Fashion
Amplify black voices: 7 Figures in fashion to follow and learn up on #BlackLivesMatter

04.06.2020
By Stephanie Boey

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The current uproar in the United States is the unfortunate result of systemic racism and oppression against African-Americans, who have been treated unfairly and unjustly for generations. Systemic racism is also a problem here in Malaysia, and countries all over the world. History books tell us it is the long-term effect of slavery and colonialism, which has ultimately also resulted in anti-blackness mentality.
It’s time to unlearn these biases, and reshape our thinking processes for change and reform. We Malaysians can learn something from the global current affairs. The #BlackLivesMatter movement has taught us Malaysian that it isn’t enough to claim to “not be a racist”. Instead, we have to be anti-racist. And seeing as we also belong to a multi-cultural country with multiple ethnicities and religions, adopting this ideal will bring us good. The idea is not to forget our respective races and creed, but rather to embrace our differences, instead of letting it divide us.
We can use these same principles to help us fight against racism in our own country. It’s a big issue yes, and can be overwhelming. But baby steps. If you’re looking for additional resources, we have a couple of Instagram accounts for you to follow. Below are prominent names of black people in fashion who are using their influence and platform to educate on anti-blackness. Hit ‘Follow’ on their accounts for a healthy balance of activism and seriously fierce fashion.
Tracee Ellis Ross

The actress is a healthy dose of positivity, killer OOTDs and education. Most known as her role as Rainbow Johnson in Black-ish, an American sitcom that’s packed with great jokes, but is balanced with social and political issues to educate their viewers, Ross’ Instagram feed is similar. It’s the best of both worlds, with a colourful serving of fashion on the side.
Adesuwa Aighewi

From walking the runway to actively speaking out about racism, Adesuwa Aighewi is a model citizen (pun fully intended). Her Instagram grid is mostly filled with strikingly beautiful photos of herself and her life as a fashion model, but takes the time to share her thoughts and truest opinions on how we can change for the better.
Adwoa Aboah

If you take a look at Adwoa Aboah’s Instagram account, you’ll notice that she credits herself as an activist first and a model second. The 28-year old is also the founder of Gurls Talk, a podcast about mental health. Aboah is passionate about self-help and isn’t afraid to voice out her political opinions in the United Kingdom. Follow her journey as she travels the world for fashion while championing her causes.
Yara Shahidi

Co-star of Tracee Ellis Ross, 20-year old Yara Shahidi who has been vocal about political issues since she was a teenager proves that age shouldn’t deter you from standing up for what’s right. Beautiful, talented and incredibly smart (she was accepted into Harvard in 2018), Shahidi shares her everyday musings, happenings as well as beautifully worded narrations about systemic racism in America. Listen to her speak about #BlackLivesMatter here.
Donté Colley

The fashionably dressed dancing influencer who’s been adding cheer into our Instagram feeds is using his strong following to educate his followers on anti-racism and anti-blackness. Taking his own personal experience of losing his African-American father to police brutality, he works hard to flip that negativity into positivity. Be it with his viral videos filled with good vibes, and using his platform to highlight social justice issues.
Naomi Campbell

We’re fully aware of the ’90s supermodel’s notorious history (like verbal abuse and phone throwing), but to use that to discount her efforts in speaking up about anti-blackness would be a harsh judgement. We’re all works in progress, and it’d be a loss on our part if we pass up on hearing what she has to say. She has dedicated many posts on her feed about racist issues in the fashion industry and globally, and cites many influential figures such as Barack Obama, Mohammad Ali and Nelson Mandela.

Virgil Abloh

The African-American fashion designer has and continues to champion black narratives with his position at Louis Vuitton and Off-White. As a black man himself, he is the perfect person to do so, but that doesn’t mean he isn’t subjected to the same standards as which he upholds. He has recently made insensitive comments regarding the #BlackLivesMatter movement, and has been duly called out for it. To correct his mistake, he has issued a public statement on Instagram, and aims to do better. Now, this is an apology.

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Art + Design
Sony World Photography Awards 2020: The most stunning images from finalists and shortlist

17.02.2020
By Charmaine Loh

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Prepare to have your visual faculty blown with the most arresting of images from the 13th annual Sony World Photography Awards. The World Photography Organisation recently announced the finalists and shortlisted photographers in the professional competition, with the winner of the Photographer of the Year award to be selected and announced during the Sony World Photography Awards 2020 ceremony this 16 April. If you’re keen on taking a closer look on their works, drop by the exhibition at Somerset House, London from 17 April to 4 May 2020.
This year, over 345,000 images from 203 territories were submitted across the 2020 Awards’ four competitions—professional, open, youth and student. The professional competition in particular, saw more than a whopping 135,000 entries across 10 categories—architecture, creative, discovery, environment, documentary, landscape, natural world & wildlife, portraiture, still life and sport—which is the highest number of entries to date.
Here are some of the works from the Sony World Photography Awards 2020 finalists and shortlists:
{insert gallery tpl=”slide-freesize.tpl” id=”[Стандартная] Sony World Photography Awards 2020 – finalists and shortlisted” rid=”7871″ order=”a_tstamp”}
For more information on the exhibition, click here.

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Fashion
Milan Fashion Week SS18: Highlights of Day 1
Buon giorno Milano

21.09.2017
By Wei Yeen Loh

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Sega-inspired bags, Bob Mackie’s costumes for Elton John, embroidered tulle gowns that look like ice-skating costumes—the list of weird yet wonderful elements spotted at Gucci‘s SS18 show is never-ending. Alessandro Michele proves that his kitschy aesthetic isn’t going anywhere just yet, and we aren’t complaining. Read more about the collection here.

A post shared by Gucci (@gucci) on Sep 20, 2017 at 7:18am PDT

At Alberta Ferretti, a sea of black swimsuits in different variations opened the show, alluding to what we can expect from the collection—minimalism meets Italian beachwear, but executed in a non-committal manner. The designer tried veering into new territory—pretty evident with the black maillots and bikini tops—but left us wanting more when lamé shirts and trousers closed the show, instead of her usual train of red-carpet worthy dresses.

Alessandro Dell’Acqua did a rare thing that is quite unseen (and unheard of) in the industry for No.21‘s SS18 collection: He referenced himself. Previously the creative director of his eponymous clothing label, the designer relinquished the position in 2009, only to launch No.21 a year later with a more pared back, casual spin to his clothing. This time around, he took inspiration from his signature boudoir-esque looks and even floral motifs that were featured in his 1997 collection. Standouts include sheer, sequin slipdresses, delicate lace tops, and knee-skimming skirts with slits in the middle.

Related stories:
London Fashion Week SS18: Highlights of Day 5
Milan Fashion Week: Gucci SS18

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Lifestyle
7 unique ways to celebrate your birthday
Celebrate in style

14.09.2015
By Buro247

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

#1. Learn to cook your favourite local delicacies at Bayan Indah

For those who desire to tantalize their tastebuds on their special day, Bayan Indah is the ideal place for you.  A culinary haven located on the edge of a pristine rainforest where visitors can not only appreciate and learn the art of cooking by Le Cordon Bleu-trained Rohani Jelani but also later indulge in their own creations.

#2. Go glamping at Sekeping Serendah

At only an hour’s drive from the hustle and bustle of Kuala Lumpur, nestles this tropical retreat—the perfect escape for nature lovers who want a luxurious alternative. With 10 modern open-concept shed sets and two swimming pools within 5 acres of rainforest, guests are invited to unwind and take in the beauty of their natural surroundings.

#3. Escape (in KL) to Villa Samadhi

Amidst the chaos of Kuala Lumpur, this hidden gem offers a secluded sanctuary for those who seek the comfort of a holiday getaway without having to travel far (only 10 minutes from KLCC). Described as a ‘rustic-luxe’ retreat, Villa Samadhi comprises of spacious modern-Asian designed rooms and a huge pool lagoon, enabling you to disconnect from your hectic day-to-day agenda whilst still being within close proximity of the city.

#4. Pamper yourself at Hammam Spa

For those who crave the ultimate pamper treatment for their birthday, Hammam spa is your go-to destination. Offering an authentic experience of the Turkish Bathhouse with its exotic colourful interior and therapeutic steam, Hammam furthers tempts its customers with delectable Morrocan treats and tea during a rejuvenating session.

#5. Spend a weekend at The Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat

Located within a 16.19-acre valley, serenity is assured as you immerse yourself in one of the retreat’s many remedial experiences; including its geothermal hotsprings pools, thermal steam caves and ice baths. With a spectacular backdrop of cascading waterfalls, natural caves and towering Paleozoic limestone hills, this oasis beckons you to breathe in nature’s bliss and enter a state of inner peace.

#6. Enjoy a sumptuous high tea at Carcosa Seri Negara

Celebrate your birthday with a touch of elegance at the refurbished residence of the former British High Commissioner. Built in the late 1800s on a splendid hilltop, the now heritage boutique hotel offers visitors a traditional English high tea experience in a unique colonial setting. Visitors have the option of relishing on their scones and sandwiches indoors in a lavish intimate lounge, or alternatively on a spacious verandah overlooking the historical mansion’s lush gardens and manicured lawns.

#7. Take a romantic trip to the tea valleys with Cameron Highlands Resort

Take in the fresh, cool air and magnificent scenery of Cameron Highlands for a weekend escape with a loved one. In addition to the plush interior of the resort, couples can enjoy an exclusive outdoor dining experience at the heart of the tea-laden greenery of the BOH Tea Gardens. After a guided walk through the aromatic tea bushes, you and your loved one can indulge in a tasting session before ending your journey with an al fresco picnic laid out with a breath-taking panoramic view of endless rolling hills.

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Beauty
Karlie Kloss is the new brand ambassador for Estée Lauder
Role model

27.04.2018
By Wei Yeen Loh

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It’s hard to believe that American (fashion) sweetheart Karlie Kloss has been in the industry for more than a decade now, what with her inimitable gait and classic good looks. More than a supermodel, Kloss is also a philanthrophist and entrepreneur, helming her production house Klossy Productions and charitable initiative Kode with Klossy that empowers girls to learn to code via scholarships and coding camps. Just recently, the model is adding another role under her belt — joining Estée Lauder as the official global ambassador, alongside her peers from the industry such as Joan Smalls, Kendall Jenner, and Fei Fei Sun.
“It’s a dream come true. It really is. My entire career, having a beauty contract has been at the top of my bucket list … It’s surreal, and I’m really grateful and excited. I’m so honoured to be a part of a brand with such a rich legacy. Estée Lauder is the creme de la creme!” says Kloss regarding her new role. “The advertising images are iconic — but being a part of Estée Lauder to me means so much more. I am so inspired by what this company stands for. The history of the brand, the entrepreneurship of Estée herself, the unparalleled scientific research and commitment to creating the best in class products for women globally. I couldn’t be more proud to be joining the Estée Lauder family.”

Kloss was previously a spokesperson for L’Oreal in 2014. Watch out for her first campaign for Estée Lauder that will be launched this July online and in stores. But in the meantime, check out her Instagram account to gloss over her announcement shot — clad in Estée Lauder, naturally, wearing the Lipstick Envy lipstick in Insolent Plum and Double Wear Foundation.

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Art + Design
Mother’s Day 2020: Simple and beautiful DIY gifts anyone can make

05.05.2020
By Marissa Chin

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Mothers truly are the best and we all want to spoil them rotten especially on Mother’s Day. If you’re looking to give your mom something special this year, why not explore your creative side and go the homemade route?
DIYs are always great because they are personalised, totally customisable and will definitely impress your mother with your nifty skills she never knew you had. They also make for great add-ons to whatever gifts and beautiful trinkets you may already have lined up for them!
So arm yourselves with a hot glue gun, a bit of glitter and some patience—time to get crafty!
Trinkets to spice up mom’s humble abode
Homemade reed diffuser

Realize that your mother loves certain scents and essential oils? Making a homemade reed diffuser with the perfect blend of her favorite scents is a great personalised gift for her (also, it’s way easier than it looks to make!)
All you need are:

A vase with a narrowed tip to slow down the evaporation process
Rattan reed diffusers (bamboo skewers work too—just cut the narrowed tips off)
Mineral oils thin enough to absorb up the diffusers such as sweet almond oil and safflower oil
Assortment of essential oils

Unlike candles, reed diffusers pretty much last forever—just refill the oil when it gets low and turn the diffusers upside down every two weeks. Not only will you score brownie points for paying close attention to what she likes, both of you can now enjoy a beautifully scented home. Head here for the full tutorial.
Fabric flowers are a thing and we’re loving it

Photo by The Proper Blog
How about a bouquet of flowers, but with a twist (and a few rolls in between)? This DIY gift definitely has that wow-factor you might be looking for and will look dainty on your mother’s vanity or bookshelf. It’s also a great way to re-purpose any old or excess fabrics you were thinking of throwing out. The options are endless with this craft—get creative with whatever patterned or material fabric you can get your hands on and start shaping your mother’s favourite flower into a long-lasting centrepiece. Check out this tutorial for some inspo.
Room scents au naturel

Photo by The Yummy Life
If your mother dislikes artificial fragrances, check out this in-depth tutorial on how to create natural room scents. The gist of it is to use whatever fruit, herb or spices of your choice (they can even be expired or nearly going bad) and fill it with a jar of water. To fill the space with a warm sweet scent, simply pour the contents into a pan and gently heat to spread the scent. You can reheat the mixture up to three times and even freeze it for when you wish to use at a later date.
Recipe box and cards to keep her kitchen organised

Is your mother a supercook who absolutely loves spending time in the kitchen? If your answer is ‘yes’, this DIY idea will make her cooking experience a breeze while keeping her work space organised.
With the use of free printables (they truly are DIY’s best friend, as you will see later on), you can complete this in a manner of minutes. Simply download and print the printables, use post-it notes or spare coloured paper as dividers, and re-purpose an old show box or jewellery box! Take a look at these useful tutorials here and here.
A calendar to walk down memory lane

Photo by It’s Always Autumn
Want something more personal and memorable? This gift idea will definitely put a smile on mum’s face first thing in the morning. Gift her a family calendar—use this simple printable calendar as a template. All you need to do is print out 12 of your favourite family photos or beautiful portraits of your mom, and paste it onto each month. To save on time, simply punch a hole in the top left corner and tie it up that way with a cute ribbon, set it on an easel which can be easily switched out each month, or frame it up.
Satisfy her sweet tooth with these tasty treats
Indulgent chocolate mousse

So you’ve already decided what to make her for breakfast, lunch and dinner—what about dessert?  Try out these amazingly simple and totally delicious dessert recipes. This decadent chocolate mousse will only take you 10 minutes with just three ingredients! If your mom is not so much a chocolate lover, this pear and berry crumble is a sure winner. There’s just something about a warm crumble that mothers can’t seem to resist.
Sweet cinnamon brown sugar butter

Photo by Mom on Time Out
Make an array of personalized spreads for your mother for fuss-free breakfasts and tea time. There are many variations on the internet but the one you can never go wrong with is brown sugar and cinnamon butter, mmm. You only need to mix in those three ingredients and your mother can now enjoy her new spread on toast, scones, muffins and the like.
Pamper the resident Queen in your life
Fizzy bath bombs

Photo by Kendra John
Bath bombs out there can definitely cost a bomb (ahem), so why not make one yourself with ingredients you can easily find in your pantry? All you need are baking soda, epsom salt, corn starch, citric acid, moisturising oil such as coconut oil and an essential oil of your choice.
It’s a great way to thank your mother for all she’s done and pamper her without even needing to leave the house. Check out this great tutorial on how to make all-natural white bath bombs (no colourants because some do stain!) along with tutorials on printable bath bomb tags so that you can stick to them for the complete Lush look.
Good-enough-to-eat coffee scrub

Photo by A Pumpkin and a Princess
If you don’t have a bath tub, don’t worry—a DIY bath scrub will be just as effective. There are many types of DIY scrubs out there with various ingredients and scents. This coffee scrub recipe is excellent in removing dead skin cells and minimising the appearance of cellulite and stretch marks.
Fluffy arm-knit blanket

Photo by Simply Maggie
Remember when we said to have some patience? Here’s a DIY gift that will require patience and concentration but it will be so worth it in the end! If your mother is sensitive to colder temperatures and gets the occasional bout of shivers, here’s something for you to try (challenge) for yourself. Don’t worry—you only need a ball of yarn and your arm, that’s it! No needles, stitching or the like.

Flaunt your craft(y) skills
Sentimental memory jar

Photo by Keeping It Real
Take this time on Mother’s Day to not only thank your mum but to also to remember the good, the bad and the ugly (with a few laughs along the way). A memory jar is a simple and effective DIY idea to take a trip down memory lane plus, you and the whole family can continue to fill it up even after this special occasion. The best thing about this craft is that you can use any container really, and start filling it with your favourite memories of her and voila.
Pressed flower art

Here’s another lovely flower DIY to try out if you want to step away from the usual flower bouquet route. For all their Pinterest-worthy beauty, you would think they are hard to do. But no, all you need are your mother’s favourite flowers, some kitchen towels to soak up the moisture and a heavy book. Depending on the size of your flowers, you can get perfectly pressed flowers in just a few hours or one to two days. Stick them onto the glass panel of a photo frame and your art piece is done.
Oh, for an extra tip, you can even use a whiteboard marker to write a little message on the panel to complete the gift. This also works great if you’ve decided to order a beautiful bouquet for your mother and know she’ll dread the time she will have to throw those lovely flowers away. With this craft, even withered flowers will find new beauty again.

Seal it with a card

Photo by Tings and Things
At the end of the day, nothing says a thoughtful and special gift as a handcrafted card with a special message inside. Gather some markers and let your imagination run wild on your paper canvas. If you need a bit of inspiration, check out simple designs online that you can easily follow (don’t forget to colour it in for more pizazz).
If you don’t have the right markers for calligraphy, here is an informative faux calligraphy tutorial to achieve the same look. If your concern is your handwriting, this website allows you to customise your own Mother’s Day card with different layouts, stunning fonts and beautiful designs that you can print out easily.

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Fashion
For the new-age, versatile jetset: Topshop Unique AW17
A fashionable wanderluster

22.02.2017
By Wei Yeen Loh

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Alex Garland and Danny Boyle envisioned an intrepid, fearless traveller as they conceptualised Topshop Unique’s latest Autumn/Winter 2017 collection. The girl on the moodboard loves culture-tripping as much as the random eclectic influences from the past (1990s, likely), and is pretty much a new-age fashionista who isn’t afraid of colour or print clashing.

This urban wanderluster would be inclined to wearing statement outerwear for all occasions, from weathered denim to chic, fitted blazers. But she always remembers to inject her eclecticism in her getup, be it trippy floral and fauna prints or a shaggy orange coat with a floral dress, to her everyday essentials such as oversized sweaters and army trousers. But of course, she doesn’t forget to switch it up for an occasion or two—with sensual bias cut dresses that are tugged off-shoulder and silk tops that are fluid in motion. Let us not forget about her choice of accessories—pointed booties in vivid hues along with tri-colour baguette bags and orbital threader earrings will hold her interest long enough before she flits away to the next destination on her checklist.

Below, check out the full collection from Topshop Unique AW17:
{insert gallery tpl=”slide-freesize.tpl” id=”Topshop Unique FW17 Runway” rid=”4850″ order=”a_tstamp”}
Before we can say “wallets at the ready”, Topshop has gone a step further by launching this collection in stores already—a day after the show at London Fashion Week. Below, these seven items are exclusive to Topshop’s flagship at Pavilion, Kuala Lumpur. Get your hands on these now before the racks are wiped clean:
{insert gallery tpl=”slide-freesize.tpl” id=”Topshop Unique FW17″ rid=”4848″ order=”a_tstamp”}

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Fashion
Celebrating a familial love with Friends of Buro
Lifelong bond

27.05.2016
By Su Fen Tan

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Family. One word, six letters, yet it carries a meaning that rings so deeply within all of us. The bond between parent and child is one that is special, to say the least—it is strong, unbreakable, and it gives a sense of comfort.

In light of the timeless parent-child connection, we touched base with a few of our Friends of Buro—Dian Lee, Tengku Chanela Jamidah Ibrahim and YM Che Puan Amelia Thripura Henderson—and got on set with them for a fun photoshoot and interview session. Heads up: adorable photos and heartfelt comments ahead.

Dian Lee and son, Jaan Justice, 2
{insert gallery tpl=”slide-freesize.tpl” id=”Dian and Jaan” rid=”4036″ order=”a_tstamp”}
Most memorable moment shared with Jaan?
Dian: I don’t have a specific memorable moment with Jaan, because I am a working mom every moment I have with my kids is precious. But if I must choose, it will be the moment Jaan was born. I remember seeing him for the first time—I was completely overcome with emotions, he was tiny but so perfect and beautiful.

3 things you have in common/traits of yourself you see in him?
Dian: I think Jaan looks like me when I was little, except he has a pair of poutier lips which I think is really cute. He also has a pretty good sense of humour, which I like to believe it’s inherited from me.

Proudest moment as a mum?
Dian: When my kids play nice together. Jedi (8) and Jora’s (6) age gap is pretty close, hence they get into fights quite a lot, which can drive me crazy from time to time. So whenever my kids show love and support for each other, it makes me really happy.

Wishes for Jaan when he’s older?
Dian: I wish that he will always know how much he is loved by his parents. I believe when you truly love a child unconditionally, you empower them to be the best version of themselves.

Favourite activity together?
Dian: I make a point to put Jaan to bed every night while my husband Jared put the two older kids to bed, since all three of them go to bed around the same time at 8pm. Jaan loves bedtime stories, he will snuggle up under my arm with his bottle of milk and I will read to him until he falls asleep, sometimes it takes up to five books before he will go to sleep but it’s still one my favourites time of the day.

What’s his favourite dish by you?
Dian: Jaan’s favorite foods are rice and soup. He recently discovered chocolate cake, that’s his current obsession. So I have recently started learning how to bake, because homemade food is always better.

What are some of Jaan’s favourite things to do?
Dian: Jaan loves to line things up. He loves lining up his dinosaur figurines in one straight line and I’ll help him with it sometimes. He also loves swimming with mommy.

His favourite toy is?
Dian: A big stuffed elephant which I hand carried back from New York, he still sleeps with it every night. Elephant is his favorite animal.

Tengku Chanela Jamidah Ibrahim and daughter, Thalia Cara, 8
{insert gallery tpl=”slide-freesize.tpl” id=”Chanela and Thalia” rid=”4037″ order=”a_tstamp”}
Most memorable moment shared with Thalia?
Tengku Chanela: When she performed at her pre-school in Julia Gabriel and I saw her go up on stage and sing as well as speak in mandarin. That feeling of pride and sheer joy was a memory I will never forget—my baby had grown up. Also the big US trip we took with my mom and siblings. I brought Thalia to see her family in the US and visited Disneyland as well as the beautiful parks where she was running free playing football with her uncle. It was a moment to remember for life.

Proudest moment as a mum is?
Tengku Chanela: When she sticks up for her brother and others in situations. It means she has gentleness and compassion instilled in her heart and it shows that she has such strong character.

3 things you have in common with your daughter?
Tengku Chanela: We are both quite sensitive. We are both creative in our own way and we both love to take pictures.

Hopes for Thalia when she grows older?
Tengku Chanela: That she becomes happy and loves herself for whatever she decides to be. I always tell her that it doesn’t matter what she does, as long as she does it well or excels in the field of her choosing.

What do you love most about mum?
Thalia: Everything and that she loves me back.

The best advice your mum has given is…
Thalia: Be kind and honest.

What do you enjoy doing with your mum the most?
Thalia: I like to go out with her-it could be to the mall or holiday. I enjoy shopping with her.

YM Che Puan Amelia Thripura Henderson and mum, Dr Jaya Rudralingam
{insert gallery tpl=”slide-freesize.tpl” id=”Amelia and mum” rid=”4038″ order=”a_tstamp”}
Most memorable moment shared with Amelia?
Dr. Jaya: Life with Amelia has been nothing short of exciting. There has been so many memorable moments. I think everyday spent with her is memorable, because there is always so much to do. She’s so interesting and she has introduced us to so many things that she has in a way revolutionised our family’s life—it’s not conventional because of her.
Amelia: Life in the entertainment industry can be quite hectic, but I try to involve my family as much as possible, because if I have to work and I don’t invite them to photoshoots etc., I won’t get to see them much at all.

Your proudest moment as a mom is?
Dr. Jaya: My daughter has been such a champion. It is so difficult to pick one proudest moment—I’m thinking about all the ballet and dance competitions where she came first, the time she was top in the world for a math competition, and how she’s in Mensa for being in the top 1% of the world. But maybe my proudest moment is for her golden heart, how she’s just so kind, sweet and humble—that is an ongoing proud moment.

Do you think she has taken after you in terms of personality, or style? How?
Dr. Jaya: I think she might have surpassed me. I can get quite emotional or angry at times, but she is able to take a step back, think, and come across with a very logical solution. She is great in the sense that she can be very calm and will just take the time to analyse things, rather matured for her age.

3 things you have in common with each other?
Dr. Jaya: We always think the same—sometimes I just take one look at her and I know what she’s thinking. We have the same sense of humour too.
Amelia: Another thing we have in common is that we’re both quite talkative and friendly. My mum will come to a set, and she’ll be the superstar there. People will come to her for love life advice, cooking advice—she is really approachable and I love that about her.

Favourite activity together?
Dr. Jaya: It may be hard to believe, but actually we love to just chill out and watch TV at home.
Amelia: I appreciate my off-duty moments spent with my mum the most. You know, things like shopping and just spending time together. People who follow me on Instagram may think that I enjoy going out, partying and all that, but I really don’t—I love just sitting at home and watch Asia’s Next Top Model with my mum, or Chopped, our favourite cooking show. We play boardgames too.

What do you love most about your mum?
Amelia: Her attitude and how she approaches things in life. I tend to overthink things. My mum is very secure in her sense of self. And I love her attitude about that. She is all: this is me, and if you don’t like it then too bad. She knows that she’s a good person and she stays true to herself. I think the biggest lesson I’ve learnt from my mum is to just be me.

You’ve mentioned that your mum is a good cook. What’s your favourite dish that she makes?
Amelia: I love this question! My mum makes a really, really kickass meatloaf, and her pastas are out of this world. She does this thing, where she takes Pringles, and she bakes them on the top of pasta—it is the most amazing crust ever. She’s a really good, intuitive cook.

The best advice your mum has given you is…
Amelia: The first piece of advice my mum gave was that, if I’m going to do something, I should give it 1000%, and I try to apply that in my daily life. It is all about understanding what you want, what your goals are, and working for it. In everything I do, I will always try to keep it professional and give as much as I possibly can, because at the end of the day I want to be able to look back at things and say: I was proud of that.

Photography: Chuan Looi/Yipieyaya
Photography assistant: TK Teo
Hair: Juno Ko
Make-up: Joey Yap
Styling: Cai Mei Khoo
Styling assistant: Loh Wei Yeen and Tan Su Fen
Apparel: All children’s apparel from Armani Junior at Parkson KLCC. Dr Jaya wears Giorgio Armani, available at Giorgio Armani KLCC. All other apparel available at Club 21 Multilabel at Pavilion KL.

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Style
Now open: Inside Christian Louboutin’s first store in Malaysia

08.01.2020
By Joan Kong

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Christian Louboutin fans, rejoice! The luxury shoe brand has finally made its debut on Malaysian shores with a boutique located at Pavilion KL. Spanning 92 square meters, the space marks the brand’s 164th boutique in the world, and the design is an homage to its very first in the Galerie Véro Dodatin in Paris. Inspired by a private boudoir, the floor is covered in a luxe red carpet, juxtaposed with velvet materials in different shades of pink on the walls at the women’s section, and men’s, in blue and green hues, paired with palm and peacock-motif fabrics that’s reminiscent of a Parisian gallery.
A step into its interior and you’ll also notice the array of luxe yet contrasting accents, from marble table tops with acrylic-tube legs to gold metal poles with rope. As Chinese New Year is around the corner, there’s no better colour to complete your auspicious ensemble than the iconic red soles—regardless of your style, from new—season shoes and accessories to exclusive styles, there’ll be something for you in-store.
{insert gallery tpl=”slide-freesize.tpl” id=”[Стандартная] Christian Louboutin Pavilion KL” rid=”7781″ order=”a_tstamp”}
Christian Louboutin is located at Lot 3.59, Level 3, Pavilion Kuala Lumpur.

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Broga: Yoga for bros

Beauty
Broga: Yoga for bros
High in intensity

05.11.2015
By Su Fen Tan

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If you ever find yourself wanting to join a yoga class, but held back by a sense of apprehension because you are embarrassed you can’t touch your toes, or find the slow and calm vibes overbearing, Broga might just be the solution for you. A rugged take on the ancient spiritual discipline, Broga is rooted in Vinyasa yoga. It combines the best core-strengthening, muscle-toning, cardio-working, stress-reducing and clarity-enhancing yoga postures with functional fitness for a thumping workout. Instead of practising in calm, spiritual sounds or silence, you’ll be working out to the likes of The Black Keys and Led Zeppelin. Although it seems to be a sharp veer away from a traditional yoga class, it retains the same core elements in placing utmost importance on breathing and mindfulness.

As of now, only Aravind Yoga Studio runs Broga classes here from time to time,  but if you want to get a head start on your own, the Broga YouTube channel is pretty helpful.

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MFW SS16: Aigner

Fashion
MFW SS16: Aigner
Underwater splendour

26.09.2015
By Su Fen Tan

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Aigner’s creative director, Christian Beck, named his Spring/Summer ’16 collection “Underwater Love”, presenting the show in a dreamy, under the sea set that served as the perfect backdrop for the collection.
Soft pastel shades floated down the runway in flowing silhouettes, sleek workwear and glamorous evening numbers. Sea-inspired motifs in the forms of seashells, starfish and the likes were imbued in the collection—most prominently in the lace numbers, a refreshing deviation from the classic florals we’re so used to.
One of the standout looks from show was a sequined tee and skirt ensemble; shimmery and oh-so-lovely, it was a beautiful matrimony of casual and glamour.
{insert gallery tpl=”slide-freesize.tpl” id=”Aigner SS16″ rid=”3469″ order=”a_tstamp”}

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Culture
The real problem with cancel culture: The online trend that might be causing more problems than ending them

07.08.2020
By Marissa Chin

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In this day and age, it’s hard to not know what being cancelled means. According to Vox, it is “a trend of communal calls to boycott a celebrity whose offensive behaviour is perceived as going too far.” And boy, do we get a lot of that every day. It seems that every time we log onto our social media, new hashtags of #WhatsTheirFaceisOverParty is trending worldwide (uh oh, what did they say or do this time?).
Since its rise to prominence in 2019, it’s arguable that there is no other phrase that perfectly captures the zeitgeist of our current social digital reality than cancel culture. Just do a quick Google search of the term and you’ll find a plethora of theses, op-eds and even psychological analysis studying the phenomenon as a way to understand our current society. It’s a clearly contested concept, and one that’s met with tons of finger-pointing, pontification and call-outs on either side of the spectrum. Basically, it’s a headache of an issue that’s gotten so out of hand that even former US President Barack Obama weighed in on the matter (more on that later).
But is cancel culture something we should encourage or is the current digital climate we are in symptoms of a larger problem to come? Ahead, we dive into the world of cancel culture—buckle your seat belts—and its potentially worrying ramifications.
How “cancelling” got its big boost on social media

It might interest you to know that while “cancelling” has often been used to call out sexism and patriarchy, its origin has an ironically less-than-stellar (ahem, misogynic) past. Possibly the first reference of cancelling someone came from 1991’s New Jack City where gangster Nino Brown, states mercilessly to his ex-girlfriend “Cancel that B****. I’ll buy another one.” The more you know…
But the phrase really took off in one episode of VH1’s reality program Love and Hip-Hop: New York in 2014 when Rapper Cisco Rosado took inspiration from New Jack City and simply told his girlfriend, Diamond, “You’re cancelled.” It’s a hilarious moment in reality TV history:

From there, the phrase quickly caught onto social media and Twitter users were adopting the phrase to call out everything from trivial preferences to questionable celebrity actions. Even then, one could already see the seeds of cancel culture being planted in the form of boycotting and public shaming:

Meg loves orange. She’s cancelled
— Jess (@jessstar4) October 21, 2015

Ed is canceled and deleted. https://t.co/nizgtW7k6t
— Polly Gray.(@badbyecozette) July 23, 2015

Cancel culture helps and empowers minority communities to speak out

Cancel culture has another name that’s often attached to it: call-out culture. While the media likes to use them interchangeably, we would like to think that they are close siblings instead. After all, if you’re going to cancel someone for their actions, calling them out for it is the next natural step in the process.

Oh, when Karens take a walk with their dogs off leash in the famous Bramble in NY’s Central Park, where it is clearly posted on signs that dogs MUST be leashed at all times, and someone like my brother (an avid birder) politely asks her to put her dog on the leash. pic.twitter.com/3YnzuATsDm
— Melody Cooper (@melodyMcooper) May 25, 2020

With the rise of social media where everything is documented and scrutinised, acts of racism, colourism, sexism and the like just won’t fly like they used to. Too often, marginalised communities suffered in silence with their oppression. But platforms such as Twitter have allowed for a more democratised space in which POCs could now freely express their views (with more impact) without waiting for their privileged counterparts to catch wind. Now, POCs can let “Twitter do their thing” and the Karens will be effectively brought down (the woman above got fired from her job and had her dog taken away from her). Don’t forget the number of celebrities and being cancelled for their racist acts such as Jimmy Kimmel and Jimmy Fallon’s blackface, JK Rowling’s anti-trans tweets and more.
But does cancelling actually work?

It’s easy to tweet that someone is cancelled—but are they really? The number of celebrities that have been deemed “cancelled” by the public? Too many to count. How many celebrities have actually suffered from said cancellations? A small handful.
Public figures such as Harvey Weinstein, Kevin Spacey and R.Kelly are some of the ones who have been effectively cancelled. In fact, they’re more than cancelled; they’ve been arrested and criminalised. But could you lend these consequences down to cancel culture or just a natural progression of the criminal justice system punishing them for their heinous acts?

You won’t have to look far to find other stars who got out of the “cancelled” debacle pretty quickly. Take Kevin Hart for instance. When the comedian was cancelled over past homophobic tweets that led to his withdrawal as the host for the Oscars in 2018, his movies and stand-up shows were still huge successes. Taylor Swift was cancelled over the Kim-K and Kanye spew back in 2016 but the woman is thriving and flourishing. For an example closer to home, Samantha Katie James, whose sentiments on the Black Lives Matter movement oozed big yikes energy, eventually came back to social media—with more followers than ever. Eek.
And therein lies the issue with cancel culture: if it doesn’t work, does it even exist? Is there really a point to “bringing down” these über rich celebrities and public figures if a few months of public shaming is nothing but a slap on the wrist to them? The reality is that a lot of them will still remain untouchable to cancel culture. Instead, there must be a better way to carry out societal change.
The main problem with cancel culture is the notion of cancelling itself

Yeah, we’re going to get a little deep here. As much as cancel culture is all about reform and calling out others to be better human beings, the reality is that it is a breeding ground for intolerability, mistrust and virtue signalling.
In an essay by The Tablet, cancel culture is an “institutionalisation of mistrust happening in real-time”. As a society, this culture encourages people to grow more suspicious of one another, to rat each other out at the next chance for quick “woke” brownie points online. It’s an unsettling thought that anyone could suddenly be cancelled one day over a post they made a decade ago.

Often enough, those old tweets will be weaponised against the individual as proof of their problematic nature, even if they have matured and no longer stand by those values. Kevin Hart who we previously mentioned, has profusely apologised for the homophobic tweets he made (ten years ago!) but has recently stated that he was done apologising when netizens could not let it go. To the “woke mob”, a written or verbal apology is not merely enough—cancel culture demands a full de-platforming of the individual.
A purveyor of cancel culture will say they are doing it for the greater good of society. But the danger in that is they become the self-appointed gatekeepers of social and moral purity. They decide what is offensive and what’s not, speaking on behalf of the community that is affected—even if said community doesn’t have a problem with it. Case in point, the whole controversy with Karlie Kloss sporting a Kimono for a photoshoot in 2017. Japanese people were fine with it, by the way, but she was cancelled and had to apologise.

Karlie for Vogue US – March 2017 pic.twitter.com/Pbo9rssT8p
— bestkkpics (@bestkkpics) February 14, 2017

We can be honest with ourselves and admit that we’ve all said or done things in the past that would now be deemed problematic, but we have (fortunately) realised and changed for the better. The same grace should be extended to those on their way to becoming cancelled casualties.

As ex-President of the United States Barack Obama explains, “This idea of purity and you’re never compromised and you’re always politically woke and all that stuff, you should get over that quickly…People who do really good stuff have flaws.”
And let’s not forget how reactionary and volatile cancel culture actually is—its entire movement relies on mob mentality. Johnny Depp is the latest example and unfortunate victim of this. When allegations first came out about his supposed abuse towards then-wife Amber Heard, cancel vultures ascended and trended #JohnnyDeppIsOver all over social media. He was fired from his role as Jack Sparrow and there were actual calls to boycott Fantastic Beasts 2: Crimes of Grindelwald…before trials even began.

When damning evidence came out that suggested Heard was the abuser instead, the narrative switched and #JusticeforJohnny trended. But years of being called a “wife beater” and “woman abuser” by the media and netizens have caused irrevocable damage. For a movement all about accountability, cancel culture does not practise what it preaches.
Should we cancel cancel culture?

Call-outs are certainly justified and acceptable for those who deliberately hurt and discriminate against others. It is an effective way to claim some sort of social justice, especially for those who feel helpless against a higher system.
But the public shaming and toxic witch hunts that have developed over recent years have gone horizontal and in most cases, unproductive. If anything, it cultivates a climate of fear and policing which closes off any room for real transformative change. “People avoid meaningful conversations when hypervigilant perfectionists point out apparent mistakes,” explains Loretta Ross in The New York Times.

This is why over 150 critics, public figures and historians including JK Rowling and Margaret Atwood, have come together in an open letter by Harper’s Magazine in July to sign their solidarity against the increasing censoriousness brought on by cancel culture. To them, there is a widespread of “an intolerance of opposing views, a vogue for public shaming and ostracism, and the tendency to dissolve complex policy issues in a blinding moral certainty.”
Cancel culture goes beyond finger-pointing: it’s about how we choose to handle differing opinions, standing up to mob mentality and the (unfair) standards we hold others up to. We need to normalise having different views and being able to talk about them in rational productive ways. People should feel like they can make mistakes without potentially losing their friends, jobs and entire livelihood. As a society, we need to practise self-examination, which is something the act of calling-out lacks.

Humans are complex creatures who are constantly evolving—you’re probably not the same person you were a year or even a month ago. Even if cancel culture is not going anywhere anytime soon, the mentality of good VS evil slash right and wrong is not sustainable. Racial, political and social divides still stand in our way and the gap only seems to grow wider by the day. What we choose to retain as a society remains the most important matter. We must have trust in each other again, and believe that those being “cancelled” still have the capacity to be compassionate human beings. Because if we don’t believe in each other, then who will?

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Lifestyle
Jude Law to play young Dumbledore in ‘Fantastic Beasts’ sequel
Law in Hogwarts

14.04.2017
By Su Fen Tan

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A much-welcomed update on the Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them sequel has been announced, that is Warner Bros. has cast Jude Law to play a young Albus Dumbledore in the franchise. He joins returning stars Eddie Redmayne, Katherine Waterston and Johnny Depp, with the film scheduled to shoot this summer.

“As fans ourselves, we are thrilled to have Jude Law joining the Fantastic Beasts’ cast, playing a character so universally adored,” says Toby Emmerich, Warner Bros. president. “Jude has been a member of the Warner Bros. family for years and we’re excited to embark on this new adventure with him.”

10 years ago, J.K. Rowling revealed that the Hogwarts headmaster was gay in a Q&A with fans, which has led to speculation over whether the character will be openly gay in the upcoming movie. Speaking about the Fantastic Beasts sequel last year, Rowling has said that we will see Dumbledore as a young and “quite troubled man”. She also said “we’ll see him at that formative period of his life. As far as sexuality is concerned, watch this space.”

The Fantastic Beasts sequel is set for a 16 November 2018 release.

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Fashion
Watch the Salvatore Ferragamo SS18 livestream here
#FerragamoSS18

15.09.2017
By Buro247

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The Ferragamo show is taking a little excursion from their standard show venue. The Piazza Affari will be playing host to the Spring/Summer 2018 show and the grand launch of the brand’s new feminine fragrance, Amo Ferragamo. An irridescent plexiglass invite and a hint towards a modern Botticellian runway have gotten us more than intrigued. Tune in for what could be a present-day rennaissance of the Madonna.

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Beauty
Burn off the calories: Find the right cardio for you
Harder, better, faster, stronger

28.10.2015
By Buro247

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Although strength training is a great way to increase your muscle mass, those who are looking to burn fat should prioritise cardio in their workout routine. Besides speeding up your metabolic rate, cardio also improves your heart condition by getting it to pump at a faster rate — just like muscles, your heart needs to be worked to get better.  Performing cardio workouts will also cause your body to release endorphins (also known as the ‘feel good’ hormones) and decrease depression and stress. If you’re looking to shed pounds fast with a quick recovery rate, we recommend that you alternate between different cardio exercises to get the most out of your workout. Here are 5 cardio activities and the amount of calories burned in 60 minutes*.

1. Running – 532 calories

This classic cardio activity, is the easiest way to get your heart pumping. Not only does it deliver all the benefits of being a cardio exercise, most people do not know that running also increase the  bone strength in your legs as it is a weight bearing exercise.

2. Cycling at 22 km/h – 540 calories

Cycling is the most low impact source of cardio and causes less injuries. But what of the best benefits of cycling is that it uses all of your major muscle groups as you pedal, giving you a full body workout.

3. Dancing – 324 calories

A fun way to boost your metabolic rate is by dancing. You can either join a class or watch a YouTube video to do this. But if you’re feeling really sluggish, the best way to get into it is to blast your favourite dance songs and move to the beat — it will definitely break out a sweat.

4. Swimming – 594 calories

Similar to cycling, swimming requires almost all of your muscles to work as you swim while still remaining a low-impact exercise. Swimming not only helps build endurance but it also tones your muscles and makes you stronger.

5. Kickboxing class – 596 calories

Kickboxing is a great way to relief stress and get a good cardio session in. On top of increasing your heart rate, kickboxing also helps to build your flexibility. This high energy workout is great for when you are looking to add variety to your cardio sessions instead of repeating the same movements for an hour.

*The calories burned may vary depending on your body weight.

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Trends
13 SS19 runway looks that could be your (high fashion) Halloween style inspo

29.10.2018
By Joan Kong

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We know the drill: You look forward to Halloween since the middle of the year, but when the time comes, you procrastinate your costume-hunting, and agonise over what to go as at the very last minute. While sexy devils and vampires will be spotted in abundance, as usual, we think it’s time to step out of that box for these chic-er alternatives—think a Dolce & Gabbana runaway bride and an Alexander McQueen Matrix look. Below, we’ve curated a list of looks straight from the recent Spring/Summer 2019 catwalks that’ll give you a high-fashion flair. The best part? Some of them are really easy to recreate!

Here, take your pick from these 13 SS19 runways looks for your Halloween style inspo this year:
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Watches + Jewellery
Fendi Policromia unveiled: A high jewellery watch in collaboration with Delfina Delettrez Fendi
Mystical allure

22.04.2016
By Su Fen Tan

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Enchanting and both mysterious and mystical, Fendi’s new high jewellery watch was designed in collaboration with Delfina Delettrez Fendi, the jewellery designer who belongs to the 4th generation of Fendi women—clearly, brilliance runs in the family.

The Fendi Policromia Watch Collection features twenty different models, each a work of art of its own with different precious elements of high jewellery. The name Policromia finds its origins in the Greek words “poly” (multiple) and “khrôma” (colours), which is embodied by the timepiece with its tasteful combination of colours on different surfaces, multiple shaded pieces, precious inserts and unique asymmetrical bezels, including malachite, lapis lazuli and mother-of-pearl. The play on materials and geometry creates a stunning 3D effect, resulting in an innovative, daring silhouette.

What inspired the creation of this mystical high jewellery watch collection? Here is an exclusive interview with Delfina Delettrez Fendi herself for further enlightenment:

You belong to the 4th generation of the Fendi women. How much has this influenced you?
My family and my mother have always been an inspiration to me. I grew up surrounded by exceptional women united by talent and creativity: all with very strong yet different personalities, but in some ways complementary. By living with them, I learned to appreciate the aesthetic value of everything that surrounds me.

Female energy is pretty dominant in Fendi’s heritage. Do you consider this important in  your inclinations, tastes and in the way you design?
Female energy is really predominant in my family. It gave me the inspiration, curiosity and will to develop my own taste. When I was 10 years old, I came back from boarding school with a “punk” attitude, but my mother never said no to experimentation. So that was the environment I grew up in and  the mindset that has always inspired me. It was very free!

What is your common value with Fendi?
I like to design what has not been designed yet, going beyond existing things, this is perfectly in line with Fendi’s motto that “nothing is impossible”. I also love dualism, one of the Fendi values and part of its strong DNA, always keeping an eye to traditions and one towards the future.

You have already collaborated with Fendi designing fashion jewels, but, now, you have been asked to design a high jewellery watch. What was it like?
It was an amazing experience, a really challenging opportunity. It has been my very first time in designing a watch, especially a haute joaillerie watch. We wanted to create a very unique watches collection featuring very precious models with mystical elements celebrating time and elegance in a subtle way.

What does Policromia mean and why did you choose this name?
The name Policromia origins from the Greek, meaning poly (multiple) and khrôma (colours), embodying the idea of several colors together, with a reminder to a surreal Goddess living in a far world. A powerful and feminine divinity with mystic powers and virtues influencing time and shaping future. This word reminds me of the idea of combining multiple stones on different surfaces creating something like modern talismans. Precious objects that give strength and power to the wrist celebrating my aesthetics, where surrealism meets conceptual elegance.

What inspired you to design this watch?
The elements and materials used in the watches celebrate Rome and its eternal magnetism in a whispered way. The  layers are mixed-up in a play of full and empty volumes, recalling Palazzo Della Civiltà Italiana, the new Fendi Headquarters in Rome, and its unique arches with the light shining through them setting time in a unique and surprising way. Elegant ellipses create surfaces overlapping on the watch’s dial inspired by the architectural structure of the city of Rome with its unique streets.

Which are the characteristics of Policromia you like the most?
I love its 3D effect, the watch’s bold shape with the unique design of the dial made of different layers. It creates a really unique shape! And then the mix of materials: malachite, lapis lazuli, obsidian and other precious stones are blended together with mother of pearl, gold and diamonds, giving life to a perfect modern mosaic, natural yet technological.

Which is your favorite Policromia model?
My favorite one is the model featuring the green malachite. I love this mineral stone, especially its vivid color and its distinctive pattern, that gives to the watch an hypnotic power. It is repeated while being at the same time different, creating  an illusion of time passing like a luxury time gate.

Does Policromia reflect your style and personality?
It definitely reflects my personality. It is eclectic and mystic. It blends tradition and innovation, values dear to me and to Fendi. This watch has also a strong power,  its vibes attract a self-confident woman looking for the highest sophistication.

This watch blends together your unique creativity with the Fendi watches savoir-faire. What about mixing these two universes?
I feel really honored to have collaborated with all the watches artisans who have given life to Policromia. I was  impressed by the extreme care of details and by the highest savoir-faire in the making-of and finishing phases, values that really belong to my idea of excellence in craftsmanship. Two different yet similar worlds coming together to create a new enriched universe. Fendi has been able to give life to my ideas, realizing a unique haue joaillerie watch with a surreal allure.

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Watches
When the watchmaking and culinary worlds collide in Panerai Traits
#PaneraiTraits

02.05.2018
By Su Fen Tan

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The Cartier Privé collection is about history and modernity

There is a thin line between tradition and innovation, and this is where Massimo Bottura, founder and chef of three-Michelin-star restaurant Osteria Francescana, threads on. This delicate yet masterful take on innovation is shared by Panerai, where cutting-edge technologies are grounded by the finest watchmaking traditions and distinctive designs.
“Look at the past in a critical way, not nostalgically.To innovate, it is necessary to take the best of the past and carry it forward into the future”  — Chef Bottura
Having been at the forefront of gastronomy innovation for over 20 years, Chef Bottura is well-known as one of the world’s most creative figures. His dedication to the reinvention of traditional Italian cuisine has taken his restaurant to the top of the culinary industry—Osteria Francescana was named Number 1 on The World’s 50 Best Restaurants list in 2016.

In this closing chapter of Panerai Traits, Chef Bottura takes us through the streets of Modena and into his restaurant, where he unveils his signature dish. On his wrist is the Tuttonero – Luminor 1950 3 Days GMT Automatic Ceramica, a timepiece that perfectly reflects his motto “tradition in evolution”.

Discover the full Panerai Trait series here.

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Lifestyle
Delve into the history of Versace in the new book by Donatella Versace
Defining times crystallised

02.11.2016
By Su Fen Tan

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“Fashion is part of pop culture, speaks the language of rock and is closely related to art and technology. It is thanks to clothing that contemporary icons create their unforgettable image”—this is probably one of many significant quotes by Donatella Versace you will find in Versace, which tells the highly intimate and visually titillating history of the brand under her creative direction.

After the tragic passing of Gianni Versace in 1997, Donatella stepped into her brother’s shoes and took over the artistic reins of Versace in 1997. As the curator and face of Versace, she continued her Gianni’s legacy of bold, eye-catching aesthetics for the brand, transitioning it into the 21st century seamlessly.

Written by Donatella Versace with Maria Luisa Frisa and Stefano Tonchi, Versace includes exclusive new and archival photography from the likes of Richard Avedon and Mario Testino, red carpet coverage of Hollywood favourites in Versace couture (remember J.Lo’s green dress from the Grammys in 2000?), runway and backstage moments, intimate scenes at the Versace Atelier, as well as images of original supers such as Naomi Campbell, Christy Turlington and Linda Evangelista, whom graced some of Versace’s most memorable ads from the ’90s.

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Guess who’s back with a brand new look?

Fashion
Guess who’s back with a brand new look?
Hit refresh

10.05.2016
By Buro247

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

Founded in 1981 by brothers Paul and Maurice Marciano in Beverly Hills, Guess quickly rose to prominence as a premium denim line, worn by celebrities the likes of Claudia Schiffer, Paris Hilton and even by Marty McFly in the 1985 classic Back to the Future. The denim brand opened its doors in Malaysia in 1992 and was wildly popular with teens clamouring to inject a little Cali-cool into their wardrobes.
Just like the iOS, updates and a reboot is required and Guess has begun to roll out its white concept store, with clean lines and flexible modular panels to best display their wares. The first of its kind in Malaysia opened with a bang in Suria KLCC, with celebrities such as Deborah Henry, JC Chee and the original Guess girl, Amber Chia in attendance. See the gallery below for a glimpse of Guess’ new look.
{insert gallery tpl=”slide-freesize.tpl” id=”Guess klcc” rid=”3983″ order=”a_tstamp”}

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Lifestyle
Team BURO Answers: What is your go-to karaoke song?

25.05.2021
By Redzhanna Jazmin

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There are two kinds of people who karaoke: Those who love to karaoke, and those who succumb to peer pressure. While the ideal karaoke sesh looks like Zooey Deschanel’s rendition of ‘Sugar Town’ in 500 Days of Summer, your average karaoke night is pretty much guaranteed to be messy. Specifically, it’s this scene from Lovesick.
That is precisely the beauty of it. While novice karaoke-goers anxiously flip through songbooks, trying to find a tune that is equal parts achievable and exhilarating, seasoned performers know that the only way to karaoke is to release any inhibitions and embrace any voice cracks that may find you. That said, everyone has their favourites (and it never hurts to be prepared).
Whether you’re a regular Mariah, or you’re fully tone-deaf and just looking for a good time, having a go-to karaoke song is a must. Ahead, find some inspiration from Team BURO’s personal song picks:

“Needless to say, ‘Love Story’ is a Taylor Swift classic. Not only do I know all the lyrics by heart (I confess to singing it on repeat in the car), but it does give me a sense of nostalgia—of a time when relationships and life seemed much simpler than today. Plus, it’s a great song to just belt out at the top of your lungs without killing it (sorry, guys, I can’t do a Whitney Houston).”

“As an International ARMY, this one’s a no-brainer. ‘Dynamite’ has all-English lyrics, so it’s the only one from BTS I can add to the queue and sing along to without butchering substituting all the Korean words (only about 95 to 99 per cent of a typical BTS song) with ‘mmm-hmm-hmm-hmm’.
“They do have a new one in English, ‘Butter’, so ask me again next month and you may get a different answer. That said, ‘Dynamite’ is so upbeat and catchy that it’s made for karaoke. You’ll want to get up and dance (or tap your foot to the beat, if you’re shy) even if you don’t know the song.”

“Spice Girls’ ‘Stop’ will always be my go-to (can you call yourself a fan if you don’t know every single move to the ‘90s hit?), but if there was a try-not-to-sing-along challenge, Blondie’s ‘One Way or Another’ would be the track that I would lose to. Fun fact: It was my ringtone throughout high school (and no, I’m not sick of it yet)!
“While the story behind the song may be a little sinister (it’s based on lead singer Debbie Harry’s real-life stalker), at the end of the day, it’s a fun and catchy song to sing along to, and that’s the key to a great karaoke sesh. Damn, when will we karaoke again?”

“Honestly, my go-to karaoke song really depends on who I’m with—it ranges from alternative rock to belt out my inner teenage angst to emo Mandopop with my Chinese-speaking friends—but I went with Uptown Girl since it’s arguably the most universal. I also chose the Westlife version specifically because that’s the one I grew up with, not Billy Joel’s original.
“It really instils nostalgia for me, having been a Westlife fan in my primary school years and growing up singing the song with my family and cousins at karaoke joints. Plus, the music video never fails to entertain, even if it can be seen as corny or stereotypical in today’s context—perhaps even more so because of it. Also, the parts where Brian McFadden goes ‘mi-i-ind’ and ‘ti-i-me’ always brings about infectious laughter. It’s just one of those oldie but goodie songs.”

“If my shower-time playlist is anything to go by, my karaoke repertoire is kind of a mixed bag. There is a range of tunes from a range of different genres, though if I’m honest, most of it is kind of a bummer (don’t @ me, this pandemic has taken a toll on me). That being said, considering that I haven’t actually been out to karaoke in KL for a while—at least, not since my 11th birthday—when I do, I’m going back to my roots and I’m bringing euphoric nostalgia with me. That’s why my pick is Ratu’s ‘Teman Tapi Mesra’.
“This song slapped in 2005, and it slaps even harder in 2021. ‘Teman Tapi Mesra’ was an actual cultural reset. Now, if you know me personally, this may seem like an odd choice on my part, because you’re probably aware that my command of the Malay language is… poor. That said, what little Malay I do know, I learned from this song. And yeah—it did get rerecorded in English by the Swiss band Ladylike, but that version sucks, so I’ll stick with this.”

“My go-to karaoke song is ‘Mamma Mia’ by ABBA—an absolute banger. The Swedish group has plenty of hits, but nothing even comes close to ‘Mamma Mia’ and ‘Dancing Queen’. Even though the lyrics of the song are somewhat depressing, the incredibly infectious melody forces everyone to get pumped up, which brings me to my next point. In my opinion, a great karaoke song is one that gets people to sing along. Given that everyone knows the lyrics to ‘Mamma Mia’, it’s the epitome of a great karaoke song.
“Alternatively, I would also settle for ‘Your Man’ by Josh Turner. Karaoke is all about having fun and forcing your friends to listen watching your friends endure your off-pitch singing, and this song does exactly that for me. If any of my friends did enjoy country music before listening to my cover, I can confirm that they don’t now. Also, it’s just such an unorthodox selection coming from a Chinaman—no one would expect such graceful use of a southern twang to come from me.”

“Whenever I go out to karaoke with my girls, it is a must to add ‘I Wanna Dance With Somebody’ by Whitney Houston to the playlist! It’s just a super fun song to sing along and groove to. This is an oldie for sure, but it’s also just a good song to hype up the vibe. You can pretty much guarantee that everyone will definitely know the lyrics. Even the shyest of friends will have no choice but to dance along to this song!
“I miss going to karaoke with my friends—hopefully, we can do that together safely again one day! In the meantime, I’ll be doing my own solo karaoke sessions while working from home.”

“Everyone has that one friend who attends the karaoke gathering but never really joins in on any of the singing. As everyone takes their turn to let out their inner Beyoncé, said friend just chooses to sit in the dark corner of the room in utter silence. That friend is me. I cannot, for the life of me, bring myself to sing in front of others, although I can make an exception in the form of providing backing vocals for any parts that require non-lexical vocables (that would be the ‘la la la’ or ‘na na na’ parts in any song).
“But, if I really had to pick one, it has to be Blur’s ‘Song 2′ (my runner-ups were Radiohead’s ‘Creep’ and Green Day’s ‘Basket Case’). As for why? Well, aside from the heavy guitar sounds that subconsciously make my head nod and the cryptic lyrics that I can recite by heart, I just want everyone in the same room to sing the ‘Woo-Hoo’ part with me.”

“This is definitely my go-to karaoke song! I love how the song transitions from a slow to a fast pace, and I also love the band! The first chorus starts at a slow pace (“Standing in line/To see the show tonight”) so that you can just chill out and enjoy the experience while you sing it, and then you hit the verse (“Skin that flick/She’s such a little DJ”), at which point you start to feel like you’re a rapper. I can confirm that you will headbang while you sing it!
“Then comes the best part, which is the bridge (“Ooh, ah, guess you never meant it/Ooh, ah, guess you never meant it”! It’s the part you’ll be singing and jumping along to at the same time. It’s actually more of a cardio workout than it is a karaoke; I’m always sweating when I sing this song!
“P/S: If my karaoke session is happening in the car, I will just headbang instead of jump.”

Find more Team BURO Answers here.

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Lifestyle
Malaysia’s hit movie OlaBola will kick off a musical run
From screen to stage

19.05.2017
By Buro247

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

Raking in approximately RM16.5 million at the box office, this smash hit stole the heart of the nation when released in at the start of 2016. Who would have guessed that two years on, the story of the Malaysian national football team who qualified for the 1980 Summer Olympics could be adapted into a musical.

OlaBola The Musical is slated to hit the stage on February 2018. The production will be directed by award-winning producer and performing arts advocate Tiara Jacquelina. Brought to you by Enfiniti—the same folks behind Puteri Gunung Ledang, P. Ramlee The Musical and MUD: The Story of Kuala Lumpur—it will be the first production to grace the newly refurbished Istana Budaya next year.

“Having been so inspired by the film, I saw an opportunity to bring OlaBola to a live stage setting for our nation to relive and re-experience this inspirational Malaysian story. This is just one of those stories that should be shared again and again to continuously inspire new audiences and the nation at large,” says Tiara Jacquelina.

“Watching OlaBola in the cinema evoked emotions and carried a strong message that I felt needed to be experienced “live”. The vision we have for this production will truly immerse the audience like never before. One of our biggest challenges is to recreate and translate the full setting of a stadium of 50,000 people from the film onto the stage, transporting the audience to an exhilarating atmosphere of a big football game.”

Jacquelina will be joined by acclaimed music director Saiful Ridzuan, set designer Raja Malek, composer and lyricist Mia Valencia and rapper-lyricist Altimet—all award winners in their respective fields.

Early Bird access for OlaBola The Musical will be available at a special price of RM120 for tickets valued between RM250 – RM300. This promotion will run for 3 months starting from 25 May 2017. For more information and ticketing details, visit the website at www.olabolamusical.com.

Related stories:
Three Degrees North, Four Degrees Of Separation
Don’t miss: A double take on Harold Pinter’s ‘Betrayal’ at KLPAC
King Kong the musical heads to Broadway in 2018

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Art + Design
Ilham Gallery: Keeping Malaysia’s visual arts scene alive through the Ilham Art Show 2022

14.06.2021
By Eugene Chen

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Calling out to all artists based in Malaysia: Showcase your talents at the Ilham Art Show 2022! Ilham Gallery is a modern and contemporary public art gallery in Malaysia. Free to visit when the country isn’t in lockdown, the gallery aims to be a resource for those in the art industry and those who are new to the arts. Through the gallery’s exhibitions and public programs, the team at Ilham hopes to bring people in closer contact with artworks in Malaysia and their artists.
The Ilham Art Show 2022 is an excellent platform for artists to gain recognition for their new creative work. If selected, artists will be offered an art production grant ranging from RM2,000 to RM8,000 to be used for their project. To qualify, be sure to submit your application here by 2 July 2021. Projects selected for the Ilham Art Show will be on display at the gallery from February to July 2022.
Rahel Joseph, Ilham’s Gallery Director, is part of the selection panel that reviews the work of applicants. We reached out to Rahel to learn more about the art show—and how the pandemic has affected artists and galleries around Malaysia.
Could you tell us more about the Ilham Art Show?
“The art show was initiated primarily because of Covid-19 and its impact on artists. As one of the few institutional galleries in Malaysia, we felt it was a good way to support the development of creative practices in the country, as every selected artist will be given a production fee (based on their proposals) to make a new work for the exhibition. The Ilham Art Show is also a way of encouraging the development of ideas and experimentation in visual arts in Malaysia. We also hope that it will stimulate lively public discussion and critical debate.”

Photo: Ilham Gallery
How has the pandemic affected local artists and the gallery?
“The arts sector has been hugely impacted by the closures of galleries and museums throughout the various lockdowns. Unfortunately, the cultural sector is often the last to reopen. The gallery was closed for 27 weeks during 2020, and we had to suspend our public and education programs. However, we did hold a major exhibition, ‘Bayangnya Itu Timbul Tenggelam: Photographic Cultures in Malaysia’, in July 2020 which presented over 1,200 photographs and artefacts from Malaysia from the early 1900s to the 1970s. We also put up an exhibition, ‘Homebody’, featuring the winning entries of the Ilham Kids Art Competition held in May 2020 during the lockdown last year.
“During the MCO, while the gallery was closed and we were unable to host our public programs, we managed to pivot to digital programming to feature conversations with artists, artist takeovers, curatorial tours, and interviews. We also organised the first 360-degree VR tour of our exhibitions, so the public could access the shows virtually during the lockdown.”
What makes an art piece stand out? What are you looking for?
“An impactful artwork is one that makes you think and challenges your assumptions—it’s one you’ll reflect on long after you leave the gallery. We also hope that artists will make works that really reflect this unusual period we’re in, with the lockdown and what’s happening in politics.”

Photo: Ilham Gallery
What impact would the art production grant have on artists?
“One of the reasons why we are initiating this program is to discover new, emerging talent. It’s also a way to support artists to cultivate ideas and be more experimental.”
How would you describe Malaysia’s art scene?
“The art scene in Malaysia is vibrant; there are many young, emerging artists and artist collectives. Currently, more artist-run spaces have emerged, like the Tun Perak Co-op and Kongsi KL. There’s also an increase in multidisciplinary spaces that don’t just do visual arts, but also have a performing arts aspect. Places like the Zhongshan Building have become an arts hub, where there are one or two galleries and a couple of artist studios all in one space.
“Artists are not waiting around for institutional galleries anymore; they’re creating their own spaces and opportunities. One of the things we lack in Malaysia is not having enough institutional galleries, which I think is important. One of the reasons why Ilham came about was because we felt that there was a gap to fill.”
To know more about the art scene in Malaysia, click here.

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Beauty
The biggest nail trends we’ll be seeing on Instagram this 2022

23.01.2022
By Redzhanna Jazmin

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

You know how the saying goes: The eyes are the windows to the soul. Well, your nails are a reflection of your personality—a separate window into your wants and needs (in particular, your need for practicality on a day-to-day basis). However, whether you’re partial to more sensible short sets or you’ve got a flair for more dramatic lengths, there’s definitely room to play around with your nail art designs in 2022.
READ: How to take off press-on nails without ruining your natural nails
Indeed, the ongoing pandemic has only served to push our creativity further than it has ever gone. In fact, we predict that single scroll through your Instagram and Pinterest feeds this year will yield plenty of innovative manicure inspo, from revamps of tried-and-true trends to complete overhauls of the status quo.
Below, find 12 fun nail art trends you’ll be seeing a lot more on your feed this year:
Animal prints
READ: Fierce feline nail art to rock for the Year of the Tiger

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Retro designs

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Checking in: The Ritz-Carlton Langkawi

Travel
Checking in: The Ritz-Carlton Langkawi
A romantic escapade

05.02.2018
By Rachel Au

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Paradise is sometimes defined as “a place or state of bliss, felicity, or delight”. It’s a word suitable for describing my stay at The Ritz-Carlton Langkawi. A 15-minute ride away from the airport, the resort’s location can’t be any more convenient and yet, the desire to venture outside is but a flicker. While some of the other hotels on the island emphasises the beach and the sea, The Ritz-Carlton Langkawi is, at first glance, a secluded rainforest resort; and looking further, one with uninterrupted views of the breathtaking Andaman Sea. It’s a beautiful combination with just the right mix that makes it almost akin to a world of its own.
THE ROOMS
Built within the 10-million-year-old rainforest, the design for all 114 guest rooms (which includes 15 suites and 29 pool villas) takes its inspiration from traditional Malay palaces, such as the gabled roofs and intricate woodwork, which blends seamlessly with the natural surroundings. But enter through the doors of any one of those rooms and you’ll find modern influences in the classy interior with a splash of art, as well as all the luxurious comforts you’ll need and want. The unobstructed view of the jungle (with glimpses of the sea from the balcony’s side) in my Rainforest Junior Suite was much appreciated but the rest of the spacious room also effortlessly called for my attention.

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The suite had four sections: the bedroom, the lounge area, the balcony and the bathroom. Of the four, the last one was a photo opportunity waiting to happen. Decked in speckled green marble walls and countertops, floor-to-ceiling windows that boast a view of the leafy rainforest outside, and a vast egg-shaped bathtub in the centre of the space, it’s where you’ll want to take a considerable time to soak in bliss. I know I did. A word of advice: Bring your own bath salts as it’s unfortunately not provided in the toiletry kit.

THE ACTIVITIES
If you’re there on a Wednesday, you’ll be able to join the ‘Nature in A Glass’ mixology class at the Horizon Bar where you’ll learn how to create a cocktail (or a mocktail if you’re not keen on alcoholic drinks). During my session, we learnt how to recreate The Hornbill, a signature cocktail that represents the bird that it takes its name after which can be sighted at the resort. A blend of vodka infused with star anise and cinnamon, Campari, triple sec and citrus juices, it’s not for those who prefer drinks on a sweeter side (like me). But order it for its novel presentation: Enclosed in a birdcage.

You can also work out at the gym, join a yoga class, go paddle boarding or kayaking, play tennis; or join one of the crafted experiences such as a treetop zip-line tour, a Rainforest After Dark trek, a pottery class, batik painting and more. See what we meant by the lack of desire to venture outside? For the less adventurous, the beach and two swimming pools (one is an adults-only infinity pool) await you. The Ladies and Gentlemen (as the staff are affectionately called at The Ritz-Carlton) are friendly, enthusiastic and ready to make you feel as comfortable as possible—all the sun care products, cold towels and refreshing drinks are brought to you (a whole fresh coconut was brought to me while I lazing on the sun chairs at the private beach).

For those with kids, note that the resort is family-friendly and has curated locally-inspired activities for the little ones as part of its Ritz Kids program.

THE SPA
It’s no surprise that the overwater spa (the only one on the island) is the poster child of The Ritz-Carlton Langkawi. Designed to resemble Malay Bubus (intricately woven traditional fish traps used by local fishermen), the sight of the five cocoon-shaped pavilions is distinct, more so with the clear, turquoise waters as its backdrop. Treatments and rituals here are rooted in tradition, taking a leaf out of ancient Malaysian healing and beauty ceremonies meant to restore your body, mind and soul. Lovebirds can opt to do it together in the couples room which comes with a view. Be sure to stop by 30 minutes before your appointment to enjoy the steam and sauna rooms.

THE FOOD
Dining options are aplenty on the resort grounds. Breakfast is at Langkawi Kitchen where you’ll find a decent variety of traditional Malay, Chinese and Indian cuisine, as well as the usual fare of English breakfast classics. However, the change in the variety of dishes between my two days there were minimal.

Then, there’s The Beach Grill and the adults-only Horizon, which are open for both lunch and dinner. The former offers a humble menu of western and local favourites (order the mee goreng!) while the latter gave me a crab curry (and a glass of Curry House cocktail to pair – sweet and so easy to drink) I’m still thinking about till this day. Perched on a natural rock, Horizon serves Thai food, unusual wines, an intimate ambience at night and a romantic sunset (with the possible sightings of otters). I have nothing but praise for Horizon. The dishes here surprisingly (and personally) topped the ones at Hai Yan, the resort’s fine dining restaurant that serves authentic Cantonese cuisine.

Perhaps I had very high expectations for Hai Yan. Overlooking the Andaman Sea, the restaurant is another hotspot to catch the golden hour and the interior is indeed warm, inviting and luxurious—and even romantic. Guests can opt between the two set menus or go for a la carte. Feeling adventurous and hungry, my partner and I decided to try the Eight Treasures Degustation Menu.

The flavours are generally bold and strong with some of my favourites being the braised bird nest superior soup topped with salmon roe (heartwarming); wok-fried Andaman lobster marinated with a black bee honey pepper sauce (very seductive on the palate); the homemade X.O sauce that accompanied the egg white fried rice (perfectly spicy); and the boiled papaya and snow fungus soup for dessert (refreshing with the right level of sweetness). I’d have to say, however, the signature freshly baked egg custard tarts (flavours: original, caramelised, and topped with bird nest) was a tad disappointing. The crust was hard and thick, in contrast to the barely-there layer of custard. Definitely needs work.

THE VERDICT
The resort is gorgeous and while you can get a buggy to visit each of the facilities or restaurants, it’s lovely to also go on foot and bathe in all the surrounding greenery. Sightings of wildlife such as monkeys, lemurs and hornbills can be expected but seemingly rare during my three-day stay. I checked out of the resort feeling rejuvenated and refreshed, but with a heavy heart to leave.

For more info, or to book your stay, visit The Ritz-Carlton Langkawi’s website.

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Fashion
The Buro Edit: How to rock 3 distinct styles from head to toe in Malaysian labels

14.09.2019
By Stephanie Boey

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

Malaysia is blessed with a diverse and unique culture, and burgeoning creative talent. Just last month, we saw Kuala Lumpur Fashion Week return with over 80 local labels, and with time we’re hoping to see the platform introduce more homegrown designers. Patriotism aside, wearing local designers is one way to support our local economy by providing jobs to artisans. Also, it greatly reduces your carbon footprint. Local designers operate on a smaller scale and have a significantly lower impact on the environment. Ahead, three Malaysians, each with distinctive styles dress up from head to toe in local labels.
Stephanie’s style: Bold and colourful

On Stephanie: Logo tee, Girls Jom Skate; PVC skirt, Maatin Shakir; oversized plaid blazer, Kree; pointed pumps, Nelissa Hilman
I love experimenting with bold prints, and then clashing them. My starting point was the oversized plaid blazer by Kree, which I was immediately drawn to with its mannish, oversized silhouette and cheery yellow hue. One way to clash prints is to pair them up with a unifying colour, so I matched it with an animal printed PVC skirt from Maatin Shaakir. For my inner, I went with a teal ‘Girls Jom Skate’ logo tee for a striking colour combo. To complete this #extra look, I opted for plain white heels as a neutralising accessory.

Farah’s style: Chic minimalist

On Farah: Ruffled suit, Mimpikita; neck scarf, My Apparel Zoo; Weaved mules, Nelissa Hilman; top, headscarf and necklaces, stylist’s own
Farah is heavily influenced by the cities she visits and credits her style to chic Parisian women. She enjoys a minimalistic yet luxurious take on fashion, and took to a ruffled suit by Mimpikita in a muted sea foam green hue, and then accessorised it with a printed scarf by My Apparel Zoo. For shoes, she was drawn to Nelissa Hilman’s gold toned mules for its opulence but also the traditional Malaysian weave that was incorporated in its craftmanship.
Haylena’s style: Simple and monochrome

On Haylena: Puffed sleeve blouse and polkadot skirt, Maarimaia; Peep toe sandals, Kulet
A tomboy at heart, Haylena’s everyday style usually consists of jeans and a t-shirt. But when she needs to turn it up, she taps into her femininity and channels classy elegance. She has an affinity to polkadots and took to a pleated maxi skirt, and paired it with an ecru puffy sleeved blouse, both by Maarimaia. Not one to wear heels often, she completed her ensemble in sensible square toed kitten heels by Kulet.
Credits:
Videography: Octopost Studio
Text, styling and coordination: Stephanie Boey
Art direction: Joan Kong
Makeup: Ummi Nasir
Hair: Mei Choi
Talents: Stephanie Boey, Farah Nabila and Haylena Krishnamoorthy

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Fashion
The best of New York Men’s Fashion Week SS18
An eclectic mix

16.07.2017
By Su Fen Tan

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

A notable debut…
Gustav von Aschenbach

Who is Gustav von Aschenbach? Gustav is the name of the main character in the novel Death in Venice by Thomas Mann, but in fashion context, it is now also the name of Robert Geller’s new line, which just made its debut at New York Men’s Fashion Week. This is Geller’s venture into more commercial fashion, on top of his eponymous label. While the collection did speak of accessibility in terms of price point (the most expensive piece is priced around $500) and wearability (featuring monochromatic outfits with an easy-going, utilitarian vibe), it is no short of quality – the pieces are all made from high-grade Japanese fabrics.

A solid sophomore outing…
Bode

In her charming debut last season, Emily Bode transported us to her family home in Cape Cod. This time around, the backdrop of her presentation resembled an attic, or grenier in French—more specifically, the attic at her uncle’s home in the south of France where she spent some summers as a child. The attic is also a space that reminds her uncle’s mother of her happiest memories. The set and the clothes, which featured her signature blend of textures, patterns and antiquity, came together to convey an inviting sense of warmth that is most certainly unique to the young label.

Riding the waves…
Boss

Boss goes easy, breezy, nautical for SS18. “It’s all about lightness of ease,” said designer Ingo Wilts backstage before the show. With that, the usual sharp tailoring is toned down to unconstructed blazers paired with shorts and roomy trousers. The nautical details were mostly subtle, coming through in striped belts, flag prints on the back of technical nylon jackets, and coordinates of the brand’s Columbus Circle store embellished on sack bags. What we’d borrow from the boys: the lightweight trenchcoats and leather macs will sure come in (stylishly) handy when things get a little chilly.

Here to steal the show…
Raf Simons

It was intriguing from the get-go—Raf Simons turned an alley behind a shopping mall in Chinatown, into a Blade Runner-inspired runway. Located under the Manhattan Bridge, the dystopian atmosphere was complete with neon lights, the scent of recently gutted fish, and the subway rumbling overhead. But nothing fazed the crowd, which included the likes of A$AP Rocky, Marc Jacobs, Julianne Moore and Jake Gyllenhaal.

“There were a lot of things that go back to my early days and why we started doing the things we did,” says Simons. “There were strong music references from the past [juxtaposed] and taken out of context. It was about movies, Blade Runner, it’s about cultures sliding together, Asian culture, cultures of the West. There was more of a new wave punk attitude.” Simons partnered with artist Peter Saville once again, featuring vintage New Order and Joy Division graphics on both the set and the clothes. The opening ensemble of a hyper-sized black rubber trenchcoat paired with rain boots and an umbrella set the tone for the looks to come. Cocooning coats, slouchy suits, baggy culottes, as well as draped blazers and sweaters made the bulk of the collection, a cinematic collection that sang of attitude and eclectic energy as only Simons can conjure.

Related stories:
The best street style from NYFW Men’s SS18
The best of Milan Men’s Fashion Week SS18 came in shades of blue
7 Best shows from Paris Men’s Fashion Week SS18
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Features
Rihanna is pushing the boundaries of maternity fashion, and we’re loving every moment of it
Bad-gal pregnancy

18.03.2022
By Kelly Lim

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Rihanna is upping the ante on maternity fashion, unapologetically celebrating the unabashed and abundant beauty of the bump in bejewelled, form-flattering ways

Since bursting onto the scene back in 2005, Rihanna has been serving us look after unbelievable look––from the various spunky ensembles from the Y2K era, all the way to the iconic Swarovski naked dress and her 25-kg gold Met Gala gown that took over the internet. And now, as the Barbadian singer is in her soon-to-be-mom era, she’s been experimenting with her style even more, unveiling statement, high fashion looks that show off her baby bump, and redefining how the world imagined and defined maternity fashion.
It all began with her pregnancy portraits. Just last month, Rihanna and A$AP Rocky announced that they had created another mini celebrity by posting a series of snowy paparazzi-style portraits of the two of them strolling Harlem. Always ones to play by their own rules, the pair marked the occasion in jewel-draped, vintage Chanel and emerging British talent Maximilian (who was recently appointed as Salvatore Ferragamo‘s new creative director)––a twinning fashion moment that made one for the books.

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Since then, Rihanna’s maternity wear has been the talk of the town, with her bulging belly taking as much of the spotlight as the woman herself.
There was the strappy Jean Paul Gaultier cardigan that crisscrossed her bump, the statement denim and fur patchwork coat on a casual night out in the city, and the Euphoria-inspired baby blue fur moment which she wore on the day of her birthday.

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Across it all, flesh has been a recurring theme, with Rihanna’s fantastic bump accessorised and peeping out from cropped tops and above low-rise bottoms. Elsewhere, the singer rocked cut-out Courrèges with a belly chain for a Fenty launch and a leather part-red-riding-hood, part-femme-fatale ensemble on Valentine’s Day.
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READ: What does fashion’s cut-out trend reveal about our desires?
Then Paris Fashion Week came around, during which the expectant mother showed off various jaw-dropping looks both on and off the front row, from the sheer lingerie-esque babydoll dress at Dior and the nude leather mini at Off-White to the electric blue bodysuit that cutout at the belly.

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The Gucci show saw her appearing like a disco dominatrix, all latex, lace and faux far, with trousers hand-painted with a dragon detail and a shimmering headpiece by Alessandro Michele.

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Whether she’s all cosied up in suede and knee-high boots or glammed up in a chains, snakeskin or a tiny glittering bralette, Rihanna makes maternity fashion look easy. But the important thing here is that these are all Rihanna looks through and through, with her signature body confidence in tow as she refuses to pivot to traditional maternity clothing or the societal expectations that tend to police a woman’s body. And the main takeaway from all this is that it’s all about dressing for yourself.

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Read more stories on the best celebrity style here.

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Street Style
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Maternity
Rihanna
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