It’s time again to award the best in beauty: For the fifth edition of the annual NYLON Singapore Beauty Hit List, we’re focusing on products launched through 2017, so you can update your collection with all the best-performing products on the market. To select the winners among this year’s nominees, we’ve assembled an expert panel of judges who share several decades of beauty experience between them.
THE JUDGES :
ADELE CHAN : Apart from being the Editor-in-Chief of NYLON Singapore, Adele has released two editions of her book Editing Beauty. She has spent most of her working life in the local media industry and was previously handling Public Relations for Estée Lauder in Singapore.
NIKI BRUCE : A media professional with over 15 years of experience in the industry, Niki’s work spans across fashion, beauty, entertainment, lifestyle, and design, in both print and digital. The former Editor-in-Chief of HerWorldPLUS and Editorial Director at Honeycombers has an addiction to shoes and admits she drops way too much money on emerging Korean fashion and beauty brands. Have a look at her style blog here: nikibruce.com.
SHARON LIM : With 30 years of experience in print and digital media under her belt, Sharon is now a Strategic Content Director at The Ate Group, an integrated communications agency. The former Editor-in-Chief of Elle Singapore and current Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts lecturer has also appeared on Channel NewsAsia and BBC World News to speak on fashion, beauty, as well as women’s and social media issues.
SUSANAH CHEOK : Susanah is an accomplished multi-platform publishing professional, who spent the last three decades shaping the consciousness of readers in Singapore’s leading print magazines and websites. She is the founder of The Edit, a content creation consultancy that collaborates with magazines, websites and brands to produce compelling content for a wide variety of audiences. She is also an ardent animal advocate, a devoted mother of cats, and a part-time radio DJ.
WENDY CHENG (@xiaxue) : Better known by her pseudonym Xiaxue, the OG blogger and influencer made her mark for being an outspoken personality on social media, but that’s not all she’s recognised for. The proud mother of one is also a beauty junkie who produces regular content for her own YouTube channel as well as reality lifestyle channel Clicknetwork.
MONGCHIN YEOH (@mongabong) : Like many others, Mongchin started out as a blogshop model, but the Singapore Management University Accountancy undergraduate carved a niche for herself through her love for fashion, beauty, food and travel. If you’ve ever visited her Instagram account or stopped by her YouTube channel and website, you’ll know that this content creator has a clear passion for all things beauty and lifestyle.
CHRISTABEL CHUA (@bellywellyjelly) : Known to most by her moniker Bellywellyjelly, Christabel doesn’t just post photogenic snippets of her life on her blog and Instagram account; she also curates her collaborations with notable brands on her social media channels, and she’s got a few tips and tricks of her own when it comes to getting that fresh, glowing complexion. You can check out her line of cheeky accessories too over at iamkai.co.
Borne from the minds of creative duo Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss, SIX has since taken the world by storm; playing to audiences across the globe in various countries such as the West End in London, Broadway in New York, and the Shinhan Card Artium in Seoul, South Korea.
Image courtesy of Base Entertainment Asia/Pamela Raith Photography.
What began as a humble performance at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 2017 soon became a femininomenon when it transitioned to sold-out shows in theatres that led to numerous award nominations and wins, including the Tony Award for Best Original Score.
Set to open in Singapore on 14 November 2024, SIX tells the story of Henry VIII’s six wives — Catherine of Aragon, Anne Boleyn, Jane Seymour, Anna of Cleves, Katherine Howard and Catherine Parr — in a reimagined way where they reclaim their own narratives on stage as fierce and influential pop stars.
Image courtesy of Base Entertainment Asia.
Ahead of their opening night, we got to speak with the cast to find out more about their preparation process and how the musical has become a representation of female empowerment.
Hi Queens! How excited are you to be bringing SIX to Singapore?
Liberty Stottor (portrays Jane Seymour): “Singapore has been a dream place for me to visit for such a long time, and the fact that I’m able to travel whilst doing what I love is such an incredible opportunity. I can’t wait for the Singaporean audience to experience the beauty of the show.”
Hannah Victoria (portrays Anna of Cleves): “We are over the moon to bring it to Singapore. The show has a lot of moments for audience participation so I’m hoping that the audiences are vocal as it helps us to keep the show alive and fresh!”
Eloise Lord (portrays Catherine Parr): “We cannot wait to be in Singapore! I feel so lucky to be able to be a part of a show that is so popular worldwide. As much as the show is about the six wives of Henry VIII, it is about so much more than that. So, I am excited to bring this show across the world and for people to feel inspired, empowered, and for people to have an hour and twenty minutes to indulge in a fun and uplifting musical.”
What was it about SIX that made you want to be a part of it?
Billie Kerr (portrays Catherine of Aragon): “SIX was the first show I’ve seen where I felt represented on stage. Being a mid-size actress, I didn’t always feel that this industry was accessible. However, seeing a group of women on stage, who are all so different in their own right, gave me the confidence I needed to keep pursuing my dreams of being a successful musical theatre performer.
The industry is becoming more inclusive in so many ways and I truly believe that SIX has played a pivotal part in that. I also love that it allows us to use our regional accents as an extension of our characters. I am so proud to be Scottish and the opportunity to represent my country on such a huge scale is so special.”
Yna Tresvalles (portrays Anne Boleyn): “The show’s mission is to challenge the audience to rethink the history that they’ve learned and how they can become champions of their own lives. Who wouldn’t want to share such an empowering message? So, it is a privilege and honor to get to do it every night!”
Hannah: “There are so many elements that drew me to SIX such as the songs, the fact that it’s an all female cast, the costumes… But, most importantly, the message it tells. We get to see history through the lens of the female perspective. Each queen also has a different educational story to tell and we get to perform it live every night!”
Eloise: “I love how it is a stage full of women telling the stories of women in history. The message is so special as we’ve only known the queens and their lives through learning it in school from Henry VIII’s perspective but they were so much more than that. Not forgetting the songs, makeup and costumes — which are just a perfect cherry on top.”
Image courtesy of Base Entertainment Asia/Pamela Raith Photography.
How would you describe the preparation for the queens that you each portray?
Billie: “Our director said from day one of the rehearsals that our characters have to be met with both 50% of us and 50% of our queens. With that in mind, I made sure to gain as much knowledge about Catherine of Aragon’s life both before and during her reign. I then began to merge this with my own sense of h our and personality traits to create my own spin on the role.”
Yna: “Our version of each queen is meant to be a perfect marriage between the historical queen and ourselves, which makes every one of them different. It was so fun to explore the real Anne Boleyn and in turn, myself, and who I am in the story.”
Hannah: “During the period of our rehearsal, we had a session on each queen where we learned about their upbringing, family tree, and personality traits. We used that research to help us portray our respective queens.”
Lizzy Emery (portrays Katherine Howard): “There were a lot of history lessons and delving into the actual lives of the queens throughout our rehearsal process which I loved. We were encouraged to make our queens 50% the real person and 50% us, and it’s wonderful that no two people ever play them the same way. Blending myself with Howie was pretty easy as I feel like we both have the same sense of humor.”
Image courtesy of Base Entertainment Asia/Pamela Raith Photography.
Have you gained a deeper understanding of the queen that you’re portraying since stepping into their shoes? How so?
Yna: “I have learned that Anne Boleyn was actually not just a gold digging mistress but a calculated and brilliant thinker. She challenged the traditions of the Church and was also incredibly talented.”
Liberty: “I’ve gained a deeper understanding about Jane Seymour through playing her in the sense that there is a lot more depth and complexity to her than history depicts (as the show explores). I’ve also learnt a lot about myself through delving into her experiences of love and loss.”
Lizzy: “I’ll admit that I only knew the basics of K Howard’s story which were the stuff they teach in school that is unfortunately told through the perspective of Henry and how he wanted her to be portrayed.
After learning how young she was and how many people took advantage of her, I felt genuine burning anger and sadness for her. It’s heartbreaking to think of how wasted her life was and how lonely she must have felt, but I’m so happy that people are learning the truth through SIX and to love her just as much as I do.”
What would you say were the most empowering moments from the show for each of you?
Yna: “The verse at the end of ‘Six’ always moves me because at the end of the day, we can’t go back in time to change their stories but now, after the show, we have done just a tiny part in changing their reputations and their impact on history forever.”
Hannah: “There were a few times where I’d feel empowered during the show such as when all six queens are singing and looking into the audience and there’s a moment of stillness which spoke volumes.”
Eloise: “My favorite most empowering moments in the show is always ‘The Remix’ because it’s the first time the queens all unite and tell Henry how they really feel; something they never got to do.”
Image courtesy of Base Entertainment Asia/Pamela Raith Photography.
What do you hope for audiences, especially women and girls, to take away from the show?
Billie: “I hope that anybody who comes to watch our show leaves feeling seen to some capacity. I want people to feel inspired to live their lives by being authentically themselves without any fear of judgement. I also hope it encourages audiences to appreciate the women in their life and to keep fighting for gender equality across the board.”
Liberty: “SIX is all about celebrating identity — using your voice and taking pride in your story. It’s a powerful reminder that everyone deserves to be heard and valued. I hope that people will leave feeling empowered and inspired to embrace their narrative.”
Hannah: “SIX is not only fun but educational. History is normally seen through a male’s perspective but in SIX, we see history through the eyes of females. We get to hear their stories, what they were put through, and how it has made them strong individuals! Each queen brings different qualities and attributes which is what keeps the show fresh and alive.”
Lizzy: “That comparing yourself to others is never productive and we should all celebrate our individuality, and lift each other up. Our voices are always important because women are so powerful.”
Finally, how do you think the queens would have reacted to Henry VIII’s advances now?
Yna: I think that it is tough to say how any woman would have reacted to the oppression and misogyny that they would have endured during Tudor times, but I would hope that the queens would have defended each other, and maybe banded together against him.”
You’re invited to step into a world of wonder this festive season as CHANEL teams up with Marina Bay Sands to bring you a magical winter adventure that you can experience from now to 31 December.
Image courtesy of CHANEL.
Exclusively presented here in Southeast Asia, step into the Marina Bay Sands’ Grand Colonnade as it is transformed into a festive spectacular with CHANEL light installations featuring iconic emblems of the House such as the N°5 bottle, the lion and the camellia flower in a galaxy of comets and snowflakes.
Image courtesy of CHANEL.
The light installation has been designed to look as if it is drifting up from the chimney of a mysterious doll house, marking the beginning of a winter tale adventure.
THE MAGICAL HOUSE OF CHANEL
Image courtesy of CHANEL.
Located at the Marina Bay Sands’ Event Plaza, The Magical House of CHANEL is an enchanted winter wonderland where delightful surprises await you at every turn.
CHANEL icons frame the roof of the house while gift boxes surround the Magical House, inviting you to embark on a whimsical quest through a snowy forest as you encounter miniature scenes and CHANEL’s festive imaginings.
Image courtesy of CHANEL.Image courtesy of CHANEL.
In the last space of the experience, you’ll find an elegant apartment where you’ll find the iconic N°5 in five unique interpretations. Each interpretation offers a glimpse into the signature allure of the fragrance.
Image courtesy of CHANEL.Image courtesy of CHANEL.
The Magical House of CHANEL is located at the Event Plaza at Marina Bay Sands and is open from now to 25 December.
Opening hours are from 10.30am to 10pm (Sunday to Thursday) and 10.30am to 10.30pm (Friday, Saturday, Eve of Public Holiday & Public Holidays).
With less than six weeks till Christmas, there’s no time like the present to start shopping for your Christmas gifts to avoid the last minute hustle; especially when it comes to shopping for something technical like audio essentials.
To make gifting a little easier for you this season, we’ve come up with 8 great gift suggestions that you can consider for that audiophile in your life.
1. SONOS ARC ULTRA
Featuring Sonos’ revolutionary transducer technology — Sound Motion — the Sonos Arc Ultra (S$1,899) is a premium soundbar that provides boosted bass, spine-tingling Spatial Audio with support for Dolby Atmos, and advanced Speech Enhancement for more levels of control.
The all-new architecture is built with 14 Sonos-engineered drivers, including a Sound Motion woofer and a cluster of tweeters with waveguides on both ends to deliver a 9.1.4 Spatial Audio experience. Its new center channel architecture also helps to maximise vocal clarity so that it is easier to follow dialogue.
Thoughtfully crafted with a distinctive curved profile, the Arc Ultra has a matte finish too with a slimmer appearance that would look elegant when mounted and does not obstruct TV bezels when placed on a cabinet.
The best part about it is its wrap-around grille which extends around the back of the speaker so that sound can travel in all directions to completely surround you.
From 12 to 25 December, you can get the first generation of Sonos Arc Ultra at S$1,275.
2. SONOS ACE
Artfully crafted and masterfully tuned, the Sonos Ace (S$699) is the brand’s first-ever premium over-the-ear lightweight Bluetooth headphones with breath-taking lossless and Spatial Audio, world-class Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and Aware Mode, an well as the most precise and immersive home theatre experience with Sonos’ new TrueCinema technology.
With its high-fidelity sound, you will be able to enjoy every second of your favourite song, podcast or call thanks to its two custom-designed drivers that renders each frequency with impeccable precision and clarity.
You can even indulge in a surround sound home theatre experience as the Spatial Audio with Dolby Atmos envelops you in dramatically detailed sound from all directions and uses dynamic head tracking to keep you centred in the action no matter what you’re doing.
Even with all that usage, you can still enjoy up to 30 hours with an extended, energy-efficient battery life and ultra fast charging ensures you’ll be able to get 3 hours of battery life with a quick 3-minute charge!
From 12 to 25 December, you can get the Sonos Arc at S$559.
3. SONOS ERA 100
Built slightly larger than the Sonos One, the Era 100 (S$449) is a speaker that features all-new hardware and software with next generation acoustics and design that deliver detailed stereo sound and deep bass.
Using two angled tweeters, the speaker is able to send crisp high frequencies left and right to give you a rich stereo experience while the larger midwoofer creates a stunning bass that you is unexpected from a single compact speaker.
Its slim, modern design makes it a chic accent piece for any area of your home and also has the ability to be part of a surround sound system when you pair two Era 100 together or use them as rears with your soundbar.
From 12 to 25 December, you can get the Sonos Era 100 at S$359.
4. SONOS ROAM 2
Seeking a portable audio device? The Sonos Roam 2 (S$329) is a portable speaker that uses precision-engineered acoustics to deliver exceptional clarity with powerful bass.
The speaker has been built with two Class-H digital amplifiers that have been perfectly tuned to its unique acoustic architecture, one tweeter for crisp, high-frequency responses, and a midwoofer for faithful playback of mid-range frequencies that maximises low-end output.
Durably constructed, this lightweight speaker is ready to go everywhere with you, offering you up to 10 hours of non-stop playback that can be efficiently charged using the USB-C cable.
From 12 to 25 December, you can get the Sonos Roam 2 at S$263.
5. MARSHALL WILLEN II
Despite its size, this small but mighty Marshall Willen II (S$179) is a portable speaker with a slightly larger frame than its predecessor to maximise bass and the overall acoustic performance. It is also made with improved drivers so that you can maintain a balanced sound no matter the volume that you choose.
As a multi-purpose speaker, you can place the Willen II however you want, and get up to 17 hours of playtime on a single charge. It also comes with a built-in microphone which allows you to easily take calls completely hands-free.
6. MARSHALL MAJOR V
Created for music lovers who would like to enjoy their music for a longer time, the Marshall Major V (S$269) is a pair of on-ear headphones that offers up to 100 hours of wireless playtime and enhanced comfort.
Delivering the signature Marshall sound, this new generation has been improved to reduce distortion so that you can hear your music with absolute clarity. It is also built with Bluetooth LE Audio for you to get higher audio quality while increasing the streaming range and improving audio sync for an even better connection when watching video.
Even if you find yourself running out of battery, the Major V can be quickly charged using wireless charging. Simply rest your headphones on a charging pad and you’re good to go!
7. BOWERS & WILKINS PI6
Designed to offer outstanding comfort, the Bowers & Wilkins Pi6 (S$389) uses an advanced Qualcomm chipset to provide improved wireless stability and reliable connectivity.
Its latest Bluetooth 5.4 specification ensures multipoint support for two devices while aptX Adaptive wireless transmission at 24-bit/96kHz is included to provide exceptional sound quality from compatible wireless sources.
The all-new 12mm bio-cellulose drive units, derived from the cones used in the award-winning Px7 S2e over-ear headphones, ensure high-resolution audio in a smaller, more easily transportable form factor. It also has carefully positioned microphones to reject unwanted external noises during voice calls.
You can enjoy up to 8 hours of listening from the Pi6 before charging is required, while the charging case is able to support up to 16 hours of further use.
8. BOWERS & WILKINS PI8
The flagship Bowers & Wilkins Pi8 (S$699) reachers greater heights of performance with its new 12mm drive units that feature proprietary Carbon Cone technology, which are used in the multi-award-winning Px8 over-ear headphones.
To ensure that you get the best possible audio results from this technology, the Pi8 adds support for both aptX Adaptive at 24-bit/96kHz and aptX Lossless — a state-of-the-art in wireless headphone transmission technology.
This platform is further supported by a dedicated DSP, DAC and amplification from ADI to ensure the maximum possible resolution and accuracy to whatever you’re listening to.
In addition to the earbuds, the smart case that it comes with supports both wireless charging and its innovative Wireless Audio Retransmission technology which allows you to retransmit audio to your earbuds wirelessly from connected analogue or digital sources such as in-flight entertainment systems, home computers, or even the latest generation of USB-C-enabled iPhones.
Known for its use of unconventional salt-and-pepper diamonds, local homegrown jewellery brand, Twomorrow Jewellery, will soon be hosting its first-ever charity auction for the Singapore Children’s Society on 22 November at the Four Seasons Hotel Singapore.
The auction will feature several unique designs by six well-known individuals namely Tjin Lee, Dr. Ho Ching Lin, Pat Law, Wang Wan Ting, Melissa Koh and James Chen, as well as the designer and founder of Twomorrow, Evelyn Chung.
These pieces will be auctioned off live with all nett proceeds going directly to the Singapore Children’s Society to support the mental, emotional and physical well-being of children, youth, and families across Singapore.
Here’s a closer look at the crafted designs.
Tjin Lee — Kryptonite
[CLICK ON THE IMAGES FOR MORE. Images courtesy of TWOMORROW JEWELLERY.]
As a PR maven, Tjin Lee’s piece named Kryptonite turns perceived flaws into strengths, representing the transformative power of resilience. The hexagonal salt-and-pepper diamond at the centre of her signature design looks to speak to those who embrace their unique journeys.
Dr. Ho Ching Lin — Beauty Lies in The Eye of the Beholder
[CLICK ON THE IMAGES FOR MORE. Images courtesy of TWOMORROW JEWELLERY.]
With a creation that reflects the elegance in life’s simple moments, Dr. Ho Ching Lin, a paediatric and ophthalmology specialist, had designed her piece to symbolise the beauty of perception. Her marquise-shaped diamonds evoke the clarity and grace found in seeing beyond the surface.
Pat Law — Protect the Inner Child
[CLICK ON THE IMAGES FOR MORE. Images courtesy of TWOMORROW JEWELLERY.]
Advertising extraordinaire Pat Law has created a design that reveals hidden salt-and-pepper diamonds that symbolises the beauty often hidden beneath the surface. Her piece also encourages reconnecting your your inner child and to embrace its inherent worth.
Wang Wan Ting — Glow through what you Grow through
[CLICK ON THE IMAGES FOR MORE. Images courtesy of TWOMORROW JEWELLERY.]
Reflecting her journey in banking, Wang Wan Ting’s design radiates with a luminous salt-and-pepper diamond which represents growth and the pursuit of personal excellence.
Melissa Koh and James Chen — Perfectly Imperfect
[CLICK ON THE IMAGES FOR MORE. Images courtesy of TWOMORROW JEWELLERY.]
Celebrating the beauty of imperfections, entrepreneurial duo Melissa Koh and James Chen’s design embraces life’s unfiltered and real moments. Their pear-shaped and half-moon diamonds also reflect the journey of authenticity.
Evelyn Chung — Embrace Individuality and Celebrate the Unconventional
[CLICK ON THE IMAGES FOR MORE. Images courtesy of TWOMORROW JEWELLERY.]
Twomorrow founder Evelyn Chung’s design encourages a celebration of individuality and uses marquise diamonds to represent the beauty found in diversity while reflecting Twomorrow’s mission of inclusivity.
The Twomorrow Jewellery charity auction happens on 22 November at Four Seasons Hotel Singapore. You can view all the items up for auction and place your pre-bids HERE.
Berlin is a city that’s long been on my bucket list. There’s so much to discover in terms of culture, food and shopping, and Singapore Airlines flies there via a short stopover in Frankfurt. If you do book on SQ, you can use your flight booking reference code to redeem up to $150 off your travel activities on Pelago. This promotion runs from now till 31 December 2024 and you can see the full terms and conditions on Pelago’s website here. Alternatively, when you sign up for Pelago, you’ll get 10% off your first two bookings.
See below for NYLON’s recommendations on the essential activities in Berlin that you can book on Pelago.
Fotografiska Museum Berlin is an incredible exhibition space that spans across multiple floors and 5,500 square metres. It’s the ultimate destination in Berlin to discover world-class photography and to get inspired by the displays and even the people attending.
Above: from the hiphop: Conscious, unconscious exhibition.
During our visit, Hip Hop: Conscious, Unconscious was the main showcase, and the photographs trace over 50 years of hip hop history, and feature OGs like Tupac, Snoop and The Notorious B.I.G. More than 50 renowned photographers have their photos of hip hop stars on display, and this collective expression honours the artists who have shaped the culture and evolution of hip hop.
[click on the images to see more.]
On the ground floor, there’s a cafe bar, and shop where you can pick up some seriously cool merchandise that make excellent gifts. Even if you’re in Berlin for just a couple of days, we highly recommend adding this activity to your list.
If you want a bird’s eye view of Berlin, head to the Panoramapunkt, which is located directly on Potsdamer Platz. This building has Europe’s fastest elevator; it takes just 20 seconds to reach the 25th floor where you get to see all the key landmarks in the city.
[click on the images to see more.]
If you’re planning to go on a weekend, we suggest booking the VIP admission ticket that lets you skip the line to the elevator.
Above: View from the 25th floor of Panoramapunkt, taken behind the grills.
If you love beer, you’ll love this tour. A guide leads you in a small group through the historic Friedrichshain of the former East Berlin, pointing out eclectic architecture, alternative stores and shares unique stories of the location’s history. Along the way, you’ll stop by several pubs and local breweries where you get to sample various craft brews and accompanying snacks.
Above: A pleasant surprise was visiting the first microbrewery before it opened to the public. Our group of six had the whole place to ourselves.
We had some of the best local food on this tour, and our guide was friendly, entertaining, and helpful. Through the tasting sessions, we also discovered the kinds of beer we each favour, and were given notes on how to order our preferred beers in the future.
[click on the images to see more.]
Above: You get to sample many different types of beer on this tour.
The Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe (also known as the Holocaust Memorial) is a memorial in the centre of Berlin to the Jewish victims of the Holocaust. It’s designed by architect Peter Eisenman and Buro Happold, and is a short walk from the Brandenburg Gate. The memorial consists of 2,711 rectangular concrete slabs placed in a grid pattern on a sloping field, and there are narrow alleys between them where visitors are able to walk.
Above: you can easily get lost in the alleyways between the rectangular slabs as they get higher.
To understand the installation better, you can book an audio guide on Pelago. This “listening” tour guides you through the centre of Berlin, to the iconic Memorial to the Murdered Jews, and ends at Reichstag, a historic legislative government building.
Above: as you venture deeper into the centre of the memorial, the concrete blocks will start to tower above you.
After booking this tour with Pelago, you’ll receive instructions on how to access the audio and GPS map that will walk and talk you through the key history of Berlin. You’ll learn how Germany has transformed in the 1930s and 40s, leading to the rise of the Nazis, and the events of the Second World War.
You’ll just need your smartphone and we recommend using earphones to listen to the audio clearly.
You can book these and other activities on Pelago.com.
This is your chance to get up-close and personal with acclaimed British artist Banksy’s artworks at The Art of Banksy: Without Limits as it heads to Singapore following its successful run in Australia.
Image courtesy of Fever.
Set to open at 25 Scotts Road, the exhibition will be custom-built to fit several experiential areas and more than 170 of Banksy’s works such as certified originals, prints, photos, lithographs, sculptures, murals, as well as video mapping installations — which have been specially created for this tour.
You will get a chance to gain insight into Banksy’s life and inspirations through uniquely presented works that promise to deliver an impressive must-see experience which celebrates and educates about his art.
Image courtesy of Fever.
The Singapore edition will see the entrance transformed into a Walled Off Hotel style lobby which is inspired by Banksy’s 2017 boutique hotel exhibition of the same name that is considered a key piece of social commentary on the Israeli-Palestine Conflict.
Image courtesy of Fever.Image courtesy of Fever.
Other highlights of the exhibition include “Dismaland” installations from Banksy’s 2015 pop-up Bemusement Park, prints of “Flower Thrower”, and the sculpture “Phone Booth”. There will also be some surprises which includes a section dedicated to his activism for immigrants and an immersive “infinity room” that addresses politics.
Image courtesy of Fever.
As part of your experience, you are invited to join Banksy’s spirit for activism by spray painting your own T-Shirt with a S$2 donation to the M.V. Louise Michael organisation.
The Art of Banksy: Without Limits will open at 25 Scotts Road from December 2024 with the exact date to be announced.
You can sign up for the waitlist HERE. Tickets will go on sale from 13 November.
Inspired by the beauty and harmony of nature, the POCO C75 features an immersive 6.88-inch display with sleek, nature-inspired aesthetics that reflects the natural world.
Image courtesy of POCO.
Offering an immersive visual experience that will transform how you engage with your smartphone, the C75 is supported by a refresh rate of up to 120Hz for smooth transitions and a reduced lag. It also adapts to the environment, enhancing the viewing experience in various lighting conditions which help to reduce eye strain during long viewing sessions.
Equipped with a 50MP AI dual camera system, you’ll be able to take crisp, vibrant photos easily with the POCO C75.
Image courtesy of POCO.
The 13MP front camera also ensures that you look your best even in low-light settings with its Night mode and a software-level soft ring light that simulates natural lighting for balanced and flattering selfies.
Designed to keep you connected and entertained throughout the day, the POCO C75 offers long-lasting power with its massive 5160mAh battery and supports 18W fast charging when you need a quick recharge.
The POCO C75 is priced from S$169 (6GB + 128GB) and S$199 (8GB + 256GB), and is available in Black, Gold, and Green.
Both models can be purchased via MI.COM and SHOPEE.
In an effort to bring a bit of the Alpine vibe to our hot and humid Singapore, Club Med has teamed up with TRIFECTA Singapore for Club Med x TRIFECTA: Ski in the City — a one-day event, which happens on 16 November, that lets you experience the excitement of snowboarding and skiing competitions alongside the magic of a European-inspired snow village.
Image courtesy of Club Med.
Here’s a look at what you can expect.
Christmas Market Experience
Explore and enjoy Alpine-inspired bites at the Raclette & Charcuterie Bar where you can savour authentic après-ski flavours, and indulge in other treats like waffles, pretzels, and mulled wine at the dessert bar.
Snowfall & Scenic Photo Opportunities
Get your photo with the Alpine mountains as your backdrop alongside a magical snowfall experience and a ski lift that will transport you to a snowy escape.
Kids’ Winter Wonderland
Kids can enjoy a host of activities which include an hour-long Intro to Snowboarding & Skiing Classes for children aged 5 to 12 years old with Club Med Snow Academy by TRIFECTA at just S$10 (U.P. S$80), as well as winter-themed face painting, gingerbread decorating, and the opportunity to play in a giant snow globe.
Après-Ski In the City Party
Party with live DJs who will set the festive mood with their respective set lists such as Last Lifts Sunset from 6.30pm to 8pm, and a Après-Ski in the City closing set from 8pm to 10pm.
Snow Village Lucky Draw
Stand a chance to win an all-inclusive 3D2N Club Med Holiday for you and your family at Club Med Bintan worth S$2,700. All you have to do is scan the posters during your visit to the village and participate in the Club Med Sponsored Lucky Draw!
Club Med x TRIFECTA: Ski in the city happens win 16 November from 12pm to 10pm. For more information, click HERE.
Setting a benchmark for one of the most powerful mid-range smartphone available in the market, HONOR has added the highly-anticipated HONOR X9c to its acclaimed line-up of devices in the X Series.
Image courtesy of HONOR.
Encased in a lightweight design that elevates premium aesthetics to new heights, the HONOR X9c promises to integrate outstanding durability, long-lasting battery life with stunning display quality, photography capabilities, and advanced AI experience.
Designed to mitigate issues you might have with a traditional smartphone, the latest HONOR X9c showcases the new generation of HONOR Anti-Drop Display, which offers impressive resistance to drops from heights of up to 2 metres.
Image courtesy of HONOR.
Its ultra-tempered glass and resistance shield also provide comprehensive protection, while the unique Bézier curve design safeguards the corners from impacts.
Equipped with a three-layer water resistance structure, the HONOR X9c provides 360-degree protection against water exposure and offers an IP65M rating for water and dust resistance; even supporting wet hand touch control to ensure you get seamless interaction even with wet or greasy hands.
Image courtesy of HONOR.
With a 6.78-inch Eye-comfort OLED Display, you’ll be able to enjoy a more immersive viewing experience that delivers vibrant hues and breathtaking details in sharp clarity.
Coupled with a high refresh rate of 120Hz, the display showcases incredibly smooth motion and improved responsiveness for a more fluid interface.
Powered by the latest MagicOS 8.0 based on Android 14, the HONOR X9c delivers a personalised and seamless user experience in a lightweight and sleek design.
Image courtesy of HONOR.
You can also expect to capture images with exceptional detail and enhanced brightness with the HONOR X9c’s robust 108MP Ultra-sensing Camera and 1/1.67-inch large sensor.
Leveraging on its 9-in-1 pixel binning technology, the main camera enables you to take well-lit and sharp images in any lighting scenarios, including dim-lit situations.
To elevate your photography experience, the main camera has been equipped with OIS to reduce blurring and shakiness for ultra-clear images.
Image courtesy of HONOR.
Plus, with the integration of AI photography features like HONOR AI Motion Sensing and AI Eraser, you will be able to enhance your image quality and edit photos easily.
Built with an ultra-large 6600mAh Silicon-carbon Battery, the HONOR X9c sets a new standard in battery innovation, offering a long battery life, offering you up to 48.4 hours of music streaming and 25.8 hours of online video playback on a single charge.
In an effort to enhance durability, the battery features an Armor-level Protective Coating and a specialised safety coating to help isolate electrodes in extreme conditions so that the device continues to work.
The HONOR X9c is priced at S$449 and is available in three colours — Titanium Purple, Jade Cyan, and Titanium Black.
Pre-order is now available until 8 November 2024 on LAZADA, SHOPEE, TIKTOK SHOP, and at authorised dealers. The official sale will start from 9 November to 15 November 2024.
Since it was first introduced in 1950, the grooves have become a defining feature of RIMOWA’s identity and even went on to become one of the brand’s most recognizable features.
Image courtesy of RIMOWA.
Inspired by the optical art, RIMOWA presents a new limited-edition release of the RIMOWA Original Cabin Optical — a bold reinterpretation of its iconic design codes featuring a geometric pattern that creates the illusion of its signature grooves disappearing.
Image courtesy of RIMOWA.
In order to achieve this effect, the German Maison had chosen between brushed and unbrushed finishes for its signature aluminum which is then meticulously put together at its historic factory in Cologne.
This optical art motif is also included within the case, with the jacquard patterns mirroring the shifting effect seen on the exterior of the luggage, and on the Flex Dividers, which are RIMOWA’s compression system that allows travelers to pack more.
[CLICK ON THE IMAGES FOR MORE. Images courtesy of rimowa.]
To mark the special release, the RIMOWA Original Cabin Optical also comes with a specially designed leather tag which features the same geometric optical pattern.
In addition to RIMOWA’s unconditional Lifetime guarantee, each of the 2002 limited-edition piece will also feature a numbered label to make your luggage even more special.
The limited-edition RIMOWA Original Cabin Optical is priced at S$2,870 and will be available in stores and ONLINE from 7 November.
Berlin’s extensive culture extends to many of the historic buildings that have been preserved and restored through the decades; and one such building stands tall in the neighbourhood of Kurfürstendamm. It was known as Hotel am Zoo, and this property fortunately survived the destruction of World War II, and even stayed open during the years of division before the Berlin Wall came down in 1989.
Above: the row of buildings where Hotel Zoo berlin resides in the neighbourhood of Kurfürstendamm. photo courtesy hotel zoo berlin.
In 2014, the property reopened as HOTEL ZOO BERLIN, and maintains many iconic features from the original architect, Alfred Messel’s 1891 design. There’s the original sandstone facade, neo-baroque details like the broad bay windows, triangular gables, and the gilt balcony railings.
Above: the impressive entrance to hotel zoo berlin. photo courtesy hotel zoo berlin.
With a name like Hotel Zoo, you’d expect to see lots of animal imagery — and you won’t be wrong. From the moment you step into the hall, Hotel Zoo greets with plush greenery, and animal prints and motifs throughout the public spaces; and it’s done very tastefully. The studio that worked on the interior previously worked in Hollywood on set and production design, and this is evident in the theatrics throughout the lobby.
Above: The lobby area, featuring the massive false door. photo courtesy hotel zoo berlin.
Above: the incredible chandelier in the lobby. photo courtesy hotel zoo berlin.
There’s the six-metre false door made entirely of walnut wood that has the whimsy of “Alice in Wonderland”; then there are the portraits of the hotel’s fictional owners that line the “catwalk” along the hotel’s entrance corridor. And while these touches may sound a bit much, they come together in a homely, yet decadent vibe that feels both welcoming and luscious at once.
Above: one of the paintings along the entrance corridor. photo courtesy hotel zoo berlin.
There are 127 rooms and 14 suites. We stayed in a Superior Room that was good for two adults, and it came complete with Maison Margiela bathrobes and towels, which were luxurious.
Above: a standalone bathtub with margiela bathrobes and towels.
Above: junior suite. photo courtesy hotel zoo berlin.
At the lobby level, do check out Grace Bar. We met interesting characters here on our first night, including door bouncers who looked like models, and a South African lady who kept dancing towards us. It’s a friendly atmosphere that you’d feel safe and confident going by yourself. Even if you’re shy by nature, someone’s likely going to strike up a conversation to ask where you’re from.
Above: baba was one of the bouncers standing outside grace bar. of course i had to take his portrait.
Hotel Zoo isn’t just an attraction to stay in; its convenient location is just a 10-minute walk down the road to the actual Berlin Zoological Garden, which also happens to be the oldest surviving and best-known zoo in Germany. Hotel Zoo got its name from its proximity to the zoo (clearly), and if you’re in Germany (or even just Berlin) for the first time, the national zoo is definitely worth a visit.
Just past the zoo, you’ll find the entrance to the subway, shops, restaurants, and the famous Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church that was badly damaged in a bombing raid in 1943, but you can still see the remaining tower that has been preserved.
Above: inside the lift, when it takes off from the ground floor, you’re given the celebrity treatment and greeted by a multitude of camera flashes.
When in Berlin, spend a few nights at Hotel Zoo, or if you’ve booked elsewhere, drop by for a drink at Grace Bar. The lobby, restaurant, bar (and model bouncers) are a sight to behold.
Above: Grace bar inside hotel zoo berlin. photo courtesy hotel zoo berlin.
It’s twice the fun when you’re exploring the Mandai Wildlife Reserve with the Snoopy Beagle Scouts! From now to 5 January 2025, come join the scouts as they explore and learn about wildlife across the Singapore Zoo and Bird Paradise.
Image courtesy of Mandai Wildlife Group.
Participate in fun activities and redeem exclusive badges that will challenge your observation and memory skills as you engage in four physical trails and 10 digital missions in both parks.
Image courtesy of Mandai Wildlife Group.
An example of the physical challenge would involve spotting items and taking note of them in a trail booklet, while a digital mission might involve a match-and-memorise game.
[CLICK ON THE IMAGES FOR MORE. IMAGES COURTESY OF Mandai Wildlife Group.]
In addition to the challenges, there are fringe activities for you to participate in such as the opportunity to sketch your very own PEANUTS comic strip, to meet the character mascots, craft enrichment devices for the birds in Birds Paradise, and to do some shopping at the Christmas market.
Your furry canine pals are also welcome to join in the festivities at Mandai Wildlife West where they can participate in a host of activities which include a Best Dressed Dog Competition.
Image courtesy of Mandai Wildlife Group.
If you’re seeking a unique wildlife experience, Glamping in the Wild at the Singapore Zoo might just be the one for you.
Unlike the glamping experiences of the past, this edition will see the cosy dome tent decked out in cheerful snoopy decorations, and will include Snoopy-themed missions and exclusive animal encounters.
To get your tickets for the parks, click HERE. For more information, visit WWW.MANDAI.COM.
In just a few days, the Lufthansa Allegris First Class, the flagship of the new cabin on long-haul routes will be taking off on a scheduled flight for the first time to Bangalore on 9 November, and Mumbai on 15 November, which will then be served alternately with the new First Class.
Image courtesy of Lufthansa.Image courtesy of Lufthansa.
The furnishings in the First Class Suite sets new standards like the ability to heat or cool your almost one-meter-wide seats in the suite according to your personal needs. This is in addition to the separate suites with ceiling-high walls and lockable door, large table and wide seat, a huge screen and wireless over-ear headphones.
Image courtesy of Lufthansa.Image courtesy of Lufthansa.
There’s also a personal wardrobe in the suite which provides you with ample storage space so that you can change comfortably and have all of your personal items at hand, as well as individual lamps for you to personalise your environment.
On top of their new first class offerings, Lufthansa will be offering guests in the Business Class Suite with the opportunity to use state-of-the-art VR headsets. This will be provided on all flights equipped with Allegris and users will be able to give feedback on what they particularly enjoyed.
[CLICK ON THE IMAGES FOR MORE. Images courtesy of Lufthansa.]
With the latest generation of these VR headsets, Lufthansa has been awarded the world’s best in-flight entertainment innovation 2024 from the Airline Passenger Experience Association (APEX), and is the only airline to exclusively offer content such as cinema-style movies, engaging VR 360-degree travel podcasts, interactive games and soothing relaxation exercises.
For more information or to start booking your holiday, click HERE.
Known for its innovations in sports and lifestyle, Skechers has officially opened its flagship store in the centre of Bangkok at centralwOrld shopping mall on 1 November 2024.
The grand opening saw the arrival of notable Thai celebrities as well as Skechers’ regional brand ambassador Cha Eun-woo and Skechers Thailand’s brand ambassador, Apo Nattawin Wattanagitiphat.
Located in the Beacon Zone on the second floor of the mall, the new flagship store offers a diverse range of products including footwear, lifestyle items, apparel and accessories which cater to both men and women of all ages.
The contemporary design of the store features the brand’s iconic “S” logo and uses LED technology to showcase content that would relate to centralwOrld and Bangkok, highlighting Skechers’ deep understanding of the local Thai culture.
This includes a digital screen pillar where you can keep track of the various campaigns being promoted in store, as well as a Treadmill Experience area where you can test out footwear and get personalised recommendations based on your walking and foot movement.
With an emphasis on innovation, Skechers will continue to evolve its offerings, incorporating technologies such as the Skechers Hands Free Slip-ins, Arch Fit, and Air-Cooled Memory Foam to ensure that you get the best of affordable style and quality.
Here’s a closer look at the store.
[CLICK ON THE IMAGES FOR MORE.]
Skechers Thailand Flagship Store is located at the Beacon Zone, level 2, centralwOrld in Bangkok Thailand.
Pioneering a new way of working which seeks to erase the barrier between company and community, Nothing had embarked on a Community Edition Project to co-create hardware, software and content with its community.
Image courtesy of Nothing.
With over 900 entries from 47 countries around the world, Nothing has finally co-created its final product with inputs from the community to unveil the Phone (2a) Plus Community Edition, a glow-in-the-dark interpretation of the popular Phone (2a) Plus.
Winners Astrid Vanhuyse & Kenta Akasaki, Andrés Mateos, Ian Henry Simmonds and Sonya Palma collaborated closely with Nothing’s Design Studio, Creative, Brand and Marketing teams in London to further refine their winning concepts.
Here’s how it went.
Stage 1: Hardware Design
Image courtesy of Nothing.
Astrid Vanhuyse & Kenta Akasaki collaborated with Nothing’s Design Director Adam Bates and CMF Designer Lucy Barley to experiment with a variety of materials and colours in order to bring their “Phosphorescence” concept to life, while preserving Nothing’s DNA for the device.
Using green-tinted phosphorescent material finishing, the back of the phone emits a soft glow-in-the-dark feature that is purely analogue, requiring no power source, with the ability to last for hours before gradually fading until it is recharged by daylight.
Stage 2: Wallpaper Design
[CLICK ON THE IMAGES FOR MORE. IMAGES COURTESY OF Nothing.]
Using a mix of AI tools and digital designs to build on the hardware design to create the “Connected Collection”, Andrés Mateos was initially tasked with developing four wallpapers but decided to expand the final collection to six wallpapers, created with Nothing’s Software Design Director Mladen M Hoyss and Software Designer Ken Giang.
Stage 3: Packaging Design
Image courtesy of Nothing.
In his design, Ian Henry Simmonds reinterpreted Nothing’s packaging design with his “Less is More” concept in a graphically bold, yet simple super-macro crop that includes reflective elements which glows in dark environments to complement the winning hardware design.
Stage 4: Marketing Campaign
Image courtesy of Nothing.
All the elements were brought together in a powerful marketing campaign by Sonya Palma with support from Nothing’s Creative Team to develop a suite of elevated assets, including a film campaign and digital assets for the launch of the product.
The Phone (2a) Plus Community Edition is priced at S$569 and only 25 units will be available in Singapore to purchase on a first-come, first-served basis from 16 November via Limited Etd’s official ONLINE STORE.
If you’re looking for a Harry Potter exhibition to attend after the Forbidden Forest Experience, you might want to prep for this next adventure where you’ll get to explore some of the most mysterious corners of the Wizarding World.
Image courtesy of Harry Potter: Visions of Magic.
Harry Potter: Visions of Magic is a self-guided journey where you will get to discover a series of artistic and immersive environments inspired by enigmatic places in the magical community which include the Ministries of Magic, Newt’s Menagerie, and Professor Dumbledore’s Pensieve.
Combining responsive video content with architecture and original soundscapes, you are in for a stunning, multi-sensory experience of the installations which is further enhanced when you use a wand to illuminate the invisible, revealing visions of magic that adds a little magical touch.
In addition to the experience, you’ll also be able to shop all things Harry Potter and enjoy a cup of Butterbeer!
Dubbed the largest iteration of the experience globally, Harry Potter: Visions of Magic will feature ten environments, two of which will be making its debut in Singapore.
Here’s a closer look at what they are.
[CLICK ON THE IMAGES FOR MORE. IMAGES COURTESY OF Harry Potter: Visions of Magic.]
The Knight Bus: This is where you begin your experience as you board the Knight Bus for a mind-bending journey through the bustling streets of London. Take a photo with amongst the iconic bunks as you make your way to Number 12 Grimmauld Place.
Grimmauld Place: Explore the ancestral home of Sirius Black’s family and use your want to interact with the family tree and glowing fireplace.
Ministries of Magic: Step inside the towering walls of the Ministry and experience responsive projections including a suspended multimedia centrepiece that transports you to iconic Wizarding Ministries across Paris, London, and New York.
The Hall of Prophecy: Wander through a mirrored room filled with glowing orbs that reflect a seemingly infinite collection of prophecies and use your wand to unlock the whispers of the future.
The Chamber of Secrets: This environment, that is exclusive to Singapore, takes you deep beneath Hogwarts, into the lair of an ancient Basilisk where you’ll face challenges and hidden secrets.
[CLICK ON THE IMAGES FOR MORE. IMAGES COURTESY OF Harry Potter: Visions of Magic.]
Newt’s Menagerie: Enter Newt’s magical briefcase and discover a world of fantastic beasts in their natural habitats. From the Nifflers to the Grindylows, each scene is brought to life using stunning artistic projections, and your wand will bring Newt’s notes and sketches to life.
Knockturn Alley: Venture down the shadowy paths of Knockturn Alley if you dare, where curious figures and hidden surprises await you in this dark, interactive environment.
The Room of Requirement: Explore towers of items that stretch towards the ceiling in this known hidden room where you’ll find glimmers of magic among ordinary-looking objects.
The Trap Door: Another Singapore Exclusive — this environment invites you to access a series of chambers protecting the Philosopher’s Stone. Each chamber represents a different challenge that Harry, Ron and Hermione had to overcome, and where you can use your wand to discover.
The Pensieve: This 360-degree immersive experience offers you a journey through key moments from Harry’s story.
The Harry Potter: Visions of Magic officially opens at Resorts World Sentosa from 22 November.
Tickets are priced from S$39 for children (aged 4 to 12), and from S$49 for adults (13 years and above).
Pre-sale tickets are available from 5 to 7 November via TICKETMASTER. You can join the waitlist HERE to get exclusive access to the pre-sale tickets.
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