Lifestyle
Bring clean minimalism to your home with contemporary pieces from King Living
Less is more

05.05.2022
By Sarah Hani Jamil

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Haven, refuge, sanctuary—our homes have played a bigger role in our lives than ever before in the pandemic as we isolated ourselves from the outside world and the coronavirus. In doing so, many have adjusted the space they live in to better serve their lifestyle needs.
The aesthetics of your home and the environment you surround yourself with have a huge impact on your productivity and overall well-being. Comfort, versatility, and practicality should be the main factors to consider when it comes to interior design, a concept that David King, Founder of King Living emphasises on.
Established over 40 years ago, the globally-renowned Australian furniture label champions flexibility, authenticity and sustainability while paying homage to its rich history. “We deliberately avoid unnecessary ornamentation. We like to keep a clean aesthetic to our furniture so that our product will stand the test of time. In fact, a lot of the products we made in the ‘70s and ‘80s still look good today,” says David.

Embracing elegance
The minimalist style of interior design is timeless and an easy way of creating an inviting home without the extra frills. Think strong architecture, a warm and muted colour palette, clean lines, and a modern space that’s on-trend and practical. Featuring an iconic pared-back aesthetic while highlighting quality and flexibility, King Living is always a step ahead in innovative design and longevity. A testament to an unwavering focus on sustainability and durability, the brand offers the ability to re-cover its sofas, breathing new life into much-loved family furniture.

Australian design since 1977 from King Living on Vimeo.

Below, find four ways to bring the minimalism of King Living into your home:

Jasper Sofa

Showcasing a relaxed style and luxe comfort, the Jasper Sofa easily lights up any room

Under-seat storage lets you tidy up and put away what you don’t need effortlessly

Add a console in the middle of the Jasper for added convenience in your living room

The Jasper includes shelf options as additional storage for remote controls, books and more

This luxurious piece is Australia’s most-awarded modular sofa and is synonymous with legendary comfort. Adapting to different lifestyles seamlessly, its seats, arms, backs and shelves can be reconfigured into different settings, including a guest bed. There are 40 signature leather colours to choose from, sourced from leading tanneries in Italy and Germany, to match your personal taste and room aesthetic. Meanwhile, cushions are customised to your comfort and posture needs with the choice of feather or memory foam.
Shop here

King Cloud V Recliner

With adjustable head, seat and foot rests, it’s impossible to not feel comfortable on the King Cloud V

Choose a one-seater or expand your sofa—the modular design lets you configure your furniture to fit your space

An added flexible round smart table allows accessibility and functionality without compromising style

Customise your fabric choice from premium materials or European leather to elevate your living room

Experience the magic of the cinema in your home with this theatre-style seat that offers tailored reclining at your fingertips. Designed with TouchGlide™ technology, which offers precise gesture control of the footrest, headrest and seat, enjoy watching movies like never before at home! Optional smart accessories integrated with surround sound capabilities are also available for you to enjoy.
Shop here

Sleep+ Mattress

From adjusting the firmness of your mattress core to changing its layers and more, complete control is in your hands

The KingFlex Base, which is the foundation of the mattress, features individually-wrapped KingCell® pocket coil springs for optimum support

Covers are made from breathable fabric designed to regulate temperature

Experience quality sleep like never before with the Sleep+ Mattress

This mattress is designed for maximum comfort as every layer stretches and conforms to each unique human body, creating a hammock-like effect that provides the ultimate support and relaxation. Components inside the mattress can be customised and changed whenever required to match your sleeping preference. For those who are prone to asthma and allergies, rest assured that you are well thought of as the Sleep+ is Sensitive Choice-approved, meaning that it’s safe for use by all. Engineered for maximum breathability, you can easily maintain a fresh and healthy mattress for many years to come!
Shop here

Zaza Sofa

Elegant and timeless, the Zaza adds a zen touch to your living space

The Zaza is truly as comfortable as it is stylish

Its convenient modular design means you can transform your living room according to your current style preference

Zaza rests on slender steel legs—classy and very sturdy

Designed with the quintessential Australian style in mind, this piece, developed in collaboration with acclaimed designer Charles Wilson, features organic lines and a relaxed tailored finish. The deep and spacious seats invite you in to unwind, while the sleigh legs and distinct edge stitching offer refinement and elegance.
Shop here

Visit KING showrooms in Bangsar and IPC Shopping Centre. For more info and offerings, click here.

For more stories on home decor, click here.

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Food + Drink
How to appreciate the RM27,000 Louis XIII cognac according to a Cellar Master
The Voice of Time

25.10.2017
By Renyi Lim

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Louis XIII is not a cognac that you can drink in a hurry. Nor should it be, indeed, at up to RM27,000 for a magnum decanter. As a blend of the finest selection of up to 1,200 eaux-de-vie, all curated by multiple generations of the House of Rémy Martin’s cellar masters, it is to be savoured with patience and thoughtfulness. After all, as the current Cellar Master—the young and energetic Baptiste Loiseau, guardian of Louis XIII’s heritage—explains, there is much to be gained from the cognac’s slow reveal, where its character evolves in the most captivating manner.

“When it comes to experiencing Louis XIII, what I ask is for people to have time. These days, we’re all in a rush, with phones that ring every second. Normally, I haven’t even begun a tasting class when people are already trying to drink it or swirl their glasses, which destroys everything. I say, ‘No—wait! I’ll be your guide. Calm down and take the time to let these waves of aromas from Louis XIII invade the space and come one after the other.’ It’s really a question of being patient enough to enjoy what the previous generation has achieved and to pay tribute to that.”

The most important rule in Loiseau’s masterclass, however, is that you give your thoughts a voice. You might choose to remark on Louis XIII’s rich, deep amber colour, its smooth, layered texture, or the fact that within its depths, you smell jasmine flowers, honey, incense, sandalwood—perhaps even the spiced Christmas cake from your childhood. “What I want is for people to express themselves,” he urges, pointing out the similarities between his own experiences as a cellar master-in-training under his formidable predecessor, Pierette Trichet.

“Don’t keep your feelings inside. A tasting is something you have to share with the one who is beside you. At the very beginning, she said, ‘You taste these eaux-de-vie, but what is it that you feel?’ She didn’t tell me what to feel—she was asking me first. Initially, I thought, ‘I cannot know, I don’t have the skills.’ She told me, ‘You develop your nose and palate thanks to these sharing moments.’ Now that I am Cellar Master, in my opinion, it’s an encounter between people that make something happen.

“Most of the time, people drink Louis XIII without saying anything, but I want to know: does it ring a bell to you? Does it take you back to some of your memories? The privilege we have with this kind of exceptional product is the fact that it takes you back to your hidden memories, just as it does with me—with everyone enjoying Louis XIII. It is about respecting the work from the terroir, by the people, and across time.” With that, his Christophe Pillet crystal glass chimes against mine loudly, sending notes of clove, nutmeg, and white flowers into the air—Louis XIII’s very own footprint of time, and the soul of this precious cognac.

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Buro Loves
Merdeka 2019: We reviewed 5 Malaysian beauty brands — here’s what we think

29.08.2019
By Wei Yeen Loh

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From natural body care and skincare brands to eco-friendly homeware, the homegrown enterprising scene in Malaysia is one burgeoning pit of creativity that’s backed by a community of passionate individuals. Whether it is the best local vegan and cruelty-free lipsticks or contemporary batik designs, there’s something for everyone out there.
In the spirit of Merdeka, we personally tried-and-tested five Malaysian beauty brands, including Duck Cosmetics, Chuck’s, Root Remedies, Les Cosmetics and Zahara Cosmetics.
Cookie Collection Eyeshadow Palette, Duck Cosmetics

“As someone who is very prone to oily eyelids (#firstworldproblems), I’ve learnt that applying eyeshadow before drawing my liner helps a lot. My choice of palettes usually lean towards either earthy or pink-based tones, so I was pretty excited to give the limited-edition Duck Cookie Collection Eye Shadow Palette a try.
Backed by entrepreneur and #BossGirl Vivy Yusof, Duck Cosmetics formulates all its products in the UK. This palette’s shades looked as yummy as it sounds, and I can vouch for its versatility for everyday wear as well as on occasions when you want to look a tad fancier.
While the colours do look pigmented on the palette, it doesn’t exactly apply well on the lids and does require a few more swipes than usual, especially for the lighter tones. But once applied, the staying power is impressive throughout the day, especially on a day out in this hot and humid weather.” – Rachel Au, Editor
Self Love Honey Mask by Chuck’s

“Good sheet masks are hard to come by. If the fit doesn’t make me look like I’m wearing a badly-constructed, soggy piece of cloth, chances are the mask’s essence is dripping the moment I remove it from the package. And any waste of good essence/serum is truly a terrible shame.
Chuck’s is influencer and content creator Jane Chuck’s first attempt at branching out in the beauty scene. The label only offers its Self Love Honey Mask (for now), and I was keen to see what the hype is behind this highly-raved sheet mask. First thought: the mask didn’t drip upon unfolding! Made of 100% cupra sheet which boasts 10 times the absorption rate compared to cotton masks, it held onto all the essence pretty well.
The mask fitted the contours of my face properly—no extra material flapping on the sides of my face. The alcohol- and fragrance-free formula is made of 80% royal jelly extract, which I found really plumped my desert-dry skin up. 20 minutes later and I had a glow worthy of a good night’s sleep. So yes, I admit that this impressed me more than my usual go-to sheet masks. (Extra points go to its paraben- and mineral-free stamp as well!)” – Loh Wei Yeen, Beauty Editor
Artless Matte Liquid Lipstick by Les Cosmetics

“I gotta admit, I’ve always been a person of convenience when it comes to makeup. Naturally, I’m a fan of matte lipsticks—fewer touch-ups with a budge-proof finish? Yes, please. Founded by local twin influencers Cherrie and Evangeline Liong, Les Cosmetics is a 100% fragrance-free makeup brand that currently offers matte lipsticks.
My favourite? The Artless Matte Liquid Lipstick in Dark Bloody Red. I love the creamy texture that leaves a soft matte finish. It was easy to apply and it didn’t sink into my lip lines. Pigment wise, just one swipe was all it took to leave a rich layer of colour. I’m not used to wearing fragrance-free lipsticks so the scent did take me a while to get used to, but I’m definitely tempted to try out the other shades.” — Joan Kong, Fashion Editor
Turmeric and Lemon Eye Serum by Root Remedies

“All-natural skincare tends to not work on my skin which explained my skepticism when I was told to try Root Remedies’ Turmeric and Lemon Eye Serum. I usually go for something stronger (eye cream) for my delicate eye area but a few reasons changed my mind about this eye serum:
I love that it comes with a rollerball, which made for the easiest application. All I had to do was roll it on and use my fingers to tap my eye area to let the product sink in. The most notable difference I spotted was how it reduced puffiness around my eyes. Also, I appreciate that there was barely any fragrance in this serum—no pungent turmeric scent with this one. That’s really important because my sensitive skin doesn’t approve of fragrance.
I have yet to feel any difference with dark circles and uplifting, but my eye area was definitely well-hydrated. I’m excited to see how my eyes would fare about a month or so.” — Ronn Tan, Editorial Assistant
Modesty Muse nail polish by Zahara Cosmetics

“Back in my teen years, I used to don pretty wild colours on my claws. On my rotation: black, maroon, blue (much to my mother’s chagrin). The deeper the hue, the better! But as I grow older and embrace being a “full-fledged adult”, I find myself gravitating towards softer, neutral tones.
Zahara’s Modesty Muse is a perfect blend of my past and current favourites. The colour is a cool, neutral gray with hints of mauve tones. The formula is easy to apply; thin but pigmented and buildable so you can control how opaque you want to go.” – Stephanie Boey, Fashion Writer

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Fashion
18 fashion pieces you need to fully embrace Pantone’s colour of the year
Full immersion

02.01.2018
By Buro247

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

In other words, Pantone’s pick for 2018, Ultra Violet, is set to take the year by storm. We’ve given you a list of wonderful accessories for you to dip your toes in and test waters here. But, if you’re ready to dive straight into “a dramatically provocative and thoughtful purple shade” that speaks “originality, ingenuity, and visionary thinking”, start shopping for pieces in solid blocks of violet. While Pantone specifically pinpoints a purple with blue undertones, we reckon it shouldn’t matter if your shade leans towards the warmer side of the spectrum or veers towards the cool—just keep it bright and bold.
Outstanding against neutrals; regal when worn with metallics; a chameleon with contrasting splashes of yellow, orange and green; but a totally modern take on retro beside pops of pink; purple definitely deserves more credit than it is given. It’s time to embrace those UV rays. Ready? Ahead are 18 fashion picks that are ultra violet and ultra rad:
{insert gallery tpl=”slide-freesize.tpl” id=”pantone 2018 ultra violet purple fashion” rid=”5814″ order=”a_tstamp”}
Hit the links for more deets on each item:

1. Isabel Sanches strapless peplum cocktail dress
2. Salvatore Ferragamo belted flared dress
3. Kenzo glitter knit top
4. Thierry Mugler Vintage oversized coat
5. Calvin Klein 205W39NYC side stripe trousers
6. Bambah back bow bustier top
7. Yves Saint Laurent Vintage pencil skirt
8. Chloé long ruffle dress
9. Faith Connexion embellished V-neck cardigan
10. Marchesa Notte 3D flower gown
11. Pleats Please by Issey Miyake plissé duster jacket
12. Juan Carlos Obando cowl neck halter top
13. Roland Mouret classic fitted dress
14. Gucci tiger knitted sweater
15. Versus Vintage draped waterfall shirt
16. Haider Ackermann shawl collar blouse
17. Unravel Project oversized hoodie
18. Circus Hotel flared sleeved blouse

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Culture
How to be happy, according to Malaysian comedian Joanne Kam Poh Poh

10.04.2020
By Rachel Au

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What makes me happy?
Food and watching Trevor Noah makes me happy. I found back my love for cooking, so I have been doing a lot of that lately—I guess it’s a form of stress relief. I have also been watching Trevor Noah’s social distancing show daily and it perks me up at the beginning of the day.

I think Trevor Noah should run for President.
A book that makes me smile
Does reading the Ministry of Women & Family’s advice for women during the MCO movement count?
Well, if it’s a book, then it will have to be Bossypants by Tina Fey.
A song that makes me smile

Boys by Charli XCX. Why you ask? Because it’s about boys, what else is there? Sometimes all it takes is just listening to some bubble gum pop to perk you up.
Oh, and if I want some nostalgic house music, I will go to Spotify and hop onto my friend’s DJ Spenda playlist. It makes me feel like I’m back in the good old house music days.
Netflix shows to watch that never fail to cheer me up

Brooklyn Nine Nine. “It’s the NINE NINE!” It’s so stupid but so good.

Friends. This hits you every time, even if you have watched it over and over (and over) again; and who doesn’t have their best of Friends moment? Everyone has at least one. Watching reruns of Friends is like having hot chocolate and marshmallows on a rainy day.

Rupaul’s Drag Race—because everyone need a little fabulous in their lives.

Modern Family. Because every family is not normal and for a little while, you can just escape into theirs.

Elite. There are hot Spanish boys and girls running around, and they also have hot dads. Yes, you heard me—the dads in this show are rich and my age—so yes, lots of eye candy and all of sudden, it makes me want to learn Spanish.

Feel-good movies to watch when I’m feeling down
I have three top favourites—they don’t make them like these any more. I feel a lot of the new comedy movies are just hit and miss, so here are the ones that really make me LOL because their chemistry in it is priceless:

 Two Weeks Notice

 Pretty Woman

 White Chicks

Go-to Instagram accounts for a pick-me-up
@ginayashere, @lesdogggg, @hirziofficial—their updates are hilarious and I do love their comedy too!

Happy foods
Chocolate and ice cream. How can you go wrong with those two? Oh, and please throw in a chocolate cake—it will just make things so orgasmic.

Happy Hour drinks—non-alcoholic (and alcoholic)
Ice honey lemon. It gets me all the time. Also, try watermelon and lychee juice with some ice. It’s super yummy.
Otherwise, it’s single malt whiskey with ice.
What I do when things feel overwhelming
Skip a shower, turn on the air-conditioning, go under the comforters, Netflix and binge on snacks.
Here’s an inspirational quote, written by me
The funny version:
Sometimes life teaches you lessons so you can learn from them, but somebody better tell life that I don’t like repeating classes.
The serious version:
The most powerful weapon you can have is laughter. Think about it. Laughter can make you forget, heal a broken heart, make friends out of enemies but more importantly, when everything is taken away from you, you will still have your laughter. Use it the right way and it can save not only your life but your sanity too. So laugh.
ASMR—A Joanne Kam original
Take a break, play the clip below and close your eyes for a therapeutic track like no other:

Disclaimer: This is not an official or correct form of yoga meditation but is done for comedy purposes only.

Image for illustration purposes of the ASMR track above.

Profile

Joanne Kam Poh Poh
Comedian
Few do not know the name ‘Joanne Kam Poh Poh’. The many that do, know her as Malaysia’s most famous female comedian. The nation’s Queen of Comedy is especially known for her wicked sense of humour with a generous topping of risque and honesty.
For more of Joanne’s comic relief, catch her on FB Live with Bibi Kay Poh and Steven Bones (every Wednesday and Saturday, at 10pm) or in the new web (parody) series, Singapore Anti-Social by The BenZi Project on YouTube.
 Instagram | Facebook  Website

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Hair
Chic styling ideas for short hair: The tousled lob

16.04.2019
By Wei Yeen Loh

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How does volumising shampoo actually work? Plus, expert tips for keeping your hair looking lush

The second instalment of our Chic Styling Ideas For Short Hair tutorial series is made for anyone who’s vying for a five-minute hairdo without requiring a lot of effort or product. If you’ve watched our first video (this elegant bob is perfect for any occasion), you might already glean the purpose behind our hair tutorial series: short hair styling looks don’t have to be basic.
Says the girl who got a fresh new bob over the weekend, that is. Many of us out there fear going for the chop—growing out a shorn ‘do is right up there on our least favourite things to do, if we have to be honest. But if 2019’s It-hair trend is anything to go by, the shoulder/chin-grazing length is here to stay, and we’re determined to tackle it, one hairdo/tutorial at a time.
This time around, Buro’s deputy editor Gwen Ong is looking for a quick spruce up for her lob, and she demonstrates that you, too, can get out the door on busy mornings with hair looking this good.

Steps:
1. Spritz volumising spray allover, from the roots to the ends, then blow dry for added volume.
2. Part the hair to the side, then tousle hair with fingers for an intentionally messy, styled effect.
3. Spritz a liberal amount of hairspray on top to retain the volume.
5. Fasten your favourite hair slide/accessory to one side.
Tip:
Flip hair upside down while blow drying for more volume—this works wonder if you have flat, thin hair or curly/permed ends.
Credits:
Videography: Chong Yi Suen
Hair: Juno Ko
Art direction and styling: Loh Wei Yeen

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Music
Where you can catch 2017’s top 5 DJs in the world before the year ends
Turn it up

25.10.2017
By Su Fen Tan

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DJ Mag recently unveiled its Top 100 DJ’s list for 2017 at the Amsterdam Arena, with Martin Garrix topping the list for the second year running. Voted by the magazine’s readers, other names in the top 10 included the usual suspects such as Armin Van Buuren, Hardwell and Tiësto.
Looking to party it up in the holiday season ahead? We’ve got your back. Here’s a list of the top 5 + their tour dates for the rest of the year (p.s. there’s one in KL too!):

1. Martin Garrix

3/11 ♦ Omnia @ Las Vegas, USA4/11 ♦ 103.5 Kiss FM Brady’s Lit Concert Series @ Chicago, USA11/11 ♦ BigCityBeats World Club Dome Winter Edition Presents Martin Garrix @ Gelsenkirchen, Germany24/11 ♦ Beyond The Track @ Abu Dhabi, UAE25/11 ♦ Steelyard Presented by Creamfields @ Liverpool, UK1/12 ♦ Ski Opening @ Schladming, Austria
For ticketing and more information, visit his website.

2. Dimitri Vegas and Like Mike

3/11 ♦ Club Cultural Deportivo @ Lima, Peru11/11 ♦ EDC Orlando @ Orlando, USA25/11 ♦ Sensation Australia @ Sydney, Australia26/11 ♦ Creamfields Australia @ Melbourne, Australia15-16/12 & 22-23/12 ♦ Bringing the Madness “Reflections” at Sportpaleis @ Antwerp, Belgium
For more information, visit their website.

3. Armin van Buuren

11/11 ♦ EDC Orlando @ Orlando, USA18/11 ♦ Stealyard (ASOT) @ Liverpool, UK25/11 ♦ Dreamstate @ San Bernardino, USA16/12 ♦ Enchanted Valley Carnival @ Lonavala, India17/12 ♦ We Are Connected @ Kolkata, India31/12 ♦ Decadence Arizona @ Chandler, USA
For ticketing and more information, visit his website.

4. Hardwell

4/11 ♦ Electrify Presents: Hardwell @ Vienna, Austria11/11 ♦ 1/3 Club @ Beijing, China12/11 ♦ Arcadia Festival @ Taipei, Taiwan17/11 ♦ Premier Nightclub @ Atlantic City, USA3/12 ♦ World’s Biggest Guestlist Festival @ Mumbai, India15/12 ♦ Shanghai Myst Club Presents Hardwell @ Shanghai, China22/12 ♦ Mad Club @ Lausanne, Switzerland23/12 ♦ Bootshaus @ Cologne, Germany
For more information, visit his website.

5. Tiësto

7/11 ♦ Omnia @ Las Vegas, USA9/11 ♦ Worcester Palladium @ Worcester, USA10/11 ♦ Times Union Center @ Albany, USA11/11 ♦ The O’Neill Center at WCSU @ Danbury, USA12/11 ♦ Sands Bethlehem Event Center @ Bethlehem, USA16/11 ♦ The Amphitheatre at The Ritz Ybor @ Tampa, USA18/11 ♦ RYSE Nightclub @ St. Charles, USA26/11 ♦ Beyond The Track @ Abu Dhabi, UAE8/12 ♦ KL Live @ Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia9/12 ♦ My Dinh Stadium @ Hanoi, Vietnam15/12 ♦ DWP @ Jakarta, Indonesia22/12 ♦ Breepark @ Breda, Netherlands23/12 ♦ Aragon Ballroom @ Chicago, USA
For ticketing and more information, head to his website.

See DJ Mag’s Top 100 DJs list for 2017 here.

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Watches
Tiffany & Co. unveils Keys campaign featuring Liu Wen
Unlocking possibilities

29.07.2015
By Wei Yeen Loh

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The Cartier Privé collection is about history and modernity

Shot by world-renowed fashion photographer Mario Sorrenti and styled by Tabitha Simmons, Tiffany & Co.’s latest campaign featuring China’s first supermodel Liu Wen exudes the similar exuberance and confidence a Tiffany woman would.
Liu Wen’s journey from rural China to the runways of New York was not without hard work and courage. Like the Tiffany Keys diamond pendant she dons in the campaign, her success today is a bold symbol that reflects of the optimism for the future.
“Diamonds are the great symbol of our heritage,” said Caroline Naggiar, Tiffany’s chief marketing officer. “They are synonymous with glamour, and now they are the brilliant light of Tiffany Keys, which have become touchstones on the journey of life.”
{insert gallery tpl=”slide-freesize.tpl” id=”Tiffany & Co. Liu Wen” rid=”3155″ order=”a_tstamp”}

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Food + Drink
Midweek drink: W XYZ bar’s Smoky Oak Barrel Manhattan cocktail
Smoke and zest

12.08.2015
By Buro247

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W XYZ Bar prides itself by taking cocktails one step further and aging its own spirits in oak barrels to enhance the flavours of classic tipples such as the Manhattan. Spirits are chosen to be aged in the specially imported 5 litre charred oak barrels from the United States as smaller oak barrels tend to make spirits age faster and intensify its taste.
Blended with selected ingredients to age in the charred oak barrel for two to six weeks, the barrel’s contents are rolled 90 degrees to ensure that the cocktail is aged evenly. Should the spirit require further aging to achieve a smokier flavour, it is left longer in the barrel.

The Smoky Oak Barrel Manhattan Cocktail is made with aged bourbon whiskey, sweet vermouth and Angostura bitters and served on the rocks with an orange peel to bring out a subtle citrus touch. It is spicy, sweet and smooth to the palette and is ideal as an after-dinner drink.

Want more information? Visit Aloft Kuala Lumpur’s website here.

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Buro Loves
The no-nonsense foundation and colour guide you never knew you needed

17.07.2019
By Wei Yeen Loh

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

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Art + Design
Dining made exquisite through design at Four Seasons Kuala Lumpur

20.09.2018
By Su Fen Tan

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Details matter; especially when it comes to designing for a prestigious brand like the Four Seasons, something that Ed Ng and Terence Ngan, the design duo behind AB Concept, understand well—the Hong Kong-based studio is known for their work behind some of the most beautiful and luxurious hotels, restaurants and private homes around the world after all. That is also probably the first thing you’ll marvel at as you step into the three different restaurants and bars designed by them at the newly opened Four Seasons KL: Yun House, The Lounge at Four Seasons, and Bar Trigona.

Each space has its own unique identitiy. At the Chinese restaurant Yun House, a courtyard-style reception welcomes guest into a multi-dimensional dining space featuring beautiful use of materials and motifs, like the stunning wall of “clouds” made of 20,000 pieces of ceramic discs. Meanwhile, The Lounge at Four Seasons on the sixth floor boasts a 230-degree view of KLCC urban Park, with an interior inspired by an antique collector’s colonial home, featuring elegant hues of pale green and yellow against light shades of wood. Then there is Bar Trigona, wearing modern touches of blue, teal and gold and symbolic rattan elements all at once.

Exquisite design details as seen at Yun House

How did these beautiful spaces come to be? We speak to Ed Ng, Co-Founder and Principal of AB Concepts to delve into his design state of mind:

Three different F&B outlets, three different concepts. How did you approach each space while taking into account KL’s unique energy and culture?
“It was never our intention to design a space with a concept in mind already; when we were familiarising ourselves with the space and location, we just wanted to let our mind roam free. But of course, we also had to immerse ourselves deeply into the history and culture of the city for inspiration. We then combined the atmosphere of each venue with Four Seasons’ brand values and tone to create the final design.
To us the concepts of Yun House, Bar Trigona, and The Lounge are actually our interpretation of Kuala Lumpur’s unique background, but each with its own special cultural identity. We wanted each space to be distinctive from each other and for it to differ from the hotel’s general atmosphere—this idea of differentiation is one that we have always believed in and worked in throughout the entire design process of the F&B spaces. However, despite the unique twist, the designs are still rooted with elements that belong to Kuala Lumpur.”
How do you want people to feel as they walk into these establishments and spend time in there?
“At the end of the day, we are creating a unique experience with the use of local contexts which hopefully allows people to feel very comfortable and joyful when they’re spending time in these spaces. Although place is unique in its own way, at the same time, we hope to also create an experience that is culturally familiar to local Malaysians.
Starting from The Lounge, this area is a very open and light-hearted veranda-style setting that represents both the westernised and colonial influence of Malaysia. Using its urban identity, The Lounge demonstrates Malaysia’s story through pastel colours paired with wooden detailing bearing resemblance to a typical colonial housing style.”

The Lounge at Four Seasons

“The Bar Trigona greatly resembles Malaysia’s multi-cultural demography as it takes a step further to play around with the idea of East meets West. Through elements that are traditionally used in Malaysian crafts such as bronze, glass, and leather, this unique synchronization of elements are weaved together to represent the diverse culture in Malaysia.”

Bar Trigona

“The Chinese restaurant, Yun House, further took a step to look into the local Eastern perception. Paying true homage to the society’s Chinese and Malaysian heritage though the use of pewter, rattan, ox bone, and 30 types of cloth—it creates a warm familiar feeling of local families, as well as a sense of openness and opulence for guests to enjoy, while seasoning it with a highlight of colonial connection.”

Yun House
 Having visited KL to work on the project, what would you say sets the city apart?
“It is amazing to see how seamlessly the diversity of different cultures and religions come together in one city—seen from its food to its architecture. And whilst this rich history is being well preserved, it’s also great to see how the city is very forward-thinking as it seems to develop at a very rapid pace with a wide array of hotel brands, lifestyle concepts, and F&B emerging into this vibrant melting pot of a city.”
How do you find inspiration in all the different cities that you work in?
“The location of each project is actually one of the most important sources of our inspiration. Cities that have deep cultural context, rich history, and heritage are always a great inspiration to a strong, bespoke narrative that is transformed into a story which truly belongs to the city.
I think this might also be the reason, without it being a coincidence, that most of our projects are located in the gateway cities like London, Milan, Tokyo, New York, Kuala Lumpur, and of course Hong Kong. Or iconic destinations such as Algarve, Bali and St Jean Cap Ferrat.”
What is your definition of good design?
“This is in fact a very interesting topic as the answer is constantly  evolving, especially for the past 10 years. Beauty, quality as well as the mindset of comfort in interior design is very important these days, and it has really become a default, especially for top hotel brands like Four Seasons. People nowadays are really looking for something more abstract or conceptual realised through design, whether it is an experience, a photogenic moment, or a concept of community and interactive society, these touchpoints are added value that guests consider.

Timeless modernity shines throgh at Bar Trigona
A good design is always meant to fulfil the expectation of the ongoing society. However, the tricky part of this is also the sustainability of design through time. A design that becomes the “old” trend too quickly will never be a good design, but those that remain beautiful and timeless in the eyes of people 10 years down the road are the ones that are successful.”

Learn more about AB Concept and the work they do at the website.

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Body + Wellness
Salt scrubs: What are they and why do you need them in your routine?

23.10.2021
By Redzhanna Jazmin

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Salt. It’s a staple in any kitchen, for sure, but the versatile compound has also made a name for itself within our vanities. Introducing: Salt scrubs. They are currently all the rage—just as they have been for literal centuries—and the hype is totally warranted.
From silky smooth legs to a radiant, all-over glow, here are five reasons why you should invest in a salt body scrub (and how you can get the best results with a winner of the BURO Beauty Empties):
The five benefits of salt scrubs

1. Salt scrubs exfoliate your dead skin cells
This is kind of a no-brainer, but a salt scrub is an excellent mechanical exfoliant. As we all hopefully know by now, both mechanical and chemical exfoliation stimulates skin cell turnover, which can improve the tone and radiance of your overall complexion.
This process becomes increasingly important in the long run—as we age, our natural skin cell turnover rate slows down. Essentially, old skin cells build up on your skin’s surface, leaving your complexion looking dull and dry. This can accentuate the signs of premature ageing such as wrinkles and hyperpigmentation. Exfoliating regularly encourages faster turnover which can, in turn, help to combat photoaging and thus maintain your youthful glow for longer.
2. Salt scrubs can clear your body acne
In addition to smoother, brighter skin, exfoliation can help to prevent body acne. How? Dead skin cells are likely to be one of the main causes of your body’s breakouts as they clog your pores. So, sloughing them off regularly with the help of a salt scrub can really help to clear your body acne.
3. Salt scrubs can make your body care more effective
If your crusty elbows, knees, and/or ankles seem resistant to any and all body care, we may have a solution for you. Fun fact: Unclogging your pores and getting rid of the dead cells on your skin’s surface via exfoliation allows your body care products to penetrate better.
Put simply, it’s not that your lotion is ineffective—it’s just that your skin is underexfoliated. During your next self-care session, try using a salt scrub to give your skin a buff prior to moisturising. We guarantee that you’ll be able to feel the difference.
4. Salt scrubs can treat and prevent ingrown hairs
If there’s one thing that we can all agree on, it’s that ingrown hairs are the worst. Like the estimated 93 per cent of women who regularly shave their bodies, you’re probably well-acquainted with them.
Aesthetics aside, ingrown hairs can be painful and itchy to deal with. Fortunately, there is an easy way to prevent and treat them. You guessed it—using a salt scrub on a regular basis will do wonders in treating your ingrown hairs. Further, exfoliating prior to shaving provides a smooth canvas for your blade to glide across. This gives you a smoother shave with less irritation, which helps to prevent ingrowns from occurring in the first place.
5. Salt scrubs can replenish your skin from within
Overexfoliation can strip your skin of too much moisture or leave you with a compromised skin barrier. It is thus important to ensure that you’re using the right products for your specific needs.
On their own, salts contain minerals that are thought to offer many benefits to the skin. Not all salts are created equal, however—for example, sea salt is touted for its supposed antibacterial properties while Himalayan rock salt is better known for its purported anti-inflammatory properties. All in all, the salt you use depends entirely on the results you’re hoping to see.
That’s not all, though—salt scrubs don’t just contain salt. Rather, they are combined with nourishing oils and extracts to maximise the skincare benefits. It is, therefore, important to look for a product that has been formulated to nourish your skin post-scrub. For example, our BURO Beauty Empties “Best Home Spa” winner is Tanamera’s Himalayan Rock Salt Scrub. The locally-made body scrub mixes Himalayan crystal salt with grapeseed, sunflower, jojoba, wheat germ, and coconut oils to condition and replenish the skin post-exfoliation. It also contains aromatherapeutic oils like lavender, lemongrass, and ginger to invigorate the senses and give your body a total olfactory reset.
If you’d like to hop on the trend, find out where to shop our pick for the best salt scrub ahead:
Tanamera Himalayan Rock Salt Scrub

SHOP HERE, RM93
Find more body and wellness highlights here.

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Film, TV + Theatre
BURO TV Guide October 2022: ‘The Midnight Club’, ‘Pink Lie’, and more
Spook and spectacle

07.10.2022
By Marissa Chin

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14 Thrilling new TV shows and films to stream in July 2023

This October, be ready for a horror-filled month as the cinematic world brings you a spook-fest like no other. If that’s not your thing, though, don’t fret because there are still tons of TV shows and films (sans the jump scares) to keep you entertained for the whole month. From magical adventures to an enchanted school to a horror anthology that will have you looking under your bed—you’ll want to add these nine shows to your watchlist:

The Midnight Club

When and where: 7 October on Netflix
Watch if:  You’re ready to get nightmares
Starring: Iman Benson, Adia, Igby Rigney, Ruth Codd, Aya Furukawa, Annarah Shephard, William Chris Sumpter, Sauriyan Sapkota
Get ready for the spooky season this month with Netflix’s latest creep-fest. In The Midnight Club, a group of terminally-ill teenagers who are members of an exclusive club make a deadly pact: the first to die must send a sign from the afterworld. Directed by the same horror visionary behind The Haunting of Hill House and Midnight Mass, expect a chilling watch full of spooks and suspense.
Watch here.

Shadow Detective

When and where: October on Disney+ Hotstar
Watch if: You love mind-bending conspiracies
Starring: Lee Seongmin, Jin Gu, Gyeong Sujin, Lee Hakju
In Disney+ Hotstars’ latest conspiratorial K-drama, an accomplished detective, Taekrok, is framed for a murder he didn’t commit, forcing him  to re-investigate his previous cases to uncover the real murderer.  Will Taekrok be able to clear his name and catch the killer before it’s too late? Shadow Detective will have you guessing at every turn.

The School for Good and Evil

When and where: 19 October on Netflix
Watch if: You root for the hero and the villain
Starring: Sophia Anne Caruso, Sofia Wylie, Michelle Yeoh, Charlize Theron, Kerry Washington, Laurence Fishburne
According to best-selling author Soman Chainani, Cinderella and Snow White were students of The School of Good and Evil. In the film of the same name, best friends Sophie and Agatha are given the chance to attend the enchanted school that trains aspiring heroes and villains. Friendships will be tested and morality blurred when they find themselves on opposing sides of an epic battle.
Watch here.

Pink Lie

When and where: Airing now on Disney+ Hotstar
Watch if: You’re desperate for another South Korean dating show
Starring: Super Junior’s Kim Heechul, Lee Sunbin, Song Wonseok, and Ralral
If you thought Single’s Inferno was hot, Pink Lie’s premise is absolutely scalding. The new experimental reality dating show sees a group of young singles, each with a lie they want to hide, attempt to find love. In each episode, contestants will go through a series of games and challenges, but are not allowed to divulge their one critical lie. Only during the “pink moon” will lucky participants have a chance to uncover the secrets of their chosen partner, and decide if they wish to continue the relationship. The first episode is available on Disney+ Hotstar’s YouTube channel for free—one person’s secret is already revealed!
Watch here.

Raymond and Ray

When and where: October 21 on Apple TV+
Watch if: You enjoy flawed characters
Starring: Ewan McGregor, Ethan Hawke, Maribel Verdú, Sophie Okonedo
What happens when your estranged (toxic) father passes away and you’re tasked with arranging his funeral? Half-brothers Raymond (Ewan McGregor) and Ray (Ethan Hawke) have always lived in the shadow of their terrible father, and even in their adulthood, struggle to move past their childhood traumas. During the funeral process, the two men are forced to confront their past, learn the art of letting go, and given a chance to reinvent themselves. In this tragicomedy directed by Rodrigo Garcia, be ready for some dark humour, anger, pain, and gravedigging.
Watch here.

Guillermo Del Toro’s Cabinet of Curiosities

When and where: 25 October on Netflix
Watch if: You prefer one-and-be-done stories
Starring: Guillermo del Toro, Andrew Lincoln, Rupert Grint, Ben Barnes, Sofia Boutella, Hannah Galway, Essie Davis
Acclaimed Academy Award-winning filmmaker Guillermo del Toro presents a curated collection of mind-bending and genre-defining stories that will challenge the concept of horror. Each episode of this eight-episode anthology will range from the macabre to magical and gothic to Lovecraftian mystique. Two of these tales are original stories by Del Toro himself and brought to life by a carefully chosen team of writers and directors. Apart from being the creator and executive producer, Del Toro will also serve as host. Don’t miss out on this sophisticated and sinister series by the master storyteller premiering exclusively on Netflix.
Watch here.

The Good Nurse

When and where: 26 October on Netflix
Watch if: You’re a true crime buff
Starring: Jessica Chastain, Eddie Redmayne
In search of another true crime feature to immerse in? The Good Nurse follows the real life case of American serial killer Charles Cullen who killed 29 innocent patients during his 16-year career as a nurse. Amy (Jessica Chastain) is a compassionate nurse and single mother who is struggling to support her daughter while dealing with a heart condition. Her demanding nights in the ICU are finally relieved when help comes in the form of Charlie (Eddie Redmayne) and the two quickly form a friendship. However, when the hospital experiences an unprecedented number of deaths that point to Charlie as the prime suspect, Amy is forced to risk her own life to uncover the truth.
Watch here.

Mr. Midnight: Beware of Monsters

When and where: 24 October on Netflix
Watch if: You grew up reading Mr. Midnight
Starring:  Idan Aedan, Chen Yixin, Caleb Monk, Nikki Dekker
Those of us growing up would be familiar with the horror fiction classic by James Lee (real name Jim Aitchison) that sold over three million copies worldwide. Now, Netflix is making a live adaptation of the Mr. Midnight series thats perfect for a spooky family movie night. The series will follow these four teenagers who become detective sleuths who investigate paranormal activity and upload their ghostly adventures to a blog under the pseudonym of “Mr. Midnight”. Since its debut in 1998, Mr. Midnight is one of the longest running book series in the world with over 129 published editions.

Bling Empire Season Three

When and where: 5 October on Netflix
Watch if: You live for rich people drama
Starring: Anna Shay, Christine Chiu, Guy Tang, Jaime Xie, Kane Lim, Kelly Mi Li, Kevin Kreider, Kim Lee, Leah Qin, Mimi Morris
Everyone’s favourite high-flying crazy rich Asians are back with a brand new season full of big diamonds and even bigger drama. The hit reality series picks up right where season two left off with Anna receiving a shocking blast from the past. Kane has a new career and Christine takes Kevin to Paris Fashion Week to reignite an old flame. The feud between Christine and Anna also gets deeper—will we ever know peace?
Watch here.

Attenborough and The Mammoth Graveyard

When and where: 30 October on BBC Player and Astro Channel 554
Watch if: Prehistoric giants amaze you
Starring: Sir David Attenborough
Follow Sir David Attenborough down the prehistoric memory lane as he joins an archaeological dig uncovering the biggest mammoth discovery Britain has seen in almost 20 years. In 2017, two amateur fossil hunters found an extraordinary cache of Ice Age mammoth remains and a ‘hand axe’ made by a Neanderthal. Many questions remain: Why were the mammoths here and how did they die? Did Neanderthals hunt mammoths? Join Sir David Attenborough, biologist professor Ben Garrod, and a team of archaeologists and palaeontologists as they carefully excavate the remains and search for clues to answer this Ice Age mystery.
Watch here.

For more films and TV shows, click here.

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Watches
Tiffany & Co. offers a twist in tradition
Get married

22.07.2015
By Buro247

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The Cartier Privé collection is about history and modernity

Celebrating 175 years of supremacy in the diamond industry, Tiffany & Co. continues to expand its extensive selection of engagement and wedding rings by presenting customers with its contemporary take – rose gold rings.
In contrast to the cool aura exuded by classic platinum styles, rose gold emanates a warm feel that perfectly complements blush undertones of the skin, offering a sophisticated alternative for those who truly aspire to celebrate modern love.

Despite its twist from tradition, the assortment of 18k rose gold rings maintains the air of elegance that Tiffany creations possess, whilst also refining the myriad of styles and designs on offer.
For the girl who prefers the classics
Rose gold aside, Tiffany & Co. continues to uphold its heritage and tradition with its iconic platinum Tiffany setting, the perfect symbol to tie the knot of a lifetime. Alongside this classic, platinum and diamonds of all cuts and sizes have come together to produce a collection that radiates opulence.  With 99.96% of the world’s gem-grade diamonds falling short of its standards, Tiffany & Co. ensures that the quality of its jewels are not understated nor forgotten.

The best of both worlds
For those who are caught in-between tradition and modernity, Tiffany & Co.’s wedding bands are available in not only platinum, rose and yellow gold, but also a fusion of two metals, catering to the tastes of both men and women.  With the bands available in a variety of designs and metals, with or without diamonds, the combinations of layering are endless, enabling customers to imbue their own personal touch as they stack together rings that signify celebrations and milestones of their respective lives.

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Art + Design
Tokyo will soon be home to teamLab’s very own digital art museum

05.02.2018
By Su Fen Tan

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If you have had the pleasure of visiting one of teamLab’s many exhibitions around the world, you will be familiar with the mesmerising experience of immersing in a digital wonderland of art.

While teamLab is no stranger to permanent installations—the nearest ones being in Singapore—the upcoming space in Tokyo will mark the experimental Japanese art collective’s first museum, a 107,000 square-foot permanent exhibition and flagship facility. Located in Odaiba district’s Palette Town complex, the digital art museum will be named ‘Mori Building Digital Art Museum teamLab Borderless’ and is set to open its doors in the summer this year.

Details of the installations have yet to be unveiled, but if their previous works are of any indication, expect magical, interactive digital art to fill and move across the walls and floors of rooms.

For more information, visit the website.

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Film, TV + Theatre
Poll: The best movies that hit Malaysian cinemas in 2018

31.12.2018
By Su Fen Tan

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This year in cinemas, we were brought to the edge of our seats…

We relived childhood favourites…

We were reminded of how scary technology can be…

We watched Hollywood take huge strides in diversity…

We laughed…

And we cried.

Needless to say, there were many memorable big screen moments in a wonderful mixed bag of animation, action, thriller, drama, and so much more—which one is your pick as the best of 2018? Take a look back at some of the top films to hit Malaysian cinemas this year and cast your vote:
{insert poll tpl=”sub-vote-freesize.tpl” id=”38″}

Of course, there were some that didn’t make it to the big screens here (just off the top of our heads: Call Me By Your Name, You Were Never Really Here and BlacKkKlansman), although we are not entirely sure if it is due to censorship, or simply distribution issues—but here is to more groundbreaking blockbusters in 2019!

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Beauty
Hair Trouble: Are your tresses ageing (much) faster than you are?
Come back, luscious locks

01.08.2015
By Terry Saw

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Q: What are we not paying attention to about hair ageing?
“Mainly, that two things affect and accelerate the process; first being that the level and state of damage at which your hair suffers very much depends on your exposure to the environment. Anything from UV rays, chemicals, and free radicals can accelerate the hair ageing process, despite your age.
“Secondly, that the problem is also impacted by hormonal changes, which is a more natural process relative to your age – the lower the supply of hormones in your body, the more affected your scalp health and hair growth process are.”
Q: What are some early tell-tale signs of the problem?
“You’ll notice an increase in hair breakage, split ends and a deterioration in your hair and scalp health, and once you start noticing your hair grows out at a much slower pace – it’s time to relook at your hair care routine.
“Besides age, people tend to neglect good hair care habits, which is a must if you want to maintain healthy, luscious hair. And no, just by shampooing alone will not give you the results you desire.”
Q: To what extent is hair-ageing reversible?
“Good news is, tests show that hair ageing is reversible up to 80 per cent, with proper salon care and home care combined, that is. The Kera-Therapy at salons, followed by the use of the Kérastase Resistance Therapie range at home can actually revive your hair, giving it a second chance at becoming healthy again.”
Q: What role does the range play in giving hair a ‘second life’?
“The range – which features a shampoo, conditioner, masque and a double serum – is formulated specifically for very damaged and overprocessed hair. But what’s really key in this range is that it is infused with Fibra-Kap (KAPs being the Keratin Associated Proteins in your hair, which account for up to 60 per cent of your hair structure), a powerful complex exclusive to Kérastase, which compensates for the loss of hair fibre, which are damaged over time.
“Coupled with the benefits of the Myrothamnus Flabellifolia, a rare resurrection plant with the unique ability to come ‘back to life’ after a near-death state, the range helps revive and reverse hair damage by giving it a new cycle of life.”

Try: The Masque Therapiste. Once or twice a week, massage the product into sections of towel-dried hair and let it sit for three to five minutes before rinsing it out. Over time, your hair will look livelier and more vibrant as a result.
Q: Tell us some of your top tips to ultimate hair health
1. “Always protect your hair with the right products, regardless of the climate you’re in.

Try: The Double Serum Therapiste. This oil-based serum moisturises the hair fibre and seals ends with a creamy-textured top-coat for extra protection. Apply two small pumps onto towel-fried ends and lengths of hair.
2. “Always blow dry after your shower. Contrary to the popular belief of ‘air drying’ your hair, a damp scalp may lead to the build up of bacterial, while tying up wet hair causes extra tension, leading to breakage.
3. “Get customised hair care solutions from a professional stylist – everyone’s hair concerns are different, what works for others may not work for you.
4. “Indulge in a scalp treatment every three weeks. The condition of your scalp changes over time and as you age, and it’s always to fix the problem at the root, so to speak.
5. “Do the ‘warm and cold’ rinse. Warm water before applying a hair mask or a conditions, and cold water as the last step of your hair care – this strengthens your hair inside out.”
Kérastase Resistance Therapiste is now available at all Kérastase Salons.

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Music
Stripped Back with Claudia: The viral Malaysian singer and author
Rising star

22.05.2023
By Marissa Chin

IMAGES: TONG TONG ASIA | VIDEO: DENNIS KHO FOR BURO MALAYSIA

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From going viral on TikTok for her catchy 70s-inspired bop Bodies in 2020 to having a book-to-movie Hollywood adaptation and making pop icon BTS Jungkook groove to her latest single, Your Gentleman on his TikTok live, it’s safe to say that Claudia Tan is making her mark in the entertainment scene, both locally and abroad. While most Malaysians know her as Claudia the singer, the Kuching-born artist has long been acquainted with the online community as a celebrated and popular Wattpad romance author.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by CLAUDIA (@claudiaaatan)

That’s right, Claudia is famously known as the writer behind the Perfect series. Her second novel, Perfect Addiction, has been read a staggering 85 million times on the creative writing platform. Unsurprisingly, Claudia soon received love calls from Hollywood to adapt her best-selling (yes, it’s also in stores!) book into a full-fledged production in collaboration with Constatin Films. The movie recently released on Amazon Prime Video and stars Shazam’s Ross Butler, Kiana Madeira and Matthew Noszka. For the pilot of our brand new Stripped Back series, we knew we had to start with the burgeoning Malaysian talent who has already achieved many milestones at the tender age of 25.
Watch Claudia perform some of her greatest hits acoustically together with Irwin and Fire in the video below, and read on for her honest take on TikTok fame, juggling her passions in music and writing, going to Hollywood, and more.

Share with us who Claudia is and describe your music style!
Hi, I’m Claudia and I’m a singer-songwriter and romance writer. My music style is generally pop music—anything that you would count as mainstream music. I also really love disco, indie, and a variety of genres as long as it’s catchy.

How did you get started in the music scene?
I started when I was in university. I bought my first ukulele and experienced a lot of heartbreak during that time. I was too lazy to write a novel about it so I decided to write songs instead [laughs]. I started practising on the ukelele and the rest is history!

What was the lightbulb moment that made you realise that you wanted to pursue music professionally?
I think it started when I met my producer, Irwin, who is also now my boyfriend. We were both just making music together and not really thinking much about it; we just wanted to put music out. I guess the light bulb moment was when Bodies—which was the third song we released—resonated with a lot of people. It was quite shocking, to be honest! We didn’t put a lot of effort into it but it ended up being one of our most popular songs.

We love how relatable your lyrics are and the ever-catchy tunes of your songs! Can you give us an insight into the creative process behind your songs?
Usually, I would start with some chords and I’ll strum it out on my ukelele. For me, the melody usually comes first then the lyrics. As soon as I have the melody, I’ll get the vibe of what I want the story to be about. For example, if I want it to be a sad song, I’ll think about what the topic will be such as a moment of time I felt heartbroken and zone in on that. From there, I’ll tell a unique experience of heartbreak. After that, I’ll pass it to Irwin and he’ll do his magic.

In this TikTok era, we’re seeing a lot of artists shift their ways of creating songs—whether it’s making them shorter for easier consumption or creating a catchy hook for videos. Have you ever felt pressured to create music to fit this social media formula?
Absolutely. I think that’s something a lot of us, as modern musicians, feel pressured to do. It is hard to find the balance but unfortunately, that’s the way to survive in the music industry right now. In saying that, I do think it is possible to go really niche in your music and still be popular on social media.
There will be people right now who are going to get tired of that TikTok formula and want to find songs that resonate with them rather than songs that are catchy for the sake of it. Honestly, it’s so unpredictable how trends work and I just think you should be authentic to yourself and it will show in your music.

What do you think is essential for aspiring Malaysian artists out there in order to stand out in this competitive industry?
Oh, it’s tough out there [laughs]. As I mentioned, be authentic and don’t be afraid to show your personality. I feel like a lot of musicians can be a little shy when it comes to marketing themselves, maybe they don’t believe in it or think that their music speaks for themselves. However, it is getting increasingly difficult to go without it. These days, people have to attach a face to go with the music so you should put yourself out there and create a strong brand for yourself.

You have several popular singles such as Bodies and Nice Guy. But is there another perhaps more underrated song that you like and why?
I think it’s getting more traction now but I love Your Gentleman. It’s a cute song and one of the few songs from me that’s more of a love letter to someone to convince them that they should be with you. Usually, I write angry heartbreak songs. I’m happy it’s getting more attention now and hope it continues.

Of course, we also have to mention this because it’s too cool not to. Apart from being a singer, you’re also the hugely popular Wattpad writer of the Perfect series! Do share with us what this journey has been like for you, from writing these books since you were 16 to actually seeing them being made into a film.
It’s crazy! It’s still hard to believe even now. We just had the theatre screening here in America and it was so surreal to see a full audience of people reacting to the scenes. Honestly, it’s a very unique journey that I’m blessed to have.
It’s an insanely long process as well as this was three years in the making, from trying to shop this around to studios to getting it made. Many book-to-movie adaptations die during the production stage, so this was something I knew I had to be realistic about but I’m so happy that I’m one of the fortunate ones.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by CLAUDIA (@claudiaaatan)

You’ve always been a gifted writer seeing as you graduated from Lancaster University with a degree in English Literature and History. In saying that, how do songwriting and creative writing differ for you as a creative outlet?
I would say the only thing they have in common is the storytelling aspect of it. With creative writing, you have about a hundred thousand words to finesse a story for your novel but with songwriting, you have, like, what? Two and a half minutes to convey a story? Either way, I love telling stories and I enjoy both art forms very much.

Between these two passions of yours, how do you stay inspired and avoid burnout?
Oh, I burn out all the time! [laughs] I’m glad I get to ‘escape’ into another art form when I get them. Let’s say I’m tired of doing music, I’ll write books instead. And when I’m tired of writing books, I’ll escape into music. It’s really nice to have one or the other art form to retreat to and it’s been effective for me so far.

Share with us three big lessons you’ve learned throughout your creative journey.
Don’t be shy—always reach out to people for opportunities. Don’t wait for them because most of the time, you just have to ask! Keep going, don’t be demotivated. I know it can be quite demotivating when your song doesn’t get the attention that you want but just keep going and one day, your hard work will pay off!

Finally, what are your goals and ambitions for 2023 (and beyond)?
Hopefully, more books out! Maybe a sequel to Perfect Addition? We’ll see how that goes. I definitely want to release a lot more songs as well. Irwin and I are hoping to release an EP sometime later this year and that will showcase what we want to achieve with our music. With the journey that I’m on right now, I’ve learned to dream big. So, stay tuned!
Check Claudia out on Instagram, Tiktok, Youtube and Spotify.

For more music reads, head here.

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Culture
Visually stunning video games for the art-lover
Interactive art at its best

18.11.2015
By Buro247

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Not just a platform for compelling storylines and cutting-edge graphics and technology, video games are also often an escape from reality. With the ability to create entirely new virtual universes, this opens us up to an infinite amount of imagination when constructing these worlds, be it fictional or based on real-life. And the best part about it is that as a player, you can interact with this universe, unlike that of animated films or movies pumped with CGI.
While there are numerous amazing, gorgeous and out-of-this-world universes that exist within video games, you can bet that coming up with this list was a task of sorts. Nevertheless, here are ten video games that appeal to the artistic eye.
The Elder Scrolls series

Open world games are often some of the best ways developers spew out imagination. Pair that with a role-playing fantasy-world setting filled with ancient human culture, the supernatural, and (of course) dragons, and you’ve got yourself a goldmine. Developed by Bethesda Game Studios, The Elder Scrolls began its run in the 1990s with the humbly promoted Arena, and now some 20 years later with a total of 20 releases including downloadable content, it has produced some of the most beautiful imagery from its massive worlds.
Image from The Elder Scrolls
Monument Valley

If you were not much into consoles or computers, you’d already know that mobile gaming has become a thing of its own. Monument Valley deserves a shout out for its beautiful visual style that is based on the concept drawings by indie studio Ustwo’s artist Ken Wong. Inspired by Japanese prints and minimalist sculpture, Monument Valley comprises sculptural mazes in which the player – a princess – needs to navigate through optical illusions and impossible objects.
Image from Monument Valley
Minecraft

Minecraft may resemble a 1990s video gaming flashback, but it was actually created by programmer Markus Persson in 2009. A game centred around creativity in building and developing your virtual world in a sort-of pixelated 3D graphics, the game has quickly become a modern-day phenomenon. This visual style seems to give a nod to simplicity and nostalgia, while allowing players to get as creative as they want, with no specific goals for them to accomplish.
Limbo

Limbo is game-noir (I may have coined that term myself). A 2D sidescroller game entirely envisioned in black-and-white, Limbo is altogether eerie and haunting, but visually stunning. It’s not just the deep underlying connotations of a child running through a series of dangerous, almost sadistic obstacles that contribute to the ingenuity of the game; it’s the emotion created with layers of shadow and light, paired with a completely immersive soundtrack that is emotionally chilling. Developed by Playdead, this minimalist style of puzzle gaming will continue to translate into the developer’s next game Inside, only with a little more colour.
Image from Playdead
Journey

An indie video game developed by Thatgamecompany in 2012, Jouney takes you to a massive desert with the goal to reach a mountain that lies in a far distance. A wordless story that is illustrated with stunning visuals that play with gradient shades on a 2D setting with haunting music, Journey takes you through rolling sand dunes, ancient ruins and caves, all in a bid for self-discovery. An anonymous online adventure, you may find that sometimes you’re not on your own on this journey.
Image from Thatgamecompany
Flower

Also developed by Thatgamecompany in 2009, Flower allows you to play as the wind. Yup, you can’t get anymore artistically deep than that. With six main levels to conquer, each level begins as a flower in a pot, where its petals are blown by the wind to travel through dream-like fields, mountaintops and rocky crevices. A spiritual, calming game, this development offers a sort-of outer body experience that is enchanting and charming at the same time.
Image from Thatgamecompany
Electroplankton

An interactive music video game that hasn’t seen much mainstream success, Electroplankton used the Nintendo DS’ touchscreen feature to create sounds and animations for the idly bored user. A bright, colourful, interactive piece of work, Electroplankton easily fits into the modern-day idea of interactive art – and this one is portable.
Destiny

Destiny was perhaps developer Bungie’s most ambitious venture. A first-person shooter game combined with a role-playing, multiplayer open-world, there was a lot to absorb with this game. With mixed reviews – some less than impressed following the massive pre-release hype – Destiny has at least one thing going for it: a visually spectacular universe draped in vibrant colours and sci-fi galore.
Image from Playstation Tumblr
Borderlands series

If comic books could move and if you could interact within it, the Borderlands series would be it. An incredibly vibrant, tongue-in-cheek first-person-shooter series, Borderlands is fast-paced, energetic and colourful. Head to the world of Pandora and the world’s most colourful enemies and creatures will start charging towards you to maul the heck out of you whilst you extinguish them with your equally bright, element-charged weapons and individual special powers.
Image from Borderlands
BioShock series

The BioShock series has never failed to leave audiences mind-blown. A mix of intellectually challenging narratives, interesting universes and strong characters, the series has constantly presented visual splendour amid eerie settings and scenarios. The last instalment of the first-person-shooter series BioShock Infinite was hailed as an all-round brilliant creation. Its floating city of Columbia is a virtual heaven amongst the clouds, injected with steam-punk elements that come to life.
Image from BioShock Infinite

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Music
Linkin Park’s greatest hits: In memory of Chester Bennington
Rest in peace

21.07.2017
By Su Fen Tan

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It was news no Linkin Park fans would want to hear, especially first thing in the morning—but sadly, frontman Chester Bennington has left the world behind him. The band released their newest music video (‘Talking to Myself’) just hours before the devastating news broke. Tragically, the rock star’s apparent suicide occurred on the day of his late friend Chris Cornell‘s birthday.

Arguably one of the most influential progressive rock music bands of our generation, Linkin Park built their identity around a sound that blends hip-hop and metal, with Bennington’s incredible, raw voice of angst at its emotional core. It was the sound that accompanied listeners the world over at some point in their lives, whether it be high school, or some personal dark times. “Chester… You and the guys all influenced an entire generation. You went so hard and set so many kids free of their environments and situations. The last time I saw you, you gave us chills. Your essence is amongst the stars. Rest now,” Pharrell writes in a tribute to Bennington.

Here, we remember Chester Bennington with Linkin Park’s best work. Rest in peace, Chester.

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Beauty
For the urban beauty warrior’s wishlist: Collection Libre Synthetic de Chanel
Of concrete dreams

31.10.2016
By Wei Yeen Loh

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You know a makeup collection is worth checking out if it is inspired by the cacophony of shades and textures from cityscapes. This holiday season (yes, we’re onto November already), Chanel’s latest lineup is a uniquely contemporary experience altogether, brought to life by Chanel’s Global Creative Makeup and Colour Designer Lucia Pica.

The Collection Libre Synthetic de Chanel‘s star product is the Architectonic eyeshadow palette, featuring five matte and satin-finish colours inspired by urban materials, be it glass, metal, or rubber. Its innovative, hybrid texture that is both a powder and cream allow the colour to glide on smoothly and melt on the eyelids richly. Take your pick from applying the lightest shades as a base and the darkest shades on the outer corner of the eyes for a classic look, or blend a few colours together and apply it in a halo on the eyelid for a colour impact. A must-have to complete your eye makeup is Calligraphie de Chanel Hyperblack, a pigmented cream eyeliner in a jar that offers a long-lasting, intense matte black finish that’s humidity-resistant as well—need we say more?
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For the lips, Chanel’s Rouge Allure sees bold contrasting additions with intense orange, brick and coral pinks. The final touch to your urban beauty makeup look is a shade from the limited edition nail polish trio: Le Vernis Velvet Pink Rubber is a sweet pink hue in a synthetic matte finish; Le Vernis Longwear Liquid Mirror offers the high-shine imitated from the silvery reflection of building in the rain, while Le Vernis Longwear Hyperrose Glass leaves an ultra-cool effect akin to neon lights and glass.

Collection Libre Synthetic de Chanel is now available at Chanel Fragrance & Beauty Boutiques and Chanel counters at all leading departmental stores.

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Travel
6 Hidden gems in Malaysia worth going on a road trip for
All for the ‘gram

22.02.2018
By Rachel Au

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You’ve been to most of the major towns in Malaysia (mostly for the food, we know) but so has everyone. The truth is: One can never truly satisfy that wanderlust but sometimes it’s hard to just jump on a jet plane and tear away from work and everyday commitments. Here’s another truth: Malaysia is home to a treasure trove of magnificent wonders and sights. We have some of the most beautiful islands and forests that are rich with life. We have waterfalls and villages with some of the best produce (we’re thinking of durian here), food and culture. Here’s how you plan your next road trip:
Step 1: Round up your friends and family to see who’s in on this adventure.
Step 2: Select a designated car.
Since it’s possibly going to be a long drive, there are a few key factors to consider when carrying out Step 2. The vehicle should be spacious and comfortable (to fit everyone, luggage, and snacks nicely), powerful (it could be an eight-hour journey to and fro), and equipped with some of the best tech available (carpool karaoke, anyone?)—kind of like one of the cars from the new 2018 Lexus NX range.

The new NX 300, for example, delivers high performance with its 2-litre twin-scroll turbocharged engine, with crisp responsiveness at all engine speeds. Not to mention, it’ll intelligently run in a more fuel-efficient Atkinson cycle when you’re cruising up and down the highways. Fear not of curves and uneven roads, as the suspension on the 2018 models has been given a significant upgrade to ensure a silky smooth ride.

Of the range, our inner songbirds are immediately drawn to the NX 300 F Sport and NX 300h Hybrid, which comes with a new 10.3-inch EMVN display complemented by a Mark Levinson audio system. The sound system will have your Spotify playlist sounding like you’re listening to it in a concert hall. Changing drive modes (Normal, Eco and Sport for Urban and Premium grade variants; and an additional Custom mode for F Sport) is also easier now with the new Drive Mode Select Switch Design. The touchpad is bigger for better control of the menu selection while the palm rest has been improved for better wrist comfort—all the better for the driver in the event the co-pilot decides to drift off to sleep; although with a well-thought-out vehicle like the Lexus NX 300, a co-pilot is merely an additional accessory.
Step 3: Decide if it’s a one-day trip or a few nights’ stay.
Step 4: Choose your destination based on Step 3. To help you get started, we’ve rounded up six amazing places for you to explore that will be worth the road trip.
All estimated duration of the ride is set with KL Sentral as the departure point.
1. Sky Mirror at Sasaran Beach, Kuala Selangor

You’ve seen photos of the stunning Salar de Uyuni salt flats in Bolivia, now visit the Malaysian version and take your own pictures. Also known as “Mirror in the Sky”, the “Secret Island” only emerges for a few days every month—the 1st and 15th of a lunar month, and four days before and after those dates. But once it does, it’s a breathtaking scene and the waters are just teeming with marine agriculture. It’s easily a half day trip but you’ll need to book a tour to visit the site. At RM80, it includes a brief stop at the nearby Pulau Angsa where you’ll get to do some oyster knocking and feast on them.
Getting there: 1 hour by car to reach the Jeram Fishing Village where you’ll meet the tour operators who’ll take you to the site via a 30-minute boat ride.

2. Rainbow Waterfall at Sungai Lembing, Pahang

It’s not often that we get to see a rainbow but the folks at Sungai Lembing Town can proudly say they have a Rainbow Waterfall where the seven-colour phenomenon appears between 9am and 10am every day (unless the sun doesn’t come out to play).
Getting there: 3 hours by car to reach the village. From there, you have to join a five-hour tour to reach the site (includes a one-hour ride via a 4WD vehicle followed by a 45-minute hike). The tour starts as early as 5.45am so why not turn it into an overnight stay?

3. Mossy Forest of Mount Brinchang at Cameron Highlands, Pahang

Some call it the “Lord of the Rings Forest” and some call it the “Fantasy Forest”. Both are rather accurate descriptions of the forest that is entirely covered in moss and rich in a variety of flora species. It would require a bit of jungle trekking so to save time (and ensure you don’t get lost), it’s best to join a tour or hire a guide who knows the trails well.
Getting there: 3 hours by car.

4. Arulmigu Sri Rajakaliamman Glass Temple, Johor Bahru

If Malaysia can have a crystal mosque, we most certainly can have a glass temple and the Arulmigu Sri Rajakaliamman Glass Temple is certainly a beauty. Originally built in 1922, the temple was renovated to incorporate glass fittings and mukni Rudraksha beads—inside and out—after its head guru went on a trip to Bangkok and came across a wat (temple) that used glass artwork.
Getting there: 3.5 hours by car.

5. Crystal Mosque at Pulau Wan Man, Terengganu

Built on the grounds of the Islamic Heritage Park, the Crystal Mosque—in glorious glass, steel and crystal—is deemed as one of the most beautiful mosques in the world. During the day, the sunlight reflects on the exterior’s surface to give off a grand crystal-like look while at night, it’s lit up with colourful lights for a spectacular display.
Getting there: 4.5 hours by car.

6. Wat Machimmaram, Kelantan

Kelantan may be a Muslim-dominated state but since Malaysia is known as a melting pot of cultures, it comes as no surprise that it’s home to a Thai temple with the largest sitting Buddha in Southeast Asia. At 30 meters tall, it took 10 years to complete and is around the same size as the Tian Tan Buddha on Lantau Island in Hong Kong. Fun fact: It took eight years to find the perfect crystal stone to place on the statue’s forehead. The temple is also famous for fortune-telling.
Getting there: 6 hours 40 minutes by car.

The new 2018 Lexus NX range consists of four variants and is priced as below:
NX 300 Urban (a new entry-level variant) – from RM311, 900
NX 300 Premium – RM329,800
NX 300 F Sport – RM387,900
NX 300h Hybrid – RM397,800 (excluding insurance for Peninsular Malaysia private registration)
*All new models come with a comprehensive factory warranty of 5 years with unlimited mileage. The NX 300h also has an 8-year battery assurance programme for the hybrid battery pack. For more information, visit Lexus Malaysia’s website.

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Lifestyle
The world’s largest cruise ship has officially set sail
Bon voyage

16.05.2016
By Rachel Au

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Weight: 227,000 tons. Width: 66 metres. Length: 362 metres (which is 50 metres longer than the height of the Eiffel Tower). Building cost: More than US$1 billion. Capacity: 6,360 passengers and 2,100 crew members. Yup, they’re phenomenal figures but only fitting for a phenomenal-looking slash -sized cruise ship. Part of Royal Caribbean International, Harmony of the Seas now holds the title of the world’s largest cruise ship, making the 52,000-ton Titanic look like a toy.

While the exterior and sheer size of the ship may literally be breathtaking, the array of rooms, restaurants and entertainment on board are even more mind-blowing. Earlier on, we wrote about three most decadent holidays out there but this might just top that mini list. There are more than 2,500 staterooms, all equipped with high speed wifi, and for the VIP guests, the Royal Loft Suites comes with a butler and cost $10,000 per person, per week.

Dining-wise, passengers will be spoilt for choice with 16 restaurants and cafes to choose from, including Jamie’s Italian and a Wonderland fantasy-themed venue. Speaking of the latter, the restaurant has a bar that offers ‘creative cocktails’ but otherwise, there’s also Bionic Bar where robots will pour drinks for you.

The range of entertainment available is just as astounding although the main attraction would most likely be the 100-feet slide named “Ultimate Abyss”. There’s also a casino, a movie theatre, an ice skating rink and a state-of-the-art 1,380-seat theatre where guests can enjoy shows like Broadway’s hit musical Grease and high-flying acrobatics. Considering how many things there are and will be going on, it’ll no surprise if passengers lose their bearings on the ship; except they won’t because every guest will receive a GPS-equipped wrist tracker.

Harmony of the Seas took 32 months of build with construction to have begun sometime in September 2013. And just recently, the 16-deck vessel finally set sail on its maiden voyage from France to Southampton in UK where it will begin its official inaugural voyage to Barcelona, also its new home port, on 22 May.

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Lifestyle
The B.I.G. experience: Eat, drink and shop at your new neighbourhood grocer
Big things in store

24.11.2015
By Su Fen Tan

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B.I.G. welcomes you to a new abode in Plaza Batai, a shopping and dining enclave located within the Damansara Heights neighbourhood. Here, B.I.G.’s Eat.Drink.Shop concept comes to life with a variety of dining options. For days where you need a kick to keep you going, quick pick-me-ups by Plan B Roasters will come in handy. If you like your drink with a bite or two of fresh pastry, fret not, as B.Read is just next door.

The 17,000 sq ft store offers a quality selection of products and produce within a lively and interactive environment. Divided into several sections, including Botanical Produce (fruits and vegetables), Barn Butchery, Bay Seafood, Malaya Kitchen (local ingredients), Japanese and S.wine Deli, the store contains delightful unique features such as a Cheese Room, which emulates a French fromagerie offering a unique selection of seasonal cheeses from around the world—a real treat for cheese enthusiasts.

The B.I.G. experience continues at Plaza Batai with Ben’s General Food Store located at the opposite end of the Grocer. Find a wide array of unique cuisine in thie neightbourhood eatery—from their signature fresh salads, spit roast chicken and pizzas, to a new range of modern tapas, seafood and shuck-to-order oysters, there is something for everyone.

B.I.G. Plaza Batai is located at Lot 6, Jalan Batai, Damansara Heights.

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Men's
Father’s Day 2021: 11 Gifts your dad will want to look and feel great

15.06.2021
By Natalia Chow

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It’s no secret that when it comes to buying gifts for our Dad, it’s never easy. Well, he’s definitely the most important man in our lives but not necessarily the most stylish man. Whether he is or not, it’s a great start as a theme for your Father’s Day gift hunt. Gift-giving is one of the many wonderful opportunities to express gratitude and show your love, and while you’re at it, it can even help upgrade his style game! Here is a variety of gift ideas that will go with Dad’s wardrobe, regardless of his fashion style!

Monogram classic tie, Louis Vuitton, RM1,050

Short sleeved shirt, Salvatore Ferragamo, €390 (approx. RM1,944)

Lock camera bag, Dior, price N/A

Signature logo print leather sneakers, Emporio Armani, US$330 (approx. RM1,357)

Linea rossa eyewear, Prada, price N/A

GG embossed briefcase,Gucci, US$2,200 (approx. RM9,050)

Polo soft knit suit jacket, Ralph Lauren, US$398 (approx. RM1,638)

Swann Loafers in braided leather, YSL, US$895 (approx. RM3,683)

Medusa pilot sunglasses, Versace X Cody Simpson, RM1,239

Baseball hat, Armani Exchange, approx. RM200

Intense power medium swim shorts,Calvin Klein, RM279

For more Father’s Day stories, head over here.

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Men's
10 Male style icons who have paved the way for androgynous fashion

25.06.2021
By Eugene Chen

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Fashion knows no boundaries, and that’s just how we like it. For the longest time, clothing were strictly categorised along the lines of men and women, restricting those who didn’t identify with gender norms. Fortunately, we’re now seeing a shift in fashion due to changes in societal attitudes towards gender. This has sparked a wave of celebrities who are bolder with their fashion choices, at red carpet events as well as on the streets. Hopefully, this will encourage authentic self-expression through fashion regardless of one’s gender identity.
As fashion trends start to change, fashion brands have to keep up to stay relevant. We’re starting to witness brands such as Jacquemus and Gucci blur the lines between traditional masculinity and feminity on the runway. As fashion continues to progress, we might eventually see fashion brands remove menswear and womenswear categories to be more inclusive of those who don’t identify with gender as a social construct.
Over the past decades, we’ve made tremendous strides by dismantling social stigmas and encouraging more self-expression. It would be foolish to forget those before us who have paved the way for a more inclusive society. Long before the birth of today’s “woke” generation, English rockstar David Bowie wore a long velvet dress on his album cover for The Man Who Sold The World. ‘Purple Rain’ singer Prince had many groundbreaking androgynous looks. Freddie Mercury redefined masculinity with his gender-defying outfits. And of course, Kurt Cobain was also known for his infamous floral dress.
As we continue to break boundaries, let’s appreciate the male style icons—past and present—who have contributed to this movement by displaying their best androgynous looks.
1. Harry Styles

Photo: Getty Images
During the 2019 Met Gala, Harry Styles was dressed from head to toe by Gucci’s Alessandro Michele. The outfit consisted of a lacy men’s top, classic black trousers, and a chunky pair of heels.
2. Jared Leto

Photo: Getty Images
Another 2019 Met Gala attendee, Jared Leto, was also dressed in Gucci. He wore a red gown paired with a jewel-encrusted body chain, and carried a replica of his head (also made by Gucci). Leto’s well known for playing a trans character in the Academy Award-winning film Dallas Buyers Club.
3. Young Thug

Photo: @whoisglp
On his 2016 album cover Jeffery, Young Thug is pictured wearing a Japanese kimono-inspired dress designed by Italian fashion designer Alessandro Tricone. At the time, people had mixed feelings about Young Thug’s fashion choice. According to Tricone: “The androgynous identity of my garments reinforces my belief of no gender binaries between men and women.”
4. Jaden Smith

Photo: @nicolasghesquiere
Jaden Smith was the face of Louis Vuitton’s SS16 campaign for womenswear, posing with three other female models. He even appeared in a Vogue Korea shoot wearing a skirt.
5. ASAP Rocky

Photo: Getty Images
Another gender-fluid Gucci outfit was worn by Harlem’s very own A$AP Rocky. The artist was seen at the LACMA Art and Film Gala wearing a simple black vest and pants with an iridescent satin robe. He’d also tied a floral scarf around his head, imitating the look of a babushka (old Russian grandma).
6. Billy Porter

Photo: Getty Images
American actor Billy Porter has had many iconic looks throughout the years, but the outfit he wore at the 91st Academy Awards definitely takes the cake. Designed by Christian Siriano, it consisted of a tuxedo jacket paired with a velvet gown.
7. Kurt Cobain

Photo: Getty Images
Kurt Cobain was one of the pioneers of androgynous fashion and believed in gender fluidity. He wore dresses and skirts because he wanted to push the boundaries of what was deemed “acceptable” during his time.
8. Freddie Mercury

Photo: Getty Images
Long after his death, Queen’s lead singer is a legend when it comes to androgynous fashion. Every time fans went to his concerts, they would witness his passion for fashion, theatrics and of course, music. In Queen’s ‘I Want to Break Free’ video, Mercury used drag to portray the role of a housewife.
9. David Bowie

Photo: Getty Images
One of the most progressive rockstars of his time, David Bowie experimented with his style by donning androgynous looks and bold makeup.
10. Prince

Photo: Getty Images
Prince relentlessly broke gender barriers from the late ’70s right through the ’80s, a time when society was not inclusive and often ridiculed those who identified as gender fluid. A role model for the LGBTQ+ community, he was also an icon for people of colour.
For more stories on style and fashion, click here.

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Buro Loves
Kosé Sekkisei’s brand-new serum uses the power of probiotics to revitalise your skin

08.10.2021
By Redzhanna Jazmin

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Here at BURO Beauty, we’re always on the lookout for new, interesting ingredients to incorporate into our skincare routines. We’ve cycled through all the retinols and the salicylic acids, and—while they are fantastic ingredients—it’s always nice to encounter something a little different. In recent years, one such ingredient has continued to rise in popularity across the wellness and food industries, and it has recently found its way into the beauty world.
We’re talking about all things fermented. The fermented movement has taken the skincare world by storm, and it’s for a good reason. Packed with probiotics, fermented ingredients help to foster healthier skin while fortifying the natural microbiome and skin barrier. Further, the fermentation process helps to break down more complex ingredients into simple compounds, which can improve their absorbency, thus improving their efficacy in formulation. Moreover, the fermentation process also yields useful byproducts like exfoliating acids and antioxidants, which only work to further benefit your complexion.
One fermented ingredient we are particularly excited about is the Black Yeast Probiotic in Kosé Sekkisei’s Vitalizing Serum, a serum that has been formulated with 87 per cent natural ingredients (regulated by ISO 16128). Cultured from fermented Japanese dried persimmons, the Black Yeast Probiotic is rife with benefits within and on the skin.

When applied, the probiotic secretes beta-glucan which protects the probiotic from external damage and, in turn, works as a smoothing natural barrier for the skin cells. Further, Kosé has reported a boost in the skin’s production of NMF (Natural Moisturising Factor). Increases in the production of this factor supposedly results in better protection for the skin cells from within, leading to a stronger and healthier complexion.
Each bottle of the Sekkisei Vitalizing Serum is packed with 750 million Black Yeast probiotics that have been cultured over the course of 300 hours. In addition, the formulation has been created with a unique technology that increases “bound water”. This is water that has been incorporated into other components of the serum to prevent evaporation, which maximises the serum’s moisturising effects. It also contains the brand’s signature (and original) ingredient, Itowa, which is a clarity-boosting essential that complements the barrier-fortifying action of the probiotics.
With just two or three pumps of the Vitalizing Serum, you can expect to notice a dramatic increase in the moisture volume of your skin, smoother texture, and a firmer complexion. Better yet, you can achieve said complexion with a happy conscience. The Vitalizing Serum is packaged in environmentally-friendly materials. That’s right—this beauty empty comes in a glass container so you can recycle it when you’re done!

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Here is one writer’s experience with the product so far:
“I have been looking to incorporate more barrier-fortifying ingredients into my skincare routine, so the new Kosé Sekkisei Vitalizing Serum arrived at the perfect time. The lightweight formulation has a watery texture that spreads across the skin beautifully and sinks in instantly. I love the naturally fresh and subtle scent that comes from the ingredients, and I especially love how plump and radiant it makes my skin look.
“I have been using it twice a day for the past week. During the daytime, it is moisturising enough on its own (under my usual SPF, of course). In the evenings, however, it is a great boost of soothing hydration on top of my usual night cream. Though it’s too early to tell how it has affected my dark spots and acne scars, I have noticed that the serum does a great job of reducing redness and irritation on my skin—no doubt thanks to its probiotic-rich formula. I’m really curious to see how these results will develop with time!” — Redzhanna Jazmin, Beauty Writer
 The Kosé Sekkisei Clear Wellness Vitalizing Serum (RM340) is available at Kosé counters nationwide. Alternatively, for some extra goodies, find it via these e-shops on the following dates: – Kosé E-boutique (10 Oct) – Kosé digital microsite
 For more skincare trends, click here.

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Buro 24/7 Malaysia Playlist #4: Sundaze

Music
Buro 24/7 Malaysia Playlist #4: Sundaze

16.08.2015
By Buro247

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As we reach the end of KLFW 2015, Friend of Buro, Patricia Knudsen mashes the perfect playlist to end our wild week on a good note. Take a listen below:

Listen to more of Patricia’s tunes on ‘My Indie’, every Monday from 2-4pm on Aforadio. Follow her on @myindiepk and on Facebook at My indie by Patricia K.

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Paris Fashion Week AW21: The top trends to note

14.03.2021
By Joan Kong

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Buro Tries: Roasting a turkey with Ben Yong and Fay Khoo
The BIG way

29.11.2016
By Rachel Au

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Who doesn’t love turkey for Christmas? While there will be countless restaurants you can have your festive dinner with a delicious plate of turkey slices—with cranberry sauce on top and stuffing on the side—as the star of the meal, it’s a whole different story if you were to make one from scratch at home—a story that will certainly be shared among all your friends and loved ones. But even if you don’t wish to embark on that path, surely you must wonder how do you even start with cooking it? We, along with resident columnist Fay Khoo, enlisted the help of Benjamin Yong, founder of The BIG Group, to give us the answer and show us the ropes of roasting a turkey.
Watch the video below for the rundown, the tips, and Ben Yong’s sharing of how Christmas turkeys (and meals) are done at his family’s home.

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