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CHANEL CODES COULEUR Is A Limited Edition Collection Of Beauty Tools In 9 Vibrant Hues

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Forget their classic black and white, CHANEL Beauty is going for a whole new range of striking hues in their latest CODES COULEUR collection, which celebrates colour across a series of beauty tools that include nail files, compact mirrors, and brush sets.

With the phrase “each CHANEL color is a code”, the house brings significance and meaning to each of the 9 shades specially curated for the limited edition series. There are pastel shades of Ballerina (light pink) and Immortelle (lilac); European Summer hues such as Cavalier Seul (sage green) and Ovni (tangy yellow); the saturated brights of Diva (fuchsia pink) and Incendiaire (red orange); or deep hues of Rouge Noir and Fugueuse (deep blue). The shade ‘Rouge Noir’, in particular, is neither burgundy and garnet, but a colour that mirrors the creation of the N°5 fragrance.

above: THE MIRROR, $66.

above: THE NAIL FILE, $40.

above: THE BRUSHES SET, $268 — including the N°110 Blush, N°200 Retractable Dual-Ended Eyeshadow, and N°101 Foundation 2-In-1 – Fluid and Powder brushes.

Best thing is, you get to play matchy-matchy by syncing up the colours of your on-the-go mirror, nail file and brush set! Some exclusive colours are only available online, and you’re able to register your interest for the CODES COULEUR collection here, from 26 June 9pm, ahead of its launch on 1 July 2023.

See the full collection here —

[click on the images below to expand.]

The above colours, in order, are:

  • IMMORTELLE – A Lilac
  • BALLERINA – A Light Pink
  • OVNI – A Tangy Yellow
  • INCENDIAIRE – A Red Orange
  • PREMIÈRE DAME – A Bright Pink Coral
  • DIVA – A Fuchsia Pink
  • ROUGE NOIR – A Rouge Noir
  • CAVALIER SEUL – A Sage Green
  • FUGUEUSE – A Deep Blue

 

The CHANEL CODES COULEUR Limited Edition Collection.

9 shades, available from 1 July on the CHANEL Official Fragrance & Beauty Online Store, chanel.com/sg/. 5 shades available from 1 July at CHANEL Fragrance and Beauty boutiques.

Register your interest for CODES COULEUR here (live on 26 June, 9pm).

 

Melissa x Marc Jacobs Debuts Platform Slides And Chunky Clogs In Futuristic Silver

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Melissa‘s famous jelly shoes have gone unexpectedly edgy in this latest tie-up with American fashion brand Marc Jacobs. In silver, black, and stunning pops of blue and red — all while modelled by Iris Law who’s dressed in looks from the Marc Jacobs Pre-Fall 2023 ready-to-wear collection — the collaboration is the very intersection between style and comfort, and we’re not complaining.

In fact, there’s a lot to look forward to here before the limited edition collection drops in stores tomorrow. There are three chunky styles here — clogs, platforms, and slides, essentially — that are decked out in the signature Marc Jacobs monogram print, either prominently on their elevated soles or across oversized bands.

The collaboration also has its eye on sustainability, and ensures that all items use a combination of Melflex, the brand’s trademark 100% recyclable plastic, and bio-based plastic (EVA) that’s partially derived from sugarcane with at least 25% vegetable content.

Ahead, we take a look at each of the three shoe designs.

Melissa Clog + Marc Jacobs

Clogs have been the it-shoes of late, which is why the collaboration’s happy to introduce the Melissa Clog + Marc Jacobs ($329), their version of a platform clog that also comes in a futuristic shade of silver, with the Marc Jacobs logo moulded onto the sides of the chunky soles. Fun fact: each shoe is crafted out of an entire block of bio-based plastic (EVA) as well, for a seamless look that’s extremely light and comfortable.

Melissa Becky + Marc Jacobs

Height is in, and the Melissa Becky + Marc Jacobs ($259) lives up to those expectations by elevating our basic slides. The platform style is a nod to the 90s, and sees Marc Jacob’s signature monogram on the sides of the soles. It’s also made from Melflex, while each sole’s interior is filled with ultralight PU, and insole made from recycled PET bottles.

Melissa Slide + Marc Jacobs

For something that’s easy to slip in and out of, there’s Melissa’s bestselling slides, now in its Melissa Slide + Marc Jacobs ($199) version. This one’s updated with the Marc Jacobs monogram across the band, and is similarly crafted from Melflex with an outsole of 100% Biobased EVA.

 

The Melissa x Marc Jacobs capsule collection launches worldwide from 21 June 2023, and will be made available on the same day for pre-orders in Singapore, exclusively at Melissa’s flagship boutique located at Wheelock Place, #B2-03, with limited quantities available.

 

The new 15-inch MacBook Air with M2 Chip is Bigger, Thinner and Faster

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The new 2023 15-inch MacBook Air is available this week online and at Apple stores islandwide, and as we can expect with every new Apple launch, it’s a whole new beast with better hardware and better specs. The design falls away from the previous tapered exterior that the Airs were famous for, and instead has a squarish, uniform thickness that follows the look and feel of the more expensive MacBook Pros. It comes in four colours: Midnight (a really dark bluish-black), Starlight (a light champagne gold that’s less polarising than the previous Rose Golds that Apple pushed out, and featured in the photos below), Space Grey, and Silver, with each of them coming with its own matching MagSafe charging cable.

There are two big upgrades: the screen size, now being available in 15-inch, and the M2 chip, which is up to 1.4x faster than the MacBook Air fitted with the M1 chip. Here’s first looks and thoughts on the machine.

Above: The MacBook Air box packaging.

Above: The 15-Inch Macbook Air in Starlight. Under natural light and at certain angles, it looks almost silver.

Above: in the box, there’s a 35w usb-c power adapter and a magsafe cable in a colour that matches the starlight exterior.

Above: the power adapter has two usb-c ports built-in.

Above: the 15-inch macbook air measures just 1.15cm thick.

Above: the macbook pro 14″ (on top of the new macbook air 15″) measures 1.55cm thick. in comparison, the macbook air is just 1.15cm. In terms of weight, the Macbook pro 14″ weighs 1.6kg while the macbook air 15″ weighs 1.51kg.

Above: the new 15.3-inch display is liquid retina and has 500 nits of brightness.

Above: there’s a backlit magic keyboard with touch id and ambient light sensor.

Above: the force touch trackpad is large and ACCOMMODATES pressure-sensitive drawing and multi-touch gestures.

The 15-inch MacBook Air is definitely suitable for everyday tasks, like watching movies, playing games, and writing emails; and even for editing photos and home movies. On the other hand, if your line of work requires you to work with really large files and 3D-rendering software, you’re still better off with a MacBook Pro that will give you the heavier processing power that these tasks require. But for the most of us — students included — the MacBook Air is an excellent computer for its lower price point (compared to the Pro), and now with a larger and brighter 15-inch screen and a faster processor with the M2 chip, the experience is one of the best in its class.

The MacBook Air 15″ with M2 chip starts from $1,899 and is available for purchase on APPLE.COM and at Apple stores islandwide.

 

 

The Ava Triomphe Is CELINE’s Latest Sleek Shoulder Bag

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You couldn’t get more “CELINE” than this. Two of the house’s modern icons meet in this upcoming style, the Ava Triomphe, which borrows from the chic curved 90s silhouette of the Ava shoulder bag, now with the addition of a Triomphe flap for a bolder yet still-as-sleek touch.

The style made its debut during the Women’s Winter 2023 show, seen in two different finishes: smooth calfskin and Triomphe Canvas, the house’s classic monogram. Now, we know that there are in fact three shades of leather to cop — in black, tan and chestnut — as well as the Triomphe Canvas in tan and white.

Those who love CELINE’s “quiet luxury” minimalism would appreciate the timeless, clean silhouette of the Ava, rounded just so at the bottom as a modern take on the 90s shoulder bag style. Then again, the decorative Triomphe metallic plate serves up a tad more glam while showing off CELINE’s iconic signature logo, though done as sophisticated as possible so that it only exudes elegance and class.

above: details of the celine ava triomphe.

See all 5 variations of the bag here —

[click on the images below to expand.]
SMOOTH CALFSKIN IN BLACK
SMOOTH CALFSKIN IN BLACK
SMOOTH CALFSKIN IN CHESTNUT
SMOOTH CALFSKIN IN CHESTNUT
SMOOTH CALFSKIN IN TAN
SMOOTH CALFSKIN IN TAN
TRIOMPHE CANVAS IN TAN
TRIOMPHE CANVAS IN TAN
TRIOMPHE CANVAS IN WHITE
TRIOMPHE CANVAS IN WHITE

 

The CELINE Ava Triomphe n Smooth Calfskin, $3,650; and in Triomphe Canvas, $3,200; available from 23 June 2023 in stores and on CELINE’s website.

 

GOODSTUPH’s Pink Dot 2023 Merchandise Collection Celebrates Love

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Our fav creative agency, GOODSTUPH is back again as the Coral Sponsor of Pink Dot SG (it’s the company’s seventh year!), and they’ve launched another exclusive collection for the event based around the theme, “In the Name of Love, We Pray”. This phrase is all about love’s power to unite, heal and inspire change, and we’re definitely here for that.

In reference to this year’s theme, Pat Law, Founder of GOODSTUPH has this to say, “We believe that love has the power to break barriers and foster unity. We are part of a diverse world, and we must be part of its ongoing change. This year, as we say, ‘In the Name of Love, We Pray’, we are not just calling for acceptance, but also for understanding and active love. Love has the power to change the world, and together, we can make it happen.”

 

Lend your support by purchasing these three exclusive items where all profits will be donated to Pink Dot SG. It starts with a t-shirt that bears the words and theme of the collection, and if you buy it now, you can wear it to Pink Dot this Saturday.

Above: Goodstuph x pink dot 2023 tee, $35

There’s a lovely candle made with 100% vegan-friendly coconut and rapeseed wax, and free from paraffin wax, palm wax and synthetic additives. It’ll burn up to 60 hours.

Above: Goodstuph x pink dot 2023 candle, $65

Here’s a damn good bar of soap that’s stamped with the uplifting words, and has an uplifting scent of tea tree and peppermint.

Above: Goodstuph x pink dot 2023 soap, $20

 

Find these exclusive pieces and more at THEDAMNGOODSHOP.COM.

 

Estate Restaurant at Hilton Singapore Orchard has the Ultimate Champagne Brunch for Father’s Day

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Hilton Singapore Orchard honours dad this Father’s Day with incredible dining experiences at their restaurants, Estate, Ginger.Lily and Osteria Mozza. But if we had to pick just one, it has to be Estate’s Father’s Day Grand Champagne Brunch, a special version of the restaurant’s famous weekly Grand Sunday Champagne Brunch.

Above: Estate’s sunday brunch

Also, everyone (especially dad with his appetite) loves a good hotel buffet, and this one really takes the cake with its extensive menu for Father’s Day. It includes:

Above: Estate’s Father’s Day Grand Champagne Brunch

 

  • A Live Oyster and Seafood Bar, including Canadian, Irish and Fine de Claire Oysters, and Maine Lobster.
  • Smoked and Cured Fishes, Charcuterie and Homemade Terrines, including Smoked Snowfish, Cured Tuna with Tōgarashi, Prosciutto di Parma, Coppa Ham and Foie Gras Terrine.

Above: Estate’s charcuterie

 

  • A wide Cheese Selection that includes 32 types of European cheeses such as Morbier, Saint-Marcellin, Livarot, Comté aged for 16 months, Brie de Meaux and Bleu d’Auvergne.

Above: Estate’s cheese selection

 

  • An Avocado Bar, which has a full display of avocado-themed dishes and a live station for freshly-made Avocado Bruschetta.

Above: Estate’s avocado bar

 

  • Our favourite Barbecue Delights, including Maine Lobster, Tiger Prawn, Peri Peri Chicken, Spare Ribs with Peppercorn and Rack of Lamb with a selection of homemade sauces.
  • Meats and Carvings such as Estate Signature Black Truffle Roasted Duck, Wagyu Prime Rib, Stuffed Suckling Pig and Barramundi.

Above: Estate’s wagyu prime rib

 

  • Asian Cuisine, including Cantonese “San Xian” Seafood Bowl with Vermicelli and Rich Seafood Broth, Pan Seared River Prawn with Soy Glaze, Halibut with Preserved Turnip and Heirloom Tomatoes, Braised Beef Brisket with Sze Chuan Pepper and Scallions.
  • And Desserts like Matcha Truffle, Ume Black Velvet, Earl Grey Teacake, Lychee Martini Crème Brûlée, a gelato station, and a live station serving up fresh Crêpes with Mascarpone and Berries.

There’s also a local gin cocktail bar created in partnership with Singapore Distillery, and it’s serving up two Singapore-inspired flavours of drinks — Cendol, a coconut pandan gin infused with a sweetness of gula melaka, and Bandung, made with Singapore Distillery’s Stolen Roses Gin and milk.

For kids, there will be art activities like colouring and canvas painting, a variety of board games, and even a magician to keep everyone entertained at their tables. Dads will also bring home an upcycled phone holder made from recycled wooden chopsticks as a nice takeaway gift.

Above: Estate’s black truffle roasted duck

If dinner is more your style, check out Estate’s Dinner Buffet that has a full spread of raw and premium seafood, meats and live carvings, and of course a good range of sweets and desserts. Details for Estate’s dining experiences are below.

Estate Father’s Day Grand Champagne Brunch:
Sunday 18 June 2023, 12pm to 3pm

• $188++ per adult inclusive of chilled juices, coffee and tea
• Top-up $50++ for free flow Champagne Package (Laurent-Perrier Champagne, house red and white wine and Whispering Angel Rosé, beer, gin cocktail bar, soft drinks)
• Top-up $70++ for free flow Premium Champagne Package (Billecart-Salmon Champagne, house red and white wine and Whispering Angel Rosé, beer, gin cocktail bar, soft drinks)
• Children aged between 6 and 12 years old dine at 50 percent of adult price. Children aged 5 years and below dine for free.

Estate Dinner Buffet:
Monday to Sunday | 6.30pm to 10pm

• $88++ per adult (Sundays to Wednesdays)
• $108++ per adult (Fridays, Saturdays, Public Holidays & Eves of Public Holidays)
• Children aged between 6 and 12 years old dine at 50 percent off adult price. Children aged 5 years and below dine for free.

❖ Estate’s Lobster, Crab and Seafood Buffet (Every Thursday, 6.30pm to 10pm), priced at $158++ per adult.

Visit HILTON.COM to make a reservation.

 

 

Swatch Gears Up For Summer With The Bright And Bold NEON Collection

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Bright, bold, and larger-than-life. These are what come to mind when considering the Swatch NEON Collection, which brings us four fresh designs rich with bright neon and playful details. Interestingly enough, the watch collection plays into the idea of ‘future nostalgia’, as it’s inspired by early-day Swatch icons such as the CHRONO GRAND PRIX and TECHNO SPHERE, while introducing modern elements of bigger sizes, bio-sourced materials and crisp, vivid neon colours that propel us into the future.

Ahead, we take you through the four watches within the Summer collection.

L – R: BLINDED BY NEON, NEON TO THE MAX.
SWATCH BLINDED BY NEON

For BLINDED BY NEON ($196), we definitely see elements of original inspiration TECHNO SPHERE here, right down to its neon yellow, transparent cut-out dial that gave us a fascinating view of the watch’s inner mechanism. That cool detail, along with a contrasting pop of pink for the hour hand, is very much retained here, with the addition of a circular calendar wheel. The cut-out dial is also more intricate and finished with a luminescent effect, while the now-chunkier watch’s head, strap, and buckles are made from bio-sourced materials.

SWATCH NEON TO THE MAX

Consider this a bold update to the CHRONO GRAND PRIX, itself a 90s icon thanks to its fluorescent neon face and it being Swatch’s first Chrono series. 2023’s NEON TO THE MAX ($218) though is reinvented with big, oversized details that make the watch more chunky than its original inspiration, with a bio-sourced watch head, strap, and buckles. Swatch fans in selected markets may also opt for a SwatchPAY! model for contactless payment.

 

L – R: SHADES OF NEON, THE PURITY OF NEON.
SWATCH SHADES OF NEON

The waffle-like strap on the SHADES OF NEON ($105) watch is certainly unique, and a key element borrowed from its predecessor, the SKYCHART; other graphic elements include the cut-out calendar wheels that always accurately display the day and date when your watch is in sync. What’s definitely different though are the colour choices — contrasting shades of bright neon pink, bold blue and vibrant yellow are seen across what watch face and bio-sourced case.

SWATCH THE PURITY OF NEON

For a more minimalist palette — as minimalist as neon can get, that is — there’s THE PURITY OF NEON ($218), which updates the classic 90s CHRONO WHITE HORSES watch with a bolder design and bio-sourced watch head. The new design though leans towards stark contrast in its colours: a pure white base against blasts of neon blue, yellow and pink.

See more images from the campaign here —

[click on the images below to expand.]

 

Swatch NEON collection, $105 – $218. Available at Swatch stores and online at swatch.com.

 

Beyond The Vines opens at Changi Airport Terminal 3

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Beyond The Vines opens its latest venture, BTV In-Transit at Changi Airport T3’s transit area. This pop-up embraces the brand’s signature Engineer Blue hue, and draws inspiration from the design studio’s “Blooth” concept. The design reflects the utilitarian nature of the brand, and with new elements of travel weaved in throughout the store.

Above: BTV in-transit pop-up store at changi airport t3 transit area.

This pop-up is a one-year concept store that carries the brand’s travel must-haves, including the popular Drawstring Toggle Tote, Poofy Pouch, Poofy Wallets, Reversible Relaxed Bag, and the cult-favourite Dumpling Bag.

Above: the store features popular bag models and new travel pieces.

Above: a travel theme runs throughout the design.

There will also be specially-designed travel products at this pop-up, including eye masks, luggage tags and shopper totes, all with an affordable price point between $10 and $29 (these items can also be found on the brand’s online store).

Above: some of the changi airport exclusives.

 

Find the BTV In-Transit pop-up at Singapore Changi Airport, Terminal 3, 65 Airport Boulevard #02-K14 Singapore 819643, Departure / Transit Lounge South.

 

CHANEL updates its Beauty E-store to Chanel.com, making available its entire range of Fragrance and Beauty products

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CHANEL Beauty’s previous eShop will soon cease to exist, and all shopping for the brand’s fragrance and beauty products will be on its official website, Chanel.com.

There will be experiences such as CHANEL Try-On, where you can see makeup colours on your own face, watch makeup video tutorials, and get detailed product information all in one place. Chanel.com customers can also select two samples of their choice with any purchase, there’s complimentary shipping in Singapore, and a dedicated wrapping service that’s exclusive to the site; you will get your purchase in a timeless black and white iconic CHANEL box or bag, or in the essential 100% cotton pouch — all of which are made from recycled materials and paper from responsibly managed forests as part of CHANEL sustainability efforts.

Here are the NYLON Editor’s favourite CHANEL Beauty products:

Above: les beiges healthy glow gel touch foundation spf 30/pa+++ ($110). Newly reformulated and even more excellent than the previous version. This cushion foundation evens out skin and gives it a beautiful, healthy glow (as its name suggests).

Above: Sublimage l’essence de teint ($231), a semi-matte liquid foundation with exceptional skincare benefits.

Above: Stylo sourcils waterproof ($65). one of the best dual-ended brow pencils we’ve ever tried. Super easy to use and draw on eyebrows, and long-lasting.

Above: Les Beiges eyeshadow palette in tender ($116). super soft powders with incredible pigment, and creates flattering, natural eyes looks.

Above: signature de chanel ($54). our favourite liquid eyeliner. It draws on both thick and thin, is intense, and doesn’t smudge.

Above: Inimitable Waterproof Mascara ($59). this provides hold, definition and volume, plus it’s waterproof so stays on until you remove it.

Above: Sublimage le baume ($586). this balmy moisturiser is a super treat for the skin; it soothes, heals and protects.

Above: le blanc intensive multi-spot treatment ($223). this skincare has a Wonderful texture and corrects pigmentation and uneven skintone over time.

Above: sublimage l’extrait intensive repair oil-concentrate ($867). this may be pricey, but if you’re willing to splurge on your skin, this is the bottle to buy. It’s an incredible anti-aging skin oil concentrate that protects the skin from all signs of aging.

Above: coco mademoiselle hair perfume ($86). this little 35ml is perfect to pop in the bag and bring everywhere. Spritz on your hair or clothes and smell nice instantly.
Shop CHANEL Fragrance and Beauty at CHANEL.COM.

 

XP Music Futures 2023 Will Be Returning To Saudi Arabia This December

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Coachella, Glastonbury, and South by Southwest (SXSW) are some of the biggest music festivals and conferences in the world — so here’s another you should know about as well. We’re talking about XP Music Futures, a three-day music conference set in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and an event dedicated to the growing music scene in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.

Back for its second edition and taking place from 7 to 9 December this year, it will be opening its doors to attendees of all ages for the first time — extending workshops and activities for children and families — while keeping to their key goal, which is to further the reach and influence of a new generation of music leaders, artists and professionals in the wider MENA region. This is done via a whole range of educational content where participants get to learn and exchange valuable knowledge, as well as opportunities for participants to gather, which will hopefully spark off even more creativity and collaboration.

WHAT TO EXPECT FOR XP MUSIC FUTURES 2023

While we’re still awaiting the announcement of this year’s lineup of speakers and performers, here’s what we know of the 2022 edition, in order to get a sense of the scale of the prestigious event. Last year’s conference played host to speakers such as David Guetta, Matthew Knowles, Hardwell, and former Swedish House Mafia manager, Amy Thompson, and over 2,500 guests in total.

As for this year’s programming, XP Music Futures will be introducing new formats that spotlight talent in the MENA region, including Arabic sessions and workshops, as well as a mentorship programme geared for women in the music industry.

HUNNA, as it’s called, serves as a platform and safe space for young women to be mentored and develop their skills and careers, while at the same time, breaking out of male-dominated cycles that may still be prevalent in the music industry. This initiative will kick off this June with a three-month mentorship programme that pairs rising female talent with industry veterans, which will then be followed up by discussion panels at XP Music Futures itself.

2022’s edition saw a speaker lineup of 44% women; the 2023 aims to continue in the same vein, with a focus on “difficult yet necessary conversations, such as female representation and equity in music spaces”, thus championing diversity and inclusivity.

There are two other key features of this year’s conference as well — first, the return of XPERFORM, a singing competition that recognises vocal talent in the region, and XP Presents, which will be highlighting South Korea’s thriving pop culture.

This year’s XPERFORM will be officially sponsored by YouTube, where the Top 5 entries from hundreds of vocalist applications will be flown to Riyadh and invited to perform live in front of a panel of expert judges, an experience that 2022 winner Saudi vocalist Asayel had undergone before clinching the top spot.

XP Presents, on the other hand, is a new and continuing initiative that will focus on a specific region every year, and is designed to celebrate the diversity of various cultures from all over the world. The spotlight in 2023 will be on South Korea, along with its plethora of entertainment such as K-pop, K-dramas and Korean cinema.

More than that, expect networking forums, demo labs and mixers that bring together international and regional talent. The conference will continue to build programmes on its 4 key pillars: talent, scene, impact, and innovation. These important discussions will therefore delve into everything from how to build a successful music career, nightlife tourism, new technologies and AI, and even conversations on sustainability and social equity, all in a bid to acknowledge, support and uplift existing and future talent in the region.

 

For more information, visit XP Music Futures’ official site.

 

Dior launches its online boutique in Singapore and includes collections for women, men, children, babies, and even Dior Maison

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This month, Dior launches its online boutique in Singapore and it houses all the new Ready-To-Wear and Accessories collections, on top of a direct link to the brand’s existing beauty e-shop. The Dioriviera Capsule, which is part of Dior’s Fall 2023 collection is also available online, as well as the new C’est Dior bag that has become an instant classic.

Here are our picks from Dior’s online boutique.

[Roll over the images for info, and click on them to go to the shopping page.]

 

D-BOBBY LARGE BRIM HAT $1,260
D-BOBBY LARGE BRIM HAT $1,260
MEDIUM C'EST DIOR BAG $5,300
MEDIUM C'EST DIOR BAG $5,300
WATER BOTTLE $290
WATER BOTTLE $290
NOTEBOOK $100
NOTEBOOK $100
SMALL LADY DIOR MY ABCDIOR BAG $7,900
SMALL LADY DIOR MY ABCDIOR BAG $7,900
CD DIAMOND S2F $970
CD DIAMOND S2F $970
DIORCLUB V1U $970
DIORCLUB V1U $970
D-LEADER ANKLE BOOT $2,950
D-LEADER ANKLE BOOT $2,950
SMALL DIOR BOOK TOTE $4,400
SMALL DIOR BOOK TOTE $4,400
DIORIVIERA SHORT-SLEEVED HOODED SHORT ANORAK $5,300
DIORIVIERA SHORT-SLEEVED HOODED SHORT ANORAK $5,300
Shop dior fashion at DIOR.COM and dior beauty at SHOP.DIOR.COM.SG.

 

Review: Ikkoten, a Traditional Kyoto Kaiseki-Style Omakase at Telok Ayer Street

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Ikkoten is a traditional Kyoto Kaiseki-style omakase nestled in the heart of the Central Business District along Telok Ayer Street. It opened its doors just last week, and at its helm is Executive Chef, Brandon Low, a Singaporean who trained under various Japanese chefs who hail from Kyoto (hence the choice of cuisine).

Above: Ikkoten’s Executive Chef, Brandon Low.

Chef Low is focused; there are just three omakase menus to choose from; one for lunch (Yuki, $138++), and two for dinner (Tsuki, $198++ and Hana, $298++).  Along with some delightful Sake recommended by the team, we tried the Hana menu prepared by the young chef.

Sakizuke

Sesame Tofu with uni & dashi sauce 

Above: Sesame Tofu with uni & dashi sauce.

This has a texture that’s similar to fishball, plus there are strong hints of peanut butter probably owing to the sesame seasoning. It’s not overpowering though, and an interesting starter to the meal. My companion enjoyed this dish very much.

Hassun

Above: a plate of starters.

Pickled vegetables topped with Shredded bonito flakes
These are crunchy, refreshing, and really opens up the appetite. The Bonito flakes are fresh and tasty. A good addition to this plate of starters. 

Summer fruit Fig with egg miso and yuzu
The fig is super soft, almost like it was steamed. It has a melt-in-the-mouth texture, and is a nice mix of sweetness from the fig, and savouriness from the miso. I enjoyed this very much.

Deep fried Broad bean stuffed with homemade fish cake and Baby sweet fish Tempura
The fish is slightly bitter and is an acquired taste. I liked it, and a Senior Editor sitting nearby said that he loved it too. The broad beans have a sweet potato-like texture; which is surprising when you bite into it. There’s an apricot on the side that complements the fried pieces nicely. I suggest you eat it.

Suimono 

Rolled seabream Fishcake cooked in kyoto clear dashi broth 

Above: Rolled seabream Fishcake cooked in kyoto clear dashi broth.

The clear broth is very light and pang, while the fish is meaty and can be a meal in itself.

Tsukuri

Three line grunt fish rolled with traditional sour plum soy sauce

Above: chef preparing the grunt fish.

Above: the top of the fish gets lightly seared with charcoal.

Above: Three line grunt fish rolled with traditional sour plum soy sauce.

This is my favourite dish of the night. The sour plum soy sauce is delicious; not too sour and not too salty. Topped with fresh uni, the entire dish is well thought-out with all ingredients completing each other. 

Bluefin tuna belly surface Charcoal Grilled topped with bubble shoyu 

Above: the tuna belly getting seared over charcoal.

Above: chef slicing the fish.

Above: Bluefin tuna belly surface Charcoal Grilled topped with bubble shoyu.

Chef sears the tuna belly and the whole room smells like a delicious barbecue. He tops slices of it with a strange but novel “bubble” soy sauce that is his own secret invention (it jiggles like jelly), and the whole thing comes together in an extremely tasty combination. The tuna is fresh and literally melts in the mouth; a must-try for Ikkoten, and worth your time to visit this restaurant just for this dish. At this point, this tuna has become my favourite dish of the night.

Chef’s Signature

Crispy crystal crackers topped with negitoro and Hokkaido sea urchin with seaweed soy sauce and Crispy rice crackers 

Above: Crispy crystal crackers topped with negitoro and Hokkaido sea urchin with seaweed soy sauce and Crispy rice crackers.

There are a lot of things going on in this dish, but wow, it’s another really tasty morsel. From the minced raw tuna to the uni on a bed of a crispy cracker, this is a delightful mix of textures. It’s a crunchy base with a soft top. Nicely planned and truly very delicious. Another win for the chef, and truly worthy of being called his signature dish. 

Yakimono

Grilled Japanese Spanish mackerel topped with burnt egg sauce 

Above: Grilled Japanese Spanish mackerel topped with burnt egg sauce.

The egg sauce has an almost creamy foie gras-like texture, which juxtaposes the meaty mackerel in a lovely way. It’s a good first hot dish that fills the tummy and isn’t too heavy. Eat the fresh ginger flower stem at the end to refresh the palate — it’s very nice. 

By this point of an omakase, I usually feel exceedingly full; sometimes to the point of not being able to eat another bite. But Chef has paced the dishes well and nothing is too overwhelming or filling, and I can actually go on. If you’re not a big eater, take it easy on the earlier soup (Suimono) and don’t finish the fish in it, because that one was meaty and rather filling. 

Takiawase

Deep fried grated mountain yam Tofu ball with thicken dashi sauce 

Above: Deep fried grated mountain yam Tofu ball with thicken dashi sauce.

Other than the soup, this was the dish I didn’t finish. It’s quite a plain yam and tofu ball, but eat it with the sweet pumpkin and spring onion and the entire thing works. It’s not one of my favourite dishes but I can appreciate why the chef included this plainer dish to clear the palate and not make everything so jelak.

Shiizakana

Hay Smoked charcoal A5 Wagyu beef with Sesame ponzu sauce 

Above: Hay Smoked charcoal A5 Wagyu beef with Sesame ponzu sauce.

The first thing that hits you with this dish is the smell of peppers. It smells sweet and fragrant and makes you want to reach for them first before the beef. The beef itself is tasty at points but can be more tender. Perhaps it was the cut I had on my plate. A nice overall dish nonetheless.

Donabe

Umami Cherry blossom shrimp collagen claypot rice with burnt miso soup and homemade pickles 

Above: Umami Cherry blossom shrimp collagen claypot rice with burnt miso soup and homemade pickles.

This is a whole meal in itself, but surprisingly manageable after almost a full meal. The rice has that QQ texture and is flavourful in itself. Add in the truffle caviar and gold dust, and this makes one truly decadent dish. This is also the first time I’m trying a burnt miso soup; it has a slightly bitter aftertaste, which I think is quite nice. 

Mizugashi

Shizuoka crown melon , kyoho Grape and muscat Grape 

Above: fruit dessert plate.

You can’t go wrong with fresh Japanese fruits. Enjoy these from “less sweet to the sweetest” on your plate. Ask the Chef where to start and end.

Finished off with traditional tea ceremony style Matcha

Above: hot matcha tea.

Both matcha and hojicha are served at the end to close the meal. These are prepared traditional tea ceremony style, and it’s delightful to watch them being prepared, and then to sip on their goodness at the end of a full meal.

If you work in the CBD, this is a good place to hold a business lunch (if you don’t need to deal with traffic and can just walk over). No one says no to a quality omakase, and it’s one way to impress the person you’re trying to woo. Ikkoten and its Executive Chef have promise, and with the first round of dishes we’ve had tonight, there are hits and misses but we’re overall impressed and satisfied.

Ikkoten is located at 86 Telok Ayer Street, Singapore 048469. Opens Mon-Sat for lunch (12-230pm) and dinner (7-1030pm). CLICK HERE for online reservations.

 

G-SHOCK Celebrates 40 Years with a New Lineup of Remaster Black Watches

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G-SHOCK celebrates their 40th anniversary with a limited edition line of four watches that revive the brand’s legendary styles. Each of these timepieces are an evolution of the models they are inspired by, and upgraded in function and material.

Above: the DWE-5657RE-1 ($239) pays homage to the popular and iconic dw-5600c and dw-5700c models that were introduced in 1987.

Above: the DWE-5657RE-1 has an interchangeable bezel so you get two styles in one watch.

Above: close-up of the DWE-5657RE-1.

Above: for all four watches, The historic milestones for the brand are memorialised in the band with hot-stamping.

Above: the DW-6640RE-1 ($209) is based on the iconic dw-6600 watch that came out in 1994. the original round case design and front button remain in this new model, but it now includes an updated super illuminator light. when activated, the 40th anniversary logo appears.

Above: the GA-2140RE-1A ($229) is a new watch based on the ga-2100 line, which has been the face of the g-shock brand since its debut in 2019.

Above: the GA-114RE-1A ($249) is a remake of the long-selling ga-110 line that debuted in 2010. it features an oversized case paired with intricately moulded dial components.

Above: the packaging for the limited edition watches.
The 40th Anniversary Re-master Series is available online at www.casio.com/sg, and at all G-SHOCK stores.

 

Onitsuka Tiger x Street Fighter 6 ENDACTUS Special Collaboration Shoes

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Onitsuka Tiger teams up with CAPCOM to create a special Street Fighter 6 series of footwear, based on the ENDACTUS model that also appears in the newly-launched game. The shoe will be available from Friday 30th June 2023 in two colourways — Graphite Grey/White and Tai-Chi Yellow/Black, and priced at $370.

[Click on the images to enlarge.]

The CAPCOM game, Street Fighter 6 just launched on 2nd June, and all players are gifted Onitsuka Tiger digital interchangeable skins in the game, including the ENDACTUS shoes. So you can wear the shoes IRL, while playing the game where your character wears the same shoes too.

the Onitsuka Tiger x Street Fighter 6 Endactus shoes launch on 30 June 2023, priced at $370. Visit onitsukatiger.com for more.

 

 

Emirates introduces Premium Economy Class for flights to and from Singapore

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Emirates Premium Economy class was launched last year to great response, and was available on flights to seven destinations including London Heathrow, New York JFK, and Houston. This month, Emirates introduces it to flights between Singapore and Dubai, on its upgraded four-class A380 aircraft.

The Premium Economy cabin is located at the front of the main deck, with 56 seats in a 2-4-2 configuration.

Above: the cream-coloured leather seats have a decent seat pitch of 40 inches (the distance between the seat and the one in front of it).

The seats can recline 8 inches, and there are calf rests and footrests for added comfort. Each seat also has easily accessible in-seat charging points, and a side cocktail table.

Above: the wood panel finishing and dining experience is inspired by business class, where there’s a welcome drink served in glassware, and the meals are served on chinaware with stainless steel cutlery.

Each seat has a 13.3″ screen, which is one of the largest in its class (the same size as the ones on Singapore Airlines’ Premium Economy class), and of course shows all of Emirates’ 6,500 entertainment channels.

Above: there’s a generously-sized pillow, complimentary amenity kits, and a soft, sustainable blanket made from recycled plastic bottles.

Another bonus is a dedicated check-in counter for Premium Economy at Dubai International airport.

Here’s a general price comparison for tickets across the different classes at the time of writing:

Most of the flights we checked over the next few months showed a difference of just a few hundred dollars between Economy and Premium Economy Class. Considering it’s between 7 to 8 hours of flying, we say the comfort is worth the upgrade.

 

Tickets can be purchased on EMIRATES.COM, the Emirates App, at Emirates sales offices, and via both online and offline travel agents.

 

Live Out Your Barbie Dreams With These Superga x Barbie™ The Movie Sneakers

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If you’ve been on social media lately, you’d have noticed how Barbie-mania has been slowly taking over our feeds. It started innocently enough with a return to the Y2k-esque Barbie-core aesthetic that embraced all thing pink, before the explosion (and marketing!) of Greta Gerwig’s upcoming Barbie film, starring picture-perfect Margot Robbie who plays the titular character, and her onscreen beau Ryan Gosling starring as certified-himbo Ken.

You’ll be ready to rock up to the Barbie premiere then with these Superga kicks. Fit for any Barbie Dreamhouse, Superga has teamed up with Barbie™ The Movie for a summery capsule collection that captures everything we love about the iconic doll and her pink universe.

The collection debuts two exclusive styles featuring one of the shoe brand’s signature silhouettes — the 2750 — across white-based sneakers with elements inspired by the Barbie universe. Both styles are distinguished with a side jacquard label with a pink Superga logo, a collaboration logo-printed insole, and collaboration-branded rubber back patches.

above: Superga 2750 Barbie Movie Print – White-Summer Print | $119.90

A pair of Superga 2750s arrives in a Barbie Movie Print design, where its white cotton canvas upper sees illustrations of Barbie-inspired symbols, including rollerblades, beach toys and palm trees, and the movie logo; this eye-catching upper is then balanced with a totally white sole and white laces.

above: Superga 2750 Barbie Movie Pins – White-Fuchsia | $129.90

For a more classic design, look to the Superga 2750 Barbie Movie Pins, which consists of a primarily white cotton canvas upper made different with hot pink eyelets and wonderfully contrasting pink outsoles. The kick here is that we can customise the laces with three Barbie-themed metal pins, consisting of the Barbie “B” logo, rollerblades, and a flamingo float.

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Superga 2750 Barbie Movie Pins - White-Fuchsia | $129.90
Superga 2750 Barbie Movie Pins - White-Fuchsia | $129.90
Superga 2750 Barbie Movie Pins - White-Fuchsia | $129.90
Superga 2750 Barbie Movie Pins - White-Fuchsia | $129.90
Superga 2750 Barbie Movie Print - White-Summer Print | $119.90
Superga 2750 Barbie Movie Print - White-Summer Print | $119.90
Superga 2750 Barbie Movie Print - White-Summer Print | $119.90
Superga 2750 Barbie Movie Print - White-Summer Print | $119.90

 

Superga x Barbie™ The Movie collection will be available from 6 June 2023, at all Superga retail stores and online at superga.com.sg.