Culture
As good at cooking as she is good looking
On The Table At Home

30.09.2016
By Buro247

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When you’ve written as many books as I have—around 30 and counting—it’s sometimes easy to forget the exhilaration of being a first-time author. I’m currently dragging my feet on the final chapters of my new book, and dreading the deadline that’s already frantically flashing in panic button mode, and that’s why it’s been so cathartic to see a new author hit her stride and cross the finishing line with aplomb. And unless you’ve been sequestered under a rock somewhere far, far away, you’ll know that I’m referring to the lovely Danielle Graham, whose accomplishments as an international model are perhaps about to be eclipsed by her new triumph as a cookbook author. Titled On The Table At Home, the book is as much a collection of her favourite recipes as it is an intimate chronicle of Danielle’s culinary journey.

“I’ve always been passionate about food and it’s something that was instilled in me by my parents. It was very important for them that we ate right and ate together as a family, and I think that’s a huge reason why cooking is such a big part of my life. I love to read and write, and doing this book—an incredible journey from which I learned so much and which was a few years in the making—has been a dream since I was a teenager,” Danielle said. Launched last week to great fanfare in Hong Kong, and with a KL launch imminent, the book is the culmination of a lifetime’s worth of cooking for friends, family and her children. More importantly—and this is something you will comprehend if you, like Danielle, derive pleasure from the joy your cooking yields in others—it represents an exhaustive journey traversed, one that’s variously been rich with rewards, and rife with trial and error. This gift of food is Danielle’s offering, as it were, to the world. And if you ask me, the gift of sharing the food you love is quite possibly the most authentic and sincere gift of all.

A video posted by Ben’s Independent Grocer (@bensindependentgrocer) on Oct 11, 2016 at 5:47am PDT

A girl after my own heart, Danielle is a big fan of comfort food, and why not? Comfort food nourishes, warms, and satiates in a way that trendy cuisine just cannot, and so the book is a treasure trove of such familiar recipes as ABC soup, steamed fish with soy, ginger and shiitake, and beef rendang. It’s a big nod to the multicultural society that we as Malaysians are so fortunate to be a part of, but there are also recipes that serve as succinct bookmarks of a life partly lived abroad, such as the miso soup with salmon and shimeji mushrooms, a throwback to a sojourn in Japan, where an enduring love for this hearty broth developed. And, like so many children who inherited their love of cooking from their caregivers, Danielle owes much of her gastronomic passion to her mother and grandmother, both powerhouses in the kitchen, whose heirloom recipes have made their way into pride of place in the book. One that I particularly look forward to trying is granny’s chicken rice, purportedly a “legendary” dish in Danielle’s family, and one that is regularly requested for by her children.

Until you become an author yourself, you may not realise that writing a book is not unlike getting disrobed and sharing your bits in all their perfect imperfection with the world. A novelist may write fiction, but therein are contained anecdotes that owe their provenance to the author’s life experience. A cookbook does much the same, saying, “There, this is all I know, and more, and it’s now yours for the taking”. Taken in that spirit, On The Table At Home is a heartfelt, honest, and generous compendium encompassing what promises to be intensely soul-satisfying recipes, and for this, I congratulate Danielle for rising to the extremely difficult challenge of making this lifelong dream a reality. Now go, and avail yourselves of a copy or three at the local bookstores.

Watch the video below of Danielle Graham and her friends cooking two recipes from On The Table At Home.

Follow Fay on Twitter and Instagram at @misskhoo.

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Watches
The offbeat design of Tudor Black Bay P01 finds its roots in the 1960s

24.07.2019
By Su Fen Tan

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The Cartier Privé collection is about history and modernity

Trend watch: vintage timepieces are thriving. It is certainly not uncommon for watch manufactures to look back at their archives and re-issue or update vintage models for the modern consumer—the look and feel of yesteryear and the story they hold (why and how they were made etc.) are all part of the charm.
Being #BornToDare, Tudor goes one step further in delving into its archives and bringing to life a prototype that never saw the light of day, creating perhaps one of the most polarising watches to be introduced this year: the Black Bay P01.

A Black Bay the like of which we’ve never seen before, the P01—which stands for prototype 1—is inspired by a prototype developed for the US Navy in the late 1960s as part of project “Commando”. This was a time where watches were not as well-engineered as we know them today, and the US Navy certainly can’t afford having its watch bezel or any other part malfunctioning when on duty. To meet the military’s specifications, Tudor’s solution yielded a patent for a hinged end-link system that is able to lock the bezel in place, and to disassemble it when needed for maintenance purposes. However, the project was left in the dark as the military decided to adopt Tudor’s reference 7016 instead.
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Fast forward 50 years later, the hitherto unseen mechanism is not replicated, but it served as the main inspiration for the new Black Bay P01’s most distinctive feature—the unique locking bezel system, where the mobile end-link at 12 o’clock works as a stop mechanism for the bidirectional rotating bezel. Simple snap open the end-link to unlock and rotate the bezel, then snap it back down when you’re done.

In line with the utilitarian aesthetic of the prototype, the 42mm case is satin-brushed for a matte finish and fitted with a domed matte-black dial with luminescent hour markers. True to its heritage, the Black Bay P01 is waterproof to 200 metres with a hybrid leather and rubber strap for functionality. At the heart of the new timepiece is the Manufacture Calibre MT5612, Chronometre-certified by the COSC, with a 70-hour power reserve.

You can see why its most distinctive feature is also the cause for the polarising responses—there is a lot of metal going on, and how will that unusual shape fit on the wrist? I have to admit I had my reservations when I first saw pictures of it, but after seeing it in person, the retro appeal grew on me and it actually looks pretty good on the wrist. Plus with a backstory like that, I won’t be surprised if it becomes a future collectible.

For more information on the Tudor Black Bay P01, visit the website.

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Culture
What’s changed for the crowning of Miss Universe Malaysia 2020 and the misconceptions about the pageant

01.08.2020
By Rachel Au

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Let’s just put this out there: Yes, the Miss Universe Malaysia Organisation (MUMO) had to deal with a particularly controversial social media crisis not too long ago. But everyone can surely agree that the situation was well-handled by the organisation and its respective reps. With that being said, it’s clear that the stakes are higher for the crowning of the next Miss Universe Malaysia (2020), and certain criteria needs to be met, now, more than ever.
The said crowning was initially scheduled to take place back in March 2020 but due to the global pandemic and the enforcement of MCO, it has since been postponed to 5 September 2020, with a brand new format. In addition, to comply with the rules of social distancing, the event will be streamed live online via the newly-revamped website; and only the finalists and panel of judges will be present.
Unfortunately, there are some who have certain assumptions and misconceptions about what the competition is really about. To that, we posed those questions to Elaine Daly, National Director of MUMO and Shweta Sekhon, Miss Universe Malaysia 2019, who would be the best people to answer them.

Hi Elaine and Shweta! How are you and how has MCO/RMCO/pandemic treated you? Any lessons to share?
Elaine Daly: “MCO has taught me even better organisational skills, and to have a solid routine. On the plus side, I had more time to spend with my family. I’ve also come to learn that we can live with much less than what we are used to. Professionally, work could still go on thanks to technology.”
Shweta Sekhon: “Hello there! I am doing great and hope everyone reading this is too! This pandemic has taught me to appreciate every single moment of my life and to never put off doing what’s important to another day—we never know what lies ahead, after all. If there’s anything you need to do, do it today. Do it now.”
As part of the New Normal (and for the sake of social distancing), the MUMO has announced a new format for the gala night. Tell us what can people expect from it.
Elaine Daly: “The show must go on and so, we will be showcasing it as an e-gala format. The contestants will still participate and we will still have judges like a normal pageant—there just won’t be an audience and it will be streamed live at 5pm on 5th September. Tickets to watch the live stream will be on sale at www.missuniversemalaysia.com.my so stay tuned for the early bird deal!”
Shweta Sekhon: “The new norm has given the opportunity for many to do things digitally. That includes the upcoming gala. Even so, there will be a lot of performances and everything will be in a similar order as before—while following the SOPs set by our respected Ministry of Health. As social distancing is encouraged, no audience will be present except for the judges, finalists and crew members.”

In general, how has the training and activities been different for the finalists?
Elaine Daly: “I have been communicating with the finalists online and this pandemic has forced us to shift our attention to social media. There is a schedule to keep up with them and they are still given the same training but via a different medium. I’m confident that they can adapt easily because they are young, digitally savvy and prepared.”
What are some common misconceptions about pageants?
Elaine Daly: “That’s it’s only about girls in swimsuits. The Miss Universe competition is an empowering platform that gives young women around the world vast opportunities, a voice to speak up and to be heard.”
Shweta Sekhon: “Discrimination. There are some who likens pageantry to body shaming, and some who looks down at us females. Little do they understand, this platform helps boost our confidence in ourselves. Just like my campaign ‘Your Body, Your Say’, the pageant talks about acceptance and confidence in one’s looks yet health isn’t something to be neglected either. Pageantry turns a girl into a queen. That’s how much transformation happens in the world of pageants.”

Elaine, what are three things that people don’t realise you do as the National Director of MUMU?
“1) There’s a lot of prep work that goes into preparing the finalists for the pageant. I’m hands on with that and we have a very small, lean team
2) I write my own interview replies
3) I’m on a chat group with the other National Directors from all over the world and we discuss pageant stuff on a daily basis.”

Three things people do not know about Shweta Sekhon beyond the crown/
1) I rehearse my lines a whole lot before I get on stage!
2) People think that I’m fearless but I do! And that includes stage fright
3) I love wearing flip flops and sneakers! Heels are my go-to but if I could choose, it would be sneakers. And yes, even if it’s to pair with my gown. (laughs)”

With ‘woke’ culture on the rise and social media being such a powerful tool, how will this affect the choice/training for the next Miss Universe Malaysia 2020?
Elaine Daly: “As Miss Universe Malaysia, she has to be respectful at all times and mindful of what’s going on in Malaysia and the world. This includes what she says online and offline, what she does, and how she carries herself as she ultimately, represents the organisation.”

While the crowning of the next Miss Universe Malaysia 2020 was originally scheduled in March 2020, it has since been postponed due to the pandemic. Did that meant more training or activities for the girls?
Elaine Daly: Yes, the finalists had more social media activities and online Zoom sessions with partners and sponsors.

Finally, what does Beauty Beyond You (the tagline for the pageant) mean to you?
Elaine Daly: “It means that it goes beyond just the aesthetic and physical appearance. But also in how we treat others and how we do our part with the voice and pedestal we are given to speak up about the causes we believe in.
Shweta Sekhon: “Beauty—but not in the way people often assume it to mean. It’s a term that carries many meanings and many perceive it to be a certain look or that it’s about the outer appearance. It’s not. Not about how you look or what you wear but about the inner you. Your character is the thing that reflects how you truly look.”
To keep updated with the latest news on Miss Universe Malaysia, check out their website or Instagram. Also, 20 per cent of the proceeds from the tickets to the e-gala will be channelled to a chosen charity.

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Lifestyle
‘Taste the next level’ of Chivas: Experience the Chivas Regal Extra
A blend of the rarest and finest

03.11.2015
By Buro247

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With 25 years of experience, Chivas Regal Master Blender Colin Scott has crafted a unique and outstanding Scotch using high proportion of whiskies matured in Oloroso sherry casks together with the rarest and finest malts in the Chivas inventory. Dark in shade with a warm amber glow, the Chivas Regal Extra has a fruity, sweet nose with notes of ripe pears, creamy toffee and a hint of ginger. The flavours of ripe pears combined with sweet tropical flavours of melons and soft notes of vanilla and caramel blended with the spicy notes of cinnamon and the nutty hints of almonds lead to a beautiful and solid finish on the palate.

On the process, Scott says, “ The mark of quality lies in using some of our rarest whiskies built on a rich foundation of malts that have been matured in a higher proportion of sherry casks. This process delivers a profound depth of flavours and a whisky that showcases the character of this unique blend, taking it to a whole new level.” The Chivas Regal Extra sits within the premium range and provides a luxurious proposition for those who are looking for more in life. True to its form and taste, this blended Scotch Whisky is a universal accompaniment to every celebratory moment.

To celebrate its coming launch, a series of pop-up tasting sessions, named Taste The Next Level, will take place from 7pm—12am, Thursdays to Saturdays throughout November 2015 in selected bars and restaurants across the country. For more information, get your Passport To Extra at www.passporttoextra.com.

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Burberry presents the ‘Kris Wu Edit’

Fashion
Burberry presents the ‘Kris Wu Edit’
East meets west

30.11.2016
By Buro247

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It may not come as a surprise for Burberry fans to spot Kris Wu in the brand’s latest campaign: the Chinese musician and actor did make his runway debut closing the brand’s menswear show earlier this year, and even made an appearance at the first consumer show at Makers House in London in September.
Teaming up once again, Burberry today unveils its collaboration with Wu, simply titled the ‘Kris Wu Edit’. As the name suggests, the capsule collection features the star’s favourite pieces from the brand’s current collections, including a Burberry trench coat tailored from English-woven cotton gabardine, a regimental cashmere coat, sports striped knitwear, the iconic Burberry Scottish-woven cashmere scarf and accessories including a monogrammed version of The Rucksack.
“Kris is a modern day artist who works seamlessly across all these different worlds from music, to fashion to film, which really resonates with us as a brand and which inspired me to want to work together. He loves fashion and takes a lot of pleasure in dressing well, so it really has been a privilege to work with Kris on this very special collaboration.’, Christopher Bailey, Burberry Chief Creative and Chief Executive Officer explains.
{insert gallery tpl=”slide-freesize.tpl” id=”Burberry presents the ‘Kris Wu Edit’ BTS” rid=”4616″ order=”a_tstamp”}Wu shares, “I’m so thrilled to be officially joining the Burberry Family. Burberry is such a great British brand which has this amazing combination of heritage and innovation. It is a pioneering brand which always keeps moving forward to bring changes to the fashion industry, something which started from the brand’s founder of Thomas Burberry and which exists still today under Christopher Bailey. I was given full freedom with this collaboration, and it has been a really incredible experience.”
 Shot in London, the new campaign stars Wu, who looks ultra-stylish with silver hair and in looks from the edit. This ex-member of supergroup, EXO is no stranger to fashion, making regular front row appearances at fashion shows and having graced the cover of Chinese Vogue’s June issue next to model of the moment, Kendall Jenner. Scroll through the gallery below to see the 26 year old in his element:
{insert gallery tpl=”slide-freesize.tpl” id=”Burberry presents the ‘Kris Wu Edit'” rid=”4615″ order=”a_tstamp”}

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Collections
Paris Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2022: Dior, Chanel, Louis Vuitton and more

06.10.2021
By Kelly Lim

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Your need-to-know guide to the Paris Fashion Week SS22 ready-to-wear shows, as they happen

Are you still with us? The end of fashion month may be nigh, but we all know that the unstoppable cycle of fashion never really ends.
Rounding off the busiest IRL schedule since the pandemic hit, Paris returns after July’s physical haute couture shows with plenty of in-person and digital events taking over the week. Among industry stalwarts showing physically are Chanel, Dior, Hermès, Givenchy and Louis Vuitton, alongside the return of Balenciaga and Valentino to the official timetable in the French capital. Additionally, Rita Ora is set to be hosting a mix of live music with a performance on the top of the Eiffel Tower on September 30, wearing a range of bespoke looks from Miu Miu, Lanvin and Fendi to celebrate the week-long comeback of fashion. Stick with us as the latest collections hit the runway for everything you need to know in-between:

Christian Dior
When: Tuesday, September 28 at 9pm Malaysia time
For Spring/Summer 2022, Dior will be returning with their first physical ready-to-wear show since the pandemic hit. Below, Roman artist Anna Paparatti, whose work is linked to Hindu and Buddhist esoteric traditions, and also drew inspiration from various creations themed around games––such as ‘Il Gioco del Nonsense’ (The Game of Nonsense)––stars in the show’s pre-show teaser.

Discover Dior’s Spring/Summer 2022 show here and check back for a post-show review.

Highlights:
For Paris’ first big IRL extravaganza, Maria Grazia Chiuri presented Dior’s Spring/Summer 2022 collection via a life-sized board game (with an atmosphere not unlike that of recent Netflix hit Squid Game) inside the show tent at Jardins des Tuileries. Designed by artist Anna Paparatti, the scenography reflected her works in the ’60s, when she created conceptual board game-inspired pop art that questioned the nonsense and absurdities of life. Bold primary colours competed for attention across different steps and signboards as models moved around like pawns under swirling disco lights, evoking the idea of fashion as performance in the ultimate game of life.

Taking a step in a different direction to move the brand forward, Chiuri had also revisited the ’60s to explore the archives of a different Dior designer––specifically former Dior creative director Marc Bohan, whose Slim Look collection in 1961 left an impact on fashion like how New Look did in 1947. Tapping into next summer’s new sexy, Chiuri debuted a fun collection rooted in the sportswear and mod-pop lines that Bohan introduced, but with a graphic, colour-blocked twist.

Baby-doll dresses and miniature suits appeared in punches of eye-popping shades of yellow, green, orange and red to show off plenty of leg, while pristine-white ensembles appeared in variations of space-age, go-go styles that include a quilted cropped tee-coat and a fringed top embellished in tiny white flowers. Silhouettes were slim-fitted but freeing––outfits you’d wear on spontaneous summer nights out on the dancefloor––best exemplified by the section of glittering sequinned looks that sparkled with every step. Across a selection of designs, there was also textural 3D embroidery and pop-art prints to add a final striking statement. A revival of the ’60s youth revolution for 21st-century girls? There’s never been a better moment than now as we gradually step back out into the world.
MORE: Every look from Dior’s Spring/Summer 2022 collection

Saint Laurent
When: Wednesday, September 29 at 2am Malaysia time
Anthony Vaccarello will be presenting an IRL show for Saint Laurent‘s Spring/Summer 2022 collection. Watch the livestream below and check back for a post-show review.

Highlights:
With the click-clacking sounds of heels hitting the pavement to signal the start of the show, models exuding an air of glamorous toughness trudged alongside a towering structure of spotlit beams towards the twinkling Eiffel Tower––what could’ve been a better set-up than this for a IRL Saint Laurent homecoming? This season, Anthony Vaccarello looked towards the independent spirit of Paloma Picasso (Pablo Picasso’s daughter) for inspiration. The Spanish-French designer was a creative force of nature––show notes wrote that “she scandalises as much as she attracts”––and her entrance into Yves Saint Laurent’s life not only influenced him to take a step out of the haute couture world but also opened up new artistic paths for him.

“For a long time, I wanted to transpose this meeting between Paloma Picasso and Yves Saint Laurent, whose importance few realise in the designer’s creative journey,” Anthony Vaccarello said. “It is a moment to which I am sensitive as a designer, because for me it is the defining moment when Saint Laurent’s fashion creativity became a style.”
As such, the creative director brought Picasso’s trademark look to the 21st century––dark hair, scarlet lips and a contrast of the masculine and feminine via a ’90s sensibility of sexy sophistication and sleek tailoring. Classic jackets and blazers revealed signature razor-sharp structures, with broad shoulders and three-quarter length sleeves cut to perfect proportion. Some even appeared in archival florals and flashes of Pop Art bright colours to add a touch of clashing playfulness. While necklines plunged and the slits of dresses grew higher, a series of meticulous cuts across body-hugging jumpsuits created a body-flaunting statement. On the accessories end, blood-red purses were tucked into the waistlines of belted high-waisted jeans for hands-free convenience, while ritzy gold jewellery completed each outfit as more than just ornaments.

To close off the show, a waterfall cascaded from the beams to elevate the sense of magic in the moment as a succession of eveningwear came down the runway. Amidst the crystal-embedded mesh dresses and jewel-toned bodysuits that wrapped beautifully around the body, it was clear that these after-dark outfits were created to liberate us for the post-pandemic decade.
MORE: See every look from the Saint Laurent SS22 collection here

Louboutins
When: Thursday, September 30

Chloé
When: Thursday, September 30 at 8pm Malaysia time

Highlights:
Since the start fashion month for Spring/Summer 2022, we’ve seen designers in the mood for love (and sex) with seductive cuts; designers who give a new meaning to ‘sexiness’; designers who empathise with comfort dressing with fluid silhouettes; designers who are looking a bit farther through futuristic scopes. However, at last night’s Chloé show, creative director Gabriela Hearst was all about the story of romance in Paris.

Set by the Seine riverside, models strutted down in a flow of whites and cream, warm butterscotch palettes and peachy shades. Peppered in between the coloured looks were pieces that paid tribute to true craftsmanship by hand, by artisans. Some had crocheted scallop patterns in multiple colours. Others sported macramé techniques where some were interwoven with seashells. The more colourful looks came either as dresses knotted together with many (oh, so many) strips of silk jersey or as patchwork made from vegetable-dyed leather. We could only imagine how many hours it would have taken to put them all together.

Zooming in on the details, the trend of showing midriffs continue at Chloé too, as we spotted peekaboos on dresses—in the form of mini cut-outs along the hip line or at the sides. Not to mention, cropped tops that are curved, sitting just below the breast line, with crêpe de chine silk tassels that includes metallic elements, which were taken from a traditional Parisian jewellery supplier’s deadstock. Then, there are the sandals, which were made from upcycled flip flops from the sea. Luxury fashion like this—with a sustainable element—is what gets us excited, after all.

Loewe
When: Friday, October 1 at 5pm Malaysia time

Highlights:
Jonathan Anderson has always delivered an element of surprise with every new collection for Loewe. For Spring Summer 2022 collection, the show notes sum it up as “neurotic, psychedelic, completely hysterical.” When the show opened, we thought it “abstract, sculptural, otherworldly”. Close enough? The first few looks that appeared, as models ascended from the staircase in the middle of the room, were single-coloured pieces but with edges protruded in random places. Forgive this editor, but she almost thought perhaps the element of surprise was a bag beneath the fabric that would be unveiled during the show’s closing. But realisation dawned, as more models with even more sculptural pieces (cue a blue-and-white top with a partial cape that curved at the back with a stiff frame like medium-sized wings tucked in; or dresses with a shiny metal breast plate or see-through resin) make their way around the room.

When we received the show notes, it clicked. Anderson’s vision was indeed inspired by the world of art and sculptures—specifically, the mannerist, hysterical world of Renaissance painter Pontormo. It was apparent too in the flowy dresses that were draped from shoulder to shoulder, across the waist and/or allowing the drapes to fall and swish with every step. If distortion is among the key elements, then we saw it too in the form of puffy blousons and giant trousers—again, in unexpected places.

We could go on forever, describing the rich detail in every look but the bags and shoes too were another story. Pumps and sandals had heels ranging from soap bars to candles to eggs and even a nail polish. The Flamenco and Goya long clutch were covered with teddy bear fabric (there’s a pair of boots in this same material). As for the Loewe Luna bag, you’ll find it in smooth leather and in Anagram jacquard, while the Hammock Nugget in Nappa calf continues the collection’s theme of new proportions. This was inherently Anderson’s Loewe. Playful, whimsical and leaves plenty of room for your imagination.
MORE: See all the looks from the Loewe Women’s SS22 show

Issey Miyake
When: Friday, October 1 at 6.30pm Malaysia time
Following their otherworldly AW21 collection, Issey Miyake will be premiering their Spring/Summer 2022 show online at isseymiyake.com. Assuming from their show invite below, the new collection looks to be one immersed in movement.

Highlights:
For Spring/Summer 2022, creative director Satoshi Kondo took us on a voyage into the deep sea via a fashion film directed by award-winning Japanese video director Yuichi Kodama. Models moved, swayed, and danced in a collection full of undulating organic shapes and dynamic fluidity translated through slinky dresses, soft tailoring and flowing jumpsuits to reflect its sub-aquatic inspirations, from the silence and tranquility first felt in the water to the uplifting sensations of new discoveries in the depths of the sea.

Divided into six sections, ‘A Voyage in Descent’ presented various traditional craft techniques to explore the relationship between the body and the garment in plenty of imagination. One of the most memorable moments was the ‘Link Rings’ series, which presented hand-crafted dresses and skirts made up of eight circular sections of pleated fabric that ingeniously fold into compact, packable sizes once flat on the floor. In the film, models crossed a darkly-lit room to stacked puddles of fabric that popped out and rippled into voluminous garments of juxtaposed colours once lifted.
There was also the introduction of the ‘Fluidity Loop’, a new design featuring spiralling rib-knit ensembles that enveloped the body in a multitude of wearing styles. Knit out of two colours of recycled polyester yarn, the textured surface of the clothes moved with its wearer to show off the colour underneath and included a top that can also be worn backwards.

Kondo also worked with craftspeople in Kyoto to create the early-run group of the film, which saw models descend from a ladder connected to the sky in a shiny, printed series of wide, oversized trousers paired with button-ups; skirts of various lengths; and a one-shouldered dress. Here, the technique of hikizome (hand-drawn dyeing) was employed, whereby patterns were drawn using brushes and paint sprayers onto damp fabrics that were then left to dry on its own. At the end, spiky, anemone-looking hats appeared in an Adriatic shade to match the finale of vivid solid colours. Manifesting through draped, airy looks that shift with every motion, colours from teal blue to rouge pink were used to express the world full of life and movement in the deep blue sea.

Valentino
When: Saturday, October 2 at 2am Malaysia time
Valentino returns to the official Paris schedule this season with a live show in the iconic industrial building of the Carreau du Temple. Catch the livestream below and check back here for a post-show review.

Highlights:
Winding into the mid-19th century Carreau du Temple and out onto the lampshade-lit streets of Paris, the Valentino Rendez-vous show presented a story of exchanges and interactions, told through an encounter between the old and the new, the past and the present, haute couture and ready-to-wear.

For Spring/Summer 2022, creative director Pierpaolo Piccioli resurfaced house archives and re-signified house codes to move forward with a new generation, alongside a newly-unveiled campaign to prove it. Featuring Zendaya, recreations of historic Valentino images and looks (one of which included American actress Marisa Berenson in a white floral encrusted dress from the brand’s Spring/Summer 1968 Couture collection) were posted to Instagram a day before the show; those very archival photos were also sent out as miniature cards of slide films as part of the invitation. Fast forward to the runway and that same white ruffled dress emerged again—this time with combat boots and a chain-link single-studded bag—as the show’s opening look.

As part of a project called Valentino Archive, four other iconic looks were taken out of the house’s vaults and contemporised for the current context. This included a floor-grazing tiger-striped coat, Valentino denims and long, poppy gowns that informed the rest of the collection and subsequently re-emerged on the streets of Le Marais. Keeping to values, tailoring was shaped to the forms of both men and women, and in a proposal of gender-neutrality via a series of trailing capes. Daywear was interspersed between notions of eveningwear to present crisply layered suiting, floral-inspired mesh and lace ensembles and a series of voluminous taffeta garments cut around the body in off-the-shoulder pieces, enveloping flute-sleeved frocks and oversized shirting.

Like many other designers during the season, Piccioli also tapped into the post-pandemic sensibility of the new sexy—delivering scanty minidresses in a palette of eye-catching jewel tones to shiny black with plenty of skin-flashing cut-outs that ground the archives-inspired collection firmly in the zeitgeist.
MORE: See every look from the Valentino Rendezvous show now

Hermès
When: Saturday, October 2 at 8:30pm Malaysia time
Though not much details have been revealed yet, Hermès will debut its Spring/Summer 2022 collection via a physical show in Paris. Watch the livestream below, and check back here for a post-show review.

Highlights:
After a year of lockdowns and closed borders, Artistic Director Nadège Vanhee-Cybulski brought us to an airport hanger for a Hermès journey of craftsmanship and cool. The circular runway structure was decked out in orange-hued paintings by artist Flora Moscovici and featured massive gates that slid open and close as models walked through.

This season, Vanhee-Cybulski framed the collection under symbols of liberation, introducing easy, stripped-down silhouettes that were injected with just a touch of ornamentation to add a bit of vibrancy. Crafted leather and matching knitwear was a key focus of the collection. There were bias-cut leather dresses that were both loose and short; a black leather pantsuit; leather crop tops paired with silk printed shorts; a pair of leather overalls worn sans bottom layer; a collarless coat. Whether in sunny shades of yellow and orange or dark and sexy, the leather always looked light and comfy and never heavy.

Meanwhile, the collection was also crafted in details that belonged to the house, from eyelets and tiny metallic studs on leather panels to the new cylindrical bags that featured horse bit handles. Under the most sophisticated notion of post-pandemic dressing ever, brassiere tops brought sensuality to house codes, while strappy platform sandals were worn with matching leather socks for a take of luxe minimalism. Altogether, the colours and atmosphere projected a feeling of optimism, intensified by a chic collection full of movement and the moment that stayed true to brand heritage. The grand finale was a sight to behold: models lined up in front of the hangar gate as it opened to reveal a panoramic flight runway and Vanhee-Cybulski came out to take a bow just as a jet landed behind her––what’s more symbolic than that?

Balenciaga
When: Sunday, October 3 at 2am Malaysia time
The Balenciaga SS22 ‘Red Carpet’ runway show will be taking place live from Paris’ Theatre du Chatelet. Scan below to stream the show or watch it live on balenciaga.com.

Highlights:
Demna Gvasalia continues to disrupt and subvert the traditional format of a fashion show. For Spring/Summer 2022, the creative director sent models down the red carpet for Balenciaga’s latest collection, as they posed in front of awaiting paparazzi before entering Paris’ Theatre du Chatelet for a special screening.
The entire experience was a meta-commentary on celebrity culture, as guests––including Cardi B, Naomi Campbell, Isabelle Huppert, Elliott Page, Juergen Teller and more––all got their own moment on the red carpet. Unbeknownst to them and not unlike the recent Met Gala extravaganza, it was all being live-streamed to those in the venue, and on social media. Once everyone took their seats inside the theatre, the lights dimmed and a familiar tune was in earshot. It was the theme song of cult cartoon The Simpsons, as the screening revealed a special one-off episode that was created in collaboration with Balenciaga. The ten-minute clip started off with Homer Simpson trying to convince Gvasalia to loan gown to Marge for her birthday. What resulted was the Georgian designer himself taking a private jet to Springfield to invite them to Paris and popular characters including Chief Wiggum, Smithers (in a full red off-the-shouldered look) taking the catwalk in full Balenciaga garms in front of a crowd that included an animated Anna Wintour.

The collection itself introduced plenty of classic Balenciaga silhouettes and shapes, including oversized puffers, bold-shouldered gowns and coats, 90s baggy jeans, alongside layered floral frocks and plenty of tailoring. While all-black looks reigned (and most with dark shades), there were a few pops of solid colour here and there––including a couple of dresses in cerulean and pink, as well as in the form of neon accessories that range from studded pointy-toed boots to top-handle bags. And to top it all off, the finale look presented a moment of deja vu, as a model dressed in complete anonymity in a black hoodie and face covering stepped out to remind us all too well of the break-the-internet looks worn by Kim Kardashian and Gvasalia himself on the recent beige carpet of the 2021 Met Gala.

MORE: See every look from the Balenciaga ‘Red Carpet’ collection now.

Givenchy
When: Monday, October 4 at 2am Malaysia time

Highlights:
Where do we begin with the Givenchy Spring Summer 2022 Women’s & Men’s Ready-to-Wear collection? For starters, creative director Matthew M. Williams wanted to “build on the tradition of Givenchy’s history while also really looking towards the future.” To achieve this, he looked to young talents with unique perspectives, such as artist Josh Smith—whose artwork is embedded throughout the collection along with his choice of colours—and musician Young Thug, who contributed the soundtrack for the show.

But what of the collection? It was a lot. It was experimental with the fabrics, silhouettes, and the combination of both. It was extravagant, imperfect, luxe, radical and practical—while maintaining Givenchy’s code of letting classicism and subversion play together. Women’s and menswear featured traditional masculine tailoring fabrics, no matter if it’s mohair wools, Nappa leather, or cotton herringbones. Corsets and peplums became sculpted and toyed with the use of neoprene. The new ‘Kenny’ bag is gathered and ornamented with Williams’ characteristic hardware handles and Love Loves, while ‘4G’ detailing can be spotted on a backpack and women’s sandals.

“Matt showed up in my studio and we started cooking together… we made some delicious things. We burnt some stuff, and that tasted good too. Matt took a to-go bag back to Paris and shared all of this with his sharp creative team. This collection is a miracle. The sky is the limit. Thanks for taking a look,” says Smith in the show notes. It was a lot, but it was all about contrast. And it’s the kind of fashion statement that people are looking—and are bold enough—to make today.

Chanel
When: Tuesday, October 5 at 9pm Malaysia time
The Chanel Spring/Summer 2022 Ready-to-Wear show will be held at the Grand Palais Éphémère. In anticipation of the new collection imagined by Virginie Viard, photographers Inez & Vinoodh have produced a series of video teasers and photographs with model Vivienne Rohner at its centre and in gorgeous cinematic black and white. This is just a hint of the inspirations Viard had for the collection.

Highlights:
At the centre of the Chanel Spring Summer 2022 Ready-to-Wear collection is the pose of having a camera in hand. The invitation featured model Vivienne Rohner taking a photo. Starring Lily-Rose Depp, Alma Jodorowsky, Blackpink’s Jennie, Rebecca Dayan and Quannah Chasinghorse-Pott, the series of short films and photographs—by photographer duo Inez & Vinoodh—that were revealed as a prelude had the same gesture. And that photo of Rohner with the camera acted as the backdrop for the runway show while a sea of photographers surrounded the stage, flashing their cameras away. It’s no coincidence.

“Because fashion is about clothes, models and photographers. Karl Lagerfeld used to photograph the Chanel campaigns himself. Today, I call upon photographers. I love the way that they see Chanel. It supports and inspires me,” shares Virginie Viard in the show notes. “It’s a magical object and a sexy gesture, which evokes so many memories. I used to love the sound of flashbulbs going off at the shows in the eighties, when the models were on a raised runway. I wanted to recapture that emotion.”

And so, the show started off with simple bathing suits and biking shorts in black or white, glamorised by the layering of necklaces and belts, and a quilted bag in tow—the Chanel way—or fishnet skirts as a mere cover-up, cinched at the waist with a satin belt and camellia flower. We had our eyes on the mini beaded bag in white and black. Then, we moved on to boxy double-breasted tweed jackets—some were all-white, and some were lined with gold thread and satin trimmings. But one thing’s for sure: Viard likes the shoulders to pop as we saw sculpted silhouettes on most jackets. The classic tweed came in all forms and colours, while the Chanel monogram saw its way on short dresses and jackets. The show peaked as it closed with a series of butterfly prints on thin, sheer dresses that floated along as the models twirled and strutted. The collection was no doubt glamourous, cheeky and a little familiar with its retro touches. For Viard, “I always like to have something romantic. A touch of mystery.” For us, it’s Chanel.
MORE: See all the runway looks from Chanel SS22

Miu Miu
When: Tuesday, October 5 at 8pm Malaysia time
Following Miu Miu’s snowy AW21 show, Miuccia Prada will unveil the brand’s latest offering via a physical presentation for the Spring/Summer 2022 season. Catch it live on MiuMiu.com and check back here for a post-show review.

Highlights:
Did you know Prada’s little sister line also had a little brother? That’s right, way back in the ’90s, there used to be a menswear line under the Miu Miu label, which sadly closed in 2008. For Spring/Summer 2022, however, Miuccia Prada brought back some of that forgotten menswear line––think beige slacks and white-collar button-ups––and reworked stuffy definitions of mens attire under the ‘undressed’ dressing movement that’s currently taking over the season. Lost? Imagine drab back-to-office wear and preppy Upper East Side school uniforms sliced and spliced in an act of rebellion with plenty of scuffed up shirting, barely-there cuts and low, tomboyish waistlines.

Co-directed by Moroccan filmmaker Meriem Bennani, the Miu Miu SS22 collection was showcased via a show within a show, where surrealist footage of magical realism (featuring catwalk stethoscopes and runaway fliers) and audience reactions were interspersed with the IRL runway looks at Paris’ Palais d’lena. The invitation noted that the video project was composed to “question our contemporary society and its fractured identities”, with visuals of a binocular-shaped view appearing continuously on-screen and in the scenography of the set to remind us of the other dimension. Out came the first look, worn by a male model in low-slung biscuit-coloured slacks and a loose-fitting, midriff-baring sweater over a bank-teller shirt. The waistband of his Miu Miu logoed briefs were on display and it soon became clear, as the event went on, that this skater-boy style would reign over every other look of the collection, from pleated librarian skirts to baggy belted chinos and frayed miniskirts with pocket-baring hemlines.

Making her Miu Miu runway debut alongside a new New Balance sneaker collaboration, Ella Emhoff sauntered through the space halfway throughout in a layered workwear look comprised of a camel coat, baggy black trousers and a cyan blue shirt peeking out from under sand-coloured knits. While hers was a more masculine iteration of office attire, there were also more feminine notions of dressing on display, via bra tops, pointy kitten heels that were always worn with woolly grey socks, and a glorious series of shiny crystal-embedded slip dresses that shone in lime green, baby pink and shades of cream. As the closing look––black satin co-ords embellished in beaded flowers––left the runway, a skit about bottom enhancements took over the screen before we returned to a shot of the models taking their finale walk on the twisting stage.

Louis Vuitton
When: Wednesday, October 6 at 1am Malaysia time

Highlights:
Was the Louvre’s Passage Richelieu playing host to a Paris Fashion Week runway show or a masquerade ball? Well, it was both as Nicolas Ghesquière presented the Louis Vuitton Spring Summer 2022 Women’s collection, which he called an invitation to le grand bal of Time. With plenty of glistening antique chandeliers overhead setting the mood, models walked out—with such fierceness and attitude too—with glimmering headgear filled with beaded embellishments and art nouveau sunglasses. We were time travelling, as Ghesquière would have it. First, we had skirts that looked like they had cage crinolines beneath them à la the Victorian era—except instead of being floor-length, they were raised enough to reveal utilitarian-like boots (some open-toed even).

Then we had lacy ankle-length slip dresses with more shiny embellishments sewn in; boxy jackets that drew attention to the shoulders; capes in all lengths and silhouettes, including ones with asymmetrical cuts; tailcoats that peeked out of cropped jackets in shimmering and lace detail. Later on, we would see the descent into the Gothic era with tops punctuated by frills and ruffles around the collar. Together with the cape, it would explain one of Ghesquière’s comments in the press release: “I like the figure of a vampire who travels through the ages, adapting to dress codes of the era.” What remained modern was styling some of these pieces with the classic denim.

Plenty of eye-catching bags were spotted too: we were looking at a lot of trunk cases that fit in the palm of the models’ hands, vanity bags as hand-held companions, and slightly larger, sleek monogram clutches accented by chains with a matte finish. The trunk cases, in particular, carried an array of artistic nods that the art nouveau sunglasses shared. Matchy-matchy, anyone? Closer to the ground, laced-up open-toed wrestling boots were offered in colourful renditions and a variety of interesting materials such as satin, glazed leather and what looked like exotic python skin. Altogether, it was a ball to remember.
MORE: See all the runway looks from the Louis Vuitton SS22 Women’s show

For more on the Spring/Summer 2022 fashion month, go here.

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Film, TV + Theatre
REVIEW: ‘Move to Heaven’ on Netflix—the therapeutic K-drama to watch when you’re feeling down

05.06.2021
By Adelina Tan

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

Think K-dramas and what usually comes to mind is romance—served up with plenty of angst; a rival or two (in work, life or love; sometimes all three); family drama; and if it’s really makjang (over the top), a tragic twist. Going by this formula, Netflix’s 10-episode original series, Move to Heaven, isn’t your typical K-drama.

Plot

The show’s protagonist, 20-year-old Han Geu Ru (played by Tang Joon Sang), is autistic. Although K-dramas have diversified of late with some storylines revolving around developmentally challenged characters—portraying them with empathy and dignity—they’re usually in supporting roles, such as Moon Sang Tae in It’s Okay to Not Be Okay. (2013’s Good Doctor is one of the rare exceptions.)
Move to Heaven also centres its entire premise around a subject often shunned by society: Death, and its aftermath. Geu Ru and his uncle, Cho Sang Gu (Lee Je Hoon), work as trauma cleaners—people who clear out the possessions of those who either die alone or whose families have commissioned them to do it on their behalf. This part of the story is based on Things Left Behind, a non-fiction essay written by Kim Sae Byul, who is one of South Korea’s first trauma cleaners. Besides regular clean-ups, the “trauma” side of their job involves cleaning up after suicides, places where a body is only discovered after weeks (or months), and indoor crime scenes.

In these cases—where death is sudden and unexpected—Geu Ru, Sang Gu and Geu Ru’s childhood best friend, Yoon Na Mu (Hong Seung Hee), provide the “value-added service” of relaying the deceased’s final messages to their loved ones. They do this in a rather Sherlockian way, piecing together clues left among the belongings of their clients—aided by Geu Ru’s photographic memory, logical and systematic way of solving problems, as well as his dogged determination.
Every story they gradually uncover touches upon current social issues. You may recognise some of these from news reports out of South Korea, but they are universally relatable. The show, at the same time, skilfully weaves in how Geu Ru comes to terms with his own loss, Sang Gu’s backstory, and the relationship between Geu Ru’s father and Sang Gu.

Although Move to Heaven’s pace is rather slow, every scene is pivotal to the storyline and to the growth of the characters you’ll come to adore. That said, it’s not a show you’ll want to watch when you’re in the mood for an adrenaline rush or something “fluffy”.

Move to Heaven is director Kim Sung Hoo’s first TV series. His directorial credits include heartwarming movies such as Notebook from My Mother and How to Steal a Dog.
Screenwriter Yoon Ji Ryeon is best known for Boys Over Flowers and Angel Eyes.

Visuals

Move to Heaven steers clear of gratuitous violence and gore. There is the occasional pool of blood and some stomach-churning details, but these scenes are brief. Overall, the show’s colour palette is soothing and easy on the eyes, underscoring the fact that it offers viewers catharsis—or “healing”, as the Koreans would say.
If we were to nitpick, Geu Ru’s lack of a mask, goggles or full hazmat suit in some of the cases he deals with is a rather jarring disconnect from reality. As viewers, we recognise it’s to show us the subtle details of Tang Joon Sang’s remarkable portrayal of Geu Ru. Easy to forgive, but it does require a suspension of disbelief.

Characters

Our main protagonists, Geu Ru and Sang Gu, are written as very complex characters. They’re brilliantly acted by Tang Joon Sang (fun fact: his father is Malaysian), who was the adorable youngest soldier in Crash Landing on You, and Lee Je Hoon, who plays another intense character in this year’s Taxi Driver.
Geu Ru, who was taught the trade by his father, treats every cleaning request and the memory of the deceased with utmost respect. Though having Asperger’s syndrome complicates his ability to process social and emotional cues, it becomes evident that his upbringing—a case study in respectful parenting—and unique worldview make him not just very good at his job, but also a very decent person.

Sang Gu, likewise, comes off initially as ill-mannered and brusque. But bit by bit, with the same grace and dignity the show gives Geu Ru and Move to Heaven’s clients, we discover the circumstances that lead Sang Gu to where he is now in life. Through him, the show explores the weight of consequences and the path to redemption.
Nevertheless, the number of backstories a 10-episode K-drama can cover is limited. We barely get to know some of the other characters within Geu Ru’s inner circle, such as Na Mu. Her character is so underdeveloped, it’ll hopefully be addressed in the rumoured sequel.

Overall
At a time where we’re surrounded by death and isolation, Move to Heaven is an ode to the power of compassion and human connection. The show conveys its messages without being preachy or self-important, which is precisely why it succeeds in making you feel deeply for its characters and their struggles.
As Geu Ru and Sang Gu present closure to their clients, they’re also on the path to healing their wounds—and ours too. Have a box of tissues within reach and be ready to ugly cry through most, if not all, of the episodes. Watching Move to Heaven during lockdown hits different; more emotional, but also more uplifting and hopeful.
For more on K-dramas, click here.

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Muse of the Month: The Hadid sisters

Fashion
Muse of the Month: The Hadid sisters
Who (Ha)did it better?

26.12.2016
By Buro247

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

One, a bodacious blonde and the other, a bewitching brunette; the Hadid sisters’ domination both on and off the runway is no child’s play. Albeit considerably fresh in the modeling sphere, Gigi and Bella Hadid have racked up enough awards, endorsements and jobs between them both to put many industry veterans to shame.

In 2016 alone, over 50 runways and another 50 glossy covers have featured either both or one of the Hadids.

Born of a genetic lottery-winning combination of a Dutch-Palestinian parentage—with their Dutch-American mother, Yolanda Hadid personally having 15 years of modeling experience—the girls’ entry into the industry was hardly a coincidence.

Gigi Hadid was but a toddling two-year-old when she posed for Baby Guess after being discovered by the brand’s co-founder, Paul Marciano. She returned as the face of Guess in 2012 and has since starred in three campaigns. A move to the Big Apple a year later tied up with a contract with IMG Models, and a New York Fashion Week debut was made the following year.

Only a year younger, 20-year-old Bella Hadid broke onto the scene a little later in life. A few commercial projects and campaign work in her teens led to a signing with IMG Models in 2014.

To say the talents of the Hadid sisters are confined to modeling is to seriously undermine their journey towards becoming the multi-hyphenate professionals the modern world admires. Bella was a trained equestrian—until her battle with Lyme disease threw a wrench in her track to the Olympics—and pursued photography in college prior to her current position in the limelight. Gigi also shows an aptitude for athletics and arts; leading a varsity volleyball team, donning the director’s hat for DNCE’s ‘Cake by the Ocean’ music video and hosting the American Music Awards.

Under a shared spotlight, ensuing whispers of sibling rivalry pit the sisters against one another. Although both parties stand in adamant denial, the onlooker’s perspective is one that thrills to the sound of competition.

Well, for the sake of a few cheap thrills, here is “Gigi versus Bella”:

SOCIAL MEDIA
Their meteoric rise owes much to them being bonafide digital darlings but Bella’s 8.9 million Instagram followers is still a long way away from Gigi’s 27.2.

PROFESSIONAL ACCOMPLISHMENTS
The American Vogue; AKA the most coveted cover—Gigi has one. Granting Vogue US has yet to bestow Bella with the same honour, she nabbed the cover girl spot on Glamour magazine’s all-important September issue while her older sister was noticeably MIA that month.

DESIGNER COLLABORATIONS
Oh, that proverbial plume added onto one’s chapeau may be all too common of late but the truth of the benefits remains. Both sisters scored major endorsements and played designer this year.
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AWARDS
The British Fashion Awards may have named Gigi “International Model of the Year” but Bella has collected three “Model of the Year” titles this year alone—from Daily Front Row, British GQ, and the Models.com Industry Awards.

LOVE INTERESTS
While Gigi and Zayn Malik are still having pillow talks, the Bella-Weeknd love affair ended this year.

HIGHLIGHTS
In the battle of Gigi vs. Bella, VS could also stand for Victoria’s Secret. The elder Hadid fluttered down the runway in her newly earned wings but it was the moment between Bella and aforementioned ex-beau who earned the interweb’s attention.

With 2017 drawing near, we’re scrubbing the scoreboards clean in anticipation of bigger and brighter headlines. Hey, perhaps next year, the baby Hadid—Anwar—would pop up as ‘Man of the Month’ on Buro 24/7 Malaysia.

Three cheers to the (soon to be) formidable trio!

Related stories:
Man of the Month: Benedict Cumberbatch
Muse of the Month:  Leandra Medine
Muse of the Month: Iris Apfel

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Food + Drink
Escape Monday madness with overnight oats
Go ahead, sleep in

25.07.2015
By Buro247

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

Getting out of bed on Monday mornings is especially hard. If you’re the sort that hits the snooze button one time too many, you’re likely to end up skipping breakfast too. Quick fix? Overnight oats.

Oats pack a punch with nutrients like magnesium, fibre, protein and potassium. It is the best way to increase your energy levels, getting you through Monday blues and easing into the week in a better mood. All it takes is 2 minutes of assembly before you sleep for a delicious and nutritious breakfast ready in the morning. There are limitless possibilities when making overnight oats but here’s a basic recipe you can’t go wrong with:

Overnight oats recipe:

1.     Fill a jar or airtight container with:

 1/2 cup of rolled oats
 2/3 cup of water or any kind of milk
 1/2 cup of plain yogurt
 A tiny pinch of salt
 A pinch of cinnamon (optional)

2.     Leave in refrigerator while you sleep.

3.     Remove from refrigerator in the morning and top it off with either berries of your choice, or get creative and add any kind of fruit. If you prefer a bit more sweetness, add 1/2 tablespoon of honey, agave syrup or brown sugar.

4.     Enjoy the overflowing goodness from the jar.

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Watches
10 Remarkable timepieces bound to make a splash at Only Watch 2019

11.07.2019
By Su Fen Tan

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The Cartier Privé collection is about history and modernity

Every two years, the leading brands in the watchmaking industry come up with a unique piece each for Only Watch, the biannual charity auction in aid of research on Duchenne muscular dystrophy.  More than 40 million Swiss Francs have been collected since 2005, changing thousands of lives along the way. Initiated by Luc Pettavino, President of the Association Monégasque Contre les Myopathies, this noble event is made possible by the patronage of HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco.
This year, the eighth edition of Only Watch is set to take place on 9 November at the Four Seasons Hôtel des Bergues in Geneva, under the hammer of Christie’s. With a total of 52 watch brands in participation, 50 unique pieces (there are two collaborations amongst the lot) will be up for auction. Below, get a gist of what is in store for the Geneva-bound watch collectors and philanthropists through a selection of standout pieces:
Hublot Classic Fusion Tourbillon Sapphire Orlinski

Hublot’s ongoing collaboration with Richard Orlinski is dressed in the charity’s colours for the occasion, with the French artist’s penchant for intriguing facets sculpted into the sapphire of the Classic Fusion silhouette. It is said that fortune favours the bold; if that rings true, this should fetch a significant amount to be contributed to the cause.
Frederique Constant Tourbillon Perpetual Calendar Manufacture

The draw of this Tourbillon Perpetual Calendar Manufacture in 18K rose gold lies in the dial, or more specifically, what it is made of. The stunning skeleton dial is crafted from blue-tinted meteorite, a four billion-year-old, very rare material that fell on Earth 80,000 years ago and was found in Namibia, Africa back in 1839. Now how’s that for a watch with a story to tell?
H. Moser & Cie Endeavour Perpetual Moon Concept Only Watch

Introduced last year by the Schaffhausen-based manufacture, the Endeavour Perpetual Moon Concept stars the moon phase complication against a minimalistic backdrop—no logo, no indices—seemingly floating in interplanetary space. This unique Only Watch version flaunts a dial made from Vantablack (the darkest substance known), encapsulated within a case of 5N red gold.
READ MORE: Is this the world’s blackest black paint yet?
MB&F and L’Epée 1839 Tom & T-Rex

MB&F and L’Epée 1839 avant garde creations are succeeded by the Tom & T-Rex, a playful masterpiece of horology serving as the first example of an unreleased series called T-Rex. The unconventional table clock depicts a small sculpture of a young boy, Tom—representing the children living with Duchenne muscular dystrophy—atop of his formidable friend the T-Rex, who carries him away into fantastical realms with its mighty strides; a symbol of hope for the children affected by the degenerative disease.
Patek Philippe 6300A Grandmaster Chime Steel

For Only Watch 2019, Patek Philippe’s most complicated wristwatch gets the visually delicious salmon-and-steel treatment. There is no question that the future owner of this timepiece will be “The Only One” to have the privilege, as the sub-dial at 12 o’clock serves as a kindly reminder. Not in the mood for salmon? Flip the case to switch it up with the foolproof black dial.
Hermès Arceau L’heure de la lune

Just earlier this year, we were floored by Hermès whimsical take on the moonphase complication that is the Arceau L’heure de la lune, which offers a dreamlike vision of Earth’s satellite with its unique double hemisphere moonphase display. The meteorite backdrop is inlaid with mother-of-pearl, above which floats the satellite dials above hemispherical moons. Take a closer look and a winged horse, the unmistakable icon of Hermès, adorning the moon at 12 o’clock.
READ MORE: The most spectacular mechanics unveiled at SIHH this year
Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Ultra Thin Perpetual Enamel Chestnut

From Jaeger-LeCoultre’s distinguished Master Ultra Thin collection comes a perpetual calendar model in a beautiful chestnut brown hue. The eyes can’t help but be drawn to the perfectly balanced hand-guillochéd dial with a radiant sunburst effect, a testament to the craftsmanship of the manufacture’s highly-skilled artisans.  Within the 39mm white gold case lies the automatic caliber 868A/2 with a power reserve of 70 hours.
Girard-Perregaux Laureato Absolute Chronograph

Like the Hublot piece, the Girard-Perregaux Laureato Absolute Chronograph wears the blue and grey colours of the charity loud and proud. The lightweight PVD-coated titanium case houses an anthracite sunburst dial, the sombre hue juxtaposed delicately with azure-coloured hour-markers and hands.
Tudor Black Bay Ceramic One

Bound to be a highly coveted item amongst collectors, the Tudor Black Bay Ceramic One is understated dignity at its best. The first of the iconic model to be crafted in ceramic, this diving watch attired entirely in matte black, from the dial and hands to the hybrid rubber and alligator strap. This 41mm black beauty is powered by the manufacture caliber MT5602, complete with a black PVD-coated rotor.
Jaquet Droz Grande Seconde Skelet-One Ceramic

While Jaquet Droz’s Grande Seconde Skelet-One Ceramic is already a stunner with its transparency-centric aesthetic, the Only Watch edition takes it a notch higher with the colour of love that is red, rendering the rail-track, the gold hour, minute and second hands, as well as the rolled-edge hand-made strap all in the unapologetically bold hue.

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Beauty
Alicia Keys for Dahlia Divin: Givenchy’s new divine fragrance
Modern-day goddess

04.09.2015
By Su Fen Tan

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

Enchanting with a captivating allure, Dahlia Divin exudes a delicious woody floral scent that bear the supreme sensuality and radiant sparkle of gold. A singer, pianist, songwriter, actress, film director and influential philanthropist—Alicia Keys embodies the soul of the fragrance with her beautiful charisma and aura. The muse of Dahlia Divin unveils her favourite perfume memory, sources of inspiration and beauty routine amongst others.

You are now the new face of Dahlia Divin. What does that mean to you?
“We all remember that moment when we’re little girls and we put our mother’s perfume on for the first time- we felt beautiful and strong. To be the muse of Dahlia Divin is so synergistic because Givenchy and I have a lot in common- we have a dynamic relationship and it’s exciting to expand together. It’s also special because I still feel the same way I did as a little girl when I put on perfume today. It’s a physical reminder to let your inner beauty radiate on the outside.”
Why did you accept to represent Parfums Givenchy? What is your relationship with the brand?
“I’ve always admired the Givenchy brand for its magnetic beauty. I also love the way Givenchy mixes the masculine and the feminine with a sexy street appeal. To me, everything about Givenchy, even the musicality in the brand’s name, evokes such elegance and confidence. For so long we’ve been taught to think that beauty is a certain look and height and even scent. What I love about this collaboration with Givenchy is we begin to see different facets of beauty in all its complexity and natural diversity. I believe that’s the way it should be. The notes of Dahlia Divin are meant to represent the intricacies of a woman- she is a force to be reckoned with.”
What does it evoke to you?
“Dahlia Divin is a perfume that embodies today’s code of beauty- charisma, strength, confidence and more importantly, inner beauty that radiates on the outside. To me, the perfume represents the birth of a modern goddess… the idea that a woman’s true beauty lies in the way her inner elegance and soul shines on the outside. We are all goddesses!”
What is your favourite perfume memory?
“I think every girl has that memory of her mother or grandmother wearing perfume and how certain scents evoke comfort and familiarity. My grandmother’s scent was the flower gardenia and my mother’s was white musk—even now they fill me with love and good memories because both my mother and grandmother are tremendous inspirations to me. As you grow up, those scents tend to come back to you in different ways. What we tried to do with Dahlia Divin is create something that empowers you to feel a certain way but is not too far removed from who you are.”

What do you think of the visuals?
“I love this collaboration! I think it really captures the balance between the essence of the fragrance and a real woman. The beauty of gold, the rawness of wood, the pureness of the natural beauty that radiates from a woman, and the idea that beauty is about being strong and shining from within. And I think that lives inside all of us. It’s powerful.”
Could you tell us about this spectacular gown specially designed by Riccardo Tisci?
“It’s such an exquisite gown by Riccardo Tisci. And quite heavy! You can see how much thought was put into every detail of the dress. It’s true artistry- from the gold lamé bustier to the crystal embroidery. It’s one of those pieces that transforms you, and I felt like a modern goddess in it. It’s timeless, it’s classic. It would be beautiful in the 1920’s and it remains beautiful today. Riccardo is truly gifted and this gown was a work of art.”
What is your vision of the Givenchy woman?
“In my mind, a Givenchy woman is chic and classic, with an element of strength at her core. She’s not a wallflower… she’s magnetic. She connects to the child within her and balances that with the woman she’s become. She allows her emotions to guide her. She trusts her instincts. And she exudes femininity in the way she cares for the world around her. But most importantly, the woman who wears Dahlia Divin is proud of who she is.”
What are your sources of inspiration?
“My son, Egypt, and my family are my number one inspirations. When I look into my son’s eyes, I see so much joy and so many possibilities. I draw a lot of inspiration from my husband because of his electricity and creativity. Life is a huge inspiration for me- full of endless perspectives and lessons! As a musician, there are so many artists that have inspired me in so many different genres. Nina Simone, Prince, Patrice Rushen, Nas, Wu-Tang Clan, Erik Satie, Chopin, Marian McPartland… I can go on and on. I feel very blessed to live in this time where we can connect to so many sources of inspiration.”
What are you passionate about?
“I’m passionate about a lot of things. My husband, my son, my family and friends. My music. I’ve been very fortunate throughout my life and career and I try where I can to give back so that all women can pursue their passions too. I’m really proud of the work I’ve done for over a decade with Keep A Child Alive to get women and children the treatment and education they need to fight HIV and live a full, happy life. Lastly, I’m very passionate about life. I’m genuinely a positive person and I make it a point to learn from every experience, whether good or bad. I’m a little restless and curious in that I want to constantly explore everything life has to offer. And through that exploration I’ve found the best life has to offer is right in front of me with my husband and child.”
Beauty routine – Your best beauty habit?
“My best beauty habit is taking time for myself when I need it. I’m a big believer in getting exercise to rejuvenate the mind and body. And I try to live a really healthy lifestyle. When I’m doing all these things, I feel my most beautiful. It sounds cliché, but I do believe beauty comes from within and if you take care of yourself, then your natural self is far better than anything else.”

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Technology
BURO Gadget Guide: 4 Impressive new tech gadgets on our radar this January 2023
Techy upgrades

31.01.2023
By Marissa Chin

FEATURED IMAGES: Sarah Tai for BURO Malaysia

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Want to take control of 2023 and achieve your goals? These new tech gadgets will not only help make life easier for you so you can focus on bigger things, but they’ll also be the tools you need to get one step closer to checking off your resolutions!

Huawei FreeBuds 5i

If you’re seeking a pair of trendy and feature-filled wireless headphones, Huawei has announced the launch of its latest True Wireless Stereo (TWS) earbuds that promise outstanding quality, style and versatility. We’ve previously praised the FreeBuds line for its active noise cancellation (ANC) feature, and users can expect the same level of sound quality in the FreeBuds 5i in addition to its multiple ANC and EQ modes. This allows listeners to adjust audio effects freely, such as selecting Bass boost or Treble boost mode.

Much like its other FreeBuds models, the 5i comes in a sleek and stylish pebble stone design with a textured surface through inkjet-coating techniques. The three colours of Isle Blue, Nebula Black and Ceramic White lend the look and feel of cool jade, evoking effortless elegance at just a glance for the fashionable trendsetter. Further, the earbuds only come in at 4.9 grams and are 29 millimetres long, a seven-millimetre reduction compared to its predecessor, allowing for a snugger fit. The FreeBuds 5i offers a battery life of 28 hours and fast-charging capabilities to support four hours of audio playback simply with a 15-minute charge.
Price: RM399
Availability: Website, Shopee, Lazada, official retailers starting 3 February 2023

DreameBot L10s Ultra

We know keeping the house clean can be a chore, so why not let someone (or rather, something) else do the heavy workload for you? Namely, the DreameBot L10s Ultra is here to help you achieve a spotless home without you even lifting a finger or breaking a sweat. The fully automatic robot vacuum and mop can clean, self-clean and empty out its own trash, which makes it the perfect gadget for germaphobes with hectic schedules. It features a combination of automatic dust collection, automatic water refilling, and automatic solution adding, and cleans its mop pads with hot air drying once it’s done cleaning the house. The cutting-edge technology of advanced AI and 3D navigation drives all this and more.

Further, the self-emptying key feature comes with a three-litre dust bag that can hold up to 60 days’ worth of dust. It vacuums and empties with minimal noise and is not prone to clogging due to its Dreame DualBoost 2.0 technology system that blows air from the base station into the dust box to clear debris. The L10s Ultra’s advanced mopping feature is also equipped with a navigation function that avoids obstacles and has an automatic cleaning strategy created using 3D structured light and an RGB camera, which can tell apart power cords, shoes, and the like whilst auto-generating paths. The L10s Ultra comes with dual rotary mops that can cover up to 200 square metres and cleans based on flooring types. The device weighs only 3.7 kilograms and can last up to 210 minutes of vacuuming and 160 minutes for both vacuuming and mopping. Maximise the use of the smart gadget by connecting it to the Dreamhome mobile app, where users can schedule cleaning time, customise routines, adjust water and suction levels, map out no-go zones, and more.
Price: RM4,199
Availability: Website, Shopee, Lazada, authorised retailers

Fossil Gen 6 Hybrid Wellness Edition

Looking for a smartwatch that is equal parts nifty and stylish? Consider Fossil’s Gen 6 Hybrid Wellness Edition, which is the brand’s most classic smartwatch style now reinterpreted to become your ultimate wellness companion. Some of the key features include up to two weeks of battery life, automatic workout detection based on your movements, SpO2 and VO2 measurements, wireless connection to Amazon’s virtual assistant Alexa for seamless commands, and more.

The Gen 6 Hybrid Wellness Edition also comes with a not-too-wide and not-too-small active display area of 27.9 millimetres which features a backlight for added visibility in the dark. For the stylish customer, Fossil offers three versatile colourways with eight strap options ranging from pastel to unisex shades.
Price: RM1,079
Availability: Website and authorised retail stores

GoPro HERO11 Black Mini

We’ve previously raved about the GoPro’s Hero11 Black, and if you were hoping for a smaller and lighter version, now you have it! Despite its size, the Hero11 Black Mini still retains flagship performance for athletes and innovators on the go with simple one-button commands. Easy mode controls make it easier than ever to record in the best setting for any situation, whilst Pro mode unlocks every aspect of the Hero11 camera for maximum creative control. Travel and sports vloggers can use the mini for point-of-view capture and versatile mounting thanks to its compact size and dual mounting fingers.

Other than that, it features GoPro’s new, larger 8:7 sensor that delivers higher resolution, the highest 10-bit colour depth, the highest level of video stabilisation and the widest field of view ever featured on a Hero camera. Videos are crisper thanks to its cinematic 5.3K60 and 4K120 + 2.7K240 video, offering 24.7-megapixel stills from videos. With the new HyperView digital lens, the Hero11 Black Mini also delivers the widest angle 16:9 shot ever produced for an immersive and high-action point-of-view capture. You can also further edit videos with the TimeWarp 3.0 capture at 5.3K, an impressive 91 per cent leap in resolution from 4K and an incredible 665 per cent more than 1080p.
Price: RM1,979
Availability: Website and select retailers

For more BURO Gadget Guides, head here.

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Collections
NYFW SS19 day 7: Michael Kors, Marc Jacobs and Nanushka

13.09.2018
By Stephanie Boey

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Michael Kors
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Who: Scha Alyahya and Awal Ashaari were among the elite guests at show. Malaysia represent!
Where: Pier 17, located in the Seaport District. Apt for the designer’s sea-themed show.
The low-down: It was a modeling sister act as the Hadid sisters took turns to wow the crowd in their catwalk struts against a vibrant painted backdrop. The collection that followed saw floral graphics and bold pattern play in vibrant hues of watermelon, persimmon and lime—a delectable colour palette to quench summer’s thirst. Michael Kors Spring/Summer 2019 evoked a beach getaway, perfectly illustrated with the tunes of Good Vibrations by The Beach Boys to get you in the surfing mood.
Buro Loves: The crystal starfish motifs found in belts and bikinis. Patrick Star gets a sparkly makeover.

Marc Jacobs
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Who: Nicki Minaj sat front row clad in Marc Jacobs finale look from Autumn/Winter 2018
The low-down: ‘Go big or go home’ was the key message here. Marc Jacobs said it loud and clear with va va volume, exaggerated shoulders, oversized rosette belts and chokers. A keen eye might notice a nod to Chanel with the pink tweed jacket, rehashed with cartoon-like piping and ultra boxed shoulders. Word on the street was that the show started an hour and a half late, but the general consensus was it was worth the wait.
Buro Loves: Kaia Gerber in a yellow rubber raincoat, babushka scarf included. Anybody else getting Russian Singin’ in the Rain vibes?

Nanushka
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Who: A diverse scene from across the fashion industry—Bloggers Susie Bubble and Linda Tol, Bambi, the model with the eyebrows that won’t quit and Lisa Aiken, fashion director of Net-a-porter.
Where: Unlike many of their counterparts, Nanushka opted with a casual presentation instead of the traditional runway show. Guests were treated to the calming hums of a sound bath and were served drinks with paper straws.
The low-down: This is only the second time Nanushka has been present in the fashion week circuit. Native to Budapest, the label classifies itself as a “contemporary house for the modern woman” and already has a long list of influential fashion friends. Popular among the Instagram-famous, the millennial driven label is social media savvy with its covetable grid game and utilising the app’s direct-to-shop feature. Standouts from the collection: The Egyptian references in the form of the all-seeing eye motif and amulet earrings, the satin and leather sporty sandals and body chain bags.
Buro Loves:  Leopard print strikes again! If we haven’t convinced you yet, this should finally seal the deal. We also love the animal themed accessories—the gilded tiger figurine earrings take the cake.
NYFW SS19 day 7 in 10 pictures:
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Buro Loves
Start the year with love, hugs and kisses with SK-II PITERA™ Essence XOXO New Year Limited Edition

14.01.2021
By Wei Yeen Loh

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Nothing feels more fulfilling this New Year than long-awaited happy reunions with loved ones, especially with all the hardships and tough times that 2020 brought. 2021 will be the year to show love to both ourselves and the people around us, and luckily for all of us, SK-II is coming to us sharing virtual hugs and kisses with the launch of its bestselling PITERA™ Essence XOXO New Year Limited Edition as the best gift for crystal clear skin.
The all-new design is centred around ‘XOXO’ motifs in vivid gold brush strokes against the red bottle, a symbolic representation of the perfect New Year gift—virtual XOXOs with a smattering of love. We’re obsessed with how boldly the bottle stands out on our beauty vanity, reminding us to show self-love, always. It also makes for the best skincare gift this Valentine’s Day—the combination of hugs, kisses and crystal-clear skin.

Share love and the gift of crystal clear skin with SK-II global ambassador Nini this Chinese New Year

But that’s not all: SK-II PITERA™ Essence XOXO New Year Limited Edition also comes in tow with a cute collaboration with artist André Saraiva and his graffiti alter egos Mr and Mrs A. Spot them expressing their love for the cult-favourite essence at SK-II counters near you and even sharing a couple of hugs and kisses with the brand’s ambassadors around the globe.
With 2021 being our year of inspiring beauty resolutions (self-care all day, everyday), the latest SK-II PITERA™ Essence XOXO New Year Limited Edition is one to add to our and your shopping cart, stat. The signature essence from the brand has a formula that has been unchanged for 40 years now, with more than 90 percent PITERA™—the exclusive ingredient discovered decades ago in a sake brewery in Japan and best known for its skin transformation properties. We have tried it ourselves and with regular use, the PITERA™ Essence is truly a miracle water that works to revitalise skin. We’re not surprised why scores of women worldwide can vouch for the Facial Treatment Essence‘s transformative powers to turn skin into Crystal Clear.

Haruka Ayase’s top pick for Valentines Day – the SK-II PITERA™ Essence XOXO New Year Limited Edition

Let 2021 be a year of hope, joy and renewed resolutions with SK-II PITERA™ Essence XOXO New Year Limited Edition—you, too, can spread the gift of Crystal Clear Skin with your loved ones in the new year.
SK-II PITERA™ Essence XOXO New Year Limited Edition (230ml) retails at the recommended retail price of RM759; available online and at all SK-II counters nationwide.
This article was written in partnership with SK-II. All reviews and opinions expressed in the text belong solely to the author.

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Fashion
#BUROSupportsLocal: 9 Homegrown activewear brands to kickstart your healthy lifestyle
Chic sportswear staples

05.05.2023
By Buro Malaysia

Featured images: @shopterrae/Instagram, @a_collectiveclub/Instagram

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There’s no denying that cute ‘fits can help motivate us to exercise (and to stick to our annual resolution) that bit more, and while activewear giants such as Nike, Adidas, Lululemon, and more need no introduction, there are an array of under-the-radar labels that make equally great-quality pieces too.
If you’re looking for more brands to shop from, below, we shine the spotlight on nine local brands that’ll guarantee a stylish workout. The best part? They won’t break the bank.

Aina Collective

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This might just be what you need if you are just starting on your wellness journey. Founded in 2019 by Nadira Hamdan and Hui Yi, Āina Collective is a sustainable local activewear brand that offers a selection of lightweight sports bras, airy tops, and elastic bottoms that are comfortable to wear when sweating out in the gym or at the park. If you’re looking for some fitness buddies, you’re in luck, as the label has a close-knit community where you can take part in activities such as spinning classes and yoga sessions.
Website | Instagram

Own

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Based in Johor, Own aspires to create high-quality and fashionable workout clothes for women. What separates it from other brands is the vibrant choices, which include relaxed tops, sports bras in a variety of designs, as well as classic shorts and tights that offer great durability and freedom of movement. Additionally, you can pick up its high-quality warrior mats made of ethically sourced rubber that is designed to stay supple while keeping you cool and dry when working out.
Website | Instagram | Facebook

Livlola

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The brainchild of two sisters who are fashion enthusiasts, Livlola is “designed for studio, street, and lounge”. Its activewear offerings, including sports bras, tank tops, biker shorts, and leggings, will take care of your workout needs, but if you’re looking for more, the brand also has accessories such as gym bags and resistance bands too.

Website | Instagram | Facebook

Terrae

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Terrae stands out for one simple reason—its pieces are made from ECONYL, a recycled fibre that’s made from ocean waste. So if looking stylish and sustainable is what you’re going for, here’s the brand to know. The label has also recently launched a limited-edition upcycled scrunchie collection that is perfect for the head-to-toe matching look.

Website | Instagram | Facebook

Camellia Activewear

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Love all things girly and feminine? Camellia Activewear’s designs are perfect for you. From a wide range of pastel hues to cute ruffles and cut-out details, you’ll be spoilt for choice.
Website | Instagram | Facebook

Reactive

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You know you’re in good hands when the founder of the brand is also a fitness instructor. Aside from creating quality activewear that women will look, feel, and do good in, Reactive also sticks to an eco-friendly and sustainable narrative. The materials used in its pieces are made of Repreve—a fibre derived from recycled water bottles.
Website | Instagram | Facebook

Liberty Active

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Regardless of whether you’re into low or high-intensity workouts, Liberty Active’s locally made and designed pieces are the fuss-free picks for your exercises. Aside from bras, tops, leggings, and shorts, the brand also recently introduced sweater short sets that’ll make us enjoy lounging at home that bit more.
Website | Instagram | Facebook

Banana Fighter

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Aside from activewear must-haves, you can also find an array of fun pieces on its website, from banana-printed socks that’ll tune up the workout fun, to cropped tops that can be styled in many different ways, to its collaboration with designer Kittie Yiyi.
Website | Instagram | Facebook

MKLZ Collection

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MKLZ Collection knows quality activewear helps to take one’s fitness performance to the next level, so if you’re looking for workout clothes that strike the balance between fashion and function, the brand’s no-frills collections are it.
Website | Instagram | Facebook

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Food + Drink
Eats-A-Review: The Brasserie’s vegan menu, 6-course Atas Journey, and Finch KL

30.10.2021
By Natalie Khoo

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Now that dining in is lawfully and socially acceptable again, you’re probably wondering what’s new and worth checking out in the local dining scene. While our monthly #BUROEats list has you covered on the latest F&B openings in town and our weekly BURO Weekend Guide keeps you up-to-date on any events (including pop-up dining and special collaborations), Eats-A-Review is where we bring you our first-hand reviews on the cafes and restaurants we’ve visited.
In this edition of Eats-A-Review, we checked out the new plant-based menu at The Brasserie (The St Regis KL), the six-course Atas Journey (The RuMa), and the recently opened Finch KL (located at The Westin KL).

1. Plant-based menu (vegan) at The Brasserie, The St. Regis Kuala Lumpur

‘Afternoon Tea’
“The term ‘plant-based’ seems to be the latest buzzword, but few do it as elegantly as Keith Hooker, Executive Chef at The St. Regis Kuala Lumpur. Rather than relying on increasingly popular plant-based/fake meats, Hooker chose to concoct his plant-based menu from 90 per cent farm-fresh *Malaysian* produce. Hooker’s reasoning is that some plant-based meats use ingredients that vegans can’t take and that the bigger picture behind going plant-based is sustainability, after all. Think about how much carbon footprint you save by just supporting local and using fresh produce. So, all vegetables and some fruit? It’s understandable if you think you need to reach for a snack an hour later. I had my doubts too, and they were instantly squashed by the fourth course.

Roasted Jerusalem Artichoke Skin

Cameron Highlands Barbecued Carrots

Baked Potato

“The menu begins with ‘Afternoon Tea’—a nod to Hooker’s English roots in London—a trio of mushroom tea (which arrived with a glass teapot filled with mushroom stock and a handful of fragrant herbs peeking out at the top), sweet corn and cucumber fairy cakes, beetroot, and celeriac tarts. A savoury ‘Afternoon Tea’ that hinted that every course was not going to be what I imagined. What followed was Roasted Jerusalem Artichoke Skin, which resembled a dainty coral-shaped biscuit placed atop artichoke ice cream, accompanied by hazelnut and truffle. Hooker clearly has a way with artistic presentation because the Cameron Highlands Barbecued Carrots (featuring carrot and miso puree, charred baby leeks, and truffle jus) looked, in his words, like a garden. To which, I replied that it reminded me of a mini orange Stonehenge. I’m personally not a huge fan of leek—even when it’s charred—but the puree was top-notch and balanced well with the miso. It’s also quite filling by this point. Prior to this dish, it was Baked Potato (hot-baked potato foam and cold potato salad). Though it sounds simple, it was wholesome and reminiscent of comfort food—topped with caviar-like truffle pearls that were no easy task to achieve.

Vialone Nano Risotto

Valrhona Amatika 46 per cent Chocolate Bar

“What followed was Braised Purple Sprouting Broccoli and for the main, Vialone Nano Risotto, which was beautiful, creamy, smoky and savoury. It’s essentially made with mushrooms (cep puree and roasted girolles) but the cashew nut butter made all the difference. By this point, I was too stuffed to finish it. What was I thinking about needing tea time again? For dessert, I had Mandarin and Bergamot Sorbet as a palate cleanser and ended with Valrhona Amatika 46 per cent Chocolate Bar. It’s vegan chocolate with praliné feuilleté, banana Amatika and tonka bean—you wouldn’t have guessed it was vegan had I not mentioned that. I’ll admit that I had low expectations for it being a ‘plant-based menu’ but this has given me a new perspective of how fun and delicious it can be. I need another serving of that risotto.” —Rachel Au, Editor
The plant-based menu at The Brasserie is priced at RM388+ per person, and is available for lunch or dinner, every Monday to Wednesday. To make a reservation, call +603 2727 6696 or email [email protected].

2. Six-course Atas Journey, The RuMa Hotel and Residences

Stracciatella Cheese
“Atas has carved a name for itself in the local modern Malaysian dining scene ever since The RuMa opened its doors in 2019. With its recent reopening after the lockdown, the contemporary restaurant introduced a new six-course Atas Journey showcasing new dishes with the same respect for ingredients and craftsmanship. Kicking off the six-course journey was Chicken and Waffles—a chicken liver parfait served with hazelnut, watercress, and a waffle. Smooth and creamy without being overpowering, the parfait proved a welcome start, especially paired with the sweet hazelnut sauce and buttery, crisp waffle. The next dish of Stracciatella Cheese was an intriguing one, with a unique combination of chayote, edamame, green chili, and rye crisp complementing the delicate cheese. It was on the milder side in terms of flavour, serving almost as a palate cleanser.”

Smoked Ocean Trout

Charred Calamari

“I noticed how a textural play continued to highlight the third and fourth dishes of the evening—much to my delight. For instance, the crackers, granny smith and passion fruit bits offered a nice bite to go with the fresh, robust flavours of the Smoked Ocean Trout, with dollops of sour cream lending it hints of tang and creaminess. Then there was the Charred Calamari, where locally sourced keladi rice—served in the form of risotto—presented a rich, soothing consistency and equally comforting flavours.

“For the main course, I chose the Ikejime Seabass, while my companion of the evening (see Beauty Writer Redzhanna’s mini review below) opted for the Dry Aged Duck Breast. Both arrived with generous portions, but I ended up preferring the latter as the raspberry, plum, and beetroot balanced out the gamey flavours of the duck better than the sauce Americaine fared with the fish. To round off the meal, I had the Peaches and Cream dessert, featuring a light crème fraiche ice cream that wasn’t too sweet on the palate. One word: delightful. I had hoped to see more Malaysian elements on the menu since Atas is, after all, a modern Malaysian eatery; but the innovative use of fresh local produce definitely shined through for a gastronomic journey that was no less ‘Atas’ in finesse.” —Natalie Khoo, Senior Lifestyle Writer

Durian Ice Cream Sundae
“Of all the dishes in the six-course Atas Journey, the duck breast was my favourite. I loved the pairing of flavourful dry aged duck breast with sweet raspberry sauce and local fresh figs. Overall, I found that the blend of savoury and sweet flavours made for a very satisfying dish that really just ticked all of my boxes. Not to mention, while the dry ageing process made the meat exceptionally tender, it was also cooked to perfection; a spot-on medium rare. What more could you ask for?
“That said, while that was my favourite dish of the six courses, my favourite item on the menu is actually the restaurant’s Durian Ice Cream Sundae. If you’re a durian connoisseur, you’ll probably have heard of this eatery’s take on the dessert. Well, I can confidently say that it exceeds its reputation as the best durian ice cream in town. Made almost entirely from frozen durian, it is rich, creamy and packed with intense flavour. Plus, it’s paired with strips of crunchy biscuit and cubes of jelly to add some texture that rounds off the dish well.” —Redzhanna Jazmin, Beauty Writer
The 6-course Atas Journey is priced at RM248 per person and is available for dinner daily. An optional wine pairing is also available at an additional RM130 per person. To make a reservation, call +603 2778 0735 or email [email protected].

3. Finch KL, The Westin Kuala Lumpur

“The Great Gatsby meets Alice in Wonderland, Finch Kuala Lumpur has turned a corner of The Westin KL into a playground for the whimsical epicurean. Whether you’re stepping in from the street or directly from the car park, the immersive decor that bedecks every inch of this two-floor restaurant offers a respite from reality.
“Encouraging diners to ‘seek magic every day’, entering Finch feels akin to stumbling upon the entrance to a secret garden. Gilded birdcages, jewel tones, geometric shapes, cascading roses, palm leaves, and flamingo prints adorn one of KL’s most Instagrammable dining venues. There’s a surprise to discover at every turn—washrooms included—so you’ll want to keep coming back for more. If you prefer to dine outdoors, the alfresco wooden deck is just as magical, with a striking scarlet tree in the centre giving this space a fairyland vibe.

Jungle Crab Salad
“It’s fortunate that the food doesn’t break this spell in both variety and taste. The extensive menu covers both land and sea, as well as Asian and Western flavours: From pizza to Japanese don to nasi lemak. Start your adventure with the intriguingly-named Jungle Crab Salad. This combination of deep-fried soft shell crab, crunchy greens, hard-boiled egg, and fish roe that pop in the mouth is savoury yet refreshing. It’s large enough to split among two or more dining companions if you’re moving on to mains.

Charbroiled Australian Wagyu M4/5
“In case you’re wondering, the soft shell crab is available to order on its own, without the rest of the salad. I recommend the Truffle Fries too for its generous sprinkling of truffle pate and parmesan. Aromatic, crispy, and oh so addictive, you’ll keep reaching for more. When you’re craving a juicy slab of meat or looking to cut down on carbs, splurge on the Charbroiled Australian Wagyu M4/5. At medium-rare doneness, the generous rib-eye steak was juicy and tender, with the chimichurri giving it a palette-awakening zing that cuts through the fats.

Freshwater Prawn Saffron Pappardelle
“For those with a taste for crustaceans, you’ll be familiar with sang har AKA freshwater prawns with large heads. Prized for its tomalley, the buttery red-orange paste found within the head, Finch’s take on this delicacy is the Freshwater Prawn Saffron Pappardelle. Generous with the prawns and intensely rich, it’s an indulgence perfect for fans of creamy pasta, or ordered to share so you can try a variety of dishes without getting into a food comma too quickly.
“For dessert, order what catches your fancy at the cakes display—or be a little cheeky and partake of Finch’s boozy selection including wines, champagne and cocktails.” —Adelina Tan, Deputy Editor
For reservations and enquiries, contact +6010 308 0888.
Read more food reviews here.

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