Features
How to run a fashion business, according to young Malaysian designers

01.09.2021
By Kelly Lim

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If you’re looking to get your stiletto-clad foot in the door of fashion, what better way than to glean firsthand knowledge from the current generation of young, emerging designers?
Navigating the current fashion landscape is no easy feat due to the winds of change brought about by technological innovation and the need for sustainability, let alone the impact of the ongoing pandemic. We reached out to three Malaysian designers of different backgrounds and at different stages of their careers to share their journey, insights and realities of working in the industry, and what it takes to run a fashion business in 2021 (and beyond).
Azura Lovisa

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Of Malay, Peranakan Chinese and Swedish heritage, the Umeå-born designer, artist and writer lived in Stockholm and Miami before moving to London to study Womenswear at Central Saint Martins, later gaining industry experience at Balenciaga and Peter Pilotto.
Azura’s London-based eponymous slow fashion label focuses on mindful craftsmanship, using natural, handwoven textiles sourced directly from weavers and initiatives supporting craft centres in Southeast and South Asia to craft a narrative for the contemporary context. Fusing Southeast Asian aesthetic traditions with a Scandinavian design approach, her work explores hybridity and transcultural flows through fashion.
BURO: What sparked your decision to start your own brand and how did it happen?
Azura: “While studying at Central Saint Martins, I experienced a lack of nuanced exposure to cultures and aesthetics outside of the classical European canon that avoided exoticisation and superficiality. I felt an urgent need for richer narratives that attested to the fluidity and depth of aesthetic heritage from other parts of the world, and so in my graduate collection, I explored contemporary Orientalism and postcolonial identity, drawing inspiration from my own family archive of photos and garments from 1950’s-60’s Malaysia on the eve of independence from Britain. I was fascinated by the convergence of traditional Malaysian folk dress with the influence of European tailoring and style, which gave rise to hybrid fashions echoed across other former colonies around the world––surprising and original adaptations and evolutions born out of oppression and resistance.
“After graduating, I felt compelled to create a brand with hybridity at its core, simultaneously the lens and the condition being examined. Starting my own label seemed like the only way I could fully commit to an approach to design which focused on intentionally decentering dominant Western images and ideologies, and instead holding space specifically for the postcolonial and the exciting new forms and possibilities that occur at those junctions and seams of culture. I wanted to explore multicultural heritage as the starting point for a reevaluation of what fashion history and thus fashion futures could be.”
“After graduating, I felt compelled to create a brand with hybridity at its core, simultaneously the lens and the condition being examined.”
“It honestly happened little by little as I had no idea what I was doing and didn’t have much funding at the start, so I did everything on a very small scale and managed to put a small collection out once a year. I didn’t have a breakthrough moment or anything like that. I couldn’t afford PR or production so I was doing everything myself and focusing on trying to build up the brand little by little. Years later, it feels like, although I took my time, I have managed to create a distinct world with a visual language and density that is actually real, no longer just a vision.”

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BURO: Why did you decide to be based in London, and what’s it like working there?
Azura: “I came to London to study at Central Saint Martins. After I graduated, I briefly relocated to New York City and then back to Miami, before realising I wasn’t quite done with London. It is so multicultural and has an energy all its own––a creative force unique to London. I finally felt like I was carving out a space for myself where I could create and exist, which was something that only came with time. It’s hard to explain but after a while, being here made sense. What’s happening in art, design, and music in London is truly special, and working here can be really exciting but by no means easy; the highs are high and the lows are low.”
BURO: How important is an education in fashion for someone looking to get their start in the industry?
Azura: “I went the traditional school route, but I think it depends what part of the industry you’re trying to get into. I have seen many incredible creatives build their careers based on hard work, fresh ideas, and courage. In many ways, perhaps education gets in the way of things; it can make you feel like there’s a way things have to be done, with institutionalised behaviours and structures you are expected to follow, when often it’s those that don’t see these obstacles that rise to the top.
“That said, I think if you want to be a designer, an education in technique and fashion history is very useful. Many people forget that fashion design is a craft, and while it’s easy enough to draw a sketch and hand it off to a seamstress, understanding the construction techniques and attention to detail necessary to materialise ideas makes a deeply felt difference in the final outcome. But a formal education is not accessible to everyone, and in the end, it’s the desire to learn and grow that will open doors, not just which university you got your education.”

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BURO: Your past work experiences include Balenciaga and Peter Pilotto. What’s the most valuable thing that you’ve learned from working for these brands?
Azura: “Those were invaluable experiences for me as they demonstrated two very different design philosophies and ways of structuring and running a brand. They were on opposite sides of the spectrum: Balenciaga is a legendary Parisian design house, while the other is representative of the energy of London’s fashion scene. I think the biggest lesson was that the DNA of a brand must be consistent all the way through, from how the company is structured and what the work culture feels like, to how the brand nurtures close relationships with its clients, down to how ideas are explored and developed and finally communicated. Both Balenciaga and Peter Pilotto felt like themselves in every aspect and were reflected in every detail, and I’ve tried to stay true to that as I build my own brand.”
BURO: What were your biggest challenges starting out?
Azura: “Like most small brands, funding and visibility are probably the biggest challenges. It was several long years of struggling to get press coverage, and that tends to be very discouraging in an industry where being seen makes all the difference. It was often difficult to find the willpower to keep going, but I’m glad I didn’t give up and I’m very fortunate that my family and friends always supported me. I have always stayed true to a very particular vision and brand philosophy that I sometimes feared was alienating potential clients and press. However, the political climate and general awareness about decolonisation and Eurocentricity have shifted a lot in just a few short years, to a point where I now feel that audiences are much more receptive to these conversations I’ve been trying to have through my work.”
BURO: What role do you think social media plays in fashion today?
Azura: “While social media has had a positive impact on fashion in the sense that it has opened up the world, the unfortunate side effect is that fashion has lost some of what made it so interesting and reflective of the complexity of humanity as it has become ever more homogenised. It feels like there are less localised, culturally specific anomalies and subcultures because we see everything, all the time––there isn’t as much shade where unusual, surprising things can grow. I think social media has become too much, and among many other issues, it runs the risk of draining fashion of vitality and meaning.”

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BURO: Are there any parts of the fashion system and industry that you think does not make sense for young designers? Is there anything that you’d like to change?
Azura: “The fashion system as it currently exists is not very sustainable, and it is not reflective of the changing needs and circumstances of young people and the problems we face. The fashion industry at large often looks away from points of tension and denies its own complicity and entangled history with class, race, imperialism, violence, and power. I think younger generations must explore the potentials and problems of fashion as a cultural phenomenon. It’s a system of cultural production and affirmation in a way that reveals the interconnected nature of fashion as a record of humanity, infinitely entangled in intersecting systems including but not limited to imperialism and globalisation, capitalism, the environment, ritual and spirituality, tradition vs. modernity, and the writing of history itself.”
BURO: In your opinion, what are the fundamental values for a brand to have in this day and age?
Azura: “We need to approach sustainability in ways that consider the human and socio-political aspects and approach it from an anti-colonial perspective. If we are going to continue to source materials or labour from abroad, we need to shift towards ways of making that respect the traditions in tune to specific local environments that work from the inside to decrease reliance on foreign imports and toxic systems that deplete resources, throw ecologies into imbalance, and dislocate people from their land. The interconnectivity of communities and culture with the land is an integral part of regenerative and holistic care for the environment and I hope that brands and young designers see the urgency in realising this truth.”
BURO: What advice do you have for someone out there looking to start their own business?
Azura: “Collaborate and build horizontally, not just vertically––worry less about climbing and more about forming bonds with peers; nurture a community that you can rise up together in. You will support each other as you grow. Make sure you know what your message and mission are, and make sure you believe them. Because you will spend a lot of time trying to exist in a world that could easily forget you or not see you at all, and persisting long enough that your brand takes root and grows requires unwavering conviction in your purpose.”
Anisah Farid

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Kedah-born, Brighton-raised Anisah Farid cut her teeth at the London College of Fashion and through multiple work experiences with some of the industry’s greatest including Julien Macdonald, Mary Katrantzou, Richard Quinn and Marc Jacobs. Though returning to Malaysia was not originally part of her plan, the designer made the most of her situation and found a place in the local industry as the Product Lead and Designer behind the ready-to-wear collections of dUCK, the local fashion, beauty and lifestyle brand founded by entrepreneur and influencer Vivy Yusof.
BURO: How did you get to where you are today?
Anisah: “Because I didn’t come from an arts-stream background, I never took anything for granted during my degree in fashion. I really put in the work to make sure that I not only honed my techniques and skills in fashion, but also understood it deep enough so that I can innovate upon it. You can’t break the rules without knowing the rules inside out. These efforts were noticeable in many of my internships and I ended up working on a lot of shows because my skills were dependable. I gave my fullest at every single thing. Even if it’s sewing just a button, I made sure it’s the best damn button I’ve ever sewn! I started there once. Next thing I knew, I was sewing beads on Lizzo’s Met Gala Dress.”
“You can’t break the rules without knowing the rules inside out.”
“Aside from that, I was really good at blocking the negative noise. The journey to where I am today was not at all a harmonious one. Be fearless in the face of rejection. Have a strong ability to overcome self-doubt in an instant to rise up again and fully believe that every failure is part of a bigger picture. I can’t get to C without going through A and B. ‘A’ might look like my tutor saying this is the ugliest thing he’s ever seen and ‘B’ might be someone saying I’ll never make it to New York––true story. I just never gave up and accepted that the more you push your potential, the more difficulties you face.”
BURO: Why did you decide to return to Malaysia to pursue your fashion career?
Anisah: “To be honest, I had other plans but I was forced to let go of my dreams due to Covid-19 (for now, at least, as we never know what the future might bring!). However, even if not for that, I knew I would return to Malaysia at some point because the true purpose of me pursuing fashion was to return and contribute all my knowledge and skills to the people here. Giving back to Malaysia in hopes that the next generation can go even further than I could is actually the thing that gives all of my work meaning. My version of success today is making a difference in other people’s lives.
“To also mention, I am a person who can’t sit still and is quite driven––my body is tuned to the New York clock so I do love a good challenge and would never turn down an opportunity to learn something new. I love making the most of my time, which is even better when it’s something I’m passionate about. If I am set for something bigger, while holding onto sincere intentions in the work I do, I believe it will all fall into place when the time comes.”
BURO: How important is an education in fashion for someone looking to get their start in the industry?
Anisah: “Aside from the excitement, glam, energy and creativity the fashion industry has to offer, it is also an intense, extremely competitive and saturated industry. It can make or break you. I personally believe it’s important to have some sort of education, whether formal or informal (apprenticeship), but how you learn doesn’t really matter. A formal training does, however, put you one foot through the door and open up avenues of opportunity.”

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BURO: Your past work experiences span Marc Jacobs and Richard Quinn to Mary Katrantzou. What’s the most valuable thing that you’ve learned from working for each designer?
Anisah: “What I learnt from Richard Quinn and Mary Katrantzou was to not aim to be so polished and embrace a sense of freedom. They both allowed creative mistakes to happen and celebrated them rather than pushing for perfection. Accept that some of the greatest ideas come at the last minute and trust them. Quinn was the first designer whom I’ve worked with that trusted my creative instinct. On my first day, he noticed that I had good garment construction skills and asked me to do whatever I fancied with pleated fabrics. I draped dresses, pants, tops, and the next thing I knew, it was walking down the runway in front of the Queen of England.”
“…the next thing I knew, it was walking down the runway in front of the Queen of England.”
“Being around Marc Jacobs and his design team; the experience is hard to put to words and I learnt so much! Marc had a specific way of working, he was very visual and we had to make every idea visually available on a board somewhere. He would let an idea roam freely, exploring different possibilities. At the very end, he would then thread all the creative ideas and tie everything together. One thing Marc taught me was to know your history of fashion, subcultures, the evolution of style and iconic fashion influence. It will serve the purpose of either as a form of inspiration or to learn what not to do. This will act as your fashion compass.”
BURO: What role do you think social media plays in fashion today?
Anisah: “In many ways, social media has democratised fashion. We celebrate more people of colour, different shapes and sizes, unique voices and made it more inclusive. Fashion exists for ALL of us to self-express, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. On the business side, social media has given brands an outlet to reach consumers on a much personal level and it has allowed a person to really feel like you are part of a community, which is really important if you’re looking to build a successful brand today.”

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BURO: Are there any parts of the fashion system and industry that you think does not make sense for young designers?
Anisah: “I speak with the intention to build a better industry and learning from my personal experiences. I think the leaders of the field must play an important role to nurture and offer opportunities to leaders of tomorrow: the young designers, journalists, artists, stylists, etc. We need the industry to grow and to do that. We must shift the mindset that it’s not about if we let more designers in, we’re taking a smaller piece of the pie. Rather, it’s about the pie getting even bigger for all of us to be included. I would also wish for the industry to further encourage newcomers and welcome new ways of working to have more collaborations and diverse conversations. I do see this improving over the years, so I’m hoping for a culture shift in the near future.”
BURO: In your opinion, what are the fundamental values for a brand to have in this day and age?
Anisah: “What I currently practise is to always keep close to the brand DNA but leave some room of freedom for you to explore. Make sure you offer a voice that is genuine and consistent, whether it’s something global like saving the environment or something specific like designing clothes that fit every body shape.”
BURO: What advice do you have for someone out there looking to start their own business?
Anisah: “Keep reminding yourself why you are starting. The further you progress, it can be difficult to remember the ‘why’. When you forget that, work becomes less motivating and you can become stagnant in reaching whatever goals you initially had starting out. When describing your work or product to people, try setting up the problem you were trying to solve, and then describe how your design solution solves that problem. The best design work is not only compelling visually and emotionally, but actually solves a business/design objective.
“Lastly, reach out. Get to know people in the industry who are already doing things. Try not to see other people as competition, but rather as a part of a community that we want to grow together. It’s all shine theory. If I shine, you shine and there’s so much room for all of us to grow and succeed at the same time.”
Manisha Rose

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The youngest of the bunch and newest to the scene, Manisha Rose launched her sustainability-focused, unisex brand L/R earlier this year with no formal education nor experience in fashion design. Upon graduating from high school, the model-turned-designer took two years off to intern and model before deciding to venture into creating her own clothing line, bridging consumer transparency with brand ethics to deliver sophisticated staples that will fold seamlessly into “forever wardrobes“.
BURO: What sparked your decision to start your own brand and how did it happen?
Manisha: “Ever since I was little, I always knew what I wanted to do: design and sing, so starting my own brand felt like a no-brainer. In 2018, my best friend at the time and I decided to work on my initial idea of L/R together as a joint venture. After over a year, we both decided it was best for me to take over. From then on, I put all of my hard work and passion into making sure I was able to create a brand that stood for the same values I do. Incorporating sustainability, ethical values, diversity and representation have always been extremely important.”
BURO: What has it been like starting your own business right here in Malaysia?
Manisha: “It’s been inspiring, challenging and exciting all at once. L/R is a brand that stands for love and acceptance, regardless of your background. Before launching, I was slightly wary of how people would react to how open and progressive we are as a brand but I’m happy to say that our values have been appreciated. In terms of business, it’s more competitive now that there are so many up-and-coming brands with competitive selling points. Despite all of this, each brand is unique to its own. As long as you’ve got an amazing vision and find something that sets you apart, I believe it’ll eventually pay off.”

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BURO: In your opinion, how important is an education in fashion for someone looking to get their start in the industry?
Manisha: “I would say it isn’t completely necessary. I started off L/R with no experience as I did not attend college or further my studies. Fashion is based on so much of your own creativity, and in most cases, it doesn’t need to be taught. However, it can get pretty challenging when it comes to building your own brand and learning the business side of things. In this case, education would help but you can also learn so much from interacting with other people who are more educated than you on a certain topic. All in all, education is important but there’s nothing like getting out into the real world if you have the opportunity.”
BURO: What sort of past work experiences have you had in the industry or outside of it? What’s the most valuable thing that you’ve learned from those experiences?
Manisha: “I used to do modelling in the past and I enjoyed that for a while. Apart from that, I did an internship at a local makeup brand as well. Because I already loved fashion, I was very excited to be around it in any shape or form. Modelling taught me so much about the industry, from how photoshoots work to self-confidence. It exposed me to so many different kinds of individuals. The most valuable thing I learned would be how to treat the people you’re working with. Treat those you interact with equally, humbly and kindly. One should almost never expect someone to work for free and always set a comfortable working atmosphere. As a business owner myself, I take these values very seriously and hope to be a brand that people enjoy working with.”
BURO: What were your biggest challenges starting out?
Manisha: “L/R is still very new so we’re still figuring everything out as we go but I would say piecing everything together. So you have your designs—now what? Initially, I didn’t know what I had to do with what I had. Finding out each next step felt like navigating my way through a new place without a map. Unexpected but you read signs along the way, take a few wrong turns and eventually, you get there. It was challenging to find a factory, choose fabrics, and make adjustments all on my own. I had to teach myself to be savvy with a lot of things like drawing, measuring, fitting and calculating. Owning a brand holds a lot of uncertainty, so you have to be ready for almost anything.”
“Owning a brand holds a lot of uncertainty, so you have to be ready for almost anything.”
BURO: What role do you think social media plays in fashion today?
Manisha: “Social media plays such a huge role in influencing trends and fashion consumption. With the rise of TikTok and a heavy emphasis on “aesthetics”, overconsumption is more apparent within younger generations due to the constant changes which impact their styles. This is also good behaviour as sustainable and ethical fashion have been on the rise. Personally, I stopped shopping from most fashion companies due to what I learnt from social media and my own research. Depending on what kind of media you consume, you can either learn to be more mindful or fall victim to marketing that promotes buying trendy pieces that won’t last long.”

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BURO: Are there any parts of the fashion system and industry that you think does not make sense for young designers? Is there anything that you’d like to change?
Manisha: “I feel that it does not make sense for young designers to be overlooked or perceived as untrustworthy. It is important that we celebrate the young generation of new designers by supporting their visions. Making real changes like positive body image, uplifting messaging and incorporating sustainability. The industry has a lot to learn from them. I hope that by shining light on those who stand for the right causes and are making an impact in fashion, it pushes more people to take them seriously.”
BURO: What are the fundamental values for a brand to have in the 21st century?
Manisha: “Definitely authenticity and ethicality. Having a brand that empowers and represents everyone is important as people are growing to embrace their real selves. It is also no longer necessary to be contributing to the production of clothing in sweatshops or unethical conditions. Rather than solely concentrating on profit gains and trends, it is just as, if not more, important that the individuals making our clothes are protected. I also think slow fashion is the way to go. Although it is important to have clothes that are affordable as we all know ethical fashion undeniably costs more, I would like to change consumer habits for those who can afford to spend a little more. Hopefully, more people will see the importance of buying key quality pieces.”

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BURO: What advice do you have for someone out there looking to start their own business?
Manisha: “Have a game plan but trust the process. It’s important that you’re sure about what you want. Start off with a vision board and put in the hard work from there. Do your research, ask like-minded individuals for advice if you’re able to or even attend seminars. It’s important that throughout all of this, you remain accepting of whatever’s to come your way. It’ll be a lot of ups and downs, some things won’t go exactly as planned but trust that it’s all working out in your favour. Remember, change of plans and rejection is just redirection. You’ve got this!”
Read more fashion insiders stories here.

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News
You can now order unique Nespresso drinks at Sofi’s Deli @ Sofitel Kuala Lumpur Damansara

11.03.2019
By Rachel Au

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With the ambiance of a Parisian cafe—that has a generous and much-welcomed amount of natural light—the smell of freshly baked bread and mouthwatering pastries, there has always been a good reason to stop by Sofi’s Deli at the ground floor of Sofitel Kuala Lumpur Damansara. But now, there’s an additional reason if you love a good cup of coffee: Their new collaboration with Nespresso.
Sofi’s Deli now offers an exclusive and unique range of Nespresso-based beverages made with Nespresso Professional capsules. You won’t be able to find it any other cafe. Some of our favourites from this menu include:

nespresso sofis deli sofitel kl
Wheatgrass Coconut Lungo Macchiato
A blend of the Lungo Leggero Nespresso Professional capsule, coconut milk and wheatgrass, sweetened with a tinge of local Gula Melaka. This drink is ideal for a quick burst of energy at any time of the day.
Kaffee Quattro
A sweet chocolatey drink that adds new heights to the Ristretto Nespresso Professional capsule thanks to its milky sweet foam. It is the perfect drink for those with a sweet tooth.
Vanilla Frappe
A smooth, frothy vanilla-flavoured luxury made with the Espresso Origin Brazil Nespresso Professional capsule. This drink is a great alternative to a hot latte on a humid day.

sofis deli sofitel dc mall
All of them would go perfectly well with what Sofi’s Deli has to offer: baguettes, ciabattas, croissants, sandwiches, salads, you name it. The space itself is an inviting one, be it for quick catchups, meetings or brainstorming sessions.
To celebrate this new partnership, Sofi’s Deli is giving those working around Damansara City a treat! From now till 10 April 2019 (7am to 7pm), anyone who purchases a cup of Nespresso coffee will get the second one for free—anyone who can present their employee ID upon purchase.
For more info, contact Sofitel Kuala Lumpur Damansara at 03 2720 6688, or visit the website.

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Food + Drink
7 Best pork-free Chinese restaurants for delivery and takeaway in the Klang Valley

11.01.2021
By Redzhanna Jazmin

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Review: Sky35 KL presents an omakase experience plated on Hermès finery

The Year of the Ox is fast approaching! We do have to wait a month more before we can ring in the (new) New Year, and with that said, this year is also bound to be a little more low-key considering the ongoing pandemic. However, though we can’t exactly dine-in, there are lots of traditional-to-avant-garde menus available for takeout and/or delivery to whet your appetite in the meantime!
Find our picks for the best Chinese takeaways to get you in the celebrating mood ahead!
Yen, W Hotel

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READ: Ronn and Red Reviews: Pork-free dim sum at Wondermama and Yen (featuring Azrel Ismail)
Yen, situated on the 11th floor of the W Hotel Kuala Lumpur, boasts an interior decor that is almost as impeccable as its menu. Renowned for its modern take on the staples of Chinese cuisine, you can be certain that you’ve never tasted anything quite like the food here. From the Sarcodon Asparagus Fungus Prawn Dumplings to the Red Yeast Rice Honey Barbeque Chicken Buns, each edible creation pays its due homage to the heritage of the traditional dish while adding a twist to keep the palette enticed.
Order for takeaway here or call 012-347 9088.
Address: W Hotel KL, 121, Jalan Ampang, Kuala Lumpur, 50450 Kuala Lumpur
Contact: 03-2786 8888
Website | Instagram | Facebook
Chynna, Hilton

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There’s a reason Hilton’s Chynna is a common favourite of many halal Habibis about town. From mouth-watering dim sum staples to scrumptious traditional dishes, you’re in for a treat. Try the Black Pepper Beef for a succulent, flavourful treat or the Hot and Sour Soup for the more adventurous diner. The restaurant also offers many veggie-friendly dishes, making it the perfect choice for diverse parties.
Order for takeout here or call 03-2382 8640.
Address: Hilton Kuala Lumpur, 3, Jalan Stesen Sentral, Level 5,50470 Kuala Lumpur
Contact: 03-2264 2596; [email protected]
Website | Instagram
Yun House, Four Seasons

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If you’re in the mood for a delectable array of Cantonese delights, you are sure to find it at the Four Seasons Kuala Lumpur. Yun House, the lavishly-decorated restaurant basked in natural lighting and kaleidoscopic views of the city centre, is known for its wide curation of exciting dishes. Treat yourself to this wide range of traditional Chinese recipes—you simply can’t miss it!
Order for takeout here or call 03-2382 8640.
Address: Four Seasons Place, 145, Jalan Ampang, Kuala Lumpur, 50450 Kuala Lumpur
Contact: 03-2382 8640
Website | Instagram
Din by Din Tai Fung

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Beauty
Creator crush: Makeup Brutalism’s Gucci Beauty collab is the breath of fresh air we’ve been waiting for

08.12.2020
By Redzhanna Jazmin

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

Plasticine lips, marbled teeth, and slime lashes—these are just some of the things you’d find scrolling through the @makeupbrutalism Instagram. Born from a combination of boredom and a passion for experimenting, the account’s portfolio of looks is an exciting (albeit oft-unsettling) collection of shapes, textures, and concepts.
Eszter Magyar, the mind behind Makeup Brutalism, is subverting all of our expectations of beauty, opting to create looks that have ‘character’ as opposed to ‘perfection’. The ‘makeup activist’ is no stranger to the industry; the artist has been doing makeup for 10 years now, and she has built herself an impressive following in the last two years with her alter ego.

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If you’re wondering what a ‘makeup activist’ is, let Magyar explain: “Makeup is so much more than just simple paint on the skin. It is one of the oldest forms of art, communication, coding/decoding, social pressure, self-expression etc. It has so many layers, my goal is to make people aware of that. We live in the age of tutorials, everybody asking how—never why—and I try to inspire people to question everything before agreeing on anything.
“There are so many stigmas and discomfort around beauty and I believe we can heal that with honesty and creativity. It would be important to ‘normalise normal’ to teach people how to accept themselves, this is what I’m trying to do as a makeup activist, even if it’s not about makeup anymore but human aesthetics.”

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SHOP: Limited Edition Rouge à Lèvres Lunaison glitter in 511 ‘Madge Red’
It comes as no surprise that Gucci Beauty reached out to collaborate. The luxury beauty house is certainly built on inclusivity, curating the brightest and most creative minds in beauty. It’s a match made in heaven: Magyar is one to challenge beauty norms, and Gucci Beauty is one to embrace that.
As for the inspiration behind these looks, the artist draws from one slogan: “it doesn’t have to be perfect, this will make it inimitable.” According to Magyar, the phrase “is a social criticism mixed with the craving of being special at the same time”. Her art is created to stand out without succumbing to her perceived pressure of perfection.

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SHOP: Limited Edition Rouge à Lèvres Lunaison glitter in 302 ‘Agatha Orange’
The resulting looks from the collaboration are stunning, with intricate patterns and sharp lines dominating the collection. For example, the three lip looks from the collaboration were created to look unfinished—Magyar creates by destroying; using different techniques and tools to “turn the looks inside out”.

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Love Alarm Season Two Netflix

Film, TV + Theatre
Love Alarm Season Two Netflix

22.09.2020
By Ronn Tan

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After a really long wait (about a year), fans of the first season of Love Alarm will finally be able to catch the sophomore outing of the hit Korean series. Season One of Love Alarm premiered on 22 August 2019 with eight episodes—centred around an app of the same name that rings when someone you like is within 10 metres of you (the interests have to be mutual).
The main cast of Love Alarm includes Kim So Hyun as Kim Jo Jo, Jung Ga Ram as Lee Hye Yeong, and Song Kang as Hwang Sun Oh. Available on both Netflix and tvN, the Korean romantic comedy was directed by Lee Na Jung (Fight For My Way and Oh My Venus). It was written by both Lee Ah Yeon and Seo Bo Ra; they collaborated on Coffee, Do Me A Favour.
The wait is over with the sequel scheduled to air on 22 August 2020. Love Alarm Two will also consist of eight episodes—with the main trio returning. Also returning are the director and screenwriters from the debut season. Based on a popular webtoon by Chon Kye Young, the second season will continue from Season One’s ultimate cliffhanger. Kim Jo Jo now has two love interests but she has yet decide between Hwang Sun Oh and Lee Hye Yeong. Season Two will probably focus on the love triangle.

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DIY Health Tip: Detox water recipes

Beauty
DIY Health Tip: Detox water recipes
Bedazzle your water

05.10.2015
By Buro247

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Water contains natural healing properties that most of us take for granted and do not consume enough of. Studies have shown that water not only boosts your metabolism but it also strengthens your immune system and flushes out toxins from your body. Infused with fruits, vegetables or herbs, water can aid in flushing fat from your body, give you better skin, and act as a natural energy booster.

The best part about detox water is that it contains zero calories and it is a great way to get rid of cravings for sweet drinks. Detox water is so simple to make, there’s really no excuse not to do it, not to mention, it tastes really good too. To encourage you to start drinking more water, we’ve made a list of 3 detox water recipes according to their benefits.

1. To boost your immune system: Cucumber and lemon detox water

In a large pitcher, mix these ingredients together and allow to steep in the fridge overnight:
1.5L water
1 lemon, sliced
6 slices of cucumber
10 mint leaves (optional)

This combination has a pleasant and refreshing taste to it. The lemon in the water helps flush out harmful toxins from your system and boosts your immune system, while the cucumber helps you stay hydrated for longer. Adding the mint will give your detox water a cooling effect and also adds a hint of sweetness to it.

2. For better skin: Strawberries and lemon detox water

In a large pitcher, mix these ingredients together and allow to steep in the fridge overnight:
1.5L water
8 strawberries, sliced
1 lemon, sliced

This recipe will help repair your skin and stimulate your digestive track. The strawberries will help fight carcinogens and contain anti-aging properties, which helps prevent sagging skin. This detox water has a naturally sweet taste to it and reminds us of a light lemonade. If you let it sit in the fridge for 2—3 days, the water will have a naturally pink shade and the taste of the strawberry will be stronger.

3. To increase your metabolic rate: Grapefruit and blueberries detox water

In a large pitcher, mix these ingredients together and allow to steep in the fridge overnight:
1.5L water
1/2 grapefruit, sliced
15 blueberries

Grapefruit is known for its weight loss properties that will aid in digestion and increase your metabolism. Adding blueberries will not only enhance the taste of this detox water but it also contains plenty of antioxidants that protects your body from free radicals. This detox water recipe will also aid in reducing belly fat and stabilising your blood sugar levels.

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Watches
Jaeger-LeCoultre presents Tides of Time in partnership with UNESCO
Raising awareness

08.06.2016
By Su Fen Tan

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The Cartier Privé collection is about history and modernity

To mark the occasion, Jaeger-LeCoultre aptly highlights its Tides of Time partnership with the UNESCO World Heritage Marine Programme. Since 2008, the Swiss watchmaker has been working with UNESCO to help conserve the 47 marine sites that appear on the World Heritage List, ensuring the sustainability of the unique ocean ecosystems of these sites.

Through financial support and extensive involvement in the UNESCO World Heritage projects, Jaeger-LeCoultre contributes to the conservation of some of the most precious resources on planets while raising public awareness on the matter. For example, at Glacier Bay National Park in Alaska, they supported an exploratory expedition of this largely unexplored site. Meanwhile in Australia, technical support was given to UNESCO World Heritage Centre to help establish a 30-year plan geared toward the long-term protection of the Great Barrier Reef (as pictured above).
{insert gallery tpl=”slide-freesize.tpl” id=”JLC Tides of Time” rid=”4061″ order=”a_tstamp”}
Some of these projects will be presented in Jaeger-LeCoultre boutiques worldwide, to give patrons a better understanding of the threats endangering the planet’s natural treasures, as well as the positive impact made by the efforts of UNESCO and its local partners.

For more information on the World Heritage Marine Programme, visit here.

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Lifestyle
Add a touch of Moroccan style with Royal Selangor’s Raya 2018 collection
Inspired by Marrakech

21.05.2018
By Rachel Au

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Whether you’re celebrating Raya or share a soft spot for decking up your home in the cosiest (and most gorgeous) manner possible, the latest collection by Royal Selangor would tug at your heartstrings—if you have an interest in the city of Marrakech and its warm, vibrant and chic style.
Think Moorish lattices, zellige tiles and floral arabesques. Imagine inviting lounges, relaxing palettes and Pinterest-worthy corners. Got your attention? Read on for tips on how you can adapt that into your own with the Raya 2018 collection.

1. Modern Moroccan decor, with its neutral colours, evokes an oasis of calm, turning the home into a sanctuary from the busy world.

2. Add visual interest with accents such as vibrant ethnic prints or coloured textiles.

3. You can also evoke a Moroccan mood with tiles and items with geometric or intricate floral forms.

4. Mood lighting is a must. Lanterns and candles reflect a warm glow. While table lamps with cutouts cast interesting shadows in the room.

5. Add a touch of greenery reminiscent of lush Moroccan riads with plants such as eucalyptus and cotton flowers.
The Raya 2018 collection is available at any Royal Selangor retail store, authorised dealers and online at royalselangor.com.

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Beauty
Glamping essential: Urban Decay’s bestselling setting spray takes the heat—the good kind, that is

28.08.2018
By Wei Yeen Loh

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No glamping experience is replete without humidity-proof makeup that will stay on no matter the shenanigans you are up to—whether lounging by the pool or having a picnic beneath a tree. And what better way than to test out any glamping-approved makeup stash than with an actual staycation in the woods with a slew of activities to see if your makeup holds all day (and night!) long? Last Tuesday, Urban Decay took it upon themselves to prove the efficacy of its bestselling All Nighter Long Lasting Makeup Setting Spray by doing just that—and more.
Thus, a plan involving elements of a “glamp-out” staycation and day-to-night activites sprung into action, featuring 18 digital influencers (from fashion-forward social media influencers such as Ashley Lau, Daphne Charice and Shalma Ainaa, to beauty enthusiasts such as Alicia Tan, Jazel Lim and Sarah Intan) who will partake in this one-night, beauty experience. After meeting up at the gathering point early on Tuesday morning, we were ferried to to our glamping spot of two days, Tiarasa Escapes in Janda Baik. This resort campground is every bit the idyllic glamping grounds you’d imagine—solid, canvas tents to camp out in style, a pool that was already decked with IG-worthy floaties and balloons, and more.
Before kicking off the first challenge, we quickly wolfed down lunch, followed by a full-face makeup session. Urban Decay’s new and bestselling palettes were out to play this afternoon, with the girls opting for summer smokey eyes courtesy of the Born To Run and Naked Heat eyeshadow palettes, and not forgetting the finishing touches by way of Urban Decay’s All Nighter Long Lasting Makeup Setting Spray to set the makeup. With an oil-free formula suitable for all skin types, this setting spray actually lowers the temperature of your makeup to keep it in place.
{insert gallery tpl=”slide-freesize.tpl” id=”[Стандартная без списка] Urban Decay Glamping Experience 2″ rid=”6473″ order=”a_tstamp”}
It was now time to carry out the All Nighter Challenges! The first was treasure hunting: we were tasked to find placards printed with Urban Decay’s lipstick shades—all of which were scattered around the glamping grounds. Some of the girls were fortunate enough to score more than four(!) within a couple of minutes, rendering it easy breezy for the most part. The second challenge involved teamwork and a whole lot of adrenaline: after splitting into two groups, we had to carry out a list of 10 activities, from scouring a certain mascara from a specific tent, to snapping selfies with hard-to-find props. After all that running under the sun, we were surprised to find that our makeup stayed on perfectly. Signs of smudged eyes and streaky foundation? Not in sight, that’s for sure.
The third All Nighter Challenge was the most fun, for obvious reasons. Soaking in the pool (with a sizable flamingo floatie in tow) while taking a tonne of pictures didn’t read much as a challenge in our books, but hey, we had to find out if our makeup could stand the test. Half an hour later and we were beat—but our makeup’s still staying put. A quick change of outfits later and we headed for our picnic by a shady spot near the tents. It was a delectable sight to boot, from local delicacies to refreshing fruit juices. Thankfully, the weather was gracious—the skies were overcast but it provided the ideal shade for an outdoor picnic.
Despite the two-hour long downpour that started shortly after our picnic, we were up for the last challenge: a BBQ dinner and a bonfire thereafter, where we roasted marshmallows to create decadent s’mores. The bonfire was the perfect denouement to the glamping experience—spot our makeup still intact on our faces in the pictures below!
{insert gallery tpl=”slide-freesize.tpl” id=”[Стандартная без списка] Urban Decay Glamping Experience 1″ rid=”6472″ order=”a_tstamp”}

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Buro Loves
What’s the secret behind Song Hye Kyo’s good skin – and, can you guess her latest Sulwhasoo’s must-have?

01.10.2018
By Gwen Ong

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In the world of K-drama, one name that is consistently in the limelight is Song Hye Kyo. Her acting prowess is flawless, and her beauty even more so. The face of Sulwhasoo is known for her timeless beauty. We were privileged to be in her presence recently at a press event in Hong Kong and her glowing skin got us wide-eyed with admiration (ok, envy!).
Sulwhasoo believes in the holistic approach to beauty in which Asian philosophy and wisdom have been at the forefront of its skincare. It is this same belief that Song Hye Kyo now shares with the brand as an advocate of beauty that stems from harmony and balance. The Korean actress tells us more about her skincare routine and why the new Sulwhasoo Concentrated Ginseng Renewing Serum is a must-have.

As a brand muse, what are some of the values that you share with Sulwhasoo?
I personally think that Sulwhasoo has a certain greatness about the brand. They take such high measure in cultivating a cultural background and tradition into their products. It’s great how the brand combines old wisdom with modern technology and emphasises both on the inner and outer appearances as a whole. I think this resonates with me to also embrace this tradition and make sure that we continue with this vision.

What are you most excited about the new Sulwhasoo Concentrated Ginseng Renewing Serum?
I’m happy and honoured to be introducing such a great product. I know from experience that it is a good addition to my skincare. I feel everyone who uses it will feel the same way too.

You’re known to have a perfect face with symmetrical features. Can you share with us what’s your secret to maintaining flawless skin?
I think you’re exaggerating my beauty. [Laughs]. My secret is simple – just like all women, I like to go for facials on my day-off to make sure my skin stays balanced. As women get older, changes are bound to come no matter what so I just try my best to prevent those changes from happening as much or as soon as possible.

Tell us what is your skincare routine like?
Well, after cleansing I start with the Sulwhasoo Concentrated Ginseng Renewing Water to tone, and then I use the new serum, the cream and occasionally I will use the mask too. The morning after when I wake up, I feel that my skin is really moisturised and also healthier. When I see people around me using the same products, it feels like they’re approaching beauty the same way as I do.

What about when you’re busy working, how do you take care of your skin?
To be completely honest, it’s very hard to keep my skincare routine when I’m busy with a tight shooting schedule. But when I do have more time and not much work to do, I definitely keep to these steps because I truly believe that the K-beauty routine really matters in how healthy your skin is.

What other beauty tips do you subscribed to in helping you look amazing all the time?
Since I hit my 30s, I do try to exercise more regularly now and I also do yoga. There is this river in Seoul called the Han River, I try to go for a walk or run or even a bit of both when I can. I feel that when I worked up a good sweat after exercising, my skin becomes healthier.

Song Hye Kyo’s must-have
The all-new Sulwhasoo Concentrated Ginseng Renewing Serum is targeted at skin’s elasticity by helping to create firm facial contours. It contains microcapsules infused with precious ginseng seed oil to give skin nourishment. The formulation also includes ginseng leaves, stems and roots, which all work in harmony to plump up the skin from within and help with the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. The serum has a rich, silky texture without any sticky residue, leaving skin smooth and firm.

Sulwhasoo Concentrated Ginseng Renewing Serum is priced at RM690 (50ml).

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Technology
How to record your own voice for navigation instructions on Waze
Mic check, mic check

15.05.2017
By Rachel Au

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Remember that time when Yuna became one of the singing voice packs we could download on Waze? And then we listed nine other celebrity voices we would want giving us directions on the app. Well, we’ll still have to wait on that Tom Hiddleston voice pack because personalised voice guidance is also one of the most popular requests and Waze has made that feature available in the form of a Voice Recorder. You can now record your own voice prompts with some je ne sais quoi and here’s a simple step-by-step guide to get started:

How to record your voice on the new Waze Voice Recorder
1. Open the Settings menu on your Waze app and tap on Sound & Voice
2. Turn on the easy Voice Recorder tool
3. Record all 39 of the common Waze phrases* such as “All set, let’s go!” and “Turn right”
*For the prompts that you don’t record, Waze will use the default voice directions in your country
4. Choose the first prompt, tap the red Record button and say the quote
5. Tap again to complete the recording
6. Tap on the Play button to review how you sound

Things to note
• You don’t have to follow the script per se in your recording but do make sure it still makes sense so you don’t end up lost in translation, and thus, lost in direction.
• What you do have to mind is the time limit for each prompt.
• Using this personalised turn-by-turn audio option, you will also no longer hear the street names during navigation.
• The Waze Voice Recorder is going live worldwide but is currently only available on Android. Stay tuned though, iOS users.

Related stories:
9 Celebrity voices we want on Waze
Waze will soon be helping users to navigate through space
Hybrid cars in Malaysia: To buy or not to buy

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News
7 Things you can do this weekend: 9 & 10 Feb 2019

07.02.2019
By Rachel Au

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

1. Watch a movie with GSC’s brand-new Onyx 3D at GSC Mid Valley Megamall
First, it was the introduction of the Samsung Onyx Cinema LED screen. Now, it has been upgraded and available in 3D, making every action on-screen more realistic, vivid and immersive. We’ve been told it’s the first in all of Southeast Asia and it comes just in time for James Cameron’s highly-anticipated action film, Alita: Battle Angel.
The Onyx 3D tickets will be subjected to a surcharge of RM5.

2. Check out Hauntu at The Linc KL
ICYMI: There’s a new attraction in KL’s latest lifestyle hub and it deems itself as the first theatrical haunted house, delivering to its guests an “immersive horror experience”. Although, rather than a house, the context of the story is that it’s an infamous hotel built in the 1950s. You, as the participant, will play a character within the story and your decisions at every turn will have an impact on the unfolding mystery.
RM58 per player. For more info, visit the website.

3. Good Market’s Valentine’s Day Pop Up Market at GMBB @ Jalan Robertson, 10am – 10pm, 9 – 17 Feb 2019
Featuring over 50 local and international brands and vendors, you can expect both scrumptious food and unique gifts for that special someone – which can include yourself.
For more info, visit the event page.

4. Natural Heart-shaped Soap-making workshop + Vegan Meal at Mayura Apothecary @ Ampang, 11am – 2pm, 10 Feb 2019
Looking for an alternative couple’s activity? Why not participate in this workshop together and learn the art of making soaps from all-natural ingredients? Instead of buying a gift, you could both be making it for the other. The session ends with a delicious vegan meal that includes dessert!
RM250 per person or RM450 per couple. For more info, visit the website.

5. Weekly Community Yoga with Robyn Lau at APW Bangsar, 9am – 10am, 9 Feb 2019
Deep breaths and long stretches can do amazing things for both your mind and body. And, it’s a free class that’s suitable for both newbies and practising yogis.
For more info, visit the event page.

6. Attempt to make your own crispy siu yuk
Foolproof recipe here.

7. Rejuvenate your skin post-CNY in the AM
No time for a facial? Always forgetting to put on a sheet mask before bedtime? It turns out daytime masking can do wonders and it only takes an extra five or ten minutes of your morning routine. Find out which beauty products can do the trick here.

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Beauty
Met Gala 2018: Beauty showstoppers on the red carpet
Heavenly looks

07.05.2018
By Wei Yeen Loh

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Stars descended upon the steps of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City just this evening for the most exclusive red carpet event of the year — the Met Gala 2018. As per A-lister fashion, they didn’t stinge on the star power wattage in a plethora of head-turning looks according to the theme this year, “Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination”. While their mind-blowing meter-long trains are worth ogling over, we’re also blown away by their beauty looks that bode exceptionally well with their ensembles.
Celebs went all out this evening, with glimmering cheekbones and stunning headgear to boot. Lily Collins showed us that a touch of theatric can work wonders, while Zendaya gave us major Joan of Arc vibes with her short, choppy red ‘do that complemented her armour-like gown. Our favourites? Definitely Kate Bosworth’s enviable complexion that went hand-in-hand with her Catholic bride inspired look, along with Kerry Washington’s golden glow that mirrored her equally gilded Ralph Lauren gown. Below, check out our top beauty looks of the night:
{insert gallery tpl=”slide-freesize.tpl” id=”[Стандартная] Met Gala 2018 Beauty” rid=”6209″ order=”a_tstamp”}

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Film, TV + Theatre
Review: Episode One of ‘It’s Okay To Not Be Okay’

21.06.2020
By Ronn Tan

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Spoilers ahead

I had goosebumps towards the end of the episode. By goosebumps, I meant actual chills. My eyes were wide open, the wrinkles on my forehead were showing, and my mouth almost forming the word “what”. Oh, talking about eyes, the last scene is a major eye-opener. Literally.

Alright. Now that I’ve finally gotten that out of my system, let’s get on with the rest of the episode. After the finale of The King: Eternal Monarch (you can read my review here) on 12 June, I’m glad that I didn’t have to wait too long for the start of another new Korean drama. In fact, I’m certain that many around the world feel the same.

Photo by tvN and Netflix

Moreover, it’s Kim Soo-hyun we’re talking about. I was also really excited to see Seo Yea-ji act for the first time. In my opinion, if Episode One is an indicator of what’s to come, It’s Okay To Not Be Okay is bound to propel her to greater heights.

Let’s begin with the first scene. Viewers are immediately transported to the realms of Ko Mun-yeong’s (played by Seo Yea-ji) children’s books—which are known to be really dark. Hello, nightmare! What really caught my attention weren’t just the illustrations, but her voice when she speaks and narrates. It was a combination of soothing yet powerful and deep yet calming. The tone in her voice is definitely one of my favourite aspects of the drama so far.

We are then introduced to her personality and her fascination with sharp objects—especially the knife in the steakhouse where she made a little girl cry. Why, you asked? Let’s just say that keeping children happy isn’t part of her daily to-do list. Well, not in reality, at least.

Photo by tvN and Netflix

In Episode One, we are also introduced to Kim Soo-hyun’s character, Moon Gang-tae and his autistic older brother, Sang-tae (played by Oh Jung-se). From the get-go, I was thoroughly impressed with veteran actor Oh Jung-se’s performance. It looked like he didn’t even have to try. Kim Soo-hyun was raving so much about him and I can see why.

Photo by tvN and Netflix

What’s amazing about It’s Okay To Not Be Okay is what I consider the core themes. The Korean drama touches on personal struggles, trauma, and to an extent, the importance of family. These are topics that society needs to address and I’m glad the show is shining a light on them. Although it’s a dark fairytale, the plot is really unique. We get to see how these two colossal individuals with massively different personalities collide. One’s a health worker at a psychiatric ward and the other an author of children’s books.

The programme is supposed to showcase how these two characters help and assist each other in healing their emotional wounds. In the first episode, we discovered that Gang-tae has been moving from hospital to hospital every year. To be specific, he was in 15 different locations. As for Mun-yeong, if her flashbacks were anything to go by, it seems like she is haunted by physical and mental abuse from the past—especially at the hands of her father (who is awaiting surgery pending her signature as a guardian).

Photo by tvN and Netflix

Honestly, I think that the dynamics of It’s Okay To Not Be Okay will only get better with every episode—aging like fine wine and cheese. I do hope that it wouldn’t be as disappointing as The King: Eternal Monarch. I adore Lee Min-ho but that wasn’t his best project. Here, you cannot deny the impressive chemistry between Kim Soo-hyun and Seo Yea-ji.

So far, we saw blood, screams, tears, hysteria, witches, cigarette in coffee, and butterflies. We also can’t talk about brilliance without mentioning Kim Soo-hyun’s shirtless scene—albeit a really quick one. Towards the end of the episode, we saw how things are probably going to unfold in Episode Two. It seems like the duo are about to embark on a vivid and intense rollercoaster ride together. Let’s be honest: it won’t be all sunshine and rainbow. Their personalities don’t exactly shout “smooth journey”.

Photo by tvN and Netflix

It’s Okay To Not Be Okay won’t be your typical romantic comedy but expect to be entertained. Episode One is the perfect hint that the Korean drama would be complex. Hence, don’t be surprised when its structure and intricacies are intensified throughout the season. Like many premiere episodes of recent Korean dramas (The King: Eternal Monarch, Itaewon Class, Crash Landing On You, and Mystic Pop-up Bar), this succeeded in keeping me on board for the second episode. Only time will tell if the pattern continues. 15 episodes to go!
Have you seen It’s Okay To Not Be Okay? You can watch it on Netflix every Saturday and Sunday at 9.30pm.
For more details on the Korean drama, click here.

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Lifestyle
Save the date: Isetan’s The Japan Store to open on 27 October
An in-depth Japanese experience

17.10.2016
By Su Fen Tan

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Breaking out of the ordinary, Isetan is set to bring not only the best of Japan, but also the authentic Japanese experience that comes with it to our shores very soon. Their brand new specialty concept store, called The Japan Store, will open at Lot 10 this 27 October.

What makes The Japan Store different from the regular Isetan stores?
Besides bringing in genuine Japanese quality products, the new concept store goes a mile further by introducing Japanese history, culture, technology, diversity and lifestyle designs to patrons here. It will feature both Japanese and regional brands, over 200 of which are being introduced here for the first time. The high-quality products range from the categories of food, art, technology, lifestyle and fashion.
{insert gallery tpl=”slide-freesize.tpl” id=”Isetan The Japan Store” rid=”4509″ order=”a_tstamp”}
While the entire store, which encompasses six floors, is dedicated to the single theme of Japan, each floor is designed with a distinctive thematic experience in mind – from lower ground floor to the fourth floor: The Market, The Museum, The Studio, The Room, The Cube and The Table. For example The Cube, which invites one to experience the inspiring culture of Japan, holds a Learn Zone, where you can learn more about Japanese traditional culture through a series or expertly curated programmes like Japanese flower arrangement and language classes. Meanwhile, The Market will offer a new dining style based on authentic Japanese tastes and technologies—read: really good food coming our way.

Speaking to brand ambassador Danny Choo
One of the products that will be exclusively available at The Japan Store is the Smart Doll, a fashion doll created by Danny Choo. A very well known figure in Japanese popular culture, the son of famous shoe designer Jimmy Choo has most certainly carved a name for himself—now living and working in Japan, Danny is the founder of Culture Japan, in which he shares Japanese culture through snippets of life on his blog and in-house produced TV shows, the creator of Mirai Suenaga, a character that has taken on the roles of official mascot for Japan Tourism and Malaysia Tourism, and of course the creator of Smart Doll.

He was recently in town for the Isetan The Japan Store press event, where we had a short chat with him about Japan, its culture and his recent projects:
How did you come to fall in love with Japanese culture?
“First off, I like games. So back then I was into this video game console called Mega Drive, and I wanted to find out more about it. There was no internet at the time I was living in London, so I went to this Japanese bookshop to find magazines about Mega Drive. From there I discovered lots of things about Japanese culture, like drama, anime, manga, and that sort of sparked my whole love for it really.”

Speaking about Japanese culture, your work revolves around it. What are some of your recent projects?
“The biggest project I’m working on right now is the Isetan project, which I’m here for. So we’ve worked with Isetan for over a year now, and it’s a huge deal, for Smart Doll. Isetan is a brand that has been around since 1868 and they are Japan’s number one departmental store. It has been such an honour working with them. We created an Isetan uniform for Mirai, which sold out in Japan, and now we are collaborating with Isetan in Malaysia on a local version of uniform as well.”

Tell us more about the Smart Doll and what makes it unique.
“Smart Doll is a fashion doll which that measures around 60cm in height, and you can customise it to your own preferences—you can change the hair, the eyes, makeup, clothes and even skin colour. It makes a great interior item too. For example, you can have them next to your computer or on your bookshelf.”

You’ve been living in Japan for a while now. Can you recommend three experiences that one cannot miss when in Japan?
“There is so much to see in Japan, but if you only have time for Tokyo, then I would say you have to visit Asakusa. There you’ll see a very traditional, Edo period side of Japan, it is also where the Sensō-ji temple is. You should also go to Shibuya, where you’ll experience the hustle and bustle of a retail hub. And of course, you could come visit my store (Mirai Store Tokyo) in Gotanda, so you can make your own Smart Doll.”

Isetan The Japan Store will open on 27 October 2016 at Lot 10. For more information, visit the website.

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Lifestyle
Buro Tries: Learning magic tricks with The MADgicians

29.05.2019
By Rachel Au

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

No matter how old we get, there’s just something about magic shows that would still impress us and leave us bewildered. That’s also why we thought it’d be fun to have real-life magicians come perform at our last #BuroTurnsThree party, be it close-up magic among the guests or jaw-dropping illusion shows onstage. Yes, it’s not just clowns who can do magic tricks for children’s birthday parties. There are pros too like the group The MADgicians who performed at our anniversary party last year. Intrigued, we decided to ask them to show us a few easy magic tricks that we can do too.
From making a salt shaker disappear into the table to making a ring travel up a rubber band, you’ll be able to master them in five minutes! At least, it’d make for a great party trick. They also show us a few close-up magic tricks using just cards and coins. Be prepared to be amazed.
Watch the video above to learn how you can perform simple magic tricks at home too!
Alternatively, if you rather witness their magic upclose or have them perform at your party, you can check out The MADgicians via their website, Facebook and Instagram.

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Lifestyle
7 Things to do this weekend: 16 & 17 July 2022
Weekend escapade

15.07.2022
By Phyll Wu

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

1. Eat healthy with Oh Cha Matcha’s new Heal-Tea-licious menu

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When: 10am to 8pm daily
Where: Oh Cha Matcha
Oh Cha Matcha is bringing in the summer vibes with their brand new Heal-Tea-licious menu that makes healthy eating look as cool as a summer breeze. The new menu is playful, vibrant, quirky, and most of all, it offers a nutrient-packed plate of matcha-based delights. Whether you’re vegan, vegetarian, or on a keto diet, the menu features a variety of lip-smacking options from Raw Vegan Zucchini Carrot Pasta with Pesto to Eggs Benedict with Beef Bacon, Spinach, Soft Boiled Eggs, Cauliflower Puree with Basil Oil, and Matcha Hollandaise.
Other Japanese-inspired options on the new menu include a healthy bowl of Ochazuke, served with Steamed Japanese Rice with Roasted and Puffed Japanese Brown Rice, Salmon Sashimi, and Hot Green Tea Kombu Dashi; as well as the Matcha Soba Noodle with Salmon Sashimi, Tempura Shrimp, Mushroom, and Kombu Dashi. To round off the meal, Oh Cha Matcha also offers a selection of sweet indulgence from Keto French Toast with Vanilla Ice Cream, Fresh Berries, and Maple Syrup to Keto Matcha Vanilla Ice Cream.
For more information, visit Oh Cha Matcha’s website, Instagram, or Facebook.
2. Embrace the summertime bliss with Roku Gin

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When: 9 July to 31 August 2022
Where:

W Kuala Lumpur
Banyan Tree Kuala Lumpur
The RuMa Hotel & Residences
Four Points by Sheraton Kuala Lumpur
The Westin Kuala Lumpur

In collaboration with five luxury hotels in KL and their respective dining establishments, Roku Gin is inviting cocktail lovers to celebrate this blissful summer season with a medley of mixology and gastronomic pairings! The multi-layered Roku Gin flavour notes are derived from premium Sencha and Gyokuro tea leaves, which are best harvested at the peak of summer when the leaves are bursting with the natural aromas and flavours of tea—making it the finest refreshment for this sunny season.
To fully indulge in the Roku Gin experience, you can head to W Kuala Lumpur, Banyan Tree Kuala Lumpur, The RuMa Hotel & Residences, Four Points by Sheraton Kuala Lumpur, or The Westin Kuala Lumpur to try all the different varieties of Roku Gin cocktails paired with luscious desserts and pastries.
3. Shop and #SupportLocal at Bungalow18 by Frankitas

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When:

Monday – Friday | 9am to 5pm
Saturday | 10am to 5pm

Where: Bungalow18 by Frankitas
Can’t decide whether to eat, shop, or workout this weekend? Introducing Bungalow18 by Frankitas, which brings all these fun activities together within a multi-concept space featuring a boutique, fitness classes, manicure and pedicure services, workshops, as well as a pop-up café and a bespoke private event space to keep you relaxed and entertained this weekend. Ultimately, Bungalow18 serves as a haven to escape the hustle and pamper yourselves with a variety of self-care activities while supporting local businesses under one roof.
Some of the curated brands to discover at Bungalow18 includes Fugeelah, Just Gaya’s, Bayou, Batik Martian, Bhatoo by Jeslina, and many more. With a diverse variety of indie and sustainable brands to browse through, retail therapy has never been more therapeutic than at Bungalow 18.
For more information, visit the brand’s Instagram.
4. Get jazzy at Jao Tim’s ‘Jazz Jam Session’

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When: 16 & 17 July 2022 | 2pm to 4pm
Where: Jao Tim
Price: RM35
With their weekly Jazz Jam Session, Jao Tim is the place to go to unwind with a few drinks and jam out to soulful melodies after a busy week. This weekend, Jao Tim is presenting Afrojaks with AKZ on percussion, Bass G on saxophone, Rozhan Razman on bass, Sylvia Wong on keys, and Danial Razak on drums.
Get your tickets for 16 July 2022 here or 17 July 2022 here. For more information, visit Jao Tim’s website, Facebook, or Instagram.
5. Get inspired at GMBB’s Stories + Art = Picture Book festival

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When: 14 to 17 July 2022 | 11.30am to 4pm
Where: Level 3A, GMBB
GMBB’s Stories + Art = Picture Book festival is coming to an end this weekend and they are going out with a bang! For the festival’s final run this week, it’s all about inspiring you to make your very own picture book with a variety of arts and crafts workshops to guide you. Workshops to dive in this weekend include making travel zines, learning line drawing with Besari Mat Yasit, building a wobblebot with Wizards Within, and Bual Buku to learn the process of making picture books from an author’s perspective. While waiting for your workshop session, you can also check out the exhibition put together by the Museum of Picture Book Art that features creative works from over 20 Malaysian illustrators, or the Nu. Kita exhibition by 23 young graduates from Aswara’s Fine Arts department.
For more information, visit GMBB’s website or Instagram.
6. Visit the newly opened Signature Market flagship experience store

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When: Tuesday – Sunday | 9am to 6pm
Where: Signature Market, Arcoris Mont Kiara
Signature Market has just launched their flagship experience store dedicated to art and healthy living within an eco-friendly environment that offers a range of unique experiences to its visitors. Fueled by the brand’s dedication to give back to its loyal consumers, the store plays host to an art gallery and a private workshop space with weekly sessions open to anyone who’s keen to participate.
At the center of the store, visitors will find a beautifully designed Stairs of Abundance, featuring an art piece of closely grown indoor plants that symbolises the true meaning of abundance. Further inside the store is a hidden room specially designed for Signature Market’s sister brand, Plant Origins, which will host private aromatherapy sessions with the brand’s essential oils. The Signature Market Experience store also houses the new See Café, which serves specialty coffees brewed by reputable baristas, David Leong Weng Lai and Cino Lim.
For more information, visit Signature market’s website, Facebook, or Instagram.
7. Go wild with Voidrealm Collective at RexKL

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A post shared by ʋoidrҽalɱ (@voidrealmcollective)

When: 16 July 2022 | 8pm onwards
Where: The Background Marketplace, RexKL
Voidrealm Collective is bringing a variety of leftfield sounds to RexKL’s The Background Marketplace this Saturday night! DJs Greystick, Sheytan, and Cosmic Pokets will be spinning Voidrealm Collective’s curated sounds of post punk, dark disco, techno, and more.
For more information, visit Void Realm Collective’s Instagram.
Find more things to do in our previous BURO Weekend Guides here.

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News
7 Fun things you can do in KL this weekend: 7 & 8 September 2019

04.09.2019
By Ronn Tan

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

1. ‘Guild of Artisans’ market at Bangunan KSK, 3pm – 6pm, 7 September 2019
In conjunction with Malaysia Day, KSK Land will be hosting a celebration of Malaysian craftsmanship in partnership with Women of Will (a non-profit organisation). The one-day event will feature eight talents, ranging from textile weaving (Shan Shan Lim), and modern batik design (Fern) to chocolate maker (Seniman Kakao).
For more information, visit this website.
2. Artbox Malaysia 2019 at Sunway City Outdoor Open Air Carpark, 3pm – 11pm, 6, 7 & 8 September 2019
Artbox is returning for the second time in Malaysia and its theme this time is Assemble. Expect metal shipping containers stacked and arranged for your Instagrammable shots. There will be more than 300 booths from pop-up stores to unique Thai fusion food and more.
For more information, visit this website.
3. Minifest at Bukit Kiara Equestrian and Country Resort, 12pm – 7pm, 7 September 2019
Celebrate 60 years of Mini this Saturday. The highlight of “The 60 Years Special” is the new anniversary-exclusive Mini 60 Years Edition on display, along with Mini classic cars. Don’t miss out on a special Mini-styled marketplace, delicious food from popular food trucks, live music performances as well as thrilling rides and games.
For more information, visit this website.
4. ‘The Seven Worlds’ of Hennessy X.O at Pavilion KL, 7 & 8 September 2019
From 6 September to 15 September 2019, cognac producer, Hennessy, will be bringing ‘The Seven Worlds’ of Hennessy X.O to life through an experiential exhibition highlighting an epic short film by legendary director Ridley Scott. The objective—to create a platform for connoisseurs to immerse physically into the visualisation of the odyssey experienced in every sip of Hennessy X.O. There are seven rooms; each complementing different tasting notes consisting of Sweet Notes, Rising Heat, Spicy Edge, Flowing Flame, Chocolate Lull, Wood Crunches, and Infinite Echo.
Watch the full film here or register online in this website.
5. Sojourn to Seoul: Korean Weekend Brunch at Curate, Four Seasons Hotel KL, 12pm – 3pm, 7 September 2019
Indulge in Chef Jae Young’s menu showcasing the vibrancy of South Korean food from Japchae (royal stir-fried glass noodles and vegetables) and Bibimbap (mixed rice with vegetables and egg) to Saengseon Yangnyeomgu-I (marinated roasted fish with chilli soy sauce) and Haemul Pajeon (seafood & green onion pancake). The brunch experience is priced at RM138 nett per person or RM278 nett with free flow alcohol.
For more information, visit this website.
6. Try contemporary Italian cuisine
Check out our full review of Mandarin Grill at Mandarin Oriental KL here before you feast on Chef Luigi Stinga’s take on the cuisine.
7. Ready for a long weekend that’s amazing?
We have compiled a roundup of staycation-perfect hotels in and around KL here.

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News
Malaysians, here’s how you can help Australia’s bushfire victims

08.01.2020
By Joanna Pinto

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

Climate change is real and right now, Australia is suffering from the massive bushfire that has been burning for months, with the east coast (New South Wales, Victoria and other states nearby) taking the major hit. Based on what we’ve seen and read so far, it looks like things are not slowing down and instead, intensifying. Now, half a billion of animals have been burnt alive (with some species potentially being on the brink of extinction), hundreds of homes have been destroyed and some 24 lives—including three heroic firefighters—have been claimed in what is one of the biggest natural disasters in Australian history.

Many brands (including celeb-owned labels) have since pledged to donate a percentage of their profits to various charities. While the rest of us may not have such a large sum to part with, we know Australia appreciates all the help they can get, no matter how small. Plus, according to the New South Wales Rural Fire Service (NSWRFS), donating money is the best (and most preferable) way to help, since this allows people to buy things they need without taking up any space. Below, we’ve rounded up a list of legitimate organisations you can donate your money to if you want to help those affected by the devastating bushfire.
1. Australian Red Cross Disaster Recovery and Relief
What your donations will be used for: Providing food, water, hygiene products and more for those at evacuation centres and recovery hubs while also providing emergency assistance to communities whose homes have been lost.
To make a donation, click here.

2. Salvation Army Disaster Appeal
What your donations will be used for: Offering shelter, meals and emergency care to not just families affected by the fire, but also front-line responders.

To make a donation, click here.

3. St Vincent de Paul Society Bushfire Appeal (NSW)

What your donations will be used for: Helping evacuated families pay for their bills (from food to clothing) as well as costs of rebuilding their homes.
To make a donation, click here.
4. NSW Rural Fire Service
What your donations will be used for: Funds to support the families of volunteer firefighters who have been killed while on duty—specifically Samuel McPaul, Geofrrey Keaton and Andrew O’Dwyer. You can also make a general donation to the volunteer firefighters.
To make a donation, click here.

5. Victoria’s Country Fire Authority (CFA)
What your donations will be used for: Providing aid to communities in the state of Victoria who have been affected by the bushfire.

To make a donation, click here.

6. Port Macquarie Koala Hospital
What your donations will be used for: Funding for koalas affected by the wildfire where money will be chanelled towards preserving and protecting the endangered species.

To make a donation, click here.

7. WIRES Wildlife Rescue
What your donations will be used for: Emergency rescue missions and care for wildlife victims, especially native animals. Funds will also be used to train and support volunteer rescuers and carers.

To make a donation, click here.

8. Food Bank Australia

What your donations will be used for: Providing food to victims of the fire as well as to those in need. FYI, two meals will be provided to a citizen with every 1AUD you donate.

To make a donation, click here.

9. WWF Australia
What your donations will be used for: Aiding conservation and restoration efforts for koalas (95% of which are reportedly gone). Proceeds will go into planting trees, funding medicine for injured koalas and even pressuring the government to strengthen laws that prevent tree-clearing.

To make a donation, click here.

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#MondayMontage: Pastel perfect

Lifestyle
#MondayMontage: Pastel perfect
Candy hues

14.12.2015
By Su Fen Tan

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

1. Alyssa Garrison
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Meet Alyssa Garrison—the blogger behind Random Acts of Pastel a.k.a. the girl with the ever-changing pastel hair. Her feed is a sweet concoction of pastel hues and pops of metallics with a focus on fashion, beauty, and design. Perhaps you will find a party deco inspiration or two to put to use.

2. Marioly Vazquez
{insert gallery tpl=”slide-freesize.tpl” id=”Pastel Marie” rid=”3683″ order=”a_tstamp”}
Marioly, or Maria, is the creative mind behind Maria Marie. A photographer and stylist based in London, her work is known for its unique use of colour and whimsical styling. Find everyday things from textiles to buildings, all meticulously captured and a delight to behold.

3. Mr. Pink
{insert gallery tpl=”slide-freesize.tpl” id=”Pastel Xuzzi” rid=”3685″ order=”a_tstamp”}
He calls himself Mr. Pink, no prizes for guessing as to what his Instagram feed entails. But beyond the light, candy hues, there are some pretty exquisite portraits and street photography in the mix—all while keeping to the theme of sweet pastel shades.

Related stories:
#MondayMontage: Flower power
#MondayMontage: Inspiring yogis
#MondayMontage: Framing symmetry

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Beauty
How to grow out your pixie cut without the awkward phase, according to your favourite celebrities
Manic pixie dream girl

04.08.2022
By Redzhanna Jazmin

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

So, you finally bit the bullet and got a pixie cut. In a moment of courage (or insanity—whatever you want to call it), you decided it would be good to take the shears to your strands and crop your mop short.
READ: Local model Nalisa Alia Amin on buzzing all her hair off
The good news is that you look great. Model-esque, in fact. Really, we think that the cut brings out the best in your features. Your eyes pop more, your cheekbones are standing out to the high heavens, and you’ve never looked so youthful.
There’s just one catch: Your hair won’t look like this for long.
If there is one constant in our chaotic universe, it is that hair grows—and it seems to grow quicker when you’ve got a pixie cut. In just a couple of months, what was once a highly precise (and very expensive) haircut will soon be little more than a nightmare to style.
Fortunately, you can always go back to the salon to bring your locks back to their former glory… as long as you’re happy to do it every two months for as long as you keep the cut.
And, even if you don’t, there’s another obstacle: the dreaded grow-out phase. Remember what your boyfriend looked like during lockdown last year? That’s going to be you.
Don’t panic yet—there is still hope. What if we told you that you could skip the awkward grow-out phase altogether? Indeed, with a little light grooming and a few styling products, your hair will be the talk of the town (for all the right reasons).
Ahead, we’re covering the A-Zs of gracefully growing out a pixie with a little help from your favourite celebs:
IF YOU’D LIKE TO AVOID THE GROW-OUT PROCESS ENTIRELY…
…then buzz it all off like Jordan Alexander and repeat as necessary.

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A post shared by Jordan Alexander (@thejordanalexander)

Listen: Letting go is hard, so don’t rush yourself in the process. To keep the cropped vibes going, take a leaf out of the Gossip Girl star’s book and consider buzzing your head. Think about it—it’s a cut that’s difficult to mess up but easy to maintain at home.
That said, getting a buzzcut is, admittedly, a little dramatic. We concede—instead of buzzing your hair, try booking yourself in for a trim first!
LEARN HOW TO STYLE YOUR HAIR
Newsflash: Clever styling can make pretty much any bad hair day go away. All you really have to do to conceal a bad grow-out phase is learn how to work with your new look.
Here are some looks that’ll take your hair from zero to hero:
1. Get some finger waves going like Halsey

2. Use the shaping powers of gel like Iris Law

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3. Slick your hair back like Florence Pugh

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A post shared by Florence Pugh (@florencepugh)

4. Introduce some texture into your cut like Drew Barrymore

TIP: Curls are the perfect way to conceal uneven grow-out!
GET REGULAR TRIMS
As your hair grows out, the cut of your pixie is bound to warp—this is what makes growing out short hair so awkward-looking. In short, you’ll need to get a regular trim to keep your hairdo looking, well, intentional.
Needless to say, when push comes to shove, trust us when we say you’ll need to have your stylist on speed dial. We recommend scheduling an appointment at least every two months to keep your hair looking its best.
GROW YOUR HAIR OUT IN PARTS…
When growing out your pixie, you’ll want to keep your back and sides cropped short until the top of your hair catches up. Remember—the end goal here is to get your hair bobbed as soon as possible.
Of course, this means that you will probably end up with a bowl cut. However, rest assured that, with the right styling, it’ll look less “Will from Stranger Things” and more “Zendaya at the Emmys”.

…OR EMBRACE THE SHAG
The road to bob is not a straight one, and there’s definitely a little wiggle room when it comes to cuts. One look you’ll definitely be sporting on your journey (should you choose to snub your stylist, of course) is the shag.
READ: Shag-tastic: All the best celebrity mullets we’ve seen
Fortunately for you, shags came back into style last year so there’s plenty of inspo to go around:
1. Rowan Blanchard’s slick bouffant semi-shag

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A post shared by Rowan Blanchard (◕‿◕)🌹 (@rowanblanchard)

2. Maisie Williams’ piecey, ’90s shag

ALTERNATIVELY, JUST COVER UP ANY BAD HAIR DAYS
Not every day is going to be a good one for your tresses, and that’s okay. That’s what hats were made for! Of course, if you don’t have a hat, there are still options:
1. Use a scarf à la Rihanna…

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A post shared by FENTY BEAUTY BY RIHANNA (@fentybeauty)

2. Wear a wig like Bella Hadid

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A post shared by Bella 🦋 (@bellahadid)

Really, once you’ve done all of that, the only thing left to do is wait. Et voila, after around six to nine months, you’re all grown out.

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A post shared by Sarah Hyland (@sarahhyland)

Congrats! The worst is over and you’re finally in bob territory. Go forth—you’re free!
Find more hair stories like this here.

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Technology
BURO Gadget Guide: 4 Nifty gadgets to have on your radar in September 2022
Top of the class

30.09.2022
By Marissa Chin

Featured image: Sarah Tai for BURO Malaysia

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Threads 101: How to start and everything you need to know

In this month’s edition of the BURO Gadget Guide, we round up four innovative and exciting new tech gadgets that put your comfort first but don’t compromise on quality and performance. From a powerful travel companion to earbuds perfect for every working environment, there’s something for every need. Read on for the full list!

Jabra Elite 5

Launched on 13 September, the Jabra Elite 5 is the brand’s newest addition to its true wireless range, arriving in two colourways: Titanium Black and Gold Beige. The earbuds come with a range of prominent features such as hybrid active noise cancellation (ANC), Bluetooth multipoint, and long-lasting battery life.
Those with short attention spans can focus better on their tasks at hand with the Jabra Elite 5 ANC which is powered by the Qualcomm QCC3050 Bluetooth chipset. The Hybrid ANC incorporates feedback microphones within the ear, and feedforward microphones on the exterior, guaranteeing a more reliable noise cancellation across a wider range of frequencies. The earbuds can also last seven hours with ANC on full blast, ensuring that your creative flow won’t be interrupted.

Further, the Jabra Elite 5 is the ideal set of earbuds for any work environment, whether that be WFH or in the office. Thanks to its 6-microphone call technology that is constantly active, users can rest assured that they sound clear and crisp in meetings or running presentations.
Price: RM699
Availability: Selected retailers nationwide, Jabra’s official Shopee, Lazada stores and authorised retailers
For more information, visit their website.

Pico 4
On 22 September, the leading VR brand announced the launch of Pico 4, a lightweight, all-in-one VR headset that aims to bring the ultimate VR  experience without comprising comfort and performance. With this VR headset, users can enjoy interactive content across gaming, fitness, and video on the device.

Usual VR headsets can be quite heavy on the wearer, but the Pico 4 weighs in at just 295g, making this the lightest VR headset yet. This is due to what is dubbed Pancake optics, a technology that closes the distance between the lens and the display. In addition, the VR gear brings functionality to a new level with its anti-slip PU that ensures more control, SuperSkin fabric to keep users cool and dry, and an ergonomic design that allows users who wear glasses space to immerse themselves in their VR worlds without sacrificing comfort or clarity.
With four well-placed SLAM cameras around the thin frame of the head-mounted display, the Pico 4 comes with high-precision tracking and motion mapping of your surrounding environment, so don’t worry about knocking it into a wall during your gameplay. Visual quality is also unmatched as the Pico 4 boasts a 90Hz refresh rate, 4K+ screen, and 1,200 PPI.

The Pico 4 also comes complete with a huge and diverse library of content. This includes the Pico Fitness programme that streamlines your fitness progress, interactive gaming experiences of popular titles such as Peaky Blinders: The King’s Ransom and The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners, and even an immersive live music experience in partnership with Wave.
Price: To be announced
Availability: Launches on 12 October 2022 in Malaysia
For more information, visit their website.

GoPro Hero11

Meet your new travel companion. With the announcement of GoPro’s all-new Hero11, you can now capture your adventures in stunning quality. The Hero11 series comes in three versions: Hero11 Black, Hero11 Black Creator Edition, and Hero11 Black Mini. Whilst designed for different needs, all the Hero11 Black cameras are equipped with a new, larger sensor that delivers the highest resolution, 10-bit colour depth, video stabilisation, and a wider field of view than their predecessors. Further, the camera also features three new Night Effect Time Lapse presets that make capturing landscapes and progress shots easy.

The Hero11 Black is the all-rounder that is made to be versatile and convenient. It features GoPro’s signature Hero camera design and durability, which makes it a great option for both professionals and enthusiasts. The Hero11 Black Creator Edition is an all-in-one powerhouse made for the modern video content creator. If you’re constantly vlogging, live streaming, or dabbling in filmmaking, this camera is your answer. Lastly, the Hero11 Black Mini is the smaller lightweight version of the Hero11 Black that is made for users who want simplicity without compromising performance.
Price: RM2,399 (Hero11 Black) | RM, 3,399 (Hero11 Black Creator Edition) | RM1,979 (Hero11 Black Mini)
Availability: Selected GoPro retailers
For more information, visit their website.

Toshiba TV Z770

As the official TV for Qatar FIFA 2022, we are spotlighting the brand’s flagship product, Toshiba TV Z770. Powered by AI and the Regza 4K Pro, the TV offers a sharp 4K display thanks to its real-time AI picture quality analysis and adjustment on its 65-inch screen. The flagship TV is also fronted by cinema-grade speakers thanks to its Regza Power Audio Pro+ system which tunes sound waves to give off a vibrant output.

With it being an AI-powered machine, users don’t even have to press a remote button in order to access its features. With its far-field speech function, the Z770 is able to respond swiftly to users’ commands with its voice recognition feature and deliver content from all around the world at their leisure and comfort.
Price: RM4,999
Availability: Official Toshiba retailers, website and Shopee
For more information, visit their website.
For more cool gadgets to add to your arsenal, head here.

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Fashion
Kate Hudson styles for Jimmy Choo A/W’15
Ballet, boho and being authentic

08.09.2015
By Wei Yeen Loh

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RECOMMENDED

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

Known for her Golden Globe award-winning breakthrough role as Penny Lane from Almost Famous, Kate Hudson is one of the rarer Hollywood veterans whose effortless vintage-boho style has been both emulated and lauded. In this exclusive interview and photo diary with Jimmy Choo, she shares her earliest fashion memories and her picks from the photoshoot that caught her eye:

Describe your style and any eras, icons or influences you have?
I would say that my style sort of depends on my mood, but comfort is definitely the common denominator, which means a lot of pieces that are flowy and light. I’ve always been attracted to the 70s—sexy, with a lot of freedom in the overall aesthetic. My fashion icons are Julie Christie, Anita Pallenberg, Kate Moss and Cher.

The Jimmy Choo A/W’15 collection is inspired by ballet—how does the discipline affect your approach to fitness?
I grew up dancing. My mom put me in dance classes since I was three years old and I did ballet up until 12 before she allowed me to take more types of dance, like lyrical. I wasn’t allowed to skip class, I just knew I had to go. If you have that kind of discipline as a kid it sort of translates to everything. Dancing really connected me to my body in terms of understanding what my body needs. The beautiful thing about dance is you have this intense discipline and once you have that foundation, you can feel free and let go. It applies to everything, even acting—you rehearse and get connected to the character in order to let go and get inside who that person is.

Favourite Jimmy Choo style from the Jimmy Choo shoot today? Why do you like it and where would you wear it?
I think my favourite look was the pink velvet ballet heels with the big skirt we shot in the window. The whole look had a vintage Oscar de la Renta vibe to it—it was so ethereal and relaxed. Those shoes are beautiful and the colour of the shoes made the black dress feel like something so special.

What is your earliest fashion memory?
I was a little girl and I went with my mom to a fitting with Bob Mackie for a special she was working on. She was in his studio and there was fabric and sequins everywhere. I was in awe, it was like being in a little fashion dream! I remember he made me a package of little sequin bow pins, in all different colours. There were about ten in the package he made me, and it was a moment I will never forget because I was so excited.

What motto or life rules do you live by?
I have a couple of them. I think it starts with authenticity. For me it is something I really struggle with because if I feel like I’m letting people down if I’m trying to conform to what others think I should be. To be authentic and truthful is truly the most important thing for me. It can be scary because not everyone will like your truth but I find when I’m in that space, I’m a lot happier in my life and I feel less pressure and less concerned.
Also, the idea that you only live once. The idea of living each day as if it might be the last makes you want to be present and enjoy. Your eyes open up and really see things. I just want to make the most of it while I’m here.

Shop for Kate’s look here on Jimmy Choo.

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Paris Men’s Fashion Week: Watch the Louis Vuitton AW16 live stream here
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21.01.2016
By Wei Yeen Loh

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

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