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Marc Jacobs Daisy Drops Lets You Take Your Fragrance With You While On-The-Go

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Marc Jacobs’ Daisy is one of those popular, evergreen scents that are so beloved, you’ll know exactly what we’re talking about the moment it comes up in conversation. Fresh and floral, with whimsical daisies blooming on its retro-style bottle cap, the scent is brimming with optimism with every spritz.

So why not come up with an on-the-go concept that’s just as fun? Introducing, the Daisy Drops, a new innovation of sustainable, single-dose fragrance capsules designed to fit in our bags or pockets, so we’re free to take our Daisy wherever we go.

Marc Jacobs is touting this as “a new way to Daisy”, and have certainly managed to distill both the literal scent and the playful spirit of the Daisy line into these mini capsules. Each little round aluminium tin, adorned with daisy motifs, holds 30 capsules of your favourite Daisy fragrance, while using them is as simple as twisting, squeezing, and applying the scent onto your skin.

As for the portable drops, these are formulated into concentrated gel-like compositions without alcohol, and are essentially reinterpretations of three fragrances within the Daisy line.

The three scents are: the original Daisy Marc Jacobs Eau de Toilette, with its classic fresh-floral notes of jasmine, wild berries, white violet and sandalwood; the fruity-floral Eau So Fresh that infuses ruby red grapefruit, raspberries, apple blossom and lychee; and Daisy Marc Jacobs Love, of romantic crystallised cloudberries, daisy tree petals, cashmere musk, and driftwood.

Have a look at how the travel-sized Daisy Drops can be used —

 

Marc Jacobs Daisy Drops, $40 each. Available at Sephora stores and online. 

 

Join the NYLON x OPPO “Golden Times” Photo Contest and Win the Latest OPPO Foldable Flagship Smartphone!

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Smartphone cameras today can take truly incredible photos; and with every new phone launch, we see better and better specs, and new and impressive collaborations with traditional camera brands. One of the most exciting tie-ups has to be the one between OPPO and Hasselblad; where a three-year partnership was announced in February 2022, and sees the legendary camera manufacturer co-develop camera technologies with the Chinese tech brand.

For the past few weeks, OPPO has been teasing a new generation of foldables that’s igniting excitement in the tech world. We can expect a top-of-the-line camera system in this new upcoming model — one that will be a game-changer in the growing world of foldables.

And this month, NYLON and OPPO are giving you the chance to be one of the first in the world to test out OPPO’s upcoming next-generation foldable smartphone — and to have the opportunity to win one for yourself!

“GOLDEN TIMES” PHOTOGRAPHY CONTEST

Prize: The new OPPO Next-gen Foldable Smartphone (To be revealed later this month!)

STAGE 1:
OPEN CALL!

To Enter:

Contest is open to all Singapore residents. Just show us your photography style on your Instagram profile (it needs to be public), and we will select 10 readers to take part in our contest to win the exciting new OPPO foldable. Here’s how to enter:

1. Fill in our official Google Form for the NYLON x OPPO Photo Contest.
2. We will contact selected participants by Tue 17 Oct 6pm.
3. The selected participant will be loaned the new OPPO foldable from 19—29 Oct 2023. You’ll be one of the first in the world to test it out!

STAGE 2:
Photography with the OPPO smartphone

To win:

For the selected 10 readers from the above open call, you’ll then be invited to capture photos with the OPPO smartphone and submit a minimum of 6 of your best photos to NYLON.

The theme of the photo contest is “Golden Times”. These are the best moments in life, and what we uniquely believe to be luxurious. It could be a quiet moment spent with a loved one, or a photo while out partying with friends; or maybe even a shot of your work desk at golden hour. But along with your photo, do give us an explanation about how that photo fits into our theme.

Submit your photos taken with the new OPPO foldable to NYLON before 29 Oct 2023 6pm. Photos should be in high resolution JPG format and sent as a download link to editorial@nylon.com.sg.

The best entries will be showcased on NYLON Singapore, and we will curate a selection to be exhibited at an OPPO event. The participant with the overall best photo will win for themselves the new OPPO foldable smartphone.

Good luck!  👍

 

Leica SOFORT 2 — the Next Generation of Instant Photography

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Leica announces the second generation of their instant camera, the Leica SOFORT 2. Similar to the first SOFORT model, the SOFORT 2 uses the Instax Mini format photo paper; and Leica will also be launching their own photo papers in warm-white and golden frame editions to complement this new camera.

The SOFORT 2 will be available in three classic colours: red, white and black — all of them stunning. But the highlight of this new camera is its ability to save digital images taken, and being able to print only the shots that you select. Furthermore, it links to the Leica FOTOS app and allows you to print photos from your smartphone that were captured with other Leica cameras and that are stored in the FOTOS app gallery.

Other features include a selfie mode with a dedicated shutter button, a wide-angle landscape mode, a macro mode with a focusing distance of just 10cm, and 10 lenses and 10 film effects built into the camera.

We do also like the lifestyle accessories being launched alongside the SOFORT 2, and these include wooden picture frames, wrist straps, bags and even a branded metal tin to store your snaps in. See everything below.

[Click on the images to enlarge.]
The Leica SOFORT 2 is priced at $580 and available from 9 November 2023. White and black variants are available at official leica singapore stores and ONLINE, while the red variant is exclusively available through the leica ONLINE STORE.

 

The BVLGARI OMNIA Fragrance Collection Captures Luminous Light In New Crystal-Inspired Bottles

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“She’s everything”. We reserve this line for captivating individuals who, more often than not, effortlessly radiate good energy — and the same can be said for the refreshed BVLGARI OMNIA fragrance line. With an elegant Latin name that translates into “everything”, the collection sees three signature fragrances in beautiful translucent bottles that sparkle like gemstones, which hold the most radiant floral scents as well.

BVLGARI’s OMNIA line shouldn’t be new to us, especially if you’re an avid fragrance collector; in fact, you may have felt like you’ve grown up with the scent since it was first introduced in 2003. This latest evolution of the OMNIA, however, does away with the familiar metal accent on its iconic interlocking bottle, and instead opts for redesigned clear flacons in line with their ‘Reveal Your Light’ campaign — an apt choice that puts a spotlight on these timeless, luminous scents.

“Two detachable rings flow into each other, unveiling the fragrance’s atomiser and expressing the evolution of the collection,” says the brand on their bottle, shaped to look like an infinity symbol, and another indicator of the series’ timelessness. A sophisticated rose-coloured frame on the cap is a nod to the house of BVLGARI’s expertise as well, of their storied heritage in jewellery craftsmanship.

The OMNIA Crystalline, OMNIA Amethyste, and OMNIA Coral fragrances feature the same formulas and scent profiles as before, exquisitely crafted by Master Perfumer Alberto Morillas. Each of them are inspired by their respective gemstones — Crystal, Amethyst, and Red Coral — for multi-faceted scents with individual characteristics.

American actress Cailee Spaeny, set to star in the upcoming Sofia Coppola- directed film Priscilla, a biopic centred around the wife of Elvis Presley, is also the newly-appointed ambassador for the BVLGARI OMNIA collection, signalling a new chapter for the beloved fragrance line. Take a look at each of the three scents below.

BVLGARI OMNIA Crystalline

OMNIA Crystalline is a clean-girl scent that evokes the purity and clarity of crystal. Light shines right through the bottle in this luminous Eau de Toilette, and one of the first notes you might encounter would be the aquatic transparency of the lotus flower, followed by the air-like quality of the scent’s white peony accord. The warmth of balsa wood and a sensual crystal musk accord then envelop the scent with a pleasing wood trail once it has settled into your skin.

BVLGARI OMNIA Amethyste

If you’re into crystals, then you’ll know how the Amethyst is beloved for its calming presence. The OMNIA Amethyste develops this with a more elegant edge though, with a delicate and powdery scent that imagines a garden of irises dappled with morning dew. Its bright opening of citrusy pink grapefruit blends with rich Damask rose absolute, along with solar wood notes, for a truly unique composition.

BVLGARI OMNIA Coral

This is a solar scent that evokes positive energy, especially since the OMNIA Coral takes on the qualities of the vibrant red coral gem. A heart of hibiscus, combined with the softness of water lily, draws us in with its bright aura, for a floral-fruity fragrance further accentuated by bergamot, goji berry, pomegranate, and elegant cedar wood.

 

BVLGARI OMNIA is now available at the Bulgari store at MBS and online, at major departmental stores, and at Sephora.
  • BVLGARI OMNIA Crystalline and Amethyste: $124 for 30ml, $167 for 50ml and $240 for 100ml
  • BVLGARI OMNIA Coral: $240 for 100ml

 

The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 Has A Colour For Every Personality

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Two months ago, Samsung announced the Galaxy Z Flip5 at their Unpacked Event in Seoul, and they launched it in a big way with eight colours and incredible Flipsuit Case designs, with matching screensavers as well, all to herald the arrival of their latest foldable smartphone. And if there’s one thing we learnt, it’s that the Galaxy Z Flip5 is made to be a statement.

Designed to be compact and fun, whether in your hand, selfie-ready on a table, or clipped to your jeans, there’s definitely a stylish factor to Samsung’s device, even as it’s loaded with their latest technology. Most notably, the most major upgrades come in the form of a larger 3.4″ Cover Screen (called the Flex Window), and a sleeker zero hinge gap design that see the panels flush against each other when closed.

What we’re just as excited about though, is choice. Instead of the usual limited black or white options, Samsung has given us an entire range of eight colours to pick from, including yellow, blue, mint and lavender. Since we’re in the era of digital technology taking over over our lives — “phone is life” and all that — it only makes sense that our smartphones double up as a form of self-expression. To embrace this, we’ve put together a series that features all eight colours and their close-ups, along with how they might suit your personality or lifestyle.

Cream 🤍🍦👟

We know, we did say it’s all about colour here, but we have to start off this series with a blank canvas, one that’s an ultra-sleek looker. In a muted shade of Cream, this Galaxy Z Flip5 ought to appeal to the refined eye of the minimalist, the ones who believe less is more rather than a lack, advocates of simplicity. The definition of “quiet luxury”, this phone is the perfect accessory for a capsule wardrobe where every quality piece counts.

Yellow 💛🥰✨

[Online Exclusive]

Butter up to this! In sunny Yellow, the Galaxy Z Flip5 is quite literally a pocketful of sunshine, perfect for those whose personalities radiate warmth and positivity. Those who gravitate towards this shade will likely have lots of vibrant colours in their standout wardrobe too, so even if this is one of the brighter shades of the bunch, it’s bound to match both your equally-cheery wardrobe and disposition.

Blue 💙📘🌊

[online exclusive]

The calming Blue seen here speaks to the soul, the way the world stands still when you’re looking at ocean waves lapping on the shore, or the quiet moment when you’re writing in your gratitude journal. Blue may feel like a “safe” choice, but we’d say that it’s often related to reliability and loyalty too; if these are traits you value, then it’s only natural to be drawn to this serene hue.

Lavender 💜🔮👾

If lavender’s your pick, we’d wager that you once had, or still have, a “purple” phase where all your accessories were (are) purple. And there’s nothing wrong with that! The colour is as invigorating as it is soothing, and in Samsung’s case, they’ve opted for the lighter end of the spectrum, a sweet Lavender that’s at once romantic, intuitive, subtly bold, and creative. It’s the colour of contradictions, and the people who love it aren’t afraid to wear their heart on their sleeves — or perhaps, their phones clipped to their pockets.

Mint 🌿🧼👒

Looking very much like a fresh batch of chocolate mint ice-cream, this crisp shade of pastel Mint signals a sense of adventure, and might appeal to those who’re always open to change and newness in their lives. Confident in who they are and keen on expressing themselves in more ways than one, picking up the Galaxy Z Flip5 in this plucky hue is surely an ode to their love for all things atypical.

Green 💚🌳🥗

[online exclusive]

On the other end of the spectrum, is Green. More a low-key pine green compared to zesty mint, lovers of this hue are probably nature lovers as well, down-to-earth do-gooders who naturally give off that unpretentious, generous wholesomeness. If you’re someone who’s just as centred, a friend to all living things, and are particularly keen on nature hikes, this might just be for you.

Gray 📷 🏢🪨

[online exclusive]

Gray is one of those underrated colours that’s often labelled drab, but we think otherwise. In fact, Gray is for the discerning, a neutral, sophisticated, no-fuss shade that’s just off-centre to be effortlessly cool. This might speak to someone who’s clear on what they like — and dislike — a quietly confident individual who’s unfazed by most things in life, someone who’d feel oddly connected to the raw beauty of brutalist architecture.

Graphite 🖤🗄️✒️

Graphite, or black, might appeal to the minimalist just as much as cream does, but we’re talking dark side vibes here. These are successful, independent individuals who’ve curated their wardrobes, and lives, down to a handful of things they love. Just like the versatility of Graphite, they’re also highly-adaptable in all circumstances and situations, and as timeless and elegant as their chosen shade.

 

THE GALAXY Z FLIP5 IN MINT, CREAM, GRAPHITE AND LAVENDER IS PRICED at $1,498 (256GB MEMORY) and $1,678 (512gb memory).
ONLINE-EXCLUSIVE COLOURS, include GREEN, BLUE, YELLOW AND GRaY, available AT SAMSUNG.COM.
All photos, captured on the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra. 

 

Uniqlo U Returns With Fall/Winter Shades Of Warm Browns And Genderless Neutrals

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With a palette of rich browns, alongside gourmand tones of russet, olive and chocolate amongst neutral shades of cream and grey, you know we’re talking about a cosy Fall/Winter collection — particularly, Uniqlo U‘s series of elevated utilitarian essentials.

Designed by Artistic Director Christophe Lemaire and his UNIQLO R&D team in Paris, this latest collection embodies Lemaire’s desire to “make clothes that are like good friends”, hence relaxed silhouettes, and often genderless styles too, with “nothing that constrains you, nothing that disguises you”.

The padded single-breasted coat, seen on both men and women, seems to be quite the highlight in the series, and features a loose but thoughtful fit that envelopes the silhouette without overwhelming it.

Padded Volume Jackets take us through the colder months, just as lambswool knits and cosy flannel and fleece are essentials every season; a brushed jersey turtleneck t-shirt, in particular, sees curved sleeves and narrow ribbed cuffs for an elegant touch, while there’s also a more voluminous sweater made with premium lambswool.

The women may also enjoy a Jersey Tailored Jacket, worn as a co-ord with brush jersey pants, or paired with straight-cut denim pants. Over to accessories, the classic drawstring bag returns in a smaller size, alongside a practical backpack and casual mini messenger bag.

See some of the styled looks from the collection here —

[click on the images below to expand.]

 

Uniqlo U 2023 Fall/Winter Collection, available from 6 October, Friday, at Orchard Central Global Flagship and ION Orchard, and online.

 

Le Regard Hermès: An Entire Eye Makeup Collection With Eyeshadow Palettes, Mascara & Tools

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We’ve got the most exquisite lipsticks, silky blushes, and lightweight tinted balms and powders. What can Hermès Beauty possibly be showing us next? It seems like they’ve got their eye on vibrant colour, as the luxury brand introduces an eye makeup range of eyeshadow palettes, coloured mascara, accompanying brushes, and an eyelash curler.

This latest chapter takes on the Pierre Hardy-designed packaging of lacquered white against brushed gold marked with the Hermès ex-libris, in line with the other beautiful objects by the House. The eyeshadow palettes, in particular, are made to be refillable, each with four shades arranged in a graphic style with echoes of the distinctive Bauhaus aesthetic.

Dreamt up by Gregoris Pyrpylis, creative director of Hermès Beauty, his desire is to highlight another facet of feminine beauty: the eyes. At once expressive and mysterious, we’re encouraged to explore the collection at our own pace, starting with the eyeshadows that are made to be easy to apply, with bold options to build up on intensity and colour.

The series of Ombres d’Hermès Eyeshadows consist of six silk powder eyeshadows, each a curated harmony of three colours of graduated intensity, followed by a stronger, creative accent. In fact, we need only to look at their shapes for a hint of their function — the two squares are dedicated to colours, one neutral and the other dark, while the two circles hold the surprise shade and a hint of light.

These satin, matte, and shimmer finishes are inspired by Hermès silk scarves as well, from the radiant silk lamé that informs the accents of light, to the soft silk twill. The eye palettes are all refillable, made of powders with 72% to 98% natural-origin ingredients. In compact white and gold disc packaging, similar to the Rose Hermès and Hermès Plein Air objects, they open to reveal a full-sized mirror, and arrive in a canvas drawstring pouch, accompanied by an applicator brush, in an orange box.

Here are the six shades:

  • 01 Ombres Pétales — A graceful palette with a poetic floral heritage accentuated by the sultry innocence of shades of pink and plum.
  • 02 Ombres Végétales — Green foliage with an iridescent shimmer, an illuminated garden abundant with nature.
  • 03 Ombres Fauves — Amber notes that recall a silky fabric punctuated ephemeral orange, like with a dazzling and autumn sunlight.
  • 04 Ombres Marines — An intense blue full of dense and mysterious tones, like glimpses of the ocean.
  • 05 Ombres Fumées — Stormy shades tinged with a cool light. A dark presence with celestial accents.
  • 06 Ombres Mordorées — A golden, light-filled horizon with hints of bronze, like the glowing embers of autumn.

Also part of the Le Regard Hermès collection is a series of six Trait d’Hermès Mascaras, in deep and daring shades that portray the House’s unique approach to colour. From the mysterious aura of Noir Fusain, bronzed tones of Brun Bistre and cherry-brown interpretation of Rouge H, to the hazy tones of Violet Indigo, the formula is, once again, made easy to apply, giving weightless volume and length to our lashes.

A look at the composition of its ingredients tell us that it’s a gentle formula of 97% natural-origin ingredients, and ones that aim to strengthen and fortify our lashes too, including millet seed, moringa butter, shea butter, and white mulberry extract. Its slender packaging is engraved with the concave ex-libris on its metal cap, while the ultra-fine wand is made with plant fibres derived from the castor bean, where its shape forms a subtle H.

Then, there are the makeup tools. An eyebrow brush is created to tame and define lashes and brows; the L’ombreur sweeps on and layers colour across the eyelid, and offers an intense colour effect when used on its flat side; the fluffy L’estompeur is ideal for blending and creating a diffused effect; and there’s also an eyeliner brush designed for precision.

To open up the eyes, we’re turning to the Courbe-cils, a beautifully-designed Hermès eyelash curler, which fixes the natural curl of the lashes. The satin-finish black metal object is accented with a grey-blue silicone pad that sits beneath the golden handle with its tone-on-tone Hermès signature, and comes with two replacement pads in different colours.

See the full collection here —

[click on the images below to expand, and for more info.]
Ombres d'Hermès - Eyeshadows 01 Ombres Pétales, $183
Ombres d'Hermès - Eyeshadows 01 Ombres Pétales, $183
Ombres d'Hermès - Eyeshadows 02 Ombres Végétales, $183
Ombres d'Hermès - Eyeshadows 02 Ombres Végétales, $183
Ombres d'Hermès - Eyeshadows 03 Ombres Fauves, $183
Ombres d'Hermès - Eyeshadows 03 Ombres Fauves, $183
Ombres d'Hermès - Eyeshadows 04 Ombres Marines, $183
Ombres d'Hermès - Eyeshadows 04 Ombres Marines, $183
Ombres d'Hermès - Eyeshadows 05 Ombres Fumées, $183
Ombres d'Hermès - Eyeshadows 05 Ombres Fumées, $183
Ombres d'Hermès - Eyeshadows 06 Ombres Mordorées, $183
Ombres d'Hermès - Eyeshadows 06 Ombres Mordorées, $183
Trait d'Hermès - Volume Mascara 01 Noir Fusain, $114
Trait d'Hermès - Volume Mascara 01 Noir Fusain, $114
Trait d'Hermès - Volume Mascara 02 Brun Bistre, $114
Trait d'Hermès - Volume Mascara 02 Brun Bistre, $114
Trait d'Hermès - Volume Mascara 03 Rouge H, $114
Trait d'Hermès - Volume Mascara 03 Rouge H, $114
Trait d'Hermès - Volume Mascara 04 Bleu Encre, $114
Trait d'Hermès - Volume Mascara 04 Bleu Encre, $114
Trait d'Hermès - Volume Mascara 05 Vert Titien, $114
Trait d'Hermès - Volume Mascara 05 Vert Titien, $114
Trait d'Hermès - Volume Mascara 06 Violet Indigo, $114
Trait d'Hermès - Volume Mascara 06 Violet Indigo, $114
Trait d'Hermès – Eyelash Curler, $131
Trait d'Hermès – Eyelash Curler, $131
Trait d'Hermès – Eyelash Curler, $131
Trait d'Hermès – Eyelash Curler, $131
Ombres d'Hermès - Eyeshadow Eyeliner Brush, $158
Ombres d'Hermès - Eyeshadow Eyeliner Brush, $158
Ombres d'Hermès - Eyeshadow Shader Brush, $176
Ombres d'Hermès - Eyeshadow Shader Brush, $176
Ombres d'Hermès - Lash and Eyebrow Brush, $158
Ombres d'Hermès - Lash and Eyebrow Brush, $158
Ombres d'Hermès - Eyeshadow Blending Brush, $176
Ombres d'Hermès - Eyeshadow Blending Brush, $176
Ombres d'Hermès - Eyeshadows 05 Ombres Fumées, $183
Ombres d'Hermès - Eyeshadows 05 Ombres Fumées, $183
Ombres d'Hermès - Eyeshadows 05 Ombres Fumées - Refill, $96
Ombres d'Hermès - Eyeshadows 05 Ombres Fumées - Refill, $96

 

Le Regard Hermès will be available from 15th October 2023, at Hermès Liat Towers, Hermès Marina Bay Sands, Hermès Takashimaya, Takashimaya Department Store, Tangs Department Store and Hermes.com.

 

Polaroid I-2 is the brand’s sharpest-ever lens and first analog instant camera with built-in manual controls

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Everyone loves an instant photo. It comes out immediately, blurs all our imperfections, and just looks cool. And Polaroid, the original instant camera, has just come up with their most advanced (and expensive) model yet, the I-2. This is a fully manual device where you can tweak aperture, shutter speed, create multiple exposure pictures, and set a timer. And yes, don’t worry, there’s auto mode.

Above: The POLAROID I-2 and COLOR I-TYPE FILM.

This model is not cheap. At $1,198, it’s almost five times the price of a Polaroid Now+ instant camera. But it’s also Polaroid’s sharpest-ever lens, and offers full control over your settings.

Above: The Polaroid I-2 has hints of retro styling, while still retaining modern curves.

Above: on the top, there’s a control wheel for manually adjusting exposure.

On the camera, there’s an external display to see and select what mode you’re on, and you can connect this to Polaroid’s app to set and control the camera digitally through your phone.

Above: the external display is small but good enough to see the info you need, including mode, battery life and number of pieces of film left.

Polaroid says this camera is designed for craft — and that it is; this is for all the manual photographers out there who can take one look at the scene before them, and know what adjustments to make. To fully make use of and appreciate the camera, you need to know how to adjust and play with aperture and shutter speeds; if you’re just going to shoot on auto mode, you’d be better off saving money and getting the Polaroid Now+.

Above: It has a rechargeable battery and works with Polaroid I-Type, 600 and SX-70 film, which is widely available.

I took some pics at home and while out with friends, and was pleasantly surprised by the results. Have a look:

Above: the first picture i took was of my work desk. It exposed nicely after 15 minutes of leaving it alone in the dark. The photo is clear and full of detail.

Above: here are some scenes from home. it doesn’t matter which angle i shoot; polaroid photos always develop full of character.

Above: Here’s an example of over- and under-exposed photos. I was out with friends and experimented with the aperture and shutter speed settings. It takes some figuring out to get the look you want, but nonetheless, every photo still comes out very pleasing.

The big takeaway for me is that this Polaroid has a nice and sharp lens, and is really fun to play with. It’s also a conversation starter; when I whip this out of the bag, everyone wants to see it. But it’s really when we take a look at the price that we all balk; it’s definitely a premium for an instant camera, and only the true Polaroid fan and collector would immediately fork out over a thousand for this device. But let’s not kid ourselves — we all want one.

The Polaroid I-2 is priced at $1,198 and available at ostsome.com.

 

Pandora Dives Right Into The Fantasy Realm With This Game of Thrones Collection

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Winter is coming — and so are dragons and direwolves. The groundbreaking television series that had us fanatically obsessed over wars between kings and queens and their mostly tragic fates is now represented in the Game of Thrones x Pandora collection, where we see gilded pieces including an Iron Throne charm and a Crown Ring you can choose to wear around your little finger.

Indeed, this is an 11-piece jewellery collection that ought to bring honour to the realm, as we get to flaunt everything from Pandora’s signature charms, to rings, necklaces, earrings and bracelets inspired by the hit series.

The partnership with Warner Bros. Discovery Global Consumer Products is one that brings to life the rich fantasy world, such that we get to represent our favourite houses or motifs in the form of wearable designs, which also reflect the jewellery brand’s most innovative crafting techniques.

There seems to be two key themes running across the pieces — one, dragon-inspired jewellery inspired by the Mother of Dragons herself, and two, the icy contrasts of House Stark.

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Above: jewellery inspired by House Targaryen, including the Game of Thrones Dragon Pendant Necklace ($249) ; Game of Thrones Dragon Fire Dangle Charm ($159) ; and Game of Thrones Daenerys Charm ($99).

Perhaps due to the popularity of spin-off series House of the Dragon, dragon scales and their fiery prowess, represented by red crystals, are rife in a collection that both honours traditional Targaryen colours of red and gold, while also firing up sterling silver options that look like they have been forged from Valyrian steel. A Sparkling Dragon Egg Charm is one of our favourites, as it echoes precious dragon eggs via keen textural details, complete with sparkling stones and microbeads peeking out from a crack along its side.

If you’re thinking Queen of the North though, then there are pieces inspired by direwolves, or finished with icy Murano glass. Pandora’s traditional style of oxidising sterling silver further adds a contrasting dark detail to the pieces, seen most obviously on the Iron Throne charm with its contrasting green stone.

Above: a more-cool toned look with sterling silver jewellery, including the Game of Thrones Sparkling Dragon Egg Charm ($89).

Jabra launches their toughest and most advanced Wireless Earbuds ever, with the Elite 8 Active and Elite 10

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The last pair of Jabra earbuds we reviewed was the Elite 5 back in October 2022. Fast forward a year later, we have the Elite 8 Active and Elite 10 — the brand’s toughest and most advanced models to date. These were announced earlier this month and just launched on Jabra’s official store on Shopee.

Above: The box packaging for the Jabra Elite 8 Active in caramel, $308 (left) and Elite 10 in titanium black, $378 (right).

JABRA ELITE 8 ACTIVE

The Jabra Elite 8 Active comes in three colours: Navy, Dark Grey and Caramel (featured here).

We love the matte casing and the embossed logo on its front, and there’s a light indicator to show when the case is charging and full.

Design: The earbuds have a smooth matte finish as well, with the flat buttons on the side also embossed with the brand name. The whole packaging feels premium, especially for a device meant for “rugged” use. Jabra touts these as their toughest earbuds ever, being waterproof, sweatproof, rustproof and drop resistant.

Charging and Battery: The case charges by a USB-C cable or a Qi-enabled wireless charging pad, and you get up to 8 hours of battery life with the earbuds (with ANC activated), and up to 32 hours in total with the portable charging case. This is more than most earbuds at this price range.

Controls and Settings: It was easy to pair this with the iPhone 15 Pro Max, and the controls are intuitive. There’s a Jabra Sound+ app that has additional settings for audio and voice calls, such as auto answering calls when one or both earbuds is put in. There’s also a music equaliser with presets, so you can customise your audio (eg. more bass, less treble).

Sound Quality: Spatial Sound is available through the Sound+ app, but it made the audio sound rather echoey and the bass a tad muffled. Once Spatial Sound was turned off, everything became nice and clear. Like all Jabra’s, the bass feels boosted and I suppose this works on the plane or during sports.

Fit and Comfort: Unsurprisingly, these feel secure in the ear and I wouldn’t hesitate to take them running. Jabra has put these through a “shake test”, and with this model, they’ve increased silicone coverage so there’s a tighter in-ear fit that make these more comfortable to wear, as well as improving the noise seal.

Who’s this for: The Elite 8 Active has been tested against military standards to see how well they perform under pressure, and they’ve passed 9 durability tests (low altitude pressure, high temperature, low temperature, rain, humidity, salt fog, sand and dust, immersion and shock), which make these extremely tough. These are the perfect earbuds to take swimming, cycling, trekking, and more. Get these for the sports enthusiast who will appreciate its durable build.

JABRA ELITE 10

The Jabra Elite 10 is available in three colours as well: Cream, Cocoa and Titanium Black (featured here). Just like all the other Jabra earbuds, in the box you’ll find a USB-C charging cable and extra EarGels so you get the perfect fit for your ear.

Design: The case has a smooth, semi-matte finish that looks and feels high-end, but will attract oily fingerprints if you aren’t careful — but nothing that can’t be wiped off.

Instead of a single silicone piece like the Elite 8 Active, the Elite 10 has a metal plate that doubles up as the side buttons. It’s a different look altogether, that’s far more serious and prestigious that its sportier counterpart, and will appeal to the business crowd.

Fit and Comfort: These are the most comfortable Jabra earbuds I’ve ever tried. They sit snugly in the ear and don’t feel like much when worn — which is a good thing.

Sound Quality: There’s Spatial Sound for this pair as well, which is less echoey and boomy than the Elite 8 Active — although I still prefer to turn this function off and enjoy my music in its full, clear glory. Audio sounds rich and balanced, with no distortion at its loudest setting.

Who’s this for: The Jabra Elite 10 is a reliable set of earbuds to take anywhere. Considering the brand, we know this pair is durable — perhaps not as tough as the Elite 8 Active, but certainly good enough for the gym. Most notably, it has Jabra’s most advanced noise cancelling capabilities, and will block out even the most disturbing sounds (like the party next door or a thunderstorm). If ANC is the most important thing for you, the Jabra Elite 10 will serve you well.

The Jabra Elite 8 Active is priced at $308, while the Jabra Elite 10 is priced at $378. Both available on Jabra’s official store on SHOPEE.

 

XOUXOU launches new cases and straps for the iPhone 15 series, in bold, vibrant colours

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XOUXOU introduces a whole new collection of cases and straps for the iPhone 15 series, and these include their popular Clear Cases with eyelets. We love that the eyelets are crafted together with the phone case so there’s better security for our straps to stay hooked and not break off.

The key colour for this range is the new Neon Orange Clear, which is vibrant and bold, and represents the energy of the city streets. Match it with the neon orange strap, or colour block with other contrasting strap shades like black or white. There are wrist straps and spiral ropes to choose from as well. Check out everything on XOUXOU’s website.

Shop XOUXOU’s Clear Collection on their website at xouxou.com. Prices start from $61.79 for cases without eyelets, to $107.39 for a phone necklace with lanyard set.

 

CASETiFY announces their latest collaboration with BTS, and it includes the previously sold-out Butter 3D AirPods case

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CASETiFY’s sixth drop in collaboration with BTS features a range of tech accessories inspired by popular songs including “Dynamite,” “Butter” and “Permission to Dance”. With this drop, you can expect design highlights from each of the past five collections, as well as two new case styles.

We’re also excited about the previously sold-out Butter 3D AirPods case, and the new heart-shaped “Boy With Luv” 3D Airpods case. These collectibles are  available in limited quantities and will sell out, so if you want one, be decisive and buy it once you can.

Watch the videos below to see everything you can look forward to.

 

 

The CASETiFY x BTS Collection is available now on CASETIFY.COM.

 

Got a new iPhone 15 on the way? Here are the essential things you need to get next.

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If you ordered one of the new iPhone 15 phones, you’ll need a few essential accessories for it, including some fun ones. Check out our list of what to have on standby when your new phone arrives.

WALL CHARGER

I guess you know by now that new iPhones don’t come with wall chargers, just the charging cable. You probably already own a few USB chargers, but if you need a new one for your iPhone 15, we recommend just getting the official one from Apple.

Above: Apple 20w usb-c power adapter ($29.25).

This one fast charges the iPhone from 0 to 50% in just 30 minutes, plus you know it’s safe and compatible. We like that the pins also fold in to become a compact cube that can be easily brought around.

SCREEN PROTECTOR

The first thing we do after unboxing a new iPhone is to put a screen protector on it. The last thing you want is for even the tiniest scratch to appear on your flawless new device. If that won’t spoil your day, we don’t know what will.

Above: Belkin’s ScreenForce™ UltraGlass 2 Treated Screen Protector with applicator ($49)

The ultimate screen protector has to be the one from Belkin. We recommend the ScreenForce™ UltraGlass 2 Treated Screen Protector ($49 on Shopee) that’s 2.7x stronger than Tempered Glass and 0.29mm thin. We love that it’s antimicrobial and anti-fingerprint coated, and it comes with an easy applicator so everyone can fix it on themselves.

CASE

The choice of a phone case is very personal, but every new iPhone should have one. The good ones offer protector from bumps and drops, and some have neat tricks like an in-built stand. We also prefer cases that offer MagSafe functionality so we can easily charge our phones without removing the case.

Above: CASETIFY’s new impact ring case (USD83)

CASETiFY just launched their full range of iPhone 15 cases and we’re sold on the Impact Ring Cases (USD83) where the brand’s signature camera ring flips out and becomes a kickstand for the phone.

STRAP

Every good case needs a good strap so you can go hands-free, and one of the original phone necklace brands is Berlin-based XOUXOU. This brand has some of the smartest-designed cases with matching high quality straps to go with them. Their signature case is a single-body construction with integrated eyelets that offer security when you hook a strap to them.

Above: XOUXOU phone necklace with slim lanyard in all black (approx. $123)

XOUXOU offers their cases in tons of colours and various types of straps (Carabiner Rope, Lanyard and our favourite — Slim Lanyard). We recommend the MagSafe cases for convenient wireless charging of your phone; these are currently available in four colours: Black, Burgundy, Moss and Chalk, all with beautifully matching straps.

CAR CHARGER

If you’re a Grab driver or spend lots of time in the car driving to and from work, you obviously need a car charger for your new iPhone (if you don’t already have one). We really like the one from JOURNEY; it’s sturdy, reliable, comes with an adjustable mount, and has overall great design. You’ll also need an appropriate car charger or a ready USB-A port in the car to connect this to.

Above: JOURNEY Magnetic (MagSafe) Wireless Car Charger with Flex Pro Mount (USD59.99)

Above: JOURNEY PULSE 60 2-Port USB-C Car Charger – 60W (USD29.99)

EARPHONES

It goes without saying that you’ll want earphones to use with your new iPhone 15. The obvious choice would be to get Apple’s newly released AirPods Pro (2nd generation) that now comes with USB-C charging. Pairing is ridiculously easy; just open the case and the phone detects them within seconds.

Above: AirPods Pro (2nd generation) with MagSafe charging case (USB-C) ($362.35).

Audio on the AirPods Pro is decent too. You can read our full review of it here:

3 newly-launched Earphones on fit, comfort, style and sound, including the new Apple AirPods Pro 2nd Gen

PORTABLE POWER BANK

We’ve tried many different portable chargers and we find ourselves always reaching for the one from iWalk. This model, the iWalk Scorpion X 12000mAh has four integrated cables (USB-C, Micro USB, USB-A and Lightning) so you don’t need to bring extra loose cables out with you. It pretty much charges all your portable gadgets, and it supports quick charging as well.

Above: iWalk Scorpion 12000x Black ($57).

It’s around the size of the iPhone 15 and we like that it’s flat so you can keep them together in your bag. And with the 12000mAh capacity, you can charge an iPhone 15 Pro Max roughly around two-and-a-half times.

CAMERA LENSES

The iPhone 15 series has an excellent camera system, but that doesn’t mean you can’t make it even better. Adding a lens made specially for smartphones will open up new possibilities for mobile photography. We recommend checking out Moment, starting with their 58mm Tele lens, an 18mm Wide lens and a Macro lens — these will give you a good range of focal lengths to play around with.

Above: Moment 58mm Tele Mobile Lens (USD149.99) / 18mm Wide Mobile Lens (USD129.99) / 10x Macro Mobile Lens (USD119.99).

You can hook these up to your iPhone with one of Moment’s phone cases, or with their Universal Lens Mount (USD29.99).

 

Review: Charcoal-Grilled Omakase and French Brasserie, Hanazen features a new menu by visionary Chef Taisei Iwao

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Hanazen at CHIJMES presents a new Omakase Menu by Michelin-Starred Chef Taisei Iwao.

Above: Hanazen’s Chef Taisei Iwao.

Chef Taisei is the Executive Chef  at  1 Michelin-starred Lumiere, and he’s also the chef-owner of Karato in Osaka. For Hanazen, he explores a new 10-course dinner that’s catered to local tastes, and includes favourites like Uni and Wagyu dishes.

We sampled the new menu earlier today, and while there were some hits and misses, there’s overall good potential and the experience was worth a visit. Read on for our take on the individual dishes.

UNI BRIOCHE
Piperade  

Uni was a surprising and decadent starter. It went well with the capsicum sauce. 

TUNA TARTARE
Caviar

Lovely presentation with the gold flakes and caviar. Served nice and cold, but there was something crunchy in the dish that I wasn’t expecting. I asked the chef and was told it’s preserved ginger. I probably would have preferred this without the ginger but I can appreciate why the chef added it in. 

HOTATE
Broccoli

Another pretty dish. The broccoli mousse, parsley oil and clam sauce were very tasty. But the scallop was unfortunately overcooked. 

LOBSTER
Crustacean Sauce

Lobster is a dish almost everyone looks forward to and this one is seared in front of you and presented beautifully. The meat was cooked well — not too done, and worked with the seafood and béchamel sauce. It’s a combination that’s hard to get wrong. 

AWABI
Koshihikari / Liver Sauce

You can dip the abalone in the liver sauce or dump the entire bowl of rice into the hot pot to enjoy this dish. The abalone is tender and nicely cooked. I’m generally not a fan of liver but this sauce is truly delicious. I wasn’t expecting to like this dish as much as I did. Highly recommended. 

WAGYU
Onion Sauce

This was a wonderful steak. It’s A4 tenderloin and tasted better than many A5 wagyu steaks I’ve had.

BEEF CURRY

What makes this curry special is that the beef is cooked with Miyazaki mangoes, which is the world’s most expensive mango variety. The dish smells amazing and it’s comfort food at its finest. The beef is tender and the portion just right. You can probably ask for more if you’re still hungry. 

PEACH SOUP
Celery Ice Cream

This was an extremely refreshing dessert. The ice cream had just a hint of celery flavour and wasn’t overpowering, and it complemented the fresh peach soup nicely.

MONT BLANC

There are quite a lot of things going on with this dessert. It’s fancy and filled with textures. There’s a slight nuttiness to the flavour but the overall taste was rather subtle. I was quite full by this point in the meal and had a hard time finishing it, which also indicates this wasn’t one of my favourites from the meal.

RAISIN BUTTER COOKIE

This fancy cookie ended the meal nicely. The crust is whiskey-infused, which was a nice surprise. I liked the various soft and hard textures when the dessert is bit into, and I recommend eating this in one bite. 

Hanazen is located at 30 Victoria St, #01-21/22 CHIJMES, Singapore 187996, T: 98202963. Reservations can be made on QUANDOO.SG.

 

For all the Swifties: Pandora’s Celestial Sparkling Sun Ring and Celestial Blue Sparkling Moon Ring are Back In Stock!

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“He was sunshine, I was midnight rain”, famous words any Swiftie would know. And it just so happens that two rings from Pandora’s Holiday Escape collection reflect these profound lyrics.

The Celestial Sparkling Sun Ring, and Celestial Blue Sparkling Moon Ring have resonated with Taylor Swift’s fans, and with her concert fast approaching early next year, these pieces have been selling out at Pandora. Well, they are now finally back in stock, and are available as standalone rings, or can be bought as a pair.

The Celestial Sparkling Sun Ring ($129) is hand-finished in 14k gold-plating, and features a sun motif formed by a clear pavé with rays emanating from one side. As for the Celestial Blue Sparkling Moon Ring ($89), this is made in sterling silver and has a crescent moon motif with a deep blue pavé centre.

The rings can also be purchased as a set ($218) and they are designed to be worn together as a stack. You can be both sun and moon, or you can gift one side to your bestie because everything is better when shared.

find these pieces and more online at SG.PANDORA.NET.

Meet the TECNO PHANTOM V Flip 5G, an all-new Smartphone Brand and Flip Phone that just landed in Singapore

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If the success and reception of the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 and OPPO N3 Flip is any indicator, we certainly love our flip phones. Enter a completely new player — TECNO, a Chinese technology brand that established itself in 2006, and just landed in Singapore this month. And they are launching big with their new PHANTOM V Flip 5G — an affordable flip phone that has sufficient bells and whistles to get most consumers interested.

The PHANTOM V Flip 5G has a flip form factor with a slim profile, and comes in two colours: Mystic Dawn (purple) and Iconic Black. On the exterior, there’s what TECNO calls, “The Planet”, a 1.32-inch round cover screen with a deep black display to reflect the darkness of outer space. The camera module runs along the curve of thise display, and represents an “Asteroid Belt”. We like that the display and camera system is flushed flat; it’s sleek and stunning, and an alternative option for consumers looking to switch to a compact flip phone.

Above: The two colours of the PHANTOM V Flip 5G, Mystic dawn and iconic black.

Above: In the box there’s a 45W usb charger, cable and case with ring.

When opened flat, the PHANTOM V Flip 5G has a 6.9-inch main screen with a 120Hz refresh rate. There’s still a centre crease that we see in all flip phones, but it’s surprisingly smooth and subtle.

Above: The PHANTOM V Flip 5G has a 4000mah battery that features 45w flash charging.

Other key features include: an exterior that boasts a “lychee-pattern” leather finish for both colours; a 4000mAh battery that allows for 45W Flash Charging (15 minutes of charging gives you 50% of battery, while 45 minutes of charging offers a full recharge); and an impressive 64MP main camera (more on this below).

Above: The PHANTOM V Flip 5G in Mystic dawn, with tecno’s megabook t1 2023 14-inch flagship laptop that’s launching together with the phone.

Above: The PHANTOM V Flip 5G in iconic black with tecno’s TRUE 1 noise cancelling earbuds.

As we expect from any modern flip phone, the external display can be fully customised and it’s functional — it offers easy access to the camera, music and messages. “Smart Widgets” for this display also include the weather forecast, vitality rings, timer, sound recording, agenda, stopwatch, and alarms.

Above: Taking selfies with the main camera and external display.

Above: the external display can be fully customised with smart widgets.

There are two camera lenses on “The Planet” — a 64MP RGBW Ultra Sensitive main camera with an f/1.7 aperture, and a 13MP Ultra-Wide Angle camera. The Front Camera has an impressive 32MP Dual-flash Autofocus lens, and can be triggered by gesture or voice.

Above: capturing a selfie with the front camera using gesture.

While TECNO’s a brand new player in an already saturated Singapore smartphone market, it makes sense to launch here and offer consumers more options — especially one in the popular flip form. The Phantom V Flip 5G has luxury-level aesthetics, flagship specs, and a competitive camera system, but it’ll be the lower price point that will be the ultimate deciding factor for consumers. We don’t have full pricing details for Singapore yet, but we are told that the phone will be released in India first with the early bird price of INR49,999 (USD598). Pricing will vary across different markets and is subject to the price announced at the time of launch in each individual market. We’ll update this space when we have more news.

Above: The PHANTOM V Flip 5G in Mystic dawn with ring case.

Above: The PHANTOM V Flip 5G’s compact form.
The TECNO Phantom V Flip 5G Smartphone was announced in singapore today, 22 september 2023. Pricing and availability to come.