News – January 2022


[News]
Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Kuala Lumpur 2021  

The much-anticipated Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Kuala Lumpur (MBFWKL) 2021 returned in December 2021 with the biggest names in the local, regional, and international fashion industry displaying their latest contemporary designs. MBFWKL continues to serve as a platform for upcoming and seasoned designers in the local fashion industry to showcase their collections and brand-characterising inspirations.  
“At Mercedes-Benz, the company expresses modern luxury in the 21st Century with an acute focus on creating ‘sensual purity’ designs through traditional craftsmanship and innovative technology to create authentic and emotional experiences. Similarly, we aim to push boundaries in other areas befitting to provide a holistic lifestyle experience to our customers who understand and appreciate luxury in all forms, fashion included. Through MBFWKL, the event also highlights Fashion Futures, a design competition that aims to promote and support budding talent among young designers in the industry. Through the Fashion Futures Initiative, Mercedes-Benz endeavours to create the opportunity to nurture these innovative and entrepreneurial talents by providing with them a platform to catapult their careers further in the fashion industry.” Ms. Sagree Sardien, President and CEO, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia
“As an automotive pioneer brand, we create innovative and desirable cars. For that, design plays a central role in the process of evolution and is deeply rooted in our core. Every Mercedes-Benz you see on the road is designed with Sensual Purity at its core. It is the perfect combination of modern luxury and driving exhilaration. It is amazing to see the inspiration these designers draw from our cars and elevate it through their collection showcase.”Mr. Michael Jopp, VP Sales & Marketing Passenger Cars, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia 
The three-day fashion event was held at Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Center (KLPac) in the heart of the city and attended by over 1,000 guests ranging from local designers, celebrities and socialites, fashion muses, key opinion leaders, alongside fashion-forward customers and fans of Mercedes-Benz.
This industry-leading event affirms how trendsetting design, pioneering innovations and modern luxury are all core principles of Mercedes-Benz. The creativity, craftsmanship and technical expertise form the link between the class-leading cars and the cutting-edge world of fashion which also extends to Mercedes-Benz’s global commitment to fashion which spans over 20 years and has grown to reach over 60 platforms in over 45 countries.
Mercedes-Benz also presented its third MBFWKL Fashion Futures Design Competition on the final night, a new, independent competition that will be held yearly as a key component of the show. Targeting Malaysian designers with 6 months to 4 years of work experience in the fashion industry, five finalists are required to produce 4 sets of original Ready-to-Wear looks based on a specific theme provided.
These looks will be judged at the Fashion Futures runway show, with an eventual winner selected based on a tabulation of scores from the judges. The winner of the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week KL 2018 Fashion Futures design competition will be sent for an all-expenses-paid trip to attend an international Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week event. Besides being able to mingle with renowned international designers, the winner will also be able to gain exposure and insights into the fashion industry.
Mercedes-Benz has an integrated approach when it comes to design as an essential basis to showcase both the product and brand to perfection to create an elevated experience for customers. The design philosophy of Sensual Purity since 2009 has continuously evolved and encapsulates an essential aspect of product designs – the bipolarity of intelligence and emotion. It is the transformation of traditional luxury to modern age interpretations, making it fascinating, tangible and above all, desirable.
The design DNA has evolved over the years to accentuate individuality and to arouse desire. This is paired with innovation and technology to create an overall integrated experience for the customer. The Mercedes-Benz design ethos is authenticity, emotional and supreme aesthetics that has pushed design forward creativity for a future of progressive luxury.
Committed to the sustainable future of luxury design, Mercedes-Benz proactively works to future-proof the responsible growth of its fashion partnerships. Highlighting best practices and aligning itself with creatives that reflect and champion values such as outstanding and intuitive design, creativity and innovation. Through its Mercedes-Benz Fashion programmes and creative collaborations, the automobile manufacturer has supported nearly 170 designers in over 30 platforms around the world, including Milan, London, New York, Beijing, Australia, Prague, Istanbul, Berlin and Accra, leading a responsible future in fashion.
Lending depth and variety to MBFWKL 2021 are brand partners from across the spectrum of lifestyle and experiential products and services such as The Ritz-Carlton Kuala Lumpur, TRESemme, Kimarie Hairdressing, Wycon Cosmetics, Monkey 47, Carlsberg and 1664 Rose.
For more information on Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Kuala Lumpur 2021, visit www.mbfw-kl.com/

Coming Together for a Smooth Year & Longevity

After a very turbulent Year of the Ox with lots of headwinds, challenges, and even natural disasters here in Malaysia, Carlsberg Malaysia wishes all a Smoother Year and Longevity this Chinese New Year, welcoming the Year of the Tiger with limited edition cans, collectibles and up to RM888 Ang Pau in its ‘Coming Together for a Smoother Year’ 2022 Chinese New Year (CNY) campaign.
Aspiring to be Probably The Best Beer, Carlsberg is ushering in the annual festival with limited-edition CNY cans that accentuates the essence of ‘smoothness’ and ‘longevity’. True to the brand’s CNY tradition, the creative concept behind the specially designed Carlsberg Danish Pilsner and Carlsberg Smooth Draught cans combines the modern identity of Carlsberg with traditional Chinese auspicious icons to wish beer consumers a year of smoothness, longevity, and prosperity.
Complementing the Carlsberg Danish Pilsner’s iconic green can is the Chinese character ‘Fu’ [福] emboldened in gold against a rich red background to celebrate wellbeing and abundance which transcends a healthy, happy and auspicious life.
Wrapped around the silver and white Carlsberg Smooth Draught can on the other hand is a symbol of smoothness in the form of ancient Chinese Treasure ships, portraying smooth sailing and prosperous times ahead. 
The prominence of the colour red and gold on both the limited-edition cans and 24-can festive packaging magnify the festive spirit and exudes auspiciousness, which is Carlsberg’s way of wishing everyone a year of smoothness and longevity. Both the limited-edition cans were designed in collaboration with the World’s No.1 expert in Feng Shui and Chinese Metaphysics, Dato’ Joey Yap. His signature is featured across all Carlsberg’s CNY festive packaging whilst his readings on each Zodiac fortune are also featured exclusively on Carlsberg’s playing cards.
“As we usher in the new year, we want to uplift spirits and encourage all our consumers to look forward with optimism and positivity. It’s been a while since we’ve been able to meet-up, catch-up and look ahead with joy and cheer. We hope that our campaign themed ‘Coming together for a smoother year’ encourages consumers to stay positive in embracing a smooth sailing year ahead and a long and healthy life. Together we will prosper and emerge stronger.” Stefano Clini, Managing Director of Carlsberg Malaysia
From 27 December 2021 until 6 February 2022, consumers stocking up for the coming CNY celebrations will enjoy more rewards when buying their Carlsberg products at participating outlets, including premium Neoflam hotpot casserole sets, elegant tiffin carriers, special Dato’ Joey Yap Edition playing cards, novel Neoflam glass container sets and up to RM888 in Ang Pau (cash) or in e-Wallet credit.
Shoppers who purchase any two (2) cartons of Carlsberg Danish Pilsner or Carlsberg Smooth Draught plus a carton of any premium brands (Somersby, 1664 Blanc/Rose, Connor’s or Asahi) at participating supermarkets, hypermarkets, 99 Speedmart and eCommerce platforms will be able to redeem a 28cm natural non-stick Neoflam Casserole Hotpot Set worth RM209, which comes with a ‘Da Long Yi’ soup base, plus a can of Connor’s and a deck of special Dato’ Joey Yap Edition playing cards.  
Over in East Malaysia, purchasing any one (1) carton of Carlsberg Danish Pilsner or Carlsberg Smooth Draught plus a carton of any premium brands rewards you with a sleek and modern Neoflam glass container set worth RM118, which comes in a set of two, measuring 470ml and 800ml. The containers are heat-safe and thermal shock resistant, airtight and leakproof too.
Additionally, bring along your favourite CNY dishes to reunion dinners in an elegant red Tiffin carrier with CNY motifs by The Tiffin Company worth RM79, easily redeemable by purchasing any six sets of 4-can pack or a carton of 1664 Blanc, Asahi, Carlsberg Special Brew or Connor’s, plus you will receive an extra can of Connor’s.
Consumers who enjoy big bottles of the Carlsberg Danish Pilsner, Carlsberg Smooth Draught and Carlsberg Special Brew, stand to win over RM3 million worth of prizes! Just check the flip side of your bottle caps at participating food courts and coffee shops, and you might just win yourrself one of the 6,000 Ang Pau’s up for grabs this festive season.
The special Dato’ Joey Yap Edition playing cards is a giveaway with purchase of a tower, two buckets or with six full pints, 10 half-pints or 10 mugs of Carlsberg Danish Pilsner or Carlsberg Smooth Draught. One can also scan the QR code to upload your receipt to stand a chance of winning up to RM888 Touch ‘n Go e-Wallet credit. If you are in East Malaysia, each lucky winner will receive RM888 GrabPay e-Wallet credits. Carlsberg is giving this out to 25 lucky winners weekly.
You can also visit the Carlsberg official store on Lazada and Shopee, Pandamart as well as Potboy and purchase an exclusive CNY Gift Pack by Carlsberg and Amazin’ Graze. You will be treated to a total of eight cans which include both the limited-edition CNY Carlsberg Danish Pilsner and Carlsberg Smooth Draught cans plus a can of either Asahi, 1664 Blanc, 1664 Rosé, Connor’s Stout Porter, Somersby Apple Cider and Somersby Watermelon Cider, giving you a variety of choice for your celebration. Also included in the Gift Pack are four packs of healthy assorted nuts from Amazin’ Graze, and exclusive Ang Pau packets that come in two collectible designs of “Smoothness” and “Longevity”. 
From 1 January until 28 February 2022, Carlsberg is rewarding consumers with up to RM388 Touch n’ Go e-Wallet credits when purchasing RM20 worth of Carlsberg Malaysia products at selected convenient stores.
For more information on all ongoing Chinese New Year promotions and events, head over to https://www.carlsbergcny.com.my

Skirt Night Returns at Bentley’s Pub, Intercontinental Kuala Lumpur
Photo by Intercontinental Kuala Lumpur
Skirt Night returns at Bentley’s Pub at Intercontinental Kuala Lumpur after a long hiatus due to the lengthy lockdowns. Pre-pandemic, Bentley’s Pub was quite a popular joint where PMEBs came over for happy hour and drinks as there are multiple office buildings surrounding Intercontinental Kuala Lumpur, including Citibank which is right next door.
Anyone in a skirt enjoys their choice of a complimentary beverage of Tiger Draught mugs or House Pouring Wines. Skirt Night at Bentley’s Pub happens every 𝐓𝐡𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐝𝐚𝐲 evening from 𝟔:𝟎𝟎𝐩𝐦 𝐭𝐨 𝟖:𝟎𝟎𝐩𝐦.
Thanks for having us over!

Photo credits: Respective brands and author’s own