malaysia may 2018
Jc Chee THE innovaTion iSSUE
Contents
20
54
34
14 Buzz World
Breaking through the noise to deliver the full scoop on the latest fashion adventures 16 Summer Cool
33 THe mIllIoN-dollAr duo
If you like haute horlogerie and haute couture, this exclusive combination might be what you have been looking for
17 PlAY IT ForWArd
34 HIddeN FIGureS
Blackout watches reveal fantastic beasts
18 PurPle PATCH
Features
20 role PlAY
There is a dress code for every red carpet, but that is not so much a restriction as a chance for sartorial creativity
Saint Laurent adapted patches to document the Maison’s 57 years of storied heritage Reinterpreting masculine roles in iconic films with the trendiest Spring/Summer’18 looks 26 STeAl THe looK
Designers look to old cinema for inspiration and also create outfits for new Hollywood
Outfit by Coach 1941
The new Omega Seamaster Railmaster nods to the past while embracing modern technological advancement
camel active dives into the past to present you with the future of fashion Hermès follows its annual theme, “Play”, like second nature
Photography Chintoo Styling Jeffrey Yan Artiste Jc Chee
32 From STreNGTH To STreNGTH
Time
30 TIme To GeT CrAzY
We spoke to Franck Muller COO Nicholas Rudaz about Crazy Hours as well as brand philosophy
42 roll IT ouT
44 CrACKING THe Code
Get the lowdown on cryptocurrencies in our interviews with those in the know in both Singapore and Malaysia 54 more To Come
Through the diverse roles he plays, JC Chee is showing the world his versatility as an actor and the art that comes with it
Photography Chintoo, Mun Kong & Ching
Trending
Contents
Fashion
64 TAG, You’re IT
This season’s prints and voluminous silhouettes show fashion means serious (funny) business 78 reQuIem For A dAYdreAm
A summer reverie composed of electric, bright colours 92 BACK THe FIeld
Win the fashion race with stylish layering
Grooming
104 A SCeNT For Pure SuCCeSS
John Varvatos’s latest olfactory sensation, the Artisan Pure, is a treat for modern gents 105 everYdAY HYdrATor
Complete your grooming arsenal with a decent moisturiser 106 KeeP Your HAIr (GAme) oN
64
How one wears his hair communicates a multitude of messages, so be sure to send out the right ones 108 BArrY BIG HAIr
92
On the 50th anniversary of sci-fi space film Barbarella, we pay homage with male versions of the gravity-defying bouffant
Lifestyle
114 oFF THe GrId
A short getaway to a private island fit for Hollywood royalty is the perfect salve for tired urban souls The BMW X5 xDrive40e flows like the electric current that powers its hybrid engines 120 reBel WITH A CAuSe
Sim Chi Yin is Nobel Peace Prize Photographer 2017 124 BeYoNd THe STreeTS
The ArtScience Museum charts 40 years of street art
108
Scene
128 Movers and shakers spotlighted at
recent social highlights
Photography Wee Khim, Ryan Simo & Mun Kong
118 eleCTrIC dreAm
mensfoliomalaysia
www.mens-folio.com.my
Editorial (Malaysia)
Group Managing Editor
John Ng
Associate Editor Anis Taufik
Contributing Fashion Director
Jeffrey Yan
Writer
Nawaf Rahman
Editorial (Singapore)
Editor/Fashion Director
Wilson Lim
Contributing Editor
Joshua Yap
Features & Watch Editor
Advertising
VP, Sales & Marketing Aileen Soh
Senior Sales & Marketing Director Fabian Kong
Sales & Marketing Director Christina Loh
Senior Administrator Helen Tang
Marketing
Group Events Director Russell Chew
Finance
Chief Finance Officer Ellin Zhao
Yong Wei Jian
Management
Fashion Stylist & Writer
Olivier Burlot
Belda Chung
Art
Senior Art Director
Chong Meng Chee
Associate Art Director Jeremy Ang
Designer
Azraei Rahim
Digital
Digital Editor
Calvin Chong
Digital Writer
Yan Joon Wing
@mensfoliomy
CEO/Publisher Associate Publisher Kelvin Tan
Executive Directors
Mohd Khalid Ibrahim Julian Peh Gael Burlot
Contributors
Benedict Choo, Ching, Christvian Goh, Cody Chua, Jacqueline Chang, Jeff Chang, Junz Loke, Liren Ho, Marcus Wong, Melissa Yeo, Mun Kong, Rachel Ong, Rick Yang, Roger Valberg, Ryan Simo, Sean Ang, Sha Shamsi, Shawn Paul Tan, Stefano Guerrini, Tiziana Porrazzo, Wee Khim, Zhong Lin
MEN’S FOLIO MALAYSIA is a publication of HEART MEDIA SDN BHD C10 2nd Floor Mail Box 334, Fahrenheit 88 179 Jalan Bukit Bintang, 55100 Kuala Lumpur Malaysia Tel (603) 2148 9923 info@heart-media.com www.heart-media.com
Singapore Edition
HEART MEDIA GROUP 178 Clemenceau Ave, 3F Haw Par Glass Tower Singapore 239926 Tel (65) 6733 9931 Fax (65) 6733 5661
PP 12785/03/2013 (032018) &ISSN 1675-4980. Printed by Times Offset (M) Sdn Bhd. Bangunan Times Publishing, Lot 46, Subang Hi-tech Industrial Park, Batu Tiga, 40000 Shah Alam, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia All rights reserved. No part of MEN’S FOLIO may be reproduced in any form or by any means without prior written consent from Heart Media Group
Men’s folio is available in the following airline airport lounges:
MEN’S FOLIO can be found in the following hotels: W Hotel, St. Regis, Four Seasons Hotel, The Westin Singapore, Shangri-La, Grand Hyatt, Grand Park Hotels, Naumi and Studio M
A member of:
CONTACT: ++603-9074 7418/9074 3873 nicemach@gmail.com
GENTING SKY AVENUE | ONE UTAMA | SUNWAY PYRAMID | THE GARDENS MALL PAVILION KL | BANGSAR VILLAGE II | GURNEY PLAZA | SURIA SABAH
Editor’s Note
W
elcome to The Innovation Issue, where we celebrate the marriage of outstanding creativity and originality in all fields. Like any good publication, we’ve been hard at work coming up with a menu of inspirations to wow our readers. This month, the theme has enabled us to bring attention to the sharpest minds, as well as their crafts, not only in fashion, grooming and tech stuff, but also in cryptocurrency – which has seen a surge of interest while continuing to gain drastic momentum. With the intellectual tongue placed firmly in the virtual cheek, and Men’s Folio spoke with the crypto experts to find out what they’ve got to say about the digital currency world as a medium of exchange in Cracking The Code (p044). Our cover guy JC Chee blew us away with his versatility during the cover shoot. If we had to sum up his unwavering popularity in the merciless entertainment industry in two words, it would be: grit and resilience. “You must be able to withstand pressure. You must be able to accept any challenge. When you fall, you have to get up and keep moving forward,” he said. Since we last chatted with the actor who scored his career goal playing Datuk Soh Shin Aun (aka Tauke) in the 2016 box office hit Ola Bola, JC Chee has taken on varied roles in both local and overseas productions. Read his story on p054. Aside from getting inspired by the unorthodox spreads – Hidden Figures (p034), Tag, You’re IT (p064) and Requiem For A Daydream (p092) – you will want to make sure that you keep yourself abreast with the latest toys out there in Toys For Boys (p114), as well as happenings in the art scene in Rebel With A Cause (p120) and Beyond The Streets (p124). Enjoy the issue!
John Ng Group Managing Editor
008
Photography Mun Kong
TRENDING Chronicling the latest exploits and feats in the world of fashion and luxury
Editor’s Pick
GamE on
Step up – and out of the crowd with our favourites of the month
Dior HommE atELiEr PortfoLio caSE
With one inside zipped pocket, three inside flat pockets and five card slots, you can be certain you will be able to fit all your essentials in this case. Made with black grained calfskin with “Christian Dior Atelier 3, rue de Marignan” print and heat embossed “Dior” logo on the inside inject in it a subtle sense of refinement.
Gucci automatic Gmt 40mm
Displaying a remarkable level of attention-to-detail, this is one of two variants that comes with a GMT function. We love the mix of steel case, silvercolored guilloché dial, and striking emerald-green alligator cuff – and of course – the mesmerizing snake-shaped second time zone hour hand.
tiffany & co. PaLoma’S GroovE rinG
Inspired by Paloma Picasso’s wedding band the internationally renowned jewellery designer and fashion icon designed for her husband, this 18-carat gold ring features eight bold grooves. There’s no denying its dominant, powerful and masculine expression, albeit the intimate point of view.
montBLanc LEGEnD niGHt fraGrancE
Saint LaurEnt noE BackPack
This khaki washed gabardine backpack is as relaxed as it is practical. Boasting a front-flap closure, buckle fastenings and drawstring top, it opens up to a main internal compartment with a zipped pocket, as well as featuring a front-flap pocket, side pockets, and a top grip for easy handling.
010
Bringing out the elegance in you, the woody Eau de Parfum opens with refreshing top notes of clary sage, peppermint cardamom and bergamot, which are followed by warm middle notes of apple, fir, cedar, lavender and violet before the harmonising notes of vetiver, black vanilla, akigalawood and musk round off the olfactory experience.
Memo
One of Christopher Bailey’s final designs for Burberry, the new Belt Bag is a classic made for the gents’ wardrobe.
10 timepieces we loved from Baselworld 2018
From Rolex to Tudor and Patek Phillipe, our editor John rounds up 10 masterpieces that made an appearance at Baselworld 2018.
IWC Schaffhausen celebrates 150th anniversary with an exhibition in Singapore
Paying homage to its 150th birthday, the Swiss watch manufacturer IWC Schaffhausen is organising a retrospective exhibition at ION Orchard, Singapore.
For the full scoop and more, find us on our digital channels! mensfoliomalaysia
www.mens-folio.com.my
@mensfoliomy
Mens-folio.coM.My
Why is the Burberry Belt Bag the new must-have for gents everywhere?
011
Trending
Summer Cool
camel active dives into the past to present you with the future of fashion. by Anis Taufik
016
L
et’s temporarily suspend everything you already know (or think you know) about fashion, and weigh the following philosophical question in mind: if fashion were a living organism, how would the environment and the passage of time affect it? Perhaps in an attempt to answer this “what if ”, camel active turned to Vietnam as a source of inspiration for its Spring/Summer 2018 collection. Themed “Memories of Tomorrow”, the collection offers us a platform in the present to review the past while attempting to forecast the future with the aid of an exciting new menswear range. The campaign saw the activewear brand soaking up Hanoi’s French and Vietnamese heritage while sampling hawker food from Old Quarter Street before making the ultimate 294km journey to the mountains of Sapa.
camel active may have found its muse in the resort staples of the 1950s, but the modern gentleman reviewing the SS’18 look book will be delighted to find examples of modern flourishes like indigo finishes, acid-wash checks and even slub yarn shirts. You can also expect urban tees with floral prints, sunset stripes and camouflage, as well as basic polos and acid-wash Henley shirts available in a wide spectrum of colours. Taking into consideration the warmer months and the increase of outdoor activities, camel active also offers sporty new chinos with jogging elements, bermudas and detachable cargo pants. The foreseeable future of summer looks casual, easy and breezy, and we’ve got no complaints about that. camelactive.de
Trending
Play it Forward
Hermès’s annual theme is “Play” and its interpretation for the year follows like second nature. After all, founded on equestrian sport, Hermès’s first playmate was the horse. Pierre-Alexis Dumas, the Maison’s artistic director, posits, “Doesn’t play itself form the outline of utopia?” It is no wonder that we often find ourselves enthralled by its luxurious fantasies. by Wilson Lim
F
or Spring/Summer’18, accessories are heavily inspired by ball games – a backpack is dressed in white boundary lines of basketball courts while the classic Bolide bag is decorated with leather laces like the stitching on a baseball. Shoes are splashed with bright colours adding zest to comfort and style. The homeware collection also sees new game additions – an Hermès interpretation of Ludo called “little horses game” made in luxurious maple and a foosball table with the players carved into the shape of jockeys as a nod to the house’s equestrian roots. The fun never ends with Hermès.
hermes.com
017
Trending Details
PurPle Patch
For Spring/Summer’18, Saint Laurent adapted patches across its ready-to-wear and bag collections, documenting the Maison’s 57 years of storied heritage in circles. by Wilson Lim
rue de l’université / Paris 7
Headquarters and design studio of Saint Laurent in Paris, France.
“love Me Forever”
Phrase used in a 1970 signature patchwork wedding coat with “or never” written on the back; also reissued in the 2002 couture show.
018
1971
The landmark year that Monsieur Saint Laurent shook the entire fashion industry by showing silhouettes inspired by occupied France in the early 1940s. Featuring provocative wedge sandals, turban, and poppy flower details, the collection was dubbed scandalous with its perceived political tones.
old Bond street
Address of the emblematic Rive Gauche boutique in London, also where Yves Saint Laurent together with his muses, Loulou de la Falaise and Betty Catroux, donned the signature Saharienne and famously posed for photographs.
eyewear
Trademark accessory that Monsieur Saint Laurent was never seen without, even when photographed naked as seen in the famous Saint Laurent men’s fragrance campaign, “Pour Homme” by Jeanloup Sieff in 1971.
019
Trending Focus
Role Play
Reinterpreting popular masculine roles in iconic Hollywood films with the trendiest Spring/Summer’18 runway looks. Photography Mun Kong Styling Belda Chung Grooming Rick Yang / FAC3INC using Urban Decay and Keune Models Fabian G & Alex Y / Mannequin, Anthony H / Ave
Mr Kooky Dior Homme Wool jacket, wool pants; Hermès Nylon jacket; Gucci Acetate sunglasses
020
Mr Immortal alexander McQueen Polyester jacket, silk shirt, cotton pants
021
Mr Crook Dolce & Gabbana Silk jacket, metal sunglasses, metal necklace; RRl Satin shirt from Mr Porter; Givenchy Bronze rings
022
Trending Focus
Mr Teen America Balenciaga Nylon jacket, cotton and vinyl shirt, denim jeans, canvas trainers
023
Trending Focus
Mr Rodeo Coach 1941 Nylon jacket, leather pants; Bottega Veneta Silk shirt; Gucci Leather belt from Mr Porter; Gucci Leather boots
024
Mr Ruffian Saint laurent Leather jacket; leather bracelet, beaded bracelet; Diesel Cotton shirt, denim jeans; Coach 1941 Leather sneakers; Gucci Sterling silver bull’s head necklace; Dolce & Gabbana beaded bracelet
025
Trending Details
Steal the look
eMBrace the faShion of anti-hero perSona, Steve McQueen
The mutual attraction between fashion and cinema has been integral to narrative building; designers look to old cinema for inspiration and also create contemporary outfits for new Hollywood. Cinema, like fashion, never dies. by Belda Chung
If you thought pop culture’s ex-power couple Justin Timberlake and Britney Spears revolutionised the denim-on-denim coordinates back in 2001, you thought wrong. In fact, the king of cool (both onscreen and offscreen) Steve McQueen, championed the double denim get-up in the 1960s, which remains timeless in any sartorial man’s style books. Take it from Bottega Veneta, who accessorised the look with a navy woven belt and white studded leather loafers. Balenciaga
Bottega Veneta
Old Hollywood gene kelly, SinGin’ in The rain, 1952
DSquared2
Marlon Brando, The Wild One, 1953
Suave and dapper Marlon Brando was a cultural style icon of the 1950s. In his role as Johnny Stabler in The Wild One, the anarchist wore a leather jacket crafted by Schott NYC, paving the way for punk and youth subcultures. Since then, the rebellious rider jacket has evolved and adopted versatile styles such as the one seen on Dsquared 2’s Spring/Summer’18 runway, a tropical-meets-badboy aesthetic featuring clashing Hawaiian and leopard prints.
026
Don Lockwood (played by Gene Kelly) might have made singing and dancing in the rain seem socially acceptable and gratifying (glorified as one of Hollywood’s most memorable dance numbers), but what stood out was his puddle-friendly tapdancing shoes that bore a resemblance to Dior Homme’s brown leather lace-ups. In the movie, Kelly paired it with a classic grey woollen suit, blue shirt, and black tie.
Significance of the colour orange in The GOdfaTher, 1972
There is an ongoing debate about the use of oranges as a symbol of death in The Godfather. According to Time magazine, author Harlan Lebo clarified that “oranges were simply carefully chosen to complement otherwise soberly dressed sets”. At Balenciaga, Demna Gvasalia adopted the vibrant hue on a hoodie to depict optimism, with a slogan that read: “The Power of Dreams”. Seems like orange is, indeed, the new black.
Dolce & Gabbana
channel elio’S italian SuMMer Style in Call me By yOur name, 2017
In the award-winning coming-of-age film, Call Me By Your Name, the curation of wardrobe was paramount in carving out the inspiring 1980s narrative. Timothée Chalamet, who plays young protagonist Elio, was filmed in myriad printed swim shorts, characterising the perfect summer holiday wardrobe – a massive Spring/Summer’18 trend as seen in Ermenegildo Zegna’s sporty beachwear line.
leonardo dicaprio’S eyewear in CaTCh me if yOu Can, 2002
Everybody needs a trusty pair of shades to get through the darkest of days (literally and figuratively). Leonardo DiCaprio, as Frank Abagnale Jr. in the biopic masterpiece, exuded a classic and cool off-duty style as he took a spin down the boulevards of Hollywood in a pair of square-framed tortoise shell sunglasses. Who says micro frames are the only coolest eyewear in town? An Oliver Peoples’s vintage-inspired acetate piece that pairs well with a blue tailored Oxford shirt as well as a 1964 Chevrolet Chevelle Malibu Sport Coupe will get heads turning.
Modern Cinema
chadwick BoSeMan in BlaCk PanTher, 2018
In an underground casino scene, Boseman, who plays Black Panther, channelled utmost sophistication with a bespoke embellished suit, which sparked the discussion of African fashion that is often culturally appropriated to reflect a mix of traditional textile tailoring and contemporary silhouettes. This brings to mind Dolce & Gabbana with its Italian savoir-faire and dazzling tuxedos.
ryan goSling’S iconic Silk Jacket in drive, 2011
One cannot deny Ryan Gosling’s charm with his effortless style and undeniable good looks. In the crime thriller, Drive, Gosling showcased himself as a true style maven with his iconic scorpion-motif varsity jacket. The Japanese-inspired “tourist jacket” has been popular since Spring’16, and continues to make its mark in Spring/Summer’18. Coach’s collaboration with the Keith Haring Foundation yielded similar styles, embroidered with the late artist’s cartoon drawings and tailored nicely at the waist, making them perfect additions to monochromatic outfits.
027
Photo Bulgari
TIME
Discovering the intricate art and craft of timekeeping
Time Interview
TIME TO GET CRAZY
Franck Muller pulled out all stops to throw a soiree that was laden with fun and wonderful memories for the Crazy Hours 15th anniversary. Here, we spoke to Franck Muller COO Nicholas Rudaz about the collection as well as brand philosophy. by John Ng
030
recognisable as they stand out from the rest. This is what our clients are looking for. We were the first to do the double-axis tourbillon, the tripleaxis tourbillon, the world’s largest tourbillon and the world’s fastest tourbillon. Our numerals are unique in the industry and we also produce one of the world’s most complicated wristwatches, the Aeternitas Mega 4. We also have the Crazy Hours watch, which has its numbers scattered in an unusual way on the dial, for which we recently celebrated its 15th anniversary in Singapore and Kuala Lumpur. The Crazy Hours is absolutely unique in the market and has been an iconic hit for the brand for 15 years. How has watchmaking changed over time?
The fundamentals of mathematics involved in watchmaking have not changed with time. They have remained the same for two centuries. What has drastically changed are the tools used in making the watches and in designing them. With such new technologies, we at Franck Muller have managed to push the boundaries of watchmaking How important is it to be relevant to the younger generations?
It is extremely important to be relevant with the younger generation. With our new Vanguard case, which is sportier and younger looking, we have managed to break through to a younger clientele. A lot of the younger audience we have are discovering Franck Muller because their parents have been wearing our brand for a generation already. They will be the ones renewing their watch collection for years to come. With social media, we have also been able to reach out to a younger audience. What is your definition of luxury? How did the name Crazy Hours come about?
The Crazy Hours was born when Franck was attending a rather rigid New Year’s Eve celebration in the Seychelles, where everyone was wearing their fancy dinner wear and was on their best behaviour. Then Franck challenged everyone to jump in the pool in their birthday suit to have some fun and just do things differently. Of course, Franck was the only one who actually did this, and he had a crazy fun time in the pool. The next day, he decided that he wanted to make a watch that broke all the rules of the time telling game; this is how the Crazy Hours was born. The watch is all about seeing things differently, from another perspective. It comes “alive” every hour, so to speak, both seen and physically felt through the motion. It’s an emotional and fun complication animated by the jumping hours. In terms of design, how is Franck Muller different compared to the other watch brands?
We have always thrived to be different both in complications and in design. Our watches have a strong DNA, which makes them very
Luxury can be anything that gives someone a certain rush of pleasure. The ultimate luxury is time because it is running out for all of us. It’s our most limited and precious resource. How do you perceive the concept of time?
Time is our most precious luxury! That is why it is important to fully live each second that ticks away. What do you see for the future of Franck Muller?
We’re just completing the extension of the Manufacture, a beautiful site endearingly called “Watchland”, where we have built an additional 16,000 sqm of production capacity in order to synergise our operations. It is not an increase in production space, but more of a consolidation of some sites that we wanted to include in our headquarters. Integrating more resources under one roof will make us even more reactive to the markets and will make us more efficient. Franck Muller will continue to thrive in leading the high-end watch market by delivering exceptional designs and complications like we always have.
031
Time
FROM STRENGTH TO STRENGTH The new Omega Seamaster Railmaster nods to the past while embracing modern technological advancement. by John Ng
A
collector favourite from the 1950s, the original Omega Railmaster was built for railway staff or anyone who worked close to electrical fields. The watch, shielded by an inner protective case, was able to resist magnetic fields of up to 1,000 gauss – and it was a big ideal considering most anti-magnetic watches at that time offered protection at only around 60 gauss. The new Railmaster retains the minimalist qualities of its predecessor and graces it with sophisticated touches as well as top-notch mechanical movement, which is 15 times more resistant than the original thanks to its Master Chronometer Calibre 8806. Certified by the Swiss Federal Institute of Metrology (METAS), and capable of withstanding magnetism of 15,000 gauss, this watch serves as a reminder of the brand’s superb anti-magnetic prowess. Unsurprisingly, the upgrade extends
032
beyond just the movement. The verticallybrushed dial features recessed hour-markers filled with Super-LumiNova, a railway minute track, and a transferred beige “Railmaster” indication for that vintage feel. And lastly, the baton-style hour and minute hands are complemented by the popular “lollipop” central seconds hand, which represents close connection to the railways. The 40mm brushed stainless steel case is accompanied with a Naiad locking system so to keep the wording on the caseback – showing off the famous embossed Seahorse medallion, no less – upright. Water resistant to 150 metres, you can choose to have their Railmaster presented on a fully brushed and integrated stainless steel bracelet or on a brown leather NATO strap. omegawatches.com
Time
THE MILLIONDOLLAR DUO
If you like haute horlogerie and haute couture, this exclusive combination might be what you have been looking for. by Liren Ho
H
ublot has launched a brilliant duo comprising the diamond-encrusted Big Bang Tourbillon Croco High Jewellery watch and the, yes, bullet-resistant crocodile leather jacket. The project was a collaboration with Karmaloog – a brand founded by Racho Bajadjan and Nezir Yozgat – that specialises in crafting high-end garments and accessories with the finest materials. Using handpicked black crocodile leather from suppliers that only respect the international animal protection laws, the stylish jacket is incorporated with high-tech carbon aramid fabric, which enables it to withstand and absorb the impact of powerful projectiles. The lining is covered in screen-printed silk, and the refinement is taken up a notch with an 18-carat white gold main slider paved with a total of 39 diamonds.
The watch is an elegant piece that exhibits class and sophistication down to the smallest detail. Set with 380 baguette diamonds (102 located on the dial alone) cut and arranged to mimic the pattern of crocodile skin, the aperture at the 6 o’clock opening shows off the stunning calibre HUB6016 movement housed within a 45mm diameter case, which is set with another 234 baguette diamonds. Self-winding, it boasts a power reserve of 115 hours – that’s almost five days! Together, this incredible set is delivered in a black leather sports bag with a briefcase inside to hold the watch, as well as a second small box with the same dimensions as the jacket’s secret pocket, intended for safekeeping purposes. hublot.com
033
Bulgari Octo Ultranero in steel with rubber strap
Blackout watches reveal fantastic beasts in the spotlight. Photography Ching Art Direction Jeremy Ang Styling Yong Wei Jian
Hublot Spirit of Big Bang All Black in ceramic with rubber strap
Bell & Ross BR 03-92 Black Camo in ceramic with rubber strap
Omega Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon “Black Black” in ceramic with nylon strap
TAG Heuer Carrera Calibre Heuer 01 in ceramic with rubber strap
Photography Chintoo
FEATURES Delving into the human condition and experience
Armie Hammer and wife
TimonthĂŠe Chalamet
042
Chadwick Boseman
Features Opinion
Roll It out
There is a dress code for every red carpet, but that is not so much a restriction as a chance for sartorial creativity. by Yong Wei Jian
A
h, the red carpet. Where the magic of Hollywood happens, the stuff of manufactured dreams. The glorified runner linking car to ceremony has become a runway for motion picture stars to strut their impeccable style, and thanks to its inherently formal nature, dress codes are inevitable. The arcane dictums on attire instil a sense of occasion to the event, and provide every awards show, party, and premiere with a different vibe: Grammy’s casual chic is a gateway to fashion faux pas; Oscar’s black tie is prom for adults; Met Gala’s white tie is Anna Wintour’s sadism manifest. Granted, it is good to have a little guidance when it comes to dressing for events, but isn’t it slightly patronising for grown men to be told what to wear? You have just been invited to a glitzy awards ceremony; it should be pretty obvious that you need to get yourself a tux. Then again, one should never underestimate the obtuseness of men. Remember our constant bemoaning of the “singlet, shorts, slippers” triple threat on Orchard Road? Or the fact that it is entirely possible to encounter knees at the opera (Knees! Is there anything more vulgar?). This writer personally found out that wearing hot pants at a Buddhist temple is perhaps not the best idea unless you want stern monks uttering “Shame!” while ringing cowbells in your direction. Slovenliness is the default state of masculinity. Fortunately, the red carpet has been friendly terrain for leading men; it is the women who had microphones thrust into their faces as they endured shrieking questions about their undergarments. Male attendees have it far easier: wear a tux, keep the colour palate classic (which is really only black or midnight blue), and it is smiles and “You’re so handsome!” all around. The reward for taking a sartorial risk on the red carpet is simply not worth the effort unless you’re an “über-creative” like Jared Leto. And therein
lies the other issue with dress codes: uniformity is safe but ultimately boring. In a sea of penguin suits, the parakeet sings. But it seems that menswear is getting more attention on the red carpet than ever. At the 2018 Academy Awards, Armie Hammer was flashbulbbait in his bordeaux velvet suit, proving that an overabundance of the colour and fabric can work. His co-star and onscreen lover Timothée Chalamet was a badass altar boy in an all-white suit, perfectly playing up the contrast between the two. Daniel Kaluuya’s choice of black tie was brown, and Chadwick Boseman eschewed the tux altogether for a couture coat. Speaking of African kings, has there been a red carpet as lit as the Black Panther premiere in Los Angeles? It absolutely reconfigured everything you thought you knew about men’s attire on the crimson turf, and you do not even have to be into fashion to see that those guys killed it: Michael B. Jordan was suited in swagger with gold accents and embellished loafers; director Ryan Coogler made a regal statement with his ethnic scarf; Boseman’s shiny gold and black Armani number was fit for royalty. It was a true sartorial celebration and a refreshing reminder that red carpets and dress codes, by extension, can be fun, proving that Wakanda is, rightly, forever. Perhaps it is not so much about overhauling or discarding dress codes, but understanding what rules to break and how to break them. Men have to look elegant, slightly superhuman even, on the red carpet, and the Black Panther moment demonstrates that a dress code with costume bias can become inspired with a little style and creativity. In fact, dress codes – outdated as they may be – still have a place in the modern world, because not everyone is going to take it upon himself to dress appropriately all the time. The best we can do is limit the places where we’re ambushed by errant knees.
043
Features Profile
CraCking The Code
Cryptocurrencies – everything you do not understand about money combined with everything you do not understand about computers. They, and the innovative technology that allows them to exist, have been around for almost a decade now, but it is only recently that they’ve become fashionable beyond the finance bros who will not shut up about it. We seek out the people of interest from Singapore and Malaysia to help make sense of the scene. by Yong Wei Jian & Anis Taufik
Julian Peh, Co-founder & CEO of Aditus Patrick Tan, Lawyer Tell us about your involvement in the cryptocurrency scene.
Julian Peh (JP): I have been an Internet entrepreneur since 1998, and have developed several products and platforms at the confluence of tech and luxury (such as Luxury-Insider.com) in China, Hong Kong, and Singapore. Some of my friends were mining Bitcoins a few years back. Having spent a long time in the “traditional” centralised world, I was fascinated by blockchain technology and got my first cryptocurrencies partly for fun. The growth in the crypto-market last year opened up many opportunities, and after meeting the first group of crypto-affluents at our yacht events from 2016, we realised that a big phenomenon was brewing and decided to create Aditus, the world’s first luxury access platform for crypto-affluents, by way of an ICO (initial coin offering). Patrick Tan (PT): I am a lawyer working in the Blockchain and Technology practice at Taylor Vinters Via LLC, one of the leading blockchain and ICO law firms in Singapore. My interest in cryptocurrencies started about five years ago – my brother lives and works in San Francisco, and when he heard about Bitcoin in 2012, he kept telling me to buy it. It was only when I read Satoshi Nakamoto’s white paper on Bitcoin that I became hooked on all things blockchain and cryptocurrency. For me, it has been both an intellectually and financially rewarding journey.
044
What’s your take on the fervour surrounding the scene right now?
JP: Every market goes through its peaks and troughs; I’ve been through quite a few cycles of irrational exuberance and intense FUD (fear, uncertainty and doubt) in my time! We should focus on the underlying technology as well as the underlying economics of that technology. In my opinion, blockchain technology has proven remarkably resilient and is here to stay. There are countless crypto-coins available out there, how do you tell which is real?
PT: As with all investments, due diligence is essential. The issuance of the coin itself is “real” – it’s just a few lines of code – but when you’re looking to differentiate a coin issuance from a scam, the process is similar to how you would assess any other investment: read the ICO’s white paper, understand the company’s business model, look at the background of the team. One factor that is often overlooked is checking up on the GitHub repositories of the technical members of the team (GitHub is a free online repository for programmers to put their code up for peer review and make their code available publicly). Does the technical team have a substantial code repository? How active have they been on GitHub? These are just some factors to look at. is cryptocurrency regulation inevitable in Singapore?
PT: Singapore has adopted an extremely enlightened approach to cryptocurrencies and
their trading, which is why we are now the third largest jurisdiction for ICOs in the world, behind only the US and Switzerland. MAS has adopted a nuanced and pragmatic approach to protect retail investors from the volatility and vagaries inimical to cryptocurrencies, while at the same time providing a stable backdrop for an extremely vibrant blockchain and cryptocurrency community. As cryptocurrencies begin to enter the mainstream, regulators will certainly play a far more active role in regulating the market. As a market participant and lawyer, this bodes well for the space. Although many crypto-advocates bemoan regulation, I believe it is not only inevitable but should be welcomed as it will weed out bad actors and provide greater certainty and stability to the overall industry. how will crypto continue to evolve?
PT: I think we will see greater mainstream acceptance and adoption of cryptocurrencies and more innovative use of the blockchain in a variety of applications. If we look at when the Internet first started, many legacy companies didn’t see the need to have an online presence, but now it’s almost the first stop for any startup; I expect we’ll see something similar with the blockchain. Cryptocurrencies are just one aspect, and while the likes of Bitcoin and Ethereum make great headlines, it’s the quiet revolution of their underlying technologies that will change the world. JP: And making this technology usable in realworld scenarios will be key.
Photography Jeff Chang Styling Belda Chung Photography assistant Alif Grooming Benedict Choo using M.A.C.
On Patrick: MSgM Polyamide jacket; Prada Mohair jacket, cotton shirt, mohair pants
045
Photography Jeff Chang Styling Belda Chung Photography assistant Alif Grooming Benedict Choo using M.A.C. Hair Christvian Goh using Kevin Murphy
dolce & gabbana Wool sweater, cotton pants, leather shoes
046
Features Profile
Philipp kristian diekhöner, Digital innovation strategy leader & author of The Trust Economy Chow Pak Teng, Founder & CEO of BlockVital Tell us about your involvement in the cryptocurrency scene.
Philipp Kristian Diekhöner (PKD): I wrote a book called The Trust Economy on how we’re moving from a centralised economy where trust is at an all-time low, to a decentralised one where trust is facilitated through technology. This is reflected in what the crypto scene is trying to achieve, coupled with this quote by Tom Goodwin (who writes for TechCrunch) on the idea that Airbnb owns no real estate, yet it is the largest hotel provider; same with Alibaba owning no inventory. We’re seeing an interesting shift towards these different intermediaries for trust, with the common layer being they are all made possible by technology. Chow Pak Teng (CPT): Like Phil, we understood the power of blockchain and its ability to create trust when we first started. However, people were focused more on the economics of things – profits and speculation – and less on the technology itself. We provide education on blockchain because it’s more useful and longer lasting in getting businesses to understand and adopt the technology. What’s your take on the fervour surrounding the scene right now?
PKD: There’s this joke that if your hairdresser starts talking about mining Bitcoins, you know it has reached mainstream maturity. There are plenty of passionate crypto-supporters who may not have jobs you expect. At the same time, there are tons of “consultants” whose fancy decks on blockchain reveal a complete lack of understanding of what the technology offers. I was talking to a guy who advises the board of a major financial institution, and he told
me the Bitcoin speaker they invited had no concept of financial services at all! That led to a backlash, with the board thinking they should probably stay away because the [crypto] segment is untrustworthy. So while, in a sense, we’re decentralising some of the ways we exchange value with one another and finding competency in unexpected places, often enough, there’s an issue of not knowing who’s legit. CPT: People say that good or bad publicity is still publicity; for something to grow, you need people to talk about it. I’d say most of the talk surrounding crypto and blockchain in the pubic right now is still pretty immature. 90 per cent of the population only hears about Bitcoin and at most Ethereum in the news. And people are jumping onto ICOs without really understanding the project or what it is for; it’s purely speculative. how do you tell which of the countless crypto-options is real?
PKD: Generally, take everything with a pinch of salt. The problem right now is that people are incentivised to promote an ICO that they themselves have invested in or are receiving benefits from. You will also have to get used to seeing peculiar things like CryptoKitties – a game where you can own and breed decentralised kittens. It was very successful for a period of time, like how Pokémon Go was. There’s also one where people put their wedding vows on the blockchain because of this sense of immutability there; another is an app that allows you to obtain consent for sexual relations with someone so they can’t go back and say otherwise. Just because they’re weird doesn’t mean they’re wrong; there are obviously interesting thought processes there. I’ve not actively invested because I’m more of an observer, but I would only consider ICO recommendations from a friend. So perhaps the best way to look at it is: Which of your friends can you trust to give you impartial advice? CPT: In terms of getting started, online is a great resource for people on the street. Workshops as
well, but due to the demand in the market right now, these workshops usually turn out to be sales funnels for ICOs. Of course, do your own research and get the fundamentals right, before looking for coins to buy. PKD: Plus, if it’s too good to be true, it probably is. This goes for any investment. Everyone knows someone who made a ton of money on crypto, and if that’s why you’re investing, then expect to lose your shirt, and you’ll be fine. If you’re interested in the space, there are plenty of other ways to contribute. how will crypto continue to evolve?
PKD: If you look at the first personal computer, it was nothing like what we have in our pockets today. We can hope that the blockchain goes through the technology evolution cycle that people start developing meaningful applications for it. We might face a situation where the blockchain will not have any significant impact on our lives, or we might get to a point where the technology becomes super reliable, and we can use it on a day-to-day basis much like the Internet. We were once sceptical about the Internet, but people are now using it without having to think about how it does what it does. CPT: When we’re explaining the concept, people will usually say that their existing systems work just fine. For adoption to happen, it’s only when, as you mentioned, companies start developing applications that can change and improve things, that we have something to talk about. PKD: That’s the poor joke: Why use blockchain when you can use any other simple database? Funny thing, I remember this major professional services firm introducing a blockchain that could be edited in a backdated way when usually the blockchain is for the most part immutable. I thought the idea was interesting, but I just didn’t get what they were trying to achieve. Let’s not bastardise the whole idea and overcomplicate things; it’s hard enough for people to understand and adopt [the blockchain] as it is.
047
Features Profile
anuar Yahaya, Board of directors & chief marketing officer of Uniqex Sdn Bhd ahmad Suhairi, CEO of Uniqex Sdn Bhd navin danapal, SEA director of SOSV how did you get into the crypto scene?
Anuar Yahaya (AY): My journey started in 1999 when I worked as a technical assistant, much of it revolved around IT. I have a deep belief and passion for technology and design, and throughout my career, I’ve tried to be involved in efforts to use technology to improve life and advocate good design in perfecting solutions in every challenge. I’m now working on building UNiQ Exchange to become a key crypto exchange in Southeast Asia. I’ve been crypto mining for some time, and have received some crypto through games as well. This developed into a major interest as I began trading crypto in 2013. I consider myself to be a long-term investor; for me, short-term investing is much more difficult and a lot riskier. Ahmad Suhairi (AS): My explorations in blockchain technology started in 2016 when I was looking for new solutions in the field of cybersecurity. I started some research through YouTube videos and Internet articles, and attended blockchain conferences and community meet-ups to gain more knowledge. Navin Danapal (ND): I’ve always been a fan of emerging technologies, and I got interested in Bitcoin years ago when it was seen as having no future. If you read science fiction, you’ll realise that many fantasies become realities. When I discovered blockchain-powered crypto and how it
048
could be applied beyond finance, I got involved. What’s a common misconception people have about cryptocurrencies?
AY: Crypto remains mysterious to the average person, leading many to associate it with scams and money laundering, two illegal activities originating from within the fiat currency ecosystem. The public needs to understand that crypto is based on digital technology; the only way to overcome the misconception is to learn about it. Before 2015, there was little knowledge and information about crypto available, unless one was in the relevant communities. Things have changed now, and there is abundant information about crypto available in layman’s language on the Internet. All that’s needed is time and interest! AS: The reason for the misconception that it’s a scam or get-rich-quick pyramid scheme is because of the large number of crypto-related “investment” companies that work on binary, networking or multi-level marketing platforms that cheat people of their money. ND: People think that you can become rich from crypto. Sure, if you had a lot of it in the past and you sell now, you could. But there’s also a limit of how much you can sell by converting that to fiat money. Are you just keeping crypto to use where accepted or for future use? People are rushing to exchange fiat for crypto to trade, or buying mining gears and crowdfunding server farms. Some will profit, some will also burn from the process of jumping on the gold rush. Do some homework. There’s also the misunderstanding
that crypto is a scam, no thanks to MLM and some e-wallets that lend a bad name. Like all new tech, there’s more noise than truth; you should understand the technology or not get involved. Which crypto projects do you find most interesting?
AY: I’d have to say UNiQ Exchange. There are a host of platforms to choose from today, but not all are created equal. The list is based on user reviews, as well as a host of criteria such as userfriendliness, accessibility, fees, and security. We’re committed to safe and secure trades because, at the end of the day, you’re trusting your money with us. We understand that and take it seriously. We also maintain a pretty amazing ledger. AS: Our UNiQ Exchange project is the one that’s closest to my heart due to the amount of time, commitment, resources, and collective experience we’ve put into it. Furthermore, it’s also the product of a series of consultations and guidance from both our strategic partners and global blockchain experts. Our continuous engagements with regulators and authorities in countries that we’re physically present in, as well as online, help ensure that all areas are covered and that every stakeholder’s interests are well-protected too. ND: For me, it’s blockchain applications that revolutionise industrial usage beyond finance, because it allows existing industries to leverage on the advantage of the blockchain to open new doors not possible before. It’s hard not to get carried away and apply blockchain technology to everything (even when it’s not required), simply to have it as that isn’t innovative.
049
Photography Marcus Wong
050
Photography Marcus Wong
Features Profile
rene Bernard, CEO & co-founder of LuxTag powered by NEM, and president of Access Blockchain Association (Malaysia) Colbert Low, Owner of BitcoinMalaysia. com, vice secretary of Access Blockchain Association (Malaysia), and senior advisor at Celebrus Advisory What’s the public attitude towards crypto?
Rene Bernard (RB): Unfortunately, many perceive Bitcoin and other crypto as a get-richquick scheme, or even worse, as facilitating Ponzi money games. The initial idea behind the decentralised trust model for running a value transfer network without distinct government involvement has been neglected by the masses. This realisation will come when the world understands the power of Bitcoin as an international settlement instrument or perhaps even as a kind of reserve “currency” one day. Colbert Low (CL): Cryptocurrencies burst onto the scene back in 2009 when Satoshi Nakamoto released the core wallet for the public to download. I believe cryptocurrency systems will spawn the new generation of payment and identity systems when humans go beyond our solar system. The typical man on the street may be warming up to the notion of crypto – there are crypto events in Kuala Lumpur almost every week as of early 2018 – but a lot of people have this misconception that crypto is a scam or get-
rich-quick pyramid scheme. This is exacerbated by malicious actors who try to deceive the public. how do you cope with the fast-evolving crypto regulations?
RB: I’ve stopped following the regulations of countries where I don’t live in. My focus is Malaysia; I’m doing my best to advise and support exchanges, business citizens, academia, and government bodies in aspects relating to crypto and blockchain. This includes technology and economics. CL: Bank Negara Malaysia has published a list of nine cryptocurrency exchanges in Malaysia that have been registered as a reporting institution (RI) with the regulator. This follows the issuance of the paper entitled Anti-Money Laundering and Counter Financing of Terrorism Policy for Digital Currencies (Sector 6) in February 2018. What advice would you give to someone who’s interested in dabbling with crypto?
RB: Do your own research. Don’t follow only one “guru”. Question what are the interests of anybody attempting to drag you down this rabbit hole. Very often, people try to rip others and benefit from newbies’ lack of expertise. CL: Attend as many events as possible and use online resources to understand the risks and services provided by players in the market. Do not put all your resources in one basket.
051
Features Profile
Suresh naidu Sadasivan, Innovation advisor of Bloktex Sdn Bhd how did you get into the crypto scene?
My awareness of blockchain technology came about in 2014 when I was lecturing on intellectual property law for my forensic computing students at the university I’d worked at previously. The specific area was on privacy issues, private key, and public key. As I was preparing for the class, I stumbled upon Bitcoin and cryptocurrencies. Researching further, I got to know that the technology behind it was blockchain and that cryptocurrencies were just the tip of the iceberg. In addition to my lectures, I started talking about blockchain and crypto with my family, friends, and business circles just to create awareness. It began my journey into the world of blockchain technology, primarily, and crypto, secondary. Not many were interested like I was at the time until Bank Negara Malaysia started mentioning fintech and blockchain. I attended a few blockchain conferences as a participant to gain more knowledge, and as they say, the rest is history. What’s a common misconception people have about cryptocurrencies?
Many people think that Bitcoin is the same as blockchain and that they are a scam. Crypto assets (my reference to cryptocurrencies) are
052
merely one part of the technology; the blockchain could be adopted into areas like banking, energy, trading, healthcare, insurance, supply chain management, and even forecasting, to name a few. The only reason for this misconception is there are a large number of crypto-related “investment” companies out there that work on binary, networking or MLM-type platforms to cheat people of their hard-earned money, and the only example these companies use is Bitcoin and its growth. For many, it is difficult to buy Bitcoin as the price has gone up many folds. Hence, when people see a new crypto, they believe that they are buying the next Bitcoin and that they are going to become millionaires in the next few years. In the crypto world, red flags involve introducing new members to invest, holding funds for a period of time, interest rates that are too good to be true, and member-get-member in some networking platforms. What advice would you give to someone who’s interested in dabbling with crypto?
My advice is simple. Get a thorough knowledge before even thinking about dabbling in it. Try to avoid scams or too-good-to-be-true types of “programmes”. Talk to people like us with better knowledge and experience. Don’t fall for the hype. Learn about blockchain technology and its history first. Attend Bloktex events. Be a riskaverse person.
053
Photography Marcus Wong
M O R E TO
Through the diverse roles he plays, JC Chee is showing the world his versatility as an actor and the art that comes with it. by John Ng Photography Chintoo Styling Jeffrey Yan All clothes Coach 1941
c O M E
“I
did it again,” JC Chee says as he steps into the studio for the photoshoot. Last year, he’d injured his right elbow from playing badminton too tightly with a racquet. He jokes: “I have to stop thinking that I am Datuk Lee Chong Wei.” How fervent is he about the sport? Well, enormously – so much so that he even collects racquets (most of them models that had been used by Datuk Lee Chong Wei and Lin Dan), as well as some limited editions that he had imported all the way from countries such as Japan, Taiwan, India, Germany, Poland and Denmark. With his increasingly hectic work schedule, he laments that he hasn’t been able to play as often as he would like nowadays. Like most – if not all – actors, success was not immediate for JC Chee. As much as he knew there was no waiting around, there was a period of time when he found himself doing just that: waiting for jobs. “It lasted for more than a year,” he shares. Instead of succumbing to failure, he chose to trust his incredible knack for acting. “Then one day, I got a call to audition for Ola Bola. I worked as hard as I could; went through three auditions and months of training before I was confirmed to play the role of Tauke.” And the rest, as they say, is history. In 2017, JC Chee was involved in a couple of local productions, a film in Taiwan, and also a TV drama in China. “Jet Poh Production, which I am now with, does not just produce local films; they also actively
search for collaborations overseas, especially in China, for its artistes. That is exactly what the company has been doing for me; fighting for opportunities and good roles for me,” he says. By the time you read this, the chameleon actor has finished promoting Get Hard and My Surprise Girl, and is in China, getting ready for more accomplishments. What is it about acting that fascinates you?
When I was a kid, I watched a lot sci-fi films and would imagine myself playing the characters of those films. I remember fantasising about playing different kinds of roles I could imagine. Now it is becoming a reality. How is it different from other types of performance art?
One example is stage performance, which requires the actors to be more expressive, and almost exaggerate. While in films, less is more most of the time because every small expression would not go unnoticed on the big screen. Do you consider yourself well-established in your career?
I still face many ups and downs. I basically think of myself as an actor who is in the progress of self-improvement to make a greater breakthrough. The entertainment industry is cutthroat. What does it take in order to survive?
There is no secret to it. You must be able to withstand pressure. You must be able to accept any challenge. When you fall, you have to get up and keep moving forward. When the opportunity comes, you need to act fast. Then, keep moving forward. One day, you will be able to get want what you want. I can only imagine the difficulty of handling fame without letting it get to your head. How do you do it?
I find that it is important to keep a low profile, and more importantly, to always remain humble. I also believe that you should never expect to gain respect, but to earn it. What is the one thing you cannot stand from a person?
Someone who neither works hard nor persists in reaching his goal. Nothing is impossible. Where do you see yourself five years from now?
I see myself working all across Southeast Asia and also the East Asia region – but who really knows what the future holds? I’m sure you’d agree that it’s important to keep your work-life balance in check. What do you do to relax?
I like extreme sports and challenging myself with things I have never done before. I also enjoy travelling in developing countries.
Shorts and socks are stylist’s own. Styling assistant Liren Ho Grooming Sharman Yee using NARS Cosmetics Hair Juno Ko
Photography Wee Khim
FASHION Showcasing the latest style inspirations and creative voices
This season’s prints and voluminous silhouettes demonstrate fashion means serious (funny) business. Photography Wee Khim Styling Wilson Lim
Vivienne Westwood Cotton jacket, cotton shirt, cotton pants; Valentino Cotton sneakers; Socks, stylist’s own
Dior Homme Cotton vest, cotton shirt, wool pants, leather sneakers; Hermès Silk scarf; Cuffs, stylist’s own
Loewe Wool and leather hat; Oliver Peoples Metal glasses; Oversized bow, stylist’s own
Gucci Wool jacket; Valentino Cotton shirt, cotton scarf; Junya Watanabe Jeans from Club 21 Men; Calvin Klein 205W39NYC Patent leather boots
Paul Smith Wool jacket; Dsquared2 Polyester shirt; Bottega Veneta Satin pants; Hat, bow, and cuffs, stylist’s own
Gucci Wool jacket, wool pants; Collar, cuffs, and socks, stylist’s own
Emporio Armani Polyester-blend jacket; Givenchy Silk shirt; Issey Miyake Men Wool-blend pants; Bottega Veneta Patent leather laceup shoes; Hat and socks, stylist’s own
Prada Cotton shirt; Dsquared2 Cotton shirt; Valentino Cotton track pants; Collar and cuffs, stylist’s own
Ermenegildo Zegna Couture Cotton sweater; Hermès Straw cap; Oliver Peoples Metal sunglasses
Comme des Garçon Homme Plus Silk vest, wool pants; Loewe Cotton sweater, cotton hat; Jimmy Choo Leather loafers; Socks, stylist’s own
Bottega Veneta Cotton jacket; Emporio Armani Linen pants; Collar, stylist’s own Photography assistants Cindy Ow & Ivan Teo Styling assistant Belda Chung Grooming Melissa Yeo using 3INA Hair Sean Ang using KEUNE / FAC3INC Model Adams Z / Mannequin
Back the Field
Win the fashion race with the season’s stylish layering. Photography Ryan Simo Styling Stefano Guerrini
Versace Wool jacket, wool sweater, cotton shirt, wool pants
Prada Wool coat, nylonblend jacket, cotton shirt, nylon-blend pants, leather studded belt, cotton socks, leather sneakers
Missoni Wool cardigan, wool shorts, leather loafers; Socks, stylist’s own
Lucio Vanotti Wool cardigan, cotton shirt; Vernissage Copper necklace
Gucci Wool jacket, wool vest, cotton shirt, wool pants, acetate sunglasses, silk tie, suede tote
Lucio Vanotti Wool jacket, wool pants; PierreLouis Mascia Nylon windbreaker
Dior Homme Polyester jacket, wool sweater, cotton shirt, copper necklace
Dior Homme Polyester jacket, cotton shirt, silk shorts, cotton scarf
Andrea Pompilio Wool jacket, cotton shirt, wool pants Photography assistant Alessandro Chiorri Styling assistant Cristina Florence Galati Grooming Tiziana Porrazzo Model Adrien J / I Love Models
Gucci Printed silk blazer and trousers (Next Page) Prada Woven shirt and cottonpoplin shirt
Requiem foR
a DayDReam A summer reverie composed of electric brights and trippy prints. Photography Zhong Lin Styling Jeffrey Yan
CALVIN KLEIN 205W39NYC Tank top and denim trousers printed with “Andy Warhol, 5 Deaths, 1963 © The Andy Warhol Foundation”
Gucci Velvet blazer, pink shirt and embroidered leather boots; Stylist’s own shorts and socks
Gucci Pink shirt; Bottega Veneta Cotton trousers
Versace Wool blazer, trousers and printed anorak
Loewe Wool coat and shorts; Bottega Veneta Tank top
Gucci Velvet blazer and pink shirt Grooming Cody Chua Model Februari
Photo Emporio Armani
GROOMING Attaining the finest form and image
Grooming
A Scent for Pure SucceSS
John Varvatos’s latest olfactory sensation, the Artisan Pure, is a treat for modern gents. by Nawaf Rahman
N
ews of John Varvatos’s recent Artisan Pure release (the latest fragrance to join its famed Artisan series) spread like wildfire when the American menswear legend tapped the 25-year-old singer as the face of the campaign, one in which the heartthrob looked impossibly alluring in a topless, black and white shot. Nick Jonas can now add “John Varvatos fragrance model” to his ever-growing resume, but it’s worth noting that he also made history as the first celebrity to collaborate with the brand for a limited-edition capsule collection, and the alliance doesn’t seem to be slowing down anytime soon either. There’s no arguing that Jonas looks good in John Varvatos, but here’s why the man is an ideal match to endorse the Artisan Pure. Taking cues from Jonas’s cool and fresh energy, the fashion designer says the fragrance embodies the “laidback essence of the multifaceted, modern man.” Cool and fresh, as it turns out, is the perfect way to describe this fragrance. Created by Rodrigo Flores-Roux (who was responsible for Artisan,
104
Artisan Acqua and Artisan Black), Artisan Pure has a woody base and opens with a trio of Petitgrain essences including lemon, orange and bergamot, before moving to the herbal accents of orange flowers. “The feeling the fragrance gives you is like waking up in Mexico, with a splash of freshness, coming from ornamental citrus trees and coffee tree flowers combined with a beautiful, natural earthiness,” Flores-Roux shares. Hence, it wouldn’t be too far a stretch to conclude that Artisan Pure aims to transport you to another world through the power of scent alone. According to Varvatos, the fragrance presents the next chapter to the Artisan story by “exploring a different side of the Artisan man’s personality with its purity of being always assertive, always present, always masculine, and perpetually timeless.” Not sure if the fragrance is for you? Flores-Roux highlights that the scent, intended for daytime use, perfectly complements “a roughand-tumble, yet refined look”, but we think the refreshing notes will offer a unique contrast to the more preppy look guys favour on date night too.
Products Grooming
EvEryday Hydrator
Complete your grooming arsenal with a decent moisturiser. by Nawaf Rahman
BiotHErm liFE Plankton sEnsitivE Balm
tHrEE BalancinG crEam
biotherm.com.my
threecosmetics.com
dr. Jart+ WatEr FusE ultimatE Hydro GEl
sHisEido mEn total rEvitalisEr crEam
us.drjart.com
shiseido.com
Perhaps you’re after something with a denser consistency compared to the creamy texture of most moisturisers – have you considered reaching out for a balm instead? Extracted from the depths of the sea and enhanced by Biotherm biologists, the effectiveness of life plankton is now captured in the highest concentrations to hydrate skin, and becalm redness and irritations. Sealed in an airless hermetic jar, this wrapping balm is suitable for sensitive skin and also packed with antioxidants for some nice anti-aging benefits. Note: Don’t dip your finger into the jar.
Water is our best friend when it comes to fighting dehydration, and this pure dose of hydro gel is superior to combat dry skin. The featherlight gel-cream is jam-packed with aqua minerals and Belgian hot spring waters to hydrate deep down and slough away dead skin cells without dulling the skin’s glow. It also contains hyaluronic acid, which counteracts premature ageing caused by pollution or naturally dry skin. The gel absorbs quickly and is ideal for our country’s climate.
If you’re concerned about the traditional chemicals in moisturiser, try this cream. A mixture of of 91% naturally derived ingredients, it combines essential oils and botanical water, extracts and oil to recharge and restore the skin with new energy. Essential oils (frankincense tree, bergamot fruit, marjoram, rosemary and sandalwood) help to nourish and promote inner radiance while the botanical water, extracts and oils work together to offer the skin deep hydration with instantly illuminating results for a plumping effect.
Fight the signs of ageing with this energising moisturiser that’s tailored to the needs of male skin. Enriched with ImmuBuild Complex, which is known to reactivate the cells of facial muscles, this cream counteracts sagging skin and enhances the skin barrier. Its effectiveness is complemented by Marine Protein Complex too, a special pool of revitalising and moisturising molecular system that ensures youthful skin.
105
Grooming Opinion
Keep your Hair (Game) on
The eyes might be the windows to one’s soul, but first impressions are largely shaped by the hair on one’s head. How one wears his hair communicates a multitude of messages, so be sure to send out the right ones. by Wilson Lim
106
I
n the fashion pages, we stress the importance of shoes because they are one of the first points of reference when others make snap judgments on one’s style. But at Men’s Folio, we always advocate the total package of style, and that is not limited to fashion. Grooming forms part of that equation, and the “shoes” equivalent is hair. I believe the example to stake this claim is the classic case study of David Beckham, whose fans are more intrigued by his hairstyles on the field than his dribbling. Or during makeovers programmes, the hair is always the game changer. Before any further discussion, one thing needs ascertaining – there is certainly no such thing as a “fuss-free” hairstyle. Did somebody whisper man bun? The man bun is not a hairstyle of convenience, and because it is so easy to pull references from the web and social media these days, one may go for the seemingly easiest-to-maintain hairstyle on the trendiest stars. The elusive hairstyle requires a large volume of hair with thick follicles which Asian men tend to lack. Are you then guilty of Googling “men’s hairstyle 2018”? There is nothing wrong in that, and I actually applaud that man (men tend to be creatures of habit) for venturing into new territories. However, the situation gets out of control when one dictates his hairstylist to give him the style of his choice. Such men can be
easily spotted on the streets – the boy with the overbleached white and blue hair whose bangs seem to envelop the roundness of his face or the guy with the piss-yellow hair with a sleek side part that covers one eye, creating the vision of a drug-abusing anime character rather than a K-pop star. Has he considered if the hairstyle is in line with his head shape, hair type, personal style, and lifestyle? So where exactly does one start?
FindinG THe HairsTylisT
“The right hairstylist should be able to address your concerns, like receding hairline, and make the right recommendations on style and length based on the latest trends,” shares Sean Ang, a freelance hairstylist who is also a frequent collaborator of Men’s Folio. Edward Chong, salon director of Evolve, adds, “You have to be comfortable with the hairstylist first and trust the hairstylist with your hair. He or she will have to gain your trust by showing understanding of your hair, lifestyle, and needs.” The next question naturally would be where to hunt for this hairstylist – neighbourhood barbershop or upscale salon? Chong feels that it does not matter. “An affordable haircut doesn’t mean that it is not good, and an expensive one does not guarantee that it’s good either. Honestly, I think, for local
Photo Versace
men, they don’t really spend much money or time on their hair, and because of the Singapore weather, most guys prefer to go for a convenient haircut to keep it short and simple.” The typical neighbourhood barbershop charges an average of $7 while a haircut by Chong costs $100 and for Ang, $198. When pressed further on why should men pay the premium, Chong showed his trump card – experience. In addition to over 20 years of experience, his active participation in fashion shoots and international celebrity clientele set Chong apart from normal hairstylists. “For firsttime customers, I will try to understand more about the customers’ needs, lifestyle and also try to customise the haircut to include colour or perm,” he says. He has a sharp ability to diagnose your hair woes and make it on trend. For $198, Ang considers his haircuts to be more detailed and compares them to a bespoke suit. “A quick $7 snip usually uses the shavers that, in most cases, end in buzz cuts. I personally prefer the scissor-over-comb method as I have more control, and hair grows out more balanced and lasts longer,” he shares. Most people expect to get a higher-priced haircut to be a hair makeover, but the reality is, like a bespoke suit, the hairstyle should fit you and not be out of character. Men’s haircut, unlike women’s haircut, should be viewed as
restoration work to a fine architecture instead of a tear down and rebuild project. Many men are also concerned that they would not be able to achieve the style the hairstylist has given them after they leave the salon, but if he has been given a style that he cannot recreate on his own, that hairstylist probably has failed to understand him.
Hair ConTinuiTy
The task does not end with getting a good hairstylist to fashion a great haircut; maintenance and proper hair care are important too. Even though Ang mentioned the scissorover-comb method for trimming hair allows for a more balanced hair growth that lasts longer, it does not mean that hair should be left untrimmed for too long. It takes roughly three weeks for the shape of the hair to become lopsided and difficult to style. For most men with short hair, the first telltale sign is when the hair at the ends of the back of the head starts to curl or when the side slopes start to protrude outwards. Men with mid to long hair also need regular trimming; uneven hair length needs to be tended to. Those who colour their hair will need to regularly cover the roots and refresh the colour too. As a good head of hair is determined not just by the hairstyle, but also by how well groomed it is, regular maintenance is a must.
If men think flipping a lustrous mane of hair is reserved only for women and disregard the importance of hair care, they think wrong. We do our metaphorical hair flips on hair styled with products. “Use a deep cleanse shampoo once a day as products build-up in the scalp might lead to pimples due to clogged pores and eventually hair loss,” advises Chong. Hairstyling products like clay are notoriously difficult to wash off with normal shampoo. Thus, it needs to be noted that a deep cleansing shampoo is not the same shampoo that men share with their female companions as it effectively removes all particles to keep the scalp clean and healthy. Men will also run into trouble with styling their hair if it has not been thoroughly cleansed because the products build-up results in oily hair and acts as a barrier against more products. Bad mane and hair loss are two sure-fire way to undo the efforts of any hairstylist. To be honest, looking good always needs some effort and men’s hair should always be kept neat and healthy to create an impression of being well groomed and virile. Research has shown that a full head of hair on men creates a positive impression of sexual prowess, which is probably why others tend to look at the hair during first interactions. Inherently, we all want to appear attractive and also virile, so up your hair game today.
107
Gucci Silver necklace, silver cuff bracelet, metal ring
On the 50th anniversary of sci-fi space film Barbarella, we pay homage with male versions of the gravity-defying bouffant.
Barry Big Hair
Photography Mun Kong Art Direction Jeremy Ang Styling Yong Wei Jian Hair Rick Yang / FAC3INC using Laneige and Label.M Models Fabian G / Mannequin and Anthony H / Ave
Thomas Sabo Glam & Soul silver bangle, Generation Charm Club silver charms
Calvin Klein Mighty stainless steel necklace, bracelet, ring, Bewilder stainless steel bracelets
Bulgari B.zero1 bracelets in yellow gold, white gold, and pink gold, B.zero1 Labyrinth white gold and pink gold rings with diamond, B.zero1 four-band white gold rings, B.zero1 three-band yellow gold rings
LIFESTYLE Defining the opulent way of life
Photo BMW
Toys For boys Tech up your life, man. by Nawaf Rahman
Marshall Kilburn
0114
Everybody’s heard of Marshall (pun intended). The cult brand is closely associated with highpowered guitar amps, but fret not, its speaker line is equally impressive too. Meet Marshall’s first portable Bluetooth speaker: Kilburn. It’s stylish and hipster-approved: its clean finishings, vintage-looking aesthetics, metal accents and velvet strap makes it simultaneously classic, cool and contemporary. Immaculate looks aside, the Kilburn packs a serious punch with solid sound quality in all frequencies (including respectable bass), and comes with all the controls for a Bluetooth speaker like analog bass and treble
knobs. The woofer and tweeter are perfect, and with the knobs, you can adjust the amount of bass and treble to really dial in the tone you want. The speaker emits wholesome sounds, with strong highs and mids, and a bass that hugs without killing. If your two most important criteria for a Bluetooth speaker are audio performance and design (as they should be), then the Kilburn might just be for you. And best of all? It weighs a surprising 3kg, is wireless and can last for up to 20 hours on a single charge. marshallheadphones.com
Lifestyle
nuraphones
You don’t need to be an audiophile to tell that Nuraphones are a seriously amazing set of headphones. At first glance, Nuraphones may look like standard over-ear headphones, but at its core lie one of modern society’s holy grails: the ability to personalise your own sound profile. These smart headphones comprise unique drivers that come with an in-ear style setup to measure your hearing sensitivity (from the outer ear all the way to the brain) using unique soundwave technology to sonically mould the sound so it perfectly matches your sound profile. And boy, do they sound good;
you can expect proper heavy bass levels while rocking out to your favourite drum ‘n’ bass tracks with practically zero distortion. The overall sound quality is stunning as it selfadjusts to give you more of what you need and less of what you don’t, which might surprise even the most skeptical audiophiles. The price point may be a bit steep, but if you value sound quality above all and don’t mind a typical allblack headphone, Nuraphones might just be your best bet. nuraphone.com
115
Lifestyle
aMazon alexa
116
Not so long ago, the options available to new home buyers were mainly of the bricks-and-mortar variety, like the type of bathroom tiles or kitchen cabinets you wanted. Here in 2018 – which we can all pretty much agree is the future – many new homes are now fitted with gadgets and virtual assistants. Alexa, Amazon’s first virtual assistant, has been the front-runner in the smart assistant market ever since it launched in 2014. Housed in all Amazon Echo devices such as the sleek Echo cylinder and tinier Dot smart speakers, Alexa boasts a wide range of capabilities from playing music (Spotify is one of Alexa’s “skills”), to
providing weather information and news, and even telling you jokes. Now in its second generation, this omnipresent household helper can do a whole lot more with improved sounds and functions such as requesting you an Uber, controlling other devices in the house, making calls and 1,000-plus other things to make our lives much easier. Even better, the more often you use it, the more it adapts to your speech and your preferences. So take heart, when in a smart home, you’re never really alone. All you have to do is ask. amazon.com
polaroid onesTep 2
Instant photography has been making a comeback into the trend waves of the past years; if you’re into this artsy form of photography (as so many people in today’s world seem to be), then the Polaroid Originals OneStep 2 is the right gadget for you. A reimagined version of the 1977 cult classic Polaroid OneStep, the 2017 release includes modern updates like a big, red shutter button in the chicest form. It’s as close to the original format as you can get, if not a lot better and more convenient for the digital soul. The camera comes with a built-in flash, a self-timer (ideal for selfies!) and a USB charging
connection, so you don’t have to rely on AA batteries anymore. In order to keep up with the times, the new films can be fully developed in as fast as 10 to 15 minutes compared to the previous editions. The shots can turn out desaturated and languid, but then again, isn’t that the whole point? It’s all part of Polaroid’s analog appeal. With a softer focus and muted colours, a little fantasy creeps into the frame of the polaroid photo produced – a welcome touch to gentle our memories. polaroid.com
0117
Lifestyle Drive
An ElEctric DEsign
The BMW X5 xDrive40e flows like the electric current that powers its hybrid engines. by Roger Valberg
T
he thrill of driving an electric car is quite something else. Even a hybrid like the BMW X5 xDrive40e, when operating in full electric mode, elicits a certain kind of wonder as you coast around corners in shopping mall carparks. There is no sound, save for your tyres rolling! Augmenting this feeling are the cultured design elements behind the X5. There is certainly an art to building an SUV. Balancing the heft of a larger wagon while keeping the driveability sharp is not easy. BMW’s interpretation of this art is user-friendly technology wrapped in premium leather. Truth be told, if you’re paying approximately RM600k for a car (original price, so do check what the government discount for green cars is when you read this), you’d be forgiven for expecting a lot! BMW knows exactly where to draw the line between avantgarde and gimmicky. All-wheel drive, two powerplants (which combine for 245hp), 8-speed Steptronic transmission and the adaptive M suspension, work seamlessly with the in-car console, allowing you to dabble with your car even while driving. We’re not saying you should, but it is possible because it was designed to be as simple as can be. The two large screens (attached to the rear of the front seats) are thoroughly helpful while dealing with kids over long distances. Just read up on screen mirroring and you’re good to go! Equally as effective is the Harman Kardon 9-speaker system with a 900w amplifier. As this car is part of BMW’s iPerformance fleet – which also includes the 330e, 740e and i8 – the technology thrown in is considerable, but never indiscreet. Furthermore, there is a whole host of options on offer, including the
118
Driving Assistant system (which features Lane Departure Warning, and City & Pedestrian Collision Warning). Other driver assistance features include Park Distance Control (PDC) in the front and rear with visual and acoustic feedback, as well as Surround View that comes with a rear-view camera. As for the BMW ConnectedDrive Services, the new BMW X5 xDrive40e comes with Intelligent Emergency Call, BMW TeleServices, Concierge Services and eDrive Services. But I digress – the whole point of the “e” in this car is the electric engine. The battery needs around four hours to charge from your home plug, and faster if you have a commercial plug point or station. Owning a plug-in hybrid will get more convenient in time, but as of now, there are only 19 government run plug-in stations and a handful of private charge points in the Klang Valley. So is the hassle worth it? Oh, yes! The eBoost system accelerates the car with no petrol consumed from a standing start and the eCharge system charges the battery any time your foot is off the pedal or on the brakes. In one fell swoop, the car lops off the petrol engine’s fuel consumption at its largest point and then reclaims power as you slow down or go downhill. It saves a chunk of change as you stretch your fuel tank out. All said and done, the car is a mighty endorsement of what could be if large corporations and governments make an effort to save the environment. The thought that went into the design of the various elements of this car shows that there is no limit to what can be done if we choose to go green. It can be beautiful, it can be luxurious and it can even be art on wheels.
0119
Hatches over silos which in the 1970s held missiles meant to shoot down incoming Soviet warheads, North Dakota.
Rebel with a Cause
Sim Chi Yin is Nobel Peace Prize Photographer 2017 by Tanya Michele Amador photography Sim Chi Yin for the Nobel Peace Center, 2017
120
Lifestyle
The North Korean city of Hyesan, about 120km from North Korea’s nuclear test site.
121
Lifestyle
An anti-ballistic missile defense radar facility, North Dakota, November 2017.
122
The desk of a commander in the control room of a decommissioned Titan II Missile Site in Arizona, November 2017.
A factory producing into the night, in Manpo, North Korea, October 2017.
V
isual storyteller Sim Chi Yin is no stranger to taking risks. As a former newspaper foreign correspondent, the Singaporean is known for raising the visibility of the under-reported topics through meticulous research and powerful multimedia narration, such as with her current exhibition “Ban the Bomb” at the Nobel Peace Centre in Oslo, Norway from 12 December 2017 to 25 November 2018. Sim was commissioned to showcase the work of Nobel Peace Prize 2017 winner International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN). Tasked with documenting the
environs of nuclear weapons facilities in remote places in the United States and North Korea, Sim embarked on an intense and sometimes hazardous two-month journey, travelling 6,000 kilometres along the China-North Korea border and through six North American states to photograph and document missile silos and nuclear testing sites. Titled “Fallout”, Sim’s photographic series of 36 photographs and a short video installation feature five diptychs depicting haunting landscapes of locations such as an anti-ballistic missile defense radar facility, hatches over silos, and the desk of a commander in a missile site’s decommissioned control room. Images are presented in juxtaposition to each other without revealing the country in which they were taken. Unrelated to culture or nation, and presented as stand-alone weapons of mass destruction and the devastation they are programmed to cause, the exhibition gives audience the space to ponder the formidable visuals. In the two-channel video diptych titled “Most People Were Silent”, the camera is looking into North Korea from Mount Paektu in one film and the Cascade Mountains in Washington State in the U.S. in the other. The landscapes look strikingly similar to each other, with clouds floating by mountains in ghostly silence. Geiger counters are heard detecting radiation and sounding alarms and Julius Robert Oppenheimer, the father of the atomic bomb, speaks from an interview he gave in 1965 to NBC for the documentary ‘Hiroshima’. An excerpt from Donald Trump‘s speech is also played from the day North Korea fired its most potent missile, reminding the viewer that danger persists. Sim is considering expanding the
project further. “In this very noisy, crowded, and saturated world, with a lot of different problems, like climate change and all the rest of it, sometimes we are so overwhelmed with the problems of the world that we forget the nuclear threat is actually quite imminent,” says Sim. “As individuals we need to decide for ourselves: where do we stand on this topic?” The projects Sim has produced foster awareness of important issues. Throughout the evolution of her career, from a rebel social and labour reporter who exposed the plight of migrant workers in Singapore, eliciting parliamentary discourse and the shutdown of illegal dormitories, to the intimate documentation of the slow passing of a goldminer in China from silicosis, making him the face of the disease worldwide and raising USD16,000 for his family, the intrinsic worth of her undertakings has been potent. With a strong interest in film, sound, and spatial installation, Sim plans to concentrate more on research-based visual projects. She has recently given a lot of thought to how people communicate and notes that she is beginning to see the difference between achieving impact and achieving reach. “I think about how I could write a story for the New York Times which would reach millions of people,” says Sim. “Or I could create an immersive experience in a gallery which may be only two thousand people would see, but people would spend an hour in that gallery, really engaging with the exhibition, hopefully coming away with a better understanding of the issue.”
More information at nobelpeacecentre.org and chiyinsim.com.
0123
Beyond the StreetS
The ArtScience Museum charts 40 years of street art. by Rebecca L
Vhils (Alexandre Farto), ‘Untitled’, photograph of mural in Shanghai, 2012. Image courtesy the artist.
124
Lifestyle
“D
estructive vandalism” is just one of the many labels for street art, whose current state is worlds apart from its beginnings. Simple, stylised initials and signatures known as “tags” have paved the way for new techniques that show off each artist’s visual identity. At the same time, the movement has stayed true to its roots, with artists delivering subtle political messages or leaving simple signatures by defacing surfaces with punchy colours and tools. ‘Art from the Streets’ – ArtScience Museum’s latest show in collaboration with street art expert and guest curator Magda Danysz – celebrates 40 years of street art. The exhibition examines the movement’s countercultural beginnings in the late 70s in Philadelphia, starting with graffiti tags that were birthed of prehistoric cave paintings and inscriptions on the walls of Pompeii, to its recent manifestations that weave stencilling, chiseling, cutting and pasting. Over 200 large-scale mural paintings, installations, videos, prints, archival material, drawings and sketches feature in the five-month exhibition, itself divided into six parts. Alongside are site-specific works by ten artists that address a variety of local and global issues. Yogyakartabased artist Eko Nugroho, Argentinian-Spanish artist Felipe Pantone, French street artists YZ and Zevs and Singapore’s Speak Cryptic and Sheryo & Yok are among them. The main challenge of the show was forming a cohesive story with the help of Danysz, who first introduced the works of Shepard Fairey (OBEY), JR, Vhils and Mark Ryden to the shiny cities of Paris and Shanghai. “The curation process between a solo show and a group show is totally different. In both cases, we’re telling visual stories,” noted Danysz. “But in a group
show, each ‘voice’ and artist is different. The idea behind ‘Art from the Streets’ was to show the diversity of the movement while insisting on the fact that all this represents a common culture.” The idea of bringing street art’s manifestations into one space highlights the shared foundation upon which the movement is built on. The stage was set by the likes of Blade and Seen, the godfather of graffiti – but Futura, Banksy, Shepard Fairey (OBEY) and Zhang Dali have just as much elevated the movement by building on the foundations of a “common culture”. As Honor Harger, Executive Director of ArtScience Museum, explains, “To form an exhibition that flowed, we’ve rooted the story within our context in Singapore and Southeast Asia. The region is a major zone for street art. Yogyakarta and Penang have some of the most extraordinary works in the world. Singapore’s street art scene has been viewed in quite a controversial light, but having Speak Cryptic and Sheryo & Yok in the exhibition highlights that the country is very much part of this global movement.” Each section of the exhibition reflects the evolution of street art: graffiti writing paved the way for logotypes and the use of faces to reveal greater reflection on social issues. Banksy and Zevs are part of this very movement. Then came stencilling, used often in protest or for political purposes. It also served as a form of urban signature that harks back to the early origins of the tag, and graffiti of the 70s and 80s. And as new forms of typography emerged in street art, so too did the reinvention of the genre. New techniques were introduced – YZ’s ‘Empress Wu’ (2016) is fashioned from paper and Indian ink on wooden doors – and street artists today predominantly address urban issues.
125
Installation view from ‘Art from the Streets’ exhibition.
0126
Lifestyle
Alexandre Farto – or Vhils – goes a step further through an intricate carving process involving chisels, hammers, drills, etching acid and bleach. It’s a bold step away from street art’s beginnings that also shows how far the movement has expanded. “My work makes visible what lies invisible under the surface of things,” Vhils points out. His explorations into the themes of randomness and the fleeting nature of things are key elements in his works. Using a reverse stencilling technique, the artist carves through thick layers of walls to create compositions that reflect the passage of time. “It’s like accessing the city’s recent history… an act of contemporary archaeology. When you’re working in the street, you’re competing with the visual noise already present in the space, and so must work hard to create a bigger impact on people who will only be seeing your work in passing.” He makes a point, and some may contend the irony in taking the outside indoors for the exhibition. Shouldn’t street art be true to its name? Danysz says street art is a movement she
prefers to think of as “contextual art”. She adds, “What’s most important is the environment, no matter if it’s inside or outside.” This holds true in Sheryo & Yok’s sitespecific artwork, ‘Outlaws of Style’, which imagines a post-apocalyptic Singapore where animals have taken over the city. Yok explains, “We work on each part of the mural together. There’s no one part that only one of us does, or if it was, it was informed from sketching together. We swap sketchbooks, rub out sketches and borrow ideas from each other… it’s a collaborative process.” Clean lines dominate the work, along with cultural influences such as batik techniques, which they learnt on their travels. But look closer, and you’ll spot their tag: a simple signature to mark their work. It’s clear graffiti, so intrinsically linked to street art, is an undying movement, one whose foundations continue to inspire and influence the works of the future. More information at marinabaysands.com/museum.
Speak Cryptic, ‘A State of Decline’, 2018. Marina Bay Sands
Sheryo & Yok, ‘Outlaws of Style’, 2018. Marina Bay Sands.
YZ, ‘Empress Wu’, 2015, Indian ink and paper on antique wooden doors. Image courtesy Magda Danysz Gallery.
127
Scene
F
Grand soirĂŠe
aber-Castell Malaysia recently hosted its 40th anniversary gala dinner to celebrate its success as the top stationary house over the decades. Held at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, the prestigious evening was attended by over 1,000 guests, including H.E Nikolaus Graf Lambsdorff (the German Ambassador to Malaysia), Countess Mary Von Faber-Castell (Member of the Faber-Castell AG Executive Board), Daniel Rogger (Chief Executive Officer of Faber Castell AG) and Dr Toh Yan Peng (Managing Director of Faber-Castell Malaysia), as well as business partners, distributors, associates, and media personnel. To commemorate its anniversary, Faber-Castell Malaysia also donated RM20,000 to Hope Worldwide to support the NGO’s Reading and Creative Art Programme for children in underprivileged communities in Sentul and neighbouring vicinities.
128
Scene
O
new ride
motenashi, the Japanese spirit of anticipating and fulfilling the needs of people and guests, has strongly influenced Lexus throughout the years. In conjunction with its 10th global anniversary, Lexus Malaysia hosted a grand event to mark the arrival of its flagship luxury sedan, the all-new 2018 Lexus LS, in St. Regis Kuala Lumpur. According to Akio Takeyama (Deputy Chairman of Lexus Malaysia) the newly launched 2018 Lexus LS comes after a decade of determination and non-stop reinvention, and is slated to be the brand’s most luxurious sedan. The fifth-generation Lexus LS has taken a bold move in designing and advancing the areas of luxury, craftsmanship, on-road performance and safety – true to the concept of omotenashi in the Lexus brand.
129
Scene
T
Grey day
his year marks the 30th anniversary of the classic New Balance 574 silhouette, and a new collection was released to commemorate the special occasion. New Balance launched a limited edition of the 574 in the original grey colourway with a bang in collaboration with JD Sports Malaysia. Held at the JD Sports store in Pavilion KL, the venue was transformed with all grey-fixtures and a display of limited edition merchandise. The event was attended by celebrities and influencers such as Nas-T, Norman Hakim, Alexis Su Ann, Yuth Gan, Nicholas Mak and more. The highlights of the event included fashion styling, art displays and a live DJ performance.
130
Scene
T
British suBcultures
he Fred Perry x Thames’s second collaborative collection arrived on our shores in a timely fashion for Spring/Summer 2018. To celebrate the occasion, Fred Perry held an exclusive preview of the collection, followed by the launch party at the Zongshan Building. The fun night drew notable influencers and socialites such as Adriana Saleh, Ahmad Taufiq, Ethan Chu, Chris Tan and more, all dressed in the Fred Perry x Thames collection. The party continued on as the guests were ushered to Fono for drinks and live DJ performances.
131
Scene
C
exceptional Blend
hivas Regal, the world’s first luxury whisky, achieved yet another global first with the release of the Chivas Regal Mizunara: it’s the first time Scotch whisky has been selectively finished in Japanese Mizunara oak casks, which are renowned for lending a spicy note to whiskies. Hosted at Bar des Embiex on the premises of Pernod Ricard Malaysia, the Japanese-themed event saw entertainment by Geisha dancers and enabled guests to sample the Chivas Regal Mizunara. The whisky is fruity on the nose (you may detect the scent of pears and oranges), while the flavours are a marriage of honey sweetness and traces of hazelnut.
132
L atest in st y Le, Wat c h e s , g ro o m i n g , Lifest y Le and mor e e xcLusi v e i n t erv ieWs in-depth fe atur es
Photography Chuan Looi Styling Jeffrey Yan
guides to the most cov et ed t hings in toW n
DISCOVER THE NEW
mENS-fOlIO.COm.my
Scene
P
Glitzy occasion
avilion KL recently played host to a posh afternoon to celebrate the unveiling of global fashion jewellery brand Thomas Sabo’s Spring/Summer 2018 collection. The highlight of Thomas Sabo’s SS’18 releases was the Tropical Collection, which comprised a selection of elegant, colourful, Aztec-inspired pieces. An eclectic mix of VIPs, fashion luminaries and celebrities such as Amber Chia, JC Chee, Daniel Fong and Brian See were seen at the event, marveling at the beautiful pieces in the new collection.
134
NOW AVAiLABLe iN PRiNT AND DiGiTAL eDiTiONs
SUBSCRIBE TODAY
sAVe 24%
MYR60 FOR 10 issues
Powered by:
Log on to www.mens-foLio.com/subscription to subscribe now! TERMS AND CONDITIONS • Subscription is non-refundable and non-transferable. • Rates include G.S.T, postage and handling charges for delivery within Singapore. • Please allow four to six weeks for delivery of first issue. • Current subscribers may enjoy the promotion by extending the subscription period. • Offer available to readers in Singapore only and not valid in conjunction with other promotions. • Subscription will continue upon expiry and Heart Media Holding Ltd. shall proceed to invoice for subscription fee, unless Heart Media Holding Ltd. is informed otherwise in writing. • Subscriber information may be used in future marketing or promotional activities. • Heart Media Holding Ltd. and the sponsor shall not be liable for any loss or damage suffered by the subscriber or any party in accepting, possessing, using or consuming the gifts. • For subscription enquires, call 6733 9931 or email subscription@heart-media.com
Access Unlimited Luxury
The World’s Leading Luxury Marketplace
W W W.LU X IF Y .C O M
26-29 July 2018 StraitS Quay | Penang | MalaySia RSVP at: rsvp@pENANGrENdEzvous.com penangrendezvous
www.penangrendezvous.com
info@penangrendezvous.com
m a l ay s i a
singapore
hong kong
pa r i s
new york
Feel The
Passion
Bringing you the latest in watchmaking news, WOW indulges in the most breath-taking traditional timepieces and artistic masterpieces of contemporary horology. Understand unique complications and hear from the people whose very hands and minds crafted the watches you wear. Become an expert – or not, the choice is yours, but for all discerning watch aficionados, WOW is the ultimate buyer’s guide.
DIGITAL EDITIONS ALSO AVAILABLE
@watchwowmy
The Bvlgari B.Zero 1 X Bella Hadid; Mossy Chew
ART REPUBLIK is Singapore’s premier quarterly magazine for the art enthusiast that focuses on Southeast Asian artists and other key players in the art community, with an eye on Asia and the rest of the world. ART REPUBLIK aims to provide an inclusive and expansive exploration of the art world, from public museums to commercial galleries, and from policy-makers to artists as activists. With the tagline ‘Elitism for All’, the magazine provides insightful and engaging articles to inform and entertain, and is committed to making art accessible to one and all. ART HAS A NATION... ART REPUBLIK. info@heart-media.com
Singapore
MaLaYSia
indoneSia
Singapore
MaLaYSia
Singapore
Singapore
Singapore
Men’s Folio March 2017 Photography Joel Low Styling Titien Wang
C10 2nd Floor Mail Box 334 Fahrenheit 88 179 Jalan Bukit Bintang 55100 Kuala Lumpur, MALAYSIA Tel: (60) 2148 9923 | Fax: (60) 2145 9923
DIGITAL EDITIONS ALSO AVAILABLE
spring 2016 PHILIPPINES’ PREMIER WATCH PERIODICAL
wow spring 2016
speake - Marin Velsheda:
MaLaYSia
indoneSia
Hong Kong
PHP 325
Tale of legends Kiệt tác trên mặt số
sihh 2016 - những tuyệt phẩm thời gian
vietnaM
ISSN 2449-3406
SIMPLY MAGNIFICENT Classical dials meet lavish movements
+PLUS
ma thuật của cartier
• 10 years of the Breguet Tradition • Top picks from Watches & Wonders 2015
tHaiLand
#004 | FIRST QUARTER 2016
DESIRED
EFFECT
Franck Muller Vanguard Cobra
pHiLippineS
MiddLe eaSt
Singapore
Last Word
W
At First Light
Photo Shutterstock
elcome to the beginning of the end. Forgive us for being a touch dramatic, but we are fast approaching the middle of 2018. The midway point is a good place as any to assess the resolutions and goals we’d started the year with… and to even come up with a new game plan if necessary. Following my new gig with Men’s Folio, I’d come to realise that my previous routine of hitting the gym after work was no longer feasible; my in tray resembled a mountain more than a molehill on most days, and there seemed to be no shortage of events that required my attendance in the evenings. In a desperate need to squeeze out more hours from the 24 allocated to me, I was struck by an idea – what if I started the day with a workout instead of delaying it till the very end? Cue for a montage of my mornings over the past two months: me driving to the gym at the crack of dawn, only to snap awake at the end of a #metcon session before downing a protein shake in the rush to work. Hauling myself out of bed for an am sweat sesh was no mean feat, but the rush of endorphins that followed kept me buoyed and alert throughout the day – a stimulant far more effective than the caffeine rush from any cup of Joe. Checking off my workout before even stepping into the office didn’t just give me better energy levels; it put me in a positive frame of mind, setting the foundations for a great day ahead. It didn’t matter anymore if I’d gotten up on the wrong side of bed – I could set things right by sweating it out. I also found myself a lot more focused, and had no qualms about staying on later if I had to. Gym memes have long proclaimed that a bad day can be made better by pumping iron, but why not circumvent that altogether by creating a kick ass day from the very moment you open your eyes?
152
SERTA ROYAL PLATINUM MATTRESSES • HERMAN MILLER DESIGNER WORK CHAIR • 150MBPS FREE WIFI APPELLES ECO-FRIENDLY TOILETRIES • 55” SMART HD LED TV • 24 HOURS GYMNASIUM • INFINITY POOL EXPLORE PENANG WITH G CYCLE • CROSS USAGE & SIGNING FACILITIES BETWEEN BOTH HOTELS LOCATED IN A SHOPPING PRECINCT NEARBY UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITES • ENRICH AIRLINE PARTNER