The redesigned Apple MacBook Pro with new, powerful chips — M1 Pro and M1 Max; plus Spatial Audio comes to AirPods

Oct 19, 2021

In this morning’s Apple announcement, industry rumours rightly guessed the new MacBook Pro that’s been long overdue for a revamp. It largely looks similar to previous MacBook Pro models, but with heaps of improvements on the inside, the death of the Touch Bar, and more ports — ones that we actually need. Here’s the rundown.

MacBook Pro

Above: The new MacBook Pro comes in 16″ and 14″ display sizes.

The much-anticipated redesigned MacBook Pro is announced alongside two new chips — M1 Pro and M1 Max. Both these chips are more powerful versions of Apple’s existing M1 chip, and obviously deliver better and faster performance, and power and memory management. The M1 Max, in particular, is Apple’s largest chip ever, and in the brand’s benchmark tests, it sounds insanely fast. For example, compared to the existing highest-end MacBook Pro 13″, its graphics performance is up to 13x faster! Apple also did a whole bunch of benchmark tests against high-end PC chips and laptops, and the new Apple chips beat them out in every aspect. Apple claims the chips are power efficient as well. For example, you get two-times battery life editing photos in Lightroom than the previous MacBook Pro chip.

Above: The M1 Max Chip is the largest chip apple has ever made for their laptops.

There are two sizes of the new MacBook Pro: a 16″ and a compact 14″. The keyboard finally gets rid of the Touch Bar (I keep hitting the Siri “button” accidentally), and the new Magic Keyboard has a wider escape key.

Above: The Keyboard finally gets rid of the Touch Bar.

Ports also make a great comeback; on one side, there’s an HDMI, Thunderbolt, and SD card slot (yai!), and on the other side, two more Thunderbolt ports and an audio jack; while charging is done through a MagSafe charger again (if it works bring it back, right?).

Above: Magsafe charging is a welcome return, and it supports fast charging too.

As expected, there’s more screen real estate across both display sizes, and with a ProMotion refresh rate of 120Hz (just like the new iPhone 13 Pros). It’s also a gorgeous Liquid Retina XDR display (inspired by that super ex standalone Apple display that no one can afford).

Above: The Liquid Retina xdr display is almost edge-to-edge.

The camera has doubled in resolution to 1080p so you’ll (hopefully) look better in your Zoom meetings, though you’re still going to want to take selfies with your iPhone — the MacBook Pro camera is really just good for video calls. The inbuilt speakers are also new and improved (there’s a 6-speaker sound system), and it supports spatial audio, which is supposed to be a theatre-like experience.

Above: the enclosure is made from 100% recycled aluminium.

Other good things to note: fast charge is also supported; 50% of the battery can be charged in just 30 minutes. And the enclosure is made from 100% recycled aluminium.

Available in Silver and Space Grey, the new 14-inch MacBook Pro model starts at $2,999, and $2,769 for education; the 16-inch MacBook Pro model starts at $3,749, and $3,449 for education.

Additional technical specifications, configure-to-order options, and accessories are available at apple.com/sg/mac.

Available to order soon on apple.com/sg/store and in the Apple Store app, select Apple Store locations and Apple Authorised Resellers.

AirPods 3rd Generation with Spatial Audio

Above: Airpods 3rd generation with spatial audio.

The latest AirPods feature an all-new design inside and out. A new contoured shape looks comfortable to wear, and claims to deliver sound directly to the ears; while Adaptive EQ adjusts frequencies and tunes the sound as it plays.

The Spatial Audio feature is the highlight of this new version, and what it does is that it creates a three-dimensional theatre-like experience so everything sounds better (I imagine more natural, like the band is playing live right in front of you).

Above: check out Apple TV shows like foundation, that are made to sound even better with spatial audio,

With a full charge, you get six hours of listening time (an hour more than the previous generation). The case also now supports MagSafe charging.

Above: The case now supports magsafe charging.

AirPods (3rd generation) is available to order soon, priced at $269.

HomePod mini, now in colour

Above: The HomePod mini now comes in 5 colours.

The HomePod and HomePod mini never really launched in Singapore; it wasn’t on the official Apple store, but you could buy it on independent vendors such as Lazada and Shopee. I first heard the HomePod mini in person at a gathering at Aik Beng Chia‘s; he ordered Siri to play something and the sound was actually impressive, considering the small size of the player.

The elusive device now comes in new colours, making it look even cuter than it already is (although I’d still end up going for the White).

Above: The sound is large and impressive for such a compact device.

There’s no news on if and when this will be available in Singapore, so we can wait, or just Google it in the next week or so.

These Lush Bath And Shower Goodies Will Put You In The Mood For A Spooky Halloween

Oct 18, 2021Oct 18, 2021

We’re back for another roundup of wholesome Halloween content — especially since we’re talking about the squeaky-clean image of Lush, best known for their soaps and bath bombs. Sure, these aren’t the type of stuff that would “make Lucifer clutch his rosary”, but they’re still as ghoulishly delightful as ever, complete with 7 brand new inventions and returning favourites that make for the most spooktacular shower or bath experiences.

It’s all treats here at Lush. The bath bombs, in particular, are the most whimsical interpretations of the horror fest; you and your boo might enjoy the Ghostie bath bomb that crackles and pops when placed in water, while horror buffs would recognise Edvard Munch’s The Scream, now made into a bubble bar of cherry-scented delights.

Just as cute is a Monster Octopus soap that’s really an ooey gooey passion fruit-scented bath jelly that can slide and wiggle up your arm. Not-so-toxic goo, now a shower slime called Ectoplasm, and a witchy green lip scrub can also be found here — the latter will make you look a little like Elphaba, and ends with a sour treat on your lips.

As part of Lush’s long-standing sustainable mission, you can also opt for four seasonal knot wraps, which range from a disco-party take on spiderwebs, to a monochrome design covered with bat motifs.

See the rest of the Lush Halloween collection here —

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

Lush Halloween 2021 collection, available at Lush stores and online at LUSH.COM/SG.

The Gucci 100 Collection Takes Us On A Music-Inspired Trip Through The House’s Icons

Oct 18, 2021Oct 18, 2021

If there’s any testament to how a brand has seeped into, nay, invaded pop culture like Gucci has, it’s this — there are reportedly 22,705 songs where ‘Gucci’ appears among the lyrics, all since the Italian luxury fashion house was established way back in 1921. One hundred years later, we’re celebrating 100 years of Gucci, with a capsule collection of music-inspired ready-to-wear and accessories that take on archival prints and retro motifs, with key lyrics that feature those very same songs.

Here, creative director Alessandro Michele acknowledges the deep connection between fashion and music, both key to our expression of personal identity and timeless style. “I recognised the manifestation of its youth in its having intercepted and traversed, for one hundred years now, pop culture in all its forms. Above all, in music: the only medium, aside from fashion, more reactive to the times that mutate and mark the new, the today, the now,” he said.

Similarly, the pieces in the Gucci 100 collection bear that same desire to mark our current times. Though archival monogram prints are aplenty, these are remixed with the verses of three songs chosen by Michele — curated from a library of over 20,000 snazzy numbers. These are: “Music is mine / Gucci seats reclined” from the song “The R” (1988) by Eric B. & Rakim, “This one’s dedicated to all you Gucci bag carriers out there / it’s called ‘You Got Good Taste!'” from “You Got Good Taste” (1983) by rockers The Cramps, and ‘And the men notice you with your Gucci bag crew’ from Amy Winehouse’s “Fuck Me Pumps” (2003).

In bold text and colours, these run across both prim bags and contemporary or streetwear silhouettes of jackets, coats, knits, hoodies, sweatshirts and logo-fied co-ords. Some of Gucci’s most iconic bags are given new life here, with the Jackie 1961, Horsebit 1955, as well as the bamboo handle series and vintage-looking trunks, emblazoned with either GG logos, song verses, or both. Plenty of the leather accessories and some outerwear see a hexagonal Gucci 100 logo as well, while you’ll find Gucci’s signature colours of green, red, and yellow proudly displayed throughout.

What’s just as joyous as that Gucci isn’t afraid to splash on colour, especially since the musical genres of jazz, psychedelic, Japanese punk, disco, hip-hop and afrobeat are referenced here. The result is a medley of show-stopping looks that convey the infectious energy that music gifts us, channeled via the most appropriate wear.

See more from the collection here —

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From 16 – 26 October 2021, there’s also an exclusive Gucci 100 pop-up that’s only in Singapore for 10 days at ION Orchard! Aside from the immersive display that incorporates vintage-style architectural details, interactive elements at the concept space include a spinning wheel that allows you to pick your favourite Gucci song and an outdoor installation with lights and mirrors right on Orchard Road.

Gucci 100 collection, available at Gucci ION Orchard. also available at the Gucci 100 pop-up at ION Orchard, now till 26 October 2021.

Be Inspired To Create While On-the-Go With Apps Such As Procreate, VSCO, And Adobe Fresco

Oct 15, 2021

With the birth of the smartphone, the ability to unlock our creative skills has been made much easier with features and apps available on our devices. In an effort to get us exploring more of our creative side, Apple has curated a ‘Create It Your Way’ series featuring some inspiring tips from creators around the region alongside their favourite go-to apps. Here’s a look at what you can find.

CALLIGRAPHY CALLING

Chaiwat Sriwilard and his calligraphy design that was created using Adobe Fresco. (Image courtesy of Chaiwat Sriwilard)

Did you know the art of calligraphy doesn’t just have to be on paper? Thai calligrapher Chaiwat Sriwilard is here to share with you how he creates his dazzling designs and calligraphy with just the use of Adobe Fresco and an Apple Pencil on his iPad Pro. As compared to brushes and pens on paper, he finds that the app helps to enable him to draw more intricately with the ability to practise line after line as he tries to perfect each stroke.

Here are Chaiwat’s top three tips for using Adobe Fresco:

1. Use Touch Shortcuts as they can help you to switch between a brush and an eraser quickly, and trim the lines that may not have gone to plan.

2. Draw it as a vector so as to scale your drawing in any size without the worry that it will look pixelated.

3. Make multicoloured lines by painting a few swatches of colour next to each other, then tapping the Eyedropper tool and moving it around until you see a multicolour swatch. After, start painting to draw a line that looks like a rainbow.

THE ART OF FINDING YOUR NICHE

Ong Lyn-Hui and her illustration that was created using Procreate. (Image courtesy of Ong Lyn-Hui)

Illustration may seem like a daunting skill to learn but children’s illustrator Ong Lyn-Hui is here to tell you that creating your unique drawings can be easy with the use of Procreate on an iPad Pro or iPhone — a made-for-Apple app that is handy and fully capable of refining your designs for a post on social media.

Here are Lyn-Hui’s top three tips for using Procreate:

1. Begin with the basics — start with a selfie using the Reference Companion feature and draw a self-portrait. Once you get the hang of it, you can start designing your own characters.

2. If you are not into digital art and illustration, you can try digital calligraphy by writing your name using the calligraphy brushes in Procreate.

3. Keep drawing and posting; you can even use Procreate’s Time-lapse Relay recording feature to share the creative process on social.

FINDING YOUR CREATIVE VISION

Lee Yik Keat and his photo that was edited using Adobe Lightroom, VSCO and Prequel. (Image courtesy of Lee Yik Keat)

If you’re a budding photo bug, photographer Lee Yik Keat is here to share tips on editing with Adobe Lightroom, VSCO and Prequel, how he finds hidden gems wherever he goes and how he looks for new angles and techniques to improve photos — such as making a skyline shot look more interesting with the use of a nearby metallic surface and shooting the skyline against its reflection.

Here are Yik Keat’s top three tips for editing using Adobe Lightroom, VSCO and Prequel:

1. Adobe Lightroom — Using the Radial Filter tool, draw a circle around your photo’s subject and brighten the area inside while darkening the area outside to create a powerful spotlight effect.

2. VSCO — With Split Tone, you will be able to control the mood of your photos. For example, using a green tint for shadows will bring a nostalgic feel to the shot.

3. Prequel — Add striking effects such as Bling or Disco to your photos and then adjust its intensity before applying it to your photos.

ICE-COOL CREATIVITY

Artem, Sergei and Serghii (from Kem Banh Que) and a screenshot from the clip they created using CapCut. (Image courtesy of Kem Banh Que)

Even without video creating or editing experience, you can still create quality videos like how the owners of Kem Banh Que, an ice cream shop in Vietnam, did with the video editing app CapCut to help create comical shorts for TikTok.

Here are Artem, Sergei and Serghii’s top three tips for using CapCut:

1. Apply Split and Crop to unused frames or to cut dull moments so as to make your video interesting.

2. Use the Speed function to help make your video more dynamic.

3. Pick a popular template from the Trends category to help your finished video achieve higher views.

For more information on the apps from Create It Your Way, click here.

Header image courtesy of Chaiwat Sriwilard, Ong Lyn-Hui, and Lee Yik Keat.

The CHANEL N°5 Holiday 2021 Collection — Including An Advent Calendar Shaped Like The Iconic Fragrance

Oct 15, 2021Nov 5, 2021

The iconic N°5 fragrance has been having a moment this year, and it’s clear that CHANEL is out to mark its 100th anniversary in every way possible — we’ve seen entire fine jewellery collections dedicated to the scent, an industrial-chic Factory 5 line-up, and now, a luxurious holiday collection of limited edition makeup and fragrances.

The timeless olfactory blend has sparked inspiration for new chic bottles of the N°5, now made with high-end recycled glass, along with a Les 4 Ombres eye palette that takes after the rich amber shades of the perfume bottle, with the number 5 and an emblem of the bottle stamped on the surfaces of the eyeshadows as well. Of course, the item we’re most looking forward to is a larger-than-life holiday calendar, shaped just like the N°5. Read on for more of this year’s chic collection.

THE CALENDAR

Advent calendars are always an exciting affair, whether it’s their sheer array of items, or how it slowly builds up excitement as we get closer to Christmas day — if you can afford not to open all the boxes at once, that is.

CHANEL’s holiday calendar is one you’d need tremendous patience for then, since it boasts 27 boxes within a case shaped like a giant bottle of the N°5. For a neat reference, the boxes are numbered from 5 to 31 too — 5 for the fragrance, and 31 for the legendary residence of Coco Chanel, at 31 Rue Cambon.

Inside, you’ll find some of CHANEL’s most iconic products, makeup or otherwise. This year’s limited edition Rouge Allure lipstick and red Le Vernis, for instance, a bottle of N°5 Eau de Parfum, as well as accessories such as a bracelet bearing the number 5 and a mesmerising snow globe ornament.

the N˚5 Calendar – limited edition, $1,150. Available exclusively at CHANEL Fragrance and Beauty boutiques from 16 October 2021.

LIMITED EDITION FRAGRANCES

N°5 Eau de Parfum — in high-end recycled glass

For a modern take on CHANEL’s enduring perfume, CHANEL has incorporated high-end recycled glass into the bottle design, while still maintaining that pristine, transparent look that we know the icon for.

For this, they’ve tapped onto the glass production expertise of POCHET du COURVAL, a Living Heritage Company, for a sustainable material that meets the high demands of the luxury house. “On average, for 1 million bottles produced using SEVA 3*, new-generation recycled glass, we save more than 25 tons of virgin raw material,” says the Group Pochet.

Other elements of the N°5 have been reworked as well. Mademoiselle Chanel’s lucky number, 5, is inscribed in gold on the label of the Eau de Parfum, while a silver one adorns the N°5 L’EAU, created by In-House Perfumer Creator Olivier Polge. Their boxes also take after the distinctive shape of the bottle, and are made with biodegradable paper pulp that still feels luxe.

N°5 Eau De Parfum Collector’s Bottle – Limited Edition, $266 (100ml). N°5 l’eau Eau De Toilette Collector’s Bottle – Limited Edition, $266 (100ml).

GRAND EXTRAIT BACCARAT 2021ML

Since it’s the year 2021, CHANEL has created its largest bottle of N°5 to date — all 2021ml of the fragrance is now housed in a very limited edition Baccarat crystal bottle, cut like a diamond, though with the distinctive features of the original design present in the white label and faceted sides. Each hand-engraved piece is housed in a white lambskin coffret, and as if it couldn’t get more exquisite, the bottle is also paired with a Baccarat crystal wand for precise application to the pulse points: behind the earlobe, on the neckline, and on the inside of the wrist. Only 55 of these hand-numbered pieces are available.

N°5 Grand Extrait Baccarat – Limited Edition, $45,820 (2021ml).

HOLIDAY 2021 MAKEUP COLLECTION

CHANEL’s Holiday makeup is one that we look forward to every year, and this exquisite series is no different. The golden, amber hues of the N°5 fragrance have been reinterpreted into a shimmering soft gold eye look that’s paired with deep, luminous, and fiery reds on the lips and nails. Eyeshadows and lipsticks bear the original scent’s key motifs in both colour inspiration and design, embossed on eyeshadows or featured on the lipstick cases.

The Les 4 Ombres eyeshadow palette features a winsome quad of four eyeshadows — a satiny amber and shimmery golden white recall the N°5, while a pearly ivory white brings to mind the more neutral tones of the N°5 L’EAU. Two exclusive shades of the OMBRE PREMIÈRE LAQUE are here for your holiday looks as well, with the liquid eyeshadow taking on a glittery finish.

As for the limited edition ROUGE ALLURE N°5, the lipsticks are featured in five shades, including two new releases — Emblématique is a powerful and luminous red, while Légendaire is a brownish garnet. All of them are housed in exclusive packaging embossed with a golden number 5.

See the full collection here —

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

Available on the CHANEL Fragrance and Beauty E-Shop, sg-eshop.chanel.com from 16 October 2021.

Available at CHANEL Fragrance and Beauty boutiques from 16 October 2021 and counters from 22 October 2021.

Disney+ Unveils 18 Asia-Pacific Originals, Including A BLACKPINK Movie, Running Man Spin-Off, & Anime

Oct 14, 2021Oct 14, 2021

Disney+ will be home to even more Asia-Pacific content, which complements the expansion of their streaming service this side of the world — these include 18 local-language Originals from South Korea, Japan, greater China, Indonesia and Australia. The diverse range of shows spans across series and films across genres such as anime, drama, comedy, romance, science-fiction, variety shows and documentaries, all announced at a regional press event today.

This marks the largest offering slated so far, and especially heartening news since the global brand is working with top content creators in the region for these new projects. The new APAC titles will be available on the streaming service over the next year, and will be part of Disney’s ambition to greenlight over 50 APAC Originals by 2023.

From an upcoming BLACKPINK documentary and k-drama titles starring k-pop idols Jisoo and Kang Daniel, to beefed-up anime offerings and Southeast Asian entertainment content, here are the launches you can look forward to:

SOUTH KOREA

Snowdrop.

Rookies.

It’s no surprise that with the overnight success of Squid Game and popular series such as Crash Landing On You, Goblin, Skycastle and more, Disney is keen to ride the hallyu. Even more so with the upcoming rollout of Disney+ in South Korea to launch on 12 November, and the high popularity of k-content in the region.

Hence, the most exciting launches announced include two romantic series featuring crossover k-pop idols Jisoo, of BLACKPINK fame, and Kang Daniel. The first, Snowdrop, also sees top Korean actor Jung Hae-in on board, and together with the creators of Skycastle, is set to be a melodrama series of a young couple in 1980s Seoul. As for Rookies, Kang’s debut drama is a coming-of-age series set in Korea’s elite police academy.

Grids — a mystery thriller.

BLACKPINK: The Movie.

Other titles include thrillers and fantasy dramas, as well as new variety show Outun by Running Man, a spin-off with the cast of one of the longest-running and well-loved variety shows from Korea; you’ll see original members Kim Joon-kook, HAHA and Jee Seok-jin gracing screens near you soon.

Exclusive on Disney+ and in theatres is also BLACKPINK: The Movie, which follows one of the most popular k-pop girl groups in the world, in celebration of their fifth anniversary. This will see over 10 sets of live performances from recent concerts, including <THE SHOW> in 2021, along with never-before-seen interviews with Jennie, Jisoo, Rosé and Lisa.

JAPAN

Summer Time Rendering.

From Japan, it seems like there’s quite a focus on anime content here, whether it’s an adaption fresh from the pages of a popular manga, or moody and fantastical sci-fi pieces that celebrate the original artwork of dedicated artists and studios.

Of these, Summer Time Rendering is set to be a hit, and is based on one of the top-performing manga titles on Japanese web manga app Shonen Jump+. Don’t be fooled by the serene title image, this one features a suspenseful plot set on a secluded summer island in Hitogashima.

BLACK ROCK SHOOTER DAWN FALL.

For more of a sci-fi slant, BLACK ROCK SHOOTER DAWN FALL is a completely new offering of the popular BLACK★ROCK SHOOTER franchise, now in the safe hands of scriptwriter Makoto Fukami who’s best known for his work in the must-watch dystopian anime series PSYCHO-PASS. Other titles include sci-fi YOJOHAN TIME MACHINE BLUES (working title), an adaptation of popular mobile game “Twisted Wonderland”, and even Tokyo MER (Mobile Emergency Room), a live-action medical drama done in collaboration with Japanese broadcast channel, TBS.

OTHER KEY HIGHLIGHTS

Delicacies Destiny.

Here are the other Originals highlights announced during the event, including titles produced in Indonesia, Greater China, and Australia.

- Indonesia — Susah Sinyal (or Bad Signal), a comedic drama series about a group of hotel employees managing a classy resort hotel in West Java.
- Indonesia — Tira, a new superhero series produced together with Bumilangit, a leading character-based entertainment company in Indonesia.
- Greater China — Small & Mighty, a comedic drama about self-discovery, featuring veteran actor Chen Bo-Lin, his first comeback appearance since Taiwanese drama “In Time With You”.
- Greater China — Delicacies Destiny, a Chinese period drama and food rom-com by lauded producer Yu Zheng, which follows the success of his previous endeavour, “Story of Yanxi Palace”.
- Australia — Shipwreck Hunters, the first Australian documentary for Disney+ that documents iconic shipwreck mysteries in Western Australia’s vast coastline.

The Disney+ streaming service is currently available in Singapore, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, India, Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand, with upcoming launches in South Korea, Hong Kong and Taiwan in November 2021.

more info at disneyplus.com.

all images, courtesy of disney.

Pomelo And Thai Designer Janesuda Present A Romantic Collection Of Resortwear Styles

Oct 14, 2021Oct 14, 2021

Here with another exciting collaboration, fashion retailer Pomelo has paired up with Thai designer Janesuda Parnto for an exclusive collection of dreamy sundresses, rompers and co-ords that bear the breezy silhouettes and easy-to-wear codes key to resortwear. Her pieces are crafted precisely for #PomeloGirls, or fans of the brand, and are versatile for weekends, getaways, and maybe even an upcoming overseas trip you’ve got planned.

Janesuda x Pomelo Lace Cut Out Midi Dress – Beige, $129.90

Key to the 26-piece Janesuda x Pomelo series are floral prints, lace patchworks and customised cotton eyelets created just for the collection, and therefore unique to Pomelo — these are also hallmarks of Janesuda’s original designer label, well-loved by her fellow Thais for an enchanting appeal, done with refinement and her eye for wearable, coveted designs.

When worn and felt against the skin, you can tell that these are premium materials with enough intricate details to draw the eye towards them. For the halter-neck dresses, high-waist pants, and even a matching top-and-shorts set, white lace is intentionally paired with a nude lining for a romantic illusion effect that brings their doily-like patterns. A lace trim on a midi dress reveals exquisite textures when viewed close-up, and even beaded details on a spaghetti strap.

Janesuda x Pomelo Lace Short Sleeve Top – White, $74.90 + Lace High Waist Shorts – White, $59.90 ; Sustainable Midi Dress – Beige, $114.90.

Since these were conceptualised for Pomelo girls, the garments feel ultra flattering for all body types, thanks to details such as flares, puff sleeves, and maxi and midi lengths hugging in the right places. Pomelo has also worked with Members of The Better Cotton Initiative (BCI), the world’s largest cotton sustainability program, for the sustainable cotton fabric used across this collection.

Interestingly enough, Pomelo had in mind designs catered especially to its various Southeast Asian markets, Singapore included — it’s no surprise that some white lace pieces and midi dresses are already sold out online, though we’ve heard that these OOS items can still be purchased at Pomelo stores.

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

Janesuda x Pomelo Collection, from $54.90. Available on the Pomelo app, online at POMELOFASHION.COM, and in stores.

Biker Starlet Is The Up-And-Coming Korean Bag Brand To Know

Oct 13, 2021Oct 13, 2021

Been looking for an elegant bag that still holds up to your daily lifestyle of endless errands and, might we say, constant abuse? Say no more. The chic and clean-cut styles of this Korean brand are our new obsessions, and at reasonable prices that won’t force us to kick our artisanal coffee habits too.

Whether it’s the vintage-inspired Quinn or Greta with their classic frame designs, or the up-and-coming Noelle bucket bag, Biker Starlet‘s leather bags are treasured beauties that feel precious without us having to be too precious with them. Though previously only available in South Korea, they’ve recently made their way to Singapore, and can be found at Commune Wear’s website and store.

Hailing from Seoul, the accessories brand, started by founder Jacey, started with a small line of clutch bags, before she was inspired to start her own independent designer label of mini bags, crafted by specialist artisans in Seoul.

Her keen sense of style clearly resonates with modern, independent women, as Jacey’s designs started appearing on the arms of celebrities Song Hye Kyo and Park Min Young, as well as in the Oscar-winning film, Parasite. Most recently, the brand has gained traction for appearing in Netflix k-drama Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha.

On the brand’s name, Jacey said that it’s meant “to juxtapose two of my favourite words”. “It shows different, or even clashing, sides and stories every woman has, thus creating her own unique personality and character,” she continued.

Biker Starlet — the Noelle, featured in Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha.

Biker Starlet — Quinn ; Reversible Shopper Bag + Bucket Bag.

We first got wind of the brand when we spotted these reversible totes on several fashion bloggers. Notably, the Reversible Shopper Bag is a versatile creation that lets you switch between two complementary colour tones, with double zipper sliders on each side that do the work while still having your accessory stay sleek. This unique function is also available in a bucket bag style.

Recently though, we’ve been most enamoured by Biker Starlet’s more charming, casual designs. Of these, the Noelle — a bucket bag with a flap closing and subtle matte gold hardware — comes to mind. Its wide base ensures that you’ll be able to pack way more than it looks.

What they’ve done quite impressively are also vintage styles, imbued with modern sensibilities. The Doctor’s Bag takes after classic doctor’s bags of the past, though the sturdy style is now updated with a minimalist shape and functional pockets for your essentials.

Two classic frame bags include Greta, inspired by an American mid-century aesthetic you’d have seen on style icon Grace Kelly; as well as Quinn, a shoulder bag that juxtaposes the hardware frame with its softer baguette shape. Both these can be styled up for a romantic date night, or complemented with jeans and sneakers, in case you’re just heading out for, as mentioned, endless errand runs.

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

Biker Starlet, available at Commune Wear at Cluny Court, #02-16, and ONLINE.

Baybeats Returns With 4 Days of Music Featuring Local Acts Electrico, Keyana, and BGourd

Oct 13, 2021Oct 13, 2021

Since the festival’s inception 20 years ago, Baybeats has constantly been seeking fresh ways to showcase alternative and indie music, and though the pandemic has made it a little challenging to plan, the annual festival is slated to happen this year from 4 to 7 November 2021.
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To celebrate their milestone (20th anniversary!) this year, Baybeats will span across four days, as compared to the typical three days, in a hybrid format with a line-up of musicians that are set to perform live to audiences at Esplanade venues, as well as via livestream for audiences at home.

Admission is free by registration, which you can sign up for via a link that will be released in mid-Oct.

Here’s a closer look at the Baybeats 2021 line-up.

THE ESPLANADE THEATRE STAGE

Electrico. (Image courtesy of Martin Yeoh & Don Yeo)

The Esplanade Theatre stage will be home to some of the most iconic local bands who have performed in past editions. Audiences at the theatre will get to witness bands such as the loud and thumping Amateur Takes Control, the ever eclectic Tiramisu, pop-rock gods Electrico, dream-pop quintet Pleasantry, hardcore legends Caracal, and lion city ska punkers The Full Pledge Munkees, live and via livestream!

THE ESPLANADE ANNEXE STUDIO

Keyana (in collaboration with Secret Signals), and sl_owtalk (in collaboration with Atmos).

In an effort to breathe life back to the vibrant underground music scene that has suffered due to the pandemic, the Esplanade Annexe Studio will be transformed into a collaborative space for indie organisers, labels, and presenters to kickstart a new phase of engagement with the local music community.

This year’s festival will feature collaborations with four partners — Atmos, Big Duck, Middle Class Cigars, and Secret Signals — who will each bring their distinctive style to the presentations at Baybeats 2021. The performance line-up includes Don Aaron, Keyana, Kribo Brothers, sl_owtalk, and Sobs.

ON LIVESTREAM

Just like with the previous editions, Baybeats 2021 will continue to cast a spotlight on younger bands who are making a name for themselves in the music scene. The line-up includes the groovy Astronauts, alternative-rock band Cadence, post-metal outfit Summations, and hip hop’s new poster boy BGourd. All these performances will be broadcast via livestream alongside the latest batch of Budding Bands fresh from the Baybeats Budding programmes.
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To commemorate this special year, Baybeats will also be releasing a four-part episodic series titled Add to Playlist for view on Esplanade Offstage, which takes a deep dive into the scene and festival, exploring themes relevant to alternative music including subcultures, inclusivity, nostalgia, and finding a voice.

BAYBEATS 2021 SCHEDULE

For more information on Baybeats 2021, click here.

All images courtesy of Esplanade Singapore.

The New YSL Beauty E-Boutique Is Launching This Week

Oct 13, 2021Oct 13, 2021

Whether it’s the coveted Le Encre de Peau cushion or the undeniably fashionable The Slim lipsticks, all things sleek and chic from YSL Beauty will be even more tempting come Friday, 15 October — with the launch of their E-Boutique. The exciting announcement means that you can now explore new arrivals, or stock up on your go-to makeup and skincare products, as well as fragrances, from the comfort of your own home.

Of course, there are some online exclusives you can look out for, including a Virtual Try-On Service that allows you to test how lipsticks and makeup look on your face before committing to a purchase. Exclusive member rewards and privileges await too when you sign to be a Dare & Love member.

YSL BEAUTY E-BOUTIQUE PERKS

- 10% off your first order: Sign up and log in to enjoy 10% off your first online transaction with promo code “WELCOME10”.
- Complimentary shipping: Enjoy complimentary shipping on orders above SGD100 and receive your order within 3-5 working days.
- Complimentary 3-pc sampling kit: Receive a complimentary 3-pc sampling kit with every order. *While stocks last.

The launch of the E-Boutique also happens to coincide with YSL Beauty’s latest lipstick drop. The stylish square-cut design of The Slim now sees a Velvet Radical edition, of 11 matte shades that feel and look like velvet on the lips. One for vivid colour, the formula is still soft and comfortable for all-day wear with that edgy touch of sophistication.

Ahead, the other cult-favourite items we’d absolutely shop at the E-Boutique, including the Pure Shots Night Reboot Serum —

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The YSL Beauty E-Boutique, at yslbeauty.com.sg, available from 15 October 2021.

The CHANEL LES BEIGES Foundation — Tried And Tested By 4 Models On Their Off-Duty Days

Oct 12, 2021Nov 11, 2021

We always talk about the model off-duty look, but what does that really mean? From Gigi Hadid to Kendall Jenner and Emily Ratajkowski, they’re known for their casual style when off the runways, so something as simple as skinny jeans and a white t-shirt is an instant classic. The most aspirational part though — which explains why we’re so taken by the trend — is exuding that effortless “just woke up like that” charm, which is something that this CHANEL foundation does very well too.

Take it from us, CHANEL’s LES BEIGES Healthy Glow Foundation is one of our go-tos for a natural, fresh, and weightless finish — and to truly put it to the test, we invited 4 models from Basic Models to share their first-hand experience of the product.

First, more on the liquid foundation. Cushions are a popular and convenient option these days, but liquid formulas have never let us down, especially when it comes to a seamless and natural finish that adheres to the skin for all-day wear. The CHANEL LES BEIGES foundation is one that glides on like silk, and feels so lightweight you can barely sense it’s on — at the same time, light-reflecting powders and pigments give the appearance of smoother, evened-out skin, all with a radiant glow that looks like you spent some healthy time in the sun. In other words: effortless.

There are 25 shades in total as well, which cater to fair, light, medium light and medium skin tones, as well as your undertones, for a foundation shade that closely matches your complexion.

To find your shade, start by referring to the digits of the shade numbers for your skin tone (B20 / B40), followed by the letters, which indicate either a natural Beige (B) undertone, warm Beige Doré (BD), or rosy Beige Rosé (BR). Most beauty advisors also recommend picking three shades closest to your skin tone, then swatching them down the side of the face to blend; the one that seems to disappear into your skin is your ideal shade.

Read on to hear what our four models have to say about the foundation — and how they managed to nail true off-duty model looks.

Diamerlyn Lee (@diamerlyn)

IN SHADE b10.

“This is my first time testing out anything from the CHANEL Les Beiges collection, and so far I’m loving the Les Beiges Healthy Glow Foundation!

The texture of the foundation is really lightweight. Although the coverage is light, it evens out my skin tone and gives it a filter-like effect. I love my freckles! It adds personality to my face. So I love that this foundation allows me to flaunt them while still correcting my uneven skin tone around my eyes and nose. It is basically my skin but better!”

“This foundation gives off a soft, glowy finish. It was a little oily to the touch when I first applied it, but eventually settled nicely onto my skin. Whenever I was feeling a little oily throughout the day, I tapped my face down with a tissue. To my surprise, there was very little transfer! I also found that even after some light powdering, the glow still shines through.

Overall, this foundation is perfect for days when I just want to look fresh and effortless, as opposed to wearing a full-coverage foundation that might end up looking cakey in our tropical climate. This will definitely be my new go-to lightweight foundation!”

Melanie Jane Fernandez (@melaniejanefernandez)

IN SHADE bd71.

“The foundation is really lightweight and feels just like skin. This is great because I really don’t like the feeling of having heavy makeup. It’s ideal for everyday use! The consistency is more to the watery side, and I would say it’s of a light coverage that can definitely be built up to medium coverage.”

“I always apply sunscreen before my foundation. Most foundations don’t sit well over sunscreen as they tend to flake and change to a more dull greyish tone — however, the CHANEL Les Beiges foundation was especially great here because the sunscreen doesn’t affect the application at all!”

Dominique Schleider (@dominique.schleider)

IN SHADE B30.

“The CHANEL Les Beiges foundation certainly lived up to the description of “healthy glow”. As soon as I put it on, the subtle shimmer brightened up my complexion and made me look more awake and more alive. Shade B30 blended with my skin effortlessly— something very hard to come by with foundations. In fact, it did so well at evening out everything, from redness to dark circles, that it saved me precious minutes while getting ready by letting me skip color correction and concealer.”

“Though it was quick to put on, it lasted a long time; when I went to take it off at night, it looked as good as when I left in the morning. On top of looks, it felt great. Refreshing. Cool. Light. Its texture, and the way it made my skin smooth, made it feel more like a skincare product rather than makeup. I wanted to lay it on thick because of how nice it was, yet I refrained because it is certainly worth treasuring every drop.”

Lidiya Pervak (@lidiya.pervak)

in shade B20.

“This foundation blends seamlessly into my skin, leaving a glowing, skin-like finish. I love how light it feels, as if I’m not wearing anything at all! It wears super well throughout the day, with minimal transfer onto my mask. A great product for someone who wants a medium coverage foundation that doesn’t cake your skin.”

CHANEL LES BEIGES Healthy Glow Foundation, $90. In 25 shades, available at CHANEL Beauty & Fragrance boutiques, and online at sg-eshop.chanel.com.

The Swatch 1984 Reloaded Watches Feature Old-School Styles, Now Made With Sustainable BIOCERAMIC

Oct 12, 2021Oct 12, 2021

What do Prince’s Purple Rain, Madonna’s Like A Virgin, and Cyndi Lauper’s Time After Time have in common? These timeless hits all bear the distinction of being top of the music charts in the year 1984, and what do you know, still carry much significance today. Since we’re charting history here, that standout year also happens to be the moment when Swatch entered the Guinness Book of Records, with the construction of a giant watch strapped across their HQ building in Frankfurt — which is why they’re marking this milestone year with a modern-day 1984 Reloaded Collection.

Swatch enters the Guinness Book of Records in 1984, with the construction of a giant watch strapped across the HQ in Frankfurt.

The brand updates classic, archival designs — which already feature plenty of old-school charm — now with responsible materials. The collection of five watches all feature the use of BIOCERAMIC, a proprietary mix of ceramic and bio-sourced plastic derived from castor oil, for a lightweight material that’s durable, strong, and able to withstand everyday wear. As a bonus, the straps and loops also feel soft and powdery when gracing your arm.

If we’re talking details, there’s plenty to observe here. The New Gent and Gent watches feature energetic pops of yellow, red and black, not unlike MJ’s chart-topping hit Thriller, with graphic designs on the dial. You might recognise certain iconic motifs from the worlds of race cars and scuba diving, on a speedometer-like dial and glow-in-the-dark watch hands for instance, or be enticed by the industrial Memphis design movement, a popular aesthetic choice of the 80s that’s seen in the white and grey watch designs.

The Swatch 1984 Reloaded Collection, available at Swatch stores and online at swatch.com.

The Mr. Men & Little Miss Collaborations We’re Loving Right Now — Including Sandro And Casetify

Oct 12, 2021Oct 12, 2021

Y2K fashion is back in vogue now, and for a sweet nostalgic blast to the past, even top fashion brands are inspired by our childhood reading material — the quirky characters of the Mr. Men & Little Miss franchise.

Here to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the illustrated series, Parisian creative studio Sandro has given us the most comprehensive capsule collection yet, of t-shirts, sweatshirts, and bucket hats, of course, that capture the playful nature of Mr. Happy, Little Miss Sunshine, and their friends.

SANDRO — PRINTED T-SHIRT WITH EMBROIDERY.

Printed tees feature original interpretations of the characters, where we see Little Miss Fabulous on a postcard from Paris, for instance, while plenty of the apparel and accessories take on embroidery patches for a subtle flair. Even if you don’t feel especially buoyant, rest assured, Mr. Messy and Little Miss Bad are still part of the crew — and available this month at Sandro boutiques.

SANDRO — WOOL AND CASHMERE SWEATER ; PRINTED COTTON T-SHIRT.

For an extension of the happy crew, trendy tech accessories brand Casetify has also dreamt up a series of phone and earbuds cases that pay tribute to the classic characters. Their designs look like they could be part of our old-school sticker collection, while you’ll be able to add custom text to the cases to truly make it your own. Elsewhere, we even spotted kids collaborations with Cath Kidston and Marks & Spencer, as well as a grown-up hoodie from Italian streetwear label GCDS.

CASETIFY — MR. MEN & LITTLE MISS COLLECTION.

See the rest of the Mr. Men & Little Miss items here —

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The New PANDORA ME Collection Is The Jewellery Brand’s Most Versatile Series Ever

Oct 11, 2021Oct 11, 2021

Gone are the days when Pandora bracelets were simply associated with whimsical and romantic charms, the perfect anniversary gifts. Don’t get us wrong, the crystal pavé and intricate openwork detail on their exquisite charms are still a core part of the brand — just, the cool-kid charm and limitless styling options presented to us in the latest Pandora ME collection happens to be that much more appealing to us.

With a nod towards the individuality and creativity of Gen Z style mavens, it’s time to rethink classic Pandora. Present in the Pandora ME collection is a whole host of refreshed carriers, basically the ways we can wear our charms, this time with bracelets made up of link chains. These are sleek and stylish with an edgy aesthetic, and does away with Pandora’s usual ball clasp for a street-style carabiner clasp.

On top of sterling silver and 14k rose gold-plated styles, the jewellery brand is also introducing two new base styles — the first, a ruthenium-plated style that’s in a darker unisex tone, and second, a mixed-styled bracelet paired with freshwater pearls.

above: Pandora ME Link Chain Bracelet with Large Link Chains, in Sterling Silver ($149) ; 14k Rose Gold-Plated ($329) ; Ruthenium-Plated ($179) ; Freshwater Cultured Pearls ($279).

Top Row: pandora me Light Me Up Medallion ($89) ; Double Link in Electric Blue ($49) ; Peace Word Link ($89) ; Double Links in Matte Black ($49) ; The Eye Medallion ($69) ; dream Word Link ($89).

You’re also free to change it up with a range of styling accents — and here’s where it gets fun. It’s not just charms that we get to play around with, though oversized medallions still make a fun appearance alongside mini dangles of smileys and a fire icon inspired by emojis.

Add contrast to your jewellery by playing on texture — matte links for subtlety or pavé for bling — or opting for vivid colours including purple, electric blue and black. There are even Styling Word Links as well, where you can pick a statement piece that resonates most with your beliefs. Round connectors make a subtle but elevated difference to the more angular links, and allow you to stack even more medallions and mini dangles, depending on your mood.

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Elsewhere, we’re getting a range of other carrier styles, notably Link Chain Necklaces, Hoop Link and Link Earrings, and a Styling Ring Connector. Similar to the bracelets, you get to play around with all manner of charms, links, and other add-ons, which you can connect or disconnect for various shapes and lengths. In particular, the Ring Connector allows the Pandora ME rings to be stacked and paired with other accents — here, we suggest adding one of those mini dangle charms for a trendy twist.

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PANDORA ME collection, prices from $29. available at all Pandora stores and online at sg.pandora.net.

Pick Up The Unique Art of Weaving From The Mothers Of YWCA’s Empowering Mums Programme

Oct 11, 2021Oct 14, 2021

With the ever-changing COVID landscape here in Singapore, most of us have gotten accustomed to searching for new weekend activities to engage in, so as to fill our itch for travel and large in-person events like bazaars and festivals. Instead of heading for another common workshop activity like cooking or painting, why not try your hand at the unique art of weaving?
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The YWCA Weaving Workshop is unlike any other workshop as it blends a unique craft experience with the YWCA Empowering Mums Project — a great community service for mothers from low-income families that help to equip them with life and work skills in order to improve their overall employability.

In collaboration with Lee Foundation and UPS, the YWCA Weaving Programme, an extension to the project, was set up to provide beneficiary mothers with an alternative source of flexible income.
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In this programme, the mothers are first trained in the unique art of freeform weaving where they will pick up the skills and knowledge behind the art that they will impart onto others as they conduct the workshops. To date, the YWCA Weaving Programme has helped 9 women from disadvantaged backgrounds find flexible employment opportunities in a safe and welcoming environment.

What can I expect to pick up from the weaving workshop?

The weaving workshops offer a quiet space for you to pick up this unique craft which features freestyle hand-weaving on a SAORI loom that provides a way for you to create your own style, free from the traditional concept and rules of weaving. This allows for irregularities and variations of weaving by hand to add a special quality to each piece that is created.

You are welcome to experiment freely in this therapeutic craft with different kinds of yarns, textures, colours, and designs, regardless of age, gender, disability or intellectual aptitude.

How do I sign up for the weaving workshop?

Each session is $120 per person and it is inclusive of all the materials required. To sign up, you can email ywcaent@ywca.org.sg or debralow@ywca.org.sg, or call 6223 1227. For more updates on YWCA’s weaving workshop, click here.

Will there be any other workshops available?

Yes, there are plans to restart the YWCA Noms, a cooking workshop, in November. This programme engages mums from low-income families to conduct cooking workshops, from planning the menu to preparing the ingredients and facilitating the workshops.

All images courtesy of YWCA Singapore.

The Melissa x BT21 Collection Is Almost Here, With Beach Slides, Sneakers And A Mini Bag

Oct 11, 2021Oct 11, 2021

The cute, comfy jelly shoes we know Melissa for are about to get even more adorable. In a new collaboration, this time with the worldwide-popular BT21 characters that are created together with k-pop group BTS, we get five new Melissa x BT21 products that can be customised with the fan-favourite characters.

So for those who’ve always wanted to have a little piece of RJ, Chimmy, Koya, Shooky, Mang, Tata and Cooky on you all the time, now you can, with shoes, slide sandals and bags dedicated to the formidable line-up. The collection officially drops at Melissa stores on 15 October — but you may pre-order your wear ahead of the launch here!

As you may have noticed, slide sandals are always popular this side of the world, so you’ll want to bare your toes in style here. Three of the Melissa Beach Slides — in blue, pink, and black — sport faithful appliques of the star characters across the wide strap, while the cushioned sole is embossed with all of them, including 8th character Van. A fourth slide style sees a colourful all-over print of the BT21 LINE Friends on the strap.

Lace-up sneakers can be found in the collection as well, in Melissa’s Classic Sneaker style, made with their signature MELFLEX™ PVC material. The three colour options here include either contrast shades of blue with a black sole, or white with a pop of pink at its base, and alternatively, a translucent grey with a skeleton sole. What’s fun is that you can pop on BT21-style shoe accessories on the laces — these are sold separately as a set, which is worth purchasing for that customisable factor. The applique set may also be used on the Melissa Keyring, which helps keeps your keys organised.

Beyond the shoes, there’s also the Melissa Call Me + BT21 mini bag, a waterproof number ideal for beach, festivals, and wherever you’re heading to on the go. The functional style is embossed with the BT21 characters on the outside, and features a velcro closure for easy access to your mobile phone and other daily essentials.

See the full collection here —