5 Places Ideal For Your Next Quick Family Getaway During The March School Holidays

Mar 2, 2023Mar 2, 2023

As the March school holiday fast approaches, you might be thinking about the activities you can engage the family in. Instead of staying in Singapore, this might be a good opportunity to take the family overseas for a quick getaway —which means fun-filled memories for the children, while adults can unwind and recharge as well. Here’s a look at five countries, the things you can do, and the places to stay (note, convenient and spacious rooms!) to consider for your family trip.

1. Bangkok, Thailand

Probably one of the most popular destinations for us Singaporeans, Bangkok is a must-visit for all ages. Here you can experience not just its rich cultural heritage but also its delicious street food and vibrant nightlife!

If you’re looking for something to entertain the little ones with, consider a visit to Bangkok Dream World Amusement Park where you’ll be greeted by a classical European-style fantasyland complete with miniature versions of legendary sites and fun rides, or enjoy a memorable dining experience on the Chao Phrarya River with good food and live performances.

WHERE TO STAY:

Siam Kempinski Hotel Bangkok

It is always good to consider staying at a location that is close to a shopping area, especially when travelling with family. Siam Kempinski Hotel Bangkok is a luxury hotel located in the bustling Siam shopping district with 303 guest rooms and suites designed with a blend of Thai and contemporary European styles. They even offer an indoor play area, a children’s pool, and themed family suite rooms for families with young children!

JC Kevin Sathorn Bangkok Hotel

For those seeking a quieter location, JC Kevin Sathorn Bangkok Hotel is a modern hotel located in the Sathorn business district with contemporary decor and expansive windows to offer stunning views of the city. Featuring two-bedroom suites and facilities like the Crayon Kids Club, it is an ideal location for families with little ones to stay.

2. Tokyo, Japan

As Japan’s most popular city, Tokyo is a fun destination to explore with its sights, experiences, and iconic cuisine. From visiting an Owl Café in the Akihabara district where you can interact with the owls up-close to the Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden and highly-popular teamLab Planets TOKYO where you can experience a full-body digital art experience, there’s something for everyone in the family.

WHERE TO STAY:

Tokyo Bay Shiomi Prince Hotel

Located in the Koto ward overlooking Tokyo Bay, the Tokyo Bay Shiomi Prince Hotel offers you beautiful views of the city skyline or the bay which you can enjoy from the comfort of your room. The best part about it is its proximity to Tokyo Disneyland which is just 10 minutes away by train. They also offer a family room and playroom to keep young ones entertained!

Hotel Asyl Tokyo Kamata

Apart from spacious rooms for the family, Hotel Asyl Tokyo Kamata is a modern wellness hotel that offers a Terrace Suite Room with an outdoor private spa tub for family members to relax in after a day full of activities. The hotel is conveniently situated within walking distance from Kamata Station so you can easily head out to explore Tokyo or visit popular destinations like Nishikamata Park and Heiwajima Hotspring.

3. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Even though we know them as our neighbours, Kuala Lumpur is a destination that has loads to explore, from its towering skyscrapers to its historic temples and exciting street markets.

Families can expect to discover a different side of Malaysia at the Aquaria Kuala Lumpur City Centre which features a huge, 90-metre-long transparent underwater walkway that gives you an up-close look at sharks and sea turtles; uncover the wonders of science at Petrosains with its interactive exhibits; and explore the majestic Batu Caves which comprises three main caves as well as some smaller ones for a full-day excursion.

WHERE TO STAY:

Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur

Well-situated in the heart of Kuala Lumpur near shopping and entertainment districts, Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur is a luxurious five-star hotel that features rooms with stunning city views and elegant furnishings. Rooms that are available include the family premier suite which is designed with a separate living room that houses a kids’ tent and complementary amenities. You can also choose to engage in family-friendly activities such as family yoga and art workshops at the hotel.

Ascott Kuala Lumpur

Families looking for something closer to a home can opt for Ascott Kuala Lumpur, a luxury serviced residence located in the Central Business District. From studios to three-bedroom units that include spacious family rooms, you’ll be able to unwind in elegantly furnished apartments that also offer an outdoor playground, a children’s playroom, and a wading pool.

4. Taipei, Taiwan

Offering a mix of traditional temples, bustling night markets, and towering skyscrapers, Taipei is an ideal destination for families to experience a memorable holiday. Young children will delight in meeting some of the world’s most fascinating animals at Taipei Zoo while parents can enjoy the picturesque cherry trees scenery at Yangmingshan Flower Festival and indulge in yummy Taiwanese food at the Raohe Street Night Market.

WHERE TO STAY:

The Howard Plaza Hotel Taipei

Located in downtown Taipei, The Howard Plaza Hotel Taipei features rooms and suites including a themed Family Suite which provides amenities catered specifically for families with little ones who are looking for a comfortable and fun stay.

Sheraton Grand Taipei Hotel

Situated in the heart of Taipei’s Zhongzheng district, Sheraton Grand Taipei Hotel is a luxurious five-star hotel with contemporary guest rooms and suites that offer modern amenities. They also offer entertainment rooms to keep your kids occupied while you get a well-deserved treat at the spa!

5. Seoul, South Korea

Another popular destination for Singaporeans, Seoul needs no introduction for its exciting mix of ancient and modern architecture and vibrant culture.

The country offers not just shopping but also full-day activities that include a trip to Gyeongbokgung Palace where the entire family can dress up in traditional hanboks and explore the expansive grounds; expand your imagination at the Colour Pool Museum and take fun photos in themed rooms filled with giant inflatables, ball pits and slides; and visit Nami Island to discover the wonders of nature through its tree lanes, woodlands and riverside walks.

WHERE TO STAY:

Henn na Hotel Seoul Myeongdong

Looking for a unique hotel stay? Henn na Hotel Seoul Myeongdong might just be what you are looking for with its robots that serve guests from front-desk to room delivery services! There’s even a robotic dinosaur which greets guests as they enter — a definite surprise for kids.

Royal Hotel Seoul

Located just a minute away from Myeongdong Cathedral, Royal Hotel Seoul is a luxurious hotel that features elegantly designed rooms and suites including family suites so that you can enjoy your stay after a long day of sightseeing and shopping. The hotel also has a spa and gym for mom and dad to unwind while on vacation.

EXPEDIA TIPS

To help maximise your travel booking experience, Expedia invites you to take advantage of their Expedia Rewards programme which offers perks for members only including a member price of 10% off or more on selected properties and perks at VIP Access Properties.

You can also earn points for future trips and enjoy more savings by bundling your flights, hotels and other itinerary items. For more information, visit expedia.com.sg or download the Expedia mobile app.

OWNDAYS x HUAWEI Eyewear Smart Audio Glasses lets you see and listen with an in-built speaker system

Feb 24, 2023Feb 24, 2023

Wearable technology just keeps getting better, and the one we currently have our eye on is the collaboration between Japanese eyewear brand, OWNDAYS, and one of our favourite tech houses, HUAWEI. Together, they have launched their version of Smart Audio Glasses that we think are extremely stylish, have a perfect fit for Asian wearers, and offer an alternative auditory experience. Check out the features:

There are two styles for the frames (the classic rectangle and the Wellington style), with both models available in two colour variations (black and grey).

At first glance, these glasses may appear gimmicky, but if the previous smart audio glasses HUAWEI did with Gentle Monster is any indication (they did two collaborations, the first in 2019 and the second in 2021), consumers actually embrace this tech and it’s here to stay.

Above: The OWNDAYS x HUAWEI Smart Audio Glasses in the Wellington style in all black.

The OWNDAYS x HUAWEI models are a modern and functional spin on smart audio glasses; the frame designs are both professional and stylish (great for both work and play), and lightweight, which means they are built for long hours of wear.

Above: The wellington style is slightly larger than the classic rectangular one.

There’s a snap-on lens that’s sold separately (very worth it for $20), which turns the spectacles instantly into sunglasses. It attaches to the frame effortlessly with built-in magnets, and features polarised lenses that reduce the glare from shiny surfaces such as the road, or reflections in water.

Above: The snap-on lens instantly turns these frames into sunglasses.

But these frames are more than just good looks, the collaboration with HUAWEI incorporates the brand’s audio tech into the design. The arms are equipped with semi-open, 128mm² large amplitude speakers that are discreet and actually sound pretty decent. They have a dynamic, directional design so you get stereo, surround sound with minimal sound leakage, but can still hear the environment around you (making them a safer choice to use while crossing the road).

Above: The directional speakers on the arms of the frames.

Pop the frames on, and they’ll be detected and automatically connect to your smartphone; following which, controlling the audio is intuitive. Gestures like Double Tap, Swipe, Press and Hold and Pinch are all familiar to smartphone users, and these are translated to the side arms. These gestures allow you to swipe to the next track, change volume levels and pause the audio. And yes, these glasses manage your voice calls too.

Above: The charging cable magnetically snaps onto the ends of the arms, and has a usb-c port for charging.

It takes around 85 minutes of charging to get a full charge on these frames, which will give you 6 hours of audio playback or 4.5 hours of voice calls.

At OWNDAYS, you can also upgrade the lenses to blue light, colour or Transitions lenses, at an additional cost. Just enquire in-store.

Are these for you?

They are for everybody. It’s hard not to try these at the store and not want them. They are flattering when worn, and especially practical if you have a degree and use spectacles, and listen to music on the go. The clip-on sunglasses are a necessary add-on, and very worth it at an additional $20.

The OWNDAYS x HUAWEI Eyewear Smart Audio Glasses is priced at $398 (includes standard high index aspheric lenses, an exclusive felt-fabric carrying case, a spectacle cloth and a charging converter).

The designated SNAP LENS can be purchased as an add-on option at $20 each.

available at selected OWNDAYS stores in Singapore and the OWNDAYS ONLINE STORE.

Kipling Taps On Hong Kong Designer Victoria Tang For Bags With Gradient Colour Straps And Chunky Chains

Feb 23, 2023Feb 23, 2023

We love when fashion designers do their own take on Kipling’s functional designs, and this next one’s quite the standout. Hong Kong-based designer Victoria Tang — a respected name who has helmed positions of creative director, photographer, and product designer — has reimagined a selection of everyday accessories such as shoulder bags and backpacks, in trendy colours of dark emerald and ice lavender that capture the ephemeral feeling of being in the moment.

“Kipling for me is a nostalgic brand because I grew up with it. The brand has been a part of my childhood in so many ways, and my first-ever purchase from Kipling was the pencil case,” said Victoria Tang. “The fact that the brand is now growing and looking for diversification is great, and it allows me to see the progression throughout my lifetime. So, when I was asked if I wanted to collaborate with Kipling, I thought, what a great opportunity!”

The range is meant for women on-the-go, and as with all Kipling accessories, each bag is lightweight while packing in loads of functions. The CITY PACK S backpack, for instance, has a detachable front pocket that can be converted into a waist bag, while the KIMMIE crossbody has a removable pouch; you’ll also be familiar with the roomy ART tote bag and sleek DELIA backpack.

What may be less familiar though is the monochromatic treatment, where it looks like the styles are dipped in colour and paired with cool silver hardware. We’ve got to mention the gradient colour straps as well, and the chunky chain detail that give them a little more urban sophistication. Keen-eyed shoppers will also want to look out for the pop colour linings — a pinkish-red for the emerald, and bright orange to contrast with cool-toned lavender.

[click on the images below to expand, and for more info.]

The Kipling x Victoria Tang collection, available at Kipling stores and on kipling.com.

Levi’s® And Stüssy Debut A Co-Branded Denim Trucker Jacket And The Iconic 501® Jeans

Feb 22, 2023Feb 22, 2023

Streetwear fans ought to rejoice at this latest announcement — after all, it looks like you’re about to get some new denim gear for the upcoming Spring/Summer season. Levi’s® has teamed up with cool Californian streetwear label Stüssy for a two-piece collaborative collection of classic Levi’s® silhouettes. Both the Type II Trucker Jacket and a pair of the iconic Levi’s® 501® jeans will see Stüssy’s signature aesthetic, which will be available in limited quantities on 24 February 2023.

The first thing you’ll notice is a rugged, worn indigo wash across the two pieces, done to authentically recreate a worn-in look that looks like one has faithfully rummaged through the racks at their local thrift store.

The Stüssy & Levi’s® 501® ($249.90) is an original fit cut with a straight leg, 5-pocket styling, and signature button fly — with co-branded details, of course — while you can’t miss the embossed Stüssy & Levi’s® motif on the front left and back right legs. This motif creatively merges the Levi’s® button shank graphic with Stüssy’s Double S design.

Then, there’s a custom co-branded back patch combining the Levi’s® Two Horse Pull and Stüssy logos as well, along with a special edition pocket bag print and anniversary pocket flasher to celebrate the 150th anniversary of 501® jeans.

As for the Stüssy & Levi’s® Type II Trucker Jacket® ($349.90), this has a slightly more boxy fit compared to the classic Levi’s® trucker, while subtle details such as co-branded button shanks, Baja-inspired pocket bags, and a corduroy collar make this a one-of-a-kind piece.

We do love the more obvious adaptations though, starting with the back of the jacket, which features the same embossed Stüssy & Levi’s® motif as the one seen on the jeans; the inner lining is something to flaunt too, as you’ll find Stüssy’s eight-ball logo that works as a cool hidden detail.

[click on the images below to expand.]

Limited quantities of the Stüssy & Levi’s® collection will be available from 24 February 2023, exclusively at Levi’s® ION Orchard, B2-23, and online at levi.com.sg.

5 Things To Know — And Love — About Disney’s Frozen The Hit Broadway Musical

Feb 21, 2023Feb 21, 2023

By now, you would’ve seen the posters, and heard the main chorus of ‘Let It Go’ blaring across MRT stations, or at least the one at Orchard. What’s so special about this broadway production then? Other than the fact that it features one of Disney’s biggest animation movies in the last decade, the Singapore season of Disney’s Frozen The Hit Broadway Musical happens to be Southeast Asia’s only stop, which makes it a rare occasion to be swept away by music, magic, and more.

Jemma Rix and the Company of Frozen – Photo by Lisa Tomasetti.

Now playing at the Sands Theatre, Marina Bay Sands till 19 March 2023, the stunning new musical is presented by the same producers who gave us our previous runs of the Aladdin and The Lion King musicals (Base Entertainment Asia), while bringing to life the breakout tale of sisterhood and true love through an immersive theatrical experience.

This means all the heart of the animated film’s moving storyline, now coupled with beautiful real-life sets and costumes, an amazing cast, and an expanded score that includes all the classics, as well as a dozen new songs.

Courtney Monsma and Sean Sinclair – Photo by Lisa Tomasetti.

Sean Sinclair and Lochie McIntyre – Photo by Lisa Tomasetti.

Our personal take on the musical? Having seen it on its premiere date, we can safely say that it’s every bit as magical as a Disney film, while the musical faithfully portrays the beloved tale of two sisters, Elsa and Anna, with much love and care.

That it focuses on this sisterly bond, already a groundbreaking concept when the movie first came out, is at the core of the story, since it’s a tale of precious, true love without emphasising a princess’ need to be saved by a prince — this empowering premise alone should excite both children and adults, whether you grew up loving Disney or not.

Ahead, we’ve rounded up 5 other things you may look forward to, and be amazed by, as well.

1. This production of Disney’s Frozen is Southeast Asia’s only stop — which explains why they’ve pulled out all the stops for the show’s spectacular staging.

Courtney Monsma and Thomas McGuane – Photo by Lisa Tomasetti.

Company of Frozen – Australian Production – Photo by Lisa Tomasetti.

We went in with the high expectations of a Disney production, and were definitely not disappointed. We’re talking top-notch effects, seamless moving sets, and staging that made the experience a true spectacle. Imagine recreating the look of glittering frozen fractals as Elsa belts out her tune of empowerment; or an entourage of actors moving in unison to mimic the raging power of a storm. The lead actors themselves waxed lyrical about the stage choreography during the pre-premiere media call, where actor Thomas Mcguane (Hans) described that particular stormy scene as a “locomotion of feelings that feels chaotic”.

Several iconic scenes from the movie are also reimagined in greater detail, from Elsa’s and Anna’s childhood beds that glow with magic, to an ice bridge that represents the treacherous icy landscape traversed by Anna, Kristoff and Sven. What literally gave us goosebumps too were the incredibly coordinated harmonies by the ensemble cast, especially in the big numbers such as ‘For The First Time In Forever’, an apt way to introduce the princess’ expanded universe.

**2. Lead star Jemma Rix (Elsa) played Elphaba in the Asian tour of another hit broadway musical, Wicked.**

Jemma Rix and the Company of Frozen Australian Production – Photo by Lisa Tomasetti.

Returning in another lead role, theatre performer Jemma Rix is here to enthral as the conflicted queen Elsa, who has to wrestle with hiding her growing power (“conceal, don’t feel”) before she finally embraces her true self and destiny in the well-known power anthem ‘Let It Go’.

While she said she does feel more vocally challenged in the role, since Elsa’s repertoire often involves big, belty numbers and a higher register, Jemma said she felt no desire to fit into previous interpretations of the character — essentially, making Elsa her own. “You got a basis for who she is, but how that flourishes and comes out is unique,” she said, emphasising that the most important part is to be truthful when fleshing out the character in order for audiences to connect with the literal ice queen.

“Elsa motivates people,” she added. “She’s all ‘I’m just gonna be me, flaws and all, and embrace the uniqueness of me’, and you connect with that because you want to do that in real life.”

3. The musical introduces a new song, called “Monster” — a gripping number that delves deeper into Elsa’s inner world.

Jemma Rix at the Regional Media Launch in November 2022.

During the musical’s Regional Media Launch late last year, we were also privy to Rix’s rendition of ‘Monster’, a gripping new song in the repertoire. The stage production features a full score, including 12 new songs by the original Academy Award-winning songwriters written especially for the stage.

‘Monster’, in particular, comes in during Act 2 when Elsa (spoiler alert!) realises she has frozen her kingdom of Arendelle, and thus starts to question herself and the extent of her powers. “All my songs are deep and reflective and talk about fear,” said Rix. “I always want to do the right thing and connect with the character, and the song’s written so well that it kinda just flows out.”

4. The lovable Olaf is a puppet!

Jemma Rix, Matt Lee and Courtney Monsma – Photo by Lisa Tomasetti.

Olaf is the kind of character that melts hearts, thanks to the snowman’s unabashed innocence that makes him a wholesome comic relief. Read: his solo song ‘In Summer’, arguably the favourite number of Olaf actor Matt Lee as well.

Interestingly, the character is being brought to life by some skilled puppetry from the performer, who talked about having to acquire a completely new skillset thanks to the musical. “You see my face as well though, and I still have to tell the story via that, as well as through the puppet,” he said.

Just wait for it, you’re guaranteed to hear some audible gasps from the audience once this fan-favourite character appears on stage. As for why he’s so beloved, Lee described how Olaf has zero filter but still sees life as half-cup full, a character that brings joy to the world. “We can be a little more like Olaf,” he added.

5. Elsa’s iconic “ice dress” is made up of 14,000 individual, hand-sewn beads.

Company of Frozen, Let The Sun Shine On – Australian Production – Photo by Lisa Tomasetti.

Now, we’re about to throw you some impressive statistics, all of which show the intense dedication brought about by the production and staging crew. To get a sense of the scale of the production, know that there are 440 costumes on stage during the course of the show, as well as 120 pairs of custom-made shoes and 90 handmade hats.

Most impressive though are the costumes worn by the lead characters; the precious embroidery on Anna’s coronation gown took over 100 hours to create by hand, while Elsa’s glittering ice dress took three months to put together, thanks to the 14,000 crystal beads that shimmer intensely during her most defining moment — one that you definitely do not want to miss during the show’s limited run at the Sands Theatre.

Disney’s Frozen The Hit Broadway Musical, at the Sands Theatre at Marina Bay Sands on a limited season run from 5 February to 19 March 2023. Book your tickets at frozenthemusical.sg.

Maison Margiela x Gentle Monster Is The Cool Eyewear Brand’s First Collaboration Of The Year

Feb 21, 2023Feb 21, 2023

In a surprising feat, epitome-of-cool Korean eyewear brand Gentle Monster just got even more covetable, thanks to a new partnership with Maison Margiela. We’re talking a generous array of acetate frames in glossy colours, which lead with Margiela’s signature stitch logo, four white stitches along the sides of these eyewear, a detail that speaks of their aligned values of creativity and self-expression.

Gentle Monster’s first partnership in 2023 is a genderless line dreamt up by John Galliano, creative director of the luxury fashion house, and Gentle Monster, and features 11 styles of sunglasses and spectacles across colourways of black, white, grey and cream, transparent and tortoiseshell. The designs themselves are quite futuristic, with sleek curves that resemble goggles as they mould to the sides of one’s face, or oversized temples that blend seamlessly into the front of the eyewear.

As you’d expect, the collaboration package case is just as collectible, and is a reinterpretation of Maison Margiela’s puffy Glam Slam clutch, this time in white with hand-stitched matelassé quilt details.

To celebrate the launch, collaborative pop-ups will be held in seven cities around the world, where you’ll get a chance to witness Maison Margiela’s signature elements reinterpreted by Gentle Monster’s unique aesthetic perspective.

The Maison Margiela x Gentle Monster collection will be released on 28 February 2023 worldwide, at Gentle Monster and Maison Margiela’s on/offline stores, and global select shops.

Interview With Whitney Peak, The New Face Of CHANEL COCO MADEMOISELLE

Feb 20, 2023Feb 20, 2023

If you know anything about scents, you’d have heard of CHANEL’s classic N°5, one of those elegant, classy fragrances that has stood the test of time. If you fancy yourself more of a rebel though, the type who’d pick something less predictable and more unexpected, then this one’s for you — the COCO MADEMOISELLE.

Made for a bold, free woman, it’s modern and elegant, though with an unexpected twist that’s revealed the moment the scent graces your nose. You’ll find a duality of fresh citrus fruits along with a sensual wave of patchouli, atop a transparent heart of jasmine and rose accords, which results in a new-era woody fragrance that became a breakout star the moment it hit the shelves.

And speaking of breakout stars, you might recognise Whitney Peak, a young Canadian actress of Ugandan origin, who has now earned the prestigious title of being the face of the COCO MADEMOISELLE fragrance.

Whitney Peak, the new star of CHANEL’s COCO MADEMOISELLE.

The COCO MADEMOISELLE Eau de Parfum, and Eau de Parfum Intense.

She began her career with a small role in the Aaron Sorkin film Molly’s Game, before a bigger two-series role as Judith Blackwood on Netflix’s The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina. In 2021, the 20-year-old then landed one of the lead roles in HBO’s reboot of the Gossip Girl series, quite the career-defining one so far while portraying the feisty Zoya Lott, while she’s also a lead character in Hocus Pocus 2, which was just released on Disney+ last year.

With such a stunning resume before us, it’s only right that we sit down with Whitney for a proper interview, one where, in true Gossip Girl-style, she divulges about stealing her mom’s COCO MADEMOISELLE scent, and being a secret rebel. From her first encounters with the signature scent, to her ultimate fragrance ritual, here are a couple more of her confessions:

Her first bottle of the COCO MADEMOISELLe — and how she ended up “stealing” it from her mom.

Whitney: “The first time I actually got the fragrance when I was shopping for a gift for my mom. She loves CHANEL, so I thought I’d get her a perfume. I had just gotten my first job, I’ve done a TV show, so I was like, you know, I can afford to do a little some crazy! I went to the store and picked up a bottle, and I was gonna get her something else, but I got her this one because I figured I could just steal it from her and we could both wear it.

That was my first experience with it, and then I would like, before school, just sneak into her room and then run out — but she definitely caught me! She was getting very protective over her scent.”

A still from the COCO MADEMOISELLE campaign film.

her first impressions of the scent.

W: “I’m not a big fan of of overwhelming smells or scents that are too strong, and so when I tried this one, it was fresh and easy, but still memorable. It felt like a reflection of myself in a fragrance and it was something that I wasn’t gonna get sick of. So I figured, boom, this is the one.”

whether that initial feeling changed over time.

W: “I’ve just grown to love it even more because now it’s it’s such a big part of my world, in my career and my job — it’s just an even bigger part of me.”

more stills from the coco mademoiselle campaign —

her favourite expression.

W: “I’ve been using it consistently for about two years now, though I did use it in high school when I would steal it from my mom. My favourite expression is the regular one, though I do like the intense as well. There is a hair mist, though I just put every version of it in my hair. I just have bottles of them in the guest bathroom, by the door, just kind of everywhere, so whichever bottle I pick up, I say, okay, this is what it’s gonna be.”

her fragrance ritual.

W: “I wake up and get my morning started with a shower, do a face, and then when I’m dressed, I spray it. It’s like, you know, the classic here and here, behind the neck and in my hair, just a little spray, and then I walk through it. And then I kind of just keep reapplying throughout the day. If I go to the bathroom and I need to touch up or whatever, I’ll just spray it again.

They have these really cute travel bottles that look like little lipsticks and I’m obsessed with them. They’re so cute! I give them to all my friends. They’re just portable and small, and it’s subtle, and it’s a perfume, so it’s even classier.”

The COCO MADEMOISELLE Hair Mist, EDP, and Body Lotion.

The COCO MADEMOISELLE EDP, Body Oil, and Hair Mist.

if she’s a secret rebel.

W: “I don’t think I intentionally try to be rebellious, but I feel like I can be. I definitely am a little bit stubborn, for sure. I like to get my word in there and I don’t like being told what to do. So I can be a little bit rebellious, but never with ill intent.

When I’m working, it’s different. You’ve gotta check your ego at the door, just in terms of more personal things that have to do with me and not really anybody else. I don’t like listening to a lot of opinions. I just kind of do my own thing, but obviously at work I’m not there to make it about myself. I just kind of do my job.”

on fame and being a celebrity.

W: “I feel like I have a very good support group and I have a lot of people to keep me grounded. I still try to kind of just forget that part of my life — fame is such an overwhelming idea, and I think once you get lost, it’s hard to come back from. I don’t really consider myself any of that? This is just my job that I do, and then I get home and then it’s all just behind me.”

the things that are most important to her right now.

W: “My family is very important. My friends are very important. I think my space, my personal time, and just taking care of myself and making sure that I’m putting myself first; these are definitely priorities right now, yeah.”

what she’s looking forward to.

W: “I’m just so excited for the future. I feel like this is just my becoming, this is only the beginning. I’ve only been working for four or five years, and I’ve been very lucky and and so grateful to do what I’ve done so far. I can only hope for the best in the future as well. I think I just wanna be challenged in every facet of my life right now.”

[click on the images below to expand, and for more info.]

Watch the campaign film here.

CHANEL COCO MADEMOISELLE, available at CHANEL Fragrance and Beauty boutiques and counters, and online on their E-Shop.

Need to dry clothes fast in wet weather? Check out SHARP’s energy-efficient Heat Pump Dryer

Feb 19, 2023Feb 20, 2023

It’s been raining so much recently that it actually makes sense to invest in a tumble dryer; but which one to choose? A traditional vented tumble dryer requires the machine to be installed in a location where an external vent can be fitted into an external wall, so the hot, damp air can escape outside. Then there’s a condenser tumble dryer, which doesn’t require a vented hose, but instead uses a heating element to condense the steam inside the machine, and turn it into water (that is thrown out). A condenser dryer can reach really high temperatures (as high as 70-75 °C) and so the appliance should be placed in a well-ventilated room where the warm air can dissipate easily.

And then there’s a Heat Pump Dryer — this one is similar to a condenser dryer where hot air absorbs moisture from clothes and converts it to water, which needs to be thrown out after the cycle. But instead of a heating element, it uses a closed loop heating system where hot air in the machine is reused, so it’s far more energy-efficient than a condenser dryer, and even a vented tumble dryer.

Above: Sharp Heat Pump Dryer KD-HD9S7GW stacked on the sharp FRONt LOAD WASHER ES-FW105SG.

SHARP’s latest dryer — the KD-HD9S7GW Heat Pump Dryer — operates on a new type of heat pump, and has a 5-tick energy efficiency rating. What’s special is the Express 34-Minute Dry Mode that can dry up to 1kg of cotton shirts in just 34 minutes with a high-speed spin cycle. And to accommodate this higher spin power, the dryer’s cabinet has a special wave design that offers better stability, lower vibrations, and also lower noise levels.

Above: inside the sharp heat pump dryer. It handles loads up to 9kg.

The dryer has 15 programs with specific modes for synthetics, duvets, sports apparel and wool, and every cycle dries the items effectively, yet puts less stress on the fabric than traditional tumble dryers that utilise much higher heat.

Above: The Sharp Heat Pump Dryer has 15 easy-to-select programs.

If you’re stacking your SHARP dryer on top of a front load washing machine, a free stacking kit and installation is provided with the purchase of the dryer. This model is also available in two colours, black and white so you can match what you have at home.

Above: The dryer converts the hot air into water and stores it in the water tank, which is easy to remove and empty out.

Is this dryer for you?

If you’ve been thinking about getting a tumble dryer for your household, this one from Sharp is a great option considering it is energy efficient (it has a 5-tick energy efficiency rating) and doesn’t rattle; it’ll also be gentler on your clothes because it uses lower heat than condenser dryers. Best of all, it has an express function (it can dry up to 1kg of cotton shirts in just 34 minutes) that you can’t deny is extremely useful. I’d recommend this for households that don’t get much sun, don’t own other laundry drying systems, and have had trouble drying clothes in this wet weather.

Here are the product specifications:

The SHARP KD-HD9S7GW Heat Pump Dryer is priced at $1,719 for the black and $1,664 for the white version. available on Sharp’s COCORO LIFE STORE and selected authorised retailers.

The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra 5G in Green is Gorgeous, Ultra Fast and has a 200MP camera that will make your photos pretty Epic

Feb 14, 2023Jan 6, 2024

Green is a powerful and positive colour that symbolises life, peace, health, prosperity, creativity and luck. It’s also the dominant colour in nature, and has a calming effect by projecting feelings of relaxation and safety. I particularly like darker and moodier shades of green, and the Green colour option in Samsung‘s new flagship phone — the Galaxy S23 Ultra 5G — is needless to say, gorgeous. It’s not too serious like a black phone, or flashy like one in a brighter colour; instead the Green exudes class and sophistication, with a finish that is smooth and semi-matte, with a metallic sheen. It also reflects light beautifully, yet doesn’t attract fingerprints.

In the Galaxy S23 Ultra 5G, Samsung has not just made a stunning phone, they’ve also improved all the technical aspects of it, with the biggest upgrade being its new 200MP main sensor. The better camera system, together with a faster Snapdragon chip results in remarkable photos taken in all situations — including bright, direct sunlight and low light.

This is a truly good-looking phone so we felt it deserved its own photoshoot. The following series of pictures were all captured with the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra 5G.

Above: The industrial styling and earthy tones of the samsung galaxy s23 Ultra 5g.

Above: The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra has 4 cameras — a 200mp wide-angle camera (the main one), 12mp ultra-wide camera, 10mp 3x optical zoom telephoto, and 10mp 10x optical zoom telephoto.

Above: complete the samsung mobile experience with the galaxy TAB S8 ultra 5g, Galaxy WATCH5 PRO, and galaxy BUDS2 PRO. All samsung mobile devices pair seamlessly with each other and you can freely switch between them.

Above: on its own without a case, the phone in green is extremely stylish. but don’t be fooled by its good looks, it’s also a powerful device with a faster snapdragon 8 gen 2 chip, more storage (it starts from 256gb) and ram, and an incredible 6.8″ amoled display with a refresh rate of 120hz.

Above: The S pen is also available in the new galaxy s23 ultra 5g and really helps with creativity and productivity. It is stored in the silo slot on the base of the phone.

Above: another big improvement in the galaxy s23 ultra 5g is the 5000mah battery that offers up to 26 hours of video playback, and has 45w super fast charging capabilities.

All photos captured with the Samsung Galaxy S23 ULTRA 5g by ADELE CHAN.

The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra 5G is priced from $1,828 and available for pre-order now on the Samsung website at samsung.com/sg.

Use our code — NYLONVIP23 — to get 5% off the Galaxy S23 series of smartphones. Valid till 16 Feb 2023, and only applicable on samsung.com/sg.

🤳

The Beyond The Vines For Pokémon Collection Sees Pikachu-Inspired Dumpling Bags And Utilitarian Wear

Feb 13, 2023Feb 13, 2023

Unpopular opinion perhaps, but we’ll never tire of Pokémon collaborations, no matter how numerous and extensive they may be. From sneakers to tech gear, and even aircraft, Pikachu’s iconic silhouette is constantly zipping across apparel and more — so why not this nostalgic team-up with one of our favourite local labels, Beyond The Vines?

Known for their cult-favourite dumpling bags, and a keen design ethos that prizes utilitarian and minimalist wear, there is nothing cheesy about the design studio’s 21-piece Pokémon collection that reimagines apparel, accessories and lifestyle items for both adults and kids, all done in their own terms. Think effortless off-duty Pokémon trainer style.

All the items you see here are due to launch this Friday, 17 February 2023, at the brand’s flagship store at Ngee Ann City.

BTV_POKÉMON XS Dumpling Bag – Jigglypuff, Eevee, Pikachu ; $89 each.

BTV_POKÉMON Micro Dumpling Bag – Black, $79.

The exclusive Pokémon collection pays homage to six beloved pocket monsters — Charizard, Eevee, Gengar, Jigglypuff, Mew and Pikachu — which we no doubt want to collect in their various forms, starting with the much-anticipated Dumpling Bag.

We’ll be getting colourblock XS Dumpling Bags each inspired by a different Pokémon; black and yellow for the electric-type Pikachu, brown and cream to represent the just-as-beloved Eevee, and blush and teal to suit the sweet tones of Jigglypuff’s song. These are accompanied by the names of each Pokémon woven on the product label, along with its Pokédex number, height and weight, for a more utilitarian touch.

BTV_POKÉMON Canvas Carryall 03 – Natural/Blue, $139.

BTV_POKÉMON Canvas Carryall 01 – Natural/Yellow, $89.

Elsewhere in the bag aisle, we’re also eyeing the special-edition Micro Dumpling in black, set with a reflective Pikachu print and Pokémon label on the front pocket, as well as the versatile Canvas Carryall in 01 and 03 sizes.

On to apparel, boxy t-shirts, for instance, are simply adorned with a black product label patch on the front, while the feisty trio of Gengar, Mew and Pikachu feature on the back of each of the three designs. Nylon caps and reversible bucket hats allow one to rep your fandom from head to toe, where the latter is a lightweight, water-resistant design finished with a large Pikachu label stitched on one side.

BTV_POKÉMON T-Shirts – Mew, Gengar, Pikachu ; $79 each.

BTV_POKÉMON Reversible Bucket Hat – Blush/Teal, $69.

If you’d like to spring for more accessories to further signal your Pokémon obsession, there are glass cups, camp chairs, and even two matte black skate decks crafted from precious maple wood. Time to collect ’em all then, and if you’re heading down to the store, guess we’ll smell ya later!

View the full collection here —

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The Beyond The Vines Pokémon Collection, $39 – $159. Available from 17 February 2023 at the Beyond The Vines store at Ngee Ann City and online.

NARS Keeps Us Blushin’ With An Entirely New Orgasm Makeup Collection

Feb 13, 2023

Sweet pink for Valentine’s Day? Think again. Ever-provocative beauty brand NARS is here to give new meaning on the shade, by launching an entire makeup series of Orgasm products that sees their iconic peachy-pink hue in stimulating new forms. The cheeky shade, which first thrilled us as a cult-favourite blush, is now available across eyeshadow and blush palettes, and two shades of the versatile ‘The Multiple’ makeup stick so we can take our Orgasm with us on the go.

The limited edition items in the NARS Orgasm collection are covered in soft pink packaging, starting with an irresistible Orgasm Rising Eyeshadow Palette that promises nine sultry shades in matte, satin and glitter finishes, while favouring warm tones such as sparkling opal, satin terracotta and metallic copper; these have been expertly picked to accompany Orgasm’s peachy pink with gold shimmer.

As for the Orgasm Four Play Blush Quad, we can look forward to more than just smart wordplay. Orgasm is paired with Orgasm X, a satin deep coral pink, as well as Swinger (golden shimmer) and Orgasm Rush (rosy bronze) to reflect light and subtly sculpt the face. These take on the formula of NARS’ Light Reflecting Blush, which impresses with its ability to reflect light in a flattering way while maintaining the pigments’ truest colours.

If you’d like a more effortless Orgasm, try The Multiple, a cream-to-powder makeup stick that glides across eyes, cheeks, lips and the body, leaving an enviable sheer finish. The Orgasm Thrills Lip & Cheek Set is also exclusively available online at Sephora, as a bundle that combines a Mini Orgasm Blush with a Mini Blush Brush and full-sized Afterglow Lip Balm.

See the full collection here —

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Available at NARS Orgasm collection stores and counters.

Highlights from LOEWE’s Spring Summer 2023 accessories by Jonathan Anderson

Feb 13, 2023Feb 16, 2023

LOEWE’s Spring Summer 2023 collection for women focuses on lines, colours and shapes, with both versatile and functional accessories, as well as artistic pieces that will make exceptional collectibles in years to come.

The stand-out pieces from the runway are the footwear that takes reference from the anthurium flower; a product of nature that resembles an object of design, and holds some level of erotic tension. Creative Director, Jonathan Anderson plays lighting against texture, mixing fabrics that absorb light (like velvet and waxed cotton) with those that reflect it (enamel and leather).

Wearable art also comes in the form of spike-heeled pumps, pumped-up rubber pumps, and pumps swarming in deflated balloons.

For bags, there’s the now-iconic Puffer Goya that continues to be voluminous, but is now also pleated with texture.

And the Paseo bag — one of the newer designs — is constructed in supple and ultra-light leather and presented in new colours and various sizes.

Adding to its list of classic bag designs, LOEWE introduces the Fold Shopper tote, which can be folded flat at the base, making it practical for travel.

Visit LOEWE at ION Orchard Level 1 to see the full Spring Summer 2023 line and more.

Shop all your favourite CHANEL and DIOR Beauty products at Plaza Singapura, including these Editor’s Picks

Feb 10, 2023Feb 10, 2023

If you’ve visited Plaza Singapura in the last few months, you would have noticed the gorgeous Chanel and Dior beauty spaces standing proud in the centre of the mall.

Above: The Chanel beauty space at plaza singapura.

As Plaza Singapura expands its beauty options for customers, these two luxury brands are exactly what we need to complete our trip to the mall. We invited our friend, Salina Chai down to visit these spaces and to share with us her favourite products and recommendations from the brands.

Above: features from The chanel beauty space at plaza singapura.

Above: Salina Chai at Chanel beauty, plaza singapura.

Salina is a big fan of Chanel’s N°1 De Chanel line of skincare; in particular, the Revitalizing Serum. She says that it works well to keep her skin healthy and hydrated.

Above: Salina favours the N°1 De Chanel revitalizing serum.

Above: the N°1 De Chanel revitalizing serum is part of salina’s daily skincare regime.

Another must-have for her from the N°1 De Chanel range, is the Revitalizing Cream, which smooths and plumps the skin, and provides comfort.

Above: Salina recommends the N°1 De Chanel revitalizing Cream as a daily moisturiser.

Salina’s choice of makeup from Chanel is the refillable Rouge Allure L’Extrait lipstick in the shade 812, which is a light beige coral, and flattering on all skin tones, and also suitable for all occasions.

Above: Salina trying on the chanel rouge allure l’extrait at chanel beauty at plaza singapura.

As for her favourite fragrance from the brand, she likes Chanel’s 1957 Les Exclusifs De Chanel Eau De Parfum, a sensual scent with a luminous white musk accord with notes of bergamot, iris, neroli, and cedar.

Over at the Dior Beauty space in Plaza Singapura, Salina tells us that she favours quite a few makeup products, including Dior’s Forever Skin Glow liquid foundation (we absolutely love this too), the Dior Addict Lip Glow Color-Awakening Lip Balm, and Dior’s Backstage Eye Palette.

Above: Salina at dior beauty in plaza singapura.

The Dior Addict Lip Glow Color-Awakening Lip Balm is one of Dior Beauty’s best sellers. It hydrates lips thoroughly with 97% natural-origin ingredients, and can be worn on its own or as a primer under lipstick.

Above: the Dior Addict lip glow color-awakening lip balm.

Dior Beauty’s full range of Backstage makeup products can now also be found at Plaza Singapura. This includes Salina’s recommendation of the Eye Palette — a professional palette with nine different products starting with an eyeshadow primer, and eyeshadow shades in eight different colours and finishes that can work as highlighters and eyeliners as well.

Above: Dior backstage eye palette, now available at dior beauty at plaza singapura.

Salina’s pick for a Dior scent is the iconic J’Adore Parfum D’Eau; this is an alcohol-free fragrance with beautiful floral notes of neroli, jasmine sambac, and Chinese magnolia.

Above: one of Salina’s favourite dior beauty products is the j’adore parfum d’eau.

Above: The iconic bottle for Dior j’adore parfum d’eau.

And there’s no better time to check out the Dior Beauty space at Plaza Singapura; with Valentine’s Day approaching, the brand is offering custom hand-engraving services on Dior Beauty products from 10 to 12 February (at selected timings and with minimum spend). Also, from 10 to 14 February, you’ll receive a complimentary Miss Dior-inspired floral bouquet with a minimum spend, while stocks last.

Recommended Valentine’s Day gifts include the best-selling Miss Dior range and the signature Sauvage for men; these make the best surprises for someone who appreciates the power of a good scent.

Other iconic Dior Beauty products to check out for Valentine’s Day include the Rouge Dior lipstick, and the nourishing Prestige Micro-Huile de Rose Advanced Serum. Nothing says “I love you” like the gift of good skin.

Visit Chanel and Dior beauty at PLAZA SINGAPURA Level 1.

Here Are NET-A-PORTER’s Best Valentine’s Day Beauty Picks

Feb 10, 2023Feb 13, 2023

Not a red rose or a satin heart — though perhaps not an onion, as the next line in Carol Ann Duffy’s poem suggests. The ideal way to someone’s heart this Valentine’s Day? NET-A-PORTER‘s all for an exclusive box of beauty products, and honestly we couldn’t agree more. Whether you’re planning a surprise for your significant other, a pick-me-up for your favourite gal pals, or a little something for yourself, the e-retailer has put together a couple of skincare and makeup favourites ripe for the picking.

Over on the skincare front, MZ Skin’s set of Pigmentation Correcting Ampoules ensures refreshed skin in a mere 7 days, as each potent shot contains anti-inflammatory actives and supercharged peptides that help calm and restore one’s precious skin barrier. If you’re not too sure about someone’s skincare routine, might we suggest snapping up a couple of can’t-go-wrong treatment masks from 111Skin? The Celestial Black Diamond Eye Mask, for instance, contains a delighted mix of niacinamide, retinol, peptide-rich argireline and more to target dry skin, fine lines and more, in a time-release formula that effectively treats sensitive skin around the eye area.

For more of a skincare boost, one may also consider facial rollers and other sculpting tools that improve circulation, or even Sarah Chapman’s Pro Pore Refiner that feels just as good as stepping into a spa. The skincare device combines thermo-therapy and ionic cleansing for soft skin, while ultrasonic vibrations and focused suction help loosen congestion and remove dirt, oil, and other impurities.

To prep for date night, they’ve got some coveted makeup items too. Charlotte Tilbury’s latest Hollywood Glide Architect Highlighter arrives in six shades for one to slay any mesmerising look, just as Westman Atelier’s weightless Squeaky Clean Lip Oil nourishes lips with a pop of sweet colour. Follow these up with a suite of pink and red blushes and lipsticks from Rose Inc and La Bouche Rouge, particularly rose-toned hues, which add a healthy flush to the cheeks and lips respectively.

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1. Sarah Chapman Pro Pore Refiner, $289
2. MZ Skin Pigment Correction Ampoules, $333
3. 111Skin Y Theorem Repair Light Serum NAC Y², $382
4. 111Skin Celestial Black Diamond Eye Mask x 8, $132
5. Omorovicza Facial Roller
6. La Bouche Rouge The Captivating Red Set, $293
7. Pat McGrath Labs Skin Fetish: Divine Blush, $54
8. Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Glow Glide Face Architect Highlighter, $61
9. Rose Inc Cream Blush Refillable Lip & Cheek Color, $42
10. Westman Atelier Squeaky Clean Lip Oil, $57

All items, available at NET-A-PORTER.

‘Kate Spade Green’ Is The Latest Addition To Pantone’s Colour Chart

Feb 9, 2023

The authority on colour, Pantone, has recognised a new bright green hue — it’s ‘kate spade green’, a gloriously energetic and fresh shade synonymous with the New York-based fashion brand. This particular shade of green has been adored by Kate Spade New York since its beginning, and now further cemented by this partnership with Pantone, launched just in time to commemorate their 30th anniversary.

As a further ode to the optimistic hue, the brand has come up with an exclusive kate spade green capsule collection of handbags, jewellery, and ready-to-wear items take take on the shade.

Key to the capsule pieces is the Sam Icon bag, a modern reinterpretation of a timeless design that debut in 1993. The classic-looking tote bag was known for its clean, minimalist silhouette, qualities that it still retains today even when in the form of a mini tote, shoulder bag, and convertible crossbody. It’s also made with 100% recycled nylon shell on the outside, and a 100% polyester lining on the inside, as a nod to sustainable efforts. Upcoming Spring designs will also see the Sam Icon in new materials such as a fun sequinned gingham.

“Green has such significance for our brand and heritage. It has become a true signature of the kate spade new york personality, capturing a sense of freshness and ease, principles that define our unique style,” says kate spade new york CEO and Brand President, Liz Fraser. “The colour green speaks to our desire to express, explore and experiment. It signifies renewal and is symbolic of new beginnings, and as we look back on the past 30 years of kate spade, what we want to celebrate most is the vibrance and optimism that this brand has always represented, and use that as a jumping off point for our future.”

From as soon as this month, you’ll be able to spot the use of kate spade green everywhere, from refreshed store designs over at the Marina Bay Sands store, to store takeovers in Tokyo and New York that feature the vibrant shade — even a selection of New York’s famous taxi cabs will be zipping about Manhattan in celebratory green too. Expect revamped kate spade green packaging across shoppers, boxes and garment bags as well.

Here are some of the items you’ll find in the kate spade green capsule collection —

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The ‘kate spade green’ capsule collection, available in February at Kate Spade New York stores.

Review: Steigen Solar Pro laundry drying system — an essential buy? Or just nice to have…

Feb 8, 2023Feb 9, 2023

When setting up a place, there are a few essential appliances that every household needs; like a refrigerator, stove and washer. Then there are the “extras” that are nice to have, but for most households, we can live without them — like a dish washer and robot vacuum. And then enter Steigen — a laundry drying system that sits in-between all these gadgets. It’s one of those items that you don’t realise you need (or really want) until it sits in your home and you try it for yourself.

Drying laundry can be done several ways: 1) In the sun (if you have the space and sun to do so); 2) In a dryer (not all households have tumble dryers, and they typically rack up the electricity bill); 3) With a laundry drying system like Steigen (these have gained in popularity in recent years, especially for apartments that aren’t very big and don’t get direct sunlight). Steigen is perhaps the cream of the crop when it comes to laundry drying systems; the brand creates really sleek designs, and the products are made from sturdy, high quality material, and include all the bells and whistles to make drying laundry an easy and efficient experience.

Steigen offers several different models that are priced between $899 to $1,299. At the time of writing, the previous Solar Ultra model has been discontinued, and it’s replaced by the more advanced Solar Pro ($1,299) that comes in five stunning colours, and is the most comprehensive drying system of the lot.

I love that selecting the right model is easy; for example, if you have a small apartment and need something compact, there’s the Solar Mini ($899) that can compress to just 1,070mm in length. If you need a basic but standard-sized unit, go for the Solar Sonic that’s available in four classic colours. And of course if you want all available functions and everything that Steigen has to offer, there’s the Solar Pro.

Above: The current Steigen models available on their WEBSITE.

For this review, we had the Solar Pro in White installed and tested out. The journey starts with a Steigen consultant visiting the home and taking site measurements, and then recommending what the best model would be, based on the client’s space, requirements, and of course, budget. An appointment is then fixed for the technicians to install the unit. Check out the process in the photos below:

Above: Here is the steigen solar Pro being installed in our bare kitchen. The technicians took into account that our kitchen cabinets were not up yet, and plotted the spot for the unit accordingly.

Above: we chose an l-mount bracket in white to secure the unit to the wall (it blends in nicely). we also planned a power point especially for the steigen at this spot; so take into consideration where you intend to place your laundry drying system, and plan for a convenient and discreet power point there.

Above: After the unit is mounted, the technician will fix in the poles and check that everything works well. The Solar Pro has two 3-tone LED strip panels that allow you to choose white, cool white or warm white lighting.

Above: the solar pro system has an in-built ioniser and dust mite repeller. The ioniser — when activated, produces 25,000ions/cm³ of positive and negative Sol lon™ to suppress bacteria activity for odour control.

As for the dust mite repeller, up to 8.5m³of ultrasonic waves are emitted to prevent dust mites from breeding on the laundry. The result is no stinky laundry, and less allergies from your bedding and clothes.

Above: all the steigen models have built-in air circulators that blow out strong heat that evenly distributes across the laundry and helps it dry faster. IN the solar pro, it’s an 8-way circulator blower with improved vents that offer wide coverage.

Above: here’s the steigen in my built kitchen. the design is discreet and sleek, and placing it at the end of the house keeps the laundry out of the way. notice how the l-mount brackets and power point can’t be seen. we planned it such that they are hidden nicely behind the steigen.

Above: another look at the steigen in our kitchen. it matches the decor and instead of “sticking out”, it looks good and enhances the overall aesthetics of the space.

Above: the poles can be lowered and there are so many holes and hooks to hang laundry on. The solar pro model comes with 7 poles (4 extendable and 3 stationary). other models from steigen come with 5 poles.

Above: the steigen can be controlled on both the included remote (we stuck it on the wall here), or through the mobile app that gives the added convenience of managing the steigen anytime and anywhere.

FINAL THOUGHTS:

If you’re thinking of a laundry drying system for your place, Steigen is a really good option, considering how well it works, and that it looks beautiful in any space. I’ve seen many other cheaper systems on Lazada, but you do get what you pay for; I always recommend investing more in electronic gadgets with moving parts, rather than regret a cheaper purchase when it breaks down (and then having to pay for repairs or a replacement).

Apart from the Solar Pro looking good, it has served my household well by handling all the laundry loads we throw at it to dry — including bedding and soft toys. And of course the point of a good laundry drying system is its ability to lower to a comfortable height so everyone can use it — in this case, my mum. She’s able to access the poles and hooks herself at the touch of a button, without having to ask anyone for help.

Also, because it’s been raining so much over the past two months, we hardly get any sun to dry the laundry; plus the kids stepping into puddles means they come back with wet shoes. That’s where the Steigen Solar Pro really comes in handy. I can dry soaked shoes overnight on the rack.

Above: wet shoes drying on the steigen solar pro rack.

Do note that as far as laundry drying systems go, Steigen is a very popular brand, so expect the lead time for installation to be approximately 3-5 weeks. But the customer service is impeccable and the site survey extremely informative.

The Steigen Solar pro is priced at $1,299, available in White (featured here), silver, midnight green, midnight blue and eclipse, and can be ordered at steigen.com.sg. I also recommend visiting the Steigen showroom at 140 Paya Lebar Road, #08-26 AZ@Paya Lebar to experience the product for yourself.

1. Bangkok, Thailand

WHERE TO STAY:

2. Tokyo, Japan

WHERE TO STAY:

3. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

WHERE TO STAY:

4. Taipei, Taiwan

WHERE TO STAY:

5. Seoul, South Korea

WHERE TO STAY:

EXPEDIA TIPS

Above: The OWNDAYS x HUAWEI Smart Audio Glasses in the Wellington style in all black.

Above: The wellington style is slightly larger than the classic rectangular one.

Above: The snap-on lens instantly turns these frames into sunglasses.

Above: The directional speakers on the arms of the frames.

Above: The charging cable magnetically snaps onto the ends of the arms, and has a usb-c port for charging.

Are these for you?

The OWNDAYS x HUAWEI Eyewear Smart Audio Glasses is priced at $398 (includes standard high index aspheric lenses, an exclusive felt-fabric carrying case, a spectacle cloth and a charging converter).

The designated SNAP LENS can be purchased as an add-on option at $20 each.

available at selected OWNDAYS stores in Singapore and the OWNDAYS ONLINE STORE.

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1. This production of Disney’s Frozen is Southeast Asia’s only stop — which explains why they’ve pulled out all the stops for the show’s spectacular staging.

2. Lead star Jemma Rix (Elsa) played Elphaba in the Asian tour of another hit broadway musical, Wicked.

3. The musical introduces a new song, called “Monster” — a gripping number that delves deeper into Elsa’s inner world.

4. The lovable Olaf is a puppet!

5. Elsa’s iconic “ice dress” is made up of 14,000 individual, hand-sewn beads.

Her first bottle of the COCO MADEMOISELLe — and how she ended up “stealing” it from her mom.

her first impressions of the scent.

whether that initial feeling changed over time.

more stills from the coco mademoiselle campaign —

her favourite expression.

her fragrance ritual.

if she’s a secret rebel.

on fame and being a celebrity.

the things that are most important to her right now.

what she’s looking forward to.

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Above: Sharp Heat Pump Dryer KD-HD9S7GW stacked on the sharp FRONt LOAD WASHER ES-FW105SG.

Above: inside the sharp heat pump dryer. It handles loads up to 9kg.

Above: The Sharp Heat Pump Dryer has 15 easy-to-select programs.

Above: The dryer converts the hot air into water and stores it in the water tank, which is easy to remove and empty out.

Is this dryer for you?

The SHARP KD-HD9S7GW Heat Pump Dryer is priced at $1,719 for the black and $1,664 for the white version. available on Sharp’s COCORO LIFE STORE and selected authorised retailers.

Above: The industrial styling and earthy tones of the samsung galaxy s23 Ultra 5g.

Above: The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra has 4 cameras — a 200mp wide-angle camera (the main one), 12mp ultra-wide camera, 10mp 3x optical zoom telephoto, and 10mp 10x optical zoom telephoto.

Above: complete the samsung mobile experience with the galaxy TAB S8 ultra 5g, Galaxy WATCH5 PRO, and galaxy BUDS2 PRO. All samsung mobile devices pair seamlessly with each other and you can freely switch between them.

Above: on its own without a case, the phone in green is extremely stylish. but don’t be fooled by its good looks, it’s also a powerful device with a faster snapdragon 8 gen 2 chip, more storage (it starts from 256gb) and ram, and an incredible 6.8″ amoled display with a refresh rate of 120hz.

Above: The S pen is also available in the new galaxy s23 ultra 5g and really helps with creativity and productivity. It is stored in the silo slot on the base of the phone.

Above: another big improvement in the galaxy s23 ultra 5g is the 5000mah battery that offers up to 26 hours of video playback, and has 45w super fast charging capabilities.

All photos captured with the Samsung Galaxy S23 ULTRA 5g by ADELE CHAN.

The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra 5G is priced from $1,828 and available for pre-order now on the Samsung website at samsung.com/sg.

Use our code — NYLONVIP23 — to get 5% off the Galaxy S23 series of smartphones. Valid till 16 Feb 2023, and only applicable on samsung.com/sg.

[click on the images below to expand, and for more info.]

[click on the images below to expand, and for more info.]

Visit LOEWE at ION Orchard Level 1 to see the full Spring Summer 2023 line and more.

Above: The Chanel beauty space at plaza singapura.

Above: features from The chanel beauty space at plaza singapura.

Above: Salina Chai at Chanel beauty, plaza singapura.

Above: Salina favours the N°1 De Chanel revitalizing serum.

Above: the N°1 De Chanel revitalizing serum is part of salina’s daily skincare regime.

Above: Salina recommends the N°1 De Chanel revitalizing Cream as a daily moisturiser.

Above: Salina trying on the chanel rouge allure l’extrait at chanel beauty at plaza singapura.

Above: Salina at dior beauty in plaza singapura.

Above: the Dior Addict lip glow color-awakening lip balm.

Above: Dior backstage eye palette, now available at dior beauty at plaza singapura.

Above: one of Salina’s favourite dior beauty products is the j’adore parfum d’eau.

Above: The iconic bottle for Dior j’adore parfum d’eau.

Visit Chanel and Dior beauty at PLAZA SINGAPURA Level 1.

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[click on the images below to expand.]

Above: The current Steigen models available on their WEBSITE.

Above: Here is the steigen solar Pro being installed in our bare kitchen. The technicians took into account that our kitchen cabinets were not up yet, and plotted the spot for the unit accordingly.

Above: After the unit is mounted, the technician will fix in the poles and check that everything works well. The Solar Pro has two 3-tone LED strip panels that allow you to choose white, cool white or warm white lighting.

Above: the solar pro system has an in-built ioniser and dust mite repeller. The ioniser — when activated, produces 25,000ions/cm3 of positive and negative Sol lon™ to suppress bacteria activity for odour control.

As for the dust mite repeller, up to 8.5m3 of ultrasonic waves are emitted to prevent dust mites from breeding on the laundry. The result is no stinky laundry, and less allergies from your bedding and clothes.

Above: all the steigen models have built-in air circulators that blow out strong heat that evenly distributes across the laundry and helps it dry faster. IN the solar pro, it’s an 8-way circulator blower with improved vents that offer wide coverage.

Above: here’s the steigen in my built kitchen. the design is discreet and sleek, and placing it at the end of the house keeps the laundry out of the way. notice how the l-mount brackets and power point can’t be seen. we planned it such that they are hidden nicely behind the steigen.

Above: another look at the steigen in our kitchen. it matches the decor and instead of “sticking out”, it looks good and enhances the overall aesthetics of the space.

Above: the poles can be lowered and there are so many holes and hooks to hang laundry on. The solar pro model comes with 7 poles (4 extendable and 3 stationary). other models from steigen come with 5 poles.

**2. Lead star Jemma Rix (Elsa) played Elphaba in the Asian tour of another hit broadway musical, Wicked.**

Above: the solar pro system has an in-built ioniser and dust mite repeller. The ioniser — when activated, produces 25,000ions/cm³ of positive and negative Sol lon™ to suppress bacteria activity for odour control.

As for the dust mite repeller, up to 8.5m³of ultrasonic waves are emitted to prevent dust mites from breeding on the laundry. The result is no stinky laundry, and less allergies from your bedding and clothes.