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Two New Additions To The N°1 DE CHANEL Line — An Essence Lotion, And A Body Mist

Those familiar with the groundbreaking N°1 DE CHANEL beauty line will be pleased to note that the brand is adding two fresh and complementary products: the Red Camellia Revitalizing Essence Lotion, and the Red Camellia Revitalizing Body Serum-In-Mist. These new releases join the other anti-ageing skincare and makeup in the range that’s dedicated to Mademoiselle Chanel’s favourite flower, the camellia.

Before we talk about the new products though, here are some must-knows about N°1 DE CHANEL. The formulas feature the key active ingredient, red camellia flower extract, one that’s enriched with protocatechuic acid to prevent and correct the appearance of the five signs of ageing.

Picked for its revitalising power, the camellia science has been years in the making, particularly where the CHANEL research labs has partnered up with the University of Vienna for 10 years of experimentation in the field of senescence, or the process of biological ageing.

True to CHANEL though, they also pay attention to the sensorial experience of their skincare and makeup, everything from an ultra-soft foam to a comforting cream — and now, silky gels and fine mists too.

The Red Camellia Revitalizing Essence Lotion is a lightweight, water-like gel formula enriched with camellia water, and is absorbed instantly the moment it touches the skin. Compared to the existing Revitalizing Lotion in the range, this has a slightly more gel-like texture, though still meant to go on before applying your serum.

A Petal-Clear Complex, comprising of niacinamide and red camellia extract, not only leaves skin hydrated all day, but also works to diminish signs of ageing. Pores are more refined, skin imperfections such as wrinkles and unevenness are addressed, and one’s youthful glow is restored.

[click on the images below to expand.]

If you love body care, but hate the fuss, know that there’s now a CHANEL body mist for you. The Red Camellia Revitalizing Body Serum-In-Mist is refreshing and surprisingly lightweight, and allows the powerful active ingredients to go onto, and into, your skin via a cloud of fine mist.

While milky-textured, this is a bi-phase mist that combines fresh camellia water with red camellia oil; in fact, it contains the same concentration of red camellia extract as the Revitalizing Serum, so you know your skin will be nourished and well-protected. It may be applied to the entire body morning and night, at the end of your N°1 DE CHANEL ritual, or any time of the day.

 


The N°1 DE CHANEL Red Camellia Revitalizing Essence Lotion ($150) and Red Camellia Revitalizing  Body Serum-In-Mist ($125). Available at CHANEL Fragrance and Beauty counters, and online at sg-eshop.chanel.com.

 

“We the people of Singapore” — a photography project inspired by this year’s NDP theme of being Stronger Together!

A few days before Christmas last year, a fellow photographer and friend, Alwyn Chong shared with me his interest to take portraits of essential workers in Singapore. His hope was to do something to celebrate the front-liners who have kept Singapore going these past few years, especially those who work in the background and are unseen — both citizens and non-citizens alike. He imagined port workers, nurses, social workers, airport staff, safe entry staff and ambassadors, and those who work in logistics; all these people and more who have contributed to the community in an incredible way that most of us never really think much about.

Above: Mohamed Hanifah S/O Marricar, Senior Workshop Foreman at Tanah Merah Country Club (photographed by Alwyn Chong)

Above: Ca Huan, Operations Agent at DHL (photographed by Adele Chan)

The project was meaningful and very much in line with this year’s NDP theme of “Stronger Together, Majulah!”, so I joined him in this endeavour to showcase people in the community through our love for photography.

The photos are shown on the Instagram account, @wethepeopleofsingapore, and feature individuals across the government and private sector, shedding light on their roles in society. And in launching this project, we hope to encourage other Singaporeans to celebrate these essential workers, through nominating family members or colleagues to be featured on the account; and also to open up conversations raising awareness about what various essential workers (especially those behind the scenes) in Singapore do.

Above: Firman R Usman, Senior Enforcement Officer at LTA (photographed by Alwyn Chong)

Above: younus, construction worker (photographed by Adele chan)

Support us by following and sharing the IG account, and if you wish to work with us or contribute, you can email us at wethepeopleofsingapore@gmail.com.

 

 

NYLON’s August 2022 Cover Girl — Mei Yue, The Model Story We’re All Rooting For

The first thing that comes to mind when looking at our cover image is this: Duan Meiyue is a mood. With stiletto nails and a signature model-scowl that accompanies her intense stare, the Singapore-based model nails the vibe without even trying, a trait that’s testament to raw talent, surely. Signed with modelling agency Mannequin Studio, she can list an impressive amount of magazine photoshoots and overseas experience in her resume, since she officially began her career at the age of 18 years old; take walking the Dior couture SS18 show in Shanghai, for instance, quite the mean flex for the then-teenager. 

Now at 23, she is also recognised in the industry for her unique facial features, what’s often referred to as ‘editorial’ — and no that’s not a euphemism at all. See, we often look for a face that translates well in photographs, that stands out on a page or screen, even if it isn’t what’s considered textbook-pretty, which Meiyue perfectly embodies. In fact, she pretty much tells us that herself: “Modelling has really celebrated my features, especially since they were always seen to be ugly,” she candidly offers. With wide-set almond-shaped eyes, porcelain cheeks, and full lips, she can look doll-like at times, and yet completely edgy at a turn of her face; even completely still, this is a face that conveys depth. Either way, here she is, a master of effortless expression, which gets her booked for everything from beauty to high-end fashion shoots. 

One photograph, though, stands out among her extensive portfolio. It’s a dreamy one lensed by photographer Wanjie Li, that became a viral sensation when it was posted on Instagram in February 2018, so well-received that the post has garnered 11,000 likes, and counting. “It was a test shoot too,” Meiyue tells us, further emphasising that serendipitous moment. Make no mistake though, this one’s no accident. The post sees two images where Meiyue looks completely relaxed; one of the close-up shots has her looking past her shoulder and gazing into the camera, while the other, perhaps more famous one, has her with her eyes closed. Her hair is pulled back, save for a couple of wispy stands that go past her face, a careless windswept style, which, when combined with a little bokeh, creates an ethereal glow to the photograph. But that’s just us making sense of a mood, one that Meiyue so naturally conveys the moment a camera is turned onto her. “It’s such a precious photo to me, because it really captured my innocence when I first started modelling, when I had the most ambition and drive,” she shares. Still, a face that gets people talking could be more of a double-edged sword than we realise. 

Above: all makeup by LAURA MERCIER
Pure Canvas Blurring Face Primer, $70
Tinted Moisturiser SPF 30 PA+++ in 1C0 Cameo, $79
Translucent Loose Setting Powder, $70
Matte Caviar Stick Eye Colour in Au Naturel, $49
Lip Glacé Balm Gloss in 60 Creme Caramel, $45
Mei Yue wears:
Versace by Fendi single earring, $680

If you’re here, you’ve probably heard of the bout of controversy related to those images. Just earlier this year, in April, Meiyue found herself in the centre of a copyright dispute with a Russian artist, who had allegedly created two paintings based on those photos of her, without her consent — yes, the same photos that had kickstarted her career. This was a feud waged across social media, where Meiyue chose to speak up, and shared screenshots and several other evidence that showed how the artist had produced, publicly exhibited, and was selling her art. “I just feel very used, violated, and exploited,” she says of the intense feelings she felt then, still feels now. Unfortunately, it wasn’t the first time the model had faced this issue; an earlier incident, in 2021, involved a Singaporean artist referencing Meiyue’s face for an art installation piece displayed at fashion retailer Love, Bonito. In both instances, the model’s likeness was used in commercial projects without her knowledge or permission, whether intentional or not. For both, Meiyue had reached out to the artists to get them to take down the artwork and put a halt to their promotions, to no avail. 

A case of artistic inspiration or a violation of one’s rights? Or, perhaps, an unfortunate but unavoidable expectation that comes with being a model and a public persona? Not everyone can agree on where to draw the line, though we dare say we’re standing with Meiyue on this one. A model is, and we hope to think so, beyond her image — she’s a person too, and one who’s entitled to feeling upset, angry, or wronged when their face is being appropriated without consent or knowledge. Sure, exposure is a good thing, but not at the cost of feeling exposed. If you need some perspective on that, there’s a searing op-ed by renowned model Emily Ratajkowski, published in The Cut, where she talks about literally buying back a painting of a photo of her. In both these circumstances, hers and Meiyue, the women were shamed for not feeling ‘honoured’ that an artist found their likeness so inspiring; instead, as Meiyue puts it, she “feels powerless”, a contrast to the beauty, innocence, and quiet autonomy of the original picture. 

Meiyue is currently unable to seek legal recourse, and it would be hard to do so too given the nature of today’s intellectual property laws, where a person’s likeness isn’t as well-protected as we’d think. It’s made more complicated since the second case would involve having to enforce the same rights outside of Singapore’s borders, so the cases remain somewhat unresolved. What has changed though is Meiyue’s attitude towards them. “The only thing I want to do now though is to continue to put energy in myself and my work, to improve myself,” she starts, a far cry from her earlier days of helplessness. “I don’t want to waste any energy on this when I can’t do anything about it anymore. I’m not done fighting, I just want to shift the energy to myself first.”

Her voice did crack at points when recounting her story, wavering as she had to relive some of the more emotional moments, and yet, like light peering through the dark, she remained firmly resolute where it counts. “I don’t regret any of my actions at all,” she tells us. The same feeling of powerlessness that she talked about earlier was also what inspired her to, in her words, fight back: “At the end of the day, this work belongs to me and Wanjie, we were the ones who created the image; nobody else can replicate it no matter how hard they try.” This clarity and strength in her words then sheds light on why Meiyue deserves her place in the industry. While her most famous photograph is an image of grace and tenderness, the person behind the photograph conveys so much more, someone daring in her vulnerability and authenticity, even if the odds are stacked against her. Now, that, is a mood we can vibe with. 

MODELLED BY MEI YUE FROM MANNEQUIN STUDIO
PHOTOGRAPHED BY ADELE CHAN USING LEICA M11 + APO-SUMMICRON-M 50 F/2 ASPH LENS
MAKEUP AND HAIR BY 
DOLLEI SEAH USING LAURA MERCIER

HOW SHE BECAME A MODEL

“I really wanted to be a model. When I was growing up, because of my height and quite a unique face, my friends would say, ‘oh, go be a model’. At first I was like, nah, but I happened to watch a Versace runway video and saw how beautiful they models are — they looked so good. What really pushed me to go for it was also because I was in the same Junior College as Diya — yes, we go way back — and I would see her leave school early to go for her jobs, and I was like, I want to do that too! She’s actually a very big inspiration to me.

I went to Basic Models’ open casting, got in, spent four months there, and decided to go to another agency and my current one, Mannequin Studio. From there, they helped me get a placement agency so I can be signed to different agencies around the world, which really boosted my career. I started travelling, first to Tokyo, followed by Seoul, New York, London, Shanghai, and Paris as well. This was around 2018 to 2019, when I was 19 years old; I had started modelling when I was 18.

MODEL MILESTONES; AND WHY SHE LOVES HER JOB

“The best of the best milestone was walking for the Dior haute couture in Shanghai, where I met my favourite models and got to be friends with them. I love how I get to meet people who are of the same vibe as me, of a similar personality and interests; I meet interesting people, I get to travel. 

What I also love about modelling is getting to wear these clothes and jewellery, and seeing the pictures that come out of it. I’ll be like, ‘oh my god, that’s me?!’. I’m quite vain, I like to look good, you know! Growing up, I didn’t feel like I was conventionally beautiful — so I wasn’t pretty as a kid, but now I get to be pretty!”

ON SELF-CONFIDENCE — AND HOW THE MODELLING WORLD ACTUALLY CELEBRATES HER UNIQUE FEATURES

“Growing up, I was tall and wasn’t very skinny, so I felt like I took up so much space. I was quite ostracised for looking different too, like my skin was very pale, and I was born in China too, so that was used as a means to pick on me. It did leave a lot of, well, emotional damage, but nothing about my past affects how I model today; when I’m doing a shoot, I get in the zone. It’s just that the self-doubt is still there.

Modelling, though, has really celebrated my features, especially since they were always seen to be ugly. People would basically describe how my eyes were very far apart, or how my nose was flat and all, but now, these features are being celebrated, people love it.”

Above: all makeup by LAURA MERCIER
Caviar Stick Eye Colour in Golden, $49
Shimmer Caviar Stick Eye Colour in Amethyst, $49
Caviar Volume Panoramic Mascara, $42
Tinted Moisturizer Blush in Sun Drenched, $48
Translucent Loose Setting Powder – Tone Up Rose, $70
Lip Glacé Balm Gloss in 35 Creme Brulee, $45
Mei Yue wears:
louis vuitton lv volt upside down pendant in pink gold, $3,800

THAT FAMOUS PHOTOGRAPH

“It was from 2017, shot by Wanjie — and it was a test shoot too! That photo went so viral, and I honestly don’t know why. I remember feeling so cold while we were shooting. It was an outdoor shoot, the wind was so strong and I was standing in the water, and the entire time I was complaining about it! The photo got me a lot of opportunities. 

It’s such a precious photo to me, because it really captured my innocence when I first started modelling, when I had the most ambition and drive. It’s such a good picture, and that everyone could see my effort and loved our work, made it more special, which is why I always get so emotional when those things happened.”

HOW SHE FELT WHEN HER LIKENESS WAS USED BY OTHER ARTISTS

“I just feel very used, violated, and exploited. I feel… powerless, like I have no control, which is why I fought back really hard. At the time, I couldn’t leave my house for a month, I couldn’t eat, I would wake up crying.

For the first incident [with the Singapore-based artist], I was like, yeah, you drew that, but it’s still my face, and you did admit to referencing my face. It’s just not fair at all. I feel like anyone with empathy and knowledge of intellectual property, would see that it’s not right. And the reason why I was so emotional about the second one [with the Russian artist] was that she drew me naked, and people were taking pictures of it; it had crossed another line. Even my parents were so angry.”

Above: all makeup by LAURA MERCIER
Roseglow Caviar Stick Eye Colour in Strike A Rose, $49
shimmer Caviar Stick Eye Colour in Burnished Bronze, $49
Matte Caviar Stick Eye Colour in Tuxedo, $49
Tinted Moisturizer Blush in Southbound, $48
Face Illuminator in Indiscretion, $73
Lip Glacé Balm Gloss in 150 Melon Sorbe, $45
Mei Yue wears:
clash de cartier hoop earrings (small), $11,200
clash de cartier ring in rose gold, $7,000
clash de cartier ring in rose gold (small), $3,200

WHETHER SHE REGRETS HOW SHE DEALT WITH IT

“I never asked for this. I’ve tried to reason with them, and the only thing they’ve done is ignore me or lie to me. I gave them the chance to make up for it, but they decided to ignore or lie to me, or say racist things. I don’t regret any of my actions at all. I feel like everything I’ve done is fair. Like, I can’t blame my reaction for something that was brought onto me.”

THE SOCIAL MEDIA COMMENTS

“So, 99% of people sympathised with me, and the 1% would probably never understand. There were really mean comments, but at some point, I didn’t have to reply to them anymore, because my followers were defending me. Honestly, that helped me so much! I felt that relief, like I didn’t have to think about this because somebody was already fighting for me. I’m so touched by that.”

SUPPORT FROM HER MODELLING AGENCY

“They can’t do much about it legally, but they’ve been very supportive with the public relations stuff, like helping me with journalists asking questions, and checking up on me to see if I’m okay. They do whatever they can to help me, and they have helped. My bookers are so supportive of me always.”

Above: all makeup by LAURA MERCIER
Caviar Stick Eye Colour in Intense Taupe, $49
Caviar Stick Eye Colour in Intense Moonlight, $49
Tightline Cake Eye Liner in Bleu Marine, $42
Caviar Volume Panoramic Mascara, $42
Tinted Moisturiser Blush in Promenade, $48
Longer Lip Liner in Rosewood, $37
Lip Glacé Balm Gloss in 15 Vanille, $45
Mei Yue wears:
clash de cartier single earring in rose gold, $3.950
clash de cartier earrings in rose gold (small), $4,100

ON MOVING ON, AND GAINING A NEW PERSPECTIVE

“People still ask me about it, like if I go to a party, and even on dating apps! The only thing I want to do now though is to continue to put energy in myself and my work, to improve myself. I don’t want to waste any energy on this when I can’t do anything about it anymore. I’m not done fighting, I just want to shift the energy to myself first.

I’ve since gotten lots of advice from successful friends, and they told me, don’t waste energy and money on people who are losers, thieves as they are the ones who did wrong, and that these things only happen to people who are good at they they do. My friends helped shift my perspective so I wouldn’t be so stressed about it, and these make sense. It really woke me up.

At the end of the day, this work belongs to me and Wanjie, we were the ones who created the image; nobody else can replicate it no matter how hard they try.”

ADVICE SHE WOULD GIVE TO SOMEONE ELSE IN HER SITUATION

“Always speak up, don’t let it go. I think a lot of people tend to let things go because they don’t want to bother with it, but at least try to speak up about it, because it will help in some way. It helped me. Yeah, it did create a lot of emotional turmoil, to be spreading this story, reading comments, having so many people perceive it — which is a part of why I was so broken also, this other wave of attention — but at least I know I fought for it.

AN IMPORTANT LESSON

“I definitely do dwell on my problems a lot, it’s very hard for me to get out once I’m stuck in the pit, but my friends made me realise I had to shift my perspective. As much as this terrible thing has happened to me, it has also shown me my friends, given me a chance to see that I have people who love me.”

Above: all makeup by LAURA MERCIER
Caviar Stick Eye Colour in Intense Taupe, $49
Caviar Stick Eye Colour in Intense Moonlight, $49
Tightline Cake Eye Liner in Bleu Marine, $42
Caviar Volume Panoramic Mascara, $42
Tinted Moisturiser Blush in Promenade, $48
Longer Lip Liner in Rosewood, $37
Lip Glacé Balm Gloss in 15 Vanille, $45
Mei Yue wears:
clash de cartier single earring in rose gold, $3.950
clash de cartier earrings in rose gold (small), $4,100
clash de cartier bracelet in rose gold (small), $9,900

WHY SHE’S CURRENTLY TAKING A BREAK

“To keep it real, I’ve been taking a break from everything, creating content, and I just stopped trying to be a model. I’m tired. I want to get away and be a human again, and not a personality or role model. I want to be chaotic and live life normally for a bit, before getting back into it full force. What happened has been so fresh, and it happened twice in two years.

I do want to influence people in the best way possible — that’s what I want to be for my friends, and of course, I want to be that for the people who support me. But for me to be that, I have to build myself up first. I, maybe, wasn’t very good at it when I was younger, when I was 18 or 19, but now that I’m 23, I know how impressionable even 18 year olds are, and want to be more responsible.”

WHAT SHE LOOKS FORWARD TO NEXT

“My current goals are to be more mentally healthy, and to heal. The way to do it is to surround myself with people who care about me, and who inspire me. When I’m back, I want to travel, do placements, do shows — meet my friends again!”

FOLLOW meiyue ON INSTAGRAM HERE.

 

 

Japan’s No.1 Skincare Brand, ELIXIR, Opens Its First-Ever Boutique Flagship Store In Singapore

If you’re wondering how Japanese women maintain their youthful and radiant skin, this is it. Achieving the distinction of being Japan’s top-ranking skincare brand, for 15 consecutive years, ELIXIR is a beloved household name under the Shiseido Group, with award-winning products that specialise in anti-ageing skincare and what they call “Pearl Glow Skin”. This is achieved by ELIXIR’s 39 years of collagen research that helps increase collagen in the skin, and refers to beautiful skin that is bouncy, translucent and moisturised. With this, a natural glow from within can be achieved.

Available across Asia and in the travel retail market, the brand has also recently opened their first boutique store in Singapore, at Takashimaya Shopping Centre — so, of course, we had to check it out for ourselves! Based on our visit to the new space, we can vouch that this one’s a beautifully-designed boutique and an experiential space that helps us better understand the brand and their products.

THE BRAND

First, a little bit about ELIXIR. The beauty brand was established in 1983 in Japan, and became known for their expertise in anti-ageing skincare. In fact, they can boast of maintaining the title of the top sales ranking in Japan for 15 consecutive years, which is quite the achievement, since Japanese consumers are known for demanding high-quality products; clearly, there’s a reason why they are so fond of the brand.

One key claim of ELIXIR’s skincare products is how they help achieve tsuyadama, or Pearl Glow Skin. In order to promise this, their products are backed by 39 years of collagen research, thus ensuring that all ELIXIR formulas help to increase collagen in the skin. This in turn increases skin elasticity and translucency, which then allows light to be reflected multiple times on your cheeks to create a radiant, natural glow — an effect that the Japanese refer to as “Pearl Glow Skin”.

THE STORE

At first glance, you’ll find that the boutique store is a sight to behold, full of soft light, pearlescent textures, as well as a champagne colour palette and gold accents that bring out the luxurious feel of ELIXIR’s skincare products. I was most impressed by the light fixture in the middle of the store, of glowing light balls suspended from the ceiling, which, as one of the beauty consultants mentioned, was inspired by their promise of “Pearl Glow Skin”. How apt!

Then, there’s the centrepiece of the store, or what they call the ‘Best of ELIXIR Bay‘, a circular display that features all of ELIXIR’s popular products, and a chance for you to get acquainted with and test out their products. Just beside it is a Top-Rated Wall as well, where their Top 5 bestselling items are on display, including the Design Time Serum — but more on that later.

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The space also has a Skin Consultation Area. Here, customers are offered a complimentary skin consultation with their beauty consultants, where the machine is able to analyse one’s skin texture, age, moisture level, and Pearl Glow Skin level, for a thorough examination of your current skin conditions. From there, they’re able to best advise a beauty routine that will suit your skin needs.

ELIXIR also goes the extra mile in making us feel comfortable during the process, as the brand embodies the spirit of omotenashi, a tradition that puts the customer at the heart of everything they do. Warm Japanese tea is served to guests undergoing the personalised skin consultation, so that they may feel welcomed and at ease.

On top of that, there are two services present at the boutique. First, an Omnichannel Digital Bay, where you can shop and enjoy special deals on exclusive Lazada sets. These can be purchased online on the ELIXIR Flagship Boutique Store on LazMall via the QR Codes, while you may arrange for home delivery or self-pick up at the boutique store. Next, there’s also a Gifting Wall, where you can request to pack the skincare products into complimentary gift boxes.

THE BESTSELLERS

Design Time Serum, $79.

If there’s just one thing you have to get from ELIXIR, it’s their Design Time Serum, a perpetual bestselling product for the brand that best showcases their expertise in anti-ageing skincare. Based on collagen research that has won the top award at the international congress for cosmetic science, the Design Time Serum is formulated with Elixir’s unique age-defying technology to help fight against sagging skin. It works by strengthening the internal network of the skin. When the skin’s network is well-developed, it is highly capable of collagen production, and this helps to boost skin’s elasticity, resulting in firm skin that looks soft and bouncy.

Superieur Enriched Wrinkle Cream, $102 ; and White Enriched Wrinkle Cream, $113.

Two other bestselling products come up top and help complement the anti-ageing effects of ELIXIR’s Design Time Serum as well — the Enriched Wrinkle Cream and the Daily UV Protector.

The first is a nifty multi-use product that can be used, not just around the eyes, but at also at other wrinkle-prone zones around the nose, mouth and forehead. It contains Active Pure Retinol used to maximise effectiveness to reduce wrinkles in 9 weeks*, approved for the first time in Japan, as an effective ingredient to help eliminate wrinkles.

Daily UV Protector, $55.

As for the Daily UV Protector, this one’s a lightweight emulsion with three multi-tasking functions: it gives long-lasting hydration, provides exceptional UV protection with SPF50+ and PA++++, and acts as the perfect primer for a seamless makeup application.

 

From 1 August 2022, ELIXIR is running a special promotion in-store where customers can redeem a free ELIXIR Skincare Regime Set, worth up to $44, when they purchase the brand’s bestselling Design Time Serum. Discover all these products, and meet Japan’s No.1 skincare brand, when you drop by ELIXIR’s boutique store!

 


ELIXIR, located at Takashimaya Shopping Centre, Ngee Ann City, #B2-11A. more information at ELIXIR.COM.SG and their instagram page.

 

*clinically tested on 77 women (Superieur Enriched Wrinkle Cream) and 30 women (White Enriched Wrinkle Cream). 

Show Your Love for Local Sellers at Shopee’s 8.8 National Day Sale

Besides being a public holiday for us to get our rest, National Day’s a day for us to rep our pride for this little red dot we call our home. From the red and white ensemble that we proudly wear all day to the classic NDP songs we unabashedly sing out loud and the nostalgic old-school snacks we love so much, it is truly the best time to celebrate all things local.

As a part of the annual celebration, Shopee is once again holding their 8.8 National Day Sale from 1 to 9 August with up to $45 Cashback, free shipping vouchers with no minimum spend, $10 off $100 brand vouchers, as well as free kopi and snacks with ShopeePay, daily at noon when you check into your Shopee app.

You can even redeem special treats from bakeries and eateries like BreadTalk, Toast Box, and Nam Kee Pau. New users to Shopee will also get to join in with a $10 off no minimum spend with the promo code SHOPEE88NDSALE (limited redemptions only).

SUPPORT LOCAL

One of the best ways to show how proud you are to be a Singaporean is to share a little bit of that pride for all things local, especially homegrown businesses that show just how entrepreneurial and enterprising we are as a country.

Apart from finding out interesting tidbits about how popular local sellers like Jamstones and Einashop have grown on Shopee, you can also enjoy special deals at Shopee’s 8.8 National Day Sale from some familiar local sellers.

These include the ErgoTune Supreme V3 ergonomic office chair at $599 (U.P. $988), the PRISM+ Q65 Pro TV starting from $1,008 (U.P. from $2,999), and the Zenyum Sonic Toothbrush with Zenyum Water Flosser Pro at $155.50 (U.P. $238.90).
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ErgoTune Supreme V3, $599 (U.P. $988)
PRISM+ Q65 Pro TV, from $1,008 (U.P. from $2,999)
Zenyum Sonic Toothbrush with Zenyum Water Flosser Pro, $155.50 (U.P. $238.90)

Don’t forget to participate in the Support Local National Day Giveaway!

You’ll also get the opportunity to vote for your favourite local seller story when you spend a minimum of $20 on ’Support Local’ tagged items, and stand a chance to win prizes worth up to $999 that include the PRISM+ Q43, Zenyum Fresh New Smile Ritual Bundle, and Razer Mamba Elite Gaming Mouse!

To hype things up, look for the winning store with the most votes, as they will be releasing 50% off no min. spend vouchers (limited quantity, capped at $15) on 8 and 9 August. 

NATIONAL DAY BESTSELLERS

If you’re like us, then you would probably like to enjoy a good deal or two to commemorate the nation’s birthday. At Shopee’s 8.8 National Day Sale, you’ll not only be getting the best prices, but also wallet-friendly deals that include $18 Mega Price Drop Brand Boxes with a minimum $100 value (released on 8 August) and their 48H Brands Flash Sale from 8 to 9 August where you can get up to 90% off over 250 official brands such as Muji, Innisfree, SASA and Zenyum. 

BEAUTY DEALS

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Beauty enthusiasts will get to enjoy irresistible deals on a variety of products including the Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara at $17.52 (U.P. $21.90), SK-II Pitera Essentials Facial Treatment Essence from $154 (U.P. from $261), Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Synchronised Multi-Recovery Complex at $111.90 (U.P. $223), La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo at $31.43 (U.P. $44.90), and the Ulike Diamond Air+ 60W IPL Laser Hair Removal Machine at $389 (U.P. $599).

FASHION DEALS

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There’s something for the fashionistas as well with deals on items such as The North Face Explore Bardu II at $49.20 (U.P. $86), Converse Unisex Chuck Taylor All Star Hi at $72.50 (U.P. $79.90), Fear of God ESSENTIALS SS21 Short-Sleeve Tee at $110 (U.P. $159), FILA Online Exclusive Women’s OAKMONT Chunky Sneakers at $142 (U.P. $158), and the AIR ACTIVE Padded Sports Bra at $10.99 (U.P. $18).

OTHER DEALS

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Keep an eye out for other exclusive deals across other categories too such as the height-adjustable Omnidesk Essential at $279 (U.P. $349), the Oculus Quest 2 All-in-One VR Headset at $411 (U.P. $699), the ORIGINALAB Rain & Stain Sneaker Shoe Protector Waterproof Spray at $15.90 (U.P. $20), RIO Light Cocktail at $2.40 (U.P. $2.90), and Walch Laundry Capsules at $126.80 (U.P. $209.40)!

 

The Shopee 8.8 National Day Sale is live from 1 to 9 August 2022. Start shopping HERE!  Happy National Day 🇸🇬!

 


All images courtesy of Shopee.

 

 

LG Introduces Their New LG OLED Objet TV — The Easel

As if the technology that we live with everyday doesn’t already surprise and impress us at every turn, there are still more ways to blend functionality with smart living. Showcased at CES 2022, an annual tech trade show where the tech industry gathers to present their new products and technologies, LG unveiled their all-new state-of-the-art lifestyle OLED TV — the Easel from the LG OLED Objet Collection.
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Developed for the home-centric way of life today, the Easel ($9,999) doesn’t. just offers the impressive 65-inch 4K picture quality of an LG OLED TV but also a sleek and elegant design. Much like its namesake, the Easel can be installed at any angle just like a canvas on an easel, giving you the flexibility to make your TV the statement piece or installed on the wall like an artwork in the gallery.
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The TV also includes the use of fabric elements in its moveable cover, made by innovative Danish textile company Kvadrat, which can be controlled with the TV’s remote to get a new display experience on the Easel. When set to Line View, the moveable fabric cover slides up and reduces the amount of screen visible while still giving you access to useful features and modes such as the date, clock, and audio player.
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When switched to Full View, the OLED evo technology will work with its Brightness Booster, which makes the colours more distinct and the details even more defined. It also delivers a multi-dimensional sound using its powerful 80W output and room-filling 4.2 channels to make you feel like you’re in your very own cinema.

On top of these, the Easel comes with a gallery mode that uses natural and minimalist videos to turn the TV into a piece of art when you’re not watching.

Similar to other 2022 LG OLED TVs, the Easel uses LG OLED evo technology to deliver lifelike images and an immersive, cinematic viewing experience. It combines cutting-edge picture algorithms and the α9 Gen5 AI Processor to elevate the ability of the TV’s self-lit pixels to deliver superior clarity, detail, contrast, and colour that creates images that can pop off the screen.

Here’s a look at the LG OLED Objet Collection Easel in action.

The LG OLED Objet Collection Easel is priced at $9,999 and will be available from 1 August 2022 at LG official brand stores on KRISSHOP, LAZADA, and SHOPEE as well as all authorised major electronics retailers. For more information, click HERE.

 

 


All images courtesy of LG Singapore.

 

 

Homegrown furniture store, My Selection has a beautiful new space and bakery corner at Marne Road

Every homeowner wants their place to look unique, and the journey to finding those special pieces of furniture is fun, but not as easy as we think — plus being different tends to cost more. Then there’s My Selection, a home accessories store founded by Alexandre Kebabtchieff, who believes in offering a curation of products that are quirky, yet have an iconic French and European aesthetic — and most importantly, are all at an affordable price point.

The online store started in August 2016, but Alexandre started to work on the concept back in October 2015. The first-ever physical store opened in May 2021 at Marne Road, with a quaint bakery corner called La Petite Boulangerie opening a year later in May 2022. Alexandre tells us that the bakery was supposed to open during the summer of 2021, but he had to postpone this opening twice due to the pandemic and the restrictions in place at the time.

Above: a rainbow selection of Luxembourg Low Armchairs ($840) outside the store.

“My Selection was built upon the simple idea that design should put the fun in functional — meeting the practical needs of a modern family, while making a design statement,” says Alexandre Kebabtchieff, Founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of My Selection. Walking through the store, you’ll find an excellent mix of products from local designers and exclusive brands, with pieces ranging from small home accessories like candles, pots and cushions, to larger furniture items like tables and cabinets. If anything, you’ll probably pick up some new tableware or a pastry from the bakery; this is a store that you’ll want to bring something home from.

Above: Canopee Floor Lamp in Rattan & Travertine Stone ($640) and Buisseau Armchair ($880) seen in my selection’s showroom at marne road.

The boulangerie (French bakery) being new to the place, is the first in Singapore to introduce the Merveilleux (pronounced “mair-vè-y-eu” and translated to mean “marvellous” in English), a traditional Belgium and French meringue dessert found only in France, Belgium, New York and some European cities.

Above: you can dine in at La Petite Boulangerie and have a lovely Merveilleux and coffee.

The bakery is helmed by pastry chef Celeste Teh, who also whips up traditional French Escargot pastries (a lovely, flaky dessert with a touch of pastry cream), croissants and baguettes that are all freshly baked and sell out pretty early in the day.

Above: Khoirul, the operations manager at my selection and La Petite Boulangerie.

We spoke with Alexandre about the most precious pieces in store to check out, and the must-try items from the bakery. Read on for our interview with him.

NYLON: Tell us about yourself and how you would describe your design aesthetic

Alexandre: I am a French national living in Singapore for seven years now, after living three years in Seoul, South Korea. Back in France, I worked in the finance industry and spent five years with Ernst & Young as an Auditor and another five years as the Head of Group Financial Reporting & Consolidation of a French company.

I always had a passion for nice objects and great designs. I am very much into colours because it brings life to a place and also it reflects your personality. I love to wear yellow, blue or red shoes for instance. I don’t have any preferred design aesthetic, and I get inspiration from reading magazines or browsing the internet. When I see an item that I like, I can immediately visualise how and where I would use it, and also see if there is any potential in the design. I really appreciate designs that stand out from the norm, which is exactly the unique DNA of My Selection and how I envisioned the brand to be.

What are the best sellers in the store?

Our best sellers are Fermob’s Balad ($150) and Mooon! ($780) lamps, both of which are indoor/outdoor unplugged lamps for added convenience. They are easily rechargeable using a USB cord for 14 hours of power with various ambience settings — these are must-haves!

Above: Fermob’s Balad ($150) lamps and a selection of cushions in store.

Next up would be Fermob’s iconic Luxembourg Low Armchairs ($840) that can be found everywhere in the Luxembourg Garden in Paris, followed by EMU’s MOM ($325) and STAR ($280) range of chairs and armchairs. Fourth would be the Dilma Armchairs ($950) from AM.PM – La Redoute, and finally, the Anatheme Armchairs ($490) also from AM.PM – La Redoute.

What are your personal favourite items from the store?

I love the Luxembourg Low Armchair — I use mine every day at home. It’s extremely comfortable and is also a great place for me to think while enjoying a glass of wine. As they are powder-coated and UV-resistant, you can feel free to leave them outside and the colour will not fade (mine are yellow).

Above:the Luxembourg Low Armchair ($840) in yellow and trefle cushion ($135).

My favourite indoor pieces would have to be the Epitre Study Desk ($990) and the Tibby ($490) Chairs. I love the mix of wood and iron in the Epitre Study, especially the shape of the legs. The sleek design of the Tibby is also very unique, and you can really feel the quality of the Italian upholstery.

Are there any items or brands that are exclusive to the store?

We are the exclusive reseller for AM.PM – La Redoute in Singapore, which is a very Iconic French brand.

Where do you curate your items from and where are they made in?

My Selection features a curation of quintessentially French and uniquely European pieces. A lot of the items were discovered while I was browsing through magazines or the internet. I tend to keep an eye out for pieces that are atypical in style that you won’t find everywhere in Singapore.

The key questions that I ask myself when adding a reference to My Selection are “Is it available anywhere else in Singapore”, “Is it nice”, “Is it affordable” and “Is it useful”. This is how I complement our offering to our customers. Aside from the iconic French and European styles, we have also added a range of gifts and home accessories featuring Singaporean brands and designers. This local curation came as part of our efforts to help provide local designers a platform to showcase their work during the pandemic, as well as to keep a “Singaporean vibe” at the store.

Above: memory boards trays by Merijke Böhm featuring shophouses, raffles hotel and other local imagery.

What are the must-try items from the bakery?

Definitely the Merveilleux, as this is the first time they are available in Singapore, exclusively at La Petite Boulangerie by My Selection. Our Merveilleux comes in a diverse range of flavours, just like our furniture curation. We worked with the renowned Meilleurs Ouvriers de France (MOF) Chef Jean Francois Arnaud, one of France’s most reputable pâtissiers, to develop flavours that are not too sweet to cater to the Singaporean palette, such as Kaya, Passion Fruit, Cheesecake and Tiramisu.

Above: Merveilleux in cheesecake and valrhona chocolate flavours.

The traditional flaky French Escargot pastries are also another highlight of La Petite Boulangerie. Originally called pain aux raisins (loosely translated into “bread with raisins”), we decided to call it the Escargot because of the remarkable resemblance the pastry has to a snail’s shell. Our Escargots come in both traditional French flavours such as Vanilla Raisins, Pearl Sugar and Praliné, as well as creatively curated Singapore favourites like the Pandan Kaya Coconut and Gula Melaka.

Above: French Escargot pastries at the bakery.

We’re also slowly adding savoury options to our menu, such as the Emmental Gougères – a baked savory choux pastry made of chouxdough mixed with emmental cheese. Similarly to our other pastries, we will also introduce another gougère pastry with a local twist.

Above: Emmental Gougères at the bakery.

What’s the story behind the Lee Kuan Yew artwork? Is it for sale? [Editor’s note: you can see this in store. Check out the picture below.]

Having lived in Singapore for seven years now, I am very impressed by how Mr Lee Kuan Yew envisioned the country and how he developed the nation through his ideas and the contributions of his fellow citizens. Hence, I wanted to pay tribute to him and to the visionary that he was. I drew inspiration from Obey’s “Hope” campaign poster for Mr Barack Obama and I commissioned a freelance artist to create a pop art image of Mr Lee, using the word “Vision” because it was the perfect reflection of who he was. This art print is not for sale, but I would be delighted to offer a copy to our Prime Minister, Mr Lee Hsien Loong!

Above: the lee kuan yew painting and Fermob’s Balad ($150) lamps in store.

Check out more images from inside the store below, and visit them at 2 Marne Road.

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My Selection is located at 2 Marne Road, Singapore 208393. The store is open from 10am to 6pm on Tuesdays through Saturdays, and at 11am to 5pm on Sundays. Visit MYSELECTION.SG to check out the full curation, and follow them on FACEBOOK and INSTAGRAM to keep up with the latest news.

 

Levi’s® Launches Two Limited Edition Collections — One In Collaboration With Denim Tears, And Another With Naomi Osaka

Denim jeans are always staples in our wardrobes, so it’s always hard to say no when new styles roll around — especially with the two new collections announced by Levi’s®. Coincidentally, these both happen to be part twos of their work with past collaborators.

One is a conceptual collection by Tremaine Emory, founder of Denim Tears and Creative Director of Supreme, who has imbued meaning into his indigo-dyed capsule pieces. And the other, a fun, personality-filled denim collection by renowned professional tennis player, Naomi Osaka. Take a look at these stunning interpretations of Levi’s® classics, ahead.

Levi’s® x Denim Tears

With so much expectation riding on anything Tremaine Emory does, we’re betting denim collectors can’t wait to get their hands on his latest masterpieces. This collaboration is part of a two-year partnership with Levi’s®, and features the brand’s iconic 501® Jean, a Type II Trucker and Plantation Hat with an all-over print of indigo-dyed hands on white denim.

More than that, the multi-hyphenate fashion designer, musician and artist aims to make a statement. His pieces often reflect upon America’s troubled past with race and injustice, particularly the relationship between fashion and the history of the African Diaspora in America, and here, it’s the story of the Gullah Geechee people.

These descendants of Africans were formerly enslaved on the plantations of the lower American Atlantic coast, a region known for its production of indigo. Thus, the colours and prints used in the collection are meant to reflect the indigo dyeing process and the hardships they’ve had to endure, with the handprints symbolising how their hands would turn blue after working with the indigo dye.

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The collection launches in Singapore, with only very limited pieces available for the three designs you see here. As with all Levi’s® collaborations, there are co-branded elements on each denim piece unique to the collections.

We’ve got a special Red Tab featuring “Tears” on the back of the Tab, with “Levi’s®” stitched in white on the front, as well as a special Levi’s® x Denim Tears backpatch combining the classic Two-Horse pull logo along with a “Denim Tears” floral print logo.

The Levi’s® x Denim Tears collection, available from 28 July 2022 exclusively online at levi.com.sg.

 


Levi’s® x Naomi Osaka

Naomi Osaka’s laidback, off-the-court style seems to be a lot more playful than she lets on, a spirit that’s perfectly encapsulated with her “flower bear” logo that’s “ferocious like a bear, gentle like a flower”. This is clearly an aura that Levi’s® adores, since she has returned for a collection of five new Spring/Summer 2022 denim pieces.

“I wanted to keep this collection fun and playful, and also include some pieces for everyone. I was trying to bring some light-heartedness with this collection as a reminder for us all to enjoy the life we’re living and not take things too seriously,” says Osaka.

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Based on original sketches by Naomi, these feature contrasting denim washes and interesting plays on proportion that are unlike the more classic Levi’s® pieces. For one, there’s a Mermaid Skirt that sees ruffled denim cascading down an asymmetrical hemline, certainly a unique profile. Then, there’s a Denim Halter Top in light-wash denim, and a mid-length Artist Coat that ends near the knees, with details such as big patch pockets and an oversized drop-shoulder cut.

If you’re going for a sleeker style, the Zip Bomber Jacket, with its elasticated cuffs and hem, and cropped style, is an undeniably cool silhouette to wear atop the ’93 Naomi Jean, based off of a men’s 501® Jean for a slouchy fit. Both of these feature a laser-print of Naomi’s flower-bear logo, at the bottom half of the jacket, and on the right side of the jeans.

The Levi’s® x Naomi Osaka collection, available online at levi.com.sg.

 

Brow Pencils, Gels, Pomades, And More — How To Choose Your Ideal Brow Product

Let’s admit it, not all brows are perfect, but they can be. Clean and neat, thick and bushy, feathery, or super defined, these are perfectly acceptable styles you can go for — note that thin, overly-plucked ones are off this list — and totally achievable too, thanks to today’s modern brow tools. But how are you supposed to choose between a pencil, powder or pomade, and which does the better job filling in your brows or creating natural, hair-like strokes? Ahead, we refresh you on the basics of five common eyebrow products, how best to use them, and our top recommendations for each category.

1. BROW PENCILS

What they’re for: Brow pencils are the most versatile and basic tool you can have in your arsenal — and are really easy to use too. If you’ve ever held a pencil in your life, you’ll know how it works. Their primary goal is to help fill in and give volume to sparse areas of your brows, whether in between or near their tail end. Made ultra-slim, the brow pencil gives thin and natural-looking strokes that also help balance asymmetrical brows, or define your brow shape for a sleek set of arches.

How to use: The key here is to follow the natural direction of your brow hairs. Brush your brow hair up, then draw small, hair-like strokes to fill up sparse areas in the direction of your hair growth, from the front towards the tail of your brows. Some brow pencils come with a flatter edge for a softer effect that helps fill in larger areas. You can also use the spoolie to brush through the brows, which blends out the colour for a more natural look.

Try:

    1. shu uemura naginata brow sword, $55
    2. Gucci Beauty Stylo À Sourcils Waterproof Brow Pen, $70
    3. Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz, $39
    4. Benefit Cosmetics Brow Styler Multitasking Pencil & Powder, $60
    5. Hourglass Arch Brow Micro Sculpting Pencil, $47
    6. Make Up For Ever Aqua Resist Brow Definer, $40

2. BROW GELS

What they’re for: Highly popular since bushy brows became a look we love, brow gels are quick, easy, and virtually mistake-proof, since all they do is shape and groom your brow hairs and, sometimes, give a light tint to them. That makes all the difference though. Just like a good hairspray, brow gels keep your brow hairs in place throughout the day, and brushing them upwards also creates the illusion of fuller-looking brows. And while anyone with brows can benefit from its use, those with thick, plentiful hair will enjoy most from its natural yet neat look.

How to use: Unlike the brow pencil, the first step of using a brow gel is to actually brush it in the opposite direction of your hair growth first, in order for the pigment to catch on to your brows. Once that’s done, brush upwards or in the direction of your hair growth, where the gel will then smooth them down. Pick a clear brow gel if you have thick brows or if this is your final grooming step, while those with more sparse brows can opt for the tinted options.

Try:

    1. Pixi Brow Tamer Brow Gel, $19
    2. Espressoh Hey Brow Clear Eyebrow Fixing Gel, $38
    3. Patrick Ta Major Brow Lamination Gel, $40
    4. Glossier Boy Brow, USD17
    5. Charlotte Tilbury Legendary Brows Gel, $50
    6. Rare Beauty Brow Harmony Pencil And Gel, $33

3. BROW POWDERS 

What they’re for: Also good for beginners, brow powders give a softer, more natural look, compared to pencils or pomades. You may use them on their own or layered over other brow products. Powder formulas help set brow pencils, for instance, and are particularly useful for those with sparse brows or those looking to cover up sparse areas in the brows. Most brow powders come in a kit with an angled brush, though the Japanese seem to have mastered the tool, with 3-in-1 pens that combine an eyebrow pencil, eyebrow powder and eyebrow brush in one; the powder is dispensed via a dome-shaped sponge applicator.

How to use: Use an angled brush or the applicator that comes with the brow powder set to apply short strokes that fill in sparse areas of the brows. Once you’re done, comb through the brow hairs with a spoolie brush to further blend and soften the look.

Try:

    1. Rare Beauty Brow Harmony Shape And Fill Duo, $40
    2. Laneige Eyebrow Cushion Cara, $33
    3. Excel Powder Pencil, $25.90
    4. K-Palette Real Lasting 3-Way Eyebrow Pencil 24h, $24.90

4. POMADES

What they’re for: Two words: Instagram brows. This refers to a defined, face-framing look highly popular on the social media app, with a precise arch that starts with a lighter shade before tapering into darker ends, almost like a gradient effect. Then again, brow pomades are more versatile than that. Creamy or with a gel-like texture, and often highly-pigmented, beauty pros love pomades for how it creates precise and natural hair-like strokes that mimic the look of real hairs. That sculpted-arch effect, and their long-lasting, smudge-proof wear, makes this a very powerful tool to own, though it does take a bit of mastering.

How to use: Don’t be intimidated though! Use it like you would a brow pencil, only that you’re going in with an angled brush instead. Pick up the pomade using the brush and wipe off any excess product on the back of your hand. Then, draw soft, hair-like strokes upward following the direction of hair growth, before blending these out with a spoolie. The effect is softer than you think. Just remember to keep the pomade jar tightly closed when not in use to prevent the product from drying out.

Try:

    1. Benefit Cosmetics Powmade Brow Pomade, $35
    2. Anastasia Beverly Hills Dipbrow Pomade, $35
    3. Tarte Frameworker Brow Pomade, $34
    4. Tom Ford Beauty Brow Pomade, $83

5. BROW WAXES

What they’re for: Similar to a brow gel and perhaps less common, brow waxes give more holding power and help lock sculpted brows in place. They gained traction during the Internet-famous ‘soap brows‘ hack, where people were brushing on bar soap to create bushy-looking brows. Specially-designed products, like the recommendations here, are a lot easier to use though, and help achieve a groomed, sculpted look without overt stiffness, residue, or mess. Perfect for taming unruly hair, and the look of fluffy, feathery brows.

How to use: Much like a brow gel, pick up the product using a spoolie and work the product back and forth, making sure it catches unto the brow hairs. Then, brush through them with upward motions, gently pressing down as you go. You may also use brow wax as a finishing step to make your brows look more defined.

Try:

    1. Benefit Cosmetics Brow Zing Pro Palette, $68
    2. Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Freeze Styling Wax, $41

 

 

Goldheart KStyle Introduces Gender-Neutral Pieces To Their Seoul-Inspired Jewellery Line

Anyone looking for their… Seoul mate? We don’t exactly mean a K-drama beau with floppy hair and dreamy eyes, though that’d be a bonus; what we’re eyeing, instead, is Goldheart’s latest KStyle collection, a stylish Seoul-inspired jewellery line that’s the perfect companion for all sorts of occasions.

This year’s KStyle series features modern pieces crafted in rose, yellow, and white gold, most of which come adorned with diamonds, in contemporary settings meant to be extra versatile when worn. These are seen on local actress Chen Yixin in their latest campaign, as she embodies the youthful spirit of the collection.

On top of their usual trendy styles, they’ve also introduced a gender-neutral selection, a first for Goldheart. Read on to peek at some highlights and our favourite pieces across the KStyle collection.

The Gender-Neutral Styles

Of geometric lines and shapes, accented with sparkling diamonds, these jewellery styles transcend masculine and feminine design codes for a series that’s clean and minimalist. A bar-like Drop Pendant, for instance, is also available as earrings, while other cubic designs feature across pendants, earrings and rings.

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The Alphabet Pendants

Sometimes, you do need to spell things out, and for that, these Alphabet Pendants are a clear choice. In rose gold and accompanied by a sleek trio of diamonds, the letters can be worn straight or tilted on the chains for a more playful way to express your style. These can be worn with polished rose gold bracelets that feature link chain details.

Alphabet Pendants.

And The Rest Of The KStyle Bling

As for the other styles, they feature a couple of key details. Those who prefer more geometry would appreciate the timeless appeal of link chain designs, studded with diamonds, or a series of modern pieces where the diamond is encased within a bezel setting, encircled with a gold finish.

There are more elegant and romantic styles as well. A white gold occasion set arrives with pavé set diamonds should you need a statement-making set for weddings and fancy dates; cluster diamonds contrast with modern styles; while there are dainty floral-inspired necklaces, bangles and rings too. 

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The Goldheart KStyle collection, available across all 17 GOLDHEART boutiques islandwide, and online at their e-boutique, Shopee and Lazada.

 

Louis Vuitton’s Vanity Mahjong Trunk knows just how much we love our game

I can’t imagine many mahjong players carrying their sets around. Once you have your group of kakis, the person hosting will confirm plus chop have a (well-used) mahjong set at home. Nonetheless, for the super rich tai tai who reeeeally wants to show off and show up her other rich friends (think the cast of Bling Empire), there’s always Louis Vuitton.

Louis Vuitton presents a new version of the Vanity Mahjong, which follows through with the brand’s rich heritage in crafting the finest trunks. This latest version is inspired by the brand’s first Mahjong sets introduced in the 1950s, and features six pine green compartments that house 149 artisanally-decorated tiles handcrafted from walnut wood, with some engraved with Louis Vuitton’s Monogram flowers. And as expected, the case is extremely chio. 

Check out all the pics below.

Available in stores from August 2022.

 

These Havaianas x Smiley Flip-Flops Are Here To Bring Joy And Cheer To Our Feet

We’re not done with the happy Smiley face yet. After gracing the lines of other fashion brands such as Fossil and H&M, Smiley, now in its 50th year, is ready to spread joy to our feet — by way of these Havaianas flip-flops.

The iconic Havaianas Top silhouette features the Smiley icon in two styles, both with a firm message of positivity, especially in a post-pandemic world. “After the challenging last couple of years, what better way to navigate out of these times with this campaign that aims to reverse a global smile deficit, spread positivity and fill the world with smiles in 2022,” says Nicolas Loufrani, CEO of Smiley. 

The design of the prints comprise of Smiley’s “Positive State of Mind” motto, and sees plenty of 60s and 70s retro elements, including the use of tie-dye inspired by the hippie movement. Two colourways — Blue, and Black/Yellow — are also deliberately chosen to be vibrant yet casual, with neon and yellow accents covering both the flip-flops and their celebratory box.

 


Havaianas x Smiley collection, $60 each, in sizes 35/36 to 39/40. Available from 22 July 2022, online at Havaianas and in-stores at Takashimaya S.C. #B1-45 and VivoCity #02-57.

 

Silky Miracle x Jean-Michel Basquiat Sees Graffiti Art On The Most Luxurious Loungewear

These most-coveted and luxurious pyjamas now come with an unexpected street art vibe. London-founded brand Silky Miracle has launched a capsule series of loungewear in collaboration with the Estate of Jean-Michel Basquiat, where we get to see the late New York legend’s graffiti art scribbled across their sleek silk wear.

This one’s a surprising combo that works — three of Basquiat’s most recognisable artworks, “Beat Bop”, “Popeye has no Pork in his Diet” and “Equals Pi”, find themselves on just about the finest 100% mulberry silk money can buy, complete with the superb tailoring and quality that Silky Miracle is known for. The collection consists of three unisex loungewear sets in various styles, along with a decorative silk cushion to casually adorn your sofa.

In a brilliant turquoise blue, the “Equals Pi” artwork, last seen in a campaign with Jay Z and Beyoncé for Tiffany & Co., takes over a long shirt style that’s truly created for lounging. Those who prefer a bolder colour palette would appreciate the “Popeye has no Pork in his Diet” on a cuban-style half-sleeve shirt and loose shorts set that’s brimming with energy.

Then, there’s a more neutral “Beat Bop” print that should delight monochrome lovers, done on a classic long-sleeve top and pants set that best shows off Basquiat’s expressive scrawls and point-of-view. All the items in the loungewear sets are made from 100% mulberry silk, so we’re assured the softest and smoothest material against our skin.

Here’s a look at all three styles:

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The Silky Miracle x Jean-Michel Basquiat Capsule Collection, available at the Silky Miracle store at The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands. 

 

Commemorate National Ice Cream Day with Everyday Accessories That Look Like The Real Thing

Being in Singapore means that we’re all used to the summer heat 365 days a year, and because of that, we never say no to a frozen treat whenever we need one. With National Ice Cream Day just around the corner (celebrated annually on 17 July), it is a great time to rep our love for this sweet frozen treat with accessories that look just like it. Here’s a look at some options you can get to show you’re a proud fan of ice cream!

BEAUTY 

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If you’re looking to add a sweet touch to your beauty routine, you might want to consider some of these ice cream-inspired makeup, including a colour-changing lip balm and a moisturising body scrub that comes in an ice cream pint.

From left to right:

1. Etude House Dear Darling Ice Cream Lip Tint, from $3.90
2. Ice Cream Fake Lash Storage, $1.90
3. I Heart Revolution Blush & Sprinkles Palette — Ice Cream Sundae, $14.90
4. Kaxier Korean Moisturising Lip Balm, $3.10
5. Novo Eye Talk Ice Cream Eyeshadow, $10.90
6. Ice Cream Shaped Body Sponge, $5.21
7. Peach Clear Ice Cream Body Scrub, $6.85

HOME & LIVING

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Looking to show a little bit of love for ice cream at home? Here are a few things you can add to your home including locally-produced scented candles that have been crafted to resemble a bowl of ice cream!

From left to right:

1. Calmma Scented Candles — Ice Cream Design, $19.90
2. Ice Cream Bowl + Spoon, $6.98
3. Ice Cream Mask & Glasses Chain, $1.90

ACCESSORIES

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An interesting way to add a little bit of the sweet treat in your life is to include them in your daily outfit. From additional nail accessories to hairpins and even shoe accessories for your Crocs, there’s always something subtle you can add to rep ice cream all day.

From left to right:

1. 12pc Ice Cream Nail Jewellery, $1.57
2. Ice Cream Shoe Accessories for Crocs Jibz, $1.20
3. Ice Cream Nail Charms, $1.68
4. Ice Cream Enamel Lapel Pins, $1.26
5. Ice Cream Hairpin, from $2.50

TECH

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Swap out your boring iPhone and AirPods case for an ice cream lolly case. Both feature a 3D design that looks almost like the real thing and offers a good grip so you won’t lose either easily.

From left to right:

1. Ice Cream Phone Case for Apple Phones, $4.90
2. Elago Ice Cream AirPods Pro Case, $22.90

 

🍦🍨 Happy National Ice Cream Day! 🍨🍦

 

 


Find more ice cream-centric items and accessories online at Shopee. 

All images courtesy of Shopee.

 

 

First look at the 2022 MacBook Air in Starlight

The first MacBook Air was introduced in 2008 as a line of notebook computers that were very thin and light. There have been multiple versions and upgrades since the original, but this 2022 edition is by far the most exciting and beautiful.

My first impression of this laptop is that it’s ridiculously slim and light — I wasn’t expecting a machine this thin. The 13.6″ screen is also really bright and looks incredible. I’d kill to have this computer back when I was studying in University.

It’s possibly the ultimate computer for tertiary students and anyone who doesn’t need the power required for 3D modelling or editing tons of RAW images. Personally, it’s suitable for my work as an Editor and Journalist, but not as a photographer. I need boosted RAM and a stronger processor to render my RAW images that are in the hundreds of MB each — and that’s where the Mac Studio and MacBook Pro (when I’m on the go) come in.

Here’s a first look at the 2022 MacBook Air in one of the new colours, Starlight.

Above: The colour starlight is a beautiful mix of silver and rose gold.

Above: the power plug and cable in the box. The base version comes with a 30W USB-C power adapter, while the upgraded version includes apple’s first 35W dual usb-c port power adapter.

Above: the macbook air 2022 has gone through a nice redesign and follows the same “squarish” corners as the current iphone and ipad pros.

Above: it’s only 1.13cm thin.

Above: here it is compared to the macbook pro 14″.

Above: it’s slimmer than the macbook pro (and obviously lighter).

Above: The sleek base of the macbook air.

Above: the full size backlit magic keyboard includes touch id and has an ambient light sensor.

Above: the entire computer is gorgeous any angle you look at it from.

The MacBook Air also comes in the standard Silver and Space Grey colours, but the one to really look out for is Midnight — a brand new shade that’s like a dark navy bordering on black. You can check out the full lineup and tech specs on the Apple website.

If you’re looking to upgrade from an older computer and you’re just using this machine for day-to-day work or studies, the new MacBook Air is an excellent choice that you’ll carry around with pride. It sports the Apple M2 chip, which is super speedy for browsing the Internet and sending emails, has a really nice Liquid Retina display that’s comfortable to look at for long hours, and charges via Apple’s MagSafe 3 charging port or one of the USB-C ports.

Other than its good looks, it’s most attractive because of its price. It starts at $1,699 for the base model and that doesn’t include educational discounts.

You can order the macbook air with m2 chip online now at APPLE.COM.