Fashion
The smart luxe guide to a #BossGirl wardrobe: Spring florals
Striking a balance

08.04.2016
By Su Fen Tan

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A #BossGirl may be strong and she means business, but she can definitely be all that and more without forgoing her feminine end of the wardrobe. Here is how you can sprinkle a dash of spring onto your workwear with florals and lead in style:

Wear:

If you haven’t got the memo, retro chic is in. Take on the 1970s-inspired look with an absolute classic—a floral printed dress. Pretty and bold have never looked better together.

If prints are not quite your thing, go along the more subtle route with lace. This top with floral lace cutwork and soft ruffles by Paul and Joe is a great way to add a feminine flair to your getup. Pair it with a sleek pencil skirt and you are ready to command the boardroom.

Complement with:

We know it can get a little chilly in the office. When in need, this jacket by Samsoe & Samsoe will keep comfort in check while cutting a flattering figure with its longline silhouette. Meanwhile, the Ted Baker shopper will hold all your documents and essentials with ease.

Always on the go? Block heels are a great way to add a little height without compromising on comfort as you are on the move. While we love the sweet blush hue on the Senso pair, we can’t help but admire the strong contrasting outlines on the Kat Maconies.

A #BossGirl can certainly do with pared-down accessories for a look of understated elegance. Simple yet unique, these jewellery picks will serve as additional points of interest to your feminine power getup.
Shop: Charlotte Chesnais Saturn Gold-plated earrings and Tiffany & Co. Olive Leaf Band Ring

Complete the look:

Not too bold, yet sufficient for a pop of colour, the Burberry Kisses Gloss in Rose Blush is perfect to colour your lips luscious. Made for the refined woman who does not shy away from power and sensuality, Gucci Flora will layer on the sophistication with its classic fragrance of floral notes.
Shop: Burberry Kisses Gloss in Rose Blush and Gucci Flora

Shop the look above (excluding the jewellery and beauty items) on Shoppr. The Shoppr app is available for download on the Apple AppStore and Google Play.

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Beauty
Updated: Watch the exclusive Chanel N°5 L’Eau film before its worldwide reveal
Reinventing classics

23.05.2016
By Wei Yeen Loh

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UPDATED: Ahead of the worldwide premier, the eagerly anticipated Chanel N°5 L’Eau film has arrived on our site and it’s a stunner. The maxim of paradoxes is personified through Chanel’s latest muse, Lily-Rose Depp. She’s shadow and light, a question and an answer, both elegance and extravangance, artist and muse, vulnerable yet invicible. It’s a message of freedom and reinvention—concisely phrased—”You know me and you don’t.”
“Now more than ever, flaunting your ‘difference’ is the only way to make an impact,” offers the directorial voice of the film, Johan Renck. This is the first Chanel N°5 film that follows not a linear narrative but snapshots that conjure a world, a spirit and an identity. Cue the evolution of Chanel N°5.

—
Perhaps one of the most iconic fragrances out there, Chanel N°5 had ushered in a new era in the perfume industry back in 1921 with an olfactory heritage that upholds the idea of femininity and modernity. From the Eau de Toilette created in 1924 to the Eau Première 22 years later, Chanel’s founding fragrance’s reinterpretations have successfully rendered it timeless through the years.

This year, house perfumer Olivier Polge has reinvented the N°5 with a dose of balance and freshness by dissecting the original formula and adding a touch of vibrancy. Introducing Chanel N°5 L’Eau, a lighthearted citrus scent with notes of lemon, mandarin and orange rind taking centre stage as notes of may roses, oxygenated jasmine and ylang ylang punctuate the heart of the fragrance. Lastly, Polge ensured that an unprecedented sense of liveliness is felt with the N°5 L’Eau, incorporating the base notes with vetiver, cedar, and cottony musk notes. This new scent is encased within the iconic silhouette, a minimalistic beveled glass bottle that will be included within a white case with black trim—the ultimate symbol of a stylish and timeless fragrance.

Take a look at how may roses and jasmine flowers are harvested from the fields of Grasse below:

Representing this new scent is none other than 17-year old new (celeb) kid on the block, Lily-Rose Depp. Check out exclusive behind-the-scenes images and video teaser for this campaign here:
{insert gallery tpl=”slide-freesize.tpl” id=”Lily Rose Depp Chanel N5 L’eau” rid=”4308″ order=”a_tstamp”}
Chanel N°5 L’Eau (50ml for RM390, 100ml for RM573) is available at Chanel Fragrance & Beauty counters in 1 Utama, Sunway Pyramid, Gurney Plaza, JB Komtar, and at all Chanel counters in major departmental stores nationwide.

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Lifestyle
And the Malaysian National Sportsman of the Year 2016 award goes to…
A giant leap

27.04.2017
By Rachel Au

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Following after the Olympic Games and Rio Paralympics last year, it’d have been rather tough to pick out the winners for this year’s National Sports Awards. But as it turned out, it really wasn’t.
The 2016 National Sportsman of the Year went to Rio Paralympics gold medallist Abdul Latif Romly, becoming the first parathlete to win the award, whereas silat exponent Siti Rahmah Mohamed Nasir won National Sportswoman.

Olahragawan Kebangsaan… dianugerahkan kepada… Abdul Latif Romly (Lompat Jauh, T20)! #TeamMsiaASN2016 #KamiTeamMalaysia pic.twitter.com/BF5SNP049R
— Team Malaysia (@TeamMsia) April 26, 2017

Abdul Latif was competing for the award against quite a strong pool of nominees which comprised of Rio Olympic silver medallist Lee Chong Wei (badminton), Rio Olympic bronze medallist Azizulhasni Awang (cycling), world champion Syarul Azman Mike Mahen (bodybuilding), Rafiq Ismail (bowling) and 2015 winner Mohd Al-Jufferi Jamari (silat).
While the 20-year-old was surprised with his win, many might disagree since he did break the world record three times on his way to bagging a gold medal for Malaysia in the T20 (learning disability) men’s long jump at the Rio Paralympics. He currently holds the world record of 7.60m.
“No one knew me before the Rio Games. Today everyone knows me. This award will inspire other paralympians and show the world we are at par with able-bodied athletes. The win also makes me more determined to contribute more gold in the 2020 Paralympics,” he said.

Olahragawati Kebangsaan dianugerahkan kepada Siti Rahmah Mohamed Nasir (Pencak Silat)! #TeamMsiaASN2016 #KamiTeamMalaysia pic.twitter.com/ZJM1c2YPzH
— Team Malaysia (@TeamMsia) April 26, 2017

There was some tough competition for the National Sportswoman award as well as Siti Rahmah beat 2015 winner Pandelela Rinong (diving), world champion Lilian Tan (bodybuilding), Sin Li Jane (bowling) and Siti Zalina Ahmad (lawn bowls).
The 30-year-old had a perfect season last year, having won all four competitions she participated in which included the World Championships in Bali.
Both Abdul Latif and Siti Rahmah received RM20,000, a trophy and a certificate each.The awards were presented by the newly-installed Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Muhammad V at the ceremony yesterday.

Pasukan Wanita Kebangsaan, @Pandelela_R & @cheongjunhoong (Terjun) #TeamMsiaASN2016 #KamiTeamMalaysia pic.twitter.com/i93S43hNpO
— Team Malaysia (@TeamMsia) April 26, 2017

National Sports Awards 2016 winners
National Sportsman: Abdul Latif Romly (Athletics – Paralympic)
National Sportswoman: Siti Rahmah Mohamed Nasir (Silat)

National Paralympic Sportsman: None
National Paralympic Sportswoman: Siti Noor Radiah Ismail (Athletics – Paralympics)
National Team (Men’s): Tan Wee Kiong/Goh V Shem (Badminton)
National Team (Women’s): Pandelela Rinong/Cheong Jun Hoong (Diving)
National Coach (Male): R. Jaganathan (Athletics – Paralympic)
National Coach (Female): Chin Eei Hui (Badminton)

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Music
10 of Elton John’s greatest songs that elevated him to icon status
An enduring icon

25.03.2023
By Marissa Chin

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There are few surviving artists of the ‘70s that still have an enduring legacy in the 21st century. While most have resided to a quieter life and are now remembered for their past glory, Elton John is a rare exception.
After all, he has collaborated with stars such as Dua Lipa in 2021 for Cold Heart (Pnau Remix) which became the sixth and seventh most-streamed song on Spotify and Apple respectively. The release made him the first solo artist to score a UK Top 10 single in six different decades, proving his generational reach. Not stopping there, John worked with pop icon Britney Spears for Hold Me Closer in 2022 which debuted at number six on the Billboard Hot 100 and number three on the UK Singles Chart. Clearly, The Rocket Man has still got it.

In celebration of his 76th birthday today, we take a look at some of Elton John’s greatest songs. Of course, this is a difficult task given John and long-collaborating songwriter Bernie Taupin’s incredibly expansive oeuvre. The two of them not only worked well together but fast. Taupin, a former journalist, could quickly pen lyrics in a matter of hours and John would provide the accompanying melody just as swiftly. Their prolific output resulted in an iconic music legacy as one of the best-selling songwriting duos of all time. Ahead, here are 10 of John and Taupin’s most enduring and significant works for your listening pleasure.

Your Song (1970)

Arguably the single most important song in John’s career, the impact and power of Your Song cannot be understated. Before the single took up the airwaves in 1970, John was actually struggling to get recognised as an aspiring British musician after his debut album Empty Sky in 1969 failed to garner attention. When Your Song appeared in his second self-titled album, Elton John, and was promoted in America, radio DJs and listeners quickly discovered the song’s potential. Capturing both John’s sorrowful vocals and Taupin’s downplayed yet relatable lyrics, Your Song shot up in the charts, peaking at number eight on the Billboard chart and number seven on the UK Singles Chart. The song was also inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1998 and named one of Rolling Stone’s 500 Greatest Songs of All Time. As his first international hit, Your Song would kick off an impressive slew of hits from John and Taupin for the next few decades.

Madman Across the Water (1971)

1971 was a busy year for the British artist. In that year alone, John released four albums, each entering the Billboard Charts. Madman Across the Water was his fourth studio album and the track of the same name couldn’t be left out of this list. Although it was not originally promoted as a single, Madman became one of John’s well-known songs due to the stripped-back nature of the song—a departure from his usual energetic pop-rock style. Featuring his powerful vocals amidst a full orchestration, Madman gave fans a glimpse into John’s progressive rock artistry.

Tiny Dancer (1971)

For a start, Tiny Dancer is criminally underrated. At least, it was when it was first released in the same Madman album. The song only made it to number 41 on the Billboard charts. However, like most of his songs, Tiny Dancer gained traction in the later years for the masterpiece that it is. The song also got a second wind of life after memorably being featured in the 2000 film Almost Famous. With masterful storytelling by Taupin, John’s signature piano and a nice dose of country twang, Tiny Dancer went on to become certified 3X Platinum in America and Gold in the UK in 2018, showing what an incredible shelf-life this song has.

Rocket Man (1972)

This list wouldn’t be right without this song. After all, it is John’s most famous nickname and the title of his 2019 biopic which has become synonymous with the legend himself. Released in 1972 as part of the Honky Château album, it rose to number two in the UK and number six in America and spent more than three months on both charts. Taupin shared that he was inspired by Ray Bradbury’s 1951 short story, The Rocket Man, which follows a lonely astronaut who misses his family while on a long mission. The iconic chorus can also be found in the chart-topping Cold Heart collaboration with Dua Lipa in 2021. Fun fact, Taupin was driving to his parents’ house when the first verse of Rocket Man hit him. Because he was on the highway with no way to write it down, he repeated the verse to himself over and over again for two whole hours. Safe to say, we’re glad he was able to write it down before he lost his train of thought!

Candle in the Wind (1973)

Originally written as a tribute to Marilyn Monroe, Candle in the Wind is undoubtedly one of John’s best-known, if not the best, songs in his expansive discography. It became even more successful after the English singer adapted it to honour his close friend, Princess Diana, after her death in 1997, titling it Candle in the Wind 1997. The song became a huge worldwide hit, selling more than 30 million copies. All artist and composer royalties and profits were donated to The Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fund, which was estimated to be at $150 million in 1999.

Goodbye Yellow Brick Road (1973)

As the title track of his seventh studio album of the same name, Goodbye Yellow Brick Road is often heralded as John’s best song. In an album also considered his best, that’s saying something. Using iconic imagery from the Wizards of Oz, Taupin wanted to relay the message of going back to the roots and finding tranquillity in life again after dizzying mega-success. The song features John’s incredible vocals and a riveting orchestral arrangement.

Bennie and the Jets (1974)

Making up another number-one hit for John, Bennie and the Jets came about from Taupin’s vision of a futuristic android rock band. The sci-fi Kubrick-esque element also lent itself to the composition, with a funky R&B and reggae sound to it that will get your feet moving to the beat. It’s a classic and a must-sing for any Elton John fan at the karaoke.

Someone Saved My Life Tonight (1975)

Released as part of John’s ninth studio album Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy in 1975, Someone Saved My Liga Tonight jumped to number four on the Billboard chart. It is a fan-favourite due to the moving and profound nature of the song. The single is a semi-autobiographical story of John’s struggle with his sexuality and his ill-fated engagement with Linda Woodrow. Because he felt trapped, he resorted to an unsuccessful suicide attempt. He was ultimately saved by his Bluesology bandmate and friend who convinced him to break off the engagement right before the ceremony. More than just a song, it’s an anthem of John’s strength, perseverance and resilience put together in a riveting performance of piano and story-telling.

Don’t Go Breaking My Heart (1976)

At this point, John was a bonafide superstar and was creating hit singles left and right. His sixth number-one hit in the US was Don’t Go Breaking My Heart. He also re-released a fancier and more glamorous version of it with RuPaul in 1993 (also worth a Google!) but the original remains a classic for many reasons. This song is a testament to the timeless nature of John’s songs featuring an addictive hook and fun lyrics.

The Circle of Life (1994)

While his contributions to the British pop-rock genre are undisputed, his legacy in the Disney songbooks should not be forgotten too. The Lion King is iconic in its own right, but a lot of why it’s so well-loved is down to the original soundtracks as well. While his version doesn’t have the iconic opening yell, we all have John to thank for this pop culture piece as he composed both versions of the mega-hit. He was nominated for Best Original Song at the 1994 Academy Awards but was beaten out by his other entry, Can You Feel The Love Tonight? So really, no one actually lost.

It would be impossible to go through all of John and Taupin’s greatest hits and there are plenty of honourable mentions not on this list such as Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me, Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word, Crocodile Rock, and more. Hopefully, these 10 are enough to kickstart (or resume) your Elton John journey and appreciate the vast contributions John and Taupin have made to music through six decades. Elton John is one of pop music’s greatest survivors and luckily for us, his candle light still shines brighter than ever.

For more music reads, head here.

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Fashion
Dressed up Fridays: Reinterpreting classics
Failproof in every way

18.02.2016
By Wei Yeen Loh

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

We all know that Friday, the one where you wanna just pull on a white shirt and boyfriend jeans because you’re too hammered from Thursday night’s shenanigans (already!), or you couldn’t care less about dressing up because, obviously, it’s the end of the week. But let’s keep the fashion ball rolling with good choices that you can take on from day time in the office to late night in the bar.

Go with a white shirt that isn’t your typical everyday shirt or one that you’ve borrowed from your beau. This piece from Rosie Assoulin features asymmetrical French cuffs that are slightly elongated for a quirky touch. And those wing tip collars? Way too cool for school.

Now for a pair of denim that looks lived-in enough without trying too hard: Rag & Bone‘s ‘The Dre’ boyfriend jeans. This flattering silhouette is slim-cut and distressed to look a tad bit more authentic for that extra finesse.

All you need is a simple (or statement) necklace to give your ensemble a luxe look. Put on this interlock gold-plated brass necklace from Diane Von Furstenberg—an elegant yet delicate accessory for a polished vibe.

Shade your eyes with the latest pair of sunglasses from Chanel. This black and beige Plein Soleil draws inspiration from tie-dye motifs, revisiting the signature two-tone of the house. We’re loving the squarish acetate frames with slightly rounded edges – perfect for channeling your inner diva.

Now to perk your mood on a Friday morning, paste a smile on your face like the one on Anya Hindmarch’s ‘Smiley’ crossbody bag. There’s no better way to inject a dose of playfulness to your outfit than this tasseled kitschy crossbody bag.

The general rule of thumb to note with a pared down look as such for today? Always remember to have shoe game, and don’t resolve with your go-to sneakers that’s almost tattered (despite how comfortable it may be). This Camilla Elphick satin pumps feature a plethora of jungle cat motifs that makes us want to bestow it as our official Friday-night dancing shoes.

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Art + Design
International art events to check out this month
On your travels

02.02.2018
By Su Fen Tan

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8 Best art galleries to visit in the Klang Valley

Now on until 4 February ’18, ‘Here We Are’ by Burberry @ Paris
Burberry brings its photography exhibition to Paris, showcasing the works of 20th century’s most celebrated social and commentary photographers near Place de La République at 11 rue Béranger. Also on display will Burberry’s September 2018 collection, which falls in theme with the exhibition highlighting the British way of life and character.
Find out more here.

Now on until 11 February ’18, ‘Past’ @ Battersea Power Station, London
Curated by our columnist Zena Khan, ‘Past’ features the works of six artists based in Malaysia and the UK, namely Ahmad Shukri, Azad Daniel, Haafiz Shahim and Masnoor Ramli from Kuala Lumpur, as well as London-based Jakob Rowlinson and Larry Amponsah. Staged at Circus West Village, Battersea Power Station, the exhibition serves to build deeper connections through cultural exchange between the two nations with a linked history.
Find out more here.

7 – 11 February ’18, Art Rotterdam Week @ Rotterdam
If you are lucky enough to be in town for the week, explore Rotterdam’s artsy side as the entire city is filled with art fairs, special exhibitions, open studios and pop-up shows. The art fairs—Art Rotterdam, Rotterdam Contemporary Art Fair and Object Rotterdam—are no doubt the major attractions of the week. There will be free shuttle service between the locations too.
Find out more here.

Now on until 15 February ’18, ‘Martin Scorsese Presents Republic Rediscovered: New Restorations from Paramount Pictures’ @ MoMA, New York City
The first chapter of a two-part series organised with The Film Foundation and Paramount Pictures’, the program will be screening 30 films through 15 February, including Alfred Santell’s That Brennan Girl (1946) and Hellfire (1949) by R. G. Springsteen.
Find out more here.

3 February – 18 March ’18, Gangwon International Biennale @ Green City Experience Centre, Gangwon-do
If you are going to be in Gangwon Province for the PyeongChang 2018 Winter Games, take a cultural detour to the Gangwon International Biennale in your free time. Themed ‘The Dictionary of Evil’, there will be over 100 artworks by both Korean and international artists on show.
Find out more here.

Now on until 3 June ’18, ‘Art from the Streets’ @ ArtScience Museum, Singapore
The ‘Art from the Streets’ exhibition—the first of its kind in Southeast Asia—celebrates the 40 years of the street art movement, marking its rise from illegal drawing on walls to socially and culturally accepted contemporary art. Discover the works of Banksy, JR, Shepard Fairey (Obey), Invader and Invader, amongst other notable international names, as well as local and regional street artists.
Find out more here.

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Features
Buro 24/7 Exclusive: Bruno Frisoni of Roger Vivier and his muse Inès de La Fressange
French flair

06.01.2016
By Wei Yeen Loh

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French designer Bruno Frisoni is one who has seen trends in footwear come and go, having been at the creative helm of stiletto-pioneer house Roger Vivier for 13 years this 2016. First honing his talent with fashion designers in the 1980s such as Jean-Louis Scherrer, Maryll Lanvin and Christian Lacroix, Frisoni has revived Roger Vivier with an astute sense of modernity while retaining the house’s rich heritage. With Roger Vivier’s first store recently opening its doors here in Kuala Lumpur, Buro 24/7 Malaysia chats with the award-winning shoe designer and his muse Inès de La Fressange.

You’ve been with Roger Vivier for 13 years now, how do you constantly stay inspired in what you do?
After working 13 years for this brand, there always is a way to evolve. In fashion you have to constantly change as the story changes everyday. There are many daily inspirations in one’s life, whether it’s something you experiment for yourself, or something you can translate in time such as women’s fashion through the decades. In Roger Vivier, we focus on what made this brand successful from the start. We don’t ever forget the heritage and origins of this brand.

We saw a nod to street style with sneakers and flats in the SS’16 collection, what do you think about this trend and its popularity with women of now?
I think the definition of street style is what is unconventional for people nowadays. It’s related to the fact that the way people dress has changed a lot from the past. They like to be comfortable yet look stylish at the same time. They are also conscious of their body and like to be healthy. More people are aware of this technical, sporty style and they like to mix it with other elements. So naturally, the way people wear jeans with everything, it’s similar now to how people pair sneakers with everything. It gives people and fashion a sense of cool. I’m older than the younger generation these days, and I’ve been wearing sneakers since I was in school.

Your SS’16 collection also had plenty of 70s-inspired colourful flower motifs; can you please tell us more about your inspiration behind this collection?
When I think of a cool and relaxed attitude, a flexible approach of fashion, and a lot of freedom in fashion, naturally the 1970s came to mind. The 70s women were iconic beauties – they were glamorous and would wear men’s inspired clothing, perfect makeup; and then there was the glamorous, vintage look. I think it’s been a long time coming. The collection also had a little Hollywood glamour. Back in the 60s and 70s, there was a lot of freedom, sex and pleasure; and Roger Vivier was very successful then too, so it’s all related I’d say. Everybody loves hearts and flowers. I think there are so many flowers in nature that can inspire you, even your hairdo or your makeup look. To me, flowers are something that’s always relevant, playful, feminine and sexy.

Who is currently your biggest muse, and why?
Naturally, Ines de la Fressange, she’s my everyday inspiration! She takes a playful way of dressing, there’s something you notice about the way she dresses. She adapts the old with new and makes it fantastically great looking. But also, it’s women like Angelica Houston or Cate Blanchett; I have a few. Ines is my Parisian muse.

How do you constantly find inspiration to reinvent or incorporate the brand’s iconic square buckle into your designs while staying current?
When you have something this iconic, like Gucci or Chanel reinventing their logos, you have a chance to play it the way you want. Whether minimal or maximal, it’s a beautiful sign that everybody recognizes, being the brand’s logo. It’s about the proportion, the way you put it, where you put it, and the way you play it. I don’t see any complexity in this because for me, it’s like a beautiful painting without a frame.

What do you think defines a woman’s style?
Personality, for sure. That’s very important. You don’t want to change the woman – you want to reveal how beautiful she is inside, naturally. Most of the time you can tell how people are the way they present themselves. Whether you’re wearing an iconic shoe or sneakers, it’s all about choosing the right one for you. But I think it has to do with taste too, and mostly being real with yourself and with who you are. When you wear something, you should look like you don’t even think the way you put it on, but it’s the end result that matters.

What is something you haven’t tried but you would like to, if you weren’t designing?
I feel like a warrior when it comes to design. I don’t question myself now, I only question myself when I have it on my desk. One thing that’s important in my work life is to feel pleasure and play everyday almost, with paper and colour pencils and imagining ideas. If a new project can make me have fun like this everyday, I would take it up.

With the fast-moving fashion scene these days where everyone is connected via social media, do you think it’s integral that luxury brands keep up to that same pace or otherwise? Why so?
For me designing is about designing. I don’t really think that a million followers on social media will help me with what I do. If it’s a T-shirt or something easy to buy, I will need followers. But I don’t know all these million people out there, it wouldn’t be so much as to what I need. I strongly believe in what I do, and I need social media but I think it’s only advertising at the end of the day. You will need to get more attention to a certain degree, but in reality I don’t think it’s of immediate help. I think it’s a ridiculous way to approach fashion. It’s like selling on the Internet – you reduce creativity into a tiny hole as means to connect to people. Unless you know the brand and the product, how can you buy it through social media or the Internet? I find social media quite empty – it’s not about age it’s about interest.
Someone you’d love to style on the red carpet, and why?
Every woman! No exception, they are all beautiful!

How would you describe a Roger Vivier woman?
She’s quite intentional, she’s sexy, she may like classic recognisable pieces like a Chanel bag or a pair of Roger Vivier stilettos, and something that’s not on every hand or arm. She likes something not quite eccentric but she’s an individualist.

We’re excited to have Roger Vivier here at Malaysia for the first time, what are you looking forward to offer to your clientele here?
A smile and plenty of love and happiness! Mostly the pleasure of wearing Roger Vivier, that’s all I want to bring them. For me, fashion is about bringing pleasure, there’s no obligation to wear anything, so I think it should be this.

Apart from shoes, what else are you passionate about?
Everything. I love to eat, drink, and I love skiing. I’m always looking at the temperature outside, waiting to see how cold the weather gets, because I need the snow when I ski in the mountains. I love to read, listen to music, I don’t do much exercise as it’s not my passion. I do it because I need to keep my body in shape and also because if I look too fat, you won’t pay attention to me. I love to draw and doodle. Mostly, I’m good at drawing fashion. Sometimes I love not doing anything, just relaxing.

What can we expect from Roger Vivier in the future?
I hope you can expect a lot because Roger Vivier, to me, is a very young brand. We launched it a little more than 10 years ago, and in design, it’s the way you do it that you’re sure it’s going to be a success. But if we’re not sure it’s going to be a hit, we don’t show it to anybody. We may have been taking time to make new collections but because we’re waiting to make it the right one.

Think of a Parisian lady who’s classically chic in every sense without being over-the-top or predictable, and Inès de La Fressange comes to mind. The fashion designer, muse of Bruno Frisoni, and supermodel who was the first to sign an exclusive contract with Chanel (back in the 80s) is also the brand ambassador of Roger Vivier. In this exclusive interview, Inès shares her style tips and favourite Roger Vivier accessories.

How did your collaboration with Roger Vivier come about?
Diego Della Valle (President and CEO of Tod’s) wanted someone very Parisian and very much in the fashion world to relaunch this brand (that was a little forgotten) so he asked me. I knew the work of Roger Vivier and him personally, so I was immediately thrilled by the idea of it.

Can you please tell us how you’re involved in the creative process at Roger Vivier?
Apart from the collection (designed by Bruno Frisoni) there are a lot of things to decide on when you relaunch a brand, such as the design, communication, exhibitions, books, packaging, casting of people you are going to work with and more. So at the beginning I was in charge of all that. Now the company is huge and also globally expanding but  we still have to take care to keep the spirit of the brand’s origins.

Will there be a Roger Vivier collection that you will be lending your creative expertise to in the future?
Some iconic products of the brand I do customise—I did it for the Miss Viv handbag for instance, but the newer products are made by Bruno Frisoni and the studio. As a designer I also have my own brand and two collections a year for Uniqlo .

A favourite, go-to Roger Vivier piece of yours?
I am crazy for the Pilgrim bag that I carry everyday and all my friends want it, but I also love the sneakers like the pink ones with a zip on the side.

Which particular Roger Vivier pieces do you collect and how many of those do you have?
Roger Vivier ballerinas are perfection—they match with everything. I think I may have 12 identical pairs but in different fabrics, leather and colours. I like my shoes not to be too worn and quite often I throw some out, but ballerinas are always there all the time.

What do you think sets a pair of Roger Viviers apart from other shoes?
The difference between a pair and another is not only just a question of quality, it’s a question of creativity and proportions. Ideas aren’t enough because proportions are essential. But above all, Roger Vivier shoes are always elegant and never vulgar. It’s quite obvious to our customers as they know they can’t find something similar elsewhere.

What is your biggest takeaway from your many years of being a model?
I don’t regret not having been one! My mentors were Karl Lagerfeld, Yves Saint-Laurent, Jean-Paul Gaultier; to me a good school is for life!

How would you describe your style in a few words?
So French! A mixture of casual and sophisticated, such as T-shirts with pearls.

What is one style or trend that you love going back to?
The seventies were quite jolly—I love flare pants, tribal inspired things and even ponchos.

What do you think should be a wardrobe staple for every woman?
Anything navy blue is nice, whether a caban, sweater or jacket. Everybody looks better in navy blue.

A major fashion faux pas that you wouldn’t be caught dead in?
Never say never in fashion, but I would never put on a bra with transparent (plastic) straps. And, it’s too late for me to wear mini skirts now.

Your favourite spot to relax in Paris to have some down time?
Honestly, home. One has to learn to enjoy staying home. And instead of going to a trendy spa I would advise to walk down the streets, it’s a great way to relieve stress. I have a newsletter every Thursday in which I give advice and detailed places of where to go.

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Top 10 shoe trends we love from AW15

Fashion
Top 10 shoe trends we love from AW15
If the shoe fits, buy them

03.07.2015
By Buro247

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

For Autumn/Winter ’15, designers offered a selection of brand new kicks to win us over. Whether in the materials used, heel construction or as a new take on a classic, here’s a list of this season’s hottest shoe trends. See it as a preview of what your shoe closet is about to look like.

Colour-blocked Boots

With three or more constrasting colours, these boots will definitely be the key focus of any outfit. We particularly love Jil Sander’s version, where colour-blocking meets a mix of different textures.

Fringed Shoes

Looks like these swishy trims aren’t just accenting handbags this season; they’re also adorning booties, lending them a boho touch. Turn up the theatrics outfit-wise with a fringed finish or make like Proenza Schouler and pair with holed stockings for a modern twist.

Touch-me Shoes

Now here are some shoes to cosy up to. Fur, fluff and everything in between, this is texture at its best. From Gucci’s Chewbacca-is-that-you slippers to Fendi’s lush booties, we won’t be shying away from all the fuzz.

Lace-up Heels

These season’s lace-ups are not as you know it. Thicker laces make them less dominatrix-like, and more demure – Chloé’s boot version with a chunky heel look almost combat boot-like. Best worn with cropped, wide-legged pants.

Lucite Heels

It’s clear that designers have worked their magic with this material, creating classy options that made it look like models were walking on air down the runways.  We’re wow-ed by lipstick inlays, metal embellishments, plush velvet, and quirky prints like at Vionnet.

Lug Soles

Borrowed-from-the-boys but made for the girls. Take on these androgynous-looking toughies that take inspiration from the most stylish guy’s shoe closet and integrate them into your workwear wardrobe. We think the monk-strap versions from Michael Kors are just the type of shoes to take you from boardroom to post-dinner drinks.

Mary Jane Pumps

If being ladylike is more your thing, step into this season’s Mary Janes, which are more grown-up than your typical preppy styles – no need for that prim and proper skirt suit here. Miu Miu offers glittery versions for a touch of irreverence.

Metal Heels

Adorned with gilded metal heels, these shoes lend a flash of brilliance to your outfit. Versace’s platform heels feature the house’s Greek key, while Emilio Pucci’s velvet version is equal parts opulence and elegance.

Patchwork Heels

Riffing on a classic ’70s style, this season’s patchwork takes on a luxe persona, rendered in exotic skins. Dress them down with double denim, or let them add polish to a sleek tux jumpsuit.

Thigh-high Boots

It doesn’t get any sexier than thigh-high boots and this season, Dior ups the game with high-shine, second-skin vinyl versions that ooze sex appeal – definitely not for the faint of heart. For a subtler take, choose leather or suede options and pair with knee-length hemlines for a work-appropriate look.

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Fashion
Kate Bosworth exudes relaxed elegance in Tory Burch’s new campaign
Celebrating life's duality

12.01.2017
By Su Fen Tan

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

The Gemini Link was first introduced in Tory Burch’s Autumn/Winter 2016 collection. A motif that plays off the brand’s signature double-T logo, it is distinguished by two gold-coloured links joined together. It also represents the significance of the number two in Tory’s life—she is a Gemini, a mother to twin boys, and she celebrates life’s dualities, which define women today.

To bring the Gemini Link collection to life in a photo series, Tory Burch partnered with two multitalented women whom, like Tory, appreciate life’s dualities—Kate Bosworth and Margaret Zhang. One of Bosworth’s most notable facial features is a duality in itself: she has two different coloured eyes, one hazel and one blue. Acting chops aside, she also shines on the red carpet with her effortless sense of style. Meanwhile, Zhang is a sought-after photographer and stylist, founder of influential style blog ‘Shine by Three’, and she has a law degree from the University of Sydney. Fun fact: she’s also a Gemini.

The campaign was shot on location in Los Angeles, and features Bosworth in different settings and looks. Reflecting the duality of the Gemini Link collection, Zhang captures the actress in a series of images that strike a beautiful balance between relaxed and refined. Take a look at the campaign images here:
{insert gallery tpl=”slide-freesize.tpl” id=”TB Gemini Link” rid=”4728″ order=”a_tstamp”}
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Art + Design
Buro 24/7 Excursion: a new home for Moscow’s Garage Museum of Contemporary Arts
The art is here and now

02.09.2015
By Buro247

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During the Soviet era, there was once an emblematic and very famous restaurant in the modernist pavilion called ‘Vremena goda’ (Seasons of the year), which was built in 1968. By the ’90s, it was in decline and the place was eventually abandoned. The boisterous parties with champagne and musicians were replaced with empty halls, which soon resembled the backdrop for most post-apocalyptic stories. At the request of Garage, Dutch architect Rem Koolhaas and his team at OMA worked on the reconstruction of ‘Vremena goda’. At that time, all that remained of the pavilion was the supporting structure with mosaic and tiles at some places, while the rest of the construction has literally turned into ruins in the span of 20 years from being vacant.

With the efforts of Koolhaas and his colleagues, the first permanent home of the museum of contemporary art (a status granted to Garage in 2014) has become a model example of contemporary architecture—one that aims at the future, yet respects the past. The state-of-the-art building facade is made of a translucent double-layer polycarbonate that is raised two meters from the ground, to visually reconnect the Museum’s interior to the park, whereas its concrete body has remained. The original mosaics have also remained, and is incorporated into the decor of the museum interior by the architects.

The 5,000 square-metre venue is made up of an atrium, five exhibition galleries, an auditorium, cinema, bookstore, and cafés on three levels, all at the disposal of art lovers. It gives you all the reasons you need to visit the museum and makes you dread to leave it. For this purpose, expositions play a major role. Garage created seven exhibitions for its grand opening, and this is not including Katharina Grosse’s ‘Yes no why later’ installation in the temporary pavilion, which was completed by the Pritzker prize laureate Shigeru Ban.

Both Russian and international art are showcased. Among them, Erik Bulatov’s ‘Come to Garage!’ installation and Georgy Kiesewalter, who was a key contributor to the Moscow underground art scene in the ’70s, represented Russian art. In the international art department, Yayoi Kusama and Rirkrit Tiravaniya, a Japanese and a Thai born in Argentina respectively, represent two very different artists in both character of creativity and in the methods of influencing the audience.

Kusama’s exhibition titled ‘Yayoi Kusama: Infinity Theory’ comprises of two installations complemented by a film of the performance ‘Kusama’s Self Obliteration’ and a slide film, ‘Walking Piece’ from 1966. An interesting piece of information to note: the building in which ‘Walking Piece’ is being presented now was built in 1968, two years after one of Kusama’s best known works was produced, adding to the connotation of its display. With regards to the curators’ choice, the two main installations are ‘Infinite mirror room – The Souls of Millions of Light Years Away’, 2013, and ‘Guidepost to the Eternal Space’, 2015. Both of the installations unsettle the audience by dipping into Yayoi Kusama’s world, which honestly has no end.

Tens of metres away, at the Central Gallery and Skylight Gallery of the Museum, is where Rirkrit Tiravaniya presented his artistic methods. He does it right in the museum space by cooking, serving, and offering pelmeni (Russian dumplings) to guests. For his ‘Tomorrow is the question?’ exhibition, the space is transformed into a surreal place for leisurely passing time, filled with custom-black ping pong tables and a small ‘factory’ for t-shirt production. While such transformations of museums may seem foreign to the Moscow audiences, it is the norm for Tiravaniya. However, the artist also incorporated familiar constructions in the form of two “stations” which the audience may recognise as bus stops from the soviet era.

In other parts of the museum, guests may find the project ‘Field research’, which is composed of four parts. ‘Field research’ is the first cross-disciplinary ‘Garage’ program in a contemporary art museum in Russia. Established in 2013, it gives a new perspective on events, actors, and philosophical beliefs of Russian culture. Each research project lasts 1-3 years, and has no predetermined outcome. At the exhibition, the audience may look at four current projects being presented at various stages of development, they are ‘Saving Bruce Lee: African and Arab cinema and the era of Soviet cultural diplomacy’ by Koyo Kouoh and Rasha Salti, ‘Black square XVII’ by Taryn Simon, ‘This is cosmos’ by Anton Vidokle, and ‘Face-toface: the American national exhibition in Moscow, 1959/2015’ by a group of researches from The Museum of American Art in Berlin.

“Garage is a place where history is created”, said Anton Belov, the director of museum, at the press conference devoted to the opening. You can trust his words—history is being written right here and now, and it is not passing any one of us by.
{insert gallery tpl=”slide-freesize.tpl” id=”garage” rid=”3272″ order=”a_tstamp”}

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Watches
Massaro’s magic touch on the Roger Dubuis’ Velvet
Heel to hand, sole to soul

27.09.2016
By Buro247

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Orbiting the same path of creative innovation, exemplary craftsmanship and boundless horizons, the horological world of Roger Dubuis collides with Massaro’s realm of artisanal footwear.
Three new divas take centre stage with the new collaboration. Roger Dubuis’ line of haute horology made for women, the Velvet collection, is reinvigorated with the unveiling of three personas of the Velvet Diva inspired by the original prima donnas, Greta Garbo, Rita Hayworth, and Lana Turner.
Focused on the same meticulous attention to detail, the timepieces are adorned with authentic Massaro leather – crafted with exquisite care to wrap around the wrist in the same way a pair of leather shoes would embrace the skin. All models bear the prestigious Poinçon de Genève, feature the signature Velvet characteristics and are driven by a Roger Dubuis mechanical self-winding movement beating.
The results: three symbols of potent femininity.

A pleated leather motif and radiant colours recall the powerful and provocative charisma of Rita Hayworth. The luminous theme is matched by the yellow gold barrel-shaped Velvet centre of the dial, framed by radiating hour-markers on a satin sunburst exterior.

Dark plumage delicately crafted by Laurence Le Constant and the black lacquered dial with tone-on-tone charcoal markings evoke the feminine mystique of Greta Garbo. The warm pink gold case and sparkle of diamonds punctuate the dusky aura for a unique touch of class.

A distinctive Massaro silver strap intimately encases a row of pearls reminiscent of the moonlit lustre that adorned the silver screen siren’s neck. The homage paid to the platinum blonde bombshell Lana Turner is echoed in the white gold case, appliques and brushed barrel-shaped dial centre.

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Fashion
Fan Bingbing and Li Chen star in H&M’s Chinese New Year campaign
#HM2017CNY

19.01.2017
By Buro247

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By now, we already know that H&M always raises the bar when it comes to blockbuster collaborations. Well, it seems that the Swedish brand ups the ante for its Chinese New Year ad campaigns as well. This year, H&M presents international actress, Fan Bingbing and actor, Li Chen as the new faces of its Chinese New Year 2017 campaign. Celebrating their 520 days together (the numbers 520 in Mandarin are homonyms for “I love you”), this is the first time Fan and Li front a fashion campaign as a couple.
The campaign captures the happiness and love between the lovebirds at a Chinese courtyard in Beijing, lensed by iconic fashion photographer, Chen Man. Through Chen’s unconventional art direction, she captured the power couple in the collection against a traditional backdrop, juxtaposing oriental aesthetics with a modern twist. “It’s great that a global brand like H&M has curated a special Chinese New Year collection for fashion lovers in Asia and I am very honoured to shoot and be a part of the creative process of this year’s campaign. The mixed art style of east and west is what I have always pursued in my work”, explains Chen Man.
The campaign illustrates the celebration of the Spring Festival, portraying love and joy from the celebrity couple. Li says,  “Chinese New Year is one of the most important holidays on the lunar calendar, and what better way to celebrate the season than with your loved ones?  I’m so excited to be fronting H&M’s Chinese New Year campaign together with Bingbing. With the artistic direction from Chen Man, we hope that the warmth and joy from the campaign shoot will resonate with our fans.”
{insert gallery tpl=”slide-freesize.tpl” id=”H&M CNY” rid=”4741″ order=”a_tstamp”}Showcasing the collection’s contemporary and sports-inspired designs, with culturally significant shades of gold and red, the actor and actress flaunt chic designs in the campaign including a feather-patterned dress (symbolic of the rooster year), bomber jacket, logo sweaters and bold accessories. Oriental-influenced motifs such as ruyi knots, tassels and Chinese floral designs are featured throughout the cool, urban collection. “During the Spring Festival, everyone wants to stand out in style when the streets are awash in auspicious red.  We hope that our campaign with H&M encapsulates the style and happiness that the Year of the Rooster brings,” says Fan.
The Chinese New Year 2017 collection by H&M is now available in 9 markets across Asia: Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Macau and the Philippines. Alternatively, you can shop the collection here.

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Beauty
How to rock bold coloured hair, according to your favourite K-pop men
Good hair day

08.09.2022
By Redzhanna Jazmin

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

Men—if you’re looking for a sign, this is it: Dye your hair. What’s that? You don’t think you can pull it off? Wrong. You can, and we’re going to show you how with the help of our favourite K-pop fellas.
READ: The best hair salons in KL and PJ to check out for cut, colour and more
Whether you’re keen on diving right into the neons or you’re still veering on the side of hesitant, find five (and a half) ways to rock dyed hair ahead:
If you’re not comfortable with a super bright hue…

For those looking for a way to wear colour in their hair without feeling too bold, BTS Jungkook’s vibrant deep purple hair colour is perfect for you. While it’s still bold, it’s dark enough that it is still wearable.
Plus, having your hair this dark makes for a more low-maintenance dye job—as your roots grow out, they’ll be less obvious than they would be against bright pink or neon green ends.
TIP: Wearing this shade with a long haircut like Jungkook’s will bring out the vibrancy of the hue.

If you’re not ready for colour at all…

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A post shared by ATEEZ CHOI SAN (@ateez_.choisan)

Looking to get a drastic hair makeover but nervous about committing to an actual colour? Opt for a frosty white-blonde like San from Ateez’s is sporting instead. Granted, it’s probably one of the most high-maintenance shades you could possibly choose (and it’ll take a lot of work to achieve), but it’s a hot one on 2022’s trend list.
San’s ’90s-inspired N-sync curtains are the perfect style to complement this shade. Blonde tends to wash people out, but the curtain bangs work to add dimension and texture to the hair while framing his face.
If you’re worried about maintaining your dye…

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If you’re worried about what your hair will look like while it’s growing out, fret not—G-Dragon is here to prove that it’s going to be okay. Like most, the rapper is sporting a little extra length post-pandemic and, by the looks of it, he hasn’t yet gotten around to touching up his roots.
This heavily-rooted hot pink look is a masterclass in effortless chic. From here, you can either touch up your roots for full uniformity or continue to grow out the dye until you’re left with virgin hair again.
If you want to go big…

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The neon trend has been and gone, but it looks like Zico’s bringing it back. Perfect for the summer season, Zico’s lemon-tinted chop is a breath of fresh air. Of course, it’d look great in any shade of neon, too!
This particular textured, choppy bowl cut showcases the colour well.

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A post shared by 우지호/ZICO (@woozico0914)

Plus, it looks even better styled differently, so if you get tired of your look, rest assured that it’s easy to switch it up. In Zico’s case, just let your roots grow in and use a little styling wax to spike it up.
If you want to go bigger…

BigBang’s T.O.P. proves that vibrant colours are wearable as long as you’ve got a little natural root showing. This grown-out turquoise quiff is a great way to show off your colour without having to let go of your beloved business bro ‘do. Plus, as far as maintenance goes, it’s a pretty easy cut to keep tidy.
Find more men’s stories like this here.

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Fashion
#RedCarpet: Arrivals at the Tony Awards 2016
Spring fever

13.06.2016
By Wei Yeen Loh

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Hollywood’s A-listers celebrated the best in Broadway tonight at the Tony Awards 2016, with Hamilton sweeping a whopping 11 statues and a groundbreaking 16 nominations altogether, but not starting without heartfelt speeches and tribute to the Orlando victims by celebrities. But before the night’s shenanigans started, stars arrived on the red carpet that was decked with a beautiful backdrop made of blooms. Our favourite red carpet looks of the night include Lupita Nyong’o who slayed in Boss, Allison Williams who suited up in DKNY, and Saoirse Ronan’s take on minimalistic chic.
Here are all the red carpet arrivals during the Tony Awards 2016:
{insert gallery tpl=”slide-freesize.tpl” id=”Tony Awards 2016″ rid=”4073″ order=”a_tstamp”}

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Watches
The new Bulgari Serpenti: 1 watch, 312 ways
Mix and match

16.08.2017
By Joan Kong

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From watches to bags, Bulgari’s iconic reptile has been given a different interpretation in many ways, and its Bulgari Serpenti watch range has always been at the crossroads between goldsmithing and jewellery. This round, the brand is introducing a made-to-order concept for its new Serpenti watch for the very first time—giving its customers a chance to find the perfect piece that reflects their personalities.

Instead of a steel bracelet, the updated timepiece adopts a double wrap-around straps made from Karung leather—a non-venomous water snake with a thin and supple skin, giving off a more modern and youthful vibe. If you’d like to switch things up, simply remove the fastening and you’ll able to swap the leather straps to the steel cases from previous models; it’s the ideal day-to-night watch, for sure. All of the new Serpenti watches are run by personalised B033 quatz movement.

To customise your watch, the Italian luxury brand has developed an app to facilitate the process; here’s the list of customization options for your new Serpenti:
1. Steel or pink gold case
2. Brilliant-cut diamonds or plain case
3. Mother-of-pearl or sunburst guilloché dial
4. Karung leather in five colours: black, red, white, green or chestnut brown
5. Calfskin strap in six colours: sapphire blue, agate white, ruby red, sandy beige, black or emerald green
6. Engraving on the caseback
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Watch the enchanting video below:

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Uchiide: Bringing street art to beauty

Beauty
Uchiide: Bringing street art to beauty
Haute street

08.08.2015
By Terry Saw

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To say it has been a big week for shu uemura’s International Artistic Director, Uchiide, is an understatement. Fresh from launching his second annual Vision of Beauty Collection Vol.02 in Malaysia just the night before, plus a hectic schedule that would rival an A-lister’s, he’s still all-smiles as we caught up with him over coffee to discover Haute Street: Vision of Beauty Collection Vol.02 – the new makeup collection, on which he spent two painstaking years honing to perfection.

Of all creative inspirations, what made you to look to street art as the foundation of your new collection?
“I’ve always had an appreciation for street art. That said, there are times where it is done illegally – which I do not condone – but I do genuinely respect the quality and art itself for its creativity, originality and individuality.
“The way I see it, street art and beauty share one similar approach; street artists inject vibrant, colourful life to concrete cityscapes the way makeup artists beautify women. The most important elements for a good piece of street art are the venue and the artist. It’s about the artist applying the right colours in the right places to make a good piece of artwork – again, similar to the approach a makeup artist would take.”
Who are some of the street artists that inspired you?
“I like English street artist, film director and painter Banksy for his dark humour-inspired pieces, and French pioneer street artist Blek le Rat for his impeccable stenciling work.”

How did the collaboration with New York-based, Japanese-German Italian artist Ōyama Enrico Isamu Letter come about?
“We tried working with different types of street art (and artists), but it was only when the partnership opportunity with Enrico surfaced that it really felt right. His signature ‘Quick Turn Structure’ (QTS) method, is a black and white, minimal yet spontaneous motif stemming from the visual language of graffiti culture that resonated with my vision for this collection.

“The sharp points or edges you see in the QTS relates to the beauty points I am focusing for this collection – corners of the eyes, corners of the lips and the sharp points of the cheekbones, which is beautifully translated in Enrico’s artwork for the collection.”
What is a good introduction for women who are seeking to be a little more experimental with their makeup?
“Start with the eye palettes – the first three shades are easy to wear and gives instant dimension and depth to the eyes. Choose just one colour from the next three shades to add a subtle accent to the eyes.

“Also, you can go for a really modern look that is completely effortless to recreate by highlighting the V-shapes of the face. As mentioned earlier, this includes: the outer and inner corners of the eyes, the ends of the eyebrows, your cheekbones and the corners of your lips, which is the focus of the collection. Highlighting these V shapes with a vibrant colour will really make your features pop.”
The one message you’d like women to take away from this collection is…
“Every one of us is capable of discovering a different dimension in beauty through creativity and freedom of expression. Use makeup as a means to show your originality and be comfortable (and confident) with that side of yourself.”
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Haute Street: Vision of Beauty Vol. 02 is now available at all shu uemura boutiques and counters.

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Fashion
Cruise 2017: The best 10 looks of the season
Cruisin’ is made for love

12.12.2016
By Buro247

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

Cruise, Resort, Pre-spring—this is a season that seems to move further away from a clear definition every year, baffling consumers along the way. Originally reserved for wealthy jet setters, the term “resort” often conjures up images of kaftans and bathing suits donned by seasoned vacationers in exclusive locations. Thankfully, for us, that is not the case anymore. Now evolved into an inter-season of ready-to-wear collections, trends from this season is as varied and unpredicted as the next. But, no one’s complaining. From fur-lined coats to track pants and floral matching sets; here, check out all our favourite looks.

Tory Burch

On left: Dior
On right: Bottega Veneta

Versace

On left: Diane von Furstenberg
On right: Michael Kors Collection

Gucci

Prada

On left: Bally
On right: Coach

Credits
Photography: Aaron Lee/Lensworks Production
Styling: Jasmine Leong
Art Direction: Chong Yi Suen
Model: Tatti/Andrews Models
Hair: Juno Ko
Makeup: KF Bong
Styling Assistant: Alyssa Lee

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Travel
World Heritage Day 2022: 4 Amazing UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Malaysia
Living legacies

18.04.2022
By Natalie Khoo

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

Malaysia is widely known for its diverse culture and remarkable heritage, owing to the country’s unique historical and geographical context. In fact, the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organisation, also known as UNESCO, has recognised four World Heritage Sites in Malaysia for their irreplaceable value to mankind.
Of the four, two are recognised as cultural sites and the other two as natural sites. The recognition of these sites bears great significance as UNESCO adheres to strict selection criteria, resulting in only 1,154 World Heritage Sites in the world today. Sites can also be delisted if they do not maintain integrity in their management plans.
Not only do these four World Heritage Sites make up an important part of Malaysia’s DNA, they also offer amazing sights and features that you should experience at least once in your life. How many have you visited?

1. Kinabalu Park

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Kinabalu Park was established in 1974 as one of Malaysia’s first national parks, earning a spot on the UNESCO World Heritage Site list in 2000. Sprawled across 75,370 hectares of tropical rainforest in Sabah—93 per cent of which is still untouched—it is home to three of the tallest mountains in the country, namely Mount Kinabalu (4,095m), Mount Trusmadi (2,642m), and Mount Tambuyukon (2,579m). Aside from breath-taking mountainside views, nature lovers stand to discover more than 1,000 species of orchids, 78 species of Ficus, 60 species of ferns, and 326 species of birds in the park’s flourishing ecosystem.

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What’s more, the park and its surrounding three districts are collectively on track to be recognised as a UNESCO Global Geopark site, forming a single unified geographical area that’s “managed with a holistic concept of protection, education, and sustainable development.”
RELATED: Must-visit natural treasures in Sabah and where to stay while you’re there

2. Gunung Mulu National Park

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Inscribed as a natural UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000, Gunung Mulu National Park is the most studied tropical karst area in the world. The park spans a massive 52,864 hectares and is famous for its impressive biodiversity and karst limestone features. It boasts at least 295km of explored caves, which is home to millions of swiftlets, bats, and the Sarawak Chamber—the largest known cave chamber in the world.

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One of its most distinctive features is the dramatic white limestone pinnacles at Mount Api, formed over 1.5 million years ago. Fun fact: these are the very same rock formations found on the RM100 banknote! Plus, there are seventeen vegetation zones in the park supporting an abundance of flora and fauna. Needless to say, visitors are sure to be awed by the exceptional natural beauty of the ra

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Fashion
Just in: Gucci Cruise 2017 show to be presented at Westminster Abbey
Come together

04.02.2016
By Wei Yeen Loh

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

The news is out: Gucci’s creative director Alessandro Michele has chosen one of London’s most iconic places as the setting of the house’s Cruise 2017 fashion show—Westminster Abbey. The Gothic church has hosted at least 16 royal weddings over a span of more than 900 years, and Gucci will be the first fashion house to host a runway show in this historic location. With the previous show staged the DIA-Art Foundation in NYC, this year’s show will be presented at the Cloisters at Westminster Abbey.

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Food + Drink
Here are the Ramadan e-bazaars in KL to order from—for your favourite Iftar delicacies

29.04.2020
By Ronn Tan

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With the Movement Control Order in place until 12 May 2020 (for now, at least), Ramadan is bound to be a little different this year. The usual Ramadan buffets are replaced with Iftar set menu deliveries; and the typical bazaars are now completely online. All these measures are, of course, to keep us safe and healthy while we continue to self-isolate at home. The negative effects or consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic are massive (oh, Miss Corona)—but that does not mean we can’t still enjoy the things we love.
The New Normal means adapting and finding ways to bring normalcy back into our lives without jeopardising the health of ours and others. The digitalisation of Ramadan bazaars is one brilliant example. According to SME Corporation Malaysia, “e-bazaars are online platforms for food entrepreneurs, traders, and hawkers to operate their businesses” from 24 April to 23 May 2020.
Foodpanda x Media Prima Television Networks

To ensure that Malaysians can feast on their favourite Ramadan delicacies while staying home and staying safe, Foodpanda has established E-ftar with Media Prima Television Networks (MPTN) and various local government councils. Only available during the month of Ramadan, delicacies include the likes of Roti John, Kuih, Murtabak, and ayam percik—with more than 200 different vendors. All you have to do is search on Foodpanda’s dedicated swimlane, E-ftar, to find vendors available near you.
For more information, visit this website.
Touch ‘n Go eWallet

Named Ramadan 2.0.2.0 as a nod to the year 2020 and a symbol of social distancing, Touch ‘n Go eWallet has teamed up with the likes of Beepit, DeliverEat, Go Eat, Hungry, and Wonderfly—to launch their own virtual version of the Ramadan bazaar. There will be over 1,000 stalls to choose from. For anything related to Ramadan, such as buka puasa and imsak times, donations, promotions, recipes, fitness, and tips, head over to Touch ‘n Go eWallet’s information hub for 24-hour access. You can search for the available e-bazaar partners here and on the app.
For more information, visit this website.
FashionValet

The FVBazaar comprises of bakers, home cooks, as well as Food and Beverage operators—helping small businesses garner income during the Movement Control Order. With the cancellation of the usual bazaars throughout the country, the e-commerce fashion site established the FVBazaar programme to act as a bridge between vendors and customers. There are a plethora of merchants to choose from; depending on the food or drink you desire.
For more information, visit this website.
Maybank2u

The Ramadan Bazaar on this platform aims to support local businesses that are struggling during the Movement Control Order. Depending on your location, there are a variety of different options to choose from. Information for all vendors are displayed on the site—from the name to the menu. If you’re in or around Shah Alam, check out the Shah Alam Ramadan Bazaar.
For more information, visit this website.
Grab x Selangor state government

To ensure that Malaysians get to still indulge in their favourite Ramadan meals, Grab has formed the Grab e-kitchen programme—a collaboration with the Selangor state government. The e-kitchens that are chosen are safe and hygienic; operating from 2.30pm to 6.30pm throughout the Holy Month of Ramadan. Selected areas include Petaling Jaya, Damansara TTDI, Subang Jaya, Puchong, Semenyih, Seri Kembangan, Klang, Cyberjaya, Bangi, and Ampang.
According to Sean Goh (Country Head of Grab Malaysia), Grab aims to support micro-entrepreneurs and social sellers by helping them “go cashless and expand their reach to millions of Grab users” as well as utilise “services like GrabPay, GrabFood, and GrabExpress to help them continue to thrive and deliver their goods directly to Malaysian homes”. Whether you’re craving for Murtabak, Apam Balik, or Lemang, you will be able to get them on Grab’s e-bazaar. Just head over to the app to order and check out the available vendors.
For more information, visit this website.
It’s heartwarming to see so many entities doing their parts to help local businesses during difficult times like these. Even without the usual bazaars, the wonderful spirit of Ramadan lives on through these digital platforms—as we continue to stay at home and keep ourselves safe. It is exactly this sense of togetherness that will keep Malaysians going, regardless of the situation. Have a blessed Ramadan, everyone!
For more Iftar meal delivery options, click here.

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Beauty
La Mer gets serious about anti-ageing with Genaissance
Potent moment

24.10.2017
By Gwen Ong

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Consider the ravages of time and the aftereffects of our environment, lifestyle, habits and so on. You’d want to stop the damages and perhaps, even turn back the time. This is where La Mer steps in.

The key word is fermentation. Through La Mer’s years of research, it was found that fermentation helps individual components of single ingredients to transform into micronutrients in which the skin can readily recognise and receive. In particular, the discovery of the Crystal Miracle Broth that has the purest concentration of La Mer’s signature Miracle Broth. Following this divine discovery, in comes the Genaissance de la Mer collection.

First launched in 2015, the silky Genaissance Serum Essence has exceptional absorption rate and skin renewing quality that had fans screaming for more. Well, their prayers have been answered. Today, the Genaissance range now extends to two new additions—The Eye and Expression Cream as well as The Infused Lotion. Both are made with several unique ferments at the core.

Namely the said Crystal Miracle Broth helps support the skin’s system from deep within so it stays clear and renewed. While the Genaissance Ferment is built around a rare Pom Pom Red Algae that helps boost natural collagen and elastin, thus skin gets firmer and looks lifted.

Genaissance de la Mer Eye and Expression Cream has a soft cream texture that melts into the skin so the fragile area around the eyes is rejuvenated and recharged. Think—less puffiness! While your expression lines appear plumped up and volumised with less visible signs of stress.

For the Genaissance de la Mer Infused Lotion, you will find two forms of ingredients—the Crystal Miracle Broth and emollients, which results in an oil-in-water lotion formula. Shake gently to blend before applying to face. The infusion of water and cream leaves skin intensely moisturised and its barrier strengthened so you’ll look healthy and glowing.

Genaissance de la Mer collection is available at Suria KLCC, Robinsons The Gardens, Parkson Pavilion KL and Isetan One Utama.

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Features
10 Local It-girls on the best fashion advice they’ve received from mummy dearest

06.05.2019
By Joan Kong

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From our awkward teenage years to being a cool adult now (or so we’d like to think), our mums have been there through it all. So it’s only natural that she had some sort of influence on our personal style, from shaping our fashion sensibilities or the way we approach certain trends. Mama truly knows best, and there’s no one better than the woman who birthed and raised you to impart some wisdom on how to live your best life. As we celebrate the queen in our lives, we got in touch with these stylish local It-girls who dished on the one advice from mummy dearest that has stuck with them since.

“My mother has taught me to always buy pieces that I would like to own forever or things that can be shared with Evangeline and her. And even though we are often spotted in monochrome outfits, we love our bright colours and patterns.” — Cherrie Liong (@cherriemun)
“My mum always tells Cherrie and me, ‘You girls don’t necessarily have to spend a lot of money to look good.’ She has encouraged me to dress my best even when I’m not in the mood, because a good outfit is a great mood-lifter.” — Evangeline Liong (@evangelineyan)

“The colour of your shoes doesn’t have to match the colour of the rest of your outfit!” — Ally Mukhriz (@ally.mukhriz)

“Be confident and be proud of myself (and the way I look). It can be as simple as T-shirt and jeans, but with confidence, one can look exceptional too.” — Juwei Teoh (@juweiteoh)

“This is something I’ve observed ever since I was young: My mum has never left the house until she’s fully dressed-hair, makeup, everything. Is it something I follow suit? Not necessarily, but it has served me well. I put my best foot forward when the occasion rises and dress accordingly. It shows that you actually care and took the time to dress for the occasion.” — Amanda Chaang (@amandachaang)

“My mum would always tell me not to imitate or emulate a trend, just because. It’s better to wear something I’m comfortable in. Always.” —Aina Syahirah (@ainasyahirah)

“As harsh as it sounds, my mum always says money can’t buy class, and it’s true. Regardless of the occasion, looking polished and pulled together never fails.” — Nana Law (@nanabwincess)

“Be adventurous when it comes to fashion. It’s not wrong the wear something different, but most importantly the outfit has to make you feel comfortable.” — Yaya Zahir (@yayazahir)

“The best advice I’ve received from my mum? Don’t overdo it, and the lesser skin, the better. My mum works as a tailor so she sews a lot of blazers for my dad, and I would always steal them for my own—that’s how my obsession with the outerwear started.” — Rubini Sambanthan (@rubinirubi)

“The best advice that my mum has ever given me? Simplicity is key and keep it elegant for any and every occasion, be it on casual days or a night about town.” — Fyza Kadir (@fyzakadir30)
For more Mother’s Day-related stories, click here.

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Film, TV + Theatre
What if Wes Anderson made S’mores? It might look something like this
#FoodFilms

14.08.2017
By Su Fen Tan

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What do Wes Anderson, Quentin Tarantino, Michael Bay and Alfonso Cuarón have in common? They are all successful filmmakers in their own rights, that’s for sure, albeit with very different visual styles—which is what makes David Ma‘s new YouTube series #FoodFilms so brilliant.

In #FoodFilms, Ma reimagines recipe videos in the style of famous directors. Ever wondered what it would be like if the likes of Wes Anderson and Quentin Tarantino made food videos? Ma delivers the goods, spot-on and pretty darn visually pleasing at that.

Here, he nails Anderson’s knack for symmetry and whimsy in this S’mores-making video:

Turning spaghetti and meatballs into a bloody, gory mess as one would imagine Tarantino to do:

It won’t be Michael Bay-inspired without a whole lot of action and explosions—even when making waffles:

Putting Alfonso Cuarón’s signature long takes into mesmerising use:

Needless to say, we can’t wait to see what other directors David Ma will take on next.

Related stories:
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Lifestyle
The right side of the road: Driving a Mercedes-Benz compact car in Budapest
A three-pointed star experience

19.05.2017
By Rachel Au

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It’s an old joke. The whole driving on the ‘right’ slash ‘wrong’ side of the road but it certainly won’t make for a funny story to retell should any mishaps happen. The invitation for an international press drive in Budapest with Mercedes-Benz’s full range of compact cars (the A-Class, B-Class, CLA, CLA Shooting Brake and GLA) gave me mixed feelings: Excitement (the chance to test out cars that aren’t in Malaysia yet such is the case of the GLA with a new facelift) and anxiety (driving on the right side of the road). Well, I’m back, I survived and here’s my story.

Budapest
It’s one of the most beautiful cities in Europe where architecture of old stands tall looking new, dashing and charming. She’s photogenic in every way and when the sunlight touches any nook or tip of a building, it looks like a scene out of a fairytale book. But what does Budapest have to do with Mercedes-Benz? Well, not Budapest but Hungary. Our journey begins from the city to two key locations for our trip, giving us roughly one to two hours plus to give the compact cars a good test drive.

Day 1
Driving to the Hungaroring race track

For the Malaysians, the highlight is the GLA facelift which has yet to make its debut in the local market. So of course, my driving partner and I chose the GLA 45 AMG 4MATIC immediately and of course, being a newbie at driving on the right, I decided to let him do the work (that sounds bad, I know) and experience the car as a passenger first – one word: comfortable. I must say the matte grey finish on its exterior is quite attractive.

Driving ON the Hungaroring race track

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Starring the fierce Mercedes-AMG A45 4MATIC. Driving on a real Formula One circuit? The one where Mercedes World Champion Lewis Hamilton had driven across the line in pole position five times? Achievement unlocked. It was three people per round. We got our helmets (so heavy, so tight, so uncomfortable), a head sock (goodbye hair that I blowdried that morning) and went to our respective vehicles. The Hungaroring race track and its (never-ending) winding curves (a total of 14) were a good way to test out the vehicle’s performance and handling.

While the AMG A45 can accelerate from 0-100km/h in 4.2 seconds and is capable of a top speed of 270km/h, I managed to press it to 140 km/h before hitting the brake slightly for that sharp turn. That might have slowed things down a little – like a browser lagging for two seconds because I clicked on a link then hit the back button – but the AMG A45 was quick to pick up the pace again as I stepped back on the accelerator, proving the vehicle’s responsiveness to the driver and trust me when I say the car convinced me to trust it. By the second lap, I made through all the sharp turns without touching much of the brake pedal and the car glided through each one so fluidly with a reassuring grip of the track. The only downside is that the cabin space personally felt a bit cramped but then again, I was wearing a huge helmet.

A short stint with the B250e (battery-electric drive)

The B250e is Mercedes-Benz’s first all-electric vehicle and it’s also not available in Malaysia (read what Mark Raine, Vice President, Sales & Marketing Passenger Cars of Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has to say about hybrid and electric cars in the local market here). When else would I be able to give it a test drive, right? With a range of 200km, it’s capable of delivering a maximum output of 132 kW and can sprint from 0-100km/h in 7.9 seconds. My take on it: A smooth, quiet drive with zero local emissions. Personally, a dream car for everyday use.

Off the road with the GLA 220 4MATIC

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It means going through a rollercoaster ride of rough terrains. There were mirrors at some corners to show us exactly how capable the GLA as a premium compact SUV is: Driving through a slanted track where we could see one tyre floating above the ground, testing the 360-degree camera to gauge the distance between vehicle and obstruction (including giving a virtual top view of the car), and letting the car slowly move downhill on a very rocky path. All these are made possible with the off-road comfort suspension which raises the height of the body by 30 millimetres and giving a higher seating position.

What else you need to know about the 2017 GLA facelift
• Since its facelift, the GLA is the only model in its market segment to feature a 360° camera
• You can open and close the GLA’s tailgate by moving a foot thanks to a feature called Hands-Free Access
• The interior has been given an upgrade! You’ll see chromed controls, new trim elements and new seat covers and colours (“canyon beige”)
• Some of its other features include Apple CarPlay, Lane Keeping Assist, LED high performance headlamps and Adaptive Brake
• The GLA 220 4MATIC is new in the engine lineup with an output of 134 kW/ 184 hp and 300 Nm of torque
• The GLA 45 4MATIC sports a 2.0-liter, four-cylinder turbo engine with an output of 280 kW (381 hp)

Day 2
On the road with the CLA 250 Sport 4MATIC

The last day called for a longer drive – approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes – to the heart of Hungary that is Kecskemet Plant. It is Mercedes-Benz’s first European passenger car plant outside of Germany which exclusively manufactures the CLA and CLA Shooting Brake for 180 markets worldwide, and is the largest employer in the region. Unfortunately all the GLA models had been snapped up by the other media (I blame the amazing breakfast spread at The Ritz-Carlton) so my driving partner and I went for the CLA 250 Sport 4MATIC. It marked my fifth test drive model (I had also tried the A 250 SPORT 4MATIC the day before on the trip back to the hotel) and a true joyride.

I’m told that most drivers who are used to manoeuvring the left side of the road will somehow find it hard to keep to the centre of their respective lanes. True enough, on the way to Kecskemet, I found myself frequently slowly inching to the right and risk hitting a car or a curb. Besides the sharp eye of my driving partner, it was also handy to have the Active Blind Spot Assist and Active Lane Keeping Assist features to beep and buzz me when I’m astray from my lane. I didn’t really need it as much in KL since I’m used to the roads. Performance-wise, it’s sportier than it looks. With a maximum output of 160 kW (218 hp), the CLA 250 Sport could cruise smoothly from 0-100km/h in 6.5 seconds.

After an almost non-stop thrilling drive of 140 km/h on the highway, we arrived at Kecskemet for a tour of the plant and an up-close view of its visible assembly process. Then, it was time to head to the airport for our flight home and sadly, we needn’t take the wheel.

Related stories:
Behind the wheels of the Mercedes-Benz Dream Cars
Mercedes-Benz Malaysia launches the exclusive A-Class Urban Hunting Activity Edition
Hybrid cars in Malaysia: To buy or not to buy

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Lifestyle
7 Things you can do this weekend: 11—12 November 2017
A weekend for foodies!

06.11.2017
By Rachel Au

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

1. Saturday Night Vibes at Shook! Kuala Lumpur, 7pm-10.30pm, 11 Nov
Shook! has a new dining concept where great food meets great company and music in one fine, stylish space. As per its namesake, the combination only happens once every week with a delectable feast of exquisite Asian and European cuisines ensured. The live performances, however, changes and this weekend features The Rainbow Children, a Prince-inspired tribute band.
RM168 nett per person. For more info, visit their website.

2. Dewakan x Kristian Bauman, 7.30pm-9.30pm, 10 & 11 Nov
Chef and co-owner of Copenhagen’s Restaurant 108, Kristian Bauman is coming to KL to collaborate with Chef Darren Teoh of Dewakan for a one-of-a-kind 11-course menu where the spotlight is on the natural flavours of the ingredients themselves. Expect creative dishes that will challenge, comfort and intrigue you.
RM450 per person. Reservations are necessary. For more info, visit their website.

3. Floral arrangement 3.0 workshop with @florahera at Mari House, 10am-1pm, 11 Nov
Learn the basics of arranging flowers be it for a vase or a bridal bouquet.
RM330 per person (inclusive of materials and refreshments). For more info, visit the event page.

4. ABWM Christmas Bazaar at The Renaissance Hotel, 10.30am-2.30pm, 12 Nov
It’s never too early to start shopping for Christmas. The Association of British Women in Malaysia is organising a huge Christmas bazaar with over 90 stalls-20 of those stalls are by charities while the rest of them will be selling craft items, jewellery, books, baked goods and more.
RM20 per entry. For more info, visit the event page.

5. Weddings Redefined at The St. Regis Kuala Lumpur, now till 18 Nov
Calling all engaged couples, your stress-free dream wedding could possibly start at The St. Regis Kuala Lumpur. And we don’t just mean by hosting it at their Grand Ballroom. From dream-worthy gowns (including The St. Regis Bridal Gown Capsule Collection by Marchesa) to photographers to pampering sessions, the hotel is holding an exclusive showcase with a specially curated selection of vendors that cover every aspect of your special day. Have a look and speak to their team of Wedding Specialists for more info.
You can also email them at [email protected].

6. The Singapore Writers Festival in Singapore, till 12 Nov
The literary festival, back for its 20th edition, is in full swing and for the first time ever, is carrying a Tamil theme-Aram. To celebrate some of the best talents around the region, the festival will see visiting authors giving talks and joining panel discussions. Malaysia is also part of this huge event and we spoke to one of the Malaysian speakers, Amir Muhammad—the ‘godfather’ of indie books and the man behind Fixi—here for his insight of the industry. So if you’re heading to Singapore this weekend, be sure to check out the festival.
For more info, visit their website.

7. Yin Yoga Class + Sound Bath at Hot Yo Studio, 8.30pm-9.30pm, 13 Nov
It’s not often you have a Sound Bath while doing yoga so take this opportunity to do both in this special class led by Claudia, with Sari on her crystal bowls.
RM40 per person. For more info on the class or the facilitators, visit the event page.

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Beauty
6 Common myths about going grey that you should stop believing
Go grey the graceful way (or don't)

30.05.2023
By Redzhanna Jazmin

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Plus, our four best tips for covering up your grey hairs…
Getting your first grey hair can be an emotional experience. While some readily accept their greys with open arms, others prefer to indulge in an exercise of sheer panic. Both are valid responses and, no matter what you decide to do about your growing greys, it is ultimately a natural part of life.
At this point, you have two choices—let the greys grow freely, or hide them for as long as you possibly can. If you’re in the latter camp, we’ve got your back and if you’re in the former, that’s great, too!
Ahead, we’re covering all things grey—find out why we go grey, how to cover your greys, and learn more about some of the biggest misconceptions surrounding grey hairs:

WHY DO WE GO GREY?

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Put simply, grey hairs sprout when the pigment cells in your hair follicles die. When these cells die, they stop producing melanin—the stuff that gives your hair its colour—which is what leads to any new hair strands growing in grey or white.
Unfortunately, there isn’t much that can be done to stop this process from happening. Once a hair follicle stops producing melanin, there isn’t really any way to restore them. That said, it’s not the end of the line just yet.

HOW TO COVER UP YOUR GREY HAIRS

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If you’re after a full cover-up
Obviously, the best course of action with any hair makeover is to head directly to your salon, especially if this is your first time covering up your greys. At your appointment, your colourist will be able to advise you on the best course of action for the ideal results, whether that be in their technique or the kind of dye they use on you.
You’ll want to ask your stylist for permanent dye to cover your greys. This is the best way to ensure that your root cover-up will last as long as possible, with the best blend into the rest of your tresses.
NOTE: If you’re going to go down this route, expect to go back to the salon for a touch-up every three to six weeks!

If you’re looking for a less high-maintenance option
Getting a single-process colour service is the obvious route, but if you’ve only got a few greys and don’t have the time to head to the salon every three to six weeks, highlights might be a better option for you.
Obviously, on Asian hair, this isn’t an ideal solution as most of us tend to have naturally dark locks, but if your hair is on the lighter side (or pre-dyed side!), it’s something worth exploring. Not only will highlights help to camouflage your greys better, but they will also help to blend them in during the grow-out process so you can stretch out the time between your appointments!

If you’re in between salon appointments
Believe it or not, an at-home touch-up isn’t always the worst idea—as long as you’ve got the right tools, of course. Using a temporary dye like the Christophe Robin Temporary Colour Gel is a great option for those who just can’t get back to the salon soon enough.
The ammonia and peroxide-free formula has been designed to cover even the most stubborn grey hairs. It comes in four shades to help you find your closest colour match and washes out completely in five to seven washes.
When dyeing your hair at home, you’ll specifically want to opt for a temporary hair colour that washes out so that the colour doesn’t interfere with your stylist’s work at your next appointment. Our best tip for application would be to really focus most of the dye on your roots where your greys are most prevalent, then gently blend it into the mid-lengths of your hair. Avoiding your ends will help to prevent them from becoming stained, making it easier to lift the colour at future appointments.
PSST: As always, remember to do a patch test before you colour your hair!

If you’re in a rush
If you’ve got no more than five minutes to get ready and get out, you could try a hair concealer like L’Oreal’s Magic Retouch Temporary Instant Root Concealer Spray, Colour Wow’s Root Cover Up or The Face Shop’s Quick Hair Puff.
Alternatively, get yourself a really cute hairband or hat to cover up any hairline greys until you can deal with them properly.

THE BIGGEST MYTHS ABOUT GOING GREY, DEBUNKED

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Myth 1: Plucking your grey hairs will cause more to grow back in its place
This is a classic old wives tale; something they say to discourage you from pulling your hair out. Fortunately, this isn’t true.
However, while you won’t be getting greyer as a result of removing individual strands, you could be damaging those hair follicles permanently, ensuring that no new hairs ever grow back in their place. So, unless you’d like to have a significantly less lush head of hair in your later years, we urge you to put the tweezers down.
Myth 2: It is damaging to your hair
This is a common misconception, but its prevalence is actually understandable. If you’ve begun to go grey, you may notice that your greys are coarser and more fragile than the rest of your hair.
Now, this doesn’t mean that the loss of pigment is causing any damage—rather, it’s simply growing in with a thinner cuticle. For context, the cuticle is critical in protecting your hair from environmental aggressors like UV rays and heat styling as well as water loss, so it only makes sense that your greys are more compromised in condition.
TL;DR: Going grey isn’t damaging your hair, but grey hairs do feel different to the rest of your strands.
Myth 3: It is caused by bleaching and dyeing your hair too much
Rest easy: The bleach from your highlights isn’t killing your hair follicles. Rather, it’s your genetics that determines when exactly you’ll go grey, in conjunction with other lifestyle factors like smoking, general health and stress.
As a general rule, Asian people tend to go grey in their late thirties. However, not all of us are built the same. If you’d like a more accurate guesstimate of when you’ll start going grey yourself, look to your parents! If they went grey early in life, there’s a good chance that you could too!

Myth 4: You need to cover up your greys
In a culture that places youth on a pedestal, the natural instinct when going grey is to hide all evidence. The pressure to cover up grey hairs and stave off the signs of ageing is largely put on women, and while the grey-positive movement has picked up traction in the last few years, it’s still a pretty recent development.
All in all, no one can really tell you what to do with your hair, nor should they have a say in what you do with your body. So, whether you decide to go the au naturel route or employ a good dye job, it’s up to you and you alone!

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