Lifestyle
7 Things to do this weekend: 25 & 26 June 2022
Film, whisky, and healthy living

24.06.2022
By Phyll Wu

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

1. (Re)visit your friendly neighbourhood restaurant, Table & Apron

Truffle & porcini butter, brown butter hummus, and smoked mackerel pate, served with country sourdough

Duck Confit Risotto

Buckwheat Fried Catfish

Pork Ribs in Pineapple Glaze

Where: 23, Jalan SS 20/11, Damansara Kim, 47400 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
“When talking about neighbourhood restaurants, we often think of comfort food in an unpretentious setting. What makes Table & Apron stand out in this regard is how it offers both, without shying away from innovation and experimentation. I experienced a taste of this while celebrating the restaurant’s 8th anniversary recently, which saw a curated menu featuring some signature dishes as well as reinterpretations of crowd-favourites.
“For example, the Duck Confit Risotto offered a heartwarming, flavourful combination of Japanese pearl rice, salted black bean, and Chinese olives, topped with crunchy pickled daikon. The Pork Ribs in Pineapple Glaze was fall-off-the-bone tender, with a sweet and savoury smack that paired well with the tamarind and chilli dip. One of my favourite dishes of the evening was the Buckwheat Fried Catfish—call it the seafood version of their popular Buckwheat Fried Chicken, if you will. It was everything a fish and chips (minus the chips) should be: hot, crispy, and undeniably tasty.
“Food aside, I daresay it’s the warm hospitality and humble staff here that keeps drawing customers back. If you haven’t already paid them a visit (or even if you have), you won’t regret dropping by.” —Natalie Khoo, Lifestyle Editor
Reservations are highly encouraged and can be made online here. For takeaway orders, call 03 7733 4000.
2. Live healthier with homegrown health and wellness brand, l1vin

When: 22 June 2022
Where: l1vin’s website
Price: RM75
Homegrown health and wellness brand, l1vin, has just launched this June—introducing their all-in-one supplement powder, l1vingreen+. Founded by Diane Chia, Jon Lee, and Pang Wong, the brand is driven by the desire to help others achieve a healthier lifestyle through scientifically proven natural health products. Concocted with more than 28 natural and whole-food sourced ingredients, l1vingreen+ contains one of the most effective and multifunctional probiotic named Bifidobacterium longum BB536. With its nutrient-packed formulation, the all-in-one supplement powder promotes overall health, strengthens immunity, enhances energy, as well as aids in recovery. Aside from its amazing benefits, l1vingreen+ is also very versatile in its ways of consumption as its organic ingredients allow easy incorporation into any meal and drink.
To shop or find out more, follow @l1vin_ on Instagram or visit the l1vin website.
3. Support the livelihoods of refugees with PichaEats’ afternoon tea

When: 26 June 2022 | 3pm to 5pm
Where: Lady Yi’s Tea House, Four Points by Sheraton KL, Chinatown
Price: RM188 for two persons
In commemoration of World Refugee Day on 20 June, PichaEats invites you to a one-day-special afternoon tea this Sunday, presented by refugee chefs from Pakistan, Syria, Palestine, and Afghanistan. The culturally diverse curation of mouth-watering delights brings you authentic flavours from South Asia and Middle East, including Rice Kheer, Paani Poori, homemade Spinach Mantu, among many others. The key highlight will be wheeled in by the Picha Chefs to bestow diners with their special Cheesy Kunafa. The unique afternoon tea will be paired along with Lady Yi’s Signature 11 Treasures Tea, which complements the flavourful light bites beautifully.
For more information, visit the PichaEats website or purchase your ticket here.
4. Keep Walking to Johnnie Walker’s first Highball Bar in Malaysia

When: From 22 June 2022
Where: Souled Out, Sri Hartamas
For drinkers, a familiar weekend companion is most likely a bottle of your favourite liquor. If whisky happens to be it, then Johnnie Walker’s first Highball Bar in Malaysia is where you want to be this weekend. Head over to Souled Out at Sri Hartamas and treat yourself to the perfectly balanced, rich and smoky notes of the popular Johnnie Walker Black Label that will surely reward you with an elevating experience. Other than their top-selling blend, you can also enjoy a glass of the smooth and creamy Johnnie Walker Double Black or the sweet and fruity Johnnie Walker Black Label Sherry Finish.
Call +6012 200 1955 to book a table at Souled Out.
5. Photograph your weekend at the Film Camera Market

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When: 25 & 26 June 2022 | 10am to 4pm
Where: RexKL
Price: Free walk-ins
Brought to film and photography enthusiasts by the crafty coffee shop, Stellar KL, Film Camera Market will be happening this weekend at RexKL in honour of International Photography Day. Browse point and shoot cameras, SLR film cameras, as well as film camera lens and cameras which will all be on sale during the market. Cameras aside, get yourself an old-school instant portrait taken by Jeffrey Lim from Kanta Studio and his unique self-made box camera.
For more information, follow @ ______stellar on Instagram.
6. Satisfy your cravings with The Big Feast at Tiffin

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When: 23 to 26 June 2022
Where: Tiffin At The Yard
Tiffin At The Yard is bringing back the fan-favourite, The Big Feast, now with smoke and fire for its second edition. From grilled and barbecued to smoked and torched, find all sorts of heavenly hot delights to munch through the weekend. Along with guest chefs and vendors, Bar44 will be keeping the party going all-feast-long with their smoky cocktails. Engaging workshops including Chocolate and Wine Pairing, Smokey Cocktail Sips, and Sketch and Swirl will also be held to add to the fiery fun!
For more information, follow @tiffineats on Instagram.

7. Shop away at Re-Love Market by The Messy Club

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When: 25 to 26 June 2022 | 10am to 6.30pm
Where: Monet Melawati
The Messy Club presents us with another market this weekend filled with crafty trinkets, adorable apparel and accessories, and irresistible sweet treats. This time, the Re-Love Market will feature vendors including Lathalia Jewellery, Almari Hijao, Crystal Nation, Lunasky.co, among many others.
For more updates, follow @themessyclub_ on Instagram.
Find more things to do in our previous BURO Weekend Guides here.

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Fashion
The best of Pre-Fall 2019: Valentino, Versace, and Chanel

13.12.2018
By Joan Kong

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Valentino
This season, Valentino presented its first-ever co-ed show (and the first Pre-Fall show since the ’80s) in Tokyo, and used Japan as the source of inspiration. Creative director Pierpaolo Piccioli combined three Japanese concepts—ma (negative space), wabi-sabi (the art of imperfection), and kintsugi (the art of repairing broken ceramics)—with the fashion house’s signature dramatic flair, and reinterpreted them in a modern way. Result? A romantic and refined collection filled with ruffles, lace and grace that floated beautifully down the runway, starting and ending with head-turning red tulle gowns. The wabi-sabi concept that centered around imperfection, in particular, can be found in the form of overdyed floral prints (in black and red hues) and asymmetrical silhouettes. In an interview with WWD, the designer revealed his desire for the collection to be more everyday-appropriate, and if Valentino’s idea of daytime couture looked this good, we’re all for it.

Watch the Valentino Pre-Fall 2019 show below:

Versace
For its first runway show in the U.S, Donatella Versace said she “wanted to pay homage to this incredible city, bringing the sartorial heritage of Milan and fusing it with the energy of New York and its eclectic nature”, and the Pre-Fall’19 collection was exactly that. Held at the New York Stock Exchange, the venue featured a replica of the Lady Liberty torch right smack in the centre, and elements of the Big Apple can be seen throughout. There were T-shirts printed with ‘I Love New York’ slogans against the Medusa logo, and stars and stripes were added into its signature baroque motifs, seen on an array of separates. But the most iconic of them all, was the Medusa Safety Pin that was first introduced by Gianni Versace during Spring 1994. Aside from adorning the models’ lobes in the form of earrings, the famous dress that was worn by Elizabeth Hurley at the premiere of Four Weddings and a Funeral also made a reappearance on Italian model Vittoria Ceretti. That’s not it. Remember that naval low-cut dress Jennifer Lopez wore to the Grammy Awards in 2000? The piece was also brought back for the show, and to make the moment extra special, Amber Valetta—who wore the dress on the Spring’00 runway—once again wore this reimagined version, which was in a ‘Love Versace’ heart-print inspired by Jim Dine’s designs.

Watch the Versace Pre-Fall 2019 show below:

Chanel
Chanel also showcased in New York this season, but instead of a collection inspired by the city that never sleeps, the brand turned to Ancient Egypt, with a Métiers d’Art show held in the Temple of Dendur at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Karl Lagerfeld said, “Egyptian civilisation has always fascinated me: I get inspired by an idea, which I make a reality”, and a reality it was. The designer revealed he never thought it was possible to show in the Met, but the brand made it possible in the end. The collection was a refined mash-up of the fashion house’s savoir faire with the culture of ancient Egypt, and the colour palette was made up of mostly gold, white and black hues. The show opened with a series of streamlined robe-like looks, which were worn under tweed separates and complete with statement fringed necklaces that draped beautifully over the décolletage, before moving on to denim and prints from the Memphis Group. Some of the noteworthy details include beetle embroideries by Montex; handcrafted jewellery, buttons and buckles by Goossens; headwear by Maison Michel; boots by Massaro; intricate ornaments by the House of Lessage; and feathers by Maison Lemarie.

Watch the Chanel Métiers d’Art collection below:

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Art + Design
A look at the World Trade Center Oculus in photos
All white, all right

29.11.2016
By Su Fen Tan

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8 Best art galleries to visit in the Klang Valley

Designed by Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava, the Oculus is a vast ribbed structure that serves as an eye-catching centerpiece of the World Trade Center Transportation Hub in New York City. Beautiful inside out, the ribs curve out and go skyward to create asymmetric fins on the exterior, while allowing plenty of light into the subterranean rail station and shopping centre that it houses.

“Although suggestive of motifs from many traditions – the Byzantine mandorla, the wings of cherubim above the Ark of the Covenant, or the sheltering wings on Egyptian canopic urns – the form may be summed up, according to Santiago Calatrava, by the image of a bird released from a child’s hands,” says the architect’s website.

Images from Hufton + Crow.

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News
Royal Selangor and The Balvenie have collaborated on a limited edition collector’s box for whiskies

17.12.2020
By Sanjeeva Suresh

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

What do you get when you combine an award-winning Speyside single malt whisky with one of the world’s most famed pewter names? You get a West meets East amalgamation of craftsmanship and refinery courtesy of The Balvenie and Royal Selangor.
The collaboration is a first on both sides. This marks the first time Royal Selangor has created a collector’s box, which speaks volumes as the heritage brand has previously worked with everyone from Marvel Comics to the Victoria & Albert Museum. As for The Balvenie, this is their first collaboration in Malaysia under ‘The Balvenie Handcrafted By’ platform. The platform aims to not only bring the Scotch whiskey brand to the attention (and noses) of connoisseurs in Southeast Asia, but also to shine a spotlight on the passion of artisanal craftsmanship as well as the people behind it.

Photo: The Balvenie x Royal Selangor
Let’s break it down. The collector’s box is a true one of a kind work of art. The vessel is made from high grade walnut wood encased in Royal Selangor’s handcrafted pewter. You may be surprised to see Royal Selangor incorporating wood in their creations and we wouldn’t blame you. The use of walnut wood actually ties back to the creation and distillation of whisky which is of course, stored in large crates of wood. Only 15 boxes are created and no two of them are the same.
Each was hand-hammered by a coppersmith with an estimated 8,000 knocks to create that signature glimmered-dimple finish. The attention to detail is immaculate with each box taking up to six whole days to finish. “People appreciate the heritage and craftsmanship more today than ever,” answered Royal Selangor’s Executive Director Chen Tien Yue when questioned about the box’s creation process during its virtual unveiling.
Inside the box sits three Balvenie bottles which connoisseurs can choose from The Balvenie expressions (30 years and above). They comprise of an exclusive set of rare single malts with only 15 individually numbered sets available. You’ll be able to get your hands on this custom limited edition collector’s box with a minimum value purchase of £32,700 (approx RM179,219).

Photo: The Balvenie x Royal Selangor
For a limited time only and specially for this festive season, you can also get a hold of a gorgeous gift pack. They are comprised of a selection of luxuriously smooth (not to mention rich) 12 Year Old DoubleWood, 14 Year Old Caribbean Cask and 17 Year Old DoubleWood single malt. They include a delicately handcrafted pewter-based whisky glass and make the perfect gift for that whisky aficionado who not only enjoys a good drink but also appreciates a finely crafted collectable.

Photo: The Balvenie x Royal Selangor
Finally, if you’re keen to pair the this smooth single malt with some titillating local cuisine, Brett Bayly, The Balvenie’s Regional Brand Ambassador in Southeast Asia suggests you steer clear of seafood unless prepared with a lighter fish style. He recommends pairing a cured salmon with a 12-year-old Balvenie Doublewood. You can also enjoy the flavour profile of The Balvenie with the fruit-driven notes of apples and pears or with the rich fattiness of moose cheese and guac puree. The delicately proportioned layer of sherry in the 12-year-old Balvenie Doublewood lends itself well to some olives and champagne grapes. Now that’s a mouth-watering combo.
Gift packs will be available from January 2021. You can find them in Cold Storage, TMC, Mercato, Aeon, Maxvalu, Jaya Grocer, Village [email protected], Tesco and Sunshine.
For more information on this exclusive, limited edition collaboration, visit this website.

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Style
The A-listers at Marc Jacobs and Char Defrancesco’s wedding are some of the most stylish guests yet

08.04.2019
By Joan Kong

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The ultimate wedding shoe guide for the bridal party

Exactly a year after Marc Jacobs proposed to his longtime boyfriend Char Defrancesco with a flash mob at Chipotle, the pair held their wedding ceremony at the Grill Room in New York City last night, and to no one’s surprise, it was a star-studded affair. Let’s start with the grooms: Jacobs—who shared many behind-the-scenes snaps on his Instagram throughout the day—wore a bespoke black tux designed by Ralph Fitzgerald of Huntsman, and accessorised his wedding look with a fresh Calla Lily on his lapel, and custom boots that were sent over by Gucci’s Alessandro Michele. Defrancesco opted for something slightly flashier—a green velvet tux by Huntsman, complete with a pair of bespoke sneakers by Christian Louboutin. Apart from their Cartier wedding bands, the couple also wore matching diamond and onyx penguin pins, which were gifted by Prada and Miu Miu’s design director, Fabio Zambernardi.

Guest-wise, from industry heavyweights to supermodels and It-girls of the moment, the celebration was filled with fashion’s It-list, and naturally, all their style game was on point. Many of them showed up in Marc Jacobs’ designs, including Kate Moss, Gigi Hadid, Kaia Gerber, Christina Ricci and more, but Naomi Campbell’s Balmain get-up was equally noteworthy. Scroll through our gallery below for a closer look at the celebrities’ wedding looks:

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Watch Marc Jacobs and Char Defrancesco’s cutest wedding video below:

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Lifestyle
Amanda Casgar of lululemon athletica explains their popularity and purpose
Purpose driven lifestyle

19.09.2015
By Buro247

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

Another major contributor to their amassing number of loyal customers is their emphasis on building strong ties with their local communities. From self-defence to goal-setting workshops, lululemon athletica stores host a range of complimentary activities that will draw their local communities together.

We met up with Amanda Casgar, the director of brand and community of lululemon athletica Asia, over a hot yoga session followed by a goal-setting workshop and asked her about the success of lululemon athletica and her thoughts on goal-setting.

What is the best part of being involved in the lululemon community?
We are a community of like-minded people that are all up to really big things.  I think it’s our shared commitment to being entrepreneurs and the belief that anything is possible that creates magic every single day.  The people I work with are the #1 reason I love my job and it doesn’t feel like work.

What do you think contributes to lululemon’s popularity?
lululemon is a company founded in yoga.  That means that we are committed to creating from a place of absolute authenticity and that’s actually what makes us unique.  We don’t do what everyone else is doing.  Instead, we create from a place of relationship with our guest and our community and really listen for what that might be.

What is your most memorable experience with lululemon?
I was at a yoga festival called Wanderlust in Stratton, Vermont.  We had partnered with the creators to make a really unique lululemon brand experience as part of the festival.  The weekend before I had broken up with my boyfriend and was in the doldrums. On the last night of the festival I remember attending the Michael Franti concert with my team and looking around at the amazing people I had come with and feeling a sense of complete joy.  The failed relationship didn’t matter, the fact that it was raining didn’t matter, I was happy because I was doing something I loved with people I loved.

What are the most essential items every person should have in their gym bags?
Black stretchy pants!  lululemon’s pants are unique in that we ask our guests to identify how they want to feel while they’re working out.  This is a huge departure from how people normally shop and really exciting.  Right now, I love to feel “held in” though I am more and more choosing a sensation of “naked” living here in Hong Kong.

How do we choose the right workout apparel for our body types?
I strongly encourage guests to try lots of different tops and bottoms to find what feels the best.  The educators will be able to share the different functionality of the gear and what types of sweaty activities in which each perform best.  And if it doesn’t make you feel amazing, what’s the point?  We’ll be opening our first showroom in Bangsar later this fall and our educators would love to help everyone find their new favorite go-to item.

What is your go-to exercise when you really don’t feel like working out?
I live on a massive hill.  If I am really not feeling it, I commit to running the hill up and down three times.  It only takes 10 minutes and it is TOUGH.  That high intensity blast revs my metabolism for the day and I get in a good and quick sweat.

Tell us more about lululemon’s vision & goal setting.
lululemon is a purpose led organization with the goal of elevating the world from mediocrity to greatness.  That’s a big claim for a company that makes black stretchy pants.  We actually do this through our people – if everyone working for lululemon is creating a life they love, then it will have an impact on all of the people in their lives and the ripple effect will be what leads one person to have an impact on the world.  This is why vision and goals are so important – they are the essential building blocks to creating a life you love.

How has setting vision and goals have helped you?
Vision and goals has helped me imagine a life for myself much bigger than I thought possible. Never in a million years would I have though that this nice girl from Cleveland, Ohio, would EVER be living in Hong Kong, let alone leading a team of amazing people all over Asia.  Vision and goals has created a community of people that are standing for me to do big things, even if I can’t see it for myself right away.

How can we get started on setting visions & goals?
There are two easy ways to get started.  First would be to check out the vision and goals section on our website.  Or, you can pop into any lululemon store or showroom around the world and ask anyone who works there if they can help you get started.  It’s our favorite thing to share!

What if we draw a blank and can’t visualise ourselves in 10 years?
Vision and goals is like speaking a language – becoming fluent takes practice.  If you can’t visualize yourself in 10 years, start with one year…then two… and build from there.  Like language, you will go from memorizing vocabulary to dreaming in the new tongue and it will feel like it happened overnight.

Any advice on how to create powerful goals?
Just start.  You are the only thing getting in your way of setting goals.  At lululemon we are known for our manifesto and one of the quotes says, “the world moves at such a rapid rate that waiting to implement changes will leave you two steps behind.  Do it now, do it now, do it now!”

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Beauty
H&M Beauty is coming to Malaysia this fall
New essentials

04.07.2017
By Wei Yeen Loh

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

Wallets at the ready: H&M’s highly anticipated Beauty concept is landing on our shores in the fourth quarter of 2017. The Swedish retail company’s beauty range is an extensive one to boot, spanning cosmetics, body, and hair products—we’re talking an assortment of almost (wait for it) 1,000 products decked in the brand’s signature hues of ivory, black and gold.
“At H&M, we see beauty as ‘fashion for your face’ and a natural part of completing a fashion look. H&M offers shoppers the latest trends and quality fashion while staying affordable, and the upcoming beauty range will continue to stay true to our mission.” – Fredrik Famm, Country Manager of H&M Southeast Asia.
Score your favourite bestsellers from H&M Beauty, from the Brow Shaping Gel and Clean Canvas Lip Scrub to the Dry Shampoo and countless shades of Nail Polish. Expect a spectrum of colours for the lips, eyes and nails, and a complete range of bases and concealers catered for different skin types and tones. H&M Beauty Malaysia will also carry limited edition and seasonal makeup releases, alongside two new collections: a premium bodycare range and the ‘Conscious’ range of Ecocert-approved sustainable products.
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Watch this space for updates on the H&M Beauty’s official launch date.

Related stories:
H&M Conscious Exclusive 2017 explores floral ethereality for the evening
Five minutes with Ann-Sofie Johansson of H&M

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Food + Drink
Eats-A-Review: CC by Mel, The Resort Cafe, and Finch’s new menu
Worth a visit?

01.07.2022
By Natalie Khoo

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With so many new eateries and refreshed menus to check out in the Klang Valley, you’re probably wondering which ones are actually worth a visit. Fret not, we’ve volunteered as tribute to taste some of the latest offerings at promising cafes and restaurants in town.
In this edition of Eats-A-Review, we dish our thoughts on the signature dishes from CC by Mel Japanese restaurant in Bukit Jalil; the latest culinary delights from The Resort Cafe in Sunway Hotel; and Finch KL’s new Hiru-Tea menu.

1. CC by Mel, Bukit Jalil

Since relocating to a larger second-floor shoplot in The Park Sky Residence Bukit Jalil last January, CC by Mel has seen a steady stream of visitors thronging its bright, sunlit space. Located just a stone’s throw away from Pavilion Bukit Jalil, the restaurant serves as a convenient pit stop for shoppers and locals to enjoy a casual yet graceful Japanese fusion meal in the developing neighbourhood.
I walked in for brunch on a Saturday just before the crowds started coming in. The weather was perfect, with the sun illuminating the restaurant’s minimalist interiors punctuated by neatly arranged potted plants: a magnet for social media shutterbugs. Equally Instagram-worthy are the items on the menu, which pay respect to founder Melanie’s background as a home-based florist with their colourful edible flower garnishes.

Trio Taco Box
After trying more dishes than you can count on one hand, I’ve rounded up my top picks that taste as good as they look. First is the signature Trio Taco Box (RM68), featuring the Tropica Nori (salmon and tuna), Ebi Nori (prawn), and either the Yu Nori (tuna) or Gyu Nori (beef). Each snack comes with a mini pipette to squeeze in the soy sauce, enhancing the umami flavours of the toppings. Bonus: The size of the tacos was actually larger than I’d expected and ideal great for sharing.

White Tiger Olio
Next is the White Tiger Olio (RM42), a pasta dish comprising generous portions of tiger prawns, asari clams, hotate scallops, and baby spinach, topped with chilli flakes and katsuoboshi. Another crowd-favourite pasta (you’ll find it under the signature section) is the Ocean Capellini (RM35), a delightful combination of salmon maguro ebi sashimi and ikura, dressed with truffle oil, goma tare and lime. Both dishes offered fresh seafood, well-cooked pasta, and balanced flavours that make them easy hits on the menu.

Ebi Matcha Sando
Other worthy mentions include the Ebi Matcha Sando (RM42), featuring ebi katsu and tamago sandwiched by a slightly toasted yet fluffy Hokkaido loaf; as well as the Angus Don (RM68), an indulgent dish for those who prefer meat over seafood. Overall, CC by Mel is definitely worth a visit if you appreciate aesthetic spaces with respectable dishes to boot. — Natalie Khoo, Lifestyle Editor
Address: Residensi Park, 2-13, Persiaran Jalil Utama, Bukit Jalil, 57000 Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 11am to 10pm daily
Contact: 0169868612
Website | Facebook | Instagram

2. The Resort Café @ Sunway Hotel, Bandar Sunway
With Sunway Resort recently having undergone a revitalisation project, The Resort Café also has a new a la carte menu showcasing Chef De Cuisine Afiq Matkhir’s wealth of experience and global travels. Before winning numerous culinary competitions and landing coveted roles in the kitchens of Jumeirah, Marina Bay Sands and Pangkor Laut Resort, Chef Matkhir studied and trained in Italy.

Porcini Pappardelle
It’s why his pasta is divine. The Porcini Pappardelle—combining homemade pasta, porcini mushrooms, sage and butter scallion—is creamy, earthy and rustic in the very best way. Should you prefer a Malaysian take on comfort food, there’s the very flavourful Blue Prawn Laksa. Its aromatic coconut curry broth hasn’t been toned down in an attempt to “internationalise” it, while huge fresh river prawns, clams and squids remind you that this bowl of laksa is an indulgent treat. Don’t let the fact that you’re dining at a hotel deter you from ordering it.

Blue Prawn Laksa
Speaking of indulgences, my personal favourite off the breakfast menu is Cod Benedict with Caviar. That’s read: in a luxurious twist on this brunch staple, Chef Matkhir has opted for cod, in a creamy brandade, instead of smoked salmon. I’m very partial to cod when it’s done well, as this is. The fish also stars in another winner in my books: Filo Fish and Chips, where filo pastry takes the place of bread crumbs in coating and crumbing the deliciously juicy cod fillet. It’s light, crunchy and really one of the best I’ve had.

Filo Fish and Chips
For breakfast—or brunch, if you’re not an early bird—that also tastes like dessert, do get the Pavlova Waffle, where smashed meringue adds a fun, crunchy texture to fluffy waffles topped with chantilly cream and assorted berries. You can’t go wrong too with the signature Tiramisu with Mascarpone Cheese Trifle—it’s not new, but there’s a reason it’s remained on the menu.

Pavlova Waffle
Other highlights include the 220gm Mushroom-rubbed Wagyu Sirloin, and Beef Noodle Soup with slow-braised Australian Beef Brisket (inspired by the beef noodles Chef Matkhir ate in Taiwan). With 19 new dishes, The Resort Café offers both variety and refinement to satisfy all ages from 11am to 11pm daily. — Adelina Tan, Deputy Editor
Address: Lobby Level, 1, Persiaran Lagoon, Bandar Sunway, 47500 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Opening hours: 6am to 10.30pm daily
Reservations: +603 7495 2009 | +6019 381 5568 (WhatsApp) | [email protected]
Website | Facebook | Instagram

3. Finch, Bukit Bintang

Hiru-Tea
Think ‘afternoon tea’ and what usually comes to mind are dainty sandwiches, pastries and cakes. Some give it a Malaysian flair with local tea-time treats, but the whimsical Finch has looked further east for inspiration for its Hiru-Tea. Available daily from 12pm to 6pm and just nice for two moderate eaters, the selection includes petite portions of Sashimi Salad; Chuka Wakame; Chuka Hotate; Yawara Kani Maki; Salmon Ball Nigiri; Chef’s Selection Sashimi; and Mini Tarts with Salmon, Maguro and White Fish.

These are presented in a multi-tiered platter crafted to resemble a gilded bird cage. In typical Finch fashion, where (generally pleasant) surprises are an element of the dining experience, they’ve eschewed minimalist Japanese tea cups for Western ones decked in flowers. The tea selection is, likewise, more West than East: there’s Earl Grey, chamomile, and moringa tea. Green tea is part of the list too, but where is the fun in picking an obvious option.

Foie Gras Anago Maki
The overall effect is surreal—part Alice in Wonderland, part Murakami. While you can order similar portions at Japanese restaurants, they don’t come in this particular combination and presentation. It’s also a plus that Finch does fusion Japanese food quite well. In addition to the Hiru-Tea, I recommend ordering the signature Foie Gras Anago Maki and the spicy Tsurai Aburi Salmon Maki. For those who enjoy carpaccio, Ocean Mikkusu—a platter with different types of fish—and Tokyo Hamachi are new additions to the menu.

Spicy Butter Fresh Water Prawns
If Japanese food isn’t really your thing (kudos for making it this far into the review), perhaps the Spicy Butter Fresh Water Prawns will whet your appetite. You’ll be tempted to soak up every inch of the rich butter gravy with the dish’s other surprising star: Fried Man Tao buns that are crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside.

Black Cod with Mushroom Risotto

Grilled Corn

Lobster Bisque

Also new to the menu is the Black Cod with Mushroom Risotto. It pairs premium Alaskan black cod with creamy, chewy arborio rice and earthy button mushrooms—creating a smorgasbord of flavours that will have you agreeing with the chef’s recommendation of this dish. To feel better about your diet and balance up your meal, get the Grilled Corn seasoned with tangy yuzu, chilli, butter, and anchovies. Alternatively, go all out and treat yourself to the Lobster Bisque if you prefer an entree with stronger flavours. — Adelina Tan, Deputy Editor
All items on the menu are available at Finch KL at The Westin Kuala Lumpur. Selected items are available for delivery via Beepit.
Address: Lower Ground, Level 1 & 2, The Westin Kuala Lumpur, 199, Jln Bukit Bintang, 55100 Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 12pm to 12am (weekdays) | 10am to 12am (weekends)
Contact: +6010 308 0888
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Trends
A brief history in corsets: Why you’re wrong about the antique undergarment

06.10.2020
By Redzhanna Jazmin

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There’s this belief that the ‘traditional’ corset, as we know it, was a tool to tailor women’s bodies into impossible shapes, displacing organs and shorting breath for the benefit of the patriarchal gaze. This belief persists today, still, what with Emma Watson’s absolute refusal to wear a corset in the 2017 live-action remake of Beauty and The Beast, as well as the Kardashian clan’s ‘waist trainers’ sparking outrage among critics and fans alike.
You’ll even see corsets demonized throughout pop culture—from Keira Knightley’s corset-induced faint in 2005’s Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse Of The Black Pearl to Millie Bobby Brown’s titular character denouncing the corset as a tool of female oppression in Enola Holmes (though she does clarify that this observation only applies to those who are forced to wear it immediately after). But why?

Millie Bobby Brown in Enola Holmes
That’s what we’re diving into today—we’re addressing a few misconceptions about corsets and exploring what a corset actually does to your body.
DISCLAIMER: Any seasoned (and qualified) fashion historian will gladly tell you that what we perceive to be the ‘corset’, is actually a gross generalisation of an array of different eras of shapewear and underwear, including (but not limited to) stays and jumps. However, for the purpose of easy-reading, we’ll just call everything a corset from here on (sorry fashion history buffs!).
So, when we think corset, our minds usually jump straight to words like restrictive, oppressive, and the like, right? Au contraire, friends. Let’s get one thing straight, right off the bat—corsetry is not synonymous with tightlacing. Tightlacing is where most of the misconceptions about corsets come from, so it’s important to note that a woman wearing a corset does not necessarily mean she is tightlacing, or even has to for that matter. Corsets were meant to be laced snugly, yet comfortably against the skin.

Keira Knightley being tight-laced into her corset during Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl
Further, they were often moulded to the body shape of the wearer, and custom-made by hand (before the days of mass production). Moreover, tightlacing the waist down to a whopping 18 or 19 inches was as scandalous back then as it is today. Exhibit A: An article entitled ‘An Admirer of a Small Waist’ from The Toronto Daily Mail in 1883 stated that “A woman who would lace an unfortunate girl night and day until her waist was reduced from 25 to 18 inches should be put into a straight waistcoat, and thus be prevented from injuring those committed to her care.”
That same article also stated, “Twenty-five inches is not too large for a medium-sized figure and twenty-six or twenty-seven inches is more in proportion when the figure is above the average height, with shoulders and chest in proportion.” Twenty-five to twenty-seven inch waists? Oh, so the very sizes that would qualify for the average small or medium sizes in any high street brand today, then.
READ: Celebrities who embrace their curves and are keeping it real

BBC: Pride and Prejudice 1995
In fact, the historical function of corsets more closely resembles the bra—a structural undergarment used to support the breasts and back. The difference is that there was the added benefit of being able to shape the body to suit the fashions of the time. Think about the way Regency era boobs looked—despite the empire-waist cut of the dresses that largely concealed the shape of the body, the breasts of women at the time soared high; almost up to the neck. You could not achieve that silhouette without the use of a short corset to hike your breasts up and keep them there.
Not to mention, corsets also had another very practical use—simply put, it’s a structural support for the extremely heavy, avant-garde skirts that were commonplace fashions in many eras, such as during the late 16th century and the late-18th to mid-19th century. Without it, the backs of women would surely break under the sheer weight of their crinolines or their plentiful petticoats.
READ: 6 Useful care tips for your lingerie that you probably didn’t know

An antique advertisement for a corset from the 1890s
It’s why Emma Watson’s ardent aversion to the corset was a particularly mind-numbing decision—the film is set somewhere between 1740-1760, where the dresses were notoriously big and the need for corsets were more pertinent than ever. As a result, what should have been the most drool-worthy live-action Disney princess dress to date instead became the most lacklustre.
Where was the volume in the skirt? Where were the tiers and tiers of embellishments? Where was the wow-factor? The glamour? Where were her gloves? Granted, the costume department did an excellent job with the dress considering that they were now restricted by the lack of a key structural component; it’s just unfortunate that it had to end up so… meh. We digress, however—expecting historical accuracy from a Disney film is like waiting for rain in a drought.

The lack of a corset forces the skirt of the dress to hang limply.
However, the issue remains of Watson’s misinformation—her reasoning was that she wanted to liberate Belle from the male gaze, while making the character “active” and “able to hold her own”; that is, without the corset that “would restrict her movement”.
READ: Would you buy these RM1,260 denim panties from Y/Project?
This in itself is a particularly grating point: While it’s true that corsets take a lot of getting used to, most women at the time would simply forget they were wearing them, much like how today we often forget that we are wearing a bra. To them, the corset was just another layer of their undergarments, and actually worked to provide a lot of support for their day-to-day labour.
Not to mention, restrictive, tight-laced corsets were mostly commonplace among unmarried young ladies of higher stature, such as Empress Elisabeth of Austria. These women didn’t have to work, meaning that they could endure the discomfort of tight-lacing for the sake of being fashionable. They were also far more likely to tight-lace consistently on a daily basis.

Pictured: Empress Elisabeth of Austria
But what of the modern medical implications of corsetry? Why are corsets associated with symptoms of short breath, fainting spells, displaced organs and cracked ribs? You guessed it—all symptoms are attributed to consistent, long-term tight-lacing.
READ: Kim Kardashian’s new name for shapewear line, LVMH donates 10 million Euros to Amazon fires and more
Let’s tackle the shortness of breath: While it is true that any dizziness is the result of a too-tight or ill-fitting corset, you do still have to learn to breathe differently in a corset that isn’t tightly laced. The constriction around your waist prevents you from fully utilising your diaphragm. As a consequence, most people simply adapt to breathing from the ‘top of their lungs’. This isn’t necessarily unhealthy, however—if you ask any singer, breathing from the diaphragm consistently is usually something people have to be trained into, anyway.

Le Corset
Of course there are negative, adverse effects that occur with any kind of body modification, and not just through tight-lacing. Corsets provide excellent back support, but continuous use can be a double-edged sword. Namely, muscle atrophy is an issue—when you underuse the muscles in your abdomen and back as you would in a corset, the muscles shrink, leading to back pain and other issues. This has been seen in recent studies, where back braces that function similarly to corsets have led to atrophy with continuous use.
Further, with regards to organ displacement, your organs shift back to their natural position once you remove the corset, just as they do after pregnancy. All the actresses you hear complaining about the perils of corsetry (looking at you, Emma Stone) were likely tight-laced too small. The same applies to the historical women whose skeletons show deformations as a result of corset use, according to this 2015 study. Plus, of course, with the temporary organ displacement associated with tight-lacing and the restriction over the belly from a traditional corset, you’re bound to run into trouble with food.

Image: Youtube
Calling on another of Disney’s live adaptations, Lily James’ dress in the 2015 live-action adaptation of Cinderella garnered a lot of negative press. In that dress, James’ already tiny waist of 22 inches was tight-laced down to a whopping 17 inches to create the silhouette for the dress.
READ: Stop crash dieting! Here’s how to get a flat tummy without risking your health
As a result, the actress had to adopt a liquid diet. She told E News: “When [the corset] was on, we would be on continuous days so we wouldn’t stop for lunch or a lovely tea like this—you’d be sort of eating on the move. In that case, I couldn’t untie the corset. So, if you ate food, it didn’t really digest properly and I’d be burping all afternoon … it was just really sort of unpleasant … I’d have soup so that I could still eat but it wouldn’t get stuck.”

Instagram: @kimkardashian
Let’s apply these adverse effects to a more modern case study. We’ve seen the corset make a big come-back as the waist trainer. Flogged across Instagram by the Kardashian-Jenners, it’s marketed as a way to permanently slim your figure by “holding all your fat in place so you can focus your training on your core muscles”. Effectively, the notorious family is selling the concept of tight-lacing as waist training.
Many have vouched for the effectiveness of their waist-trainer programmes, saying that it’s helped them shed the pounds. Of course, the idea that a waist trainer can have any dramatic, or long-term effect on your natural figure is completely baseless, especially as we have already established that corsetry is temporary. The whole trend is essentially a rip-off—the results people claim to be seeing are from all of the exercise they’re told to do as well as the reduction in their appetites from the corset.
In conclusion, corsets are a very misunderstood staple of historical fashion and continue to be misunderstood today. This is only a brief exploration into the complexities of corset history that only just scratches the surface.
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Film, TV + Theatre
‘Everything Everywhere All at Once’: Things to know about A24’s new film starring Michelle Yeoh

29.12.2021
By Genie Leong

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Malaysian sci-fi movie buffs will soon have something new to geek about. Trailers for A24’s new film, Everything Everywhere All at Once, takes its own spin on the concept of a multiverse—the concept that there exists an indefinite number of alternate universes and realities. Marvel fans who have seen some of the MCU’s latest films, like Spider-Man: No Way Home, will be no stranger to the premise of a multiverse, and if you’re a fan of Black Mirror, Coherence (2013) or Inception (2010), then A24’s new cutting-edge production should be right up your alley. And that’s not even the best part! Malaysia’s own acting pride and joy, Michelle Yeoh, will be starring in the lead role of Evelyn Wang, a Chinese American woman whose mundane life is completely thrown off the rails when she is flung into the multiverse.

Excited for Michelle Yeoh’s upcoming movie? Here are a few things to know about the project before it releases in March 2022.
1) The film’s co-directors and co-writers are Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert

Co-directors and writers, Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert
Affectionately referred throughout the industry as the “Daniels”, film-making duo Kwan and Scheinert are most known for their award-winning, Grammy-nominated work on music videos, with the most notable being DJ Snake and Lil Jon’s single ‘Turn Down for What’, which was everywhere on the Internet in 2013. The duo’s work in the realm of feature films will probably make a lot of sense as to how they came up with a premise like the one in Everything Everywhere All at Once; they’re the ones behind the 2016 surreal-comedy film Swiss Army Man, which stars another Daniel that you’re definitely familiar with: Daniel Radcliffe. Evidently, Kwan and Scheinert have done well bringing bizarre stories to big screens before, so it can be expected that their upcoming movie will do just as well, if not better.
2) Michelle Yeoh will be kicking and fighting again

Michelle Yeoh as Yu Shu Lien in ‘Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon’
Depending on age, fans of Michelle Yeoh will probably be familiar with one of two of her most famous on-screen personas: a fierce martial artist (Yu Shu Lien in Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon) or an overprotective Chinese mother (Eleanor Young in Crazy Rich Asians). Younger generations who might not be familiar with the former role will have the chance to see Michelle Yeoh in her element in a more modern production. Yeoh’s role as a super-powered mum who literally packs a punch guarantees adrenaline-fuelled action sequences from the Malaysian star. Known to do her own stunts and fight scenes, it will be an experience of its own to watch Yeoh return to her roots once again in this comedy-action film.
3) The character of Evelyn Wang is based on co-director Daniel Kwan’s mother

Michelle Yeoh as Eleanor Young in ‘Crazy Rich Asians’
Audiences will likely get a look into Kwan’s relationship with his mother as she is the main inspiration behind the creation of Michelle Yeoh’s character, Evelyn Wang. While Kwan’s mother is neither an actress nor a martial artist, Kwan still sees her as a hero. Everything Everywhere All at Once is described as “what if Daniel Kwan’s mother was in the Matrix”. This a fresh departure from the stereotype of Asian mothers as ‘Tiger Mums’, a trope that regardless of how much truth it carries, has been long overdone in cinema, and pretty much fulfilled by Yeoh in Crazy Rich Asians. Kwan’s mother as the inspirational backbone to the writing of Evelyn Wang is endearing while maintaining strong ties to cultural significance and the Chinese American immigrant experience.
4) A24 has a roster of impressive, award-winning films

A24’s most impressive and well-known productions
Few studios in the film industry have the reputation that A24 does, and rightfully so. The powerhouse entertainment company has produced some of modern cinema’s greatest masterpieces so far; some of the A24 titles you might recognise are Uncut Gems (2019), Ladybird (2017), Midsommar (2019), Hereditary (2018), and the 2017 Academy Award for Best Picture winner, Moonlight (2016). Think it stops there? A24 is also the production studio behind hit HBO teen drama series Euphoria, starring the likes of Zendaya, Hunter Schafer and Jacob Elordi, just to name a few. From acclaimed feature films to hard-hitting TV shows, A24 definitely knows a thing or two about what it takes to produce an impressive program. With the studio behind Everything Everywhere All at Once, it’s easy to see why the movie is attracting some serious buzz ahead of its 2022 Spring release.
5) It’s not just Michelle Yeoh you’ll want to see this movie for

Michelle in training for Everything Everywhere All at Once
Needless to say, the primary reason Malaysians will be turning up to watch the movie is for Michelle Yeoh’s starring role in it. However, she’s not the only cast member to watch out for. Alongside Yeoh, the film will bring in a multi-star studded cast to inhabit its multiverse, including Stephanie Tsu (The Marvelous Mrs Maisel), Harry Shum Jr. (Shadowhunters), Ke Huy Quan (Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom), James Hong (Blade Runner, 1982), and Jamie Lee Curtis (Knives Out). Whether or not you’re a fan of any one of these actors, and while it is not yet known how all their roles will play into the outcome of the film’s plot, rest assured that Yeoh will be joined by an array of strong talents as her character Evelyn travels through the many layered dimensions of this mesmerising world.
MORE: 30 Thoughts I had while watching Crazy Rich Asians

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Technology
Samsung Unpacked 2022: Galaxy Z Fold4, Galaxy Flip4, Watch5 Series, and Buds 2 Pro
Unfold your world

11.08.2022
By Natalie Khoo

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Samsung has officially unveiled an array of new gadget launches in its annual Samsung Unpacked 2022 event that took place yesterday, introducing two new foldable smartphones, its latest generation of smartwatches, and a new pair of earbuds to the world.
The Galaxy Z Fold 4 and Galaxy Z Flip 4 were the main headliners of the event, building on the South Korean tech giant’s legacy as one of the forerunners in the foldable smartphone category. Meanwhile, the Galaxy Watch 5 and Galaxy Watch 5 Pro see upgrades in durability and battery life, whereas the new Galaxy Buds 2 Pro now offers 24-bit audio support.
Without further ado, here’s a brief rundown of everything to know about Samsung’s latest tech candies.

Galaxy Flip4

Design: The overall appearance of the new Z Flip4 may look quite similar to its predecessor, but there are a few refinements, including a slimmer hinge, straightened edges, contrasting hazed back glass, and a glossy metal frame. It’s also available in new colourways for both Standard Editions (Bora purple, graphite, pink gold, and blue) and Bespoke Editions (yellow, white, navy, khaki, and red with silver, black, or gold framing).
Display: Similarly, the Z Flip4 retains the same 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED main screen and a 1.9-inch Super AMOLED Cover Screen. However, it is now powered by the Snapdragon® 8+ Gen 1 Mobile Platform, which gives the phone a 3.2GHz performance boost.
Camera: While the camera setup remains the same with 12MP dual main cameras and a 10MP selfie camera, the pixel size of the primary wide-angle camera sensor is now larger by 0.4μm. This translates to a 65 per cent increase in brightness and a five-degree increase in its field of view.
Following the success of the FlexMode on the Z Flip3, Samsung has also introduced the new FlexCam feature that allows users to shoot hands-free video and capture full group selfies by partially folding the Z Flip4. In addition, the Quick Shot feature has been upgraded to let users take high-quality selfies and videos directly from the cover screen completely hands-free, without unfolding the phone.
Battery: The Z Flip4 comes with an upgraded 3,700mAh dual cell battery for longer endurance, and now supports Super Fast Charging to achieve a 50 per cent charge in about 30 minutes.
Price: From RM4,099 for the 128GB model

Galaxy Z Fold4

Design: Like the Z Flip4, the flagship Z Fold4 now features a slimmer hinge, lighter weight, and even narrower bezels for better portability.
Display: Not many changes has been made to the display, except for a brighter main screen and less visible Under Display Camera (UDC). Further, the durability of the main screen is now enhanced with an optimised layer structure to reduce damage from external shock. It also features IPX8 water resistance, Armor Aluminum frames, and Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+ on the cover screen and rear glass.
Camera: The triple-lens camera system has been upgraded to feature a massive 50MP sensor for the primary wide-angle lens (up from last year’s 12MP specs), as well as a 30x Space Zoom lens. This comes along with a larger pixel size, 23 per cent brighter sensor, and enhanced processing power for improved night photography.
Performance: The Z Fold4 also ships with the latest Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 Mobile Platform, promising ultra-fast 5G capabilities, in addition to improved computational photography and snappier gaming.
Software: The Z Fold4 is the first device to ship with Android 12L, a special version of Android created by Google for large-screen experiences such as foldables. This allows Samsung to offer new multitasking capabilities, including a PC-like Taskbar layout for easy access to favourite and recently used apps. Samsung has also partered with Google and Microsoft to offer more user-friendly features that take multitasking up a few notches.
Price: From RM6,799 for the 256GB model

Galaxy Watch5 Series

Samsung has once again switched up its smartwatch lineup, retiring the Galaxy Watch Classic in favour of the higher-end Galaxy Watch5 Pro model this year. While both the standard and pro models, the Galaxy Watch5 Pro is more targeted toward outdoor enthusiasts, with premium materials, more durable construction, and a longer battery life.
Design: The Galaxy Watch5 comes in two sizes, 40mm and 44mm, with unique color options for each. Both sizes are available in graphite and silver, while the larger version will be offered in sapphire and the smaller one in pink gold. On the other hand, the Galaxy Watch5 Pro is only available in a single 45mm size in black and gray titanium. In addition, the Galaxy Watch 5 will be available in a Bespoke edition that lets users customise their watch from 1,032 combinations of model, size, case color, and straps.
Display: The two Galaxy Watch5 models feature a Sapphire Crystal display for the first time, promising improved durability. What’s more, the Galaxy Watch5 Pro has a titanium casing with a protruded bezel design around the display for extra protection, and a new D-Buckle Sport Band to take on rugged adventures.
Software: Both watches offer similar features under the hood, including improved health tracking and a 3-in-1 BioActive Sensor that combines two powerful health monitors to provide extensive heart rate, blood oxygen level, and even stress level readings. Other notable features include a Body Composition measurement tool that provides a complete snapshot of the user’s overall health, sleep tracking improvements with Sleep Scores, and an advanced Sleep Coaching feature.
Battery: Both watches have significant battery improvements, with the standard model increasing by 13 per cent and the pro model increasing by 60 per cent over the Galaxy Watch4. The two models also charge 30 per cent faster than before, offering eight hours of sleep tracking with just eight minutes of charging.
Price: From RM1,055 for the Galaxy Watch5 | From RM1,899 for the Galaxy Watch5 Pro

Galaxy Buds2 Pro

Design: The new Buds2 Pro arrive 15 per cent smaller than their predecessors, ensuring an even more secure fit and improved active noise cancellation (ANC). They are available in three colours that match perfectly with the Z Flip 4, namely Bora Purple, Graphite, and White.
Audio performance: One major upgrade to the top-of-the-line buds is the new seamless codec (SSC HiFi), which provides an immersive wireless audio experience with Hi-Fi 24-bit audio and high dynamic range.
Connectivity: Thanks to the new Auto Switch feature, the buds can seamlessly switch between Galaxy smartphones, tablets, and Samsung TVs to allow users to change tasks—from watching a movie on their tablet to answering a call on their phone, for example—with the touch of a button. Plus, the SmartThings Find feature allows users to locate the buds if they have been misplaced.
Price: RM899

The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4, Galaxy Z Fold4, Galaxy Watch5, Galaxy Watch5 Pro, and Galaxy Bud will be available for pre-order from 10 August to 1 September 2022. To pre-order, visit Samsung Experience Stores, Samsung Authorised Partners, and Samsung Malaysia Online Store.
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Fashion
Milan Fashion Week AW17: Highlights of Day 2
Varying themes

24.02.2017
By Su Fen Tan

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Tonal dressing at its finest was showcased at Max Mara, where Max Griffiths conjured all-monochromatic outfits with a play in texture. The palette was classic and bold: strong looks in red opened the show, followed by shades of brown, grey, gold and camel, before closing out with black. While we can’t say if the tropical prints from his SS17 show will still be in season when next spring rolls around, his AW17 collection tells a different story with creations that look utterly timeless—coats are Max Mara’s undeniable forte, after all, and the likes of tailored skirts, trousers and pant suits will hardly wear out.

Another show that echoed the sentiment of being timeless is Fendi. After a frolic through the gardens of Versailles last spring comes a grown-up outing this fall, where a theme did not come screaming through, but Karl Lagerfeld and Silvia Venturini Fendi’s Roman inspiration was as subtle as can be. For example, the opening look of a double-breasted coat with deep mink cuffs worn over a longer skirt is a nod to the “stratification” of Roman architecture. Elsewhere, the geometric prints and patterns that were brilliantly incorporated onto intarsia coats and knitwear, at times with a cut-out design, were inspired by Viennese woodblock printing and 18th century Italian papiers dominotés.

Near the mouth of the Prada runway, a poster-form declaration read: “Continuous Interior, Prada 2017. We have decided to look at the role women had in the shaping of modern society, their political participation and social achievements.” Perhaps that explains the hint of rebellion in the collection; the glamorous, statement elements that adorned everyday staples: feather in bright hues fluffing up the hemlines of skirts and coats, a series of co-ords and shift dresses featuring prints from paperback novels of the ’60s, as well as unlikely patterns and colours put together to complete head-turning looks.

There is rarely a dull moment (or theme) at Moschino, and this season sees Jeremy Scott go about the idea of making do: what will a rich clotheshorse who’s gone dead broke wear? The show opened with cardboard couture looks—Kendall Jenner kicked things off in a skirt suit that looked to be taped together, and her good friends Gigi and Bella Hadid followed in coats covered with ‘fragile’ and ‘handle with care’ labels. Then came ensembles clad in collage prints of old Moschino editorials, before the show closed on a high with party dresses and gowns fashioned from mundane household items, think bathroom curtains, bubble wraps, shopping bags, duct tapes, as well as, well, trash. To drive the message home, Scott took his bow in a tee that read “Couture is an attitude, it’s not a price point“.

Related stories:
Milan Fashion Week AW17: Street-style worthy statement sleeves
Milan Fashion Week AW17: Highlights of Day 1

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Beauty
BAFTAs 2020: The best celebrity beauty looks from the night

03.02.2020
By Redzhanna Jazmin

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

For the 73rd annual British Academy Film Awards (BAFTAs), stars all headed to the prestigious Royal Albert Hall in the heart of London to celebrate the finest in the industry. From nominees to royalty, this truly was not a night to be missed.
Beauty trends on the red carpet ranged from sleek hairdos to a healthy dose of draping, along with strong moments of pink monochrome (looking at you, Scarlett Johansson). Worth mentioning is the Duchess of Cambridge gracing the red carpet and proving once again that the Royals do it best (recycling her fashion choices, no less). Plus, Saoirse Ronan shows no signs of letting up as the it girl of the year with yet another nomination in tow and a killer beauty look to match. For our complete list of our favourite looks, swipe through!
{insert gallery tpl=”slide-freesize.tpl” id=”[Стандартная] BAFTAS 2020 best beauty looks” rid=”7837″ order=”a_tstamp”}

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Art + Design
The cutest and most satisfying pixel art accounts on Instagram for digital art lovers

26.01.2022
By Genie Leong

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In the age of memes, NFTs, and cryptocurrency, it’s no surprise that everything around us is being rapidly digitised—even art and our aesthetic. Known for its cutesy appearance reminiscent of Minecraft and pixelated RPG games, pixel art has taken the physical and virtual world by storm.
Artists specialising in pixel art have popped up all over social media, most noticeably on Instagram, where many have gained thousands of followers and counting. From 2D drawings to looped animations, the creations of these artists are fantastic, to say the least.
Looking for new pixel art accounts to obsess over? (Trust us, it will turn into an obsession.) Here are some of the cutest pixel art accounts on Instagram that you just have to follow.
1) @probzzzz

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A post shared by Paul Robertson (@probzzzz)

With a huge 106k following on Instagram, artist Paul Robertson makes some of the most detailed pixel art there is to see. Much of the work on his page features peculiar and adorable little characters in settings that look straight out of a Studio Ghibli movie. Each frame is packed to the corners, so your eyes never run out of something fun to look at. Robertson also does animated pieces which bring the quirky beings that inhabit each piece to life, just like an RPG game.
2) @8pxl_

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A post shared by Jubilee (@8pxl_)

The artist behind @8pxl_, Jubilee posts a variety of photos, from pixel art to nature shots to the occasional adorable dog photo. While the page boasts beautiful artwork of nature scenes, the most eye-catching pieces are definitely the pixelated renditions of brightly coloured drinks in tall glasses and pretty, gold-rimmed teacups. If you’re a fan of aesthetic home cafe videos or you follow IG accounts that curate similar content, this pixel art account will surely quench your thirst!
3) @aleha_84

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A post shared by Aleksey (@aleha_84)

Aleksey, the creative mind behind @aleha_84, creates cosy pixel art scenes that will have you wishing you were curled up by a fireplace in winter, no matter the season or country. Much of Aleksey’s work is dim-lit and darker-toned, with common elements being Japanese architecture, city streets, and lots of snowfalls (many of which are animated too!). Despite the consistent winter scenes, the art feels warm and snug—and almost nostalgic—so prepare to feel the urge to sink into your sofa and get comfy as you scroll.
4) @ijjotho

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Lifestyle
Write your own fairy tale with Montblanc Writers Edition Homage to Brothers Grimm
And so it was written: ‘Once upon a time…’

15.07.2022
By Aria Nadkarni

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For over a hundred years now, Montblanc has been the epitome of luxury. Specialising in the fine craftsmanship of watches, writing instruments and other accessories, it is safe to say that this is a brand that values quality and truly timeless creations. Every item made is ‘touched with the maker’s soul’, and Montblanc aims for that story to continue on with you.
In their latest campaign, Montblanc has paid tribute to the tradition of writing and the transformative power of literature by honoring the contributions of the Brothers Grimm to the literary canon. Credited with popularising folk tales and making them broadly accessible, the Brothers Grimm are most well known for turning the tradition of oral-storytelling into written chronicles to be passed down from generation to generation—much like Montblanc’s mission to produce sophisticated writing instruments to carry on the legacy of storytelling. Most famously, the Brothers Grimm are responsible for the introduction of fables like that of Cinderella, Rapunzel and Little Red Riding Hood into the common consciousness.

While the Brothers Grimm are most well known for their role in the urbanisation of folk tales, that isn’t their only contribution to the literary canon. Arguably their greatest undertaking, the brothers are directly responsible for the publication of the first German dictionary. Montblanc Writers Edition honors this heritage in every pen—engraved in each is a tribute which ties back to it, including the use of the fairy tales’ original German titles. The series includes four pens painstakingly designed to mimic the narrative twists and turns of four of the Brothers’ greatest stories: Hansel and Gretel, Sleeping Beauty, Rapunzel, and Snow White. All the pens have their own personality, and are completely original yet expressively related to the authors who are directly responsible for many of the stories which populated and added that touch of magic to our childhoods.

The Brothers Grimm’s work coincided with the Romantic era in literature; in the wake of this renewed interest in folk tales, the Brothers believed that they represented the purest level of cultural literature. Much like the Brothers’ interest in the legacy of literature, Mont Blanc’s latest collection pays homage to their contribution to literary culture. Though the pens are the collection’s primary feature, they’re not all that’s included in the collection. In the aesthetic of classical fairy tale books, a gracefully illustrated ‘G’ spans the cover of a calfskin leather notebook. With the Montblanc Emblem within, steel cufflinks and a leather bracelet similarly grace the collection, along with a richly coloured ink set in forest green.

Homage to Brothers Grimm Limited Edition

Adorned with textured waves which mimic the flowing locks of Rapunzel’s hair, this pen is dark, mysterious and elegant. A black resin coat, platinum fittings and a spindle-like cone create a sinister atmosphere which draws back to the macabre tone of the original story. The circle surrounding the clip is decorated with the engraving “Göttinger Sieben”, a reference to the ring of seven intellectuals from Göttinger of which the Brothers were members of.

Homage to Brothers Grimm Limited Edition 1812

With a fountain-pen-esque tip and intricate engravings of brambles and leaves upon the vintage gold-coloured ruthenium coating, this homage to the tale of Sleeping Beauty is equally an ode to the Brothers’ admiration of the beauty of nature. No detail was missed when crafting this pen: the Montblanc Emblem, carved from mother-of-pearl, is surrounded by a scarlet lacquer, reminiscent of the sprawling roses which embrace the castle in the original fairy tale.

Homage to Brothers Grimm Limited Edition 86

The disquieting atmosphere of this tale is matched with the blackened ebony wood used to craft this pen, symbolising the mysterious forest and the charred wood used in burning the witch to death. Adorned in black and gold, the threatening yet hopeful tone of the fairy tale is captured perfectly, engravings of flames evoking the dramatic final moment of triumph for the characters. To add the icing onto the cake, the barrel features the famous lines in their original version: “Knuper knuper kneischen…Wer knupert an meinem Häuschen?” (“Nibble nibble like a mouse, who is nibbling at my house?”).

Homage to Brothers Grimm Limited Edition 8

Mirroring the delicate elegance of Snow White’s glass casket and the enchanting tale itself, this pen is as refined as it gets. With solid white gold inlays and a ribbon of diamonds to signify the seven dwarves’ mining, a rock crystal engraved with a drawing of Snow White as in the original art, and an inlay on the cap designed to look like a crystal ore, this is by far the most detailed pen of the four. These features are moreover shrouded in a bed of yellow gold ‘leaves’, and the nib is even engraved with Snow White’s apples alongside the characteristic flames to add that last bit of magic.
Head over to your nearest Montblanc Boutique to find out more about these limited edition pens and begin writing your own story.

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Food + Drink
9 Interesting food customs from around the world
Important table manners

24.11.2016
By Rachel Au

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Travelling is all about freedom, making memories, adventures, and discovering new things; and while most of these can only be done once you’ve landed, there are certain information you need to look up before you get on that jet plane. Just like Googling for things to see and places to eat, you should also research the customs and traditions of the country lest you make an honest mistake and risk getting the evil eye from the locals. Here are a couple of interesting food customs from around the world.

1. When in the Middle East… eat with your right hand only.
It’s common culture in most parts of the Middle East to eat with your hands but what isn’t acceptable is using your left hand. In fact, while the right hand is reserved for handling food, the lefty is usually associated with the use for bodily functions. Hence, if you reach for food with the left hand, your host is going to feel quite insulted.

2. When in Italy… don’t add cheese on top of your seafood (yes, even if it’s pasta)
The combination is seen as a culinary catastrophe.

3. Also, when in Italy… don’t order a cappuccino after a meal
Well, you can but you’ll definitely be frowned upon and automatically branded as a tourist (which you are, anyway). Italians never order a milk beverage after a meal as it’s believed to hinder digestion; so instead, they’ll get the usual espresso.

4. When in Thailand…don’t put food in your mouth with a fork
It’s considered crude and low-class. Instead, it should solely be used to push food onto a spoon, which is then placed into the mouth.

5. When in Chile… avoid using your hands to eat
It’s customary to use a knife and fork to eat – even if it’s chicken drumsticks. It’s believed that food should never be eaten with one’s hands.

6. When in Portugal and Egypt… don’t ask for salt and pepper
Unless you want to offend the person who cooked you the meal.

7. When in Japan… slurp your noodles loud and proud
You probably already know this and how it shows you’re enjoying your meal but there’s one other belief for this custom – that it helps to improve the noodles’ flavour.

8. Also, when in Japan… dip the fish of the sushi, and not the rice, into the soy sauce
Actually, when it comes to eating sushi in Japan, there are several rules such as: Put the whole sushi in your mouth with the fish side to touch the tongue, don’t dump wasabi into the soy sauce but put it on top of the sushi, and eat the ginger between pieces of sushi and not place it onto the sushi.

9. When in China… don’t finish your plate of food
For most of us, leaving your plate clean means you’re not wasting food, your future partner will not have any pimples, and if you’re eating at someone’s home, it means you’re honouring your host. In China, however, it’s rude and it means your host didn’t feed you enough.

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PFW SS16: Anthony Vaccarello

Fashion
PFW SS16: Anthony Vaccarello
Military with a risqué touch

30.09.2015
By Wei Yeen Loh

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It’s obvious that an Anthony Vaccarello girl loves short hemlines and hip-bone high slits, which is perhaps the reason why the Vaccarello A-lister clientele is made of the likes of Anja Rubik, Giselle Bundchen and Jennifer Lopez—his designs are bonafide sexy and sharp to boot.
For S/S’16, it was military-esque while veering towards a more urban front, with army green jackets smattered with gold hardware detailing and black leather trimmings. Pop culture nuances were spotted with tank dresses embellished with stud clusters of friend and muse Anja Rubik’s face portrait. Something that stood out was (shockingly) the more conservative pairing of classic blue jeans paired with crisp white shirts that had blue rose motifs. The rest were provocatively done, as per his signature aesthetic, with drape jersey dresses and black leather pieces held together by giant rings—for the unhibited girl who’s ultimately edgy and urban.
{insert gallery tpl=”slide-freesize.tpl” id=”Anthony Vaccarello SS16″ rid=”3496″ order=”a_tstamp”}

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Features
How much does a runway show really cost, according to British designer Henry Holland

17.09.2020
By Joan Kong

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Before standing down from my label, House of Holland, earlier this year, we had staged 26 fashion shows on the London Fashion Week schedule. Over the course of this 12-year period, I bore witness to a period of seismic change in the industry. Including, but not limited to, the meteoric rise of social media, the birth of the influencer and the online retailer boom.
I staged my first show in February 2007. I had been out of my full-time job in teen magazines for less than eight weeks and invited to showcase my work as part of a group showcase for new talent (under the Fashion East banner, founded by the godmother of London design talent, Lulu Kennedy). At first, the rollercoaster of fun sustained me, until it no longer could.

There is a huge personal toll to showing your collections each season. It feels like—I can of course only speak from personal experience—that once you’re on that rollercoaster, however crazy, then to get off is career suicide. Generating, at best, snarky comments that “such and such obviously isn’t doing very well [if] they’re not showing this season.” At worst? A lack of press attention that would see global buyers, and customers alike, forgetting about your very existence.
In retrospect, HoH was probably never quite right for the concept of the fashion show. We started out as simply a T-shirt only brand and I had zero experience in pattern-cutting or creating a garment (beyond the idea of printing a witty slogan on a wholesale American Apparel T-shirt).

“A FASHION SHOW CAN COST ANYTHING FROM £30,000 RIGHT THROUGH TO OVER A £1MILLION”

As an untrained journalism graduate-cum-designer, with a strong point of view and concept of what my customer wanted, I was more often criticised for deigning the official schedule with my presence than I was celebrated with a “god loves a trier” goodwill by the critics.

“These days, people at the collections are anxiously asking each other, ‘What is the future of catwalk shows?’—but nobody seems to know the answer. House of Holland is one example, however, of what they shouldn’t be anymore,” Was one particularly painful Vogue review* that stands out. (*To be fair, that show was shit).
But, of course, I didn’t care. The draw of the attention and exhilarating joy that a twice-yearly showcase afforded my team—and my ego—far outweighed the devastating blow of a hangover spent reading a scathing review of my work. On those occasions, my competitive nature would kick in. I swiftly adopted an, “I’ll show them I deserve to be here” attitude that ultimately pushed me to work more, and try harder to produce something bigger and better the following season.
I definitely bought into the hype on occasion. I was convinced that the more press coverage I could generate, the bigger the orders from the stores would become. And for a while, it worked.

“TOO MANY PEOPLE ARE AFRAID TO ROCK THE BOAT”

There are so many elements to putting on an 8-12 minute show that many people don’t see. Finding a venue, the lighting, curating the music, seating up to 500 guests, seating plans for a VERY picky group of editors, buyers and celebrities in a way that doesn’t cause offense or upset. Casting of up to 25 girls, ensuring up to 100 pieces of clothing fit perfectly, changing from one outfit to another in under 90 seconds, inviting the right celebrities, hair and make-up, invites, filming and photography, security. It all adds up (a fashion show can cost anything from £30,000 right through to over a £1million for the big houses in Paris and New York). Within this Fashion Week hysteria, it can be easy to lose focus on the real star of the show: the collection.
Compounding this quandary is the dilemma of who the shows are for exactly. This has changed over time. Pre-internet, for example, the fashion show schedule was deigned to impress the editors, buyers and stylists who were invited. Today, the real critics are the ones who vote with their credit cards and Instagram feeds, and have the power to grow—or ‘cancel’—a brand in just one or two seasons.
The modern-day iteration of the fashion show—pre-Covid, of course—has proved peacocking to be rife. This is where the looks shown on the runway are likely made up of only a small portion of commercial pieces (that will eventually reach the shop floor), sandwiched between “show only” looks to pique the interest of stylists, editors, and influencers alike (those who have the capability to create a ‘viral’ moment for a brand). These pieces are likely to cost the most to produce, with little intention of actually producing for a customer.
And yet, the shows still go on. Why? Ultimately, it is built on an industry of personalities who love the gravitas that even attending the shows affords them (“front row only please!”). It’s a double-edged sword. This ego-stroking and adoration received for a great show drives the concept and I can’t lie… the attention feels really good. When you get it right, at least.
While Covid-19 has brought about a much needed reality check for the whole concept, it still feels like the industry is reticent to actively explore a completely new way of thinking.

Major elements of the fashion industry’s order of play come from a place of fear. Fear of no longer being the hot ticket. Fear of no longer being invited to the big events. Fear of fading into obscurity. Fear of never being able to sell a garment again. It’s this fear that hampers change. Too many people are afraid to rock the boat, to carve their own path, and set a new agenda which—however more efficient and relevant to the industry as a whole—prevents many from speaking out or actioning real change.
Even pre-pandemic, the fashion show was calling for change. With the explosion of social media almost a decade ago, it sometimes feels that the shows are no longer relevant for their current audience, and instead would make for an amazing consumer-facing event. In the same way a rock concert does for any musician.
For small brands like House of Holland, the shows were always about creating a conversation. Elevating the brand to the wider consciousness, in lieu of a year-round marketing budget. I would be the first to agree that this wasn’t always the best-serving business model for us (and if it were not for key brand partnerships for the event itself, we would never have had the budget to do so).

Looking ahead, bourgeoning labels rely so much more on direct-to-consumer business models. These real-time conversations between customers and brands have, more recently, created meaningful interactions around their cultural footprint, that had simply not happened in the past. It feels like there’s an evolving trend in the industry to look inwards, to ensure that they understand the needs of their customer. That direct feedback is invaluable.
Let’s hope the CTRL+ALT+DEL mentality that the Covid-19 pandemic has forced upon the world acts as a force for real and immediate change. That we don’t just hit reboot and hop back on the rollercoaster once more. Albeit with just 30 people in the audience.

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Beauty
Met Gala 2017: Best OTT beauty looks we love
Red carpet game-changers

02.05.2017
By Wei Yeen Loh

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You can’t talk about the Met Gala without glossing over (or carrying length discussions of) celebrities’ beauty looks. And as we all know, Hollywood’s glitziest love to bring on their beauty game especially when there’s a theme involved. As the Met Gala 2017 pays homage to Comme des Garçons’ founder Rei Kawakubo, we aren’t surprised that a slew of female celebs sported bobs with choppy bangs—similar to Kawukubo’s signature punkish hairdo—such as Lilly Collins. Those who didn’t follow the memo yet dazzled on the beauty front include Zendaya—whose wild ‘fro we absolutely love, Ruby Rose’s uncharacteristically pared back hair and makeup, and Rihanna’s ’60s-leaning, exaggerated highlighter/blush look that complemented her next-level Comme des Garçons ensemble.

Below, which celebrity’s hair and makeup look at the Met Gala 2017 do you love?
{insert gallery tpl=”slide-freesize.tpl” id=”Met Gala 2017 Beauty” rid=”5039″ order=”a_tstamp”}

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#BuroFitMum: Interview with Cindy Gan

Lifestyle
#BuroFitMum: Interview with Cindy Gan
#fitnessgoals

11.05.2017
By Su Fen Tan

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Meet Cindy Gan. Mother to two lovely girls and a trainer at Firestation.fit with a lean, mean physique that screams #fitnessgoals—she has been in the fitness industry for 14 years! If you’ve been to one of Cindy’s Stride classes at Firestation, you’ll be familiar with the motivating and positive energy that she exudes. Here, get to know her a little better in our #BuroFitMum series as she talks about her workout routine, the song that motivates her in the gym, and her proudest moment as a mum… all while doing chin-ups.

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Beauty
You need to clean your belly button—here’s your guide to the how and why
The innies and outies of it all

26.05.2023
By Redzhanna Jazmin

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Ah, the belly button—nestled between the folds of your abdomen, it’s quite the enigmatic entity. What secrets does this unassuming little hollow keep? The answer… may shock you.
Specifically, if you’re not doing your due diligence in keeping your navel clean, you may eventually uncover some unwanted surprises. From lingering odours to potential infections, it’s time to stop neglecting your belly button.
Ahead, we’re walking you through the innies and outies of belly button hygiene—it may not be the guide you asked for, but it’s the guide you’re getting:

Why do you need to clean your navel?
We may be pointing out the obvious here, but your belly button is gross. The navel is a particularly warm and moist area of the body, and its shape (especially for those with ‘innies’) makes it prime real estate for dirt, sweat, oils and other gross things. Over time, if left uncleaned, said grime can accumulate, creating an environment in which bacteria and fungi can thrive. The result? Unpleasant stinks, potential skin irritation or—worst case scenario—skin infections.
If you’ve ever had a bacterial or yeast infection, you’ll know that it’s the last thing you could ever want in your navel. So, if you want to keep your crop tops on and avoid redness, itching, discharge, odours and discomfort in your belly button, all you have to do is keep it clean.
Of course, there are cases where it’s even more pertinent to keep your navel clean—specifically, for those with pierced belly buttons. If you’ve recently gotten your belly pierced, you’re probably aware that there is now a gaping wound in your navel. Considering that this area is already pretty gross, you can probably understand why cleaning the area is so important. If your belly wasn’t prone to infections before, it definitely is now, and the stakes are higher—skin infections are the least of your problems when cellulitis (read: a common but nasty bacterial skin infection) and abscesses are on the table.

Photo by Sasha Maslova

So, how do you clean your belly button properly?
Good news! Cleaning your navel is a pretty easy process and doesn’t take much more than soap and water. All you have to do is lather up when you’re in the shower—easily done while you’re tackling the rest of your body—and using either your finger, a cotton swab, or a clean washcloth, thoroughly cleanse your navel.
There’s no need to be rough here, and in fact, being too harsh may actually push dirt and debris further into your belly button. So, instead, use firm yet gentle pressure to clean the folds and crevices of your belly button before rinsing thoroughly.
Then, once you’re out of the shower, make sure you’re patting the area dry. You’ll want to ensure that there is no moisture left in your navel as this can also lead to bacteria and fungal growth which would result in the same issues arising.
In this case, it’s best to follow your piercer’s advice—saline solution soaks and the regular removal of the buildup that forms from the piercing with a specialised piercing cleanser. Not only will this help keep infections at bay, but it’ll also help to stave off any unpleasant odours and speed up the healing process. Of course, even if your piercing is already healed, you’ll want to keep on top of your cleaning rota as the risks are still there—albeit not as acute.

For more body care stories like this, click here.

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Fashion
CH Carolina Herrera celebrates 35th anniversary with ‘Insignia’
#CHInsignia

22.12.2016
By Buro247

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Mention Carolina Herrera and the words “feminine” and “refinement” inevitably come to mind. The most influential woman in fashion, Anna Wintour shares the same sentiments, “When we want to make someone feel especially glamorous in the pages of Vogue, we turn to Carolina Herrera, who personifies the power and the positivity of dressed-up American style. She was, and remains, the very idea of chic for so many women.” Since the debut of the Carolina Herrera House in 1981, the Venezuelan-American designer has proven time and time again that elegance with a dash of modern sensibility will forever remain relevant.  Not to mention the inclusion of a high-profile clientele including the First Ladies such as Jackie Kennedy and Michelle Obama to international royalty and A-listers.

To celebrate Herrera’s 35 years of impeccable style, the House presents the ‘Insignia’ collection—an exclusive accessory range that is synonymous with luxury and sophistication. The collection embraces the spirit of CH Carolina Herrera with clean lines and uncomplicated designs, reinventing the signature monogram. Blending the letters C and H, a reimagined emblem is born. With rich heritage of craftsmanship and excellence in quality, the ‘Insignia’ collection highlights the simple luxury of everyday accessorizing, embodying the designer’s appreciation for effortless style. Scroll through the gallery below to pick your favourites:
{insert gallery tpl=”slide-freesize.tpl” id=”Carolina Herrera Insignia” rid=”4684″ order=”a_tstamp”}
The ‘Insignia’ collection by CH Carolina Herrera store is now available the Suria KLCC boutique

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