Buro Loves
Christmas 2019: Best lipsticks to gift every beauty-phile on your list

04.12.2019
By Wei Yeen Loh

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

No clue what to buy for the most ardent of beauty lovers on your gifting list? Fret not—we’ve got you covered, whether it’s a festive fragrance to get them in the mood for Christmas or the most coveted advent calendars to count down to the 25th with bated breaths.
But if you’re on the hunt for a foolproof gift that any self-proclaimed makeup addict won’t be able to resist, try lipsticks. From sets of pint-sized lipsticks (perfect for every occasion) to limited-edition holiday shades in stunning designs, this list of lipsticks will make your shopping expedition a breeze:
 Shiseido ModernMatte Powder Lipstick Holiday Mini Lip Bouquet

Know someone who’s an absolute fan of Shiseido’s ModernMatte Powder Lipsticks? Gift her the Beauty Blossoms Holiday Collection, featuring the Holiday Mini Lip Bouquet housed in a pretty collectable box. Psst: two new lip shades are available in this coffret, including Elemental Rose (nude mauve) and Red Force (crimson).
Priced at RM190 (set of 5)
Nars Disco Dust Lipstick

Glitter is a surefire way to go when it comes to a high-impact #lewk, and Nars’ limited-edition Disco Dust Lipsticks are a must-have for any dancefloor diva to work her moves. Available in six shimmery shades, the lipsticks come in exclusive Studio 54 cases-an utterly chic gift for girly girls who love a sparkle or two.
Priced at RM110 each
Chanel Exclusive Creation Rouge Allure and Rouge Coco Gloss

Chanel’s iconic Rouge Allure gets reimagined this holiday season with a graphic, gold-edged packaging for each lipstick. Six shades are available for a picture-perfect visage, ranging from rosebud pink to dark cherry burgundy. The icing on the cake? Two shades of Rouge Coco Gloss (in light brick red and brownish red) for a layer of mirror-like shine over the lips.
Gucci Rouge à Lèvres Lunaison Lipstick, 25 Goldie Red

Brace your wallets—Gucci Beauty is now available in Malaysia and it’s about to blow. While the existing three lipstick collections are worth a closer look at the store in Suria KLCC, the new Rouge à Lèvres Lunaison is an absolute must-have for its intricate Art Deco-inspired packaging and iridescent glitter-dusted finish. Our favourite: 25 Goldie Red that smells as good as it looks on the lips.
Priced at RM167 each
M.A.C Cosmetics Kiss of Stars Lipstick

Opulence gets a glitzed-out makeover with M.A.C Cosmetics’ Kiss Of Stars Lipstick-glitter-coated, shimmer-laden lippies that come in six shades to flaunt a pout effortlessly. Some of the standout limited-edition lip colours include Destined For Stardom, a vivid blue-silver with pink-purple pearls, Starstruck, a bright pink-purple fuchsia and Gold Star!, a peachy nude with pearl.
Priced at RM105 each
Fresh Blushing Lip Beauties

We stan for any lip care that can give lips long-lasting moisture and UV protection, and Fresh’s trio of lip treatments does all of that and more. Get the best bang for your buck with Fresh’s Blushing Lip Beauties, a set of Tinted Lip Treatments SPF15 in three different shades.
Priced at RM112 (set)
Marc Jacobs Beauty Enamored Dazzling Gloss Lip Lacquer

Our favourite kind of lip gloss gives a high-impact finish, doesn’t leave strands of hair sticking to the lips, and has plumping properties—pretty much Marc Jacobs Beauty’s holiday collection lippies. The high-performance formula offers a lasting brilliance with serious shine. Shop from four dazzling shades (Editor’s pick: Atomic, a warm-toned medium-dark copper with a hint of sparkle.)
Priced at RM113 each
Fenty Beauty Glossy Posse – Mini Gloss Bomb Collection

What’s better than one of Fenty Beauty’s Gloss Bomb Universal Lip Luminizers? A whopping five in the cutest, mini sizes, of course. Expect the bestselling shade, Fu$y, alongside four new shades in this giftable collectors’ set, made for the gloss lover and makeup junkie on your list.
Priced at RM210 (set of 5)
Shu Uemura Rouge Unlimited – Pokémon limited edition

Shu Uemura’s holiday collections never fail to impress (last year’s Maison Kitsuné was one of our all-time favourite), and this year, they’re tugging at our heartstrings with the help of the cutest character-Pikachu. The Rouge Unlimited lipsticks now come in Pikachu-inspired packaging in eight shades across four different textures. Whether it’s ultra-matte or creamy satin, there’s something for every beauty lover in this lineup.
Priced at RM102 each
Check out the Buro Christmas Village here for more gifting ideas

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Food + Drink
Food review: Kin Gyu @ Desa Sri Hartamas

31.12.2019
By Ronn Tan

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The Desa Sri Hartamas area is filled with a myriad of restaurants serving all kinds of cuisines. From Japanese to Korean to Western, you have all you need—granted that you’re fortunate enough to get a parking space, of course. Or you know, hire a ride so all you have to focus on is food, food, food. At least that was what I did when I paid Kin Gyu a visit.

Kingyu interior entrance
I have to point out that it can be a tad difficult to spot the restaurant. Here’s a tip: it’s right above a pharmacy. Take the stairs or use the elevator to get to the first floor and there you are. What comes next is an encounter with a large entity; scary and almighty. Alright, that’s the wooden door and it’s really easy to win this fight—just slide the door to the right. Like you do with Tinder. That’s right; the entrance is clear and in you go!

Kinguu dining area
The first thing I noticed was the dim lighting, a stark contrast from Kin Gyu’s sister establishment across the street, Shin Nihon. The minimal design adorned with shades of grey and brown is a major juxtaposition to the floral walls of the dining area. It’s the best of both worlds here. On one hand, the interior pleases the minimalists and on the other—well, the rest. To set you off on the right mood, the owner plays traditional Japanese music throughout the space.

Kingyu dining room
The brilliance of a restaurant is said to be a pure reflection of the person running it. I had the pleasure of meeting Kota Furuya, who took time out from his busy schedule to dine with me. There’s so much I can say about the man; from his gentle demeanour to his delightful patience when explaining the dishes. If I ever do give scores, there will definitely be points on him alone. Having been in Malaysia for five years now (he opened Toridoki in 2015), Kota is familiar with the dining scene in Kuala Lumpur. He aims to introduce locals to what he considers Japanese cuisine while hoping to maintain its essence. That’s apparent with the dishes you are about to see below.

Kingyu Wagyu Carpaccio
What should you get from Kota’s third restaurant in Malaysia? Like I said, it’s meat galore (yes, I love my meat). Hence, the entire menu comprises of various concoctions of meat options—with beef being at the centre of it all. In the image above, you’ll see the glorious Wagyu Carpaccio (Yuzu Aonori carpaccio); sliced raw lean cut with soy sauce-flavoured olive oil, yuzu citrus, seaweed, and kelp. The dish also comes with mountain wasabi and a bed of onion layer. I remember very clearly when the plate was place on the table. While the colours were mesmerising to say the least, the presentation reminded me of Phoebe from Friends. Messy and all over the place yet grounded and impactful at the same time. I mean… Smelly Cat is still a jam more than a decade later. I interrupt this programme to bring you back to the carpaccio! If there’s one way to begin a wagyu beef-centric meal, it’s this. Light and acidic, you get jolts to your tastebuds; like delicious wake up calls. The combination of tartness and brine opens up the appetite for more to come. To add to an already complex flavour profile, a kick of heat is added with the presence of wasabi. The only “downside”: how I wish the beef did not evaporate so easily—stay in mouth longer, why don’t you? Wow, we’re off to a great start!

Kingyu Wagyu Beef Salad
I love my greens and everyone who knows me knows that. In fact, I’d rather have vegetables over meat. That’s not to say I’m against the latter; I live for both. The next serving is the Sesame Wagyu, Watercress, and Arugula Salad (Kureson Rukkora Wagyu Shabu Salad). Notice the sliced beef that sits atop the vegetables. This is the true definition of the best of both worlds. Personally, I’m not fond of sesame dressing and would avoid whenever possible. What I really enjoyed is the consistency of the sauce here; thin and not too thick. Honestly, this is pretty standard apart from the inclusion of wagyu beef (which was sublime, as usual). You get a multi-dimensional bite with the mild bitterness of arugula, the pepperiness of watercress, and the slight sweetness of tomatoes. I wonder if this dish would have worked as well if different types of greens were used. For example, what if arugula was replaced with lettuce and watercress replaced with beansprouts? All in all, this is a rather enjoyable selection that’s easy to eat. Just remember to save space for the stunners yet to arrive.

Kingyu Eight sushi platter
Next, it’s the Plate of Eight Kinds of Wagyu Sushi (Hachiten Nigiri Mori). Before I proceed with my opinions, here’s all eight types that were presented—Roast Beef cooked slowly in oven (Roust Beef), Charcoal Grilled Wagyu with sweet soy-based sauce (Wagyu Kaba yaki), Minced Wagyu with Green Onions (Gyu toro), Charcoal Grilled Wagyu Tallow with homemade light soy sauce (Wagyu Seabura), Dashi-Flavoured Rib Cut (Barabushi Mamire), Premium Roasted Beef Tongue with lemon, sesame oil, and diced cut leek (TokujyoTan), Salmon Roe Wagyu Roll (Nikura), and the raw Premium Cut of the Day (Tokujyo). You will also notice the special non-beef entity in the middle; that’s the Roasted Egg with Shrimp (Tamago). I did not try every piece that was served even though I wanted to but sharing is caring. I began with my first ever experience with beef tongue (or any tongue in general). The addition of ponzu and grated radish provided a burst of sour power. Honestly, it was precisely because of that that it was even bearable. Not because it wasn’t palatable, but because I did not know what to expect. Malaysians know quite a lot about cover-ups (if any) and that layer of acidic and tartness helped to mask the natural taste of tongue. I’m not going to lie—it’s still gustatory. Would I go have it again? Definitely. In fact, I would have all eight selections. All for myself. What really impressed me was how Kin Gyu was able to create unique types of sushi that you will probably not be able to find anywhere else in Malaysia.
I also had I then went with the Tamago because it seemed like the lightest and the easiest to eat. The Japanese-style omelette was so fluffy and soft. Baked perfectly, you get minced shrimps with every mini bite of the sushi. Despite of its size, it’s easily one of my favourites from Kin Gyu. It’s yam-like texture also felt like sponge cake. It’s also meant to clean your palate. Yes, keep that in mind.

Kingyu Rib Loin
Next on the list is the Premium Loin Ichimai Aburi (Roasted Premium Rib Loin) that’s cooked in front of you. You will first notice a thin slice of meat over a bed of sushi rice but the real fascination (and ooh-aahs) come later when they bring out the fire. Literally. With light soy sauce, it’s lush, robust, and toothsome. It really depends on how big or how much you can put into your mouth but I managed to fit the whole portion in mine. One take, let’s go! You get the changing of colours (from blood red to ready-to-eat red) as well as exquisite top quality beef. Get more of this because one is inadequate.

Kingyu Ribeye block
Moving on, this is one I was extremely for when I found out that we’ll be ordering it—Premium Ribeye. The Yakimono (Grilled) dishes here begin first with a display of a block of meat that’s sliced to your preference. Cut from a muscle that’s exercised often, the ribeye has the right balance of fatty and lean meat. It is also my go-to cut wherever I go. There are so many elements to this stage of dining. The ribeye was served rare and we had the opportunity to cook the meat ourselves. The Mount Fuji yogan lava stone came in like a wrecking ball, steaming hot and ready to crash into you. The prerequisite to cooking is choosing three kinds of salt and spice from a tray of a multitude of options. I picked Matcha salt, Truffle salt, and Yuzu pepper. The other available condiments are Pink salt, plum salt, kelp salt, alga salt, yellow pepper, Japanese pepper, red perilla, fried onion, saikyo miso, mustard, melted garlic butter, and wasabi. So many choices but each with their own personalities, hopes, and dreams.

Kingyu Ribeye with lava stone
Now, it’s time to start putting the meat in your mouth. With the chopsticks, pick up a piece of ribeye (served rare) and place it on the lava stone. Leave it for a few seconds and voila—consumption-ready. Bless your heart because what you’re about to experience is unexpected. A divine, naturally-salted explosion of all things that are good in the world is what I meant. Sans any additional salt or spice, the flavour of the steak stood tall and presented itself like a champ. It’s full, soft, and oh-so-rich. However, do try the ribeye with the salt and spices that you picked out.  What’s the opposite of Dante’s Inferno? While I have no idea, that’s what you’re getting. The way the highly-marbled ribeye melts in your mouth like streams of salty liquid took me by surprise. One I welcomed with open arms (and mouth). Calling this dish ethereal would still be an understatement.

Kingyu Suki yaki hotpot
Last but not least, I tried the Nabe (Hot Pot). To be specific, the Suki Yaki that came with sliced wagyu, wheat gluten, garland chrysanthemum, green onion, grilled tofu, kudzu starch noodles, Chinese cabbage, udon noodles seasoned sweet soy sauce, raw egg, and homemade dashi. There are aso shimeiji white mushrooms, shiitake mushrooms, and shungiku (crown daisy). It needs to be known that by this time, I was already really stuffed. I was at spilling point. But I was adamant to give this a try and I did. Unlike what it’s called, Kota said that suki yaki is more like grilling instead of hot pot; with yaki meaning grill in Japanese. Along with the big bowl of soupy delight, you get three dipping sauces—raw egg, whole egg, and dashi with radish. The base utilises cow fat to heighten the flavours of the overall dish. In my opinion, this was quite a tame offering compared to everything else I had that night. The sirloin slices were delicious and the ofu (ring cake) was new to me; fluffy pastry that soaked up the essence of the hot pot. Not the best dish but definitely far from macabre.

Kingyu Sake PLatter
By now, the onslaught of top quality meat has ended. I didn’t know if I wanted the attack to continue but what’s next was accepted as well—the Nomikurabe Hachishu (Eight glasses of different kinds of sake). Relatively new to sake, I’m still learning to point out the elements of each type. According to Kota, the grade of sake depends highly on the quality of rice. I tried his favourite from the lot, Masumi, which was fruity and dry. From Nagano, I get hints of subtle astringency and also some pleasant sweetness from the apples. It’s also surprisingly easy to drink. Apart from the Masumi, I also had Ichinokura from Miyagi. It’s smooth, well-rounded, and a sip will remind you of a touch of mineral. Shicida from Saga is the most powerful out of the three. The scent of peach was strong but the sweetness is rather light. The sake is enhanced when served warm.

Kota Furuya, owner of Kin Gyu, explains the dishes
In summation, meat and sake equal perfect meal. Along with good company and a brilliant setting, my time at Kin Gyu was more than I could have wished for. There were more hits than misses; most of the dishes were multi-dimensionally scrumptious while the rest were average at best. Notice that I didn’t criticise any of the courses because there was nothing to fault. Kota Furuya has established a restaurant that isn’t just excellent but also full of potential. It’s not too ambitious but still has everything it needs to satisfy the tastebuds of everyone (as long as you’re not vegan). Go ahead and try Kin Gyu: you will see and know first-hand what I mean.
Kin GyuAddress: 8, First Floor, Jalan 24/70A, Desa Sri HartamasContact: 03 6206 3515 & 012 214 2373Website | Facebook | Instagram

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Film, TV + Theatre
8 Feel-good movies to watch on Netflix this Christmas

24.12.2018
By Su Fen Tan

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From lighthearted chick flicks and classic comedies to all-new holiday originals, here are eight films to stream on Netflix post-Christmas feasting—cheese guaranteed:

The Christmas Chronicles (2018)

A brother and sister find themselves on a journey to save Christmas after accidentally crashing into Santa’s sleigh.
Starring: Kurt Russell, Darby Camp, Judah Lewis

The Princess Switch (2018)

A chance meeting between Chicago baker Stacy and princess-to-be Margaret Delacourt who looks just like her leads to a Christmastime plan to trade places, giving both a taste of what they’re missing.
Starring: Vanessa Hudgens, Sam Palladio, Nick Sagar

Arthur Christmas (2011)

A glitch at Santa’s super-secret toy-making facility leaves his son, Arthur, with the ultra-important Christmas mission of delivering the last present of the festive night.
Starring: James McAvoy, Hugh Laurie, Bill Nighy

The Holiday Calendar (2018)

A photographer inherits an antique advent calendar that seems to predict the future – and it might just point her towards the love of her life this holiday season.
Starring: Kat Graham, Quincy Brown, Ethan Peck

Home Alone (1990)

Accidently left home alone by his parents, a plucky 8-year-old takes on a pair of (unfortunate) bumbling burglars who set their sights on his house.
Starring: Macaulay Culkin, Joe Pesci, Daniel Stern

Love Actually (2003)

10 intertwining love stories based in London, one classic rom-com. Cue the warm fuzzing feelings.
Starring: Hugh Grant, Emma Thompson, Colin Firth, Keira Knightley

Shrek The Halls (2007)

Just as Shrek is settling down and enjoying his happily-ever-after with his new family, Christmas comes around – a festive occasion he has never celebrated before.
Starring: Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, Cameron Diaz

The Polar Express (2004)

A magical tale for all ages, The Polar Express brings the 1985 children’s book alive with the most beautiful visuals and heart-warming tale of a boy’s adventure to the North Pole on Christmas Eve.
Starring: Tom Hanks, Leslie Zemeckis, Eddie Deezen

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Men's
5 Minutes with Jamie Dornan on his kids, the pandemic, and his latest Boss campaign

09.10.2020
By Redzhanna Jazmin

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It all begins in 2015: The Boss The Scent collection by Hugo Boss is launched, followed shortly by the more feminine Boss The Scent For Her in 2016. From there, further editions of the collection are added.
However, our story starts in 2018. The launch of the Boss The Scent Private Accord was punctuated with a killer campaign featuring Jamie Dornan, the star of the 50 Shades of Grey franchise and Dutch model Birgit Kos—the perfect faces to capture the magic and allure of the collection.
Two years on, the magic continues with Boss The Scent Absolute. Released in September of 2019, just before the pandemic settled in full force, this chapter of Boss The Scent is the most intense to date.
The olfactory embodiment of both attraction and mystery, this latest his-and-hers pairing is the most intimate and most intoxicating yet. To learn more about the new campaign and delve a little deeper into Dornan’s reprisal as the face of Boss The Scent, we sat him down for a quick chat.
Ahead, find his take on the Boss fragrance family, sensuality and navigating the tumultuous pandemic.

Can you tell us your favourite thing about the Boss The Scent fragrances?
“The smell? (laughs) I’m sorry, that was a joke. I love the message behind the fragrance. When I wear it I feel confident, self-assured, masculine and sophisticated. You know, most things that you’d want from a fragrance; something that makes you feel like a heightened version of yourself. I feel that the Boss The Scent fragrances give you exactly those feelings.”
Boss The Scent fragrances are deeply inspired by the art of seduction—what does sensuality mean to you?
“It’s sort of a personal thing, sensuality. It means different things to different people, but I think sensuality is like a magnetism; a trust and a willingness to go somewhere with someone but still feel warm and comforted. That’s my version of sensuality—wanting to be in a seductive place with someone, yet still feel safe there. At least, that’s my vague way of summing that up.”

What sets the Boss The Scent collection apart from the rest of the Boss fragrance family for you, personally?
“I think it’s a bit more modern. It’s more youthful; it culminates a lot of different sensualities and senses of humanity. You can definitely tell with the advertising campaigns, but it’s a little bit more poetic than some of the other fragrances within the brand—it means slightly more than just ‘guy putting on a shirt in front of a mirror’, like that ‘getting ready for the day’ kind of stuff. This is a little bit more sensual, and seductive than maybe some of their other fragrances.
What was it like filming the new campaign?
“It was great, you know. I love getting together with Birgit [Kos] who is the girl in the campaign because she’s really fun and I don’t get to see her that often. Well, actually, I usually get to see her more when we’re promoting this, but obviously with everything going on this year I haven’t gotten to. So, it is always nice to see her.
“Plus, I’ve worked with the Boss brand for 17 years and they always create a very relaxed atmosphere and environment in their campaign shoots. It was cool! We also got to shoot this one in London, which is obviously convenient for me. (laughs) So, I had a great time.”

That’s great to hear! Speaking of the whole of this year which has been—for lack of a better word—unprecedented, how have you managed to stay grounded during these uncertain times?
“I agree with you on that! (laughs) I’d never heard the word ‘unprecedented’ before in my life, but now over the last eight months it’s everywhere—it really has been a crazy time.
“As for what keeps me grounded? Well, I have three kids under the age of seven, so that’s sort of the most grounding experience that you can have, I think. To go through lockdown with children who aren’t able to go to school, where you have to homeschool them; it’s all very surreal.
“We live out in the countryside in the Cotswolds, and we’re kind of away from everything. It’s just us, and it feels like our regular lives a lot of the time, regardless of the pandemic. So, really, the girls are the greatest distraction from all the madness that’s happening in the world. All of my focus and my wife’s focus sits on these three little girls that we love. I guess it was pretty easy to stay grounded.”
For more beauty insiders, click here.

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Music
11 Smooth reactions to BTS’s ‘Butter’ that will stick in your mind like the song

22.05.2021
By Adelina Tan

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BTS has broken the Internet (again) with ‘Butter’. The addictive summer bop racked up 10 million views on YouTube in 10 minutes. The septet from Seoul then went on to smash YouTube’s record for the biggest music video premiere with 3.9 million viewers—which was *drumroll* previously held by them for ‘Dynamite’ in 2020 with 3 million viewers. ‘Butter’ also dominated the top spot on iTunes in 90 countries.

.@BTS_twt‘s “Butter” becomes the fastest music video in YouTube history to hit 10 million views, breaking the record held by “Dynamite” (13 minutes). #BTS_Butter
— chart data (@chartdata) May 21, 2021

Next stop: the Grammys (fingers crossed, ARMYs). But first, BTS will make a pitstop at the Billboard Music Awards 2021 on Sunday with the debut TV performance of ‘Butter’. In the meantime, check out how social media reacted to the group’s latest feat.
How to get on TikTok’s “FYP”:

Brb, building neck muscles:

This or That Challenge:

I only tweet facts. #bts_butter pic.twitter.com/MWNMUbEvOF
— j.le (@annyeong_jle) May 22, 2021

When you smash your KPIs:

we beat dynamite’s now we’ll have record to beat butter’s record#ButterMV #BUTTER100M pic.twitter.com/0OA8lgedjM
— heaven BUTTER TODAY (@adoringjoons) May 22, 2021

Sibling “rivalry”:

spring day dynamite butter pic.twitter.com/NSVjgWTqWh
— mina (@EUPH0RIAL0VE) May 22, 2021

What’s for breakfast:

My Breakfast:Pancakes and Butter @BTS_twt #BTS_Butter pic.twitter.com/GGZnHhufl5
— Monomo(@Monomo0613) May 22, 2021

Out to steal your heart:

Like a criminal undercover.. #btsfanart #TAEHYUNG #ButterWorldwideParty #BTS_Butter pic.twitter.com/81PJOHFMjI
— liz (@introvertaed) May 22, 2021

Once you see it, you can’t unsee it:

What career development looks like when you’re BTS:

2015 intern → 2021 CEO pic.twitter.com/GfPNAtTzRU
— ً (@jmnsource) May 13, 2021

Look sharp, they said:

the buttons of the elevator are BTS and Armys signs pic.twitter.com/tHrNwyjdz9
— (@taeveeee) May 13, 2021

Do you belong in a museum, ‘coz you look like a work of art:

I HAVE NO WORDS. ART. pic.twitter.com/zo8KmpsM9J
— Imen(@BTS21_2019) May 13, 2021

 Head over here for more on K-pop.

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Food + Drink
Paying for water in restaurants: Yay or nay?
Bring on Watergate

27.02.2016
By Buro247

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There’s a groundswell that’s been steadily growing, from isolated whispers to what’s now become a steady roar of discontent, as Malaysian diners vociferously voice their disgruntlement at being coerced into ordering expensive mineral water or paying for tap water with their meals. I could make like Switzerland and play the impartial observer, but I most emphatically won’t, because I am, first and foremost, a diner and consumer like the rest of my dear readers, and it’s high time we stood up for what’s morally right, so bring on Watergate, I say.

Before the food and beverage industry rains a hailstorm of wrath upon my head, let’s get it clear from the outset that restaurants are not legally obligated to serve free water with their food. But what’s legally not required isn’t necessarily what’s ethically or morally right. If a diner has, in good faith, ordered wine and non-alcoholic beverages for her party, and then decided she needed some good old tap water to cleanse her palate, it’s fairly evident what public sentiment would be towards the establishment that says no to that request. And yet a growing number of restaurants have hopped onto that bandwagon, citing water that’s not fit for consumption as being one of the key reasons why said eateries have stopped serving tap water. Now call me obtuse, but doesn’t the food act require tap water in restaurants to be of a certain standard? And if the water isn’t good enough to drink, aren’t the ice cubes it produces—which restaurants blithely serve without comment—just as impure? It never ceases to amaze me that restaurant staff who insist their water isn’t clean enough then ask if I would like ice with my grudgingly ordered mineral water (which, ere I digress, isn’t just financially wasteful in these dark days of economic uncertainty, it’s also environmentally unsustainable).

But it gets worse, as it invariably does. It’s quite one thing to refuse to serve tap water, it’s another to charge, especially at extortionate prices that aren’t reflected in the quality of the water, which really brings me full circle to my initial point. When you figure that it currently only costs dining establishments in the Klang Valley no more than RM2.30 for 1,000 litres of water, and they’re charging you RM1, say, for each  250ml glass of water, think about the profit margin to be gained from such a practice and suddenly the whole free water argument becomes crystal clear. A certain duck restaurant in Bangsar Village One which I used to patronise with unerring frequency is guilty of just such a practice. Each time we ordered water after we had all finished our menu-listed drinks (sugar cane at approx RM7.80 a pop, say), we would be slapped with a RM1 charge per skinny glass of water that had a disconcerting tendency of tasting like dirty dishrag. When called up on it, the manager simply shrugged her shoulders and said, “It’s our practice.” Sure, legally she’s absolutely right, but ethically she has, in one fell swoop, breached a fistful of service industry cornerstones. Net result? I’ve stopped going whenever I am in KL, which means that me and my approximately RM800 per week worth of business is now going to another more cordial establishment, like Ashley’s in Bangsar (11, Jalan Telawi 3, Bangsar Baru, +6017-325 3663), which, apart from serving top-notch raw and whole foods, also happily provides customers with unlimited free water whether or not they order other drinks. Best of all, there’s not a whiff of dirty dishrag to their water, but that’s not surprising, considering their blissfully clean alkaline water comes from a Kangan filter.

If you, like June Low (“Why can’t Malaysian restaurants serve free water”, cilisos.my), are frustrated by the brick wall that seems to loom each time you try to find a solution, then I suggest you join the Free Water Forever page on Facebook and take a stand. Even if free water isn’t a law, it’s a basic human right and one which we should absolutely defend, every last one of us.

Follow Fay on Twitter and Instagram at @misskhoo.

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Technology
Stock market Goliaths vs Reddit amateurs: Why the internet is freaking out over a video game store

30.01.2021
By Sanjeeva Suresh

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“The stock market is in turmoil today,” says an Inside Edition newscaster. He’s talking about how thousands of amateur investors banded together on Reddit to buy stock in struggling companies like Gamestop. This caused GameStop‘s stock price to increase exponentially, causing major investors to lose (literally) billions of dollars.

Photo: The Balance
What is going on?
Users on Reddit have taken advantage of a stock market behaviour called a “short squeeze”. This is caused when the people on Wall Street “short sell” a stock, (selling a stock that they don’t own) betting that it will go down in price. The problem is when the stocks go up, they have to “buy out” those stocks to close out their “position”. Hedge funds are forced to purchase the shares to make up for their losses in a process called “covering”. By buying it in a group, amateur investors have taken these “short-sellers” off guard, causing them to scramble to buy limited shares. This resulted in the shift cost of stock from US$4 to US$350.
READ MORE: Here’s your complete guide to investing for beginners—from how to start to trends to look out for in the “New Normal”

Photo: NY Times
In case you didn’t know, GameStop is a gaming retailer specialising in video games and consoles. They also stock laptops, monitors, collectables and drones. However, like most brick and mortar stores, they have seen a drop in traffic due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The company’s price started to shift when small investors bought up cheap stock using the trading app Robinhood and other similar services, “seizing on what they saw as an ideal buying opportunity,” The Guardian reports. GameStop isn’t the only ailing retailer to see a surge in stock prices. Small investors have also gone after Blackberry, Nokia as well as Bed Bath and Beyond.
How does this affect Malaysia?

Photo: The Star
The Edge Markets reports that heavily “shorted companies” have become big targets after GameStop increased its stock upwards of 400 per cent in the New York Stock Exchange this week. Coincidentally (or not), shares of glove makers in Malaysia received a boost too. According to The Straits Times, Top Glove Corp’s shares increased by 15 per cent whereas their rival, Hartalega Holdings Bhd had a surge by 10 per cent. What happened with Gamestop could soon happen locally as well. Members of the subreddit community (dubbed the bursabets) aim to replicate it on Bursa Malaysia, stating that “trading in the local glove sector has been manipulated by large institutions, which have undervalued the stocks for their own profit”, as The Star reports. For context: Trading for Top Glove was at RM6.21 a share on Wednesday, a rise by 13 per cent since the start of 2021.
Here’s what the internet had to say:

: But what about the billionaires??? They’re losing money!lmao capitalism works both ways #gamestonk pic.twitter.com/6LzAkkhzYz
— ChromaGlitch (@ChromaGlitch) January 28, 2021

Long live the power of memes. #gamestonk pic.twitter.com/3SOei792vy
— Parv Dave (@defib_pakda_de) January 28, 2021

It’s been a wild ride!#gamestonk #Cannabis pic.twitter.com/zOumSKiprs
— Living Green Tiltwheezy (@ReviewsChronic) January 28, 2021

After watching the r/WSB and other Reddit investors trade $GME, $AMC etc. this meme sums things up really well.#gamestonk #fintwit pic.twitter.com/8SbcsXQCSJ
— Vishwanath Seshagiri (@__vishwanath__) January 28, 2021

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As can be expected, outrage from Wall Street giants soon followed after the “market manipulation”. Trading platforms like Robinhood and Interactive Brokers were temporarily curbed from buying shares in GameStop and other similar companies.

This is unacceptable.We now need to know more about @RobinhoodApp’s decision to block retail investors from purchasing stock while hedge funds are freely able to trade the stock as they see fit.As a member of the Financial Services Cmte, I’d support a hearing if necessary. https://t.co/4Qyrolgzyt
— Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@AOC) January 28, 2021

So what are the suggestions moving forward? Invest for the long run. “While speculative trading is fun when it’s profitable, it is dangerous—closer to gambling than to serious investing,” remarks the New York Times. As much as major hedge funds deserve a bit of a wake-up call once in a while, this stock market behaviour will not do much for the average person. That being said, if this story has told us anything, it is never to underestimate the underdog.
For more on finance, click HERE.

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Fashion
Raya 2023: 6 Homegrown accessory brands to shop from this Eid
Raya ready

07.04.2023
By Benedict Unang

Featured images courtesy of Bonia

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

As we count down the days to be reunited with loved ones for the holidays, make the best of this wonderful opportunity to refresh your Raya wardrobe with stylish handbags that match your festive ‘fits, and comfy shoes that make visiting multiple open houses a breeze. If you’re unsure where to start, we’re here to help! From Nelissa Hilman’s dreamlike heels to Bonia’s nostalgic range, here are six capsule collections by local designers to browse through this season.

Nelissa Hilman

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No stranger to the local fashion scene, Nelissa Hilman returns with a collection that elegantly speaks of comfort. For those looking for minimalism with a touch of that ‘wow’ factor, a pair of stiletto pumps with a gem-embellished strap is the perfect pick as it gives you height and sparkle whenever you slip into them. Alternatively, the minimalist Aura ankle-strap heel sandals and the Rosie embellished square-toe wedges with twin straps can be your cosy companions for the house visits you will make throughout the month.
Shop the collection here.

Bonia

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Just in time for Raya, Bonia teams up with Malaysian actress Amelia Henderson on a curated collection titled ‘B-Rasa Sayang,’ which is inspired by the joy found in retro nostalgia. Bold colours such as royal blue and burnt orange can be seen across the collection, reflected in the chic sling bag and lightweight shoulder bag made of crocodile leather. In addition, its silver sandals and the stylishly durable trainers will be sure to turn heads during Raya.
Shop the collection here.

Kulet

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Kulet, a champion of comfort and timeless designs, outdoes itself this year with a sophisticated collection in a monochromatic palette that’d do well beyond the Raya season. There are seven unique designs offered, with key pieces including heeled sandals made of synthetic leather and flat sandals with an asymmetric strap. Unlike restrictive shoes, its open-toed designes allow your feet to breathe and make it easier for you to walk around comfortably.
Shop the collection here.

Nazifi Nasri

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Nazifi Nasri, a homegrown brand specialising in leather goods, launched its coveted Mini Oked bag in a slew of colours this year, which drove its fans into a frenzy even before its official release. This stunner is made of animal-free leather and can be worn in two ways: as a handbag or as a cross-body with an adjustable strap. In addition, you can pair your bag with the brand’s sandals, specifically the Kyril and Juna, which provide both comfort and style.
Shop the collection here.

Machino

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Machino introduces the ‘Si Gadis: Blooming at Raya’ collection, which interprets the unique personalities of four sisters into a range of comfy shoes. Not to be missed are the Darling Dahlia Heels, ideal for those who favour earthy tones, and the six-petal flower of Lovely Lily Sandals, which sport half-inch heels to bring comfort to its wearer. If you can’t get enough of fancy footwear, the Kind Kemboja heels and the Romantic Ros Heels are just what you need to spice up your shoe collection.
Shop the collection here.

Sometime by Asian Designers

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This Eid, Sometime by Asian Designers presents a limited-edition collection of handbags, with the Hala Crossbody as its star. This statement piece draws inspiration from the shape of the moon and is made to be used daily thanks to its ample storage space. It also comes in four various colours for added choice, and you can make it uniquely yours by having your name engraved on the attached gold hardware.
Shop the collection here.

For more fashion reads, click here.

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Food + Drink
5 Exceptional places to go for afternoon tea in KL right now

11.05.2019
By Ronn Tan

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1. Afternoon Tea with Tiffany at Four Seasons Hotel Kuala Lumpur

From now until 16 June 2019, indulge in an afternoon of visual glamour and exquisite flavours at The Lounge in Four Seasons Hotel Kuala Lumpur. Tiffany & Co. has collaborated with the hotel to craft a fabulous dining experience that combines both culinary prowess and whimsical glamour. The legendary Tiffany Blue is reflected in this elegant tea set to highlight the brand’s legacy of top-notch sophistication and remarkable standards of craftmanship. Formulated by Executive Chef Junious Dickerson, expect the menu to pay homage to tea traditions that are beloved all over the world. Don’t miss out on the oppurtunity to revel in gorgeous desserts such as Royal Spice Cake, Blueberry Mascarpone Créme, as well as the New York Rueben with Peppered Pastrami. This is bound to be a perfect and iconic experience. After all—it’s the Tiffany way.
Highlights: The Warm Scones with Devonshire Clotted Créme, Strawberry Jam, and Lescure Butter, Chocolate Praline with Mandarin Orange Gel, and Foie Gras Mousse in Bouche with Blue Pea Flower Jewels are must-tries.

Price: RM158 nett per person
Availability: 15 April – 16 June 2019
Contact: 03 2382 8650

2. Summer Afternoon Tea at Banyan Tree Kuala Lumpur

Get elevated this summer and reach for the top. Altitude at Banyan Tree Kuala Lumpur has a sizzling afternoon tea menu to complement the warmer days of the year. As soon as you step foot onto the site, you’ll be teleported away from the hustle and bustle of the city. With the peace and serenity you will be getting, munch on local and Western dishes without a care in the world. It’s going to be a flavourful adventure! Be prepared to feast on Char Siew Chicken Crisp, Garden Herb Tuile, Vanilla Mosseux, Mixed Fruit Tart, and, of course, classic scones.
Highlights: The Lobster Grissini and Balsamic Strawberry Macaron are major winners.

Price: RM98 nett per person
Availability: 1 April 2019 onwards
Contact: [email protected] | 03 2113 1823

3. Golden Afternoon Tea at Mandarin Oriental Kuala Lumpur

Head to Lounge in the Park to taste Chef Anthony Hoyle’s latest afternoon tea set at Mandarin Oriental Kuala Lumpur. Aptly named Golden Afternoon Tea, the colour gold is reflected energetically through the food. You will get pastries—think coconut and pineapple macaron, and mango jelly swiss roll—finger sandwiches such as smoked salmon with créme roll, and even better, a free flow of hot beverages, too.
Highlights: The ivory chocolate swan, blue swimmer crab meat and saffron salad canape, and pumpkin moutabel on charcoal brioche are intensely delicious. Just heavenly.

Price: RM148 per person, RM198 per person with a glass of champagne
Availability: 1 April – 30 June 2019
Contact: [email protected] | 03 2380 8888

4. Secret Garden Afternoon Tea at InterContinental Kuala Lumpur

Prepare for trouble and make it double. For an experience that’s unique and interesting, look to OneSixFive Lounge at InterContinental as they have curated an exceptional afternoon menu consisting of two afternoon tea sets to choose from—traditional or Asian. Both afternoon tea sets come with a selection of freshly-baked raisins, citrus fig, and plain scone. What sets the traditional and Asian apart, however, is just exquisite.
For the traditional afternoon tea set, expect to feel like European royalty as you feast on treats served in a white jewellery box. As you open the drawers one by one, get ready to be surprised by mouth-watering and aesthetically-pleasing treats, ranging from Pistachio Apricot Dome to Duck Foie Gras with Berry Jelly to Crab Mille-Feuille with Melon and Micro Greens.
As for the Asian afternoon tea set, 1920’s Shanghai becomes the backdrop of your experience. Among the treats—beautifully presented in a traditional bird cage—are Snow Crab Pie-Tee with Salmon Caviar, and Chocolate Tea Pot with Chrysanthemum Tea Cream and Mango Compote. The temptation is real!
Highlights: The Taro Swan with Roasted Duck Truffle Filling and Japanese Omochi stand out with their distinctive flavours, but in all fairness, every single treat is amazing.

Price:
Traditional Afternoon Tea Set: RM148
Asian Afternoon Tea Set: RM178
Additional RM85 for a glass of champagne or RM33 for signature mocktail
Availability: 1 April 2019 onwards
Contact: [email protected] | 03 2782 6168

5. Italian Afternoon Tea at The Westin Kuala Lumpur

Prego carries so many different meanings in Italian. In the context of The Westin’s Prego, you are welcome. Round up family and friends as you experience afternoon tea the way the Italians do. The menu is curated by Marco De Cecco, the new Italian Chef. If you have never been to Italy—or if you are in love with Call Me By Your Name—this is fantastico oppurtunity to step into an Italian setting with treats from Northern and Southern Italy. You like it salty—this is for you. You like it sweet—this is for you, too. It’s bound to be festività (feast day) as you revel in treats such as Italian Calzone, Rosemary Foccacia Sandwich, Crostata di frutta, and Traditional Italian Tiramisù. Choose your favourite tea to go with the indulgent treats. Can you envision the scrumptioness already? Deliziosa!
Highlights: Do not skip on the Crostoli dusted with cinnamon sugar; Panettone Sponge; and Sicilian Cannoli with Stuffed Ricotta.

Price: RM98 nett for two
Availability: 4 March 2019 onwards
Contact: 03 2731 8333

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Style
Fashion buzz: Dior opens a pop-up store in Pavilion KL, Phoebe Philo’s speculated return to fashion, and more

25.02.2020
By Stephanie Boey

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While we wait for Dior’s new store in Pavilion KL…

Dior has opened its first Malaysian pop-up store! The pop-up arrives in conjunction with the Dior Spring/Summer 2020 collection. Take a gander at the garden-themed collection, located at the Couture Wing, Level 3 of Pavilion KL. Also available in store, the latest Dior Lady D-Lite. Exclusively available in all of Asia, you will be able to customise your own Lady D-Lite at the store. Pop by the pop-up store until 5 April!
Phoebe Philo’s speculated return to fashion

phoebe-philo
Could it really be? Word on the street is: Possibly. Previously the creative director at Celine whose name has become synonymous with minimalist chic dressing, the designer herself has been keeping mum on the subject. But according to this WWD report, the designer is “planning a new collection and has been interviewing designers”. Sources say it may also have an “eco slant”. We’ll be on the lookout—watch this space.
Giorgio Armani voices his frustration with the fashion industry

At his recent Emporio Armani Autumn/Winter 2020 show, Giorgio Armani had very strong opinions about the current state of the industry. Addressing a group of journalists backstage for a briefing on the collection he said, “I am tired of hearing about trends. They are nothing. I want to improve the woman who lives now. There’s all this musing about the past as a trend, but I don’t agree with it at all”.
He continued, “So please stop writing about trends. Write about what [Alessandro] Michele did at Gucci, what Miuccia Prada did at Prada and what I am doing, but let’s not play this game. You should get to the bottom of it, what is the thinking behind what we do. Stop being dominated by raving about the Nineties [as an example]. I am at a moment when I can say what I think”.
However, his following narrative sparked online controversy:
“There is so much talk about women being raped, but women today are regularly ‘raped’ by designers,” said Armani. “I am thinking of certain ads where women are shown in a provocative way, half naked, and many women feel pressured into looking like that. That for me is rape. It’s unbefitting. Look around, they think that by wearing black leggings and a bomber they become modern. Excuse my outburst and the strong words, but I felt like I had to say this,” he concluded.
WWD’s Luisa Zargani reports that “the use of a strong verb in Italian that translates into “rape” caused some critics to accuse him of diminishing sexual violence against women”. Hmmm…thoughts?
Juergen Teller shoots Off-White’s eyewear and handbag campaign for Spring/Summer 2020
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Shot in the Complesso Monumentale Donnaregina museum in the historic center of Naples, Juergen Teller intertwines classical art, history and 21st century fashion for Off-White’s latest campaign. Italian model Mariacarla Boscono wears the latest womenswear collection such as the Meteor sunglasses and bags which we’ve already spotted on the street style scene for its unusual hole cut-outs.
Fendi’s new Pico Baguette is now available in stores{insert gallery tpl=”slide-freesize.tpl” id=”[Стандартная] Fendi Pico Baguette” rid=”7922″ order=”a_tstamp”}
First seen at Fendi‘s Spring/Summer 2020 show, the Pico is the latest addition to the iconic Baguette family. Whether you fancy fringe or plain, micro beads or larger; all of the Fendi Pico Baguettes come with a long metal chain so it can be worn either as a crossbody, a neck pouch or a wristlet. Measuring at just 4cm x 4cm, they’re the perfect size for your Airpods, sanity, patience, etc.
Eight new shapes are added to the Guirlande de Cartier line
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Modelled after Cartier‘s lusciously red jewellery box, the Guirlande de Cartier bag channels the spirit of the Maison and bears eight sides for a unique octagonal shape. For 2020, the line has added eight (pretty sure this number was intentional) more silhouettes. Miniature novelties such as a card holder, mini wallet and eight-sided pouch, all in the same rich hue of Cartier’s signature red.

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Jewellery
24 Minutes with the founders of Zcova, an online diamond jeweller in Malaysia

16.04.2020
By Joan Kong

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Traditionally, buying an engagement ring has always been an in-store and in-person experience, but with the industry evolving and the shift in consumer behaviour, more retailers have been appearing online, with Zcova being one of them. The Malaysian online jeweller has been shaking up the industry ever since its establishment five years ago, and the co-founders of the brand—brothers Low Ziwei and Low Ziyin—pride themselves on being able to offer dual-certified diamonds at a near-wholesale price to their customers.
While we all know diamonds and the 4Cs, there’s definitely more to them than meets the eye. We sat down with Ziyin and Ziwei who both gave us more insight into their brand, and diamonds as a whole:

How did the brand start?
Ziwei: Ziyin was working in Lebanon as a gemologist, appraiser, and jewellery designer, but due to its close proximity to Syria, my parents were concerned with his safety, which is why I thought of starting a business together. At that time, I proposed to my then-girlfriend not too long ago, and I remember asking him how much the diamond (that I bought from a renowned brand) cost in the real market. I was very surprised with his answer—I easily paid 50 to 60 per cent more.
He then told me about this online diamond jeweller in the U.S. called Blue Nile that offers high-quality diamonds at a very competitive price point, and their revenue a year? 600 to 700 million USD, which really intrigued me. With the aim to educate our local consumers about diamonds and buying them online, that’s how Zcova started.

Low Ziwei and Low Ziyin, co-founders of ZCova
Where do you source your diamonds from?
Ziwei: All our diamonds come from India, Hong Kong, or Israel. Around 90 per cent of the diamonds in this world come from India, as it’s the biggest diamond manufacturer in the world. But if you talk about commercial mines, it’s in Russia and Canada. Africa has the purest mines, but they only mine big and rare diamonds.

Walk us through the process of purchasing a diamond ring from Zcova.
Ziwei: First, set a price range you’re comfortable with. Then, see what kind of diamond shape you’re looking for, be it a round or a fancy shape. From there, know your priority—whether it’s the size or the quality of the diamond. By quality, we mean colour and clarity. We’ll select a diamond for you based on your budget and your priority, and once you’re satisfied with it we’ll move on to the ring design. You have the option to choose it from our existing catalogue or to customise it, which we’ll then provide you with a 3D-printed ring. If you’re happy with it, we’ll start production.

Tell us more about the new Lumos by Zcova collection.
Ziwei: The Lumos by Zcova collection is all GemEx-certified diamonds. GemEx is one of the two companies in the world that has the technology to certify or measure how shiny a diamond is, and we’re the only brand in Malaysia and Singapore to hold the license. So you no longer need to guess how shiny your diamond is—it’s not a perceived assessment, it’s guaranteed.
Ziyin: If it doesn’t measure very high in brilliance, GemEx won’t release the certificate, so it’s a form of money-back guarantee for customers.

Any plans on venturing into gemstones?
Ziyin: We actually have a lot of sources for gemstones, but we only offer them to customers who request them. When it comes to the big three—emerald, ruby, and sapphire—they all come with certificates from three different laboratories. If it’s worth certifying, it’ll probably cost around six figures, which is the kind we usually source. Customers don’t understand that gemstones from different regions have different pricing and colour. For instance, ruby—the most sought-after is the Burmese Ruby which is bright red, whereas if you go for African Mozambique Ruby, the red is slightly darker, almost maroon-like. Sri Lankan Ruby is light. It’s very hard for us to sell online because there are a lot of variations, and we cannot guarantee a customer’s specific request.
What’s the most complex design you’ve ever done?
Ziyin: Our collection for Khoon Hooi, for sure. It’s very, very complicated. We don’t have a 3D printer at that time, so everything was done by hand, from the carving to the intricate designs. The chrysanthemum and peony pieces were the most difficult to make—they took me a couple of months just to make sure they come out nicely.

What’s your biggest achievement so far?
Ziwei: The fact that we’re able to educate the community to understand that buying diamonds online is normal. When we first started out, even our parents said selling a RM20-30k item online won’t work—everyone was sceptical. Three years ago we had to convince customers to buy diamonds from us, but now, people come to find us, and it’s mainly through word of mouth.

What’s next for the brand?
Ziwei: We’re planning on expanding our presence in Southeast Asia—mainly in the Philippines, Indonesia, and Thailand.

The burning questions about buying diamonds online:
Is it safe to buy diamonds online?
Ziwei: Buying diamonds online is actually the safest thing to do. Our supplier is one of the top 10 biggest diamond suppliers in the world, and they supply some of the most renowned jewellery brands. The stones you see on our website are the supplier’s inventory.

How would I know if it’s a good diamond if I only look at it online?
Ziyin: Then the question comes—will you be able to tell the difference if you see it in person? Online actually gives you a better look as we have a 360-degree view of a diamond and it’s 10 times magnified, which means you can see any imperfections clearer. GIA gemologists and many retailers, including us, buy diamonds online, and looking at the actual diamond isn’t the best way to determine the quality.
How will I know if the diamond I got is really the one I purchased?
Ziwei: All GIA diamonds have a number encrypted into the girdle of the diamond. It’s as thin as a strand of human hair, and when you purchase it from us we’ll send you a video of this encryption.

Can I see the process?
Ziwei: We’re the only company that does a three-point check. After confirming your purchase with us, you’ll be able to see when the diamond arrives in our store, when the diamond goes into production, and when is the diamond delivered to you.

Are you relying on shipping services for such an expensive product?
Ziwei: All of our products are insured, from the day you buy them until they reach you. For local purchases, it’s insured by Liberty Insurance. International-wise, we use Malca-Amit—they specialise in delivering high-value items, from transporting 10 metric ton gold bars from Singapore to Hong Kong to handling deliveries from all over the world for a Christie’s Auction in London.

Tips on buying an engagement ring:
What are some of the things a guy should take note of when it comes to buying an engagement ring?
Ziwei: When it comes to buying engagement rings, it’s a very vulnerable moment for the guys—they often have no idea what they’re buying and it’s the best time for a salesperson to upsell them.
The most important thing is to know and stick to his budget—you can always adjust the 4Cs to match that. Secondly, the carat size, and then the cut. Often times we meet customers who look for colour and clarity first—a higher-end clarity equals a very brilliant diamond. But they don’t know that the gem needs light to shine, which is where the cut comes in. Without a nice cut, even the best colour grade might look dull and dark. And to be honest, do girls really care about colour and clarity? The first thing they usually ask is how big the stone is and its shape.
Ziyin: We always remind them that the engagement is only a small part of your worries. The main focus is the wedding.

Colour vs. clarity. Which is more important?
Ziyin: Colour. Clarity is the least important. Clarity is the impurities of the diamond—what you see on screen is 10 to 20 times magnified, but when you look at it with your naked eyes, you won’t be able to see it. Colour-wise, you’ll still be able to see any yellow tint. The best way to look at it is from the bottom of the diamond where it has the least facet.

How do I get my girlfriend’s accurate ring size without her knowing?
Ziyin: If she wears jewellery then that’s best—just send it to us and we’ll measure it for you. If she doesn’t have any, we always ask them to tell us how tall she is. We can estimate the ring sizes by height, and that’s always fairly accurate.

Diamonds are forever, but are they worth the investment?
Ziwei: Yes. Diamond is a very good investment asset because it will retain its value and not fluctuate too much. Unlike gold, which depends on the economy, diamonds’ price has always been very stable. But of course, it depends on your purchase price. If you buy it at a near-market price, it takes you lesser time to recoup.

Thoughts on lab-grown diamonds?
Ziyin: Ah, the great debate (laughs). To us, diamonds are a type of natural resource found on the land, which is owned by the country. The big question is: Would you want to enrich a private company or a country by helping to grow their GDP? So it depends on how you want to see it. Aside from that, to produce one lab-grown diamond, the energy used can mine three diamonds.

For more info or to see their inventory of diamonds, check out Zcova via their website, Facebook and Instagram.

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Motoring
6 Reasons why the new Lexus RX is the SUV of our dreams

21.10.2019
By Gwen Ong

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It’s been said that you can tell a lot about a person based on his or her vehicle of choice. A convertible is usually favoured by a risk-taker, a sedan equals a practical person who likes reliability while a pick-up truck gets the adventurer going to where the adrenaline is. What about someone who likes an SUV? We’re going to take a guess that you’re a city slicker who prioritise comfort, safety and luxury. And that is what you can find in the latest Lexus RX 300 series. The fourth generation model is not only handsome, it’s also upgraded with dynamic designs, safety technology, driving performance and advanced engineering. Available in the Premium, Luxury and F Sport variants, the new RX 300 series is made to suit different preferences, especially if you like:
Elegance and sophistication
Good looks are a prerequisite for SUV drivers. Lexus RX 300’s powerful and elegant appearance is made even bolder in the fourth reiteration with a sophisticated facelift on both the front and rear. For the Premium and Luxury variants, the signature spindle grille gets refreshed with an elaborate L-shaped block mesh design while in the F Sport variant, you’ll see a vertical criss-cross mesh theme. The newly sculpted front also takes on a sharper look with slimmer LED projector, and combined with the LED Day Running Lights, the future is now even brighter. At the back, the rear tail lamps bear Lexus’ signature L-shaped motif and sequential turn signals. You can’t miss this good looker on the road.

Lexus RX reviw specs price Malaysia
Space control
The ultimate driving experience encompasses many things and one of it is the feeling you get inside the vehicle. Hence, the Lexus’ hospitality of ‘omotenashi’ pays close attention to details. In the Premium and Luxury line, a 3-spoke steering wheel with leather and wood trim gives off a plush sensation. And at the tip of your hands are the switches to easily operate the safety systems, hands-free telephone services, audio system, cruise control, voice recognition and Multi-Information Display. For the F Sport, perforated leather covers the steering wheel to give you a more comfortable grip—it’s also marked with the F badge at the bottom. You too could access the safety, audio and information systems via a number of switches on the left and right spokes of the steering wheel.
Comforting journey
No matter if you choose the Ocher, Black or Noble Brown with Shimamoku Wood Trim for the interior theme of the RX 300 Premium or Luxury, you’ll appreciate the luxurious semi-aniline leather upholstery. Inside the F Sport, the option is between Flare Red or Black with Aluminium Trim, and seats that are covered with F Sport leather. In addition, you can personalise the seating position for maximum comfort—the F Sport is fitted with eight-way powered front seats while the other two variants come with 10-way adjustable seats. The rear seats can be easily reclined and are power-folding as well. If needed, you can push a button at the side of the cargo space to fold down the backrests and stow up to four suitcases or longer items in the deck. Great for road tripping and shopping adventures. What’s more, both the Luxury and F Sport variants have Power Back Door with Kick-Open function, which means you can just place a foot under the rear bumper for a sensor to unlock and raise the door open when your hands are full.

Connection on the go
As much as you like being on the road, every driver can use a little help along the way. The RX 300 Luxury and F Sport now carry a larger 12.3-inch touch-display screen fitted with a route navigation system while the base Premium variant has an 8-inch touchscreen. With the Remote Touch Interface and Remote Touchpad Controller, you can easily touch, drag, scroll and pinch to zoom the buttons on screen and utilise the highlighted features for your driving ease.
All three models are equipped with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, hence you can stay connected on the road easily. On the former, you can command for driving directions, phone calls and messaging via Siri when your iPhone is connected. The latter allows you to seamlessly access and use your phone on the touchscreen display. Don’t fret, wireless Qi charging is also available on the Luxury and F Sport variants if your device runs out of juice. There’s also a number of charging ports located around the cabin of the RX 300 series.

Lexus RX 2019 safety features systems
Powerful efficiency
Nothing makes the driving experience more enjoyable than the stellar performance of a vehicle. In the RX 300 series, all variants are powered by a 2-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine, which produces 235 hp between 4,800 and 5,600 rpm, and 350 Nm of torque from 1,650 to 4,000 rpm. The engine also features ESTEC (Economy with Superior Thermal Efficient Combustion) technology paired with D-4ST (Direct injection 4-stroke petrol engine Superior version with Turbo) to enhance combustion efficiency and better fuel economy. Thus, you can enjoy a dynamic driving experience each time you get behind the wheel.
Safe and sound experience
All SUV drivers can agree that being positioned a little higher up while on the road is an added advantage. But one can never be too careful while driving, which is why the Lexus Safety System + is a nifty companion to have around. All variants get a suite of four advanced safety systems—Pre-Collision System (PCS) to monitor the driving conditions ahead via sensors; Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC) with ‘Stop and Go’ function to adjust the vehicle’s set speed as necessary; Lane Tracing Assist (LTA) to keep the vehicle within its route; and the new Adaptive Highbeam System (AHS) with BladeScan to improve illumination for safer night driving. BladeScan works by controlling a rotating mirror (200 rotations per second) and switching LEDs on and off selectively to only focus on road hazards without blinding oncoming drivers.
Another safety element is the 360-degree Panoramic View Monitor in the RX 300 Luxury and F Sport that not only gives you a bird’s eye view of the vehicle but also a see-through view during parking or reversing. It assist drivers by letting you check the surrounding of the SUV for any potential risks as if you’re looking through an “invisible” vehicle. This complements other safety features such as the Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Cross Traffic Alert, LED Cornering Lamps and Sonar-based front and back sensors for parking.

Lexus RX 2019 colours exterior interior
The Lexus RX comes in a range of exterior finishes—Sonic Titanium, Red Mica Crystal Shine, Graphite Black Glass Flake and Deep Blue Mica. The Premium and Luxury variants have the option of Sonic Quartz, Amber Crystal Shine and two new colours, Terrane Khaki Mica Metallic and Ice Ecru Mica Metallic. The F Sport exclusive includes White Nova Glass Flake and Heat Blue Contrast Layering.
The Lexus RX 300 Premium is priced at RM399,888, the Lexus RX 300 Luxury at RM424,888 while the Lexus RX 300 F Sport is priced at RM439,888. For more information, visit Lexus.

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Watches
Film director Sofia Coppola is now a “friend” of Cartier
A worthy partnership

09.03.2016
By Wei Yeen Loh

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The Cartier Privé collection is about history and modernity

News just broke that award-winning director, producer and screenwriter Sofia Coppola has just take on a new position as “friend” of renowned Maison, Cartier. The talented filmmaker shares the distinctive vision and style similar to the house’s vision and aesthetic.

“I have always loved Cartier, it represents the height of beauty, heritage, craftsmanship and history,” says Coppola. “Cartier does not overdo anything…and a great Cartier piece has its own story. There’s something very sexy about the flash of the watch against the skin.”

Intrigued by the romance and glamour of Cartier’s history during the 1940s and 1970s, Coppola favours the Clé de Cartier watch for its sensuality alongside a list of other treasures including her wedding ring, a mini tank watch, bracelets such as the Menotte, the Nouvelle Vague, the Trinity and Love as well as a panther ring gifted by her husband.

“Cartier is versatile,” she says. “They have everyday pieces and then they have beautiful creations for the evening.” And we couldn’t agree more to that, especially when the filmmaker herself is the epitome of effortless chic even when she sports a T-shirt and a pair of jeans.

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Collections
LFW SS19 day 1: J.W. Anderson, Mary Katrantzou and Julien Macdonald

16.09.2018
By Joan Kong

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Haute Couture Week AW23: The best moments from Valentino, Balenciaga and more

J.W. Anderson
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Who: Although he presented a co-ed show last season, designer Jonathan Anderson decided to take a break this round, and he’ll be showing his Spring 2019 collection with an artist collaboration during the men’s schedule later this year.
Where: As the creative director of Loewe, the designer will be jetting off to Paris for his second show of the season (as per usual), which is showing on September 28.
The Low-down: In an interview with WWD, Jonathan Anderson revealed the inspiration behind his eponymous label’s collection this season. “It was this idea of the empowerment of women. How do you empower the look of the wearer? With fluidity and everything moving off the body. It’s this idea that the clothing comes to life by walking in a domestic space—or in the landscape of life. It’s laidback.” A glance at the looks and you’ll notice the array of details incorporated throughout the ensembles. Patchwork, fringes and macramé added a dose of the bohemian vibe, amped up with headscarves in different materials that were his way of “celebrating fashion through texture”. Adorning some of the models’ feet, are his latest collaboration with Converse—the signature Chuck Taylor high-tops now come with chunky creeper soles and blue spoilers.
Buro Loves: The puffy sleeves from the ’80s are back, and it’s a supersized version in the hottest trends of the moment—leopard prints. What’s not to like?

Mary Katrantzou
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Who: For the brand’s 10th anniversary show, renowned Greek composer Vangelis—a close friend of Mary Katrantzou’s—allowed her to use his previously unpublished music as the soundtrack of her show. Aside from that, she also worked with Stephen Jones (for hats), and Jimmy Choo (for shoes) this season.
Where: Showgoers filled the big venue at The Roundhouse for the special celebratory show.
The Low-down: The collection was a melting pot of all her inspiration from the past decade, given a reiteration in the best way possible. At the backstage of her show, she says, “we mapped out our favourite silhouettes and techniques and looked at our most recognizable prints and images. We cross-pollinated them, and mixed them up.” There were leather co-ords in intricate geometric cut-outs, stamp prints in eye-catching cuts, fragile “bubble wrap” dresses complete with a “do not touch” tape, and tiered dress where you can learn a thing or two about the butterfly species. Some of our absolute favourites? An off-shoulder number that’s shaped like a (glamorous) cocoon, and a structured gown with a lampshade silhouette from her early days.
Buro Loves: The puffy sleeves from the ’80s are back, and it’s a supersized version in the hottest print of the moment—leopards. What’s not to like?

Julien Macdonald
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Who: Victoria’ Secret model Izabel Goulart and Winnie Harlow (who’s been making the rounds this fashion week) closed the Julien Macdonald show. Spotted front row, are Nicole Scherzinger and Made in Chelsea star, Millie Mackintosh, to name a few.
Where: Julien Macdonald held his Spring/Summer 2019 show in the St. John’s Church, where models strutted down the halls in sensual looks.
The Low-down: Whether you like it or not, sex sells. The designer took the two words to heart and produced a collection of barely-there ensembles that showed off a woman’s figures in the most (and best) way possible. After all, according to the show notes, “this is Julien Macdonald’s new landscape for the body”. Slinky dresses in same-but-different designs—some with sharp shoulders, some with asymmetrical hemlines, and some with strategically placed cut-outs dominated the collection, coupled with a few flirty frocks for those who prefer a shorter length. Although certain pieces reminded us a little of designs from other fashion houses, all in all, the full collection is exactly what the Julien Macdonald clientele likes. This season’s looks will be another red-carpet favourite, for sure.
Buro Loves:  The pops of solid neon hues were a refreshing break from the metallics.

LFW SS19 day 1 in 10 pictures:
{insert gallery tpl=”slide-freesize.tpl” id=”[Стандартная] LFW SS19 day 1 best moments” rid=”6540″ order=”a_tstamp”}

Get daily updates on London Fashion Week SS19 here.

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Music
Buro 24/7 Malaysia Playlist #37: Lunar love
Midnight romance

08.04.2016
By Su Fen Tan

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All the exciting live concerts in KL to look forward to in 2023

Most visible in the darkest of nights, it has a strangely romantic and poetic quality about it. In this week’s compilation, we put together some stellar lunar tunes for your listening pleasure—starting with a contemporary rendezvous, and ending with an absolute classic:

P.s. – We’ve moved to Spotify, don’t forget to hit follow!
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Culture
Get to know: The women featured in Google’s International Women’s Day Doodle
Minds that helped shape the world

08.03.2017
By Su Fen Tan

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All the exciting live concerts in KL to look forward to in 2023

Happy International Women’s Day 2017! It all started back in 1908, when a group of women gathered in New York City to demand their rights to equality—fair pay, better working conditions, and the right to vote. That inspired and sparked similar events in other worlds, with the first official International Women’s Day rallies being held in Austria, Denmark, Germany and Switzerland in 1911. And today, we get to see the day being observed in many different ways across the globe.

Going to Google’s site this 8 March will bring you to its latest doodle: a slideshow tribute to 13 remarkable women of different professions and pursuits who have helped shape the world in their own ways. While some may be familiar, others might plant a question mark or two in your head.

Here, we’ll take you on a little discovery journey and tell you more about the featured female pioneers:

Ida Wells (1862 – 1931) was an American journalist, suffragist and civil rights activist. She was a voracious read who devoured the works of Shakespeare and Dickens before she turned 20. By 25, she was editor of the Memphis-based Free Speech and Headlight. In Wells world, words reign – powerful and strong enough to fight even the most entrenched segregation and discrimination. She co-founded the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP, and established the Alpha Suffrage Club in Chicago. Fearless and uncompromising, she was a fierce opponent of segregation, and worked tirelessly to fight for full political rights for all American women in her lifetime.

Lotfia El Nadi (1907 – 2002) was Egypt’s first female pilot. In 1932 – over her father’s objections and with her mother’s help – she enrolled in Egypt’s first aviation school. Just a few months later, she got her pilot’s license. She was 26. In 1933, El Nadi became the first Egyptian woman to fly a plane from Cairo to Alexandria. “I learned to fly because I love to be free,” she said. Her yearning for freedom also took the form of working for women’s equality, and she showed that women can do anything – if they only dared to dream.

Frida Kahlo (1907 – 1954) was a Mexican painter and activist. One of the most recognisable figures from the art world, she tells her stories through vivid, vibrant paintings and self-portraits that are both shocking and inviting. At the age of 18, she found herself bedridden and unable to move after a tragic bus crash. To help her pass the time, her mother brought her a portable easel and box of paints – it was then that an artist was born. At the same time, she also became more politically active, and fought for justice for women, Latinos and workers.

Lina Bo Bardi (1914 – 1992) was an Italian-born Brazilian architect. A pioneering modernist architect, she designed many iconic buildings in her time, including the Sáo Paulo Museum of Art – one of her most famous works. Beyond her career as an architect, Bo Bardi was also a publisher, teacher and a political activist in both Italy and Brazil. She noted that “architecture and architectural freedom are above all a social issue that must be seen from inside a political structure, not from outside it.”

Olga Skorokhodova (1911 – 1982) was a Soviet scientist and researcher in the field of deaf and blind communication. She lost her vision and hearing at age five due to meningitis, but went on to change the lives of many. Also a therapist, teacher and writer, she dedicated her life to carefully documenting how the deaf and blind perceive the world around them. Her work became an important basis for further studies and contributed to the development of education for the deaf and blind.

Miriam Makeba (1932 – 2008) was a South African singer and civil rights activist. Despite an early life marred by tragedy and hardship – at just 18 days old, her mother was sent to prison and Makeba went with her – she went on to make a name for herself in the music industry, and used her fame to draw attention to the suffering and oppression of South Africa under apartheid. Upon her passing, Nelson Mandela said: “Her haunting melodies gave voice to the pain of exile and dislocation which she felt for 31 long years, at the same time, her music inspired a powerful sense of hope in all of us.”

Sally Ride (1951 – 2012) was an American astronaut and the first woman in space. In 1977, she was finishing her Ph.D. in physics at Stanford University when she saw an article saying that NASA was looking for astronauts. She jumped at the opportunity, and became one of six women selected as part of the new crop of astronaut candidates. On 18 June 1983, Ride made history as the first American woman in space. Looking at Earth from space, she was moved by the beauty of our planet, realising how important it is for all of us to take care of our fragile home, and became an environmentalist. She also used her high profile to inspire and help kids stay excited about science and technology.

Halet Çambel (1916 – 2014) was a Turkish archaeologist and the first Muslim woman to compete in the Olympics. After earning her doctorate from the University of Istanbul in 1940, Çambel fought tirelessly for the advancement of archaeology, and helped preserve some of Turkey’s most important archaeological sites near the Ceyhan River. She established an outdoor museum at Karatepe, where she went on to break ground on one of Earth’s oldest known civilisations by discovering a Phoenician alphabet tablet that unlocked the code to Hittite hieroglyphics. In addition to that, she was an accomplished fencer who became the first Muslim woman to compete in the Olympics in 1936.

Ada Lovelace (1815 – 1852) was an English Mathematician, writer and the world’s first computer programmer. Lovelace, along with her counterpart Charles Babbage, were pioneers in computing long before the first computer was built. While Babbage drew up designs for the first general-purpose computer, Lovelace anticipated the much more impressive possibilities for the machine. In 1843, Ada published extensive notes on the Analytic Engine which included the first published sequence of operations for a computer, which she would have input to the Analytic Engine using punch cards. It is this program for calculating Bernoulli numbers which leads some to consider Ada Lovelace the world’s first computer programmer, as well as a visionary of the computing age.

Rukmini Devi (1904 – 1986) was an Indian dancer and choreographer credited with reviving Indian classical dance. She popularized the Bharata Natyam – a traditional Indian dance form with roots stretching back over a thousand years – modernising it and infusing it with elements of music, theater and costumes she encountered in her travels. Devi was also an animal rights activist, and served as the first chair of the Animal Welfare Board of India in 1962.

Cecilia Grierson (1859 – 1934) was an Argentine physician, activist, inventor, and reformer. She was also the first woman in Argentina to receive a medical degree, at a time when medical school was off limits to women in the country. As vice president of the International Council of Women, a suffragist organization, she fought tirelessly for social causes like welfare benefits, maternity leave for working women, and the end of the slave trade, to name a few. As a physician, Grierson founded the first nursing school in Argentina and helped to advance studies in gynaecology and kinesiology. She was also the first person to suggest that medical service vehicles should have alarm bells – resulting in what we now know as the ambulance.

Lee Tai-young (1914 – 1998) was a Korean lawyer and activist. Not just any legal counsel, she was Korea’s first female lawyer and judge, and founded the country’s first legal aid centre. By revising national laws, especially those related to families and marriage, Lee helped Korean women improve their circumstances and stand up for their rights. Lee traveled extensively, advocating for human rights and peace worldwide. In the 1970s and 1980s, she received a flurry of awards, including the Asian Peace Prize. She also wrote many books on women’s issues and translated Eleanor Roosevelt’s book On My Own into Korean. In her memoirs, Lee summarised her life’s work as “build[ing] a dam which can produce energy and power to lighten the darkened corners of society and reinvigorate its stalled and rusty engines.”

Suzanne Lenglen (1899 – 1938) was a French tennis champion who popularised the sport. She picked up her first racket in 1910 for health reasons. In less than five years, she became the sport’s youngest champion. She had a staggeringly successful career, and even starred in one of the earliest instructional films. More importantly, she broke down barriers through her passionate play, non-traditional wardrobe, and outspoken stance against the sport’s formalities. She dominated women’s tennis from 1914 until 1926, winning 31 Championship titles along the way. With Lenglen’s influence, tennis gained the attention it deserved, and became a sport not just for some, but for all.

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Beauty
Beauty Advent Calendar: Kérastase Elixir Ultime
An enviable crown

11.12.2015
By Wei Yeen Loh

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RECOMMENDED

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

While we all know how cumbersome it is attempting to tame frizzy flyaways, a quick fix to this problem can be easily found in a luxurious, newly-packaged glass bottle of hair oil. Kérastase Elixir Ultime is your top pick if you are looking for an efficient product to nourish your locks and protect your hair from heat.

The iconic hair oil contains its original ‘dream’ formula, the Oléo-Complexe made from four micronized botanical oils—corn germ, pracaxi, argan and camellia oil. Kérastase Elixir Ultime Original Oil offers 24-hour anti humidity and heat styling protection up to 230°C, so be prepared to wake up with glossy, healthy locks. For hairdye-loving enthusiasts who are seeking treatment for their damaged tresses, Kérastase Elixir Ultime for coloured hair is your go-to. The addition of Imperial tea oil helps with deep repair and protection for your hair.

As the season of giving comes around, Buro 24/7 Malaysia will be giving away one Kérastase Elixir Ultime set to one lucky reader of ours!
All you need to do is enter your email address in the area below, and leave a comment on why you would like to win this set:

Enter details here to join the competition
Email Address
Name
Comment

Giveaway terms and conditions:
– This giveaway ends at 11:59pm, GMT+8, 23 December 2015. The winner(s) will be announced on 24 December 2015.
– The winner(s) of this giveaway will be notified via email.
– All information must be entered to qualify for this giveaway.
– Inability to contact the winner(s) in 3 months of notification will result in disqualification and selection of an alternate winner(s).
– Prizes not claimed within three months of notification email will result in forfeiture.
– This giveaway is only open to residents of Malaysia.
– Buro 24/7 Malaysia will not entertain any complaints on the quality and quantity of the prizes after the prize is in the possession of the winners.
– Buro 24/7 Malaysia shall not be liable for any loss, including but not limited to direct, indirect or consequential loss or damage, personal injury or death which is suffered or sustained (whether or not arising from any person’s negligence) in connection with participation in this competition or accepting or utilising a prize.

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Film, TV + Theatre
‘Mystic Pop-up Bar’: Everything you need to know about Netflix’s upcoming Korean series

19.05.2020
By Buro247

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RECOMMENDED

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

After Crash Landing On You, Itaewon Class, Extracurricular, and The King: Eternal Monarch, there is about to be another Korean drama on Netflix. It does seem as if Korean programmes are enjoying a new wave of interest since Crash Landing On You but passion for these shows never actually went away. It’s just a lot easier for people to access them these days when they are available on streaming platforms such as Netflix.

Photo by Netflix
Here’s one you can look forward to—Mystic Pop-up Bar. Directed by Jeon Chang-geun and written by Ha Yoon-ah, the cast of the healing fantasy series includes Hwang Jung-eum, Yook Sung-jae, Choi Won-young, Lee Jun-hyeok, and Jung Da-eun. This is also BTOB member Yook Sung-jae’s last project before he enlisted for the military.

Mystic Pop-up Bar, distributed by both JTBC and Netflix, is based on Bae Hye-soo’s webtoon Twin Tops Bar. There will be a total of 12 episodes. Fans are excited because this is Hwang Jung-eum’s first drama since 2018’s The Undateables.

Photo by Netflix
According to Netflix, the Korean drama revolves around 500-year-old mysterious pop-up bar owner Wol-ju (played by Hwang Jung-eum) who has to solve problems for 100,000 people in order to avoid hell.

Photo by Netflix
To complete her goal, she teams up with Kang-bae (played by Yook Sung-jae) who has a special power that leads people to share their deepest wounds and worries when they touch him. Together with Gui (played by Choi Won-young), they jump into people’s dreams and attempt to resolve their problems.

Photo by Netflix
Viewers can expect the drama to be funnier than the original webtoon. “The drama is quite different from the original webtoon. There are some differences with the characters. The webtoon focuses on individual customer’s stories a lot, but the drama focuses more on the characters helping the customers”, director Jean Chang-geun said during a press conference for the series. Mystic Pop-up Bar is also said to feature societal issues in a refreshing manner.

Photo by Netflix
Mystic Pop-up Bar is available on Netflix with weekly episodes every Wednesday and Thursday at 10pm. Will you be watching?
For a review on Extracurricular, click here.

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Features
Best of Milan Fashion Week AW16 Street Style Day 6
The A-game

01.03.2016
By Buro247

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RECOMMENDED

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

The final day for MWF AW16 has dawned upon us all and the finely-clad folk of Milan aren’t slowing down with their acute fashion sense. We found an endless stream of personalities and styling ideas just by looking (or stalking) these fashionistas on the streets, from Yoyo Cao’s trendsetting ankle-length suede pants to Anna Fasano’s pocket-ful coat and matching trousers. Here are some of our own personal picks before we welcome Paris Fashion Week with open arms tomorrow:
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Fashion
Look back on Beyoncé’s style hits in honour of her upcoming seventh album, ‘Renaissance Act 1’
Bow down

23.06.2022
By Pravin Nair

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RECOMMENDED

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

All Beyoncé has to do in this world is simply exist. To describe Queen Bey with a single word would do her a major disservice and is almost insulting to one of the most pivotal pop-culture icons of the 21st century. But if we really needed to sum up the legend, we’d use a combination of the words iconic, fabulous, musical genius, and ultimately, fashion diva. That’s because Beyoncé has been serving looks since the start of her career well into today, having set up her own brand Ivy Park along the way and recently cast alongside her husband in Tiffany & Co.’s ‘About Love’ campaign.
Forever changing the ways in which we have consumed music through streaming services, and how we dress by constantly setting trends, the singer will be making a major pop culture shift once more with the highly-anticipated release of her seventh studio album, ‘Renaissance Act 1’ that will be dropping on the 29th of July. So while we scramble about to find disc players for the album when it comes out—Beyoncé is rolling out her album in a very old-school way, through CDs, a box set and an entire promotional campaign—we’re going to be bumping our heads to her latest single ‘Break My Soul’ and go through some of her best casual and date night looks over the last seven years as showcased on her Instagram account.
1. A pink statement

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A post shared by Beyoncé (@beyonce)

Stunning us with this simple, yet impactful look, we see Ms Carter toting a bedazzled pink bag that matches her Versace Medusa Aevitas platform pumps.
Stand as tall and high as Beyoncé does by purchasing the heels here
2. Retro princess

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A post shared by Beyoncé (@beyonce)

Whether it’s for a night out shucking oysters or simply just chilling at home, the musician just loves to dress up. Pictured here, Yoncé is seen in an all-pink bodycon get-up with a Medea bag in hand—similarly blending in with the colours and patterns of her suit.
A bag like the one on Beyoncé’s arm is definitely worth the investment. You can purchase a similar design here
3. Bling, bling, bling

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A post shared by Beyoncé (@beyonce)

A double-breasted jacket that’s black and white goes well with anything that’s shiny. Beyoncé knows how to style herself, and boy does she look amazing in a structured suit-and-skirt combo. Here, she holds the Jimmy Choo Bon Bon bag and stands in the Christian Louboutin high-cut pumps, embellished with crystals that truly make the singer shinier and more star-studded than ever.
Loving her shoes and bag? Shop the sparkly heels here and the beautiful disco ball-esque bag here
4. 2000s fever dream

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Here, we see Bey rocking a tie-dye-style sculpture print dress from Auné. Though no longer available on their site or anywhere else online (we checked… it’s impossible to find it!), Queen Bey is truly channelling her younger self here—a personality trait that she has kept well into her adulthood and motherhood—being fierce, bold, forever young and an icon in fashion.
Shop similar-looking pumps here to stand like a Queen
5. Denim day out

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A post shared by Beyoncé (@beyonce)

Queen Bey teaches us how a denim set and simple colours go a long way when paired together. And what’s a better way to finish off an outfit than with a Chanel Globe Trotter vanity case?
Shop for a Chanel Vanity Case here
6. Yee-haw!

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Just like us, Beyoncé loves a good trend moment! Following the flared jeans obsession that has been trending over the last year, the singer teaches us all (subtly) how to frame her proportions with a high-waisted fit. She pairs her jeans with not just a regular white shirt, but one that has fabulous feather details on the arms. Yoncé looks tall and ready to take on the world. However, any Beyoncé look is never complete unless it has that one statement carry-on—and here, it’s the Judith Leiber Cosmopolitan crystal bag.
We would recommend these pair of jeans that look similar to Queen Bey’s
7. Summer style

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We’ve come to consider that Beyoncé might be a Valentino girlie herself. Here, she’s in a daytime-appropriate white shirt and skirt combo by the label, the very definition of a perfect summer look for days under the sun. Completing her outfit is a structured sling bag with gold hardware.
Shop for a similar Valentino bag here
8. A jumpsuit is forever

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A black jumpsuit is truly a flattering piece of clothing that’s suitable for every woman (and man), and Beyoncé shows us here how to glam it up. Turning it from a mid-looking fit straight into a fabulous one, here’s how you can do it too. See how Beyoncé’s using a belt to effortlessly separate her figure just above her hips? The trick also lies in the belt size too. She takes the outfit up a notch by making sure they match her earrings—in this case, being sparkly and shiny.
You can shop a similar-looking belt as worn by Beyoncé here
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Watches
All the best carats spotted at the Oscars 2019 red carpet

25.02.2019
By Wei Yeen Loh

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The Cartier Privé collection is about history and modernity

You’ve seen the fashion froufrou at the Oscars 2019, along with this season’s most popular celeb-approved hair colour, but there’s always the most glamorous element that can’t be missed out at every A-lister event—we’re talking the best jewellery, of course. No red carpet can serve up a load of ritzy moments quite like the Academy Awards, and 2019’s star-studded bash is no different than the past years’.
In actuality, stars gave us plenty to pore over, from ostentatious, heritage-rich baubles to contemporary pieces that served as a daring fashion statement. Leaning towards the former would be Lady Gaga, who wore the iconic Tiffany Yellow Diamond—the third time that it’s been worn since its creation, a whopping 128.54-carat stunner with matching yellow and white diamond earrings; and Charlize Theron, who decked her neck, wrists, and earlobes with more than 300 carats of diamonds from Bulgari’s Serpenti collection.
Stars who lent an air of simplicity to their otherwise dramatic ensembles include Gemma Chan (in mismatched earrings from Bulgari), Sarah Paulson’s breathtaking choker and earrings from Harry Winston, and Rachel Weisz, who wore brooches from Cartier’s vintage collection as a headpiece. Ahead, all the glitzed out jewellery moments from the Oscars 2019 red carpet:
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Beauty
Beauty Advent Calendar: Burberry Gold Glow Luminising Powder
A smattering of gold

12.12.2015
By Wei Yeen Loh

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

We can’t get enough of gold-detailed goodies this festive season, especially when it’s beautifully packaged and wonderfully scented such as Burberry Gold Glow No. 01 Luminising Powder. If you’re already jumping on the highlighter/strobing bandwagon, be sure to get your hands on this limited edition beauty. Burberry Gold Glow No. 01 Luminising Powder is a radiance-boosting pressed powder that is delicately scented with My Burberry fragrance (a floral mix of bergamot, freesia, and rose) and contains ultra-fine powders with subtle illuminating particles. Fret not if you’re picturing literally gold cheeks after application, as the silky smooth powder texture leaves a light, luminous glow on your skin.

Tip: Use the brush in the compact to highlight your cheekbones, nose, shoulders and décolletage for a natural, radiant glow.

Burberry Gold Glow No. 01 Luminising Powder (RM215) is available online and at all Burberry stores and counters nationwide

Related stories:
Beauty Advent Calendar: Kérastase Elixir UltimeBeauty Advent Calendar: Clarins Limited Edition No. 1 Serums

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