Fashion
The best SS23 jewellery trends to elevate your summer wardrobe
Bling-ed up

18.10.2022
By Phyll Wu

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The SS23 shows wrapped up earlier this month, and the runways were accessories galore. Models were emblazoned to the tens in any way imaginable to match the season’s sprightly vibes, paired with breezy ensembles for the balmy weather that awaits us next March. Yet, we’re only in the midst of October, and the SS23 trends are already beginning to make waves. Luckily for us in the tropics, summer dressing goes all year long, so it’s never too early to get a head-start!

Read ahead to find out the key jewellery trends for SS23.

Chunky
Chunky pieces of jewellery have only grown more popular in recent years, and just when we thought the craze was dwindling, SS23 said, “Let’s turn it up a notch!”—and we’re on board!

LaQuan Smith
1/14

LaQuan Smith
2/14

LaQuan Smith
3/14

Tom Ford
4/14

Tom Ford
5/14

Tom Ford
6/14

Khaite

7/14

Khaite
8/14

Khaite
9/14

Jil Sander
10/14

Jil Sander
11/14

Saint Laurent
12/14

Saint Laurent
13/14

Saint Laurent
14/14

White Table Talk Drop Earrings, Completedworks

Silver Drop Ring, Bottega Veneta

Silver Lola Earrings, Moya

Silver Thick Ring, Bottega Veneta

Silver
Dainty gold accessories had a good run, but silver is back and bolder than ever. At Simone Rocha, Nensi Dojaka, and Prabal Gurung, silver made a statement with thick chains and pearl details.

Nensi Dojaka
1/9

Nensi Dojaka
2/9

Chopova Lowena
3/9

Chopova Lowena
4/9

Jil Sander
5/9

Jil Sander
6/9

Collina Strada
7/9

Simone Rocha
8/9

Simone Rocha
9/9

Silver Heart Bracelet, Paco Rabanne

Silver Maddy Bracelet, Justine Clenquet

Silver Barbara Necklace, Sophie Buhai

Silver Charm Bracelet, Acne Studios

Arm cuffs
Arm cuffs are officially back in style! Better late than never, right? The bicep bracelets were spotted at Tory Burch, Michael Kors, LaQuan Smith, and Jonathan Simkhai, paired with single tone and minimalist ensembles to add a gleamy contrast.

Jonathan Simkhai
1/11

Jonathan Simkhai
2/11

Tory Burch
3/11

Tory Burch
4/11

Tory Burch
5/11

Tory Burch
6/11

Tory Burch
7/11

Tory Burch
8/11

Michael Kors
9/11

Michael Kors
10/11

Michael Kors
11/11

Gold Arpege Cuff Bracelet, Lanvin

Silver Logo Cuff Bracelet, MM6 Maison Margiela

Silver Crystal Skeleton Bracelet, Raf Simons

Gold Zip Cuff Bracelet, Balmain

Chandelier earrings
For occasions that call for an elegant look, chandelier earrings are a must. They instantly elevate any outfit with a sophisticated shine, completing your ensemble with minimal effort. Think your slip-on dress is too plain? Throw on a dazzling pair of chandelier earrings and you’re good to go!

Tory Burch
1/10

Tory Burch
2/10

Acne Studios
3/10

Proenza Schouler
4/10

Aliette
5/10

Prabal Gurung
6/10

Nensi Dojaka
7/10

Nensi Dojaka
8/10

Prabal Gurung
9/10

Tory Burch
10/10

Green Drip Earrings, Simone Rocha

Green Flax 3D-Printed Earrings, Yuhan Wang

Silver Small Pearl Drop Earrings, Sophie Buhai

Silver 'The Reunion Of The Stars' Earrings, Alighieri

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Buro Loves
International Women’s Day: 13 Cult-favourite products to score from our favourite women-owned beauty brands

04.03.2021
By Redzhanna Jazmin

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

We have you covered from head-to-toe with our women-owned shopping guide: Ahead, find the best of the best in haircare, skincare, and makeup—from pleasantly surprising new launches to tried-and-true long-time favourites.
READ: 11 Homegrown beauty brands that offer all-natural products your skin will love
Everyday Humans

STAR PRODUCT: Resting Beach Face SPF 30 Suncreen Serum, RM 118
If you’re looking for a sunscreen that is super lightweight, effective and leaves zero white cast, the Everyday Humans Resting Beach Face Sunscreen Serum is your new holy grail.
Firstly, the watery-serum texture ensures buildable layering both on its own or under makeup. Secondly, the sunscreen harnesses the powers of super-ingredients like spinach, green tea, and hyaluronic acid. Why? Spinach and green tea are powerful antioxidants (which is exactly what you’d want in a sunscreen) and hyaluronic acid keeps skin hydrated.
This effectively means that the sunscreen works as both a moisturising and a protective step all-in one, so you can opt-out of your moisturiser stage if you feel your skin doesn’t need the extra boost of hydration.
The best part? This bad boy doesn’t pill or break you out, and it isn’t overly-greasy—the most you’ll need to offset the glow is a little powder in problem areas.
READ: We reviewed 5 Malaysian beauty brands — here’s what we think
About the brand…

Everyday Humans was founded by Charlotte Pienaar, a Hong Kong native with a vision of creating planet-friendly skincare and SPF solutions for earth-conscious people. Since launching, the brand’s no-BS, sustainable ethos paired with its perfectly Instagrammable packaging and super-effective lineup has earned it some well-deserved hype.
Laura Mercier

STAR PRODUCT: Secret Camouflage Concealer Duo, RM 160
A known favourite of celebrity makeup artist Hung Vanngo, the latest concealer launch from Laura Mercier is a convenient duo perfect for erasing imperfections and brightening uneven areas of the face all-in-one.
READ: Selena Gomez’s makeup artist shares 19 makeup tips that will change your life
Lightweight yet full-coverage, the product is the ideal companion for anyone who wants a full beauty beat or those needing a quick touch-up on-the-go. There are 16 shades to choose from that suit a range of skin tones—just match the ‘Correct’ side to your true skin tone.
About the brand…

Let’s be real: You have heard of Laura Mercier. She’s an absolute legend on the beauty scene, and her namesake brand has been around since 1996. Since its launch, it has continued to empower women everywhere with its ‘natural but flawless’ makeup philosophy.
Glow Recipe

STAR PRODUCT: Avocado Melt Retinol Eye Cream, RM 230
Are you looking more drawn than usual? Say goodbye to dry undereyes, fine lines, and dark circles with Glow Recipe’s delectable eye cream. It contains nourishing avocado oil to moisturise and plump tired undereyes, while retinol works to brighten and smooth. Plus, the formulation is supplemented by skincare heroes like vitamins E and C and caffeine to wake you up on the outside.
Don’t fear the retinol, either—this eye cream is ophthalmologist- and dermatologist-tested to make sure there is absolutely no risk of eye irritation.
READ: What’s the difference between retinol and retinoid? Here’s everything to know about skincare’s favourite ingredient
About the brand…

Glow Recipe founders Sarah Lee (left) and Christine Chenng (right)
The brainchild of former L’Oreal executives Sarah Lee and Christine Chang, Glow Recipe marries Eastern and Western philosophies to empower women through skincare and beauty. Find out more from the founders themselves!
READ: Women in beauty: Glow Recipe’s co-founder breaks down their best-selling products and deals some pro skincare and business tips
Virtue Labs

STAR PRODUCT: Healing Oil, RM 230
Every product in Virtue Labs’ lineup contains their patented, secret ingredient: Alpha Keratin 60ku. The brand’s Healing Oil is no exception—reincarnate dead and damaged tresses with this restorative hair oil. It smoothes and hydrates without weighing your locks down, and is beautifully scented with tropical coconut and yuzu. What’s not to love?
About the brand…

The story of Virtue Labs begins with a regenerative medicine lab. The chief scientist, Dr Luke Burnett, was researching a newly patented form of a human keratin protein, developed to help speed the recovery of wounded soldiers. However, a young female PhD candidate working in his lab recognised that the protein had the potential to revolutionise haircare as we know it. Not knowing much about the industry (and being quite out of their depth), they called in Melisse Shaban for her expertise. One thing led to another, and Virtue Labs was born.
READ: Virtue Labs’ Melisse Shaban on beauty science, the spark of the industry and inclusivity in hair care
Fenty Beauty

STAR PRODUCT: Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation, RM 146
While it’s difficult to narrow the star of the brand down to one product, we’re going to go with the Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation. Also known as one of the brand’s very first launches, this very foundation set the standard for the rest of the industry in terms of inclusivity. With 50 shades to choose from, this matte-finish foundation was—and still is—the most inclusive line to date.
With buildable, medium-to-full coverage and a matte finish that doesn’t leave your skin looking overly dry, it’s clear why the original Pro Filt’r Matte Foundation has remained a tried-and-true favourite among beauty lovers.
About the brand…

Rihanna needs no introduction. Since launching her beauty line in September of 2017, the brand has gone from strength to strength, redefining inclusivity in beauty with every launch.
Drunk Elephant

STAR PRODUCT: C-Tango Multivitamin Eye Cream, RM 276
We’ll level with you—it was a toss-up between this and the C-Firma Day Serum. However, we’ve gone with the eye cream purely because we have literally never experienced anything quite like it. It is rich and creamy without being overwhelming—good news for those of you with milia-prone skin.
Five forms of vitamin C and eight peptides work to brighten the undereyes against all odds, while cucumber extract soothes the sensitive skin around the eyes. The result? Skin that appears instantly youthful and radiant, even without the adequate Zzzz’s.
About the brand…

Formulated to suit founder Tiffany Masterson’s problematic skin, you won’t find the ‘Suspicious 6’ anywhere in the brand’s products. This six-ingredient blacklist includes sensitising silicones, drying alcohols, essential oils, fragrance, dye and chemical screens. Why? Drunk Elephant’s no-frills approach to beauty has been built on effective and biocompatible actives. That means that every single one of the products from this line is specifically formulated to make sure you don’t have a reaction—considerate, right?
READ: Drunk Elephant’s founder shares the *real* reason why the brand has a cult status across the globe
Briogeo

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A post shared by Briogeo Hair Care (@briogeo)

STAR PRODUCT: Scalp Revival Charcoal + Coconut Micro-Exfoliating Scrub
You know what they say—a healthy scalp is a happy scalp! Okay, fine, that was us, but it doesn’t change the fact that it is true.
READ: A guide to your scalp: How to keep it healthy for stronger, healthier hair
However, though it is as important as the rest of you, we’ll be the first to admit that scalp care isn’t the sexiest thing to think of. That’s why we are eternally grateful to Briogeo for making this part of our self-care routine so fun.
This scalp scrub smells exactly like mint chocolate chip ice cream—no joke. On top of that, it effectively exfoliates and cools the scalp, soothing irritation and dandruff all at once. Just make sure to follow up with a good conditioner as this once-a-week treatment can be pretty drying on the lengths.
About the brand…

READ: Briogeo’s founder Nancy Twine prides herself on inclusivity both in and out of her products
Nancy Twine is kind of killing it right now. Since the launch of her game-changing brand, Twine has been recognised as the youngest African-American woman to launch at Sephora, and her brand was among the first to be awarded the Clean At Sephora seal.
Pat McGrath Labs

STAR PRODUCT: MatteTrance Lipsticks
It’s difficult to choose a favourite when it comes to Pat McGrath because pretty much every product in the line is a hit. However, if we really had to, we’d pick the MatteTrance Lipstick.
The matte-finish lipstick applies with a luxuriously creamy texture and delivers an intense colour payoff, yet remains hydrating on the lips so that you don’t end up looking like you belong in 2014. Ideal!
READ: 7 Malaysian beauty brands every lipstick lover should check out
About the brand…

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Features
Exclusive: Model Soo Joo Park spills on what’s in her Chanel backpack
Exchanging handbag stories

05.04.2018
By Buro247

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In Chanel’s latest series of podcasts, the 3.55 Handbag Stories, Amanda Harlech, who describes herself as not really having a job description ‘but Karl Lagerfeld calls me his outside pair of eyes’. Karl’s muse since 1997, Harlech invites Soo Joo Park over to Gabrielle Chanel’s apartment on 31 rue Cambon (where Karl recently shot Kaia Gerber for the Spring Summer 2018 Handbag campaign) to talk about her relationship with the brand.

Park’s Chanel bag of choice for this podcast, is her quilted calfskin backpack, which she wears on an almost daily basis. “You really see the personality of somebody in the condition of their bag….and the size of the bag too, because if you’re a minimalist you’re able to fit your entire life into a mini, little clutch,” says Park.

When quizzed on the contents in her bag, Park produces a clementine (her favourite fruit), her passport, and even a black permanent marker, which she has used to tag another Chanel bag she owns (something she picked up from her friend, G-Dragon, who does the same to his Chanel bags).

Listen to the full tête-à-tête below:

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Film, TV + Theatre
10 upcoming Disney live-action movies you’d want to see
Relive your childhood

03.03.2017
By Gwen Ong

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As we wait in excitement for the premiere of the highly anticipated Beauty and the Beast this month (save the date: 17th!), you can be sure that Disney will be bringing even more animated classics to life in the next few years. At the last count, there are some 20 live-action movies of Disney’s animated classics being planned! While most are adaptations of the animated series, there will also be origin stories and sequels to the existing live-action films in the pipeline. These are 10 favourites we’re looking forward to.

Mulan

It’s been almost 20 years since Mulan made its animated debut. Yes, that long ago! Disney has confirmed an all-Asian cast for the live-action remake and a female director to boot. The movie will be shot on location in China and feature original songs from the 1998 animation. Premiering on 2 November 2018.

The Lion King

The Lion King is among the most successful animated films recorded when it was released in 1994. Jon Favreau (of Iron Man and The Jungle Book) has been named as the director while Donald Glover will play Simba and James Earl Jones will once again play the wise Mufasa. No release date yet.

Aladdin

You bet it’s going to be a whole new world when Guy Ritchie sits in as the director of this live-action version. This 1992 animated film won the Oscars for Best Score and Best Song, so we do hope the movie’s musical elements will remain.

The Little Mermaid

Hamilton creator, Lin-Manuel Miranda is teaming up with original The Little Mermaid composer Alan Menken for the live-action version of this beloved film. But Disney isn’t the only house working on a live-action movie as Universal is also taking on the lively fairy tale.

Dumbo

The bittersweet story of a young elephant with big ears is set to make a comeback with Tim Burton at the helm. The director had previously worked on Alice in Wonderland, so imagine the magic he’ll do for Dumbo.

The Sword in the Stone

Disney has gotten Brian Cogman, a writer-producer of Game of Thrones for this remake of the 1963 animated movie. If you need a jog of memory, the story is about a young King Arthur as an orphan and his encounters with the wizard Merlin.

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs

Disney is revisiting its first animated classic—the 1937’s Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, will be getting its own live-action following many other adaptations. The remake will feature new music by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, who recently wrote the lyrics for La La Land.

Cruella

According to reports, the infamous villain from the movie 101 Dalmations will be getting her own origin story with Emma Stone in talks to play the dog-napping Cruella de Vil. We can’t wait to see how the Best Actress will step up to Glenn Close’s portrayal of the same role.

Tink

Disney is confirmed to be in the works to develop a movie on Peter Pan’s sidekick, Tinkerbell. Actress Reese Witherspoon has signed on to produce and star as the beloved fairy, while Finding Dory writer, Victoria Strouse is said to be working on the script.

Prince Charming

Which of the fairy tale’s dreamy royal will be retold in this live-action project? Disney has the rights to a script by Matt Fogel, who is said to have worked on a modernised take on the Prince Charming. He could be the beau from Cinderella or Snow White, we’ll have to wait and see.

Related stories:
7 Must-watch Broadway musicals to catch when you’re in NYC
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Food + Drink
Announced: World’s 50 Best Bars 2022 list—including a new winner!
Setting the bar

07.10.2022
By Natalie Khoo

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Move over London, there’s a newly crowned World’s Best Bar for 2022. And no, it’s not from New York either. For the first time since the World’s 50 Best Bars’ inception in 2009, a bar outside of these two metropolitans has taken the No. 1 spot on the list.
The coveted title went to Barcelona’s Paradiso bar on Tuesday evening, when the creme de la creme of the world’s bar industry gathered for the reveal of the annual list in the Spanish city.  Besides Paradiso, two other Catalonian bars made it to the top 10 on this year’s list. Sips was named Highest Climber this year, jumping from the No. 37 spot in 2021 to No. 3. Meanwhile, Two Schmucks took the No. 7 spot.

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On the other hand, only eight bars in Asia made the list this year, down from 15 in 2021. Of this number, Singapore’s Jigger & Pony was the highest entry at No. 12, after placing second in Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2022 list in April.
Read on to discover the full list and find out if your favourite bars made the cut this year.

World’s Best Bars 2022
Photo: Paradiso
1. Paradiso, Barcelona, Spain (Best Bar in the World, Best Bar in Europe)
2. Tayer + Elementary, London, UK
3. Sips, Barcelona, Spain (Highest Climber)
Photo: Sips
4. Licorería Limantour, Mexico City, Mexico (Best Bar in North America, Legend of the List)
5. Little Red Door, Paris, France (Sustainable Bar Award)
6. Double Chicken Please, New York, USA (Highest New Entry)
7. Two Schmucks, Barcelona, Spain
Photo: The Connaught Bar
8. The Connaught Bar, London, UK
9. Katana Kitten, New York, USA
10. Alquímico, Cartegena, Colombia (Best Bar in South America)
11. Handshake Speakeasy, Mexico City, Mexico
12. Jigger & Pony, Singapore (Winner: Best Bar in Asia)
Photo: Jigger & Pony
13. Hanky-Panky, Mexico City, Mexico (Art of Hospitality)
14. Bangkok Social Club, Bangkok, Thailand (Best New Opening)
15. Salmon Guru, Madrid, Italy
16. Drink Kong, Rome, Italy
17. Coa, Hong Kong, China
18. Florería Atlántico, Buenos Aires, Argentina
19. The Clumsies, Athens, Greece
20. Baba au Rum, Athens, Greece
21. Cafe La Trova, Miami, USA
Photo: Attaboy
22. Attaboy, New York, USA
23. Satan’s Whiskers, London, UK
24. Tropic City, Bangkok, Thailand
25. Kumiko, Chicago, USA
26. Sidecar, New Delhi, India
27. Tres Monos, Buenos Aires, Argentina
28. Argo, Hong Kong, China
Photo: Maybe Sammy
29. Maybe Sammy, Sydney, Australia
30. Swift, London, UK
31. Line, Athens, Greece
32. Baltra Bar, Mexico City, Mexico
33. Manhattan, Singapore
34. Overstory, New York, USA
35. 1930, Milan, Italy
36. Dante, New York, USA
37. A Bar with Shapes for a Name, London, UK
38. Zuma, Dubai, UAE
39. Locale Firenze, Florence, Italy
40. Red Frog, Lisbon, Portugal
41. Cantina OK!, Sydney, Australia
Photo: CoChinChina
42. CoChinChina, Buenos Aires, Argentina
43. Himkok, Oslo, Norway
44. Carnaval, Lima, Peru
45. Galaxy Bar, Dubai, UAE
46. L’Antiquario, Naples, Italy
47. Employees Only, New York, USA
48. Bar Benfiddich, Tokyo, Japan
49. Lucy’s Flower Shop, Stockholm, Sweden
50. Bulgari Bar, Dubai, UAE
Photo: Bulgari Bar
For more information on these bars, visit the World’s 50 Best Bars website.

Find more drinking news and stories here.

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Buro Loves
Shu Uemura’s holiday collection is every makeup and chocolate lover’s dream come true

21.11.2018
By Su Fen Tan

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Love chocolate as much as you love makeup? You’ll be glad to hear that Shu Uemura has the most irresistible treats lined up for you this year. Joining hands with French luxury chocolatier La Maison du Chocolat, the beauty brand unveils a holiday collection inspired by the universally-loved dessert that looks just as delicious as it is alluring.

Warning: Indulgent makeup spread ahead.

Doused in rich chocolate and berry hues, pulling together your festive look for a night out will be a delight with these sensorial creations. First up, the Ganache & Praliné Eye Palette. Take your pick between Dark Cacao and Framboise Berry — both bear an assortment of matte and metallic hues, and are delectably fragranced to boot.

Then, give a healthy pop of colour to your complexion with the Creamy Dome Blusher. With its creamy, cocooning texture and macaron-inspired hue, this adorably-packaged blush will brighten up your cheeks in no time.

Dip your lips in luscious dark berry and mauve shades with the Rouge Unlimited Supreme Matte and Rouge Unlimited lippies. Laced with a chocolate fragrance and sweet flavours, these lipsticks come with absolutely delicious names too — Deep Cranberry or Salty Caramel, anyone?

Other sweet treats in the collection include the Magic Metallic Lip Liner, the Brow Unlimited brow/lash gel in two vivid shades, the iconic eyelash curler in an irresistible chocolate edition, a beautiful multi-use Shimmery Powder, the Ultime8∞ Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil with a new chocolatey look (on the outside), a mini brush set, and a makeup box ready to be filled with the covetable creations.
{insert gallery tpl=”slide-freesize.tpl” id=”[Стандартная] Shu Uemura x La Maison du Chocolat” rid=”6736″ order=”a_tstamp”}
That’s not all. To inspire your party-ready holiday looks, here are two festive recipes based on the Ganache & Praliné eye palettes as concocted by Shu Uemura international artistic director Uchiide. Enjoy!

Dark Cacao recipe

Use: Ganache & Praliné Eye Palette in Dark Cacao, Rouge Unlimited Supreme Matte in Deep Cranberry, Magic Metallic Lip Liner in Star Dust Gold, Creamy Dome Blusher in Passion Fruit Macaron and Shimmery Powder in Luster Gold Dust

Framboise Berry recipe

Use: Ganache & Praliné Eye Palette in Framboise Berry, Rouge Unlimited Supreme Matte in Salty Caramel, Magic Metallic Lip Liner in Star Dust Rosé, Creamy Dome Blusher in Rose Petal Macaron and Shimmery Powder in Luster Rosé Dust

The Shu Uemura x La Maison du Chocolat collection is now available in all Shu Uemura stores and counters nationwide.

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Art + Design
A beautiful bomb: Design Village Penang under attack
Colour explosion

05.08.2015
By Buro247

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Magda Sayeg is considered to be the mother of yarn bombing. Her art has beautified the streets of Mexico City, New York and London, and she has been featured in numerous art exhibits all over the world.

Magda has begun her craft of brightening up the humble city of Penang with her yarn bombs on 1 August and she will complete her exhibition on 14 August. We ask Magda about her inspirations and what to else we can expect from her.

What inspires your art?

Inspiration to me comes from everything and everyday. It could be the art my kids create or the lipstick colour my mum uses, as I am drawn to colour.

If you could describe your work in 3 words, what would they be?

Pattern, colour, explosion.

Out of all your projects, which has been your favourite and why?

Choosing a favourite project is like picking a favourite child. There is quality in every single piece of work done. However, the bus in Mexico City has a place in my heart as it springboarded my career. This was the first object done on a large scale and the world started looking at it from then on.

In light of your upcoming collaboration with Design Village, what do you think Penang has to offer to the world of art?

Penang speaks to me in pattern and colours. They may clash and yet coexist harmoniuosly. I feel connected to Penang and the aspiring work, which is rich in colour and soul. I cannot thank Design Village enough as they have given me this opportunity to connect with young, aspiring talents and to provide them a platform to nurture their creativity in their own life.

Why have you chosen to use yarn amongst such a wide array of fibres and fabrics? What is about yarn that compels you?

I feel yarn is the unsung hero. It is the tool for weaving that extends to making materials and clothing that keep us warm. We don’t celebrate enough of this craft associated to women as ‘women knit for love’. Mothers for their kids, grandmothers for their grandchildren and everyone they love.

You’ve covered vehicles, trees, statues and bodies in bright coloured yarn, can you think of any other medium you would like to ‘yarn bomb’?

An aeroplane!

Stay updated on Magda Sayeg’s work in Penang at www.designvillage.today

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Lifestyle
Mother’s Day Special: These first-time mums share on how life has changed
Their first Mother's Day

12.05.2017
By Rachel Au

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As a child, our first role models have always been our parents. Some of us aspired them enough to join the same line of work. This story, however, is about celebrating mothers — the young ones who can now finally understand what their mothers meant when they said, “You’ll understand when you’re a mother.” Carrying a child for nine months plus is no easy feat, and because of that, no one can deny that special bond (sorry, dads!).
From discovering you’re pregnant till seeing (and feeling) that baby bump till actually carrying your child in your hands, we can only imagine how beautiful those moments are. So we decided to ask the women who went through it themselves. Read on as Patricia K, Jenn Low and Diana Nasir share what it’s like to be a Mum.

Patricia K and her daughter, Sophia

Congratulations on your beautiful baby girl! How’s everything so far?
Thank you so much! Everything is going way better now. The first three months plus were quite tough for me as I had postnatal depression, which is quite worrying as a mum. It makes you doubt yourself and feel like you are never doing anything good enough. I’m much better now.
She just turned seven months! It’s true when people say they grow up so fast. I could write a whole essay about how it is to become a new mother but let’s just say… it’s a challenge, but so beautiful. The love I have for her is indescribable.
It’s a challenge, but so beautiful.
What’s your favourite memory so far since becoming a mother?
Her first smile and knowing it wasn’t just gas, but an actual real smile. I actually cried seeing it. I remember it happened when I was leaving the house for the first time alone with her. It took me so long to get out the door. It was difficult and I felt so overwhelmed. When the Uber left (Sophia decided to feel hungry right as I put her in the carseat), I ended up sitting at home, crying while breastfeeding her in the dark. I felt defeated and ready to give in to the fact that I was doomed for eternity to just live in my slacks with vomit all over my clothes. That smile meant everything — especially since you don’t get much of a response in the beginning.

What are some of the challenges you’ve faced since welcoming a new member of the family?
I feel like Sophia brought our families together. We spent so much time with both sides of our families when we were in London and when we got back to Malaysia, it was the same thing. The challenge for us right now, however, is the fact that we both work and we are trying to spend as much time with her as possible. The parental guilt and worry is real. Joey and I also lost each other for a while because we were so caught up with her but it’s getting better and better.

With great challenges come great lessons. What are three pieces of advice you can share with other first-time mothers?
To be honest, we hired a helper because we couldn’t just keep sending her over to my mum when we had work and meetings all day long. For the first three months after arriving back in KL, we were tag teaming it or my mum would help us. The helper can assist us and help take care of the house so we can focus on Sophia and making a living. Aside from that, I’ve learnt that…
1. Sleep when the baby sleeps. Don’t feel the pressure to breastfeed. Try your best but if it doesn’t work out, it doesn’t mean you are a terrible mother. That’s how I initially felt but in the end… remember: happy mum means happy baby.
2. Don’t waste too much money on baby clothes, they grow out of it so fast and in the beginning, they honestly just live in their little onesies. If you have any friends that have some hand me downs, just take it and use it.

You’ve recently taken Sophia on her holiday! Not an easy feat for most mothers, any advice on how to take care of a child on board a plane?
Yeah, that was quite the trip! It was a last minute decision to actually bring her and I am so happy we did. During take off and landing, the pressure can make babies feel irritated so let them suck on a bottle or a pacifier. She also wanted to touch everything so I just let her play around or chew on her stuff. You also need to bring so much stuff with you as they can go through so many outfits in a day (vomit, poo etc).

A question most first-time mothers would want to know: Any workout tricks or diet tips to lose that pregnancy weight?
Exercising did it for me. I can’t give up food so I would wake up every morning and go for a workout. I made sure to do something at least 30 minutes a day. That really made a big difference for me, and I started to feel so much better about myself as my body changed. If you don’t want to go out or you’re too tired, download the Nike+ Training Club app — it’s SO good. Alternatively, you can do squats with your baby at home. Right now, I am also trying out a 21-day delivery of healthy meals from PurelyB which is quite a handy way of keeping your diet on track.
Joey and I also lost each other for a while because we were so caught up with her but it’s getting better and better.
Does Sophia prefer Mummy or Daddy?
(Haha) Me, of course! I had her in me for ten months, after all, and apparently they can smell you as well. Plus, I can always calm and soothe her. It’s just the mum’s touch, right?

Complete this sentence: My baby is… seriously so cute and warm. She has this innocence that I love about babies. She is also the biggest vomit and poop machine.

Most important advice you want your baby girl to remember when she grows up?
Always stay humble and kind to everyone around you. Never rely on anyone but yourself and make sure that your happiness comes from within. Work hard and be independent. There are so many things I want her to learn and I will be there to support her the whole way.

Jenn Low and her daughter, Olivia

Congratulations on being a mother! How has life changed since Olivia came into the picture?
Life has taken a 180 for sure. I feel a lot more alive and in tune with my inner voice — it might sound crazy but it feels like she was the missing piece in my life that I never knew. There is a lot more love and joy all around as she’s just such a happy spirit and presence.

So Olivia — How did you and your partner decide on the name?
I had 2-3 favourite names and we both liked Olivia. I love the sound of Liv as a nickname as well.
It feels like she was the missing piece in my life that I never knew.
Giving birth stereotypically sounds/looks painful — how true was this for you and did it change your mind about motherhood?
Giving birth is such a miracle. I have so much more respect for my body and all that it can do. It’s painful for sure, no sugar coating that, but just breathe through it and remember this word: epidural!

Favourite memory of Olivia.
The second she was born, our doctor placed her on my chest. She was warm and I felt her weight on my chest in the most wonderful way. I remember saying to hubs, “OMG, she’s real!” That moment was pure magic.

Please share three advice for other first-time mothers out there.
First of all, your body and mind is designed to do this. Trust in the universe and try not to allow doubt and too much noise into your world. Babies respond best to a calm and happy environment — energy is everything. Second tip is to always remember that there isn’t one right way to doing things. Discover what you’re happiest with and let your instincts guide you. Last but not least, don’t be so hard on yourself. Know that you’re doing the best you can, with what you have, at any given point in time. Love your baby but also never forget to love yourself.
Know that you’re doing the best you can, with what you have, at any given point in time. Love your baby but also never forget to love yourself.
What about you has changed since becoming a mother?
Liv makes me pause and see the world through her eyes. I have a deeper appreciation for simple things and so much gratitude for all that comes into our days — be it happiness or challenges. I am a lot more centered and balanced. Liv has given new meaning to why I do what I do. She makes me want to make things better just because.

A question most first-time mothers would want to know: Any workout tricks or diet tips to lose that pregnancy weight?
I want the magic trick to this too! I would say try to stay as active as possible throughout your pregnancy. I did lots of yoga, pilates and light interval training, and found that physical effects aside, it was for my own sanity! Post pregnancy, I haven’t been specifically hard on wanting to shed weight immediately. Realistically it’s taken nine months to put the weight on so it will likely take the same amount of time to shed it off. Enjoy your time with the baby and your new family unit, and try to stay active at least twice a week — once for cardio, the other for mat time.

What’s the one advice you want to give to Olivia?
Don’t be afraid to make mistakes and just live life. Trust your inner voice, go out there and give the world all that you’ve got. Be soft, don’t let the world make you hard and remember that kindness is always possible. Rest when you are tired, don’t give up. Wait, is that too many?! One last one — when in doubt, ASK YOUR MUM!

Favourite ‘baby tool’ or toy to use that you can recommend
An interactive and educational activity table — Liv received one from LeapFrog as a gift and it amuses her endlessly! It teaches numbers, the alphabet and general nursery rhymes and tunes.

Best thing about being a mother
A whole new category of things to shop for, with good reason too!

Diana Nasir and her twins, Anggun Darleesa and Anggun Darleena

What’s it like being a mother so far?
I love being a mother, especially to my beautiful twins. It has been an absolute rollercoaster ride — up and down, fast and slow, but in the end who doesn’t love roller coasters? Having twins is what I’ve always dreamt of, and Allah has granted my wish. I’m so grateful and I thank Allah everyday for giving me this opportunity.
I now realise things that my mother had gone through — the pain and troubles.
What about you have changed since becoming a mother?
Motherhood has taught me to be more patient, loving and much more appreciative about everything. I now realise things that my mother had gone through — the pain and troubles. She had handed down respect for the possibilities and the will to grasp them. I’m blessed to have been raised the way my mother did. That’s exactly how I want to raise my babies. It has definitely changed my perspective towards everything because I am now seeing things through the eyes of a mother.

What are some of the challenges you’ve faced since welcoming these two new members of the family?
Handling the twins on my own is the biggest challenge. When their daddy goes to work, all the responsibilities go to me. I’ve got chores to do while taking care of them at the same time. Hence, I’ve learnt to manage my time properly, ensuring I’ve done every single thing and even put aside some time for myself. I don’t have a maid or a nanny as I’m quite sceptical about them looking after my babies.
Being a mother is learning about strengths you didn’t know you had, and dealing with fears you didn’t know existed.
Three tips for other first-time mothers out there.
1. Listen to your heart. You know your baby better than anyone else so you know what’s best for them.
2. When the baby sleeps, don’t join them! This is the best time for you to settle the housework! Once everything is settled, only then you sleep. Otherwise all the work will just pile up!
3. Don’t use your kids as an excuse for you to not look presentable. Always have some “me time” and pamper yourself. You deserve it.

Being a first-time mother is tough enough, how do you manage to take care of two babies?
True. It’s not easy to handle two babies at once but thank God, I have my loving hubby, my beautiful mother and sisters to lend a hand when I badly need it. I can’t thank them enough. Most of all, I’m thankful that both of my girls are well behaved. Motherhood may not be easy, but it’s not a burden. At the end of the day, their smiles keep my spirit going.

What are some must-have baby equipment/tools every first-time mother should get?
1. Formula pro (baby formula maker). It saves a lot of time and makes everything easier.
2. Mamaroo. The twins love a little ride and we can just simply put them on and get going with our work while they’re occupied.
3. Heartbeat plush toy. This toy can play a few sounds such as a bird chirping, lullabies, waves and heartbeats which put babies at ease and help them to fall asleep easily.

Favourite memory of the twins
When they were talking/babbling to each other.

Complete this sentence: Being a mother is…
…Learning about strengths you didn’t know you had, and dealing with fears you didn’t know existed.

Three essential items as a mother
Formula milk, spare clothes, diapers

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NYFW SS16: Hood By Air

Fashion
NYFW SS16: Hood By Air
Madness reigns

14.09.2015
By Buro247

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

Our review to be posted shortly.
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Lifestyle
Postcards with Love: Bella Kuan in Ibiza, Spain
The island life

12.09.2017
By Rachel Au

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If there’s one person whose holiday caught our eye, it’s @bellakuan—although almost all her travel snaps have us green with envy. Her last dose of wanderlust took her to the island of Ibiza where she was greeted with the twinkling blue Mediterranean Sea, quiet villages, serene beaches, summer nightlife and so much more. Here, Bella sends Postcards with Love of her trip complete with a couple of travel suggestions.

FAVOURITE SPOTS IN IBIZA
Amante Beach Club
Great cocktails (though I personally thought they were a little on the weak side) and a very sophisticated place to hang out with DJs dropping some chill beats. I had a daybed that was located right on top of the cliff side that overlooked the coastline and the view was 11/10! I have spent full days there having long lunches, naps and dinner while enjoying the cool breeze. Every meal was satisfying and the best part? They do movie nights every Tuesday by the cliff under the stars overlooking the sea. It’s a very romantic place for couples to hang around.

La Granja
This place is an absolute must-visit/stay if you are ever in Ibiza. A 10-hectare farmstead that features a fertile garden and citrus forests, La Granja is a farmhouse that includes ten guest rooms, a terrace pool and a barn-style bar that’s really cosy at night. It’s a mix of rural simplicity and barefoot luxury. What I love most about the place is their farm-to-table concept where they prepare a delicious menu of healthy, fresh slow food for the communal table. We were even invited to hang around the kitchen so that was really cool. You can also sign up for yoga lessons in the morning followed by breakfast with a vast assortment of farm-grown fruits.

Experimental Beach Club
It’s a hidden place that is located near Ses Salines, one of Ibiza’s famous national parks. You can easily spot wild flamingos here. The theme for this beach club is white and pastel blue so girls will definitely love it! And the vibe is very bohemian and carefree. If you’d like to experience the local scene, this is one of the best places to be. They serve one of the best tapas menus around and the prices are pretty affordable.

BEST FOOD IN IBIZA
Patatas Bravas! Simple yet tasty. I love anything that has to do with carbs, and they make the perfect snack.

WHY IBIZA?
Ibiza is a very sensational place where you can get the best of both worlds—party and retreat. The people there are extremely warm and friendly too!

MOST UNIQUE THING YOU TRAVEL WITH
My wireless portable speaker. Can’t live without music!

WHAT DID YOU BUY IN IBIZA?

Sadly I didn’t manage to shop while I was there but I brought back a lot of memories and experiences that money definitely can’t buy.

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Bella Kuan stars in Cathay Pacific’s ‘The Sounds of Travelling Well’ campaign

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Skincare
Editor’s picks: The best skin saviours we’re obsessed with this month

05.09.2019
By Wei Yeen Loh

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The best acne and spot treatments to help curb your breakouts

On our #BuroBeautyDesk this month is a slew of skin saviours guaranteed to turn back the clock on your skin. We reviewed new (and reformulated) serums that pack a punch, a refreshing face mist to add zing to the skin while keeping makeup on all-day long, multi-purpose chemical exfoliants to give you your glow-iest skin ever, and Laneige’s latest launch that has all the makings of the next record-breaking sleeping mask.
Below, our editors’ skincare picks this month:
Clé de Peau Beauté The Serum

“This was already a winner for me when it comes to first impressions—The Serum is super lightweight yet ultra-hydrating and comes in a luxurious iridescent bottle that more than justifies a spot on your beauty top shelf.
Beyond its good looks, this potent infusion of red, yellow and green kelp, known for its skin regenerative abilities, also stimulates the skin’s ability to renew and repair itself from within—a beauty superpower I wouldn’t say no to.
I’m not a fan of overly rich creams orserums so this is perfect—I use two to three pumps all over my face and neck, and it absorbs almost immediately. I also like that it does a pretty good job of quickly filling in fine lines, making my skin look suppler and healthier—stat.
If you’re not a fan of scented products (neither am I), this serum isn’t fragrance-free, but the scent is so subtle you almost wouldn’t notice it at all—definitely packing this for my next flight to keep my skin happy and hydrated!” – Terry Saw, Editor-in-Chief

Caudalie Beauty Elixir – Limited Edition

“Caudalie’s new limited-edition Beauty Elixir is easily an addition I welcome to my everyday skincare routine. 100 per cent vegan and natural, it’s formulated with extracts of grape, rosemary, orange blossom, rose, myrrh and mint balm.
The result: An uplifting (and slightly musky) scent in one refreshing spritz that’s meant to immediately refine pores, smooth skin texture, boost radiance and set makeup. Pink-frosted with prints of the ingredients, the limited-edition bottle is gorgeous but the winning factor is that you can use it for various uses.
One: Apply it before moisturiser or after makeup. Two: Anytime, anywhere, use it as a calming mist. Three: Mix it with your foundation or moisturiser for a dewy glow.
Tip: It’s also a great skin refresher after a workout or during mid-flight. I’m pretty much addicted!” – Rachel Au, Editor

Murad Replenishing Multi-Acid Peel

“I just came back from my two-week summer break by the sea and while my body is well-rested, my skin isn’t. It’s stressed and I can see all the symptoms: dullness, clogged pores, breakouts and uneven tones no thanks to all that sun exposure (and my forgetful self for only remembering to apply sunscreen two out of 14 days—oops!). If anything, Murad’s Replenishing Multi-Acid Peel is what my skin needs, stat.”
“Before you think peels = drying, hold that thought for a minute. This one’s different and I can vouch for it. For starters, it uses a unique bi-phase liquid formula, combining exfoliating acids (AHA, BHA, and TXA) with antioxidants and omega-rich oils to smooth out your complexion sans any dryness (surprise!). Secondly, it’s so gentle it’s even suitable for those with the most sensitive skin; plus, you can use it every single day. No joke.”
“I tried this for seven days straight and my skin already started thanking me by day four. All the blotchy areas on my skin seemed to be reduced and my overall complexion appeared to be more radiant as well. Texture wise, it’s as if all my dead skin had fallen off and I’m now left with baby-soft skin.
The only thing I didn’t quite fancy was the slight tingling effect but fret not—this is normal due to the presence of the exfoliating acids and only lasts for a few seconds. To be safe, do a patch test first and ensure it does not sting or burn!” – Joanna Pinto, Special Projects Editor

Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Intense Reset Concentrate

“A powerhouse serum that promises visible results within one hour and leave the skin hydrated for 24 hours? Estée Lauder’s new Advanced Night Repair Intense Reset Concentrate has some pretty impressive claims and I was keen to find out if it lived up to its promises.
Some points worth mentioning: it has multi-molecular weight hyaluronic acid (15x concentration) for a serious boost of hydration, a salicylic acid and resveratrol mix, and antioxidants to fight free radical damage.
After using this as an SOS treatment (applied after serum) to help with my blemishes and sensitive areas of my face, and I have to admit that it really does deliver when it comes to instantaneous (and visible) results—I’m talking clearer skin, refined pores and a more radiant texture overall. A little goes a long way with this one—it also helps that each pump sufficiently leaves enough product for the entire face.
Tip: You may not want to use this on the daily, as the serum is potent enough to be used as an overnight treatment. Twice a week worked just fine on my dry/super sensitive skin, and on days when I needed a pick-me-up.” – Loh Wei Yeen, Beauty Editor

Laneige Cica Sleeping Mask

“Fans of sleeping masks can rejoice for a new soon-to-be bestseller from K-beauty sleeping mask pioneer Laneige: the new Cica Sleeping Mask. With a winning ingredient list that will moisturise any bone-dry skin, this formula is best suited for those with dry, sensitive skin types—and if you need to amp up your skin’s regenerative abilities.
The texture of the Cica Sleeping Mask is quite like soft cream. It may be a tad too rich for those with oily/combination skin, but on my dry-patch-prone skin, the formula was hydrating enough to leave it feeling silky smooth the next morning.
What I loved about this: very subtle fragrance (a faint tea tree oil scent, no added artificial fragrances), super nourishing ingredients (shea butter, squalane, panthenol and glycerin), and two powerhouse actives to boost your skin barrier: centella asiatica and Forest Yeast.
Trust me when I say that it works like a dream on your skin when you’re having your fair share of dreams during your REM sleep. I woke up with a dewy glow the next day—one that stayed throughout the day.” – Loh Wei Yeen, Beauty Editor

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Technology
2017 New Year’s resolutions: 7 Apps to help you achieve them
App-y new year

06.01.2017
By Rachel Au

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New Year’s resolutions are never easy to keep. We start out strong in January but by middle of the year, we’re feeling guilty that the resolve has already dissolved. Since our smartphones are virtually like our second best friend, these apps might just help change all that.

1. Learn a new language — Duolingo

No time for a course or can’t seem to follow through with a phrasebook? This app makes learning new languages fun and convenient. With short, lesson-orientated bursts and a gamification element, you’ll be able to learn at your own pace, compete with friends and strive to compete to level up.

2. Learn something new — Memrise

Memrise is another good option if you want to learn a new language but the app’s array of subjects extends past German, French or Spanish; it includes other topics such as finance, accounting, history and geography. The app also uses a gamification format along with audio, images and a variety of memorisation techniques to make it more fun and less like boring homework.

3. Start reading more — Bookout

Track what books you’re reading while the app tracks the time spent doing it, goals, and progress. You can even add your favourite quotes or thoughts from the book.

4. Read the news more — Quartz

Quartz makes news more interesting with its texting interface complete with photos, GIFs and links – as if it was a kind friend who was keeping you up to date with the latest news.

5. Keep a journal or tidy up your notes — Bear

Bear’s initial charm is the minimal and sleek design but as you use it more frequently, it’s really the simple and organised interface that will make you fall in love with the app. Whether it’s to-do lists, short notes or a whole essay, it’ll do the trick.

6. Breaking bad habits and starting good ones — Strides

Out with the old and in with the new (in fact, we’ve got 10 good habits for you to start right now) but  this could be even harder than #1 to #5. Strides beg to differ. Calling itself a smart goal tracker, it breaks down your goals into doable chunks.

7. Start exercising — Nike+ Training Club

It’s even more amazing after Nike redesigned the personal trainer app for both men and women to make it even more personalised to each individual’s needs, abilities and goals.

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MFW SS16: Moschino

Fashion
MFW SS16: Moschino
Warning: too much fun ahead

25.09.2015
By Buro247

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It is evident when a designer enjoys what they do. Their work is an extension of their passion, their enthusiasm and joy. The kind of uninhibited joy that puppies exude: untainted by responsibility, sorrow or disappointment. Jeremy Scott’s version of kitsch couture may seem unwearable to the pedestrian fashion enthusiast but what it unfailingly serves is a huge dose of fun. Despite the caution tape motifs and high-vis safety colours used on Moschino’s S/S’16 runway, the only danger the audience were faced with was the possibility of too much of a damn good time. Hard hats, traffic cones, tool boxes and safety signs were translated into hats and bags. And after the happy mess of construction, in came the cleaning crew armed with spray-bottle clutches and fringed dresses resembling the bristles and brushes typically seen in drive-through car washes. If having fun is a crime, then we’ll happily plead guilty.
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Watches
#RedCarpet jewellery: What the stars wore to Cannes 2016
High shine, high finesse

23.05.2016
By Su Fen Tan

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The Cartier Privé collection is about history and modernity

The stars shone at The 69th Annual Cannes Film Festival—not only in the films they starred in or the gorgeous gowns they wore on the red carpet, but also in a beautiful array of fine jewellery as they looked their absolute best for the camera. From the Charleston earrings in white gold, diamonds and onyx, and a Franges Swing bracelet in white gold and diamonds by Chanel Fine Jewelry worn by the ever-glowing Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, who looked absolutely stunning in a Galvan dress created with Swarovski crystal fabric by the way, to the exquisite earrings donned by Marion Cotillard from the Chopard Green Carpet Collection, treat your Monday Blues with a dose of sparkle courtesy of the celebs at Cannes 2016:

Chopard
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Bulgari
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Chanel
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Piaget
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Features
IWD 2023: How the founders of Dia Guild are empowering women through art
Power trio

08.03.2023
By Phyll Wu

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

Where would we be without all the strong, incredible women in our lives? Be it your mum, sister, friend, or even that one woman you randomly met who shared a series of thrilling tales about her life, everyone has a female figure who inspires and drives us to be the very best version of ourselves. Yet, it’s no secret that women from all walks of life are often not treated as equals, being seen as merely fragile, sensitive beings that would crumble under the slightest pressure—and that couldn’t be further from the truth.
Whilst we’ve certainly made progress in pushing gender equality, misogyny and sexism are very much still prevalent in today’s society. In the labour pool, women are paid far less than their male counterparts across many industries, leadership roles are frequently reserved for men, and maternity leaves are limited to unreasonable durations or seen as “occupational hazards”—not to mention the mansplaining, objectification, derogatory comments, and overfamiliar remarks they regularly encounter.
That said, there are many extraordinary women who have challenged the odds, letting the world know that they are more than their gender’s oppressive stereotypes. Three women, in particular, take the spotlight in this story, namely Alia Farouk, Kylie Francis, and Aisha Hassan, who joined forces to launch Dia Guild in 2020 (in the midst of the pandemic!).

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A post shared by Dia (@diaguild)

Based between Kuala Lumpur and New York City, Dia Guild serves as a platform for brilliant Southeast Asian artisans to achieve well-deserved recognition and support on a global scale—or simply, it’s a love letter to Southeast Asia, as the girls like to call it. Dedicated to changing the false narratives about our vibrant continent, empowering aspiring female entrepreneurs and creatives, as well as shining the limelight on authentic artisanship, the curated platform currently boasts 23 brands across six countries, and they’re just getting started.
In celebration of International Women’s Day, we had a chat with the passionate trio about their journey as a female-owned business, their insight on the social stigma against women, the stories of their partnered artisans, and upcoming plans for Dia Guild. Scroll down to get in on the conversation!

 What sparked the decision to launch Dia Guild?
Kylie: “The idea for Dia was born out of a desire to bring niche, heritage fashion to a global platform while simultaneously breaking stereotypes of Southeast Asia. Aisha, Alia and I have always been supporters of local brands and whenever we’d travel throughout Southeast Asia, we were highly impressed by the level of craftsmanship and design that exists in the region. Yet many people associate Southeast Asia with having cheap, poor quality products.”

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A post shared by Dia (@diaguild)

“The rise of fast fashion, whose clothes are mass manufactured by factories in Southeast Asia, has unfortunately contributed to the negative perception of products in the region. So we wanted to reverse that stigma by curating a collection of incredible Southeast Asian brands and products for customers, while in turn building a bridge for Southeast Asian brands to reach the rest of the world.”

In any field, discrimination and gender inequality has been a common—and even normalised—experience for women. What are some of the hardest challenges you’ve encountered as a female-owned business and how did you overcome them?
Alia: “There are certainly those who have a discriminatory view of female founders and they have suffered for it, but we’ve been lucky—at least from our personal perspective—that this hasn’t significantly affected our business experience. In fact, it sometimes seems that people underestimate us (as three petite, young-looking Asian women) which makes our ambition, grit, and preparedness have an even greater impact. Moreover, the compassionate work culture we’ve built as three best friends, sisters to others (and pretty much each other), and Kylie as a mother, is something we bring to every partnership or professional task we have, which has only served to take us from strength to strength.”

 While gender equality in the workforce has come a long way, there’s still a lot that can be done. What are some initiatives that should be made to create a more inclusive and supportive work environment for women?
Aisha: “It’s been amazing to see Kylie juggle her responsibilities at Dia while also being a present mother. However, it also emphasized the importance of maternity leave, which we were able to offer, but that many companies, including in Malaysia, do not always adequately provide. Prior to January 2023, mothers were only given 60 days of paid maternity leave in Malaysia, which has now risen to 98 days, matching the global minimum standard of 14 weeks, but this is still less than the International Labour Organization’s recommendation of 18 weeks.
“Fair maternity leave policies (and for that matter, paternity leave policies) should be in place to help parents, especially women who have been historically compromised for choosing to become mothers, maintain both a family and a fulfilling professional life.”

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“Another initiative that would help build a more supportive work environment for women is more tailored mentorship opportunities. At Dia, we pride ourselves on customising our internship experiences to what our prospective interns (who have coincidentally all been incredible women) want to focus on, whether that’s marketing, finance, or operations. It would be amazing to see more companies and female founders not only doing this, but also collaborating with each other, and even educational institutions, to create tailored mentorship experiences for as many aspiring young women as possible. This would not only nurture the pipeline of women into the workplace but also create a more thoughtful workplace culture as a whole.”

 What are some of the most absurd misconceptions that you’ve heard about women?
Kylie: “We’ve all come across a range of unhelpful stereotypes, but at Dia, we just try to focus on role-modelling attributes that we think women often excel at.  We care deeply about the company culture and foster an “assume best intentions” mindset to ensure that everyone’s efforts are fully appreciated and that everyone feels supported.  Building a business is hard, so it’s important to recognize people’s contributions and celebrate them.”

 Having worked with numerous female artisans across Southeast Asia, what are some of the most empowering stories you’ve heard?
Alia: “With 21 out of our 27 partner brands being female-founded or run by female artisans, there is a moving story behind each of them that makes us so proud to work with them. There is Lorraine Lee, who first began tying nautical knots with her father because it was cognitive therapy for his hypoxic brain injury and memory loss; these knots rooted in memory then evolved into earrings and her brand, Talee Studio, was born.

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“Another Malaysian brand, Sophia By Shirley, was founded by Shirley Ong and named for her daughter, Sophia. Shirley always wanted to be a mother and had trouble conceiving, so when she did, she was determined to work in a way that also lets her spend time with her daughter (while handcrafting exquisite obi silk bags).  These examples are just two of many of Dia’s amazing partner brands.”

 Who are the women in your life that have inspired and empowered you?

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Aisha: “My late maternal grandmother helped raise me, and she taught me the importance of remembering your roots, resilience, and finding beauty in even the smallest things. And my mother has always been the epitome of selflessness, grace, and what it takes to overcome even the most difficult challenges. Both of these women have always been my pillars of strength.”

 Any words of wisdom for aspiring female entrepreneurs?
Kylie: “One of my favourite Malay proverbs is “sikit-sikit lama-lama menjadi bukit.” This resonates because it reminds you that building a successful business doesn’t happen overnight; it’s the accumulation of many little steps.  So my main advice is to just start (that’s the hardest bit!)—you’ll be amazed at what you achieve in a matter of months.”

 What are the exciting plans that Dia Guild has in store for 2023?
Alia: “We have set up a pop-up store at Momaku Bangsar Shopping Centre that will be open to the public from Thursday, 9th March until Wednesday, 22nd March (8am to 10pm). Alongside showcasing our products and the brands behind them, we have organized mini-events throughout the two weeks—an open mic night, a mixer for female entrepreneurs in the city, invited local artists to showcase their artwork (which will also be available for purchase)—with the intention of bringing together different communities. Momaku will also be offering a special menu for this event, including Gula Melaka Cream Puffs and Gula Melaka Lattes. Feel free to come by with your friends to shop, eat, drink and enjoy!

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“In June, we have an exciting event planned with The Datai in Langkawi, in conjunction with their 30-year anniversary celebrations. We’re excited to share more information about that, and more exciting events and collaborations, soon!”

How is Dia Guild celebrating International Women’s Day?
Aisha: “Luckily for Dia, with three female co-founders and 80 per cent of all our partner brands also being female-founded, celebrating women is a wonderful everyday experience. On IWD 2023 itself, we will be finalising preparations for our pop-up.  It will finish with a gathering of female entrepreneurs in Malaysia, including our partner batik artisan Intan Suria, to share her personal stories.
“On Thursday, 16 March (9:30pm), I will also be interviewed by ‘Sitting In The Nude’, a community that shares vulnerable stories, for their IWD special. Stay tuned to all of these by following us on Instagram @diaguild or subscribing to our newsletter at www.diaguild.com.”

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Watches + Jewellery
Peter Speake-Marin delves into his friendship with Pierce Brosnan and challenges as a watchmaker
A true English artisan

08.01.2016
By Wei Yeen Loh

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To say that Peter Speake-Marin is an experienced watchmaker would be an understatement—the founder of Speake-Marin and watch designer has had over 30 years of horological expeerience, having restored antique pieces from Breguet and Patek Philippe to serving as a consultant for companies including Harry Winston and Maîtres du Temps. We sat down to chat with the English craftsman during his stay here for the watch and jewellery showcase “A Journey Through Time 2015” at Starhill Gallery.

Tell us more about Pierce Brosnan being the ambassador of Speake-Marin.
The effects were very positive. The biggest challenge for little companies like us is being able to gain confidence in the marketplace because we haven’t been around for 100 years, and also for notoriety because we want people to know who we are. Pierce brings that level of confidence and comfort to the brand. We get more publicity because people love to see pictures and the association with us.
Two years ago, I was called by a director of this movie. And the character that Pierce was playing was an assassin but his day job was a watchmaker. So they wanted me to build a workshop, supply watches, and give any sort of counsel necessary. I set up the outside of the shop in London, and the inside of the boutique and workshop was created in Sofia, Bulgaria. It was very surreal and bizarre.
I met Pierce in Bulgaria, and in a conversation that didn’t last more than 20 minutes, we kind of got to know each other through very simple things. We kept coming up with parallels—I would say “I love watchmaking!” and his will be “I love making films!” We both come from different domains but are driven by the same thing, which is to do what we love. And we’re very fortunate to have made careers out of it but obviously, his is a whole different world than mine. He’d be wearing my watch in his everyday life and start taking pictures of him with the watch. This was even before we thought about having an agreement. And one day I called him to ask if he was interested to work on something together, and he made it achievable.
I’ve led an unsual life as a watchmaker and he was definitely one of the weird parts of it. I’ve sold watches to politicians, directors, and musicians etc. But his world kind of frightens the hell out of me. It’s so surreal. What happened in Sofia was that they spent several months building sets and in a few days it’s over! When I went back to the set to pick up all my material, it left me feeling a quiet tension, because it’s all over within a few minutes of filming. I found it unsettling from that point. There’s so much preparation to it, and it takes up to 24 hours of filming, which results in only 1 minute of material. It’s almost wasteful yet it’s not, because it’s art. It’s what I do, too.

How was shooting Pierce Brosnan like?
We went to New York to the Meatpacking District to this incredible vast studio with windows everywhere. Initially, he gave his best steamy look, like what you’d expect from Pierce Brosnan, but I wanted him to relax. And that’s where he came out with these pictures, and unfortunately even if I think it’s brilliant, it’d never be approved. We had two looks—one relaxed and another of him in a Hackett, sports-style look. My photographer normally spends the same amount of time to get a dozen good pictures from others, but we got five hundred! Pierce doesn’t want to see his pictures on the camera as he doesn’t want to be more self-aware of himself. And the results were incredible. We email each other from time to time, and when you get an email from Pierce Brosnan, you’re like “It’s very weird!” I’ve never been a stalker or movie star lover, but I kind of understand how that happens. Having seen this, I kind of get it now.

You were a watch consultant from Survivor, how was that experience like?
The very first time I had the connection with the film was when I was in London and we were building the outside of the set. They actually asked me to participate, just to walk pass a window of a boutique, down the street. And I actually forgot how to walk! I was so nervous, and it wasn’t even a nanosecond that I had appeared in the film in the end. When I watch the film finally, I was waiting for so much more and virtually nothing was kept in.
That was my experience, and it was interesting, although I would never want to be part of that world. But I respected that James McTeague was the director, he’s like the orchestra leader. They would take 30-40 times for one scene, and I was in awe at the way he managed it and he got input back from different people. The pragmatism of that guy in doing that job, I was in awe of. The creative process that was spontaneous in that moment in time, whether changing the light or position slightly—I was fascinated by it.

Is there a country or demographic that you are interested in targeting now?
There isn’t one target country. The two major markets are Asia and America, which is very sweeping. We sell watches all over the world but we’re only a small company so it’s impossible to imagine having a wide appeal. We don’t want to dilute ourselves, so we concentrate on two markets. And right now, we’ve been restructuring strategies for the future. We opened up in Paris recently, and most who buy it aren’t locals, they’re mostly tourists. The markets just seem to be generally more developed in America or in Asia.

What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced so far?
I think that generally, the most challenging aspect of what I do isn’t the watchmaking or the commercial part of it. It’s the communication aspect, probably. The reason I’m able to do what I do is because of the Internet and photography. This is how we get to tens of thousands of people everyday. But it’s so momentary, it’s there for one second and then it’s gone. Every company, big or small, uses the same medium in one way or another. There’s a lot of material that goes out there.
The advantage that small companies have is that we may not have been around for as long as the rest have, but we have a human interest that they don’t, because we’re living, breathing people. We have the person and the product. The market is going in a direction of people. That’s why James Bond works—there’s a human aspect behind it. There’s so much product in the market that trying to develop a brand and grow isn’t a process that takes 1 to 10 years—it takes a lifetime. I think that’s the hardest thing, the communication and commercialisation of building a small brand in a challenging world now. Fortunately when you make 100 watches, it’s easier to sell them than making a hundred thousand watches.

How did the Shenandoah came about?
I get asked the question “When are you going to make a ladies watch?” a lot. Instead of taking an iconic case, shrink it, stick some diamonds on it and calling it a ladies watch, we did it differently. The Shenandoah is a Piccadilly but without the shoulders in place, it’s slightly curved. It retains the same DNA of my other watch, but it’s very much a ladies watch. It’s a very different piece to the men’s watches. It’s a totally different client at the end of the day, and design wise, there was a woman involved in designing the dials.
The hard thing for me as a watchmaker was the mechanics of it. We started out with a mechanical watch and we ended up with a quartz watch. And the reason for that (this might be a sweeping generalization) is because like men’s watches, women don’t like when they have to wind them up. And ladies have long nails. So we made a quartz watch, and everyone was like “Speake-Marin is selling out!” but we’re just addressing the clients. It came out early this year, and it’s well-received. It’s a jewellery-centered watch, not a fashion-orientated watch. The name also means something like “girl in the stars”—isn’t it lovely? That’s what marketing companies are for. I come up with things like “Spirit” and “Resilience”…it’s too masculine for this.

What’s next for Speake-Marin?
I’ve been doing this now seven years just at Speake-Marin, and it has changed multiple ways, whether it’s the different people I’m working with or where I’m traveling to. Today I think we’re at the point whereby what we are putting together will assure us of our stability in Malaysia. I’ve lived my dream already—to have ideas and execute them, to take that idea out of my head and put it on my hand. What I really want to do professionally is continue doing that. I don’t want to be a millionaire and I’m happy with what I do and have. It’s great to make unreachable dreams, but when you’re already there, it’s a nice place to be—almost Zen-like. There has to be growth, definitely. Businesses wither if they aren’t nurtured. The slow growth we have is comforting.

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Speake-Marin’s latest masterpiece: The Kennin-ji Temple Masters ProjectExploring the emotion of timepieces with Romain Jerome CEO Manuel Emch

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Men's
7 Famous men who have used nail art to express themselves

23.06.2021
By Eugene Chen

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Famous men, be it A-list celebrities or social media stars, are constantly changing our perceptions of fashion and beauty. From pushing the boundaries with genderless fashion, such as donning pearl necklaces, to experimenting with makeup—gender-fluid looks have gone beyond the runway and onto the red carpet (as well as city streets).
In recent years, we’ve noticed more men—from Harry Styles to A$AP Rocky—adorning their nails with creative art. This counterculture, however, has been on the rise for some time now. Rock star David Bowie had used nail art to express himself since the ’70s, trailblazing the path for another generation to reject gender norms. It may have taken a while to get here, but we’re not surprised by this revolution. After all, fashion and beauty are about self-expression regardless of gender identity.
By using nail art to express themselves, these famous men have broken gender stereotypes and normalised it:
1. Brad Pitt

Photo: Getty Images
The Fight Club actor was seen at the 26th Annual Palm Springs International Film Festival, in 2015, presenting an award with his colourfully decorated nails. This may have come as a surprise to most who’ve followed Brad Pitt’s Hollywood career, where he’s often taken on roles considered masculine.
2. Kurt Cobain

Photo: @NirvanaPictures
David Bowie, Mick Jagger and Kurt Cobain were among the famous men who pioneered androgynous fashion. Cobain was a feminist known for wearing his iconic floral dress and speaking up on controversial issues. It’s no surprise that he used nail polish to make a statement in defiance of gender boundaries.
3. Evan Mock

Photo: @evanmock
Skater, model, photographer, and actor (soon to appear on HBO Max’s reboot of Gossip Girl) are the many words used to describe Evan Mock. Known for his signature pink hair, the rising star has appeared in campaigns for notable fashion houses including Louis Vuitton, Saint Laurent, and Calvin Klein.
4. Troye Sivan

Photo: @troyesivan
Not enough credit is given to Troye Sivan when it comes to beauty and fashion. The Australian singer has been seen wearing corsets and dresses, pushing the boundaries of fashion. He’s also a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community.
5. Lil Yachty

Photo: @lilyachty
Not only does the Atlanta rapper love his nail art, but he’s also started a business called Crete selling unisex nail paint. Lil Yachty hopes that Crete can help break the stigma of nail art being feminine and encourage others to express themselves.
6. Harry Styles

Photo: Getty Images
One of the most famous men of today, who is no stranger to having his nails painted, is Harry Styles. The British singer and songwriter is often seen on the red carpet with nail art that matches his outfits. Here, he’s spotted leaving BBC Radio 2 with his nails painted bright red while rocking a beautiful pearl necklace.
7. A$AP Rocky

Photo: Getty Images
An icon in the fashion world, A$AP Rocky has never shied away when it comes to exploring new fashion trends. He was seen in the front row of Loewe’s Spring/Summer 2020 show with a creative eyeball nail art design that he posed perfectly for.
Find more beauty stories like this here.

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Music
Gigs in January 2019: Kyle, A Tribute to Amy Winehouse, Elephant Gym and more

02.01.2019
By Su Fen Tan

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

4 & 5 January (Fri & Sat), Chelsia Ng’s ‘Resolutions’ @ Bobo KL
Bobo KL’s first act of the year is actress and singer-songwriter Chelsia Ng, who will be serenading the room with her originals as well as covers of Alanis Morissette, Jewel, Regina Spektor and more. Accompanying her on stage are pianist Loh Ui Li and bass guitarist Wafi.
There will be a RM60 cover charge (for non-Bobo diners). For more information, visit the event page.

5 January (Sat), Kyle Live in KL @ The Bee, Publika
Kick off the year with the positive vibes and upbeat verses of Kyle. Following the release and success of his debut album Light of Mine in 2018, the Californian rapper will be stopping by KL on his first ever world tour. Rap cypher show 16 Baris will open the night with Airliftz, Lil J and Aman Ra.
For ticketing and more information, visit the website.

11 & 12 January (Fri & Sat), A Tribute to Amy Winehouse: Love is Blind @ No Black Tie
Relive the music of Amy Winehouse live through the soulful vocals of Dasha Logan, and the guitar accompaniment of Robin Banerjee, who notably played with the late singer in her live band from 2006 to 2008.
There will be an admission free of RM80. Reserve a spot online here.

12 January (Sat), City Roars! Festival 2019 @ KLPac
Co-curated by local label Soundscape Records and Taiwan’s Emerge Music, the inaugural City Roars! Festival brings together independent artists and musicians from across the region to collaborate and showcase progressive musical ideas and genres under one roof. Featured artistes include The Fin. (Japan), The Landlord’s Cat (China), Jade Eyes (Taiwan), Harunemuri (Japan), Anna Chong (Malaysia) and Straw (Malaysia).
For ticketing and more information, visit the website.

19 January (Sat), Elephant Gym – Under Water World Tour @ Live Fact
Meet Elephant Gym, a bass-driven, math rock band from Kaohsiung, Taiwan. Siblings Tif and Tell play the bass and guitar respectively, while Chia-Chin leads the pulse on drums.
For ticketing and more information, visit the website.

25 & 26 January (Fri & Sat), fono One Year Anniversary @ fono, The Zhongshan Building
Fono, the off-kilter listening room, rare music library, bar and collaborative space nestled in The Zhongshan Building turns one! And they are celebrating the occasion along with some friends from Singapore, Bangkok and Jakarta. More details to follow, so be sure to follow them on Instagram for more deets.

26, 27 & 29 January (Sat, Sun & Tues), Queen of Spades @ Dewan Filharmonik Petronas
The Malaysia Philharmonic Orchestra brings the Tchaikovsky opera to life under the baton of Maestro Stanislav Kochanovsky, along with an all-star cast and the Dithyrambic Singers. The carmen-inspired opera was inspired by Alexander Pushkin’s eerie tale of fortune and fate of the same name.
For ticketing and more information, visit the website.

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Beauty
3 Pre-moisturisers you need for hydrated, flake-free skin

26.06.2018
By Wei Yeen Loh

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If your trusty moisturiser doesn’t do enough for your skin in terms of getting you that enviable, natural glow, add these goodies to your beauty arsenal and your skin might just thank you for it. Below, get ready to say goodbye to Sahara-desert like skin with the help of these new skin quenchers.
Sisley Hydra-Global Serum

What it does: Before you pat on your moisturiser post-cleansing, apply Sisley’s new serum that serves as a hydration booster to your skin. Its impressive list of actives help your skin trap and retain water on a cellular level, thus giving skin a youthful bounce. It also has a watery texture that absorbs quickly into the skin without leaving a greasy texture — who doesn’t love a bare-skin sensation anyway?
Key ingredients: Yeast extracts of Blue Agave from Mexico and carob seeds increase the quantity of hyaluronic acid in the skin, and wild pansy extract stimulates the cell’s ability to retain water. Iris and Edelweiss extracts then protect the newly-formed hyaluronic acid while increasing skin’s impermeability at the surface. Lastly, three essential oils (sage, lavender, and marjoram) give this serum a lovely fragrance that isn’t overwhelming to the senses.

Biotherm Aquasource Aura Concentrate

What it does: This new bi-phase concentrate packs a punch with its unique formula — its 15% oily phase has natural-origin oils for hydration, while an 85% watery phase is equipped with two active ingredients for skin revival. Think of it as a cross between a serum and essence — perfect to be used in a multitude of ways, whether under your moisturiser for maximum hydration, with your moisturiser for better absorption, or even mixed with your foundation for a dewy glow.
Key ingredients: You can count on Biotherm’s signature Life Plankton for next-level cellular renewal. Founded in the French Pyrenees, this living micro-organism has more than 35 nutrients to revive skin beautifully. The addition of Aura Leaf helps to hydrate skin and even skin tone for a head-turning, light-reflecting complexion.

Clinique Even Better Brighter Essence Lotion

What it does: This new lightweight formula serves as an essence to give your skin a boost of radiance pre-moisturiser. It has both corrective and preventative benefits — talk about a multitasking must-have in anyone’s beauty bag. If dark spots and uneven skin tone are high up on your list of skin dilemmas, try Clinique’s new water essence that help to improve the clarity of skin with ceramide and botanical extracts.
Key ingredients: Algae extract from the coast of Brittany, France, helps slow down the production of melanin and brighten skin, while Baikal skullca extract prevents spot formation caused by environmental pollutors. Thanks to glucosamine, Gyokuro extract and a host of other ingredients, the skin renews faster naturally while retaining moisture for prolonged hydration.

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Fashion
A sneak peek at Selena Gomez’ first RTW collection with Coach
Come and get it

13.03.2018
By Joan Kong

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Hot on the heels of the success of the Selena Grace handbag and accessories last year, Selena Gomez will once again be collaborating with Coach for Autumn 2018, but this time, she’ll be launching a full collection that will include (her first) ready-to-wear looks, handbags, small leather goods and other accessories. Speaking of the on-going partnership, Selena says “I am so excited to be working with Coach again. Getting to create my own collection with Stuart has been such a fun process, and I can’t wait for everyone to see what we have been working on over the past several months.” Creative director Stuart Vevers also echoed her sentiments. “I always look forward to designing with Selena because she has a strong point of view. We wanted to bring cool new ideas to the table and I loved getting her take on clothes as much as accessories this time around.”

Although the brand has yet to release the images of the looks from the collection, both Coach and Selena have given us a sneak peek through their Instagram accounts. Expect an ultra-feminine collection in a saccharine colour palette, amped up with lace details and embellishment.

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Beauty
Hello, Hallyu: A New Face-slimming Cut & Colour Service Hits KL
Get your V Look - stat

13.07.2015
By Terry Saw

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Any woman worthy of her K-drama knowledge (read: addiction) will know Yoon Eun Hye. Dubbed Asia’s ‘Drama Ratings Queen’, the multi-hyphenated Korean model-actress-singer-entertainer Yoon has just added first-ever Asian brand spokesperson for L’Oreal Professionnel to her already-glowing résumé.
I’M VERY HONOURED TO REPRESENT L’Oréal Professionnel. It IS strongly connected to fashion and innovation, and is always on trend. Its services and products are perfect for asian women, and gives women everywhere a total transformation.
Now, you too, can have a little taste of K-star quality with the new V Look service that’s just been made available here in Kuala Lumpur. Just a heads up of what you can expect: a total pampering session for your tresses, which includes a personalised consultation by a trained L’Oreal Professional hairdresser to give you just the right cut and colour using Majirel, plus texture and styling to suit your features for that perfect V-shaped face. Total transformation in less time (and effort) than it takes to organise a wardrobe overhaul sounds like a very good idea, wouldn’t you agree?
V Look service starts from RM300, and is now available at all L’Oreal Professionnel salons.

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Features
Paris Haute Couture AW18 Street Style: Models off-duty

05.07.2018
By Stephanie Boey

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As Paris Haute Couture AW18 comes to a close, let’s take a minute to praise the muses that took to the runway. The models looked exquisite as they strutted their stuff, but the catwalk was not the only source of looks being served. If you’ve ever wondered what the leggy glamazons wear when they clock out from work, keep reading. Steal their style with pared down separates with a serving of effortlessly cool plus one trending accessory. Top model Soo Joo Park (Look 3) played it sweet with an exaggerated sweetheart neckline paired with double denim: jeans and a studded clutch, while America’s Next Top Model alumni Winnie Harlow (Look 13) kept it casual with a crop top, trusty blues, wide oval frames and the ubiquitous accessory of the moment: the bum bag. Household name, former Victoria Secret angel and model veteran, Adriana Lima (Look 20) showed support for her fellow countryman in Russia at the 2018 FIFA World Cup by sporting a Brazil football jersey. Swipe through for more of our favourite model citizens:
{insert gallery tpl=”slide-freesize.tpl” id=”[Стандартная] Paris Haute Couture AW18 Street Style” rid=”6343″ order=”a_tstamp”}

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Lifestyle
Lady Gaga’s Super Bowl LI performance screamed pop but whispered unity
Rising above controversy

06.02.2017
By Buro247

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Surrounded by a sky full of stars—or a galaxy of programmed drones, to be accurate—Lady Gaga kicked off her halftime set with a patriotic belt of ‘God Bless America’ and ‘This Land is Your Land’ as the fleet behind her converged to sketch out the American flag. Standing high above the crowd she proclaimed the final lines of the Pledge of Allegiance of the United States:
“One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”

With that, Gaga plunged off the roof and down into the Super Bowl stadium below and launched into an epic spectacle of pop revelry. Clad in a crystal-covered body suit, the Mother Monster performed a playlist comprising her biggest, career-defining hit singles. ‘Edge of Glory’ and ‘Poker Face’ involved cable-supported mid-air acrobatics, ‘Born This Way’ embraced diversity, a keytar stole the show in ‘Just Dance’ and ‘Million Reasons’ included heartfelt shoutouts to the singer’s parents.

Having promised to steer clear of politics in a press conference held prior to the event, Gaga’s performance focused on a message of “inclusion”. The outspoken 30-year-old performer however made a subtle but clear stand in light of the current political clime under the Trump administration by choosing Woodie Guthrie’s song ‘This is Your Land’. Often used as an anthem in protests of the new governance, the song’s lyrics which go, “There was a big high wall there that tried to stop me” could not speak any louder.

Watch the full 13-minute extravaganza here.

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Beauty
Celebeauty: Makeup artist Pat McGrath is now a Dame of the British Empire

03.01.2021
By Redzhanna Jazmin

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

New year, new headlines—the stars are back at it again with the shenanigans. From royal appointments to chaotic makeovers, there’s a headline to please everyone.
Ahead, catch up on all of the biggest celebrity beauty headlines from this week (and find out which celebrity absolutely botched their new piercing)!
This week in Damehood

Pat McGrath becomes first makeup artist to receive recognition as Dame of the British Empire (DBE)

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You heard that right: Mother McGrath is now Dame Mother McGrath to you! The trailblazer has been included in the Queen of England’s New Year Honors list for 2021, making her the first makeup artist to achieve this title.
In a statement, McGrath said: “”I am truly delighted and humbled to be given this wonderful honour. My mother’s obsession with beauty and fashion ignited my passion for this amazing industry and I feel blessed to have the privilege of working with some of the most extraordinary people throughout my career.”
“Colour across the spectrum is my life’s work and inspiration and I celebrate individuality particularly with my brand Pat McGrath Labs, so I am especially honoured that this award is also for diversity,” she continues. “I believe that with creativity and resilience there can be abundant possibilities and that is certainly true today with this award.”
This week in makeovers

Tom Hanks gets a big hair makeover…

…and he hates it. The seasoned actor flaunted his new ‘do on the Graham Norton Show (albeit quickly) and shocked us all with his shiny skull. In the clip, he explains exactly where his once-full head of hair has gone, and why:
“I am working on Baz Lurhmann’s movie about Elvis Presley—Austin Butler is playing Elvis Presley—and here, let me show you the horrible haircut I have to have in order to portray Colonel Tom Parker,” he said, unveiling his new look. “Can you see that? Look at that thing!“
The look we viewers got was brief but incriminating—Hanks’ hair situation is that of the classic old-man: A fully shaved crown with grey tufts on the sides. After the big reveal, he then joked, “I just scared the children. I want to apologize for showing that.”
Demi Lovato is in the process of a breakup overhaul

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In case you missed it: Lovato split with her fiancé Max Ehrich in late September of 2020, and has marked the occasion with a big makeover (as you do). The singer started big and bold with a brand new blonde pixie cut in mid-November and has most recently followed her efforts with a new nose piercing.
The new piercing was courtesy of Daniel Ruiz, also known unofficially as Lovato’s ‘piercing guy’. He was responsible for the matching Lovato/Lucy Hale ear piercings that cropped up last September, so it makes sense that the starlet would return to trusted hands.
This isn’t the first time we’ve seen Lovato with a nose ring, though—the last time she sported a cute diamond stud was in 2012. However, by the looks of her recent Instagram Story, it seems that she’s traded the stud for a trendy hoop this time around.

Bella Hadid goes ginger

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Ginger Spice vibes, anyone? The supermodel shared her new look on Instagram earlier this week and caught our eye. Though we’re fairly certain it’s a wig she’s sporting as opposed to a dye job, we are very into this look. However, though the vibrant orange hue is a showstopper that works beautifully with her complexion, some commenters had other things on their mind.
In the photo, Hadid is treating her self to an au naturale snow cone à la New York City. All in all… gross. Instagram user @_sashafrancesca said it best in her comment on the post, which reads: “please no one lick new york snow, like ever”. Especially not in a pandemic, please.
This week in makeovers-gone-wrong

Remember Billie Eilish’s iconic mullet? That wasn’t intentional.

READ: Shag-tastic: All the best celebrity mullets from this year
There’s no doubt about it: 2020 was the year of the mullet. Unfortunately for some, however, hopping on the trend wasn’t exactly a planned beauty statement. Billie Eilish cleared the air surrounding her polarising ‘do from the 2019 LACMA Art + Film Gala.
According to Eilish, her big makeover was actually the result of a dye-job-gone-wrong, as opposed to a conscious choice. Indeed—her short, trendy layers were actually strategic pieces of hair that were burnt off in the dyeing process. She explains that she mistakenly placed her trust in the hands of an amateur stylist who was not quite as experienced with colour as they had claimed to be, which resulted in her hair ‘falling out in chunks’ for months after.
READ: How to apply hair colour on your own — 5 lessons I’ve learned from my DIY hair dye jobs

Chrissy Teigen’s new nose ring didn’t go as planned, either

So I did this today and it immediately fell out and healed the second she left because she did it wrong lmao pic.twitter.com/PnzjtzFcb5
— chrissy teigen (@chrissyteigen) December 29, 2020

READ: Piercing guide: Everything you need to know before g

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