Beauty
This week’s headlines: Kylie Jenner is the highest-paid Instagrammer, guess who’s the “best-smelling” celeb, and more

26.07.2019
By Wei Yeen Loh

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Can you guess how much 21-year old reality TV star Kylie Jenner gets paid for every post on Instagram? While you’re at it, have a go at which celebrity has been vouched by other celebrities to smell like heaven. This week’s buzziest beauty headlines on celebrities and new launches, ahead:
J. Lo’s birthday look is proof that the star ages like fine wine

You can’t deny that the biggest divas look like they never age a day—case in point, Jennifer Lopez who recently celebrated turning half a century (yes you read that right) at an extravagant party in Star Island, Miami. The mother-of-two and superstar wore custom Versace to her party, but also made sure that all eyes were on her with her smouldering beauty look comprising full lashes, a bronze glow, nude lips and super-high, super-long ponytail. If this isn’t #beautygoals, we don’t know what is.
Anne Hathaway shares her infertility struggles on Instagram

A-listers are more human than you think they are, and Anne Hathaway is proving just that with an honest Instagram post that spoke volumes. The star took to Instagram to announce her second pregnancy with husband Adam Shulman (her first child, Jonathan Rosebank, was born in 2016) but also opened up about her fertility dilemma via the caption.
“It’s not for a movie… #2. All kidding aside, for everyone going through infertility and conception hell, please know it was not a straight line to either of my pregnancies. Sending you extra love.”
We can’t help but to salute the actress’ real take on tougher (and often undocumented) parts of motherhood. Other celebrities who were candid about their fertility struggles include Chrissy Teigen, Beyoncé, Elizabeth Banks and more.
Joan Smalls goes metal(lic) for Tom Ford Beauty

Joan Smalls is working *clap* it *clap* as the face of Tom Ford Beauty’s new fragrance, Métallique. The campaign, shot by Steven Meisel, features the Victoria’s Secret model looking metallic chic, quite literally, as she douses herself with the new scent. Described as a floral-woodsy scent, Métallique has notes of vert de bergamot, pink peppercorn flowers, white blossoms of aubepine, muguet and heliotrope. A trail of vanilla and sandalwood give it extra heat for a sensual finish.
Rihanna is officially the best-smelling celebrity (as voted by other celebrities)

rihanna smells fucking good(a thread) pic.twitter.com/qKU4hXUAWn
— ni (@thickannawhore) 23 July 2019

You know you smell good when even celebrities can vouch for it. Singer, actress and beauty-preneur RiRi recently achieved the status of most-pleasant-smelling celeb, proven by Twitter user @thickannawhore’s thread of videos and memes of A-listers raving over her scent—from Nick Jonas and Ryan Seacrest to Cardi B and Jennifer Lawrence. Rihanna has endorsed a couple of fragrances herself, but what we really want to know is the contents of her fragrance shelf—and if she has a signature scent.
Jaclyn Hill resurfaces after deleting her Instagram account

2019 isn’t really the best year for beauty YouTubers and Jaclyn Hill is proof. The vlogger recently went under fire for putting her lipsticks of questionable quality i.e. “moldy and hairy” on the shelf. After offering a slew of apologies and refunds, Hill went incognito after temporarily disabling her Instagram account.
But just three days ago, she spoke out about what she’s doing right now and how her beauty launch has been a “failure” on a 19-minute YouTube video. While fans and buyers of her products had expected for an explanation on what went wrong with her cosmetic line, the YouTuber didn’t deliver in the video.
“My launch was a failure. It failed. It sucked. I was so confident that I was almost cocky. Because I was just like, ‘This is gonna be the best thing people have ever seen.’ It’s important to me that you guys know how sorry I am, how embarrassed I am. It’s been shocking,” she said.
Kylie Jenner is the highest-paid influencer on Instagram

 For the second year running, 21-year old reality TV star and beauty entrepreneur Kylie Jenner is first on the “2019 Instagram Rich List”, earning up to a whopping USD1.2 million per post—that’s a cool RM4,943,400 for you. The list, churned from UK-based company Hopper HQ, was put together after data crunching all the important figures—including average engagement, posting frequency, number of followers and more. Other stars on the top 10 list (in chronological order) include Ariana Grande, Cristiano Ronaldo, Kim Kardashian, Selena Gomez, Dwayne Johnson, Beyoncé, Taylor Swift, Neymar and Justin Bieber.
Explore Shiseido Professionnel’s multi-sensory pop-up at The Gardens Kuala Lumpur

Drop by Shiseido Professionnel Sublimic from now until 28 July 2019 at South Atrium, Ground Floor, The Gardens Kuala Lumpur

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Lifestyle
Malaysia’s first Dyson store opens at The Gardens Mall
To experience is key

26.09.2017
By Su Fen Tan

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Do you know that feeling of stepping into a store and being overwhelmed by aisles and aisles of products? Well, that won’t happen at the new Dyson Demo in The Gardens Mall. The spacious store was designed in a setting that welcomes and encourages people to pick up, test and experience Dyson’s technology.

“It is critical for people to be able to test and experience our technology, so they can understand how it works,” says Jim Roovers, Dyson’s Head of Electronics. “This space is designed with that in mind. You can pick up the machines, pull them apart, and thoroughly test them on our test tracks with various dust samples.”

You’ll find Dyson’s portfolio of cutting-edge technologies in the store. Take the lightweight V8 cord-free vacuum for a run on three different floor surfaces, see how the multi-functional Pure Cool Link purifying fan is able to filter 99.95% of allergens and pollutants from air, and experience the small yet powerful Supersonic hair dryer—the hype is real—all in-store. You can even book a complimentary styling appointment online.

Dyson Demo is located on the first floor, lot F227B in The Gardens Mall.

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Style
Adidas and Prada release new colours for their sneakers—and other fashion news you’ve missed

20.07.2021
By Natalia Chow

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Adidas and Prada releases new colourways for its sneakers
There’s more to the Adidas x Prada sneakers than just two of your favourite brands collaborating. The A+P Luna Rossa 21 sneakers were initially crafted for sailing as a sport, but now it’s available in two new colourways for different reasons. One, the grey option is a lifestyle version of the ones worn by the Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli team when they won the Prada Cup. The all-black version with a subtle tonal make-up, on the other hand, is a tribute to the two brands and their history.

Heritage aside, the A+P Luna Rossa 21 sneakers follows the aesthetic codes of the AC75 Luna Rossa boat too, found via the silhouette where the upper is made using a series of high-performance recycled materials (PrimeGreen). It’s complemented by a hydrophobic E-TPU outer shell, an ergonomically designed EVA tongue, a specially crafted speed lacing system, and a perforated synthetic suede inner saddle. With a base that is a perforated Boost midsole and a wrap-around outsole, topped with the sneaker’s performance-inspired chassis, you’ll feel immense freedom of movement meets comfort. Moreover, the A+P Luna Rossa 21 comes with a water-resistant pouch bag to ensure protection of these unique shoes.
Both colourways of the A+P Luna Rossa 21 sneakers is now available via Prada boutiques, adidas flagship stores, prada.com and adidas.com

Meet Louis Vuitton’s new faces for the LV Squad sneaker and LV Sunset mule

The debut of Louis Vuitton’s iconic LV Squad sneaker and LV Sunset mule is accompanied by the unveiling of the personalities fronting this new campaign, as part of the house’s Pre-Fall 2021 collection. The brand’s picks: Internet personality Emma Chamberlain and TikTok star Charli D’Amelio. It comes as no surprise as Nicolas Ghesquière designed both shoes to emulate a style that’s contemporary yet sophisticated, casual yet easy to mix and match with anyone’s wardrobe. And Chamberlain and D’Amelio aptly represents that very nature: young, contemporary and vibrant.
The LV Squad sneaker comes in a range of colours, from black, white and pink for the high-top versions, to a white low-top alternative. Due to its signature print that contrasts the cotton canvas, they’re a pair of eye-catching kicks. Moreover, the third design—white canvas with leather features—has a rubber tag that matches the vibrant laces that come in blue, green or pink. As for the LV Sunset mule, colour options are aplenty: violet, green, blue, black and white—all with a Louis Vuitton rubber label. Plus, they’re extremely comfortable as it’s made in smooth calfskin and holds an oversized padded, adjustable Velcro strap.

The LV Squad and LV Sunset are available online at www.louisvuitton.com.
Creative4SystemicChange raised US$27,534 all in the name of fighting anti-Asian hate
Who are they: An online collective of designers and artists across the world who donate their work to raise money for different organisations and contribute to aiding and supporting various crises. The collective compromises of a range of individuals from veterans of their field to students and new-found artists. Creative4SystemicChange encompasses global creatives who each showcase their unique craft yet are all bonded by their shared motif for change, to accelerate progress and impact their respective industries and the world.

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A post shared by Creatives 4 Systemic Change (@creatives4systemicchange)

Why it’s important: As mentioned previously this collective helps aid communities and issues that need help and support. Beyond the health and economic repercussions of this pandemic, there has been an increase in anti-Asian hate, whereby many Asians across the world have been subject to verbal and physical abuse and even murder. Although discrimination towards Asian communities is not a new phenomenon but rather one that has existed for centuries, anti-Asian hate has risen to 300 per cent more in the UK and 833 per cent more in the US. To that end, the collective has dedicated their recent works to raise funds for numerous charities in support of fighting anti-Asian hate.

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A post shared by Creatives 4 Systemic Change (@creatives4systemicchange)

As outlined in Creative4SystemicChange digital pamphlet, Asian people are an integral part of the fashion industry as China is one of the major exporters with a total of 37 per cent of global trade of the textile and apparel sector followed by Bangladesh, Indonesia, Vietnam and Cambodia. Asian workers’ rights and working conditions in these industries are close to non-existent if not absent, yet many countries continue to benefit from this and take advantage of this disparity. Thus, the significance and impact of this collective stretch beyond fighting the current racism towards Asian communities but it’s also to bring light to the disproportionate treatment, prejudice, racism and discrimination that the Asian communities have faced for centuries (within the fashion industry, for a start).
Maison Valentino is now on TikTok
Something that warrants an announcement is that Maison Valentino is now officially on TikTok. And, there is no better way to enter this digital-viral-social realm than with never-before-seen videos of Spanish actress, model and friend of the house, Rossy de Palma and her daughter Luna Lionne. The various videos of the mother-daughter duo capture a charming dynamic of playfulness and humour where we get to listen in to their different conversations and activities. This is further complemented by Valentino making an exclusive partnership with meme account “I Deserve Couture”. How fitting, don’t you think?

Valentino values individuality and creativity and following those lines, expect an array of videos in various languages and formats with the sole purpose of entertaining and communicating with fans of the brand. The Maison’s TikTok account serves to please and offer a quick virtual escape, with the hope of creating a space for anyone, anywhere, to be able to connect and express themselves through a creativie eye.
A historic moment: The first Black American designer to appear on Paris Couture Week’s official schedule
Fashion label Pyer Moss was officially invited to be a guest member at the Chamber Syndicale de la Haute Couture, where the talented Kerby Jean-Jackson debuted his first couture collection this month.

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Features
Steven Kolb on the American fashion, Men’s Fashion Week and Instagram
“Commercial is not a dirty word.”

28.06.2015
By Buro247

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We expected to see more bare celebrity bodies at the 2015 CFDA Fashion Awards but this time the majority chose conventionally. So, how did this maximum exposure trend become such a thing?
It started, of course, last year at 2014 CFDA Fashion Awards when Rihanna wore an Adam Selman dress covered in Swarovski crystals. Well, I must tell you that this dress in person was not nearly as sheer as it was in the photos. You’ll laugh, but I would say she was pretty covered. One of our members, Kerry O’Brien, has a line of invisible underwear called Commando, which Rihanna wore that night. It sure started a trend, but even Rihanna’s look goes back to Marilyn Monroe, Cher at the Oscars, and Bob Mackie. You know, fashion is fun, fashion is about expressing yourself. Short of obscene, I think it’s fine.
The first-ever New York Fashion Week: Men’s took place 13 to 16 July 2015. Why did the CFDA finally decide to make it official and separate, and why didn’t it happen earlier?
There was a Men’s Fashion Week fifteen or so years ago that didn’t solidify. The reason now is that menswear has become more creative and innovative, particularly in the United States where right now there are many young menswear designers who are adding to the conversation. We discussed Men’s Fashion Week for a while, so when our first partner, Amazon Fashion, came on board, we knew it was time. We wanted to create something that would be authentically about men’s fashion, not a commercial circus-like atmosphere. Men’s fashion in the United States has matured, it doesn’t have to be bland anymore, and the American guys are embracing it and being more creative in a way they dress.
What advice could you give young designers who want to start and grow their brands now?
Have a strong vision, which sounds like a cliché, but it’s so important. Be ready to work. And be true to yourself. Often you are so tempted to worry about what happens to your left, to your right or behind you, but you just have to stay focused. Last night I spoke with Joseph about reinventing yourself. Well, you don’t always have to reinvent yourself. Every season doesn’t have to be the next thing. If the slit in the skirt is your thing, then just do that, keep doing that. Or if you are known for a perfect white shirt, make it your core item. Because then the customers are going to recognize you and come to your for that. Make it your core and then build on that core.
So what exactly, beyond sportswear, sets American designers apart?
There is no fear of commercialisation in American fashion. I don’t think fashion is art. I think it can be artistic, but it’s not art. Fashion is a business. You can be the most creative person but if nothing sells than you are out. Commercial is not a dirty word.

The CFDA embraces digital changes in fashion – last year you established the Fashion Instagrammer of the Year Award and this year awarded Instagram’s CEO Kevin Systrom. How have the digital and social platforms changed the industry?
Today, we are all chasing content. Buro 24/7 is a great example of this changing landscape. Event traditional media is caught in the change. Digital tools give designers, and even the CFDA, a chance to tell a story as they want to tell it. It’s a way to talk directly to the audience that you control and own. You can say things the way you want to say them. And you can develop relationships through those channels and get a sense of what a customer, an audience likes. The traditional landscape of retail has also shifted from a wholesale model to a more direct to consumer model. It’s empowering from a business standpoint.
So you don’t think that fashion lost something by losing its exclusivity and mystique?
I don’t think so. I think there is still mystery and allure to fashion. Following Tory Burch on Instagram doesn’t put you into Tory Burch’ show, and liking a picture that Marc Jacobs posts from a trip he is on doesn’t mean you’re with Marc Jacobs. Music has always been very mainstream and accessible but there is still an allure there; we still want to know where Beyoncé and Jay-Z are. So no, I don’t think it’s taking anything away from it at all. I think it enhances it.
Over the years, you have done a lot to change how models are treated and perceived by the industry. Do you see the situation changing for the better?
Back in 2007 we started the CFDA Health Initiative based on the concern about health and wellbeing of models. Every season we release recommended guidelines that focus on education and awareness for the industry. And I see the change happening. We have always advocated that no girl under the age of 16 should be working on the runways and during fashion week because emotionally and physically they are not mature enough for that. And we got that girl off the runway, at least in New York City, which is a big change. There is now a new legislation that protects models under the age of 18 is similar ways that the child actors are protected. There are differences, of course, because a child actor goes on a set for three months, they have a tutor and one employer, whereas a model has multiple employers. So we’ve been working with the Department of Labor on refining it.

What does your average day look like?
None of my days are the same, but I will tell you the kind of day I like. I started my day at 9 with a breakfast with one of our CFDA members named John Bartlett. John is a vegan, and he’s got a great idea having to do with vegan fashion, so we discussed that. Then I spent a lot of time planning, budgeting and number crunching for Men’s Fashion Week. I had lunch with another CFDA Member, Alexandre Plokhov who used to have a line called Cloak and now it’s called Alexandre Plokhov. He’s going to be one of our designers in Men’s Fashion Week, so we spoke about his business. I had a couple of calls with the Mayor’s office about the Local Manufacturing Initiative. And tonight Ken Downing, the Fashion Director of Neiman Marcus, is getting an award at the High School of Fashion Industries, and I’m going there to present him the award. I often go to night events, but I’m much more productive in the mornings. I start emailing at 7am when I am still at home.
Are clothes and fashion a big part of your life now that you are so involved in it?
Well, I’m not a fashion guy, although I’m lucky that I work in fashion, so I understand it and have access to it. When I started at the CFDA, someone would ask me who American Designers are, and I would have said Ralph [Lauren], Calvin [Klein], Donna [Karan], I wouldn’t have known anything else, just the big guys. Now I know a lot of creative people, at many levels, and I’m very inspired by them and love to be around them. I go to these amazing events, am involved in producing the CFDA Fashion Awards, got to go to the Burberry show, went to the MET Gala. No matter how often I go, I keep asking myself, how did I get here? But at the end of the day, when I don’t work at the CFDA any more, I’m not going to chase it. I enjoy it while I have it, but I can see myself living somewhere quiet and just gardening and being very happy.

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Beauty
#FitnessFriday: Team workout at Jumping Fitness Malaysia
Jump, jump, jump

26.04.2017
By Rachel Au

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We worked our booty off for last month’s episode of #FitnessFriday so this time, we decided to target a full-body exercise with the less conventional Jumping Fitness Malaysia. Trampoline workouts should be fun, right? It is but don’t let it fool you — it can really make you break a sweat. As founder of Jumping Fitness Malaysia Ritchie Lee explained, it’s a cardio workout that also trains (or rather, tests) your body’s endurance, strength and balance. In fact, a NASA study says jumping on the trampoline for just 10 minutes is equivalent to a 30-minute run.
Watch the video below to see how we fared at Jumping Fitness Malaysia:

Gwen Ong, Deputy Editor
As a child, I’ve always wanted a trampoline. It was one of those toys that I imagine would bring me hours of mindless entertainment. Now fast forward to today, I was a little excited yet a little nervous for this month’s #FitnessFriday. I guess when you were young, fear means nothing. But as an adult, you worry if you will be breaking your back just bouncing on the trampoline. Luckily for me, this was not the case at all. Jumping Fitness was a fun exercise that can be done with minimum damage — well, minus the sore thighs the day after. The class conducted by Ritchie was full of energy and even with my lack of coordination, I felt in control of my movements (most of the time). I enjoyed the adrenaline rush jumping, bouncing and moving on the mini trampoline — the kid in me is happy.
Rating: 4/5

Rachel Au, Senior Lifestyle Writer
The Instagram videos of Jumping Fitness Malaysia scared me even before attending the session because: 1) I have zero arm-leg coordination skills, and 2) I’m clumsy enough just walking on solid ground. True enough within the first 15 minutes of the class, I was called out for looking like Tweety bird and that’s no exaggeration. I would bounce around three to four times and almost lose my balance (good thing there’s a pole in front of me). I couldn’t keep up with the moves and spent most of my time just jumping up and down on the trampoline (now that was fun). But Coach Ritchie didn’t give up on me as a few times he would teach the moves again at a slower pace just so I could keep up (when the rest was ahead). Despite my inability to complete one song while pulling all the moves correctly, I did finish the class feeling like I gave my body the workout it deserves (as well as the rewarding not-so-healthy lunch after).
Rating: 3/5

Loh Wei Yeen, Fashion & Beauty Writer
Source: https://www.buro247.my/lifestyle/health-fitness/fitnessfriday-bootybarre-at-activ-studio.html
Coordination has never been a strong suit of mine, and this month’s #FitnessFriday certainly proved how limited my hand-eye (or more like limbs-eye) coordination skills are. To say that I was apprehensive after seeing the testimonial videos on the TV screen by the counter of Jumping Fitness is perhaps an understatement — despite my strategic spot beneath the AC, I could feel my palms sweating upon warming up on the trampoline. But Coach Ritchie was really helpful in making sure we understand the jumping jargons and moves, along with pointers on what we should/shouldn’t do throughout the class. My legs for some reason didn’t want to acquiesce to the intense rhythm of the music, so high (and fast) jumps were an impossible feat for me. But it was a great way to work up a sweat — I think I’d hit my cardio quota for the week with one session. This would appeal to anyone looking to work their core out while busting their best dance moves.
Rating: 4/5

Tan Su Fen, Writer
Me and cardio? Not the best of friends, so the idea of jumping constantly for 45 minutes didn’t quite sit well with me. But I have to say, it turned out to be a pretty fun and well-paced class. Ritchie was a patient instructor, and gave us pointers throughout the class. It was harder than it looked though cos to reap the full benefits from the trampoline exercise, we had to learn to engage our core and keep it level while jumping — something I kept forgetting as I was so focused on being coordinated instead. If you’re looking for a fun and dynamic workout to burn those extra calories, this is definitely a class to try.
Rating: 3.5/5

Yi Suen Chong, Digital Designer
Jumping Fitness is a workout that requires a lot of upper and lower body coordination. While I’d like to think I gracefully aced the workout, I did find it hard to follow the instructions, listen to the music/rhythm, and move my hands and legs to where they’re supposed to go — all at the same time. If you have an old injury on your knee (like me), I’d advise to take it slow and pay extra attention when you land on the trampoline as it might strain it further. This was something Ritchie stressed about a lot throughout the workout, which shows his attentiveness as a coach. The last move of the workout was the killer part — stomping. What does he mean by ‘use your core to jump’? I was so out of breath half way through that I couldn’t be more grateful when the music ended and I stepped down from the trampoline. There, my cardio of the week is done and dusted.
Rating: 3.5/5

Jumping Fitness Malaysia is located at The [email protected] Jalil. Find out more on the website or Facebook page.

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Fashion
2018 FIFA World Cup: A full look at 32 countries’ jerseys

25.06.2018
By Joan Kong

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With the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia entering its second week, the matches are heating up as the group play to enter top 16 is underway. But regardless of which team you’re supporting, here’s a round-up on all the home kits of all 32 countries, featuring some of their star players. While almost half of the teams are sporting red colours this year, there are some eye-catching designs that stood out. Peru’s diagonal striped jersey had luxe gold trims; Belgium’s geometric-motif accents were taken from their 1984 jerseys; Japan took inspiration from the traditional samurai armour for their kit with dotted lines; Croatia’s red-and-white checkerboard prints are definitely eye-catching on the field. The most popular of them all? Nigeria’s home kit featuring neon green zig-zag prints which sold out after three million pre-orders (yes, you read that right).

Scroll through below for a look at the 32 countries’ home kits:
{insert gallery tpl=”slide-freesize.tpl” id=”[Стандартная] World Cup 2018 jerseys” rid=”6306″ order=”a_tstamp”}

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Art + Design
Holiday 2022: The go-to gift guide for arts, crafts and stationery lovers
*Add to cart*

22.11.2022
By Marissa Chin

PHOTO: @anatomy_co / Instagram | PHOTO: @phavourite.co / Instagram

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We don’t mean to scare you but have you done your Christmas shopping yet? We’re almost done with the month of November, which means the night of mistletoes and gift exchanges will come before you know it. If your answer is “no” and you’re already dreading the disappointed looks around the room when you turn up with an apologetic excuse, not to fret! We’ve compiled a comprehensive gift guide of arts, crafts and stationery gifts that anyone with a creative flair would love to receive.
Note: Bookmark this page throughout the holidays for even more ideas as we will update the list from time to time!

For the planner and dreamer
Whether you know someone who enjoys bullet journaling to stay organised or fills up notebooks with their thoughts and doodles, these picks of planners and notebooks will be just what they need.

Ana tomy x Lilin+Co Aromatic Gift Set, RM288

Mossery 2023 Planner, RM130

Summorie 2023 Dated Planner Set, RM130

Leuchtturm1917 A5 Hardcover Notebooks in Pastel, RM120

For the ultimate scribe
There’s nothing quite like the feeling of a good quality pen going smoothly across a piece of paper. A pen with a good grip and reliable nib can be hard to find, but we believe these picks will get you pretty close.

Montblanc Meisterstück Gold-Coated Fountain Pen, RM2,930

Kaweco Collector’s Edition Fountain Pen, RM438

Lamy Studio Rollerball Pen, RM397

Parker 51 Ballpoint Pen, RM290

For the pottery and ceramic lover
Painstakingly made with a lot of tender loving care, these handmade clay pieces are unique and one of a kind—perfect in all their imperfections.

Daun Series: Claypot Tea Set, RM388

Loopy Mushroom Mug, RM289.90

Classiky x Yuki Nishio Ceramic Doll Sunny Woman, RM260

Thirty3Eleven Ripple Bowl, RM133

For the print collector
If your gift recipient has a habit of decorating their walls with posters and prints, here are picks from some of our favourite local artists whose artworks will liven up any space.

‘Girl in Chair’ by Sheena Liam, RM1,282++

‘Sepi’ by Ika Sharom, RM420

‘Harapan’ by Univorso, RM90

‘I am Jungle’ Series by Shan Shan Lim, RM70

For the crafty beginner
These art kits are full of goodies inside that will help any arts and crafts enthusiast to get their creative juices flowing (and hands dirty).

Mossery Art Kits, from RM489

Clayground Pottery Kit, from RM80

For the bookworm
If your stationery-loving friend is also someone who has their nose constantly buried in a book, here are some accessories to elevate their reading experience.

Royal Selangor Harry Potter’s Dormitory Bookend, RM450

Octaevo Euclid Metal Bookmark, RM79

For the niche art practitioner
Do they have an art hobby that goes beyond the regular marker pens and paintbrushes? From wax seals to rubber stamps, here are gifts with practical tools that will take their hobby to the next level.

Somesortof.fern Floral Rubber Stamp Set, RM219

Wax Seal Stamp Gift Set, RM92

Wizarding World Harry Potter Crochet Kit, RM275

Dymo Embossing Label Maker, RM82

For an added creative touch
Looking to wow someone with a gift that has something extra special? These items are walking art pieces with a story that will surely have heads turning.

Oh Sebenar x Miso Rama Room Tour Bag, RM269

Snackfood x Bungkus Tote Bag, RM179.90

Project Mirro Magic Dust Kimono, RM135

The Sisterhood Studios 5-Ply Embroidered Face Masks, from RM65

Find more holiday gift guides here.

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Features
Buro 24/7 Exclusive: Jessica Jung on her style evolution and favourite trends
Girl crush

03.03.2017
By Wei Yeen Loh

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Jessica Jung (former Girls’ Generation member as most of you will know) is one talented artiste who wears many hats. Apart from designing for her clothing label Blanc & Eclare, she embarked on her solo music career shortly after her exit from the girl band and has also dabbled in acting. We had a chat with the American singer and entrepreneur during her trip down to Kuala Lumpur for the opening of Coach’s new flagship store in Pavilion. Scroll down to find out what she is most excited for this year:

1. What’s your first memory of Coach?
I first knew about Coach when I was in middle school/high school. Coach was not available in South Korea at that time so I bought them in the US. I felt so cool at school though, wearing something that is so exclusive at that time.

2. What are your favourites from Coach’s latest collection?
All the flowy, floral printed dresses. I especially like the Coach Bib Tiered Dress.

3. What is the best style advice you’ve received and would love to share?
Embrace yourself. Be confident. And don’t forget to have fun.

4. A current fashion trend that you are obsessing over?
Socks!

5. A fashion trend you absolutely wouldn’t be caught dead in?
I’m open to trying everything. That’s the only way you learn about fashion.

6. What is your go-to Coach piece you’d recommend to keep as a classic?
I love the Coach Moto Leather Jacket. It’s a classic item I can wear forever.

7. What are you working on next that you’re really excited about?
Blanc & Eclare’s new collection. It has feminine silhouettes and adorable details, but I want to keep it classic as well. I also have a new skincare line on the way that I’m super excited about. And of course I am still writing songs for my next album—it’s always fun to write about new things.

8. What do you think is one significant difference between Asian and Western fashion trends?
Honestly these days, I don’t think there is a significant difference between both. People express themselves in their own personal way be it with music or fashion, and more.

9. How do you think your style has evolved since you started out in the industry?
I think by appearing in front of cameras all the time, I think I’ve learned what looks best on me. I learned not to try so hard as well.

10. What is the one outerwear piece you always bring along while you’re traveling for easy, day-to-night wear?
You can’t go wrong with a classic black blazer.

Related stories:
Malaysia is now home to the largest Coach store in Southeast Asia
Coach celebrates 75 years of leather craftsmanship by revisiting its history

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Muse of the month: Adwoa Aboah

Fashion
Muse of the month: Adwoa Aboah
Here to stay

03.01.2018
By Su Fen Tan

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It might seem like Adwoa Aboah has it all—the 25-year-old model is regularly seen on the runways and campaigns of some of the fashion industry’s most prominent labels; she beat the likes of the Hadid sisters and Kaia Gerber to take home the Model of the Year accolade at the 2017 Fashion Awards; she’s one of fashion’s most vocal activists on the need of diversity in the industry; and she’s the founder of Gurls Talk, an online platform and “safe space” for girls to share and discuss anything without any judgement or stigma.

But the road to where Aboah stands now hasn’t been easy. In fact, for a long time, she struggled with drug and alcohol abuse, on top of depression and bipolar disorder. Despite being brought up in a privileged household—Aboah’s father Charles is one of London’s go-to location scout, while her mother Camilla is a successful fashion agent—her troubles started when she went to boarding school as a teenager. She smoked her first spliff at 14, and was introduced to drugs a year later at her first Glastonbury festival. It only got worse during her university days, as she spiralled further into the depths of depression.

Just a little over two years ago, she attempted suicide with an overdose at a rehab centre in London, entering a four-day coma before moving to a psychiatric hospital, where she spent a month to recover. Fortunately, that dark period of her life served as a wake-up call, and not a dead end. “I like to remember where I was and where I am now,” Aboah told The Sun in an interview. “It’s not something I’m going to forget. I could have very easily not been here, so I feel like it’s respectful to remember.”

It was a turning point in Aboah’s life. Two months on from her recovery, she landed her first Vogue cover on the magazine’s Italian edition—and she only looked upwards since then. Now, clear-headed and sober (her only vice being cigarettes), Aboah is focussed on making an impact. Most recently, she was appointed as British Fashion Council’s Positive Fashion Ambassador for Model Health and Diversity. A fitting role, given her prominence in the industry, coupled with a passion for activism fuelled by her own experiences with addiction and mental illness.

Outside of fashion, she spearheads Gurls Talk, an online community where young women are encouraged to discuss any issues, be it mental health, addiction, sexuality, body image, or “just whatever we want”. This came after realising how opening up to people to discuss her struggles is a powerful tool in overcoming her battles in mental health. “When I’m around those women, so much of the burden I carry, the depression and the bipolar, the fear of ever going back into that dark hole, is completely taken away,” Aboah told Business of Fashion. “When we’re all taking part, I don’t have to be ashamed about it or explain myself, the all understand. So Gurls Talk is as much for my benefit as anyone else’s.”

To date, Gurls Talk has been a vehicle of empowerment for girls to accept and express their true selves, and Aboah intends for it to continue making an impact: “I want it to be obvious that my presence and my opinion and my commitment to breaking stigmas are here to stay.” It goes beyond an online presence as well. In January 2017, Gurls Talk together with Women Under the Influence (WUTI) and Romance Journal filled a bus and headed to Washington D.C. for the Women’s March in a bid to make a difference and have their voices heard.

Fresh off her Model of the Year win last month, Aboah is already starting 2018 strong, starring in Miu Miu’s Spring/Summer 2018 campaign and art directing one for Burberry, in which her cousins are featured along with herself (of course), while not relenting on the activism front, lending strong support to the monumental #TimesUp initiative. Be sure to keep your eye out for Adwoa Aboah for time to come, because this striking young woman is here to stay.

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Food + Drink
7 Foolproof ways to use up leftover kimchi in your fridge

05.05.2020
By Kelly Lim

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Craving Korean food after all those K-dramas? Us, too! The easiest way to curb those tastebuds and use up leftover ingredients in your pantry is to put that weeks-old jar of aged kimchi to good use.
Whether eaten on its own with a steaming bowl of fluffy rice or served hot and hearty in a flavourful stew, the fermented condiment adds depths of spice and flavour in versatile ways while promoting good gut bacteria in all its low-fat, high-fibre glory. A staple in many households and an integral ingredient in Korean cuisine, the tangy, tart spice of kimchi is a delicious addition to any dish.

@okonomikitchen
We’ve scoured the web and found several surefire ways to cook up a kimchi storm, alongside variations to test out and try now that we’re all better home cooks (thanks, lockdown). All of these recipes are super versatile, easy to make and experiment with, according to whatever else is left in your kitchen or what you prefer.
But wait, how long can you keep kimchi before it goes bad?
According to Healthline, if kept at room temperature, it lasts for a week after opening but once refrigerated, kimchi is still good to go for about three to six months while it continues to ferment, leading to a sourer taste and mushier texture.
So what are you waiting for? Do your tummy and fridge a favour—scroll through and get cooking!
Kimchi Fried Rice
Cooking time: ~15 mins

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This popular, humble staple is easy to whip up at home and a great way to use up other ingredients leftover in your kitchen. Alongside our star ingredient, the basic foundations of this dish involve using rice, sesame oil, garlic and onion. Find the basic recipe here.

You can serve it up the classic way with a sunny-side up over the top or add in smoky bacon bits, sliced carrots and shiitake mushrooms as some tried-and-tested toppings—it’s all up to you to add and experiment however you like!
Drizzle over soy sauce for more salt or gochujang sauce for more spice if you’re short of kimchi brine (that leftover juice in your kimchi jar).
If you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, try this recipe for a slightly nostalgic, Americanised take with spam, or go green with this veggie version.

Kimchi Stew
Cooking time: ~40 mins

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Also know as kimchi-jjigae, this dish is a quintessential comfort food in Korean cuisine. The traditional version calls for chock full of fatty pork meat, tofu and veggies to make it super hearty but it can also be made with any type of protein or simply just with tofu. Try out the classic version with pork belly.

The premise is simple: lightly stir fry the basic ingredients such as onion, garlic, pork and spices until soft and fragrant before pouring in stock or water, kimchi and tofu to simmer over time.
Bound to make you break a sweat, the soup is often seen in K-dramas (topped with canned salmon in this heartthumping scene) paired with banchan dishes (veggie side dishes) and a bowl of rice or some ramen.
For days when you need a healthy pick-me-up, try out this immune-boosting option that’s also suitable for vegetarians.

Kimchi Pancake
Cooking time: ~10 mins

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A post shared by Megan Watson (@mwatsonnyc)

Another super-easy and versatile dish is the kimchi pancake, or kimchi jeon, a savoury delight that is simultaneously chewy, crunchy, salty and spicy in one go.
All you really need to do is to mix an egg, soy sauce, all-purpose flour and scallions with your leftover kimchi to make up the batter before lightly pan-frying it until golden brown—basic recipe here.

The trick is to make sure the batter is thick enough to hold together kimchi and any other ingredients if you’d like to add more.
Try out this vegan option, comprising only four ingredients; or go flourless with this cheese-stuffed mung beans alternative.

Kimchi Dip
Cooking time: ~10-15 mins

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Watches
Omega celebrates the launch of the Globemaster with Eddie Redmayne
When stars align

04.03.2016
By Su Fen Tan

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The Globemaster marks a significant milestone for Omega: the result of a long and challenging journey, pioneering a new era in watchmaking. As the World’s First Master Chronometer, it is the first Omega timepiece to surpass the Master Chronometer testing standards set by the Swiss Federal Institute of Metrology (METAS), which is comprised of eight rigorous tests over ten days and known to be the toughest in the industry.

Oscar-winning actor and Omega ambassador Eddie Redmayne joined in the momentous launch, sporting a Globemaster on his wrist and speaking about Omega’s rich heritage and his love for classic, quality watches at the event: “There’s a romance to traditional watches—a history. There’s something sincere and honest about them, a sort of integrity. I love Omega’s legacy; watches for the Airforce, the first watch on the moon—it’s about storytelling. Omega’s history is unrivalled. Wearing something that’s classic but also modern, gives me confidence. It’s a wonderful thing because I don’t have to overthink it”.

Read more about the Omega Globemaster here.

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Food + Drink
8 Best Yee Sang to ‘lou hei’ this Chinese New Year 2019

22.01.2019
By Rachel Au

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1. The St Regis Kuala Lumpur

st regis cny 2019 yee sang
What’s lovely about The St. Regis Kuala Lumpur’s Prosperity Yee Sang is that personal touch of tradition as it’s actually Puan Sri Sharon Chua’s heirloom recipe that has been passed down through generations. Even better, everything about it is fresh.
Availability: Upon reservation from 5 Jan – 19 Feb 2019 for dine-in at The Brasserie or at the private dining rooms on Level 2. Alternatively, you can order it for takeaway.
Price:
Abalone & Crispy Soft-shell Crab Yee Sang

(L) MYR363.00+ (serves up to 10 pax)
(M) MYR196.00+ (serves up to 6 pax)

Salmon & Jelly Fish Yee Sang

(L) MYR263.00+ (serves up to 10 pax)
(M) MYR136.00+ (serves up to 6 pax)

Vegetarian Yee Sang

(L) MYR196.00+ (serves up to 10 pax)
(M) MYR106.00+ (serves up to 6 pax)

Reservations: 03 2727 6696 or email [email protected]

2. Lai Po Heen at Mandarin Oriental Kuala Lumpur

mandarin oriental kl cny 2019 yee sang
Lai Po Heen’s yee sang promises a traditionally no-frills platter where the only challenge is deciding on the ‘star’ of the dish. The great chefs have put together five types depending on how luxurious your taste buds are feeling.
Availability: Till 28 Feb 2019
Price:

Yee Sang with abalone and assorted vegetables RM 208 (half) | RM 408 (full)
Yee Sang with pan-seared scallop and snow pear RM 198 (half) | RM 388 (full)
Yee Sang with soft shell crab and snow pear RM 168 (half) | RM 328 (full)
Yee Sang with salmon and assorted vegetables RM 168 (half) | RM 328 (full)
Yee Sang with assorted vegetables and shredded fruits in sesame dressing RM 98 (half) | RM 198 (full)

*Half portion typically serves up to 5 people, full portion serves up to 10 people.
Reservations: 03 2330 8797, email [email protected] or order online for takeaway/delivery from their new Mandarin Cake Shop.

3. Yen at W Kuala Lumpur

yen w kl cny 2019 yee sang
Out of the four types, we tried the one with the Norwegian salmon that was complemented with air-dried Szechuan fish chips and crispy fish skin. The air-dried part was interesting—a first time, personally. The texture is similar to that of a jerky and surprisingly didn’t have that strong fishy taste. It would be better if it was cut into smaller squares for easier chewing but otherwise, it was a delightful new take.
Availability: Till 24 Feb 2019
Price:
Premium Jelly Fish Yee Sang, Korean Snow Pear, Avocado Oil

RM118+ for half portion (for 2 – 6 pax)
RM228+ for full portion (for 6 – 10 pax)

Norwegian Salmon Fish Yee Sang, Air Dried Szechuan Fish Chips, Crispy Fish Skin

RM118+ for half portion (for 2 – 6 pax)
RM228+ for full portion (for 6 – 10 pax)

Qiandao Lake Angel Beads, Sous Vide Lobster Meat, Tempura Crispy Soft Shell Crab Yee Sang

RM188+ for half portion (for 2 – 6 pax)
RM338+ for full portion (for 6 – 10 pax)

Caviar, Gold Flakes, Truffles Oil, Abalone Yee Sang

RM248+ for half portion (for 2 – 6 pax)
RM488+ for full portion  (for 6 – 10 pax)

Reservations: 012 347 9088 or email B&[email protected]

4. Ruyi & Lyn

ruyi and lyn cny 2019 yee sang
If there was an award for the most gorgeous yee sang this year, it would have to be Ruyi & Lyn’s 28K Golden Koi “YU” Sang. Featuring over 20 ingredients that include edible gold, salted egg yolk crispy fish skin, Atlantic salmon and sea caviar, you’ll be surprised that it tastes as good as it looks!
Price: RM168
Reservations: 03 2083 0288

5. Chynna at Hilton Kuala Lumpur

hilton kl cny 2019 yee sang
We tried the one with the strawberries and while doubtful at the combination at first—though also impressed by the presentation—the taste post-lou hei cleared that uncertainty instantly. It is, however, a bit tricky to toss with the large strawberries in the way. Proceed with caution or risk a runaway berry.
Availability: Till 24 Feb 2019
Price:
Smoky Grill Squid Tentacles Yu Sheng

RM128 nett (small)
RM238 nett (large)

Traditional Norwegian Salmon Yu Sheng

RM128 nett (small)
RM238 nett (large)

Yu Sheng with Macadamia Nuts & American Strawberry

RM138 nett (small)
RM268 nett (large)

Yu Sheng with Salted Egg Soft Shell Crab and Crispy Fish Skin

RM138 nett (small)
RM268 nett (large)

Australian Three Head Abalone Yu Sheng

RM280 nett

Reservations: 03 2264 2264 or email [email protected]

6. Nobu Kuala Lumpur

nobu kl cny 2019 yee sang
This year, Executive Chef Philip Leong and his team are doing a bit of wordplay. His star ingredients are the lobster and prawn because it’s pronounced as ‘har’ in Chinese and thus, put them together, it also sounds like har-piness. Hence, The HarHarHar Prosperity Platter.
Availability: Till 25 Feb 2019
Price:
The HarHarHar Prosperity Platter—RM188++ for two pax
Features: Fresh seafood ingredients such as salmon and whitefish sashimi along with jicama, carrots, beetroot, dragonfruit, rose apple and seaweed salad.
The HarHarHar Prosperity Platter (Premium version)—RM288++ for two pax
Features: A whole lobster served in Nobu-style instead of the sashimi
Reservations: 03 2164 5084 or WhatsApp 019 389 5085

7. Yun House at Four Seasons Hotel Kuala Lumpur

yun house four seasons hotel kl cny 2019 yee sang
Toss your way to good health, wealth and happiness with Yun House’s Prosperity Yee Sang which features only the freshest ingredients and a selection of luxurious options as the topping.
Availability: Till 19 Feb 2019
Price:

Australian Lobster—Market Price
Two Head Abalone—RM328
Toro—RM268 (M)   |   RM536 (L)
Salmon Belly—RM208 (M)   |   RM416 (L)
Vegetarian—RM148(M)   |   RM296 (L)

 Reservations: 03 2382 8640 or email [email protected] (Available for takeaway as well)

8. Atas Modern Malaysian Eatery at The RuMa Hotel

atas the ruma hotel cny 2019 yee sang
Atas Modern Malaysian Eatery at the new The RuMa Hotel has received much praise for its Executive Chef Tyson Gee’s reinterpretation of the local cuisine. For this festive season, he’s giving that similar touch to a familiar dish with familiar Malaysian produce. His version of yee sang features a surprising curation of pucuk paku, betel leaf, fried chicken skin (oh-so-sinful-but-so-good) and sweet tamarind plum dressing.
Availability: Till 19 Feb 2019
Price: Starting at RM128+ for a portion suitable for 4 pax
Reservations: 03 2778 0888

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Life
LDR: 15 Ideas to spend time with your partner while you’re apart

18.07.2021
By Natalie Khoo

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Let’s be real, long distance relationships are a pain in the—well, everywhere, really. That’s why some of us stay away from getting into one, if possible, because no matter what your love language is, it takes a lot to keep the romance alive when you’re miles away from your significant other for an extended period of time. (Hats off to those who have gone through LDR and stuck by each other through it.)
Unfortunately, the present lockdown and travel restrictions in Malaysia may have forced LDR upon you and your SO. With the 10km radius rule and interstate travel ban in place indefinitely, many couples have had to settle for phone calls and FaceTime to spend quality time together. Don’t get us started on those in binational relationships—our sincere condolences.
Hang in there, struggling couples. Your relationship doesn’t necessarily have to boil down to mundane texts and routine calls about your day. We’ve put together a list of fun ideas to bridge the ‘D’ in LDRs until you can reunite again.
1. Watch a movie or TV series

Photo: @gx_study via Instagram
Here’s a no-brainer, for starters: grab some popcorn or snacks and get on Netflix to watch a show together via Teleparty (formerly Netflix Party). The platform allows you to chat and share commentary in real-time, so it’ll feel like you’re watching it together. You can also stay on video call to catch each other’s live reactions on-screen, then review the show after—as you would in person.
2. Enjoy a meal together

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Whether you live in different time zones or not, there’s no reason you can’t schedule a meal together every so often. One could be having lunch while the other is having dinner, but the idea is to enjoy a meal simultaneously over a video call and let the conversation flow naturally. After all, food is, and always will be, a universal experience that connects people together, no matter where we are.
3. Play online co-op games

Photo: cottonbro via Pexels
There are plenty of video games out there that you can play along with your partner or with a mutual group of friends. To name a few examples, there’s Stardew Valley, Overcooked 2, and Valheim for the laptop/PC gamers, or PUBG and Mobile Legends for mobile phone gamers. For more co-op games to try, check out our full list of tried and true multiplayers games here.
4. Work out together

Photo: Kampus Production via Pexels
Some say that “a couple that works out together, stays together”. If you and your SO agree with this, then consider scheduling online workouts together as you would with a personal trainer. You can set a routine for the both of you to commit to or follow along a workout video, for example. Alternatively, if the both of you own a gaming console like the Nintendo Switch, you can try fitness games like Fitness Boxing 2 and Ring Fit Adventure, or challenge each other to a few rounds of Mario Tennis Aces.
5. Send postcards or snail mail

Photo: Debby Hudson via Unsplash
Despite the conveniences of technology, there’s something inexplicably romantic about receiving a good old-fashioned love letter. You can agree to write each other a poem or a heartfelt note, or sketch some doodles on a post card, so you’ll both have something to look forward to in the mail. To make it even more special, add a spritz or two of your favourite perfume for a reminder of your scent!
6. Make each other a care package

Photo: Annie Spratt via Unsplash
Better yet (to go with your love letter/postcard), why not treat your other half to a curated care package? You can make it a surprise or agree on a budget for the both of you to splurge on (if you live in different states/countries, here’s where you can get really creative!). The package can include food, drinks, handwritten notes, plus a tangible reminder of you—like an old T-shirt that you’d often wear to bed for bonus points.
7. Have a bake-off/cook-off

Photos: Jason Briscoe via Unsplash
Are you a competitive couple? If so, challenge each other to a bake-off or virtual cooking competition. You can also get your family or mutual group of friends involved as judges. (Given logistics issues for a taste test, we’ll suggest that the best plating wins; but feel free to come up with your own rules.) Alternatively, it can just be a mutual baking/cooking activity minus the pressure of trying to out-do each other (lest you jeopardise more than your kitchen).
8. Play a drinking game

Photo: Taylor Friehl via Unsplash
Send each other an alcoholic beverage of your choice and make it game night—but the drinking kind, like Two Truths and a Lie or Flip Cup. It’ll lead to lots of laughter, for sure, and perhaps some tipsy conversations by the end of the night. For those who can’t take alcohol, you can be nice and send your SO mocktails, or be naughty and make it a suspicious concoction. Either way, drinking rules still apply.
9. Create/explore a virtual world

Photo: Minecraft
For an alternative to FaceTime, Zoom or WhatsApp, your virtual date or video calls can take place in a virtual world, such as Gather Town or even Minecraft. Depending on which platform you both decide on, you can either choose from an existing template and customise it to your liking by adding elements unique to your relationship (such as photos and music playlists), or build your own virtual world from scratch.
10. Learn a new language

Photo: Olya Kobruseva via Pexels
If both of you have extra time on your hands during the lockdown, try learning a new language together. You can enroll in an online class or download an app like Duolingo, then practise speaking the language through texts or over the phone.
11. Plan a fancy virtual date

Photo: Taryn Elliott via Pexels
Instead of picking one or two ideas from this list at a time, you can combine what works to plan out a full itinerary for a fancy virtual date. The idea is to make your usual date night *extra special* or take a whole day off, if you can, to enjoy each other’s uninterrupted company. For example, you can start by cooking brunch together, followed by opening the care package you’ve sent each other ahead of time, then playing video games, and treating each other to a surprise dinner (delivered to their doorstep, no less), before ending the night with a movie marathon. We suggest saving this option for long distance birthdays, anniversaries, or special occasions to make it more memorable.
12. Curate a playlist together

Photo: Javier Estaban via Unsplash
Remember when making mixtapes for your SO was a thing? Well, curating a Spotify or Youtube playlist for your other half is today’s equivalent of that. Alternatively, you can both add songs that remind you of your first date, first anniversary, favourite moments together, and so on, to a collaborative playlist. The fun part is sharing the cute anecdotes behind the songs you’ve selected!
13. Plan a future trip

Photo: Nataliya Vaitkevich via Pexels
Sure, planning a trip may seem pointless right now. But doing it anyway will not only bring you both closer to the perfect holiday, it’ll also give you something to look forward to once travelling is finally possible. At least when that day comes, you won’t have to waste any time on an itinerary!
14. Create a to-do list for each other

Photo: Polina Kovaleva via Pexels
While you may not be able to do things together physically, that doesn’t mean you can’t talk about the things you do in your time apart. Cheer your partner on to discover new experiences by creating a to-do list for each other to complete by the time you’re able to meet each other again. It can be something to do around the neighbourhood (like grabbing coffee from a new café), a fun dare (like trying a TikTok challenge), or even supporting a good cause, like donating to a white flag campaign. You can even include a reward for each activity or for completing the whole list as an incentive! (We’ll leave you two to decide what the reward will be.)
15. Just communicate

Photo: Ekaterina Bolovtsova via Pexels
We know what we said about mundane texts and routine calls at the start of this article. At the end of the day, however, real couples go through both mundane and exciting events together. Near or far, don’t neglect the importance of sharing your day-to-day affairs, even if it feels trivial, boring, or repetitive. Physical distance is hard, but not knowing the little details about your partner’s life is what emphasises the emotional distance. Remember: communication is key, so ramble on or vent about your day, if that’s what you would normally do IRL anyway.
All the best, lovebirds!
For more relationship stories, head over here.

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Music
Just in: Gabriel Lynch’s new single, ‘Love Can Conquer Anything’
Upbeat drop

28.05.2018
By Su Fen Tan

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RECOMMENDED

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

A singer-songwriter from Melbourne, Australia, Gabriel Lynch has been quite the regular in the local indie music circuit since making the move to KL three years ago. The full-time musician is a go-getter who has managed to shape his life around his passion. When he is not writing music for commercials, he works on his own music. His last full-length album titled All of Us was released in 2015, a unique production as it was partly crowdfunded by fans. In return, Lynch wrote them a song of their own chosen title and topic—that’s possibly one of the best gifts a fan could hope to receive.

Following ‘Tripping Wire’, a single that was released earlier this year, Lynch paces on with a brand new track: ‘Love Can Conquer Anything’. According to Lynch, it’s a “light-hearted tune about how strange it feels to go back home to Australia after so much time spent living abroad—before KL I had spent three years singing jazz in hotel lobbies in Bangkok!”

Light-hearted and upbeat, it’s a great track to kick-off the week with. Listen to it here:

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News
7 Things to do in KL this weekend during RMCO: 10 & 11 October 2020

08.10.2020
By Lea Rina

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

1. An Elegant Affair at the Hilton Kuala Lumpur

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When: Now till 31 October
Weekdays — 2.30pm to 5.30pm
Weekends — 12.30pm to 5.30pm
Where: The Lounge, Hilton Kuala Lumpur
Have an afternoon catch-up sesh at The Lounge as they proudly present An Elegant Affair. A fantastic combination of sweet and savoury, the afternoon tea set features sandwiches, desserts and little bite-sized delights by Chef Akram.
Price: RM236 for two pax
To make your reservation, call 03 2264 2264 or visit this website.
2. Check out the Time Kulture 2020 presented by the Swiss Watch Gallery

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When: 10am – 10pm, 8-18 October
Where: Pavilion Kuala Lumpur
Swiss Watch Gallery is back again with Time Kulture. Paying tribute to new-school watchmaking, the sixth edition will showcase Bell & Ross, Frederique Constant, Graham, Longines, Maurice Lacroix, Oris, TAG Heuer, Tissot and Tudor—nine prestigious watch brands that are the definition of fine timepieces.
3. Enjoy an afternoon tea designed by Khoon Hooi at Mandarin Oriental KL

When: Now till 3 December
Where: Lounge by the Park, Mandarin Oriental KL
Mandarin Oriental KL and famed fashion designer Khoon Hooi are partnering up to bring you a Peranakan Culture-inspired tea set! Khoon Hooi’s Dondang Sayang Afternoon Tea is a delicious experience with a purpose, as 10 per cent of the proceeds will go to the Malaysian Institute of Art.
Price: RM158 per person, includes free flow of hot beverages for up to two hours
To make your reservation, call 03 2330 8798 or email [email protected].
4. Learn how to cook with Marks & Spencer

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When: 10am – 12pm, every Sunday, from 10-31 October
Where: TCH Foodworks
Marks & Spencer has collaborated with boutique culinary studio TCH Foodworks to present Cook with M&S! It’s their first-ever cooking workshop series where you will learn how to cook a variety of Western and Asian dishes using M&S ingredients.
Price: RM78 for members | RM88 for non-members
To sign up, visit this website.
5. Indulge in some Sunday Specials at M Marini Grand Caffé & Terrazza

When: 12pm to 2pm, every Sunday
Where: M Marini Grand Caffè & Terrazza
Indulge in juicy oysters, salmon tartare, and prawn cocktails while sipping on free-flow Prosecco with the new Pearls & Prosecco sets.
Price: From RM160++ to RM280++, depending on the chosen set
To make your reservation, call 03 2386 6030 or email [email protected].
6. Pop down to Hotel Stripes Kuala Lumpur and check out their October Playlist

When: Every Saturday night of October
Where: Man Tao Bar, Hotel Stripes Kuala Lumpur
Hotel Stripes KL is celebrating this month with gin cocktails, using No. 3 London Dry Gin. The October Playlist features a list of fun boozy nights such as Gin O’clock and Kombuchugs (every Saturday); The Longest Hour (every Friday and Saturday); and more! So head over and let the fun begin!
7. Marvel at the “King of Whisky” as Royal Salute has launched the ultra-rare Time Series 52-Year-Old Single Cask Finish

Royal Salute has released their limited edition blend: The Time Series 52-Year-Old Single Cask Finish. With only 106 bottles available worldwide and expertly crafted by Royal Salute Master Blender Sandy Hyslop, and using some of the oldest and most valuable whiskies in the Royal Salute collection. This luxury Scotch is no Sunday sip, but more so a treasured collector’s item.
In honour of this special occasion, Royal Salute will be hosting the unique Olfactory Studio. The exquisite sensory experience will have you explore the taste of their rare whiskies, parallelled with the world of perfumery.
When: The next of such event will be taking place at the Mandarin Oriental Kuala Lumpur on 26 November
Price: Approximately RM138,888 (US$30,000) a bottle
For last week’s list of things to do, click here.

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Fashion
Too cool for school? A|X Armani Exchange’s got your vibe

27.10.2018
By Su Fen Tan

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

Shout-out to Armani for understanding the multi-faceted personality of urban youth, because  the A|X Armani Exchange Autumn/Winter ’18 collection is equal parts chic and street cool — think a polished touch on street attitude.

Youthful, urban, offbeat
If you are no one-trick pony, there is no reason for your wardrobe to be one either. From metallic parkas and graphic hoodies, to sequinned minidresses and sophisticated coats, dressing for day to night has got nothing on the A|X Armani Exchange girl. This season’s colour palette is especially lush, ranging from salmon pinks and greens to classic neutral hues, complete with splashes of gold and silver.
In the menswear department, bold play on the unmistakable logo is channelled through statement tees, sweatshirts, scarves and puffer jackets. Cop what you need to switch up your off-duty style as desired — take on the classic preppy look in a varsity jacket and tee, or go nonchalant utilitarian with a rugged bomber paired with cargo pants.
Beyond the cold weather staples, A|X Armani Exchange also serves up a slew of seasonless denims to crank up your style-o-meter. Already drawing up new wardrobe additions in your mind? Flip through the lookbook for a few lessons on layering and street chic:
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Lifestyle
Final Fantasy XIII’s Lightning is the new face of Louis Vuitton
Virtual becomes reality

29.12.2015
By Buro247

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Louis Vuitton has long been known for pushing the boundaries when it comes to collaborating with the world of art and pop culture. Most recently, the rich world of video gaming has joined the list, in a rather rare fashion and video game collaboration. As any major pop culture impact would eventually be celebrated in some way or another, this time it’s one of the longest-running video game series hailing from Japan, Final Fantasy, whose characters have become icons in their own right.
Creative director Nicolas Ghesquiere announced that the leading lady from Final Fantasy XIII, Lightning, would front “Series 4” of the maison’s spring/summer 2016 campaign. The introduction of this character into the world of fashion doesn’t seem out of the ordinary though, especially when you look back at some of Louis Vuitton’s collaborations with icons of Japanese culture such as artists Takashi Murakami and Yayoi Kusama.

In this campaign – created in partnership with Square Enix artist and designer Tetsuya Nomura – Lightning dons a few runway looks from the collection, which was unveiled back in October. As the collection most obviously bared influences from anime, sci-fi and computer culture, it isn’t so surprising then, that Ghesquiere would continue to delve creatively into the digital world.
Head to Ghesquiere’s Instagram to watch the campaign video.

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Fashion
Burberry’s Holiday 2017 collection has got your Christmas gifting sorted
All I want for Xmas

17.11.2017
By Joan Kong

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

For the festive season this year, Burberry has released its holiday campaign images featuring British stars Cara Delevingne and Matt Smith in a series of photos and video that are both fun and festive. And based on the collection it’s releasing for holiday, Burberry aims to amp your holiday style without forgetting its British roots. Consisting of four sub-lines—knits and scarves, coats and trenches, accessories, and bags, the pieces were all made for flaunting, whether it’s in the form of a laminated trench coat (in its signature tartan, no less), or an oversized tote in neon notes.
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The highlight of the accessories collection is definitely the brand’s new Burberry Clan creatures that ooze mischievous fun like no other. Aside from charms which are made from offcuts found in the Burberry design studio, the characters are also incorporated into card holders and purses. Alternatively, go for paint-splashed prints for an artsy flair, or adorn your arm candies with the oh-so cute DK88 mini bag charms.
{insert gallery tpl=”slide-freesize.tpl” id=”[Стандартная] Burberry Holiday Collection 2017 Bags” rid=”5682″ order=”a_tstamp”}
In the bags department, the brand’s DK88 carrier is updated with different combinations, from metallic to colour-clashing combos and with splashes of paint. Aside from that, Burberry is also introducing new mini and micro sizes, so if you’re planning to rock twinning pieces with your mini-me, that’s the way to go. What really caught our attention though, are the new Doodle totes in graffiti-like scribbles that are a celebration of “free-spririted art and British weather”.
{insert gallery tpl=”slide-freesize.tpl” id=”[Стандартная] Burberry Holiday Collection 2017 knits” rid=”5683″ order=”a_tstamp”}
The knitwear of this season gets us in the festive mood like no other; bold and colourful combinations in the form of beanies, gloves, scarves and sweaters have got our Christmas dressing sorted, but what caught our eyes, are the Burberry Bandana which is the brand’s new scarf for the Holiday 2017 collection. Available in a series of prints and colours, the cashmere material will keep you looking stylish (and warm).
{insert gallery tpl=”slide-freesize.tpl” id=”[Стандартная] Burberry Holiday Collection 2017 coats” rid=”5684″ order=”a_tstamp”}
For the year end festives, Burberry is all for giving its classic outerwear a twist. Trenches are given an update with laminated materials and bold colours, while coats are given notice-me details such as oversized buttons and lined with tartan. The brand’s signature gabardine trench coats are available for children in both red and classic beige hues.

Rewatch the campain video here:

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Lifestyle
Where are they now? A breakdown of the whirlwind romance between Kelantan’s Sultan Muhammad V and former Russian beauty queen Rihana Oksana

24.07.2019
By Tammy Chan

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Oh what we would give to be a fly on the wall.
Earlier this week, netizens were shocked when reports surrounding the former Malaysian king’s divorce surfaced online. The couple had just given birth to a baby boy after all. Turns out, there’s more to the story, because not only did Rihana deny any knowledge of said divorce, Mr Koh Tien Hua, the Sultan’s lawyer, also told New Straits Times that they’re still questioning the paternity of Rihana’s son! Insert dundundun_soundeffect.mp3…
It felt like just yesterday when we were woken up to news of an ‘alleged wedding’ between our former Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Muhammad V and Miss Moscow 2015 Rihana Oksana Voevodina. So before we dive into the he said, she said, let’s take a walk down memory lane to how it all started.
24 April 2017: Sultan Muhammad V was installed as the fifthienth Yang di-Pertuan Agong of Malaysia.
Spring 2017: Rihana Oksana Petra (formerly known as Oksana Voevodina) met the Sultan at a jewellery event in Europe.
Unknown date in 2017: Rihana moved to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
16 April 2018: According to Daily Mail, Rihana converted to Islam on this day.
7 June 2018: The couple got married in a private Islamic ceremony.
23 November 2018: The 50-year-old monarch and 27-year-old former beauty queen held an extravagant wedding ceremony at the Barvikha Concert Hall in Moscow, Russia.

31 December 2018: Sultan Muhammad V’s two-month leave for “medical treatment” ended.
6 January 2019: Sultan Muhammad V announced his decision to step down as king. According to Bernama, this abdication of the Sultan as Malaysia’s head of state is the first in the history of the country where a monarch had quit before completing their five-year term.
9 January 2019: An anonymous source told Komsomolskaya Pravda (a daily Russian tabloid newspaper) that the couple was expecting their first child.
25 January 2019: Rumours of the couple’s fairytale romance being ‘on the rocks’ surfaced.
21 May 2019: The couple welcomed their first son, Tengku Ismail Leon Petra Bin Tengku Muhammad V Faris Petra.
4 June 2019: Rihana posted six images on Instagram after creating an account. Her first post was a picture of her and her husband, Sultan Muhammad V.
22 June 2019: The Sultan divorced his wife in accordance with Syariah laws. Straits Times Singapore reported that Rihana was informed of the irrevocable divorce through her lawyers Alexander Dobrovinsky & Partners of Russia and a copy of the divorce certificate was given to her.
26 June 2019: Rihana attended the Beauty of Russia contest in Russia. Her friend, Tatyana Andreev, admitted to Komsomolskaya Pravda that Rihana “came to this contest as an already divorced woman”.
1 July 2019: The Kelantan Syariah Court issued a Divorce Certificate on this day in accordance with the Islamic Family Law Enactment 2002.

6 July 2019: Rihana shared details of her ‘love story’ via Instagram. It is here she recalls how the Sultan expressed interest for her to be his wife and how she thinks she made the right choice “at that time”.
10 July 2019: In another post celebrating her birthday on Instagram, Rihana called her son, Leon, the “Tengku Mahkota Kelantan, dan insyallah bakal Raja Kelantan” (aka crown prince and the future ruler of Kelantan).
16 July 2019: Free Malaysia Today reported that the Kelantan palace has clarified that no one can be called ‘Permaisuri Kelantan’, ‘Raja Perempuan Kelantan’, ‘Sultanah Kelantan’ or the ‘Queen of Kelantan’ without an official announcement from the Kelantan palace.
17 July 2019: Amid divorce rumours, Rihana uploaded a sweet video of her and the Sultan on Instagram.
19 July 2019: Hype Malaysia reported that Rihana’s dad (Andrey Gorbatenko) confirmed his daughter’s divorce in an Instagram comment.
20 July 2019: Rihana informed news portal, Malaysiakini, that she is still married to the former King. She said, “I have never heard of any ‘talak’ (proclamation of divorce) against me. I was in Russia with my child and we were not in Singapore for any divorce proceedings that took place in June. This is an act of provocation, we have never been divorced.”.
21 July 2019: The Sultan’s Singaporean lawyer, Mr. Koh, tells Straits Times Singapore that there isn’t any evidence as to who the biological father of Leon is.
22 July 2019: The former beauty queen thanked her supporters in an emotional post on Instagram. She also went on to express that she is “proud that Malaysian blood flows in the veins of my son”. Probably as a response to the parentage rumours.
Did the former King really give up his throne to be with the former beauty queen / model? Are the claims of her son not being the son of Sultan Muhammad V true? Unfortunately, until the Palace makes an official announcement, we’re most likely never going to know the real truth of what went down behind closed doors.

What do you think? Let us know your thoughts via the Facebook or Twitter link below!

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Food + Drink
Marini’s on 57 marks its 10th anniversary with a Founder’s Menu of signature dishes
Viva Marini

17.10.2022
By Natalie Khoo

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When talking about rooftop dining in Kuala Lumpur, Marini’s on 57 is one of the first establishments that come to mind. Since opening in June 2012, the dining and entertainment destination has become an icon in the city for events and celebrations with its stunning vistas of the Petronas Twin Towers and KL’s skyline.
At 876 feet (267 metres) above sea level, Marini’s on 57 continues to draw local diners and party-goers as well as international celebrities, tourists, and socialites alike for unique dining and hospitality experiences. To celebrate its 10-year milestone, the restaurant, bar and lounge has revealed a lineup of activities in October including a founder’s menu, bartending competition, and guest bartender shifts along with an anniversary party this month.

“When we first started this culinary journey, it was to share my passion for food and my vision for a world-class venue with the Malaysian public and the world. In addition to that, I have made it a point to promote Italy in my life and my work because it is a part of me. I believe that food is love and my love for food has led me to where I am today,” said Cavaliere Modesto Marini, founder and owner of The Marini’s Group.
Marini’s passion for fine Italian fare is embodied in the Founder’s Menu, a 10-course degustation featuring handpicked dishes from the founder himself and his wife Elizabeth, as well as crowd-favourite orders at the restaurant in the past decade. Read on for our review and what to expect.

SFIZI – FEGATO GRASSO

After starting the evening with vibrant cocktails over conversations in the lounge, we take our seats in the sophisticated dining area, set against the backdrop of the majestic Twin Towers. To kick off the menu, a Fegato Grasso (the Italian term for foie gras) arrives on a piece of bite-sized brioche bread, served with sweet pistachio and fig jam to cut through the fatty liver.

STARTER – UOVA E INSALATA DI FETA

The starter comes next in the form of a duo comprising scrambled eggs and feta salad. To leave it at that would be a serious understatement, as the presentation and execution of this course are what really make it shine. The silky soft egg, for example, is topped with delicious Parmigiano foam in a delicate eggshell—satisfying to the eye and palate. Meanwhile, the feta salad presents itself as an ‘edible garden’ featuring shaved black truffle feta cream as the base with fresh vegetables sprouting from it.

CAPPESANTE

In the second starter, a Hokkaido scallop sits on a bed of porcini mushroom sauce, topped with fish roe and herbs for garnish. Beautifully seared and succulent to taste, the scallop’s natural sweet flavours are complemented by the woody notes of the mushroom and umami roe. The dish pairs especially well with the R. Renaudin “L’Espiègle” Premier Cru Blanc de Blanc Brut 2006, a lovely champagne you’ll scarcely find outside of Marini’s on 57 (sold separately from the menu).

CARPACCIO MARINATO

Next comes a dish that Elizabeth describes as a true taste of home for her husband—cured wagyu beef accompanied by shimeji mushrooms, ricotta cream, and cherry tomato confit. This salty and sweet dish is a traditional appetiser that’s sure to delight Italians while inviting others to savour the best elements of their cuisine: fresh ingredients, textures, and cheese.

SOUP – ZUPPA DI CAVOLFIORE
Before moving on to the heavier courses of the meal, we have an intermission of cauliflower and kale soup. A thin slice of focaccia Parmigiano crouton forms a bridge across the creamy pottage, offering something to bite or dip into in between spoonfuls of soup.

PASTA  – TAGLIATELLE AL TARTUFO

What’s an Italian meal without pasta? For this menu, there are two options to choose from: tagliatelle or capellini. We opted for the former, which is house-made and coated with butter sage, parmesan cream, and black truffle. The result is an al dente texture that’s rich but not cloying, with the truffle adding an earthy, aromatic touch. Those who choose the latter will be served angel hair pasta cooked with lobster, tomato and basil.

MAINS – MERLUZZO & JAPANESE WAGYU

Why choose between meat or seafood when you can have both for your mains? The first on the menu is a perfectly seared cod fish that is desirably flaky, tender and delicious. It is served with saffron sauce peppered with caviar, making for an aesthetically plated dish.
On the other hand, the Japanese Wagyu Sirloin Marble 5 offers a delightful melt-in-the-mouth experience, indulging the palate with rich, buttery fat. The accompanying potato croquette and truffle hollaindaise sauce helps to balance out the intense umami flavours, ending the savoury section of the menu on a high.

PRE-DESSERT

The “pre-dessert” paves the way for the finale with a colourful spectacle consisting of a technicoloured tuile crowning a yoghurt gelato, alongside lime granita, and almond sponge infused with citrus zest and tropical fruit cremeux. There’s a tiny QR code printed on the white chocolate atop the Viva Marini-themed edible sugar glass, which diners can scan to learn more about the dessert and other surprises to come.

DESSERT- DOLCI VIVA MARINIS

For the finale, diners will have to open a chocolate sphere to find the signature truffle-infused tiramisu and mascarpone cheese encased within. The rainbow colours decorating the plate aren’t just for show—they are actually carrot, mint, berry and black goji powders that have a mild flavour to complement the tiramisu.
The Marini’s on 57 Founder’s menu is priced at RM1,010++ per person and is available from 1 October 2022 until the end of the year. For reservations and enquiries, contact +603 2286 6030. For more information about the group’s anniversary celebrations, click here.

Marini’s on 57
Address: Level 57, Menara 3 Petronas, Persiaran KLCC, 50088 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Contact: +603 2386 6030
Email: [email protected]
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Beauty
Diptyque debuts a new gender-fluid fragrance, the Vetyverio Eau de Parfum
A new addiction

16.08.2017
By Wei Yeen Loh

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Did you know that Diptyque’s new Vetyverio fragrance only incorporates vetiver that has been specifically harvested from the southern region of Les Cayes in Haiti? It is perhaps an understatement to say that this harvesting process is laborious—the vetiver roots need to grow out to an optimal length of one meter (which takes about a year) before harvesting; not to mention, it takes over 24 hours to distill its essence to acquire an oil akin to liquid gold.

What makes Haitian vetiver exceptional from the rest is its roots—the makeup resemble threads in different shades of blond. Thanks to the mineral-rich volcanic soil of the island, the vetiver’s complex aroma possesses a contrasting character that’s fiery yet delicate. But if you thought that this smoky ingredient is only limited to men’s fragrance, Diptyque Vetyverio Eau de Parfum will prove you wrong.

The French perfume house took on an iconoclastic approach in reinterpreting vetiver, allowing for a fragrance that goes beyond gender distinctions. The scent is surprisingly multifaceted, with notes that are fresh, floral, and even smoky nuances that unravel through time. Additional ingredients such as grapefruit lend a citrus freshness to the woody notes, while patchouli leaves it with a dense finish. An unpredictable floral accord by way of Turkish rose rounds the fragrance off without overshadowing the Haitian vetiver.

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Features
7 Minutes with Yuna on her Southeast Asian homecoming, Paris Fashion Week and her style icons

08.11.2018
By Stephanie Boey

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When she isn’t performing and writing music, the Malaysian singer can be found championing the anti-straw movement, meeting music legends and checking out the latest trends on the runway at Paris Fashion Week. The Kedah-born vocalist is taking a break from her music tour around Europe to make her way back to Southeast Asia for her first public performance in the region since 2016. (Lucky for us, we managed to snag a private serenading sesh with the songstress at The Andaman recently).
Yuna will be headlining the first day of Neon Lights, a music festival based in Singapore which is set to return this year after a hiatus in 2017. We caught up with her in Singapore prior to her homecoming show to talk about her highly anticipated public performance, Paris Fashion Week SS19 and arguably one of the most popular social media apps among millennials—Instagram.

Hi Yuna. Welcome back to Southeast Asia! What are you most looking forward to your homecoming performance at Neon Lights here in Singapore?
Coming back to Singapore is pretty much like me coming back to perform for people who grew up with [my music]. I started my music career in Malaysia and immediately went to Singapore and performed [here] a bunch of times when I just started out, so I’m excited to come back and perform the newer stuff. I’ve grown so much since the last time I was here and am really looking forward to meeting the fans again.

Can you please tell us what you have in store for your upcoming performance?
It’s my first headlining show, so the set will be longer. I’m very excited but also kind of nervous about it, I haven’t performed that long of a set in a while. The last time I was here I was touring for [my latest album] Chapters, so a lot of the songs I performed came from that album. But this time around, I’m able to play songs from [my second album] Nocturnal and my first, Yuna. Also maybe something new and some cover songs. It’s fun being able to pick and choose the songs I get to play.

You mention “something new”, do you have something up your sleeve for Neon Lights 2018?
Maybe, we shall see… Stay tuned!

After countless performances nationally and internationally, does Yuna the singer ever get stage fright? If so, what do you do to calm yourself down?
Oh yeah, definitely. I always forget my lyrics…always! I usually find myself singing the first verse again or something like that. But the most important thing is to just have fun on stage, and remind myself that I’ve done this [so many] times, and to feed off the crowd’s energy and perform as if it’s my first time performing for them.

Before getting up on stage, do you have a pre-show ritual that you do prior any performance?
Drink water (Buro edit: Gel Cream would be so proud) and once in a while I call my mum and she’ll wish me good luck.

We’ve been seeing your artsy collages on Instagram. Can you tell us more about this newfound aesthetic and most importantly, what app do you use?
[laughs] I do it all on Photoshop with my computer, it’s a hobby of mine. I’m working on a new album so you can say I’m preparing myself for that—a new beginning. I’ve been focusing on making [my profile] more interesting, creative and artsy. Also, I’m finally just @yuna (instead of @yunamusic) on Instagram, which is something we’ve been working on [for a long time]. The @yuna handle was taken when I first joined Instagram, but it’s been dormant for years. It was a whole formal process to go through with Instagram to attain it, but I’m very happy we got it.

You were recently at Paris Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2019. Which shows did you go to and which was your favourite?
Marques’Almeida was my favourite. The designs were very punk rock-ish, which I like.

What was your favourite thing about Paris?
The fashion is more dreamy and I loved the architecture and statues, everything is just so beautiful and majestic. I love travelling, it keeps my creative thinking more active.

Tell us more about your Paris Fashion Week #OOTDs.
I like to have my own interpretation of the cities that I go to. [Actually being there] changes my perception and assumptions of the city. I love hats, but instead of a French beret I wore a wide-brim fedora.

Did you have a favourite look?
I wore this amazing dress by Mel Ahyar, an Indonesian designer. It was an oversized sweater-dress with [embroidered] embellishments and it was really beautiful—I think brought Southeast Asian flavour to Paris.

How would you describe your style?
It changes from time to time. I was boho-chic and now I’m more punk rock. But I also do enjoy my white sneakers, I love the sporty look. Most of my wardrobe is very tomboy-ish but with feminine elements.

Who are your style icons?
I really like Cate Blanchett and I love Audrey Hepburn’s understated glamour. When I’m feeling feminine and girly, I’d channel Audrey Hepburn and wear something classy and simple. But when I’m performing, I turn it up like Cate Blanchett.

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