Culture
Read like Harry Styles: 10 Books the global pop star recommends
A true romantic

01.02.2023
By Marissa Chin

FEATURED IMAGES: Amanda Fordyce / Rolling Stone | @helenepambrun.photography / Instagram

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Harry Styles is a busy man. Apart from jetting across the globe for his sold-out Love on Tour arena world tour and starring in not one, but two major acting roles in 2022, Styles also has a fashion line collaboration with Gucci and launched his beauty company, Pleasing. Yet, the worldwide pop star still makes time to read (we’re trying not to look at our own growing pile of books in the corner of our room…).
While the former One Direction member admitted that reading wasn’t initially “his thing”, he eventually grew to love it because he was trying to impress his beau of the time, which is honestly just as relatable. In celebration of his 29th birthday today, we’ve gleaned 10 books that Harry Styles has loved, treasured and recommended that will hopefully give us more insight into his whimsical and romantic mind.

Love Is a Mixtape by Rob Sheffield

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A much-loved book amongst the Harries fandom, it is featured in a now-famous photo of Styles sensually posing with it on a bed. Shirtless. While this was reason enough for fans to rush out to purchase the book, there was another notable occasion Styles mentioned it. In an interview with Timothée Chalamet for i-D Magazine, both actors were asked to recommend a book they could read forever. Styles, the cheeky man that he is, picked two books instead and one of them was Love Is a Mixtape by Rolling Stone journalist Rob Sheffield—who also interviewed the star for their 2019 cover story in a full-circle moment. The music memoir tells the tragic love story of Sheffield and his wife’s journey of making mix tapes for each other before she passed away very suddenly. It’s heartbreaking, uplifting and, as Styles describes, “really beautiful.”
Purchase Love Is a Mixtape here.

The Wind-up Bird Chronicle by Haruki Murakami

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Remember there were two books Styles said he could read forever? The second book he recommended to Chalamet was Norwegian Wood by Haruki Murakami, which is also one of BTS RM’s absolute favourites. In fact, he described it as the first book he couldn’t put down, a feeling many book lovers can relate to. Styles loves Murakami and we think it’s worthwhile to mention The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle as he told Rolling Stone that he spent his 25th birthday alone, reading it in a Tokyo cafe. The story follows Toru Okada, who enjoys his role as a ‘house husband’ until his cat disappears, his wife begins to behave strangely and he starts to encounter people with eccentric and fantastic life stories. We would like to think for his birthday today, Styles is sitting somewhere in a cosy cafe reading another Murakami book.
Purchase The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle here.

Love Is a Dog From Hell by Charles Bukowski

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Out of all the authors on this list, it’s arguable that American poet Charles Bukowski has the largest impact on Styles musically and on a personal level. If you’ve ever wondered how the singer comes up with some of the most romantic lyrics, traces of Bukowski can definitely be seen in his works. Not only has he cited Bukowski’s poetry as inspiration for his first album, he has even used the poem aptly titled Style as the opening for his song Fine Line in 2019, “Style is the answer to everything…” The artist has been seen with multiple Bukowski books, but Love is a Dog From Hell is noteworthy as he named it one of his three most cherished books for Another Man Magazine in 2016. The collection of poems is dark and gritty—and even misogynistic at times, so do be careful before diving in—but it doesn’t shy away from taboo topics such as sex and drugs. As Styles puts it, “I just love the way Charles Bukowski uses language. It’s so real, gritty and filthy, yet there is something so romantic about it all.”
Purchase Love Is a Dog From Hell here.

The Course of Love by Alain de Botton

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Styles loves de Botton. In fact, his love for the British author and philosopher runs so deep that he even designed his very own hoodie with two black and white photos of de Botton printed on it and donned it proudly on the streets of Hollywood (worth a Google!). The As It Was singer thinks he’s simply “brilliant” and after reading The Course of Love, realised what it took to create and sustain a romantic connection. Set in Edinburgh, the story follows a couple’s journey from the birth of their love to their life together after, and how they maintain the love between them against the pressures of modern life.
Purchase The Course of Love here.

Siddhartha by Hermann Hesse

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Not one to be intimidated by the classics, Styles has also named Siddhartha as another of his most prized books in his collection. Published in 1922, the eponymous novel follows a wealthy man who forsakes his privileged life in search of meaning and reason in the world. It’s an eye-opening book that is full of wisdom, philosophy and spirituality that has surely shaped Styles’ own perspectives on life and spiritual values. “It makes a lot of sense to me. I think it’s a really important book.” Siddhartha is just under 200 pages, so give it a try and perhaps you’ll also come out with a different view of life.
Purchase Siddhartha here.

So You’ve Been Publicly Shamed by Jon Ronson

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Published in 2015 by British journalist Jon Ronson, this book explores the re-emergence and ramifications of online shaming and cancel culture in the age of social media. An important read for Gen Z and millennials, we’re sure many will find this book relatable and emblematic to the current online space, just as it did for Styles. In a 2021 interview with Dazed, the Watermelon Sugar singer credited the book for making him bolder and “unashamed” to make mistakes anymore.
Purchase So You’ve Been Publicly Shamed here.

The White Album by Joan Didion

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Didion is one of Styles’ favourite authors:  he was seen reading one of her books backstage and was also spotted purchasing The Year of Magical Thinking from a bookstore in 2019. The White Album is a collection of essays that chronicle the upheavals and aftermaths of the 1960s. Featuring key events, trends and figures that defined that era of America, it’s clear that Styles also has his own rock star aspirations to perhaps be written in that way one day. If you’re a historical or pop culture junkie, consider picking this one up.
Purchase The White Album here.

My Policeman by Bethan Roberts

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Before he was cast in the film adaptation of My Policeman, Styles was already spotted reading the romance novel. Fun fact: he loved the book so much that he even sought out the role of the main protagonist before the director had an idea who to cast. Set in 1950s Bristol, My Policeman is a tragic tale of the thwarted love between Tom Burgess (Styles), who is in love with Patrick Hazelwood, a museum curator. Due to the discrimination against LGBT people during that time, Burgess decides to marry schoolteacher Marion as a cover-up, and the three individuals soon enter into a relationship of jealousy, control, and devastating love.
Purchase My Policeman here.

Notes on Camp by Susan Sontag

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Most likely reading up to prepare for his co-hosting responsibilities at the 2019 Met Gala, Notes on Camp was the inspiration behind the Met Gala theme, “Camp: Notes on Fashion.” The 1946 essay may seem daunting, but it’s a fun read on camp sensibility, breaking the concept down into 58 digestible and quite silly bullet points. At around 60 pages, you’ll be able to breeze through it and revisit those Met Gala looks with a fresh pair of eyes.
Purchase Notes on Camp here.

Selected Poems by Rumi

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The final book of three that Styles distinguishes as his most treasured book is a collection of poems by Rumi. Another classic piece of literature, Rumi’s poetry proves to still be timeless despite being over 700 years old. A Persian poet and Islamic scholar, Rumi’s writings are full of nature imagery, meditations on spirituality and kindness. The last is a huge part of Styles’s own philosophy: his tour is called Love on Tour and ‘Treat People With Kindness’ is on his merchandise and is even a song. It’s hard not to see how Rumi’s principles of kindness and lyrical depth have influenced Styles’ own songwriting and outlook on life.
Purchase Rumi’s Selected Poems here.

For more book-related reads, head here.

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Beauty
Cardi B’s manicure matches her LV bag, Kendall x Kylie makeup collection is unveiled and more beauty news

21.06.2020
By Redzhanna Jazmin

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Cardi B has had an eventful week (in beauty). From chopping her locks off and dyeing it in varying shades of pink (and then blue) t0 matching her coffin nails to what seems to be her favourite Louis Vuitton tote bag, the rapper-songwriter is clearly on a roll. In other news, check out Britney Spear’s new bangs, Julianne Hough’s natural brunette locks and more headlines:
This week in Cardi B
Cardi B’s pink pixie cut is ethereal

…and the cheeky sneak peak of her revamped tattoo is a sight to behold too.
Cardi B gets three piercings in one session… because why not?

The results are unbelievable, but the process is even better. Watch the (painful) videos here:

Just one question on our end: You ok hun? Also: her pink pixie has turned blue, by the looks of it.
Cardi B gives her tattoo a big makeover

Turns out she’s had a bit of a thing for needles in the last few days, taking her time off to get everything done all at once. Here she’s given her peacock-themed tattoo a big makeover, courtesy of tattoo artist Jamie Schene.

Cardi B’s LV nails are really something else

Her caption says it all: “Ya like my nails ? LOUIS @chaunlegend”. Iconic.
This week in beauty releases
Kylie Cosmetics shows us a sneak peek of the new Kendall x Kylie collection

The beauty mogul announced her latest makeup collection in collaboration with her sister, with a release date set for June 26. The Kendall x Kylie collection boasts an eyeshadow palette, complexion sticks and more. “We have a lip blush kit that I’ve never done before, three face sticks—bronzer, highlight and blush—which I’ve also never done before, this amazing blotting powder and an amazing eye shadow palette,” said Kylie in a slew of Instagram stories as she unveiled the products. Also, a portion of the proceeds will go towards supporting the rights and voices of black and trans people in support of Pride month.
Benefit Cosmetics’ new California Kissin’ ColorBalm is the tinted lip balm you never knew you needed

Inspired by—you know it—the sunny American state that’s home to Hollywood, Benefit Cosmetics’ new lip balms come in 12 full-colour shades and a moisturising formula made of wild mango butter and hyaluronic acid to keep lips hydrated up to eight hours.
Now available at Sephora.
Clef Skincare’s initiative to help migrant workers in this pandemic

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This week in hair
It’s Britney(‘s bangs)

Um, 1999 called—it’s vibing. The singer’s new haircut is a few months in the making—she initially expressed her desire for some proper face-framing in an Instagram post in May. A month on and it looks like she’s finally taken the plunge!
Keke Palmer shares her excitement over her natural hair growth

The actress and singer celebrated her natural hair growth by tweeting a video of her bopping to her new track ‘thick’, with the caption ‘Hair is getting thick thick thick thick THICKKKK”. Can confirm: It all checks out.
Julianne Hough’s brunette locks leave her unrecognisable

Julianne Hough’s hair has had an eventful quarantine. She started with her signature blonde lob, went on to a pink dip-dye and, by the looks of it, has finally settled back into her natural brunette. She debuted her new look in her Share the Mic session in support of the Black Lives Matter movement.
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Fashion
Punk meets 19th-century prints: Loewe x William Morris
Making old new again

06.09.2017
By Wei Yeen Loh

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

If you’re already bookmarking snazzy items under your ‘Holiday Gifts’ folder for the upcoming festive season, we suggest swinging by Loewe’s store this November to catch wind of what the Spanish label is offering. Loewe will launch an exclusive capsule collection that is inspired by the work of William Morris, a renowned British artist, writer and textile designer from the late 19th century.
For this collection, Loewe’s creative director Jonathan Anderson has selected a medley of original prints from the Morris & Co. archives for a range of men’s and womenswear pieces. “William Morris fundamentally changed the way we look at applied craft, making him one of the most important designers of the last 200 years,” said Anderson in a press release.
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If you love botanical prints and heritage-backed pieces that tell a story, this collection is made for you. Four archival prints that were designed between 1874 and 1883 were selected by Anderson: Strawberry Thief, Forest, Acanthus and Honeysuckle—all of which are juxtaposed with unpredictable, punkish elements such as vivid orange and bleached denim details for a contemporary aesthetic. You can spot these motifs emblazoned over Loewe’s bestselling accessories such as the Puzzle and Hammock bags, the T clutch, alongside smaller accessories such as brooches, scarves and keychains.
Take a look at the collection below:
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Available in Loewe, Pavilion Kuala Lumpur this November.

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Fashion
Boomer vs millennial: What my mum thinks of fashion’s most eyebrow-raising trends

08.05.2020
By Stephanie Boey

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The whole “Ok, boomer” moment got me thinking: What is going on in the mind of a person who was born in a time so different from what it is today? Yes, the internet was first introduced in the early ’80s, but the information available on the World Wide Web then is nothing compared to what it’s like today. Also, by the early ’80s, boomers would’ve been young adults, having full-fledged personalities and opinions.
Millennials were practically raised on the internet, Gen Z even more so. Whether we realise it or not, a lot of our personalities and who we are today have been influenced by what we see on social media. But there must be more to life on the internet for the average boomer than forwarded Whatsapp messages (lol).
After taking a look at my Instagram feed, and flexing her right as my mother to have an opinion on the clothes that I wear (and how my father dressed me for that matter), I was curious to know what else my mother thought about fashion’s most popular trends. In my opinion, a lot of which have been influenced by social media, too.
In the spirit of Mother’s Day, I subjected my mum to a list of fashion’s most talked-about and polarising trends, to hear her honest opinions on what’s fashionable today, and to put the theory to the test—is there truly a generation gap in fashion choices?
Trend #1: Ankle straps over trousers

The millennial mindset: “I. LOVE. IT. Finding new ways to wear existing or classic trends give me so much life! I haven’t had the pleasure of trying it out yet though. I will make it a point to try one of these days.”
The boomer says: “Hmmm, no. I won’t be wearing my trousers with straps bunching the hem of my pants this way.”
Score card: An enthusiastic yes from the millennial, and a hard no from the boomer.
Trend #2: The fanny pack

The millennial mindset: “I remember feeling so strongly against it when it started coming back a couple years ago. But not gonna lie, I’ve warmed up to it. Realised they come in handy at concerts, music festivals and raves.”
The boomer says: “Will definitely use. It’s functional for keeping important documents and cash, while keeping it close for safe keeping while travelling.”
Score card: Both generations are in agreement—fanny packs are very functional.
Trend #3: The neck bag

The millennial mindset: “My opinion of the neck bag is similar to the fanny pack. If it’s hands-free, I will wear it.”
The boomer says: “Yeah, no. Tried it. Didn’t work for me because I don’t like the feel of the strap rubbing on my neck as I moved around. A variant would be to wear it draped across the shoulder, perhaps that would be better.”
Score card: Differing opinions with the neck wallet. The boomer does not like things touching her neck.
Trend #4: The bike shorts

The millennial mindset: “I repeat—no, nien, nyet. No, thank you!”
The boomer says: “Nope, tried it. I don’t like the feel of garments clinging too tightly on my body. When I am wearing one, I have this feeling of wanting to be out of it as soon as possible.”
Score card: Ding, ding, ding, we have a winner! This mother and daughter duo are in agreement that bike shorts need to be cancelled.
Also related: “I wore bike shorts for a week”
Trend #5: The square toe

The millennial mindset: “I’ve never been a fan of square-toed shoes. Especially when they’re closed. They remind me of stuffy court shoes that stiff office ladies wear. However, when Daniel Lee repopularised the shape for Bottega Veneta in an open-toed silhouette, I’ll admit, he did change my mind.”
The boomer says: “Yes, I would actually wear this! Preferably with heels no more than 2-inches high.”
Score: A solid yes from both generations!
Trend #6: The hiking sandal

The millennial mindset: “I love mine from local footwear brand Yoke & Theam. They have a thick cushioned rubber sole, making them really comfortable to walk in. I’ve gone walking in them for hours. No blisters! Also, I like how chunky they are.”
The boomer says: “Yes, it’s the most comfortable pair of footwear I’ve ever worn. I’ve been wearing them almost everyday! Glad to see there are now fashionable and colourful versions!”
Score card: Both mother and daughter approve of the ugly-pretty footwear.
Trend #7: The bucket hat

The millennial mindset: “C-u-t-e! And this is coming from a person who has close to zero affinity to hats and caps. I blame my three-finger forehead. Anything I put on my head falls down close to my eyebrows. But, I would wear a bucket hat! Even better if I can find one that’s reversible.”
The boomer says: “Not a fan, but won’t discount using it because they are comfortable. It serves its purpose of keeping the hot sun from burning your scalp on a hot summer day outdoors and sunlight away from your eyes. This would be a better option for me as a functional hat, if made to choose between this and a baseball cap. Though I must admit baseball caps look better on me. But then again, comfort and functionality versus looking good. So, the former wins.”
Score card: Alas, strong differing opinions in the hipster headgear.
Trend #8: Socks and sandals

The millennial mindset: “I love it as a styling idea for photoshoots. There’s a soft spot in my heart for geek chic. However, I personally wouldn’t wear this trend. If I’m going to be wearing socks, I will be wearing closed shoes.”
The boomer says: “I do this on travels. Socks keep my feet from dust, cold weather and sweaty feet. I look funny when I see myself in glass refections, but I’m glad I’ve reached an age where I’m not bothered with how I look as long as I’m comfortable. There are some nice colourful socks out there! I wear those so when people look at my feet, they can have an amusing laugh.”
Score card: The boomer is not bothered with people looking at her feet, while the millennial does not approve of her exposed toes in socks.
Trend #9: The chunky dad sneaker

The millennial mindset: “I used to love this trend as a teenager. Skechers D’Lites in the late noughties were my jam! But overgrown this trend since. I cringe whenever I see them now. My rationale is, if I can’t run in them, why bother.”
The boomer says: “A walking health hazard! I wore a pair and the heel caught on something protruding on the ground and I tripped. Won’t be using them again…ever!”
Score card: Sound logic from both parties on disagreeing in footwear that is not functional.
* * *
Final score: The boomer and millennial agree on five out of the eight trends present. That’s more than half in agreement! It appears fashion preferences lean more on mindset and personality rather than age or generation. Looks like boomers and millennials have more in common after all?

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Watches + Jewellery
The Art & Science of Gems: In conversation with Catherine Cariou of Van Cleef & Arpels
Diamonds as big as the Ritz

10.05.2016
By Cai Mei Khoo

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With over 400 pieces of jewellery, watches and precious objects on display, Van Cleef & Arpels: The Art and Science of Gems is the maison’s biggest exhibition to date, with about 370 pieces being showcased from their private collection, including some that have never been exhibited before. Complementing the jewellery pieces are some 250 gems and minerals from the French National Museum of Natural History, which include a meteorite containing peridots and the largest quartz crystal ever found, weighing in at more than 800kgs.

We sit down with Van Cleef & Arpels Heritage Director, Catherine Cariou, who takes us through the key pieces of the exhibition:

Tell us about the exhibition?
Catherine Cariou (CC): It’s the biggest we’ve ever done, with 420 pieces of jewellery, watches, and objects of art, alongside minerals and gems, which come from the French National Museum of Natural History in Paris. As we’re showing at the ArtScience museum of Singapore, I think it’s a great idea to showcase Van Cleef & Arpels pieces together with these gems and minerals.

The exhibition is divided into 7 themes – Couture, Abstractions, Influences, Precious Objects, Nature, Ballerinas and Fairies, and Icons.

The icon of the exhibition is the Bird clip and pendant that you see on the poster of the exhibition, which was created in the 70s. For us it was obvious that this jewel should epitomise the exhibition. In the mouth of the flying bird is an incredible 96.62 carat briolette-cut yellow diamond. Here, ‘art’ is symbolised by the bird, while ‘science’, by the spectacular yellow diamond. This is a totally versatile piece – its wings detach and can be worn as earrings, the body as another pin, while the yellow diamond can be worn as a pendant.

What are the key pieces in this exhibition?
CC: Within the Couture gallery, it would have to be the Zip necklace. Van Cleef & Arpels has always been inspired by the world of fashion since its beginnings in 1906 – lace, embroidery, bows, knots, ribbons and zips. Suggested by the Duchess of Windsor at the end of the 30s, the Zip necklace was finally made in 1950. It’s such an extravagant idea – traditionally the zip has to be hidden, but now it’s become a Surrealistic idea and it can be worn open as a necklace or closed as a bracelet.
Watch how the Zip necklace transforms into a bracelet:

The Abstractions gallery is something we’ve never shown before. Van Cleef & Arpels have been inspired by artistic movements like Bauhaus, Le Corbusier and Op Art so you’ll see unexpected pieces like an Op Art clip made of malachite and diamonds. It’s unexpected because when you think about the brand, you immediately think flora and fauna so I think it’s interesting to show Van Cleef & Arpels’s art in a different way.

Influences is one of my favourite galleries. Since the 1920s, Van Cleef & Arpels has been inspired by faraway places like Cambodia, Japan, China, and Mexico. There are vanity cases made of red lacquer and onyx, dragons, Aztec and Indian-inspired jewellery.

In the Precious Objects gallery, you will find minaudières, which Van Cleef & Arpels created in the early 30s, with compartments to hold everything a lady needs. There is also a small yellow gold champagne swizzle, which you use to create more bubbles in your champagne.

Nature is the biggest gallery in the exhibition. There you will find our ‘mystery-setting’ flowers, wooden jewellery like poppy clips made of ebony and rosewood, and a lot of coral pieces, including the Rose de Noël or Christmas Rose.

In the Icons gallery, you’ll see some stunning pieces, some exhibited for the first time, like a necklace created for Her Majesty Queen Nazli of Eygpt. We bought it at an auction last November. It was created on the occasion of the wedding of her daughter, Princess Faiza of Egypt, and it really is a royal necklace. There’s also a turquoise set with yellow gold and diamonds that belonged to the Duchess of Windsor.

The last gallery is dedicated to Ballerinas and Fairies. Van Cleef & Arpels created them from the 1940s. Louis Arpels loved opera and ballet and gave this inspiration to the jewellery designers. The fairy brooches are very rare. We currently only own 2 fairy clips in our private collection. They are very sought after by collectors.

Your favourite pieces?
CC: I love the Zip. I think it really epitomises the Van Cleef & Arpels style because it’s a couture inspiration and a really remarkable piece of craftsmanship. It really is a work of art, creating a jewel so that is so supple and which functions as a real zip.
{insert gallery tpl=”slide-freesize.tpl” id=”VCA Zip Necklace” rid=”3982″ order=”a_tstamp”}
How do you go about purchasing items for Van Cleef & Arpels’s private collection?
CC: At auctions, vintage jewellery fairs and through private clients, which I find the most interesting way of buying vintage jewellery. At an auction, it’s almost anonymous but through private clients, they relate stories behind the jewellery. Recently, a charming old lady visited me at my desk and she showed me two beautiful Art Deco bracelets from the 1920s made of diamonds. Along with the bracelets, she brought a black and white photograph of her mother wearing these bracelets in the 1930s. Her mother wore them on her upper arm as it was a trend back then. When you purchase at auctions, you don’t have stories like these.

How is Van Cleef & Arpels different to other jewellery brands?
CC: When you compare us to other maisons, what is really distinctive is our femininity. Everything is poetic. Since the beginning, we’re proud to have the best stone cutters, gemologists, lapidaries… Van Cleef & Arpels is famous for the quality of the stones we use. We talk about ‘character’ of the stone, preferring a smaller stone with character to a bigger one with no character.

What’s your personal jewellery style?
CC: I’m a fan of Art Deco but I what I really love is jewellery from the 1970s. They are very vivid, colourful, and full of happiness. I love wood, and coral jewellery – the Christmas Rose, made of coral is perfection. I also love the Alhambra as it’s timeless.

Outside of jewellery, what are your other passions?
CC: Art. When I can, I travel outside of Paris to visit art exhibitions, galleries and art museums. I also enjoy travelling, discovering new cities and meeting new people.
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Van Cleef & Arpels: The Art & Science of Gems is on now till 14 August 2016 at the ArtScience Museum in Singapore. Click here for more information and here to buy tickets.

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Beauty
Facial Oils: A complete guide to your best skin ever
Miracle workers

14.08.2015
By Terry Saw

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

As an avid facial and body oils fan, I was partly intrigued (but mostly delighted) to hear that The Body Shop Oils of Life range will soon hit our shores. Of course, what with our weather and humidity, any gasps of horror and raised eyebrows at the thought of slathering an additional layer of facial oil can almost be expected. Which is why, we took your concerns to the expert herself, and here’s what Dr. Terry has to say.

Q: Facial oils? In a country like Malaysia?
“I understand that living in a humid country like Malaysia, there may be some cautiousness to using facial oils. I’d like to take this opportunity to debunk some myths around the effects of using facial oils.
“Oils enhance your skin’s natural barrier function, reducing TEWL (transepidermal water loss), maintaining its moisture and hydration while nourishing and protecting the skin, visibly reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, leaving skin softer and smoother. Here’s how you can identify good quality oils with the right formulation:
1. They sink into the skin quickly, leaving skin soft and smooth without leaving an oily residue.
2. Effectively hydrate the skin without over drying it.
3. Contain anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties, which are beneficial for both dry and oily skin.
“Mineral and synthetic oils can cause breakouts as they block the pores. Naturally derived oils don’t. Some naturally derived oils are anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial, which are particular good for skin prone to breakouts.
“Good oils should not cause the skin to be oily. It should absorb instantly so the skin does not look shiny or greasy but rather leaves a sheer glow. Overproduction of oil in the skin occurs when there is inflammation. Some oils have anti-inflammatory properties, which help to soothe the inflammation, helping to regulate sebum production and reducing the shiny look throughout the day.
“Oils are also a powerhouse of super-antioxidants, nutrients and fatty acids providing a natural barrier to protect the skin against harsh environments. Oils are like to the skin as to super-foods are to our health. By using oils, these ingredients are naturally found in the oils so it’s pure and unadulterated by chemicals or synthetics.
“Our skin creates its own natural oil to keep it hydrated, smooth, supple and radiant. However when we strip too much of our natural oils away, it can actually cause inflammation, dryness and cracking of the skin. The skin if able, will then try to make more oil to compensate. This can lead to premature ageing and blemished skin.
“Well-purified oils act as a humectant. They reduce the water from evaporating from your skin (including your water-based beauty products) and also help dry, cracked skin.”
Q: Key benefits to adding facial oils to a beauty routine?
“The reason why oils are a great choice is because humans share an incredible amount of DNA similar with plants, hence why seed oils have such a skin affinity. There’s a reason why oils have become skincare’s new obsession: not only are they incredibly nourishing, ultra-lightweight and quick to absorb – but they also have the perfect texture to penetrate skin easily and deeply.
“Seed oils are particularly exciting because their potency provides nutrition and radiance. Seeds give life to a new plant, making seed oils one of the most concentrated sources of essential nutrients on Earth.
“For The Body Shop Oils of Life range, the seed oils are cold-pressed to their pure form to preserve their potent properties and ensure the utmost affinity to skin. The carefully balanced blend of three seed oils contribute to revitalising skin, reviving radiance and visibly reducing signs of ageing:
1. Black Cumin Seed Oil from the Egyptian Nile Valley – known for its concentration in antioxidants.
2. Rosehip Seed Oil from the Andes foothills of Chile – rich in omega 3 and 6.

3. Camellia Seed Oil from the evergreen trees of China – naturally rich in nutritive oleic acids.

Q: Your 3-step product recommendations and/or combinations?
For oily skin
OOL Intensively Revitalising Essence Lotion morning and night after cleansing to prepare and activate the skin.
OOL Intensively Revitalising Gel Cream, which is lighter in texture and is perfect for both day and night.
OOL Intensively Revitalising Facial Oil as a once in a while skin treat at night when you’re travelling in dry climates or environments.

For dry skin
OOL Intensively Revitalising Essence Lotion morning and night.
OOL Intensively Revitalising Facial Oil as a nourishing and revitalising treat for the skin.
OOL Intensively Revitalising Cream, which is richer in texture both day and night as a finishing step.

Q: Your interesting tips on using facial oils?
1. Add into your favourite skincare.
2. Use 3-4 drops into your night mask/cream as a boost for extra nourishment.
3. Use as a pre-make up base to prep the skin.
4. Add 1-2 drops into your foundation if you have dry skin or if you want a more summery feel.
5. Use after being exposed to sun, sea, wind.

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Technology
Galaxy Note 10 launch: everything you need to know about Samsung’s latest flagship duo

08.08.2019
By Tammy Chan

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Dubbed as the “most powerful Notes yet”, the Galaxy Note series that were introduced today at Samsung’s latest Galaxy Unpacked hardware event in New York City promises elegance and performance that will allow its users to seamlessly navigate between work and life. But is it the right smartphone upgrade for you? Read on to find out.
1. Sleek, slim and distraction-free

For the first time ever, the Galaxy Note 10 comes in two different sizes. The 6.3-inch Note 10 is 0.1 inches smaller than the Galaxy Note 9, whereas the 6.8-inch Galaxy Note 10+ is a full 0.4 inches bigger than last year’s Note—making it home to the largest display that the series has ever seen. Despite being bigger in size, the Note 10+ is also exceptionally light and thin, weighing in at 196 grams and measuring just 7.9mm thick.
But as you already know, being slim comes with a price. Instead of a 3.5mm headphone jack, the new Note 10 smartphones will include support for both USB-C and wireless audio, and feature a pair of USB-C earphones in-box. Guess it’s time to whip out your Galaxy Buds!
2. Impressive edge-to-edge design
The full-screen bezel-less dynamic AMOLED display might be the biggest change to this new Note series. Samsung has equipped the Note 10 with the same Infinity-O display that the S10 series had, resulting in an increased 93.2% screen-to-body ratio. The only difference would be that the selfie camera is now placed in the middle. Besides that, with a HDR10+ certification and Dynamic Tone Mapping, photos and videos will appear brighter than previous Note devices.
Here are the available colours in Malaysia:
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3. Faster performance

Both phones are powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 855 chip and runs on Android 9.0 Pie. In terms of battery life, the Note 10 has a 3,500 mAh battery and the Note 10+ has a 4,300 mAh battery. With the included 25-watt fast charger, Samsung says the phones can be juiced up from 0-100% in over an hour and with a 45-watt charger (sold separately), the phones can get enough power to last you through a whole day with only a 30-minute charge. Other features include the Wireless PowerShare that allows users to wirelessly recharge their Galaxy Watch, Galaxy Buds or another Qi-enabled device.

Good news for gamers, Samsung also optimised its latest flagships with the AI-based NPU (Neural Processing Unit)-powered Game Booster. The devices also feature a next-generation seven-nanometer AP chipset that boosts CPU and GPU performance by up to 33% and 42%, respectively (compared to the Galaxy Note9), and helps ensure that games and videos are snappy and smooth.
4. Upgraded S Pen

First introduced alongside the initial Galaxy Note in 2011 and more recently to the Galaxy Tab range, the S Pen has evolved over the years to become the ultimate tool for Samsung users. Some even say that the S Pen is the reason they purchase the smartphone in the first place.
The latest S Pen features a sleek unibody design and 10 hours of usage on a single charge thanks to its 350uAh lithium-titanate battery. Measuring just 0.35mm thick, the stylus will now also support intuitive gesture recognition with S Pen Air actions with a new built-in 6-axis sensor (which consists of three velocity sensors and three gyro sensors). This function allows users take pictures, zoom in and out and switch camera perspective with a simple gesture, as well as change content and volume in multimedia apps with ease.
5. State-of-the-art camera

Standout features include Zoom-In Mic and AR Doodle. The former is an all-new, AI-powered feature that takes zooming in to a whole new level by amplifying the sound of audio sources in the camera’s frame. With Zoom-In Mic, when users zoom in on the subject of their video, they’ll also be able to zoom in on their subject’s voice (amplifying its sound), and minimise background noise. The latter function allows users to use the S Pen to create AR drawings, effects and animations.
Available on the Note 10+ only is the DepthVision Camera. A cool new dimension to capturing content with its built-in 3D Scanner, this clever innovation enables the camera to capture its subject as a 3D rendering that can be later added to photos and videos. An example given by Samsung would be how before traveling, an action-figure collector could use the function to create 3D scans of their figures that they could insert into videos during their trip to make their experience that much more memorable.
Other notable features worth mentioning are the Screen Recorder and Live focus video function.
The Galaxy Note 10 and Galaxy Note 10+ (256GB) are priced at RM3,699 and RM4,199 respectively. For those looking for a bigger capacity, the Galaxy Note10+ (512GB) retails at RM4,799. For more information on how you can pre-order, visit Samsung’s website here.

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Biker shorts: Yay or nay

Trends
Biker shorts: Yay or nay

17.08.2018
By Wei Yeen Loh

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Reviewing the metallic silver fashion trend in 2023

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Fashion
Joe Alwyn is the new face of Prada’s Spring 2018 ad campaign
A new hero

05.11.2017
By Wei Yeen Loh

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Despite the burgeoning interest by the paparazzi as of late, young British actor Joe Alwyn isn’t just known for being Taylor Swift’s current beau. The 26-year old actor has starred in a string of films, including a titular role in Ang Lee’s war film Billy Lynn’s Long Halftime Walk and a leading role in upcoming psychological thriller, Keepers. Most recently, the blue-eyed star debuted his first fashion-related role for Prada’s Spring 2018 men’s advertising campaign, titled Ascension.
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Given the rife graphic and comic references for Prada’s Spring/Summer 2018 collection, the campaign paints Alwyn as a “postmodern Prada hero,” with him delivering his best rendition of a smouldering gaze for all three visuals along with a short film. Shot by renowned photographer and frequent collaborator Willy Vanderperre, the campaign’s location is befitting of the theme—the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II in Milan, where the striking backdrop of the domed glass cupola and ironwork struts lend a viscerally captivating semblance to the images. While the black and white shots were captured outside the Osservatorio Fondazione Prada (on the roof of the restored 19th-century structure), the other visuals were taken against a white backdrop, with Alwyn decked in a medley of looks including a crisp, striped shirt emblazoned with a graphic motif, and a black utility jumpsuit coupled with a waist bag. Take a look at the film short here.

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Music
Buro 24/7 Malaysia Playlist #40: Inspired by a legend
Purple tinge

29.04.2016
By Su Fen Tan

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Over the years, Prince has stole million of hearts with his velvety smooth vocals, funk-filled tunes, flamboyant stage presence and effortless charisma. In tribute to the late icon, here is a compilation of tracks by artists whom work have been inspired and/or influence by Prince—starting off with a cover by the ever-soulful Alicia Keys, and wrapping it up with a collaboration with the legend himself:

Related stories:
Breaking news: Music icon Prince dead at the age of 57
Why did the world love David Bowie?

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24 Hours with Cassey Gan for KLFW 2022

Features
24 Hours with Cassey Gan for KLFW 2022
An artist’s evolution

17.08.2022
By Sarah Hani Jamil

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In our country where homegrown fashion has grown by leaps and bounds over the last ten years, no one does it quite like Cassey Gan. The visionary of her eponymous label is renowned for her unconventional, non-form-fitting silhouettes that see the creative usage of mixed fabrics, multiple layering and bold hues—you can instantly spot a Cassey Gan piece from afar!
Gan designs pieces for the confident woman who loves to make a statement with colours and prints, yet wants to feel comfortable in what she wears—clothes that the creative director herself would wear every day. Scroll through her Instagram page and you’ll find the designer decked in her delightful creations in most of her #OOTDs.
Coming a long way since her beginnings in the local fashion industry eight years ago, Gan will soon present her Series 17: Glass Half Full collection—that’s inspired by looking at things from different perspectives, along with the view she had of the plants in her garden from her bedroom window—in KLFW 2022. The design process, which was partly done virtually with her team during the many rounds of lockdowns in the earlier stages of COVID-19, explores the new potential for common textiles such as tweed and denim in different weights and tones. As her show approaches, we look inside a day of Gan’s life, as an entrepreneur and relatively new mum, and what goes on in the makings of a new collection.

8AM
“Being a mum takes precedence over anything else. I have a son, who just turned one year old, and as soon as I wake up, I take a shower, feed him and make sure he’s happy and has everything that he needs. Afterwards, I head to the office around 10am and have my usual cup of Piccolo coffee before I start my work day.”

12PM
“After my morning ritual, I dive right into perfecting the collection at my studio. It’s a lot of sewing and experimenting with my team, and more sewing leading up to the show. Teamwork makes the dream work!”
2PM
“It’s non-stop work for us here at the office. Our designs are fairly Ready-To-Wear, so for a big-scale show like KLFW, we need to make sure we are adding more runway pieces to the collection to make it more show-worthy. That’s always challenging because we are inherently more of an RTW brand but I’m excited for everyone to see how it works out.”

4PM
“I enjoy my work very much, so I don’t necessarily feel too stressed. However, I do take breaks with a cup of coffee every now and then mostly to get inspired #InspirationIsEverywhere.”

6PM
“Before I go home, I always make sure I clean my table so that when I come in the next day, I start on a clean slate. In terms of last-minute preparations for KLFW, I don’t have too much to do now, but just in case, I have a checklist and make sure that everything is ticked off before the show!”
8PM
“When I am home, it’s back to being a mum. After I put my baby to sleep, I would watch something on Netflix to unwind but find myself falling asleep while watching most of the time!”

Check out Series 17: Glass Half Full here:

For more on Cassey Gan, click here.
For more fashion-related articles, click here.

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Film, TV + Theatre
Exclusive: Ewan McGregor and Ethan Hawke on ‘Raymond and Ray’
A complex journey

29.11.2022
By Marissa Chin

PHOTO: Courtesy of Apple TV+

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It’s not easy for men to be vulnerable enough to share their thoughts and feelings—but Ewan McGregor and Ethan Hawke had no problems getting personal about the pain and hardships their characters, Raymond and Ray, go through and how it relates to their own lives in the eponymous film by Apple TV+. The movie follows two brothers, Raymond (McGregor) and Ray (Hawke) who must reunite to carry out the funeral and will of their estranged, abusive father.

A feature filled with flawed characters, strained father-son relationships that continued on even after death, and a wayward journey toward forgiveness, Raymond and Ray doesn’t hold back on exploring hard topics surrounding family, generational trauma and identity. We spoke to Ewan McGregor and Ethan Hawke who shared about the power of siblinghood, the complicated nature of male relationships, forgiveness, and more.

A lot of this film is hinged upon the great relationship between Raymond and Ray and the banter they have between each other. Can you tell us a bit more about working together to showcase that relationship for the film?
Hawke: The truth is, these parts were so well-written. We both felt really at home with our characters that it was, in the best sense of the word, easy. It was a joy everyday. When characters are written three-dimensional like that and you’re good at what you do, you can just dive in.

The movie is all about forgiveness. Have you both personally had situations in your life where you thought you could never forgive someone or something, but then worked through it? Did you use those experiences for the movie?
McGregor: I think it’s true that the themes of the film are as you describe, to an extent. But I wouldn’t say it’s a film about the two brothers learning to forgive their father. That’s not my take, anyway.
Hawke: For me, it’s not as simple as just being about forgiveness. There was something very beautiful to me about Reverend West’s final speech about letting go of negatives—and also positives. He’s asking the children to stop thinking in terms of whether something is all good or all bad, and to accept it in its totality. For me, I always found my last line, “We didn’t really know him” incredibly moving. There’s this awareness that we have these ideas of who our parents are and how we perceive them, but one of the things the boys keep getting hit with is that they only saw one aspect of this person. There were other people that had positive relationships with this person.

I know at my own grandfather’s funeral, my mother felt very much the same way. She sat there watching everyone give these speeches and started seeing different cuts of this person: what this person was as a professional, as a lover, as a human, as a parent. So the movie, to me, seemed really wise about how we perceive things—what you perceive as bad at first could be good later. What’s that Faulkner line, “The past is never dead. It’s not even past”?

Both of you have never shared the screen before but here you play half-brothers and it feels so right. Do you guys remember the first time you saw a film starring each other and you felt some sort of connection back then?
McGregor: The first time I would’ve seen him was in Dead Poet’s Society, which was the first thing he did. What an opener, what an amazing start to an amazing career! When we met for the first time around the time when Ethan was working with Jude Law in Gattaca, I was a friend of Jude’s so we bumped into each other and spent some time together.
There’s a kindred spirit-ness between us right from the beginning. I always felt like, although I didn’t know Ethan personally, we had feelings about work that were similar such as the type of people we worked with and movies we made. I always thought we were very similar so being able to play these amazingly written scenes together right from day one felt so easy and natural. It’s a testament to the writing which was of the highest quality. With Rodrigo and Egor as well, it was an all-encouraged space and we were able to dance through it.

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Hawke: It’s like a watercolour in my memory, but it was the ‘90s and I remember seeing him in Trainspotting. When I saw the movie, we had already met. I think because I already met him and liked him, I didn’t have the normal feeling of jealousy when you see a good performance (laughs). I would never forget seeing Big Fish on the big screen—the movie was tremendous, that’s cinema. I’ve followed his career throughout even up till this summer, seeing Obi Wan with my family. So the brother aspect of playing this was very easy because it was easy to see him as a brother and we dedicate our lives to the same thing.
I love sports and the analogy is very obvious. It’s easy to play well when someone you’re playing with is very good. It becomes enjoyable to act. Everyone was a grown-up so you didn’t feel like the camera or the director were trying to show off. There was a real love of simplicity on the set and the confidence in the power of simplicity. So it all just became about quality.

This is also a movie that talks about masculinity and the relationship between brothers that can be beautiful but also complicated. The film shows that it’s hard for men to open up and be vulnerable. What do you think about this?
McGregor: I think there’s a lot of unlocking. This film is a journey towards them being able to face up to the pain that they’ve suffered and the hurt that they’ve locked away. They’re dealing with it in different ways and expressing their hatred, disappointment and heartbreak from the way their father dealt with them as children in different ways. They unlock and release it in different ways as well. I think Ray’s musical journey and how he’s able to express it is so beautiful.
The father destroyed Ray’s confidence in his music which is his creative expression. We can see he’s very talented but he’s unable to express it due to the damage that his father has done to him over the years. The fact that by the end of the movie, he’s able to express himself through music is such a beautiful idea that Rodrigo wrote.

Hawke: I think it’s more complicated than just forgiving the father. It’s forgiving yourself for giving into anger and self-loathing, and how to accept yourself in the moment that you’re really in. That’s why music is so good with that; it’s a present tense art form. When the movie is at its best, it ain’t one thing. It’s moving and each of the characters have their own relationships to each other.
It’s very easy for us to be critical about masculinity and hyperbolic about its positives, but when you don’t have a positive role model as a father, it does cripple you. I think many men deal with that in different ways, and this is definitely a story about that.

Do you think Raymond and Ray found their forgiveness?
McGregor: Ray tells Raymond throughout the film, “why can’t you be angry with him? Why can’t you let yourself hate him?” At the end, he does just that and shoots him in his coffin with a revolver. He’s able to express and accept his anger at his father. So, I don’t think it’s forgiveness in his case, it’s like an acceptance of this truth that it’s okay to feel this way about this man who was a horrendous father to him.
Hawke: We’re told all the wrong ways for anger to manifest itself. We’re told it’s wrong to repress it and act out on it. So, the movie is also a meditation on what the right way is for anger to manifest. Because if you don’t release it, it’s a constant stoppage in your life. But if you release it the wrong way, you trip over it. It’s really complicated for a lot of people.

Did you bring some of your own father-son relationship to these characters?
Hawke: It’s impossible not to, to a certain extent. We put ourselves in imaginary circumstances but we use our own knowledge of the universe to implement them. But I think our own life circumstances are different. One of the things that drew both of us to this project was how fully imagined it was on the page. To imagine being given the same name as your brother because your father was confusing you; to know that your mother who you both adore was severely hurt by our father; it’s hard to forgive your father for hurting your mother. So both men are trapped in that.
One of the wonderful things about being an actor is that human experience is not as unique as we think it is. When we’re young, we think that all the things that are hurting us are so specific to our own parents, brothers, and lovers but as you live a little, you begin to realise that these themes of family, love and loss are so common and that we really can understand each other. So yes, you use your own life and experience but not in the specifics of it.

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The two brothers went on a journey of self-discovery. Have you ever been in a situation where you had to discover yourself in your life?
Hawke: They always happen to you by surprise, actually. The times where I’ve gone out searching for self-discovery, I wind up bored watching the NFL or something. What happens to you is kinda like the movie: when a brother shows up out of surprise. There’s a really funny moment in the movie that I love, which is when Ray confesses that he never wanted to see Raymond but he was kind of glad that he did. That’s the way a lot of us feel about our family—they feel in the way of our daily life until they present themselves and you realise that they are your daily life and you can never shake them; they’re a part of you, always. There’s a real power in being around people that know where you come from and recognise firsthand the traumas you felt. I think that’s the power of family.
To watch Raymond and Ray on Apple TV+, click here.

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Beauty
The elixir that promises fresh, newborn skin overnight is now available
#iwokeuplikethis

19.02.2018
By Cai Mei Khoo

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

When we first broke news that La Prairie was releasing their most exciting product to date, a luxurious skin elixir touted as ‘the most powerful rejuvenating potion to emerge from the La Prairie labs’, we wondered ‘what is this magic’?

To experience the drop of magic, La Prairie whisked us off to St Regis Kuala Lumpur (in a stretch limo, no less), where we were treated to an intimate dinner, followed by an indulgent facial treatment, featuring the star of the evening, the new La Prairie Platinum Rare Cellular Night Elixir.

Fans of the brand would already know of La Prairie’s Exclusive Cellular Complex, which delivers essential nutrients to the skin to promote optimal cellular structure. The Night Elixir offers the highest concentration of this precious Complex, which is further combined with the Advanced Platinum Complex, a blend of rare, active ingredients, which aids in respiration, detoxification and immunity. This powerful blend which makes us the Night Elixir promises complete regeneration overnight, when the skin is at its most regenerative state.
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The bottle itself is a masterpiece to behold and is made to complement the Platinum Rare Cellular Cream. The Night Elixir is encapsulated within a weighty cylindrical bottle that took some three years to perfect. Instead of the usual screw-cap top, the cap is magnetised and opens to reveal the chrome-finished stopper, which reflects the gleam of the Night Elixir itself. A precise dropper releases just the right amount of Night Elixir needed each night—just one generous pea-sized drop is enough for the product to work its magic on the skin.

Velvety smooth in texture, the Night Elixir absorbs almost instantly to a dry, cashmere-soft finish and leaves a delicate floral scent on the skin. I have combination skin, with my T-zone being fairly oily but I found the Night Elixir to be just the right texture for my skin, without making it feel weighed down with grease.

I went to sleep that night in anticipation of my #iwokeuplikethis moment, and to put it simply, it was #achievementunlocked. I’ve since been using the Night Elixir religiously for a couple of weeks now and my skin looks more radiant, and the texture seems more refined. My mum, who is eagle-eyed when it comes to all things beauty, also commented that I’m looking a lot fresher and that my skin looks brighter and rejuvenated, to which I just smiled coyly and thanked her. I supposed she’ll now know my little secret.

The La Prairie Platinum Rare Cellular Night Elixir is priced at RM5,750 for 20ml and is available at Isetan KLCC, Isetan Gardens, and Parkson Pavilion. For more information, please click here.

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Culture
10 Ways to greet and communicate in person while social distancing

29.09.2020
By Adelina Tan

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The ways we interact with others have fundamentally changed because of COVID-19. One of the casualties include physical greetings due to the potential of disseminating the virus. If hugs, handshakes, and kisses were your usual approaches, it’s time to think of different ways to say “hello”.
The New Normal (which to be honest, is now the Everyday Normal) can be seen in the beauty industry and the fashion industry. Virtual events are also trending over in-real-life or physical events. Furthermore, the usage of e-wallets and cashless transactions is now commonplace. You also can’t forget about all the video conferencing options around that has helped us stay connected—from Zoom to FaceTime.
While we continue to practise social distancing amid coronavirus concerns, we will have to constantly look for alternatives in our new reality. It can be challenging but people all over the world are creative. Hence, we don’t actually have to forgo basic good manners while meeting others in person. What can you do to communicate and greet without physically touching each other? Gone are the elbow bumps, fist bumps, and high fives.
1) The Wave-and-Smile

Photo by Getty Images
This will probably be one of the most common forms of greeting from now on. It’s also really simple and straightforward. Universally understood,  the wave-and-smile is effective whether you’re one metre away or five metres apart. It works when you smile with your mask on too.
2) The Bow

Photo by Getty Images
In many cultures, bowing is a natural everyday tradition—including South Korea, Japan, Thailand, and China. This particular way of communicating isn’t just applied for saying “hello”. You can bow to bid farewell, apologise, congratulate, and indicate gratitude. Although customs and rules surrounding bowing can differ wherever you are, it’s a greeting that anyone would understand right away. If you’re curious, you can always ask about specific cultural guidelines before bowing.
3) The Nah-Ma-Stay

Photo by Getty Images
Yes, you guessed that right—it’s Namaste. This is a form of greeting you have seen numerous times. Do you know what the Sanskrit word actually means? When translated directly to English, Namaste means “I bow to you”. It “is an acknowledgment of the soul in one by the soul in another”.
You can use Namaste for a plethora of reasons—from meeting someone to thanking them. All you have to do is put your palms together and bow. It’s a deep form of respect (especially in India and Nepal) so make sure to use Namaste at the appropriate situations.
4) The Salute

Photo by Getty Images
This is one of the most popular forms of greeting in the world. Salutes are symbols of respect, especially in the military. When you salute, most people understand what you mean. Friends do this when they see each other at the mamak. You’re not only acknowledging the existence of the other party; you’re also telling them that you value their presence. It’s simple, quick, and can be done from any distance.
5) The Vulcan Salute

Photo by Getty Images
Here’s one from Star Trek! Spock’s infamous hand gesture could very well be the next best greeting practice after a handshake. All you have to do is raise your palm and part the ring fingers and the middle. It could be difficult at first but practice makes perfect. The Vulcan Salute is definitely a fun way to greet someone—and could even put a smile on their faces.
According to Professor Robert West from University College London, the gesture means “live long and prosper”. That’s as befitting as it gets.
6) The Hand-on-Heart

Photo by Getty Images
You can say a simple “hello” or salam by putting your hand on your heart as a mode of acknowledgment. Uncomplicated and clean, it can be executed from any range.
You can use it at work, social functions, schools, and more. The hand-on-heart gesture is perfect as a substitute for handshakes.
7) Digital contact cards instead of physical versions

Pre-coronavirus, society has been accustomed to passing out business cards in person. More often than not, there will be physical touching in one form or another. One of the best methods to fix this problem is by sending out digital contact cards instead.

A solution you can consider is Betacard, a new innovation in contact and calling cards. With Betacard, it’s actually easier to exchange contact information seamlessly and precisely. It’s all in your smartphone, after all.

In addition to being cost-effective and green, digital contact cards are also easily catalogued and searchable. This is great especially because we don’t always have our cards with us. Digital cards can be updated and customised—with thousands of themes to choose from or opt to create from a blank canvas.
By not giving out physical cards, you’re adapting to the New Normal effectively and wisely. It’s probably the safest way to exchange business cards from now on. You can download Betacard on iOS and Android.
8) The Wakanda Salute

Photo by Getty Images
You might have already been doing this pre-coronavirus, especially after watching Black Panther. Although not ideal for formal and official situations, the Wakanda Salute is a great way to greet and communicate with your peers.
To do it right, cross your arms to form the letter “X”. Make sure you have your right arm over the left. Wakanda Forever and keep your distance with this iconic salute.
9) V For Victory (and Peace)

Photo by Getty Images
Hand signs are safe forms of greeting and the “V” symbol is no different. It has already been widely utilised. Also known as the peace sign, the “V for Victory” gesture is as effortless as it gets. It’s also a classic pose in selfies. Put two fingers up and keep the virus at bay.
10) The Finger Heart

Popularised by South Korean celebrities, all you have to do is form a baby heart with the tips of your thumb and forefinger. It’s the best way to spread love instead of the virus. Blackpink’s a fine example of this; welcoming fans into their area with finger hearts.
The New Normal means accepting that what we were used to in the past has changed. While we can still find ways to feel a sense of normalcy, we also have to come to terms with possible challenges and issues that may arise in the future.
Although unusual, you are allowed to refuse a handshake or a hug. Yes, pulling away from an embrace may seem like a breach of etiquette but physical contact has to be minimised as much as possible. These are just simple steps and are not extreme changes. Think of these new forms of communication and greeting as symbols of genuine concern for the health of one another. Stay safe, everyone!
For more stories on the New Normal, click here.

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Versace gets a new home in Madrid

Fashion
Versace gets a new home in Madrid
Shopping haven

11.10.2015
By Buro247

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

As the third-largest city in the European Union and the headquarters of the World Tourism Organisation, Madrid is the perfect destination to de-stress and find your center, particularly after the hectic schedule of fashion month. As further enticement, Versace is now the proud occupant of 420 sqm 0f pure luxury in the heart of Madrid’s Salamanca district. A collaboration between Donatella Versace and English architect, Jamie Fobert, the boutique will house the full range of the brand’s prêt-à-porter and accessories collections. “In fulfilling this project Jamie Fobert has created a space in which the new Versace spirit can take flight.” says Versace. “For me the boutique suggests an uninterrupted dialogue between our past and our future, between me and Jamie Fobert and obviously between Versace and our clients.” Mosaic floors inspired by Byzantine churches of the ninth century are contrasted again ultra-modern perspex walls and shelving, giving the illusion of floating in mid-air. It’s the perfect environment to relax and enjoy the Versace vibe: retail therapy of the highest order.

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Beauty
Chanel’s First Spa to Open at The Ritz Paris
Why don’t you go where beauty sits?

08.06.2015
By Renyi Lim

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The most dedicated Chanel fans will know that Mademoiselle Chanel spent an incredible 34 years living at the Ritz Paris – she moved into her suite at the beginning of the 1930s, bringing with her a beige, quilted suede settee and a folding screen of lacquered Coromandel to make the space uniquely her own.
In a modern continuation of this famous bond, Chanel has announced a new partnership with the Ritz Paris: at the end of the year, ‘Chanel au Ritz Paris’ – a beauty destination that will offer women a sensorial and specially customized experience of Chanel’s skincare – will open at the exclusive Ritz Club.
On an even more exciting note, a new Coco Chanel suite directly inspired by the one she originally occupied and the interiors she adored will also be there to delight guests once the doors of the Ritz Paris reopen again – and, doubtless, will have plenty of Mademoiselles rushing for 15 Place Vendôme.

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Food + Drink
New Year’s Eve 2021: Where to dine and countdown to 2022 in the Klang Valley

30.12.2021
By Natalie Khoo

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1. The Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur

Have a Glitz and Grand New Year’s Eve at Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur, which boasts international buffet spreads accompanied by live musical entertainment at Thirty8 and JP teres. While both venues offer an extensive selection of local and international cuisines, opt for Thirty8 to dine with panoramic views of KL’s skyline and/or the Petronas Twin Towers.
New Year’s Eve Buffet
Thirty8 – The Grand CountdownAvailability: 31 December 2021 l 8pm until closePrice: RM798 nett (KLCC view) | RM698 nett (City view)
JP teresAvailability: 31 December 2021 l 7pm until closePrice: RM278 nett (Adult) ǀ RM139 nett (Child)

New Year’s Day Afternoon Tea
THIRTY8 – Festive High On FlavorsAvailability: 1 January 2021 | 1pm – 5pmPrice: RM189 nett (Adult) ǀ RM95 nett (Child)
For reservations and enquiries, call +603 2182 1234 or email [email protected].

2. The RuMa Hotel & Residence

If you’re feeling indulgent, book yourself a table at Atas this New Year’s Eve to enjoy a 7-course menu, highlighted by dishes such as Crisp Tartlette with Smoke Crème Fraiche and Salmon Caviar, Scallop with Cauliflower and Black Truffles, and Wagyu with Yuzu Kosho. Better yet, check-in with The RuMa Suite package, which comes with a private dinner served in the suite for six persons and two bottles of Dom Perignon—complete with stunning views of the iconic Petronas Twin Towers.
New Year’s Eve DinnerAvailability: 31 December 2021 | 6pm – 10pmPrice: RM548+ per person
New Year’s Eve Stay and DineAvailability: 31 December 2021Price: RM10,888 per package for up to six persons
To make a reservation, call +603 2778 0888 or visit www.theruma.com.

3. Vogue Lounge Kuala Lumpur

Bask in the complete NYE countdown experience at Vogue Lounge KL, starting with an extravagant New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner, followed by live music at the rooftop bar and a stunning firework display at midnight. On New Year’s Day, toast to new beginnings over a delectable brunch spread with seafood and primed meats as well as detox juices.
New Year’s Eve Gala DinnerAvailability: 31 December 2021 l 7.30pm – 11pm | Live music and fireworks from 11.30pmPrice: RM750 per pax
New Year’s Lazy Day BrunchAvailability: 1 January 2021 | 12.30pm – 4pmPrice: Priced at RM200 per pax, including free flow of healthy booster shots and juices
To make a reservation, call +6016 846 6552 oor email [email protected].

4. W Kuala Lumpur

‘Get Wrapped Up’ in a delightful feast at W KL’s Flock as you wrap up 2021 with your loved ones. Expect a hearty buffet featuring fresh produce from local artisans on NYE and a 4-course set dinner at the hotel’s signature restaurant on the first day of 2022. Alternatively, start your first meal of the new year with Flock’s famed Sunday Retox Brunch.
New Year’s Eve DinnerAvailability: 31 December 2021 l 8pm – 11pmPrice: RM398+ per person (food only) | RM588+ per person (inclusive of House Pour and Sparkling Wine) | RM848+ per person (inclusive of free flow of champagne)
New Year’s Day Set DinnerAvailability: 1 January 2021 | 7pm – 10pmPrice: RM228+ per person (food only) | RM348+ per person (inclusive of wine pairing)

Sunday Retox Brunch – New Year’s Bubbly EditionAvailability: 1 January 2021 | 12pm – 3pmPrice: RM288+ per person (food only) | RM548+ per person (inclusive of free flow of bubbly)
Wet Deck Dom Perignon PartyAvailability: 31 December 2021 l 6pm – 1amPrice: Minimum spend required
For reservations and enquiries, call +012 347 9088 or email [email protected].

5. Shook! at The Starhill Dining

Savour the final moments of 2021 with a 5-course dinner menu of festive delights, then welcome 2022 with a festive brunch that includes house-made eggnog at Shook!
New Year, New ShookAvailability: 31 December 2021 l 7pm onwardsPrice: RM220 per adult | RM110 per child
New Year’s Day BrunchAvailability: 1 January 2021 | 11.30am – 2.30pmPrice: RM118 per adult | RM59 per child
For reservations and enquiries, WhatsApp +6018 929 8060 or email [email protected].

6. Intercontinental KL

Feast on a hearty buffet spread at Serena Brasserie, featuring freshly prepared dishes and healthy selections that won’t leave you feeling guilty of over-indulgence.
New Year’s Eve Garden-to-Plate Buffet Dinner at Serena BrasserieAvailability: 31 December 2021 l 6pm – 10pmPrice: RM218+ per adult l RM131+ per child (6 – 12 years)
*Prices inclusive of New Year’s party pack
To make a reservation, call +603 2782 6000 or email [email protected] / [email protected].

7. The Ritz-Carlton Kuala Lumpur

Executive Chef Wai has crafted an exclusive four-course dinner with contemporary creations at The Library, with the option of a Royal Salute 21-year-old flight pairing to complement the gourmet meal. For those who can’t get enough of Christmas, an exceptional spread of festive favourites awaits at The Cobalt Room in the company of live jazz tunes.
Journey Into The New Year With Chef Wai at The LibraryAvailability: 31 December 2021 & 1 January 2021 | 6.30pm – 10.30pmPrice: RM450 per person, add RM150 for Royal Salute 21-year-old flight pairing
The Festive Jazzy Dinner at The Cobalt RoomAvailability: 31 December 2021 & 1 January 2021 | 6.30pm – 10.30pmPrice: RM180 per person
For reservations and enquiries, WhatsApp +6018 929 2174 (The Library) or +6011 1764 6056 (The Cobalt Room), or email [email protected].

8. Mandarin Oriental Kuala Lumpur

Close off 2021 with a bang with the Grand New Year’s Eve Buffet Dinner or welcome 2022 with a spectacular New Year’s Day brunch at Mandarin Oriental KL. Whichever you opt for (and yes, you can opt for both), you’ll be treated to an abundant meal to toast to the new year.
Grand New Year’s Eve Buffet DinnerLocations: Mosaic, Lounge on the Park, and Diamond BallroomAvailability: 31 December 2021 | 7pm – 10.30pmPrice: RM488+ per person
New Year’s Eve Dinner at Mandarin GrillAvailability: 31 December 2021 | 7pm – 10.30pmPrice: RM688+ per person, add on RM198+ for wine pairing
New Year’s Day BrunchLocations: Mosaic and Lounge on the ParkAvailability: 1 January 2021 | 12.30pm – 3.30pmPrice: RM228+ per person | RM328+ with free flow of prosecco
New Year’s Eve Buffet Under the Stars at Aqua Restaurant & BarAvailability: 31 December 2021 | 7pm – 10.30pmPrice: RM688+ per person | RM120+ per entry from 10pm onwards (inclusive of a glass of Taittinger Champagne) | Cocktail tables, lounge and VIP seating available at additional cost
For reservations and enquiries, call 03 2330 8798.

9. Pullman KLCC

Kick off NYE with a buffet spread at Pullman KLCC’s Sedap Restaurant before clinking glasses with your mates while dancing to live DJ music at Blu Bar & Cigars until the clock strikes twelve!
Countdown Dinner Buffet at Sedap RestaurantAvailability: 6.30pm – 10pmPrice: RM188 per adult (free flow of juices and soft drinks) | RM238 per adult (free flow of juices, soft drinks, beer and wine)*Prices inclusive of a redemption of one mocktail drink to celebrate New Year’s countdown at Blu Bar, Level 2.
NYE Countdown at Blu Bar & CigarsAvailability: 10pm – 1amPrice: RM68 cover charge, inclusive of a glass of wine, spirits, beer, cocktail or mocktail
New Year’s Day Lunch Buffet at Sedap RestaurantAvailability: 1 January 2021 | 12pm – 3pmPrice: RM158 per adult (free flow of juices and soft drinks) | RM208 per adult (free flow of juices, soft drinks, beer and wine)
To make a reservation, WhatsApp +6016 290 3864 or email [email protected].

10. Four Points by Sheraton Kuala Lumpur

Jann KL
The Christmas elves at Quan’s Kitchen are working overtime to offer a delightful festive feast on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, complete with a carving station, traditional holiday favourites, and Asian dishes. Meanwhile, those looking for a more romantic setting under the night sky can book the exclusive Quan’s Kitchen New Year’s Eve Bright Lights Big City outdoor dining experience for two, featuring a private Seafood and Caviar selection, luxury set dinner, and a bottle of G.H. Mumm champagne.
New Year’s Eve Dinner Buffet with Live BandAvailability: 31 December 2021 | 7pm – 11pmPrice: RM168 per person
New Year’s Day Brunch BuffetAvailability: 1 January 2021 | 12pm – 3pmPrice: RM158 per person

Outdoor view at Jann
Quan’s Kitchen New Year’s Eve Bright Lights Big CityAvailability: 31 December 2021 | 7.00pm – 11pmPrice: RM788 for two pax (inclusive of a bottle of G.H. Mumm champagne)
Countdown to 2022 at JannAvailability: 31 December 2021Price: RM75 for entry with one drink
For reservations and enquiries, call/WhatsApp 012-507-3327 or email [email protected].
11. Nobu Kuala Lumpur

Nobu Kuala Lumpur is offering a 6-course New Year at New Nobu menu for New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, comprising a Moriawase, a sushi selection, Scallop Tataki with Quinoa Cranberry Salad, Chilled Homemade Tomato Pudding with Caviar, King Crab Yuzu Truffle Butter Sauce, and Yuzu Chocolate Mousse with Black Goma Mochi.
New Year at New NobuAvailability: 31 December 2021 & 1 January 2022Price: RM758 per person
For reservations and enquiries, call +603 2380 0028 or WhatsApp +6019 389 5085, email [email protected], or click here.
12. Banyan Tree Kuala Lumpur

Famed for its unparalleled views of KL city, Banyan Tree KL’s Horizon Grill is serving up a special 6-course menu on New Year’s Eve and a luscious brunch buffet New Year’s Day to celebrate 2022 on a high note. And by high, we mean 58 storeys high—complete with stunning vistas of the city to get a front-row view of the fireworks!
6-course New Year’s Eve menu at Horizon GrillAvailability: 31 December 2021 and 1 January 2022, 6pm – 11pmPrice: RM888+ per person (free flow non-alcoholic beverages) | RM1,288+ per person for free-flow of champagne | RM1,488+ per person (private dining room package for a minimum of 4 persons)
New Year’s Day Brunch at Horizon GrillAvailability: 1 January 2021, 12pm – 3pmPrice: RM75+ for free flow non-alcoholic beverages | RM180+ for free flow Wine and Beer | RM250+ for free flow of champagne
For reservations, call +603 2113 1888.
13. Pavilion Hotel Kuala Lumpur

Pavilion Hotel Kuala Lumpur is set to satisfy big appetites with a scrumptious buffet feast for your last meal of 2021, followed by an equally hearty brunch to celebrate the arrival of 2022.
New Year’s Eve Buffet Dinner at The CourtyardAvailability: 31 December 2021 & 1 January 2022 | 6pm – 10pmPrice: RM168+ per adult | RM84+ per child | Add-on RM250+ for free flow Champagne, RM180+ for free flow Wine and Beer and RM75+ for free flow non-alcoholic beverages
New Year’s Day Buffet Brunch at The CourtyardAvailability: 1 January 2022 | 12pm – 3pmPrice: RM168+ per adult | RM84+ per child | Add-on RM250+ for free flow Champagne, RM180+ for free flow Wine and Beer and RM75+ for free flow non-alcoholic beverages
For reservations and enquiries, call +603 2117 2888.
14. EQ

7-Course Omakase at Kampachi
Prefer a course meal over buffets? Take your pick from a 7-Course Omakase meal at Kampachi featuring dishes such as Miyazaki wagyu steak with truffle sauce, or a 5-course dinner at Sabayon where highlights such as Butter Poached Blue Lobster await.
7-Course Omakase at KampachiAvailability: 31 December 2021, 6pm – 11pmPrice: RM588 per person | Add on RM150 per person for a premium sake and wine pairing
Toast to a New Year at SabayonAvailability: 31 December 2021, 6pm – 11pmPrice: RM1,488 per person for window seating | RM1288 per person for regular seating (both prices inclusive of a glass of Billecart-Salmon Brut Rosé each)
For reservations and enquiries, call +603 2789 7839 or email [email protected].
15. The Chow Kit

Countdown to 2022 with a modern Malaysian menu at The Chow Kit, featuring dishes like pan seared foie gras with caramelised pineapple slices drizzled with kelulut honey balsamic dressing, oxtail soup, and salt baked senangin. The exclusive Festive Menu can be enjoyed at both The Chow Kit Kitchen & Bar, as well as the signature Private @The Chow Kit in-room dining experience.
Festive Menu at The Chow Kit Kitchen & Bar / Private

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Culture
Stir The Pot: 3 Malaysian chefs dish out tips, songs and recipes to help you master home cooking

14.05.2020
By Kelly Lim

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Whether the MCO period has turned you into a delivery devotee or forced your hand into cookery, everyone should at least know their way around the home kitchen.
We reached out to three Malaysian chefs who are killing it in the local scene and asked them to share some of their top tips, tunes and recipes to inspire your inner cook.
Chef Ili Sulaiman

Ili Sulaiman cut her teeth at one of London’s most prestigious fine-dining restaurants, Mosimann, before returning to Malaysia and starting Dish by Ili, a passion project turned home-cooked catering business and platform. The food entrepreneur is also a cooking host on the Asian Food Channel and co-founder of Agak Agak, a social enterprise that helps mentor and teach culinary skills to the underprivileged so that they can launch their own career.
Her top 3 songs to cook to…
“Morning Dew by Matt Quentin, Special Night by Lee Fields & The Expressions and Do Me Like That by E. Live”
The one ingredient she can’t live without…
“Garlic!”
Her favourite dish to cook at home…
“Pasta—all kinds of pasta: creamy, oil based, tomato based, ragu.”
One dish every home cook should try mastering…
“An ingredient I feel all Malaysians should know how to cook properly is rice. If you’re going for a dish, I would say one good sambal. Whether it’s sambal tumis, sambal belacan, belado, etc.”
On foolproof kitchen tips…
“Invest in good kitchen pots and pans and kitchenware that will last you at least 10 years and longer. It’s an investment that pays off.”
Her last meal would be…
“Coconut water, perfectly cooked white rice, fresh fished grilled to perfection, the best sambal in the world, kicap manis, a sunny side up egg (over easy) and a hug plate of garlic kailan.”
One easy recipe to try at home…
Steam Fish Tiga Rasa

Ingredients:

1 medium-sized sea bass
3 cloves of garlic, chopped finely
2 inches of ginger, chopped finely
2 bird’s eye chilli, chopped finely
3 medium-sized limes, rolled and squeezed for juice
1 tablespoon of salt
1 tablespoon of brown sugar

Method:
1. In a bowl, mix all the chopped ingredients together with lime rinds and sugar.
2. Separately rub salt all over the fish and inside the cavities of the fish.
3. Finally, rub the chopped ingredient mix all over the fish and steam.
Chef Daniel Yap, Gooddam

Co-founder and head chef at Gooddam, a locally-driven, Italian-inspired restaurant in Petaling Jaya, Chef Daniel Yap follows a philosophy of simplicity in his cooking to push boundaries and share his love for Italian culture and cuisine.
His top 3 songs to cook to…
“Stop The Clock by Peter Marsh, We Are by HAEVN, Rather Be by Clean Bandit.”
One ingredient he can’t live without…
“Gula Melaka.”
His favourite dish to cook at home…
“Seafood Marinara, a buttery seafood stew that goes so well with bread, rice or pasta!”
One dish every home cook should try mastering…
“Fried chicken; there are a ton of versions so you can try to create one of your own.”
On foolproof kitchen tips…
“Keep kaffir lime leave in the freezer to prevent oxidization and longer shelf life.”
His last meal would be…
“My grandmother’s Nasi Lemak.”
One easy recipe to follow at home…
Seafood Marinara

Ingredients:

10-12 pieces of prawn, cleaned & de-shelled
1 over-ripen tomato
4 cloves of garlic, sliced thinly
35g parsley, chopped finely
30g butter

Method:
1. In a heated pan with 2 tablespoons of corn oil, sear the prawns on each side for one minute and lightly season with salt. Transfer the half-cooked prawns to a plate.
2. In the same pan, saute garlic and tomato with oil for two minutes over medium heat.
3. Deglaze the pan with a splash of white wine or just water. Bring to a boil and season with salt and pepper.
4. Put the prawns back in the pan to continue cooking for one to two minutes over medium heat.
5. Finish off with parsley and butter to create a buttery sauce before it’s ready to serve!
6. Squeeze a wedge of lemon and eat it with garlic butter bread roll or just plain hot rice!
Chef Johnson Wong, gēn 根 Penang

A graduate of the prestigious Le Cordon Bleu Sydney, Chef Johnson Wong is the head chef and founder at gēn 根, a communal-style modern Malaysian restaurant focused on local ingredients in the heart of Penang.
His top 3 songs to cook to…
“Chef Johnson doesn’t have the habit of listening to songs while cooking.”
The one ingredient he can’t live without…
“Ginger flower plays an important role in our house and culture, hence we often highlight this ingredient in the restaurant.”
His favourite dish to cook at home?
“French fries.”
One dish every home cook should try mastering…
“Cooking eggs.”
On foolproof kitchen tips…
“To keep tasting your food as you cook.”
His last meal would be…
“A bowl of good fried rice would satisfy my craving for my last meal.”
One easy recipe to follow at home…
Salt-baked Herbal Chicken

Ingredients:

1 whole chicken (tip: use kampung chicken or free-range chicken to get a better texture of the meat)
20g fine salt
20g Chinese Angelica slices
2kg rock salt

Method:
1. Wash the chicken and dry it out with paper napkin.
2. Rub the chicken with fine salt and Angelica slices.
3. Wrap the chicken in parchment paper and leave in the chiller to marinate overnight.
4. Toss the rock salt in a pan till hot.
5. Put the chicken in and cover with the rock salt. Cook for an hour with medium heat and turn the chicken to the other side to cook for another 30 minutes.
Tip: Add a thicker layer of rock salt at the bottom of the chicken to prevent the parchment paper from burning when cooking.

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Checking in: Andaz Singapore

Travel
Checking in: Andaz Singapore
Locally inspired design

04.06.2018
By Rachel Au

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Is it odd that I started with that? Andaz Singapore made a great first impression upon being dropped off at the entrance of the mixed-use Duo twin skyscrapers which houses the Hyatt boutique luxury hotel. The sight of the two futuristic-like buildings draped in a latticework of hexagonal windows is breathtaking. But personally, it was the breakfast buffet spread that left a (more) lasting impression. More on that later.

Unlike its sister hotels under the same group, Andaz has the freedom for creativity and fun. More often than not, the brand manages to draw inspiration from its surroundings and adapt it to its interior, design, and character. This is what makes every Andaz hotel around the world so exciting. Opened in November 2017, Andaz Singapore is the brand’s seventeenth property and first to open in Southeast Asia; and they couldn’t have picked a better location. Sitting at the heart of where Kampong Glam, Little India and Bras Basah Bugis meet meant famed interior designer Andre Fu of AFSO could play with the various accents of the nearby shophouses—furniture, colours, shapes, art, decorative details and more. That also meant an uninterrupted panoramic view of Singapore’s cityscape.

LOCATION

While it’s not located within walking distance of the busy shopping hub that is Orchard Road, Andaz Singapore is well connected. A short 20-minute drive will take you to Changi Airport while Orchard or Marina Bay Sands would only take 10 minutes by car. Not to mention, Bugis MRT station is just downstairs.

ROOMS
Like a lot of hotels these days, Andaz Singapore’s lobby is not on the ground floor where you enter the building. Instead, it’s on the 25th floor which gives an added wow factor when the lift door opens and you see the check-in counter against a backdrop of the sky. But personally, it meant having to change lifts twice to get to the room or out of the hotel. It’s a minor pet peeve.
{insert gallery tpl=”slide-freesize.tpl” id=”[Стандартная] Andaz Singapore Suites” rid=”6273″ order=”a_tstamp”}
Despite being a luxury boutique hotel, Andaz Singapore accommodates quite a large number of rooms—a total of 342 guest rooms, which includes 26 suites. I stayed in the King View room and with the floor-to-ceiling windows, the view was quite grand. Inspired by the surrounding architecture, every room is furnished with a bespoke post-box doorbell with a rectangle area to tap your key card; and a shophouse-style door in bold mustard yellow separating the bedroom and the bathroom. It’s an endearing detail. While extremely cosy, the room was a tad smaller than expected. On the plus side, as per standard Andaz policy, the minibar is filled with locally sourced snacks and non-alcoholic drinks—and it’s replenished daily and complimentary.
{insert gallery tpl=”slide-freesize.tpl” id=”[Стандартная] Andaz Singapore Rooms” rid=”6274″ order=”a_tstamp”}
Bath amenities are by French perfumer Christophe Laudamiel, who created an exclusive Andaz Singapore scent. Made with local ingredients such as Indian jasmine, cloves, orchids and ginger lilies, he called it Singapore Fusion #19. It’s a keeper.

FACILITIES

There’s an infinity pool on the 25th floor (not super big) and a 24-hour gym on the 38th floor (not particularly huge). Sadly, there isn’t a spa. For those looking to host events, however, there are six spaces to take advantage of, with the most distinct one being The Glasshouse.

DINING
While there’s not much to do inside of Andaz Singapore, there’s much to eat. For starters, guests can enjoy complimentary refreshments at the Sunroom and complimentary wines and local beer during the Andaz Lounge Hour (5pm – 7pm daily).

Then, there’s Alley on 25 which features all-day dining with seven shophouse-inspired venues that transition seamlessly from one space to another. Each one specialises in one food preparation method. For example, you can find barbecued delights at Smoke & Pepper or go for something more familiar at Auntie’s Wok and Steam. In the morning, these venues shape an almost endless trail of the breakfast buffet. The waffles are amazing. Oh, and so is the bacon. Go early though because by 9.30am, the crowd is in and the cooks might not be able to whip up the hot stuff as fast.

For something a little more intimate, 665°F specialises in gourmet meat and sustainable seafood cooked in its wood-fired oven and grill. To complement the dish on your plate is a stunning view of the Singapore skyline. Quite romantic.

But our favourite has to be Mr Stork, the rooftop bar on the 39th floor with teepee-hut seating and a breathtaking 360-degree view of the city.

VERDICT
Andaz Singapore is a beautiful hotel. From the staff’s uniform (and there are so many designs of them) to the silhouettes of the furniture to the murukku snacks available at the check-in counter to the Andaz Times newspaper on the table in the room (essentially their mini guide in- and outside of the hotel) to the numerous art pieces scattered around the hotel as a homage to the local culture, the attention to detail is phenomenal and admirable. As the first Andaz hotel in Southeast Asia, it truly did justice to the brand.

5 Fraser Street, Singapore 189354
Rates start from an average of SGD$270 per night. For more info, or to book your stay, visit Andaz Singapore’s website.

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Jewellery
In conversation with Damien Foo of Kaimirra Tutan on shaking up the world of high jewellery
Man with a plan

07.11.2022
By Sarah Hani Jamil

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These 7 genderless jewellery collections are breaking style norms

While new to the retail scene here in Kuala Lumpur, with its first boutique located at MidValley Megamall, luxury jewellery brand Kaimirra Tutan has established itself as of the world’s most unique jewellers with a specific connection to the ancient Egyptian art of adornment. Offering ammolite gems—a rare, iridescent gemstone made of fossilised shells of sea creatures for over 60 to 70 million years—known to be worn by nobles and aristocrats for special ceremonies in the Egyptian era, the Canada-based brand aims to give it a modern touch to cater to the needs of today’s men and women.
“Back then, even the Pharaoh would wear the ammolite on his crown. The Egyptians value luxury so much that when they pass away, they will not pass their jewellery down to the next generation, and instead, will bury themselves with it,” shares Damien Foo, the Managing Director of the Kaimirra Tutan Group.
Today, Kaimirra Tutan’s ammolite is sourced from the mines in the Bearpaw Formation, in the Canadian provinces of Alberta and Saskatchewan, and is harvested sustainably and ethically by Korite—the world’s largest commercial producer of ammolite.
Foo’s distinctive eye for style and bold leadership approach are what have allowed the brand to flourish in such a short amount of time since its launch here in Malaysia. “We understand that fashion changes very quickly today, so we’re not chasing trends. Despite our high luxury status, here at Kaimirra, we believe a lot in helping our clients find the right pieces they can wear every day, whether for work, sports or even travelling. We don’t want to create items that people will only seek out once a year or something so extravagant that they can wear just once in their lifetime,” he shares.

In a sea of luxury jewellery brands, Foo is determined to stand out. And he plans to do so by thinking big. “What we wanted to do from the get-go is to really take risks. We didn’t want to play safe and see how it went. So some of the services we offer are really on par with the major jewellery brands there are out there, from customising jewellery to exclusive in-store experiences and more,” he explains.
“I foresee us having outlets in most of the major cities across the globe with a powerful online presence—an overall omnichannel approach. I want our brand to be in a way whereby people can purchase the jewellery in Singapore, but when they travel to Japan, they can return it there. Or they can purchase an item online but travel to the States to pick it up. That’s the kind of convenience we’re aiming for. We’re also aspiring to foster a strong relationship with our customers where they can come up to us and say, ‘Hey, my wedding anniversary is coming up next month, so what should I wear?’ and our consultants will be able to give excellent advice that our customers trust,” Foo adds.

With the challenge of running a solid fashion entity coupled with fast-changing times, Foo attributes his motivation and achievements to his team. He shares: “I believe a lot in setting up my people for success because when they’re successful, I will be successful. I believe in getting people to voice up and giving constructive feedback because that’s how a company will grow. In my position, l aim to facilitate whatever my team needs to thrive. I think getting everybody on board to share the same vision is important. There’s also the fact that we do not have a lot of red tape in terms of guidelines that we must follow, so we’re open to changes, and we can adapt to new things almost in an instant.”

The Kaimirra Tutan appeal
So who is the typical Kaimirra Tutan customer, you ask? “Our clients are on the younger end of the spectrum, from 25 to 45. However, regardless of age and gender, our intent is to get customers to wear what makes them feel good. The type of jewellery they choose depends on who’s wearing it and how they want to differentiate themselves from others,” Foo explains.
To further observe how effortless Kaimirra Tutan’s jewellery is for everyday wear, check out how Malaysian model Natalie Prabha styles the luxury pieces with both casual and evening ensembles.

Collections are categorised into different lifestyle aspects to help customers choose their perfect piece for any occasion. Scroll through the gallery below to see them for yourselves.

The Girl Boss
1/5

The Luxury Nomad
2/5

The New Contemporary
3/5

The New Romantic
4/5

The Socialite
5/5

The Kaimirra Tutan flagship boutique is located at S043, 2nd Floor, East Atrium MidValley Megamall. For more information about Ammolite gems and Kaimirra Tutan’s extensive Ammolite jewellery collections, head over to www.kaimirratutan.com.

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Malaysian entrepreneurs
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luxury fashion
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