Noth ing oth e r t h a n N t h’
nth [enth] – adjective 1. being the last in a series of infinitely decreasing or increasing values, amounts, etc. 2. (of an item in a series of occurrences, planned events, things used, etc., that is thought of as being infinitely large) being the latest, or most recent: This is the nth time I’ve told you to eat slowly. – Idiom 3. the nth degree / power, a. a high degree or power. b. the utmost degree or extent: The new hotel was luxurious to the nth degree.
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mode \’mod \ a form of manner or expression: style
MODE GIRL! Photography: Joel Low Styling: Fumi Makeup: Rei Tan Hair: Yuki Ito (Monso Hair Design Tokyo) Model: Natalie
To Dream Forever Dress: $248 (Epitome), Fur: $169 (ZARA)
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Shirt: $149.90 (ELOHIM by SABRINAGOH), Denim Jeans: $209 (Epitome), Necklace: $69.90 (quinn at PARCO next NEXT), Shoes: $209 (Shito at PARCO next NEXT)
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Nt h’ Vol . 2 2 8 S e p 2 0 1 1
RIE SD OM Vol .2
RIESDOM
FASHION JOURNAL IST
R I E M I YATA Starting as a sales associate of fashion brands, then being a buyer and PR, Rie became a fashion journalist with deep understanding of both consumers’ and producers’ points of view. She writes articles for a great variety of media and is an instructor for fashion seminars and schools. Continually widening her sphere of activities, she specialises in Tokyo fashion, international fashion trends, next season’s trends and celebrities’ outfits analysis.
DI S C OVE R R I E’ S FASH ION WISD OM
The Japanese style of dressing lightly without looking “cheap”!? Even during a hot and humid period, there are still ways to enjoy fashion; it all depends on the technique. Of course, if you were to dress lightly, dressing would be simple. However, there are ways to coordinate and spice up a look to make it more sophisticated. One such method is to use sheer clothing, like an airy lace or georgette. I believe that it would not be of any loss to anyone by knowing how to dress in a healthy and moderately sexy way.
Add accessories to revealing items
In order to withstand the heat and humidity, wearing loose airy clothes would be the most obvious option. However, tank tops and sleeveless knits should not be loose, so that not too much skin will be revealed. To look less sloppy, a scarf can be used. Just by covering the front of the neck, you will look a lot more elegant. It’s also useful in preventing your neck from getting sunburnt. A noble wide-brim hat will complete a classy look. A hot-weather item that has been a big hit and a runway favourite in recent years is shorts. Wearing it in a boyish style, with cuffs folded up, is suitable for summers. Denim cut-off shorts, with its pockets sticking out from beneath the cuffs, have also been a hit arrangement. The recent trend is to add a feminine touch to the boyish image
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that shorts portray. Similarly, culotte shorts have also made an appearance on the scene, and they can be worn dressily like a skirt. Match it with heels or wedge-sole sandals to complete a cool lady style. In Japan, revealing too much of one’s bare feet is considered to be too sexy, and at the same time, unfashionable. So even during the hot summer, it is not favoured by most. There is a wide variation of legwear such as leggings and socks, and many young women use them to accentuate their outfit. This year, matching ankle-length crew socks with sandals is a coordination that is gaining popularity. Beach sandals, which European fashionistas have introduced into their fashion, are definitely cooling, but they are still not seen as fashionable amongst their Japanese counterparts. However, sandals such as highly decorative gladiators, embellished thong sandals, platform sandals made from natural materials, and peep-toe sandals are, despite being “feet-revealing”, generally accepted as they do make the legs look gorgeous.
Airy and voluminous long bottoms
Maxi skirts and dresses have been classic summer fashion items for the past few seasons and are widely accepted. In recent times, wide pants
have garnered much attention as potential successors to them as a voluminous item. These items, at first glance, do look unsuitable for hot weather. However, they are actually surprisingly cooling, because they are very airy and they do not stick to the skin. It is actually a common sight to see people wearing maxi skirts or wide pants elegantly at exotic resorts. These bottoms neither restrict your movements nor stick to your skin, so it is pretty comfortable wearing them. Choose one made from a thinner and airier material for a lighter look. The trick is to make your upper body look more compact, and if you wear a tank top or a camisole of contrasting colours, you can enjoy layering whilst maintaining a balance.
Cool colours and materials
Even while introducing lighter materials to your wardrobe, you do not want to let go of your fashion sense. Lace is not only cooling, it also gives off a pure and innocent look, which is why it suits the tastes of Japanese women. Although lace does have the tendency to make one look too girly at times, the sweet look can be somewhat suppressed by matching a lace top with mannish pants, or a lace dress with a pair of flat sandals. These are popular coordinations in Japan.
Another way is to pick cool colours. The first on the list is blue in a cold hue. Blue wouldn’t look out of place in summer because it portrays the sea. Blue and white marine stripes will instinctively bring a cool feeling. A wide boat-necked Basque shirt continues to be a popular classic because of its airy and cooling nature.
Skillfully incorporating high-tech fabrics
Thinking that one should spend a day in an ordinary T-shirt, just because the weather is hot, is a waste in my opinion as it forfeits the chance to look fashionable. More people are enjoying the summer-layered style, which involves wearing several layers of thin and airy items. It is an old-fashioned (and untrue) notion that natural cotton fabric is the best material to wear for the hot summers. Textile processing technology has been evolving remarkably, and many high-tech fabrics not only disperse sweat, but also lower the body’s temperature. Using undergarments made from these high-tech fabric is directly linked with comfort in particular. By preventing moisture from accumulating, it becomes a lot more pleasant and comfortable for the wearer. Besides those that disperse heat well, many other kinds of fabrics have been invented;
cold ones, smooth silky ones, just to name a few. Items that merge two different articles of clothing together are also gaining popularity; like a bra and a top that allows the wearer to wear one less layer of clothing. Summer dressing styles that completely upset fashion norms, as we know it, are appearing too. Due to the March 11th earthquake, power saving is now encouraged all over Japan. As a result, it suddenly became a lot more important to know how to dress lightly. The cool-biz look, which was mainly men not wearing
neckties, has now evolved to the supercool-biz look, and it has even spread to women’s fashion. Simply wearing thin clothes tends to look cheap and casual, but by combining it with lacy or sheer materials, or choosing a top with collars and sleeves with elaborate design details, it will look even more refined and mature. Using high-tech fabric, the comfort level of these apparel will definitely increase. I believe it can be said that the Japanese way of dressing lightly has developed a lot more as a result of March 11th.
Photos: Martin Holtkamp www.apparel-web.com Translation: Nakaya Kouketsu
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Cony’s PROFILE
Cony’s BEAUTY LESSON
supermodels. 70% of the body
Since then, it has become very
is made up of water, so getting
popular as a beauty treatment.
rid of the body’s impurities
But don’t worry about going to expensive beauty clinics. You
IFA Aroma Therapist, CIDESCO/ CIBTAC/ITEC Beauty Therapist Born and bred in Sapporo City, Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan, Cony is a qualified beauty therapist who studied Aromatherapy, Beauty and Health in the U.K. She has also worked as a trainer for an exclusive spa in Bangkok. Currently residing in Singapore as a popular beauty and health blogger, the beauty guru has also produced her own brand of natural products using Chinese and Western herbs.
Lesson 2
slowing down the aging process.
As we all know,
routine at home.
constipation is one of our biggest enemies.
One of the basics of ‘detox’ is to improve your blood circulation.
exercising is the quickest way
So,
to do this. Even stretching and brisk walking works great too! It’s a good sign if your body is covered in small beads of Here’s a tip for the busy bees: try mopping the floor at home for about 30 minutes, and you’ll be drenched in perspiration in no time!
One of the basics to beautiful skin is to have regular bowel movements. Spread ‘carrier oil’ (Note: These are high quality plantbased oils that are used in aromatherapy, and not cheap alternatives found at supermarkets) and essential oils over your body as another way to detoxify yourself.
The combination of carrier and essential oils makes
We’ve been ushering in an
dark circles, puffiness, and acne.
So it’s no surprise that you start
unbelievably hot summer this
First up, I’ll explain to you why
to put on weight easily, or feel
year, especially with Japan’s
detoxing yourself is a must!
tired more often. Your body may
campaign to save electricity. It
Every day, your 60 trillion cells
start to swell, and your skin may
can take
be more prone to pigmentation
Just add two drops of your
it easier for your body to expel
are absorbed from what you eat
or wrinkles, and become dull.
favourite essential oil and a
waste more efficiently.
into our bloodstream, in order
There are cases when adults
pinch of sea-salt to a bucket
develop allergies suddenly,
of relatively hot water. Enjoy
I also recommend
to stay alive. Like the food you eat, it’s natural that these cells
and cannot eat specific kinds
your very own private foot
as well as waste produced by
of foods. This happens when
spa as your forehead starts
‘brushing’ your entire body with a
your body are passed out. While
there is a buildup of unhealthy
to produce small beads of
pig-hair body brush! Brush
our blood and lymph usually
substances from these foods.
perspiration. It probably takes
inwards on your body, towards
collect the waste as they flow
about 20~30 minutes for you to
your heart, in a single direction.
through your veins, as time
It’s really sad but our bodies
start perspiring, and you’ll find
Doing so allows your lymph
passes, the effectiveness of this
start to age once we hit our 20s,
yourself sleeping easier later
and blood to flow smoothly,
decreases.
and we can’t do anything to stop
that night. I’m sure you’ll wake
facilitating the detoxification. So, come on girls, let’s make use
need oxygen and nutrients that
definitely seems
way hotter in Japan than in Singapore right now! Cute and clever girls in Japan are using this great opportunity of a hot summer to detox their body, polishing themselves so that they glow from within. Since it’s summer all year round in Singapore, there’s always a chance to ‘detox’, isn’t it? So let’s not waste it, alright? So, today’s theme is
‘detox’!
I’ll introduce to you ways to detox your body; getting rid of the impurities from your body so that your skin becomes clear and beautiful. In fact, it’s the best way to get rid of dull skin, Translation: Alicia Tan 48 Nth’
water.
can easily replicate the ‘detox’
perspiration after a work out.
Summer is the best time for a detox!
works best with the ingestion of
Are you bad at sports? Don’t worry about it, because you
footbaths!
it. However, if we detox daily,
up refreshed the next day.
As a result, waste matter builds
our metabolism will increase
Oh, and don’t forget to drink a
of the summer heat to improve
up in your body little by little.
and in turn, aid in the
cup of water after your foot-spa!
our bodies!
Accumulated waste matter reduces your metabolism, and
skin and body starts to age. your
fight against aging!
It was about 10 years ago,
Water really is your best friend
in New York that ‘detox’ was
for detoxing. Drink at least 1 litre
first discovered as the key to
of water every day, just like the Illustration: Kolbee Nth’ 49
Introducing Tokyo’s unique & cool fashion street snaps
Area: Harajuku, Tokyo/ Name: Yuya Nara/ Age: 31/ Occupation: Hair Stylist/ Hair salon: SHIMA
Area: MinamiAoyama, Tokyo/ Name: Kaori Shinohara/ Occupation: Hair Salon Bloc
/RED Drop Tokyo is a web magazine unveiling real cool styles of Tokyo. Catch the latest Tokyo street fashionistas!
Area: Nakameguro, Tokyo/ Name: Koz/ Age: 23/ Occupation: Human/ Hair salon: RADICAL
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Area: Aoyama Cay, Tokyo/ Name: KANTARO/ Age: 36/ Occupation: Hair Stylist/ Hair salon: LIM hair
Area: Harajuku, Tokyo/ Name: Aya/ Age: 21/ Occupation: Creator Nth’ 51
Area: Harajuku, Tokyo/ Name: Tatsuhiro Masaki/ Age: 22/ Occupation: Optician/ Hair salon: LIM CODE
/B&W
Area: Harajuku, Tokyo/ Name: Remi Kato/ Age: 18
Area: Hiroo, Tokyo/ Name: Mina Nagamine/ Age: 24/ Occupation: EMODA Designer/ Hair salon: V alentine
(L) Area: Harajuku, Tokyo/ Name: Eri Hasuma/ Age: 26/ Occupation: Hair Stylist/ Hair salon: FLOWERS (C) Area: MinamiAoyama, Tokyo/ Name: maU
http :/ / d rop tokyo/ street/
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(R) Area: Harajuku, Tokyo/ Name: Miyazawa/ Occupation: Matsumoto Moriage-tai, Orosutoa/ Hair salon: Mag
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(L)Area: Shibuya, Tokyo/ Name: Mai Takahahi/ Age: 19 (RT)Area: Aoyama CAY, Tokyo/ Name: Mai Hosomi, Kana Hosomi/ Age: 25/ Occupation: Hair Stylist/ Hair salon: LIM CODE
(L)Area: Shibuya, Tokyo/ Name: Mayu Sosogi/ Age: 25/ Occupation: Aquvii/ Hair salon: My friend (R)Area: Harajuku, Tokyo/ Name: Midori Ishihara/ Age: 22/ Occupation: Hair Stylist/ Hair salon: ROSSO
(RB)Area: Harajuku, Tokyo/ Name: OKEI/ Age: 20 (BL)Area: Harajuku, Tokyo/ Name: Yui Mamada/ Occupation: CANDY Staff (BR)Area: MinamiAoyama, Tokyo/ Name: U/ Occupation: Faline Staff
h ttp:/ / droptok yo/ stre e t/
/BLUE (L)Area: Nakameguro, Tokyo/ Name: Peace (C)Area: Shibuya, Tokyo/ Name: Reina/ Age: 26/ Hair salon: Rie Shiraishi (R)Area: Harajuku, Tokyo/ Name: n/ Hair salon: praha
/YELLOW 54 Nth’
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KANTARO
Vol.2
LIM hair General Director
DOB: 27 April 1975 Blood Type: B Managing and training LIM hair (11 locations, 80 people) in Tokyo, Osaka and Singapore. A “missionary of beauty“ who moves and pleases his customers with his hairstyles.
Ahoi! Hey there, Singapore cuties, good to be here again! This is my second appearance; do you remember me? What? “It’s impossible to remember much after meeting only once”? Please don’t say anything sad like this…★ I have a special skill that helps me to remember everybody’s name and face even if we’ve met only once (if they are cuties)! “I don’t remember ‘cause Kantaro is not that handsome,” Ooh, please, don’t say anything like that again... Seriously now, I have a real special skill. Whenever I see somebody cute, I can immediately visualise what kind of hairstyle would really suit her. Better hairstyles, nicer colours...★ Thinking about cuties… I mean, CUTE HAIRSTYLES, day and night. That’s me, Kantaro, alright.
As I said before, in Japan, if you wear something weird or do something differently, you’ll be considered a weirdo. I wonder if it is the same in Singapore? I think that if a city falls under this pathetic mindset with people disliking new things, fashion will develop backwards. These narrow-minded people are suspicious of anyone doing things differently, which can be so annoying! ★ Take me, for instance. I have tattoos all over my body and as a result, I can’t get into places like gyms, hotels, and swimming pools.
I just spent a week in New York City (NYC); it was my second visit. The first time I visited NYC ten years ago, it was quite safe and peaceful, and it wasn’t dangerous at all. That was way too boring as compared to how I imagined NYC would be! It was too similar to Tokyo, and I felt somewhat cheated. Although I lost all interest in NYC after that, something was stirring within me; so I thought to myself, “Let’s revisit NYC.”
NYC is really cool!!!
However, even though new fashion is treated with suspicion in Japan, there was a huge wave of uniquely styled gyaru (Japanese transliteration of “gal”) girls a few years ago. For example, there was the “loose socks” (long socks loosely worn) trend, or the “ganguro” (pastel coloured make up on tanned skin) girls. Recently, I don’t see people with that kind of fashion anymore, but still I see some residual trends from that wave, such as the “mori-hair” (huge hair) that is still popular even now. Even though people tell these gyaru girls that they have a weird style, these girls still stick with it and say, “I like this look!”
And now, 10 years later… How did this place become so cool, so great, and so fun?! I am constantly jetsetting to other big cities like Osaka, Tokyo, Singapore, and even Taipei, but NYC really knocked me out. Why has it become so cool? Of course, it must be the people. Their deeply style-infused soul. They have a zero-tolerancepolicy towards all uncool things. They immerse themselves in their outfits and they don’t care about age or what people might think. People from all age groups simply say, “I like this style!” and enjoy what they wear. That kind of atmosphere is terrific.★
I think that’s similar to the attitude in NYC, and now I tend to feel that
Anyway, as I always say, the important thing is to create an original style. No matter what people say about your style, you stick to a style that you like, and enjoy that! While I was in NYC, I realised that those are really the most important things.
On the other hand, I often hear Japanese saying: “I’m thirty, I can’t wear clothes that are too trendy.” or “You’re not at that age
It’s such a ridiculous stereotype.
anymore.” The Japanese really do care too much about what other people think. On the other hand, there aren’t any stereotypes like that from New Yorkers. For example, an uncle in his 50s could pierce his nose and it’d still be a normal thing to do. A grandpa can wear a pink suit, and a beautiful lady with dreadlocks can still dress fashionably…
It really feels like everything and anything goes. There are plenty of people enjoying their style, and there are lots of people who dig that, which makes NYC so friggin’ awesome.
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gyaru girls are supercool.
Ultimately, embrace your fashion and go with your gut feeling. For your hairstyle, my team at KIZUKI+LIM and I can definitely find the best hairstyle for you, satisfaction guaranteed! Thinking back, NYC probably hasn’t changed much. It’s my perception that has changed instead. In fact, I was so stimulated by NYC that I got a nose piercing. I am now 36 but it was my kind of tribute to the 50-year-old NYC uncle.
Nevermind my age, I want to become even more of an extrovert!
Lastly, for those cuties who can read Japanese, please check out “Drop Tokyo”, the Harajuku fashion blog where I am the official blogger. ★ My Twitter ID is: kantaro0427 ★
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BOYFRIEND MAKEOVER PROJECT CASE #2
COORDINATION: TRANSFORMATION! Do you face the situation where you are dressed to the nines for a date, while your boyfriend is wearing the usual tee, pants and slippers combo? Their typical “combo” doesn’t have to look blah if it’s done right! Together with stylist Fumi, be prepared for the birth of a wellgroomed style!
LOOKS
LOOK No.3 Advanced
Fumi said: “There are so many people wearing black here, I’d love to see Singaporeans be more creative with alternative colours!”
All you need is effort!
HAIR Set your sides and neckline first, then lay the bangs sideways naturally to avoid too much volume. Keep the parting loose!
LOOK No.1 Easy Instant Change!
Photography: Roger Chua Styling: Fumi Hair: Arakawa (monso hair design tokyo) Text: RICE Clothes Contribution: TANGS Orchard
LOOK No.2 Intermediate
CLIENT Huey Wen (23) He doesn’t pay much attention to what he wears. I would like him to get some advice from styling pros and give him a chance to dress up.
BOYFRIEND♥ Von Chee Ching (23)
The trick to colour!
The pants we used today are not the length I am used to! Usually, I’d wear pants from knee-length and below, so this style is a big change for me!
Attain a natural and easy day-time look with some stripes. The stripes and
BEFORE
boat-cut neckline compliments his physique, as it makes his shoulders look broader. A+ point for any guy!
HAIR by monso hair design tokyo Located at the Gallery Hotel at Nanson Road, Monso Hair Design Tokyo is the onestop destination for your hair and beauty needs. Hailing from Tokyo, these stylists and manicurists are in the know of what’s in and what’s not for your new look! Hair stylist Arakawa-san gave him 3 different styles to match his outfit. First, she changed Chee Ching’s centre parting to the side. A bit of wax to style the edges completes the look and it only takes 5 minutes!
I’m really impressed by how fast Arakawa-san can whip up a huge variety of hairstyles that make me look different! monso hair design tokyo #01-06, Gallery Hotel, 1 Nanson Road Tel: 6836 5585
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The slim pastel orange tie will spice up any shirt. A masculine
HAIR Use soft wax on your wet hair. This way you can keep a natural glossiness after your hair is dry. Then spray to finish it.
look with the casual Singaporean vibe. Unbutton the top button, loosen the tie a little; this is how they can match this pair of shorts.
Pick a mustard-hue blazer made from dry-tech material. Just choose a simple sleeveless top, and button up for a more formal look. The dry-tech material will still keep you cool. Perfect for our island’s climate!
The Shorts: Above-the-knee tapered pants are ultra-comfortable for any time of the day. Shorts : $159 (SUNDAYS @TANGS Orchard) LOOK No.1 Striped T-Shirt: $69 (HOOKED CLOTHINGS @TANGS Orchard) LOOK No.2 Knitted Jacket: $159 (SUNDAYS @TANGS Orchard) Sleeveless Tank Top: $89 (SUNDAYS @TANGS Orchard) LOOK No.3 Shirt: $139 (WanderWonder @TANGS Orchard) Neck Tie: $38 (A.K.A Wayward @TANGS Orchard)
WHO’S NEXT? Girls, are you interested to see how your man will look after a full transformation by an experienced stylist? Contact us for an exciting makeover session now! magazine@designkloo.com • Couples’ names, age and occupation • A photo of you and your partner
I’m really impressed at how cool he looks now! I especially like the first striped shirt and will be bugging him to get it as soon as it hits the stores!
The third hairstyle is great for my job! I’ll learn from Fumi’s tips and put more effort in dressing from now on.
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SINGAPORE CREATOR CLOSE UP!
“I’ve learnt that pop... requires a lot of passion and courage.” Not everybody gets to be colleagues with their one true love, but Olivia Ong has enjoyed that privilege for the past decade. In 2001, the Singaporean crooner won a recording deal in Japan and received a kick-start to her singing career. Just a few years later, success found 19-year-old Olivia singing English covers of old bossa nova classics in the land of the rising sun. Now, at the age of 25, the songbird boasts a stellar track record of more than a dozen albums in her repertoire and a dedicated horde of fans from all around Asia. When she returned home to promote her new album last month, Nth’ jumped at the opportunity to speak to her about Romance, pretty boys, and her formative years in Japan.
Vol.2
©HIM International Music
Olivia Ong
74 Nth’
Olivia’s Romance with Music
First of all, congratulations on the release of Romance! Could you tell us more about the inspiration behind your new album? Well, before we even entered production, I knew that I wanted to do something different, I wanted a breakthrough. Although this is mainly a pop album, it’s also a fusion of many genres including country, orchestral arrangement, and even rock. The album wasn’t planned to revolve around a theme, but as my friends and I wrote more songs, it soon became clear that there was a concept- Romance.
A while ago, you did a duet with Aaron Yan (of Fahrenheit fame) for his solo album effort, and more recently, you were the recipient of Taiwanese idol Mike He’s affection in your music video: How did work-
ing in such close proximity to two teenage heartthrobs feel? It’s nice. They’re nice. (Laughs) When I first saw them I thought to myself, “so that’s why all the girls like them!” Although I knew that we had invited Mike He to work with me on my music video, I really didn’t know what to expect! The night before the shoot, I checked him out on YouTube, and knowing that we were going to act as a couple made me pretty nervous. As for the duet, I was worried that Aaron and I wouldn’t have any chemistry. But as I was recording my part, Aaron casually strolled into the studio with a loaf of bread in one hand, and a slice in the other… and I realised that he was very down to earth. (Laughs)
Let’s go back to the start. Why did you want to become a singer? When I was 6 or 7, I caught a live performance of Mariah Carey on TV, and when I saw how everyone clapped and cheered for her, I thought that feeling must be amazing. So I went to the balcony, opened the windows, looked up at the sunny sky and exclaimed, “I want to be a superstar!!” …then I looked down, and I saw my dad washing his car. (laughs)
You were only 17 when you moved to Japan! What was going through your mind then? I was previously with the girlband Mirai, but we disbanded and my then-label encouraged me to go to Japan to further my career. I thought that it was a chance for me to keep singing, so I convinced my parents to let me go.
Just imagine being seventeeneverything was very new to me, and I was very impressionable. Realising that I was going to be studying and living there by myself made it a very emotional time for me. There was a huge cultural difference, and in a way, those four years were a maturing period for me.
What do you like most about Japan? I really like how Japanese girls dress. I love that there’s a theme built around “fantasy”. It shows in their hair colour, choice of colours for contact lenses, and even their nail designs. It’s really amazing.
I understand that the bossa nova genre was something that you fell into. If you could do it over again, which genre of music would you have gone for? I’ve always wanted to do pop. I grew up with idols like Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, and after doing so many covers over the years, I’ve learnt that pop isn’t actually that easy. It requires a lot of passion and courage.
What is Romance to you? I think that if you use an optimistic view and a positive attitude to daily things in life, you’ll be amazed at how everything can turn into something romantic!
Olivia is currently preparing for her upcoming concert in Taipei, as well as her future appearances in China, Hong Kong, Korea, Thailand and Indonesia! Romance is out in stores now!
Interview, Text: Lenne Chai
For more information on Olivia’s upcoming events, please visit http://www.him.com.tw/event2.asp Nth’ 75
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MU S IC
SHOP
GO GO KAELA Stir in a dosage of exuberance along with a vat full of energy and mix it with a good dollop of quirkiness for a serving of Japan’s alternative It Girl, Kaela Kimura
Otherworldly Charm Text: Lenne Chai
ORICON SINGLE CHART TOP 10 in Japan
Ivana Helsinki
1 AKB48 - Flying Get 2 Kis-My-Ft2 - Everybody Go 3 KAT-TUN - RUN FOR YOU
e•pit•o•me 14C Kensington Park Road Serangoon Gardens Operating Hours: 12pm – 9.30pm daily
Bird by Rachel Bending
6th Album “8EIGHT8“ 12 Oct 2011 Release!
Ivana Helsinki
In a fashion landscape dominated by mass-produced fast fashion brands, the quirky Epitome is a breath of fresh air. Nestled in the heart of Serangoon Gardens, the carefully curated boutique is a celebration of niche international labels. In the vein of other concept boutiques, Epitome showcases a range of under-the-radar brands, including the Australian label Bird by Rachel Bending. Combining style with sustainability, the eco-friendly label dispels the notion that fashion is one of the greatest perpetrators of our ever-growing carbon footprint. Aside from Bird, Epitome carries a comprehensive selection of other labels from Down Under, such as White Suede, Kings of Carnaby, Fairground, House of Wilde and more. Another standout is the edgy Milk and Honey, a label dear to the young or young-at-heart. If you’re looking for something more unique, check out Ivana Helsinki, a Finnish brand with a reputation for high quality and one-of-a-kind prints. This season’s collection revolves around the theme “Velvet Lake”, resulting in pieces, which invoke images of a dark, yet romantic 60’s-inspired woodland fantasy. Epitome also carries a variety of whimsical accessories, including Kristin Ash from Australia. So, drop by Epitome for some fashion-forward pieces now!
©NIPPON COLUMBIA CO.,LTD
In Kaela Kimura’s world, it never rains and it never pours. Instead, the sun is out, the flowers are in bloom and all is well – until you realise that the sun is smiling at you and the flowers are actually talking. A mix of British and Japanese parentage, Kaela has displayed this Wonka-esque side since her very first showbiz endeavour, Saku Saku. Playing a petulant talking muppet, it was a matter of time before the former model trotted down the inevitable path of singing in the multifaceted Japanese entertainment industry. Used in the closing credits of Saku Saku, “Level 42” was later released as her major label debut. This led to the release of her eponymous debut, which went gold after the third single, “Rirura Riruha” was used in a nationwide Vodafone campaign. The following year saw Kaela costarring in the movie, Custom Made 10:30, with J-rocker Tamio Okuda. Fuelled by her wild popularity, her second album, “Circle” did similarly well and sparked the singer’s decision to leave Saku Saku in 2006. This marked the start of a frenzied period for Kaela as she embarked on a Budokan tour, a collaboration with the Sadistic Mika Band, as well as numerous tie-ins with commercials and TV series. The third album, Scratch, eclipsed her previous successes, Kaela released its follow up, which featured a distinct electronica sound. Titled “+1”, it led to a tour and her first music video compilation. A household name by then, Kaela celebrated her fifth anniversary in 2009 with her fifth album, “Hocus Pocus”. A best-of album was released the following year before Kaela eased things up with an impending pregnancy and marriage to actor Eita. Almost a year later, Kaela’s seventeenth single was released. Depicting the 27-year-old superimposed amidst graphics of rainbows and clouds, the cover indicates an undisputable fact: The alternative It Girl has returned.
Bird by Rachel Bending
Text: Chong Si Min
4 Kanjani8 - Tsubasa ni Koi 5 Keisuke Kuwata - Ashita e no March/Let’s try again ~kuwata keisuke ver.~/Hadaka DE Ondo ~Matsuri da!!! NAKED~ 6 Watarirouka Hashiritai 7 - Hetappi Wink 7 Kaoru to Tomoki, Tama ni Mook - Maru-Maru-Mori-Mori! 8 SDN48 - MIN MIN MIN 9 2PM - I’m your man 10 Mizuki Nana - Junketsu Paradox (August 2011)
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Have To Have! 1,2,3,4, GO! Nth’ IT Collection Mademoiselle Yulia Feature Article Harajuku Street Style Misa’a Two Weeks Mori-Girl: Pei Ting Sae’s Bohemian Muse Mode Girl Natalie! Riesdom Makeup Tips Cony’s Beauty Lesson DROPTOKYO Kantaro ★ The Beautiful Girls Singapore (BGSG) Stylist Fumi’s Free Drawing
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