Watches + Jewellery
Maximilian Büsser of MB&F reveals the brand’s 10th anniversary timepiece
Get your heart racing

21.07.2015
By Buro247

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“I believe that all children are super creative, but then 95 percent of them grow up to become boring adults. What happened?” asks Maximilian Büsser, founder of the watch brand, MB&F. “The world tells you to think practically, to be realistic, and then one day you buy into it,” I offer in response.

“That’s a big part of it,” Büsser retorts. “The other big part I discovered in a great TED Talk from Sir Ted Robertson; that children are creative because they’re not scared of being wrong. Our parents, professors and bosses are always telling us to be right. So everything conspires to make us scared. And if you’re scared of being wrong, you’re not going to create.”

IF YOU’RE SCARED OF BEING WRONG, YOU’RE NOT GOING TO CREATE
Ironically, or maybe rather poetically so, we’re talking about creativity while seated in a non-descript boardroom on the eleventh floor of a homogenous office building in the heart of Singapore’s bustling Orchard Road. And on the table, placed on a tray and hidden teasingly under a piece of cloth, is Büsser’s latest creation to commemorate the tenth anniversary of his horological company, MB&F.

“For my anniversary, it was really important to go back to that child, to the child that I still am,” he says. “Most brands will always, for their jubilee watch, do the most complicated, most expensive piece. But we did something else.”

He brings the tray and, finally, lifts the veil. “This is HMX. The ‘X’ is the Roman numeral for ten,” he explains. At first glance, it looks like the HM5 timepiece that Büsser released just last year. “It’s inspired by my childhood and how I wanted to be a car designer from the ages of four to 18,” he says. “I took the concept that we inaugurated for HM5 – the idea of a car engine – but there’s not one component in HMX which is the same. Everything was recreated.”

Instead of a black CarbonMacrolon casing that was used for the HM5, the HMX glints in a titanium and stainless steel case finished with a curved sapphire crystal top. “As you can see, there is a real organic feel to it,” explains Büsser. “With the crystal top you can see the whole system with the two discs, which have this incredible legibility. It allows the light to stream in and creates an impression that there is an electrical bulb in the movement.”
He flips the watch over. “The back of the piece is a full 22-karat gold automatic rotor, and we engineered the movement completely to look like an engine and to work like an engine.” He flips the watch back and points to the ‘engine’ of the watch through the crystal top: “The ‘oil caps’ are actually functional; the watchmaker unscrews each of them and actually puts oil in them. They’re the lubricating system for the two rubies which are the system of the jumping hour and minute display.”

Holding the timepiece in hand, there is a polished sexiness to the HMX. Featuring a 42-hour power reserve and water resistance to 30 metres, this kinetic piece of art is made even more covetable with the option of four colourways: British Racing Green, Bugatti Blue, Ferrari Red and Lotus Black. However, with only 20 pieces created in each colour and a price point that’s a fraction of other MB&F timepieces, the HMX is all but sold out.

“What’s insane is that they were all pre-sold before anybody’s seen it,” reveals Büsser. “That’s never happened to me, and I don’t think it’s happened in the industry before either. It was the buzz that MB&F was going to do a cool piece, at an insane price, and for one-time only.”

But why cut margins when he could have easily charged double and still sell out? “I wanted to give back to all my retail partners and clients who have bought our pieces and enabled us to create for the last ten years,” he confesses. “It’s much cheaper than my other pieces, but it’s made with the exact same level of quality and innovation as all the others. We sacrificed all our margins for HMX. And because we’re a breakeven company – we’ve never made profit, we always reinvest everything – when you don’t make margins, you’re actually costing the company. The product is losing money because you need a margin to covering the structure, and the R&D, and the employees.”

The reasoning sounds dubious: Make watches that lose money in order to give back. Surely this is all marketing talk and costs are still being covered? Surely he has to still look after the bottom line? Büsser assures me otherwise: “I design and do things that make my adrenaline spike, that makes my heart beat faster, and puts a smile on my face. I’m exactly like a kid. No boundaries and no financial or commercial thoughts about it. I don’t care what people think. I know why I’m doing it, and those who are important will know. As a creator, life is better this way.”

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Fashion
9 Best moments from New York Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2020

14.09.2019
By Joan Kong

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Cheetos had a fashion show

Yes, you read that right. Cheetos—the snack brand—hosted an exclusive runway show on the first day of New York Fashion Week, showcasing its ‘Flamin’ Haute’ collection that is inspired by the bright red and orange hues of its cheese-flavoured snack. The whimsy pieces include a logo-print sling bag, polka-dot peep-toe booties, and Cheetos pins that adorned the blazer lapels.
Tomo Koizumi amped up the drama

Tomo Koizumi was no doubt the breakout star of NYFW Autumn/Winter 2019, so naturally, all eyes are on the Japanese designer as he presented his second collection at the basement of Marc Jacobs’ Madison Avenue store. And let’s just say he did not disappoint. Transgender model Ariel Nicholson‘s performed a silent play before changing into several colourful tulle gowns, before making her exit in an all-white look complete with a veil.

Janelle Monae’s performance at Ralph Lauren

We can’t think of a better name than Janelle Monae to perform at the black-and-white themed Ralph Lauren show at Ralph’s Club. After all, the star is one of the few who always manage to bring monochrome tones to a whole new level. At the Jazz Age nightclub, attendees—including Henry Golding, Mandy Moore and Cate Blanchett—were treated to an unforgettable performance by the singer, who brought the house down that night by singing on tables and more.
Tommy Hilfiger and Zendaya’s block party

For the second Tommy x Zendaya collection, Tommy Hilfiger brought guests to Harlem’s iconic Apollo Theatre, but instead of showcasing the collection in the one of the halls, the brand moved the runway to the back alley, and transformed it into a block party. This see-now-buy-now collection is inspired by the ’70s and the African-American community, and trust us when we say that the energy that night was through the roof. Another thing we love? The diverse line-up of models which included different sizes (a pregnant Ashley Graham was walked the show!), ages, and races.
Pyer Moss and Michael Kors’ live choir

Forget the typical music soundtrack—this season, a choir seemed to be the way to go. Both Pyer Moss and Michael Kors are no strangers to including live performances in their show. While it has been a tradition for Pyer Moss to soundtrack his event with the oh-so-talented Tabernacle Drip Choir, Kors has previously hired legends including Barry Manilow to sing at the event. The designer mentioned that he knew he wanted Young People’s Chorus of New York City to perform after seeing their performance for the first time.

Tom Ford’s SS20 show venue

Surprise! Instead of the streets of New York City, Tom Ford took over an abandoned platform of a subway station—which many didn’t know existed—to showcase his Spring/Summer 2020 collection. Models strutted down the runway in looks that strike the right balance between street-cool and glam. It was an unforgettable showspace, for sure.

The Blonds and Moulin Rouge’s collaboration

Luxury apparel brand The Blonds also aimed to give show-goers another new experience this season with a fashion show in collaboration with the original Moulin Rouge musical. Theatre performer and Pose star Billy Porter kick-started the show with an exhilarating performance, while array of bejeweled and printed boydsuits and sparkly headpieces graced the runway.

Rihanna’s Savage x Fenty show

Although Rihanna previously announced that no photos are allowed at her upcoming Savage x Fenty show, that didn’t stop people from posting images from the show online. Nothing much has been revealed through the photos, but fans can watch it on Amazon Prime starting September 20, and its line-up of performers including Halsey, Migos, DJ Khaled, Big Sean and more will no doubt make the event an epic one. Will the show be the next Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show? It’s heading to that direction, for sure.

Olympia Ohanian’s surprise appearance at mom’s Serena Williams’ show

What can we say? We’re a sucker for mummy-and-me moments! With 601k followers on Instagram, Alexis Olympia Ohanian Jr. is no doubt one of the most popular tots online. At Serena Williams’ S by Serena Williams show during New York Fashion Week, the two-year-old’s appearance in a black T-shirt and a pair of colourful Nike kicks during the finale definitely stole the show.

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Food + Drink
Restaurants in KL: 7 Steaming joints for delicious hotpot in the city

09.12.2019
By Ronn Tan

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In 2018, Baum + Whiteman highlighted in their annual trends report that the flavours of Eurasia, Taiwan, and Szechuan (China) will be the gastronomic centre of attention in 2019. From the cuisines of Kazakhstan to Uzbekistan to Mongolia, the report mentioned that delicacies such as chunbing (spring pancake), katsu (fried pork cutlet), stinky tofu, and hotpot are going to make waves in the culinary world—and our stomaches. Here in Malaysia, while steamboat or hot pot have been popular for a long time, the popularity seems to have surged to an all-time high. Walk by a well-known spot and you’ll notice the long queues.
What is it about this specific style of cooking that entices us so much? First of all, you have tasty broth in a boiling cauldron. Next, there is no limit to the ingredients you can use—vegetables, seafood, noodles, meat, and more. If you love hotpot or are interested to try, check out this roundup of some of the hottest restaurants to go to in Kuala Lumpur.
1. The Pot

This restaurant serves soup bases made from healthy recipes with no added MSG. The homemade style recipe hotpot comes with signature items including Shanghai dumpling, truffle pork balls, and yong tau fu. In addition to the variety of soup bases to choose from, you can compliment your palette with 21 different sauce condiments.
Address: 122A-122B, Jalan Kasah, Medan Damansara, Damansara Heights
Opening Hours: 5.30pm onwards (Daily)
Contact: 03 2011 8008
Website | Facebook | Instagram
2. Mo-Mo Paradise

Japan’s most successful shabu-shabu and sukiyaki restaurant is now here in Malaysia. This outlet, spanning 2,485 square feet, is the first in the country. The establishment has an All-You-Can-Eat concept within a time limit of 100 minutes. Meats to choose from include local sakura pork and beef airflown from Australia. You can get two distinct styles of hotpot here—shabu-shabu and sukiyaki. Shabu-Shabu is the original light broth to be enjoyed with ponzu and sesame sauce whereas sukiyaki is perfect for a richer, sweet-salty flavour. Mo-Mo Paradise is a non-halal establishment, with meals priced at RM68++ for single pot and RM76++ for mix pot per person.
Address: Level 4, Lot 10 Shopping Centre, Bukit Bintang
Opening Hours: 11am – 11pm (Daily)
Contact: 03 2110 3588
Website | Facebook | Instagram
3. Beauty In The Pot

This popular spot has just launched its second outlet in Malaysia with a space that spans over 7,000 square feet. The 280-seater branch boasts an interior design that’s different from the rest—with a pink princess theme inspired by the cherry blossoms that come every early spring. There are six soup bases here, including the Signature Beauty Collagen Broth (Scallop and Pork Broth soup), the Signature Spicy Nourishing Soup (Pork Bone), Herbal Drunken Chicken Broth, Cooling Coconut Broth, Longevity Wild Mushroom Broth (vegetarian), and Vitamin C Tomato Sweet Corn Broth. The price of a single pot starts from RM27.90. Some of the must-try items are Fish Tofu (made with yellowtail fish, soya bean, and egg white) and Ebiko Prawn Paste shaped out of 100 percent prawn meat.
Address: 3rd Floor, The Gardens Mall
Opening Hours: 11am – 2am
Contact: 03 2201 1366
Website | Facebook | Instagram
4. Coca

This well-known hotpot chain from Thailand, dating back to 1957, comes with a contemporary Thai and Chinese concept. It has now spanned three generations—evolving over the years with vibrant interiors and changeable plate presentations. The outlet in Malaysia can seat approximately 100 diners and serves their signature hotpot, famous suki sauce, and a new Southern Thai soup base exclusively designed for Malaysian patrons.
Address: Level 3, Bangsar Shopping Centre, Jalan Maarof
Opening Hours: 11am – 3pm, 6pm – 10pm
Contact: 03 2011 3575
Website | Facebook | Instagram
5. Xiao Long Kan

Established in Chengdu, China in 2014, the brand has now brought the hotpot experience to Malaysia. Expect an authentic selection of meats, fresh vegetables, handmade meatballs, innards, and offal in a myriad of broths. Their soup bases are must-haves because of the traditional recipes that are used to make them—from hundreds of years ago.
Address: Lot 03, Fahrenheit88, Jalan Bukit Bintang
Opening Hours: 2pm – 2am
Contact: 010 220 9618
Facebook | Instagram
6. Haidilao

Most Malaysians would have heard of this brand, especially with the long queues and waiting hours that it is known for. With more than 466 chains all over the world, Haidilao is synonymous with top quality soup bases and ingredients. Select from Tomato Soup Base, Mushroom Soup Hot Pot, Sichuan Spicy Hot Pot, and Three Delicacy Hot Pot. Classic dishes to try include crab sticks, fishballs, fish roe stuffed beancurds, homemade shrimp cakes, layered beef tripe, and pork jowl. Don’t forget to try the dipping sauces too!
Address:
1. G1.PT.02 Sunway Pyramid, 3, Jalan PJS 11/15, Bandar Sunway
2. Level 10, Pavillion Elite, Bukit Bintang
3. Lot G116, Ground Floor, One Utama, Lebuh Bandar Utama
Opening Hours:
1. 10.30am – 3am
2. 10.30am – 3am
3. 10am – 10pm
Contact:
1. 03 5611 5188
2. 03 2110 0520
3. 03 7661 2678
Website | Facebook | Instagram
7. Shu Xiang Lou

Here comes another hotpot brand from Chengdu, China. Shu Xiang Lou specialises in hotpot and authentic Szechuan cuisine with touches of Malaysian flavour. Although Chengdu is more than 4,828 kilometres away from Kuala Lumpur, fresh seafood, quality meats, and vegetables are still hand-selected and imported directly.
Address: Lot 2-3A, The Linc KL, Jalan Tun Razak
Opening Hours: 10am – 10pm
Contact: 018 269 5251
Facebook | Instagram

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Lifestyle
Chinese New Year 2020: 8 Not-so-basic gifts your hosts will love

14.01.2020
By Charmaine Loh

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Ready for the slew of annual house visits this Chinese New Year? One of the many unspoken rules of #CNY house visits is to never go empty-handed, but what else can you bring along besides the staple combo of mandarin oranges and pineapple tarts? Below, glean eight Chinese New Year gift ideas your friends and family members would likely appreciate:
Royce’ chocolates

For the festive season, Royce’ has launched an array of chocolate goodies that will make pique anyone’s taste buds. Take your pick from one (or all) of the three new additions: Royce’ Street, Potatochip Chocolate and Nutty Bar Chocolate.
Carefully crafted from globally-sourced quality ingredients, premium cacao beans and fresh Hokkaido milk, these luxurious Japanese treats are perfect as gifts or for your guests. The collection is also elegantly wrapped in shades of red and gold with delicate floral motifs to reflect the festivities.
Available online and in Royce’ boutiques nationwide. For more information, visit this website.
Whittard of Chelsea tea gift sets

To celebrate the Year of the Rat, Whittard of Chelsea has introduced two CNY-exclusive packaging designs: mini caddies embellished with prosperous plum blossoms and peonies, and boxes with graphic illustrations of rats and well wishes in Mandarin. The mini caddies come in three flavours—Coconut Oolong, Chelsea Breakfast and Lucky Lychee, while the boxes come in two flavours—Milk Oolong and Lucky Lychee.
Drop by their store in 1 Utama Shopping Centre to check out these limited-edition exclusives. For more information, visit this website.
TWG Hanami Teapot in Red

Got a relative/friend who’s a tea aficionado? Score a teapot from TWG to make their day. The Hanami Teapot from TWG is now available in a deep red shade with cherry blossom engraving—perfectly apt for this CNY. Made from cast iron and enamelled to prevent it from rusting, the teapot is suitable to brew any type of tea.
Visit any TWG stores (The Gardens, Pavillion KL, Bangsar Shopping Centre and KLIA) to discover their full range of teapots. For more information, visit this website.
Johnnie Walker Blue Label

If your relative is more inclined to a good bottle of whiskey over Chinese tea, Johnnie Walker’s limited edition Blue Label Rat Pack may just be up his/her alley. This limited edition bottle is designed by artist Shirley Gong and is inspired by the vitality and positivity of the rat.
Crafted in Scotland, only one in every 10,000 casks has the elusive quality, character and flavour to deliver the signature taste of Johnnie Walker Blue Label. The drinker can expect initial notes of vanilla, honey and rose petals before broadening out to include a zesty orange flavour with notes of hazelnut, sherry and dark chocolate.
For more information, visit this website.
Nespresso coffee capsule assortment pack

In conjunction with CNY, Nespresso has launched an assortment of five-sleeve and 10-sleeve coffee capsule sets, including their best-selling coffee capsules such as Master Origin India, Columbia and Ethopia. With this gift, anyone can brew cafe-grade coffee right in the comfort of their homes. Purchase any 10-sleeve assortment pack to be eligible for a RM188 discount on espresso machines and a RM288 discount on milk and latte machines.
For more information, visit this website.
Crème De La Crème (CDLC) ice cream gift set

Dessert is a foolproof option to gift anyone—and these super cute CNY-themed ones? Irresistible is an understatement. CDLC has curated an ice cream petits gâteaux gift set this festive season, featuring four adorable designs: I moved your cheese, Kum-ilicious, Baby, you’re a Firecracker and Lucky Koi—each with different flavours.
Priced at RM88, these gift sets are available for pre-order now—collect it from 16 – 23 January and 26 January – 9 February. Planning on visiting the store soon for a cold treat? These sets are available for dine-in as well.
For more information, visit this website.

Eu Yan Sang gift sets and hampers

The century-old brand has been offering traditional Chinese medicine for healthcare and wellness, and this festive season, you can shop a variety of gift sets and hampers with products such as bird’s nest, essence of chicken and abalone.
Prices range from RM60 to RM36,888. For more information, visit this website.
Amazin’ Graze Lunar New Year Variety Nuts Box

Snacking is inevitable when you’re visiting friends and family this festive season, but here’s how you can add a healthy spin to the snack table this year. Check out Amazin’ Graze’s newly-launched gift boxes that include eight different nut mixes with flavours such as spicy mala and pandan coconut—there is surely something for everyone.
For more information, visit this website.

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Features
Making the right choices: how you can do your part to ensure a brighter fashion future
'Cause saving the planet is the thing to do

10.04.2017
By Buro247

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With CO2 emissions second only to the petroleum industry and accounting for ten percent of the world’s total carbon footprint, what consumers often fail to realise is the impact the garment industry has on our planet. Whether a person claims to love or loathe fashion, everything item of clothing you put on your body is a choice: whether it be a beautifully embroidered denim jacket from Gucci or sweatpants from Kmart that tell the world you’ve given up; however you choose to present yourself to the world has an invariable effect on the environment and humanity.

From toxic chemicals being released into waterways and the amount of waste that goes into landfills, to enforced labour and horrific working conditions, it is our responsibility as consumers and as inhabitants of this earth to give more thought to the way our clothing is produced. Being sustainable goes beyond sorting out your recycling or choosing the organic option at the grocery store—we need to remember that the choices we make and the clothing we buy can have direct impact on other peoples’ lives.

The fashion supply chain employs tens of millions of people around the world—from cotton-pickers, embroiderers, seamstresses, designers and retail staff—and unless you are a full-time nudist, choosing to ignore the problem is no longer a viable solution. As we approach the fourth anniversary of the Rana Plaza disaster in Dhaka, Bangladesh in which 1,129 garment workers perished and more than 2,200 were injured, we must remember that all too often, the true cost of fashion has been paid for with human lives. It should be a basic tenet of humanity to be informed and to make a conscious effort to support the wellbeing of our fellow man: to be curious, to ask the hard questions and to actively seek answers.
The garment industry accounts for 80 percent of Bangladesh’s foreign trade, employing approximately four million people, some of whose monthly wage dips as low as USD68 (RM300) a month.
61 percent of clothing companies do not know where their garments are made, which in turn makes it safe to say that they have no idea of the working conditions of the people who make these clothes. The garment industry accounts for 80 percent of Bangladesh’s foreign trade, employing approximately four million people, some of whose monthly wage dips as low as USD68 (RM300) a month. It is akin to modern slavery: workers endure long, exhausting hours with no overtime, often in unsafe working environments, earning barely enough money to sustain a dignified life. The Rana Plaza building housed factories that made clothes for brands such as Primark, Walmart and Benetton—big corporations that profited from the disgustingly cheap labour provided. For months, workers had raised concerns about the cracks in the building and its crumbling foundations but were paid no mind until the building collapsed on 24 April 2013.

Our first step to this process is to think of the purchases you make. It is a remarkably simple rule to live by: BUY LESS, SPEND MORE. Classic, well-made clothing will remain a beloved member of your closet for a much longer time than cheap, trendy pieces. Natural materials such as cotton, silk and wool are also easier to recycle and are less harmful to the environment, as nylon, polyester and other synthetic materials can take 1,000 years to break down. Do you need ten pairs of cheap jeans in your wardrobe? Jeans that will begin to fade and lose its shape after a couple of washes, only to end up in a landfill where it will take years to disintegrate? Or would you be better off spending more money on a couple of really well-made pairs, dyed in natural indigo and that will serve you faithfully for upwards of five years, molding to your body and fading with time getting all the more beautiful with every repair.

Put in the simplest terms: as long as there is demand for clothing made at a ridiculously low price (at the expense of its makers), conditions will never be able to improve to an acceptable, humane standard. The responsibility lies with the customer to make mindful decisions: to research, to think and to make conscious choices with their purchases. The age of information provides us with a wealth of resources that are readily available; our only duty is to want to see and to question. We’re not always going to get it right but the first step must be to try, because all good intentions are meaningless without action.

Further reading:
Making sustainability the new sexy
Buro 24/7 Exclusive: An interview with Yael Aflalo of Reformation
H&M makes sustainability fashionable

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Collections
5 Things to know about Virgil Abloh’s Louis Vuitton debut

23.06.2018
By Joan Kong

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1.     Held at the Palais-Royale Garden, over 1,000 guests—excluding 1,500 local design students invited to by the designer—braved the afternoon heat to watch Virgil Abloh’s first collection as Louis Vuitton’s new menswear artistic director. On their seats? A book that contains his “liberal definition of terms and explanation of ideas”. The catwalk was in gradient rainbow hues that complemented the theme of the collection, “colour as metaphor”.

2.     Known for his army of celebrity friends, the star-studded FROW include supermodels Naomi Campbell and Natalia Nadianova; athletes Victor Cruz and Russell Westbrook; rappers A$AP Rocky and Travis Scott; It-girls Bella Hadid and Kylie Jenner; actors Alexander Skarsgård and Chadwick Boseman; pop stars Rihanna and Rita Ora; not forgetting longtime collaborator Kanye West, who attended the show with Kim Kardashian. Kim Jones, the previous menswear artistic director (who will be making his debut at Dior Homme tonight) was also present to lend his support. Aside from that, the designer also featured some of his famous friends such as Kid Cudi, Dev Hynes, and A$AP Nast in the model line-up.
{insert gallery tpl=”slide-freesize.tpl” id=”[Стандартная] Louis Vuitton Men’s SS19 celebs” rid=”6299″ order=”a_tstamp”}

3.     Made up of 56 looks, the show opened with a series of all-white ensembles before diving into other colours such as brown, green, red and blue. Differing slightly from his predecessor Kim Jones’ crisp tailoring aesthetic, Virgil injected his streetwear flair into the collection. From blazers to casual yet streamlined parkas and bomber jackets, the array of outerwear was mostly paired with baggy trousers and sneakers, and hoodies were juxtaposed with sleek duster coats. We love the pops of neon that appeared halfway through the collection in the form of vests and gloves, and the camouflage, floral and tie-dye prints that gave the mostly monochrome ensembles that added interest. The closing look, was a silver poncho with a “Follow the Yellow Brick” patch, which is a reference to The Wizard of Oz. Below, some of the most eye-catching looks from the collection:
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4.     The accessories were equally statement-making. There were chest rigs, utility belts made up of a few mini Petit-Malles, furry backpacks and embossed duffle bags, but our favourite, is the carryall in plastic and iridescent colour. Abloh’s debut sneaker for the brand was also revealed. The black-and-silver ankle-strap high-top exudes that bit of retro feel, with red accents and the “Vuitton” word on the soles.
{insert gallery tpl=”slide-freesize.tpl” id=”[Стандартная] Louis Vuitton Men’s SS19 details” rid=”6301″ order=”a_tstamp”}

5.     One of the most talked about moments of the show, was definitely Virgil Abloh’s finale walk, where he shared an emotional hug with Kanye West. Virgil Abloh has been the longtime creative director of Kanye West’s projects as a whole.

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Beauty
Nike We Run KL 2016: Interview with Coaches Sue and Din
5 weeks and counting

07.03.2016
By Cai Mei Khoo

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Taking place on 10 April 2016, if you were lucky enough to nab a spot in Nike’s annual We Run KL 2016 race, you have just 5 weeks left to train up for it. Whether it’s your first or your tenth half marathon, here’s advice from two veteran runners to help you finish the race in your best time yet. Stopwatches at the ready…

How long have you been running?
Coach Din (D): 14 years.
Coach Sue (S): I’ve been running since 2007, so almost 9 years now.

How did you get into it?
D: I have been running long distance since I was in school, with the motivation from my mother’s passing. I started off by participating in 1,500m, 5,000m, and 10,000m runs, then eventually joining half and full marathons.
S: I started running as I wanted to get into triathlons.

Your proudest achievement so far?
D: Representing Malaysia in the 2007 SEA Games in Korat, Thailand. I’m also the only Malaysian to have represented our country in the Marathon in Nairobi, Kenya back in 2004. Another achievement that I’m proud of would be hitting my personal best time (2 hours 33 minutes) at a marathon in Pyongyang, North Korea.
S: As an athlete, representing Malaysia in Triathlon at the 28th SEA Games in Singapore last year. As a coach, being Nike’s official running coach!

What do you enjoy the most about running?
D: Running combines stamina, strength and cardio exercises. Every race brings forth a new challenge. My idols in running are Steve Prefontaine and Haile Gebrselassie, and a big dream of mine is to one day go to Oregon, which is where Prefontaine is from.
S: The challenge of getting faster at my chosen distance.

We’re 5 weeks away from We Run KL 2016. Please share some tips for runners preparing for the race?
D: Look at building on endurance, speed and power. For endurance, runners have to train themselves to run longer distances from 10km and above. For this, runners should run 6 days a week. For speed, runners have to do certain trainings that help with this such as interval running, fartlek, and tempo run. For power, runners have to do weigh training at the gym as well as hill runs to build more strength to run. The hill training runs should only be done once a week.
S: Get onto a training plan – with a plan you’ll be more likely to achieve your goals. Plus you can log how much training you have done and will see if you are on track. Nike+ app has a coach function that helps with this! Ensure you recover well – as mileage increases, your body needs to adapt to this increased demand so make sure you have enough sleep and rest days for recovery. It’s also a good thing to go for regular sports massages to help with any muscle soreness and speeding up recovery. Find the right gears for your running – Find the right pair of shoes and running apparel that fits your body and type of running. You will be using these gears for a long race so make sure you are comfortable in it and it doesn’t hurt you. Try to aim for at least 35-40km per week. You can spread the total run mileage out into 4 or 5 runs a week. Many inexperienced runners don’t get in enough base mileage and that’s where they will get into trouble on race day.

What can runners do to avoid injury?
D: One of the main things runners should do is stretch. Always stretch before and after a run for about 5-10 minutes, which helps in avoiding injuries.
S: Increase weekly running volume slowly and try to spread it out over the whole week. Increasing volume too quickly can lead to injury. Ensure you give your legs some easy or rest days between hard running sessions. For every hard day of running, follow it with at least one day of easy running. Include strengthening exercises into your training program to help with muscle imbalances and thus protect tendons and joints from injury. Reduce any over-pronation of the feet by wearing the correct type of shoes for your feet and running mechanics.

Your must-haves for a half marathon?
D: A pair of good running shoes for long distance, socks that aren’t too thick and a running vest that doesn’t stick to your body when you run.
S: Nike Zoom Elite 8 shoes, and my sunglasses!

What other exercises should runners do to make sure they’re in their best possible form for We Run KL?
D: Runners can do weight training to gain more energy and hill training runs to improve on the strength of their legs which would help in your overall form for We Run KL.
S: Runners should practise running form drills and strengthening exercises, especially for the core muscles, to help improve running mechanics. Run drills are like the A-skips, B-skips and Butt kicks. Examples of strengthening exercises would be basic planks, side planks, bird-dog, back extensions and hip extensions.

Do you recommend using a foam roller?
D: In my opinion and experience, it is not necessary. Simple exercises like a short jog and stretching after training are important basic practices that runners should always do to warm-up and cool down. Foam rollers are an alternative for athletes who aren’t capable of stretching to warm up and cool down their bodies, so it would really depend on the individual and what is best for you.
S: Yes, I would recommend foam rolling for both warm up and cool downs. Find a foam roller that is not too dense as this can hurt your muscles more than it should. Roll each muscle in short back and forth movements. If you find a knot in your muscle, you can just apply pressure at that point for about 30 seconds and release. Foam rolling should not be too painful, the goal is to restore healthy muscles not a pain tolerance test! Do not roll a joint or bone. Avoid rolling your lower back or neck areas as these areas are more sensitive and require more professional attention.

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Fashion
Stocking stuffer ideas: Designer AirPods cases that are too cute to resist

13.11.2020
By Joan Kong

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

When it comes to the hottest fashion accessories of the year, bags—from Dior, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, and more—are undoubtedly cinching the top spot, but there are a few unlikely items that have also made it onto the It-list. Seeing how face masks are considered a daily essential, there’s now a slew of designer pieces available, and to zhuzh them up (and keep them in place), chic face mask chains have also been making waves in the past few months.
The latest of the lot will probably come as a surprise, but it’s one you shouldn’t ignore. Enter designer AirPods cases—the trendy yet practical accessory no one can say no to. More and more luxury fashion houses have been hopping on the tech case bandwagon as of late, but can we blame them? Seeing how the mini-bag trend is still going strong, the itty-bitty purses will only take the cuteness to the next level. With the festivities coming right up, trust us when we say that these AirPods cases are the perfect luxury stocking fillers for anyone on your list—it’s a sure crowd-pleaser!
Check out all the designer picks—for both AirPods and AirPods Pro—below:
AirPods

Devotion AirPods case, Dolce & Gabbana

Baguette FF motif AirPods case, Fendi

TB monogram e-canvas AirPods case, Burberry

Matelassé chain AirPods case, Miu Miu

Logo-plaque AirPods case, Prada

AirPods cover, Off-White

Intrecciato leather AirPods case, Bottega Veneta

Logo AirPods case, Saint Laurent

Abstract-print AirPods case, Emilio Pucci

Logo AirPods case, GCDS

AirPods Pro

Engraved AirPods Pro holder, Fendi

Ophidia AirPods Pro case, Gucci

VLogo AirPods Pro case, Valentino

Leather AirPods Pro case, Prada

Intrecciato AirPods Pro case, Bottega Veneta

Logo-print AirPods case, Palm Angels

AirPods Pro holder, 3.1 Phillip Lim

Embossed logo AirPods case, Ports V

AirPods case, Mulberry

Crystal embellished AirPods case, Rosantica

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Beauty
You can now wake up to renewed skin thanks to Estée Lauder
Forty winks too early

06.01.2016
By Wei Yeen Loh

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

The daily stressors of worklife can wreak havoc to your skin, and you don’t always need to splurge on expensive facials to keep your skin in check. Sheet masks can offer the same benefits if you routinely indulge in it every week. Estée Lauder’s newest sheet mask, the Advanced Night Repair Concentrated Recovery PowerFoil Mask is the first of its kind that resets the look of your skin. As per its (lengthy) name, this “dual-matrix” foil-backed sheet mask is developed with exclusive repair technology that drives the potent formula into the skin’s surface. Don’t be surprised if you woke up with healthier, younger-looking skin.

How this works is largely based on the “dual-matrix” system: The inside matrix releases the concentrated treatment, whereas the outside foil matrix enhances penetration (25 times faster than a traditional cotton sheet mask too!) Thanks to hyaluronic acid and potent blend of anti-irritants including Lady’s Thistle and Birch Extract, your skin will be wholly hydrated and soothed overnight. Fatigued, tired skin begone!

Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Concentrated Recovery PowerFoil Mask is available at Estée Lauder counters nationwide and online at www.esteelauder.com.my.

Related stories:
This way to induce colour envy: Joan Smalls for Estée LauderGet a natural ‘facelift’ with the Estée Lauder New Dimension

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Makeup
3D highlighting: What is it and how can I recreate the look?

14.12.2021
By Redzhanna Jazmin

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How to nail the Barbiecore look (and everything you’ll need to do it)

We predicted that hime haircuts would be the it-girl trend of 2021 (and we were right), so we’re just going to go ahead and take another stab at the art of prophecy. Our guess for 2022’s hottest makeup trend? 3D highlighting.
A high-impact yet easy-to-achieve technique, 3D highlighting has been designed to give your complexion stunning depth, complete with the coveted glass skin finish from all angles.
Touted by makeup artists like Nam Vo and Robert Welsh, while the multi-dimensional shimmer technique is set to blow up next year, why wait? Sport it at your upcoming Christmas and New Year’s Eve parties and dazzle your peers (as you should).
If you’re keen to get glowing, we’ve got everything you need to recreate this holiday-ready trend below, from the best tips for dewy bliss to our picks for perfect palettes:

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While many tend to shy away from shimmery finishes (especially those with skin texture), celebrity makeup artist and self-proclaimed “dewy dumpling” Nam Vo urges you to embrace the shimmer and glow-getting life. Here are some tips for the 3D beat that she lives by:
READ: Celebrity makeup artist Nam Vo on how to get deliciously dewy skin
What is 3D highlighting? What makes it so “3D”?
Glad you asked! The concept behind 3D highlighting is pretty simple—the idea is to emphasise the features and sculpt the face while setting your makeup, which keeps your complexion looking dewy and soft. The technique also helps to reflect light, which gives your skin a more diffused finish. The best part about 3D highlighting, aside from the beautiful finish, is how mask-friendly it is!
There are a few ways to pull this off: The first is to layer your powder highlighter over your base. While it sounds like an intimidating process, it’s actually very simple. Just apply your contour and blush as normal (you can use either cream or powder products here—it’s up to you!), and layer your highlighter product over the top. The key is to use highlighters in a range of shades to really hone in on the sculpting factor. The second way is to use two different highlighter finishes (but more on that later).

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Okay, I’m sold. Got any tips for me?
Yes we do! Here are eight tips we learned from the pros when it comes to the multi-dimensional beat:
TIP #1: Every great glow starts with a good base. That’s why you shouldn’t shy away from face oil. Rather, find one that absorbs into you skin easily, such as the Drunk Elephant Virgin Marula Luxury Facial Oil, and be sparing with it. However, if you have particularly oily skin, you can give this step a skip in lieu of an oil-free primer instead.
TIP #2: Apply your foundation, contour, and blush, then powder the T-zone. However, keep any powdering to a minimum—the key is to kill shine and oil, not your glow.
TIP #3: Use more hydrating, “wetter” concealers under the eye as the area is notoriously dry and thin. Keep “drier” formulations to areas with hyperpigmentation and acne.
TIP #4: Don’t forget to blot your T-zone throughout the day—again, you want to get rid of any oil as it will break down your base and make you look greasy as opposed to glowy.
TIP #5: Once your base is properly laid, pop open your highlighter palette and get to work—Nam Vo suggests using highlighters with different shades that correspond with the colour of your contour, blusher, and highlight.
TIP #6: Apply each shade over their corresponding areas. For a more seamless powder-over-liquid application, start in the area where you want your pigment to be strongest, and blend from there.
TIP #7: When applying highlighter, make sure that you’re constantly moving your head around—you’ll want to apply the product wherever your bone structure catches light naturally.
TIP #8: Don’t be afraid to layer your highlighters! If your highlight isn’t popping enough for your tastes, fret not—as suggested by Robert Welsh below, layering a fine glitter just in the centre of your shimmer streak will give it an extra pop of drama without looking too overdone.

Robert Welsh on using two different highlight textures to create extra dimension within your features
And voila! At this point, you should be wrapping up your makeup routine with a stunning, sculpted complexion that catches the light in all the right ways.
Get the look with these multi-dimensional highlighter palettes:
Natasha Denona
Bronze Cheek Face Glow Palette, RM240

SHOP HERE
Fenty Beauty
Diamond Bomb Highlighter Palette, RM190

SHOP HERE
Hourglass
Ambient Lighting Edit — Universe (Limited Edition), RM125

SHOP HERE
Dior Beauty
Dior Glow Face Palette, RM202

SHOP HERE
MAC Cosmetics
Step Bright Up Extra Dimension Skinfinish Highlighter Palette (Limited Edition), RM179

SHOP HERE
Huda Beauty
Glow Obsessions Mini Face Palette, RM125

SHOP HERE

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Fashion
How teeth jewellery became Gen Z’s latest fashion craze

17.08.2021
By Kelly Lim

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

The Y2K movement has just spawned another revival and this time it’s in the form of sparkling tooth gems, seen all over social media and on celebrities from Marc Jacobs to Iris Law. The trend is exactly what it sounds like: tiny rhinestones, charms or crystals bonded to the enamel with an adhesive as non-invasive oral decorations and a semi-permanent way to add some extra shine to your smile. Over on TikTok, #toothgem has racked up over 147 million views with some young creators driving dentists crazy by flaunting bejewelled grins DIY-ed at home.

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@jocelynmeiereReply to @nevaeh_clubb #fyp #teethgems
Youll get over it

These mouth adornments are nothing new. Though its latest resurgence has been most associated with the ‘90s (when it comes to Gen Z, what isn’t?), the decorative practice extends back to ancient Mayan civilisations. From about 300 CE to 900 CE, kings and queens used to drill holes in their teeth and fill them with jade to augment their appearance and assert social status. The lighter coloured the jade, the wealthier the wearer. While cosmetic dentistry has continued within Hispanic cultures, other societies around the world also took part in the form of beautification across different points in time, from the gold-pegged teeth of tribes in the Philippines to unearthed Ming Dynasty skulls displaying intricate fish scale patterns as tooth enhancements.
It wasn’t until the ’80s that smile-inducing accessories emerged in American popular culture in the form of gold caps and grills, alongside the rise of hip-hop. While its earliest predecessor was worn by rich Etruscan women, grills were popularised by the Black American community with notable rappers and artists like Big Daddy Kane and Flava Flav of Public Enemy sporting custom mouth bling created by New York jeweller Eddie Plein. In 2005, the dental trend went mainstream with Nelly’s hit single ‘Grillz‘, which was accompanied by a music video that showed the rapper surrounded by models and guys parading around with jewel-encrusted teeth.

Since then, opulent mouth jewellery has spilt across the music scene and expanded into mainstream celebrity culture. In recent years, everyone from Madonna and Miley Cyrus to Rihanna and Katy Perry has taken their turn with the trend; the latter wore a gemstone-and-diamond-encrusted grill that currently holds the Guinness world record as the most valuable one yet at the hefty price of US$1 million. In 2017, Adwoa Aboah made her debut as the new face of Marc Jacobs Beauty with a gold charm adorning her left front tooth––a now signature look for the model. Meanwhile, a debate was sparked on Twitter as the wave of celebrity teeth bling grew, with people calling out tone-deaf news stories and stars who deemed the accessory as something entirely new.

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A post shared by Marc Jacobs Beauty (@marcjacobsbeauty)

Today, teeth jewellery has grown beyond just an unattainable wealth flex. In the hands of Gen Z, the art of mouth adornments have become a more accessible form of self-expression. From singular gems to charms and multi-coloured crystals in all shapes and forms, pimped out smiles now come in diverse appearances that allow people to show off their personality and style. Over the last year, plenty of tooth gem artists have popped up across Instagram to offer custom creations with some reimagining accessories to take dentures to a whole new level. While jewellery designer Clova Rae-Smith approaches the art form with a sculptural twist, makeup artist Lisa Machalik has been experimenting with dreamy marbled ornaments to create teeth modifications that challenge traditional beauty standards.

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News
7 Things to do in KL this weekend during RMCO: 5 & 6 September 2020

03.09.2020
By Lea Rina

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

1. Taste the tantalising Penfolds G4

The Penfolds G4 is a complex blend of four exquisite (and their most expensive!) wines: Grange vintages from 2002, 2004, 2008 and 2016. The result has been defined as sleek, opulent and bold and has been bottled in only 2,500 bottles, available around the world. If you can get your hands on it, we assure you, it’s definitely a keeper!
2. Spend a tranquil weekend at the Kechara Forest Retreat

Looking for a quick and quiet forest retreat? The Kechara Forest Retreat (KFR) offers just that, and a little more. Only a five-minute drive away from the Bentong city centre—and with the stunning Chamang waterfall within its vicinity—the KFR promises a relaxing nature escape, featuring meditation and spirituality programs, yoga, and the lush greenery surrounding it.
For more information visit this website.
3. Have a good laugh at the Hello. Cannot. Kam comedy show

Wine and dine in the presence of the hilarious Comedy Queen Joanne Kam at Jin Gastrobar as it’ll be hosting her Hello. Cannot. Kam stand-up comedy show. Steven Bones will also be there as the special guest so you’ll be sure to expect double the laughter.
*The dinners on 10 and 11 September are now sold out. Book your slots for either 12 or 13 September instead!
Tickets are priced at RM200 and RM300. For more info or to purchase them, visit this website.
4. Indulge in a visual treat with Le Petit Chef at the Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur

Join the world’s smallest chef this weekend for a theatrical dining experience! Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur is now the only place in KL that hosts this unique dining experience! Featuring a delicious six-course menu, a charming 3D character and sensational theatrics, all your senses will be captivated.
The Le Petit Chef dining experience is priced at:

RM399 per person for the Marco Polo’s Journey
RM599 per person for the Marco Polo’s Expedition
RM199 for the Marco Polo’s Little Voyager (kids menu).

For more information, visit this website.
5. Create something memorable at a pottery workshop, 3pm-6pm, 6 Sept

The Weekend Workshop hosts an array of fun workshops such as soap making, painting, baking, and so much more! This Sunday, however, they’ll be hosting a guided pottery workshop that’s suitable for beginners.
For more information, contact 01121776974 via WhatsApp.
6. Try Santan’s new and interesting flavours

How does a scoop of Pak Nasser’s Nasi Lemak ice cream and/or Pandan Dodol ice cream sound? If you’re intrigued, you don’t have to wonder further because these two interesting flavours are real and available for a limited time only.
These ice cream flavours are a special collaboration between Santan and local ice cream artisan, Crème De La Crème (CDLC), and is their love letter to Malaysia.
At RM8.80 either in a cup or cone, the flavours are available at Santan Mid Valley and Sunway Pyramid outlets; andCrème De La Crème’s Uptown Damansara and Mont Kiara outlets.
7. Enjoy a decadent afternoon tea at The Ruma Hotel Kuala Lumpur

Treat yourself and some friends to a lovely afternoon tea at Seven, the hotel’s bar/lounge. Expect treats of the sweet and savoury in a delicate mix of Malaysian delights and Western influences. Think scones, layer cakes and delectable sandwiches.
Available every Saturday and Sunday (3pm – 6pm), and priced at RM115 per person. For reservations, call +603 2778 0888 or email [email protected].
For more information visit this website.
For last week’s list of things to do, click here.

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Buro Loves
The best limited-edition beauty merch to stock up on this Chinese New Year

26.01.2019
By Wei Yeen Loh

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

It’s T-10 to the lunar new year and now that you’ve already got your facial/nails/lash appointments all set for next week, don’t forget to restock your beauty bag with skincare and makeup essentials for a radiant look before hitting up all the yee sang dinners.
Our favourite beauty brands are taking the Year of the Boar very seriously by upping the ante with a plethora of unique designs. Take your pick from YSL Beauty’s cushion foundation that will give your skin a flawless finish (can we also talk about how beautiful the packaging is?) to Sulwhasoo’s bestselling serum that packs a punch for your skin. Extra points go to all the super ‘ong‘ designs (SK-II, Guerlain, L’Occitane and more) that are the red you need to reign in luck and prosperity this year.
Usher your luck this lunar new year with these beauty favourites on our list:
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Features
All the suave street style spotted at Pitti Uomo 92
Hats on

18.06.2017
By Su Fen Tan

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

Goodbye for now Florence, and hello Milan—but before that, here’s a lesson or two in dressing for the season by the sartorially savvy at Pitti Uomo. While sharp tailoring still remains a regular sight, it looks like casual, looser silhouettes had their fair share of fun in the sun. Summer also came through in pops of colours and plenty of panama hats. Here’s a look at some of the best street style moments:
{insert gallery tpl=”slide-freesize.tpl” id=”pitti uomo SS18 streetstyle” rid=”5146″ order=”a_tstamp”}
Related stories:
Top 3 shows at Pitti Uomo 92 in Florence
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Fashion
Mad about plaid: 5 things you need to know and 10 tips to make them your own

05.09.2018
By Stephanie Boey

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Think plaid and images of ’90s grunge, Scottish history and Clueless (1995) come to mind—a diverse group of cultural and historical references. The term plaid is commonly used interchangeably with checks. Both they have similar physical traits, but are not identical. The rule of thumb—all plaids are checks but not all checks are plaid.
#1 What is plaid?  Today, it refers to a pattern that comprises of crossed horizontal and vertical bands of varying sizes and colours that meet at a 90 degree angle, reminscent of the criss-crossed lines on Scotland’s traditional apparel—the great kilt—a garment worn on the left shoulder as part of the national costume.
#2 What about tartan?This refers to the specific and identifying lines woven into the plaid of Noble Scottish families, who have their own signifying pattern, specific to their clan ie. tartan is a type plaid.
 #3 The pattern has been on the moon  In 1969 Alan Bean an America astronaut of Scottish heritage took a piece of his family tartan during his Apollo 12 mission. Contrary to popular belief, he did not leave it behind in space.
 #4 Wearing plaid was once illegal The checkered print became the uniform associated with rebel forces after the Jacobite Risings which saw a series of wars between Great Britain and Ireland. The British parliament implicated Dress Act 1746 to legally ban the apparel and was only lifted in 1782.  #5 You may be pronouncing it wrong  If you’re reading this article in order, you would’ve read the word ‘plaid’ 10 times. How do you pronunce it? Say the word out loud. Does it sound like ‘played’ or does it rhyme with ‘bled’? Does it matter and is there a correct pronunciation? The origins of the word come from an old Gaelic term, whereby the -ai sound is pronounced as a short -a.

Now that you know a little bit more about the crosshatch print, here are some of our favourite checkered looks from Acne Studios, Dries Van Noten, MSGM and Self-portrait that graced the runway for Autumn/Winter 2018, and tips to make it your own.
{insert gallery tpl=”slide-freesize.tpl” id=”[Стандартная] Mad about plaid” rid=”6490″ order=”a_tstamp”}
On the hunt for plaid? Head to Club 21’s multi-label online store for a selection of the famous checkered print.

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Watches
The revived Cartier Tank Asymétrique is now part of the exclusive Cartier Privé collection

08.01.2021
By Wei Yeen Loh

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The Cartier Privé collection is about history and modernity

Cartier’s exclusive Cartier Privé collection has just gotten a new addition and it’s none other than the new Tank Asymétrique watch. The Cartier Privé is a selection of the maison’s most exemplary timepieces that include the Crash watch, the Tank Cintrée and the Tonneau watch.

Cartier Tank Asymetrique

The new Tank Asymétrique is a revamped variation of the original Parallélogramme or Losange that was launched in 1936—an innovative timepiece that was unlike any of the traditional watches of that time. The latest Tank Asymétrique is fitted with the Manufacture 1917 MC movement, and has two horizontal shafts connected by two oblique ones, coupled with numerals off-set by 30° to the right. The Arabic numerals and separating indexes have also been redesigned for a current look.
The Tank Asymétrique is available in three options: pink gold with a grey dial and strap, yellow gold with a champagne dial and brown strap, and platinum with a silver-coloured dial, ruby cabochon and grey strap. Note that the made-to-measure straps come with an ardillon buckle, and each colour is only limited to 100 numbered pieces.

Cartier Tank AsymetriqueCartier Tank Asymétrique skeleton watches
If you’re a fan of peeking through the bare bones of a timepiece, you’d like the Cartier Tank Asymétrique skeleton watch. The 9623 MC skeleton movement is the highlight here, appearing in the middle of a bare structure and accented with the “12” and “6” numerals. This exclusively-developed calibre was designed meticulously to fit within an asymmetric watch—a fine reason why the Tank Asymétrique is the latest addition to the Cartier Privé collection.
The Tank Asymétrique skeleton watch is available in pink gold on a brown/grey strap, in platinum on a blue/back strap, and in a gem-set platinum version with a black/glossy blue strap. All watches are made-to-measure and limited to 100 numbered pieces per aesthetic as well.

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Beauty
8 Gorgeous beauty looks from the 2023 Golden Globes that we loved

11.01.2023
By Redzhanna Jazmin

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

The Golden Globes’ red carpet has set the bar high for 2023’s award season. Find our favourite beauty looks below.
This year’s award season is off to a strong start with the 2023 Golden Globes. The red carpet was filled with Hollywood’s best and brightest, and they came with the beauty looks to match.
From Rihanna’s sculptural hairdo to Jenna Ortega’s big departure from her Wednesday character, there was no shortage of looks to inspire. Ahead, find our picks for the cream of the crop (and find the expert-backed secrets behind some of the red carpet stunners, too!):

Jenna Ortega

The Wednesday star has made a departure from her namesake character’s signature monochrome, replacing her gothic edge with Tiffany diamonds and a Gucci gown. However, what really caught our eye was her brand new auburn lob, paired with an accented double wing. The look is a winner!

Rihanna

She may have missed the red carpet, but Rihanna did not miss with this look. Keeping her makeup fairly simple, her sculptural curls were the highlight of this beauty ensemble.

Emma D’Arcy

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The crying girl aesthetic got an edgy update with Emma D’Arcy, who took to the red carpet with brow slits, a cropped indigo pixie and matching blue glitter tears.

Margot Robbie

Fresh-faced beauty has never looked easier than it does on Barbie star Margot Robbie. Rouged cheeks, a berry lip and effortless waves are the perfect combo for the actress. We love the pared-back look!

Selena Gomez

Bleached brows may be making their way into our current beauty zeitgeist, but Selena Gomez isn’t done with the bold brow movement that dominated the last decade. Pair that with a high-to-the-heavens pony and you’ve got a look that’s equal parts polished and youthful.

Michelle Yeoh

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A post shared by Michelle Yeoh (@michelleyeoh_official)

Now better known as Malaysia’s first Golden Globes Award winner (and all-time national treasure), Michelle Yeoh stunned on the red carpet with her waist-length, balayaged locks.
The secret to her sleek strands? According to hairstylist Robert Vetica, a combination of the Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer and Corrale Straightener is what made the look.

Lily James

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Lily James stunned with this Hollywood-meets-’90s-inspired look. While the nude lip and shimmery lids are certainly a pretty sight, the real showstopper was the bombshell lob. Voluminous and side-parted, hairstylist Halley Brisker used tape-in extensions to add volume in the front and achieve that signature ‘lick’.

Meg Stalter

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Comedian Meg Stalter channelled the ’90s in full force for the red carpet, sporting this polished updo of ringlets.

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The Wuhan coronavirus is now a “global health emergency”—what does it mean?

31.01.2020
By Rachel Au

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We’ve covered everything you need to know about the Wuhan coronavirus in Malaysia here (including live updates, what the government is doing and how to prevent it). But now that the World Health Organisation (WHO) has officially declared the new coronavirus to be a global health emergency, does that mean people can truly panic now and assume it’s a zombie apocalypse movie happening in real life?

The full statement by @DrTedros on IHR Emergency Committee on new #coronavirus https://t.co/4Ui8D6Mke8 pic.twitter.com/92rihQmclE
— World Health Organization (WHO) (@WHO) January 30, 2020

Rather than answer (or ponder) that, we rather wonder what does the WHO-declared “global health emergency” mean? We did the digging as presented below:

Technically, its formal name is “public health emergency of international concern.” Also known as its initials, PHEIC; and pronounced “fake”

Declaring PHEIC basically helps encourage countries to cooperate, be it putting together funds, personnel or other resources. The “person-in-charge” though: the WHO

Initiating PHEIC gives the director-general of the WHO “to offer recommendations that could prevent the spread of a disease, like travel advisories or restrictions, and allow them to review public health measures in place in affected countries”

While these recommendations do not hold any political power, countries are pressured to follow them and cooperate

And while they can’t force these recommendations, that doesn’t mean a PHEIC doesn’t involve politics, according to Devi Sridhar, a professor of global public health at the University of Edinburgh, to The Washington Post. A good example would be: “West African countries discouraged a declaration in 2014 after they were hit by the largest Ebola virus outbreak on record, mainly because of concern about the economic impact.”

On top of that, the article goes on to explain that the pressure for most countries to accommodate the WHO’s suggestions is due to “member states being bound by the WHO’s 2005 International Health Regulations, and thwarting them may be a matter of international law”

We must act now to help countries prepare for that possibility.
This is the time for facts, not fear.
This is the time for science, not rumours.
This is the time for solidarity, not stigma.#2019nCoV https://t.co/nda2uf2ExC
— Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus (@DrTedros) January 30, 2020

The WHO’s power extends even to reviewing public health measures implemented by countries. If said measures are not in line with the WHO’s recommendations, the agency is liable to demand scientific justification

This is the sixth time it’s been declared in the past decade

The WHO is actually still fighting two existing PHEICs: Ebola and polio

The above are still considered an “emergency” as it’s dependent on the following factors (but not limited to): “mortality rates, the size and global distribution of population affected, and the need to coordinate global resources”

The 1st PHEIC: The H1 virus, specifically the one known as swine flu (2009). It killed an estimate of 284,500 people

The 2nd PHEIC: Ebola in West Africa (2013 – 2016). It killed at least 11,300 people

The 3rd PHEIC: Polio (2014). Shocking? It should be. Between 1988 and 2019, the number of polio cases reported globally went from 350,000 to 33 – thanks to a global vaccination effort. But when Pakistan, Syria and Cameroon failed to contain the spread of the disease, the WHO deemed it a PHEIC in May 2014.

The 4th PHEIC: Zika virus (2016). The virus, first identified in 2015 in Brazil, had spread to more than 60 countries and territories.

The 5th PHEIC: Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (2019). There had been 3,406 cases, which includes 2,236 deaths by January 14, 2020

The 6th PHEIC: Coronavirus (2020).

As there is still much to learn about the novel coronavirus, there will probably not be a vaccine anytime soon. The only thing we can do for now is practise basic hygiene. For more updates on the coronavirus in Malaysia (and globally), head over here.

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Watches + Jewellery
Uncovering Le Secret with Van Cleef & Arpels
Sparkling mysteries

06.12.2017
By Su Fen Tan

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The Cartier Privé collection is about history and modernity

Just as its name tells, there is a lot more to Van Cleef & Arpels’ Le Secret than meets the eye. Every single creation in the breathtakingly beautiful high jewellery collection holds a secret of its own. Some pieces carry hidden messages, engraved in a way that is visible only to the wearer, while others bear highly transformable facades, waiting to be unveiled through fascinating metamorphoses—all testaments of exceptional craftsmanship and technique.

It is even more magical to see Le Secret and all its mysteries in person, as we discovered one afternoon with Van Cleef & Arpels in Singapore. Among the many wonders on display, a ring with a stunning Burmese sapphire centrepiece twists to unveil a quote from Oscar Wilde, while a sparkling dove hides a love message on its other side.

Here, we speak to Van Cleef & Arpels Managing Director of Southeast Asia, Elise Gonnet-Pon, to delve a little deeper into Le Secret:
What are your personal thoughts of Le Secret?
“I am actually quite fascinated by this collection, because it takes time to discover before you get to fully embrace the possibilities of each piece. I like that because it feels almost like a personal relationship where you first meet a person, and then you connect and discover more about the many sides and personalities of the person. That was how I felt about the collection—the more you discover, the more the emotions will grow and arise from the pieces.

I really like the fact that it is a collection that is not inspired by a specific fairytale, myth or book, but it is a concept in itself. Le Secret is a concept, and it relates to the very first jewel in the history of mankind—a talisman. Talisman is something extremely personal and meaningful. That applies to most jewellery, because a piece of jewel can be related to someone’s very personal history. It could be a symbol of celebration, or a gift from a special moment in life. From that regard, it is very personal. Sometimes, jewellery also come with hidden messages. That has been the case for some of our very famous historical clients, notably the Duke of Windsor, who offered jewellery engraved with hidden messages to the Duchess. We recreate, in a modern way, that same ID of having hidden motifs and functionalities, and I find this ID very unusual and interesting.”

Looking back at some of Van Cleef & Arpels’ archive pieces, movement is not new to the Maison, and today, we see it integrated into many of the creations in Le Secret. Is that a feature that is quite specific to this collection, or is it something that we’ll see more in upcoming creations?
“At Van Cleef & Arpels, nature inspires us a lot. It is something that is in perpetual movement and asymmetry, so those are two very key features in our creations. Fairies, butterflies, or fireflies—like we have in Le Secret—these flying creatures have always been main sources of inspiration for us.

In this collection, many of the pieces reflect a high concentration of movement, transformation and the idea of versatility, which have been in some touches all along the history of Van Cleef & Arpels as well as in recent collections, and I believe this is something that we will try to continuously include in our pieces.”

What is your favourite piece from the collection?
“There are two that I like very much. One of them is this cuff bracelet from the collection that reminds me of a piece that was given from the Duke of Windsor to the Duchess. It was from 1937, before they were officially married, and he engraved a love message inside. I like the romantic secrets from the historical pieces. The bracelet from Le Secret is called Cœurs enlacés, which means interlaced hearts, so it has two detachable clips that can be removed to unveil the motif of enlaced hearts.”
{insert gallery tpl=”slide-freesize.tpl” id=”[Стандартная] Cœurs enlacés” rid=”5751″ order=”a_tstamp”}
“But if I had to pick one favourite, it will be the Sous son aile clip. I love it for many reasons, which you can see on the piece. I find it a signature of Van Cleef & Arpels at many levels. There is the mystery setting, where the setting of stones is done in such a way that no metal is visible. It is the first secret technique invented by the Maison in 1933, and is perhaps the best kept secret of jewellery-making in terms of craftsmanship. I like how the wing of the mother parrot unveils its chick underneath, which is very cute. The selection of stones used is also very exquisite, and you can see many different kinds of stones in the piece, down to the tiniest details.”

“Turn it over and you’ll find another secret that only the person who owns or wears the piece will be able to see—the parrot is actually 360 degrees. That is another signature of the Maison, the meticulous work on the back of the pieces, it is truly exceptional. This piece itself took a total of 2,300 hours to complete.”

Have you noticed a change in consumer behaviour over the years and how has it affect the designs or philosophy of the brand?
“These days, the clients and the public are more and more knowledgable about jewellery and gemmology. We see this rising interest for gemstones. I think gemstones have fascinated mankind for a long time now, and science these days enable us to understand more about all the properties of gemstones, compared to 100 years ago when gemmology was not so advanced. We’ve also entered a digital era, where people can educate themselves in a way and be able to nourish their curiosity on just about any topic. Those are some of the major changes.

For us at Van Cleef & Arpels, it’s even more important to stay true to who we are and not to compromise on the excellence of craftsmanship. In today’s digital pace, this is also probably what the clientele appreciates. It might not be the easiest route to take, considering how many hours go into the making of a piece, but this is what makes our jewellery last for generations. What we can further explore is how to convey this to today’s world. What we do is we have a lot of initiatives to share more about the world of jewellery to the public, like patrimonial exhibitions and L’École, the school of jewellery arts.”

Is it a challenge for a heritage-rich brand such as Van Cleef & Arpels to stay true to itself in this very digital era?
“It is not so much a challenge to stay true to the heritage—that is our approach, and that won’t change—the reality is that there are two very different paces, that is the handcrafting of the pieces and the digital world. Our challenge is to make sure we fully embrace this fast-paced digital era while remaining true and faithful to who we are, on which we would not compromise.”

Are there more secrets to come next year?
“Yes. Full stop. (laughs)”

And with a knowing smile from Elise, we bade farewell to a delightful afternoon with Van Cleef & Arpels and look forward to what it has in store for us in the year to come.

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Watch the Tory Burch SS20 livestream here

08.09.2019
By Joan Kong

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Film, TV + Theatre
Netflix’s ‘Dahmer’: What was accurate or changed in the show?
Fact versus fiction

19.10.2022
By Marissa Chin

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Since it aired on September 21, Dahmer–Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story (shortened to Dahmer) has been the topic of discussion across dinner tables and social media. Currently, Dahmer is Netflix’s second most popular English-language series, with 701.37 million hours watched, behind Stranger Things Season Four. The limited series is not only one of Netflix’s best performing true crime dramas, but is one of the platform’s most successful series of all time.

Who was Jeffrey Dahmer?
True crime buffs would already be familiar with the twisted crimes of Jeffrey Dahmer, but for the rest of us who might not know all the details—who is the unsettling serial killer that has people hooked to their screens? Between 1978 and 1991, Dahmer took the lives of seventeen innocent men through violent, gruesome and appalling methods. During his reign of terror, his sick crimes massively impacted the African-American LGBT community—where most of his victims came from—before he was finally arrested in 1991.
Whether or not viewers were aware of his crimes prior to the show, it’s almost hard to believe that some of what is seen in Dahmer could be real. However, we regret to say that several scenes are indeed accurate. Other aspects, though, have been changed or erased for the sake of dramatisation. Below, we break down some of the show’s most pivotal moments, what was portrayed accurately and what really happened in real life.
Trigger warning: depictions of physical and sexual violence, necrophilia, cannibalism, torture, psycopathic behaviour, post-partum depression, drugging, sexual deviancy, non-consensual acts and alcohol abuse. Reader’s discretion is advised.

Tracy Edwards’s escape from Jeffrey Dahmer

In the series, Edwards and his friends are approached by Dahmer at a local gay bar. In actuality, they were hanging outside a shopping mall when Dahmer first approached them. Perhaps this change of location was done to show how Dahmer would often prey for victims, which he normally did at gay bars under the guise of a photographer. Unlike Edwards’s depiction in the show, the real Edwards has stated in his witness testimony that he does not identify as homosexual either. He allegedly only agreed to Dahmer’s offer of $100 because he was strapped for cash and had no idea that it was for anything remotely sexual. However, there are other aspects that largely align with Edwards’ real survival story.

It was true that Dahmer distracted Edwards with his betta fish tank before pulling a large knife on him. It was also accurate that the movie they were watching was The Exorcist Three, as Dahmer’s attorney mentioned that the killer had a fascination with Satan-like figures such as Palpatine from Star Wars and the demon from the Exorcist franchise. In another chilling confession, Edwards testified that Dahmer said, “I want to hear your heart ‘cause I’m gonna eat it” which was depicted in the series. When Edwards eventually escaped, police on patrol found him with handcuffs dangling off his wrist and the arrest was also done the same night when police returned with him to the apartment and found human remains in his apartment.
Tracy Edwards has been hailed a hero for his bravery and quick thinking. Because he escaped and reported to the police, he was able to end Dahmer’s 10-year long killing spree.

The body parts found in Dahmer’s apartment and cannibalism
In Episode Two, audiences may be shocked to hear investigators list out the depraved crimes and number of body parts found in Dahmer’s apartment to his father in the police station. After all, finding a head in the fridge and several torsos melted in barrels of hydrochloric acid would be enough for anyone to call this a gross dramatisation. However, all of the grisly discoveries were indeed real. When police searched Dahmer’s real apartment, they found fridges and freezers full of dismembered body parts, organs, and genitalia, as well as photo albums capturing his innocent victims’ demise. Barrels of hydrochloric acid also were found with many more body parts in them which contributed to the horrid smell, and police found evidence that Dahmer had been eating human body parts.

Dubbed the ‘Milwaukee Cannibal’, Dahmer himself later admitted in an interview that he had partaken in cannibalism. He stated, “I was branching out, that’s where the cannibalism started—eating of the heart and the arm muscle, it was a way of making me feel that they were a part of me.”

The heroic neighbour, Glenda Cleveland

Probably the biggest change in the show is the character of Glenda Cleveland. In Dahmer, she is depicted as his next-door neighbour who was suspicious of him early on and frequently reported the putrid smell and screams to officials. Whilst a real person, Cleveland was actually not Dahmer’s neighbour and in fact, was living in a separate building. She has also never met Dahmer face to face. Cleveland’s character is a combination of many other building residents and their experiences, namely Pamela Bass who was Dahmer’s actual next-door neighbour (we’ll get to her later on). In real life, one or two complaints would be made about the smell but it was nowhere near the extent of Cleveland’s persistence in the show. However, she was indeed a caring and empathetic person who was involved in a circumstance involving another one of Dahmer’s victims, Konerak Sinthasomphone.

The meat sandwich situation
Screenshot from Netflix
Another stomach-churning scene in Dahmer is the infamous meat sandwich scene. In the show, Cleveland is confronted by Dahmer in her apartment about getting him evicted and tries to make amends with a sandwich that tastes “like pulled pork”. As she was already suspicious of him, Cleveland refused to eat the questionable dish.
However, the same can’t be said in real life. Actual next-door neighbour Pamela Bass said in an interview that she found Dahmer to be friendly and nice. He would also frequently hand out sandwiches to residents, including Bass, who graciously accepted. This suggested that residents were not suspicious of Dahmer, or experienced the constant banging and screaming that fictional Cleveland was privy to. In the 2013 documentary, The Jeffrey Dahmer Files, she confessed, “I have probably eaten someone’s body part.”

The police returning Konerak Sinthasomphone to Jeffrey Dahmer
This is probably one of the most infuriating scenes for viewers of the show due to the fact that it could’ve been so easily avoided. Not only did Sinthasomphone manage to escape in the drug-induced state he was in, he was also helped by several other residents and the cops were also called over. It’s hard to believe that the poor boy was returned to his eventual killer, but tragically, all of this did happen.
Like the series, police officers John Balcerzak and Joseph Gabrish were called to the scene to investigate a half-naked teenage boy found on the side of the road by Cleveland’s daughter and niece. Dahmer, who had gone out to get more beer, saw the situation and managed to convince the cops that Sinthasomphone was his 19-year old boyfriend who just had too much to drink. Balcerzak’s homophobic comment about needing to be “deloused” after visiting Dahmer’s apartment was also accurate.

The case of Konerak Sinthasomphone was vital in showing gross police negligence as well as systemic racism that was rampant around underpatrolled African-American communities. Had Balcerzak and Gabrish done their due diligence to ID Dahmer, they would have found out that he was a sex offender who had molested a 13-year old, coincidentally Konerak’s own older brother.
The only big difference that the show made to this scene was to have Cleveland present with her daughter and niece. She was actually not there and heard the whole story from them. Nevertheless, Cleveland did follow up with the police (her actual phone recording was featured in the show) and even reported to the FBI, both to no avail.

Balcerzak and Gabrish awarded ‘Officer of the Year’
In Episode Nine of Dahmer, officers John Balcerzak and Joseph Gabrish received an Officer of the Year commendation; however, we are happy to report that this never happened in real life. After the Dahmer case broke out, both officers were suspended but unfortunately reinstated in 1994. Balcerzak had even defended their actions in an interview and eventually became the president of the Milwaukee police officer’s union in 2005.

The powerful victim’s impact statements by the bereaved families

One of the highlights in the limited series would be Episode Eight, in which the families of Dahmer’s victims were able to make their victim impact statements in court. As a whole, the scene was portrayed to a T, from the statements that were read verbatim to the clothes they were wearing. One particularly harrowing and powerful depiction was Rita Isbell, the older sister of victim Errol Lidnsey, who shouted and lunged for Dahmer in the courtroom before being escorted out. You can see the comparison below.

Netflix Jeffrey Dahmer’s victim’s sister and the real Rita in 1992 #jeffreydahmer #serialkillers #truecrime #truecrimecommunity pic.twitter.com/t8fZe1S2oT
— Carol DaRonch (@CarolDaRonch) September 21, 2022

However, whilst the representation of this scene was accurate, it is important to remember that these emotional outbursts are not just for our entertainment, but deeply painful, real experiences. Isbell herself expressed in an essay on Insider that watching her and other families on screen resurfaced traumas and Netflix did not reach out to them for their consent to be portrayed.

What happened to Jeffrey Dahmer?

Dahmer was convicted with 15 life sentences totalling to 957 years behind bars. However, his prison life was cut short and he only served three years before he was beaten to death by a fellow inmate, Christopher Scarver, at the Columbia Institution in Portage, Wisconsin. In 2015, Scarver revealed to the New York Post why he killed Dahmer. He said that Dahmer would “fashion severed limbs out of prison food to taunt the other inmates” and that while some prisoners were repentant, “he was not one of them.”
After his death, there was also discussion about what to do with the serial killer’s brain. His mother, Jolie, wanted it studied to find out if there was a genetic component to Dahmer’s depraved compulsions, but his father, Lionel wanted it cremated as per his son’s wish. Ultimately, his brain was cremated.
If you haven’t watched Dahmer, click here to watch it on Netflix.
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Katy Perry to drop new album this June

Music
Katy Perry to drop new album this June
What we know so far

17.05.2017
By Gwen Ong

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She has given us multiple earworm-inducing songs such as I Kissed a Girl and Fireworks. Now get ready to be a “witness” to more great hits from Katy Perry as she announces her new album title and release date – Witness and June 9th y’all!

The singer has actually been cleverly dropping hints of the album lately. She attended the recent Met Gala in a red Maison Margiela dress topped with a headpiece reading, you guessed it, ‘Witness’. The eyeball reference/emoji (in place of the ‘i’ in witness) has also been featured strongly in Katy’s tweets and Instagram captions furthering the hype surrounding her new album.

A post shared by KATY PERRY (@katyperry) on May 1, 2017 at 9:09pm PDT

If her two new singles – Chained to the Rhythm and Bon Appétit – are of any indication, Katy’s new record will take on a disco theme. In an interview with Billboard, she describes Witness as a “360-degree liberation: mental liberation, sexual liberation, negative liberation, spiritual liberation.” It follows her transition from her 20s to 30s and listeners will get an introspective look into Katheryn Hudson—Katy’s legal name. “It’s fun and dancey and dark and light,” she said. She also revealed that some 40 songs were recorded but only 15 tracks made it into Witness.

Following the announcement of her new album, the artist will go on tour come September 2017. We can only wish Malaysia will be one of the dates too.

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Lifestyle
Two Nike shoes and one React foam: What’s the difference?

10.06.2019
By Rachel Au

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There’s a difference between sneakerheads and someone who just appreciates wearing comfortable shoes. I fall into the latter category; so, no, I don’t have the glossary that sneakerheads (or even regular runners) have when it comes to the different ranges that brands have or the technology they’ve introduced in their shoes. And then, Nike sent me two of their shoes to review. Two different Nike shoes, one similarity—the popular, crowd-pleasing React foam. If you’ve been considering purchasing a new pair of Nike shoes but couldn’t decide which, I’d say start with either the Nike React Element 55 or the Nike Epic React Flyknit 2. What’s the difference and why? Read on.
Nike React Element 55 — For everyday use, for travels, for walking

nike react element 55 review
Nike React Element 55 is a looker, that’s for sure. Not only does Nike let you customise it through Nike By You, but the range already offers a stunning collection of vibrant colourways that all give a deconstructed vibe. And because its silhouette is sharper from Nike’s running and training shoes—which tend to be slightly on the bulkier side in favour of performance—the Nike React Element 55 is great with most everyday looks.
But beyond those pops of colours is the Nike React technology underfoot. Walking in them is a joy—it’s lightweight, comfortable and above all, cushiony. The React midsole is soft, evident from the minute I slipped into the pair of shoes, and it also doubles as a feature to wick moisture. And it is easy to slip in and out of them, by the way. The outsole, on the other hand, further strengthens the Nike React Element 55 as a pair of shoes made for “lifestyle” aka walking, being on your feet (almost) all-day long, and the like. Thanks to the springy rubber nodules that have been strategically placed at the front and heel of the outsole, it gives that foot-to-ground grip adequately.

nike react element 55 review
If you’re wondering if you can work out or run in the Nike React Element 55, the answer is yes and no. Technically, it shares the same React foam, which was first available in Nike’s basketball shoes; and which is also used in the Nike Epic React Flyknit 2 but the pattern of the foam is different—it’s looser. At the end of the day, these shoes are made for walking. But sporty. Yet stylish.
Nike Epic React Flyknit 2 — For running, for running, for running

nike epic react flyknit 2 review
And hence, if you’re truly looking to pick up running—or a pair of running shoes—the Nike Epic React Flyknit 2 does the trick. Looking at it from the perspective of the Nike React foam, it’s soft (feels so good on the feet), springy (great response while delivering impact protection), and incredibly light. But the foam too is where the two Nike shoes on review here differ greatly. Unlike the Nike React Element 55, the foam’s pattern is firmer to give that performance boost yet as a midsole, it’s taller and wider to ensure that cushioning effect and stability for runners. Fun fact: The midsole is just a piece of Nike React foam—no carrier, cement or glue. According to Nike, by eliminating any unnecessary material, it helps to keep the shoes as light as possible.
Now, if you like the Nike Flyknit like I do, you’ll admire the upper on the Nike Epic React Flyknit 2 (which comes sans tongue). The combination works greatly, allowing the shoes to hug the feet snugly for support and flexibility, as well as breathability. It fits like a sock! (So technically, you don’t have to wear socks.)

nike epic react flyknit 2 review
Because it’s meant to be form fitting, it might be a tad too tight… at first. Otherwise, I definitely recommend getting a half size up than your usual, especially if you have wide feet like me (TMI?). All in all, the Nike Epic React Flyknit 2 is a great and comfortable pair of running shoes that can easily lock in even half a marathon in one go. It’s that durable and it’s that impressive in terms of performance.
Both Nike React Element 55 (RM535) and Nike Epic React Flyknit 2 (RM609) are available online and in stores.

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Watches
Introducing Romain Jerome’s newest collaboration: Tattoo-DNA by Xoil
Going against the grain

14.03.2016
By Buro247

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The Cartier Privé collection is about history and modernity

Being a timepiece limited to 25 unique pieces worldwide, this collaboration is the meeting of two intricate personalities between the Swiss watchmaker Romain Jerome and tattoo artist Xoil.

Gathering his inspiration from 19th century imagery, the 25 pieces that adorn the Tattoo-DNA by Xoil collection are unique and part of a harmonious whole guaranteed by the distinctive style of the artist and his very graphic tattoos which spread across the entire body, beyond the conventional areas. The enamel dial of the new 44mm case timepiece echoes the many dials accumulated by Xoil, who is a fervent collector of these peculiar objects.

“As this is a highly classical aspect of watchmaking, very different from our identity, we didn’t want to approach it without making it our own,” explains Manuel Emch, CEO of Romain Jerome. “Many dials in Xoil’s collection were damaged and split. We decided to use them for inspiration and break our own, as we have always broken watchmaking conventions. It was the perfect continuation.” The dial of the new Tattoo-DNA by Xoil has therefore been cut out with a water jet to illustrate these two juxtaposed parts. A Grand Feu enamel dial is decorated with Roman numerals and crafted in accordance with the watchmaking tradition.

Designed by RJ-Romain Jerome, the movement with right-angled bridges reveals the balance wheel at 6 o’clock, akin to a beating heart between the glimpses of tattooed skin-like straps.  Watch the video below to see more of Xoil’s process in interpreting his art onto these modern timepieces:

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Food + Drink
Food review: Tatsu Japanese Cuisine’s brand of omakase is made for curious diners
Not your usual orders

06.07.2022
By Natalie Khoo

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When talking about omakase dining, what often comes to mind is usually a series of sashimi and nigiri sushi. Perhaps even a rice dish, a few grilled items, or an assortment of tempura. At Intercontinental Kuala Lumpur’s Tatsu Japanese Cuisine, however, I discovered that things are quite different.

Tatsu Head Chef Tommy Kuan
Helmed by Head Chef Tommy Kuan Soon Seng, the 147-seater restaurant offers a bold, modern approach to Japanese cuisine that reflects the chef’s adventurous cooking style. Armed with more than two decades of culinary experience, Chef Tommy has previously honed his knife skills working in the kitchens of Nadaman Japanese Restaurant, Iketeru Japanese Restaurant and Benkay Japanese Restaurant before joining Tatsu in 2015.

You’ll get that sense of contemporary Japanese dining the moment you step into the restaurant on the first floor of the hotel. Dark timber furnishings pay homage to a traditional Japanese setting, contrasted against modern seats adorned with floral pillows and subtle azure accents around the airy space. There’s also an intimate sushi counter as well as a private sake bar for those who prefer more privacy while dining here.
In true omakase fashion, I left the menu completely up to Chef Tommy during my visit to savour his interpretations of the best ingredients he had to offer. Read on for an inkling of what to expect from the six-course omakase experience at Tatsu Japanese Cuisine.

Appetiser

My dinner kicked off with an appetiser of ebi senbei (shrimp crackers) served with Australian caviar and tobiko sauce. This immediately struck me as something contrary to the kind of omakase dining I’m used to, which kept me intrigued throughout the meal. On its own, the caviar leaned on the saltier side; but when eaten together with the ebi, the natural sweetness of the prawn balanced the flavours out.

Sashimi

Next was a more familiar sashimi platter, comprising tai (sea bream), botan ebi (shrimp), and kampachi (amberjack). All three seafood dishes tasted as fresh as you’d expect, given that the restaurant regularly imports its ingredients straight from Tokyo’s Tsukiji market. The botan ebi was my favourite of the trio, presenting sweet, clean flavours and a nice firm texture.

Osuimono (soup)

The third course came as an interesting surprise because I had never tried goose barnacles (sometimes called ‘turtle hand’) before. Served with abalone in a warm bowl of hamaguri suimono (clear clam soup), the intimidating crustacean actually tasted quite similar to soft-shell clams. The broth was imbued with strong flavours of the sea thanks to its contents, but the light, clear consistency made it soothing to sip on in between the morsels of seafood.

Before moving on to the next course, I was served a generous bowl of chawanmushi, which comes complimentary with every omakase meal at Tatsu. And by generous, I mean it was the biggest serving of the egg custard dish that I have ever had in my life. Made with mushrooms, gingko, fish, prawns, and chicken, this dish proved a comforting intermission from all the seafood flavours.

Nimono (simmered dish)

Up next was another unexpected grilled tsubayaki dish, served with clear broth in its giant shell that has been stuffed with leek. Arriving on a traditional Japanese grill, this dish was a showstopper in its own right. The flesh tasted fresh and mildly sweet, with a firm, chewy texture. On the other hand, the broth offered strong, onion-like aromas of leek that paired well with the molusc.

Main course

The main course arrived in the form of a grilled oni kasago fish, a seasonal catch during summer in Japan. To my surprise, the portion could easily feed two or three people. Chef Tommy explained that the fish is simmered in in a sauce made of sake, mirin, sugar, and soy sauce—also known as sakana no nitsuke in Japanese. The result was a combination of sweet and umami nuances that ended the savoury part of the meal on a punchy note.

Dessert

Rounding off the meal was a platter of musk melon (delightfully sweet and juicy), akebawa mochi (soft and beany), and daifuku (not too sweet or chewy—just the way I like it). Overall, Tatsu Japanese Cuisine’s brand of omakase is not for those who prefer typical traditional Japanese delicacies (you can order those off the a la carte menu instead); but if you like surprises, you’re in for a treat.

The Tatsu Omakase menu is available daily for lunch and dinner, priced from RM688+. For reservations and enquiries, call +603 2783 6000 or email [email protected].

Tatsu Japanese Cuisine
Address: 165, Jln Ampang, Kuala Lumpur, 55000 Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 11.30am to 2.30pm (lunch), 6.30pm to 10.30pm (dinner)
Contact: +603 2783 6000
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