Beauty
The prettiest hair slides for a last-minute, festive-ready hairdo

07.12.2018
By Wei Yeen Loh

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

Got a lineup of holiday gatherings to attend to this season? If you’re strapped for time and would rather not spend an hour at a hair salon to primp your locks before every party, try this easiest hair trick to making your tresses look photo-ready in a flash—slide on the prettiest hair clips for added bling to your look.
A festive hairdo doesn’t necessitate an elaborate updo, and clipping on some pearl-embellished hair slides can bring on all the pizzazz you need to match your ootd. Whether your aesthetic is feminine, fanciful, or straight-up fierce, this compilation of hair slides will do the trick. Our favourites include Gucci’s statement-making clip, Versace’s coin pendant clip with a its signature Medusa motif, and Charlotte Chesnais’ minimalistic silver-plated slide. If you’re still all about the ’90s redux, Shrimps’ new-season beaded clips are what you need, stat. Ahead, the prettiest hair slides to get your party hairdo down pat:
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Image: Jennifer Behr, Justine Marjan

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Hidden gem: L’Occitane Petit Spa

Beauty
Hidden gem: L’Occitane Petit Spa
Provence at your doorstep

11.03.2016
By Terry Saw

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Chances are you may have visited the L’Occitane boutique on the Ground Floor in One Utama Shopping Centre more than once, but have yet to discover its little Provencal secret. Tucked in the quiet back area of said retail space is the cosy 700-square feet Petit Spa, a quiet sanctuary designed for a quintessential Provencal beauty experience.
In the exodus of spas and wellness centers in Kuala Lumpur alone, the Petit Spa stands its ground and exudes a quiet confidence; its launch last year was not widely publicised because exclusivity is key and its private three-cabin space is designed with nature-inspired touches of Provence to immediately ‘transport’ you away, even if only for an hour or two.
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The spa also does not take its ‘Voyage of the Senses’ promise lightly – expect to be taken on an olfactory journey whether you’re sipping on a cup of exclusive tea blend or enjoying an aromatherapy footbath before a host of different sensorial experiences during your treatment. Plus, despite keeping to a nine-item spa menu across anti-ageing and drainage facial varieties as well as quick eye treatments and longer combination treatments, it is one of the most wholesome offers you’ll find – from 130-minute treatments to 25-minute fixes – there’s something for everyone and the little time they have to spare.
New to the brand? No problem. This is a great way to sample the best L’Occitane has to offer as the treatments feature its star ranges and best ingredients including Immortelle from Corsica, Shea Butter from Burkina Faso and Angelica from Drome, and more.

Try: Immortelle Secret of Youth, RM348 for 75 minutes for a little taste of Immortelle magic. The super-relaxing lifting and firming massages plus acupressure points stimulation instantly melts away muscular tension, fine lines and signs of ageing by the time you’re (reluctantly) out the door.

L’Occitane Petit Spa is only available at One Utama Shopping Center by appointment only. Insider tip: Newbies enjoy a 50% off the first treatment.

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The real story behind the Green Book

Culture
The real story behind the Green Book

26.02.2019
By Su Fen Tan

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While Peter Farrelly’s Oscar-winning Green Book starring Viggo Mortensen and Mahershala Ali was named after the guide that help African-American travellers navigate the country in its segregation era, the titular book is only briefly mentioned in the movie. Inspired by a true story, the film depicts classical and jazz pianist Don Shirley (Ali) and driver/bodyguard Tony Vallelonga (Mortensen) on the former’s eight-week concert tour through the racially segregated Mid-West and Deep South. It celebrates the friendship between two men of different race and socioeconomic standing, and brings attention to the danger of racial tensions and discrimination of the time, but sheds little light on the historic resource. Then again, if one were to delve into the history and significance of The Negro Motorist Green Book, we reckon it’ll take a whole other movie to do it justice.

So who published then Green Book, and how important was it to the black community at the time?
Think back to the time where racial segregation was still in force in the U.S.—by law in the South and often by practice in the other states. It was also an era where more Americans were going on road trips and holidays across the country as it became increasingly connected through interstate highways. Perhaps the most iconic of them all was Route 66, which ran from Chicago, Illinois to Los Angeles County, California, crossing eight states and three time zones. In 1930, 44 out of the 89 counties lining Route 66 were “Sundown Towns”—all-white communities that banned black people from entering the city limits after dark. Some had signs that read: “Nigger, don’t let the sun go down on you in our town”.

Black travellers weren’t just turned away from most white-owned businesses, they risked facing violence on their journeys. Bear in mind that this was a time where the horrible act of lynching was not uncommon, particularly in the South. To avoid racial humiliation and terrorism, African-Americans often travelled with portable toilets, prepared food, extra gallons of gas, and bedding.

The first edition of The Negro Motorist Green Book was published in 1936 by Victor Hugo Green, an African American postal worker-turned-travel agent from Harlem. Initially a New York-focussed guidebook listing businesses black residents of the city could frequent without facing discrimination, its popularity and demand for a more geographically expansive guide was followed with a national issue the next year. The Green Book featured restaurants, hotels, vacation destinations, barber shops, beauty salons, gas stations and even real-estate offices that were open to black travellers. It soon became an invaluable resource for African-Americans living in and travelling across the country.

An innovative response to white-supremacist discrimination, the Green Book was also seen as a community-building tool, acknowledging and encouraging black-owned businesses. It even started to attract interest from white businesses that looked to tap into the potential sales of the black market. A note in the 1955 edition read: A few years after its publication … white business has also recognised its [The Green Book’s] value and it is now in use by the Esso Standard Oil Co., The American Automobile Assn. and its affiliate automobile clubs throughout the country, other automobile clubs, air lines, travel bureaus, travellers aid, libraries and thousands of subscribers.

Green passed away in 1960, but the publication continued with his widow Alma as the editor. The late ’50s and early ’60s saw African-American civil rights activism begin to take effect, resulting in less racial segregation in public facilities, and the eventual enforcement of the landmark Civil Rights Acts of 1964. It marked the beginning of the Green Book‘s obsolescence—the goal that was noted by Green in his introduction to the first edition—and the guide’s final edition was published in 1966.

Wondering what the Green Book looked like? The Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture has published digitised copies of 21 issues of the guidebook, which can be accessed here.

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Buro Loves
Buro Christmas Village Giveaway – Week 1 (the best beauty gifts EVER)

05.12.2019
By Wei Yeen Loh

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

‘Tis the season of giving and trust us to be your (not so secret) Santa this holiday period with not one, but four exciting giveaways! To kickstart our first round of gift-giving, we’ve got a fun game lined up in our Buro Christmas Village (psst: if you haven’t seen our festive microsite just yet, click here to find out more) that you can play to win a slew of amazing prizes.
This week’s giveaway is made for beauty enthusiasts and anyone who’s looking for skincare and makeup for a festive glow. Ahead, check out what’s in Santa’s bag for winners of Week 1 of our Buro Christmas Village Giveaway:
Urban Decay
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Gunning for a full-face makeover this holiday season? Urban Decay’s got you covered with lip and eye essentials replete with a setting spray to keep your makeup budge-proof all night long. The Urban Decay Honey Eyeshadow Palette is a surefire way to draw attention to your peepers, with sultry shades of bronze, gold and amber.
Add a swipe of the Vice Lipstick in Backtalk and the Hi-Fi Lip Gloss in Naked for a high-shine, pigmented effect. Finish with a spritz of the bestselling All Nighter Setting Spray in a deluxe sample to set your makeup and you’re good to go.
The best part? five of this complete set (worth RM425 each) will be up for grabs this giveaway, so start collecting candy now!
Laneige

Laneige Dream Bubble Basic Moisture Duo Set
Laneige’s holiday edition gift sets are our favourite buys for the holiday season with the best deals across skincare and makeup. We’ll be giving away five Laneige Dream Bubble Basic Moisture Duo sets that are worth RM300 each in our giveaway. Each set features the Essential Power Skin Refiner – Moisture and Emulsion – Moisture in full sizes, along with the Water Bank Moisture Cream EX, Moisture Essence and Sleeping Mask in travel sizes. Say goodbye to dull skin in no time with this handy coffret.
Origins
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If it’s good enough for host and emcee Maggy Wang, it’s definitely good enough for all of us—Origins’ bestselling Mega Mushroom Treatment Lotion is her go-to when it comes to soothing and rebalancing skin while keeping hydration levels up. Four lucky winners will get to take home a full-sized version of this alongside the Mega Mushroom Power Duo (50ml), comprising the Mega Mushroom Relief & Resilience Advanced Serum and Soothing Treatment Lotion—altogether worth RM456.
Decorté

Decorte Liposome Treatment Liquid & Cream Kit
Decorté’s limited-edition Liposome Treatment Liquid & Cream Kit has everything and anything you’d wish for when it comes to keeping skin’s moisture-retaining abilities in check. Four winners will walk away with this all-in-one kit (worth RM754); each comes with the Liposome Treatment Liquid and Liposome Face Cream in full size, Moisture Liposome Serum and Liposome Eye Cream in travel size, Liposome Face Mask, and facial cotton pads.
Fresh

Fresh Unmask The Magical Holiday Set
Can’t resist adding face masks to your already-full arsenal? Indulge your skin with Fresh Beauty’s Unmask The Magical Holiday Set (worth RM341 each) for clear, glowing complexion come Christmas. We’re giving away five sets of these, and you definitely don’t want to miss out on winning a set of Sugar Face Polish, Rose Face Mask (our favourite!), Black Tea Firming Overnight Mask and Lotus Youth Preserve Rescue Mask.
We will be giving away the following products:
5 x Urban Decay Set (Worth RM425 each)
5 x Laneige Dream Bubble Basic Moisture Duo Set (Worth RM300 each)
4 x Origins Mega Mushroom Set (Worth RM456 each)
4 x Decorte Liposome Limited Kit (Worth RM754 each)
5 x Fresh Unmask The Magical Holiday Set (Worth RM341 each)

There will be a Total of 23 Lucky Winners!

The giveaway is now closed. Congratulations to the following winners:
 Urban Decay

Nen Lin Soo – 1 x Urban Decay Set
Siti Norbayah Harun – 1 x Urban Decay Set
Kelsey Koh Ee Lee – 1 x Urban Decay Set
Lin Ye Shan – 1 x Urban Decay Set
Janice Ng Jia Ping – 1 x Urban Decay Set

Laneige

Bong Perk Yung – 1 x Laneige Dream Bubble Basic Moisture Duo Set
Noor Farhanah – 1 x Laneige Dream Bubble Basic Moisture Duo Set
Lim Kuk Chye – 1 x Laneige Dream Bubble Basic Moisture Duo Set
Alexio Yeoh – 1 x Laneige Dream Bubble Basic Moisture Duo Set
Aisyah Solehah – 1 x Laneige Dream Bubble Basic Moisture Duo Set

Origins

Yashna Chandra Kumar – 1 x Origins Mega Mushroom Set
Yeoh Xue Fen – 1 x Origins Mega Mushroom Set
Michelle Tay – 1 x Origins Mega Mushroom Set
Amey Chan – 1 x Origins Mega Mushroom Set

Decorte

Kimberly Lim – 1 x Decorte Liposome Limited Kit
Wong Wen Kuang – 1 x Decorte Liposome Limited Kit
Shan Lin – 1 x Decorte Liposome Limited Kit
Tiang Shing Huei – 1 x Decorte Liposome Limited Kit

Fresh

Lam Shi Nee – 1 x Fresh Unmask The Magical Holiday Set
Ngo Su Ning – 1 x Fresh Unmask The Magical Holiday Set
Fatimah binti Esham – 1 x Fresh Unmask The Magical Holiday Set
Nuryana Zul – 1 x Fresh Unmask The Magical Holiday Set
Fatini Abdul – 1 x Fresh Unmask The Magical Holiday Set

For more details on how you can play the game to win this giveaway, read the mechanics below:
How to join the Buro Christmas Village Giveaway:
Just follow these easy steps:
1. Pick an avatar and collect as many candy as you can in 90 seconds, to stand a chance to win!
2. Fill in your details upon completing the game!
Tip: The more you play, the better your chances of winning. Get a head start, start playing and good luck!

Terms and conditions:
1. This giveaway ends 11:59pm, GMT+8, 11 December 2019. The winner(s) will be announced on 13 December 2019.
2. Employees of Buro Malaysia and its related corporations (“Indochine Media Ventures”) or Buro Malaysia partners and/or sponsors for the giveaway (if applicable), and their immediate family members (including spouses, children, parents, brothers and sisters) are not eligible to participate in the giveaway.
3. Winners of this giveaway are chosen at random.
4. This giveaway is organised by Buro Malaysia (hereinafter referred to as the ‘Organiser’).
5. The prizes for this giveaway are neither exchangeable for cash nor transferable.
6. All persons (‘Participants’) taking part in this giveaway agree that these rules shall be binding on them, and that the entries in this giveaway, including their name and likeness, may be used without restriction in any future publicity material by the Organiser.
7. The Organiser reserves the right to amend these rules or terminate the giveaway at any time at its sole and absolute discretion. All decisions made by the Organiser under these rules shall be final and no discussion or correspondence will be entertained. The Organiser may, but is not required to, justify any decisions relating to this giveaway.
8. The Participant acknowledges that the interest and good reputation of the Organiser are of paramount importance. The Organiser reserves the right to disqualify a Participant from the giveaway, or to withdraw the prize if it is believed the Participant is in breach of its obligations under the rules. The Participants shall not by act or omission, directly or indirectly bring the Organiser into disrepute.
9. All entries are sent at the risk of the Participants and in the event that there are technical difficulties experienced arising out of the internet or from any associated equipment or internet security is compromised, the Organiser may at its sole and absolute discretion disqualify the entire entry and shall not accept any liability for doing so.
10. Giveaway entries may only be submitted via the stated medium of communication.
11. This giveaway is open to anyone above 18 years old.
12. Each entry must be completed in full. The Organiser reserves the right to disqualify any incomplete entries in its sole and absolute discretion.
13. Incomplete entries will be deemed void.
14. Winners will be notified by email.
15. Uses of ‘aliases’ shall be considered a form of deception and are prohibited.
16. The winner must produce their original IC / passport with legible IC / passport number in order to claim the prize. The winner may also be required to produce additional original proof of identity at the discretion of the Organiser.
17. All Prizes are accepted entirely at the risk of the winner, and the Organiser excludes all warranties in connection with the prize to the extent permitted by law.
18. All Participants release from, and indemnify the Organiser, its agencies, sponsors and representatives against all liability, cost, loss or expense arising out of acceptance of any prize or participation in the giveaway including (but not limited to) personal injury and damage to property and whether direct or consequential, foreseeable, due to some negligent act or omission or otherwise.
19. All personal particulars furnished are meant for identification purposes and will not be sold or given to any third parties. In the case of giveaways, our partners may wish to offer you services which require your personal particulars. These specific requests will be expressly stated within relevant giveaways, with a choice to opt out.
20. Inability to contact the winner by 18 December 2019 will result in disqualification and selection of an alternate winner.
21. Winners must collect their gifts from our office in Mont Kiara within 1 month of notification.
22. Prizes are final; no cash equivalent or alternative prize will be given. Prizes are non-transferable, non-exchangeable and strictly not for resale. If the winner is found to be selling the prize(s), the Organiser reserves the right to demand the return of the prize.

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Fashion
Arm candy of the week: Louis Vuitton’s New Wave bag

20.03.2019
By Joan Kong

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Louis Vuitton New Wave bags have been on our radar for (more than) a while now. Less than a year after its initial launch, the fashion house is expanding the vibrant line by introducing two new silhouettes into the mix, and trust us when we say they’re equally (if not more) lust-worthy than its predecessors. First up, a camera bag that’s the perfect size for all your essentials and more—it’s really an ideal everyday bag. Available in white, black and light pink hues, take your pick according to your style, but here’s a suggestion: the candy hue is a standout. The fanny pack, on the other hand, is perfect for those who are still into the trend (i.e us). We love the contrast of the luxe leather material, trendy wave quilting, and the fun touch from the rainbow Vuitton text, resulting in an elevated streetwear staple. Aside from wearing it at the waist, you can also sling it across the body, thanks to the adjustable strap. Here’s a prediction: these bags will be spotted on the sidewalks very soon.

Check out all the new designs below:
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The bum bag and camera bag will both be available in-store from March 29 onwards.

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Watches
Two new members join the timelessly elegant IWC Portofino family
Timely additions

04.09.2017
By Buro247

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The Cartier Privé collection is about history and modernity

A little over 30 years ago, the Lépine pocket watch was the inspiration that birthed the outstanding 46mm Portofino Hand-Wound with Moon Phase. This crown jewel of IWC Schaffhausen’s line of gold watches soon went on to gain iconic status thanks to their combination of modesty and complexity.

Now the family expands with two new additions to the lineup:

Portofino Hand-Wound Tourbillon Rétrograde (Ref. IW516501)
One of haute horlogerie most sophisticated complications makes its debut appearance in the collection. Expect down-to-the-second accuracy with the newly developed hacking tourbillion. The balance, pallet and escape wheel are mounted in a cage that rotates around its own axis once every minute to optimally maintain the watch’s rate and accuracy. Diamond-coated silicon components reduces friction to deliver an eight day power reserve with the IWC hand-wound 59900 calibre.

Boasting a 45mm case of 18-carat red gold, the silver-plated dial makes a perfect showcase of the flying minute tourbillion beside a retrograde date display in the form of an analogue arc. Gold-plated hands, appliqués of solid gold and a peak of the Geneva striped adorned calibre through the sapphire-glass back signs the watch off with elegance.

Portofino Hand-Wound Moon Phase (Ref. 5164)
Paying direct homage to the original Portofino timepiece of 1984, the Portofino Hand-Wound Eight Days receives an integrated moon phase display for the first time. In addition to the beauty of the moon phase module, the technology behind it too, should be admired-an adjustment is only needed once every 122 years.
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Two versions of this timepiece have been created. One bears an 18-carat red gold case, a slate-coloured dial and solid gold appliqués (Ref. IW516403), while the second has a stainless-steel case, a silver-plated dial and gold-plated appliqués (Ref. IW516401). Both models are fitted with a dark brown alligator leather strap by Santoni and have a 45mm diameter case.

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Street Style: The best of MFW SS16

Features
Street Style: The best of MFW SS16
Your best shot

29.09.2015
By Wei Yeen Loh

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

With Milan’s crème de la crème of the street fashion scene coming out to play during the S/S’16 fashion week, here’s a roundup on understatedly chic looks in terms of colour play, print and pattern extraordinaire, and statement accessories that you can’t help but to notice.
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Travel
5 Fun facts to know about George Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site

06.07.2021
By Natalie Khoo

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The 7th of July, 2021 marks the 13th year commemorating George Town’s designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. To date, it is one of only four such Sites in Malaysia—sharing its reputation as the first pair of historic trading cities to be recognised by UNESCO with Malacca.
Most, if not all, Malaysians would be familiar with the many wonders of Penang’s capital by now. From its melting pot of culture and heritage to the plethora of street food, cafes and restaurants that make it a foodie’s haven, George Town ranks high on the list of places every Malaysian should visit at least once in their lifetime.
With their rich history, it’s not surprising that the city’s various architectural sites and sights have hidden gems and Easter eggs awaiting to be discovered. Whether you’re a Penangite or not, here are five fun facts about George Town that you may not know.
1. The Blue Mansion is a gift of love from its original owner to his wife

Photo: @carmenhoyw / Instagram
The Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion, or more commonly known as the Blue Mansion, is one of the most famous buildings in the UNESCO World Heritage city. It is easily distinguished by its bright indigo façade, which was a highly prized colour during its era of construction circa the 1880s. Cheong, the original owner of the mansion, was a successful Chinese businessman himself, so much so that he came to be known as the ‘Rockefeller of the East’.

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It was not uncommon for wealthy Chinese men to take many wives in those days, and Cheong was no exception. He had eight wives to his name, but one was allegedly his favourite: Tan Tay Po. He was 70 when he took 17-year-old Tan to be his seventh wife, and the Mansion was both his gift of love to her and the place they made their home. Today, the Mansion operates daily tours and accommodates stays (barring travel restrictions) for visitors to discover its fascinating architecture and many more anecdotes like this.
For more information about The Blue Mansion, visit the official website.
2. There were more than five international films shot around George Town

Since Thailand didn’t approve of the plot, ‘Anna and the King’ (1999) was filmed at its neighbouring country, Malaysia.
George Town’s unique architectural landscape is not only known to locals, but also to the world over. You might even say that several of its colonial streets and buildings look like backdrops straight out of an international film—and you’re not wrong. In the past, period films including Anna and The King (1999) and the Oscar award-winning Indochine (1992) were filmed in the city’s streets.

The mahjong scene in ‘Crazy Rich Asians’ (starring Michelle Yeoh).
The Blue Mansion, in particular, has been a popular spot for films of various genres. You may have seen its appearance in the famous mahjong scene in Crazy Rich Asians (2018). Prior to that, it has also appeared in the Chinese historical movie based on Dr Sun Yat Sen, Road To Dawn (2007); the Chinese erotic thriller, Lust, Caution (2007); and the Asian murder mystery, The Blue Mansion (2009); as well as two other Malaysian-made dramas, The 3rd Generation (2006) and The Red Kebaya (2006).
3. Fort Cornwallis is home to the oldest chapel in Malaysia

Photo: @ooowenong / Instagram
Built by Sir Francis Light, the founder of (the British colony of) Penang, Fort Cornwallis is one of the oldest forts in Malaysia that has existed since the late 18th century. Besides that, it is also the largest standing fort in the country—probably because it never engaged in combat and was mainly used as an administrative centre.

The abandoned chapel at Fort Cornwallis. (Photo: Polopinangite)
At the southwest corner of the fort, visitors will find a small white chapel that was constructed in 1799. The first recorded marriage here was held that same year, when John Timmers married Martina Rozells (Light’s widow). Though the chapel is no longer operational, it stands as the earliest roofed structure surviving from the colonial era, attracting visitors alongside the storied barracks, prison cells, lighthouse, and munition storage areas within the fort.
4. The Pinang Peranakan Mansion was once the home of a superintendent

Photo: @lynyee / Instagram
Despite its name and what it’s famous for, the Pinang Peranakan Mansion was not originally owned by a Peranakan. Erected in the late 19th century, the museum once served as the residence and office of Kapitan Cina Chung Keng Kwee, then called ‘Hai Kee Chan’ or the Sea Remembrance Store. Chung was a Chinese mining magnate and millionaire philanthropist who became the Superintendent of all Chinese in Penang during his time.

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After the Chung family lost their fortune, local Penang Peranakan architect Peter Soon took over ownership and restored the mansion to its former glory. Like the Blue Mansion, the Peranakan Mansion is set apart by the colour of its exteriors—except in green instead of the former’s indigo. It is also home to over 1,000 luxury antiques and collectables that offer a glimpse of the lifestyle of the upper-class Straits Chinese in the past century.
For more information, visit the official website here.
5. Wat Chaiya Mangkalaram boasts the longest reclining Buddha in Penang

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Beauty
Shiseido’s Beauty vs. The World Campaign strives to bring beauty from within
A natural driving force

01.01.2016
By Wei Yeen Loh

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RECOMMENDED

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

Starting January 2016, Shiseido is revamping its brand value by unveiling a more international and multicultural approach. By advocating for seeing beauty within ourselves and others, Shiseido believes that empathy and beauty can be a concept to reach all aspects of one’s self and experienced by all.

The brand’s “Beauty vs. The World” campaign features three faces from across the globe-Hungarian model Enikő Mihalik, Dutch model Imaan Hammam, and global IT girl Asia Chow, a way of recognizing that physical beauty is diverse, relatable and unbiased. Similarly, the brand’s new department store counters will be built with the Japanese concept of Ichigo Ichié in mind—to treasure every meeting as it will never recur. This is to express Japanese aesthetic sensibilities and to provide a modern style of Omotenashi (Japanese hospitality) while communicating richness and warmth.

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Boost your eye’s multi-defensive power level with Shiseido UltimuneBeauty Advent Calendar: Shiseido Festive Camellia

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Travel
Hop on the Grand Train Tour of Switzerland and discover the Alpine nation’s highlights

03.09.2019
By Ronn Tan

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Guide to ETIAS: The new travel pass for Malaysians visiting Europe

Travelling across the nation by train can be rather difficult and troublesome. However, there is one country that Malaysians should visit to really enjoy and experience accessibility and ease of travel—Switzerland. It doesn’t hurt that it will be a change of pace and environment from the culture and warm weather here. Any season is great to explore Switzerland but winter is probably the most magical time to see the country’s natural beauty.

Why should you move around the county by train? The answer—The Grand Train Tour of Switzerland, touted as the best way to discover the country. From the comfort of the train, you will be able to discover the highlights of the Alpine nation as well as its diversity in addition to exploring all sights and landmarks on the way. In this tour, the most beautiful panoramic lines merge into one unique route of 1,280 kilometres. One of the best parts of the entire experience is that there is no prescribed direction or duration. In other words, you’re free to hop on and off whenever and wherever you desire.
Who doesn’t like trouble-free travel? With a single ticket-the Swiss Travel Pass—you can travel three, four, eight, or 15 days throughout the entire country by train, bus, and boat. If you think that’s all, hold up! Swiss Travel Pass holders are entitled to free admission to more than 500 museums throughout Switzerland as well as 50 percent reduction off most mountain railways. The best part for families; with the Swiss Family Card, children under 16 years of age travel free of charge on the entire Swiss public transport network when accompanied by a parent holding a valid ticket.
There are a multitude of places to visit in Switzerland and these are some of the best spots you should not miss while you’re exploring on The Grand Train Tour.
1. Open-Air Museum Ballenberg

Switzerland’s only open air museum that takes you to experience the rural farm life of the traditional Swiss people. More of a village than an actual museum, ancient Swiss farmhouses were taken apart carefully at their original location and rebuilt here. While you’re there, why not try out horsehair braiding or clay oven construction?

How to get there: Take the Zürich-Luzern-Interlaken route (Route One). On the Luzern-Interlaken Express, a premium panoramic train, time flies faster than one would wish—due to mountain scenery, turquoise lakes and numerous waterfalls that adorn the landscape along the way.
For more information on the museum, visit this website.
2. Lavaux

This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and there is no reason not to pay a visit. The vineyards can also be seen far away, from the train. Come here during sunset and be treated to an experience of a lifetime. The combination of the lake waters and the south facing slopes covered in vines is a sight to behold. This year, the Festival of Winegrowers (Fête des Vignerons)—which only takes place once every 20 years—was held at this special site.

How to get there: Get on the Interlaken-Zweisimmen-Montreux route (Route Two) where you will travel on the GoldenPass MOB Panoramic and pass by Lake Thun before arriving at the shores of Lake Geneva. Feast your eyes on magnificent castles and peacefully grazing cattle.
For more information on the festival, visit this website.
3. Matterhorn Glacier Paradise

The largest glaciers of the Alps plus a total of 38 breathtaking Italian, French, and Swiss Alpine giants mean that what you will see is a panorama that’s unique. You will be able to look at the rear of the globally-known Matterhorn, 3,883 metres above sea level. Are you into skiing? Europe’s biggest summer area for the activity is just below and opens 365 days a year.

How to get there: Use the Montreux-Visp-Zermatt route (Route Three). This will take you from Rhone Valley to Nikolai Valley. With the help of cogwheel technology, the train has to overcome more than 900 metres in altitude before the Matterhorn comes into view.
For more information on skiing in Zermatt, visit this website.
4. St. Moritz

This is a place synonymous with class, style, and elegance. It is also one of the most popular holiday destinations, not just in Switzerland, but the world. Apart from being part of a UNESCO World Heritage site, this exquisite location was a two-time venue for the Winter Olympics.

How to get there: Utilise the Zermatt-St. Moritz (Route Four) route. You will be travelling on the world-famous Glacier Express, the slowest express train in the world, but that isn’t necessarily negative. In fact, you will be rewarded with all things amazing through the windows stretching high above you. The apex of the journey is the Oberalp Pass at 2,033 metres above sea level. Picture deep ravines, picturesque valleys, tradition rich health resorts, and imposing mountainscape. Spectacular, indeed.
For more information on St. Moritz, visit this website.
5. Stone Flower (Fiore di pietra)

Head on over to Swiss star architect, Mario Botta’s masterpiece at the panoramic mountain of Monte Generoso near the Italian border. As the highest mountain in the Canton of Ticino (at 1,704 metres above sea level), expect glorious views. The new landmark of the mountain is a definite must-see while you’re there.

How to get there: Take the Bernina Express that brings you from St. Moritz-Tirano-Lugano (Route Five), where you’ll go from glaciers to palm trees. You will pass by the vibrant turquoise of the Lago Bianco embedded in the Alpine landscape before going down through the scenic Val Poschiavo towards Italy. On your adventure to Lugano, you will also see the famous Lake Como, where George Clooney lives.
For more information on the landmark, visit this website.
6. Verkehrshaus (Swiss Museum of Transport)

There is just so much to see here that you will probably need a full day. Explore everything from aviation and space travel to railway traffic and cableways to seafaring. If you’re a sucker for top-notch cinema quality, you’re in luck! Switzerland’s biggest screen, the IMAX cinema (500 metres square) will be the perfect way to cap off your time there. Be immersed.

How to get there: Go onto the Lugano-Flüelen-Luzern (Route Six) route, travelling on board the Gotthard Panorama Express. From Mediterranean Ticino, you will swift bythe Gotthard panorama routebefore changing to a steam boat or a motor vessel at Flüelen. From there, glide along Lake Lucerne through traditional Swiss heartland.
For more information on the museum, visit this website.
7. Abbey Library (Stiftsbibliothek)

This is the oldest library of Switzerland. The book haven is located at the heart of the Abbey District and holds priceless books ranging from Irish manuscripts dating back from the seventh to the twelfth century to ivory tablets existing from the year 894. Open to visitors all year round, the baroque library hall can only be entered with slippers.

How to get there: Use the Voralpen-Express which runs between Lucerne and St. Gallen (Route Seven). The train leads past Rigi, the Queen of the mountains, on its way to Arth-Goldau before moving along the Rothenthurmer upland moor and crossing Lake Zurich into Rapperswil, the City of Roses. Don’t miss out on Switzerland’s highest railway bridge, the Sitter Viaduct at 99 metres, just before arriving in St. Gallen.
For more information on the library, visit this website.
8. Rhine Falls

Europe’s largest waterfalls, ©Switzerland Tourism
Located between Neuhausen and Laufen, these are the largest waterfalls in Europe. With a width that measures over 150 metres, you will get to experience this natural spectacle up close and personal with the assistance of platforms and boats.

Swiss Travel Guide App, ©Daniel Ammann/Swiss Travel System
How to get there: Hop on the St. Gallen-Schaffhausen-Zürich route (Route Eight). The train travels through a pastoral hillscape towards Lake Constance and then rolls along its shoreline for 40 kilometres before arriving at Munot Fortress, landmark of Schaffhausen. After that, you will cross Eglisau’s railway bridge before reaching Switzerland’s financial metropolis, Zurich.
For more information on the waterfalls, visit this website.

©Daniel Ammann/Swiss Travel System
The Grand Train Tour of Switzerland is the perfect way to explore all four language regions of the country. Whether it’s the GoldenPass MOB Panoramic, Bernina Express, Glacier Express, Gotthard Panorama Express, or Luzern-Interlaken Express, you’re bound for a one-of-a-kind affair. The Swiss Travel Pass (iOS or Android) starts from $238 (approximately RM1,174) for second class and $378 (approximately RM1,586) for first class. Oh, you will also receive an attractive souvenir certificate confirming the routes you have travelled on the Grand Train Tour of Switzerland. Last but not least, don’t forget to download the Swiss Travel Guide App (free in your Apple Store or Google Play Store) if you’re unsure about planning your journey beforehand. It is also available offline so you never miss a beat.

For bookings and enquiries, please contact your Rail Specialist here or at:
1. Apple Vacations & Convention
Contact: 03 2143 8877
Website
2. Boustead Travel Services
Contact: 03 2912 9788
Website

3. Pacific World Travel
Contact: 03 2141 3040Website
4. Or visit the official Grand Train Tour of Switzerland website

For a virtual preview of the webroute, visit here.

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Fashion
Style spotlight: Ariana Grande’s 8 most memorable looks of all time
Happy birthday, Ariana Grande!

26.06.2023
By Benedict Unang

Featured images: @katiatemkin/Instagram

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Ariana Grande has been unstoppable since her debut in the Nickelodeon television show Victorious as the ‘adorably dimwitted’ Cat Valentine. While the role rocketed her to teen idol stardom, it was music that she was always passionate about, and her hard work ultimately paid off when she landed a recording contract with Republic Records. The actress-turned-singer recorded her first studio album, Yours Truly, in 2013, and surprise, surprise—it debuted at number one on the US Billboard 200 album charts.
Since then, Grande has put out five more albums, embarked on a worldwide concert tour, and collaborated with some of the biggest names in the industry, including Justin Bieber, The Weeknd, and Nicki Minaj. As if all that wasn’t enough, Grande launched her fragrance line in 2015, followed by her cosmetics label R.E.M Beauty in 2021, offering make-up staples in addition to skincare products. On top of that, Grande went on to become a coach for The Voice in 2021 and made cameos in multiple films, including Zoolander 2 and Don’t Look Up.
Let’s not forget about her unique sense of style. Beyond the pant-less, oversized hoodie outfits that we are obsessed with, Grande has proven time and again that she can rock any look! In honour of her 30th birthday, we look back at some of her best fashion moments throughout the years.

True Cinderella

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After a dispute with the producers over a scheduled performance at the 2019 Grammy Awards, the pop star made a dramatic red carpet entrance the following year in a strapless grey Giambattista Valli gown. With her blonde hair pulled back in a ponytail, Grande topped off the multi-layered tulle dress with matching opera gloves and 30-carat Lorraine Schwartz diamond stud earrings.

Angelic debut

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The multi-hyphenate made her first-ever Met Gala appearance in 2018 in a Vera Wang ball gown inspired by Michelangelos’s classic fresco, The Last Judgement—a work of art that adorns the sanctuary wall of the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City. In sync with the theme, Grande accessorised her ethereal gown with a golden bow that covered her iconic ponytail. Admittedly, it was a bittersweet moment as it’s her first red carpet since the attack at her Manchester concert in May 2017.

God is a woman

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Fresh off the release of her Sweetener album, the singer-songwriter performed God is a Woman at the 2018 MTV VMAs in a custom bralette and high-waisted shorts, capped with a signature peplum hip piece encrusted with Swarovski crystals and thigh-high boots. Grande performed with 50 diverse dancers, imitating Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper, before wrapping up her act by holding hands with her grandma Marjorie, her mother Joan, and her cousin Lani. Fun fact: The ensembles were designed by Diana Couture, headed by Indonesian fashion designer Diana M Putri.

Pink power

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A post shared by I’M NOT ARIANA (@arianararesoutfits)

As we all know, Grande was a regular on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, and one of the looks that caught our attention the most was this strapless, pink dress by Cecilie Bahnsen coupled with Le Silla’s over-the-knee boots in blush suede. While this was her first time performing No Tears Left to Cry on television, the song debuted at number three on the Billboard Hot 100.

Feeling ‘yellawesome’

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Armed with all the skills she garnered over the years, the American sweetheart stepped up as a coach on the 21st season of The Voice in 2021 and naturally grabbed the chance to make a few significant fashion statements. For instance, at The Voice‘s finals, Grande performed Just Look Up with Kid Cudi while dressed in a dramatic, voluminous yellow strapless dress with a bow from Valentino’s SS19 collection—a contrast from her regular outfit.

#ARICHELLA

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As the fourth woman to ever headline Coachella in 2019 and the youngest headliner in the festival’s history, the Thank U, Next singer was under a lot of pressure—and yet she nailed both weekends! Grande had four wardrobe changes for the monumental occasion, but we think this burgundy number by Michael Ngo pushes her fashion game to the next level. During the first half of her performance, Grande stunned the crowd in a bustier top with puffed sleeves, which she paired with a flared mini skirt and a pair of thigh-high boots, all while singing the classics like Bang Bang and Side to Side.

The great comeback

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After secretly tying the knot to Dalton Gomez in May 2021, Grande returned to the stage a couple of weeks later at the 2021 iHeartRadio Music Awards, where she performed the Save Your Tears remix with The Weeknd. The newlywed singer looked gorgeous in a deep brown satin O-ring halter top and a floor-length skirt with high side slits by Rat and Boa.

First milestone

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When R.E.M Beauty celebrated its first anniversary last November, the beauty entrepreneur took to Instagram with a full-face shot wearing her cosmetics goods, from the sweetener mascara to the babydoll eyeshadow palette. She finished the look by wearing a Celine chequered corset top, a black tennis skirt, and oversized black gloves by Paula Rowan.

For more fashion reads, click here.

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Art + Design
8 Environmental artists who are advocating for social change with their intriguing art

13.04.2020
By Marissa Chin

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Nature and the environment around us have long since been the subject and inspiration of many artists around the world as early as the primordial ages. However, what used to be a celebration of man’s close relationship to nature has evolved into a language of urgency that reflects the dire reality of our planet’s ecosystem.
As we continue to live in the Anthropocene, which refers to a geological age in which the environment and climate are predominantly marked by human activity, art becomes an important visual platform to convey messages of conservatism and social awareness while still appealing to our senses.
 Environmental art seeks to do this by creating a sensory response between person and nature, bridging the widening gap between the two in an age of urban industrialization and consumerism.
Here are some environmental artists who are leading the conversation of environmental change and conservation:
Nils-Udo

As the environmental art movement really kick-started in the 1960s-70s, Nils-Udo’s switch from painting to environmental art in the early 1970s could not have happened at a better time. Still active to this day, the German artist from Bavaria has been heralded as the grandfather of land art, a strand of environmental art.
Land art is basically art that is made of natural resources that are provided by nature such as branches, twigs, stones, flowers and the like. Land artists believe in the symbiotic nature of our relationship with the environment and goes against the commercialism of the art industry. Land art sculptures are often transient and ephemeral—the artists start them but Mother Nature lends her finishing touches. Artists like Nils-Udo leave them in their natural habitat to be discovered and over time through age and decay, the artworks will cease to exist and return once again to nature.
Nils-Udo is famous for creating captivating site-specific land art using whatever is easily and readily available in nature arte povera style. He is known for creating “utopias” in nature that transform the land into a whimsical and mysterious place that holds quiet wonder. From the delicately placed flower petals in lakes to the precisely measured nests that look like it holds the eggs of magical creatures, his works look like they have been done by mythical fairies and nymphs that roam the woodlands.

Agnes Denes

If Nils-Udo is the grandfather, Agnes Denes is the world-renowned grandmother of the movement. She has created many significant and spectacular land art pieces that comment on poverty, mismanagement of resources, economics, politics and deforestation. Such was her iconic Wheatfields—A Confrontation (1982) that is considered one of the earliest land-specific art installations directly intervening with real world issues such as world hunger and a misplacement of priorities. Denes planted and harvested a two-acre landfill worth USD$4.5 billion, just two blocks away from the World Trade Centre and Wall Street. It went on to produce 1,000 tons of healthy wheat and traveled to 28 different cities around the world. Denes is also known to combine mathematics and science in the construction of her art works.
Other prominent works such as Tree Mountain that took four years to complete from 1992 to 1996 incorporated the Golden Ratio and pineapple/sunflower system designed by Denes herself. Eleven thousand people came together to build eleven thousand trees over a land in Finland that would be protected for four centuries, essentially creating a virgin forest. This is the first time in the country that an art installation was used to directly restore environmental damage.

Andy Goldsworthy

Adding to the list of environmental art juggernauts is Goldsworthy, a world-renowned British sculptor. His contributions were so significant that he went on to receive an OBE, being knighted in 2000. Like Nils-Udo, Goldsworthy uses mud, ice and twigs as materials to paint over the canvas that is nature to remind us of our own mortality and the fragility of life. His works will decay and wither away over time but that is exactly the point he wants to achieve. As he states to Fresh Air, “It’s not about art. It’s just about life and the need to understand that a lot of things in life do not last.“

Is this the entrance to the Upside Down?

Chris Jordan

Jordan is not so much a land artist like others on this list so far but as a cultural activist, he uses traditional photography to convey the same message just as effectively. Unlike Nils-Udo or Goldsworthy who are more fantastical and abstract in their approaches, Jordan is unforgiving and straightforward in his works that comment on capitalist consumerist culture and its colossal destruction of our planet. Through his photographs, he creates discourse on the topic of waste and pollution. When viewing Jordan’s images, it’s hard not to feel breathless at the harrowing and almost grotesque beauty of how much waste an individual truly contributes to the environment unknowingly.
To further drive home his message, Jordan has also recreated famous artworks such as Van Gogh’s Starry Night—but instead of paint, he uses fifty thousand discarded lighters that is the estimated number of plastic pieces floating in every square mile of the ocean. Katsushika Hokusai’s Under the Wave of Kanagawa is also recomposed with 2.4 million plastic pieces which is the estimated pounds of plastic that enter the ocean every hour. Fun fact: all the plastic used in this image was actually collected from the Pacific Ocean which makes it even more depressing.

Benjamin Von Wong

Along the same vein as Jordan, Benjamin Von Wong is a growing talent in the scene that also focuses on waste and discarded goods. What makes him different are his beautiful reinventions of waste such as plastic bottles, old laptops and straws. Wong is also very active on social media, amplifying his voice to nearly 120,000 Instagram followers to raise awareness on climate change, ocean pollution and fast fashion. Through his collaborations with big corporations such as Dell and Nike, Wong has helped to create a buzz around positive social change by combining art with the reach of social media. Check out one of his projects here:

Richard Shilling

Richard Shilling is a fellow British land artist who found his calling for environmental art later in his life. While on his jog in the forest hills, he saw one of Goldsworthy’s stone installations and the rest was history. Shilling began buying books published by Goldsworthy and the more he learned, the more his worldview began to change as he connected to Goldsworthy’s ephemeral works. Through the years, Shilling has been able to find his own distinctive creative style and teaches other aspiring artists to tap into their artistic capabilities. Among his popular works are his stunning leaf arts that resemble stained glass windows and daintily balanced rocks.

Michael Grab

Michael Grab is a famous stone balancer who is known for his gravity-defying stone stacks. While he may not be the loudest spokesperson for conservatism and climate change in this list, his stoneworks remind us of another aspect of nature which is its healing qualities it can bring to one’s mind and soul. The alias for his work which he calls Gravity Glue reflects the force of nature that holds all matter of life in the universe together in a perfect balance. Through his workshops on the art of stone balancing, Grab also teaches students how to achieve a minimalist Zen-like state that is wonderfully in tune with nature.

Honorary mention: Theo Jansen and his Strandbeest

Theo Jansen has been fascinating people with his animal-like creations since 1990. The Dutch artist cleverly combines feats of engineering to create moving art pieces that roam the beaches (strandbeest is Dutch for “beach beast”). While not formally proclaimed to be an environmental artist, Jansen’s man-made creations are unique in a way that it interacts with the nature around them. The strandbeest move with kinetic energy from the wind on beaches, and continues to evolve with modern computation technology that will allow newer “breeds” to store wind energy and move on their own when there is no wind.
Jansen also aims to include artificial intelligence in his creations by inputting devices that will allow the strandbeests to know if they are approaching water and move away as well as anchor themselves down into the ground for potential storms. Made from PVC and plastic tubes, Jansen hopes to one day put his strandbeests out in herds to let them “live” their own lives out on the beach (imagine seeing this strolling around while you’re on your morning jog!).
His website also includes “fossils” of his previous strandbeests for documentation. Here’s Jansen explaining his project at a TED talk:

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Food + Drink
Botanica + Co at Alila Bangsar: What’s different and what’s good
A wholesome dining experience

13.03.2018
By Rachel Au

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Botanica + Co and Alila Bangsar have one thing in common: An affection for design and creating a space where people will never want to leave. Hence, it’s no surprise that the restaurant found its second home at the upcoming hotel. Matching with Alila Bangsar’s warm shades of natural wooden brown and decked in a beautiful array of fresh greenery (including statement trees that almost reach the high ceilings), Botanica + Co is a tropical foodies’ retreat in the urban KL city. But care is not only given to the interior.
Staying true to the brand, the menu by Head Chef Sam Neoh is an assortment of hearty, wholesome fare with a mix of western and local influences. And similarly, it’s not just the Instagram-worthy interior but the selection of dishes exclusive only to Botanica + Co at Alila Bangsar that will give you more reason to visit.

Let’s start off with our ultimate favourite from the tasting session: The Pasembur. A dish inspired by the surrounding Bricksfields community, it’s a generous portion of crispy prawn fritters, quail egg, cucumber, chilli pepper bean curd and the oh-so-good house-made peanut sauce. Indulgent with no regrets. We’d definitely be back for round two. Taking the number two spot is the King Prawn Roll with a house-made brioche and chunks of fresh king prawn flesh, with a Chef’s special aioli of honey and dill, and butter chips on the side. The chips were so addictive, we suggested them to sell it on its own.
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Pasta lovers might find an interest in the Prawn & Kale Pesto Pasta – but only if you fancy the herby sauce. If you do, it is lovely. The prawns used are also on a less than humble size, which gets extra points from us, and absolutely succulent. Last, but not least, we tried the non-exclusive Seafood Parmigiana served on a crispy baguette. Side note: We’re told this Botanica + Co will soon be selling their house-made bread at The Grocer section of the restaurant (which they have partnered with honestbee and currently stocks chips, granola and more).
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Six main courses had definitely filled up our stomachs, especially when their portions are great for sharing, but there’s always room for desserts! Their pastry chef sure dishes out works of wonder. The Lemon Meringue is beautiful in form and tangy in flavour while the Chocolate Ganache Tart is a sinful treat for chocolate enthusiasts. And that perfectly ends our review on a sweet note.

Address: Ground Floor, Alila Bangsar, No. 58, Jalan Ang Seng, Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 12pm – 10pm (closed on Sundays)
Phone number: 011 2600 8188
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Fashion
Adidas celebrates World Oceans Day with a limited edition shoe made from plastic
Turning waste into wealth

08.06.2016
By Wei Yeen Loh

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We love it when brands go the extra mile to participate in saving the earth, in one way or another. Alongside La Mer, Adidas is also celebrating World Oceans Day this year with the release of a limited number of the iconic running shoe that was showcased at 2015’s Parley Talks ‘Oceans. Climate. Life.’ at the United Nations in New York.

“This is an inspiring partnership between adidas and Parley. What adidas and Parley is doing, by turning waste into a running shoe, shows that even waste that is harming the planet can be used to create something special,” says French footballer Zinedine Zidane who is part of this movement.

What’s interesting about this running shoe is that the shoe upper is made from Parley Ocean Plastic, which is collected in coastal areas in the Maldives as well as illegal deep-sea gillnets retrieved by Parley for the Oceans’ partner organisation, Sea Shepherd. The shoe is also created with Adidas’ Tailored Fibre Technology, a revolutionary manufacturing technique that tailors the footwear designs according to individual needs of athletes and is the first  in a series of products that Adidas is now able to produce using Parley Ocean Plastic. Adidas and Parley for the Oceans are working together to turn ocean plastic  into technical yarn fibres to be used for performance products, as part of the goal to develop and support new technologies to up-cycle ocean plastic debris.

Sneakerheads who want to get their hands on one of the 50 available pairs of this running shoe can enter an Instagram contest, running now until the end of July 2016. All you have to do is shoot a video and show how you can pledge to avoid single use plastic items and support Parley’s Ocean Plastic Program.

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Miroslava Duma: 10 Best Hair Moments

Beauty
Miroslava Duma: 10 Best Hair Moments
Marvellous Mira

09.07.2015
By Renyi Lim

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1. The choppy bob

Carefree, effortlessly bouncy, and falling in gentle fronds around the nape of Mira’s neck, a short and choppy bob keeps her look playful and subtly sexy.
2. The sleek bob

Either parted at the centre or to the right, a straight, sophisticated bob keeps Mira looking graceful, demure, and beautifully pulled together.
3. Slicked down

It might be one of the simplest ‘dos, but it’s one of the most difficult to pull off. Mira, however, nails it with pared-down makeup and – envy, envy – delicate bone structure to lust over.
4. The flapper wave

Adding a touch of old-world glamour, the waved flapper style puts an ultra-feminine spin on Mira’s bob, especially when paired with red lipstick or pinned back with a single barrette.
5. The volume-izer

Mira’s hair clearly comes out to play in the evenings, and how better to convey that than a good ol’ power blow dry, giving her a sizzling hot, va-va-voom lift at the roots.
6. In-between hair

Transitioning between a bob and a longer hairstyle can sometimes be tricky, but Mira rides out the phase by keeping her deep chocolate-brown locks glossy, healthy and softly highlighted.
7. Braids

Bringing the classic Russian maiden look straight into the 21st century, a tiara of tightly woven but loosely bound braids makes a pretty frame for Mira’s lovely features.
8. Boho bangs

Mira’s current look – long, loose-flowing bohemian locks with a fringe that channels Jane Birkin – is cute, girly and wistful to a T.
9. Wrapped in silk

A master at wrapping a scarf around her hair with the aplomb of a film noir Hollywood movie star, Mira lets a generous portion of her hairline peep out from beneath the fabric to keep it look belle, as opposed to babushka.
10. Mad hatter

She loves her hats, does Mira – so if you’re ever having a bad hair day, make like Miroslava, pop on your craziest or most eccentric hat, and work it!

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Watches
De Beers Holiday 2016: Encapsulating the magical moments of winter
Sparkling sentiments

09.12.2016
By Su Fen Tan

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The most magical (and wonderful) time of the year is almost upon us – where festive decorations and Christmas trees are decked in colourful fairy lights, the spirit of giving fills the air, and joyful memories are captured in parties and get-togethers with our loved ones.

This holiday season, De Beers captures the most beautiful winter moments with its festive collection. From emulating the thousand sparkling lights that fill London’s winter nights to the lovely warmth that the sun brings to the season with its glorious, radiance rays, De Beers’ Christmas-inspired range is here to further illuminate the festive holidays with its glittering, sophisticated allure. Take a look at the collection below, and you just might find the perfect gift for that special someone this year:
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Lifestyle
7 Things you can do this weekend: 5—6 May 2018
The future is now

30.04.2018
By Buro247

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

1. MissMafia Komune-ity Yoga #5 at Komune Coworking, 11.30am – 1pm, 5 May

Start off the month with a good stretch and meeting new people with a shared interest in yoga.
Registration is required. To register, please visit the event page.

2. Sunny Side Up Market—Mother’s Day Edition at Slate at The Row, 11am – 6pm, 4 – 6 May

Mother’s Day is coming soon and if you’re still looking for the perfect gift, this is the place where you (or rather Mum) will be spoilt for choice.
For more info, visit the event page.

3. Cirque De La Symphonie at Dewan Filharmonik Petronas, 5 – 6 May

Catch the magic of the Cirque on the stage of a concert hall. There will be performances by veterans of remarkable cirque programs from all over the world. Each of these performances is choreographed according to classical masterpieces and popular contemporary music.
For more information on show times and ticket purchasing, visit the event page.

4. Nasi Lemak & Chicken Rendang Cooking Class at LokaLocal, 5pm – 7.30pm, 5 May

The former assistant of Chef Wan and an experienced chef herself, stand a chance to learn from Noor, where she’ll show you the right techniques to cooking one of our country’s famed dishes from scratch and that includes the fragrant coconut rice and sambal.
The class is priced at RM165 per pax, inclusive of ingredients, dinner and dessert. To book yourself a spot, check out the website here.

5. Tribe’s Grand Opening at Tribe Boxing Studio, 11am – 6pm, 5 May

There’s a new boxing studio in town and to celebrate, there will be both food and lifestyle vendors as well as boxing charity classes. Do good while feeling good.
For more info, head over to the event page.

6. Hair Donation Drive at Rejuvenate Wellness Centres, 10am – 5pm, 5 May

Don’t feel like working out those muscles. Go for a refreshed look with a new haircut while donating your hair to the children in need.
For more info, visit the event page.

7. Check out the Chanel Coco Game Center, till 13 May

It’s finally here! Not only does the newly opened Chanel Coco Game Center look gorgeous but you can win beauty products from the arcade games. Check out the highlights of our visit here to know what you’ll be in for.

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Beauty
LFW SS16 Day 1: Face art and big bouncy waves
Loud and proud

19.09.2015
By Buro247

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

Giving the sleek and slicked back hair a vibrant twist, designers at LFW juxtaposed this with big loud waves. Spicing up the trending hairstyle, DAKS opted for a 70s-inspired back comb with soft bouncy curls whilst PPQ adopted a sleek centre-parting do with frizzy waves.
Following suit from Day 7 of NYFW, PPQ also took a daring turn from the trending natural beauty look by focusing on heavy black eyeliner, which was also seen on the catwalk of Paul Costelloe who enhanced this bold look with an exaggerated cat-eye finish.
Moreover, statement beauty looks were all the craze with face art trickling onto the runway with floral face tattoos blooming at the Bora Aksu show and Pam Hogg making innovative use of hair flyaways by decorating the face with hair swirls. However despite these quirky takes, the beauty spotlight was on Zandra Rhodes whose presentation saw dazzling face embellishments and bright multi-coloured eye make up paired alongside pink tennis visors and high ponytails.
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Travel
Checking in: The Kasturi Resort, Cherating

12.06.2019
By Rachel Au

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Believe it or not, Malaysia is a treasure trove of wanderlust gems. While yes, there are plenty of beautiful beach holiday destinations around the world, so does our country (we’ve even listed seven romantic getaways to prove that point) and one of them is Cherating in Pahang. If you’re looking for a quick escape, consider The Kasturi Resort, a five-star beachside luxury resort designed by renowned architect Hijjas Kasturi.

The Kasturi Resort cherating – villas
Technically the new kid on the block (that is Chendor beach in Cherating), there are a fair few reasons to fall in love with The Kasturi Resort. One, it’s built on 30 acres of coastal forest but faces the South China Sea. Two, it’s one architectural beauty where the chalets take its form inspired by traditional Malay architecture with an A-frame structure. Three, it values sustainability. Four, otters, sea eagles and fireflies have been sighted within the property’s vicinity; and the resort even has its own turtle hatchery. I could go on but let’s review the specifics.

THE ROOMS: BEACH FRONT VILLA

The Kasturi Resort cherating – villas
The Kasturi Resort holds 23 keys and there’s room for every type of traveller. For families or those travelling in large groups, there’s the Beach Front Family Villas with two bedrooms, two bathrooms and the beach for its “backyard”. Not big enough to fit everyone? Nestled within the lush greenery, the Forest View Villas consist of three bedrooms and three bathrooms. For couples looking for a romantic escape, the Beach Front Villa is perfect. Whichever you pick, all three of these accommodation types come with its own private plunge pool. There’s also the option of Studios or Suites at the main building.

Since it was just my husband and I, we stayed at the Beach Front Villa and can attest that the chalet is huge. After checking in, a buggy whizzed us to our villa via the elevated forest walkway and upon opening the large wooden door, an oasis awaited us. Instantly, we could see the beach ahead of us, past the tempting private pool and its deck, and a gate leading to the edge of the forest and thereafter, the crashing waves. There’s also a lotus pond, a deck for outdoor dining, and an outdoor shower. The exterior hits all the right spots in terms of modern resort luxury, even with the traditional Malay-style frame. The interior, however, is a stark contrast.

The Kasturi Resort cherating – villas
While spacious with modern day comforts (air-conditioning, Smart TV, Sound Bar, etc), there were just a few personal pet peeves on the decor and design elements—a dark-toned cow hide rug over the terrazzo floor (which had a long cracked line) and the odd placement of the TV (though understandably so as to allow guests to either watch it from the couch on the lower level or from the bed on the higher level). Move into the bathroom, however, and all is redeemed. On one side is the long vanity counter (complete with two basins) and on the other, a bathtub, a shower room and a door that leads to the outdoor shower. Note, however, that the decor differs according to the villa type—the other two categories definitely look more modern.

THE FOOD

Unfortunately, there isn’t much of a variety of dining options on the property, although you can always head out for the true local fanfare. There is only Kenyang Restaurant (or room service) but the menu is adequate enough and changes according to the time of the day, giving, at least, a sort of variety. The highlight though is sitting at the verandah with a panoramic view of the sea, swimming pool and surrounding decks; complemented by the sea breeze. Props should also be given to the friendly staff and their top-notch service—it truly is one of the best things about The Kasturi Resort.

THE FACILITIES

Technically, everything you need is in the villa—there’s already a private pool and just walk out the gate to reach the beach (though the ones facing the Beach Villas are barricaded by rocks, separating the waves from the sandy area). Otherwise, there is a spa, a public swimming pool and a gym. Also, there are bicycles placed around the resort for anyone who’s game. Personally, I didn’t even call for the buggy to get to/from the restaurant most of the time—because the option of walking by the beach or “tree-bathing” is so much better. A must-do, however, is a visit to the turtle hatchery, which releases hatchlings daily between May and October. Unfortunately (or fortunately), during my time there, there were no eggs being sold at the market. You can also check with the staff to arrange for kayaking on the mangrove-fringed river.

SUSTAINABILITY
There’s a perfectly good reason why The Kasturi Resort is set within the cusps of a forest—to preserve the big trees that have already been there for years. But the family of Hijjas Kasturi—who owns Rimbun Dahan that operates the resort—didn’t stop there. After all, the company started first with the turtle hatchery in 2014, and a previous project of theirs, Hotel Penaga in Penang, too valued minimising footprint. Here are just some of the ways The Kasturi Resort is a sustainable resort:

The Kasturi Resort cherating review

The resort used local materials, from the rubble walls to terrazzo floors to re-milling on site of all the recycled timber—of which were reclaimed from old buildings
No small plants were harmed in the construction of the resort, and was instead bagged for future use in landscaping
Structures and walkways are elevated wherever possible to minimise harming the forest ground
Each chalet has tanks to save rain water to supply garden water and for toilet flushing
The main building uses solar-assisted air conditioning in the main building
Tons of sawdust from the carpenters’ workshops were used to mulch the sandy soil

THE VERDICT

To be fair, don’t expect Cherating to be anywhere as fancy as Bali. If you’re looking for a quiet escape, The Kasturi Resort does the trick and all in all, offers a very comfortable stay. Rimbun Dahan, which operates the resort, is a private arts centre and in that essence, The Kasturi Resort does embody a Malaysian spirit while keeping everything very close to home, and preserving the natural landscape. For that, it deserves praise. It’s no international resort chain but it is a celebration of what the locals and Malaysia as a country have to offer. It’s built with love. Did I mention that the sunset and sunrise there are quite pretty too?

The Kasturi Resort
KM 32.5, Jalan Kuantan, Kemaman, 26080 Cherating, Pahang
Website | Facebook | Instagram

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Features
Diane von Furstenberg: What is more seductive than strength?
Woman of power

22.07.2015
By Buro247

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The woman, the brand, the icon. Diane von Furstenberg, like her eponymous brand, has always been synonymous with power and seduction. Named by Time magazine this year as one of the world’s top 100 most influential people, we speak to the designer about her Autumn/Winter 2015 collection, which was shown at Singapore Fashion Week this May.
From a floral-print wrap dress to powerful pinstriped suit separates and romantic rose-lace evening pieces, the Diane von Furstenberg woman for A/W 2015 is a chameleon. Is this the beauty of being a woman today?
The collection is called ‘Seduction’ and it was inspired, like all of my collections, by the idea of a woman. This is a woman who by day, commands her world and, by night, inspires fantasy. You have to have the yin and the yang. I always like the unexpected twist. And I design things I want to wear: the pinstripes are suitable for the office during the day but, at night, they can be sexy. It is all about attitude.
How do you want women to feel when looking at your A/W 2015 collection? Excited, intrigued, seduced! It started with the idea of a femme fatale: the red and black and lace, and then it evolved from there into something slightly more mysterious. There is a bag in the collection called ‘Double Agent’ and it is really a symbol for the whole collection. It is a sleek tote with an envelope clutch that zips off for evening. I loved the idea that this woman has a hidden agenda. She is always a little incognito.

Do you think Asian woman differ from their Western counterpart when it comes to fashion? I think all women want to feel like the best version of themselves.
How do you continually reinvent or refresh the wrap dress to keep it relevant for a new generation? The wrap, like any successful thing, is always evolving but always true to itself. So I am always creating new versions. This season we added a subtle pleat in the skirt, and for spring we added a little chiffon skirt for the Riviera wrap. It’s little things like that, but it has always been about ease. That is the essence of the wrap dress, and it is what every woman wants.
The DVF woman has always been described as strong and seductive. What do you think is more important: strength or seduction? Well, really, the two often work very closely together. What is more seductive than strength? But strength is the most important thing. I have never met a woman who is not strong.

As president of the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA), you’ve been a key figure in developing American talent through initiatives such as the Vogue Fashion Fund. What advice do you have for young designers? Work hard. Know who you are and be true to that. Clarity is the most important thing when developing your own brand.
Who has been the greatest influence on your personal style? I have always worn my own designs, so I guess I have. But I have also admired the style of Marlene Dietrich. She is strong, seductive and mysterious.
What has been the secret to your success? Three simple things: hard work, curiosity and confidence.

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Watches
LVMH Watch Week 2023: 5 Timepieces that caught our attention
The beauty of horology

24.01.2023
By Benedict Unang

IMAGES COURTESY OF RESPECTIVE BRANDS

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The Cartier Privé collection is about history and modernity

The LVMH Watch Week 2023 kicked off the horological calendar earlier this month in Singapore, and it was the first physical presentation since its debut in 2020. The long-awaited occasion witnessed four of the LVMH group’s watchmaking houses—Bulgari, Hublot, Tag Heuer, and Zenith—showcasing their newest offerings, each with its expertise and unique designs. Keep reading to find which five timepieces have caught our eyes.

Tag Heuer Carrera Chronograph 60th Anniversary

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Six decades have passed since Jack Heuer created Carrera, and to celebrate the milestone, the Maison has unveiled the Tag Heuer Carrera Chronograph 60th Anniversary edition. With only 600 pieces available, this watch is a reinterpretation of the highly sought-after Glassbox 2447 SN and pays homage to the Carrera design with its 39mm steel case and classic Heuer emblem on its crown. Further to that, the limited-edition watch sports a ‘panda’ dial, which contrasts a silver sunray brushed dial with black counters and a 60-minute scale flange. To add some stylish flair, the watch comes with a black perforated grained calfskin leather band.
Shop here.

Bulgari Serpenti Tubogas Infinity

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The Serpenti Tubogas Infinity is a modern twist on the classic Serpenti design. The snake motif that winds from the watchcase to the tail of the timepiece makes it stand out remarkably. In addition, it takes a high level of craftsmanship to build the watch, as each segment has to be individually moulded before being polished and put together. Powered by Bulgari’s high-accuracy quartz movement, the water-resistant watch is offered in two designs: one with a single spiral set with 131 diamonds and the other with a double spiral adorned with 172 diamonds.
Shop here.

Hublot Big Bang Tourbillon Automatic Yellow Neon SAXEM

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Hublot writes another history with the Big Bang Tourbillon Automatic Yellow Neon SAXEM. An acronym for ‘Sapphire Aluminium oXide and rare Earth Mineral’, SAXEM is a rare earth material that was developed for the satellite industry. The fully polished neon yellow colour provides a striking contrast to the crown and the H-shaped screws that secure the bezel. Housed in a 44m case, the self-winding watch is suitable for everyday use and is weekend-proof due to its guaranteed 72-hour power reserve. There are only 50 of these wristwatches, and each one includes a one-click strap replacement and a bright yellow rubber strap with a titanium deployant buckle.
Shop here.

Hublot Classic Fusion Original

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When Carlo Crocco released Classic Fusion back in 1980, the timepiece sent shockwaves across the world of watchmaking. Fast forward some 42 years, and he persisted in reviving the classic and channelled its minimalist aesthetic in his new line of Classic Fusion Original watches. Limited to 500 pieces, the collection traces Carlo’s original design in the rubber strap, polished black dial and slightly modernised logo. Three sizes—33mm, 38mm, and 42mm—and three colours—yellow gold, titanium, and ceramic—are offered. The two bigger models are self-winding, while the 33mm model has a quartz movement.
Shop here.

Zenith Defy Skyline Skeleton

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After announcing the expansion of its Defy line-up last year, Zenith resumed its audacious move by introducing the Defy Skyline Skeleton watch. The new watch boasts a 41mm steel body and a four-pointed star-shaped symmetrical skeleton dial. Available in two colour choices of blue and black, this timepiece is also the first skeletonised wristwatch in the world to display a 1/10th of a second indicator at the six o’clock position. Finally, a quick-change strap system on the water-resistant watch makes it possible to quickly switch between the rubber strap and steel bracelet.
Shop here.

For more articles on timepieces, click here.

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Lifestyle
Studio Ghibli is opening a ‘Totoro’ theme park this 2020
Real-world presence

05.06.2017
By Gwen Ong

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The year 2020 is building up to be Japan’s year with the Olympics happening in the summer and now, a Studio Ghibli theme park that is targeted to open then too. The beloved characters in My Neighbor Totoro and its lush animated world will serve as the main focus of the 200-hectare site set within the Aichi Prefecture.

The critically acclaimed movie, which was first released in 1988, has come to be a cult favourite. It follows two young sisters who settle into an old country house and befriend playful forest spirits including Totoro—the massive cuddly creature that captured the hearts of many around the world.

While it may be called a theme park, don’t expect to see a Catbus rollercoaster or any other rides for that matter. Just like the theme of the movie about respecting nature, the Totoro theme park will be a celebration of the natural world. The site will be preserved as best as possible to avoid felling of trees, hence beautifully shaped landscape and architecture will be the main attraction in place of your traditional theme park offerings.

Another exciting work in the making that will also premiere in 2020 is Goro the Caterpillar—a new animated movie that Studio Ghibli’s founder Hayao Miyazaki has come out of retirement to direct. Until then, fans of Hayao Miyazaki and all his movies can get an immersive experience at the Ghibli Museum in Tokyo.

Related stories:
Meet the anime ambassadors of Tokyo 2020 Olympics
Disney has announced a ‘Beauty and the Beast’-themed cruise

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Fashion
Topshop jeans: 5 influencers have got the blues
Denim dreaming

21.03.2017
By Buro247

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Music
Exhilarating music festivals in Asia you shouldn’t miss in 2023
Party rock

02.03.2023
By Marissa Chin

FEATURED IMAGES: @vinodii / Instagram | @wearekolour / Instagram | @goodvibest / Instagram

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

The rush of adrenaline. The booming sounds. The crowd cheers. There’s nothing quite like the feeling of a live concert. We know there is a slew of huge acts already confirmed to show up on our shores and around Southeast Asia but we can never have enough! If you want to catch even more of your favourite artists live and rock out to music all day long, music festivals are the answer.
Ahead, we’ve rounded up high-octane music festivals happening around Asia that should be on your 2023 bucket list. Fly out to any of these with your squad for an unforgettable rave!
(Note: This article was originally published on 17 February 2023 and will be updated with more concert updates when they become available.)

Peakstorm Festival

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When: 19 February 2023
Where: Sunway Lagoon, Surf Beach
Price: From RM399.64
Yes, you read that right—Joji is coming back to our shores! He will be the official headliner for Peakstorm Festival 2023, one of Malaysia’s most highly anticipated music festivals. Previously held at the Sepang International Circuit, Peakstorm will be taking over Sunway Lagoon this year. Accompanying Joji are local music stars Airliftz, Midnight Fusic, and more. It’s not too late to cop some tickets for this weekend so be sure to snag them before they’re all gone!
Tickets are available on Peaky.

Kolour Festival

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When: Every weekend in February
Where: Phuket, Thailand
Price: From 1,400 THB (Approximately RM179.69)
Need to get away from the mundanity of your everyday beat? Escape to Thailand’s ultimate beachside musical festival! Happening every weekend in February, Kolour Festival offers nothing but beats, beach and bliss with its lineup of home-grown and international headliners for a house and techno party like no other. There are also dedicated pre-parties and after-parties which mean non-stop dancing all weekend long. The best part? You get to do that while enjoying the magnificent view of Kamala Beach!
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit their website here.

Clockenflap

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When: 3 to 5 March 2023
Where: Central Harbourfront, Hong Kong
Considered one of the best music festivals in Hong Kong, Clockenflap is a highly-anticipated event that brings music, arts and the community together. The 2023 lineup boasts incredible acts such as Arctic Monkeys, Wu-Tang Clan, South-Korean hip-hop group Balming Tiger, and more amidst the famous Hong Kong city skyline.
Unfortunately, tickets are currently sold out but you can visit their website here in case some do become available.

It’s The Ship

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When: 8 to 10 March 2023
Where: Genting Dream, Singapore
Price: From $1,278 (Approximately RM4,227.46)
As Asia’s largest festival at sea, It’s The Ship promises three days and two nights of non-stop partying onboard the majestic Genting Dream, a luxury cruise ship of Resorts World Cruises. Get wet and wild as you set sail to the open waters whilst jamming to electrifying beats from Kid Ink, Laidback Luke, Malaysian DJs Blink and JonnyVicious and more. And in case you’re thinking the perfect collaboration doesn’t exist, Aunty Sima from Netflix’s Indian Matchmaking will be there to help you navigate the troubled waters of love in a speed dating event! When you want to take a break from the partying, enjoy the ship’s amenities such as the arcade, cinema, waterslide park and more.
To purchase your tickets, visit the website here.

Rolling Loud Asia

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When: 13 to 15 March 2023
Where: Legend Siam, Pattaya, Thailand
Price: From 13,000 THB (Approximately RM1,668.58)
Regarded as the world’s largest hip-hop music festival, the first-ever Rolling Loud in Asia has unsurprisingly pulled out all the stops. The impressive lineup features headliners such as Cardi B, Chris Brown and Travis Scott along with popular South-Korean hip-hop artists from the likes of Jessi, Tiger JK and PH-1. Over 60 local Thai artists will be performing as well, giving you a taste of the country’s growing music scene. If you’re looking for a thrilling festival that’s going to bring the roof down, you know where to go.
For more information, visit the website here.

Ultra Music Festival

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When: 16 April 2023
Where: Dajia Riverside Park, Taiwan
Price: From NT$4,600 (Approximately RM670.07)
Are you an EDM junkie? If your answer is a resounding “yes”, then this is a must-go! The Ultra Music Festival is arguably the world’s most well-known electronic dance music festival for its high-quality production values and crème de la crème DJs. While Ultra started in 1999 and has its roots in Miami, the outdoor electronic festival has grown exponentially over the decades, expanding to Europe and most recently to Asia. Catch headliners Afrojack, Martin Garrix, Nicky Romero and Armin Van Buuren live in Taiwan for an exhilarating and high-energy night. Ultra will also be heading to Abu Dhabi on 4 March with Calvin Harris and Illenium if one festival isn’t enough!
To purchase tickets, visit the website here.

George Town Festival

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When: 15 to 30 July 2023
Where: Penang, Malaysia
Established in 2008, the George Town Festival is an annual celebration in honour of the city’s inscription as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The event is 15 years strong and is one of the best music and art festivals in Southeast Asia. Not only does it offer exciting musical performances, but it also presents a diverse mix of arts and cultural programmes, dance, film and photography. Expect to be creatively stimulated throughout the five-day festival and let’s not forget the delicious food (including Michelin-approved ones) to enjoy in Penang while you’re there!
For more information, visit the website here.

Good Vibes Festival

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When: 21 to 23 July 2023
Where: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Price: From RM788
The Good Vibes Festival is hands-down Malaysia’s biggest and most anticipated annual music festival. Established in 2013 by Future Sound Asia, the festival is a homegrown event that features the hottest local and international artists in the music scene. This year’s lineup will include headliners The Strokes, The 1975 and The Kid Laroi with other performances by Sabrina Carpenter, the DPR crew, Giveon, and more. Local fan-favourites will such as Lunadira, Talitha Tan and Airliftz will also be lighting up the stage!
For more information, visit the website here.
(READ: Everything you need to know about Good Vibes Festival 2023)

We The Fest

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When: 21 to 23 July 2023
Where: Jakarta, Indonesia
Price: From IDR 2,100K (Approximately RM615.59)
Another one to add to your music festival bucket list is We The Fest, Indonesia’s most anticipated summer festival for all things music, arts and food. It’s happening on the same weekend as Good Vibes Festival so music lovers, it’s going to be a tough decision picking which one to go for! The headlining acts are similar to Good Vibes, with the exception of Lewis Capaldi joining the list. Other performers that will share the stage include Dermot Kennedy, Gryffin, Dhruv, and more. The festival is also known for its ‘Beyond the Music’ area where party-goers can enjoy scrumptious food vendors, shopping, fun games and more when they want to take a break from the music.
For more information, visit the website here.

Fuji Rock Festival

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When: 28 to 30 July 2023
Where: Naeba Ski Resort, Japan
Price: From ¥21,000 (Approximately RM690.80)
Featuring more than 200 local and international artists, the Fuji Rock Festival is undoubtedly the country’s largest outdoor and most popular music festival. Last year, a whopping crowd of 100,000 ravers came to rock out at the ski resort. If you’ve been wanting to catch artists such as Lizzo, The Foo Fighters, Lewis Capaldi and The Strokes live, this is where you need to be. Not to mention, you will be able to camp on the grounds of the resort and take in the crisp fresh air and postcard-like views. A win-win in our books!
To purchase tickets, head here.

For more reads on the music scene, head here.

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Fashion
Instagram accounts to follow to satisfy your fashion and food cravings

16.08.2019
By Stephanie Boey

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

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Buro Loves
Chanel’s new holiday collection is inspired by Gabrielle Chanel’s favourite icon

12.11.2018
By Wei Yeen Loh

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

For this upcoming festive season, Chanel’s holiday lineup so collectible-worthy that it deserves a spot on your beauty shelf. If the glitzy glimmer of holiday palettes is what you are more excited for every holiday season, the Collection Libre 2018 Maximalisme de Chanel is one you shouldn’t miss out on.
Chanel Global Head of Makeup and Colour Design Lucia Pica wanted to incorporate one of Gabrielle Chanel’s favourite motifs, the lion icon, as the focus of this collection—while exploring a myriad of metallic textures in each product.
“A lion’s strength suggests courage and flamboyance in the woman who wears its image or colours,” says Pica. “With Maximalisme De Chanel, I wanted to create an exaggerated, glamorous attitude, a commitment to positivity—something to wear for more outgoing moments.”

Expect sophistication in every way, from the sheerest pale gold highlighter to give a glamorous patina, to deep hues of copper and black-green that allow for a mesmerising look. The best part? All the Collection Libre 2018 Maximalisme de Chanel products are etched with the Chanel lion, while two exclusive products sport the iconic emblem on the surface.
The first palette that’s high up on our list is the Le Lion De Chanel, a gold highlighter that is lightweight and translucent to leave an ivory-gold iridescence on the complexion. Let your eyes do the stunning with four contrasting shades of the Ombres Première Poudre eyeshadow—each with the lion motifs casted on the surfaces, but all made to create dazzling new possibilities.
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Another exclusive is the La Palette Caractère, a lip palette that offers Pica’s go-to lip colours and textures, be it rich velvet or bold matte. “There’s something for everyone, from a strong red and strong berry to a bright orange.” Also, the Rouge Allure Velvet N°5 takes on the name of Chanel’s iconic fragrance this season, adorned with a captivating, limited-edition red case this season. Can’t resist a head-turning red lip? This matte crimson shade is made for you.
Other standouts include the Rouge Coco Gloss in two glistening metallic shades, the Ombre Première Crème in luminous pink-gold for a beautiful wash of colour, and Le Vernis nail varnish in two colours that will match your lip gloss to a tee.

Available at all Chanel fragrance & beauty boutiques and counters at all leading departmental stores

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7 Whimsical designer pieces you need to get your hands on
Quirky luxury

17.04.2023
By Phyll Wu

Images courtesy of respective brands

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Fashion is all things glamour and exquisite, but it can be fun too! Whatever your style aesthetic is, adding an out-of-the-ordinary piece to your wardrobe will elevate any outfit with a playful touch. From Thom Browne’s Hector Baguette to Simone Rocha’s Pearl Bag, we’ve rounded up seven whimsical designer pieces you need to shop ASAP!

JW Anderson Pigeon Clutch Bag

To do a list of must-have whimsical designer pieces without including JW Anderson’s iconic Pigeon Clutch Bag would be a crime. Debuted on the AW22 runway, the 3D-printed quirky clutch was instantly sold out as soon as it was dropped. Sarah Jessica Parker herself is obsessed with the pigeon clutch, having been spotted ecstatically carrying it while filming the second season of And Just Like That.
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Loewe Comic Lacquered Foam Pump in Light Foam Rubber

Of course, JW Anderson’s playful spirit permeates the house of Loewe too! When the creative director presented the Spanish Maison’s SS23 collection last September, it was nothing but whimsical and eccentric. Amongst the many quirky pieces that rolled out on the runway is none other than the Comic Lacquered Foam Pump, and we’re sure Minnie Mouse has swiftly snatched up a pair to add to her shoe collection.
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Thom Browne Curly Merino Shearling Hector Baguette Shoulder Bag

Who wouldn’t want to have an adorable fluffy pup as a style companion? Just look at it! If you have a pet that resembles the bag, it would be the cutest way to match your outfit with your four-legged friend when you’re out at the park.
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Vaquera Lost Keys Mini Skirt

If you’ve ever lost your keys, chances are, it might’ve ended up on one of Vaquera’s Lost Keys Mini Skirt. Each piece is decorated in different sets of keys, and if you’d like to incorporate a personal touch, add in your own keys!
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Simone Rocha Micro Pearl Star Bag

Simone Rocha’s Micro Pearl Star Bag is the arm-candy of every fashionista’s dreams—it’s breathtaking! The star-shaped bag also comes in a variety of heart and egg shapes, all of which are simply works of art.
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Anna Sui Brown Jerry Schwartz Gingerbread House Bag

A rare, collector’s piece, Anna Sui’s quirky Gingerbread House Bag comes as part of the brand’s collaboration with renowned hotelier Jerry Schwartz. The limited-edition bag is entirely handcrafted with intricate details and embroideries, making each piece unique and one-of-a-kind.
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Area Mussel Flower Leather Bandeau

Now that spring has arrived, what better way to embrace the sprightly season than with flowers? Crafted in lambskin leather, Area’s Mussel Flower Leather Bandeau comes with a matching mini skirt to complete the look!
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