Fashion
Farfetch appoints Yasmin Sewell as Vice President of Style and Creative
Power move

10.08.2017
By Joan Kong

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

Following the news that Style.com will be discontinuing all operations as a result of the partnership between Condé Nast and Farfetch, it was announced yesterday that Yasmin Sewell, formerly the fashion director at Style.com, will be joining the online retail platform as the Vice President of Style and Creative. In her new position, she will lead the global editorial and creative teams—overseeing all content and styling direction on-site, to create a seamless editorial shopping experience for customers on Farfetch.

Speaking of her new role, Yasmin quipped, “Farfetch is undoubtedly one of the most innovative companies in today’s retail landscape. I’ve known José (Farfetch founder José Neves) since the beginning—we are past collaborators, and it is an honour for me to become a full-time part of everything Farfetch is creating now and even more so, all that is to come. I am thrilled to be joining the team at this time as we define what content and commerce mean for the Farfetch customers globally.”

Farfetch’s Chief Marketing Officer, John Veichmanis says, “Millenial customers have really connected with our proposition as the diversity of product on the platform massively appeals to their sense of individuality. Building on our recent content and commerce partnership with Conde Nast, we want to develop new and inventive creative formats that help our customers discover more of the wonderful products available at Farfetch.”

Related stories:
Farfetch pays homage to Comme des Garçons with a curated collectionFarfetch partners with Condé Nast for a seamless content-to-commerce experience

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Lifestyle
Gigs in August 2019: Westlife, Flume, Snow Patrol and more

04.08.2019
By Ronn Tan

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

8 August (Thurs), Poolside Open Mic featuring Armand Tanzarian @ The Swimming Club
Using a guitar, a loop pedal and occasional woodwinds to build an epic wall of sound, Armand Tanzarian focuses on creating as much chaos and fury as possible for a solo musician to make while still playing melodic, story-based songs.
Admission is free. For more information, visit this website.

9 August (Fri), Westlife The Twenty 2019 Tour @ Malawati Indoor Stadium
Shane Filan, Kian Egan, Mark Feehily, and Nicky Byrne will finally be performing in Malaysia. The British group needs no introduction. They made a comeback recently with songs such as Better Man and Hello My Love.
Tickets start from RM273. For ticketing and more information, visit this website.

17 August (Sat), Twice World Tour 2019 ‘Twicelights’ @ Axiata Arena
The girl group from South Korea debuted in October 2015 under JYP Entertainment and has topped the charts with songs such as Like Ooh-Ahh, Cheer Up, TT, Likey, What is Love?, and Dance The Night Away.
Tickets start from RM388. For ticketing and more information, visit this website.

23 August (Fri), Good Vibes Presents Flume @ KL Live
Regarded as the pioneer of future bass who helped popularise the genre, the Australian producer will be performing in Malaysia for the first time. His second album, Skin, won the Grammy for Best Dance/Electronic Album in 2017.
Tickets start from RM238. For ticketing and more information, visit this website.

24 August (Sat), Youthful Musical Adventures with Jun Märkl @ Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra
German-Japanese conductor Jun Märkl will be bringing a lively programme of vernal works, beginning with Caplet’s colourful orchestration of Debussy’s Children’s Corner and then, Beethoven’s youthful Piano Concerto Number One. The MPO will also perform Strauss’ masterpiece Don Juan.
Tickets start from RM60. For ticketing and more information, visit this website.

29 August (Thurs), Good Vibes Presents Snow Patrol @ KL Live
Since their 1998 debut with Songs for Polarbears, their melancholy anthems of heartbreak and separation have mended many hearts. The band has racked up an impressive number of critical and commercial accolades, including 15 million global album sales, one billion global track streams, and five UK Platinum Albums. This will be their first time performing in Malaysia.
Tickets start from RM248. For ticketing and more information, visit this website.

30 August (Fri), WkndFest Vol. One: K-Pop Edition @ Axiata Arena
Happening for the first time, WkndFest Vol. One: K-Pop Edition will see some of the hottest Korean pop stars like Ikon, Momoland, Mamamoo, (G)I-dle, Tiffany Young, and Vav.
Tickets start from RM338. For ticketing and more information, visit this website.

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Features
Paris Fashion Week AW16 Street Style Day 2: Doing denim right
"Denim is a love that never fades"

03.03.2016
By Buro247

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

On day 2 of PFW AW16 we see a little denim-loving by fashion enthusiasts on the streets. Take a leaf out of these fashion-forward folk’s books when it comes to sporting a good ol’ pair of jeans—our favourite has to be Buro 24/7’s stylish founder Mira Duma choice of pairing her Vetements jeans with a cropped bomber jacket:
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Related stories:
Paris Fashion Week AW16: Highlights of Day 1Paris Fashion Week AW16 Street Style Day 1: Muted shades10 Best Instagram moments from Milan Fashion Week AW16

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Beauty
Song Hye Kyo is Sulwhasoo’s new brand ambassador
A timeless beauty

26.03.2018
By Wei Yeen Loh

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After ending a decade-long contract with Laneige as its brand ambassador, South Korea’s leading actress Song Hye Kyo  is moving up the rungs of K-beauty conglomerate Amorepacific, now representing Sulwhasoo as its new “brand muse”. The star is globally recognised for her leading roles in a string of hit K-dramas, including Autumn In My Heart, Full House and most recently Descendants of the Sun. Song’s new role will see her representing the holistic beauty brand’s philosophy, rooted in the harmony and balance between the modern and traditional. According to the official release from Sulwhasoo, the decision to appoint Song was due to her versatility as an actress “with incredible charm who can communicate Sulwhasoo’s heritage to customers around the world in an inspiring way.”
When queried about her thoughts on tradition — given that it is Sulwhasoo’s most important value, here is what the A-lister said: “I believe it is important to create harmony between the traditional and the modern, rather than insisting on the old things. I used to think that tradition was about formality or something unchangeable, which gave me a heavy feeling. But the way I view tradition has changed over time. Tradition becomes more meaningful, only when it is relatable to the here-and-now. I believe it is consistent with how Sulwhasoo interprets tradition. I am looking forward to it.”

Check out the full interview with Song Hye Kyo below:

Song Hye Kyo’s official debut is slated for April 2018, and you can expect to see the actress’ face in Sulwhasoo stores worldwide, both online and offline.

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Buro Loves
Team BURO Answers: What does your evening beauty routine look like?

01.09.2021
By Redzhanna Jazmin

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Good evening (or, you know, whatever time of day it is for you when you read this)! Have you had a long day? Are you feeling a little worse for wear? We’ve got just the thing for you. Behold: The perfect nighttime routine for a pick-me-up.
Ahead, Team BURO is dishing on the best wind-down routines to curb your mid-week burnout. Find our favourite tips and tricks to thriving skin and rejuvenated spirits below:

“Winding down for the night surprisingly takes a lot of effort. In terms of skincare though, I start with a double cleanse. First, with the Shu Uemura ultime8∞ Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil, which removes makeup while leaving the skin moisturised. It was good enough to remove even my heaviest makeup looks involving foundation, mascara, eyeliner, and eyeshadow during the pre-pandemic era. Next, I use the vitamin C-packed Belif Creamy Cleansing Foam Moist that’s gentle and leaves the skin feeling refreshed and clean. Then, considering all the cleansing that I do, my go-to toner (as it has been for years) is yet another sensitive skin-friendly product, the Kiehl’s Calendula Herbal Extra Toner. It’s alcohol-free and relieves visible redness (which I’m prone to). In dire times, I would replace the toner step with a sheet mask instead. Chuck’s Self Love Honey Mask is a wonderful local gem!
“Now, back to regular programming. I then apply one pump of the Chanel Hydra Beauty Camellia Glow Concentrate, which I’ve been using religiously since June—and there’s still more than half of the bottle left! As for moisturiser, I swear by the La Prairie Platinum Rare Haute-Rejuvenation Cream. Its rich, velvety texture is such a treat—as is waking up to soft, nourished skin. My final step before I go to bed though is spritzing my pillows with a night spray. I bought an M&S Sleep spray on a whim for Christmas and have been using it ever since. It’s calming and knocks me out instantly. Good night!” — Rachel Au, Editor

“Like many of you (I think?), my night routine has a lot more steps than in the morning. While the daytime is all about hydration and SPF, the evening is when I focus on deep-cleansing and repairing. Hence, it’s also more fun and interesting! What’s similar to my morning routine is an emphasis on certain ingredients such as probiotics, salicylic acid, and centella asiatica.
“Double-cleansing is non-negotiable. First up is an oil cleanser (a recent favourite is the Dr.G Ph Cleansing Oil), followed by the same salicylic acid cleanser (Medicube’s Red Foam Cleanser) I use in the a.m. About once a week, I use the Fuller’s Earth from Kushan (#SupportLocal) as a purifying clay mask, to decongest my skin. This is always followed by a hydrating mask (Cosrx Full Fit Propolis Honey Overnight Mask or a hyaluronic acid sheet mask).
“A pre-serum I currently love is Sulwhasoo’s First Care Activating Serum EX, which I use on alternate nights so my sensitive skin gradually adapts to it. I notice my complexion is more radiant and calm the next day whenever it’s part of my routine! Next up is a toner, followed by a hyaluronic acid serum—right now, it’s For Beloved One’s Advanced Hyaluronic Acid GHK-Cu Moisturizing Serum. When I’m not using an overnight mask, moisturiser is a must and I’d go with a slightly thicker texture than what I’d put on in the day.
“I’ve also been more diligent about using eye creams. One which launched recently and smells amazing is the Clarins Double Serum Eye. After an acne breakout, when my skin stabilises and it’s time to fade the battle scars, I turn to The Ordinary Ascorbyl Glucoside Solution 12% (switching temporarily to products not containing AHA/BHA as these don’t mix well with vitamin C).
“It may seem tedious, but having a skincare routine has helped a bit with getting a good night’s sleep. When possible, I wind down with a skincare mask, switch on the diffuser, and either read or close my eyes and relax.”
—Adelina Tan, Deputy Editor

“Compared to my simple 4-step morning beauty routine, my evening skincare routine is a lot more varied. This is when I usually play with active ingredients to help my skin repair itself through the night, and the products I use will change from time to time depending on my most pressing skin concerns. For now, here are the products I tend to reach for in my routine:
“On the very rare occasions that I wear makeup during the lockdown, I’ll start by removing it with the Drunk Elephant E-Rase Milki Micellar Water before my evening shower. After that, I’ll use Tatcha The Rice Wash to thoroughly remove any dirt, bacteria, and makeup residue.
“To exfoliate, I love Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant, which contains salicylic acid to help with my acne concerns. It’s lightweight and gentle enough for daily use, but I usually alternate between this and my Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Resurfacing Serum that has 10 per cent lactic acid (a type of AHA) so as to not irritate my skin with too many actives at once. (Pro tip: read all about chemical exfoliants here).
“Then, I’ll go in with my Drunk Elephant F-Balm Electrolyte Waterfacial Masque to keep my skin hydrated and moisturised. If I’m not too tired (or lazy), I’ll grab my Glow Recipe Avocado Melt Retinol Eye Sleeping Mask to keep those eye bags at bay (although my revenge bedtime procrastination isn’t helping). I’ll also top it off with my Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask for juicy, moisturised lips! My masking routine is a whole other topic since I usually keep a few types on rotation about twice a week, but I will say that I’ve been loving the Foreo UFO device. It really gets me in that self-care mood with its advanced T-Sonic pulsations, heating and cooling settings, plus LED light therapy that altogether makes for a hand-held spa. (This isn’t sponsored, by the way; I genuinely think the Foreo UFO is a great investment if you enjoy masking!)”—Natalie Khoo, Senior Lifestyle Writer

“Truth be told, my routine changes constantly as there’s always a new launch to review—it’s probably why my skin acts up so much. That said, the general principles remain unchanged: cleanse, treat, and hydrate. Unlike my morning routine, which has been lacking as of late (or, more often than not, skipped altogether), my evening routine is one of indulgence. I’m guilty of revenge bedtime procrastination (a phrase that I only just recently learned), and a lot of said procrastination time is sucked up by my skincare routine.
“First, I do a cleanse. Not just any cleanse, though—I do a big cleanse with the Sisley Paris Triple-Oil Balm Make-Up Remover & Cleanser. I usually work the balm into my skin for a whole minute, emulsify it with water, and rinse it off. However, recently I have discovered the wonders of the 15-minute oil cleanse. I have introduced it into my routine on a twice-weekly basis, and it has done wonders in both clearing the acne clusters on my jaw and giving my arms a workout. Then, as is custom with double cleansing, I’ll go in with the Fenty Skin Total Cleans’r for another minute to remove any residue.
“The next step that follows depends on how I’m feeling that evening (and how many products I have to review that week), but the general routine goes like this: First, I’ll tap in a smidge of eye cream (usually Indie Lee’s Restorative Eye Cream)—as my undereyes are exceedingly dry. Then, if it’s a Friday, I’ll use a pea-sized amount of Drunk Elephant’s Retinol Cream for some anti-acne action. Alternatively, if my skin is feeling irritated and needs soothing, I’ll opt for something with Centella Asiatica extract in it, like PSA’s Liquid Panacea.
“Then, I’ll tap in a pump’s worth of Tata Harper’s Waterlock Moisturiser (my long-time favourite) or Tatcha’s Indigo Overnight Repair Cream, pat in some face oil, and finish off with a few spritzes of mist to refresh myself, like Dr Jart’s Ceramidin Cream Mist. Oh—and on the days I’m not oil cleansing, I’ll use a clay mask like Glow Recipe’s Watermelon Glow Hyaluronic Clay Pore-Tight Facial. All in all, though the exact products change every couple of weeks, this general routine seems to keep my skin happy enough.”— Redzhanna Jazmin, Beauty Writer

“My night routine is pretty straightforward and nearly the same as my morning one! I’ll start off with the In Transit No Traces Pads to remove any makeup if I’ve had a shoot or worn makeup that day, followed by the Ren 3-in-1 Cleansing Water. For eye makeup or mascara that’s really stubborn to get off, Talika Paris’ Lash Conditioning Cleanser does the job.
“I’ll also do a clay mask once or twice times a week to detox my skin, using Ren’s Invisible Pore Detox Mask. Once that’s done, I’ll moisturise with the Drunk Elephant B-hydra Intensive Hydration Serum and finish off with Handmade Heroes’ Coco-licious Luscious Sleeping Lip Mask and the Multi-active Treatment Essence by the Better Days Skin Co.” — Kelly Lim, Fashion Writer

“While my morning skincare routine takes no longer than 15 minutes, my nighttime can actually last as long as an hour—that is to say if I stay put in the bathroom alone. More often than not, it goes up to two hours long as I’m the kind of person that walks all over the room when I’m in the middle of brushing my teeth or washing my face (also because I don’t feel the need to look at my face in the mirror when I’m doing either of those steps. I’d much rather see what anyone else in the same room is doing).
“I normally alternate between two different nighttime routines where my cleanser, toner, and moisturiser remains the same. Depending on the day, I might swap my serum(s) out for a sheet mask and, on the same days, I would pamper my skin with a 20-minute long clay mask. My all-time favourite clay mask is the Geoskincare Deep Pore Cleansing Masque. You know how some clay masks end up dry and cracked after sitting on your face for a while? That’s normal, I guess, but this is the only one that doesn’t (for me, at least). In fact, it stays looking silky and moist up until the part where I need to wash it off and even after that, my skin is left feeling hydrated, nourished and soft despite having all the excess oils and nasties drawn out. I use it twice a week to keep my skin at bay!” — Sarah Tai, Senior Graphic Designer
Find more beauty stories here.

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Film, TV + Theatre
Investment crash-course: 6 Must-watch documentaries that will teach you how to make money

08.06.2020
By Marissa Chin

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

Finance. Stock market. Economy.
These terms don’t exactly sound like they would make for entertaining watch content but how many of us went into Al Gore’s An Inconvenient Truth thinking they were going to watch some eco-action movie and came out of it a changed person?
Documentaries don’t get enough credit for how informative and educational they are whilst still maintaining a narrative of a blockbuster film; they definitely have the introduction-plot-twist-climax-conclusion combination that will take your breath away because they are actually events that happened in real life.
If you’re a newbie who wants to start investing in the stock market (whether it’s due to parental pressure or needing the extra dough to survive the capitalist machine) or a seasoned investor, understanding the history of some of the world’s oldest financial institutions and how they operate is always a good place to start. The next time you’re trying to decide what to watch during your wind-downs, consider these and get your paper and pen ready.
Money for Nothing

This is a great documentary that works as a comprehensive crash course in Economics 101. If you’ve ever heard your parents talk about the 2008 financial crisis and the Great Recession that followed but don’t actually know what the heck happened, then this documentary will answer all those questions for you in punchy detail. Not only will it let you in on the potential red flags to investing, but you will also hear from the perspective of an ex-Wall Street banker who lost his job and now leads tours around Manhattan about famous financial landmarks.
Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room

Enron serves as one of the greatest cautionary tales in financial history on the negative consequences of building hype, speculation and shaky financial foundations (add in some human greed into the mix too). What happens when stakeholders and public opinion place a company at a much higher value than it is actually worth? It won’t be long before it all comes crashing down. At one point in Enron’s highest pricing, their shares were worth more than $300,000, but by the time the company went insolvent, it was only a measly $1,200. Many employees and stakeholders also lost their entire life savings from investing in the company. This shocking documentary about the Wall Street Darling’s dizzying fall will leave you breathless (and hopefully, more informed).
Something Ventured

This is for all the tech-junkies out there. Ever wondered what it was like in the Silicon Valley before the likes of Mark Zuckerberg and Steve Jobs entered and revolutionised the industry? This documentary will take you to the early days of the tech industry where it was just blooming, and follows the rise of huge tech companies such as Apple and Intel. It also explores the art of ‘venture capital’—if you are looking to invest in tech companies or even want to start one of your own, this one hour and twenty-five-minute documentary will push you in the right direction.
Inside Job

Returning back to the 2008 Great Recession, Inside Job is a critically acclaimed documentary that won the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature in 2010. Rather than a historical overview of the crisis, the documentary film delves in more detail into the motives that led to the event such as human greed and systemic corruption within the financial industry. This powerful five-part documentary displays expert pacing, exposition of complex ideas and topics as well as research that will grip (and anger) audiences at the rampant corruption that exists. Oh, and did we mention that Matt Damon narrates it?
Freakonomics

If you haven’t gotten around to reading the book that this documentary is based on (though it’s highly recommended that you do), this is a fantastic appetiser. Freakonomics will show you that despite basic economic principles, correlation and causation can sometimes be formed. From the type of name that your parents give you based on their social class to revealing the incentives that drive human behaviour, this playful and witty documentary will provide many “Aha!” moments that will help you understand the market in simple, unique stories through the art of statistics. Alternatively, you could just watch the first 15 minutes to get some useful tips on how to invest in real estate from economist Steve Levitt but we have a feeling you’ll stick around for a lot longer.
The Ascent of Money

History buffs, this one is for you. Have you ever pondered how society went from bartering real-world goods as a currency to an era of virtual money being managed by computer-run stock exchanges? This documentary, based on the best-selling book by Harvard professor Niall Ferguson, will take a philosophical dive into what that really means for us as people. It will take the age-old concept of trading and apply it to the current state of the economy. For example, money in and of itself does not have any value—you are simply trading one thing for another when you make money or spend it. Get ready for a metaphysical experience with this one.

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Travel
Team Buro Answers: What to pack in your carry-on bag?

20.11.2018
By Rachel Au

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

Before any holiday can begin, the stress begins with the packing and if you think wondering what to pack for the entire trip is bad enough, think about the carry-on bag that some tend to underestimate. You only have that one bag to last you through a long haul flight and/or a long layover. What exactly are some of the travel essentials one should include in that trusty carry-on bag? It got us thinking—every one of us is different and so we posed this question to the team at Buro. Malaysia to, hopefully, give you some travel inspo. Includes: Our favourite destination in 2018 so far.

CAI MEI KHOO, editor-in-chief

“I definitely bring my Bose noise-cancelling headphones with me on every trip. I never used to travel with headphones as they take up precious space in my Tumi backpack but after trying them once, I realised they were a total game-changer. Another must-have: spare batteries for said headphones.
I dress casually and comfortably on flights—think heavyweight cotton tee, boyfriend jeans, hoodie and sneakers. My current favourite hoodie is from Outdoor Voices, which I got when I was last in San Francisco. I like that it’s lightweight, not too bulky, slightly stretchy and incredibly soft.
Staying hydrated is essential while travelling and I make it a point to carry my own bottle with me. Swell does some great designs like this one with a rose quartz design with a matte finish.
When it comes to my toiletry kit, one of the (many) items I always have on hand is a sleeping mask—I’m currently using one from Chanel. Sulwhasoo and La Mer do great options too.”

Favourite destination of 2018: “It’s a tough choice between Santorini and Marrakech, but I have to say Marrakech was everything I dreamed it would be. Forgo the grand hotels for beautifully designed riads in the heart of the media—I loved Riad Mena, which is also just a short stroll to the main square, Jemaa el Fna, with its snake charmers and fortune tellers and performers. I also loved the YSL Musuem, a stunning building with a brick facade designed by Studio KO. Next door, the Jardin Majorelle is another must-visit, which at one time was owned by Pierre Bergé and Yves Saint Laurent. If you’re lucky to be there when the bougainvillaeas are in full bloom, the juxtaposition of the colours of the flowers against the Majorelle Blue villa is something quite magical. For exquisite dining, you can’t go wrong with a meal at Royal Mansour or La Mamounia. As for shopping, Chabi Chic sells cute homeware while the shop at El Fenn carries beautiful kaftans, homeware, handwoven blankets and more. Multilabel concept store 33 rue Majorelle lies on the same road as the Jardin Majorelle and is worth a visit for a selection of clothes by local designers. Nearby, I love Some – Slow Concept Store for locally made homeware, and beautiful curation of carpets on the top floor. Tip: you might not have any use for carpets but you’ll want to save space in your luggage for one. Marrakech, I’ll be back with an extra, empty suitcase.”

GWEN ONG, deputy editor

“My mantra when I’m travelling is ‘the comfier, the better’. This means no tight jeans, cumbersome buckle, long straps or even wired bras if I can help it. Airport chic to me means putting on an oversized t-shirt with my must-have Uniqlo jogger pants—it’s so soft and warm—and my favourite Adidas Ultraboost—trust me, they’re the best to walk the streets in.
I also tend to pack a scarf or hoodie with me to help weather the cold cabin and they’re great for covering up my drooling face while mid-flight sleeping too. Yay for double duty!
In my carry-on, you will find my stash of skincare essentials including a super moisturising lip balm and soothing face mist. Jo Malone’s Vitamin E Lip Conditioner is a life saviour and I religiously spritz on Omorovicza Queen of Hungary mist every hour!”

Favourite destination of 2018: “This year, I had the chance to visit Budapest and was totally surprised by the charms of this Hungarian city. You’ll really feel like you’re in a Wes Anderson movie. A must-visit is the thermal baths and one of the most popular spots is the Széchenyi baths that have been around since 1913—the architecture is beautiful!”

RACHEL AU, lifestyle editor

 “For some reason, I’ve never liked to carry a lot of things while travelling and so my carry-on bag is essentially just a backpack. The main item would be my iPad Pro, pre-loaded with several offline games and Netflix shows (the selection isn’t always that great on the plane).
Next must-have item: My motion sickness pills as sadly, I’m rubbish with most modes of transportation except for trains and when I’m the driver of my own vehicle. I personally use the Hurix’s Travel-Care Capsule, which is available at most local drugstores.
A denim jacket is my airport outfit staple but for long-haul overnight flights, I like to pack along a pair of shea-infused lounge socks from Bath & Body Works to keep my toes warm and cosy. A friend of mine got them for me from the US and not only is it uber soft, but it’s also infused with rich, hydrating shea butter.
Last, but not least, you’ll definitely find Arcona Triad Pads 2 Go and a small jar of Laneige sleeping mask in my toiletry kit. Both are travel-friendly where one acts as a toner (it smells so good too!) and the other a quick hydration boost. Easy peasy!”

Favourite destination of 2018: “It’s a tough choice but I’d have to say Ho Chi Minh was a real adventure. Despite it being a mere four-day trip, I managed to do a lot of sightseeing, and even more eating—which was the best part of the trip. For starters, the Cu Chi was a real eye-opening experience as the tour had us going through the original tiny entrance on the ground to squat-crawling through the tunnels to some of the old rooms. Tip: There are two Cu Chi tunnel sites—choose the furthest from the city for an authentic experience. For the ‘gram, I did check out the famous Cafe Apartment and Tan Dinh Church (the pink church) and for the best pho I had in town, I went to Pho So 1 Ha Noi.”

JOAN KONG, senior fashion writer

“When it comes to taking a flight, comfort is the utmost key. I’m always on the hunt for the comfiest sweaters and sweatpants—in black, mostly—to be worn when I travel; so when it comes to my carry-on items and accessories, I’ll pack along items in prints just to give my #airportfashion that extra zing. Case in point: my Longchamp bag and favourite Christian Dior scarf.
I’m anything but a light-packer so I need all the space I can get and the size of the travel luggage is perfect. I don’t usually pack a lot of skincare products with me for a flight but one thing I’ll definitely bring along is Dr.Jart+ sheet mask to give my face that (easy) boost of hydration (apart from drinking lots of water!).
While sneakers are my go-to footwear, I like to change into my own Muji travel slippers (packed in a bag) when I’m on board for that extra comfort. Flights for me are the times when I can catch up on all the movies I’ve missed as well as my reading list. I’m currently reading Fashion Climbing by the late Bill Cunningham on my Kindle.”

Favourite destination of 2018: “Shanghai may not be the top pick when it comes to holiday destinations but if you’re a city person like me, it’s definitely one worth exploring. Aside from the food (hot pot galore!), I thoroughly enjoyed checking out the bar scene. My favourites from the trip? The Bunker by Flask and Atelier by Taste Buds. Tip: Download WeChat Pay before you go—while cash payment is still an option, hardly anyone uses it in the city anymore!”

WEI YEEN LOH, senior fashion & beauty writer

“I’m a stickler for comfort when I travel—so you can find me in a pair of comfy kicks, like my trusty Nike Cortez in a classic colourway (a versatile shade that I can pair with various outfits); along with an oversized jumper to keep me warm while flying.
To keep restlessness at bay, I always make sure to have two important items in my backpack: First, a pair of wireless earphones such as Bose SoundSport Free for me to tune into a bunch of Netflix shows I’ve downloaded on my phone. And secondly, a good book during take-off and landing when I can’t be on my phone; I am currently hooked on Haruki Murakami’s 1Q84.
My skin tends to act out when I travel—no thanks to the dry cabin air—so my beauty bag must-haves include Shiseido’s Essential Energy Moisturising Cream and shea butter hand cream by L’Occitane.”

Favourite destination of 2018: “It was my first time exploring London earlier this year and it’s now on my list of favourite cities which I’d definitely return to. I’m quite partial to rainy, cool temperatures (an anomaly, I know), so the wintry grey clouds didn’t dampen my spirits the slightest. I like Shoreditch for its artsy eccentricity—check out great vintage buys at Brick Lane’s Sunday market, retail hub Boxpark for food pop-ups, and not forgetting Smokestak to indulge in the best BBQ in town.”

SU FEN TAN, senior writer

“My long-haul flight attire is pretty standard most of the time: a hoodie/t-shirt paired with track bottoms (or jeans from Zara, if I had to look more presentable) for comfort, and my go-to pair of Adidas Gazelle sneakers to breeze through those long terminal walks.
Another constant is my trusty Uniqlo x J.W. Anderson backpack—it’s padded and roomy so I can lug about just about anything I need while minimising the strain on my shoulders.”

Favourite destination of 2018: Sydney is one place that seems to just grow on me more and more with each visit. I love coastal cities—you get all the amazing food and entertainment that the city has to offer, and the beach is usually but a short commute away. In Sydney’s case, there are so many beautiful beaches to choose from. One of the best ways to experience a couple at a go is through a coastal walk. The Coogee-Bondi route is a great one to start with—a scenic 6km walk that will take you through stunning views of beaches, cliffsides, bays and rock pools, ending with the world-famous Bondi beach.”

STEPHANIE BOEY, fashion writer

“Growing up in the tropics has made me find comfort in the warmth, and difficult to unlearn. It doesn’t take much for me to feel cold (I have a Pashmina at my office desk on standby at all times) so travelling with outerwear no matter my destination is a must for me. If I’m heading to a warm climate, I’ll go with a light-weight parka (like this one from Uniqlo) to keep me warm in the airport and onboard the aircraft. Same goes with my feet so I go with closed-toe shoes—sneakers are my go-to. I double up my running shoes for travelling because A) They’re designed for comfort and B) It’s best to be prepared in case you need to make a dash to your gate.
Being prepared also means I have my Xiaomi power bank on a full charge in my handbag. Staying connected and having a working mobile device is imperative so I never let my phone run out of battery and travelling is no excuse.
Onboard in-flight entertainment is great but I like having the option of a good book as an alternative to screen-time. On my current reading list: Rise & Resist: How to Change the World.
Last but definitely not least, I like to keep a hydrating face mist from The Body Shop on hand during long-haul flights. A quick spritz while I freshen up keeps my skin moisturised and my best face forward.”

Favourite destination of 2018: “Copenhagen is my new favourite city. Denmark is rich in history (with its Viking roots) and culture (author Hans Christian Anderson was a Dane). If you’re looking for a good blend of the two, head to Strøget for a scenic stroll along one of the oldest shopping streets, with cobblestones still intact. If you love Scandinavian interior design, the 3-storey Hay Design store is not to be missed.”

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Fashion
Gucci now lets you DIY your very own Dionysus
Bespoke beauties

01.06.2016
By Wei Yeen Loh

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Face it—who doesn’t like it when you can customise your own accessories, especially when it’s the stunning Gucci Dionysus that is pretty much this season’s It bag? Gucci has recently rolled out its “DIY” service that enables customers to personalise selected products, with the first manifestation currently at the Gucci flagship store in Milan. Inspired by creative director Alessandro Michele’s philosophy that how you feel is best expressed through the way you dressed, the DIY service also references punk culture—something that Michele has always been fascinated with.

Get your Dionysus embroidered with a variety of trims, hardware and monogrammed initials according to your preference. Customisation is available for both large and medium-sized Dionysus bags, with choice of embroideries including flora and funa motifs from the Gucci Garden such as butterflies, bees, dragonflies, snakes, roses and peonies; trim varieties such as crocodile, python and suede; and monogrammed Swarovski crystals letters in a range of hues. If embroidery doesn’t pique your fancy, get the Dionysus Top Handle’s plain models in four choices of leathers and a whopping 18-shade colour palette. Details aren’t missed out on with the striped models that are available in ‘moon’ leather crocodile, where you can choose from 12 colours to create the stripes with. Rest assured that no one will sport the exact same Dionysus as you after you’ve creatively expressed yourself with this customisable service.
{insert gallery tpl=”slide-freesize.tpl” id=”Gucci Dionysus DIY” rid=”4049″ order=”a_tstamp”}
Gucci DIY will be available globally at other Gucci boutiques in major fashion cities later on, and this service will also be extended to Gucci’s Ace sneakers and Princetown shoes, as well as men’s and women’s ready to wear pieces and Gucci’s men’s made-to-order program. Watch this space for updates.

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Beauty
Why you should never go to sleep with wet hair—according to an expert
Bad for both your hair and health

06.05.2023
By Redzhanna Jazmin

Image: Instagram/@lirisaw

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Is it okay to sleep with wet hair? We spoke to a hair expert to settle the debate once and for all.
There is no better way to wind down for the day than with a warm shower or bath. The heat of the water relaxes your muscles, the scent of your soap soothes and calms the senses and the change in your body temperature helps you fall asleep faster (and deeper!). There’s just one catch: While slipping into clean sheets with a cleansed body is great, if you’re the type to wash your hair before bedtime and hop right into the sweet embrace of slumber, we may bear bad news.
Indeed, sleeping with wet hair is a big no-no. Unfortunately, your mum was right in saying that your hair needs a thorough blowdry before bed. It’s terrible for the health of your skin and hair in a variety of ways, and we’re about to delve into all of them today. We spoke to the Assistant Manager for Education at EIG Haircare, Eddy Tan, who gave us the inside scoop on the potential risks of sleeping with wet hair (and some great tips too). Find the low-down ahead—plus, what to do if you can’t give up your nighttime rituals:

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The real reason why sleeping with wet hair is bad (and kind of icky!)
Here’s a sobering newsflash: There is nothing fungi and bacteria love more than a moist, warm environment. When you hit the sheets with your damp—or, God forbid, sopping wet—tresses, you create an ideal environment for fungal and bacterial growth. Plus, you’re also giving said microorganisms a free feast—your pillow is covered with dead skin cells and oils (and if you’re a particularly wild character, old makeup) which serve as food fuel to your unwelcome guests. According to Tan, when your hair is left wet for extended periods of time, it “provides a favourable environment for the growth of fungi and bacteria, which lead to scalp infections, acne and other hair-related problems.”
In other words, leaving your hair wet for extended periods of time is bad, but when you sleep on it, it’s exponentially worse. Not to mention, wet hair is more prone to damage. Tan explains that “the longer your hair stays wet, the more the cortex of your hair will swell and break, resulting in brittle ends and lots of flyaways.” When your hair is in this fragile state, your tossing and turning can lead to split ends and breakage, which is almost impossible to repair.

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So, what should you do instead?
READ: The definitive guide to every girl’s must-have hair tools
Tan urges you to avoid sleeping with wet hair, as it can lead to the above-mentioned problems. Instead, he recommends that you “blow dry your hair to at least 70 to 80 per cent dryness post-shower, starting from the roots to the ends and apply some leave-in treatment to help protect your hair while blow-drying.” If you don’t have time for a full blow dry, at least make sure that your roots are covered—this is where the bulk of the aforementioned issues arise, and so it should be the main priority.
SHOP: Davines Oi All In One Milk, RM113
Further, ensure that your bedding—and, in particular, your pillowcases—is washed at least once a week, to reduce the risk of bacterial and fungal growth.
SHOP: Slip Pure Silk Queen Pillowcase, RM415
If you have to sleep with wet hair, make sure you’re at least using a silk pillowcase to reduce friction and therefore breakage to your hair. Plus, don’t make a habit out of it—once in a while is acceptable, but try to save your wet hair antics for those proverbial rainy days.

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Beauty
8 Sustainable beauty brands that are saving the planet in more ways than you can think of
Going green

05.04.2023
By Buro247

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When it comes to sustainable beauty brands these days, plenty are hopping on the bandwagon of championing ethical and sustainable policies and processes as an initiative to better protect Mother Earth—but how many are really doing it the right way? While we’re all for progress, some beauty brands have seemingly jumped on this trend for marketing purposes as opposed to actually committing to reducing their footprint.
Below, we take a closer look at seven sustainable beauty brands that are saving the planet, one bottle at a time and with a truckload of eco-friendly initiatives:

Origins

Origins is one of the few beauty brands that use natural ingredients (including 100 per cent natural essential oils) in all products. All formulations have zero parabens, phthalates, propylene glycol, mineral oil, PABA, petroleum, paraffin, DEA and animal ingredients—if you’ve got really sensitive skin that’s prone to react in heat or cold, their formulations are perfect to turn your skin right around.
Origins’ manufacturing processes are all earth-friendly and tailored to leave as minimal an ecological footprint as possible. Cosmetics empties in North America are recycled to reduce landfill waste; cartons are made from 50 per cent post-consumer recycled fibre and paperboard—all made using wind/hydropower; all products do not include styrofoam peanuts or PVCs and are transported in recycled cardboard shippers and packing materials whenever possible.

Ren Skincare

Just last year, Ren took home the ‘Best Packaging’ award at the 2018 Sustainable Beauty Awards for its first-of-its-kind bottle made from 100 per cent recycled plastic (20 per cent of which has been collected from the oceans and waterways around the globe.) It was also the same year that the British beauty brand launched its “Clean to Skin. Clean to Planet.” initiative—a pledge to become a zero-waste company by 2021.
The buildup of plastic waste in the oceans around the world has spiralled out of control, with 6.4 million tons of plastic dumped into the ocean every year and the loss of 100,000 marine life each year from plastic entanglement. Ren pledges to make single-use plastics obsolete, by reviving empties into brand-new products over and over again to prevent excessive plastic waste.

Aveda

Reportedly the first beauty company that uses 100 per cent post-consumer recycled PET (polyethylene terephthalate), Aveda’s sustainable practices are worth lauding over. All packaging is made of post-consumer recycled materials—from milk bottles, recycled soda/water bottles, and the like.
A couple of praise-worthy numbers include: 145 million caps have been prevented from entering waterways, oceans and landfills thanks to the plastic caps recycling program in USA; and 90 per cent of Aveda’s high-density polyethylene plastic bottles have saved over 600 tonnes of virgin plastic each year.

Melvita

No other French beauty brand has an ethical practices rep quite like Melvita. The brand’s sustainable picking charter prioritises the importance of biodiversity, comprising eight criteria from respecting plants and leaving them intact to ensure regeneration, to using appropriate harvesting tools and ensuring the traceability of raw materials.
Most of its naturally-derived and organic ingredients are sourced via 20 supply chains, including fair-trade local producers in Morocco that abide by the Fair For Life standards. Melvita’s cruelty-free formulations are also free of specific preservatives i.e. parabens, mineral oils, and silicones, synthetic colourants, and animal-derived ingredients.

Love Beauty and Planet

Apart from using sustainably-sourced ingredients in formulations, Love Beauty and Planet’s eco-friendly vision is executed in a plethora of ways, including reducing waste (most of its bottles are made from 100 per cent recycled plastic) and minimising carbon footprint (the brand contributes $40 per carbon ton to a tax fund that supports programs that help reduce carbon emissions and landfill waste.)
Its 2020 goals run the green gamut from producing at least three new product innovations to better the skin and hair while protecting the planet, to committing to formulate 100 per cent of its shampoos fast-rinse.

Seed Phytonutrients

Another sustainable beauty label that’s putting planet Earth first in every step of the supply and manufacturing chain is Pennsylvania-based organic beauty brand Seed Phytonutrients. The formulations are made of organic seed extract oils that have been cold-pressed and expelled instead of incorporating chemical solvents—thus maintaining the oils’ integrity and purity.
Alongside that, all its unconventional paper bottles are shower-friendly and made of 100 per cent post-consumer recycled paper and recycled plastic liner (that cuts down the use of plastic by 60 per cent as opposed to using a traditional bottle). Just when you thought the brand couldn’t be more impressive, it has partnered up with recycling company TerraCycle to encourage consumers to recycle all its bottle pumps—FOC!

One Ocean Beauty

Marine-inspired One Ocean Beauty is redefining what a “clean beauty brand” entails with innovative biotechnology and sustainably-produced products that actually work on the hair, skin and body. All products are made with key marine microorganisms and single cells that have proven anti-ageing benefits—sourced from marine environments without harvesting/extraction. Expect zero GMOs, parabens, sulfates, phthalates, nanoparticles, mineral oil and synthetic fragrance in its cruelty-free formulations.
The sustainable beauty brand also ranks high on the list of socially-aware companies—it is a major contributor to the world’s largest ocean conservation and advocacy organisation, Oceana. And unlike other companies that offer one-time contributions to non-profit organisations, One Ocean Beauty’s corporate model of funding non-profits is a long-term endeavour that is built into the operating structure of the company.

R+B

Founded by the trio Irene Lim, Siew Kheng, and Adrian Peh, this homegrown beauty brand is all about the vegan, cruelty-free circular model. It’s all in the name—R+B stands for “Repurpose plus Beauty”. Granted, it’s probably the least SEO-friendly brand name in existence, but at least the message is solid. The brand’s products are made from completely recyclable materials, and they have a program in place to help you do your part to save the earth—simply return your R+B empties to them for RM20 credit in your account.
In addition, the key ingredient in every one of the brand’s products is repurposed coffee grounds, which the brand sources from an international coffee chain in Malaysia. It’s just another way they’re closing off the loop and preventing usable raw materials from ending up in the landfill.

Find more beauty stories like this here.

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Buro Loves
QUIZ: Which terrible TikTok beauty trend are you based on your personality?

12.12.2020
By Redzhanna Jazmin

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2020 has been many things, and a catalyst for beauty disasters is definitely one of them. DIY haircuts have never been more popular, people are venturing into dangerous avenues of beauty out of sheer boredom, and TikTok and Instagram are rife with unsolicited (and downright bad) skincare advice.
That’s not to say all TikTok advice is bad. There are plenty of great makeup and hair hacks on there (surprise, surprise: They almost exclusively come from licensed aestheticians and dermatologists). Then again, for every great TikTok, there is a plethora of misinformation. We’re not here to talk about that, though—we’re here to quiz you up! We collected some of the worst TikTok trends we saw and made up a little personality quiz for you.
Find out which terrible TikTok beauty hack you are based on your personality below!
LIKE THIS? TRY THIS QUIZ NEXT: Which quarantine DIY celebrity hairdo are you?

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Gucci’s new deity

Fashion
Gucci’s new deity
Dionysus rules

22.07.2015
By Buro247

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He was the god of the grape harvest, of fertility and ritual madness. Born to a mortal woman, Semele, who demanded that the father of her child—the god of sky and thunder and the ruler of the Olympians, Zeus—reveal himself to her, Dionysus was known as the “twice-born”. As mortals were unable to look upon an undisguised god without perishing, Semele was killed before giving birth to Dionysus, and the godly father sewed his son into his thigh until he was ready to be born.

Perhaps this was the intention of Gucci’s newly appointed Creative Director, Alessandro Michele, in the naming of the first bag to hold his own signature: the notion of  resurrection and a new life. And for the eventual development of the brand to lead to plentiful harvest and fertile grounds. If the Dionysus is anything to go by, then we’re certain of the promise Gucci’s bright new future.

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Lifestyle
Jared Leto to play Andy Warhol in upcoming biopic
Onto the world of art

21.09.2016
By Su Fen Tan

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Warhol will be based on the Victor Bockris’ (who has worked with Warhol in New York City) account of the artist’s life, Warhol: The Biography. Besides portraying Andy Warhol in the biopic, the actor will be co-producing the film with screenwriter Terence Winter – the latter created and produced Boardwalk Empire, and has worked on The Sopranos, The Wolf of Wall Street and Vinyl, to name a few.

Jared Leto’s repertoire of roles have been diverse, to say the least. From the juvenile drug addict in Requiem for a Dream to the maniacal Joker in Suicide Squad, which is one of the rarer occasions where his acting wasn’t that well-received, he is known to fully immerse himself in whatever character he plays. Love him or hate him, it will be interesting to see how he’ll take on the role of Andy Warhol.

The biopic’s filming timeline has yet to be announced. Leto is currently filming a Blade Runner sequel, which is set for release in October 2017.

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Fashion
Milan Fashion Week AW17: Highlights of Day 4
Girl power

25.02.2017
By Buro247

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At Bottega Veneta, the focus was all on the shoulder. For Autumn/Winter 2017, Tomas Maier presented a dressed-up, polished collection: lean silhouettes with bold shoulders, evoking power-women determination. However, they are far from ’80s glam but instead, slick and tailored. The shoulder treatments were sent down the runway in different variations, from rounded shapes on a bodycon turtleneck and shaggy-goat coats to arch-like ones on belted dresses and deep V-neck smoking jumpsuits. Maier did not just stop at power shoulders; silk dress in dusty shades, some with Lurex and leather suits complete the collection.

It seems like it is not just New York Fashion Week with protest collections. In Milan, Angela Missoni is an addition to the growing list of designers taking a stand. For the Autumn/Winter collection, models wore pink pussy hats (caps with kitty ears) during the finale. The designer even put the accessory, symbol of feminist outrage over the Trump presidency, in the brand’s signature zigzag knits on every seat at the show venue. It was not the only political symbol incorporated in the multi-coloured collection; a similar pink triangle adopted by the AIDs union, Act Up as well as the Venus symbol, spotted on chunky sweaters. There were also multiple layers of graphic knit, fur vests, tinsel boa, and lots of tweed and checks. If we were attending the Women’s March, there is no question that our outfits would be off this collection.

“In a time of uncertainty, there is a bond between us that can keep us strong and safe: the bond that unites those that respect the human rights of all. Let’s show the world that the fashion community is united and fearless.” – Angela Missoni

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Lifestyle
Sundance Channel invites budding filmmakers for the 2015 Sundance Channel Short Film Contest
Inspiring Malaysia

13.10.2015
By Buro247

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With a nod to the countless gems that have been uncovered from the world of independent films, Sundance Channel and Astro are inviting aspiring Malaysian filmmakers to submit entries to the 2015 Sundance Channel Short Film Contest. A chance for independent voices to be heard on an international platform as they explore the theme, ‘Malaysia: Inspiration.”
Entries will be selected based on creativity, entertainment value, original storytelling and production value. The panel of judges comprise representatives from Sundance Channel, Astro and the filmmaking community, such as executive vice president for AMC Global and Sundance Channel Global Harold Gronenthal, Lina Tan of redfilms, and CEO and co-founder of Apparat Nandita Solomon.
“Sundance Channel is a strong advocate for the development of independent cinema around the world, and this short film contest is a great example of how we’re nurturing the growth of this exciting industry in Malaysia,” said Geraud Alazard, vice president of maketing, AMC Networks International. “Astro has been a terrific partner for us to showcase the tremendous creativity coming from new Malaysian filmmakers, and we are looking forward to seeing all of this year’s entries.”
Films of the top three finalists will feature on Sundance Channel HD (CH438) in 2016, and will be screened at an exclusive event in Kuala Lumpur on 11th December. The Grand Prize winner will receive a cash prize of RM1000 and a trip to the iconic 2016 Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah, while the two runners up will receive professional digital cameras. Filmmakers can submit their short films here by 23rd November.

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Fashion
Watch the Michael Kors AW18 livestream here
#AllAccessKors

14.02.2018
By Joan Kong

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Ahead of its Autumn/Winter 2018 show that will be going live in two hours, Michael Kors has revealed the inspiration behind his collection this season—New York. The show will be celebrating the “energy and creativity of the city that has long been the designer’s home and inspiration”. Tune in from the comfort of your own home tonight:

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Jewellery
May birthstone: The best emerald jewellery to shop this month

18.05.2021
By Joan Kong

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Emerald has been well-loved since the earliest times. Believed to have been mined as early as 300 BC in Egypt, the gemstone was a favourite of Cleopatra’s, who believed that the green stone symbolises fertility and rebirth. Aside from turning them into lavish jewellery, the ruler (and Ancient Egyptians) also used the gem to treat eye diseases. Even the dead were often buried with emeralds to symbolise eternal youth.
Fast forward centuries later, the gemstone has now been mined in over 30 countries, and while it has since adopted several meanings, every culture shares the same adoration towards the vivid green hue. On top of being the birthstone for May babies, emeralds are also used to commemorate 20th and 35th wedding anniversaries, as they’re believed to signify everlasting love.
The jewellery on our radar this month are not to be missed. There’s the emerald-diamond pendant from DeGem that’s truly a stunner, Spinelli Kilcollin’s Petuna ring that’ll make a great wedding band alternative, an 18-karat gold ring from Shay that’s adorned with not one but 16 oval-cut emeralds, as well as the Little Promises cuff from Aisha Baker that incorporates some of your other favourite gems too.
Shop our selections below:

Oval emerald diamond pendant, DeGem

18-karat gold emerald earring, Anita Ko

Petunia 18-karat gold emerald ring, Spinelli Kilcollin

18-karat gold emerald necklace, Pippa Small

Silver small classic chain bracelet, John Hardy

18-karat yellow gold Floating Thread emerald earrings, Lizzie Mandler Fine Jewelry

18-karat gold emerald ring, Shay

Devere 14-karat yellow gold emerald necklace, Ila

Grass emerald & 18-karat gold earrings, Ileana Makri

Nesting Gem 18-karat gold emerald ring, Octavia Elizabeth

Ignite emerald & 18-karat gold ring, Fernando Jorge

The Faint Moonlight emerald & gold necklace, Alighieri

18-karat yellow gold diamond emerald mini cluster stud earrings, Suzanne Kalan

18-karat yellow gold diamond emerald three-sided bangle bracelet, Graziela

14-karat yellow gold Magna emerald ring, Retrouvaí

Emerald embellished hoop earrings, Panconesi

18-karat yellow gold Little Promises cuff, Aisha Baker

18-karat yellow gold emerald bracelet, Yvonne Leon

Shop April’s birthstone, diamond, here.

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Men's
Here’s why you need to stop fat-shaming Noah Centineo

21.07.2020
By Redzhanna Jazmin

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Body shaming women is nothing new—Adele spent most of her career being fat-shamed, only for everyone to turn a complete 180º and insist that she was ‘better before’ as soon as she lost the weight. Kate Moss’s thin frame has been simultaneously glamorised and demonised for the entire duration of her career in the modelling industry. The pandemic-induced lockdown has seen a rise in eating disorders like anorexia, bulimia and binge-eating in the UK, with many individuals emerging with new-found body image issues.

In the same strain, the body positivity movement has been steadily growing over the last few years, with representation in the media shifting to include more racially diverse faces and body types. The movement in itself has its flaws, but there’s no doubt that it has paved the way for more inclusive spaces on social media as well as in the creative industries.
Plus-sized models like Enam Asiama are rightfully claiming their well-deserved space. Jameela Jamil has spent the better part of her emerging career advocating against body shamers, citing her own personal struggles with eating disorders and Hollywood’s unattainable beauty ideals as her drive. Women everywhere have come together to overcome body shaming and it is wonderful.
With this in mind, I came across a tweet the other day (actually, it was reposted on Instagram), and it got me thinking that we’ve really got some double standards when it comes to body image issues in men. For context, here’s the post:

In case you aren’t familiar with these boys (let’s be real, Riverdale and To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before aren’t everyone’s thing), pictured above is KJ Apa and Noah Centineo. More specifically, it’s KJ Apa and Noah Centineo looking a little scruffier than we’re used to. Here’s the thing, though—the tweet itself is already a little mean, but the comments are a whole other ball game. Let’s review the evidence:

Full disclosure—“noah scented mayo” really got me, but some of these comments go a little too hard. You see, the real problem isn’t that they’re getting roasted for looking a little rough (let’s be real, they do look a little goofy)—it’s that they’re being called ugly. Looking at the photos, the only real difference between their ‘before’ and ‘after’ is some facial hair and little weight gain. In other words, they look like regular dudes, fresh out of lockdown.
I bet that if the same tweet featured two girls instead of these men, the outrage would be unmatched. So, why is it okay to criticise them like this? Last time I checked, looking like a person isn’t enough to warrant body shaming in any form. Does their celebrity status make them the exception to the rule?

The answer is no, yet shaming male celebrities for how they look or how their bodies have changed over time is normalised—people don’t bat an eye when it comes to body shaming men. Peg it down to the assumption that men aren’t as emotional, or that they aren’t as sensitive to comments—either way, you can’t deny that it is pervasive.
A few cases in point: Grammy-winning Sam Smith was branded ‘ugly, fat and effeminate” by Howard Stern; industry legend D’Angelo was called a “Former R&B sex symbol” and “fat” in an article by TMZ; Ben Affleck’s Dark Knight is widely known as “Fatman” by DC fans; Jason Momoa was bombarded with “dad bod” comments while on holiday in Italy—the list goes on.

Chris Hemsworth as “Fat Thor” in Avengers: Endgame
Take body weight as an example: Fatness is treated as a punchline. We saw it in Avengers: Endgame, where every scene in the film was jarringly interrupted by a fat-joke at Thor’s expense.
Sadly, this doesn’t just stop at the movies. Jonah Hill is a real-life example of how Hollywood views fatness. Despite being an incredible actor in his own right, his whole career has been perpetually reduced to ‘the fat guy’ typecast. Even his dramatic weight loss was constantly made the subject of scrutiny and criticism. Whether he was fat or thin, people had something to say. The most frustrating part is that fatness isn’t inherently unattractive—we’re just taught that it is.

It doesn’t just stop at body type, either: height, hairlines, race, acne, and even penis size are all at the centre of male beauty ideals. We sexualise and objectify men as much as we do women—it just doesn’t bother us as much.
Admittedly, the sexualisation of women has a much more sinister history and much greater consequences (AKA centuries of systematic oppression and abuse). However, while it is a pertinent issue by itself, it doesn’t change the fact that making men feel bad about the way they look (something they cannot change) is hypocrisy at its finest.
It, therefore, comes as no surprise that body dysmorphia is as common in men as it is in women. The difference is that male body dysmorphia is often undertreated and condescended, but that doesn’t change the fact that it is a very real thing—no doubt contributing to the high rate of suicide in young men.
The only way to move forward is to dismantle the beauty ideals imposed on us, and that means quit shaming boys for the way they look.
More body positivity news here.

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Lifestyle
A rediscovered Mark Twain fairytale is set to be published in Fall 2017
Oleomargarine

24.01.2017
By Gwen Ong

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Some 140 years ago, in 1879, Samuel Clemens or popularly known as Mark Twain, narrated a bedtime story to his young daughters – Clara and Susie – about a boy who ate a magic flower and was then able to talk to animals. Together, they went on an adventure to save a kidnapped prince.
While Mark Twain is more known for his fiction, essays, short stories, satire, travelogues and even journalism work, this is his first ever-recorded fiction for young children.
A scholar discovered Mark’s 16-page note on the bedtime story in 2011 among archive materials when he paid a visit to the Mark Twain Papers and Project at the University of California. Though unfinished, it’s considered as a significant literary discovery.

The long-lost tale has since been reworked into The Purloining of Prince Oleomargarine – a new illustrated children’s book by author and illustrator team, Philip and Erin Stead. It would be framed as “told to me by my friend, Mark Twain” where the late author is featured as part of the story.
Oleomargarine is set to be published on 26 September this year, which will coincinde with the 150 anniversary of the publication of Mark Twain’s first book–the 1867 short-story collection, The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County and Other Sketches.

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Fashion
New month, new bags: January’21 edition—from Louis Vuitton, Montblanc, Bottega Veneta, and more

28.01.2021
By Joan Kong

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

New year, new you; new month, new bag! There’s no better way to upgrade your 2021 style than with new arm candies that are trending right now. And with Valentine’s Day fast approaching, our list of fresh launches—for both men and women—will make great gifts too. From brand new designs to updated favourites, below are eight bags to consider:
For the ladies:
Bottega Veneta The Bulb

Aside from The Clip bag, one of Bottega Veneta’s noteworthy new designs this season is The Bulb. Reminiscent of The Pouch, the arm candy comes in a slouchy silhouette that turns bulb-like when held by the straps. Available in three sizes and with or without the Intrecciato details, the bag comes in a variety of muted and bright colourways.

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Double C de Cartier

Following the launch of its Guirlande de Cartier and Must de Cartier bags, the French luxury brand has introduced a new design that might just be our favourite one yet. Dubbed the Double C de Cartier, the sleek crossbody highlights the Maison’s logo, in the form of a ‘C’ within a ‘C’ clasp. They come in two sizes and four different colours.

Dior Caro bag

First spotted at Dior’s Cruise 2021 show in Puglia, the Dior Caro is named after Monsieur Dior’s sister Catherine who’s affectionately known as Caro. Rectangular in shape, the flap bag features Cannage stitching and a twist ‘CD’ clasp. Strap-wise, the chain-link can be replaced with a wide embroidered strap for a more casual take. The tie-dye denim and the shearling designs are some of the standout picks.

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Louis Vuitton Scala Mini Pouch

Looking for more supple pouches to add to your collection? Louis Vuitton’s newest launch might just be it. Inspired by drapery, the Scala Mini Pouch is crafted from Mahina leather that gives it a soft touch, while the Monogram perforations serve as the finishing touch. If you’d like to go hands-free, each piece comes with a removable strap that can be worn in different ways too.

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For the gents:
Montblanc M_Gram 4810

Montblanc has unveiled a new two-tone M pattern that features an updated wordmark from the brand’s archives, and it’s set to be come a design signature. The all-over logo can be found on an array of leather goods such as backpack, briefcases, duffle bags, and more, accented with black leather trimming that seals it off with a sophisticated touch.

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Louis Vuitton Men’s Damier 3D

Damier fans: Louis Vuitton has launched not one, but two collections featuring the Maison’s iconic print—Damier Graphite 3D and Damier Infini 3D. The former is in a canvas material featuring the same motifs from the Nigo capsule collaboration, while the latter, in leather, has a contemporary twist. The three-in-one Modular pouch will undoubtedly be a favourite.

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Berluti Signature Canvas

Inspired by Berluti’s rich archives, artistic director Kris Van Assche introduced his first pattern canvas that’s a blend of the brand’s new logo and the strokes of the Scritto motif. The prints are emblazoned on a tonal black background that’s reminiscent of the Parisian landscape, and they can be found on a variety of men’s bags, from briefcases to backpacks.

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Coach Rivington

Need a bag for work, play, and everything in between? Coach’s latest Rivington backpack is the one to add to cart. Taking form of a classic grade-school silhouette, the sleek design is crafted in leather and sealed with a retro Coach logo. If you’re into monograms, the brand’s Hitch backpacks are also worth checking out.

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Check out last month’s bag launches here.

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Culture
Keeping up with Caitlyn Jenner: New life, new goals
She's got it

04.04.2016
By Buro247

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While you were a part of one of the most popular TV show in the world (Keeping Up With The Kardashians) your transition into a woman had already began, but that was a secret for the audience. So was it anyhow scary that this secret would be discovered before you were ready to share it with the world?
I used to practice crossdressing and my whole life I was scared to death that I could get caught on the road or in a hotel or someplace in a woman’s outfit. But what tortured me more was my constant thinking about why I was doing it: “Is it cause of possibly getting caught? And how far can I go and how many chances can I take and not get caught? Or maybe that’s who I really am?”. I was really scared in the past but today I am free from secrets and free from fears. Last year, I won Barbara Walters’ Most Fascinating Person in the world and I was thinking to myself: “This is kind of cool, but since now I will never win that award again”. Why? Because you always need to open a secret for that and now I don’t have any left.

Can you talk about the reaction your children had when you told them about the change you are going to do?
My kids were great! I started off with my son Brandon and he said to me one of the most amazing things I’ve ever heard: “Dad, I have always been so proud to be your son.  But I’ve never been more proud of you than right now”. And that was a wonderful start! My girls, I was particularly concerned about my younger daughters just because they were so vulnerable. I remember sitting there and talking to them and I had said that I’m going to go through a complete transition. And they were like: “Oh my God! How is that going to work out?”. And my sister was terrified: “How can you do that?”. But I think they were really concerned for me because they loved me.
I saw the interview with Diane Sawyer for the first time together with Courtney, Kimberly, Chloe and Kris.  And after fifteen or maybe twenty minutes into the show social media started going crazy. But I was sitting on the couch with the most social media family in the world so no surprise about it. So social media started going crazy and in a positive way.  And then the celebrity world started reacting. I think it was Lady Gaga who was the first to write she was so proud of me. And then Elton John, Jennifer Lopez, and the list just went on and on and on. And my kids were reading all these! I think right then they knew it’s going to be okay.

You started your new show I Am Cait recently where you raised the problem about how it feels to be a transgender woman in contemporary society. So my question is what was your idea for doing this TV show? Did you want people to walk in your shoes or maybe this is a kind of political statement?
Well, what I wanted to do right from the beginning with the show was just living my authentic self. I got to the point in my life where my kids were raised, life was in order, I was at peace with God about who I was, and I said to myself: “Okay, if I can do this and live authentically, how can I make a difference and I influence the life in the community?”. The LGBT community has a lot of issues to deal with and these issues are extremely serious. People commit suicide over their sexual orientation problems. What is more people are murdered over this issue and that’s terrifying. This is much bigger than a game—this is our reality. Whether you want to face it or not it is here and it’s not that careless. So I want to make a difference and that’s why I started the show. I wanted to meet other girls and boys like me and to discuss openly what we are concerned about. We want people to meet and accept us. Yeah, it’s been a challenge and I have had to learn a lot along the way and those guys from the show team taught me and so has the rest of the community taught me a lot of things.

There are other trans people beside you in the show. Was it important to involve them?
Absolutely. I wanted to tell different stories of different people. These men and women, they all are worthy and deserve understanding. Transition is not a whim. It’s the most difficult decision we ever made, believe me. And by telling our stories we want some respect. We want to change the attitude and if we can do it those who will live after us will live in a better world.

What does being a woman mean to you?
It means being true to yourself. There are a lot of things about womanhood that I am still learning and I feel pure pleasure in this learning process. And I think gender is not something you should take for granted but a journey to your true self.  We all learn about our gender and about who we are as a person for all our lives. I have had this woman you see now living inside me for many years. Finally, it’s her opportunity to come out to the forestage and put little Bruce inside. But I remain the same person and that what really matters.

Caitlyn, what do you miss about Bruce?
I am trying to think what I miss about him, and I just can’t find a thing… So it seems I don’t miss him at all. Today I am much more comfortable about who I am than some years ago. But as far as I said earlier, this woman has lived inside me all my life and it’s time to let her to expose herself and live authentically. I believe that through doing that, I mean through being my true self, maybe I can have a platform to make a difference in the world. So today it’s Bruce’s turn to live inside. But again I still have the same views, my relationships with people remain the same (and I feel blessed about it), I still fly airplanes or go to the racetrack. My life remains the same except one nuance which is now I am happy and totally satisfied with who I am. Honestly, it was in some way sad to change the name and gender marker and to say “Bye” to Bruce.  That was pretty traumatic to me, because he was a good guy.  But now he is gone.

“This is a man’s world” as we all know and it seems so much easier to be a man in our society.  And I was wondering if you have experienced sexism as a woman already?
Well that’s truly a man’s world. For me, I have lived an extraordinary life. I have stood on top of the platform and the world perceived me as this macho male, successful and physically perfect. I was conquering the world and that was a very powerful feeling.  But was it me?  No, it was a portion of me.  Now for the last nine months, ten months, I have had the opportunity to live my true self that people never knew.  It was amazing, when Vanity Fair came out and everything changed. That was the first time they saw me and the first time they learned the name. It was the time to throw old Bruce right out under the bus.  He was like gone.  This Caitlyn girl, she is a lot more interesting. Waking up in the morning the other day, I was walking around the house and I thought, you know what, I was just happy. It was so simple and I so meaningful at the same time. People often ask me about the transition from the male powerful role to the weaker female role. And I keep on telling them I don’t think women are weak. A lot of women just don’t understand the power of their femininity and the power of being a woman.
Have you already discovered what are those powers?
Recently I invited Sharon Stone over. We met and talked about just anything. And then she said: “Women don’t realize the power of touch”. I didn’t get it and she explained. She was in the audition for “Casino” and she wanted to get the role badly. So she was doing the scene with Martin Scorsese who played instead of the actor in episode. And she put her finger on Scorsese’s hand and kept that finger there and never lost that touch. She had all his attention and the role. That’s just an example of those little things women have to control men and “their” world. I think a lot of women don’t realize the powers that they do have.  Learning to be a woman is going to be a very interesting journey.  And I am so happy to be on this team.

Do you have any goals to achieve in your new life?
I have achieved one goal and that is contentment and happiness. And now the next is about how can I make a difference. I want to see how we can bring this issue of being a transgender forward. And it’s not just here, it’s around the world. And how we can make it better for the next generation coming up.  It’s going to be a long road and I can’t certainly do it all myself and it’s probably not going to happen in my lifetime.  But I hope that we move forward. This issue is not swept under the rug anymore and that is a great start.  I started my show I Am Cait to spread information about trans people. And episode number four is everything I have ever wanted in this show.  And I am happy the show is played all over the world.  Because this is a common human issue and it doesn’t have borders.  So it is an issue that is a global issue, and the way other countries deal with it is totally different than what we have here in the US.

It was 40 years ago at the Olympic Games in Montreal and you were awarded like the most complete and most powerful male athlete in the world…
And I am still very proud of that moment.

You should be.  But did you know in that moment 40 years ago that Caitlyn was there?  How did you combine your sport career and your inner woman?
My life has been constantly about diversions and not dealing with myself.  I had gender issues back in the 50s and 60s that I couldn’t talk about. I was a dyslexic kid, suffering from low self-esteem, thinking that everyone else is smarter than me, better students than me, all these issues. And I found my one thing to forget about all these painful thoughts and that was sports. And, yeah, I was pretty good at it and I didn’t have to think about or deal with the rest of the world because of sports. When I started off at school I never thought I would take it to the extent that I did but I guarantee you through that twelve years of my life, there was always that dyslexic kid, that gender disparate kid living in the back of my head, that was going to prove to the world that he was worth something. It created a tremendous amount of drive in me to go out there to succeed, and I took it all away to where the last three years of my career when I broke the world record and I was ranked number one in the world three times. But I remember waking up the morning after the Olympics and looking in the mirror, with the gold medal on my chest, and thinking about what was next. What would be my next purpose? Where should I go from here? It was a really scary moment in my life.

Fortunately, the next day ABC called and asked if I wanted to come to work for them and I thought: “Oh my god, I got a job!”. This was wonderful and I dove into other things and I dove into family for the next 30 something years. But I was constantly living distractions.  And then in the 80s I thought I would go through gender transition and I thought I would do it before I was 40. But when I got 39, I could not do it.  Just couldn’t.  I had done a bunch of stuff and the rumor mill started. Kris and I had gone separate directions which is fine and I had raised ten of the most beautiful children in the world, all successful, hardworking, great kids.  I had done that job.  Now, it’s going to be about me.  How am I going to deal with myself, when I am dealing with the same issues at 65 that I was dealing with when I was eight years old? What the hell am I going to do?  And that was when I started the process.  But I believed in myself more than ever. And now I am absolutely free and happy.

I have only watched the first few episodes of I Am Cait, but you seem to talk about everything on the show and one of the issues that you also talk about is love and finding love for trans people…
Well, I am at a different place in life where I’ve already been a partner, a father, a friend and whatever. So relationship now is a less of an issue for me now. But in our show there’s a girl Ella who is only 18 years old and who went through a transition just a few months before me. So for her finding love is a big issue. She looks to the future with hope that someday she’ll find someone who can make her happy. On one of the episodes I talked to a lawyer about what are the possibilities for trans people, male or female. I mean marriage, family, all of those types of things. And to be honest with you, when I was watching the show, I was actually encouraged by it. I believe world can be a better place where people are free and happy and they treat each other like equal no matter their sexual orientation or something.

If a man wants to seduce you, what is he supposed to do?
I have no idea, really… You know what is very interesting in this whole thing, is that I hated to go out in the old days. I never went out even with the family.  Now, everything is different! (laughs) Now I find so much fun in being somewhere outside my home. I do really enjoy going out with my girls, friends and family to dinner or to some event.  Now I feel free to enjoy life and that’s what I like most about being Caitlyn.

Are you a good cook?
(laughs) That hasn’t improved.  No, I do a little bit of cooking, but I don’t dwell on that.  And actually thank you for the interview, it was a lot of fun. Now let’s go for the Golden Globes!

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Plus size shopping: Here’s where curvy Malaysians buy stylish clothes in KL

07.10.2019
By Joanna Pinto

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

Sure, retail therapy is a fun pastime for most of us but when you can’t find anything that fits quite right, that’s where the fun stops. Unfortunately, finding size-inclusive clothing is a dilemma many curvy or plus-sized women face in Kuala Lumpur. So, to help ease the shopping struggles of our voluptuous sisters, we asked a few stylish plus size ladies to share how they strategically shop for the clothes they love and more importantly, fit their body type.
Ratnadevi ManokaranIG: @sapphiresplendour Occupation: Co-owner of The Curve Cult

What size do you wear and what do you love most about being plus size?
Ratna (R): “I wear a UK24-26 and I’m just happy to be in my skin and wear whatever I want. I enjoy being and moving in my body. I used to constantly want to exist in a different body, so, to be able to finally embrace my own is really pivotal for me.”
What struggles do you face when you shop for clothes in KL?
R: “The limitations of shopping physically in a brick and mortar store. I know there are a few brands now that are “more size inclusive” but they tend to stop at a UK20-22 or they just don’t have the whole plus size range and instead, only have it available online. I don’t understand the disconnect; if you do have plus size clothing then why only put up a few options in store? As for lingerie, I haven’t bought any from a physical store for the last 15 years. I used to buy them off eBay or get my friends travelling overseas to buy them for me. For the past five years, I’ve been buying them online. That said, things are slowly changing and some companies are extending their size ranges. For bras, I know Xixili has sizes that run up to a 44G/H.”

Where do you shop online and offline? Any insider tips for plus size shopping?
R: “I get a bulk of my clothing from my own line—I co-own a plus size clothing store called The Curve Cult. We don’t have a store in Malaysia yet but we have a brick and mortar store in Singapore. If I need something that our store does not carry, I’d sometimes shop on Asos. The most important thing I’ve learnt is to buy in anticipation of an event. If you know you’ll need a special outfit, buy it ahead of time because we do not have the privilege to go into any store and get 1) something that fits, and 2) something we like.”
What do you think of the portrayal of plus-sized women in Malaysia?
R: “I think things have really changed for the better. With the growing knowledge of body positivity, there’s so much more awareness of plus size bodies and although I still do face some tough situations in public, it’s not as bad as it was about 15 to 20 years ago. There’s still room for improvement, like reducing the stigma against fat people; but we will get there as long as people are open to hearing different perspectives and want to challenge the societal constructs of beauty.”

What changes do you wish to see in the fashion and retail industry in the near future?
R: “The inclusion of marginalised bodies—plus size, queer, trans, differently-abled bodies—that’s not just as a token or for marketing purposes; but where collections are properly thought out with us in mind. What we see in the media challenges how we view our beauty standards so including us in campaigns and fashion shows is a must. And for retail, I wish to see more brick and mortar stores where plus size people can go in and pick out an outfit that they are happy to be seen in.”
Who is your plus size #girlcrush?
R: “I have so many! All my friends are my girl crushes: @ranidhaschainey, @curvesbecomeher, @nazirahashari and @ushsh.”
Isabelle YongIG: @issyongOccupation: Interior Design Consultant

What size do you wear and what do you love most about being plus size?
Isabelle (I): “Being a size 16 allows me to view the world and people through a different lens. Finding beauty that shines from within is what makes a person beautiful; instead of judging someone based on their appearance at first glance.”
What struggles do you face when you shop for clothes in KL?
I: “Not being able to find current in-trend styles that fit my body type. Plus, always having to either size up or squeeze into an outfit, and feeling uncomfortable for the sake of fashion. Sometimes when I shop, I just can’t fit into anything and when I do find clothes I like, there is a vast difference in price point, thus making plus size a more expensive body type to shop for.”

Where do you shop online and offline? Any insider tips for plus size shopping?
I: “My go-to online store has to be Pretty Little Thing as they provide a more flattering cut and have a wider range of sizes. A little tip with online shopping: watch the videos, check out what the fabric and material is, and see how it sits on the model. With that you can always tell the stretch and leeway it gives; the same goes to shopping IRL. I always pay attention to the cut of the clothes. Don’t be discouraged as most fast fashion stores do not have the best cut for curvier women but I have to say that Monki does a good job at hitting this mark. Shopping in departmental stores like Parkson or Isetan allows me to discover new brands as well.
What do you think of the portrayal of plus-sized women in Malaysia?
I: “Recently I feel that the society of plus-sized women is slowly evolving but sadly not the majority. It is difficult for the opinion to change due to the lack of education within the Asian community. After all, in Asian culture, “petite” is the word often used to describe what beauty is. Therefore, the portrayal of plus-sized women is poor and often described as undesirable because visually, we are not the stereotypical definition of beauty in Asia.”

What changes do you wish to see in the fashion and retail industry in the near future?
I: “I would love to see high fashion and haute couture embrace creating clothes more suited to the fuller form. As we all know, the rest will follow suit as this will set the tone for future businesses and fashion retailers. Having plus-sized women in more advertisements and fashion magazines is what I hope to see in the future too.”
Who is your plus size #girlcrush?
I: “My plus size #girlcrush has to be Iskra Lawrence and Dana Patterson.”
Nalisa AminIG: @nalisaliaminOccupation: Freelance model

What size do you wear and what do you love most about being plus size?
Nalisa (N): “I usually wear a UK12 for fitted tops and UK14-16 for bottoms depending on the cutting as I’ve wider hips. For dresses or jumpsuits, I fit into a UK14. It took me a while to love my body but now I seeing how my body looks in a bodycon skirt or a fitted flared pant—it hugs my butt nicely, giving me a naturally-curvy figure.”
What struggles do you face when you shop for clothes in KL?
N: “The lack of sizes offered and how a lot of independent boutiques tend to cater more towards China-based sizes, which is always smaller than the regular sizes sold by international high street brands. The term “free size” is often abused too since in reality, it only fits up to a size M. Even though I’m considered ‘small fat’, it’s still difficult for me and other larger women to support local brands because they don’t cater to sizes beyond size L or their plus size section does not flatter actual plus size bodies. It’s quite disappointing knowing they don’t put much thought to expand their creativity on catering to plus size bodies.”

Where do you shop online and offline? Any insider tips for plus size shopping?

N: “Know your measurements! It helps a lot especially when you shop online, which is where I spend most of my money. I usually shop on Zalora, Instagram boutiques and Shopee as they’re starting to have bigger sizes now and expanding their plus size category, which I appreciate. Zalora also has a free ‘return and refund/exchange’ policy, which comes in handy if I want to return a garment that doesn’t fit. As for offline stores, I shop at H&M, Forever21 and Monki but my go-to is always bundle stores because they have good quality clothes at cheap prices. Though many of the sizes are not accurate, I can always send them to the tailor to have them altered.”
What do you think of the portrayal of plus-sized women in Malaysia?
N: “It could be better. Even though we’re slowly starting to destigmatise plus size bodies by including them in the media and campaigns in a more positive tone, I do notice that many are just jumping on the bandwagon because it’s trendy right now. I would like to see consistency of inclusivity and diversity when the trend dies down too because unfortunately, with our Asian mentality, women who are not slim—what more when they’re plus size—are still portrayed as ‘disgusting’ or ‘gross’. The beauty standard isn’t going to diversify if they only jump into it when it’s trendy. The portrayal needs to be consistent to change people’s perception.”

What changes do you wish to see in the fashion and retail industry in the near future?
N: “More plus size representation and inclusion of plus size bodies as their customers, that’s all. We would pay good money on clothes that actually fit us. Brands like Savage X Fenty and Fashion Nova are doing so well because they’re tapping on different types of women or diverse sizes and actually sell fashionable clothes in a lot of sizes.”
Who is your plus size #girlcrush?
N: “It’s hard for me to just choose one because so many women have inspired me to love my body so I’m going to name my top 3, which are Barbie Ferreira, Paloma Elsesser and Nadia Aboulhosn.”

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Fashion
These are the best eyewear to get for every face shape

04.12.2019
By Joanna Pinto

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

Sunnies are great for a few reasons: they help us see better, they protect our precious peepers from the sun, and they instantly add that cool factor while lending an air of mystery to the wearer (said air of mystery could sometimes be an unwarranted hangover). This season, we’re seeing all kinds of hot-right-now eyewear trends—from angular shapes to embellished frames—but before you hop on the bandwagon, take note: one frame does NOT flatter all faces. To help you find the best frames for your face shape, we’ve rounded up a little guide plus stylish recommendations that will put your best features forward.
Round

Since the width and length of your face are pretty much the same (sans any prominent angles), you’ll need to offset the roundness by going for geometric shapes, especially those with rectangular or square silhouettes. A cat-eye, wayfarer (Ray-Bans are your BFF) or even browline frame would help define your features. PS: Avoid circular frames at all costs!
Try these:
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Square

If you have a broad forehead and a strong jawline like Margot Robbie, reach for rounded sunglasses and avoid boxy frames that won’t do you any favours. Just like how square frames help balance out a round face, circular frames will balance out a square face. Curvier sunglasses with rounded corners like the one from Emporio Armani will not only complement your face but also soften your chiseled features.
Try these:
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Oval

Lucky you—you have a well-proportioned face (just like Bella Hadid) that works well with most eyewear styles; meaning you can pull off almost anything, including those chic triangular frames from Burberry! One thing to take note of? Try to match the size of your frames to the width of your face. Proportion is the key here. Anything too wide is a no-go.
Try these:
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Heart-shaped

Like Cara Delevingne, the outline of your face is akin to an inverted triangle, with a much narrower chin compared to your wider forehead. However, instead of trying to offset your angles, opt for frames that mimic your face shape, such as aviators. The key here is to pick sunnies that are wider on top than they are at the bottom. Frames with sharp corners are also recommended. Stay away from oversized shades unless you’re trying to replicate a bug.
Try these:
{insert gallery tpl=”slide-freesize.tpl” id=”[Стандартная] luxotica heart face” rid=”7689″ order=”a_tstamp”}
Oblong

For an oblong face shape where the length is longer than the width, a wide pair of sunglasses with concise lines (like the butterfly frames from Coach) will sharpen your features. Like your square-faced friends, you too can opt for rounder frames as well as wayfarers but avoid frames that are too tiny since they’ll only exaggerate the length of your face. Pro tip: always choose wide frames that are greater in height than in width.
Try these:
{insert gallery tpl=”slide-freesize.tpl” id=”[Стандартная] luxotica oblong face” rid=”7690″ order=”a_tstamp”}
Diamond

Similar to an oval face shape but with more angular features (like a narrower forehead and chin but wider at your cheeks), you’re also one who can rock most sunglasses and spectacles—be it tiny circular John Lennon frames, oversized sunnies a la the Olsen twins or even a hipster hexagon style. Just one note: steer clear of frames that are wider than your cheekbones—this will widen the widest point of your face while diminishing your already delicate chin and forehead.
Try these:
{insert gallery tpl=”slide-freesize.tpl” id=”[Стандартная] luxotica diamond face” rid=”7691″ order=”a_tstamp”}

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