Fashion
Real talk: Is it okay to shop online during a pandemic?

23.04.2020
By Joan Kong

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It’s day who-is-even-counting-anymore of MCO; if you’ve been feeling super tempted to shop your way out of boredom (or if your purchases are already making their way to your home), I feel you, and I don’t blame you. I’m sure we’ve all been receiving a flurry of sales notifications—“Get up to 50% off on fresh looks!”; “Best-sellers at further reductions!”; “Take an additional 30% off!”—but all I’ve done so far is “window shop” or add the items to my wish list.
What hindered me from hitting the ‘add to cart’ and ‘checkout’ buttons, is the big moral dilemma surrounding it. Many people have been raising questions about shopping for non-essential items online. Is it ethical to shop during a pandemic while some people are sick and dying? Is it ethical to buy the latest fashion items while some people are struggling to put food on the table? Is it ethical to indulge in retail therapy while our healthcare frontliners are battling hard against COVID-19?
The effect on fashion brands

First, let’s talk about data. As most countries are on quarantine or lockdown mode, online shopping has seen an astounding surge the past few months. Food marketing and sales consulting firm Brick Meets Click found that the number of households that are now ordering groceries online has surged 145.3% compared to August last year. But for fashion, it’s the opposite. According to tech-enabled fulfillment service, ShipBob, there’s an overall 20% decrease in sales when it comes to online apparels month-over-month. And the data from e-commerce software firm Channel Advisor states that since the start of 2020, apparel’s online sales growth has dropped to zero from a growth rate of about 30% compared to the previous quarter.
Although luxury brands’ online sales only make up 12% of the global revenue, seeing how most of their stores are temporarily shut down at the moment, the decline in e-commerce sale is, undoubtedly, hitting them harder. At this time when Spring/Summer 2020 collections should be all the rage now, many items will miss its critical selling time. And what happens when it’s past its prime? Retailers will have to resort to discounts—hence the flurry of emails in your inbox right now—which is not good news for the economy.
McKinsey and Business of Fashion’s joint report on how coronavirus will affect the fashion industry states that “companies will turn to steep discounting to clear inventory for the rest of the year at a minimum, with a risk that ‘the contagion of deep discounting could spread as quickly as the disease’ throughout the industry, reminiscent of the discounting culture that took hold during the 2008 financial crisis and has dogged the industry ever since.” Customers will hesitate to buy anything at full price anymore, which means margins will be squeezed, and eventually, off-price will cannibalise full-price sales.
Is it safe to shop online?

Before we dive into the ethics, let’s address the safety concerns. When it comes to receiving packages, a research paper published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that the CoV-2 virus can survive for up to 24 hours on cardboard, and 72 hours on plastic packages, but on textiles such as clothing, it’s currently still unknown. But seeing how most orders usually take longer than that to arrive, and the amount of virus decreases on both surfaces from the initial time of contamination, the risk of infection is very low.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) also addressed the concern on its website, saying: “The likelihood of an infected person contaminating commercial goods is low and the risk of catching the virus that causes COVID-19 from a package that has been moved, travelled, and exposed to different conditions and temperature is also low.” To be safe, it’s best to sanitise your packages and wash your clothes once you receive them. And please remember to not touch your face and wash your hands during and after!
Is it ethical and justifiable to shop online?

Now, the moral dilemma. Aside from the questions which I mentioned at the start, there are also arguments surrounding the safety and health needs of the workers who are fulfilling the orders, from those who work in the warehouses to the ones delivering our packages. Hence, limiting ourselves to ordering necessities only seems like the right choice. I can see how spending on fashion can seem frivolous in the current pandemic, but let’s not forget that the industry plays a crucial part in the global economy.
While big retailers may not face the same existential threat as the SMEs, they have thousands of employees under them, and workers along the supply chain (people who work in textile mills, garment factories and more) who will be affected too. But the ones who need all the help they can get at the moment, are the smaller labels and emerging fashion designers who may not have the financial backing to make it through the crisis.
In a New York Times article, fashion critic Vanessa Friedman wrote, “When you see ’25 percent off,” instead of seeing ‘DEAL’, you should actually see ‘WARNING’ and also ‘HELP’.” Their online business is what’s keeping them afloat now, and they’re depending on us to get through this chapter. So, it’s important to be smart and mindful about how—and where—you spend your money.
Buying directly from a designer means the profit goes directly to them and their employees, and your support can help save this generation of up-and-coming labels. If they do not have an e-shop, drop them a message on social media or email them to inquire. If you can afford it, ditch the promo code. At this point when we don’t know when—or if—things are not going back to “normal” anytime soon, if you have the means, now is the time to support the brands you care about, but make sure to also think about the impact of your consumption habits.
Acts of kindness in this difficult time is more important than ever, and I believe that fashion has a place in that too.

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Art + Design
#BUROSupportsLocal: 10 Malaysian homeware brands to check out—from furniture to tableware

24.08.2020
By Buro247

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Malaysia is filled with talent in every industry as apparent in local brands—from kombucha brewing and scented candles to artisan chocolate and skincare masks. Our culinary is always on the rise with the opening of brilliant F&B establishments whereas the fashion industry is constantly flourishing with fresh and one-of-a-kind creations by local designers. #MalaysiaBoleh, indeed!
Another industry that is thriving is artisanal homeware—with a plethora of brands making their names known (and heard). Whether you’re looking for simple yet elegant rattan-based furniture or sleek and extraordinary ceramic plates, these Malaysian homeware brands are here for you.
1. Rotan Lot

Photo by Rotan Lot
The homegrown brand that aims to reclaim and refresh the old tradition of rattan (or rotan) furniture has a collection of handcrafted pieces—in a variety of styles. You’ll find bohemian, modern lux, colonial, Scandinavian, urban modern, and more. Some of Rotan Lot’s most iconic products include Rattan Peacock Chair Priya, Rattan Display Shelves Olivia, and Rattan Divider Holmes.
Contact: 012 908 1907
Website | Facebook | Instagram
2. Kantan Kollektiv

Photo by Kantan Kollektiv
Offering a wide range of hand-crafted rattan furniture, the designs are inspired by the founders’ travels. You can expect an amalgamation of elements from the east and west. In terms of texture, form, and colour, no one piece of Kantan’s furniture is identical because they are individually crafted by a family of dedicated artisans—from the Mamasan Chair to Tilly Bench to Shrub Daybed.
Contact: 012 414 1808
Website | Facebook | Instagram
3. Bendang Artisan

Photo by Bendang Artisan
Aiming to bring joy and happiness through their handmade ceramic products, the Malaysian homeware brand has a plethora of some of the most beautiful bowls and plates. Their Basics Series include colours such as Semi-Matte White, Semi-Matte Grey, Matte Dark Turquoise, and Matte Mustard Yellow. You will be able to spot Bendang Artisan’s products in restaurants such as Dough and Dolce, Wildflowers, Naj and Belle, Roost, and Dew.
Contact: 011 2608 5133
Facebook | Instagram
4. Bangkita Ceramic Studio

Photo by Bangkita Ceramic Studio
Specialising in ceramic products that are handmade with love, the Malaysian homeware brand can be found in Mahsa Avenue’s Kedai. You will be able to find products such as vases, jars, cups, mugs, bowls, plates, water jars, and candle stands here. If you’ve been to cafes like Fin, Brew N Bread, and Kafka in Penang, you might have noticed Bangkita’s products.
Contact: 017 2804 643
Facebook | Instagram
5. Mad3 Studio

Photo by Mad3 Studio
Founded in 2015, this Malaysian brand focuses on creating a connection between old and new—between traditional craft and contemporary design. Based in KL, Mad3 Studio’s products are all handmade and thus, come with slight variations. Check out creations such as the Bulat Dining Chair, X-Armchair, and W-Bench.
Contact: 016 2988 021
Website | Facebook | Instagram
6. BentukBentuk

Photo by BentukBentuk
BentukBentuk has cemented quite a reputation since the brand’s formation in April 2016—gaining a large following along the way. Co-founded by Shahfiq Manap and Adesh Zaini, BentukBentuk is a home decor brand that specialises in artisanal and handmade geometrical concrete items. You will be able to find items such as pot planters, coasters, and soap dishes.
Contact: 012 2882 660
Website | Facebook | Instagram
7. Kedai Bikin

Photo by Kedai Bikin
Founded in 2013 by Farah Azizan and Adela Askandar, Kedai Bikin (by Studio Bikin) offers a curated range of home and living products suitable for interiors—from hotels and cafés to residential spaces. All furniture by Kedai Bikin are made locally. You will be able to get chairs, tableware, tables, and more from Kedai Bikin.
Contact: 03 2201 5503
Website | Facebook | Instagram
8. Thirty3eleven

Photo by Thirty3eleven
Established by Lee Ee Vee in May 2017, Thirty3eleven comprises of ceramic products made by the founder herself in limited quantities. Since 2017, the brand has provided tableware for Atas Modern Malaysian Eatery, Kloe Hotel, Gooddam, and Coley Cocktail Bar. Collections are sold out rather quickly so be sure to sign up to Thirty3eleven’s newsletter.
Website | Instagram
9. Lain

Photo by Lain
The Malaysian artisan furniture brand by Hani Ali consists of pieces that showcase the multicultural and multiracial aspects of the country. Elegant and minimal, Lain aims to offer products that can withstand time and trend—from sleek cake stands to unique coffee tables. Lain’s furniture can also be found in Kloe Hotel!
Contact: 017 372 8776
Website | Facebook | Instagram
10. Fine Grit Studio

Photo by Fine Grit Studio
Established by craftsmen Daniel Salehuddin and Khairul Asyraf in 2015, Fine Grit Studio specialises in custom furniture made using local wood, metal, and glass. You will be able get a myriad of products from cutting boards and cake stands to clocks and ring boxes.
Contact: 019 2581 415
Website | Facebook | Instagram
For more #BUROSupportsLocal stories, click here.

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Lifestyle
The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures is set to open in 2019 after 90 years
Long awaited

04.12.2017
By Gwen Ong

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The idea was first mooted more than 90 years ago and finally it looks like Hollywood will be getting its own museum after all. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences – the organisation that awards the Oscars – will be making the museum a reality this 2019. The complex is estimated to occupy a space of 27,000-square-metre over six floors and will cost US$388 million to complete.

The ambitious project will include an education studio, a 1,000-seat theatre and a rooftop space with a rounded glass sphere that provides panoramic views of Los Angeles and Hollywood Hills. Visitors will get to experience the magic of cinema and learn all about filmmaking process. The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures will get to tap into the Academy’s massive archive of scripts, artefacts, tech objects, some 50,000 posters and more than 12 million photos.

Among the artefacts that you will get to see: the Ruby Slippers from The Wizard of Oz, items from the Shirley Temple collection, a full sized shark model used in Jaws, a creature head from Alien and handmade characters from Coraline and ParaNorman to name a few.
Get first look at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures from the renderings below:
{insert gallery tpl=”slide-freesize.tpl” id=”[Стандартная] Academy Museum Motion Pictures” rid=”5731″ order=”a_tstamp”}

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Beauty
4 Organic body scrubs to get you radiant skin the natural way
Body gold

11.11.2016
By Wei Yeen Loh

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For ultra soft, luminous skin:

Inspired by its bestselling argan oil, Melvita’s latest addition to its body care range is the L’Argan Bio Melting Body Scrub that is formulated with finely-crushed argan nut shells. These shells are a gentler and more environmental-friendly option to exfoliate your body instead of plastic microbeads that are typically found in exfoliators. Tip? Apply Melvita’s L’Argan Bio Velvety Body Milk for a hydrating veil post-scrubbing.

To get you energised in the morning:

A whiff of citrussy goodness enveloping your skin is our favourite way to perk up in the wee hours of the day. Neal’s Yard Remedies‘ bestselling Geranium & Orange Body Scrub has Brittany Sea salt and moisturising shea and cocoa butters to smooth dull and dry skin to oblivion. Another plus point is that every cent you pay is for a good cause—the geranium oil used in this scrub hails from a 150-strong women’s co-op in DR Congo, with the brand paying a fair price for their oil.

For a whisk away to a French garden in springtime:

If your idea of an exfoliating experience is one that should whisk you away to the blossoming gardens in Southern France (because why not?), Estelle & Thild’s Spring Rose Blonde Body Scrub is one body polish to add to your shower routine. Made with organic ingredients and infused with fragrance notes of violet, apricot, and rose, this scrub is made for a total sensory experience, from developing baby smooth skin to leaving the shower with floral feminine fragrance over your body.

For targeted skin dilemmas:

Singaporean organic and all-natural beauty label Handmade Heroes is making its way to Malaysia, and we’re pretty stoked just to get easy access to their body scrubs. Whether it’s the Butt Kickin’ Deep Detox Coffee Scrub or Super Duper Nourishing Rice Scrub in a festive scent, all their exfoliating products are concocted with organic rice, sweet almond oil, and cocoa butter to leave your skin silky soft and toned to boot.

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Hamir Soib’s uncensored inner thoughts

Art + Design
Hamir Soib’s uncensored inner thoughts
Surrealist style

19.07.2015
By Zena Khan

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Hamir Soib feasts on the unconscious. Through the regular production of seminal paintings, such as Pillihan, Sepat O Sepat, Ahad, MashAllah, The Four Quls, Auctionland and Hot Seat, he has marked himself out as one of the most important artists of his generation. Exposing his uncensored inner thoughts in a decidedly surrealist style, Hamir infuses his paintings with a dream-like aura. The layers of skill, concept and paint involved in his aesthetic means the production of his works are limited. The intellectualism behind his creative practice, coupled with the rarity of his monolithic works, result in a portfolio of groundbreaking paintings that are a firm favorite with critics and collectors of contemporary Malaysian art alike.

Born on December 25th, 1969, Hamir grew up in Muar, Johor, before deciding to pursue a degree in Fine Art at UiTM. It was at university that he met Ahmad Fuad Osman, Ahmad Shukri Mohamed, Bayu Utomo Radjikin and Masnoor Ramli, with whom he formed the groundbreaking collective Matahati. Emerging at a time of rapid social and cultural development in Malaysia, the Matahati was at the forefront of local contemporary art, thanks to their individual fresh perspectives on art creation. While his time with the Matahati showed his desire to seek new ways of producing art, it was really Hamir’s work as a backdrop painter for local theatre that exerted the largest influence on him during his youthful phase, setting him apart from his peers.

The painting of theatre scenery is an extremely formalistic practice antecedent to the Italian Renaissance, particularly in relation to the Rules of Perspective. The need for a backdrop to be intelligible to spectators who are sat a distance away from the stage necessitates an understanding of balance and scale. During his time as a backdrop painter Hamir was afforded the luxury of daily practice on large expansive surfaces. In order to create an immersive atmosphere for the audience he learnt to utilize an array of brushes and techniques. This unconventional formal grounding has had a clear impact on Hamir’s skills and creativity. His 2005 solo exhibition, Pameran Tunggal, which was staged in 2005 to celebrate the founding of his studio, Gudang, demonstrated the effect of this training per a game changing series of titanic canvases.

An artist run space, Gudang was intended as both a personal studio for Hamir as well as a source of support for young artists as they began their creative journey. A converted warehouse, Gudang offered Hamir the freedom to set new standards within the local art industry. In the early 2000’s Hamir noticed the majority of art being produced was in standard size formats, generally along the dimensions of a four-foot square canvas.  Bolstered by his experiences in set design he aimed to break down the accepted rules governing art production, beginning by pushing the size of paintings with the production of Pillihan.

Measuring an astounding 24 feet by 10 feet, Pillihan is considered one of his most important works, setting the tone technically and conceptually for his career. An array of detailed imagery fills the painting, from the man crouching down and grasping the roots of a tree as it shoots up to the top of the canvas, to the donkey crying out in fright as it explodes out of a volcanic eruption. Hamir demonstrated his skill in creating strongly layered narratives by composing a piece that mixed landscape and figurative art to deliver a powerful opinion on the money politics debates that were raging locally at that time. With Pillihan, he established both his technical credentials and his reputation as a socio-political commentator in one fell swoop.

Hamir’s socio-political line of inquiry is a direct response to the changes he witnesses around him. Other seminal paintings of his such as, Sepat O Sepat and Auctionland have addressed multiple issues within a single canvas, revealing a deep understanding of the complex layers of rules governing society’s development. The idea of layering is crucial to Hamir not only conceptually, but also technically. A characteristic he is well known for is developing and refining his techniques through a work, or series of works, and then coupling those techniques with new developments to push his art to new levels. In the beginning of his career he worked mainly with oil, but after the production of Sepat O Sepat, he searched for a medium that would allow him to infuse his works with a darker atmosphere, leading to his discovery of bitumen. A dark paint, in shades of brown, made from coal tar, bitumen allowed Hamir to create highly detailed, gothic imagery.

Upon satisfying his ability to use bitumen as effortlessly as oil and acrylic, Hamir began experimenting with it as a drawing tool. This coincided with a conceptual shift from social issues to personal ones, evidenced by a series of contemporary calligraphic works. The first of his major calligraphic paintings, Ahad, is seen as a testament to the artist’s talent. In depicting various textures and materials through the use of a monochromatic palette and inflexible medium, Hamir demonstrates his painterly skills and establishes himself as the undisputed master of the bitumen genre.

Hamir’s talents have caught the attention of critics and collectors alike. In 2007 he was awarded the Sovereign Art Prize for his piece A Very Thin Line. Subsequently he caught the eye of luxury brand and art enthusiasts Louis Vuitton, and was invited to produce a painting that would go on to tour a selection of international Louis Vuitton stores. Hamir responded to the brief by creating a painting and concealing it in a Louis Vuitton box. Simply titled The Box, it delves into the idea of untold stories and unsung heroes, and examines the effort behind branding oneself creatively through the development of a signature style.

The Box conceptually segues neatly into a new work The Collection, which is due to be unveiled at Hamir’s solo exhibition at Artcube Gallery in KL, in the fourth quarter of 2015. The anticipation surrounding this new body of works is palpable in the art industry, particularly given the rarity of solo exhibitions by Hamir. Indeed, his influence in the world of contemporary Malaysian art is unquestionable, and is especially evident through the emergence of monolithic, socio-political and calligraphic works amongst the younger generation of artists. Weaving hypnotic, surreal narratives, he easily captures his audience’s attention, succeeding in his aim to generate reflection and analysis within society. As such, through his painting based practice he is widely credited as one of the great intellectuals of Malaysian society.

Artcube is at 3-10 & 3-13, Level 3, Intermark Mall, The Intermark, 348 Jalan Tun Razak, 50400 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

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Makeup
3 Ways to add cute gems to your everyday look
Sparkled and bedazzled

10.07.2023
By Low Sue Mae

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Want to try something new with your makeup? Here are some trendy ways to elevate your looks with rhinestones.
Yes, another Y2K trend is back (and better than ever!) for 2023. If you are a 90s baby, you have probably bedazzled yourself with rhinestones at one point in your life. And, just like in the early noughties, you’ll have seen rhinestones crop up on everything from your baby tees to your purses and even your sunglasses this year. Now, they’ve taken the beauty realm by storm, decorating the eyes, hair, and even teeth of the true Y2K revivalists.

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Celebrities and influencers have also taken on the trend, spicing up their beauty looks both on and off stage. K-pop sensation Jennie Kim took to Coachella’s stage with a gem-encrusted eye look while Pop Princess Dua Lipa has gone the extra mile with her diamond tooth gems. That aside, influencers all over social media are also sharing fun DIY ways to incorporate rhinestones into their makeup looks and let us just say, we’re obsessed. Best thing about this trend? There is really no wrong way to do it!
Want to try it for yourselves? Here are three ways that we have found for you to hop onto the rhinestone trend.
Bling up your eyes…

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Make way coloured eyeliners, rhinestones are here. These little gems have been used as a part of stage makeup for K-pop celebrities for the longest time but you don’t have to be performing to add sparkle to your look. Try replacing your eyeliner with rhinestones, using the jewels to mimic the shape of your usual eyeliner to achieve an out-of-the ordinary look. If you have a Y2K themed party or festival coming up, this is definitely something you should try.

Kittie Yiyi Beauty Diamond Sticker, RM19.90

Kittie Yiyi Beauty Pearl Sticker, RM19.90

Bedazzle your hair…

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It’s edgy, dreamy and retro all at once. You would need help from a tool for this look—the hair bedazzler. This funky throwback hair tool allows you to directly stamp rhinestones on your hair, so you can relive your youth and add some intrigue to your strands. If you do not have a tool, you can also stick on rhinestones at the edges or your hairline. Both ways are equally great to nail the ethereal Euphoria vibe.

Mermade Hair Gem Stamper, RM87

Blinger Starter Kit with Blinger Hair Tool and 75 Crystals, RM230

Add a twinkle to your teeth…

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A professional whitening is not the only way to “brighten” up your teeth. Tooth gems have been trending for a while now, with local dental clinics and independent businesses popping up to help you to customise your own set. Each set usually lasts around six months or longer, depending on how well you care for them. Do keep in mind that it is recommended to seek professional advice and do your research if you want to get tooth gems to make sure that you’re going somewhere reputable.
BOOK AN APPOINTMENT WITH SALTYEETH

Find more beauty reads like this here.

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Watches
Hublot celebrates its 10th anniversary and Singapore’s 50th birthday with a Big Bang
Party on

28.07.2015
By Buro247

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From 16 – 26 August, Swiss watch company Hublot will be unveiling its largest pop-up store to commemorate two special events – its 10-year anniversary and Singapore’s 50th golden jubilee.
Located right in the heart of Orchard Road at the Ngee Ann City Civic Plaza, the 7m-high emporium will be showcasing an exclusive selection of limited edition pieces at a pop-up that spans at least 1,050 square metres, making it Hublot’s largest global venture to date. The showcase will not only feature timepieces, but also other objet d’arts and lifestyle gear at a specially curated accessory bar.

With an installation of interactive displays, visitors will be invited to take a virtual journey of Hublot’s watchmaking universe as well as uncover the stories behind its unique design, innovation and craftsmanship. Visitors can also expect to find an imposing wrestling ring at the centre of the emporium, which serves to reinforce the brand’s emerging presence in sports, especially with its latest involvement in the world of wrestling.
“Hublot loves Singapore! With the help of our long-time partner and leading watch retailer, The Hour Glass, Hublot’s presence has stayed strong in Singapore for more than 30 years and we are honoured to be part of Singapore’s jubilation as we also celebrate our own success with the iconic Big Bang this year,” says CEO of Hublot, Mr Ricardo Guadalupe.
To honour this prominent chapter of the nation’s history, Hublot will unveil a special series of limited timepieces exclusive to Singapore.  Titled the “Red Dot” Bang by Singapore’s renowned playwright Mr Michael Chiang, he recollects, “The term ‘little red dot’ came about after our country was dismissed once as being nothing more than that. Yet here we are celebrating out Nation’s 50th. Indeed such a name is befitting of this very special timepiece created by Hublot for our country, and especially so with the red ’10’ index that appears to be a ‘little red dot’ on the watch face”.

Available in either yellow gold or Hublot’s unique metal alloy, Hublonium, the 44mm “Red Dot” Bang is powered with a skeletonised chronograph movement and paired with an artistically aged leather strap on rubber, staying true to the DNA of the iconic Hublot Big Bang. Bringing the brand’s Art of Fusion philosophy to life, Hublonium comprises a blend of magnesium and aluminium, possessing the distinct properties of being remarkably lightweight yet durable.
The “Red Dot” Bang in Hublonium is manufactured in a limited edition of 50 pieces, tying back to the 50 eminent years of Singapore’s sovereign. Conversely, as a tribute to the original noble material for casing, a limited 10 pieces of “Red Dot” Bang is produced in yellow gold.
Also joining this exclusive collection is a special take on the world’s first 50-day power reserve timepiece, the Hublot Manufacture MP-05 La Ferrari Golden Jubilee One & Only. Whilst preserving its technical prowess, this special edition features a radiant yellow gold case set with 440 baguette-cut diamonds worth at least 13 carats, a rare magnificence to pay homage to such a triumphant event.
For more information visit the website.

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Balmain AW22 collection in photos

Fashion
Balmain AW22 collection in photos
Technology is a double-edged sword: It’s facilitated advances in fashion, but has also exposed us to the downsides of a hyper-connected digital lifestyle. Inspired by his own journey of healing from burns and the toxic comments on social media, Olivier Rousteing’s AW22 collection for Balmain explores the idea of safety. Light and delicate touches combine with symbols of security and strength—powerfully protective wraps, shields and gilets—to emphasise that there is protection in truth and transparency, collective empathy and shared hopes for progress.

10.03.2022
By Adelina Tan

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Lifestyle
Looking in: Veuve Clicquot’s Pierre Casenave on his favourite champagne and food pairings
Good bubbly

06.07.2015
By Buro247

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A recent food and champagne pairing at Brasserie Enffin, saw a menu specially prepared by chef James Won and champagne maker Pierre Casenave flown down to Kuala Lumpur for the tasting.

The first course of the afternoon began with a marriage of land and sea: scallop torchon with chicken skin and caviar, bound with an oyster emulsion. Paired with the Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label Brut, the sharpness of the champagne variant enhanced the freshness of the seafood.

The second entrée was a grain-fed lamb of short loin carpaccio with a confit of strawberries, puff cherry and dressed with a champagne mustard, paired with the Veuve Clicquot Rosé. The fruity notes from this particular champagne complemented the tart berry while the mustard flavours brought lightness to the lamb.

The main course for the afternoon comprised of a trio of pork in the form of a pork shoulder, pork belly and pork ribs, paired with the lush Veuve Clicquot La GrandeDame 2004. The richness of this particular drop sang alongside the hearty flavours of the meat.

Dessert was a deliciously sweet pairing of a citrus gelée and cloud served with the Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label Brut. The pairing accentuated the fresh and citrus notes in the Yellow Label Brut and kept the palate fresh and balanced with additional richness and persistence to the fruity, citrusy finish.
buro 24/7 Malaysia had the opportunity that afternoon to chat with Pierre about his favourite champagnes and pairings.
What is your favourite champagne to drink?
I really like the Rose Vintage. it is very fruity, easy to drink, refreshing and I like the rose with different foods such as charcuterie, foie gras, tatare, beef caparcio and also sashimi and cheese.
What variant would you suggest to someone who is an accomplished drinker?
I would suggest for them to go for vintages for a different experience and something more expressive and powerful because non-vintages are known to be consistent and vintages have a personal identity depending on each vintage, so they are quite unique.
What are three things most people don’t know about champagne?
Champagne is a protected appellation only coming from the Champagne area in north Est of France. It can age very well and even more than most of other wines and it is a gastronomic wine that can be tasted during a lunch or dinner.
To you, champagne is best enjoyed when….
With family friends at any occasion and with finger food tapas.
Do you think there are “drinking rules” to be broken, and if so, what are they?
Yes! Officially, the very serious sommeliers don’t like the pop of the cork when opening a bottle. Who cares, I just love it!
When pairing champagne with food, what should one look out for?
Balance in order to be beneficial for both food and champagne, of course.
How did you get started in your career?
I was a pharmacist for a short time then decided to change my life. I studied enology and became a winemaker. I have worked in many countries and love the lifestyle around the wine world.
What would you consider to be the best part of your job?
Being part of the tasting committee when we taste all the base wines to elaborate on the Yellow label.

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Beauty
Got combination skin? Find balance with Aesop In Two Minds
Balancing act

10.04.2018
By Su Fen Tan

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The contradictory nature of combination skin can be very tricky to deal with. Should one go for oil-free skincare to counter an oily T-zone but risk stripping moisture from the already dry skin across the cheeks, or vice versa? It’s a delicate situation, sometimes made worse by the skin type’s typically reactive state.

Enter In Two Minds, Aesop’s first skincare range tailored for combination skin. Formulated to address the multifaceted nature and complex needs of combination skin, the range features a cleanser, toner and hydrator that work together to restore the skin’s balance.

The three-step care starts with the In Two Minds cleanser, a gentle gel-based cleanser containing Salicylic Acid, which works to remove excess sebum and thoroughly cleanse skin without aggravation. After cleansing, gently sweep a cotton pad with In Two Minds Facial Toner across the face to soothe and balance the skin. Lastly, hydrate the skin without overburdening it with the lightweight yet nourishing In Two Minds Facial Hydrator.

The In Two Minds range is now available at all Aesop stores nationwide.

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Beauty
#FitnessFriday: Team training with the Wonder Woman workout at Rev Publika
Rev it up

20.07.2017
By Rachel Au

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There are a few things that make Rev Publika stand out from the average gym. One, you have to be analysed with these special sensors before they can train you. This is to review your current postural state so the trainers will know where to correct you or where to not strain you. Second, they offer cryotheraphy and recommends it for sports recovery, anti-ageing and adds that it can burn up to 800 calories. Third, their group training class focuses a lot on posture and working specific muscles in each routine. Rev Publika prides itself mainly for its personal training services but the group class is a good stepping stone to discovering what the gym has to offer. Read on for our take on the experience we had for all of the three items mentioned above.
Watch the new episode of #FitnessFriday below:

Rachel Au, Senior Lifestyle Writer
Source: https://www.buro247.my/lifestyle/health-fitness/pound-at-sole-to-soul-dance-studio-kl.html
I already knew I wouldn’t pass the analysis with flying colours and before co-founder Vincent shared our results, the trainers at the Assessment Room asked if I have weak knees and frequent back aches. Both were true and they could tell just from the analysis. As a fan of (trying) to keep the office temperature at 25°C, the cryotherapy session seemed daunting at first but I guess, seeing my worry, the trainer set it at -80°C (it can be even colder) for me, which was surprisingly bearable. I didn’t particularly find it made much difference to the workout session after though. The Wonder Woman workout program is something different. I thought it would be similar to the Batman-like Body 360 training we did last year where we had to flip tyres and the like, but it’s milder. I would decribe it as a slow intensity workout. The first routine had us in a certain posture (I felt like I was training for Planet of the Apes movie here) for one to two minutes and boy did I feel the burn in my thighs. Another had us resting on an exercise ball and clenching our back muscles for a few minutes. Again, the burn. Despite not sweating that much, my body was certainly sore for the days after, and evidently well worked out.
Rating: 3.5/5

Loh Wei Yeen, Fashion & Beauty Writer
Source: https://www.buro247.my/lifestyle/health-fitness/fitnessfriday-lean-ride-at-hiit2fit.html
I felt that the analysis at the Assessment Room made me more aware of my posture while working out. Coach Ronald was really helpful in ensuring that our exercise forms were accurate during the session after as well—the smallest changes make the most difference in targeting specific muscle groups, from the direction we point our toes to the way we align our hips. It was most probably the slowest, “high intensity” class I’ve tried for the #FitnessFriday series. Instead of sweat-inducing, fast-paced moves, this was mostly muscle-squeezing sans weights (only an exercise ball and a rope were used.) The cryotherapy session pre-workout was an enlightening experience too—a minute and a half of shivering and chattering definitely got me rearing to go for the HIIT class thereafter.
Rating: 4/5

Tan Su Fen, Writer
Subjecting your body to subzero temperatures for minutes might sound a little scary, but the cryotherapy session we tried was actually pretty bearable, and I have to admit I am quite curious to see if regular sessions would make a difference to the body. I mean, if it’s good enough for Ronaldo… The body analysis before the workout session was short but telling. A quick three-squat test showed that one side of my hip tend to rotate significantly more than the other, which explains the lower back pains that I get sometimes. It also prompted me to be more aware of my posture as we proceeded with the Wonder Woman workout session. The workout itself might not look like much, but the trainers really emphasised on the right posture and controlled movements, so it still packed some serious intensity—my body ached for the next few days. If you are looking to do things right—whether you are just starting out or already in the middle of a fitness regime—I’d say Rev Publika is definitely worth checking out.
Rating: 4/5

Yi Suen Chong, Digital Designer
Source: https://www.buro247.my/lifestyle/health-fitness/pound-at-sole-to-soul-dance-studio-kl.html

The name of the training session threw me off in the beginning. I was expecting it to be a full-on HIIT session until Coach Ronald described the first routine we had to do—maintaining in a certain pose for one to two minutes then repeat by shifting our weight onto the other leg. Sounded easy until the 30-second mark when I felt the burn in my glutes. The trainers then would come around to correct our posture periodically so that we won’t be straining or working the wrong muscles. It hadn’t occur to me till then how important it is to have the right posture when we work out (and when we’re not). Hence, the body analysis was pretty interesting for the trainers to know which areas of our body we can’t overpush and which areas we needed to target more on.
Rating: 4/5

Rev Publika is located at Level G4/U1, Block C3, Publika Shopping Gallery. Find out more about them on their Facebook.

Other cool gyms at Publika:
#FitnessFriday: Team tries Muay Thai/Kickboxing at Klinch MMA
#FitnessFriday: Getting Lean at HIIT2fit
#FlashbackFitnessFriday: 7 Best episodes of our workout video series

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Music
Exclusive: Lucy Dacus’ new album will break you—and you’ll thank her for it
In conversation

25.06.2021
By Redzhanna Jazmin

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Ahead of the release of her third studio album, we spoke to indie rock songstress Lucy Dacus about love, self, religion, and music.
“The future is a benevolent black hole.” That is a lyric from the end of ‘Cartwheel’, a track on Lucy Dacus’ brand-new album, Home Video. It marks just one of eleven frank explorations into the singer-songwriter’s past. Dacus logs onto the Zoom call, framed from the shoulders up. Dressed in a royal blue button-up, she wears her hair down and her lips are painted in her signature red.
When asked why that lyric is a particular favourite of hers, Dacus, 26, explains: “I think that’s what I believe. [The future] consists of nothing. It doesn’t really exist, and it’s kind of sucking up time… but it’s benevolent—it shouldn’t be scary, or if it is scary then it’s not supposed to be. You’re just kind of caught into the stream of time.”
That pretty much sums up the new album—a poignant, well-considered body of work that is as confronting as it is comforting. It’s a sober recollection of her past; an opportunity for her to reckon with the person she used to be. The person in question? According to Dacus’ ‘VBS’, she’s a preteen Vacation Bible School (VBS) attendee with a moral superiority complex. In other tracks like ‘Christine’ and ‘Triple Dog Dare’, she has a few more years of life on her, her faith in the religion is faltering, and she is struggling to come to terms with being queer. All in all, Home Video is a collection of her experiences between the ages of seven to seventeen.

In fact, that is exactly what makes the album’s title so perfect. The singer explains that most of her life has been documented—first by her father through home videos (roll credits), and now, in adulthood, by herself. “From the first day I was born, I’ve always been used to being watched and being taught that impulse to document everything,” she begins. “So, when I started writing these songs, I thought that they were sort of short stories or clips of my life in the kind of the way that his videos are. Only recently have I really [made the connection] that these songs are documentation for me in the same way that the videos were for him. I’ve inherited that skill—or burden (laughs)—whatever it is, from my dad.”
I ask if exploring her past through her music has been a healing experience, to which she confidently replies: “It’s been good, even if it’s been uncomfortable because I feel that the more I look back and have perspective, the more I can find out about myself.”
“I’ve realised how I used to be a person that I wouldn’t like now, and now I’m a person that perhaps a past version of myself wouldn’t like, but that’s just life,” she continues. “You just change. I could definitely be someone that my future self hates! I can’t imagine that now, but maybe it’ll happen. So, I’m trying to not take it too personally (laughs)—the imagined disapproval of who I used to be.”

The album doesn’t stop at self-reflection, either—Dacus covers an array of darker themes alongside religion, love, and self. In ‘Thumbs’, arguably the most intensely heartbreaking song on the album, she confesses to a vengeance fantasy wherein she violently murders the abusive father of a dear friend. In ‘Partner In Crime’, she describes a toxic relationship riddled with power imbalances and manipulation. The album brings out a side of Dacus that we’ve never been allowed to see before. This begs the question: Why is now the right time for Home Video?
“I think that I was just finally able to reconcile with the fact that [these experiences] are true for me,” she muses. “I really wanted to avoid having negative traits. For a long time, I resisted understanding violence and toxicity, or I wanted to feel that those things couldn’t touch me and so I didn’t think about them that much. But there are people from my past that have really shown me what those things mean, and it’s been more helpful to look straight at them than to ignore them. So, I think I’m at a point in my life where I’m willing to talk to myself about those things, so it makes sense that I’m writing songs about them.”

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A post shared by Lucy Dacus (@lucydacus)

As a listener, the album is certainly painful (emotionally, not musically), but it’s also liberating in a way—between each emotional gut-punch of a song is a cheeky sliver of hope and refuge. Like her boygenius bandmates Phoebe Bridgers and Julien Baker, who feature on the tracks ‘Going Going Gone’ and ‘Please Stay’, Dacus has a talent for crushing your soul and keeping you coming back for more. You cannot help but see yourself in her writing, joining the singer in her catharsis.
This relatability is almost by design. The singer describes her songwriting process as a conversation with herself; a way to process her feelings and experiences. Still, though she is incredibly vulnerable in her work, she keeps her lyrics open-ended for the most part. That’s why it’s so easy for listeners to project themselves onto her music. Further, when she’s writing with her boygenius bandmates, while the rubric of subject matter is more limited (“I keep them in mind [while writing], the lyrics are something that all of us need to be able to get behind”), their collective experiences culminate in the broad, yet pointed tunes that resonate with fans so greatly.
It makes you wonder how she separates herself from her work, as someone who puts so much of themselves into their music. Apparently, the answer is not well. “I have a hard time doing that, because I’m not very good at pretending, and I really don’t like having secrets. I feel like I don’t really want to be a mysterious person, but I do want to be a private person. So, some things stay sacred, but mostly what you see is what you get.”

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A post shared by Lucy Dacus (@lucydacus)

While the album is musically diverse, smartly subverting expectations to keep listeners captivated, there is one song that stands out on the album: ‘Partner In Crime’. This track alone features a huge shift in the production of Dacus’ vocals, particularly with the uncharacteristic use of autotune.
According to the singer, it was an accident at first. Following a vocal injury that she had sustained in June of 2019, Dacus spent all of August silent but for two hours a day when she would be singing. “During that day when we were recording, I wasn’t hitting the notes right, so we just put on autotune temporarily,” she explains, rightfully pleased with her decision. “But then I realised that it fit the meaning of the song so well because the song is about falsifying yourself to become more attractive to somebody, and that’s exactly what autotune does. It fakes your voice to make it more perfect, but it’s not real.”
Considering how much thought Dacus puts into her work, it should come as no surprise that Home Video flows so beautifully as a record. It’s all intentional. The singer explains that she wanted to take the listener on a journey, and in order to do that, she painstakingly sat down and worked out the tracklist before recording—something she did for both of her other records, too.
“I wanted to figure out the full album as something someone would interact with from start to finish,” she says, adding that “the way that I figured it out was with this graph. Every song was on the grid this way (gestures y-axis), and then the number was at the other axis of the grid. So, I marked off the songs that I knew couldn’t be first or last, and it was a process of elimination until we got to where we did.”
Needless to say, her hard work has paid off. The album’s release comes a few years after its initial conception, and it has turned out to be a fantastic record that is guaranteed to exceed expectations.

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A post shared by Lucy Dacus (@lucydacus)

As for what is coming next? Dacus has a few ideas. When it comes to music, she’ll be exploring more avenues of subject matter, especially when it comes to love. “I’ve never really written a love song,” she says. “I have a breakup song, I have a song about having a crush, I have all these songs about friendships that maybe are kind of romantic, and I have songs about sexuality now. But no person-to-person love songs. It’s just not what I tend to write, so I want to see if I can.”
With regards to the more immediate future, however, Dacus has a tour on the horizon. It’s her first tour since the start of the pandemic, but she is fully vaccinated and raring to get on the road, nerves and all.
Home Video is out now. Stream it here. Find more music stories like this here.

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Beauty
The revamped Coco Mademoiselle EDP Intense is sensuality redefined
New form of seduction

05.03.2018
By Wei Yeen Loh

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Back in 2001 when Chanel’s Coco Mademoiselle fragrance was launched, it quickly kickstarted the trend for unconventional scents thanks to its sensual composition. A two-tiered fragrance that combines the zest of citrus with the sophistication of patchouli, it was crafted for the rebellious woman who is the very definition of elegance. Fast forward 17 years later, the Coco Mademoiselle gets an update by way of added depth to its scent profile with a newly launched eau de parfum. Catered for those who aren’t afriad to embrace their follies and passionate pursuits, the reinvented fragrance captivates with its strong character.

It might be an understatement that the Coco Mademoiselle Eau de Parfum Intense is taking sensuality up a notch. “I wanted to remain close to the original formula, while giving it a whole new dimension. I wanted to increase the proportions of fractionated patchouli. Push it to the limit. Unleash its power on the skin without altering the freshness of the top notes,” said Olivier Polge, Chanel’s Perfumer-Creator. The result is a heady scent comprising of citrusy and woody notes, accented with a fruity touch. At first whiff, Sicilian orange and Calabrian bergamot take charge, giving way to the magnetism of Indonesian patchouli, rose and jasmine. But what makes it stand out is the amber accords of Tonka bean and Madagascar vanilla absolutes — a subtle way of creating a whole new intensity to the patchouli without overwhelming it completely.
Below, the face of Coco Mademoiselle Keira Knightley stars in the latest film campaign for the fragrance:

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Beauty
Buro Exclusive: All the (unexpected) details from spending the day with Cara Delevingne

13.04.2019
By Terry Saw

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If there’s one thing Dior gets spot on—outside of makeup, skincare and fragrances, that is—is that they really know how to throw a party—a string of them to be exact. Following a much talked about launch here in KL recently, the Dior Addict Stellar Shine party continued in Seoul, where I travelled with the brand to spend an exclusive afternoon with Cara Delevingne and Peter Philips, before—you guessed it—partying the night away at the final and most fun, and star-studded stop for the Dior Addict Stellar Shine launch.

Earlier that afternoon, I was waiting to meet Cara D and Peter Philips for a chat outside the Four Seasons Hotel suite when a panicky assistant dashed out of the room, flustered, asking for the AC to be turned up. Alarm bells instantly went off in my head—not only did Cara and Peter just got in to Seoul the night before—coming straight from back to back press events in Paris and Shanghai, into their zillionth interviews, and now they’re being baked in heat in the next room as we speak just before my turn? Here goes nothing.
As I took my seat (hoping for the best), I spot Cara typing furiously on her phone, humming Pink by Aerosmith, the soundtrack of the Dior Addict Stellar Shine collection and film, while Peter was a picture of pure joy, as always, and at that point I thought my chances for a great interview were 50/50.
To my surprise and delight, Cara—as if just noticing us in the room—flung her phone aside and sprung up to greet everyone in the room with a warm, big smile, was 100% present and so connected for a second you forget she’s one of the most famous and idolised It-girls in the world—although I can definitely see why. Between lipstick, self-love and social media, here are some of the highlights from our conversation:

What does being a bold, independent woman in 2019 mean to you?
Cara D: “All of that, but also taking it day by day. It’s important to aspire to be a better person every day and do things to make a difference in other people’s lives. Not apologising for being who you are—not being scared of who you are, for speaking out and having your own voice.”

Pink is the DNA of the collection—tell us a little more about Stellar Shine and its importance in the evolution of the Dior Addict lipstick.
Peter P: “Pink is a timeless colour and the new nourishing formula and textures really highlight the collection, coupled with a high-shine finish to really reflect the fun and vibrant Dior Addict Woman. Next to Rouge Dior, Dior Addict was always the cute and girly little sister, but she can also be pretty and punk at the same time. This collection sees her growing into a more confident woman, without losing her child-like wonder.

Pink Hats made a statement at the #MeToo Women’s March in 2019
“I was also inspired by sea of pink hats at the women marches for the #MeToo movement—where shades of pink made a very strong statement and was very impactful. Then, I knew we could have Cara as the face to represent the campaign.”

What are some of your collaboration highlights with the brand, and with each other?
CD: “Dior always wants to hear what I have to say, and my opinion on things, which is amazing, given it’s such a huge brand with so much credit behind them. And Peter is such a legend in the industry—I love any opportunity to work with him.”
PP: “When you have a woman who is opinionated and have a mind of her own, it’s a waste not to leverage on that, which is why it’s so great to have Cara.”

Besides the beautiful new shades and formulas, what is the key takeaway of the campaign?
CD: “When you think about Be Dior Be Pink, I think the most important is the be part, which means go out and get what you want and don’t wait for things to happen. Be who you want to be, be a Rockstar—that was exactly how I felt shooting the film. If I let fear take over me and don’t just stand up and dance and walk down Broadway and Park Avenue with all these people looking at me and didn’t take this opportunity and run with it—the outcome of the film or in life, would be very different. You’re capable of doing anything if you just believe in yourself—be whatever or whoever you are and be proud of it.”

The Dior Addict Stellar Shine collection, featuring a new ultra-moisturizing formula, vibrant colours and high-gloss or shine finishes with 24-hour hydration
Your top picks from the collection and colour selection tips to share?
CD: “I’d say 976 Be Dior, which is star of the four It-shades of the collection.”
PP: “These It-shades (976 Be Dior, 536 Lucky, 673 Diorcharm and 891 Diorcelestial) were selected because they are shades that would fit most women.
“The undertone of your natural lip shade and the colour of your teeth matter. The lipsticks that matches most skin tones are the ones with a blue undertone.”

Pink was also Christian Dior’s lucky colour—riding on his superstitious nature, do you have any interesting charms or rituals of your own to share?
CD: “I’ve broken most of the rules at some point—like today, my head was pounding because I didn’t meditate in the morning—it’s not a superstition but a ritual that helps me perform better. I do, however, have a pair of lucky socks and underwear!”
PP: “I would never walk on the road without crossing my fingers, and when I see a black cat, I cross my fingers!”

On the topic of self-care, the Dior Addict woman has a positive addiction to life—how do you champion positivity in your life and the others around you?
CD: “Everyone has a different thing, but it’s nice and important to do things, which involve you with other people or a community. Whether it is pole-dancing or pottery, get out and do things that get you talking and get the conversation going. Taking time for yourself to be yourself is so important.
“There are people who use makeup in the wrong way or to hide, and think without makeup, they are nothing. I think that’s bad—you need to use it to celebrate, accentuate and highlight the parts that you love about you.
“If you’re having a bad day or down in the dumps, you can feel positive about getting out of the negativity—if you’re stuck in the deep part of the river, the flow continues, and you’ll eventually get out of it at some point. Having the motivation to change and pick yourself up is important.”
PP: “At the end you need to do things for yourself—if it makes you feel good, more glorified than you already are—that’s what matters.”

How has social media changed your perception of beauty (and life)?
CD: “I think there’s more communication in terms of doing new things and what people enjoy. Social media definitely took the world, news and beauty to the extreme and now it can be dangerous but also inspiring. We have such a huge platform to speak to each other and it comes with its pros and cons.
“People need to be respectful as they are in life, and just because you have a computer to hide behind doesn’t mean you can go around throwing rocks at people—people need to be responsible. Education is really important and handling social media should be part of the curriculum—kids need to know the impact of the exchange of words online—there needs to be implications to these actions and a lot needs to be monitored from the ground up.”

Cara D by Jean-Baptiste Mondino for Parfums Christian Dior
Lightning round and off-the-record chats with Cara D
“It’s my first time in Seoul, it’s lovely, but I won’t have time to look around unfortunately.”
When you think pink… “New born baby girl.”
“I try to get tattoos from the different countries I visit. I don’t know how many I have anymore—only because some of them are a made of different ones and I’m not if they’re one or many.”
What makes you laugh… “Viral videos on Instagram!”
What makes you cry… “Viral videos that make me laugh so hard I cry.”
You have a magic wand, what would you ask for? “I’d love to teleport from city to city, so I don’t have to get on another airplane!”
What would you ask for the world? “Acceptance.”

That same night, the press, international influencers and big names in K-pop including Sun Mi and Dean, actress Min Hyo, Chau Bui and models including Bae Yoon Young, Lee Ho Jung, Ahn Ah Reum and more, descended to party the night away in Seoul in the presence of Cara D and Peter Philips at Layer 57, an old, industrial-chic printing warehouse all decked out by the Be Dior, Be Pink concept.
Between champagne, canapés and K-pop performances, Cara looked relaxed—maybe slightly relieved to be at the tail end of her Dior Addict Stellar Shine tour, but we think the presence of girlfriend, Pretty Little Liars star, Ashley Benson, definitely had something to do with it. A strong woman who is clearly happy with where she is in life and confident in her own skin, extremely in love and unapologetic, Cara D—in her natural element—is the epitome of the Dior Addict woman and the best part is, she’s just being her authentic self—and proud of it.
Dior Addict Stellar Shine lipsticks are now available in Dior boutiques nationwide.

Image credits:
Getty Images: #MeToo Women’s March
Parfums Christian Dior: Cara D painting

Photographer: Jean-Baptiste Mondino
Makeup: Peter Philips
Styling: Mariel Haenn
Hair: Ben Skervin
Manicure: Ama Quashie
Set design: Andy Hillman

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Lifestyle
A star-studded all-black cast features in the 2018 Pirelli Calendar
Championing inclusivity

21.07.2017
By Su Fen Tan

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The exclusive Pirelli Calendar is traditionally known for its celebration of female beauty, typically with provocative, sexually charged images, since its first edition in 1964. But recently, the calendar has shifted gears and redefined itself, becoming a platform for social commentary. It started with the 2016 edition, where photographer Annie Leibovitz opted for accomplished women in diverse fields (mostly clothed) instead of models. Then for the 2017 calendar, Peter Lindbergh photographed more notable women, including the likes of Nicole Kidman, Dame Helen Mirren and Zhang Ziyi, and published the images—completely unretouched.

This year, photographer Tim Walker and British Vogue editor Edward Enninful team up for the 45th edition, reimagining Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland with a star-studded, all-black cast that includes the likes of Naomi Campbell, Whoopi Goldberg, RuPaul, Lupita Nyong’o and Sean “Diddy” Combs. This marks the first time Pirelli featured an all-black cast in the calendar since 1987—a then teen Campbell starred in that edition as well. This year, Campbell takes the role of The Royal Beheader in Walker’s version of Wonderland.

“Inclusivity is more part of the conversation than it has even been before, but it goes far beyond black and white,” Enninful tells The New York Times. “It is about all creeds, all colours, all sizes and people just living their truths. Given the state of the world we live in, sometimes I think we all feel like we’ve fallen down the rabbit hole. For me, a retelling of ‘Alice’ for the modern world was a perfect project, particularly once the cast fell into place.”

See the full cast list and BTS video of the 2018 Pirelli Calendar shoot below:

Adut Akech, Sudanese-Australian model as The Queen of Diamonds
Adwoa Aboah , Ghanaian-British fashion model and feminist activist as Tweedledee
Alpha Dia, Senegalese-German model as the 5 of Hearts Playing Card Gardner
Djimon Hounsou, Beninese-American actor and model, as The King of Hearts
Duckie Thot, South Sudanese-Australian model, as Alice
King Owusu, British model, as Tweedledum, 2 of Hearts Playing Card Gardner
Lil Yachty, American rapper and singer, as The Queen’s Guard
Lupita Nyong’o, Mexican-Kenyan actress, as The Dormouse
Naomi Campbell, British supermodel and actress, The Royal Beheader
RuPaul, American actor, drag queen, television personality, and singer/songwriter as The Queen of Hearts
Sasha Lane, American actress, as The Mad March Hare
Sean “Diddy” Combs, American rapper, singer, songwriter, actor, record producer and entrepreneur as The Royal Beheader
Slick Woods, American model, as The Mad Hatter
Thando Hopa, South African model and lawyer, as The Princess of Hearts
Wilson Oryema, British model, as 7 of Hearts Playing Card Gardner
Whoopi Goldberg, American actress, comedian, author and television host, activist, as The Royal Duchess
Zoe Bedeaux, British fashion stylist, designer and singer, as The Caterpillar

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Lifestyle
When ‘tis better to give than to receive
For the foodie in the kitchen

09.12.2016
By Buro247

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

N
ow, while there is absolutely nothing wrong with being gifted a collection of amazing rare salts, it’s quite another matter when lazy mates opt for the obvious, so that you wind up being the recipient of three cheese boards (true story, circa Christmas 2015, so watch out you’re not the victim of my re-gifting exercise). Ensure you don’t fall prey to this quandary, and be the giver of recherché and utterly original culinary presents this year. Herewith, part one of my most covetable foodie Christmas presents, in no particular order or preference:

1) A carving board (theoakandropecompany.co.uk), you say? Isn’t that, well, a touch pedestrian? Not, my friend, when it comes hand engraved with a message of your choice, and certainly not when it’s constructed from sturdy oak that’s built for a lifetime’s service!

2) The next time you’re on holiday and hankering to cook, don’t fall victim to the villa’s less than adequate stove top facilities (and thereby shaming yourself when your soufflé collapses). Breville’s Control Freak Smart Cooker (Williams-sonoma.com) might cost more than the private hospital birth of your firstborn, but it’s also the gastronomic equivalent of a Tesla, except you don’t need to be a genius to use it! Whether you’re opting for bog standard 62˚eggs or bracing yourself to sous vide duck, this baby is built to execute your little heart’s every gustatory desire, and all at the push of a button. Yes, being a culinary genius can be that easy!

3) And if you’ve always wanted to sous vide but baulk, rightfully, at the thought of coughing up big bucks for vacuum packing and sous vide machines, rejoice, for the Anova Precision Cooker (anovaculinary.com) will, with the help of your phone and little more, turn you into a kitchen whiz. Best of all, it costs a mere fraction of what you’d otherwise have to pay, the phone app gives you countless meal ideas using this ingenious device, and you can use zip lock bags instead of the vacuum bags other sous vice machines insist upon.

4) Separate yourself from the green bag-toting shoppers, and opt for a snazzy hand woven French market bag (Merchant and Sisters, Jalan Batai) next time you go shopping. Not only will you be doing the environment a favour (true story: ‘green’ bags need to be used more than 100 times before the energy cost to produce them is amortised), your baguettes—and, ipso facto, you—will also look a damn sight smarter.

5) Take a leaf from Neil Perry’s book and give the gift of a Shun knife (shun.kaiusaltd.com) this Christmas (I’m especially partial to the Shun Hana 8″ chef’s knife, a limited edition release and 2015 Blade Show winner which has a dramatic iron sword wood handle and an exquisite blade pattern). It’s the only brand Perry uses because “they feel great in the hand, the carbon stainless steel blade retains a fantastic sharp edge, and the hand hammered edge of the blade means you don’t get drag when cutting. It doesn’t hurt that they look beautiful, either!”

Follow Fay on Twitter and Instagram at @misskhoo.

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Fay Khoo talks about her new book, edible gardening, and some tips
Buro Tries: Roasting a turkey with Ben Yong and Fay Khoo

Source: https://www.buro247.my/lifestyle/insiders/the-best-ramen-i-never-tasted-or-my-favourite-food.html

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Motoring
BMW: The X1 sDrive20i M Sport and 320i Sport are the first 2020 additions in Malaysia

13.01.2020
By Ronn Tan

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The German automaker is a massively popular brand and that comes with no surprise. BMW is known for a lot; with luxury and performance being some of them. BMW’s prowess is also rather apparent in Malaysia—just spot the amount of BMW vehicles on roads in Kuala Lumpur. For 2020, the Ministry of International Trade and Industry aims to strengthen the automotive industry. With that, BMW Malaysia has decided to introduce two new variants to the portfolio of locally-assembled vehicles: the BMW X1 sDrive20i M Sport and BMW 320i Sport. Are these fresh new rides worth checking out? Find out below.
BMW X1 sDrive20i M Sport

BMW X1 sDrive20i M Sport engine
With a two-litre four-cylinder petrol engine and a seven-speed Steptronic Dual Clutch Sport transmission, the vehicle has a top speed of 224 kilometres per hour. Moreover, the X1 sDrive20i M Sport takes only 7.6 seconds to get from zero to 100 kilometres per hour. When it comes to fuel consumption, it is 6.5 litres per 100 kilometres of travel.

BMW X1 sDrive20i M Sport front view
In addition to performance, these are some interesting characteristics of the X1 sDrive20i M Sport’s exteriors. First of all, you will notice that the two halves of the kidney grille are now joined at the centre. Furthermore, the front bumper is also redesigned and integrated with LED fog lights plus larger air intakes. Spot the hexagonal shape of the LED headlights’ tubes; do you agree that the design makes the new model look more dynamic? As for the wheels, the X1 sDrive20i M Sport comes with 18-inch M light alloy wheels.

BMW X1 sDrive20i M Sport interior
Now, let’s get into the car and have a look at the interiors of the X1 sDrive20i M Sport. The trim finishers are in aluminium and comes equipped with a 8.8-inch touchscreen navigation system. There are many things you can do with the infotainment system—from controlling entertainment and navigation functions to accessing BMW ConnectedDrive services.

BMW X1 sDrive20i M Sport rear view
The BMW X1 sDrive20i M Sport is available in four colours: Misano Blue, Black Sapphire, Alpine White, and Mineral Grey. They all comes with Black Leather Dakota upholstery with perforations. You will be able to get them from 13 January 2020 at the starting price of RM233,800.
BMW 320i Sport

BMW 320i Sport engine
There is a new addition to the BMW 3 Series lineup and it’s the 320i Sport. It has the ability to go from zero to 100 kilometres per hour in 7.1 seconds as well as a top speed of 235 kilometres per hour. For every 100 kilometres of travel, the BMW 320i Sport consumes 6.3 litres of fuel. All these are in addition to the two-litre TwinPower Turbo petrol engine and eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission.

BMW 320i Sport front view
The 320i Sport comes with 18-inch light alloy wheels in V-Spoke Style 780 Bicolour. What really stands out is the integration of the front LED fog lights and the air curtains into the outer air intakes. Fun Fact: the above became a design feature for classical racing cars after the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA) first made it for the intake air in jet engines. Interesting, indeed!

BMW 320i Sport interiors
On the inside, some notable features include the Sport leather steering wheel, interior trim finishers in aluminium “Mesheffect”, and three-zone automatic climate control. Apart from that, you will also spot the BMW Live Cockpit Plus—with 8.8-inch touch sensitive control display and an analogue instrument cluster with 5.7-inch display. What else is there to know about the BMW 320i Sport? Firstly, it is powered by the BMW Operating System Six. Secondly, the Reversing Assistance aims to help you reverse with more ease in narrow streets. Thirdly, Near Field Communication (NFC) technology is employed by the BMW Digital Key so compatible cell-phones can be used to lock and unlock (plus start the engine) without actually needing a physical key.

BMW 320i Sport rear view
The BMW 320i Sport is available in five colours: Mediterranean Blue, Black Sapphire, Alpine White, Mineral Grey, and Sunset Orange. They all come with Black Leather Vernasca upholstery. Available from 10 January 2020, the starting price of the 320i Sport is RM243,800.
For more information about the vehicles, visit this website.

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Fashion
Once Upon a Facetime: Our first virtual photoshoot featuring four Malaysian creatives

20.05.2020
By Joan Kong

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

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Fashion
Watch the Moschino Spring 2017 livestream here
#JustSayMoschino

18.09.2016
By Buro247

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

If his Spring and Cruise ’17 show was anything to go by, Moschino’s always theatrically zany creative director, Jeremy Scott shows no sign of slowing down. How he will top the psychadellic Woodstock trip of last season is confounding, but by the looks of those multicoloured capsules below, we’re in for another fashion high.

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ICYMI: #BestofBuro (9 – 15 Oct 2017)

Lifestyle
ICYMI: #BestofBuro (9 – 15 Oct 2017)
Weekly highlights

15.10.2017
By Gwen Ong

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

Buro 24/7 Middle East: From New York to Paris, our team gets down to business with some bridal wear that dominated much of the fashion week season. If you’re planning your big day, get style inspiration on how to be the most stylish bride of the year from designers like Reem Acra, Naeem Khan and Marchesa.

Buro 24/7 Singapore: If you love Louis Vuitton with a soft spot for all-things Japan, your shopping wishlist is about to get longer. The LV Cruise 2018 collection highlights bento boxes, Kabuki masks and traditional wallpapers among other things. Creative director Nicholas Ghèsquire’s interpretation can be seen here.

Buro 24/7 Malaysia: With Halloween just around the corner, we figure it would be apt to look at some spooky nail art ideas that you can try out. Hunting down the Insta-verse, we found 13 ways you can dress up your nails creatively with a bit of shock factor. Head here to get your freak on.

A post shared by MISS BETTY ROSE (@missbettyrose) on Oct 13, 2017 at 12:23am PDT

Buro 24/7 Australia: Fitness and a healthy diet go hand-in-hand. When it comes to your training, what you eat post-workout is something you need to take note of. Whether you’re looking to slim down or muscle up, here are some of the fittest ways to eat right and get the results you want.

Buro 24/7 Malaysia: You can throw shade at the next person and they won’t even judge you for being ultra chic in this season’s latest sunglasses. Bring on the attitude with these statement eyewear that will guarantee double take. It’s all about making an impression!

See here for last week’s #BestofBuro.

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The sleeker and sportier BMW 1 Series

Lifestyle
The sleeker and sportier BMW 1 Series
Meet the BMW 120i M Sport

24.06.2015
By Buro247

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

The all-new BMW 1 Series now comes in the form of the BMW 120i M Sport, which features an even more dynamic design with wider kidney grille elements, redesigned headlights, LED daytime running lights, new tailgate with two-part LED taillights. The interior of the all-new of the car now also features Alcantara and Cloth seats and upholstery to accentuate the aggressive and sporting nature of the car.
The BMW 120i M Sport doesn’t just look good – there are a selection of driver assistance systems and mobility services available too. Use the BMW ConnectedDrive app by connecting a smartphone, and apps such as Spotify, Amazon Cloud Player can be accessed.
Also launching together with the BMW 1 Series is the second installment of the BMW Safety 360 degrees program, aimed at highlighting the issue of road safety amongst drivers. “We want to create awareness, conversation and action on the need for road users in Malaysia to seek and need the technologies and solutions in their vehicles as well as the right sort of etiquette and behaviour that will ensure their safety when they are on the road.,” says Mr. Alan Harris, Managing Director and CEO of BMW Group Malaysia.

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Style
Fashion buzz: Meghan Markle dresses baby Archie in H&M for his first public appearance, Princess Beatrice is engaged and more

04.10.2019
By Joan Kong

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Baby Archie’s first public appearance
At four-and-a-half months old, baby Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor has made his first official appearance as his parents—Prince Harry and Meghan Markle—embark on a 10-day tour in Africa. His outfit? A blue and white striped jumpsuit from H&M’s Conscious collection. The royal family paid a visit to the Archbishop Desmond Tutu’s Legacy Foundation in Cape Town to get more insight into his work, which involves the development of youth and leadership and social justice. Also, can we take a minute to appreciate how much Prince Harry and Archie look alike at the same age?

Princess Beatrice is engaged
Baby Archie’s aunt, Princess Beatrice, also has good news to share, as she’s now engaged to her boyfriend Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi. Her ring? A round-cut diamond flanked by four smaller baguettes by British jeweller Shaun Leane. According to a statement from the Buckingham Palace, the couple said, “We are extremely happy to be able to share the news of our recent engagement. We are both so excited to be embarking on this life adventure together and can’t wait to actually be married. We share so many similar interests and values and we know that this will stand us in great stead for the years ahead, full of love and happiness.” No wedding date has been set so far, but if her sister and cousins’ weddings are any indication, the ceremony will be another highlight of the year, for sure.

Karl Lagerfeld’s The White Shirt project unveiled in Paris
Curated by fashion heavyweight Carine Roitfeld, The White Shirt Project is an exhibition that pays tribute to the late Karl Lagerfeld and his love for—you guessed it—white shirts. Some of the designer’s closest friends and family were invited to reimagine his wardrobe staple, including Gigi Hadid, Helen Mirren, Alessandro Michele, Cristiano Ronaldo, and even his pet cat Choupette, and the project was launched during Paris Fashion Week at Karl Lagerfeld’s Saint-Germain-des-Pres flagship. Those who are travelling to London and Munich this month will be able to get an up-close look at the shirts, which will be displayed in the Karl Lagerfeld boutiques. On top of that, a limited number of replicated tribute shirts are made available on Farfetch and Lagerfeld’s websites, and they are designs from Cara Delevigne, Kate Moss, Takashi Murakami and more.

Hermès SS20 collection
Hermès’ Spring/Summer 2020 collection was no doubt one of our favourite shows this season. Creative director Nadège Vanhee-Cybulski’s continuous iteration of the Maison’s leather pieces that exude quiet sophistication like no other make the perfect wardrobe for the everyday women.
Missed the show? Watch it here:

Louis Vuitton’s League of Legends
Louis Vuitton’s League of Legends collab
It’s a collaboration you didn’t see coming—Louis Vuitton is creating a special case for the League of Legends World Championship trophy, and it’s as luxurious as you think. The bespoke trunk combines the fashion house’s savoir-faire along with high-tech elements from the game. The finals will be held on November 10 at the AccorHotels Arena in Paris, so stay tuned to find out who will emerge as the winner and receive the trophy and a one-of-a-kind case this year. Aside from the carrier, expect more announcements to come (hint: skins).
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