’re nifty with a brow pencil, you could always fill in the thinner and/or sparser areas to create the illusion of an even brow. Of course, this only works if you’re already blessed with a certain skillset, so if you aren’t—get those scissors out.
READ: How to cut your fringe without ruining your hair/life — 5 important lessons I’ve learned
Find more makeup tips here.

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Travel
Travel bucket list: 5 reasons to visit Iceland
Nordic gem

04.11.2015
By Su Fen Tan

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Guide to ETIAS: The new travel pass for Malaysians visiting Europe

From majestic fjords to fancy seafood feasts, Iceland is truly an adventurer’s paradise. We wish we could cover them all, but here are 5 reasons why a trip to the Nordic island should be right up there in your bucket list:

1. Waterfalls

Iceland is home to some of the most beautiful waterfalls. There are a variety of them; some enormous and powerful, some small and quaint in comparison, but they are all magnificent. On sunny days, you might just catch the classic sight of the waterfall with a rainbow (or two) at Skógafoss, while Svartifoss poses a spectacular sight with cascading waters surrounded by geometrically-shaped black lava columns.

2. The northern lights

Watch the aurora borealis illuminate the night skies in winter—the bright, colourful dancing lights are sure to take your breath away. The best season to catch this wondrous natural occurrence is from September to mid-April. It is, admittedly, a rather unpredictable attraction, but a real added bonus in the event of an encounter.

3. Ice caves

Also known as crystal caves, the ice caves in Icelandic glaciers are a breathtaking sight to behold. Ice caving tours are the way to go. A mesmerising winter phenomenon, it will serve as an unforgettable experience as you delve into one of the many wonders of nature.

4. Geothermal pools

When in Iceland, do as the locals do—take a dip. Soak up the Icelandic tradition and enjoy a relaxing bath in one of the many scenic geothermal pools, a great way to unwind after a long day of exploring. Set in the heart of the beautiful Icelandic landscape, Blue Lagoon is one of the most visited tourist attractions around, and for good reason. If you’re looking for a more quiet experience, the tranquil Laugarvatn Fontana is a wonderful alternative.

5. Icelandic cuisine

Lamb, dairy and seafood make up the basis of Icelandic cuisine. Some of the best dishes include Hangikjöt (smoked lamb), skyr, Satlfiskur (salt-fish), and the iconic Icelandic hotdog. We don’t know about you, but smoked lamb sounds really good right about now.

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Music
Listen: Two Door Cinema Club’s new single, ‘Are We Ready? (Wreck)’
The boys are back

15.06.2016
By Su Fen Tan

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As with most Two Door Cinema Club tunes, the new single is catchy, but with a more experimental pop vibe to it. It sounds like a fresh take on their original style, and we are already excited to see what the rest of the album has in store for us (it is slated for a 14 October release). It is the perfect lead-up to their gig at Good Vibes Festival here later this year. Trust us, you’ll want to catch them live, it’ll be worth it.

But before that, take a listen at the brand new track ‘Are We Ready? (Wreck)’ here:

Two Door Cinema Club’s upcoming album ‘Gameshow’ is now available for pre-order here.

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Lifestyle
Balmain collaborates with Beats by Dr. Dre for a gold-tinged ‘Urban Safari’ collection
When fashion meets tech

20.07.2017
By Su Fen Tan

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On Wednesday, Beats by Dr. Dre unveiled news that delighted the fashion savvy and bass-loving audiophiles alike: the brand has collaborated with Balmain to give the Beats Studio Wireless headphones and Powerbeats3 Wireless earphones a makeover.

Inspired by Balmain Creative Director Olivier Rousteing’s vision for an ‘Urban Safari’, the special editions Beats come in two colourways; ‘Safari’, a rose gold-tannish colour, and ‘Khaki’, the brand’s signature khaki green—both with sleek metallic gold accents, of course. ‘Safari’ is now available on the Apple store, while ‘Khaki’ will retail on the Balmain site and its New York and Los Angeles stores.
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“The best of music can only be paired to the best in design,” says Olivier Rousteing. “Seeing music and fashion as completely intertwined simply reflects how my generation grew up—we simply cannot conceive of one without a full helping of the other.”

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Postcard from Paris: It’s play time at Hermès’s annual theme launch

02.07.2018
By Cai Mei Khoo

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Invitations are usually a telling indication of what to expect at an event. For the launch of Hermes’s annual theme, the invite came looking like an oversized playing card, but what caught me in a state of uncertainty was the dresscode. The invite requested guests to ‘come overdressed’. Now, what did that mean by Hermès’s standards, and given that the theme was ‘Let’s Play!’, what to expect? Were there competitive games involved? Do I wear heels or sneakers (all the better to run to the finish line in)? Should I wear feathers and sequins or ruffles and clashing print? So many possibilities to consider! In the end, I went with the latter, tying two printed scarves together to create a top, matched with heels, which were probably more suited to the ‘overdressed’ dresscode; plus I can still run in these low pumps, should there be need for me to.

Bonjour! We’re here in Paris for the launch of @hermes’s annual theme, Let’s Play! More on Stories #hermes #paris #hermesletsplay #buro247my
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While in name a ‘hotel’, the Hôtel Salomon de Rothschild is actually a mansion located close to the Arc de Triomphe that dates back to the late 19th century that was later bequeathed to the French government. In creating the ultimate ‘play’ house, Hermès presented the ‘game’ in all its forms: board games, musical quiz, illusions and charades, casino, and televised games were brought to life. A group of actors were interspersed with guests, playing out various roles including a magician, who suddenly produced a lighter from my left shoulder, which he used to light up a piece of tissue, and upon extinguishing the fire, transformed it into a rose, Romeo and Juliet, and a Mrs Smith looking for her lost dog. Upon arrival at the mansion, we were greeted by a receptionist sat at a fancy bureau, who would make a phone call to double check our invites, and then proceeded to announce our arrival with a hailer. Above us, Juliet was on the top floor balcony professing her love for Romeo, who turned out to be standing right next to me—I had been too fascinated by the receptionist’s grand gestures to notice Romeo’s metal armguard.
At the entrance hall of the Hermès mansion, guests were greeted with two live sphinxes, aloof as they were, with their dark bobs and thick Kohl-lined eyes. We ascended the stairs into the first room where there was a lively wheel of fortune game going on, hosted by two presenters. Across from that, was ‘Oops La La’, a hallway of plastic limbs sticking out from various heights in the wall, which we threw foam hoops at but missed terribly. The heavy velvet curtains at the end of the hall opened up into a bar and a stage setup, where an Elvis lookalike and his wife were performing and hosting a musical quiz.
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A sign that said ‘jousting’ pointed out the door, so I went out towards the garden at the back, where the stage had been set for  ‘verbal jousting’. The ‘judge’ would pick a word and the jousters had to get off the stage and ask the audience for a related word, get back on and compete. The jousters would then race past each other, shouting out their respective words, with the judge announcing the winner.

Having lost out to ‘Yorkshire’, as in pudding, I’d said ‘chocolate’ (dessert was clearly on my mind), I went back into the mansion, into the ‘Fast and Hilarious’ room, where there was a remote control car race. Set up to look like New York City, complete with skyscrapers and a King Kong running about, the race was about completing the most number of rounds around the track in 3 minutes. I redeemed myself by coming in tops, and getting a coconut from King Kong as my prize. Across the hall, at ‘Get Lucky or Die Trying’, we each received a stack of playing chips which we spent on blackjack and roulette (‘all on the colour black, please!’).

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After having our photos taken at the ‘Celebrity’ photobooth, we headed upstairs to find ourselves in the ‘Sit and Run’ room—essentially a game of musical chairs, led by a lanky dancer with a brilliant afro. I successfully got halfway into the game, and then was eliminated by someone who had a more efficient slide-and-bump-off maneuver than I did. In the final room ‘Skittle Dog’, we had to choose from a line-up of dog soft toys of different breeds and slide them home, hitting down 6 bowling pins along the way. It wasn’t as easy as it looked—perhaps my terrier didn’t have enough to eat as it was too light to even hit down a single pin in the first try (his fault, not mine).

“My cousin, CEO of Hermès, Axel Dumas, said ‘Beware, because we live in a VUCA world – volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous,” says Pierre-Alexis Dumas, artistic director of Hermès. “So I decided to pick some of the most creative brains at Hermès and we came up with ACVU, the antithesis to VUCA. ACVU stands for audacious, crazy, vogueing, unique and ‘uriginal’. We want to be creative, and we want to play. The essence of play is to be inspired, and hopefully to be inspiring. And this is our answer to the VUCA world.”
“The essence of play is to be inspired, and hopefully to be inspiring.”—Pierre-Alexis Dumas, artistic director of Hermès
For a luxury maison so steeped in history, one that is sometimes mistakenly perceived as straight-laced and serious, Hermès’s annual theme reveals a facet of the brand that perhaps might not always be seen or known, or that one might immediately associate with the brand—the idea that behind these meticulously crafted, highly desirable leather goods, and clothes of the most luxurious fabrics, ‘play’ is well and alive.

“Play—because playing means being together, because it’s a way of learning about ourselves and others, a way of letting chance have its say, of both controlling and letting go,” says Pierre-Alexis Dumas. “Could we create, could we invent, could we even just imagine if we didn’t play? Certainly not at Hermès in any case, where our first comrade in play was the horse. Who knows, maybe that is the secret of our longevity. For a hundred and eighty years, this house has never stopped playing.” Coming from a brand such as Hermès, that could just be my new perspective for both work, and life.

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Ermenegildo Zegna opens a global store on New Bond Street
Back to square (metre) one

23.11.2016
By Buro247

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Claiming a coveted spot on New Bond Street—a London block of the most internationally storied fashion houses—Ermenegildo Zegna unveils a Global Store that spans four floors and over 600sqm of luxury retail space.

A façade of red and grey marble beneath a wall of red bricks tips its hat to the English heritage while capturing the distinguished character of the brand. The notion of refinery continues within the store. Leather goods and luxury collections of ready-to-wear are featured in the midst of polished rosewood fixtures and wall treatments in timeless cerused ashwood.
On the second floor, Ermenegildo Zegna Couture basks in a dedicated space of ivory and ecru, punctuated by gauged mahogany and black oil-quenched steel while spotless mirrors reflect precision tailoring of Zegna’s formalwear.
Su Misura, a bespoke service—the ultimate offering by Zegna—can be found on the very top floor, impeccably furnished for exclusivity and privacy.
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#MondayMontage: Unique fitspiration

Lifestyle
#MondayMontage: Unique fitspiration
Amazing abilities

04.10.2015
By Buro247

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Most fitness inspiration accounts are of incredibly fit and toned people in gyms, which might make us feel intimidated or unable to relate to their lifestyles. To give you a more wholesome view to the term “fitspiration”, here are three unique Instagram accounts that will encourage you to look at exercise differently and inspire a more inclusive approach to working out that you can practice in your daily life.

1. Rachel Brathen
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On her Instagram account Rachel Brathen demonstrates that yoga can be practiced anywhere, whether you’re at the beach, on a cliff side, or on a surfboard. Follow Rachel to see her in different poses against beautiful backdrops in Aruba, where she resides, and get motivated to start practicing this healing exercise in your daily life.

2. Mary Helen Bowers
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Mary Helen Bowers is a professional ballerina and a celebrity fitness guru who was responsible for training Natalie Portman in her Academy Award-winning role in the Black Swan. Although she has amazing credentials, what we really love about her Instagram account is that her passion for ballet is so strong that she even dances while (heavily) pregnant.

3. Race With Reason
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Race With Reason is a non-profit organisation that raises funds for charities that are fighting diseases and developing new products and inventions to better the medical world. Anyone who posts a run on Instagram and tags them will earn money for a charity that supports a disease. If that is not motivation enough to start running (and posting about your run), their Instagram feed is filled with gorgeous photos of people running in nature that will surely inspire you to put your running shoes on and get moving.

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Lifestyle
7 Things you can do this weekend: 8 – 9 April 2017
So many things, so little time

27.03.2017
By Rachel Au

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

1. Hanami Market at Loushang Bar & Cafe, Damansara Utama, 10am – 8pm, 7 – 9 April
Can’t make it to Japan for the sakura season? Drop by this flea market instead where they’ll be celebrating it with exciting flavours of spring with a hint of Japan culture (for example, sakura-inspired cocktails), various Japanese crafts and items.
For more info, visit their Facebook.

2. A Place Where Preloved is Reloved: A thrift market by APW at APW Bangsar, 12pm – 6pm, 8 April
From clothes to accessories to household goods, there’ll be a wide variety of vendors selling their preloved items. Oh, and there’ll be food trucks too!
For more info, visit their Facebook.

3. Creative Mornings KL with food stylist Trisha Toh at Uppercase Bangsar, 10am – 12pm, 8 April
Trisha Toh is a pro at making food even better than it already is. A prop and food stylist, her Instagram boasts over 100k followers and it’s not hard to see why. Join the next session of Creative Mornings KL where she will be giving a talk to share more about her work.
Free admission. There’ll be tea and coffee (bring your own mug), as well as light breakfast treats. For more info, visit the event page.

4. Tearista: Tea Brewing Skills workshop at Barista Guild Asia, Ara Damansara, 9am – 1pm, 8 April
Learn the proper art of preparing tea and the its different types and flavours in this foundation course.
Fee is RM120. For more info, visit the event page.

5. Candlelight Picnic at Taman Jaya, 5.30pm – 8pm, 8 April
The KL Japanese-English Language Exchange is organising a small get-together where they’ll try their best to replicate yozakura (nighttime sakura viewing) with candles at the park. You’ll get to make new friends enjoy an evening of fun conversational exchange in Japanese and English.
There’s no participation fee but you are required to bring food as it’s a potluck gathering. For more info, visit the event page.

6. Battle Blooms: Album Release Show at Playspace LIVE, Damansara Perdana, 9pm – 12am, 12 April
Support local talents as indie band Battle Bloom is doing a special show to celebrate the release of their debut album ‘Maps and Diagrams’.
Entry is RM35 (includes CD and an exclusive lyric poster). For more info, visit the event page.

7. Go cafe-hopping
We’ve rounded up five new places you can visit here.

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Beauty
1.6 in 1,000 children in Malaysia has autism: Can autism be cured though?

27.04.2021
By Rachel Au

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Before I answer that question, it’s essential first to know what exactly is autism. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) falls under the Pervasive developmental disorder (PDD) cluster, which is a chronic and lifespan disorder. Generally, a complete recovery may not occur, and as such, there is no cure for ASD too.

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How to diagnose an individual with ASD
According to the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, Fifth Edition (DSM-5)1, the standardised criteria include:

Persistent deficits in social communication and social interaction across multiple contexts, such as difficulty with social communication initiation and normal back-and-forth conversations
Developing, maintaining, and understanding social relationships and non-verbal communications
The individual has restricted and repetitive patterns of behaviours such as repetitive motor movements, use of objects, or speech, insistence on sameness and inflexible adherence to routines, fixated interests, or strong attachment to unusual objects
Hyper- or hypo-reactivity to sensory inputs such as temperature, noise, lights, or movements

These conditions vary by each individual and may exist in a spectrum.

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How to help someone with autism
So far, there are no treatments that have shown to be able to cure ASD effectively. However, several interventions have been developed and studied for use with young children. These interventions are designed to help reduce symptoms, improve cognitive ability and daily living skills. They’re also able to maximise the potential of the individuals, enabling them to participate in the surrounding community.

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One of the most used psychological interventions is behaviour intervention strategies, which helps an individual with ASD in the following areas of their everyday life:

Social communication skills—especially at young ages when the child would naturally be gaining these skills
Reduce the restricted and repetitive behaviours and interests

The last one, in particular, is a specific technique called Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). It has been widely used among healthcare professionals and schools because it encourages positive behaviours, and discourages negative ones. In this way, it can improve a wide variety of skills.
Some children may also need speech and occupational therapy to assist with their attention, vocalisation, and socialisation. At the end of the day, individuals with ASD require individualised treatment plans. There is no one-treatment-for-all. It depends on the person’s age, strengths, challenges and differences.

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5 Extraordinary Malaysian activists that have made a difference

27.05.2019
By Ronn Tan

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We have all seen the news. We are witnessing an increasingly thorough age of activism. Regardless of age, gender, sexuality and class, activists all around the world are giving their all with the end goal of obtaining justice and change. There is a new generation of activists and society needs to continue to embrace as well as join the fights for rights. In 2019—with a larger global village and smaller digital divide—it is immensely easier to take action and effect change whether it is social, political, economic or environmental.
Nelson Mandela. Gloria Steinem. Malala Yousafzai. Martin Luther King, Jr. Tarana Burke. Leonardo DiCaprio. Ai Wei Wei. We have all heard the names of these prominent figures who fought for change in their respective fields. From ensuring that girls are given the right to education to championing to end apartheid to starting a female empowering movement, these activists have taken their roles seriously so that our generation, and the generations that follow, will be able to prosper in the right environments.
Ladies—and men—let’s get in formation. Gather around this bonfire and sing a song or two. Applaud the men and women who have done tremendous work to effect change, including our own Malaysian heroes. Can you name some of the Malaysian activists at the forefront of change in the country? These figures are icons who not only changed the nation, but also inspired a whole new generation of social justice warriors. Let’s take a look at these Malaysian activists that have made a difference.
1. Irene Fernandez

As the founder of Tenaganita—a non-profit offering refuge and help to migrants, refugees, women, and children from exploitation, human trafficking, and unfair work practices—Irene Fernandez is a bona fide champion. Even though she has been harassed and sent to prison for her activism, she did not give up on defending those who were not able to fend for themselves. Irene might have passed away in 2014 but her legacy goes on as Tenaganita continues to promote and protect the rights of marginalised and vulnerable individuals who have no voice in this globalised world.
To learn more about Tenaganita, visit here.
READ MORE: With a new Malaysia comes a higher female presence in the cabinet

2. Ambiga Sreenevasan

Every Malaysian knows her, and if they don’t, they should. Her name is synonymous with the fight for a cleaner and fairer political landscape. As a lawyer and human rights advocate, Ambiga Sreenevasan helped to ameliorate the Federal Constitution so that under Syariah Court, women’s testimonies are of equal weightage to those of men. As a recipient of the US International Women of Courage Award in 2009, Ambiga takes her role as an activist seriously; especially as the former chairperson of Bersih 2.0 which aimed to reform the electoral system in Malaysia to ensure free, clean and fair elections. Despite the controversies and hatred by some surrounding her, Ambiga prevailed and did not give up. Currently, she is the president of Hakam, Malaysia’s National Human Rights Society.
READ MORE: Ambiga also received an award from the United Nations

3. Jerome Kugan

Even though LGBTQ rights are practically non-existent in the country, it did not deter Jerome Kugan from speaking out. He founded Seksualiti Merdeka—a sexuality rights festival—that ran from 2008 until the former government banned the festival in 2011. He is also known for his book Body 2 Body: A Malaysian Queer Anthology, which made headlines when the government decided to seize the books. At a time when LGBTQ rights are improving in many other countries such as Taiwan, the United States, and Germany; it is encouraging to know that the Malaysian LGBTQ community has a representative at the frontlines.
READ MORE: 8 Malaysians share their hopes for the new Malaysia

4. Michelle Yeoh

Most Malaysians know Michelle Yeoh as the beloved actress from films such as Crazy Rich Asians, Memoirs of a Geisha, and Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, as well as, numerous television series such as Star Trek Discovery. However, the former Bond girl is also a staunch advocate of wildlife conservation. In 2015, the Hollywood film legend vowed to help promote the preservation of Sabah’s endangered species to the world, including turtles and coral reefs. As the Malaysian Ambassador for Orangutan Conservation, Michelle Yeoh has continuously utilised her role with utmost respect as she educates the public on the importance of wildlife conservation.
READ MORE: Michelle Yeoh isn’t just philanthropic, she’s also a style icon

5. Nisha Ayub

As the winner of the illustrious International Women of Courage Award in 2016 (the second on this list), Nisha Ayub has been fighting to effect change for, not only the LGBTQ community, but specifically also for transgender rights. Nisha’s legacy is highlighted by her constant efforts to fight Malaysian laws that were injurious to the interest of people to live in peace without being persecuted. Similar to many activists, local and beyond, Nisha has been imprisoned and as a result, she never stopped counselling people, providing legal supports, as well as, addressing their health and welfare issues.
Fun fact: She also has a species of sea slugs named after her.
READ MORE: How much has changed a year after the change of government?

We ought to be proud of these activists who have fought very hard and with zest in order to effect change. As fellow Malaysians, it is our duty to join them and other activists because the fight for change is an ongoing process. We have seen improvements, and we have also, unfortunately, witnessed decisions that pushed the nation backwards. However, with magnanimous hearts, there is no doubt that justice will prevail, regardless of the issues that are being fought for. Remember to learn from each other and to always stay updated with the latest information—it is the digital age after all. This is a salute to every single person who have played their parts, regardless of backgrounds and concerns. It’s an ongoing battle and we’re all part of it.

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Fashion
Paris Fashion Week AW18: Highlights of Day 9
Power finale

04.03.2018
By Joan Kong

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Chanel

{insert gallery tpl=”slide-freesize.tpl” id=”[Стандартная] Chanel AW18″ rid=”6006″ order=”a_tstamp”}
Who: Front row faces include Keira Knightley, Carla Bruni, Marc Jacobs, Peter Marino, Liu Wen, Jay Chou and wife, Hannah Quinlivan
Where: The Grand Palais, as per usual. This time transformed into a forest beneath the nave, with real trees, and the floor covered with autumn leaves and moss.
What: It being the largest show during Paris Fashion Week (in terms of number of guests), the Chanel show is always such a spectacle with showgoers (ie. customers) dressed in their Chanel best. That clear PVC raincoat from SS18 you saw in the window? Already on a few ladies’ backs at the show.
The Low-down: Each season, the Chanel invite offers a clue as to what to expect at the show. For AW18, the invite featured a red maple leaf, and by literal interpretation of ‘Autumn/Winter’, Karl Lagerfeld turned the Grand Palais into a forest filled with a slew of desirable looks, perfect for a stroll through the forest, and more. Particularly delightful were the oversized outerwear pieces with slightly exaggerated shoulder, tuxedo jackets transformed into dresses with oversized lapels that ended either at mid-thigh or grazing the ankles, cosy-looking knitted capes, and fabulous faur fur short jackets. Between the more generous-cut, and the bright colour pops throughout, there was something fresh, and vibrant in this new collection—perhaps it’s also that Autumn/Winter is the season of change, and Lagerfeld is looking at the clothes through a renewed lens. “Chanel, it’s life itself, clothes that have a possibility of life.”
Buro Loves: The breathtaking show set, elongated classic tweed jackets, metallic culottes, the tracksuit look, faux fur jackets, aged gold knee-high boots.

Miu Miu
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Who: Elle Fanning made her catwalk debut by opening and closing the Miu Miu show. Other models who walked the show include Georgia May Jagger, Hanne Gaby Odiele and Slick Woods.
Where: Done by M/M Paris, the show space featured giant white screens that were printed with illustrations of alphabets and portraits of women.
What: The retro influences were complemented with beehive hairstyles and winged liners.
The Low-down: Miu Miu’s collection this season caters to women of different personalities, with ’60s and ’80s influences peppered throughout. Outerwear wise, there were candy-coloured overcoats and tweed jackets, contrasted with leather coats with puffed sleeves and stonewashed denim. But regardless of the style, most looks were worn with white socks and Mary Janes that gave a sweet finish. Colour wise, take your pick from the wide range of colours offered, from fail-proof monochromes and girly pastels to bold hues. Miuccia Prada’s idea of layering up? Pile on the layers over your décolletage, and flaunt ’em pins. When it came to dressier looks, retro-glam ruched floral numbers took the reign, with tasseled scarves that reminded us of quirky feather boas.
 Buro Loves: A trend to try this AW18? Double buckled belts.

Louis Vuitton
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Who: Arguably the most star-studded FROW of Paris Fashion Week, stars such as Emma Stone, Michelle Williams, Jennifer Connelly, Lea Seydoux, Sophie Turner, Chloe Moretz and Jaden Smith came out to play at the Louis Vuitton AW18 show.
Where: The show was held at the private Lefuel Court in the Louvre—a courtyard built in the ’50s for Napoleon III—that features a horseshoe-shaped staircase that was transformed into a spaceship-like platform.
The Low-down: In a quiet attempt to join the #MeToo movement, creative director Nicolas Ghesquiere sent down oh-so-feminine looks that were inspired by women from the past, present and future. The line-up was made up of classic staples and urban silhouettes—Victorian coats and lace-up corset belts appeared alongside sporty stripes, and blazers came with sharp lapels and embroidered collars. Skirt-suits were given an edge, with a leather fringed top layered under, worn with a pair of graphic harness heels that are made for the modern-day women. “Sometimes we thought that to empower women in a cliché way was to put men’s clothes on her, but we forget some very strong women were wearing very feminine outfits. I love this idea also to explore that, to have women that changed the world and that were not dressing like men,” Nicolas Ghesquiere told WWD backstage.
Buro Loves: The striped details that were strategically placed on shoulders, sleeves and waist. Zoom in on the accessories and you’ll notice the shiny arm candies that complemented the futuristic elements of the show.

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Fashion
#SupportLocal: The meaningful Christmas gift guide your loved ones will appreciate

11.12.2020
By Joan Kong

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

Christmas is officially in two weeks, and if you’ve yet to start gift shopping for your loved ones, it’s time to get started. From fashion to beauty to lifestyle presents, our gift guides will give you plenty of suggestions. But if you’re looking for something that’s extra meaningful, we rounded up a list of #supportlocal gift ideas your friends and family will appreciate. After a tumultuous year, homegrown businesses will need your support more than ever.
Check out our list of stylish local picks below:
Khoon Hooi
For her: Chiasa bag, RM193 – RM295

Crafted from upcycled brocades, the Chiasa mini bag is finished with a fabric knot that’s an ode to the traditional Japanese bento bag. It’s a conversation-starter, that’s for sure.
Shop it here, or in-store at its APW Bangsar boutique.
MYJN
For her: Garcia cuff bangle, RM219

Handcrafted in gold vermeil, the dainty cuff is perfect for those who love all things minimal.
Shop it here.
Related: 24 Minutes with the founders of MYJN, a Malaysian demi-fine jewellery brand that has a minimalist core
Fern
For her: Haka blouse, RM325, and Hakika skirt, RM765

These co-ords are from Fern’s latest collection, The Safari Series. Psst… The top can be worn both front and back!
Shop it here.
Related: Inside the Atelier: Fern
Wanderlust + Co
For her: Space Letter necklace, RM1,014.10 onwards

The Space Letter necklace lets you pick up to 10 letters per piece, and it comes in sterling silver or plated in 24k gold. Alternatively, the brand has also launched a Kaleidoscope collection that features a range of lifestyle products, including a bead kit (that’ll get your craft on), and bucket hats and baseball caps that read “Survived 2020”—how apt.
Shop it here.
Related: The initial jewellery trend is back and these are the chicest pieces to shop right now
Alia B.
For her: Hope set, RM332

This culottes set strikes the right balance between style and comfort—we love how it exudes a sense of ease too.
Shop it here.
Related: Fashion designer Alia Bastamam on what it means to be a feminist
The Batik Boutique
For her: Adult baking set with batik apron, RM199

Most of us have been getting our bake on this year, and this cute hand-painted apron—that also comes with three cookie cutters and a whisk—will make a great gift.
Shop it here.
For him: Neck-tie and pocket square set, RM179

These matching neck-tie and pocket-square are made using the traditional block-printing technique, and they’ll make a stylish addition to any man’s closet.
Shop it here.
Related: 9 Homegrown labels to shop from if you’re looking for traditional batik with a modern twist
Kulet
For her: Adele heel, RM249

You know what they say: Give a girl the right shoes, and she can conquer the world. And this pair of Kulet heel is it.
Shop it here.
For him: Emery sandal, RM189

Forget the usual flip-flops—these mandals are our pick.
Shop it here.
Talee Studios
For her: Hosanna Series duo set, RM408

Handmade in Sabah, Borneo, the Hosanna Series set comprises the statement-making Rama Loop (pictured above) and the Creak Knot that are both made-to-order.
Shop it here.
Lulla
For her: Havana slip dress, RM349

A sexy, comfy slip dress that one can lounge in and wear out? No one will be able to resist.
Shop it here.
For him: Aspen pyjamas, RM399

The important men in your life deserve quality pyjamas too.
Shop it here.
Fugeelah
For her: Tilly earrings set, RM135

ICYMI, Fugeelah is a social enterprise launched for refugee children in Malaysia. These earrings that feature Sabahan Freshwater Pearls will make you look and feel good.
Shop it here.
Hanya
For her: 4-Ply face mask with ear loop, scrunchie, and pouch, RM42.90

A silk-satin face mask doesn’t only look luxe—it’s also great for preventing maskne. The matching scrunchie will add to the cute factor.
Shop it here.
Related: The best silk face masks to invest for better skin
Indian Ocean by Shailly
For her: The Shining Beacon clutch, RM490

Want to carry a work of art? This clutch from Indian Ocean by Shailly is emblazoned with the founder’s original paintings.
Shop it here.
Wynka
For her: Monet dress, RM2,290

The Monet dress is from Wynka’s latest Spring/Summer 2021 collection, Palace, and it’s the perfect piece for a fun, flirty evening.
Shop it here.
Oh Cha Matcha x Cassey Gan
For him or her: Set D, RM297

Homegrown Matcha brand Oh Cha Matcha has collaborated with Cassey Gan for the festive season. This set includes the Jute bag in the designer’s signature print, an array of premium matcha powders, and more. We’d get this for the tote alone!
Shop it here.
Nuria
For her: Liv blouse, RM239

As many of us are working from home in the time being, there’s no better time to shop for pieces that are stylish, comfortable, and Zoom-appropriate.
Shop it here.
Related: 3 Fashion #BossGirls on their Raya collections and being a working mum in the current pandemic
For more Christmas gift guides, click here.

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Lifestyle
7 Minutes with Chef Nobu Matsuhisa on his new memoir
Nobu on Nobu

02.04.2018
By Rachel Au

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He’s known for his traditional Japanese dishes with a Peruvian twist. He co-owns an empire of restaurants in 22 locations worldwide, and it’s a name that everyone knows. Chef Nobu Matsuhisa is no ordinary man but he did come from humble beginnings that led him to where he is today. These lessons, these values, these stories—all have been jotted down in his first memoir, simply titled Nobu: A Memoir. We’ll be reading it soon, as might you, but before that, we thought we’d ask the man himself for a couple of insights when he was in town for the book launch.

On writing the memoir
 “This is actually the English translation of the Japanese one, which was published three years ago. I have restaurants all over the world and a lot of people work for us, and they tend to ask me how I became a chef. I would explain and tell them it wasn’t easy. I encountered a lot of hardships but I never gave up. With this book, I can share my story with everyone and I hope one day, people will tell me, “Thank you, Chef Nobu. The story of your hard work inspired me and I did it too.” That’s what I want to hear.”

On the challenges of writing the memoir
“The English one is easy because we only needed to translate it. The Japanese one took two years because I was travelling a lot. And it’s not written by myself but by a ghostwriter, so it was hard for me to visit the ghostwriter who is in Tokyo. But even so, there are stories which I wanted to be told a certain way but he preferred to do it in a different way.”

On the Nobu style of cooking
“It’s true that technique is very important. And Japanese food is popular because it has a lot of variety and it’s healthy. In Japan, the dishes are often inspired by each of the four seasons and that applies also to its presentation. But to me, most of the time, it’s cooking with the heart.”

On the toughest time of his life
“It was when I opened my first restaurant in Alaska. It burned down fifteen days after its grand opening. I almost tried to kill myself after that but I didn’t because I thought of my family. They supported me throughout my hardships and that’s why I’m here today. I want people who feel the same as I did to be inspired by my book and not give up. To always try their best with passion.”

On his best advice
“Don’t stop. Just go one millimetre a day. Life isn’t like math. In math, one plus one is two. In life, depending what you do, one plus one can equal to a hundred.”

Nobu: A Memoir is available for RM122.90 at MPH, Kinokuniya and other major bookstores.

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Lifestyle
Kristen Stewart is casted to play Princess Diana and they have more in common than you think

19.06.2020
By Marissa Chin

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Just this morning, Deadline reported that American actress Kristen Stewart is set to play Princess Diana in the upcoming biopic Spencer (her family name before the Royal marriage). If your first reaction was to gasp into your handkerchief and say, “I beg your pardon?”, don’t worry, you are not alone. Pop culture fans and Royal Family buffs have been buzzing online debating this casting choice. After all, it’s the royal casting news no one saw coming.
Princess Diana is an iconic figure–arguably the most iconic British Royal of them all–and was affectionately dubbed ‘The People’s Princess” for her charitable acts and friendly disposition. So, naturally, fans are going to be protective over who will play their well-loved princess–it’s safe to say, Kristen Stewart was most probably not in anyone’s top five.
A huge part of this is because people cannot seem to forget Stewart as Bella Swan in the Twilight franchise. Since then, the actress has been unfortunately cardboard-boxed by detractors as a second-rate actress who is only emotionally void and only capable of one facial expression. But Stewart has been working hard to shed off this image of her for years now, involving herself in many indie arthouse movies such as Personal Shopper and Clouds of Sils Maria, both of which she received critical acclaim for her acting. And are we forgetting she once played a princess as Snow White in Snow White and the Huntsman? (Just don’t talk about her British accent in that but we’re sure she has improved since 2012.) So yes, she definitely does have the acting chops if you can put down your blue-tinged vampire goggles.
Director Pablo Larraín explained his casting choice with Deadline stating:

“Kristin is one of the great actors around today. To do this well, you need something very important in film, which is mystery. Kristin can be many things, and she can be very mysterious and very fragile and ultimately very strong as well, which is what we need. The combination of those elements made me think of her… She is this force of nature.”

Once we got over our initial shock and started to think about Larraín’s creative process a little more, we realised that the two strong female figures have more in common than we thought and it’s almost cinematic poetry. Here are just some of them:
They both have a love-hate relationship with the press

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If you are a Princess Diana fan, then you will know that her relationship with the media is complicated, to say the least. During her time in the Royal family, she was constantly photographed and bogged down by the media, making her the most photographed woman in the world at the time. All of this culminated towards the end of her marriage when she decided she could not take it any longer and wanted out of the Royal Family for good.
Likewise, Kristen Stewart is known for her distaste in, well, being famous–which is probably why you won’t find her on social media even in 2020. During her stint on Twilight and while in a relationship with Robert Pattison, she was constantly a subject of scrutiny and exploitation for the media who endlessly used her for clicks. Hence, it really shouldn’t surprise anyone how many times she has flipped off the paparazzi and declared she would never smile for them.
Both were thrust into fame at a young age
One of the most obvious things Stewart will no doubt relate to Princess Diana with is the dizzying rise to overnight fame during their teenage years. Stewart was only a fresh-faced 17-year-old when she shot to superstardom in Twilight while Princess Diana married into the Royal Family at the tender age of 19, and became a mother a year later. While being a Hollywood actress is not comparable to being a Royal member per se, it still speaks to the scary and uncertain future both women would face in the public eye after their ‘debut’.
Both women are rule-breakers

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Princess Diana was not well-loved because she stuck to the rules but because she broke them–constantly. One of her finest moments of rebellion was when she visited a London hospital for HIV and AIDS in 1987. There, she did something that would go down in history: she shook the hands of AIDS patients without any gloves on. This might not seem like a big deal now but back then, most people were uneducated about the disease and thought it could spread through human contact, which led to the stigmatisation of HIV/AIDS patients. One of the other times she broke Royal protocol was when she wrote her own vows (and omitted the line stating she will “obey” Prince Charles).

Do we even have to talk about Kristen Stewart’s rebellious streak? Her very personality is an antithesis to what a typical Hollywood celebrity should be–constantly jumbling over her words, socially awkward, a stoic face and one-word answers that would make interviewers want to pull their hair out. Oh, and did we mention she can’t stop herself from taking her heels off at red carpets? Kristen does things on her own terms, enough said.
Spencer will begin production in early 2021 for the virtual Cannes market by CAA Media Finance and FilmNation Entertainment. It will not focus on Dianna’s tragic death but will cover the critical weekend in which the princess knew her marriage with Prince Charles was inexplicably over.

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Beauty
15 Chic nail wraps and stickers to get you ready for Chinese New Year 2021

21.01.2021
By Wei Yeen Loh

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The 2021 Lunar New Year is just right round the corner and if you’ve already gotten your entire outfit down pat—from your custom qipao to glowing skin must-haves—don’t forget to get your digits in check. But if you’re not be able to score an appointment at your regular nail salon (MCO 2.0, in case you forgot), fret not as we got you.
DIY manicure beginners who are reading this article, we recommend checking out our guide on how to prime your cuticles and nails here beforehand. Once you’re done poring over that guide, scroll down to find out the best nail stickers, wraps and press-on nails that will have your nails looking Chinese New Year-ready in no time.
Fuss-free, affordable and customisable, ready-made nails are our go-to solution if 1) you are pressed for time, 2) you can’t actually go for a manipedi session in this pandemic, and 3) you love having options—a different nail art every day of the whole two weeks of CNY? Yes, please.
From floral prints and bejewelled details to abstract motifs and marbled iterations, these nail wraps and stickers are sure to inspire your CNY 2021 manicure:

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Film, TV + Theatre
All the times Hollywood was racist in their depictions of minority characters—have things changed?

02.06.2020
By Marissa Chin

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In case you’ve been missing out on what’s been going on lately, the United States (and now most recently, London and New Zealand) have been going through their sixth day of protests and riots. The explosive spark to trigger the largest protest America has ever seen since the 1960s was the unfortunate death of 46-year old African-American George Floyd.
A video surfaced on social media on May 25 which showed a white police officer Derek Chauvin kneeling on Floyd’s neck on the ground for nearly nine minutes, despite Floyd repeatedly stating, “I can’t breathe”. Chauvin and the other three police officers on the scene were fired—however, it simply wasn’t enough for the African-American community that have suffered decades of police brutality.
As the United States rages on in their protests, as far as setting fires near the White House and sending President Donald Trump into the White House’s emergency bunker that has hardly been used since 9/11, crucial, much-needed conversations about racism have opened up.
One of the ways in which racial prejudice has reared its ugliest head and planted its destructive seeds is in the movie industry. It’s a known fact that Hollywood has a horrible track record when it comes to representing people of colour (if at all). Below, we explore some of the worst racist portrayals and how the movie industry is changing over the years to combat such problems.
THE IGNORANT
Song of the South (1946)

The Walt Disney Company loves to portray their founder, Walt Disney, as a lovely benevolent dream-maker who accepts any child from all walks of life to Disneyland—until you remember some of his tragically racist movies that are so problematic, they will forever be locked in the Disney vault. Such was the case of Song of the South (1946) which follows a young white boy named Johnny as he moves to the South and befriends Uncle Remus, who helps him deal with the separation of his parents by giving him valuable insights through African-American folktale.
The most startling thing about the film is how it portrays slave-owner relationships as endearing and peaceful. The plantation house is also depicted as an idyllic haven to live in, with African-American slaves looking a little *too* happy to be doing their master’s bidding. The film has been criticised for over-glorifying slave relations in the South that would no doubt have had a much different sentiment to what was depicted in the movie.
Dumbo (1941)

Another Disney classic that did not age well is Dumbo. The movie is honestly adorably with our favourite elephant’s big floppy ears… until the crows show up. In it, the group of crows all speak in a Southern twang and talk in jive—the main leader of the crows was also literally called Jim Crow, as in the deeply discriminatory law that enforced racial segregation between African-Americans and whites of the same name. He was voiced by a white actor (Cliff Edwards) which was essentially a minstrel show that was often performed in blackface.
Lady and the Tramp (1955)

This is also another fan-favourite that was so blatantly racist in its depiction of Asian people. The Siamese cats (literally called ‘Si’ and ‘Am’… really?) are designed with bucked teeth, slanted eyes and an over-exaggerated accent with broken English. Not only was it reductive of Asian culture, it also reinforced a lot of the stereotypes American audiences had at the time towards Asian people. Safe to say, the 2019 remake did not include the Siamese Cat Song for obvious reasons.
Breakfast at Tiffany’s (1961)

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We’ve talked before about how utterly racist this classic film was, mainly for the way Mickey Rooney (a fully white actor) portrayed Mr. Yunioshi that left a sour taste in our mouths—from the grossly caricaturised depiction of East Asian accents to resorting to prosthetics for protruding buck teeth (why?) and taping his eyelids.
THE BAD
Sure, you might argue that these movies were the sign of the times and people were simply not educated enough hence these unruly depictions. Well, racism in the movie industry is still perpetuated to this day, even if it’s not done as egregiously as it was before because:
Whitewashing is still a thing…
Actors belonging to minority communities already do not get enough opportunities on the big screen as it is but what is something Hollywood loves doing every now and again? Replacing characters that are POC with white actors. Instead of getting actual actors that belong to that community, directors seem to prefer the idea of white actors cosplaying as them instead (again, why?).
Aloha (2015)

The movie that got even the likeable Emma Stone in the hot seat. As we all know, it’s somewhat of a rare commodity to have East Asians on the big screen—so you can imagine the disappointment when director Cameron Crowe decided to cast Emma Stone as Allison Ng who is a quarter Chinese and quarter Hawaiian. While there are certainly multiracial individuals who can white-pass (due to their outwardly Caucasian appearance), it would seem that Crowe took that too literally with Stone’s emerald green eyes and strawberry blonde look. He also apologised for it  by explaining Ng was based off a real-life red head who was part Asian but “looked nothing like one”—according to who, though? Him? We will never know.
Argo (2012)

Many of us will remember the intense film that won Best Picture at the Oscars but did you know that Ben Affleck (who directed the movie, by the way) also decided to cast himself as the main lead, who in real life was a Hispanic man? Probably wasn’t the best call, Affleck.
Exodus: Gods and Kings (2014)

Pack on some bronzer and waste whole bottles of eyeliner and boom — you’re Egyptian. According to director Ridley Scott and the myriad of casting directors, that was seemingly enough to cast Christian Bale, Sigourney Weaver and Joel Edgerton as characters from the Old Testament for the biblical epic. They also use the same technique on white actors to play Persian, Arabian, Sheikh and other Eastern characters in movies, sigh.
Dragonball Evolution (2009)

Yeah, more like de-evolution because this is truly the biggest abomination of whitewashing to this day. The absolute mind-blogging aspect of the film is that it keeps all the East Asian-inspired aesthetics and Japanese names such as Goku, Grandpa Gohan and Mater Roshi… but replaces most of the cast with white actors. The well-loved superhero Goku is played by the fully Caucasian Justin Chadwick. And don’t even get us started on Ghost in the Shell and Avatar: The Last Airbender because we might not be able to take it.
THE GOOD
So, Asian and African-American erasure has been a rampant issue in Hollywood even in recent years. Such backward thinking will only further perpetuate the idea that minorities are not capable of portraying their own communities on screen and need a white counterpart to do so.
There certainly have been breakthrough feats though, in recent years which is always a positive thing to see.
Black Panther (2018)

Marvel’s revolutionary film that starred its first African-American led superhero and ensemble cast and crew was a treat for Marvel fans and movie buffs alike wishing for more racial representation. It received overwhelmingly positive reviews for its celebration of Africa’s cultural heritage and diversity. It was a huge commercial success that garnered $1.3 billion worldwide and became the second highest grossing film in 2018. Disney has also shown inclusivity by hiring New Zealand aboriginal Taika Waititi to direct the next Thor instalment as well as announcing their first Asian superhero, Shang Chi.
Get Out (2017) and Us (2019)

Director Jordan Peele has also opened up an array of opportunities for African-American actors to grace the big screen in his movies, particularly in the horror genre in which black characters are notoriously almost always killed off first. Peele’s work is significant as he not only tackles complex issues such as the fetishisation of black bodies, slavery and economic inequality head on but also does it through the voice of African-American themselves, unlike most Hollywood films that tend to explore black oppression through white saviour characters such as in The Long Walk Home and A World Apart.
Crazy Rich Asians (2018)

East and Southeast Asians finally had a treat of their own when this Asian-led romantic comedy came out two years ago. It is a special film because it also portrays the life of everyday Singaporeans, which is so rare to see Southeast Asian representation in Hollywood (done right). It’s shocking to know that this is only the *second* Asian-led film to come out of Hollywood since The Joy Luck Club… 27 years ago. The film beautifully explored racial cultural identity between native and diaspora groups, Chinese traditional customs and an intense mahjong scene.
Never Have I Ever (2020)

This is not a movie but this original Netflix series written by Mindy Kaling deserves a shoutout. The series follows Devi, a first-generation Indian-American navigating through high school while trying real hard to get a boyfriend to up her status. The show lets audiences in on Indian customaries and tackles issues such as arranged marriages, sexism and racial identity in a lighthearted and accessible way.
It is clear that in an increasingly politically correct society, such blatant and distasteful acts of racism in movies can simply not be tolerated any longer. All of the films guilty of whitewashing have been met with huge waves of criticism and backlash, leading to apologies and poor performance at the box office.
With the recent launch of Disney+, films that were considered racially problematic now had a disclaimer in the beginning stating, “This program is presented as originally created. It may contain outdated cultural depictions.” While some believe that Disney still adopts a passive tone and lacks accountability for their racist movie stereotypes, many also think it is a great step into the right direction for a company that has ignored these issues for so long.

Likewise Warner Bros have also included their own disclaimers but their phrasing is much clearer as their stance on their previous portrayals are very clear: “The cartoons you are about to see are products of their time. They may include some of the racial and ethnic prejudices that were commonplace in American society. These depictions were wrong then and are wrong today,” the statement reads.
In light of current events, many film studios have also come out in support of racial inclusion, liberty and against racism in solidarity.

Marvel Studios, 20th Century Fox, Pixar and Star Wars also shared the same image under the Disney family

There is certainly a cultural shift in how film industries are realising the mistakes of their past portrayals of minorities and looking for ways to improve. Their role is pivotal in shaping, defining and breaking racial stereotypes, particularly for corporations such as Disney which has the power to shape the youngest most impressionable minds. Movies do have a cultural footprint that can trickle to contemporary audiences—what with the constant demonisation of Muslims, depiction of African-Americans as violent criminals and Latinos as drug lords, overtime this can form the basis of how we view these minority groups in real life to damaging effect.
Directors and scriptwriters now realise that there is a market for stories beyond the typical Caucasian nuclear family. Similarly to us as content consumers, it is important that we understand and constantly educate ourselves on the history of systemic racism and prejudice, that could be disguised in fiction, in order to discern what is ultimately fact or plain ignorance in real life.
If you want to learn how some of your other favourite films are actually more problematic than you remember, click here.

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Collections
The best of LFW AW19 day 2: Burberry and Peter Pilotto

18.02.2019
By Stephanie Boey

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Burberry
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Who: All eyes on creative director Riccardo Tisci as he presented his second collection for the British heritage brand. After his highly anticipated debut last season, we were on our toes in anticipation of this next drop.
The low-down: Entitled ‘Tempest’ showcasing “contrasting perspectives”, the Autumn/Winter 2019 was a considerably tighter edit than the aforementioned debut. Tisci’s vision for the future of Burberry is more apparent with athletic streetwear. Masculine silhouettes and masculine shouldered looks opened the show paving the way for the revamp. The feminine balance was seen through sporty yet flirty threads: the off-shouldered zip-up corset that slit open at the forearms and the v-neck jersey dress embellished with crystals on the hemline and sleeves for meant for the 21st century flapper girl.
Buro loves: The classic Burberry plaid rehashed into modern basics. For example, the puffer patchwork jacket in mixed fabrications in a multitude of hues and the beige fleece sweater trimmed with leopard print at the neckline was a right on trend.

Peter Pilotto
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Who: The men behind the brand Peter Pilotto and Christopher de Vos design every one of their fabrics. This season they delve into unchartered territory by experimenting and transforming tulle by way of pleats. An exciting venture as the light and airy fabric is one they’d never worked with… until now.
The low-down: Known for their exquisite prints and playful bursts of colour, Autumn/Winter 2019 did not disappoint. The opulence and grandeur were seen through decadent adornments. Ostrich feathers flocked a sequinned silk shirt and a plush velvet robe in warm orange. The pleated tulle experiment was transformed into a floor-length gown in delectable pastel shades cut with balloon sleeves that billowed. Added across the arms, bodice and skirt were lace trim in more pastels.
Buro loves: The sheer maximalism of it all, here’s how to make an entrance! The prints, materials and embellishments were a visual delight and above all – timeless. Pilotto and de Vos successfully nailed the ethos of fashion, making clothes that you know you look and feel good in, and want to wear time and time again.

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Food + Drink
Get out of bed for this: 5 cafes with the best breakfasts
Rise and eat

21.07.2015
By Buro247

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Pink Belly

Along the shops of Lorong Kurau in Bangsar, right in the corner after a cafe, Nonya eatery and Indian coffee shop, sits Pink Belly in its porcine glory. While the menu features everything porky from its pastas like an aglio olio with strips of bacon and chili to main meals such as the roasted pork belly with capsicum, carrots and potatoes, it is the breakfast offerings that stand out. Try the Glutton Breakfast served with bacon, mushrooms, sasusages eggs done to your liking, hash browns and baked beans, accompanied by a buttery soft croissant after a night out and you will be feeling incredibly satisfied. Or if you have a penchant for the more offbeat flavours, the French Toast with bacon and peanut butter is a blend of salty-sweet goodness that will hit the spot.
Pink Belly, 1, Lorong Kurau, Taman Bukit Pantai, 59100, Kuala Lumpur.

The Good Batch

Little twists and several new additions to The Good Batch’s menu this year has left us wanting more. The Portobello Road, for example, has giant Portobello mushrooms sitting on top of crispy potato hash browns while perfectly done, wobbly poached eggs nestle in their earthy baskets. Combine all the elements together in a mouthful and you’re set for an explosion of eggy and tangy flavour. Another favourite is their serving of crumbed fish fingers with homemade dipping sauce – so fresh is the fish that when you bite into it, you can see and taste the delicious flaking of each stick. Wash it all down with their Double Iced Chocolate and you’re set for a very happy weekend.
The Good Batch, 53, SS21/1A, Damansara Uptown, 47800 Petaling Jaya.

Second Sunday

This cosy little nook in Damansara Jaya is a packed place on weekends and known for their brunch selections such as the fried eggs with smoked salmon, sliced avocado on rye toast and a sprinkling of sesame seeds and seaweed for brininess and texture and pancakes – there’s a fluffy stack with bits of beef bacon and melted parmesan cheese drizzled with a strawberry basil sauce. Not into something that’s a combination of savoury and sweet? Second Sunday has their version of muesli and yoghurt, which is a mix of fresh fruits like bananas and orange slices with muesli and chunks of frozen yoghurt scattered, served with milk on the side for a sweet yet healthy option.
Second Sunday, No.31, Jalan SS22/19, Damansara Jaya.

Metal Box

Its unmistakable metal storage container that bears its signage is all it takes to stand out from the row of other eateries facing the main road in Empire Damansara. But it’s not popular for just its decor; Metal Box has a range of brunch selections that rival other cafes in the area. Our picks include the Eggs Hemmingway with house-smoked salmon, croissant, bonito flakes and spinach, the Metal Box Baked eggs served with potatoes, eggplant, beans and topped with Gruyere cheese and last but certainly not least, the spongy and warm Nestum-coated French toast with pistachios, a berry coulis and Gula Melaka syrup.
Metal Box Cafe, G12, Empire Damansara, Jalan PJU 8/8, 47820 Petaling Jaya.

Yellow Brick Road

If you’re able to brave the massive lines that stream outside Yellow Brick Road in Damansara Heights, you’re in for a treat. They have an extensive brunch menu that does classic fare with a bit of a twist. For example, their eggs Benedict with smoked salmon has a passionfruit addition in their hollondaise sauce and they also offer scrambled eggs sandwiched in a croissant for their Kimchi Scram, with – you guessed it – Korean-style kimchi and seaweed. There’s also their version of baked eggs in the form of the Triple C, which is baked in a spicy chili corne carne sauce with melted cheese on top. Ensure you go early to beat the crowd.
Yellow Brick Road, 8-7 Jalan Batai, Damansara Heights, 50490 Kuala Lumpur.

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