Art + Design
10 Unique virtual museum tours to visit and check out

07.05.2020
By Ronn Tan

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Calling all art, culture, and travel enthusiasts! Even though lockdowns and self-isolation practices are in effect all over the world, you can still transport yourself to some of the most interesting museums in the world. How? Through technology, of course—and more specifically, virtual tours. With the COVID-19 situation at the moment, a lot of museums and galleries have set up virtual channels for people to get their dose of all things art; as one of many things to do at home. Have you been to any of these places?

1. Studio Ghibli Museum, Tokyo

After closing its doors in February 2020 amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the museum has set up a YouTube channel for people to see the museum during its closure. It’s a rare and special opportunity to take a look at the space that doesn’t usually allow photography inside. There are currently four videos and they show different areas of the museum—from the main entrance with a My Neighbour Totoro-themed stained glass window to a space that resembles the antiques store featured in Whisper Of The Heart and The Cat Returns. You will also notice elements from Laputa Castle In The Sky and The Wind Rises.
For more information, visit this website.
2. Mütter Museum, Philadelphia

Led by curator Anna Dhody, this virtual tour is a first for the museum. The 25-minute video takes viewers on an informative journey—showing some of the museum’s most unique items. They include the body cast of conjoined twins Chang and Eng, the world’s largest human colon on display, and the wall of human skulls.
For more information, visit this website.
3. The Vatican Museum, Vatican City

Photo by The Vatican Museum
You can now skip the long queues and check out the iconic museum’s virtual tour. You will be able to see sights such as the New Wing, the Sistine Chapel, Profane Museum, Room of the Chiaroscuri, and Raphael’s Rooms.
For more information, visit this website.
4. The Lourve, Paris

Photo by Getty Images
This is one of the most famous museums in France and the world. You can now check out the museum sans the long wait—and without leaving home. Virtual tours include Galerie d’Apollon, Remains of the Louvre’s Moat, Egyptian Antiquities, and The Advent of the Artist.
For more information, visit this website.
5. British Museum, London

Photo by Getty Images
From the Rosetta Stone to Egyptian mummies to exploring the ancient histories of different continents, the virtual tour by the British Museum is definitely one to check out. It’s really fun and interactive too—taking you from Africa to Asia to Oceania.
For more information, visit this website.
6. Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum, Madrid

Photo by Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum
If you haven’t visited this museum in Madrid yet, you should. Virtual tours include Balenciaga and Spanish Painting, Rembrandt and Amsterdam Portraiture 1590-1670, as well as The Impressionists and Photography. You can browse the collection on the site.
For more information, visit this website.
7. National Palace Museum, Taipei City

Photo by Getty Images
You will be able to browse through a huge collection of Chinese arts and crafts. There are featured routes that take you on a curated journey—sort of like a treasure hunt.
For more information, visit this website.
8. Uffizi Gallery, Florence

Photo by Uffizi Gallery
Take this opportunity to check out 16th-century paintings from this museum in Florence that’s currently closed. Explore the 3D space from the Hall of the Dynasties to the Gallery of Venetian Naturalism.
For more information, visit this website.
9. Museu de Arte de São Paulo (MASP), São Paulo

Photo by MASP
This is probably one of the most unique museums in the world. The suspended exhibition design and vast open space at MASP help set it apart from the rest. There are six different online exhibitions for you to check out.
For more information, visit this website.
10. National Gallery of Victoria (NGV), Melbourne

Photo by NGV
The museum contains over 70,000 works—housed in two buildings, NGV International and NGV Australia. With the virtual tour, you can take a look at exhibitions such as Kaws: Companionship in the Age of Loneliness, Petrina Hicks: Bleached Gothic, Collecting Comme, and Japanese Modernism.
For more information, visit this website.
These virtual museum tours can take you into all kinds of cultural realms—from the neolithic period to the modern era; from Europe to Asia. They also encourage everyone to stay home, practice social distancing, and be safe.
For more things to do at home, click here.

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Fashion
Most fashionable doll in town: Moschino Barbie for Net-A-Porter
Miniature fashion maven

31.10.2015
By Wei Yeen Loh

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For all the ardent Barbie fans and Moschino lovers out there, mark your calendars for November 9, 2015 as the highly anticipated collector Moschino Barbie doll and exclusive eight-piece RTW Moschino collection will be available on Moschino’s online store and Net-A-Porter.

You will find Moschino’s signature features on Barbie, from slogan t-shirts and logo trimmed mesh knitwear to quilted leather bomber jacket and a matching pencil skirt. Undoubtedly one of Moschino’s favourite muses, Creative Director Jeremy Scott adorned her with plenty of the brand’s classic accessories: layered necklaces, gold chain belt with the iconic Moschino lettering, and a mini quilted cross-body bag. If you’re crushing on Barbie’s wardrobe in this collaboration, check out the adult RTW capsule which includes life-sized versions of some of the same pieces along with two Moschino Barbie doll emblazoned t-shirts.

“I wanted to bring all of the Moschino elements to Barbie, as I had done the reverse by bringing all of the Barbie elements to Moschino for the SS15 collection,” says Scott. “The thing I love most about Barbie, is that she is the ultimate muse, she’s worn every style and design imaginable and at the same time she’s had every possible profession you can dream of.”
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The collector edition Moschino Barbie doll retails for €140 at Moschino.com and Net-A-Porter.com and will be available from November 9, 2015 onwards.

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10 Best timepieces from Baselworld 2016

Watches
10 Best timepieces from Baselworld 2016
Calculated appeal

18.03.2016
By Buro247

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Hublot’s Big Bang Unico Sapphire All Black

The All Black is a personal favourite for most, especially with its all black and transparent style from Hublot’s iconic All Black concept. As a ten year anniversary towards the collection, the brand recently released a new piece to the collection that is “visible yet invisible to the eye.”

“In the original All Black concept, the watch is visible but the time display is invisible. The Big Bang Unico Sapphire All Black plays with transparency; technically it is invisible but, conversely, the time display is rendered visible. It makes our proprietary Unico movement fully and completely visible. A watch which has nothing to hide, which fully reveals its construction and its movement,” says Ricardo Guadalupe, CEO of Hublot.

Transferring the expertise amassed from machining very hard materials such as Magic Gold, Hublot has developed its industrial mastery of an extremely complex material, one of the hardest, most scratch-resistant and transparent in existence—sapphire. This method of machining sapphire enables Hublot to render this material—which can only be cut by diamond—more accessible, transforming its status as something unique. Transparency combined with skeleton work allows the workings of the Unico manufacture movement to be laid bare. This complete visibility means that the column wheel positioned on the dial side is now no longer the only feature of the movement which can be seen. Even the strap combines transparency with its signature all-black style, making it a worthy tribute to the pioneering and acclaimed monochrome icon.

Chanel’s Monsieur de Chanel

Chanel brought their A-game this time by presenting to us the Monsieur, a watch specifically designed for men. Between power and discretion, the Monsieur de Chanel watch with Instant Jumping Hour and Retrograde Minute is equipped with the Calibre 1, the first in-house high-watchmaking movement that was designed specifically for Chanel itself.
The choice of a double complication with a digital hour display in a watchcase of extreme sobriety seemed almost self-evident as an expression of Chanel’s endless quality throughout its years. In a case and crown made out of 18K beige gold and complimented by black alligator watch straps, the watch is water-resistant and weighs up to 50g in solid gold. There are also rubies located inside its internal mechanism of the Calibre 1, as well as an anti-shock system to protect the balance of the watch. How could this not make the perfect present for any lucky guy out there?

Patek Phillipe’s Grandmaster Chime Ref. 6300

With a fresh and distinctive appearance, the new and highly complex Grandmaster Chime Ref. 6300 has taken over the top position in Patek Philippe’s ranking of the most complicated regularly produced wristwatches. The 20 complications of this double-face watch include five chiming functions, two of which are patented world debuts. It comes in a white-gold case with a patented reversing mechanism that allows the timepiece to be worn with either dial facing up.

Unlike its predecessor, with its breathtakingly hand-engraved rose-gold case, the latter is a limited, seven-watch edition. The new Grandmaster Chime features an inimitably 18K white-gold case with a manually guilloched hobnail motif and features a reversing mechanism integrated between the strap lugs and now belongs to Patek Philippe’s regular collection. However, the process of crafting it is so time-consuming that the Ref. 6300 will also remain an exclusive rarity.

It strikes the time on three gongs: either automatically every quarter-hour with the Grande or Petite Sonnerie, accurate to the minute with the minute repeater, as an alarm that strikes the preset alarm time, or—for greater time intervals—with the date repeater that acoustically indicates the date on demand. The modes of these sonorous functions are displayed on the front dial, which also indicates the time, a second time zone, the moon phases, the date, and the power-reserve of the movement and strikework spring barrels.
The opposite side is dedicated to the perpetual calendar. Its center is a four-digit year display surrounded by four subsidiary dials: the analog date with the leap year cycle at 6 o’clock, the day of the week at 9 o’clock, the month at 3 o’clock, and the 24-hour time indication at 12 o’clock. The manually wound caliber GS AL 36-750 QIS FUS IRM, composed of 1366 parts, ticks between the two solid-gold dials. Its energy is stored in two double spring barrels, one keeps the movement running for 72 hours and the other powers the strikework for 30 hours.

Bell & Ross’ BR 03 Aero GT

“Both the BR 03 AeroGT watches and the AeroGT concept car are ultra-technical and high-performance,” assures the creative director of Bell & Ross. The design studio created two variants: a chronograph embodying the very essence of the “automotive watch” and a more classical three-handed watch. These watches feature a steel case that recalls the fuselage-style body of the AeroGT project. For even greater strength, the designer boosted the proportions and shapes of these models to give them a sportier and more streamlined look. Their crowns are made using red aluminum, an extremely light alloy often used in sports cars.

The skeletonized mechanism of these BR 03 AeroGT watches has been designed to allow a glimpse through the movement while making them lighter. This reduction work can also be seen in racing cars. For these watches, the aim was to highlight the sophistication and beauty of the watch motor. The AeroGT concept car also allows its mechanics to be admired, which are housed under a smoked glass window.

A direct expression of the AeroGT concept car, this very contemporary-looking chronograph watch is the archetypal driver’s watch. Its mechanism is devoted to measuring short time intervals. The skeletonized dial features metal hour-markers. The two chronograph counters on a grey-tinted crystal display the hours and half hours. Meanwhile the large hand at the center of the dial shows the seconds and is completed by a tachymeter scale to calculate the speed of a car. To ensure continued good visibility even when driving at night in a downpour, the hour-markers and hands are coated with photo luminescent material alongside red-cultured hands of the chronograph and the red aluminum start push-button.
In the wake of the AeroGT, this three-handed version is also powered by a skeletonized mechanism. It presents a central hour, minute and seconds display. The seconds’ hand is cultured red, as is the small fixed triangle indicating 12 o’clock. The latter recalls the dashboard counters of GT sports cars. These two versions feature black quilted leather straps reminiscent of luxury car interiors. Their micro-perforations and red top stitching recall the seats of the best sports cars.

Corum’s Golden Bridge

Corum’s legendary Golden Bridge finally demonstrates its technical prowess in a classical transformation from the vertical design into round form. With stunning precision, its minuscule dimensions replicate the monumental structure of the Golden Gate Bridge. With a diameter of 43 mm, the new Golden Bridge Round is available in two models: Crafted in 18-karat rose gold without diamonds, and 18-karat rose gold set with 84 diamonds, totalling 2.14 carats.

The latest introduction to the Corum Bridges collection, the round case, waterproof to 30 metres deep, provides a 360 degree view of this extraordinary timepiece through the transparent window of the sapphire crystal, showcasing the dial and movement, and from the sides flanked by a crystalline ring. The clarity characteristic of recent Golden Bridge models puts the spotlight on the delicacy of the baguette movement, its gold bridges and plate, and reveals the exclusive design inspired by California’s Golden Gate Bridge.

Harry Winston’s Histoire de Tourbillon

Harry Winston reveals its seventh edition of the most legendary complication: the tourbillon. After having explored its variations – biaxial, triaxial, double or coupled with a carrousel – Harry Winston surpasses all technical limits once again by featuring two biaxial tourbillons that dance with time.
The right side of the dial features a pyramid-cut reading area that houses the hour and minute hands, surrounded by indexable inserts that form a tilted three-dimensional hour circle. Extended by a long strip in either red aluminum or anthracite, depending the version, perforated for a better view of the two biaxial tourbillons, it overlooks a power reserve indicator in roll form that is flush with a domed sapphire crystal.
The left side of the dial displays the harmonious movement of the two biaxial tourbillons. The first tourbillon cage moves into a second cage and both turn on a different axis. The two biaxial tourbillons move the escapements of the Histoire de Tourbillon 7. The tourbillon’s first cage completes its rotation in 45 seconds and houses a balance wheel that is tilted 30 degrees. The tourbillon and the balance wheel remain housed in the second cage, which has a different trajectory, as it lasts 75 seconds. The two cages nested one inside the other, assume an infinite variety of positions relative to gravity—the nemesis of timekeeping.
The two tourbillons, though identical in structure, frequency and speed, have their own behaviour, due to their different positions in space. To reconcile the operation of these two rotating time-regulating bodies, the Histoire de Tourbillon 7 uses a spherical differential that optimizes performance, by connecting the two tourbillons and creating an average. The Histoire de Tourbillon 7 then leverages the accuracy of two exceptional tourbillons and extracts the best performance.

Longines’ Heritage 1918

As a tribute to its long watchmaking tradition, the Swiss brand Longines loves to reissue some of the iconic pieces that have enhanced its profile throughout its existence. This 1918 model draws its inspiration from the rich history of the brand with its winged hourglass and echoes the first bracelet-chronographs created by Longines. The timepiece also features a dial that is traditionally found on pocket watches from this period, allowing it a more vintage aesthetic.

Blued steel and honey-coloured varnish impart character to the hands that stand out on a white-lacquered polished dial, which marks the hours and minutes on this reissued model. The small second hand at 6 o’clock adds dimension and contrast to the dial with its Longines’ blue colour. Available in two sizes to adapt to the wrists of both men and women, the watch houses an L615 automatic winding mechanical calibre. An additional interpretation of the ladies version is adorned with a row of sparkling diamonds.

Breguet’s Tradition Dame 7038

Breguet’s Tradition collection welcomes a new self-winding Tradition Dame 7038 model. Women with a penchant for prestigious timepieces will undoubtedly be won over by this elegant and technical watch featuring an ultra-modern, graphic structure that exhibits almost all the movement components on either side of the mainplate.

It features a central barrel, a subdial at 12 o’clock bearing hands directly driven by the barrel, as well as a balance-wheel and intermediate wheels forming an arc stretching from 4 to 8 o’clock. The bridge bearing the escapement is reinforced by a hand-chamfered pare-chute—a Breguet invention that serves to protect the balance-staff from shocks. In terms of its display, the Tradition Dame 7038 shows the hours and minutes on a finely engine-turned Tahitian mother-of-pearl dial. These indications are discreetly complemented by the retrograde seconds engraved on the movement face at 10 o’clock.

Another distinctive feature of this ladies’ timepiece lies in the finishing of its movement, with a decoration specifically designed with women in mind. The NAC treatment typical of the Tradition collection and hitherto appearing in grey, anthracite or golden rose tones, is replaced here by a frosted white movement admirably complemented by an 18-carat white gold case. Brilliant-cut diamonds delicately set on the bezel and a watch movement jewel unusually placed on the crown further contribute to the fresh, sparkling character of this Tradition Dame 7038.

Graff’s MasterGraff Perpetual Calender

Graff Luxury Watches has recently just announced the launch of a new timepiece, the MasterGraff Perpetual Calendar, which features the Graff Calibre 7—a new and exclusive proprietary movement with a depth of just 7.72mm.

Featuring the highly complex Perpetual Calendar complication, the intricate openwork dial enables the wearer to view the day, date and month, which appear in a fluid horizontal line. The two discs indicating the days and months are crafted using a highly-complex scientific electroforming process which creates the matter for the discs, resulting in a mesmerising skeletonised effect.  A specially formulated resin positioned around and above the date has been treated to give it a translucent appearance, which shrouds the inner workings of the timepiece with an enthralling effect. A dial indicating leap years also features and if the timepiece remains wound, it is not necessary for the date to be adjusted until 2100.

The tourbillon cage which completes one revolution in precisely 60 seconds is a new design for Graff and has three Icon-inspired spokes, with the inverted Icon motif on one tip indicating the second hand. A true feat of engineering and technical prowess, a 22 carat gold, offset rotor with a depth of just 2.4mm has been skillfully integrated into the calibre and can be clearly viewed on the reverse of the watch. The MasterGraff Perpetual Calendar also incorporates features synonymous with Graff’s DNA including a striking faceted bezel, an Icon perfectly positioned at 12 o’clock and a diamond set crown.

Omega Speedmaster “CK2998” Limited Edition

First released in 1959 and has since become one of the most sought-after vintage Speedmasters in the world, the original Omega Speedmaster CK2998 has always been a favourite with its alpha hands, symmetrical case and dark bezel. This year, Omega looks to the classic model as inspiration for the new Speedmaster “CK2998” Limited Edition.

A noteworthy point to mention is the striking use of blue on all three subdials, as well as the minutes track and a polished ceramic bezel with tachymeter base scale. The tachymeter scale is also coated in Super-LumiNova for increased visibility in dark conditions. There is a blue leather strap with subtle “beige” stitching and a polished buckle. The polished and brushed stainless steel case is complemented by an opaline silvery dial that also houses a number of exquisite features.

Firstly, rhodium-plated “Alpha” hands are used for the hours and minutes, as well as on the subdials. The “lollipop” style chronograph seconds hand that were inspired by the original model are reintroduced in this timepiece, which is driven by the Omega Calibre 1861, a movement that was famously used in the very first “Moonwatch”. Only 2,998 of these collectable watches have been produced and each Limited Edition number can be found on the caseback, along with an embossed Seahorse medallion, Ω logo and its “Speedmaster” name.

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Food + Drink
Pink October 2022: 6 Afternoon tea sets to support breast cancer awareness
Eat pink for a good cause

06.10.2022
By Natalie Khoo

Featured images: Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur

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Every October marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month, also known as Pink October—an annual campaign to spread awareness about breast cancer, including its causes, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.
According to The Breast Cancer Foundation, breast cancer is the most common form of cancer affecting women in Malaysia, where one in 19 women is at risk of being afflicted. Given the statistics, chances are that we know at least one person who has been diagnosed with the deadly disease.
Aside from educating yourself on the disease and doing your due diligence (read: get screened!), you can support the cause by donating to breast cancer organisations such as the Breast Cancer Welfare Association (BCWA). Alternatively, you can also contribute to these organisations indirectly by supporting other Pink October-related initiatives.
If you’re a self-professed foodie, check out these special Pink Afternoon Tea menus in the Klang Valley that are lending a helping hand to breast cancer awareness, research and efforts.

Hilton Kuala Lumpur

Hilton Kuala Lumpur invites you to spend some quali-tea time with your loved ones over a hot cup of tea or coffee and a curated set of artfully crafted pastries and savouries at The Lounge, available all through October. The pink-hued morsels will include highlights such as Berries Pavlova, Raspberry Mousse, and Strawberry Ivory Chocolate Popsicles.
When: 1 to 31 October 2022 | Mondays to  Thursdays, 3pm to 5pm | Fridays to Sundays & Public Holidays, 12pm to 5pm
Price: From RM98 nett per person
Reservations: 03 2264 2264 | [email protected]
For more information, click here.

Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur

In conjunction with Pink October, Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur has launched a ‘Power of Pink’ campaign featuring several pink-themed dining promotions, where five per cent of proceeds will be donated to BCWA. For one, customers can indulge in a pink-themed Afternoon Tea at the Lobby Lounge featuring sweet and savoury treats including Spicy Prawn Salad, Vanilla Sable with Rose Lychee Raspberry Mousse, and Red Velvet Cheese Bar. The afternoon tea set will also be available for takeaway.
When: 1 to 23 October 2022
Price: RM148 nett per person for dine-ins | RM188 nett for takeaway set
Reservations: Call +603 2074 3900 | WhatsApp +6019 390 2257 | Email [email protected]

Lemon Garden 2Go Pink October treats
1/2

Pink October Afternoon Tea Takeaway Set
2/2

On the other hand, Lemon Garden 2Go will be offering an assortment of decadent goodies for delivery and takeaway, such as a Pink Awareness Chocolate Pinata, Red Velvet Cup Cakes, Raspberry Cherry Cake, and Pink October Doughnuts, to name a few. In addition, the hotel will be offering a complimentary clinical Mobile Breast Examination to all guests on 28 October 2022, from 1pm to 5.00pm at the Lower Lobby Foyer.
When: 1 to 27 October 2022
Price: From RM25 nett to RM128 nett
For more information or to make a purchase, click here.

Sofitel Kuala Lumpur Damansara

This year, Sofitel Kuala Lumpur Damansara is collaborating with the BCWA to offer a pink-themed afternoon tea at Le Bar Cocktails and Stories. The set will include an ensemble of delicacies made with French expertise and presented meticulously by the hotel’s talented chefs. RM10 out of each tea set order and RM5 out of each Blush cocktail purchased will be in contribution towards BCWA.
When: 1st to 31st October 2022
Price: RM158+ per set | Add on RM44+ for a Blush cocktail
Reservations: +603 2720 6688
For more information, click here.

Four Seasons Kuala Lumpur

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A post shared by Four Seasons Hotel Kuala Lumpur (@fskualalumpur)

Four Seasons Kuala Lumpur is bringing back its signature Pink October Afternoon Tea at The Lounge. the afternoon tea offers both savoury items such as smoked chicken, egg remoulade, coronoation shrimp, and pink roast beef, as well as delightful pink-themed sweets such as raspberry mousse, pepper and strawberry tarte, and gateaux syrup bandung.
When: 1 to 31 October 2022 | 2.30pm to 5.30pm
Price: RM218 per person
Reservations: +603 2382 8888
For more information or enquiries, click here.

Vogue Lounge

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A post shared by Vogue Lounge (@vogueloungekl)

In collaboration with the BCWA, Vogue Lounge is hosting a Pink High-Tea every weekend in October, with 10 per cent of proceeds going to the organisation. Customers can enjoy an array of savoury courses, followed by decadent desserts paired with tea blends or mocktails.
When: Every weekend in October | 3pm to 5pm
Price: RM270++ for two pax
Reservations: +603 2771 1530
For more information, click here.

Aloft KL Sentral

Together with famed local florist BloomThis, Aloft KL Sentral’s WXYZ will be hosting a special afternoon tea that combines food and flowers for a fun-filled experience. Dubbed Buns & Blooms, the hands-on afternoon tea treat guests to a pink sweets and savouries, along with a flower arrangement class where they’ll get to take home an adorable mini hatbox filled with pink flowers.
When: 15 October | 2pm to 5pm
Where: RM138 nett per person
Reservations: +603 2723 1154 | kulal.b&[email protected] (RSVPs required at least 72 hours in advance)
For more information, click here.

Find more stories and resources on breast cancer here.

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Film, TV + Theatre
Review: Part 4 of the ‘Chilling Adventures of Sabrina’, the final season

08.01.2021
By Sanjeeva Suresh

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Spell-binding, cryptic and crazy are just some of the words you may use to describe Part 4 of Chilling Adventures of Sabrina. The final season picks up right where Part 3 (a.k.a season three) left off; with two Sabrinas. Sabrina Spellman (who remains half witch and half mortal, attending Baxter High while staying with her aunties, Hilda and Zelda) and Sabrina Morningstar, Queen of Hell and all of the underworld. The new season brings along a new set of challenges, this time in the form of Eldritch Terrors. They have been summoned by Father Blackwood as a form of revenge towards Sabrina and to unleash chaos onto the town of Greendale.
*Spoilers ahead*

Photo: Netflix
Now that we’ve done the short synopsis, let’s break the season down. Sabrina (played by Kiernan Shipka) is at a crossroad. Her former flame Nicholas (Nick) Scratch (played by Gavin Leatherwood) has moved on to the seductive Prudence Blackwood and her first love, Harvey Kinkle is now with her best friend, Rosalind Walker. Now, if you think Sabrina would use this time to do some soul-searching—and not need any man—you’d be disappointed. By using Wicca, she attempts to create her own boyfriend all while casually dating multiple guys and battling off each of the six Eldritch Terrors. An interesting twist would have been for the show’s writers to let her persevere through singlehood and realise that she was better off on her own. Alas, this isn’t the case.

Photo: Netflix
Midway through the season, “bad boy” Nick suddenly sheds his too-cool-for-school persona and without much explanation, falls desperately back in love with Sabrina—who reciprocates without much apprehension. Back to the Eldritch Terrors. This is where the show shines. Props need to be given to the make-up department and the producers should be commended for their inclusion of make-up and prosthetics over CGI and visual effects. There is a visceral and powerful visual quality about a demon that looks like one and not just someone in front of a green screen.

Photo: Netflix
The show successfully manages to balance campy horror with comedy. OG fans of the Sabrina series will be elated to see cameo appearances of the original Hilda and Zelda (played by Caroline Rhea and Beth Broderick on the 1996 sitcom). Their return is playful and fun with a mysterious undertone until viewers come to realise they are actually the sixth and final terror–The Endless. Part 4 also proves just how much of a badass Prudence (played by Tati Gabrielle) is. She is fiery, feisty, loyal, determined and has a great sense of style to boot. Her character oozes charm and it’s easy to fall in love with her persona.

Photo: Netflix
Now here come the problems with the final season. The plot moves way too fast and in doing so, creates a lot of loopholes and rather ridiculous plot twists that don’t make sense. It leaves viewers wondering why random scenarios were being included in the first place. Sequences of events would have neither conclusion nor consequence. Often, there’s so much build-up only for it to be over suddenly and it’s off to another harrowing life-or-death tragedy. This is the problem with overdoing this “saving the world from peril” scenario. After a while, it becomes predictable. Characters would die and then get brought back to life (some through time travel), which makes investing emotion in these characters rather pointless.

Photo: Netflix
The charming cast plays off well against one another and each of the relationships are organic and portrayed in an authentic way. They are, however, done a disservice by confusing writing and a bizarre script. Eye-candy is, of course, aplenty. There’s Harvey, the loveable boy-next-door; Nick Scratch, the bad boy with a soft heart; Caliban, the other-worldly, drop-dead gorgeous guy.

Photo: Netflix
*Major spoiler alert*
The most bewildering part comes right at the end of the season. Ready for it? Sabrina dies. Her death happens so quickly that by the time we realise the titular character is dead, she’s back alive again in the afterlife. As someone who is part witch and who is also the Queen of Hell, doesn’t she get a pass from dying? Still, despite the parallel universe, gory teenage adventures and a confusing ending to boot, the Chilling Adventures of Sabrina is an easy watch that may bring a smile to your face.

Watch Netflix’s Chilling Adventures of Sabrina trailer here:

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Fashion
Top 3 shows at Pitti Uomo 92 in Florence
Newness in the ancient city

18.06.2017
By Buro247

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

Hugo by Hugo Boss

The magic behind Hugo’s SS18 collection lay in its unconventional artistic angle. Juxtaposing carefree attitude with a heightened creative spirit with focus on voodoo symbolism conjured breezy ensembles like delicate mesh t-shirts and floaty silk organza dresses for women. Suits had stripped-back constructions and exaggerated proportions while outerwear challenged principles of balance by falling forwards and draping off the body.

Off-White

Virgil Abloh banked on his millennial following for the message of the season. In terms of the clothes, a combination of fresh proportions and high-tech fabrication restructured the concept of tailoring to appeal to the upcoming generation. The thread that held the collection together however was more than a ground-breaking synthetic fibre. From the warning and rescue inspired colours and material, to the poetic projections on war and migration running along the façade, Abloh who grew up the son of an immigrant from Ghana, expounded upon the social and humanitarian responsibility he feels in light of recent volatile events.

J.W. Anderson

Surprising those who expected a dose of J.W.A conceptualisation, Anderson’s guest spot at Pitti Uomo 92 revealed a fashion forward “basic-ness” that questioned the idea of branded goods. Summer essentials were littered with campy printed hearts and spoofs of all-American branding like the ‘Coca-Cola’ typeface and logo intermingled with an Americana aesthetic. It-shoe alert: The J.W. Anderson x Converse All Stars. On this new vein of accessibility, it shall remain to be seen if it marks a new era for the brand.

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J. W. Anderson introduces long-term collaboration with Converse
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Jewellery
Oscars 2023: 10 most dazzling jewellery moments that caught our eye
Gussied up

14.03.2023
By Benedict Unang

Featured images courtesy of respective brands

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While couture gowns dominated the 95th Academy Awards arrivals and new milestones were accomplished throughout the show, the dazzling jewellery worn by Hollywood A-listers was equally spectacular and should not be overlooked. After all, the Oscars is one of the main occasions where jewellery houses get to exhibit their exceptional craftsmanship on exquisite jewels that accentuate the evening’s ensembles. From Chastain’s dazzling Gucci necklace to Yeoh’s diamond-encrusted piece by Moussaieff, here are ten of our favourite jewellery moments from the 2023 Oscars.

Michelle Yeoh

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Yeoh accepted the award for Best Actress while donning London jeweller Moussaieff’s high jewellery, which includes a diamond hair ornament, necklace, earrings, and ring.

Cara Delevingne

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Delevingne was spotted wearing the striking three-tier Bulgari Serpenti necklace in white gold, with matching earrings, a ring and a bracelet, to complement her breathtaking red couture gown by Elie Saab.

Florence Pugh

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Bringing her A-game to the Oscars, Pugh matched Tiffany & Co. jewellery to her silver Valentino gown, which includes a diamond necklace in platinum, two Tiffany Soleste rings, and platinum earrings with pink tourmalines and diamonds.

Deepika Padukone

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Padukone accessorised her Louis Vuitton black silk velvet bustier gown with a yellow diamond necklace from Cartier, along with the brand’s Pluie bracelet, Reflection ring, and the Etincelle ring.

Rihanna

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Wearing a sleek black leather Alaia number, Rihanna complemented her outfit with a stunning pair of orangey-brown diamond earrings by Moussaieff, as well as a matching diamond ring and a dark brown diamond dress ring.

Zoë Saldana

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Saldana wore a pair of pendant ear clips by Cartier, together with a Pluie arabesque necklace and cultured pearl ring to jazz up her delicate and lacey Fendi ‘fit.

Lady Gaga

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Lady Gaga added a generous amount of glitz to her Versace ensemble with a Tiffany & Co. Archive necklace in platinum and diamonds, as well as diamond studs, a cluster bracelet and an Etoile five-row band ring.

Jessica Chastain

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In our opinion, this is hands down one of the best pieces of jewellery for the evening. Chastain sported an 80-carat Gucci necklace made of tsavorites and diamonds as she made her way down the red carpet while wearing the brand’s silver sequin dress.

Halle Bailey

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Bailey accessorised her Dolce & Gabbana dress with a diamond De Beers necklace set in white gold, diamond and platinum stud earrings, and two statement rings.

Angela Bassett

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Fitting for a queen, Basset chose magnificent Serpenti pieces from Bulgari, including its famed necklace, earrings and a bracelet to accessorise her royal purple Moschino ensemble.

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Hair
QUIZ: Which quarantine DIY celebrity hairdo are you?

23.04.2020
By Redzhanna Jazmin

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It’s no secret that weeks on end in quarantine have left us all bored, restless and vulnerable to bad decisions; just know that you’re not alone. Celebrities—they’re just like us. Turns out, the struggle of isolation and the perils of endless boredom are universal. Look no further than the last two weeks and all you will find is DIY haircuts and dye jobs galore.
All the predictably wild peeps have kept true to their brand this quarantine season. Case(s) in point, Miley Cyrus gave her bangs a routine chop live on camera, Dua Lipa sported a mop of pink locks and P!nk opted for an all-around trim. However, there were a few unforeseen surprises, like Kristen Stewart’s return to red, Armie Hammer‘s head-to-toe Tiger King makeover and Hilary Duff’s mermaid transformation.
Want to know which celebrity hairdo your personality falls under? Look no further than our tell-all quiz!

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Technology
What is the metaverse and how will it shape the future of tech?
A whole new world

16.01.2022
By Natalie Khoo

Featured Image: Martin Sanchez / Unsplash

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Next to NFTs, “metaverse” is the latest buzzword that you’ve probably seen across the world wide web. The upper echelons of the fashion and gaming worlds are already living in it. The crypto geeks and art players are cashing in on it. Billionaires are still debating over it. One thing’s for sure, there’s no ignoring it.
This brings us to the question: what exactly is it? Let’s start by crossing out what it is not. If you’re wondering whether the metaverse has anything to do with Facebook changing its name to Meta, it’s actually the other way round. Facebook’s rebranding is part of Mark Zuckerberg’s efforts to accelerate the development and adoption of the metaverse; but the metaverse, as a concept, is far greater than Facebook (Meta) in itself.
To quote Facebook executives Andrew Bosworth and Nick Clegg: “Meta is not going to build, own, or run the metaverse on its own. We are starting conversations about our vision for the metaverse early, before some of the technologies even exist.”
With that out of the way, read on to fathom what this complex tech jargon really is all about.

Meta’s vision of the Metaverse, as portrayed in its keynote by Mark Zuckerberg. (Photo: Meta)

What is the metaverse?
Disclaimer: there’s no universally accepted definition of the metaverse. Understandably so, as the metaverse is still very much in its infancy. Matthew Ball, a venture capitalist and prolific writer, believes the “full vision of the Metaverse is decades away.” However, he does offer a swing at a definition in his essay on the subject:
“The Metaverse is a massively scaled and interoperable network of real-time rendered 3D virtual worlds which can be experienced synchronously and persistently by an effectively unlimited number of users with an individual sense of presence, and with continuity of data, such as identity, history, entitlements, objects, communications, and payments.”
If that sounded like more strings of jargon, perhaps Facebook’s simplified version may be easier to digest:
“The metaverse is a set of virtual spaces where you can create and explore with other people who aren’t in the same physical space as you.”
Still can’t wrap your mind around that? For a point of reference, think of the metaverse as a successor to the internet. It combines a variety of experiences—some of which you may already be familiar with today—including virtual reality, augmented reality, and 3D holographic avatars.
You’ll be able to work, play, stay, and interact with others as well as buy and sell both physical and virtual items in the metaverse. Sure, you can do some form of these with an app, videogame, or webpage (via the internet) today. But with the metaverse, it’ll be hyper-real—like you’re actually doing it in person with someone who may be a hundred miles away. Mark Zuckerberg calls this an “immersive and embodied internet where you’re in the experience, not just looking at it.”

Meta’s vision of the Metaverse, as portrayed in its keynote. (Photo: Meta)

Is the metaverse the same as virtual worlds?
No, it’s not really accurate to call the metaverse a virtual world, a virtual space, or virtual reality, according to Matthew Ball. That would be like calling Google the Internet. Rather, the metaverse will consist of multiple virtual worlds that exist synchronously, so you may be able to take virtual items from one platform to another. For instance, a Counter Strike gun skin may also be used to decorate a gun in Fortnite.
However, the possibility of transcending platforms—as well as the idea of having a single avatar per user across all experiences—is still highly debatable as it poses challenges to leaders in the Metaverse who may want to maintain their aesthetic and identity. Some pioneers favour a decentralised platform built upon community-based standards and protocols, but there’s no consensus on how this would work yet. As mentioned, it’s still early days.

A rendering of Horizon Workroom’s Holoportation technology. (Photo: Meta)

Where did it originate from?
Neal Stephenson famously coined the term “metaverse” in his 1992 novel Snow Crash, depicting lifelike avatars who met in realistic 3D virtual worlds and other virtual reality environments. His book remains one of the most common reference points for metaverse proponents, along with Ernest Cline’s 2011 novel Ready Player One.

Are we in the metaverse yet?

(Photo: Fortnite)
Precursors to the metaverse have long existed, especially in gaming platforms such as Fortnite (2017) and Roblox (2006). Fortnite famously hosted virtual experiences including live concerts by Ariana Grande and Travis Scott, and crossover events with Marvel and DC superheroes. Roblox—a game where users create and play games developed by other users—has previously teamed up with Vans to create a virtual skateboarding park, as well as Gucci on a virtual Gucci Garden.
The rise of virtual influencers from LA-based Miquela to Singaporean artist Rae also foreshadows how fashion and digital art will participate in the metaverse. Plus, remember the time when all the biggest fashion brands were suddenly teaming up with Animal Crossing creatives to design gamified collections?
Blockchain, cryptocurrency, NFTs, and play-to-earn technology form other key building blocks of the metaverse, paving the way for it to have a fully functioning economy. But with all that said and done, we’re not quite in the metaverse in its full-fledged glory yet. You will, however, find the term being used loosely to reference these existing technologies. Depending on how finicky you are on technicalities, the metaverse is both/either here and not yet.

How will it shape the future of tech?

Microsoft, one of the major players in the race towards the metaverse, wagers that video conferencing and gaming may be the fastest paths to its materialisation. The tech behemoth has already unveiled its plans for the former with Microsoft Mesh, which is designed to enable “presence and shared experiences from anywhere—on any device—through mixed reality applications.” It’s expected to roll out this year, with Holoportation and Avatars among its key features.

Mesh for Teams. (Photo: Microsoft)
Horizon Workrooms is Meta’s answer to Mesh, but it’s also working on a host of other experiences that incorporate AR/VR technologies. Meanwhile, gaming companies like Epic Games (best known for Fortnite) and Sandbox have announced plans to explore immersive and enriching experiences including user-generated NFTs, virtual events, and VR games. Decentraland, which currently boasts a 3D VR platform with measurable real estate, has also invested in a company called Decentral Games to further develop its gameplay capabilities.

Horizon Workroom. (Photo: Meta)
Fashion and retail stand to gain from the metaverse, too. Beyond e-commerce, we’ll likely see virtual malls coming to life and providing shoppers with spaces to socialise online, while giving brands the opportunity to engage with customers through novel shopping experiences. Imagine being able to virtually try on clothing without visiting the store, or shopping for furniture at home and projecting how it will look like in your bedroom.
Of course, these technologies may not be accessible to everyone. Perhaps some items or services like virtual land and high-value NFTs may be seen as status symbols. Whatever else the future of the metaverse will look like remains to be seen, but what we do know is that the tech world is already headed in that direction.

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Checking in: Four Seasons Kyoto

Travel
Checking in: Four Seasons Kyoto
A destination of its own

25.10.2017
By Rachel Au

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Location is key when opening a new hotel. Four Seasons Kyoto took it a step further by choosing a special spot in the ancient imperial capital. They built the hotel around an 800-year-old Shakusuien ikeniwa (pond garden), creating an intimate, contemporary sanctuary for guests. Sitting at the foot of Higashiyama Mountain on the outer part of the city centre, this choice rewarded Four Seasons Kyoto with a much appreciated privacy, a gorgeous centrepiece of a garden and the inspiration for the architecture to go with; but in exchange, cost them the close proximity to a variety of public transportation and tourist sites.

Of course, there’s no need to worry since they’ve got everything covered. For the adventurous, there’s a bus station out front or you can go on foot—Kyoto National Museum is across the street while the famous Kiyomizu-dera Temple is a mere 15 minutes walk away though you might get distracted by its several rows of shops on the way up the hill. (If you’re a fan of Studio Ghibli, there’s a cute Totoro shop hidden in one of the alleys here.) For the carefree, the friendly staff at the Concierge will be more than happy to call a cab for you. Alternatively, leave everything to the Dedicated Four Seasons Experience Creator for unique tours and itineraries covering any sort of interests—from Kiyomizu ceramics-making class to an authentic culinary journey. The hired guides will take you by car, rickshaw or on foot.
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Once you check in to your room, however, you may find it hard to leave. Four Seasons Kyoto holds 110 guest rooms and 13 suites, each blending refined, modern aesthetics with the creations of Japanese artisans. Spot the washi-paper lamps, shoji panels, fusuma screens and urushi lacquerware—all of which adds a delicate Japanese touch to the interiors along with the views of either Kyoto city or the historical garden.

While you’re there, take the time to check out the Spa and Fitness facilities. The former is grounded in the Japanese aesthetic of enso, connecting the mind and body, offering a luxurious menu of ceremonial rituals, results-oriented therapies and indulgent journeys by skilled therapists. On your own, you can use the sauna, steam and whirlpool rooms—complete with Japanese-style bathing stations—to your heart’s content. There’s also a 20-metre indoor pool and state-of-the-art equipment at the gym for those who diligently keep up with their fitness regime while travelling.

Dining options are aplenty at Four Seasons Kyoto. The Brasserie serves a fusion of modern bistro fare with a distinctive local twist while the exclusive Sushi Wakon, produced by Michelin-starred Chef Red Masuda, with Chef Masashi Yamaguchi offers a taste of the pinnacle of Edo-Mae-style sushi. If you have the luxury of time, I’d recommend taking it easy in the evenings at the tea house by the pond where there’s a menu of local sakes and premium champagnes that most would enjoy.

It was a short but sweet one-night stay but my little adventure around the insides of the hotel proved that Four Seasons Kyoto is an architectural beauty complemented by ravishing interiors in every nook and corner. It was an endless discovery of realisation and appreciation for the thought put into it. When my taxi pulled up at the entrance where a complex of wooden geometric shapes forms overhead, it wasn’t just beautiful, but meaningful. I was told by the bellboy that it symbolises a bamboo forest. When I entered my room for the first time, the elegant wooden slates with washi paper dotted with a Japanese pattern motif held my attention—it resembled the characteristics of a traditional Japanese house. It’s not just the Shakusuien ikeniwa that stands for a solid reason worth visiting. Four Seasons Kyoto itself has earned its place as not just an accommodation, but a destination of its own kind.

Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto is located seven minutes away by car from Kyoto station.
445-3, Myohoin Maekawa-cho, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto 605-0932

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Style
Inside Tsyahmi’s first sustainably conscious collection with Biji Biji

19.08.2019
By Stephanie Boey

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Watches + Jewellery
Buro 24/7 Exclusive: In conversation with Michelle Yeoh
Doing good

07.10.2016
By Su Fen Tan

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It was a special Friday evening for Damiani; they were having a grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony for their second boutique in Malaysia at Pavilion KL, and brand vice president Mr Giorgio Damiani was in town for the event. But he wasn’t the only noteworthy guest that day—friend of Damiani Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Michelle Yeoh too was here to grace the opening, and Buro 24/7 had the pleasure to speak to the Malaysian silver screen darling. In this exclusive interview, we explore the actress’ blooming relationship with Damiani, her work with UN, as well as her favourite memories of Ipoh:

Can you tell us about your relationship with Damiani?
“I was living in Italy for a while when Jean was working with Ferrari, where I spent some time wandering the streets whenever I had the chance, and I came to know that Damiani is a really well-respected name over there. So I’ve known of the brand for quite a long time now, but it was only in recent years that we developed a closer relationship.”

What aspect or quality about Damiani do you admire the most?
“I definitely admire how they have great respect for who they are. Since they are a family business, they understand what is at stake—they’ve built a business upon years of tradition and family values, and I think it reflects greatly in their masterpieces. All their creations and heritage pieces are done by great craftsmen to ensure exquisite quality. The fact that it is a family business laden with traditions also fits in very nicely with who I am, because I believe in family values and traditions.

I also love how every piece of jewellery from Damiani has its own theme and motif, making them unique. I am wearing the Damiani Masterpiece Emozioni Collection in White Gold with diamonds this evening—I chose this because it goes really well with my dress (laughs).”

Welcome home! What do you most look forward to each time you are back in Malaysia?
“Definitely family. Family, and then food—in that order. Most of my family are in KL now, but my mum is still in Ipoh, se we shuttle back and forth sometimes.”

Tell us about a little about growing up in Ipoh. What is your favourite memory of the place?
“Ipoh used to be this small mining town, so we grew up with open fields and the surrounding limestone hills, and we often went hiking. Since my dad was an avid fisherman, he brought us on fishing trips to Pangkor and Sembilan Island too. We also go to Cameron Highlands sometimes—places that put you in touch with nature.”

So you are very much an outdoor person?
“Oh yes, when I was young I used to play football with my brother and his friends (laughs). We lived next to the Ipoh Swimming Club, so we had the gym and the swimming pool right next door. Everyday after school we would just climb over the fence and there we were. Even now, I really like being in touch with nature. Although we have lived in cities all our lives, nature is something that I’ll always gravitate to.”

What are you working on right now?
“In the beginning of the year I completed a Chinese movie, which is something I haven’t done in a long time. Now, towards the end of the year, my focus is turned towards the UNDP (United Nations Development Programme). These few months I’ve been working very hard on a road safety campaign, which is part of my role as a UNDP Goodwill Ambassador. So I have been working very closely with them to raise awareness for the 17 sustainable development goals.

I think it was quite a monumental moment when world leaders chose to put their signatures together and say by 2030, we must succeed in these 17 sustainable development goals, which includes the eradication of poverty, hunger, gender inequality, climate change. These are things that are very important to us, not just for now, but for the future, so that we have a better world.

I also really want to focus on championing for causes in Asia, because this is my turf after all. I’ve been doing work in Kathmandu, Nepal, but I really want to do more for the region, especially in the aspect of gender inequality.”

You have undertaken quite a variety of roles in your acting career. Is there a particular film genre or type of character you haven’t played but would love to take on?
“Yes, there are. I mean, there are so many roles out there right now. I think it is a work in progress—it is never easy to look for what is the most “original” role, or something that you have not done before, because I’ve already been in the industry for around 30 years. But I’ve been very blessed to have worked with some of the most important and talented directors, actors and film crew.

Having said that, we never give up in looking for surprises or new roles. I think it is very important, not just for me as an actor, but also for the audience, so that they don’t see Michelle Yeoh being Michelle Yeoh again. I do hope that every time will be a bit of a surprise for you.”

If you were not an actress, you would be…
“An actress (laughs). I’ve never really thought about it actually, I believe more in living in the moment. But I guess if it really came down to it, I would probably be a hiker or an adventurer, or join the Peace Corp.”

A photo posted by Michelle Yeoh (@michelleyeoh_official) on Sep 16, 2016 at 2:35am PDT

And finally, what keeps you going?
“Life, love and passion.”

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Beauty
The Face of Gucci Bamboo Casts Her Golden Lasso Around Us
Wonder Lust

08.06.2015
By Renyi Lim

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Us women have more in common with bamboo than you might think – it’s slender, elegant, flourishes in extreme conditions, and just like us, it’s remarkably capable of bending without ever reaching breaking point. It’s no wonder, then, that Gucci has embraced the bamboo plant as a modern symbol of creative energy, celebrating the Gucci woman’s versatile, confident and adaptable spirit.

The release of its new fragrance, Gucci Bamboo, RM260 (for a 30ml EDP bottle), is a tribute to her essence – a heady contrast of feminine Casablanca lily, orange blossom and ylang ylang, against more pronounced notes of deep sandalwood, grey amber accord and warm Tahitian vanilla. The scent comes housed in an art deco-style cut glass bottle, with the polished silver bamboo contours standing out against the blush-pink perfume.

Taking the reins of the Gucci Bamboo campaign is the striking Israeli actress, Gal Gadot, who’s due to make her most anticipated appearance yet as Wonder Woman in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice next year. As the face of the new fragrance, she stars in a video campaign this July that celebrates the complex facets of the Gucci woman’s personality: her intensity, her passion, and her fascination, with a veil of feminine sensuality encasing a core of steel.

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Style
7 Highlights from London Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2020 we still can’t get over

19.09.2019
By Joanna Pinto

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Kendall Jenner dyes her hair blonde

During Burberry’s SS20 show, Kendall Jenner immediately stole the spotlight when she stepped out on the runway. Why? Because instead of rocking her signature brunette locks, she ditched it for a brighter platinum blonde hue. If you’re feeling a little déjà vu right now, you’re not alone. After all, it’s not her first time sporting lighter strands. Remember when she did that Pepsi ad and also the Balmain hair swap with Gigi Hadid?
Naomi Campbell stuns in a see-through dress at Fashion for Relief

Trust supermodels—and especially Naomi Campbell—when it comes to making a statement for charity. This year, Naomi brought the Fashion for Relief charity gala back to her hometown and she was definitely the hostess with the mostest skin on show with her super-sheer and plunging (both in the front and back) Thierry Mugler gown that left little to the imagination. If anyone can pull off such a daring, nearly-nude number (besides J.Lo), it has to be Naomi.
Chalayan’s cocoon dresses that covered models’ faces

By now, you’ve probably seen photos of faceless models in metallic floral plissé dresses on Instagram. If you’re wondering what’s up with that, here’s what: those (opening) looks are from Chalayan’s “Post-Colonial Body” SS20 show and it’s inspired by how historical events shape our physical presence, specifically in the expression of dance and how the body moves, which explains all constricted yet liberating silhouettes.
Burberry’s SS20 show is certified carbon neutral

Other things you might’ve seen on Instagram: an announcement by Burberry stating that the production of its SS20 #Evolution show (yes, the same runway that blonde Kendall strutted on) is certified carbon neutral. The statement reads, “We have offset our impacts, such as the flights of guests travelling to London specifically for the show and the build and production of the event, through VSC-certified REDD+ projects which prevent deforestation and conserve tropical rainforest in the Brazilian Amazon.”
FROW #twinning: Harper Beckham and Anna Wintour wear matching florals

Besides being ‘groundbreaking’ for spring, florals are, in fact, timeless no matter how old (or young) you are. Take the FROW at Victoria Beckham‘s SS20 show for example, where little Harper Beckham and Vogue’s Editor-in-Chief Anna Wintour were spotted #twinning in florals—a print the latter is often seen in. Side note: of course, the entire Beckham clan was there as well to support mummy dearest.
Molly Goddard’s Insta-worthy tulles

Three words: big dress energy. Editors who are always on the lookout for photogenic dresses would’ve found their answer when they attended Molly Goddard’s SS20 show. The catwalk was filled with frothy, voluminous tulle silhouettes (as well as ruffles, bubbles, smocking and babydoll cuts) in highlighter-bright hues that would definitely make heads turn and earn second takes, whether seen on editorial pages or IRL. PS: we even spotted similar street styles outside LFW shows.
Christopher Kane’s “eco-sexual” cosmic knits

The celestial trend is certainly not slowing down and at LFW, we’re seeing stars and the moon as well as earthy elements being sprinkled on skirts and comfy knitwear. With a collection named “Eco-sexual” (and the word “eco-sex” even adorned on one sweater), the show notes read, “Make love with the wind, sleep with the stars, feel the flowers—this season, the collection encourages us to become intimate with nature by indulging in earthly pleasures.”

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Beauty
Beauty Diaries: Is laser hair removal worth it? I did it so you don’t have to
Smooth sailing

02.07.2023
By Redzhanna Jazmin

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Thinking of getting laser hair removal? Here’s what to expect and how it compares to waxing and shaving.
If you’ve been keeping up, you’ll know I got my first-ever Brazilian a few months ago, along with a full-body wax. Why? Content, duh.
READ: I got a Brazilian wax for the first time. Ouch.
Anyway, a month on, my pubic hair had grown back in by about half an inch and I hadn’t really had issues with ingrown hairs or the like. Plus, in that time, I also got used to having a bald groin—no more pubes sticking out of my bathing suit or snagging on clothes? Sign me up! However, I didn’t really want to subject myself to another torture fest, so, I thought I’d try out a new hair removal technique instead—I booked myself in for a Brazilian and underarm laser hair removal session at Lyla Beauty Salon.
Ahead, find the full account of my experience and how it shaped up against waxing and shaving.

What is laser hair removal?

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Laser hair removal is pretty self-explanatory—the device uses lasers to target and burn hair follicles to destroy them, which prevents hair regrowth over six to nine individual sessions. At Lyla Beauty Salon, they use the Elysion-Pro, a medical-grade diode laser machine from Spain that is renowned for its safety, effectiveness and versatility.
The diode laser essentially works through USP (Ultra Short Pulse) technology, which uses different wavelengths to target each follicle specifically. When compared to IPL (Intense Pulsed Light), another form of hair removal, it’s a lot more efficient as IPL uses a broad spectrum of light wavelengths which delivers unfocused energy to the hair and skin with a lot more wasted energy.
In addition, while IPL’s broad spectrum can increase the risk of pigmentation and burns, the Elysion-Pro is equipped with an effective cooling system to reduce the chance of this happening, which—according to the experts—makes it the superior technology. Before heading in for your laser appointment, do your research into the tech behind your studio and ask lots of questions so you can make an educated decision about what’s right for you!

The experience

The room was, once again, very comfortable and hygienically prepared. After I’d stripped down and changed into my fluffy little towel dress, I laid down on the treatment bed and waited for the treatment to start. The session began with a dry shave—having someone else shave my pubes and armpits really isn’t a sensation I can say I’ll ever get used to, but I digress. Either way, tickling and snagging sensations aside, it was over soon enough.
Then came the gel. The cooling sensation was, again, very strange in my nethers, but not unlike a trip to the gynaecologist. The gel acts as a barrier to mitigate the heat of the laser, but I liked that it cooled my freshly shaved skin down and calmed any potential irritation.
Finally, the actual lasering happened—I’d say that it wasn’t exactly painless, especially on the groin where I experienced a sharp shocking sensation, but it was a lot less offensive to the senses than a Brazilian wax. Plus, the actual lasering happens so quickly that you really don’t have to sit through very much discomfort before it’s all over. All in all, the entire Brazilian and underarm session wrapped in under 20 minutes, and the longest part of the process ended up being the dry shave which took up around 80 per cent of the entire session.

The result

Immediately after the treatment, I had a little redness and bumpiness on my skin, but the irritation subsided within a couple of hours. In terms of hairiness, I was still really stubbly after my treatment, which is apparently expected. In fact, it looked like my hair had even grown a little between being shaved and lasered.
Of course, I wasn’t just growing pubes at record speed. Having your hair appear longer after lasering is normal—after the hair follicle is lasered, it starts to shed, which can make it appear longer and darker. However, over the course of five days to several weeks, it will fall out by itself. For me, I definitely noticed hair falling out after two weeks, but the results were very patchy. I’m unsure of whether this had to do with how my treatment was performed or just how my body reacted to it, but rather than a fully bare pubic bone and armpit, I had a slightly less full bush overall with some strips of hair missing.
I’m sure that the results would be more consistent after a few more sessions, so once I decide I am ready to fully commit, I’ll be heading back for rounds two through 10! As of now, however, my pubic hair has all but grown back—albeit slightly less bushy—so I can confirm that if you happen to decide that laser isn’t for you after your first session, you don’t have to worry about the patchy results staying for good.

The aftercare

My therapist was pretty thorough with aftercare. All in all, it’s pretty straightforward:

Be gentle with the area you have lasered
Don’t exfoliate or scratch at the lasered area
Avoid sun exposure to the lasered areas during your treatment period and after one to two months following the treatment and always use sunscreen to avoid any issues arising.
Expect a little shedding
If you’re struggling with bumps and redness, treat the area with a cold compress. As you’ve just had your hair follicles obliterated, a little irritation is expected.

Overall, if I had to pick, I’d definitely opt for laser hair removal over a wax. As long as you’re keen on committing to a bare bush, it’s really a no-brainer! Until I’m ready to delve into the bare necessities, however, I’m content with a regular scissor trim.

Find more Beauty Diaries like this here.

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Culture
Buy Local or Bye Local: How Malaysian food businesses are impacted by COVID-19

02.04.2020
By Michelle Liu

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Since the Movement Control Order (MCO) was imposed to curb the spread of the coronavirus, the whole food and beverage industry came to an unprecedented standstill, changing its landscape for the long run.
We spoke to a few food business owners for some insight on how they’ve been affected, what they’re doing to adapt, and how you—the consumer—can support your favourite local brands!

Cultiveat—John-Hans Oei, Co-Founder

 Cultiveat grows pesticide-free vegetables for various restaurants in Malaysia, but once the MCO was imposed, John-Hans shared that “overnight, our production of stocks which is equivalent to seven to eight tonnes (7,000kg – 8,000kg) of vegetables to outlets were suddenly made redundant.”
With all these perishable surplus, the team acted quick. “The MCO is difficult for us because we were primarily business-to-business (B2B). We already had plans to sell directly to customers but fast-forwarded it. We managed to set up our online store in two days, and started delivering fresh produce to customers.”
While the country was gripped with panic-buying, Cultiveat believes otherwise with the cheeky statement:
“I got, you also got.”
15 per cent of their total production has been given to medical front liners, families in need and not-for-profit organisations such as What a Waste and The Lost Food Project.
Order a variety of fresh produce from Cultiveat with free delivery.

Coley—Chee Kheong “CK” Kho, Owner-Bartender

CK has been a respected veteran in the industry with more than a dozen years of experience as well as award-winning bars under his belt. Even so, no one could have prepared for the challenges of a nationwide MCO. He said:
“Honestly, this is the first time for all of us. I’m still trying to figure out how to deal with the situation—especially with bars falling under a grey area of being essentials or not.”
Jokingly, Coley is certainly “essential” to its customers, being loved for its contemporary cocktails with a local twist. Time to innovate: for the first time ever, the team released “Koktel in a Can” with its greatest hits like “Gin & Coconut” and “Rum & Jambu”, canned and ready for delivery.
The beauty of Coley, as with most bars, is largely experiential, so delivery remains a temporary fix. CK remains positive: “Customer patterns will change, but there will be new opportunities after this crisis is over. For instance, a lot of customers has been trying to start mixing drinks and cooking at home. I feel that, indirectly, it improves the appreciation, and the work that goes into drinking and dining.”
Booze up with canned cocktails from Coley.

MyBurgerLab—RenYi Chin, Co-Founder

 MyBurgerLab has always been about serving the community first, which is why RenYi was faced with a moral dilemma:
“I wanted people to stay home and be safe, but at the same time, I still had a business to sustain. It felt wrong to tell people to come out and buy our food. The MCO is a good thing—it should’ve happened sooner than later.”
Just one look at MyBurgerLab’s social media posts shows that they haven’t lost sight on what matters the most: heartfelt open letters to customers, appreciation to delivery riders, and an initiative to provide more income for their part-timers.
“Thankfully, delivery has helped us a lot. We’re not in the red, but sadly I can’t say the same for most businesses,” shared RenYi, who recently formed the Malaysian F&B Operators Alliance and appealed to the government to provide financial support for businesses when the MCO ends. “The thing that a lot of people don’t know about food businesses is that we need high volume to do well. People don’t talk about the fixed costs that we have: rental, salaries, inventory and perishable products—that’s already thousands of ringgit in losses.”
In the meantime, RenYi and his team are using this opportunity to be creative: “We want to encourage people to cook their own food, so we’re working on a takeaway pack where customers can customise and cook their own burger, and go crazy at home! It literally becomes, ‘My Burger Lab'”.
Order MyBurgerLab for delivery or pick-up.

PichaEats—Kim Lim, Co-Founder

Marginalised communities in Malaysia have no doubt been the hardest hit resulting from the MCO. Kim said:
“Many parents in the low-income community have already lost their jobs. It’s very difficult to provide for the family at this point.”
Help is needed more than ever. PichaEats is a social enterprise that empowers and employs refugees to cook traditional meals and has thus far served more than 1,000 meals to hospitals, refugee communities and elderly care with the support of donations.
On the business side, Kim shares that, “70 per cent of our business is B2B, so most of our revenue has been wiped out since late January. The 18 chefs we’re partnering with are feeling the strain too.” Like many others, the key to survival is adapting: “We’re building our B2C channel, but also pivoting—possibly creating a new business! I’ve personally told the team that we probably have to abandon our old business model for a year and to expect the worst-case scenario, that is, we will have zero catering jobs throughout the year.”
Order deliciously cooked meals from PichaEats.

Underscore Coffee—E Yern Shum, Owner

Newly-opened, independent cafes are particularly vulnerable in this new “reality”. Underscore started operating just shy of a year ago, serving speciality seasonal coffee in Ara Damansara. “Thankfully, 80 per cent of our customers are our regulars. Most of them did get their coffee in the first few days, but numbers decreased drastically since. It’s mostly due to more roadblocks, the military and rumours of a curfew,” said E Yern.
While delivery services like GrabFood and FoodPanda have been the answer for a lot of businesses, E Yern explains that it is unsustainable for small cafes like Underscore.
“There’s a lack of riders and high commission rates. We don’t believe in increasing our retail price either—it’s the consumer who will bear the pain. Some of them are business owners themselves—but selling non-essentials! We’re just trying to be as considerate as we can to each other.”
Order coffee, cakes and food from Underscore Coffee by takeaway or delivery in Ara Damansara.

#BUROSupportsLocal: We’re compiling an index of local cafes and restaurants that are still operating with deliveries and takeaways. If you can afford it, every little bit counts!

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Motoring
Now in Malaysia: Why the first-ever BMW 6 Series GT is a big deal

06.09.2018
By Rachel Au

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Locally assembled and officially introduced as the BMW 630i GT, there’s a lot to love about BMW’s latest award-winning portfolio addition. For starters, it received the prestigious EuroCar Body Award in 2017 for its superior body and spatial design. Couple that with the BMW Efficient Lightweight technology and the car instantly saw a drop of approximately 150 kilograms as compared to its predecessor. Looks aren’t deceiving in the case of the BMW 630i GT. Here’s what else we’re loving about the new model from BMW.

bmw 6 series gt malaysia

THE SPACE
Despite its coupé-like silhouette, there’s a generous amount of interior space for the driver and passengers be it in terms of leg- or headroom. This same generosity applies to the things you’d want to put or transport with your car. The increased luggage compartment volume is now at 610 litres but it can be further expanded up to 1,800 litres by folding down the seats using the electrical control function. Side note: There’s a two-part Panoramic glass roof too.

bmw 6 series gt malaysia
THE POWER
Like all vehicles, we like to have a look at the numbers that matter. The 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol unit is capable of accelerating from 0-100km/h in a mere 6.3 seconds, delivering a peak torque of 400 Nm. Despite the possible top speed of 250km/h, it optimises fuel economy: combined fuel consumption of 6.6 litres per 100km and CO2 emissions of 152g per km.

bmw 6 series gt malaysia
THE SYSTEMS
People who are accustomed to driver assistance systems would always feel the difference in a car that doesn’t have them. The BMW 630i GT has tons; from the Lane Departure Warning to Lane Change Warning to the Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go function which helps to keep a constant distance from the vehicle ahead at all times.

bmw 6 series gt malaysia

THE TECH
Who doesn’t appreciate a good surround sound system in a car? For the BMW 630i GT, it’s brought to passengers by Harman Kardon. Then there’s the iDrive system, complete with the Touch Controller on the centre console and the Control Display. Best of all, a personal favourite, the new-generation BMW Head-Up Display; and a second favourite, the new smartphone holder integrated into the centre console, which allows wireless, inductive charging.

bmw 6 series gt malaysia
THE PRICE
The first-ever BMW 6 Series GT will be available at all authorised BMW dealerships nationwide from 8 September 2018 with an estimated retail price (OTR, without insurance) of RM450,000. For more info, visit BMW Malaysia’s website.

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Skincare
9 Skincare mistakes you may be making, from using pore strips to bingeing on exfoliants

11.06.2020
By Redzhanna Jazmin

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Perhaps you do a 12-step evening K-beauty routine, or maybe you’re a minimalist wash, moisturise and go kind of gal (or guy). Either way, novice or not, skincare trends are ever-changing. There is one thing that never changes, though: the tried-and-true rules of skincare.
You probably already know the basics: oily skin still needs (oil-free) moisturiser, that rough apricot scrub you used every night as a teenager has (probably) ruined your skin a fair bit, and your products need to be thrown out when they reach their expiration date. However, we guarantee there are at least a few you’ve missed.
It’s a rough ride to perfect skin but the payoff is worth it. Here are nine skincare mistakes you are probably making.
Skincare mistake 1: Ignoring your neck and chest

Remember this: Your face stops at your boobs. That’s not a riddle nor a joke–when you do your skincare routine, you better be bringing all those products all the way down your neck and chest.
They are just as important when it comes to preventing premature ageing and other common skin problems. In fact, the first signs of ageing appear on your neck as the skin loses its elasticity. Plus, if you’re susceptible to chestne (that’s a cute term to describe acne that appears exclusively on your chest), a good skincare routine that covers all bases is your best friend.
Skincare mistake 2: Using applicators directly on your skin

The dropper that dispenses your face oil should never touch your face. The spatula you use to scoop up your night cream should never touch your face. Stop using them to apply and spread your products directly onto your skin: All you’re doing is spreading bacteria and shortening the shelf life of your products.
Tip: Dispense the product using a dropper or spatula onto your palms/fingertips and only then apply it onto your skin.
Skincare mistake 3: Under cleansing

We’ve all heard the ‘use a gentle cleanser’ mantra by this point. It’s well established that overcleansing by washing your face too often or using harsh cleansers that dry out the skin too much can lead to the overproduction of sebum and, therefore, acne. However, it’s also important to note that you still need to cleanse your face enough–as in, so that it is actually clean.
Take it this way, after a day, whether you have a full face of makeup on or just a little sunscreen and moisturiser, dirt and grime stick and build up in your pores. By the end of the day, you’ll be positively mucky, whether you’ve actually been outside or not.
So, when the time comes for your nighttime routine, you’ll want to make sure that you’re double cleansing–first, if you’ve got makeup on, go in with makeup remover to get the bulk off. Then, go in with a deep-cleansing oil cleanser to break down any stubborn particles, and then follow up with your regular, gentle cleanser. It’s foolproof and it’s imperative—there is no point doing the rest of your skincare routine on a dirty face.
Skincare mistake 4: Rubbing in your product

The skin on your face is like a newborn baby–you have to be really gentle with it. That’s definitely a real saying (please don’t look it up). Basically, people tend to be quite rough with their skin (men reading this, we’re looking at you, too).
When it comes to moisturisers, rubbing with a very heavy hand seems to be the general consensus, which is doing more harm than good (though it does seem effective in the moment). The rough, rubbing motion can lead to wrinkles, flakiness, irritation and redness, all of which aren’t the cutest look. Instead, you’ll want to gently pat it in or, if you must rub, do so in very light, feathery circles.
Skincare mistake 5: Applying too much product

Bigger isn’t always better–and the same applies to your skincare routine. Using more than you need is just wasteful–most of it is either going to end up on your pillow or get blotted off throughout the day. Now, this differs depending on the product you’re using, but with things like serums, a little tends to go a long way–the key is to use just enough that your whole face is covered. Similarly, for spot cream, less is better so you prevent drying out the surrounding skin too much. Moisturiser too–most are sufficient and effective enough in small amounts, but if you really need hydration touch ups throughout the day, invest in a hydrating mist instead.
Skincare mistake 6: Overdoing it on…
Clay masks:

Clay masks are great for purifying skin and controlling oil production, but they are also incredibly drying. When using a clay mask, do not let it dry out completely–doing so can cause some serious damage to your skin. Further, limit your use to twice a week at most and make sure that you’re following up with plenty of hydration.
Sheet masks

Yep, you can use sheet masks wrong. You may be asking–how is that possible? They’re convenient (albeit sometimes at the expense of the environment), effective and fool-proof. Well, not exactly.
Basically, if you’re leaving your sheet masks on your skin to the point that it dries, you’re undoing all of its benefits. You see, it’s absolutely imperative that a sheet mask stays moist because as soon as it starts drying, it begins sucking all the moisture out of your skin. All in all, you’ll be left with some very unhappy cheeks by the end, so make sure you stick to the directions on the packaging!
Exfoliants

Is your skin feeling dry, tight, red and irritated? That’s a pretty clear sign that you’re going a little too hard on the exfoliating products. Whether you’re a chemical, physical or enzyme exfoliant kind of girl, you’ll want to cut back to twice a week at most. Oh, and if you’re an avid fan of clay masks, you’ll want to cut back even more than that as clay masks do their fair share of exfoliating too.
Pore strips

We get it, blackheads suck, and the attraction of pore strips is their gross fascination (you just want to see what’s going to come out of your little nose). However, what if we told you that the little specks coming out of your pores weren’t actually blackheads. No, no, no–they’re sebaceous filaments! There’s a very big difference: Blackheads are pores that are clogged very deep with hardened, oxidised sebum and dead-skin cells. Pore strips do not work on these as they are so deep in the pore.
Sebaceous filaments, on the other hand, are small dots that sometimes look like blackheads, except lighter in colour. They are actually there to fill your pores and prevent clogging and when you use a pore strip, is these filaments that end up being pulled out, leaving your pores ripe for blackheads to settle in. Plus, pore strips actually damage your skin when you peel them, so, the moral of the story is: Stop using pore strips–they’re making your skin worse and they are a huge waste of time. Instead, to deal with blackheads, you can dissolve them by using products that contain salicylic acid.

So, did you learn anything new from our comprehensive skincare guide?

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Jewellery
24 Minutes with the founders of MYJN, a Malaysian demi-fine jewellery brand that has a minimalist core

17.09.2020
By Joan Kong

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Demi-fine jewellery has seen a rise in popularity in recent years, and the reasons are simple. High in quality sans the hefty price tag, the pieces embody the qualities of both fine and costume jewellery that we love, and the stylish designs make for great everyday wear.
In Malaysia, there are a number of brands that have hopped on the demi-fine bandwagon such as Wanderlust + Co and Kin, but the one name that’s leading the pack goes to MYJN. Named after its founders May and Jun (who are both partners in business and in life), the label may only be two years young, but it has been making waves for its ultra-chic designs. Crafted with a minimalist aesthetic coupled with a sustainable core, the jewellery is made from responsibly and ethically sourced materials, and handmade by local caster and setter.

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A post shared by MYJN (@myjn_official) on Jun 21, 2020 at 3:34am PDT

Want to get to know the brand more? Below, we got in touch with the founders who gave us more insight into the world of MYJN:
Tell us more about MYJN. How did the brand come about?
Jun: We started MYJN in June 2018. Before MYJN, I used to have a pop-up store selling crystal accessories at the night market, and May was a digital creator and photographer. Together, we had the idea of selling women’s jewellery that are high in quality and still have an accessible price point. And most importantly, pieces that are unlike what you see in the market.
We did our research and we noticed that vermeil is hypoallergenic, more durable, and will not tarnish, which led to the creation of our label. We were one of the first demi-fine jewellery brands two years ago, but it was very tough in the beginning. During the creation of our website, we only slept for three hours a day. We spent all our savings on creating a label with one aim: To create high-quality pieces for our customers.

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A post shared by MYJN (@myjn_official) on Aug 18, 2020 at 6:17am PDT

Has MYJN always embraced a minimalist aesthetic since the start?
Yes, we love minimalistic designs so it’s something that we’ve stuck to since the start. Although there might be people who are not a fan of our pieces, we believe that the brand carves out a niche in the market.

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A post shared by MYJN (@myjn_official) on Feb 26, 2020 at 1:21am PST

MYJN is a digital-only brand. Are there any plans to open a storefront in the future?
We don’t have any plans for a physical store at the moment, but we do have a studio that’s available for invited customers.
How frequent are there new collections?
You can expect new pieces every week.

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Watch the Versace AW18 livestream here

Fashion
Watch the Versace AW18 livestream here
Will we see more supers?

23.02.2018
By Cai Mei Khoo

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Last season’s Versace show finale had the fashion world abuzz—to mark the 20th anniversary of Gianni Versace’s passing, Donatella Versace rounded up the OG supers, Naomi Campbell, Carla Bruni, Cindy Crawford, Claudia Schiffer and Helena Christensen to close the show. So what can we expect this season? Stay tuned to the livestream of Versace AW18 right here:

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Lifestyle
Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson opens up about his father’s sudden death, Halsey releases new album, ‘Manic’

23.01.2020
By Zoe Yang

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Hello, pop culture junkies! Welcome back to another episode of Pop Culture Catch-Up podcast as we discuss the biggest news of the week in the entertainment circle. This week’s headlines include: Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson opens up about his father’s sudden death, Halsey releases a new album, and the controversy regarding this year’s Oscars. Now on to the top trending news:

Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson opens up about his father’s sudden death

Dwayne Johnson’s father, Rocky Johnson, passed away at the age of 75 last week. In a heartfelt Instagram video, the star shared the cause of his father’s death with curious fans, revealing that the WWE pioneer had been battling health problems.
“A lot of you wanted to know what happened to my dad. He had not been feeling well and had been battling a cold and infection. And on Tuesday he had a deep vein thrombosis which is essentially a blood clot in his leg,” Johnson explained. Unexpectedly, the blood clot got caught in his father’s lung, which then caused a severe heart attack.
Furthermore, Johnson reflected how soon and unannounced his father passed, wishing he had the chance to express his love and gratitude. The actor also thanked supporters for their messages, further adding in his post, “Go hug your loved ones hard, while you still can.” Later in another Instagram post, he shared that he will be writing an eulogy for the funeral.

Halsey’s latest album release, Manic, gets real and emotional

The American singer-songwriter unveiled her third studio album, Manic, and fans are already loving it. She got candid and personal with the lyrics for each song, showing the world a raw side to her most authentic self.
On the album-making process, the singer shared that: “I sat down to make a list of things I didn’t like about myself because I thought it would help me make an angry album, and I wrote it and I cried. I read it and let some of my friends read it, and after writing it, I couldn’t find any anger at myself, I just found forgiveness. I looked at the list and said, some of these things are true, some are not. You may feel that way about yourself, but it’s okay, you’re going to be okay.”
Manic allows listeners to relate with Halsey’s experiences with acceptance of one’s own feelings along with dealing with self-destructive behaviours, low self-esteem, and self-forgiveness. The album has a total of 15 tracks, namely Ashley, clementine, Graveyard, You should be sad, Without Me, Still Learning, 929, and many more.

Oscar nominations 2020: “Too white” and “men-dominated”

Despite our hopes for a progressive Hollywood in 2020, the Academy Award seems to be nowhere near there, and is in hot water, again. The honorary organisation received backlash for its lack of diversity when the Oscar nominations were released, including subtle shade by actress Issa Rae on the all-male nominees for the directing category.
Many chimed in, stating that well-deserved nominated directors could have been Lulu Wang, who directed The Farewell (the same film Awkwafina won the Golden Globe award for best actress), Little Women by Greta Gerwig, and Harriet by Kassi Lemons. On the current all-male nominations list include Bong Joon-ho for Parasite (we’re not complaining, though), Martin Scorsese for The Irishman, Todd Phillips for Joker, Sam Mendes for 1917, and Quentin Tarantino for Once Upon A Time … In Hollywood. The lack of diversity was also noted—only one person of colour is nominated in the category for best actress i.e. Cynthia Erivo for her role in Harriet.
Horror maestro Stephen King also weighed in on this with a series of contradicting tweets on Twitter. “I would never consider diversity in matters of art,” he said. Later, he posted another tweet stating that, “The most important thing we can do … is make sure everyone has the same fair shot, regardless of sex, color, or orientation. Right now such people are badly under-represented, and not only in the arts.”

Eminem releases surprise Alfred Hitchcock-inspired album

Eminem seems to have a recurring style of dropping albums at the most random of times. Known for rather controversial lyrics and song themes, his new latest song, Unaccommodating, references the Manchester Arena bombing, a tragedy which took place during Ariana Grande’s concert. Another song, Darkness, had lyrics alluding to the 2017 Las Vegas shooting, with a fatality count of 59 and more than 800 injured. There already is an ongoing debate on the rapper’s choice of referencing tragic events as means of making a profit.
The rapper’s eleventh album comprises a total of 20 original tracks such as Premonition, Godzilla, Farewell, Leaving Heaven, Marsh, Never Love Again, No Regrets, I Will, and more.

Apple TV Plus lands Beastie Boys Story documentary by Spike Jonze

Academy Award-winning director Spike Jonze is taking on a project with Apple TV Plus. Apple recently acquired a non-fiction film, Beastie Boys Story — a live documentary that follows the story and friendship of the Grammy Award-winning band, Beastie Boy. Joining the project are Beastie Boys members themselves, Mike Diamond and Adam Horovitz, who will be writing for the film.
The documentary is set to premiere globally on Apple TV Plus on April 24.

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Fashion
Watch: Kate Hudson and Michael Kors play ‘Glamour Games’
#glamourgames

05.01.2017
By Buro247

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It is all fun and games when you put Michael Kors and Kate Hudson in a room. Back with the third installment of ‘Glamour Games’, the American designer tapped longtime pal, Hudson to battle it out in a rapid-fire game of the ‘Fave Game’. From favourite boyband to rom-coms and everything in between, they guess each other’s favourite things in a race against the clock. Spoiler alert: Hudson even reveals her celebrity crush, in which she commented, “He kind of weirdly looks like he could be my dad’s brother”. Catch more candid confessions in the lighthearted video below:

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Fashion
Exclusive: Model-of-the-moment Lucky Blue Smith in a short film for Buro 24/7
Fashion’s blue-eyed boy

27.06.2015
By Cai Mei Khoo

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Having amassed 1.1 million followers on Instagram (and counting) with just over 500 posts, Lucky Blue Smith is the definition of an Instafamous model. The 17-year-old Utah-native was first discovered aged 10 and two years later, signed with Next Model Management.

Getting mobbed by crowds of hysteric fan girls during fashion week has become somewhat of a norm for Lucky Blue, instantly recognisable for his bleached blonde hair and bright blue eyes, who posted a picture on Instagram of girls surrounding him after a show in Milan.

Having walked in shows like Bottega Veneta, Versace, Etro and Moschino this season, Lucky Blue managed to take a quick timeout before opening the Philipp Plein show to shoot a short film with photographer German Larkin exclusively for Buro 24/7. “We filmed it in one take, in a total of seven minutes!” says Larkin.
Watch the short film below:

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