Art + Design
Opinion: Why the “white saviour complex” is causing mahjong mayhem and Malaysians saying “no-la” to Nala

22.01.2021
By Sanjeeva Suresh

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Recently, the founder(s) of Nala Designs and The Mahjong Line—two separate companies, miles apart—have come under fire for their remarks on two cultural items that are close to most Malaysian’s hearts—the baju kurung and mahjong

“If it’s not broke, don’t fix it.” It’s a popular saying but sometimes, in the quest to pay a meaningful homage to an inspiration that is also culturally significant, words (and actions) end up lost in translation.
I’m neither Chinese nor Malay, but bear with me when I say—and as I will proceed to explain—there’s a common theme between the mahjong fiasco and “no-la” drama.
Mahjong was an integral part of my childhood. The memories of watching my relatives sit around a marble table with the clickety-clack sound of the tiles being shuffled, fused with the mahjong paper’s soft rustling, remains one of my fondest. With every game, I’d hear a loud cheer from the adults and I’d glance over, wondering who was the winner of that round.
Granted, I’m no mahjong player. My late grandmother taught me the style of gin rummy so perhaps the traditional mahjong gameplay could be on my bucket list for 2021. Regardless, when I was finally introduced to it, my first impressions were how each tile was beautifully designed with rich colours and intricate carvings that I could feel with a simple brush of my fingertips. I was in awe.

Photo: The Mahjong Line
So when I first heard of The Mahjong Line, a Dallas-based company by friends Kate LaGere, Annie O’Grady and Bianca Watson, with their own variation of the popular Chinese tile-based game, I didn’t think much about it. Then came words of their claims: How mahjong needed a “modern makeover” and how “the traditional tiles did not reflect the fun that was had when playing with friends”. The online criticism made sense. People found the message on their “About Us” page to be tone-deaf as well as belittling part of a culture that has been around for thousands of years. Soon, accusations of cultural appropriation followed.
Cultural appropriation is “the inappropriate adoption of the customs, practices, ideas, etc. of one people or society by members of another and typically more dominant people of society” (in most instances, a minority group), as The Week aptly summarises. In the same article, it clarifies further that while it’s fine to “take on aspects of another culture”, the issue begins when it’s taken in a way that members of said culture find it “undesirable and offensive”. Or used “for fun or fashion”, “out of a place of ignorance rather than knowledge of that culture”.
In the world of fashion and entertainment, it’s common to hear of whitewashing in film, white models or celebrities wearing cornrows, or the ignorant trope of donning the Native American headdress for amusement. All of which are big no-nos today. The question is: Where is the line between appropriation and appreciation?

Photo: The Mahjong Line
In the world of fashion and entertainment, it’s common to hear of whitewashing in film, white models or celebrities wearing cornrows, or the ignorant trope of donning the Native American headdress for amusement. All of which are big no-nos today. The question is: Where is the line between appropriation and appreciation?
In some cases, it comes down to money. When the “dominant” group takes a cultural element and then commercialises it, they are financially gaining off of another group.
In the instance of The Mahjong Line, they were (and still are) selling their Mahjong sets between USD$325 and USD$425. There is also a playing mat for sale (USD$50) with the phrases “Not Your Mama’s Mahjong” and “Get Your Mahj On”.
The trio behind The Mahjong Line has since released an apology on their Instagram:

Now, let’s talk about the baju kurung, one of the many traditional Malay attire. Personally, I have always admired the beauty of batik and other Malaysian textiles. As a child, my mother would send me to tuition or pick me up from school while wearing this glamourous batik sarong. Even as a 12-year-old, I thought the art was exotic-looking and the patterns, mesmerising. My friend’s mother once commented about her style, “Wow, I love the effort [you put in] just to pick up your boy.”
Another incident happened when I was 17. For a parent-teaching meeting, my mother didn’t opt for a saree but instead, wore a hand-dyed pastel blue sarong from Pink Jambu. Funnily enough, I think the elegance of her look had offset my teacher’s frustration with my then-mediocre mid-term results.
Fast forward to present day (or rather, last week), Nala Designs’ founder Lisette Scheers told the South China Morning Post in an interview that her “dream is to see the baju kurung return, to see Malays dressing beautifully again. I want people here to feel proud of their heritage.”
The excerpt continued with her saying, “I’m on a crusade to make sure that doesn’t disappear.”

Photo: Nala Designs
People on social media were quick to call out the statement as an example of the “white saviour complex”. It’s evident in the term “crusade”, for instance.
Side note: When was it acceptable to make a generalising statement and say Malays weren’t dressing beautifully?
“The baju kurung never left. It is in every Malaysian woman’s wardrobe, more so in the Malay community,” says fashion designer Dato’ Tom Abang Saufi. Dato’ Tom explains that the baju kurung (a traditional Malay attire comprised of a long-sleeved blouse that extends below the knee, paired with a sarong and completed with a scarf or tudung) has only adapted to the lifestyle of today’s Malaysian women.
“Practicality plays a big role in dressing. For some working women, the baju kurung is not practical when rushing for the LRT or hopping on a motorcycle,” she explains.
Dato’ Tom adds that knowing your craft and getting a deeper knowledge on something is crucial before it gets put into the market. “I lived it, so I know but it’s not always easy to understand the psyche of Malaysians,” she notes.

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A post shared by Tom Abang Saufi (@tomabangsaufi)

Artist and textile creator Miriam Omar shared that she felt Scheers’s tone in the article sounded “patronising, privileged and condescending, rather than appreciative and respectful.”
She wasn’t the only one. The wave of online critics didn’t hold back.
An apology was also released via Nala Designs’ Instagram page:

In response, an Instagram user commented: “Just a few minutes’ walk from my house, I see at least five women in baju kurung nearly every day; so that statement just made your mission sound ridiculous. Damage has been done, and I hope you will do better if you really look around and see us, Malaysians.”
Designer Shaleen Cheah said in part that “as a local who takes pride in dressing her fellow Malaysian ladies, this article hit a big nerve. You seem to want to school us on how to dress, teach us about OUR culture and when it backfires, give us some lame apology. My pieces are designed and handmade locally using skilled artisans. I know the origin of each and every piece of fabric that is in my studio. My clients include fabulous gorgeous Malaysians who could teach you a thing or two about being fashionable”.
Another user by the name of “Endoru” said, “a RM50 vs RM500 beautifully -printed kaftan is a simple economical choice. I am not sure if this is the type of business strategy to opt for at the beginning of the year. I bid your business the very best amidst this pandemic“.
Malaysia-born Australian model and professional violinist Josh Kua, who is outspoken about culture and racial identity issues, weighed in on a relative matter as well. One of Nala Designs’ previous Instagram posts was of a presentation that mainly featured Caucasian and Pan-Asian models. Kua commented: “You’re inspired by our culture, that’s great. But you might want to think about how hiring White models, especially when you are profiting off Malaysian culture, reinforces Eurocentric beauty standards in Asia (and everywhere in the world, in fact—especially in fashion).”

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A post shared by N A L A (@naladesigns)

So why did these two seemingly different instances make headlines, and not, surely, other countless similar circumstances?
It’s simple: It’s gaslighting. It’s the notion that something was broken and needed to be “fixed”, “refreshed” or “kept alive”. It’s being “fixed” by people who aren’t truly immersed in the culture.
Now, as much as cultural appropriation and bold statements like those made by the founder(s) of The Mahjong Line and Nala Designs should be called out; so should the problems with cancel culture.
I’m neither Chinese nor Malay, but I’m Malaysian. And part of that culture—of living in this multi-racial country—is understanding, acceptance and appreciation for one another’s culture and traditions. It’s something innate. It’s in the food we eat and love, in the slang words that we grew up with, and the unspoken bond and pride we have as one people—Malaysians.
And so, that means understanding that people make mistakes and sometimes, it’s okay to both forgive and to do better.

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Watch now: swing with Hermès

Fashion
Watch now: swing with Hermès
Back and forth in style

04.09.2015
By Su Fen Tan

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

One court shoe forward. One ballet pump back. One riding boot forward. One loafer back…
Watch The swing – a tastefully quirky presentation of the Hermès A/W ’15 shoe collection:

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Motoring
Car Review: I took the Maserati Ghibli S for a ride and it roared at me

30.12.2019
By Ronn Tan

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What do you consider a luxury? An Audemars Piguet Flying Tourbillon? A Harley Davidson Cosmic Starship? The Vertu signature Cobra? The Hermes Birkin Bag by Ginza Tanaka? Or even the Macallan 64 Year Old In Lalique? For many, something is deemed luxurious when it’s over-the-top and excessive. For others, luxury is something unattainable or a goal to work towards. According to the Cambridge Dictionary, the word is defined as “something expensive that is pleasant to have but is not necessary”.

For me, luxury is a Maserati. Growing up, it’s one of those brands I hear about often but never had the chance to see one in person—until recently. I had the opportunity to give the Maserati Ghibli a go on what’s called a Relaxury city drive. The name is pretty self-explanatory, right? Here’s a brief rundown of what happened on that fine day: a pampering session at Truefitt and Hill in Bangsar, lunch at Favola in Le Meridien Kuala Lumpur, and lots of driving. The latter being the main part of the programme. It is apparent that I was spoiled that day. From having my first ever mani pedi experience to a face massage to a marvellous Italian meal, it felt like I was living a life unlike the usual.

If you’re unfamiliar with the Maserati Ghibli, here’s what you should know about the car. At the Turin Motor show in 1966, the first Maserati Ghibli was designed and unveiled. What’s immediately clear is the Italian brand’s motor racing DNA. With emphasis being on comfort and luxury, the latest model—offered in GranLusso and GranSport trims—comes equipped with a plethora of exterior design improvements, new safety technology and essential upgrades for the Advanced Driving Assistance Systems.

Notice the signature grille bearing the Maserati Trident at the front of the vehicle. Along with the chromed bars, the design takes inspiration from the A6 GCS Berlinetta of the 1950s. I really adore Ghibli’s profile—from the frameless doors to the sloping C-pillar form. At the back, there’s definitely conspicuous consumption with the words “Maserati” and “Ghibli” inscribed on the quad chrome exhaust tailpipes. Well, you either want others to know you’re driving a Maserati, or you don’t.

On the inside, you will find the 8.4-inch touchscreen infotainment system, rotary control, a handy phone storage box, speedometer, rev counter, and a 7-inch TFT display that shows the car’s dynamic data. As for the seats, they are all stitched by hand—in the finest tradition of Italian craftsmanship.Yes, the interior upholstery and seat upholstery are decked in full luxury Italian leather. One more component on the inside of the Ghibli that really impressed me is the Bowers & Wilkins high-end surround sound system. In the car’s architecture, there are fifteen speakers as well as a 1,280-watt amplifier to make sure you get immersive sound for everyone inside.

The Maserati Ghibli S (the trim that I tested) is an impressive car; in and out. We live in a society that tells us to look for and be people who are beautiful on the inside and the outside. Let me add to that—why not look for car that fits the mold too? In addition to the sleek exterior and luxurious interior designs, the Ghibli S packs a punch in the performance category too. Along with the 60º V6 cylinders engine, the car has a top speed of 285 kilometres per hour as well as the ability to go from zero to 100 kilometres per hour in 4.9 seconds. Not too shabby… not too shabby at all.

Alright, how does it feel like driving a car like the Maserati Ghibli S in Kuala Lumpur? Take everything you know about the traffic situation in the city into consideration and imagine. Think long and hard. I will get back to this in awhile but let’s start from the beginning. In the morning, I went to pick up the car from the Naza Italia showroom in Petaling Jaya where I was briefed on the basics. I remember very clearly when the car pulled up at the entrance. Publicly, I went “wow” but what nobody else could see was the “wa wa wee wa” I made. Side note: Borat is hands-down one of the best films of all time. Truth be told, I was genuinely amazed by the car. Tens across the board for first impression—and not just because it’s black! Hopped into the Ghibli S and what I discovered was pure class. From the steering wheel to the leather seats to the Alcantara roof lining, it was a feast for my eyes.

My first destination after departing the showroom was Bangsar Shopping Centre for my pampering session at Truefitt & Hill. The 20-minute journey from one place to the other was my inaugural opportunity to examine the Ghibli S. Despite the heavy morning traffic (what’s new?), I was able to take the ride for a spin, albeit rather slow. My initial focus was placed on the steering wheel that’s now powered electronically. I really like that it’s light and pretty quick when it comes to responsiveness. This means that you will be able to maneuver precisely and accurately. That’s important, after all. Furthermore, the EPS (electronically assisted power steering) is also incorporated as a fuel conserving technology. I also really enjoyed the spaciousness of the front seats. However, while extremely helpful and necessary, I found the sensors rather annoying; not because they didn’t do their jobs but the alerts kept coming on even when the car was obviously no where near a solid object—left, right, front, and back. Truth be told, that only made me for nervous when driving the Maserati Ghibli S. It caused a heightened sense of anxiety especially since it wasn’t my own car that I was utilising. In my opinion, it’s something that one will have to get used to.

Oh, if you’re wondering about the Maserati roar, I’d have to say: are you kidding? On a week day morning and in the middle of the congestion on Federal Highway? Off with the shenanigans. Evanesco! I didn’t “roar” right there and then but I did eventually. Under acceleration, the V6 roar was—well—full-flavoured and distinctive, to say the least. Not only was it an attention grabber, it was also a Maserati signature; part of its brand elements. Loud and noisy? Yes. That was why I only did that once. I have never found Kuala Lumpur to be an ideal location for cars such as the Maserati Ghibli S. It is a realm that limits the full of potential of high-performance vehicles. However, we live in a world that encourages us to make do with what we’ve got.

The Ghibli is an expensive model and with that comes high expectations. It’s a basic entry-level Maserati but still a luxurious juggernaut nonetheless. What do you look for in a car with a starting price of RM718,800? Personally, I’d want adequate spaciousness in both front and rear seats, state-of-the-art technology, and just a really efficient transport. I know there are probably other pricier options that come with enhanced features, but is the price of the Ghibli S justified?

Its prowess can be seen in both the lane keeping programme and Touch Control Plus. For the former, I found that the car was automatically steered back into position whenever it sensed that I might have gone out of the lane. It is of utmost importance that a safety system such this works efficiently and from the short period with the Maserati Ghibli S, I cannot fault it at all. As for the Touch Control Plus, I noticed that the submenus were really easy to decipher without having to constantly look for the back button. Moreover, this means that I was able to locate whatever I wanted with ease—from audio to navigation. As a driver, this rocks because you wouldn’t want to be distracted for too long. Nevertheless, just make sure your focus is on the road as much as possible. Some other features that are of massive help are the Active Blind Spot Assist, Surround View Camera (which was amusing and rather fun), and Forward Collision Warning.

In summation, I’d say no. I don’t think the price matches what you are getting. However, if it’s a Maserati you want and if your prime goal is to drive in Kuala Lumpur, the Ghibli S isn’t the worst option. It’s an everyday vehicle which you can also use for the occasional trips outside the city. The Ghibli S feels the most optimised on flat land and will definitely make you the centre of attention wherever you are—including being stuck in traffic cramps (at least that was what I felt). While it says amen to ample space for the driver and front passenger, the rear area suffers from the opposite. As for the exquisite and superbly-stunning leather seats, it will take a whole lot of caution to ensure that nothing spills. Talking about spilling, seven airbags are installed in the Maserati Ghibli so nothing spills at the event of an unfortunate accident. It’s a first world kind of battle, isn’t it? Here we are deciding if the Maserati Ghibli S is value for money.

It’s easy to drive and you feel like a million bucks handling it (or at least 28.12 percent short off a million, if you do the math). My experience with the Ghibli was fun, enjoyable, and one-of-a-kind—like the delicious lunch I had at Favola in Le Meridien Kuala Lumpur. While the car leaves so much to be desired, that’s not to say that the Ghibli is macabre. In fact, it’s worth your time. Take it for a test drive like I did and you will either fall for it or continue your search for better model/brand. As for me, let me just end by saying that I’d go with the second scenario. Thank you for having me! What are your thoughts on the Maserati Ghibli?
The Maserati Ghibli S starts from RM718,800 with a five-year unlimited mileage warranty. For more information, visit this website.

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Lifestyle
Samsung Galaxy S8 pre-order in Malaysia: Everything you need to know
Be the first to own it

08.04.2017
By Rachel Au

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If reading all about the upcoming Samsung Galaxy S8 (and S8+) and its features has excited you to make it your next smartphone of choice, then read on to find out how you can be one of the first in Malaysia to own it.

What is the pre-order promotion?
A Limited Edition Starter Kit that consists of a clear cover, a screen protector, a wireless charger stand and a USB Type-C cable for a seamless mobile set up. Samsung is also throwing in a 5,100mAh battery pack and the Samsung Protection Plus. The latter covers mechanical and electrical breakdowns as well as accidental damage. With this, users are entitled to a 1-year screen crack protection that allows for one-time replacement in a 12-month period for accidental damage claim; and an additional 1-year extended warranty. This entire bundled package is worth over RM900.

What is the retail price for the Galaxy S8 and S8+?
Samsung Malaysia has announced its recommended retail price to be RM3,299 for the Galaxy S8 and RM3,699 for the S8+.

How to pre-order?
1. Visit www.samsung.com/my/s8preorder from 10am on 11th April until 11:59pm 13th April 2017.
2. Place a deposit of RM300 online via debit or credit card.
3. Select from the three colour options – Midnight Black, Orchid Gray or Maple Gold.
4. Choose your preferred Samsung Experience Store to collect your brand new Galaxy S8 or S8+.
5. An email confirmation will be sent to the registered email address.
6. Collect your Galaxy S8 or S8+ on 4th May 2017, a day before the official Malaysian launch.

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Here’s what caused the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 explosions
8 Things you need to know about the Samsung Galaxy S8

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Lifestyle
7 Things you can do this weekend: 8 – 9 July 2017
Make it count

04.07.2017
By Rachel Au

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

1. Streething Fashion Market at APW Bangsar, 6pm – 12am, 8 July
Find rare fashion pieces and collectibles, preowned and new, all curated by fashion stylists, editors, store owners, collectors and personalities in the industry.
For more info, visit the event page.

2. From Pen to Paper 5.0 at Battery Acid Club, Damansara Utama, 11am – 6pm, 8 and 9 July
Calling all stationery enthusiasts! This market is for you and it looks like you would have to attend both days to check out the entire list of vendors as each day features a different set.
For more info, visit the event page.

3. Pahit Opening Weekend at Jalan Sin Chew Kee, 5pm – 12am (8 July), 3pm – 12am (9 July)
There’s a new bar officially opening in town and to celebrate, they’ll be serving a chock full of tasty gin cocktails, gin tastings, a BBQ cookout, and craft beers from Taps. Also, DJ Oddjob and Lionel Rizki will be around to drop some beats.
For more info, visit the event page.

4. Broga Yoga Launch Day at Activ Studio, Bangsar, 10am – 1pm, 9 July
Malaysia’s first licensed Broga Yoga instructor will be leading an introductory session so spread the news to your guy friends.
RM25 per person. For more info, visit the event page.

5. Pooches in the Park at Central Park, Bandar Utama, 10am – 7pm, 9 July
The KL Pooch Resort and Rescue is organising an outdoor carnival to help raise money for a new handicapped dogs facility. There’ll be artisanal products from some of Malaysia’s brightest, a Wet n Wild corner, and a wide selection of gourmet meat and vegetables freshly grilled to your liking. Bring your own pooch(es) along and join in on talks by experts on pet nutrition, animal welfare and dog training.
For more info, visit the event page.

6. Try out Babe KL’s exclusive Wagyu menu
Available only in the month of July. Read our review here.

7. Go cafe-hopping
We’ve rounded up five new places to check out here.

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Nike is now offering free yoga workouts

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Beauty
Cannes Film Festival 2022: 12 Head-turning beauty looks that were more memorable than the movies
Head turners

25.05.2022
By Redzhanna Jazmin

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

Any red carpet is an opportunity for celebrities to pull out the big stops, and this year’s attendees at the 75th Annual Cannes Film Festival certainly didn’t disappoint on the beauty front.
Spotted on this year’s red carpet was a mixed array of SS22 runway trends, from wet-look hair to coal-rimmed eyes to ’00s-inspired makeup. A few notable looks we loved included Iris Law’s slick solution to growing out a buzzcut, the rise and rise of the smouldering cat-eye à la Larsen Thompson and Soo Joo Park, as well as the triumphant return of the Bump-It half-pony by way of Anne Hathaway’s head.
Ahead, find our favourite beauty looks from the 2022 Cannes Film Festival:

Iris Law's 'Pistol'-perfect shaved brows
1/12

Jaime Xie's soft purple graphic eye
2/12

Larsen Thompson's '90s spiky bun
3/12

Deepika Padukone's 'cool girl' smokey eye
4/12

Emily Ratajkowski's bronzed glow
5/12

Soo Joo Park's rave-ready wet-look locks
6/12

Paola Locatelli's vibrant pink inner corner shadow
7/12

Liza Koshy's bedazzled eyshadow
8/12

Rose Bertram's stunning wet-look curls
9/12

Blanco Blanca's hair scarf braid
10/12

Anne Hathaway's 'Bump-it' half pony
11/12

Jasmine Tookes' radiant gold accents
12/12

Find more celebrity red carpet roundups like this here.

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Fashion
9 Homegrown labels to shop from if you’re looking for traditional batik with a modern twist

25.08.2020
By Joan Kong

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Batik needs no introduction, but for those of you who are not familiar, it refers to the wax-resist dyeing technique that was brought into Malaysia by Indonesian (or then, Javanese) immigrants. Nowadays, the traditional textile art can still be found in states such as Kelantan, Terrengganu, and Pahang, but there’s been an emergence of homegrown labels that are all about giving it a modern update, and they should definitely be on your radar.
This Merdeka, get your batik on by knowing—and shopping from—the list of contemporary brands below:
The Batik Boutique

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A post shared by Batik Boutique (@thebatikboutique) on Aug 20, 2020 at 8:02pm PDT

Founded in 2009 by Amy Blair, The Batik Boutique is a social enterprise that aims to transform and empower women from marginalised communities. Hiring village artisans to provide them with work and a sustainable income, together, the brand is now one of the most known brands locally, and their products span across face masks, bags and pouches, apparels, homeware and more.
Shop The Batik Boutique on its website or at its boutique at 3, Jalan 26/70a, Desa Sri Hartamas, 50480 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur.
Frankitas

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A post shared by Frankitas & Home- 2014 (@frankitas) on Apr 10, 2020 at 11:07pm PDT

Unlike the rest on our list, accessories brand Frankitas champions an array of traditional textiles, from ikat (from Uzbekistan and Indonesia) to songket and batik (sourced locally) and more from India and Africa. Aside from preserving the heritage of the weavers in Asia, its founder, Franki Turner, also stresses on the importance of an ethical and fair-trade process.
Shop Frankitas on its website or at its boutique at 21, Jalan Setiabistari, Bukit Damansara, 50490 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur.
Fern

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A post shared by FERN (@fernbatikcollective) on Aug 7, 2020 at 12:18am PDT

Although Fern still uses the wax-resist dyeing technique, the brand—and its tagline “The New Batik”—is all about pushing the boundaries, be it in the tools that they make the pieces with (from canting to brushes and sponges) or its patterns. A scroll through its site and you’ll find an array of feminine and polished pieces in nature-inspired prints that are rendered in silhouettes that radiate a sense of ease.
Shop Fern on its website, at its flagship at UGF-17A, Upper Ground Floor, Bangsar Village II, No. 2, Jalan Telawi 1, Bangsar Baru, 59100 Kuala Lumpur, or at Tanjung Jara Resort.
Related: Watch our Inside The Atelier episode with Fern’s founder, Fern Chua here.
Kanoe

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How you can help #KeepTheArtsAlive

Lifestyle
How you can help #KeepTheArtsAlive
We can play a part

07.11.2017
By Su Fen Tan

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RECOMMENDED

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

Walking into KLPac during the weekend, one would usually find the performing arts centre bustling with activities—music rehearsals, speech and drama workshops for kids, performances and the likes. But behind this lively picture lies a dire situation: The Malaysian Reserve reported that the 12-year-old centre may be forced to closed down due to shrinking corporate funding.

According to KLPac marketing communications head Ang Yue May: “Very few corporations are willing to fund operational costs or back productions as many companies do not have ‘arts’ as part of their corporate social responsibility pillar.” The arts hub initially had 12 sponsors over a three-year term, but the number dropped to three in 2011—Mercedes-Benz Malaysia Sdn Bhd, which is also the only founding sponsor remaining, as well as JT International Bhd and The Actors Studio Seni Teater Rakyat.

Last year, KLPac’s expenditure hit RM4.18 million, while its revenue (from ticket sales) fell short at RM3.46 million. The art hub’s creditor list stands at RM460,000.

The rest of the funding usually comes from sponsorships, but individuals (us!) can do our part too. Here’s how:
1. Make a donation online at http://www.klpac.org/make-a-donation/patron-of-the-arts/
Or
2.  Support KLPac’s shows. Find the upcoming list of shows here: http://www.klpac.org/whats-on/

Got questions? Contact Ian Chow (KLPac group manager) at 03-40479013/[email protected] or Yue May at [email protected].

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Beauty
These indie fragrance brands are carving a cult status for themselves

16.08.2019
By Wei Yeen Loh

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

Le Labo

Byredo

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Imran Amed, Founder of The Business Of Fashion: “If you don’t try new things…You just become slowly obsolete”
Insights from the man himself

14.06.2015
By Buro247

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

After recently unveiling a revamped website and a brand new project BoF Voices, which debuted with a unique discussion on sustainability with Stella McCartney (video below), Imran Amed is enjoying rapid expansion and success with his pioneering Business of Fashion (BoF) platform.
Amed started writing BoF as a blog from his sofa in 2007 – just as social media and the era of the smartphone was starting to bubble under the surface. New markets were emerging in China, India, Brazil and the Middle East, and the financial crisis threw the luxury industry into a tailspin. Eight years later, BoF is an award-winning editorial company, with a global reputation for intelligent, analytical content, that is in the midst of a rapid global expansion. Buro 24/7 sat down with its founder, Imran Amed, to discuss its success, and what the future holds…
Silvia Bombardini: A harmony of the right and left brain – of discipline and creativity – is at the core of your work. I understand this might have been the case since childhood, as I read you were pursuing interests like theatre and entrepreneurship from a young age. To what extent does this balance come naturally to you, or is it something you occasionally have to remind yourself, or your team, of?
Imran Amed: It feels pretty natural, you know? I think in a way we are all born in certain ways, with certain talents or gifts. From a very young age I was creative, I liked working in groups of people to put on performances, I was always very aesthetically and visually attuned. But then I was also very analytical. There was something very appealing about having numbers, data and information. So it’s a real pleasure for me actually to have stimulation on both sides of my brain, that’s when I’m the happiest. I’m really lucky, you know, that on a given day I might be doing analysis of some businesses, but I might also be talking to the team about our next cover, or looking at a young designer’s collection – and the mix of those things, moving smoothly and fluidly between them, makes me very, very happy. And yes, our team is also the same way. We’re a bunch of fashion nerds and media geeks, and everyone on the team has in some ways got a left brain/right brain motivation themselves. Some people might be skewed more one way or the other but everyone really appreciates both sides, and that’s how I hire them, right? It’s become really a mantra in our office: To think with both the right and left side of your brain.

It’s hard to believe it now, but eight years ago The Business of Fashion (BoF) began as a blog with only a handful of readers. But there wasn’t a great appetite for independent thought and information at the time, whereas today we’re grateful for features like the ‘Daily Digest’ that help us sort through it all. Do you feel the online readership is still the same as it was then, or how has it evolved?
I wasn’t really looking for a void at first, because it was a very personal project, it wasn’t really done with any kind of market or audience analysis. I simply thought that the intersection of fashion, and business, and ultimately technology was really interesting, and because it was stimulating ideas in my head I wanted to get them out – and writing them down was a really great way to get ideas out. And secondly, I often thought that the fashion industry was shown in such a superficial light, and dismissed as frivolous. But the more I met them the more I learned about the companies and the global nature of the industry – the more I knew that they were actually fascinating. But yes, in hindsight I do think there was an opportunity there, that something like BoF was needed.
Times change as well as readers’ needs.  Now we have launched a new platform on BoF called BoF Voices. The idea of BoF Voices is to create a platform for conversation and debate about important issues that the fashion industry is grappling with.

I’M ALSO REALLY CONSCIOUS THAT TRUST IS SOMETHING THAT CAN BE TAKEN AWAY VERY QUICKLY IF YOU DON’T LIVE UP TO WHAT PEOPLE EXPECT, SO WE DON’T TAKE IT FOR GRANTED.

Especially because the fashion industry is really hard to infiltrate from the outside, and traditional media and fashion insiders still remain suspicious of bloggers. The BoF, however, became one the most reliable and respected sources by the fashion insiders themselves: How difficult was it to reach this level of credibility?
It’s very much a difficult industry to break into, that’s for sure, and I was kind of the consummate fashion outsider. I was one of those people peering in from the outside and just observing. It was such a hard world to access at the time, I remember I had a couple of friends working there who used to sneak me into shows and that’s how I started getting a little bit of a sense of the machine that the industry was and how it worked. Building credibility isn’t done overnight, it actually takes quite a long time. Eight years doesn’t sound like a long time, right, but in my world it’s been a long journey. People don’t immediately trust you, it’s like a friendship. And I think what helped us was that our friends referred us to their friends and the credibility really came from word of mouth at first. Social media also helped: it took that word of mouth recommendation and it just turbocharged it to a whole new level. But I’m also really conscious that trust is something that can be taken away very quickly if you don’t live up to what people expect, so we don’t take it for granted.

And now you also have a printed publication twice a year. Now that more and more people have come to accept, rely on, and consume news and opinions via the web, what in your view makes a magazine special enough to be owned in print?
Well, from our very first print edition, we did it to launch something online. It’s kind of a funny thing right? To launch something digital in print. At the time, we had just come up with this idea to do The BoF 500, which is what we call: The people shaping the global fashion industry. It was an idea we had been cooking up in our little office for many months, and then we started thinking about how we would get people to pay attention to this, how would we introduce it to the world. For many years I had been asked if I would ever do a print edition and I didn’t know, but I wouldn’t rule it out, in my head I thought it might be a fun thing to do. And that moment came when we were doing The BoF 500. As it turns out doing something in print was a really great way to launch something online – so every print edition that we’ve done subsequently has been associated with a bigger purpose.
You took a great risk right by leaving a comfortable career in management consulting to try something that was then truly new. We don’t hear in fashion many stories like yours, when playing it safe seems to be for the best.
Well, I think that what you say is true, and taking risks is part of being an entrepreneur. It’s probably one of the hardest things to do. I had a very secure, prestigious, global, high-paying job. But at the end of the day it comes back to what we discussed at the beginning, which is, that job just ended up being too left-brained for me. If you know yourself, and know what your talent or passion is, and you can align that passion with a career, I think that can be really powerful. And taking risks subsequent to that has become easier and easier. If you take an educated risk because you’re thinking about it and you have an idea or an instinct about something, it becomes easier and easier to do so.

IT’S INTERESTING THAT AN INDUSTRY THAT’S BUILT ON CHANGE, AND NEWNESS, AND INNOVATION, SOMETIMES IS SUCH A RISK-AVERSE ONE.

Is there anyone in the industry who you would like to see taking more risks?
Well, I think probably the biggest brands. Fashion has become a very formulaic world. As it has become a very big business, almost by definition it has become harder for certain kinds of companies to take risks. But it’s curious, one of the very first designers that I met, when I was still starting and trying to figure out what my place in fashion might be – and I was looking at my notes the other day, it was actually ten years ago, March of 2005, that I met him, he said “In fashion there’s no right way or template to do something, you just have to go and do it”. I think this is an industry where, it might not be that everything goes the way you want it to go at first, but if you work hard, you can learn and start to figure out how to make something that works. And that was very much my case; my first foray into fashion was a start-up that lasted eight months. It didn’t work out, but that was such a great learning experience for me. So if that risk-taking, entrepreneurial approach were something that could be understood by bigger companies, I feel like we would see a lot more advancement in fashion, say with regards to technology, or with regards to other markets.
It’s interesting that an industry that’s built on change, and newness, and innovation, sometimes is such a risk-averse one. People are so stuck into old models of doing things, but we need to break out of these models and start thinking about how the world is changing, around us, rapidly. We can’t stick our heads in the sand and pretend the change isn’t happening; it’s happening now. And that requires nimbleness, flexibility and a willingness to try new things.
Even if they might worry that they have more to lose.
Well, obviously the hardest thing for a big company to do is to put its core business at stake. But what happens over time if you don’t try new things is that you just become slowly obsolete. If you don’t somehow inject innovation into your business, especially in an industry like fashion, especially at a time like the one we’re living in now, it’s very likely that you’ll become irrelevant.

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Fashion
Hold the meds—Loewe makes chicken soup for the artistic soul
His bowl overfloweth

03.10.2017
By Buro247

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Back in March, Paris was saturated with images of the always-stunning Gisele Bündchen in mini plaid number; face partially obscured by toasty hat and legs sheathed in tall boots. Behind her, a suspended black ‘cloud’ made from over 9,000 silk ribbons. The photograph is by celebrated photographer, Steven Meisel.

The aforementioned was one of three images released to tease the campaign. Second in line was one from Steven Meisel’s series of artworks titled “Compositions”, which depicts a group pf objects ranging from precious to ordinary. The last of the three featured Loewe’s geometrical favourite: the Puzzle bag. In it, the angular structure of the bag is mollified with cottony clouds set against blue skies.

500 Parisian news kiosks were decorated with the three images while a fourth was reproduced 3,000 times over and passed out as flyers in the French capital. Giselle Bündchen stars again, alongside the memorable hat with the toast.
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* * *
On the runway, the initial unveiling of the Loewe Fall Winter 2017 collection was done while shrouded in darkness. With poetic retrospect employed, one could imagine that the choice of staging the show in such dim conditions was so that the clothes themselves could bring enlightenment.

“I wanted a narrative, a sense of drama, of heightened emotion,” claimed the designer in an adrenaline-fueled state post-show. Jonathan Anderson, the man at the helm of both the men’s and women’s lines at Loewe, his own eponymous label, and not to mention numerous other collaborative projects he must have his fingers stuck in, has never once showed signs of slowing down. Even with a reason to the atmosphere as aforementioned, the seemingly rhymeless unleashing of his creative reserves for this lineup left some pundits puzzled. They were, regrettably, looking at the wrong picture: the big picture.

We think Anderson’s narrative was woven together in parts—single, small, self-contained episodes that succinctly tell their own story, grazing neighbouring timelines while remaining unaffected all the same. Once you look at it that way, the ensembles come to life. Each dress is imbued with so much detail that it beckons fastidious inspection. Polka dots, the most naive of prints, are smocked into a grid that reassembles the original; plaid is sliced and spliced on tangents for newness; moulded leatherwork recall the slashed sleeves and peplums of old; cosy wool is evocatively finished with a blanket stitch; collars are gilded with engravings borrowed from book-binding techniques; some fabrics melt into one another and others stand in stiff contrast.
{insert gallery tpl=”slide-freesize.tpl” id=”Loewe FW17 details” rid=”5523″ order=”a_tstamp”}

It’s an ode to art and this author’s craft warrants a few rereads. Have a closer look at the wonderful details above and grasp a better context from the full collection below.
{insert gallery tpl=”slide-freesize.tpl” id=”Loewe FW17 full collection” rid=”5522″ order=”a_tstamp”}
Shop the collection now. Available both online and in stores.

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Where to go for Earth Hour tomorrow

Lifestyle
Where to go for Earth Hour tomorrow
Lights out

24.03.2017
By Su Fen Tan

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

Publika
Publika will be kicking off its annual arts and eco festival MAPFest with Earth Hour, where an evening programme of exciting performances awaits. Highlights include LED dhol drumming, dance performances, and a showcase by Psycusix, an experimental performance group that will blow you away with their creative fire dancing, lights, and juggling skills.

The [email protected] One
There’ll be an eco-themed Arts for Grabs market this weekend at Jaya One, with art and activism booths as well as panel talks dedicated to saving the environment. At 8.30pm, celebrate earth hour along with local personalities Amber Chia and Shawn Lee. There’ll be a wayang kulit showcase for a fun spot of tradition too.

1 Mont Kiara
It will also be an all-day affair at 1 Mont Kiara. The lights will go off in the evening, but there will be eco arts and crafts workshops throughout the day. From 8.30pm onwards, there’ll be an LED drums performance, a candle arrangement contest, and a fire-eater showcase to end the night on a high.

Walk with WWF-Malaysia
If you’ve missed the deadline for registration, you won’t get the walk pack of a T-shirt and medal, but you can still join the Earth Hour Night Walk with WWF-Malaysia – you can go for a 3km after-dinner walk, and it’s all for a good cause. It is happening in a few cities: head to the Starling Mall if you’re in the Klang Valley; the Penang walk will start at 1st Avenue Mall (meet on the 8th floor), and the Melaka point starts at Mahkota Parade Shopping Centre.

Or simply stay home…
Turning off your non-essential electronics also mean no handphones or laptops during the hour, if possible. Take it as a short digital detox. You can prepare a meal beforehand for a candlelight dinner, or slot in a yoga session.

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Beauty
Beauty Advent Calendar : La Mer The Renewal Oil
Miracle in a jar

01.12.2015
By Wei Yeen Loh

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

There is a reason why beauty products acquire a cult-like following upon its release, and we wouldn’t be surprised if La Mer’s The Renew Oil will receive the same recognition. A potent elixir that’s offers transformative skincare benefits, it is the brand’s first ever multi-faceted and dual-phased oil—meaning that it’s formulated for the face but can be used on your hair and body.

Infused with the brand’s Miracle Broth (which helps with cell-renewing energy and collagen to soften fine lines and wrinkles), The Renewal Oil is designed to mimic skin’s hydrolipidic structure, allowing for the the absorption of the Miracle Broth and natural essential oils phase of eucalyptus and sesame into your skin merely with a gentle shake. You will find a subtle scent of honeyed blossoms once the oil is upon your skin, thanks to a tide of sea-sourced nutrients in The Renewal Oil.

How to use: Use La Mer’s The Renewal Oil as a primer for your skincare regimen, an extra layer to your nightly beauty routine or bring it along when you’re on vacation as it’s the perfect travel-sized moisturiser. Before application, gently shake the bottle to combine two phases before adding a few drops of the oil onto the palms of your hands and rubbing them together.

La Mer The Renewal Oil (RM890 for 30mL) is now available at all counters nationwide

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Fashion
Round up: 5 fashion cliques you wished you were part of
You can’t sit with them

08.09.2015
By Buro247

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Since the debut of Taylor Swift’s ever growing #GirlSquad, power groups have been all the craze and goals of many. Inspired by such, we hunt down the best of power couples, fashion packs and families who never fail to make a fashion statement when they’re together.

Most stylish sisters: The Olsen Twins

America’s sweetheart twins have come a long way from their matching ensembles during their movie days to now being the designers behind successful fashion labels Elizabeth & James and The Row, which is set to show at the upcoming Paris Fashion Week this year. Apart from being awarded ‘Womenswear Designer of the Year’ for The Row at the 2012 and 2015 CFDA fashion awards, the Olsen twins never fail to catch our attention with their unique frocks both on and off the red carpet. Although the Olsens are undoubtedly the trendiest twins, we dare say they also rule as the most stylish sisters to-date.

Best fashion pack: The Russian Mafias/ Czarinas

Dominating street style with their unequivocal flair for fashion, these Russian ‘It’ girls have sparked the interest of fashion photographers such as Tommy Ton, making their presence at fashion shows impossible to go unnoticed. The Czarinas comprise of Buro 24/7 founder Miroslava Duma, fashion designer Ulyana Sergeenko and model Elena Permoniva. The trio are often joined by fashion designer Vika Gazinskaya and occasionally seen with stylist and fashion editor Anya Ziourova and model Natalia Vodianova.

Best dressed couple: Olivia Palermo and Johannes Huebl

It’s easy for a guy to be overshadowed by his fashionable partner but this couple has managed to dress in a way that complement one another. Aside from their model-like features, their shared ability to look immaculate every time they step out together makes them the perfect match. The couple’s wedding last June has been arguably one of the most talked about events when the stylish duo made a statement with Palermo’s three-piece Carolina Herrera ensemble and Huebl’s all-white Marc Anthony Hamburg suit and shirt.

Most stylish all-girl squad: Taylor Swift & Co.

Whether at the VMAs, on stage at the 1989 tour or simply hanging out at her mansion, Taylor Swift and her crew are walking visual definition of #SquadGoals. What started out as an adorable friendship with supermodel best friend Karlie Kloss has since expanded to include all-star celebrities and models including Selena Gomez, Martha Hunt, Gigi Hadid, Lily Aldridge, Cara Delevingne and more. Especially with the ongoing buzz surrounding Swift’s award-winning video Bad Blood, everyone is just dying to be part of her style squad.

Most fashionable family: The Beckhams

It’s been long established that Posh and Becks are one of the ultimate style power couples to grace the industry, however now with their four children, it’s apparent that style runs in the family. Whether spotted at the front row of fashion shows next to Anna Wintour or supporting their favourite team at a hockey match, the Beckhams never cease to showcase their impeccable style (even Harper!), making them undisputedly one of the most stylish families of the century.

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Features
Paris Fashion Week AW16 Street Style Day 5: Punchy ways to wear colour
Flash mob

06.03.2016
By Wei Yeen Loh

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We can’t deny that colour always scores extra brownie points in our books, even more so than monochromatic ensembles. On day 5 of Paris Fashion Week AW16, we learn a couple of lessons on how to incorporate colour the best and most effortless way possible: Let it peek from beneath the sleeves of an edgy leather jacket like Pernille Teisbaek, or accessorise in style (like Ada Kokosar’s covetable blue Loewe Puzzle bag), and if all else fails, a dose of colour via pink lipstick will save the day, as how chic designer and socialite Ulyana Sergeenko demonstrated.
{insert gallery tpl=”slide-freesize.tpl” id=”Paris Fashion Week Street Style Day 5″ rid=”3855″ order=”a_tstamp”}

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Film, TV + Theatre
7 Iconic Bollywood movies to put on your must-watch list

30.10.2019
By Zoe Yang

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

The Brave-Hearted Will Take the Bride (also known as Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge) (1995)
Starring: Kajol, Shah Rukh Khan and Amrish Puri

If you need a reason to watch this movie, you should know that it’s included in a film reference book—1001 Movies You Must See Before You Die. The film is best known for the portrayal of strong family values and encouraging people to follow their heart. It follows two strangers, Raj Malhotra (played by Shah Rukh Khan) and Simran Singh (played by Kajol) who both met while travelling in Europe and fall in love as time goes by. However, Simran’s conservative father disapproves of their relationship and wants his daughter to marry someone else instead.
Watch how the story plays out and see if Raj and Simran manage to get her father’s blessing of their relationship.
READ MORE: 6 Bollywood style icons you need to know

Jab We Met (2007)
Starring: Kareena Kapoor, Shahid Kapoor, Saumya Tandon, and Tarun Arora

Aditya (played by Shahid Kapoor) feels depressed after his girlfriend left him; what’s more, his company is struggling as well. Stressed from his life, he boards a train just to get away from everything. That is when he meets a talkative stranger, Geet (played by Kareena Kapoor), where she notices that he’s upset and tries to cheer him up. As they spend more time together, Aditya feels better and Geet also shares with him that she’s in love with Anshuman (played by Tarun Arora). Slowly, he falls in love with her but knows he had to leave after dropping her off at Anshuman’s house. They never see each other again. After nine months, he finds out that the man she loves rejected her coldly and is determined to find her.
Will Aditya and Geet meet again and fall in love?

Bhoothnath (2008)
Starring: Aman Siddiqui, Amitabh Bachchan, Juhi Chawla, and Shah Rukh Khan

This is a Bollywood film adaptation of Oscar Wilde’s book, The Canterville. A new family moves into a haunted house where an angry ghost, Bhoothnath (played by Amitabh Bachchan) resides to fend off visitors from getting his house sold. Banku’s mother said that ghosts don’t exist but angels do; this makes the little boy, Banku (played by Aman Siddiqui) sees Bhoothnath as a guardian angel. An unexpected friendship formed between Banku and Bhoothnath athough he tries to scare the family out of his house. Slowly, the movie shows Bhoothnath’s story—his past and how he became a ghost. Rather than a horror film, this film is more like a comedy.
Watch the film to find out how Bhoothnath met his demise and it might just make your heart sink!
READ MORE: 3 Ways to tie a saree with Shweta Sekhon, Miss Universe Malaysia 2019

3 Idiots (2009)
Starring: Aamir Khan, Kareena Kapoor, R. Madhavan, Sharman Joshi, Boman Irani, and Omi Vaidya

This is one of our favourite Bollywood films of all time and it’s definitely a film that everyone needs to watch at least once in their lifetime. The movie tells the story of three friends who go through their personal hardships together during their university years thus resulting in a meaningful, lifelong friendship. However, after their graduation ceremony, Rancho leaves without saying goodbye; none of them knows why. Ten years later, Chatur (played by Omi Vaidya), a competitive student and friend back in their university years, reminds Farhan and Raju of the bet placed with Rancho, where both Chatur and Rancho will compete and compare their success in 10 years; the person with the most success will win. The three take a roadtrip to find Rancho, in hopes of finding out the underlying reason why Rancho left, but only to uncover some twists behind Rancho’s story.
This thought-provoking film is not only filled with silly humour but also many heart-warming moments. You most certainly don’t want to sit this one out!

The Lunchbox (2013)
Starring: Nimrat Kaur, Irrfan Khan, Nawazu Siddiqui, and Nakul Vaid

An almost nominated film for the 86th Academy Awards Best Foreign Film Category, the movie revolves around a wife, Ila (played by Nimrat Kaur) who is trying to spark romance in her marriage by preparing delicious home-cooked meals for her husband. Ila subscribes to a lunchbox delivery service where they help deliver food to people at work. However, the lunchbox was wrongly delivered to a widower, Saajan (played by Irrfan Khan). She realises the mistake and wrote him a letter, informing him of the error. From there, their friendship starts to develop as both of them exchange messages through the prepared meals, sharing stories about their lives.
This film is highly praised for its interesting style of storytelling. Another reason not to sleep on this film—the delicious looking food scenes!
READ MORE: 7 Highly recommended spots to enjoy a banana leaf rice spread

Piku (2015)
Starring: Deepika Padukone, Amitabh Bachchan and Irrfan Khan

Piku (played by Deepika Padukone) takes care of her hypochondriac father, Bhashkor (played by Amitabh Bachchan) who suffers from constipation. One day, he decides to go to Kolkata, which Piku follows in order to take care of her father on the road trip. Rana (played by Irrfan Khan) is a taxi driver who drives them to their destination. As they travel to Kolkata together, both Piku and Rana are constantly irritated by Bhashkor’s fussiness and exaggerated worries during the trip.
Although the film has a simple storyline, it definitely focuses on the characters’ shared journey rather than the destination. This film has its own funny moments as well as many touching and heartfelt scenes.

Dangal (2016)
Starring: Aamir Khan, Fatima Sana Shaikh, Sanya Malhotra, and Sakshi Tanwar

Based on a true story, Mahavir Singh Phogat (played by Aamir Khan) is a former wrestler who has always hoped for his wife to birth a son to realise his dream—to win the wrestling championship. However, all four of his children are girls; hence he gave up on his dream. One day, two young boys’ parents confront Mahavir that their sons are badly bruised and injured after a fight with someone from his family. He mistakes his nephew as the culprit but only to realise that the culprits are his two daughters, Geeta and Babita. Mahavir was rather amazed than angry as he sees the bruises on the boys’ bodies and recognised that his daughters have the strength and potential to wrestle.
This uplifting and inspirational film definitely shows the challenges faced in tackling the social norms in India, especially the social expectations of females and gender stereotypes. Don’t miss out on this film for nail-biting moments as the two sisters take on their own battles!
READ MORE: 7 Go-to spots for the best ‘thosai’ in Klang Valley

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Fashion
Fyza Kadir steps up her style game with the arm candies from Loewe’s Spring/Summer 2019 collection

18.03.2019
By Joan Kong

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

Fyza Kadir steps up her style game with arm candies from Loewe’s Spring/Summer 2019 collection
A spring in her step
Here are the seven bags on the It-girl’s radar this season

It-bags come and go every season, but some have a special place in our hearts. Case in point: The Loewe bags, from its signature Puzzle to the latest Gate bags. The lust-worthy arm candies are all given a trendy update this Spring/Summer 2019, be it new colourways or interesting textures, and we’ve found the perfect fan to showcase them all. Here, It-girl Fyza Kadir poses with some of her (and our) favourite pieces this season, and trust us when we say that she’s already made a mental note of which bag to carry for each occasion.
The Mini Gate bags in orange (left) and tan (right)
First introduced in SS18, the Gate bags have been around for two seasons now, and they’re definitely creeping up the hot list. But this round, instead of full-leather, the crossbody arrives in a new combination—woven raffia and a soft calfskin flap, complete with its signature knot in the front. It’s truly the perfect piece if you’re still into the straw bags or mini bags trend. These babies are on our very own fashion team’s wish list too.
“I love going on beach holidays, so the straw bags are the perfect accessory to complement my seaside ensembles.” – Fyza Kadir
Basket Chain bag in black
Roomy and chic, there’s something about a woven tote that exudes a sense of ease—what’s not to like? But this design, in particular, is anything but plain. Handwoven from palm leaves by the brand’s skilled craftsmen, the tote features an embossed leather patch with its logo in front for that texture juxtaposition, but what we love most, is the chain-linked strap that gives the boho piece an added edge. It’s a reminiscent of its Spanish roots in the best way possible.
Mini Puzzle bag in peach (top) and green (bottom)
Did you know the Puzzle bag was the very first new bag designed by Jonathan Anderson when he joined the brand back in 2013? Fast forward five years later, it has become one of the most loved arm candies of the brand, and the new size this season is bound to capture even more hearts. Don’t know which colour to get? Good news: The bag comes in nine different colourways this season—aside from these two hues, take your pick from Raspberry for a touch of sultry red, pink for a dose of girlieness or yellow for that ray of sunshine, it’s your pick.

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Lifestyle
Save the date: Fleet Foxes are coming to Malaysia next year
World tour

27.09.2017
By Su Fen Tan

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RECOMMENDED

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

Here’s one reason to look forward to 2018: Fleet Foxes will be performing in Kuala Lumpur for the first time on 16 January at KL Live. The band just released their third album Crack-Up this year after a six-year hiatus, and they sound as magical as ever. We can hardly wait to catch their harmonious folk-pop sounds live.

Fleet Foxes will also be making a stop in Singapore, playing at the Esplanade Theatre on 14 January.  Tickets will be available for purchase from 2 October, 10am onwards through Ticket Pro.

As we patiently wait for the day to arrive, here’s a dose of Fleet Foxes brilliance to get you through the mid-week hump:

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Easy-listening tunes for the extra long weekend
You can listen to more than 50,000 songs from the early 20th century here

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Max Mara AW22 collection in photos

Fashion
Max Mara AW22 collection in photos
This season, Creative Director Ian Griffiths pays tribute to the renowned 20th-century Swiss painter, designer, sculptor and architect, Sophie Taeuber-Arp. “What I recognised in her work was the sense of the ability to fuse modernism with a sense of folkloristic fairy-tale magic. That was precisely the ingredient I wanted to inject in this collection,” he says. Swipe to see every look now!

28.02.2022
By Sarah Hani Jamil

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

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Culture
Throwback Thursday: Origins of your favourite Christmas icons
Products of mass marketing

17.12.2015
By Buro247

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So here’s one very harsh truth: Christmas is arguably the most commercial holiday the world annually celebrates today. Having long deviated from its humble, religious origins, the celebration has turned into a beacon for generating immense sales, advertising and marketing campaigns. And while the notion of Christmas being the “season for giving” is one that supports goodwill and charity, it’s not just this selfless motivation that drives the celebration forward; it’s also because of the fact that the world’s favourite year-end mascots come out to play too (and sell stuff, while they’re at it).
But why do these mascots appeal to us so much? And more importantly, how did they become a staple to the celebration of Christmas? We take a look at five of our favourite Christmas characters and their fascinating origins:
Santa Claus

Oh, Jolly St. Nick. Where would Christmas be without him? Santa Claus finds his origins all the way back in the 3rd century in the place that is now known as modern-day Turkey. He was a monk named St. Nicholas, known for his kind and selfless virtues, who is said to have given all his inherited wealth away and travelled the countryside to help the poor and sick. He became known as a protector of children and sailors, which gives us doubt that he was chubby and jolly, and went around wearing red velvet garments.
So how did St. Nicholas turn into “Santa Claus?” The Americans, of course. The name evolved from his Dutch nickname Sinter Klass which was a short-form of Sint Nikolaas.
Santa Claus then blossomed into a commercial goldmine in the early 1800s, when stores began targeting their Christmas gift-giving season towards children. The general description and notion of Santa Claus – where he flies from house to house and goes down chimneys to leave gifts for kids who have been good that year – originated from none other than a creative Christmas poem by Clement Clarke Moore in 1823 titled A Visit from St. Nicholas – now known as Twas the Night Before Christmas. The rest was history.
Rudolph

Santa Claus’ sidekick who not only saved the day, but also experienced his own retribution, Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer comes hand-in-hand with Santa’s story. But it turns out that Rudolph only entered the picture about a hundred years following the original depiction of Santa and his eight (normal) flying reindeers that led his sleigh.
In 1939, Rudolph was birthed from a Christmas-themed story-poem by Robert L. May, a copywriter at the Montgomery Ward department store. We all know the story by heart via the popular Christmas song, but Rudolph’s glorious story of bullying, retribution and heroism began as a story that Montgomery Ward sold almost two and a half million copies in 1939, and another three and a half million copies during its reissue in 1946.
The song Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer only arrived in 1949, written by Johnny Marks who was a friend of May’s, and recorded by country singer Gene Autry.
Christmas Elves

Christmas elves used to be your sickeningly adorable, hardworking little helpers of Santa Claus – that is, until Will Ferrell portrayed a giant elf in 2003’s Elf. Nevertheless, most of us probably think of them as miniature, wearing cute little hats in green and red, slaving away in the North Pole for Christmas (or on the flipside for regular elves: beautiful, tall, slender, blonde beings in Lord of the Rings… or are those the Lannisters on Game of Thrones? We get confused sometimes.)
You get the idea. Nevertheless, elves find their origins all the way back to ancient Norse mythology. Known as the alfar or huldufolk (“hidden folk), they were originally imagined as otherworldly beings that lived among us and perhaps even looked like us. They weren’t very whimsicle either (no playing with fairies and whatnots) although Livescience says that some ancient poems related them to Norse gods. Despite that, it seems that there was no single, unified theory on the elvish identity, so it’s only understandable that American commercialism put an end to that.
While the belief in elves spread to the rest of ancient Europe, people throughout different eras and societies could not seem to settle on whether they thought elves were good or evil. It was only in 1823 in Clement Clarke Moore’s A Visit from St. Nicolas that elves became linked with Santa Claus. The image of commercial miniature elves we’re familiar with today – the overall jolly, hardworking ones – were introduced as early as the 1850s, and people finally decided that they would stick with this positive rendition of Christmas elves.
The Grinch

The Grinch never really had any historical beginnings – he just happened to be a really popular character from the late 1950s. Created by Dr. Seuss in his 1957 storybook How the Grinch Stole Christmas, the Grinch fast became a reference for anyone who despised the jolly holiday of Christmas. The term “Grinch” was apparently derived from the French word grincheux which means “grumpy.”
The inspiration for the fluffy, green feind however, isn’t all too compelling. It is said that Whoville -the place in which the story of the Grinch is set – was based on Dr. Seuss’ (whose real name is Theodor Geisel) hometown of Easthampton, Massachusetts. The nearby Mount Tom inspired the Grinch’s mountain.
The Grinch – although he would probably have initially hated it all – remained popular through several adaptations that would not fade with each new generation. A couple of notable pop culture adaptations would be 1982’s The Grinch Grinches the Cat in the Hat, a television film that received an Emmy Award; and the 2000 live action comedy The Grinch that starred Jim Carrey as the Grinch.
Mr Scrooge

Other than the Grinch, you’d probably also associate anyone who wasn’t willing to give out presents for Christmas with a Scrooge. Known as a stingy old miser who hates Christmas, Ebenezer Scrooge was the main character of Charles Dickens’ 1843 novella A Christmas Carol. He “Bah, humbugged” the joy out of Christmas, although he would eventually reform and change his selfish ways following an encounter with three haunting Christmas spirits.
The story of Mr Scrooge has no clear origins, although it is said that Dickens was inspired to create this powerful and enduring tale based on several of his life experiences: the profound humiliation he went through as a child; his conflicting feelings about his father; the struggle of the needy and their children in the 1830s and 1840s; and other literary material on old English Christmas traditions and religious tracts.
In pop culture, Scrooge has been exhaustively adapted for the big screen, the stage, opera and other media. Some memorable ones that popularised his story include Mickey’s Christmas Carol in which Scrooge McDuck became a staple Disney character; as well as 2009’s animated film adaptation of A Christmas Carol in which Jim Carrey voices Ebenezer Scrooge and all the three ghosts that visit him.

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Fashion
All the breathtaking looks from Chanel Haute Couture Spring 2017
Mirrored glitz

25.01.2017
By Wei Yeen Loh

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Inspired by the ambience within Mademoiselle Chanel’s Parisian flat, 31 rue Cambon, Karl Lagerfeld planted Art Deco influences to the setting of the show, from mirrors reflecting the majestic staircase that led up to the brand’s Haute Couture salons that amplified the depth of space, to smoky mirrored tiles engraved with Chanel’s iconic quilt motif. But femininity was the theme of the night—belts were cinched high to show off the waist, plunging necklines reigned, and the occasional tulip skirt to accentuate natural curves.

No Chanel collection is replete without tweed, and so Lagerfeld gave tweed an iridescent upgrade in the form of dress-coats and suits. The palette was predominantly white, silver, grey and black, while pops of colour were present in the form of pink, yellow and pastel green. But what stole the show was a plethora of glittery sheath dresses embroidered with faceted stones, sequin embellished lace, and feathery details. The drama was amped with a handful of sparkly, ankle-grazing gowns that were paired with marabou boleros and hemlines. Naturally, Chanel muse Lily-Rose Depp closed the show in a frothy ruffled bridal ball gown made of layers of pink organza—a scene-stealing confection that would make any ’80s-loving fan’s dreams come true.

All the looks from Chanel Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2017 below:
{insert gallery tpl=”slide-freesize.tpl” id=”Chanel Haute Couture SS17″ rid=”4757″ order=”a_tstamp”}

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Fashion
Inside the new Yves Saint Laurent museum in Marrakech
Legacy lives on

16.10.2017
By Joan Kong

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Following the opening of the first Yves Saint Laurent museum in Paris earlier this month, Fondation Pierre Bergé-Yves Saint Laurent has unveiled a second museum in the late designer’s second home—Marrakech. He first visited the Moroccan city with his business partner and longtime companion Pierre Bergé—who oversaw the whole production of the Paris and Marrakech museums before his death last month—and has been vocal about the influence the city had on his designs, stating that it’s the main inspiration behind the use of colour in his designs.

“When Yves Saint Laurent first discovered Marrakech in 1966, he was so moved by the city that he immediately decided to buy a house here, and returned regularly. It feels perfectly natural, 50 years later, to build a museum dedicated to his oeuvre, which was so inspired by this country.” -— Pierre Berge

Located on Rue Yves Saint Laurent near Jardin Majorelle, which is a garden he and Pierre Bergé saved from development in 1980, the space—designed by Studio KO—spanning over 4,000 square metres will include a “permanent exhibition space showcasing 5,000 looks, 15,000 haute couture accessories accompanied by sketches; a 130-seat auditorium, a bookshop, a restaurant with a terrace, and a research library housing 5000 books.”

Have a first look of the museum before it opens to public on the 19th of October here:
{insert gallery tpl=”slide-freesize.tpl” id=”Yves Saint Laurent museum Marrakech” rid=”5565″ order=”a_tstamp”}
Visit the website for more information.

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Food + Drink
#BUROEats: 7 New cafes and restaurants in Klang Valley to check out in September 2021

02.09.2021
By Natalie Khoo

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Box KL

Photo: @faizabdullah / Instagram
First opened in July, Box Kuala Lumpur is a humble new café nestled on the corner of Jalan Hang Lekiu. It is popular among cyclists looking for a quick coffee break, thanks in part to the convenient bicycle parking area right in front of the shop. The menu includes a range of breakfast sets, pasta, sandwiches, salads, cakes, and beverages. If you’re fully vaccinated and ready for dine-ins, catch views of passersby on the busy street outside from the window seats or chill out in the bright blue box as you bask in (almost) a sense of normalcy.

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A post shared by BOX KL (@boxkualalumpur)

Available for: Dine-in, takeaway, delivery and drive-thru
Address: 34D & 34E, Jalan Hang Lekiu, 50050 Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 8am to 6pm on weekdays, 8am to 8pm on weekends
Facebook | Instagram
Order here
Circle Café, Bukit Bintang

Photo: @lavienenrose / Instagram
Circle Café is the latest coffee joint in the heart of KL, occupying a 100sq ft shop lot on the corner of Jalan Alor. Despite its tiny space, you won’t miss the café’s minimalist all-white interiors that stand out in juxtaposition to the vibrant street art murals surrounding it. Designed with an open-air concept, it’s the perfect pit stop to grab a cuppa from the selection of seasonal coffee which includes a variety of local and global roasters.

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Available for: Dine-in (very limited seats available), takeaway and delivery
Address: Jalan Alor KL Street Art 1 Lane, Bukit Bintang, 50200 Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 8am to 5pm (closed on Fridays)
Instagram
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Messy Buffalo, Taman Sungai Besi

Tucked away in the unassuming Midfields Square, Messy Buffalo is home to “Malaysia’s first wood-fire wings”. The restaurant is distinguished by a bright orange sign displaying a buffalo graphic logo, but you’ll probably be greeted first by the fragrant incense of smoked wood if you opt for takeaways. The buffalo wings come in a variety of flavours, grilled on skewers over rubber tree firewood and complemented with a side dip of your choice. There’s also a decent selection of wood-fire pizzas, ranging from classics like Ala’ Margherita to premium options like Wagyu Supremo and Smoke Quack.

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Available for: Takeaway and delivery
Address: B1-3, Midfields Square West, Jalan 11/108C, Off Lebuhraya Sungai Besi, 57100, Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 11.30am to 8.30pm
Facebook | Instagram
Order here
Nanami Restaurant, Bangsar

Can’t get enough of Japanese food? Here’s another new Japanese eatery in KL to check out: Nanami restaurant. Whether you’re fond of the usual sushi, sashimi, and maki dishes or you’re looking for carb options like rice bowls and noodles, the extensive menu offers a bit of everything to fix your cravings. For those with bigger appetites, there are also hot pot dishes as well as individual and corporate set meals.

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Beauty
Chanel is revolutionising anti-ageing beauty rituals with its latest Blue Serum
Beyond youthful skin

09.01.2017
By Wei Yeen Loh

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Chanel Blue Serum isn’t your average anti-ageing skincare. Our blanket statement might have something to do with the brand’s extensive research to combating symptoms of ageing—Chanel’s beauty laboratories actually scoured the globe for geographical locations (also known as the world’s Blue Zones) that are homes to the remarkable ecosystems and longest-living populations.

Among the various botanical findings were green coffee of Costa Rica, the olive of Sardinia and the lentisk of Greece. These three plants share synonymous traits that are essential to longevity: cellular energy, cellular metabolism, adaptation to cellular stress, and intercellular communication. These too, translate to an individual’s lifestyle with similar factors: a healthy diet, regular exercise, better stress management, and a supportive social structure.

Its three active ingredients have a host of benefits unlike any other. Green coffee from Costa Rica contains 70 times more antioxidants than regular coffee beans, working as an excellent shield for complexion. Bosana olives from Sardinia have essential fatty acids and polyphenols to protect the skin, while Greek lentisks are purified to extract oleanolic acids for its natural restorative abilities. Say good morning to healthy, youthful-looking skin that’s firm and luminous to boot.

Tip: Apply twice a day, morning and evening on cleansed skin before applying your existing serum. You can also use it as a standalone serum.

Chanel Blue Serum is available at Chanel Fragrance & Beauty Boutiques and Chanel counters at all leading departmental stores.

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Fashion
It’s time: The exclusive DKNY sweatshirt capsule collection has finally launched
#DxKxNxYx

14.04.2016
By Su Fen Tan

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What is black, limited edition and nonchalantly cool? DKNY’s new exclusive #DxKxNxYx sweatshirts goes right to the top of that list as it launched yesterday. The capsule collection features the statement sweatshirts that came down the runway at the finale of their Autumn/Winter ’16 show, each with a clever play on the brand name, such as Don’t Knock New York, Dazed Kids New York, and Designers Know Nothing Yet—the epitome of ’90s streetwear cool. These oversized scuba sweatshirts are screen printed by hand in New York City in a limited run of 150, rendering them exclusive and highly covetable.

Before the rest of the world got to own the sweatshirt, DKNY gifted 150 of them to a select number of influencers. Each garment is marked with a unique number from 1 to 150 and comes packaged with a handwritten note by the designers. There is one right here in Malaysia—entrepreneur, social media influencer and Friend of Buro, Kim Raymond, is one of the first in the world to receive the limited edition sweatshirt. See how she rocks the look in the gallery below:
{insert gallery tpl=”slide-freesize.tpl” id=”DKNY sweatshirt” rid=”3929″ order=”a_tstamp”}
The #DxKxNxYx capsule collection:

The #DxKxNxYx capsule collection is now available at DKNY SoHo and DKNY.com. The commercial version of the sweatshirt will be available in Malaysia in June/July.

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Watches
3 Malaysian talents get gilded in Cartier’s Juste un Clou collection

17.10.2018
By Stephanie Boey

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The Cartier Privé collection is about history and modernity

HEADLINE: 3 Malaysian talents get gilded in Cartier’s Juste un Clou collection as they reveal their creative inspirations

SHORT ANNOUNCEMENT: Nailed it

ENTRY: Watch rapper Zamaera, race car driver Jazeman Jaafar, and scrapbook artist Tercia Goh speak on the building blocks of their art form

BODY TEXT:

Literally translated to ‘just a nail’, the Juste un Clou collection was created by jewellery designer Aldo Cipullo in 1971 and has since become a classic, instantly recognisable piece from Cartier. A reflection of Cipullo’s fascination for hardware (his self-proclaimed second home was the hardware store), the bracelet is a gracefully bent nail that wraps around the wrist for a bold and edgy take on refined jewellery that has been spotted on everyone from Kendall Jenner to Brooklyn Beckham.

This year, Cartier introduced its latest update to the Juste un Clou collection which boasts a slimmer and more flexible body, which makes the bracelet much easier to put on and perfect for stacking. Pair with different sizes for a play on dimension and don’t be afraid to break the rules—it’s all about mixing different colours of gold.

The Juste un Clou is a twist on a simple and familiar object, reinterpreted into something beautiful and precious—an iconic accessory that transcended time and trends. Prior to Cipullo’s breakthrough design, who would’ve thought the unassuming, humble construction nail could be so fashionable?

Take a deeper look into the building blocks of creation in its different forms: Music, movement and matter. Below 3 Malaysian talents tell us their origin stories and their forms of self-expression:

Tercia Goh, Journal and scrapbooking enthusiast A nomadic soul, Tercia logs her travels, memories and musings on paper to produce beautifully designed pages in her journals. Devoted to keeping analog experiences alive in the digital age, her daily thoughts and quotes are kind reminders to herself to look on the brighter side, and believes in turning negative energy into good vibes.

[VIDEO]

[QUOTE]
“I love the concept of using an innocuous object and turning it into a fashionable piece of refined jewellery”

[STILL SHOTS]
CAPTION: Tercia wears the Juste un Clou bracelet, earrings, rings and necklace in white gold

Zamaera, Rapper
The young independent artist proudly hails from Subang Jaya (she’s got her city locked down on her Insta bio) and writes her own music with the aim of empowering women through her female anthems. Her debut single, Helly Kelly shot her to fame early this year and she’s been on a roll since, with four released singles under her belt. Her forthcoming EP is scheduled to drop later this year.

[VIDEO]

[QUOTE]
“Simple and iconic, the design is inspired by something so minimalistic and showcases industrial elegance. What a bold statement piece!”

[STILL SHOTS]
CAPTION: Zamaera wears the Juste un Clou bracelets, rings and choker in rose gold and yellow gold

Jazeman Jaafar, Race car driver
This prolific young driver took his first victormy at the tender age of 8, years (and miles) ahead of his racing rivals. His love for cars, focused drive and tenacity paved the way for a budding career in sportscar endurance racing. When he’s not on a race track, Jazemanlends his charismatic personality on screen as an official racing correspondent.

[VIDEO]

[QUOTE]
“The Juste un Clou remains to be unique and versatile while proving to stand the test of time”

[STILL SHOTS]
Jazeman wears the Juste un Clou ring in white gold and Ecrou de Cartier bracelet in yellow gold

Credits
Videography: Adrian Hooi/Shepherd Pictures
Photography: Gerald Goh/Imagerom
Art direction: Cai Mei Khoo and Yi Suen Chong
Text, styling and coordination: Stephanie Boey
Hair: Cody Chua
Makeup: Ummi Nasir

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#CheatDayEats: Croissants

Food + Drink
#CheatDayEats: Croissants
So buttery, so good

01.11.2015
By Buro247

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Making croissants is an art and bakers take years of practice to achieve the perfect texture and consistency. These 3 bakeries seem to have perfected that art and have taken it a step further by offering their customers different ways of eating this melt-in-your-mouth goodness.

1. Les Deux Garcons

The head baker of Les Deux Garcons has incredibly high standards when it comes to making croissants and his croissants never fall short of perfection. Once known as the best croissants in Kuala Lumpur, the croissants from Les Deux Garcons is so good that it will make you question every other croissant you’ve tasted before.

2. Kenny Hills Bakers

The croissants are the star of the show in this quaint and rustic establishment that offers a wide array of delectable baked goods. Available in classic, almond, and rich Belgian chocolate, these croissants will make it hard for you to stop at just one piece.

3. Croissant Delicatessen

This small and simple cafe offers croissants in may forms. From savoury sandwiches to sweet dessert concoctions, there is always an exciting way of enjoying your croissants here. The croissants here come in four unique flavours — classic, garlic, pumpkin and wasabi — and they are just as good eaten on its own.

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Culture
The “New Normal”: How Ramadan and Raya are different for me this year

13.05.2020
By Buro247

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It’s been around two to three weeks since Ramadan started (Is that right? Time escapes me these days), and all I can say is that this year has been the easiest of all to endure. I mean, if you think about it, Muslims basically pioneered intermittent fasting (#HotTake). In all seriousness, it’s been easy because the act of fasting itself isn’t the difficult part (though dehydration is and always will be my foil).
What really makes Ramadan challenging is having to go about life as normal while you fast (as you should); so, when the MCO has you cooped up at home, it’s a breeze. Expectedly, this year is different for a lot of reasons, but apart from the obvious pandemic in the way, there are a lot of other things that have set this year apart for me.
For one, the hours in Malaysia are far more forgiving than those in England—where I’ve spent the last couple of years of my life. Instead of the English summer time rota of Sahur at 2am and Iftar at 10pm, it’s a significantly shorter 6am to 7pm fasting day here. I’ve also now graduated from university, which means I don’t have any pesky exams to do while I fast.
Also, when I’m surrounded by people (aka my family) who are also fasting, everything is just a little more convenient: Sahur and Iftar are often already sorted with very little fuss—we have all the time in the world, now—as opposed to when it was just my brother and I, and every single meal had to be planned out ahead of time to fit into our busy schedules.

Actual photographic evidence of me at my hangriest: This was taken while I revising for my exams on hour 16 of no food or water.
Of course, the ongoing MCO (now CMCO) has also left me with no responsibilities outside the comfort of my home during this Holy Month (my office life resumes after Ramadan ends), so there is literally zero stress on my body.
Unfortunately, this is a double-edged sword—with no structure in my life, fasting has also been so easy because I’m barely awake for any of it. Well, not really. What actually happens is that I wake at 4am every morning for Sahur and I can never get back to bed, so I end up starting work then and there until I inevitably crash sometime in the afternoon (talk about office hours, eh?).

Me, longing for sustenance (colorised)
As I was explaining all of this to my (concerned) friends, I was asked how Raya was going to be different this year. I don’t doubt that for a lot of people it’s going to feel very unnatural not being able to properly celebrate; no cheesy Hari Raya tunes in shopping malls, no open houses and certainly no balik kampung.
However, if I was completely honest, I don’t really think I’m going to notice the difference, personally. Don’t get me wrong: Raya is a huge thing for us. With both my parents being the eldest of their respective families, it’s their duty to take over from the matriarchs (aka, my dear sweet grans) and host the open house for the whole family. Growing up, I remember having every corner of our house brimming with people every single year. There was always mountains of food, cheesy loud music and lots of aunties to salam and kiss. So, it’s not that we don’t typically celebrate it, it’s mostly because I haven’t been home.
Though, that doesn’t necessarily mean that I haven’t celebrated at all while I’ve been away—it’s just that Raya has been very bare bones in recent memory.

Food for thought (and my belly).
Every single year since I left Malaysia has been different: If we had no plans to come home that year, Mum and Dad would come and join us (their kids) in our little flat in London. However, there was never any big shindig—we’d go out for dinner together, and if any extended family was in town too we’d have them join. Nothing too special, nothing major. In other years, if we were coming home, my parents would postpone the big party until we arrived. It was a very sweet gesture, but this would always be when Raya had already been and gone for months—much to the confusion of our guests—and at that point, it never really felt like Raya anyway.
Some years my family wasn’t around at all, so the occasion would call for makeshift festivities. For instance, last year Raya happened while I was on a cross-country road trip with my friends for graduation. We happened to be in Edinburgh that day, and seeing that I was a little blue, my lovely (non-Muslim) pals very kindly got me in the celebrating mood by blasting the only five Hari Raya songs in existence on repeat, and treating me to delicious food at the local mosque. A little unconventional, but lovely nonetheless.

Very patient (and ravenous) friends, feasting at 10pm.
All that considered, I have to say that I was excited for my first Raya home in years, and I’m definitely disappointed that I won’t get to experience it this time round. That said, it’s not the end of the world—after all, there’s always next year, and I’m used to improvising anyway. Plus, to me, it also doesn’t really matter how I spend it–as long as I can surround myself with the people I love and who make me feel loved in return, that’s enough.
My family and I have our wonderful lavish traditions and I love them. But, I’ve also loved the weird little get-togethers with my wonderful (sometimes clueless) friends who—despite not sharing in it themselves—constantly go out of their way to help me celebrate my faith; whether it’s pushing dinner dates to 10pm (despite the inconvenience) or scouring the supermarkets for halal meat so I can actually eat what we’re cooking for dinner. Ultimately, the most important thing about Ramadan is remembering what you’re grateful for. For me, that’s the people in my life.

Dinner on the cook (soon to be tomato and basil pasta)
So, if you’re bummed that your Raya plans have been a little ruined this year, it definitely sucks, but try to find the silver lining. Take control and make the most of it: If you’re at home with your family, be present with them. If not, give them a call and let them know you love them. Tell your friends too. Cook delicious food and bask in their company either in person or virtually. While you’re at it, remember to pray together. At the end of the day, it’s up to you to forge new traditions.
On that note: Happy Ramadan and Selamat Hari Raya!

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Beauty
#BuroBrides: What to put in your emergency bridal beauty kit

14.02.2020
By Redzhanna Jazmin

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

Not to stress you out, but a lot can go wrong on your wedding day. This doesn’t necessarily mean that Everything Is Going WrongTM, just that little things will definitely seem bigger than they are, and because the stakes are high, you’ll notice them a lot more.
To stop the stress cry before it happens—and keep the makeup you paid to get professionally done intact—we’ve compiled a list of things to have with you (or your maid of honour) on standby just in case.
Behold, the Emergency Bridal Beauty Kit for any touch-ups you need during your big day—whether your ROM, tea ceremony or wedding reception.

Makeup Kit

Eyeliner (preferably waterproof)
Mascara (also waterproof)
Concealer
Eyeshadow to match the shades your makeup artist used
Lip balm
Lipstick and lip gloss
Eyelash glue or spare lashes
Compact powder or setting powder
Mirror
Makeup wipes

Hair kit

Brush or comb
Bobby pins
Hair ties or clear hair elastics
Travel hairspray

Grooming tools

Tweezers
Cotton buds
Breath mints
Nail polish to match your mani-pedi
Oil-blotting sheets
Travel lotion
Deodorant
Perfume
Lint Roller

Miscellaneous

Tissue paper
Plasters
Sewing Kit
Tampons/pads/menstrual cup
Painkillers (you never know)
Powerbank (so you can take as many selfies as you like)

For more wedding-related content, check out #BuroBrides.

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Fashion
The Fashion Awards 2016: The winners and best dressed list
Industry's finest

06.12.2016
By Wei Yeen Loh

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

Earlier this evening at Royal Albert Hall in London, the fashion industry’s hottest names stepped out for the night to commemorate the best in the field—a perfectly apt way of rounding 2016 off with a bang. Previously coined as the British Fashion Awards, the event has now been renamed to the Fashion Awards 2016. And to no one’s surprise, the usual heavyweights swept awards along the way, from Gucci creative director Alessandro Michele clinching the International Accessories Designer Award to Gigi Hadid taking home the International Model of the Year Award (sorry, Bella!) Scroll down to see the winners of the night:

British Emerging Talent
Molly Goddard (winner) – presented by Alexa Chung and Jordan Barrett
Alessandra Rich
Charles Jeffrey
Faustine Steinmetz
Self-Portrait

Swarovski Award For Positive Change
Franca Sozzani – presented by Tom Ford

British Menswear Designer
Craig Green for Craig Green (winner) – presented by Lady Gaga
Grace Wales Bonner for Wales Bonner
Jonathan Anderson for JW Anderson
Tom Ford for Tom Ford
Vivienne Westwood for Vivienne Westwood

British Womenswear Designer
Simone Rocha for Simone Rocha (winner) – presented by Kate Beckinsale
Christopher Kane for Christopher Kane
Jonathan Anderson for JW Anderson
Roksanda Ilincic for Roksanda
Sarah Burton OBE for Alexander McQueen

Isabella Blow Award For Fashion Creator
Bruce Weber – presented by David Bailey and James Jagger

Special Recognition Award
British Vogue – presented by Mario Testino

British Brand
Alexander McQueen (winner) – presented by Naomi Campbell
Burberry
Christopher Kane
Erdem
Stella McCartney

International Business Leader
Marco Bizzarri for Gucci (winner) – presented by Karlie Kloss and Francois-Henri Pinault
Adrian Joffe for Comme des Garçons & Dover Street Market
Christopher Bailey for Burberry
Guram Gvasalia for Vetements
Stefano Sassi for Valentino

International Urban Luxury Brand
Vetements (winner) – presented by Marilyn Manson
Adidas
Gosha Rubchinskiy
Off-White
Palace

New Fashion Icons Award
Jaden and Willow Smith – presented by Edward Enninful

International Model
Gigi Hadid (winner) – presented by Donatella Versace
Adwoa Aboah
Bella Hadid
Kendall Jenner
Lineisy Montero

International Accessories Designer
Alessandro Michele for Gucci (winner) – presented by Jared Leto
Anya Hindmarch for Anya Hindmarch
Johnny Coca for Mulberry
Jonathan Anderson for Loewe
Stuart Vevers for Coach

International Ready-To-Wear Designer
Demna Gvasalia for Balenciaga (winner) – presented by Stella Tennant and Carine Roitfeld
Alessandro Michele for Gucci
Donatella Versace for Versace
Jonathan Anderson for Loewe
Riccardo Tisci for Givenchy

Outstanding Achievement
Ralph Lauren – presented by David Beckham

Take a look at who brought their A-game to the red carpet:
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