Bucket bags aren’t exactly a new trend. As far as we can remember, the trend existed way back when we were still in secondary school, which is a good 7 to 10 years back. Then came Mansur Gavriel, the brand that revived the trend with their unassuming and understated black bucket bag that goes perfectly well with their signature chilli red inner lining, which caused the fashion world to go into a frenzy. Yeap, for the uninitiated, this is the brand that spun endless dupes you see everywhere, from Taobao and Zara. With a very discrete gold-embossed label at the bottom of the bag, the clean lines and simple design was every minimalist’s dream bag come true.
Last November, the brand introduced the Baby Bucket Bag that’s even smaller than their existing Mini and Mini Mini line, and boy, was it adorable. Whether was it meant for babies or for adults, we wanted one even if it meant that we could only fit our bare essentials in it. And by bare, we mean just a phone, a slim card case, house keys, lippy of the day and perhaps squeezing in a portable charger.
This summer, they are not coming up with an egg-sized bucket bag because it just can’t get any smaller than that… right? Instead, three new striking colourways are now being added to the Baby Bucket Bag lineup. The bags are fully dipped in bright, eye-catching primary colours, namely “Sun” – a minion yellow, “Royal” – a sophisticated blue, and “Flamma” – a fiery red.
Baby Bucket Bag in Flamma
Baby Bucket Bag in Royal
Baby Bucket Bag in Sun
They’re all made from Italian calf leather with a matte patent on the inside, and feature gold hardware on the adjustable straps. Measuring at just 4.75” by 3”, you can easily hold the bag with one hand.
Though small, we are not sure if it is in any way convenient (the irony!), but we guess you can use it when running errands. Plus, it’s so tiny and adorbz, we just can’t seem to get over it! Mansur Gavriel Baby Bucket Bag, US$225, available at mansurgavriel.com
Header image: Mansur Gavriel
🎶 Why do you build me up, Buttercup, baby 🎶 Just to let me down, and mess me around 🎶 This song by The Foundations played in my head as I glared down at Glossier’s Generation G before tossing it in the bin. Just kidding, I haven’t thrown it away yet. But yes, I splurged on the infamous lipstick, and frankly, I feel… for lack of a better term, betrayed. The gang over at Glossier’s HQ has always had a knack for creating products most of us didn’t even know we needed. From the Milky Jelly Cleanser to the Haloscope, it seems like this millennial perennial fave of a beauty empire can do no wrong in the industry.
I haven’t met anyone who didn’t want to look like the Glossier girl who’s constantly surrounded in an air of je ne sais quoi, so I decided to pick up Glossier’s Generation G in ‘Like’ as well as the Boy Brow in ‘Clear’ in the hopes of bearing a little more semblance to the brand’s poster children. While the Boy Brow literally took my arches to new heights (it has found a permanent spot in my tiny holy grail group), the Generation G fell way short of expectations. Let’s see what went wrong here. By Jade Yeo
Apparently, Glossier upgraded their Gen Gs in formula as well as packaging, giving their translucent white tubes an opaque renovation which makes them a little less flimsy. When I took off the cap for the first time, I thought I was sent the wrong shade because as you can see, it looks really dark for a “light powdery pink”.
PROS
Though the colour looks super pigmented in the tube, it goes on sheer, and it’s actually a perfect match because I wanted a… what the kids call… MLBB (My Lips But Better) shade. It glides on smoothly and does exactly what it claims: gives the look and finish of blotted lipstick, sans blotting. These Gen G mattes would probably work best for those who are new to lipsticks, since the shades are soft and they deposit the right amount of colour, so you can’t really go wrong with them. It gives the impression of effortlessness, when the truth is, you paid an unjust amount for the product sitting on your lips. CONS
When I gave the lipstick a quick sniff, I died a bit inside. Nevertheless, I proceeded to swipe it on my lips, and…
Instant regret. As someone who’s gone through 4 tubes of natural, organic lipsticks consecutively, being introduced to the Generation G was like punishing my lips with a formula that’s equivalent to toxic waste. Not only does it smell like burnt plastic (or Crayola, as a few negative reviews have compared it to), it tastes like it too. As the day went by (I was hell bent on wearing this out for a full day), that taste dissipated a little, but so did its ability to keep my lips moisturised. They were parched by the second hour and the colour was starting to settle into the cracks. Not a good look at all.
I know they were aiming for a matte finish but the formula is almost devoid of hydrating components. That’s not how it’s done. While that could be easily remedied with a coat of lip balm under the Generation G, I simply can’t forgive the smell and taste of it. I don’t even wanna think about accidentally ingesting some of this. In fact, I wore my Gen G out of the house this morning (second time’s the charm?) in preparation for this review, but by the time I reached the office, I wiped it off and put on my Juice Beauty lipstick instead. Much better.
A note to Glossier: Please get rid of that repulsive scent and amp up the moisture – I want this to work out between us. Until then, it seems like we’re just not meant to be. Glossier Generation G, $34.80. Available from altcos.com. Main image: Glossier Facebook
Innovation. Technology. Potential.
Those are words you’re more likely to hear being sermonised out of some big-time CEO’s mouth at a major tech event. You wouldn’t associate them with a shoe. Unless of course those shoes are from Nike, which has just launched its latest iteration of the Air VaporMax – its lightest and most technologically superior version yet.
Dropping in Singapore from July 13 onwards, these sneakers have graced the feet of many an athlete since its debut way back in 1987, when it was the first shoe in the world to feature a visible Air-cushioning unit. Fast-forward 30 years, and the Air VaporMax has become more than just mere running shoes – it’s become an icon.
And…it’s also become a pretty neat fashion accessory to walk around the block with too.
For that, you can thank Nike for donning these kicks with the svelte colourway of “Chrome Blush”, the latest in line of the company’s colourful new shoes, which include the Air Huarache in “Orchid/Sunset Glow”, the Cortez in “Racer Pink”, as well as a host of SB Blazer’s in a snazzy gradient pack.
But good looks aside, fitness enthusiasts will be pleased to know that these babies pack a punch when you suit them up for a run. The Air VaporMax’s upper is a Nike Flyknit one, which gives the user optimal breathability and support. The shoe also has a comfy sock-like feel, with the Air unit on its sole minimising the negative impact of your heel striking the ground.
If all this sounds good to you, the Air VaporMax is retailing for $269 from July 13 onwards as part of Nike’s Fall collection and will be available at Nike Paragon, Shaw, VivoCity, and nike.com/sg. A “Triple Black” colourway will join the “Chrome Blush” model later this August, while you can also check out the new Nike Pro Bra collection, which has over 30 new styles to choose from.
In other Nike news, the company is now providing free yoga lessons for all you folks to get your yogi on. For more information, visit www.nike.com/sg. All images taken from Nike.
Romantically, stargazing is a perfect activity. Aesthetically, it’s also one of Mother Nature’s most gorgeous sights. But unfortunately, Singapore is too damn bright to see anything, with the exception of maybe Orion’s Belt or the odd satellite or two.
Not to worry though. If you, like us, love laying back and just admiring a star-blanketed sky, there are other spots near our little island that let you do so. And even better, they’re all located in Southeast Asia, meaning that you don’t have to travel that far to get your stargazing game on. Here are 10 of the best: Mersing Beach, Johor, Malaysia
Located just across the causeway is Mersing, a sleepy beach town better known for being a stopover for travellers heading to Tioman. To be honest, there isn’t much to do here in the day. But when night falls, you’ll see that the stars really come out to play. Is this spot worth a short road-trip from Singapore? You bet. Just don’t forget your camera! Getting there: Hop on a bus from Singapore. The journey will take about 3 hours. Pulau Perhentian, Terengganu, Malaysia
One of the more underrated island destinations in Southeast Asia, Pulau Perhentian is one of the best spots in the world to stargaze, and that’s because of its relative obscurity and distance from the glare of city lights, as well as Malaysia’s prime location on the equator – where both the stars of the Northern and Southern skies meet. Getting there: Take a flight from Singapore to Terengganu. This will take you about 3.5 hours. After which, you need to take a 1-hour ferry. Doi Chiang Dao, Chiang Mai, Thailand
Thailand is famous for a myriad of things, especially its capital of Bangkok, where there’s load of great shopping and trendy bars to be found. But if you find yourself needing a break from the city, why not head up North to Chiang Mai and lose yourself in the beauty of Doi Chiang Dao – a towering mountain that stands at 2,175-metres tall, and one that offers a magnificent view of the stars at night. Getting there: Take a 3-hour flight to Chiang Mai. Following that, book a private car/taxi to take you to Doi Chiang Dao. Phu Tub Berk, Phetchabun, Thailand
Want to see the Milky Way with crystal clear clarity? Well, you should plan a trip to Phu Tub Berk in the Thai province of Phetchabun, pronto. Phu Tub Berk is actually the tallest mountain in this peaceful area, and was where King Rama IV undertook his own astronomic observations. Hey, if it’s good enough for royalty, it’s definitely good enough for you. Getting there: Fly to Bangkok, after which, hop on a bus or private taxi, depending on how quickly you want to get there. Mount Bromo, East Java, Indonesia
If you’re up for some adventure, Mount Bromo should do the trick. After all, there is hardly anything more adventurous than hiking up an active volcano that stands at a colossal height of 2,329-metres and one that erupted only as recently as 2015. But trust us when we say that you won’t regret spending a night camping over here. The view in the morning when the sun rises is spectacular. Getting there: Take a 2.5-hour flight from Singapore to Surabaya. From there, you can book a trip via a travel agent or rent a car to drive by yourself. Ranu Kumbolo Lake, East Java, Indonesia
When in Java, do as the Javanese do. And what exactly do they do? They head over to Ranu Kumbolo Lake for camping trips to stargaze! This magical spot comes in the form of a secluded crater lake that lets you snap incredible Instagram-worthy pictures in the day. But at night, it transforms into a galactic feast for the eyes, with minimal light pollution and plenty of stars to gawk at. Getting there: Take a 2.5-hour flight from Singapore to Surabaya. Following that, take a 2.5-hour bus to Malang, and a 1-hour taxi to Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park. Mount Pulag, Luzon, Philippines
Mount Pulag isn’t a renowned travel site for nothing. Philippines’ third highest mountain at 2,922-metres is known for its glorious views, especially after you’ve scaled your way to the top, where flowing currents of clouds breeze their way around the various peaks. Oh, and this is yet another optimal spot to gaze at the beauty of the Milky Way. Getting there: Take a 3.5-hour flight from Singapore to Manila. From there, take a 6-hour bus ride to Baguio, and a 4-hour jeep ride to Mount Pulag. El Nido, Palawan, Philippines
Once an off-the-beaten path destination, El Nido’s sun-soaked beaches and pristine waters have captured the imagination of travellers all over the world. That said; despite its popularity, it’s still peaceful and serene enough to catch a healthy glimpse of the stars at night. And with over 50 beaches to choose from, you’re seriously spoilt for choice over here. Getting there: Take a flight to either Manila or Cebu, and hop on a domestic flight to Puerto Princesa in Palawan. Following that, take a coach to El Nido. Phnom Kulen, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Unlike its Southeast Asian neighbours, Cambodia isn’t exactly known as a favourite haunt of nature enthusiasts. Not unless you count Phnom Kulen in Siem Reap. Directly translated as “Mountain of Lychees” in Khmer, this gorgeous mountain range is home to beautiful waterfalls, lingas (Hindu sculptures) carved in the riverbed, and more importantly, a star-filled sky when the sun sets. Getting there: Take a 2-hour flight to Siem Reap, followed by a 2-hour drive from Siem Reap town by car or van.
Going to Seoul? Love Chanel? You’re going to want to visit the Mademoiselle Privé exhibition before it closes in a week.
CHANEL MADEMOISELLE PRIVÉ SEOUL 23rd June — 19 July 2017 D Museum, Seoul
If you’re planning a quick trip there (or you have friends who are going), here are 5 things to do and not do at Chanel’s Mademoiselle Privé exhibition in Seoul.
DO: 1) Take photos of yourself and friends in the multi-coloured glass wall outside the D Museum. No filtering required!!! (I took around 30 shots here…)
DON’T: 1) Rush into the exhibition without admiring the wrapping around the building. Take photos with the wallpaper and even poster artwork…because everything’s so pretty…
DO: 2) Stop and wait for the digital animations to appear in the recreation of Gabrielle Chanel’s first boutique. For example, the mirror appears white and blank when you first see it; then Gabrielle starts walking out!!! Just be patient.
DON’T: 2) Delete the Mademoiselle Privé app from your phone after you book your tickets. The app is still useful. Hold it in front of the studio door inside the exhibition and watch Gabrielle appear on your screen! It’s as though she’s right there in the studio doing work.
DO: 3) Smell every individual ingredient in the Chanel N°5 room. After all, that’s what you’re there for. Also, it’s actually really interesting!!!
DON’T: 3) There’s a bucket of chains at the end of the curtain of fabrics. Don’t even think of taking a strand. There’s a guard standing right there watching it like a hawk. In fact, I wouldn’t even recommend touching it (though you’ll be tempted to).
DO: 4) Try and spot and match the outfits worn by the celebrities with what’s on display. It’s all there. Eg. That yellow piece was worn by Vanessa Paradis in her photo. Fun fact: all these artistic pictures were taken by Karl Lagerfeld.
DON’T: 4) Take any photos from the room of celebrity photos! You’ll be thinking… oh wow, so many! They won’t notice if one is gone. WRONG! That’s stealing, and be warned, there are cameras everywhere.
DO: 5) Make it all the way to the end of the exhibition and watch the film by Karl Lagerfeld featuring Kristen Stewart and Geraldine Chaplin (shown above portraying Coco Chanel. Fun fact: she’s the daughter of Charlie Chaplin!).
DON’T: 5) Just watch the film… pay attention to the outfits worn by the actresses! Geraldine Chaplin’s Chanel character, in particular, wears the most delightful cardigans with brooches, matched with strings of pearls and embellished cuffs! Great style advice for revamping your wardrobe.
And here’s a video walk-through of the exhibition:
Admission to the exhibition is free, but booking is required through the Mademoiselle Privé app. Download it on iTunes and GooglePlay.
Details: MADEMOISELLE PRIVÉ SEOUL
23rd June — 19 July 2017
D Museum, Seoul More information on the exhibition can be found at www.mademoiselleprive.chanel.com.
Are glitter and shimmer not the same thing? Well, according to Kat Von D, they are apparently not the same. And to get the best of both worlds, simply combine them and you get Kat Von D’s Glimmer edition of the cult favourite Shade + Light eyeshadow contour palette. The upcoming Glimmer palette is basically the original all-matte eyeshadows except mixed with a bucket of glittery, shimmery and sparkly goodness.
Since it’s identical to the previous edition, you will be greeted once again with the perfect combination of neutral, warm and cool tones, containing base, contour, highlight and defining shades. And of course we all know how highly pigmented the fine triple-milled powders are, which promises true payoff and incredible blendability. If you don’t believe us, take a look at the swatches of the shades on different skin tones and perhaps, you’ll see a glimmer of hope.
But seriously, not only does the shades illuminate, they go well with pretty much any skin tone and make ’em pop. There are 4 glimmer finishes with different levels of intensity to bring light-catching dimension to the eyes, namely the subtle satin base shades, metallic-pearl contour shades, reflective glitter define shades and special effect glimmer topcoats.
By now, it’s pretty much a known fact that Kat Von D’s products are 100% vegan, right? Oh, but one thing you might not know – the Glimmer palette is limited edition so you’ll probably want to mark your calendars for the date of release.
The Kat Von D Shade + Light Eye Glimmer Palette retails at US$49 and will be launching on 11 July 2017 at sephora.com.us, and in US stores on 13 July 2017. It is also set to release internationally starting from November 2017. Header image: @katvondbeauty
Remember back in the day when every kid didn’t obsess over their touch-screen iPhone and instead owned a Gameboy and a collection of game cartridges? When social media wasn’t a thing and saving Princess Toadstool from the villainous King Bowser was all that mattered? Today’s millennials have absolutely no idea what they are missing out on. And just like us, the folks at shu uemura are probably feeling nostalgic as well, now that they’ve partnered with Nintendo to come up with a holiday edition collection featuring the greatest game of all time, Super Mario Bros.
Being a representative of Japanese pop culture, the 8-bit hero, Mario, and other iconic collectible items such as the question mark bricks and power stars, appear on the packaging of the beauty collection. The range includes some of shu uemura’s best sellers like the cult-favourite cleansing oil, exclusive products such as the eye and cheek palette etched with Super Mario designs, and even extends to their hair products.
One item that we predict will definitely sell out is the Dual Stamp-Me Liner, which features a black fine tip liner on one end and a star-shaped stamp on the other, which you can use to create beauty marks anywhere you like. We also love the boxy black makeup trunk that you can carry when you travel or perhaps, use it to keep all your old school gadgets and game cartridges!
Speaking of the collection, Kakuyasu Uchiide, international artistic director for shu uemura tells WWD: “This collection is not so much about creating, but it is about playing. I want people to be able to play with their individual style. During the holidays this simple approach to beauty allows customers to enjoy the season more.”
And for that, we thank shu uemura for teaming up with the quintessential 1980s Nintendo video game that makes putting makeup a tad more fun and bringing us down memory lane while we’re at it. The Super Mario Bros. collection will only be available on 1 November 2017, just in time for the upcoming festive Christmas holidays, so make sure you jot down this collection into your to-buy gifts list. Header image: shu uemura
Are you a fan of HBO’s medieval fantasy series Game of Thrones? Well, most of us here at NYLON are avid fans of GoT and we catch every episode as soon as it airs on TV (oh, the torture of waiting for a week before the next episode airs). We don’t know about you, but we love being all snuggled up on the couch and binge-eating while we tune in to the show. In fact, we don’t even start eating until the show starts. But you know what’s better than having just your regular dinner or a bag of chips? A feast.
Yeap, the good people at Deliveroo are bringing the GoT experience to a whole new level by introducing their “Feast for a King” menu. Wait till you see the names of the dishes available and you’ll know what we mean. Just wait for it.
Deliveroo have partnered with several restaurants to give fans a taste of the Seven Kingdoms and to make sure you don’t go starving for winter is fast approaching…
And now, the fun part: the GoT-inspired dishes. Based on memorable scenes from past seasons and iconic characters, we really have to hand it to Deliveroo for coming up with witty and punny themes for their feast menu.
First up, we have Littlefinger’s Not So Little Finger, which plays on Lord Baelish’s nickname. Manhattan Pizza Co. is offering Littlefinger’s Big Fingers – chicken tenders seasoned in a spicy bread crumb mix and served with a side of mayonnaise.
Up next, Oysters, Clams and Cockles! Our little daredevil, Arya, made her way across the Narrow Sea and landed herself in Braavos, peddling oysters, clams and cockles on the docks. But we’re lucky enough to have them delivered from Greenwood Fish Market right to our doorstep, serving you a freshly shucked platter of Canadian Golden mantle oysters. Not too shabby, huh?
Fresh Oysters from Greenwood Fish Market
You’ll Ygritte getting in the way of a hangry 6.6-foot man and his chicken dinner, so you’d better Give The Hound His Chicken before you end up on the plate. But fret not, because there are many options to satiate any fried chicken cravings, from Bird Bird, Chicken Up to Wing Zone, which offers smoky BBQ wings and sweet honey-dipped ones.
Bird Bird
4Fingers Chicken Wings
In season 5, poor Princess Shireen Baratheon had to be burned at the stake as a sacrifice to the Lord of Light, all thanks to Melisandre. Luckily for us, the night is not “full of terrors” in Singapore, so just sit back and enjoy The Red Woman’s Special: Burnt at the Steak. No burning is required with the Melisandre-inspired “stake” from Meatsmith and Outback Steakhouse, grilled just how you like it. Although, can you eat meat while watching all that gory stuff?
Outback Steakhouse
And for those of you who jumped for joy when Joffrey died from poisoning at his very own wedding ceremony, continue to enjoy the feast with Hard Rock’s Hickory-Smoked Ribs now that the obnoxious boy is out of the way. After which, indulge in a slice of Chocolate Origin’s decadent chocolate cake to round off the all-new episodes that are coming real soon.
Hard Rock’s Hickory-Smoked BBQ Trio
Chocolate Origin’s Chocolate Cake
Other GoT-themed dishes include Drogon’s Breath, Tyrion’s Sheesh Kebab and Theon Greyjoy Sausage Roll, with partner restaurants such as Ishinomaki Grill and Sake, Jerry’s Barbeque & Grill, 4Fingers, Watami, Cedele and Sensai Yakitori. So all you really have to do is turn the channel to HBO (Starhub TV Ch 601) and order in! When winter falls this 17 July, Deliveroo has GoT you covered… Deliveroo’s “Feast for a King” menu will be available across Singapore, starting 17th July.
Header image: Deliveroo
Our obsession with nude lipsticks is… highly irrational, we know. For most of us, there just never seems to be enough neutral matte lippies on the market, but for those with deeper skin tones, the struggle to find a complimentary match is real. True, more beauty brands out there have strived to become more inclusive with their shade ranges, but there’s always room for augmentation, which is why new companies are cropping up to help fill in those gaps.
A post shared by Mented Cosmetics (@mentedcosmetics) on
Today, we’re getting acquainted with Mented Cosmetics, a beauty brand that creates nude lipsticks for darker skin tones. Its founders Amanda E. Johnson and KJ Miller sought to give every woman the same amount of freedom when they’re navigating the beauty world, and that includes finding the right shades to shape that classic clean-beauty look that hasn’t been permitted to those with deeper skin tones for aeons. They told Allure, “No one deserves to be an afterthought, and our products celebrate the beauty of all hues.” That message is one hell of a positive reminder in trying times like these.
A post shared by Mented Cosmetics (@mentedcosmetics) on
At the moment, Mented (short from ‘pigmented’) has 6 shades in their lineup of nude lipsticks, featuring rose tones and brown hues with a cream satin finish. They’ve got cute names for their shades too, such as a rich chocolate named Dark Night, and a hazel rose dubbed Nude La La. We can’t wait to see more from this brand, and we’re hoping this discovery lights a fire under some of the existing brands in the market as well. It’s time we built a beauty haven for women of all hues. Mented Cosmetics Lipstick, US$16.50 each. Available from mentedcosmetics.com. Main image: Mented Cosmetics Facebook
Okay, we get why NMDs are so popular among sneakerheads and that adidas is constantly coming up with different iterations and colourways to satisfy the market’s appetite, but does anyone else feel like adidas is just reproducing the same thing with minor tweaks made here and there? Yeah sure, the adidas NMD has definitely upped the sneaker game, and there’s obviously still a high demand for these kicks. So if people are willing to pay for subsequent iterations, then good for adidas… right? Well, we definitely hope they’re not solely banking on NMDs to get their cash registers rolling…
Nonetheless, we received word that more new designs are arriving in Singapore, and as much as we think it’s just another one of the endless launches to come, we’re pretty sure many fans will be glad to know about the latest additions to join the nomad line.
First up, the adidas Originals NMD_R2. This silhouette offers two new colourways for men (Model BY9410) and women (Model BY9521), combining the shoe’s futuristic design with a range of complementary graphic touches.
The men’s edition comes in a full Primeknit construction in a grey camo-like colourway that incorporates a “shadow knit” technique that causes the shoe to shift colour when it catches light. The finishing touches include tonal laces, leather heel-patch and BOOST midsole with an asymmetrical EVA insert.
NMD_R2 BY9410
For the women, the Primeknit upper receives an engineered graphic design that looks a lot like hexagonal patterns you see in sci-fi movies. What remains intact are the heel-patch and 3-stripes mark welded on the shoe, which comes in a contrasting black and pink colourway. Similar to the men’s iteration, the shoe offers a white BOOST midsole with a tonal asymmetric EVA insert, rendering this second generation of NMD silhouette the latest addition, made exclusively for women.
NMD_R2 BY9521
For the minimalist, the NMD_R2s are also offered in two understated colour palettes. These ones feature a circular knit upper that allows for some stretch and breathability, and a premium nuback panel on the medial quarter. And as usual, the shoes come with NMD’s signature leather heel patch and pull tag. Tonal laces, suede sockliner, NMD BOOST tooling and the asymmetric EVA insert rounds up the edition for the monochrome series.
NMD_R2 BY3014
NMD_R2 BY8691
Lastly, the NMD_CS2 model is back with its sock-fit silhouette in two new colourways for men and women. The shoe’s signature single panel design wraps around the foot and is fully constructed with Primeknit, featuring an all-over graphic pattern that includes flashes of pink for the women’s edition.
The men’s rendition comes in a similar tonal black palette and comes with the aforementioned “shadow knit” that creates a colour-shifting effect on the Primeknit fabric. Both shoes are finished with a classic white BOOST midsole.
NMD_CS2 BY9312
NMD_CS2 BZ0515
See what we mean? Most of the NMD latest releases have almost the same qualities but with different colourways and perhaps one or two new added features. We are not sure if they’re actually worth the run for our money, but hey, we’ll still be queuing for them anyway. adidas NMD_R2s, $199 (BY9410 & BY9521) or $299 (BY8691, BY3014), and NMD_CS2, $299, available 13 July 2017 at adidas Originals Pacific Plaza & Bugis+, LE. Underground, Limited Edt 313 & MBS, Seek, Star360 Bugis, The Social Foot, Solecase* and online at adidas.com.
*Do call ahead — certain outlets only carry specific models.
Header image: Adidas
Vegans have it real tough when it comes to enjoying sweet treats. Cake, custard, pudding, sorbet, flan, and even pie, you name it, and they can’t eat it.
Why? Because all of them have one thing in common: the presence of milk, which as we know, is an ingredient that vegans have to actively avoid in order to sustain their diet. That’s all going to change however thanks to Häagen-Dazs, which has just launched its brand new range of dairy-free ice cream.
A post shared by Häagen-Dazs Ice Cream (@haagendazs_us) on
Now, vegans who want to go on a full-fledged dessert binge can enjoy yummy flavours like Peanut Butter Chocolate Fudge, Chocolate Salted Caramel Fudge Truffle, Mocha Chocolate Cookie, and Coconut Caramel from the American ice cream brand.
They might not be the most adventurous flavour options by any means, but for non-dairy dessert products? We’re good with playing things safe. They all do look and sound delicious by the way.
Peanut Butter Chocolate Fudge
Chocolate Salted Caramel Fudge Truffle
Mocha Chocolate Cookie
Coconut Caramel
For all you skeptics out there who believe that non-dairy ice cream has no chance in hell of tasting anywhere near as tasty as your regular tub, you’d probably like to know that each flavour is crafted from pleasant ingredients like coconut cream, sugar, and soy, in addition to being animal product-free.
The one issue down here is that Häagen-Dazs has only launched these vegan-friendly flavours in the United States, so that’s a real bummer.
That said; these non-dairy flavours came about only after fans petitioned on Change.org, and who knows, a similar petition might convince the company to release them internationally as well. For more information, visit haagendazs.com. All images taken from Häagen-Dazs.
Hello people of 2017, if you’re not currently hyped up over the not-soon-enough return of Game of Thrones, and if you’ve not seen a single teaser or trailer or promo picture that’s making us head-over-heels crazy about the upcoming Season 7, out this Sunday, then well…
Did you even get that reference? Sigh, this should get you up to date.
Okay, snark aside, here’s why we’re madly excited (though, um, not frenzied enough to kill). This season of the epic fantasy series sees Daenerys Targaryen storming into Westeros like she was, well, born to, with her armies, angsty dragons, and Hand of the Queen, Tyrion Lannister. Jon Snow is now King in the North, which, as history goes, doesn’t bode well at all, though he’s returning to Winterfell for what’s hopefully gonna be more heartwarming Stark reunion moments. Heard that Arya?? And over at King’s Landing, there’s a new queen sitting atop the Iron Throne: Cersei Lannister.
As for the actress that plays her to perfection, Lena Headey, in an interview with The Edit, she sits down with co-star Maisie Williams (who plays Arya Stark), and reveals her favourite moments from the show, her thoughts on being in the entertainment industry, as well as a bit of reminiscing about her halcyon youth.
Lena Headey wears coat by Vanessa Seward, sweater by Victoria Beckham, shirt by Frame, pants by See by Chloé, socks by Johnstons of Elgin and shoes by Joseph. Photographed by Stefano Galuzzi for The EDIT, NET-A-PORTER.
“I think the highlight was [last season] when [Cersei] blew up the Great Sept of Baelor, then just enjoyed her wine. And this season coming, because she’s lost everything. Whatever was good [in her life] has been erased and she’s a horrible cow to one particular character… It’s really quite loathsome,” she says, when asked about her character’s best moment in the show.
However, she also immediately clarifies that the horrible-but-kinda-badass move isn’t necessarily something that she hated. “I thought that was great. The High Sparrow [played by Jonathan Pryce] was yet another man who came along and was like, “I’m going to manipulate you.” So I think her revenge… Well, I was like, “Yes! F*** you!” And she took out Margaery Tyrell [Natalie Dormer] and her low-cut blouse. Bye, perky tits.”
Lena Headey wears vest by Vanessa Bruno, top by Theory, skirt by Joseph, boots by Prada and hat by Maison Michel. Photographed by Stefano Galuzzi for The EDIT, NET-A-PORTER.
Our thoughts exactly, Cersei Headey. To be fair, we’ll never endorse any of the queen’s grand schemes, but we have to say, Headey does such a great job of portraying her most villainous, but also most human and vulnerable, near motherly, traits, that we can’t help but sympathise with the character, and that calls for a lot. Here are more enticing tidbits from the interview: On the Game of Thrones death that left her heartbroken:
“Last season I was doing [post-production] in LA and watched Hodor’s death. I was just weeping. The technician said, ‘Are you OK?’ and I went, ‘I didn’t know, I didn’t know he died.’ I was beside myself; genuinely heartbroken.” On who would win in a Cersei-Arya death match:
“Surely Arya would kill Cersei? Arya’s such a little fiend that she would find a way. Look, she f****** wears people’s faces.” On her rebellious teenage years:
“I would sneak boys into my house all the time. We lived in a tiny little house in Yorkshire with a tiny little landing, and one night my boyfriend got up to have a wee and found my mum sitting naked on the toilet. She was screaming, he was screaming, and my dad comes out of the bedroom and literally chased him out of the house, naked.” On how she wouldn’t have been able to handle fame when she was younger:
“[Fame] hasn’t changed my life because I did my madness when I was younger. I’d probably be dead if [fame] had happened to me when I was young. The things it allows you to do, the places it takes you, the people you meet, the parties you go to… It’s bonkers.”
“I’ll always love you, Maisie, because you’ve just remained. You guys [Game of Thrones’ younger cast members] have all handled it brilliantly. I just think it’s great; you’ve grown up with this, and you’ve remained delightful. There isn’t a knob amongst you, which is incredible. Not everybody would have come out…knobless.”
Lena Headey wears coat by Prada. Photographed by Stefano Galuzzi for The EDIT, NET-A-PORTER.
On her experience of sexism as an actress:
“I said [to a female colleague], ‘Do you find that you have to say the same things seven times, whereas a man says it once and everyone listens?’ Male counterparts can say the same thing [I just did] and everyone’s like, ‘Oh, that’s a great idea,’ and I’m like, ‘I just said that 19 times but you chose not to listen or take it on board.’”
“I’m happier now I’m older, playing women who aren’t expected to be beautiful. That pressure has gone for me. [Male] actors can be ‘interesting’, but there’s a real pressure on women to be beautiful and skinny.” On who will claim the Iron Throne:
Maisie Williams: “So who do you want to see on the Iron Throne in the final hour? Who gets it?”
Lena Headey: “I think she’s already sitting there, isn’t she?”
Of course, you can read the entire exclusive over at net-a-porter.com, and purchase the entire look off the magazine’s pages as well. Game of Thrones Season 7 premieres in Asia the same time as the U.S. – exclusively on HBO (StarHub TV Ch 601) this July 17 at 9am, with a same day primetime encore at 9pm. The series will also bestreaming on HBO on StarHub Go and HBO On Demand (StarHub TV Ch 602).
We all have those days. You just woke up and you absolutely need a cup of coffee, but are way too lazy to get out of the house and get one anyway. That’s the point of having a coffee machine at home, isn’t it? Well, most of the time, we’re in a rush, so we settle for whatever our machines can offer. You might even have a Nespresso machine at home, and it takes, what, two minutes tops to have a fresh cup of coffee in front of you — just pop in a quick capsule and you’re done. Our only gripe is this: who has the time and that expert barista knowledge to steam the right kind of milk for a latte? Sigh, pouring hot milk into our coffee’s just not the same, eh.
Until now, that is, You can be a complete noob when it comes to preparing coffee of any kind, but perhaps less so with the Creatista Plus, touted as “the first Nespresso machine that allows users to create latte art”. How it works is this — you get the neat convenience of a Nespresso machine on one side, and then a fully-automated steam wand on the other side that allows anyone to create multiple milk foam textures, thanks to the collaboration with Breville, an Australian brand known for their innovative kitchen appliance expertise.
On top of being a nice swanky machine for your #kitchengoals line up (just check out the gleaming stainless steel design), the new Nespresso appliance makes it instantly easier for a classic Cappuccino or a velvety smooth Flat White or Latte, complete with that milk foam on top that we all know and love. Remember how you need to master the intricacies of the right temperature, the amount of time needed, and what exactly the texture is for the ideal steamed milk to add to your coffee?
Well, never mind that now; simply select your preferred coffee type, fill the milk jug that comes with the machine, then place it on the temperature sensor. And you’re done! Sure, you’ll have to wait for less than a minute for the job to be truly finished, but that’s just the machine automatically heating your milk to the right temperature, followed by the steam want frothing it to the perfect texture for you. Ah, just let the machines take over already.
What’s also great is that the machine can also generate ‘micro-milk foam’, something that’s essential for latte art creation. Hey, this might inspire you to be a home barista! It does take practice to, now, do the perfect pour, but the coffee experts we spoke to at the launch assured us that this essentially made the job easier by half.
True enough, we tried a fresh brew from the machine, of our own creation (it’s just pressing buttons right?) though poured by the deft hands of a barista — this tasted every bit as great as something you can find in a cafe… at a fraction of the price. Hold up, does that mean we get to save money (and splurge it all on makeup and shoes) and get quality coffee anyway? Yes.
You can, of course, personalise all the settings, plus, since it’s a Nespresso machine, you’ll get all of their usual hassle-free delights too, including a fast self-cleaning system and a tray that pops up so you can discard (recycle!) your used capsules.
Here’s a video we took while at the brand’s revamped ION Orchard flagship boutique:
At the new boutique, you’ll also get to try out the machine, plus enjoy sweet treats from Tarte by Cheryl Koh over the opening weekends (8-9 July / 15 – 16 July). And if you’re thinking of getting the limited edition ‘Nespresso On Ice’ capsules, a summer special that retains your aromatic coffee blend even over ice, you won’t even have to line up behind a counter. All of the staff are equipped with mobile iPads, so you can place your order from anywhere within the store. Yep, that’s the hassle-free experience alright. Nespresso Creatista Plus, $748, available from 21 July 2017 at any Nespresso boutique, online at nespresso.com, via the Nespresso Mobile App, or via the Nespresso Club at 800 852 3525. Also available for in-store trial and pre-order at the Nespresso ION Orchard boutique, from 5 – 21 July 2017. Nespresso ION Orchard Flagship Boutique is at ION Orchard, #01-14A.
If dogs are man’s best friends, then mosquitos are the worst.
Since the beginning of time, these tiny pests have bugged humankind; pardon the pun, with diseases, and most irritating of all, bites that won’t stop itching all day. And if you, like us, are mosquito magnets in tropical Singapore, here’s a device that might prove to be a lifesaver in the long run.
Introducing Bite Helper, which as its name suggests, helps to neutralise mosquito bites by removing that annoying itchy feeling.
A post shared by The bug bite therminator 🐜 (@bitehelper) on
Shaped somewhat like a dwarfed but slightly fat police baton, Bite Helper uses “Thermo-Pulse Technology” to increase blood flow to the affected area, as well as to heat up the mosquito’s injected saliva (gross, we know, but that’s how these insects do their dirty work in the first place).
Using the Bite Helper is really simple. Whenever you feel like you’ve gotten a bite, just place the Thermo-Pulse metal tip directly on the affected area, switch the on button, and waves of 120-degree heat will spread accordingly.
A post shared by The bug bite therminator 🐜 (@bitehelper) on
It sounds kind of intense, but independent reviewers have said that the Bite Helper really works, making it the latest in a long line of mosquito combatants, which include ointments, repellants, Aloe Vera, and alcohol. The only catch is that you must use it immediately after discovering a bite, not 24-hours later when the itch is well and truly underway. Oh, and you’ve got to leave the device on your skin for a duration of about 30 to 45-seconds as well.
A post shared by The bug bite therminator 🐜 (@bitehelper) on
We’re not sure if its effectiveness is the result of a placebo effect, but if you’re interested in gaining another weapon in the mosquito war and trying out something new, the Bite Helper is retailing for a pretty reasonable price of US$39.95, and is available via bitehelper.com.
Just remember that this gadget is only a tool for aiding mosquito bites and it doesn’t actually replace proven medicinal treatments. So, if you’ve got a fever or other symptoms that speak of a more serious cause, please, please do yourself a favour and visit a doctor. For more information, visit bitehelper.com. All images taken from Bite Helper.
It seems like millennial pink ain’t over just yet. Not until at least summer is over, we presume. Well, the colour screams summer, it’s pretty enough to get likes on the ‘gram, girls love it and brands know it. Also, doesn’t the pastel hue remind you of cotton candy? Just recently, A$AP Rocky’s capsule collection revolved around the concept of ice cream and cotton candy, ColourPop launched their pink collection, and we’ve seen baby pink beauty blenders and pastel pink hair. Evidently, brands are making sure they are not losing out by drenching every product they can think of in pink.
Up next to join the bandwagon is Onitsuka Tiger, with their latest Spring/Summer collab with Naked, a Denmark-based sneaker platform dedicated to women.
The two brands have re-interpreted the classic Onitsuka Tiger GSM by giving the iconic vintage tennis shoes the pink treatment. The use of premium Japanese seersucker – a lightweight fabric with a crimped or puckered surface, and Naked’s signature colourway – pink and white, are bringing back all that 80s nostalgia.
With the upper made of the soft all-cotton seersucker material, these kicks are bound to provide breathability and utmost comfort. The Onitsuka Tiger imprint can be found on the tongue while the Naked logo is embroidered on the heel tab, both of which are in a light pink colour. And to mark the collaboration, both brands are featured on the sock liner.
While pink shoes can be pretty hard to match with, and we prefer our classic pair of white sneaks over anything, we wouldn’t mind owning this one for its toned-down pink and for when we feel like dressing up a lil retro. Naked x Onitsuka Tiger GSM, $159, available only at Onitsuka Tiger VivoCity.
Header image: Onitsuka Tiger
When it comes to taking risks in the beauty industry, you’ll find Urban Decay at the forefront of the game. A harbinger to heaps of makeup trends (and even skincare, now that they’ve launched their line), the beauty brand has showered our collections with a decent amount of holographic goodness, irreverent offerings, and peachy hues that align with our current obsessions. Now it’s time to get acquainted with their newest product: the Troublemaker Mascara.
A few days ago, Urban Decay’s co-founder Wendy Zomnir took to Instagram and posted an image of herself holding what seems to be a colourful, holographic tube of mascara. Though she hasn’t dropped any extra deets on the product apart from its name and approximate launch date, this never-before-seen mascara is already stirring up some buzz on the Internet. Everyone’s starting to take a few guesses, so we’ll just jump on the assumption train as well while we’re at it. Since she appears to be at the beach, we have an inkling this one’s gonna be a waterproof mascara, and judging by her Twiggy-esque lashes in the picture, it’s relatively safe to expect a formula that’s going to add major volume, much like a few of our current faves.
While the shade of the mascara probably isn’t gonna be holographic (sorry about the misleading title) unlike what the tube suggests, there are several coloured mascaras in the market you may wanna play with at the moment. Until then, let’s wait patiently for more news on the Troublemaker Mascara.
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