Culture
Instagram co-founder Kevin Systrom: “Selfies are an art form”
On the power of images

19.12.2016
By Buro247

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Given that he is almost single-handedly responsible for the selfie-obsessed culture in which we currently live, Kevin Systrom is remarkably… well, unflash. The 32-year old, who created photo sharing app Instagram and is worth an estimated one billion dollars, wears jeans and a shirt under a v-neck jumper. He is neatly turned out, polite, a little dorky looking, even. If I passed him on the street, I would probably assume he worked in a branch of Gap—but then, such is the Silicon Valley look.

Systrom started Instagram in 2010, when people still occasionally looked up from their phones to talk to other human beings: with its array of stylised filters that made even bad pictures look as if they had been taken by Mario Testino, the app soon changed that.

A photo posted by Instagram (@instagram) on Dec 15, 2016 at 6:01am PST

Before long, people were sucking in cheekbones and waving their phones on sticks in the air to get the perfect self-portrait. They weren’t drinking coffee—they were photographing it. You could track the time around the world from people’s images of sunrises and sunsets. #Captions #came #to #be #written #entirely #in #hashtags.
Today, Instagram has over 500 million users; around 95 million photos and videos are uploaded each day generating over four billion likes. It is used by celebrities, politicians and even the Pope—though he is yet to post a selfie—as a way to converse with the public. In the summer, Forbes described the company as “the grand slam that’s driving Facebook’s future.”

But Instagram has also become a byword for 21st century narcissism. Social commentators blame it on a rise in anxiety and depression amongst young people; this week a study by Edinburgh University’s Moray House School of Education found that social media was creating a “hyper-critical” environment for school pupils who were living under the same amount of scrutiny as celebrities. “Instacurity”, whereby you crave the sleekly edited life of Instagram celebrities and the endless likes they ensnare, has become a thing.

This is not news to Systrom, the son of a marketing executive and a company vice-president from Massachusetts. He is ever-conscious of the responsibility that comes with running a major social media platform: earlier this year, Instagram introduced a tool that enables users to remove comments containing words they find “unkind” or “inappropriate”. Yet after being trialled by pop singer Taylor Swift, it led to complaints about online censorship and the continued indulgence of the so-called ‘Snowflake generation’.

A photo posted by Kendall (@kendalljenner) on Nov 27, 2016 at 5:53am PST

Instagram are damned if they do and damned if they don’t, and Systrom is largely unapologetic for the effect his billion dollar idea has had on society. He believes—unsurprisingly—that it is actually a power for good, a sharing community that transcends all barriers. “I think one of the cool things about Instagram is that you connect globally. You may not necessarily speak the same language, but we all have the common language of an image.”

He came up with Instagram after winning a place on Stanford University’s illustrious start-up course, taking the concept of human brains being mostly visual and running with it. He was offered a job by Mark Zuckerberg, who wanted him to develop the photo sharing side of his new website (then called The Facebook) but turned it down to work part time in a coffee shop instead. He would later serve Zuckerberg lattes.

After graduation he worked at Google before creating a prototype of a new social media platform with numerous features; feedback showed that people didn’t want a complicated product, so he scaled it down to photo-sharing. Instagram was born. It had one million users within a month, and after two years he sold it to Zuckerberg for $1 billion (£802m).

Yet his creation isn’t merely a tool for sharing picture perfect brunches. “There is something [about Instagram] that is deeper than photography, deeper than art…Before the written word, before the printing press, before books, we always communicated in a visual manner. I joke that emojis are just futuristic versions of hieroglyphics.

“Instagram is the next generation communication platform. So of course you can communicate wonderful things like a beautiful sunset, like a great latte, but you can also communicate very serious things such as the destruction of Aleppo.”

A video posted by BBC News (@bbcnews) on Dec 16, 2016 at 5:28am PST

The weight of his role would give others chills, but Systrom’s relentlessly upbeat American manner means he sees it as a positive. “The reason I have done a big push in the last couple of months [on cleaning up the app] is because there aren’t many people who have the ability to make a difference… It’s less about trying to be at the centre of everyone’s lives while also being ethically minded, and more, like, ‘well since we are at the centre of everyone’s lives we get to do all this amazing stuff to help people’.”

He spends a great deal of time talking to advocacy groups about how to improve the service for users. They recently launched a tool whereby users can anonymously report friends whose posts contain worrying content about their mental health; the user will then be sent links to helpful resources. It’s not perfect, but the truth is that for many of the social media savvy, Instagram is an infinitely more pleasant place to be than the bear pit of Twitter or rabble-rousing Facebook.
“I think one of the cool things about Instagram is that you connect globally. You may not necessarily speak the same language, but we all have the common language of an image.”
Has social media created an abusive atmosphere, I ask, or have humans always been this way inclined? “I think a lot about how people act differently when they’re anonymous. If anything I think our job is to make people feel individually connected, for them to feel a sense of community.” Instagram, he says, is all about “building human relationships.”

He does not see the selfie as the great destroyer of civilised culture. “If you walk through the National Gallery halls, what do you see? Portrait after portrait. Self portraits have been around forever. It just so happens now that everybody’s an artist and everybody has the ability to capture a self-portrait at any moment.” Does he think of them as an art form, then? “I do.”

When we meet, Systrom has just celebrated his first wedding anniversary to wife Nicole Schuetz, the CEO of an investment firm. I ask him if they have rules on phone use. He laughs. “Oh. Um. We call it ‘device time’. I mean, it’s a joke when we call it that. I run a company that runs on this” he says, whipping out his iPhone. The night before he left his phone in his hotel room by mistake.

“The entire time I was fearful that I was missing a message. I mean, it’s important to step away from the device every now and then. But I love to capture my memories with my phone, whether it’s the trees or when I discover a cool coffee shop.

“I suppose I could keep a journal, but…” He smiles. “Sometimes, taking a photo is just better.”

A photo posted by Kevin Systrom (@kevin) on Oct 11, 2016 at 7:46am PDT

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News
The Makers Project: How whisky and art meet in The Balvenie’s exhibition

09.12.2021
By Natalie Khoo

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What do whisky and batik have in common? A few things come to mind, most noteworthy of which is that both are a time-honoured craft that requires equal amounts of passion, talent, and finesse to master.
This is what The Balvenie aims to bring to the forefront through The Makers Project, an inaugural exhibition that will be held at Pavilion Kuala Lumpur from 3 to 12 December 2021, featuring specially commissioned artwork by homegrown batik designer Fern Chua.

Distinguished as a pioneer of redefining techniques in batik printing, Fern prides herself in bringing a contemporary approach to the traditional art form to inspire newfound appreciation among current and future generations. She joins five other Southeast Asian artists—or, as The Balvenie calls them, “Makers”—hailing from Singapore, Vietnam, Indonesia, Thailand, and The Philippines, who have been appointed to showcase their respective art forms around the region.
Celebrating craftsmanship

The exhibition heralds the launch of the brand’s global campaign that’s inspired by the craftsmen behind the Five Rare Crafts that The Balvenie distillery upholds in its whisky-making process. Underpinned by the shared passion for the creative process as well as the time and labour that goes into creating something exceptional, the partnerships celebrate each of their natural talents and groundbreaking work, born from unwavering passion, personality, and heart—a true embodiment of The Balvenie’s spirit of craftsmanship.
“We are thrilled to be collaborating with Fern Chua in Malaysia as we resonate strongly with her ideals for her brand, which is to bridge the traditional with the contemporary through her designs, as well as uplift the community and celebrate other local artisans and designers through collaborations,” said Brett Bayly, regional brand ambassador for The Balvenie Southeast Asia.
“This is what The Makers Project is all about—celebrating those who craft with passion and produce exceptional works of art.”—Brett Bayly
A sensorial journey

Highlighting The Makers Project exhibition in Malaysia is the unveiling of Fern’s exclusive designs inspired by The Balvenie. Visitors will also be brought along a sensorial journey that brings the Five Rare Crafts to life: from the farmers of the homegrown barley fields, the maltmen who manage the malting floors, the copper stills that influence the unique taste of The Balvenie, the coppers at the cooperage, right down to Malt Master David C. Stewart MBE—a pioneer of whisky-making who has spent close to six decades honing his craft.

The Makers Project exhibition at Pavilion Kuala Lumpur

The journey will then culminate in a curated cinematic tasting experience in an immersive personal space, where visitors will be able to enjoy two drams of The Balvenie whisky, The Balvenie 12 Year Old DoubleWood and The Balvenie 14 Year Old Caribbean Cask.
The Balvenie 12 Year Old DoubleWood has a complex and distinctive character from being matured in two wood types, but is light enough to enjoy at almost any occasion. It has a warm fruit and honey nose that slips into a darkly sweet, fruity palate with hints of cinnamon spice, fading out into a long, warm finish.
On the other hand, The Balvenie 14 Year Old Caribbean Cask bears rich notes of tropical fruits and creamy toffee on the nose. Round flavours of vanilla, sweet oak, and fruits hit the palate next, before leaving a soft, lingering finish.

Those interested to explore The Makers Project exhibition at Pavilion Kuala Lumpur between 3 December to 12 December 2021 may purchase tickets priced at RM70 and RM90, which will include the following:

RM70: includes an exclusive chocolate collection from Chocolate Concierge + The Balvenie 12 Year Old DoubleWood Miniature (5cl) and admittance for one person to the cinematic experience with two complimentary drams.

RM90: includes an exclusive chocolate collection from Chocolate Concierge + The Balvenie 14 Year Old Caribbean Cask Miniature (5cl) and admittance to the cinematic experience with two complimentary drams.

*BURO readers will also be entitled to a RM10 discount with the code OFF10BURO!
Book tickets here
For more information or updates on The Makers Project, follow @TheBalvenieSEA on Instagram.

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Lifestyle
Golden Globes 2020: The full list of winners

06.01.2020
By Charmaine Loh

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Awards season kicks off as the 77th annual Golden Globe announces this year’s winners. Sam Mendes’ 1917 and Quentin Tarantino’s Once Upon a Time in Hollywood took home best picture in their respective categories. As for this year’s best actress goes to Renee Zellweger for Judy, while Joaquin Phoenix won best actor for Joker. Find the full list of winners below:
Best motion picture – drama
1917
The Irishman
Joker
Marriage Story
The Two Popes
Best performance by an actress in a motion picture – drama
Renee Zellweger, Judy
Cynthio Erivo, Harriet
Scarlett Johansson, Marriage Story
Saoirse Ronan, Little Women
Charlize Theron, Bombshell

Best performance by an actor in a motion picture – drama
Joaquin Phoenix, Joker
Christian Bale, Ford v. Ferrari
Antonio Banderas, Pain and Glory
Adam Driver, Marriage Story
Jonathan Pryce, The Two Popes

Best motion picture – musical or comedy
Once Upon a Time in Hollywood
Dolemite is My Name
Jojo Rabbit
Knives Out
Rocketman
Best performance by an actress in a motion picture – musical or comedy
Awkwafina, The Farewell
Ana De Armas, Knives Out
Cate Blanchett, Where’d You Go, Bernadette
Beanie Feldstein, Booksmart
Emma Thompson, Late Night
Best performance by an actor in a motion picture – musical or comedy
Taron Egerton, Rocketman
Daniel Craig, Knives Out
Roman Griffin Davis, Jojo Rabbit
Leonardo DiCaprio, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood
Eddie Murphy, Dolemite is My Name
Best performance by a supporting actor in any motion picture
Brad Pitt, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood
Tom Hanks, A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood
Anthony Hopkins, The Two Popes
Al Pacino, The Irishman
Joe Pesci, The Irishman
Best original score – motion picture
Hildur Guðnadóttir, Joker
Daniel Pemberton, Motherless Brooklyn
Alexandre Desplat, Little Women
Thomas Newman, 1917
Randy Newman, Marriage Story

Best television limited series or motion picture made for television
Chernobyl
Catch-22
Fosse/Verdon
The Loudest Voice
Unbelievable
Best performance by an actress in a limited series or a motion picture made for television
Michelle Williams, Fosse/Verdon
Kaitlyn Dever, Unbelievable
Joey King, The Act
Helen Mirren, Catherine the Great
Merritt Wever, Unbelievable

Best director – Motion picture
Sam Mendes, 1917
Bong Joon Ho, Parasite
Todd Phillips, Joker
Martin Scorsese, The Irishman
Quentin Tarantino, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood
Best performance by an actress in a television series – drama
Olivia Colman, The Crown
Jennifer Aniston, The Morning Show
Jodie Comer, Killing Eve
Nicole Kidman, Big Little Lies
Reese Witherspoon, The Morning Show
Best performance by an actress in a supporting role in a series, limited series or motion picture made for television
Patricia Arquette, The Act
Helena Bonham Carter, The Crown
Toni Collete, Unbelievable
Meryl Streep, Big Little Lies
Emily Watson, Chernobyl
Best original song – Motion picture
I’m Gonna Love Me Again, Rocketman
Beautiful Ghosts, Cats
Into The Unknown, Frozen II
Spirit, The Lion King
Stand Up, Harriet
Best television series – musical or comedy
Fleabag
Barry
The Kominsky Method
The Marvelous Mrs Maisel
The Politician
Best performance by an actress in a supporting role in any motion picture
Laura Dern, Marriage Story
Katy Bates, Richard Jewel
Annette Bening, The Report
Jennifer Lopez, Hustlers
Margot Robbie, Bombshell
Best motion picture – animated
Missing Link
Frozen II
How To Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World
The Lion King
Toy Story 4
Best screenplay – motion picture
Once Upon a Time in Hollywood
Marriage Story
Parasite
The Two Popes
The Irishman

Best performance by an actor in a television series – drama
Brian Cox, Succession
Kit Harington, Game of Thrones
Rami Malek, Mr Robot
Tobias Menzies, The Crown
Billy Porter, Pose
Best motion picture – foreign language
Parasite
The Farewell
Les Misérables
Pain and Glory
Portrait of a Lady on Fire
Best performance by an actress in a television series – musical or comedy
Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Fleabag
Christina Applegate, Dead to Me
Rachel Brosnahan, The Marvelous Mrs Maisel
Kirsten Dunst, On Becoming a God in Central Florida
Natasha Lyonne, Russian Doll
Best television series – drama
Succession
Big Little Lies
The Crown
Killing Eve
The Morning Show
Best performance by an actor in a supporting role in a series, limited series or motion picture made for television
Stellan Skarsgård, Chernobyl
Alan Arkin, The Kominsky Method
Kieran Culkin, Succession
Andrew Scott, Fleabag
Henry Winkler, Barry

Best performance by an actor in a television series – musical or comedy
Ramy Youssef, Ramy
Michael Douglas, The Kominsky Method
Bill Hader, Barry
Ben Platt, The Politician
Paul Rudd, Living With Yourself

Best performance by an actor in a limited series or a motion picture made for television
Russell Crowe, The Loudest Voice
Christopher Abbott, Catch-22
Sacha Baron Cohen, The Spy
Jared Harris, Chernobyl
Sam Rockwell, Fosse/Verdon

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Buro Loves
BURO Virtual Beauty Bar: The only top shelf you need to browse for the best beauty buys

09.09.2020
By Wei Yeen Loh

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Beauty
Scents of luxury: Annick Goutal opens in Pavilion KL
French elegance

23.09.2015
By Su Fen Tan

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The new Annick Goutal flagship store features a warm and welcoming space in Pavilion KL, beckoning shoppers to its wonderful array of fragrances.  Modern and refined, the boutique’s luxurious design highlights the signature Gold Moucharabieh Butterflies—a symbol that signifies freedom for Annick Goutal. Peeling away the look and feel from its previous identity, the new store aspires to convey the core values and expertise of Annick Goutal while giving it a sense of modernity, creativity, and femininity.
“This newly revamped Annick Goutal boutique reflects the all important combination of Gold and Natural white. Cool grey and brown add to the welcoming ambience, accented by the dark wooden floor and Gold Butterfly Moucharabieh. The curved S-shaped tester table brings out the femininity and elegant side of the brand. Bocci crystal chandelier was chosen to further enhance the upscale and refine elements of the boutique,” said Ken Lim, Founder and Managing Director of KENS Apothecary.

The Annick Goutal Flagship Store is located at P2.13.00, Level 2, Pavilion Kuala Lumpur.

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Fashion
London Fashion Week AW17: Highlights of Day 4
Power of reimagination

19.02.2017
By Buro247

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Inspired by British artist Henry Moore’s semi-abstract sculptures that manipulates the female form, Christopher Bailey’s second see-now-buy-now collection for Burberry was a play on form and silhouette. Understandably toned down compared to the confounding works of Moore—”His shoulders are suddenly up here, the breasts were suddenly down here” —Bailey told WWD that he liked the idea of deconstructing the body by moving the lines and pieces in an unconventional way. Case in point: Single sleeved cable knit jumpers that crossed the body at a diagonal, asymmetrical coats with massive lapels and curved sleeves, and caplets with layers of fabric made to extend and emphasise.

Trust Christopher Kane to revive another trend from fashion’s dumpsite. If last season’s bombshell was anything to go by, crinkly taffeta getups are the next bejewelled crocs. His knack for reimagining the retired is beautifully narrated here. Correlating the duo chrome quality of taffeta to that of trendy holographic materials in group of consecutive looks, Kane’s iridescent proposals were intriguing. His hodgepodge of influences also gave us sharp, clinical shapes via inspirational lab-wear, dusty coral damasks courtesy of fabric mill tributes and rad spaceship prints by artist, Ionel Talpazan.

What happens when you mix the Ottoman empire with powdery romance of the British Isles? Erdem Moralioglu who is of English-Turkish parentage dreams of an encounter between his great grandmothers. From there, he spins a tale of opulence and enchantment to create a tapestry of their melded heritage. The poetic dreamscape kicked off with structured looks in woven brocades and heavy silks, patchwork execution of ottoman manuscripts decorated fluted-forms while demure guipure alongside lavish velvet devoré expounded the fantasy.

Related stories:
London Fashion Week AW17: Highlights of Day 3
London Fashion Week AW17: Highlights of Day 1 and 2

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Culture
The best e-readers for book lovers in 2023
Booked and busy

08.07.2023
By Marissa Chin

FEATURED IMAGES: @amazonkindle / Instagram | @thelittlethingsandmore / Instagram | @beliciachung / Instagram

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One surefire way to get the book-reading community all fired up is to bring up the topic of e-readers. It’s decidedly split into two factions: the traditionalists who love the smell and feel of a physical book and the modernists who prefer technology to meet their reading needs. Whether you’re a book-smelling finger-licking page-turner or someone who doesn’t mind what kind of medium your books come in, there is no denying that e-readers are convenient and growing in popularity.

What is an e-reader?
@boox.global / Instagram
If you’re thinking that e-readers are the same as tablets, let’s recalibrate. E-readers (short for electronic readers) are devices which use e-ink AKA electronic ink. This special display technology gives e-readers a low-power paper-like display as it does not require the backlight that normal LCD screens do. Therefore, it requires much less power due to its two-pigment ink system. Due to this, e-readers can last weeks between charges and are much easier on the eyes. Further, e-ink used to come in grayscale, but with advancements in technology, some e-readers now come in colour.

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A post shared by Rakuten Kobo (@kobobooks)

With e-readers, you don’t have to worry about lugging around your books or creasing up your precious reads. The nifty gadget offers portability, a wide array of functions, and most importantly, a huge library of books at the tip of your fingers. Sound tempting? Perhaps you’re one of the traditionalists looking to dabble in the world of e-readers or hoping to upgrade your current one. Ahead, we list out five of the best e-readers in the market for your consideration.

Kindle Paperwhite 11 Gen

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A post shared by Courtney | Bookstagram (@ccarterreadsxo)

Kindles and e-readers have become synonymous with each other ever since the launch of the product in 2007 and Amazon continues to dominate the field with its diverse lineup. Naturally, we have to mention a Kindle on this list—and the latest Paperwhite 11th Generation is a great place to nose-dive into the e-reading world. Featuring a 6.8-inch display with even thinner bezels than before, a flush-front design and a 300 PPI glare-free display, the reading experience on this Kindle feels seamless and like the real thing, even in bright sunlight.

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A post shared by Sara Jayne (@itssarajaynereads)

The e-reader also comes with 8 GB of on-device storage and 30 to 40 full-length audiobooks, and 32 GB of storage to hold more comics, books, and at least 150 Audible audiobooks. Other features also include adjustable warm light, Bluetooth headphones or speakers wireless pairing and up to 10 weeks of battery life on a single charge.
Price: From RM940
Availability: KindleMalaysia

Kobo Libra 2

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A post shared by Rakuten Kobo (@kobobooks)

A great alternative e-reader is the Kobo Libra 2. If you wish to explore beyond Amazon’s library, Kobo has its own wide selection of reads (think five million) to suit your bookish tastes. The Kobo Libra 2 features an improved E-ink Carta 1200 touchscreen on a 7-inch display and only clocks in at 0.37g. Made to enrich your reading life, the gadget comes with 32GB of storage that can hold up to 24,000 e-books and 150 Kobo audiobooks. Plus, its unique ComfortLight Pro blue light reduction technology limits eyestrain in the dark.

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A post shared by Shania (@shaniasworldofbooks)

Further, the Kobo Libra 2 is fully waterproof which means you don’t have to worry about getting your precious literature wet while you’re at the beach, taking a bath or out in the rain. It also sports an ergonomic design that feels good in your hands. Swipe to keep the story going or use the page-turn buttons when one of your hands is full. In addition, it can be orientated to read in landscape mode and offers Dark Mode depending on your preference.
Price: From RM979
Availability: KoboMalaysia

Onyx Boox Page

Another popular non-Kindle option is from Onyx which is China’s top e-reader brand. The Boox Page was launched just last month and is the latest cutting-edge 7-inch e-reader with an advanced octa-core CPU and customisable page-turn buttons. Essentially, it is a beefier version of the best-selling Boox Leaf 2 as it offers 3GB of RAM instead of 2GB.

Unlike other e-readers that run on Linux, the Boox Page operates on Android 11 and has unlimited access to the Google Play Store. It comes with 32GB of internal storage, a microSD card, the usual wireless connectivity, and adjustable colour temperatures for a comfortable reading experience.
Price: From RM1,299
Availability: BooxMalaysia

Kobo Clara 2E

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A post shared by deb | bookstagram✨ (@thelittlethingsandmore)

The Kobo Clara 2E is consistently rated high for being one of the best alternative e-readers on the market for various reasons. Firstly, it’s a great choice for book lovers on a budget as it is affordable whilst offering a chock-full of features. It is also on the smaller side, sporting a 6-inch HD e-ink touchscreen with a glare-free black-and-white display.

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A post shared by Rakuten Kobo (@kobobooks)

Notably, the 170g device is made with over 85 per cent recycled plastic which makes it an eco-conscious product if that’s something you look for. Further, the Clara 2E holds 12GB of storage which equates to about 12000 e-books, and offers brightness and temperature adjustments. Battery-wise, it can last up to seven weeks on a single charge. The slim e-reader also has an IPX8 waterproof rating so if your books tend to suffer from accidental spills, you can kiss those worries goodbye!
Price: From RM699
Availability: KoboMalaysia

Boox Poke 5

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A post shared by Official BOOX Android ePaper Tablet (@boox.global)

Another compact 6-inch e-reader is the new Boox Poke 5. With its E-Ink Carta Plus screen that consists of a 2-colour front light system and a 300 PPI display, this gadget is designed to read e-books, webcomics and even manga. Despite its small size, the Poke 5 is equipped with a 4-core Qualcomm processor with 2GB of RAM. Like other usual Onyx products, it runs on the Android 11 operating system and you are allowed to download third-party apps onto the device.

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A post shared by Official BOOX Android ePaper Tablet (@boox.global)

In addition, It has 32 GB of storage and a microSD card slot to transfer even more books or documents to the Poke 5. Significantly, the new grayscale system uses 256 levels instead of the usual 16 which means that consuming image-heavy content or text files will be more dynamic than ever before. It also comes with Bluetooth wireless connectivity if you like to listen to music while you read.
Price: From RM849
Availability: BooxMalaysia

For more nifty gadgets to add to your tech arsenal, head here.

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Watch the Burberry AW20 livestream here

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Watch the Burberry AW20 livestream here

17.02.2020
By Stephanie Boey

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Haute Couture Week AW23: The best moments from Valentino, Balenciaga and more

It’s been an exciting couple of weeks for the British brand. Not too long ago, they released their Spring/Summer 2020 campaign, fronted by the Hadid sisters and Kendall Jenner. And just last week, South Korean director, Bong Joon-ho was clad in a Burberry English-fit tuxedo as history was made during the 92nd Academy Awards. Parasite is the first non-English language film to win Best Picture in its 92-year history.
And now, we’re on the edge of our seats to see what Burberry has in store for the upcoming Autumn/Winter 2020 season. Catch the show live from London at 1AM, 18 February.

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Technology
Did you use these 10 most popular Snapchat lenses of 2016?
Facial filters

02.01.2017
By Rachel Au

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2016 was both the year of Snapchat and its intense rivalry with Instagram where the latter tried to compete with the introduction of Instagram Stories followed by new (but similar) features such as stickers and disappearing photos and videos for groups and friends. While it’s hard to say which social media platform is ahead of the game, Snapchat’s lenses are still one of its biggest plus points. They recently unveiled the top 10 most popular lenses used in 2016 (sadly, in no particular order) and we’d have to admit, we’ve used them all—what about you?

1. The dog face

I’m sus
A video posted by Kendall (@kendalljenner) on Jul 21, 2016 at 1:50pm PDT

2. The flower crown

A photo posted by chrissy teigen (@chrissyteigen) on Apr 22, 2016 at 12:17pm PDT

3. The pink flower crown

A photo posted by hailee steinfeld (@haileesteinfeld) on Jun 9, 2016 at 7:40pm PDT

4. The deer face

A video posted by Gigi Hadid Snapchat Updates (@gigihadidsnapchat) on Oct 11, 2016 at 7:59am PDT

5. The bee face

A video posted by Kim Kardashian Snapchats (@kimksnapchats) on Jul 31, 2016 at 7:37pm PDT

6. The butterflies-in-your-hair

A photo posted by Miranda (@mirandakerr) on Aug 28, 2016 at 10:10pm PDT

7. The frown

A video posted by Ariana Grande (@arianagrande) on Oct 15, 2016 at 9:02pm PDT

8. The rosy cheeks

A video posted by Bella Hadid Snapchat Updates (@bellahadidsnapchat) on Jun 8, 2016 at 6:38am PDT

9. The Camera Roll face swap

A video posted by Kim Kardashian Snapchats (@kimksnapchats) on Sep 13, 2016 at 10:51pm PDT

10. The friend face swap

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Film, TV + Theatre
The comedians from MACC insult and praise each other using Malaysian slangs

05.09.2019
By Ronn Tan

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Is laughter really the best medicine? If that’s true, then the men from the Malaysian Association of Chinese Comedians (MACC) are saviours. The group comprises of Douglas Lim, Kuah Jenhan, Phoon Chi Ho, and Jason Leong. Throughout their 10 years together, they have ventured far and beyond with their goal to bring laughter and joy to everyone. Unfortunately, the MACC are going their separate ways after one last tour. In conjunction with MACC Mania X—The Goodbye Tour, the stand up comedians took on Buro’s Roast and Compliment challenges (watch above) using Malaysian slangs.
We spoke to Douglas Lim, Kuah Jenhan, Phoon Chi Ho, and Jason Leong to find out more about their lives and MACC:

Can you give a brief history of how each of you ended up in MACC and of the group?
Kuah Jenhan: First of all, we are not an actual organisation or an association.
Douglas Lim: The Malaysian Association of Chinese Comedians is just borrowing the name MACC. When we decided to perform as a group back in 2009, the real MACC—the anti-corruption commission—was big in the news because of the Teoh Beng Hock case. That MACC was being played up in the news. I decided to borrow that name and rename it the Malaysian Association of Chinese Comedians but we are not registered with the ROS.
Kuah Jenhan: After a year of performing, if you look up MACC on Facebook and Google, we were the top search.
Phoon Chi Ho: While the case of Beng Hock was going on, a lot of news agencies were coming in to find out more about the MACC. At that time, they didn’t have a proper website so they came to our page. Over the years, we get a lot of comments coming in and there was once a few years ago when Lim Guan Eng was undergoing issues with the bungalow incident. There was a person who asked us why we arrested him—on our Facebook page.
Kuah Jenhan: In 2009, Douglas had this idea to do his own show and wanted to get people on board as well. I think he met Chi Ho first.
Phoon Chi Ho: The first thing I told Douglas is if you want another guy, there’s only Jenhan because we were pretty much the three stand-up comedians in the scene who were Chinese at the time.
Kuah Jenhan: Douglas was running Young Comedians of Malaysia which was a collective of upcoming open mic-ers and I was there as well. He asked Chi Ho and Chi Ho recommended me. We had our first meeting in August 2009. Three months later, we staged our first show together. It was called MACC First EGM—Easy Going Meeting. We sold out the second half of the show.
Douglas Lim: Our first poster was Jenhan, Chi Ho, and myself in traditional Chinese costumes so some thought it was Chinese opera. Some were disappointed because not only was it not Chinese opera, the show wasn’t even in Chinese. For subsequent posters, we had to write stand-up comedy to be clear. Fast forward two years later, Dr Jason Leong showed up and joined the line-up from our third show onwards. We have been performing as a foursome since then without fail.
Jason Leong: In 2010, I started doing comedy and in just my second performance, it was so serendipitous because Douglas Lim was in the show. After the set, Douglas said “who here thinks Dr. Joshua Leong deserves a chance to be in MACC?” and I was so happy even when he got my name wrong. Ever since I joined, the MACC has become way better.
When did conversations about going separate ways come about?
Jason Leong: That’s always been the running joke for the past three or four years. As our fan base grew, we started doing other cities outside Kuala Lumpur. There was a year or two we did shows in Singapore then Kota Kinabalu, Kuching, and Labuan. Douglas always made a joke about each show being the last after we’re done for the day.
Kuah Jenhan: A lot of times we joke about it because we worry a lot if the jokes will work. There is the fear that we will disappoint the following year. Last year, a lot of us got busier because Jason, Douglas, and myself started performing in Australia for the festival.
Phoon Chi Ho: I made two babies. At the same time, it has been difficult because I do a bit of production and talent agency work. We’re technically all busy. In reality, we need at least four months to push a show because we will come out with funny videos that go viral before we start selling our shows.
Kuah Jenhan: We pride ourselves to do a new show every year with all new jokes. Writing new jokes take a lot out of comedians because you can’t go on stage with something that’s subpar. That process takes up time and to deliver that year after year is quite scary. I think it is healthy for us to say good bye for now.
Having been friends for so long, how was it like to see each other grow?
Douglas Lim: I think I was there for Chi Ho’s and Jason’s wedding. We’re still waiting for Jenhan’s. When we started touring, Jenhan was 21 going on 22. Now, they are pretty mature individuals at 32, 35. They know their voices and stories well. I am very proud of what they have all achieved and I take no credit for any of it but I’ll be there clapping for them—but I won’t say it.
Kuah Jenhan: Douglas doesn’t have to say it because he will be backstage laughing and commenting on how bad the jokes are while we are performing.
Is there a bit of joke that you guys have always wanted to do but never had the chance?
Jason Leong: For me, no. All the jokes I wanted to do, I did. I don’t know about the rest.
Kuah Jenhan: Not for me.
Phoon Chi Ho: I started off thinking that if I want to do this stand-up comedy thing, I want to be a one-liner comedian. Sometimes because of the play of words, things get controversial. One that I won’t do is “paedophile have standards—Standard One, Standard Two”.
Douglas Lim: There are a lot of topics that I think about in my head which are funny but I will never joke about because of the potential trouble.
Have you gotten in trouble before?
Phoon Chi Ho: The second time in Johor, I had a joke with two keywords—masturbation and babies. The organisers or sponsors thought it wasn’t very tasteful so I was banned for a few years. I was eventually allowed back but told not to do those jokes.
Douglas Lim: There was a time when Special Branch (plainclothes in the audience) who came up after the show to shake our hands. They told us not to go overboard. Live stand-up comedy is the type you won’t get on mass media. We do irritate others some times and they will post on Facebook saying they are offended.
Kuah Jenhan: Mine was out of MACC. Five years ago, I tweeted a pun joke during the ‘kangkung’ issue. It was retweeted a lot and I was called by the BBC Radio. They asked what was happening in Malaysia that was trending worldwide. They published an article on their site and it was banned. It cannot be accessed in Malaysia. Almost a year later, I was asked to audition to host a travel show. I got through but the production house was told that they cannot hire me because of the tweet.
Is there anything else, apart from new jokes, that audience can expect from this tour?
Kuah Jenhan: In terms of the show, they can expect a lot more experience. For the KL show, we’re performing at the HGH Convention Centre which is at least four times bigger than our usual venues. One night holds about 1,600 people. It’s a big auditorium and for the first time ever, MACC will sell merchandises. We have never done it so why not give them something to remember us by. At certain locations, we will have food and drinks. We will make it an experience for them.
Douglas Lim: For the first time ever, we’re going to Hong Kong and Australia (first time as a group).
What’s next for each of you?
Jason Leong: I want to go to the United States next year. I think it’s an important step for my comedy career to at least spend a month doing the clubs in Los Angeles and New York. Hopefully I can put up a tour in London. Jenhan and I are exploring the idea of doing a national storytelling competition for school children.
Phoon Chi Ho: My wife accepted a job in Brisbane so I have to hold the fort with my two kids at home. A lot of things I cannot say now.
Kuah Jenhan: It’s been awhile since I properly staged my own show. I want to stage a more theatrical style show.
Douglas Lim: I probably need a break from comedy for awhile. Just to relax for a bit. I will still do corporate shows but probably not churning out new jokes for some time. Maybe do some music again or work on my fitness.
For more information about MACC, visit this website. To get tickets for the tour, visit this website.

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Fashion
New York Fashion Week AW17: Highlights of Day 6
American love

15.02.2017
By Wei Yeen Loh

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

For her first runway show, Gabriela Hearst made sure that it steered clear from the customary, over-the-top direction as most fashion labels would. The phrase ‘waste not, want not’ was likely on her mind this morning—”I am so proud of how waste conscious it was,” quote her Instagram post. Cashmere pillows on the seats for guests were knitted by an Uruguay nonprofit, using left over yarn from her sweaters, while the metal floors at her show were to be donated post-event. Clothes wise, the collection had her signature written all over: classic, luxe silhouettes wearable from day to night. A handful are worth mentioning for a semblance of modern refinement, including a satin dress in a decadent hue of gold with tassels trailing neckdown to the skirt hemline, double-breasted coats with subtly flared skirts, and velvet bathroom robe-trenches that would up your outerwear game in a flash.

At Tory Burch, the unmistakable gold ‘TB’ embroidered logo and multitude of plaid were a dead giveaway to her references this season—Katharine Hepburn’s glam girl character Tracy Lord in the 1940 reel The Philadelphia Story. All-white, immaculately-put looks opened the show, later on a handful of floral prints took center stage alongside preppy knit sweaters and plaid skirts and trousers. The last few monochromatic looks spoke of ornate nonchalance, one that echoed brilliantly after gold and blue lace offerings.

We never thought we’d see prarie flowers coalescing with 1980s hip hop details (read: baseball caps and chunky sneakers), but Stuart Vevers did just that as he referenced the great America for this season’s lineup—which admittedly could have fared worse if not for the copious amounts of shearling. The outerwear range was strong, featuring all of Coach’s classics (varsity and biker especially) remade with patches, fringe and fur collars, while accessories took on an interesting twist i.e shearling sandals and fur-lined caps.

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Fashion
Welcome to America: Raf Simons’ debut collection for Calvin Klein
Red, white and blue

23.02.2017
By Buro247

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Despite the 10 AM start time, 205 W 39—Calvin Klein’s global headquarters—was packed with key editors, stylists and influencers. Not forgetting, the NYFW runway show was attended by Simons’ famous friends including Brooke Shields, Gwyneth Paltrow, Julianne Moore, Sarah Jessica Parker, Millie Bobby Brown and Kate Bosworth, just to name a few. Well, this came as no surprise; the much-anticipated runway show marked Raf Simons’ first Calvin Klein collection after all.
{insert gallery tpl=”slide-freesize.tpl” id=”Calvin Klein Fall 2017 guests” rid=”4859″ order=”a_tstamp”} The newly-appointed Chief Creative Officer invited artist, Sterling Ruby to imagine America in an art installation. Within the showspace, the artist was given free reign by Simons to imagine a work appropriate for the brand: he strung up an assortment of miscellaneous, colourful items such as mops, tin pails and a big denim square. Simons, who is Belgian, also imagined the Land of The Free, having the models strut down the runway with David Bowie’s “This Is Not America” playing in the background. Political statement or not, you decide.

Simons worked with the Creative Director of the brand, Peiter Mulier on the Fall 2017 women’s and menswear collection. Paying homage to America and inspired by the youth, the collection is a celebration of diversity. The collection saw a mix of marching band uniforms, plastic coated protection, power broker tailoring, antique quilting and western wear. The cohabiting, cross culture of clothing find new forms, evoking a unique kind of parade. Simons said, “It reflects the environment.” He added, “All of these different people with different styles and dress codes. It’s the future, the past, Art Deco, the city, the American West…all of these things and none of these things. Not one era, not one thing, not one look. It is the coming together of different characters and different individuals, just like America itself. It is the unique beauty and emotion of America.”

Of course, denim plays a huge part of western wear and the Calvin Klein brand. While jeans have not registered with the fashion crowd for years, Simons may just have resurrected everyone’s interest with the matching denim looks. Although he was inspired by young America, the collection wasn’t, well, all that young. Exhibit: the tailored pantsuits, transparent tops and underboob-flaunting dresses. However, the collection will appeal across gender as Simons presented his-and-hers versions—almost making us want to give couple dressing a go.

For more of the Calvin Klein Fall 2017 collection, scroll through all the looks in our gallery below:
{insert gallery tpl=”slide-freesize.tpl” id=”Calvin Klein Fall 2017 collection” rid=”4864″ order=”a_tstamp”}

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Food + Drink
Where to get the swankiest Christmas feasts this year
Silver platters

18.12.2017
By Buro247

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THE RITZ-CARLTON
{insert gallery tpl=”slide-freesize.tpl” id=”[Стандартная] Christmas Feats at Hotels 2018-Ritz Calton” rid=”5767″ order=”a_tstamp”}
Christmas Eve DinnerSpend the night before Christmas tucking into a succulent turkey, roasted and carved to perfection. A roasted quail, creamy lobster soup, chestnut parfait and Christmas pudding roundup the meal.

December 24, Sunday at The Library from 7pm to 11pm From MYR 250 per person
Christmas Day Champagne BrunchWhat better way to kick off the joyous day than with free-flowing bubbly. Between the clinking of glasses, feast on turkey and roast, carved and served on-trolley. And while you savour the buffet, keep a lookout for Santa who’ll drop by to say hi.

December 25, Monday at The Cobalt Room from 12pm to 3pm From MYR 198 per person
Christmas Afternoon TeaHave the most leisurely time sinking your teeth into savoury bites and sweet treats stacked on pretty trays; all whilst being serenaded with jazzy Christmas tunes by the resident band.

December 24 to 25, Sunday to Monday at The Lobby Lounge from 3pm to 6pm MYR 80 per person
THE MAJESTIC HOTEL
{insert gallery tpl=”slide-freesize.tpl” id=”[Стандартная] Christmas Feats at Hotels 2018-Majestic” rid=”5768″ order=”a_tstamp”}
Holidays at the Majestic KL promises to be a heartwarming affair. With mulled wine to start, the menu comprises of wonderfully comforting dishes like a seafood cassoulet, chicken and leek soup, braised beef cheek, honey glazed cod and everybody’s favourite chocolate fudge cake. Fret not, both the Christmas Eve and Christmas Day lineups include a serving of turkey, stuffing and the works.
Christmas Eve DinnerDecember 24, Sunday at The Colonial CafeMYR 280 per person / MYR 380 per person with wine pairing
Christmas Day DinnerDecember 25, Monday at The Colonial CafeMYR 220 per person / MYR 320 per person with wine pairing

THE ST REGIS
{insert gallery tpl=”slide-freesize.tpl” id=”[Стандартная] Christmas Feats at Hotels 2018-St Regis” rid=”5766″ order=”a_tstamp”}
Sunday Brunch on Christmas EveThe eve of Christmas means an extra special reason to enjoy one of the city’s most exquisitely curated brunch buffets with your loved ones. Drink to the tune of free flow Verve Clicquot, Assam Boi Mary, cocktails and wines.
December 24, Sunday at The Brasserie from 12pm to 3pmMYR 298 per person / MYR 468 per person with alcoholic beverages
Le Reveillon Christmas Eve DinnerExperience a European taste of Christmas with a lavish array of traditional cuisine and desserts from that part of the globe this festive season. As with brunch, where the merriment flows, the drinks will follow.
December 24, Sunday at The Brasserie from 7.30pm to 11pmMYR 298 per person / MYR 468 per person with alcoholic beverages
Le Repas de Noel Christmas BrunchMake this a full family affair. A giant bird carved to order, sweet delights for every savoury bite, and kids’ activities amid festive trinkets galore will make this celebration a hit with all ages.
December 25, Monday at The Brasserie from 12pm to 3pmMYR 368 per person / MYR 568 per person with alcoholic beverages

HILTON

Vasco’s at Hilton is not holding back on the holiday indulgence. After a grand roast turkey with traditional bread stuffing and condiments, roasted rib eye, pan fried foie gras with duck breast, and baked oyster mornay, expect to leave with belly to rival Santa’s by year’s end.
Christmas Eve DinnerDecember 24, Sunday at Vasco’s from 6.30pm to 10.30pmMYR 198 per person
Christmas Day LunchDecember 25, Monday at Vasco’s from 12.30pm to 3pmMYR 228 per person
Christmas Day DinnerDecember 25, Monday at Vasco’s from 6.30pm to 10.30pmMYR 198 per person

If dainty morsels are more to your fancy, revel in a festive themed afternoon tea session at The Lounge at Hilton. Have friends hankering for a more substantial fill? A carving station will be set up every day of the month!
Festive Hi-TeaAvailable throughout December at The Lounge from 2.30pm to 5.30pmMYR 118 per person
Christmas Eve Hi-Tea BuffetDecember 24, Sunday at The Lounge from 2.30pm to 5.30pmMYR 128 per person (Add MYR 118 for free flow beer or MYR 198 for free flow Prosecco)
Christmas Day Hi-Tea BuffetDecember 25, Sunday at The Lounge from 2.30pm to 5.30pmMYR 140 per person (Add MYR 118 for free flow beer or MYR 198 for free flow Prosecco)

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Culture
Beautiful designer homeware that will turn your living space into a work of art

24.04.2019
By Su Fen Tan

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Loewe
This year, Loewe pays tribute to the time-honoured craft of weaving with Loewe Baskets, an exhibition that showcased a tapestry of basketry, hand quilting and calligraphy. See the weaved vase in the cover image above? It is a vase designed for ‘Ikebana’, the Japanese art of flower arranging. Look closer and you’ll find it is actually made with leather—an element that has been weaved into all the creations on show, marrying a contemporary touch with traditional craft seamlessly. Take a closer look in the short Instagram clip below, which features Japanese bamboo-weaver Hafu Matusomoto, one of 11 artisans Loewe worked with for the project:

Fendi Casa
Fendi Casa’s sophomore collaboration with architect and interior designer Cristina Celestino, the ‘Back Home’ collection celebrates its iconic Pequin motif, embodied by broad stripes in the unmistakable black and brown tobacco colours of the FF logo. The bold, geometric stripes are deftly juxtaposed with rounded shapes and silhouettes of the creations, which spanned from armchairs, sofas and coffee tables, to mirrors and lamps. Spot the limited edition Peekaboo bag in the Pequin motif designed by Fendi men’s and accessories creative director Silvia Venturini Fendi to complement the collection.

Versace Home
If sumptuous, statement-making living is your calling, then Versace Home is right up your alley. The collection incorporates the fashion house’s signature motifs, from the Medusa and Jungle prints to Logomania, into both furniture and home items. Among the most striking designs were the Pop Medusa chairs in pink and yellow featuring a sculptural Medusa in relief on the back. They look especially lush in the bold neon setting designed by Sasha Bikoff for the exhibit in Milan.

Louis Vuitton
It’s always a pleasure to walk through (albeit virtually) Louis Vuitton‘s Objets Nomades, a collection of travel-inspired creations by renowned designers from around the world. This year saw pieces by Atelier Biagetti and Zanalleto/Bortotto added to the ever-growing collection, joining a line-up that includes the likes of India Mahdavi, Tokujin Yoshioko and the Campana brothers. Our favourite from the lot has to the ‘Bulbo’ armchair, a new work of art for the living room by the Campana brothers that evoke the feeling of being embraced by a tropical flower.

Gucci Décor
Showcased over two floors in a temporary boutique in Milan, Gucci Décor welcomed new additions to its collection that includes furniture, porcelain ware and wallpaper—more ways to infuse your living space with some Gucci magic. The pop-up store will be open through June. Don’t fret if you can’t be there in person, you can still download the Gucci app, which will allow you to see how some of these items would look in your home via AR technology.

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Food + Drink
#CheatDayEats: New salted egg yolk dishes
Can’t get enough

02.02.2016
By Rachel Au

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Have you had enough of anything related to salted egg yolk? If you haven’t, then read on for what will be the last of our salted egg yolk craze (see here for the bakeries that sell salted egg yolk croissants and here for the places that serve salted egg yolk desserts). It turns out savoury dishes in KL have also been been dabbled with the magic golden egg.

Sweet potato fries with salted egg yolk dip at AMPM Cafe, Subang Jaya

Who knew you could turn salted egg yolk into a dip? The people at AMPM Cafe thought about it, at least and matched it with not just your average French fries, but sweet potato fries. The combo makes a perfect snack or appetiser and you’ll probably leave the cafe wondering if you can recreate it at home.

Salted egg yolk burger a.k.a The Ultraman Burger at myBurgerLab

KL’s favourite local burger joint has finally jumped on the bandwagon, went through various experiments and food tastings to debut a salted egg yolk burger! In true myBurgerLab fashion, they gave it the wacky name Ultraman Tiga and it has been doing so well, it gets sold out every day. If you don’t want to miss out, be sure to book it in advance.

Salted egg yolk pumpkin pasta at Simplyd

For a mere tinge of that salted egg yolk taste in your meal, incorporating it into your pasta is a pretty good idea. You can choose what type of pasta you prefer although the option of soba noodles is quite interesting. Simplyd certainly makes eating vegetarian simply delicious.

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Just In: Laneige x PLAYNOMORE

Beauty
Just In: Laneige x PLAYNOMORE
Artsy arsenal

19.07.2015
By Buro247

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

As the saying goes, a girl can’t have too many shoes – or makeup – in our case. Talk about getting the best of both the fashion and beauty worlds, Laneige’s second Beauty-Meets-Fashion collaboration news just broke and it’s with Korean label PLAYNOMORE. Expect a nice balance of quirkiness and raw appeal, which puts Laneige x PLAYNOMORE: My Darling SHYGIRL high on our radar this week.
If you haven’t heard, PLAYNOMORE is a vibrant Korean label, which made its debut in 2014, blitzing K-fashion headlines for its quirky pop-art-inspired designs, and since the release of its signature SHYGIRL bag, the brand has become an instant hit with an entourage of K-Pop stars. What’s cool about the minimal square tote is its signature OTT, all-bling, flirty and IG-worthy doe-eyed peepers. For this collaboration, the SHYGIRL logo undergoes a pretty makeover, with the addition of a new pink heart to the eyes to bring you the My Darling SHYGIRL collection.
Look out for the all-new Lip Gel, which comes in 10 shades; a high-gloss, high-colour and ultra moisturising lippie featuring a new hybrid technology that maximises the features of a lip gloss and lipstick.

Try: Laneige x PLAYNOMORE Intense Lip Gel, RM75
Of course, you’ll also find the Laneige beauty MVP – its BB cushions in the My Darling SHYGIRL limited edition collection. And yes, we’ve saved the best tip for last –  it’s confirmed that the Laneige x PLAYNOMORE collection drops at all Laneige counters and boutiques in Malaysia come September – jot it down, set your reminders but most importantly, make some space in your beauty stash – going, going, gone!

Try: Laneige x PLAYNOMORE BB Cushion, RM159

Try: Laneige x PLAYNOMORE Jet Curling Mascara, RM84

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Fashion
A lesson in dreamy constructions at Valentino Haute Couture Spring 2017
A+ for effortlessness

27.01.2017
By Su Fen Tan

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The set for the Valentino Haute Couture Spring 2017 show—Pierpaolo Piccioli’s first solo couture outing—wasn’t terribly extravagant, but it didn’t have to be; the Hôtel Salomon de Rothschild decked in a number of artworks courtesy of the Trioche DeLeon Collection was the fitting elegant backdrop for the equally graceful looks that came floating down the runway.

A photo posted by Valentino (@maisonvalentino) on Jan 25, 2017 at 8:59am PST

Piccioli looked back in time for this collection—back to Greek myths and legends, and the classical aesthetics and dreamscapes they conjure. The show opened with an ivory crepe plissé column dress. The simple, straight silhouette gently commands attention as the floor-grazing hem moves languidly with each step the model takes. It paved the way for the looks to come, each as beautiful and dreamy as the last, with modest yet alluring shapes that were ethereal in motion. Behind each fluid silhouette though, lies exquisite technique and handcrafted skills. Take look 36 for example, a work of over 300 hours of craftsmanship, with each ruffle painstakingly hand finished and hand stitched.

To see out the show was a Valentino classic, an airy gown of tulle and chiffon embroidered in rhinestones for a quietly dazzling finish. Take a look at the full collection below:
{insert gallery tpl=”slide-freesize.tpl” id=”Valentino Haute Couture SS17″ rid=”4762″ order=”a_tstamp”}
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Culture
6 Empowering and inspirational TED Talks to watch during lockdown

07.06.2021
By Adelina Tan

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You’re probably familiar with the concept of TED Talks, many of which have gone viral for being inspiring and motivating. These videos feature experts speaking on topics ranging from neuroscience to culture, shedding light on human behaviour and relationships. The most popular TED Talks have millions of views, such as Ken Robinson’s ‘Do Schools Kill Creativity’, Tim Urban’s ‘Inside the Mind of a Master Procrastinator’, and Sam Berns’s ‘My Philosophy for a Happy Life’.
In this list, we’ve gathered powerful TED Talks to listen to while in lockdown. They’re mostly hidden gems, from recent years, that you may not have discovered.
When you feel defeated:
Why You Think You’re Right—Even if You’re Wrong | Julia Galef

Julia Galef—co-founder of the Center for Applied Rationality—interviews thinkers such as Tyler Cowen, Sean Carrol, and Neil deGrase Tyson for her Rationally Speaking podcast. In her popular TEDxPSU talk, she breaks down what she calls “the scout mindset”—a way of thinking adopted by open-minded types who build resilience and emotional security by learning to overcome adversity with mental clarity.

When you feel insecure:
How Not to Take Things Personally | Frederik Imbo

Graduating as an actor from the Royal Conservatory of Ghent in Belgium, Frederik Imbo then went on to teach people the value of connective communication after a career acting in television shows. In his TEDxMechelen talk, Imbo shares the two strategies he uses to stop taking things personally—beginning with how to shift the focus from “me” to “we”.

When you feel stuck in life:
How to Figure Out What You Really Want | Ashley Stahl

Ashley Stahl is a counterterrorism professional turned podcast host, columnist, and career coach. She specialises in helping people to pull off a “You Turn” by discovering their life’s purpose and ideal career path. In this presentation she gave for TEDxLeidenUniversity, Stahl outlines her three key steps to shake off fear and connect with what you actually want out of life.

When you need a pep talk:
Get comfortable with being uncomfortable | Luvvie Ajayi Jones

Writer and activist Luvvie Ajayi Jones believes that staying silent, when it’s important to speak up, serves no one. In her engaging and uplifting TED talk, Jones—a self-proclaimed “professional troublemaker”—shares relatable anecdotes from her own colourful life. Find out what, in her opinion, are the three questions to ask yourself when you’re unsure of whether you should be a “domino”; an agent of change.

When you doubt yourself:
Don’t strive to be famous, strive to be talented | Maisie Williams

Maisie Williams, aka Arya Stark in Game of Thrones, left school at 14 to focus on acting after landing her Emmy-nominated role at the age of 12. She’s now also the co-founder of Daisie, a social networking app aimed at bringing together creatives from across different industries (similar to Malaysia’s own Cult Creative).
In her talk presented as part of TEDxManchester, Williams shares about her family’s financial struggles, and why learning to be good at what you do will always have more long-term impact than chasing after fame.

When you have a mental block:
The mental mindset of a world champion | Nicol David

Nicol David is one of the most decorated athletes of her generation and has won every major title there is for squash. Most remarkably, the Malaysian sports star holds the record of being the world’s number one squash player for 112 months. In this interview with TEDxKLStudio, she shares ways to cultivate a winning mindset that doesn’t crumble under pressure—and when you should know to let go and move on with life.
This video is part of ImagineNext, a collaboration between Glenfiddich and TEDx-communities across South East Asia. The series spotlights each city’s ‘Mavericks’—visionaries and trailblazers of new paths—in conjunction with Glenfiddich’s ‘Where Next?’ campaign. The whisky maker seeks to inspire people to nurture meaningful growth by embracing challenges and stepping out of their comfort zones. Watch the full series here.

Times are tough, but the human spirit is even tougher. May you find the inner strength and support to turn adversity into opportunities for growth!

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Music
On the phone with Girl in Red: Marie Ulven on her upcoming debut album, being TikTok’s “LGBTQ+ icon”, and more

23.04.2021
By Redzhanna Jazmin

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Earlier this week, I (Red) got on the phone with Norwegian indie darling, Girl in Red (no relation), to talk about her upcoming album, her growing interest in art, and her growth as both a musician and a producer. Along the way, we touched on her status as the LGBTQ+ icon of your dreams, sneaky TikTok vernacular and, of course, approaching the ever-looming oblivion on the horizon.
Even after a gruelling day of back-to-back interviews, Ulven is still chipper and talkative, and the enthusiasm she has for her art is practically palpable through the phone. The conversation is easy, and she is disarmingly candid—perhaps, even, a little too candid at times—but it all adds to her charm. Overall, as a fan of her music, it’s pretty much a dream interaction.
Ahead, find our chat in full:

Photography: Jonathan Kise
Red (BURO): Firstly, I just want to thank you for ‘Summer Depression’. That song was my personal breakup anthem of 2018.
Girl in Red: No problem! I’m happy that I could be in your ears while you were heartbroken.
Red (BURO): It was good stuff. Really cathartic! On that note, would you consider your music to be largely autobiographical?
Girl in Red: Yeah, a lot of it is stuff that is coming from me, but sometimes I also take inspiration from people around me and think about how their experiences have been similar to mine. I’d say that it’s mostly auto-auto-autobio—Oh! That’s a hard word.”
Red (BURO): (laughs) Was the goal always to create music that could be used as a vehicle for people like me to express themselves?
Girl in Red: Not really! I kind of just started just for fun, and because I was like “oh, this makes me feel good” and I was really excited by the fact that I had made something that sounded great. I do feel like that is the coolest bonus that could have ever happened, though—that people take my songs and apply them to their lives and find some comfort in them.
Red (BURO): What can you tell us about your new album, If I Could Make It Go Quiet? What are you trying to silence?
Girl in Red: If I Could Make It Go Quiet is the best music I’ve made so far. It feels like a real step-up; it feels like “girl in red 2.0”. The album title is an outtake from some lyrics in one of my songs off the new record, ‘Body and Mind’. I wanna make the loud sh*t that goes on in my head quiet.
Red (BURO): You’re one of the very few female producers in the game (I think the statistic is something ridiculous like 98 per cent of producers are male). Do you have any advice for other women looking to get into production?
Girl in Red: Keep on making music, and take your time to figure out who you are as a producer. I was producing for three years before I was like “I can work with someone else”, and even after I started working with another dude I was like “I’m a producer, and I don’t need to sit in the back and let you do sh*t for me. I will tell you what to do.” You’ve got to set the bar, you’ve got to have boundaries and you’ve got to be strict. For anyone making music, they’ve got to get to know themselves and hold on to who they are.

Photography: Jonathan Kise
Red (BURO): I’d say that you have a pretty distinct voice as an artist. When I hear your music, I can tell it’s you—
Girl in Red: —oh my god, that’s so cool!
Red (BURO): No, you’re cool. Sorry—back to the question. How did you find your sound in terms of both songwriting and production?
Girl in Red: (laughs) Sorry. I don’t know! That’s really interesting because that’s something I really want—I want to have that distinct voice. If I have it, I think it’s probably because I’m still so hands-on with all my ideas and all my lyrics. I say ‘still’ because I think a lot of people delegate more when they get more work. The more you grow as an artist, the more you have to do, you know? But for me, I’m always going to put the music first. That’s really good because it’s like Taylor Swift! She can make any song and it’s still going to sound like her, and I think that’s so special! You can’t get that any way other than being yourself.”
Red (BURO): Funny that you should mention Taylor Swift—that brings us to the next question. Who are some artists you look up to or who inspire you?
Girl in Red: I love Taylor because I admire her very strong identity in her songs, but I honestly don’t really know who I look up to when it comes to artists. At least not anymore. Like, when I was younger, I used to look up to The Smiths, but I feel like I’ve grown into another person now, so I don’t look up to them the way I did when I was younger. Now, I’m really just all about cool sounds. Honestly, anyone who does their own thing—that inspires me. That, and seeing my own friends making their music, putting it out there, and growing as artists.”

Red (BURO): You’re going on tour soon! That’s huge. What are you most looking forward to on the road?
Girl in Red: Oh, I think it’s a no-brainer that I’m most looking forward to seeing my fans again. I feel really far away from my fans. I’ve felt really disconnected in the real-life sense this past year. None of this feels real without seeing my fans and seeing that [my music] actually means something to people in person. I just want to make people happy and play shows.”
Red (BURO): Speaking of feeling disconnected, you’re really active on social media (which I’m sure a lot of your fans appreciate). How has living your life and working exclusively through social media been?
Girl in Red: I think it’s just a lot. There’s so much online and nothing really sticks in my brain anymore. I feel like everything is surface-level. I haven’t been given a proper psychoanalysis yet of what it has done to me, but I’m pretty sure that it must have f*cked me up in some way.
Red (BURO): I get you—I’m easily overwhelmed by the internet void. That’s why I just log off. Moving on, what is your earliest musical memory?
Girl in Red: The earliest, earliest memory is probably whenever my mum would sing me to sleep. She would make her own songs and she would insert my name in them and I’d be like “oh my god, there’s a song about me”, totally not realising that my mum was making them up. After that, it’s probably just listening to music in the car with my mum.
Red (BURO): Interesting—so the musical bone runs in the family. How long have you actually been playing music?
Girl in Red: I guess it’s kind of recent. I was 14 years old so… how old am I now? It’s around eight years ago now. That time flew by. Actually, no—it didn’t actually fly by very fast. I bet the next ten years are going to fly by faster than those eight years did. You know, time just moves faster, dude. We’re just moving faster and faster towards oblivion. Anyways, it’s kind of new but I’ve just been working ever since. Music just captivated me and I’ve just been obsessed, really.

Photography: Jonathan Kise
Red (BURO): What instruments do you play?
Girl in Red: I play a little bit of bass, a little bit of guitar, a little bit of piano, and obviously the computer stuff for production. I have a cello! I’m not very good at that. And I have a sax, but I’m not very good at the sax, either. I don’t think I’m good at any instrument, but I’m definitely… uh…
Red (BURO): A jack of all trades?
Girl in Red: Yeah! It all ends up sounding good when I record it, so that’s all I need.
Red (BURO): By now, I’m sure you’re aware that “do you listen to girl in red?” has become TikTok speak for “are you gay?”. You’ve kind of been placed on a pedestal as an LGBTQ+ icon—do you feel any pressure to fill this role?
Girl in Red: I think it’s really fun that this has become a TikTok thing. It’s really cool to have that level of cultural impact where people actually incorporate it into their lives. I don’t feel any pressure, because I also don’t know what that pressure is, or where it would come from. I’m just a 22-year-old figuring out what she’s doing. I feel like I’m in the same emotional boat as everyone else my age—maybe not career-wise because I am deeply sucked into this music thing and a lot of my friends are studying and stuff—but I don’t feel like I really know what it means to be this person that people look up to yet. I don’t know! It’s weird!
Red (BURO): Just on the note of your friends studying in college—is that an avenue you’re planning on going down?
Girl in Red: I did start at music college when I moved to Oslo, but then I dropped out because they wouldn’t let me take a year of absence when I had to start touring. Suckers! (laughs) Bet they wish they’d kept me there now (laughs). I think I would like to study something down the road, though. Maybe philosophy or art history would be fun. I’ll probably be doing something like that when I’m 30.
Red (BURO): Interesting that you’d bring up art history. Your album cover is the work of the Norwegian painter Fredrik Wiig Sørensen. Are you generally a bit of an art nerd, or is it just a casual hobby?
Girl in Red: I found the artwork at his exhibition and I was like “holy crap, this is so cool and it looks like me but it’s not me!”. Also, he captured the headspace of If I Could Make It Go Quiet, so I bought the painting too! I have it hung up in my hallway. That makes it sound like I have a really big hallway—I don’t. It’s really dark, and there’s no natural light. I’m not sure if I would call myself an art nerd, but this past year, I’ve really been getting into art a lot more. I don’t know why that is. Maybe it’s just because I’m growing up. I’ve got a bunch of paintings hanging in my room right now and it’s great! I love paintings. I surround myself with them.

The album cover for ‘If I Could Make It Go Quiet’.
Red (BURO): I think you’ve grown quite a lot as an artist in your own right, and you’ve said that you’ve experienced a lot of growth personally too. Where do you think you’re going from here?
Girl in Red: I’m going straight to Madison Square Garden! I’m manifesting it.
Red (BURO): That’s the spirit! You heard it here first, folks.
Girl in Red: Yeah! I also just really want to keep making great music. But, I also think that my music can go on to live in places that it hasn’t lived in before. I just really want the entire world to hear my music. I know that’s ambitious and sounds kind of crazy, but a girl’s got to dream!
Red (BURO): It must be insane to be sat here chatting with me about songs you wrote in your bedroom in Norway while I’m halfway across the world.
Girl in Red: It is! I was thinking this earlier—I was like “this is my life right now”. I think I did 15 interviews yesterday and I was like “Wow! So strange.” It’s probably going to be more insane when I go on the road again. Usually, I have these moments of realisation on the road, where mid-way through a show I’m just like: “This is actually my job. Holy crap.”
Red (BURO): Any plans to come to Malaysia anytime soon? Hint-hint.
Girl in Red: Yes! I will take that hint and put it right into the plane… ticket-buying… site. I will go to Malaysia. Obviously, I’ve just got to figure out logistics and sh*t, but when it’s the right time I’m definitely there. That would be sick.
Red (BURO): Amazing. I will be there, too.
Girl in Red: First row, my dude.
Red (BURO): See you there, man.
Girl in Red: It’s going to be lit. We’ll fire up all the fireworks. I don’t know if that’s legal.
Red (BURO): Pyrotechnics indoors? Maybe not. I like your spirit though.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity. Girl in Red’s new album, ‘If I Could Make It Go Quiet’, is out on April 30th. Listen to the newest single, ‘You Stupid B*tch’, here:

Find more music stories like this here.

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Beauty
Killjoys, make some noise! My Chemical Romance is launching a makeup line today

10.12.2020
By Redzhanna Jazmin

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UPDATE (15/07/2021): My Chemical Romance is releasing another makeup collection!
If, like us, a little part of your soul died in 2013 when My Chemical Romance announced their split, we have some good news. Also, if that little part of your soul was restored when MCR announced their reunion just over a year ago, we have some good news.
It’s not a phase, mum; it’s a lifestyle. This is not a drill: Emo is back and better than ever. The Holy Emo Trinity is alive and well, even if they’ve gone pop (looking at you, Fall Out Boy and Panic! At the Disco), and it looks like the subculture is back on the map (not that it ever left our hearts). Again, we’re not kidding—we saw the scene queen revival on TikTok, DIY dye jobs have become commonplace, and piercings are trendier than ever. We’re all emo now.
If you are both an avid MCR fan and a beauty buff yourself, it’s time to strap on your Docs, pop in your lip ring, and blast Three Cheers For Sweet Revenge: My Chemical Romance is releasing a makeup collection with HipDot.
(Writer’s note: Full disclosure—this might be the best day of my life.)
In case you missed it, Three Cheers actually re-entered the Billboard 200 in early October, 16 years after its release. This isn’t the first time it’s re-entered the charts in recent memory, either—the album hit No. 191 on the Billboard 200 on March 22, 2019, also known as the anniversary of their break-up. Given the occasion, we can only assume that MCR has chosen to pursue the HipDot collaboration in celebration of the milestone.

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If you’ve been keeping up with the band’s Instagram, you’ll know that they’ve spent the last couple of days teasing some cryptic throwbacks to their sophomore album. Better yet, the band had the courtesy to keep the suspense short and painless—after just one day, they announced that their makeup collaboration with HipDot would be released on 10 December. FYI: That’s today!

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Surprised by this venture into beauty? You really shouldn’t be. In case you forgot—Gerard Way was the trailblazer for alt-beauty. The trendsetter coined the now-trendy red eyeshadow, got Pete Wentz into eyeliner, and even inspired Panic! At The Disco’s circus-themed looks from their 2006 ‘Nothing Rhymes With Circus Tour’. Let’s face the facts: Gerard Way pretty much invented makeup (ish).

Brendon Urie from Panic! At The Disco on the ‘Nothing Rhymes With Circus’ Tour (2006): Getty Images

Ryan Ross from Panic! At The Disco on the Nothing Rhymes With Circus Tour (2006): Getty Images

But we digress—here’s the full makeup lineup:
In the line, you can expect a double-ended retractable shadow brush that allows you to pack on product and blend seamlessly. One novel thing we noticed about the brush is that it comes with caps, so you don’t have to worry about the brush collecting dust in your makeup pots—ingenious! Next, you can find a double-ended liquid liner pen. Each end has a different applicator tip so you can get your lines absolutely perfect. The brush and liner will set you back just US$12 (~RM48) each.
Finally, the star of the show is the nine-shade eyeshadow palette, which retails for $24 (RM97). In the palette, you’ll find black (of course), silvery greys in matte and metallic finishes, two shades of red, a chalk-white, a nude-tone, and a deep purple. Each pot of eyeshadow is stamped with Three Cheers paraphernalia, and the packaging itself is decorated with the album artwork.

The best part? HipDot ships to Malaysia. You can get the complete set for $64 (~RM260), and it comes with a cute MCR pin!
Are you going to cop the drop? We sure are—and when it arrives, we’ll be doing some of this:

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Head to HipDot’s website to find the drop. Find more beauty news here.

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Food + Drink
Zaleha Olpin from Masterchef UK shares her now-famous Chicken Rendang recipe

30.08.2018
By Su Fen Tan

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Before the elections earlier this year, Malaysians far and wide, regardless of our political alliances, united under a cause that was far from politics—we are of course talking about that time Masterchef UK contestant Zaleha Kadir Olpin received criticism from the judges of the show Gregg Wallace and John Torode saying her chicken rendang wasn’t “crispy” enough. It wasn’t long before Wallace and Torode felt the wrath of angry Malaysians—with support from our neighbouring countries of Singapore, Indonesia and Brunei, who are just as attached to the dish as we are—over their ignorance and unfounded criticisms on social media.

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Olpin may have been eliminated for her non-crispy chicken rendang, but she has emerged from the competition a stronger voice than ever for authentic Malaysian cuisine.

Born and raised in Pahang, Olpin’s cooking journey really began after she moved abroad more than 10 years ago. Not having easy access to Malaysian food meant that she had to make them herself, igniting a love for cooking that has been burning bright ever since. Now, she co-runs the Malaysian Kitchen Supper Club in Bristol where she’s based, and has a cookbook in the works.

Zaleha Olpin on MasterChef UK Season 14

Yesterday, you learnt how to make fried chicken. Today, pick up tips on how to whip up a hearty chicken rendang dish from Olpin herself. Fun fact: her recipe was largely inspired by a recipe from Tengku Puan Pahang’s cookbook, with a few tweaks here and there to suit her family’s taste. Enjoy!

A basic recipe to making Chicken Rendang by Zaleha Olpin:
Serves 6
INGREDIENTS
1 whole chicken cut into 8 or 12—depends on size
500 ml of coconut cream
½ cup of roasted and grinded desiccated coconut (santan)
2 pieces of turmeric leaves*
1 tsp turmeric powder
½ cup of vegetable oil
2 pieces of tamarind juice
Salt and sugar to taste
SPICE PASTE
15 dried chillies—cut, de-seed and soak in hot water.
5 shallots
3 garlic cloves
2 candle nuts
3 stalk of lemongrass
3 inches ginger
3 inches galangal
100 ml coconut cream

METHOD

Blend ingredients for spice paste with some water (to loosen mixture).

Heat ¼ cup of oil and fry the blended spices for 2 minutes, then add the coconut cream. Cook them till oil separates and sauce thickens.

Add in the chicken, desiccated coconut, salt, sugar, tamarind skin and cover to cook for 20 to 30 minutes or till chicken cooked thoroughly.

Add in the finely sliced turmeric leaves and taste accordingly.

* You can use kaffir lime leaves as substitute to turmeric leaves.
Last bit of advice from Olpin: “The perfect chicken rendang might be subjective, as it depends on your taste, but I think the main key is to balance the flavours. And practice!”

MasterChef UK Series 14 premieres in Asia on Thursday, 30 August, 8.20pm on BBC Lifestyle (unifi TV ch 512). Catch up with the series on BBC Player at www.bbcplayer.com.

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Jewellery
#BUROSupportsLocal: 15 Malaysian jewellery brands to shop
Our favourite possession

18.04.2023
By Buro Malaysia

Featured images: @jewellerybykin/Instagram, @_joanne_t_/Instagram

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These 7 genderless jewellery collections are breaking style norms

All that glitters does not have to come from across the seas—Malaysia is brimming with talents after all. From edgy, head-turning facial ornaments to timeless engagement rings to seal your declaration of love, these jewellery brands in Malaysia prove you don’t have to look far for pieces to remember.

For everyday jewels that are tarnish-resistant…

WANDERLUST + CO

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You can count on Wanderlust + Co to provide beautiful and high-quality jewellery designs at a reasonable price. Founded by Jenn Low, it has easily become of the best jewellery brands in Malaysia to shop from, offering daily jewels predominantly crafted from recycled brass, stainless steel and sterling silver bases. Each design can be effortlessly stacked for a whimsical yet classy appeal. Additionally, what sets this brand apart from others is its commitment to sustainability, which includes creating a safe working environment for the artisans and using eco-friendly materials that are gentle on the earth and your skin.
Website | Instagram

GUNG

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Gung is a stellar choice when you are on the lookout for jewellery with edgy designs and an air of sophistication. Made from high-quality materials like stainless steel and plated brass, this jewellery brand in Malaysia offers bold pieces of jewellery including tassel earrings and chain link necklaces that are sure to catch people’s attention when worn. If you’re stuck for gift ideas, this jeweller also has you covered with its digital gift cards as well as custom engraving services.
Website | Instagram

TAILORED JEWEL

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Understated and refined, Tailored Jewel’s Everyday Jewellery collection is strikingly simple, yet covetable. Each piece is crafted in 14k solid white or rose gold, and set with a single diamond for a hint of sparkle. The brand started off online but has since expanded to two physical locations (The Boulevard Mid Valley in KL and Paradigm Mall Johor Bahru) offering consultancy and jewellery repair services. They make diamond rings and wedding bands as well.
Website | Instagram

THE STRAITS FINERY

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Founded by Foo Chia Chern and Amira Yahaya, The Straits Finery specialises in 14k gold creations with pared-down designs that are perfect for stacking. With a repertoire devoid of stones—a rather atypical move for a jewellery brand—their designs shine with minimalistic, geometric forms and quiet elegance. Eco-consciousness is also a value that the brand prides itself on, from their custom-made packaging that was designed to minimise waste to efforts in carbon offsetting.
Website | Instagram

MYJN

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Demi-fine jewellery label MYJN (an acronym for May-Jun) promises quality at an affordable price, made possible by their choice of ethically sourced materials—that includes gold vermeil (925 sterling silver plated with a thick layer of 14 to 24k gold) and sterling silver. From elegant pearl-adorned necklaces to edgy, raw-formed rings, there is something for every personality here. Limited-edition leather pocket trays and silk scarves are currently also on offer, though stock is running low.
Website | Instagram

JOANNE. T

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Hailing from Klang, Joanne Tan’s unique brand challenges society’s idealisation of beauty via jewellery. The Central Saint Martins alumni’s collection includes delicate yet head-turning facial ornaments and statement ear cuffs that will surely spark conversation wherever you go. Her most recent collection features a series of what she dubs “ear+rings” that adorn the lobe in new ways.
The label’s earrings are currently available online via fashion marketplace APOC Store, but made-to-order creations can also be requested via email.
Website | Instagram

VLT

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Find both everyday pieces and evening-appropriate designs at VLT (short for Vault). The Essentia Collection speaks of minimalistic chic, perfect for wearing on their own or to stack, while the Privé Collection is sure to elevate your looks with its luxurious array of jewels adorned with freshwater pearls, diamonds and coloured gemstones.
Website | Instagram

‘KIN

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Like MYJN, ‘Kin bridges the worlds between costume jewellery and fine jewellery with its demi-fine creations. All their pieces are made of 925 sterling silver and plated with Rhodium or 18k gold vermeil. Hoop earring lovers will be delighted with the variety of designs they currently have on-site, and the demi-fine label most recently collaborated with Yuna to create sculptural 1.5-inch hoops that embody the bold yet playful personality of the artiste.
Website | Instagram

MOODD.

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Founded by fashion lovers Leonie L. and Mandy C., online jeweller Moodd. offers everyday luxury in the form of ethical, genderless jewellery that will add a sparkle to any outfit. Crafted primarily out of sterling silver, gold vermeil and rhodium, classic pieces range from chain links that are easy to match to more statement creations featuring pave settings and eternity bands.
Website | Instagram

High-voltage sparkle made for special moments…

ZCOVA

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Besides allowing you to customise your own jewellery (perfect for gifting!), Zcova has collaborated with local designers such as Khoon Hooi and Alia Bastamam to create some truly exquisite creations that are emblematic of the respective brands. The online jeweller is also known for their engagement rings, which can be personalised and purchased online. In the case where you prefer to have an in-person consultation or viewing, you can make a visit to the showroom in Kota Damansara.
Website | Instagram

AMEE PHILIPS

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Penang-born Amee Philips honed her skills in the old gemstone capital Idar-Oberstein, and now she creates opulent pieces of wearable art that infuse both classical and contemporary multicultural influences, cementing the fact that one can find beautiful jewellery brands in Malaysia. For Philips, it always begins with stones rather than sketches, with the most beautiful coloured gemstones taking centre stage in her collections.
Website | Instagram

HABIB JEWELS

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A household name when it comes to local jewellers, Habib Jewels has sure come a long way since their humble beginnings dating back to 1958 on Pitt Street in Penang—they essentially grew and flourished alongside our beloved country!
Today, that original shop still stands strong, bolstered by a string of showrooms across Malaysia. Besides its namesake jewels, Habib has also brought in a number of international brands ranging from London-based Stephen Webster to Tous from Spain into their showrooms here.
Website | Instagram

SELBERAN

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Born of a collaboration between Royal Selangor and two European master jewellers in 1973, Selberan takes pride in their 18k gold and diamond jewellery featuring fine craftsmanship and classic motifs. Inspirations for their creations range from the exotic (‘Rococo Reimagined’ and ‘Persia’) to local culture (‘Batik’ and ‘Songket’).
Fun fact: the jeweller has even been given the royal seal of approval—it was entrusted with the restoration of the Sultan of Selangor’s coronation crown in 2003, where it refitted a ceremonial songkok with diamonds and rubies.
Website | Instagram

For alternative accessories that make a statement…

YUKIMOTO

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A welcoming addition to our list of jewellery brands in Malaysia, newcomer Yukimoto offers handmade ornaments crafted for any occasion. Their jewellery reinterprets natural stones like pearl and jade beyond tradition, through contemporary designs made for both men and women. Inspired by different types of affection, their Love series include elegant pieces with heart-shaped gems for couples, friends, families, and even yourself (can’t forget self-love!).
Website | Instagram

TALEE

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Founder Lorraine Lee drew inspiration from the knot works used in her father’s cognitive therapy to create the one-of-a-kind jewellery of Talee. The Sabah-based brand offers colourful pieces hand-crafted out of sustainable threads that are lightweight, washable and easy on the skin. Their most recent collaboration birthed an exclusive collection, inspired by our country’s lush landscapes, together with local fashion e-commerce platform Dia.
Website | Instagram

For more articles on jewellery, click here.

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Watches
Holiday 2021: The best fine jewellery gifts for him and her

16.11.2021
By Kelly Lim

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‘Tis the season to dazzle! What better way to show the special people in your life how much you appreciate them with a little treasure to unwrap beneath the tree? Jewellery may be a bit personal, but they’re a tried-and-true gift category for a reason––they make everyone feel spoiled. While classic pieces never go wrong, there’s definitely a lot more out there that can make your gift a little more unique. Ahead, we rounded up our pick of jewellery gifts to spread a dose of sparkle and joy into their lives (or for you to show off at your next festive gathering):
For her

On the wish list: Louis Vuitton’s Star Blossom bracelet featuring the brand’s iconic flower motif makes a simple yet statement staple to any outfit; a talismanic 14k gold zodiac necklace from Mateo for the loyal Scorpio in your life; Eéra’s signature clip and pavé-set diamond-encrusted hoop earring for the cool girls on your list; Francesca Villa’s 18k rose gold ring featuring a hand-painted dog motif will dazzle vintage lovers; birthstone studs from Swarovski to add a personalised touch; classic pearls with an industrial edge by Tiffany & Co.; and an elevated essential by way of the Taxco-inspired sculptural bracelet from London-based jewellery brand Moya.

Shop: Star Blossom bracelet, white gold, diamonds, Louis Vuitton

Shop: Scorpio large diamond & 14kt gold zodiac necklace, Mateo

Shop: Chiara Small 18kt gold single earring with diamonds, Eéra

Shop; Garnet & 18kt gold chain necklace, Yvonne Léon

Shop: Pet diamond, tsavorite & 18kt rose-gold ring, Francesca Villa

Shop: Birthstone stud earrings, Swarovski

Shop: Pearl lock necklace in sterling silver, Tiffany & Co.

Shop: Amandine Bracelet, Moya

For him

On the wish list: A multi-faceted everyday bracelet––composed of pearls, irregular links and ‘CD Icon’ signatures––from Dior and Sacai; minimalists will love this Maison Margiela logo-engraved worn-in band; KOA’s handmade necklace to prove that pearls are in indeed a boy’s best friend; inspired by planetary orbits, Maor’s blackened diamonds hoop to keep the stars aligned; a customisable friendship bracelet courtesy of Carolina Bucci; Foundrae’s classic signet ring for the audacious Leo in your life; and Luis Morais’ versatile pendant necklace that’ll look good by itself or layered with others styles.

Shop: Gold and Silver-Finish Brass with White Resin Pearls, Dior and Sacai

Shiop: Logo-engraved band ring, Maison Margiela

Shop: High roller pearl necklace, KOA

Shop: The Aphelion White Gold Diamond Single Earring, Maor

Shop: Forte Beads White Gold Multi-Stone Bracelet, Carolina Bucci

Shop: 18kt white and yellow gold Leo signet ring, Foundrae

Shop: 14-Karat Gold Diamond Necklace, Luis Morais

Read more gift guides for the holiday season here.

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Fashion
#BestDressed: Screen Actors Guild Awards 2017
Red carpet beauties

30.01.2017
By Wei Yeen Loh

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Hollywood stars wasted no time at the Screen Actors Guild Awards last night as they delved into politics the moment they got on stage. Most A-listers took a dig at the President-elect of the United States while receiving their awards, including Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Bryan Cranston, and William H. Macy. Fashion-wise, black, white, and blush dominated the red carpet, while pops of colour were spotted alongside spangled offerings. Thigh-high splits, plunging necklines, and sheer and sequin getups seemed to be a few of the more notable details that night. Below, scroll through all the #redcarpet looks at the SAG Awards 2017:
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