JUICE December 2015 - ZoukOut 2015 | Issue #207

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DECEMBER 2015 ISSUE #207

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ZOUKOUT 2015

the zoukout issue

SEIZE THE MOMENT

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is a free monthly publication Published by JUICE Media Pte Ltd Under license from Catcha Media Group Pte Ltd JUICE Media Pte Ltd 28 Maxwell Road #03-12 Red Dot Traffic Building Singapore 069120 T: 6325-8042 F: 6221-2230

Finally, we are 17 and we can’t be more stoked to have had y’all down at our Barely Legal birthday bash last month. A big ‘Thank You’ to all who came and stayed on to party into the night! For the first time, we put up an audio-visual spectacle and it sure was a merry good time buoyed by trippy image projections and smooth electronica. Not to mention an endless supply of the golden liquid too.

JUICE Media Pte Ltd is part of

As the year comes to an end, we are gearing up for more fun ahead. With the upcoming change of hands and Zouk at Jiak Kim’s move to its new home at Clarke Quay, we are definitely making this year’s ZoukOut count. Come along and let its 15th be your best one ever – just head to page 11 and find out how.

Besides a lookback on the region’s biggest dance extravaganza, we’ve also prepped a rocking playlist to psych you up, tips on how to make it a fab weekend, and festival dressing ideas (page 48) so you can live it up in style.

CATCHA MEDIA GROUP group head of publishing luke elliott chief operating officer ken tsurumaru chief executive officer patrick grove regional advertising enquiries voon tze khay [tzekhay@catchacorp.com T: +60-12-307-6737] Distributed by Mediawheel Singapore 31 Toh Guan Road East, #07-01 LW Technocentre, Singapore 608608.

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Lastly, because Christmas is a time of love and giving, we’ve rounded up an advent calendar (page 39) filled with 25 awesome pressies to covet, just so you can rest easy when tallying your ‘Naughty’ or ‘Nice’ list. Just remember to keep us in mind – we are always nice; promise.

Ho, Ho, Ho,

EDITORIAL editor jazmin kelly six [jazmin@juice.com.sg]

ART DIRECTION designer cinthia tjayadi (cinthia@juice.com.sg)

fashion writer/stylist aaron kok [aaron@juice.com.sg]

ADVERTISING & MARKETING sales & marketing manager lavonne lam [lavonne@juice.com.sg] DID 6325-8031 M 9747-2806

lifestyle/online writer trent davis [trent@juice.com.sg] editorial intern austen choo contributors beno lim, chris ong ujine, hannah tang, karly jenner, micky wong, nick chong, sofie chandra, veronica ng, weng bay, zouk

JUICE.COM.SG

sales & marketing executive cedric phang [cedric@juice.com.sg] DID 6325-8032 M 9176-6580

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PUBLISHER & DIRECTOR david see [david@lumina-looque.com] DIRECTOR calvin cheng [calvin@lumina-looque.com] REGIONAL CONTACTS MALAYSIA editor alif omar mahfix [alif.mahfix@revasia.com] INDONESIA managing editor agiani salima [agiani.salima@mediasatu.com]

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MCI (P) 062/08/2014 shall not, without the written consent of the Publisher or his gerbil, be given, lent, resold, utilised as a religious document, hired out or otherwise disposed of in a mutilated condition or in any unauthorised way; or affixed to any part of any publication or advertising, literary or pictorial matter whatsoever, or we will send the legal dogs for your behind, biatch. While every reasonable care is taken for editorial contributions, no responsibility will be assumed for return of materials or for corrections of contributed stupidity. Opinions expressed or implied in are solely those of the writers, and are not necessarily well thought out, intelligent, interesting or endorsed by the Editor or Publisher. Advertisers and/or their representatives indemnify the Publisher in relation to defamation, slander, breach, copyright, infringement of trademarks of name of publication titles, unfair competitive or trade practices, royalties or violation of rights or privacy.

2015

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ZOUKOUT 2015: THE FINAL DESTINATION

Asia’s biggest and most beloved dance festival is back for its 15th year and we couldn’t be more thrilled. Themed ‘Seize The Moment’, trust us when we say that ZoukOut 2015 is going to be huge.

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ELECTRIC DREAMS

The best producers of 2015 that we dig.

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NERVO

We speak to the twin-powered EDM duo ahead of ZoukOut 2015.

killer good time

What went down at JUICE’s 17th anniversary party.

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the christmas advent calendar

32

A pressie a day to tempt you this Yuletide.

DRESS FOR THE FEST

A packing list of chic must-haves for ZoukOut 2015.

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the swing of things Do a little dance in flashy embellishments and cosy knits.

holiday beauty Coveted collaborations for your vanity.

silver screen soirees

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Reel-life celebrations so wild, we wish we were invited!

LINDY LO

P e e k i n t o t h e l i f e o f Z o u k ’s D J B o o k e r.

48

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social

Tag us on Instagram and you might score an Insta-worthy prize!

SNAP OF THE MONTH

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RE P YO U R HOOD I N THESE F RE SH NEW KI CKS. THIS MONTH’S SNAP OF THE MONTH WINS A PAIR OF VOLLEY J-MESH SNEAKERS WORTH $135, COURTESY OF VEJA.

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IF WE COULD HAVE ONE WISH FROM SANTA...

HANDS ON While I’d be happy to receive fragrances, candles, and even a new bag in my Christmas stocking, what I really wish for is some time off…to detach from the hectic everyday and chase new knowledge. The craft scene here is booming and I’d really love to get down and dirty with calligraphy, leather, some flowers, a n d e v e n c o n c r e t e . Ye s , m e w a n t s o m e c r a f t y workshop sesh so sign this girl up nao!

letter j supply

Jazmin Kelly Six Editor @adoseofpretty

Find out more about these workshops at theletterjsupply.com, stoneforgold.com.sg, shop-wonderland.com, and facebook.com/halfhalf. the half half

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shop wonderland

stone for gold

I WANT TO BELIEVE

Trent Davis Lifestyle/Online Writer @trentobentogram

As a child and budding sci-fi fan, The X-Files was a constant televised source of fear and excitement. But during the show’s prime, when agents Mulder and Scully were solving paranormal cases and alien conspiracies, there wasn’t any Netflix or ‘software’ to catch up on missed episodes. Now presented on Blu-ray in The X Files: Complete Seasons 1-9 box set – with a much-deserved HD remaster in time for the series’ return in 2016 – I know how I’ll be spending Christmas Day once everyone’s entered a food coma after too many prawns (because Straya) .

$269.98 (pre-order), available at amazon.com.

As Donna Meagle from Parks and Recreation once said, “Fine leather goods? Treat yo’self!”. And if it’s A-okay with Donna Meagle, it’s A-okay with me. Since undergoing a season of brand rejuvenation by its current creative director, Jonathan Anderson, Loewe has been dishing out collection after collection of quirky clothes and accessories for ardent fans. I first saw this pouch at the label’s boutique at The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, and instantly fell in love with the seamless blend of practical design with the whimsicality of the oversized pin adorning the pouch’s front. If Santa’s not gonna grant my wish, then I guess it’s up to me.

$1,250, available at Loewe boutiques.

Aaron Kok Fashion Writer/Stylist @whatsupaaron

The Chuck Taylor All Star

The Weatherized Collection

Made by you

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SERVIN’ UP THE FRESHEST CONTENT

OUR EXCLUSIVE WEB HIGHLIGHTS THIS MONTH NYE 2015 PARTY ROUND-UP

FROM SKYSCRAPERS TO SANDY BEACHES, WE BRING YOU THE BEST NYE BASHES HAPPENING AROUND THE ISLAND.

CHAT: PERFUME GENIUS

WE DISCOVER THAT BEHIND THE HAUNTING VOCALS, MIKE HADREAS CAN BRING ON LAUGHS AS WELL AS HE DOES TEARS.

JACK WILLS CHRISTMAS 2015

THE FABULOUSLY BRITISH TRENDSETTER BRINGS IN DARK PLAID AND CLASSIC GREEN THIS YULETIDE.

BEARD OILS FOR FESTIVE FACIAL HAIR HOW DO YOU THINK SANTA HAS KEPT HIS BEARD IN CHECK ALL THIS TIME?

CHAT: JACK NOVAK

THE LA-BASED EDM SIREN SPEAKS CANDIDLY WHILE SAILING THE SEAS ON IT’S THE SHIP 2015.

TOPSHOP HOLIDAY 2015

THE HIGH STREET STYLE STALWART BRINGS NEW THREADS AND A NEW SQUAD TO THE HOLIDAY SEASON.

REVIEW: STOPGAP – TOTEMS THE LOCAL INDIE ROCK OUTFIT SHOWCASES TECHNICAL PROWESS AND FEEL-GOOD VIBES ON THEIR DEBUT LP.

THE BEST MODERN GRINCH MOVIES YOU DON’T NEED TO BE GREEN TO BE MEAN – THESE CINEMA SINNERS STEAL CHRISTMAS WITH A MODERN UPDATE.

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ARMED

AND

Text Austen Choo Images Various Sources

READY

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With pulsating releases on labels like MadTech, Nurvous and Lost Records, it’s easy to see why Bristol-based DJ and producer, Kalyde AKA Richard Main, drew tip-offs from the ears of top dogs like BBC Radio 1 and DJ Mag as “one we should look out for”. Although his repertoire is small – and reasonably so, having only signed his first deal in 2014 – his raw craft is expansive in inspiration and articulation. Tracks like “This Joint” and “Infected Ear” emanate serious warehouse vibes, with pounding percussion, industrial overtones, and vocal loops enveloping ’em in true techno fashion. Main’s profile is ultimately built on gritty experimentations with techno and house in what he calls a “cross pollination of influences, which in turn leads to something new”.

Undeniably, it keeps him sonically fresh.

soundcloud.com/djkalyde

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T U O K U O Z 15: 20 AL N I F E H N T O I T A N I T S DE

ASIA’S BIGGEST AND MOST BELOVED DANCE FESTIVAL IS BACK FOR ITS 15TH YEAR AND WE COULDN’T BE MORE THRILLED. THEMED ‘SEIZE THE MOMENT’, TRUST US WHEN WE SAY THAT ZOUKOUT 2015 IS GOING TO BE HUGE. BUT BESIDES BRINGING THE BIGGEST NAMES IN DANCE TO SINGAPORE FOR TWO DAYS OF EUPHORIC REVELRY, ZOUKOUT 2015 IS EXTRA SPECIAL SINCE IT’LL BE THE LAST ONE BEFORE ZOUK MOVES FROM THE SACRED JIAK KIM STREET GROUNDS TO ITS NEW HOME IN CLARKE QUAY. JOIN US AS WE PRE-GAME ON MEMORIES OF ZOUKOUTS PAST AND GET HYPED FOR THE ONE TO COME.

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YESTERDAY’S PARTIES

Who would’ve thought that what began as a nod to the legendary beach parties at Ibiza would turn into a globally renowned annual spectacular? But you can’t celebrate the fact that ZoukOut is one of the most important dates on the international dance calendar without reliving memories of what it was before it joined the ranks of your Ultras, Tomorrowlands, and Sonars. Let the nostalgia flow.

In 2000, the very first edition of ZoukOut – which was also the first dance festival held in Singapore – drew a crowd of 8,000 party-faithful. The sequel happened a year later, with Gilles Peterson and Darren Emerson leading the charge. In 2002, the Bali bombings prevented us from being blessed with one, but in 2003 – and this time, at the Marina Bay Waterfront – ZoukOut returned for its first two-day run.

As the years went by, the roster got more titanic – as did the scale of the festival. Paul van Dyk and Armin van Buuren graced the lineup only a year apart, and 2005’s introduction of the live music stage bore the presence of local greats like Astreal, and Electrico in 2006. ZoukOut 2007 brought with it house kingpin Carl Cox and the towering Euro Slide (this was before a festival needed to have ‘fringe activities’). In 2008, the magnificent fireworks display and Nouvelle Vague set stole the show – only to be outdone by a hyperactive Martin Solveig set the year after, and a gloriously dazzling laser show.

For its 10th anniversary, ZoukOut went extra-hard and gave us the first-ever Singaporean appearances of Tiësto and David Guetta – cementing its status as a world-class event. In the years that followed, the festival was a wish list-fulfilling force, enlisting everyone from Avicii to Zedd to keep the party raging. Adapting to trends and keeping ravers happy, ZoukOut summoned bro-step god Skrillex for last year’s ’do, where he absolutely slayed it – closing the proceedings and sending us home reeling in the morning sun.

Always upping the ante, ZoukOut is now 15 years old. 15 years later is 15 years better.

Let’s seize the moment.

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THE ULTIMATE RAVE WITH AN EXPECTED TURNOUT OF MORE THAN 50,000 REVELLERS, AND 41 LOCAL AND INTERNATIONAL ACTS TAKING TO THE DECKS OVER TWO DAYS, ZOUKOUT 2015 IS THE FESTIVAL’S BIGGEST INCARNATION YET – THE ULTIMATE RAVE. HERE’S THE LOWDOWN ON WHAT TO EXPECT.

GIANTS RETURN

It’s fitting that the who’s who of EDM show up in force to bid adieu to this chapter of Zouk and ZoukOut. Alumni like Tiësto, Kaskade, Armin van Buuren, Paul Kalkbrenner, Porter Robinson and Nervo will be making a second coming. And you can bet they’ll be bringing newer, bigger sounds with them. Robinson has Worlds, his aptly titled debut, where he took synth pop to next-level heights; Collateral, Nervo’s own 2015 debut is likewise kinetically powerful, blurring the lines between EDM and pop. The older acts have kept busy too, with Tiësto, Armin, Kalkbrenner and Kaskade all releasing a treasure trove’s worth of body-moving dance gems this year alone. For his part, Tiësto’s even been dipping into bass territory, going darker and bolder than he has before.

Together with the debutants, these returning champions guarantee that all your dance needs – from EDM to deep house – will be more than catered for.

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LOCAL LOVE

Repping the hometown loud and proud, this year’s lineup also features more local artistes than any of the prior years.

What’s more, our local heroes and heroines will also be given mainstage exposure! Win! From Zouk’s resident DJs, who’ve reliably shaken us well and good over the years, to femme fatale posse Attagirl, Syndicate honcho Kiat, breakbeat doyenne Jean Reiki, neo-soul chanteuse Vandetta, turntablist extraordinaire Koflow, left-field maven Aldrin and fire-tongued spitter Shigga Shay – to name a few – will be serving up ‘Made In Singapore’ sonics to the festival’s sprawling sounds. As it has on its dance floors, so will ZoukOut honour the most cutting-edge of the local scene at the beach – which means there’ll be even more music from your favourite club nights to enjoy as the sea breeze treats you to its touch. Win, again!

NO FUSS

Now, you won’t have to worry about your cash while you’re throwing those mad shapes. This year, the festival’s going cashless, allowing attendees to pay for merch and drinks with credit/debit cards and EZ Link cards. You can also pick up a limited edition ZoukOut 2015 EZ Link card at Zouk, to use as your mode of payment and/or as a memento of the sheer epic-ness of your weekend. Think of how much this cashless direction is going to add to your ZoukOut experience: there’ll be no wallet-directed anxiety anymore. Buying swag from the stands or getting your drink on is now just a tap away.

And there you have it – there’s just so much to look forward to. If your heart’s beating a little faster reading this and you can hear Nervo’s “Revolution” playing in your head, imagine how you’ll feel when your feet touch the sand come December 11.

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TO INFINITY AND BEYOND: A ‘SEIZE THE MOMENT’ PLAYLIST BEFORE YOU HEAD OUT TO SILOSO BEACH, GET ACQUAINTED WITH OUR PICK OF 10 TRACKS BY THE ARTISTES OF ZOUKOUT 2015. KNOWING THE WORDS AND SOUNDS NOW MEANS YOU CAN SCREAM ALONG BETTER. DJ Snake – “Turn Down For What? feat. Lil Jon” You’ve seen the beyond-crazy video for this trap-happy banger so you know what it can do. Give it up for one of the best go-hard-or-go-home anthems out there and heed its message.

Armin van Buuren – “Strong Ones feat. Cimo Fränkel” Proof that the trance godfather has adapted effortlessly to the new EDM climate, “Strong Ones” sees him pairing new tricks, like thick bass stabs, with his signature transcendent moves.

Nervo – “You’re Gonna Love Again” “That drop, tho!”, you exclaim. Yup, we agree. We also love the Nervo sisters because they’ve perfected those calmbefore-the-perfect-storm moments that release cathartic blasts of energy.

Andrew Rayel – “One In A Million feat. Jonathan Mendelsohn” There are two things that this candy-coated modern trance hit has going for it. One, its ever-rising, skyward beat and two, the “one in a milli-ooon!” hook that’s so feeling.

Paul Oakenfold – “Ready Steady Go” The dance legend makes rock, drum & bass, house, and trance, all work in hyperspeed here, blending everything down to an unstoppable, accelerated rush of sound.

Porter Robinson – “Divinity feat. Amy Millan” The shared joy and communal spirit of masses dancing in unison is captured beautifully in this epic synth-pop cut that beams our here-and-now into an ethereal realm.

Kaskade – “We Don’t Stop” The prog house god knows how to make a pumping electro track resonate personally with a surreal charm. Thank him for the epiphanies you’ll have at the beach that day.

Axwell ^ Ingrosso – “Sun Is Shining” Swedish House Mafia may be no more but its two-thirds are bent on keeping the rave going. As always, the gents turn in the musical equivalent of the perfect party.

R3hab – “SoundWave feat. Trevor Guthrie” “Let’s keep going”, urges Guthrie, over R3had’s neonbright keys before the beat explodes into a dazzling display of surging Technicolour sounds – seize this moment.

Tiësto – “Red Lights” What better place to feel that YOLO magic than at a dance festival, right? And what better siren is there than this big room banger about running ’em red lights?

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ZOUKOUT, TO THE MAX!

Text Karly Jenner Images Various Sources

’COS WE LUV YA, WE WANT YOU TO HAVE THE BEST ZOUKOUT EVER. SO, WE’RE SHARING TRUSTY TIPS THAT’VE SEEN US THROUGH MANY A ZOUKOUT AND ALLOWED US TO ENJOY THE BEST OF TIMES. HEED TO HAVE A BLAST. GO FORTH AND RAVE

DRESS FOR IT

Yes, it’s fun to party with your crew but if you want to check out a different stage, or one of the fringe booths, just go. Don’t let nobody hold you back.

Siloso Beach isn’t 17 Jiak Kim Street, so ladies, leave your heels-and-bodycon arsenal at home and get comfy. Bikinis, shorts, tank tops and flip flops will have you covered. Guys too!

GET A ROOM

REST UP

For the warriors going hard both days, it’s best to book a room at the nearby hotels so you’ll have a place to crash and recoup during the day, or to continue partying.

You’re going to be partying with more than 50,000 people over two days. With that in mind, get as much sleep before the fest; you’re going to need it.

HYDRATE, HYDATE, HYDRATE We cannot stress this enough. With all the physical activity (and alcohol) you’ll be putting your body through, make sure you take in adequate H2O.

LEAVE YOUR TOYS AT HOME Pur-leez, don’t bring anything valuable. It’s hard to have a good time when you’re anxious about your swag. Instead of lugging a DSLR, use your smartphone to capture all your insta-moments.

KNOW THY SOUNDS

PACE YOURSELF

It’s always better to familiarise yourself with the artistes’ music before heading over to the fest.

The moment in a set when you recognise a song is a very special one.

Of course, we all love that heady, liquid gold. But it’s no fun being blackout drunk at 11pm and missing out on the rest of the festival.

Drink smart, people.

COVER UP

BE SWEET TO EACH OTHER

This being the monsoon season, it’d be wise to bring a poncho, just in case the sky lets rip. With that many people in the same area, shelter will be scarce.

ZoukOut returns to Siloso Beach on December 11 and 12. For more information, visit zoukout.com. music

We’re all here to have a good time, so let’s make it great for everybody. Have fun but never at anybody else’s expense. Respect each other’s personal space and everyone wins.

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ONE FOR THE ROAD ONE WAY OR ANOTHER

A CARDINAL RUDE

LEARNING TO FLY

FROM THE OTHER SIDE

You can either attempt to locate your friends when they don’t respond to you in a game of Marco Polo, or you can take to Heineken’s party-wide mobilisation in #PartyAsOne, where all partygoers will have your back in the search. Emphasising on the idea of moderation in drinking, Heineken encourages crewmembers (anyone, really) to keep an eye out for each other, one way or another. That’s not all; the crew that lasts through both nights will have an opportunity to win an exclusive VIP experience.

Amidst long lines and lacklustre discounts that do nothing for your party mojo, it might be a sign that your card needs a little upgrading.

With the Citibank credit card, privileges are shaping up to be the new norm. Members will enjoy 10 per cent off advance tickets and one-for-one drinks from 9pm to 11pm, plus get to party exclusively in Citi’s VIP marquee – a membersonly zone with stellar party favours and, get this, free-flow drinks.

There’s no place we’d rather be as the end of year draws near. But if you feel so inclined, Scoot will take you beyond our shores – just as it’s bringing in artistes and ravers for ZoukOut. Taking you to international destinations on its brand new all-787 Dreamliner fleet, we are certain you’ll enjoy yourselves wherever you are (maybe not as much as we will be over here). The budget airline teams up once again with ZoukOut, promising a high-flying booth will invariably reach new heights.

This is Hello Kitty from the other side – all hyped up and ready to take her shape-shifting persona to the next level. Amongst her evergrowing family of felines (we get it, she’s not a cat), Music Festival Hello Kitty sets the club circuits on fire as she makes her way to ZoukOut for the first time. She might also draw you in with her limited edition apparel and merchandise only available on location, so grab a pop and steer clear from the diehard Hello Kitty fanatics.

RUM AND RAISING ROOFS

BAGGING RIGHTS

DOWN TO THE RIPTIDE

FLIP THE SWITCH

Let the spirits run wild at the Bacardi booth, where the impassioned rum brand will be serving up a storm as you set the falling night ablaze. With a legacy of over 150 years, Bacardi has assimilated a portfolio of over 200 untamable labels and brands, on top of their classically smooth Bacardi white rum. So why not head to facebook.com/bacardi to try your hand at winning some ZoukOut passes and amazing Bacardi prizes?

In a dream scenario, you’ll be hitting the sets of ZoukOut all carefree and minimal; but unfortunately, we’ll need a little more to last us through the night. LeSportsac’s got us covered with its lightweight drawstring bag that would come in handy as you get your dance on. As the official bag for ZoukOut once more, LeSportsac’s release is eyecatching and sturdy enough for long, rough nights. Drop by its booth if you’re keen on partying with Snoopy and the Peanuts gang.

If you’re looking for a little cover-up as you get lost in a sea of skin and sweat, perhaps you could turn up with Rip Curl apparel to shield yourself from the masses. Sporting eclectic geometric hourglass patterns, these Rip Curl T-shirts are casual embodiments of the ZoukOut spirit. The Australian retailer, known for its trendy activewear, will clothe you in all colours of the limited edition tees, available in all Rip Curl retail stores nationwide.

Walking barefoot in public has never been a good look for anyone.

Turn to accents of neon green or bright blue in these limited editions Havaianas ($49.90) that cover your feet in vibrant, comfy fashion. Slip on a pair as you trot along from stage to stage; your weary feet would thank you later. And as ZoukOut’s official footwear, the pair will come with a commemorative waterproof drawstring bag that protects your belongings through a long night of partying.

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Text Austen Choo Images Various Sources

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BEFORE YOU HEAD OUT INTO THE FRENETIC ABYSS FILLED WITH RABID PARTYGOERS, YOU MIGHT WANNA TAKE NOTE OF THESE PERKS BY ZOUKOUT’S OFFICIAL SPONSORS THAT WOULD SERIOUSLY AMP UP YOUR NIGHT. WE’RE TALKING NEXT-LEVEL GOODIES Y’ALL.

GREEK STORYTELLER AESOP ONCE SAID, “UNITED WE STAND, DIVIDED WE FALL”. WHO KNEW FABLES WOULD BE SO RELEVANT WHEN IT COMES TO PARTYING? RATHER THAN BECOMING ONE OF THE FALLEN THIS YEAR AT ZOUKOUT, BAND TOGETHER WITH HEINEKEN AND #PARTYASONE WITH THESE SIMPLE MISSION OBJECTIVES.

Live it up with Heineken, the official beer of ZoukOut 2015, and grab your chance to win a one-night stay at W Singapore Sentosa Cove. Upload a photo of your ZoukOut team to Instagram with the hashtags #PartyAsOne and #HeinekenSG, and share how you’ll be partying as one to enter. For more information, visit facebook.com/heineken and @HeinekenSG on Instagram.

ASSEMBLE YOUR TEAM

PLAN YOUR TARGETS

Once you’ve made your way past the casualties of early intoxication, it’s time to set up your base for the evening. Not only will this ensure you don’t have any compadres M.I.A., setting up a meeting point early in the game is going to save you from wandering aimlessly through the crowds while waiting for the next act.

You’d be hard pressed to miss the iconic Heineken tent through the crowd, so round up your squad and pin it as your rendezvous point for the night.

With a lineup bursting to the brim with DJs, you’re bound to have a schedule clash or two when deciding which stage to get yo’ freak on at. To avoid inter-posse squabbles that’ll kill the vibe, set yourself up with a ZoukOut schedule and plan your course of action before engaging the revelry.

If your team must divide and conquer, make sure no soldier is left behind to party alone. After you’ve rounded up some brews at the nearby drinks stands, meet back at the Heineken tent to plan your next target.

SLOW AND STEADY

FEAST LIKE A BEAST

To prevent becoming a festivalgoer’s horror story by hitting the drinks too hard, ‘Seize The Moment’ and make the most of your night by drinking responsibly.

Capture your group banding together by uploading a snap to Instagram with the hashtags #PartyAsOne and #HeinekenSG, and share how your crew will be partying as one to stand a chance to create new moments with a prize package at W Singapore hotel.

All weekend music festivals require plenty of fuel to keep the fire burning until the sun shows up. To ensure you’ve got the energy to last till first light, assemble your team at one of ZoukOut’s many independent food stalls and tackle some grub to keep your feet moving. Be careful not to stockpile too many burgers in your belly though – you won’t want it coming back up when the jumping starts.

REST UP The saying, “There’s no rest for the wicked” was coined long before all-weekend parties like ZoukOut came into existence. Obviously, the line is in need of an update.

Whether you’re in it for the long haul or going for a single night affair, you’re gonna need a good dose of sleep to bask in the glory of sunrise and jump like you mean it when the bass drops. Make sure your team is stocked up on the Zs – the cameras will know if you got your beauty sleep.

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ELECTRIC DREAMS FAR FROM BEING UNSEEN, UNSUNG HEROES, PRODUCERS ARE JUST AS PIVOTAL AS ARTISTES IN TODAY’S WORLD OF AURAL REVOLUTIONS. FROM THE BEDROOM TO THE BIG LEAGUES, HERE ARE THE PRODUCERS OUR EARS HAVE BEEN GLUED TO THIS YEAR.

HUDSON MOHAWKE Keeping listeners psyched for any and every new release is a no small feat for an artiste to manage – especially in this age of the insta-drop Soundcloud delivery system. Yet, Ross Birchard AKA Hudson Mohawke has been amassing a devoted legion of fans since he and co-conspirator, Lunice, announced themselves as TNGHT in 2012. His worldconsuming, digi-horn touch on their self-titled debut EP piqued the eardrums of Kanye West and took trap music to the next century. On his recent sophomore solo full-length Lantern, he marshalled talents as diverse as Antony and Jhené Aiko, and turned in a mood board of singularly distinct synth-driven hits.

KYGO

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Yes, yes, popular opinion has it that tropical house is now the EDM-equivalent of chillwave and the think piece-hate against the very trending sound is copious. But one thing cannot be denied: people love it. Don’t be lying – “Firestone” has been flourishing in your playlist the whole year. Thank Norwegian DJ-producer Kygo (born Kyrre Gørvell-Dahll) for providing a sepia-tinged, mellow-but-euphoric, 100ish BPM alternative to Steve Aoki’s aggressive EDM template. Here’s to the maker of the most inescapable song of 2015.

DISCLOSURE Making a mark with their fire-starting, scene-stirring and world-moving 2013 debut, Settle, brothers Guy and Howard Lawrence entered into the dance world’s upper echelons at the ages of 19 and 22 respectively. Of course, Sam Smith played a crucial role in their near-blinding upward trajectory but the props they’ve earned for their garage revivalism and UK funky-meets-pop golden touch are rightfully theirs alone. This September, they slowed things down on their sophomore, Caracal, opting instead for resplendently smouldering, R&B-minded grooves - flipping the script once again.

SHURA Dance music’s bro-pomp is a well-documented malaise. But within such obtrusive confines, beautiful, boundary-torching music is being made. With the single “Touch”, 23-year-old East London singer and producer Aleksandra Denton showed that she was on the cusp of something new. Distilling Madonna’s new wave-y inclinations, TLC’s smoulder-purrs and evening-sky tropicalia into a pop-perfect earworm, she evinced her intent and chops as an auteur. This year, the intergalactic disco gem “White Light” took over airwaves and clubs alike. We want more!

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METRO BOOMIN’ If you’ve kept your ear to the ground where the best rap music is being made now, you’d be well aware of the doings of this 22-year-old Atlanta beatmaker. A crucial figure in the matrix that connects Young Thug, Future, Wiz Khalifa and the Migos, Leland Wayne has gifted the game with some of the best synth-heavy instrumentals in recent years.

“Karate Chop”, “Tuesday”, “Jumpman” and “I Serve The Base”, all bear his imprint and prove his versatility across the spectrum that spans the separate ends of ‘banger’ and ‘ballad’.

ONEOHTRIX POINT NEVER He is not on this list because Garden of Delete – Daniel Lopatin’s recent eighth album as OPN – is one of the year’s best albums. It’s actually got more to do with the fact that Delete is one of the best albums that he, as the maker of beyond-unclassifiable electronic sounds, has ever released. Melting down elements from the canons of drone, pop, EDM, trance and metal in a crucible of elastic, glitchy fragments, he inverts every single popular trope in dance music, in service of dance music. Genius.

WONDAGURL In 2013, at the age of 16, Canadian-Nigerian producer Ebony “Wondagurl” Oshunrinde had accomplished something most producers wouldn’t have managed in a lifetime: she produced a track for Jay Z. With “Crown”, off Magna Carta Holy Grail, she flexed hard. This year, she trumped everyone again when she sent Drake a beat via Instagram – that later became the brooding “Used To”, and also helped birth Travi$ Scott’s chart-raging “Antidote”.

OLIVER HELDENS

Text Karly Jenner Images Various Sources

There’s a reason this 20-year-old has been enlisted to weigh in on ZoukOut 2015.

Endorsed by the big room gawd Tiësto himself, Heldens has belied his youth with a string of bass-doused, sky-destined house. First, there was “Gecko”, the Ibiza - anthem to rule ’em all, followed by “Melody”, and the Tiësto-co-starring “Wombass”, which is further proof that the amorphous category of future house is identifiable by his music alone. The years ahead for progressive, floor-pleasing house are looking great, indeed.

JAMIE XX A pretty obvious choice, xx can’t be denied any mention alongside the greats. Give his 2015 full-length, In Colour, a listen and you’ll see it’s a truly exquisite work that, in every way, is the right kind of postmodern. For one, it’s at once nostalgic and futuristic – threading together garage and house on highlights such as “Gosh” and “Loud Places”, in a way that flits through the collective memory of generations, but couldn’t have been issued from any in particular. After all, who else could weave Young Thug’s dazzling screech-o-bactics with dancehall and soul the way he does on “I Know There’s Gonna Be (Good Times)”? More so than most in his lane, he’s a celebration of the best of now.

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MIXING SIBLINGS AND MUSIC CAN BE A DANGEROUS GAME, BUT NERVO RAKED IN THE CHIPS BY DECIDING TO DOUBLE DOWN. FROM HUMBLE BEGINNINGS IN MELBOURNE’S SUBURBS TO REGULAR STINTS AT SOME OF THE WORLD’S BIGGEST STAGES, THE TWIN-POWERED EDM DUO HAS ONLY JUST BEGUN STAKING ITS CLAIM WITH THE STAR-STUDDED DEBUT ALBUM, COLLATERAL. WHETHER IT’S KICKING OFF INAUGURAL FESTIVALS IN SOUTH AMERICA OR RECEIVING PRAISE FROM EDM HEAVYWEIGHTS, MIM AND LIV NERVO ENLIGHTEN US ON WHY TWO HEADS ARE BETTER THAN ONE.

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You’ve played some serious stages in the past, including Tomorrowland, Ultra and Ibiza to name a few. What was your most unreal live experience?

Our favorite performance this year was Tomorrowland Brasil. It was the first Tomorrowland in South America and the crowd was absolutely insane. We had a great slot on the main stage and played a lot of our new songs, and we got a great response. We’re still on a high from it! South American ravers are some of our favourite people to play for.

Does twin telepathy ever come into play when you’re in the studio or on the stage?

We’ve been playing and making music together for such a long time that we definitely have some telepathy. We can tell when one of us is looking for another record, and sometimes we’ll start working on something in the studio and one of us knows exactly what the other is trying to do. So that really helps and is exciting when we’re in sync.

Your debut album, Collateral, is bursting with stellar collaborators. How did you go about putting the album together?

It was very organic. The hardest thing was narrowing down the song selection, because we

started with about 45 ideas and only had room for 15 tracks on the album. The next tough task will be deciding which tracks we’re going to pick for our upcoming album.

Did you start out with an idea of whom you wanted to feature on Collateral?

The guest features just kind of happened.

Everybody on the album is a friend of ours, or someone whom we’ve worked with in the past, or people that we’ve met on tour. Maybe for album two, we will reach out to a few other artistes, but we like it when things click and happen organically.

It certainly seems like you’ve been warmly welcomed into a tight-knit community of electronic artistes. How does it feel to have people like David Guetta and Steve Aoki call you their “girls” and “sisters”?

We feel like they are our brothers too! We feel so lucky to be doing what we love as a career and it’s a very uplifting world to be in. We tend to surround ourselves with a lot of positive energy and likeminded people – and luckily for us, our DJ friends and peers in the business are just that. Everyone also understands the pressures of tour life, so when we see each other on tour, it’s always nice to have a catch up. music

Are there any challenges that you face as female DJs? DJing is definitely male-dominated, but it isn’t closed off to females. Because there aren’t many of us, we have to fight a little harder to succeed.

We have to work really hard for our credibility and let our music do the talking. We have to show people what we can do and prove everything – from the music we make to our performances. We have to remember that it’s because of the music, and not our femininity, that we have gotten to where we are today.

What’s one thing that you do that continually gets on the other’s nerves?

Mim: I’m always on Liv’s back about being on time.

I would prefer to not always be the time-keeper.

Liv: I’m always on Mim’s back to pack our suitcases in a certain way. She is messier than me.

NERVO unleash their twin tunage at ZoukOut 2015 on December 12 at Siloso Beach. For more information, visit zoukout.com. nervomusic.com

Text Trent Davis Image & Interview courtesy of Zouk Management

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SEEING STARS

WITH EXPANSIVE SETS THAT RUMBLE BEYOND THE FOUR WALLS OF ANY (BIG) ROOM, THESE DECKSLAYERS LEND THEMSELVES TO EVOLVING TIMES, CRAFTING TREND-AVERTING TRANCE STAPLES WITH FLAWLESS GERMAN PRECISION. AS COSMIC GATE EDGES INTO ALMOST TWO DECADES OF PLAYING AND PRODUCING MUSIC, IT SEEMS THEIR SUCCESS HAS PARALLELED THE UNWAVERING LONGEVITY OF THEIR SOUND. SITTING DOWN WITH US IN ZOUK’S VINYL VAULT, NIC CHAGALL AND STEFAN “BOSSI” BOSSEM TAKE US BEYOND THEIR SETS AND INTO THE IDEATIONS OF THE DUO’S IDENTITY.

Text Austen Choo Image & Interview courtesy of Zouk Management

Around the world, electro and progressive house have seen iterations in mainstream music and clubs. Do you think trance can break into that?

Stefan: We actually think it has; a lot of today’s EDM utilise trance patterns.

Sebastian Ingrosso said that EDM or IDM made trance big – most people don’t know that they use so many melodies from old trance records, but just brought the speed down and stuff. So trance was always somehow mainstream, but people don’t know it. We feel that trance is for the nerds, it’s never cool even if it’s very successful.

Nic: But it’s funny, it fills stadiums. So many people are following it. It’s not mainstream but, at the same time, you party with 20 to 30 thousand people.

How do you strike a balance and stay relevant in the evolving EDM scene while being true to your aesthetic?

S: Well, we’re changing too, but the feel of our music is the same overall. Of course you have to change the beats and speeds – you’ve got to stay relative to what’s going on.

N: But I would say it’s a natural process because we simply love music. We love house, trance and obviously, electronic music in general. So as we listen to so much different music, we get new influences. And without even doing it on purpose, when we are in the studio, it will find its way into the new production.

S: We don’t want to do the same music. We’ve done this for 16 years now.

We’re just interested in something new. It’s not like we don’t like what we did before, but we want to add something new, whether it is within one month, two months, or one year later; it is a different kind of sound.

Tell us about the scene way back that inspired you guys to make music now.

It was the mid-’80s when this whole dance thing/electronic experience started

with Kraftwerk, and blossomed into Chicago house. Then it went to acid house in 1990. We called it techno back then, with the first trance record for us being Age Of Love. We were in record stores freaking out and having goosebumps talking about it. Every week, there would be new sounds. We were in this movement from day one and we are so thankful for that. People call us the pioneers of trance, but we see people from 10 to 15 years earlier – when the music wasn’t called trance – as the early pioneers. We don’t care what you call it, it doesn’t matter. Good music is good music.

You’ve been around for over 20 years; for how many more do you see yourselves composing, producing and playing around the world?

N: It’s easy, we always say that as long as we love and enjoy it, we’ll do it. If it starts to feel like just work then I’m out.

S: It’s gotta be fun from both sides, otherwise it’s not going to work. But hopefully we still have quite some years more to go.

N: Honestly, I can’t even imagine not doing EDM. What am I going to do [laughs]?

With a busy schedule that includes travelling around the world, how do you spend most of the holidays?

N: Most of the time we travel and DJ, and we spend the breaks in between to chill a little bit. For me, I’m super interested in food. My girlfriend and I have an upcoming trip to Japan planned where we’ve got every restaurant booked for lunch and dinner. That’s a big passion for me besides music.

S: On my off days, I try to see places and explore cities. We were just in South Africa the week before where I flew to Zanzibar; an island in East Africa that is very gorgeous. We try to make the best out of every trip.

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ORGANISED CHAOS

Battling Conventional Songwriting Methods We really see vocals, whether they exist or not, as an extra instrument. I think a traditional pop band would build a song around singing, or the message that the lyrics have. But for us, even when we did have singing, we would do it backwards. We would build the song out of the instrumentation, and then if we wanted to, we would put the vocals on top. It was sort of a cherry on top as opposed to the main point.

Battling The Urge To Go Overboard I tread between not giving a sh*t about that and sometimes wanting to refine it to make it correct.

Straddling those two places is a comfortable place for me. I think our live set right now is starting to verge a little into chaos, but sort of in a good way.

We’re stretching songs out on stage more, and sometimes, some pretty crazy stuff happens.

Battling Bad Advertising With Foodporn Album Art We live in Brooklyn, and there are delis with advertisements for food – but really cheap, crappily made poster foods that are always kinda garish and badly photoshopped. So it inspired Dave to

BATTLES start making art out of bad photographs of food. La Di Da Di is somewhat about incongruous elements – they don’t necessarily fit with each other. We’re always trying weird matches and trying to put things together that sometimes don’t make sense, and seeing if something cool happens.

Battling Conflict Within The Band The odd thing about us is that we all came from different directions when we met and started the band, so it’s a funny mix of people and ideas – which is the good part of the band. There’s never been a band leader or anything; it’s kind of collective songwriting. It’s an interesting approach to making a band.

Battling Unintended Uses For Their Music I guess it’s the 21st century way of being a musician and existing in an ecosystem. It’s bizarre; I do raise my eyebrows when it’s in car commercials and I think, “Is that correct?” because it used to be a little more taboo as a form of selling out. But at the same time, we make an existence as a middle-class band; we make enough money to live and not have ‘jobs’, but we don’t make enough money that we can say, “We

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don’t need that money”. So when it comes along, it actually enables us to keep living and make more music.

There are funny things that happen though – when we had a song in a supermarket commercial in the U.K. for Tesco, we got the biggest opportunity ever on Spotify. It’s interesting in the way that it cross-pollinates, and you get exposed to a whole bunch of people who would never know you.

Battling Boredom If Ever In Stuck In Jail It depends on what we could get the guards to smuggle in for us. I guess you have spoons and nice, sharp edges. You could do that thing that drummers do where they hold a cymbal and rub the drumstick circularly across the top to create this shrieking noise. We’d do a lot of that kind of stuff.

Arm yourselves for Battles at St. Jerome’s Laneway Festival 2016, happening on January 30, 2016 at The Meadow, Gardens By The Bay. bttls.com

Text Trent Davis Image & Interview courtesy of St. Jerome’s Laneway Festival

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THE LAST PLACE YOU’D EXPECT TO HEAR EXPERIMENTAL ROCK IS IN A SUPERMARKET AISLE WHILE YOU’RE RUNNING ERRANDS. BUT FOR BROOKLYNBASED TRIO, BATTLES, THIS ISN’T AT ALL OUT OF THE ORDINARY. FORMULATING A GENRE-BENDING BLEND OF INSTRUMENTAL MAYHEM ON THEIR LATEST EFFORT, LA DI DA DI, THE BAND HAS SEEN ITS MATH-INSPIRED MUSIC GO FROM PERPLEXING FANS OF FRINGE GENRES TO BEING PLAYED IN TESCO AND TWILIGHT. GUITARIST/ KEYBOARDIST, IAN WILLIAMS, BRIEFS US AHEAD OF THE BATTLE HAPPENING AT LANEWAY 2016.

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On Giving Birth To “Carousel” I don’t want to say that songs like “Carousel” write themselves, because it’s sort of a weird cliche, but the space between the original idea and the song being born and coming to life is very quick and easy. It just sort of seems like you had this song in you for so long, and it just somewhat flows out of you.

Even though they turn out to be fairly complex affairs in the end, I think those are the ones that you’re most happy with because you didn’t labour over them – but they’re still these beautiful, important things to you.

On Unintentional Music Video Symbolism The whole East India Youth project has been about rebirth and reincarnation, but not in such a spiritual way, I suppose. That sort of imagery [in the music videos] isn’t a nod to it necessarily, but I found it weird how that seems to be a recurring theme in all my videos in one way or another – at the moment when everything gets torn up and turned around [laughs].

On His Explosive On-Stage Energy Because I’ve been doing this for so long, I wonder when it starts to become more of a construct rather than expressing myself on stage. When I get on stage, I start the show and I don’t really speak to the audience; I say, “Thanks”

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maybe every now and then. But I create this environment to react in and express myself, because I feel like I probably don’t do that emotionally or physically in any other place off the stage. This is a place for me to get to grips with those sorts of things, as much as it is for people to watch it. But I like to have fun on stage as well – if I’m really feeling it, then keyboard keys may be damaged [laughs].

On Sticking To Suits I’ve been dressing like that since I was 16 or 17, and it’s gotten more refined as I’ve grown older, but that’s how I dress. Also, it sets me apart; there aren’t many people making electronic music who wear that sort of thing.

I just wanted to look a bit different when I started the project. I feel most comfortable wearing stuff like that; I’d feel a bit self-conscious if I was out wearing jeans and a T-shirt.

On His Absence Of Smiles On Google I never really thought about that. Actually, maybe I should check it [Google Images] out, ’cos I don’t like that idea [laughs]. My music’s sort of moody enough! I’m a pretty happy person generally and I don’t like that ‘cliched musician with attitude’ kind of look – I don’t want to be seen as that. But you should definitely follow me on Twitter (@eastindiayouth), because I compulsively try to be funny all the time, much to my detriment. I think that would show a different side of myself.

East India Youth is incarnated in Singapore for St. Jerome’s Laneway Festival 2016, happening on January 30, 2016 at The Meadow, Gardens By The Bay. eastindiayouth.co.uk

BEYOND HIS BLANK FACIAL EXPRESSIONS AND MOROSE ELECTRONIC OUTPUT, WILLIAM DOYLE IS BEAMING WITH POSITIVITY. FOLLOWING HIS ACCLAIMED MERCURY PRIZE-NOMINATED DEBUT WITH THE EQUALLY LAUDED AND GENRE-HOPPING CULTURE OF VOLUME, THE SPIFFY SOLOIST IS ALL SMILES WHEN SPEAKING ON HIS ARTISTIC PERSONA’S INESCAPABLE THEME OF REBIRTH AHEAD OF APPEARING AT LANEWAY 2016.

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Text Trent Davis Image & Interview courtesy of St. Jerome’s Laneway Festival

On Organised Stylistic Chaos I don’t really think about what style a song is going to be beforehand; I don’t think, “Okay, it’s time to make a banging techno track today”. You start off with an idea and eventually it turns into something that resembles a techno track. That’s the way I approach everything. The key is really sequencing them in an order that works as a whole when you listen to it as an album, so you can appreciate when it moves from one place to the next. I like manipulating the listener like that and making them question what happens next. That’s an exciting idea to me.

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EVEN AS THE NEW ZEALAND BAND’S HOOKY ANTHEMS WERE SHOOTING THEM TO STARDOM, FRONTWOMAN ALISA XAYALITH WAS HIDING BEHIND HER HAIR WHEN RECORDING IN THE STUDIO. BUT SINCE RELOCATING TO THE U.S. AND WITH A THIRD ALBUM ON THE HORIZON, THE SYNTHPOP SIREN WITH BLEACHED LOCKS HAS COME OUT OF HER SHELL WITH NEWFOUND CONFIDENCE. WE SPEAK TO HER ABOUT LIFE IN THE CITY OF ANGELS AND ACHIEVING A STATE OF ZEN AHEAD OF THE BAND’S PERFORMANCE AT YOGA MUSIC FESTIVAL, BLISS-OUT 2015.

Creating Kiwi Communities In Los Angeles We’ve been touring in and out of the states for about two years, but I’ve been stationed in L.A. for the past year and I absolutely adore it. I love the little hub that we’ve created over here; this little community of artistes. There’s a whole bunch of Kiwi musicians out there and we’ve all started projects and write with each other. It’s just so cool to be living in a little creative community.

Using Dropbox As A Tool For Songwriting Aaron, Thom and I are the trifecta in the group; someone writes a demo and puts it in Dropbox, and I colour over it and say, “Hey guys, I did this. Do you want to come and work on it?” or, “Do you think you can add anything to this?”, and away we go. Most of the time, there are a lot of hard drives being passed back and forth; we’ve done that for years and years.

Venturing Out Of Comfort Zones One thing I’ve realised is that I’ve been writing with the same people for the longest time; I thought it would be good for me to put myself in a vulnerable situation and write with someone I haven’t written with before. Thom and Aaron have been my sole creative partners all these years, so I ventured out and did some songwriting where we would write from scratch there and then with a guitar, and another person would have a session open on a computer.

That was such a cool way to test my creative ability on the spot, and I was super surprised at myself. I think I gained a lot of confidence in my abilities; I learnt a lot from doing that this year.

Text Trent Davis Image & Interview courtesy of Bliss-Out

Living Up To Expectations There are songs that people gravitate towards most, like “Punching In A Dream”, “Girls Like You” and “Young Blood”. We definitely enjoy making

music like that, so that’s something that we always try to keep consistent with whatever we’re going to do next. We always make sure there’s still an essence of that kind of energy in the new stuff we make. But there’s definitely still pressure; I definitely feel it with writing this next record. We want to make a pop record, and we want to take all the best bits of both albums and apply it to the next one. Thom is really pushing us to make an ambitious pop record – which is cool, but it does place a lot of pressure on our shoulders. We’re kind of just throwing stuff at the wall right now and trying everything.

Mastering Mind Over Matter In L.A., everyone’s super health-conscious and I met this girl – who is my absolute nearest and dearest best friend – who has been doing hot yoga for the longest time. I ended up going with her and I got so hot. I love doing it because it’s like a form of meditation; you just have to practice getting through a yoga session in an hour in a really hot room and make sure you breathe. The fact that there’s a yoga music festival kind of blows my mind. I really hope I can do yoga after or before we play the show – or both!

Balancing Bliss Pure bliss is being able to find a point where you can be completely neutral.

When you’re neutral, if things come at you a hundred miles an hour or to the point where it’s gonna impact heavily, you’re not gonna feel it.

The Naked And Famous shakes up chakras at Bliss-Out 2015 on December 12 at The Meadow – Gardens By The Bay. For more information, visit blissout.com.sg. thenakedandfamous.com

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PIONEERING PARADISE FERRY CORSTEN

DESPITE SPEARHEADING THE DUTCH ELECTRONIC MOVEMENT AND BEING IN THE GAME FOR OVER TWO DECADES, FERRY CORSTEN ISN’T ONE TO REST ON HIS LAURELS. FROM HIS COLLABORATIVE LIVE CONCEPT, FULL ON FERRY, TO UNEARTHING UP-AND-COMING PRODUCERS THROUGH HIS RADIO CHART SHOW, CORSTEN’S COUNTDOWN, THE LEGENDARY DJ/PRODUCER IS STILL AS EAGER AS EVER TO DISRUPT THE STATUS QUO WITH HIS TRADEMARK TRANCE/HOUSE CROSSOVER. WE CAUGHT UP WITH CORSTEN BEFORE HE DELIVERED NOT ONE, BUT TWO EXPLOSIVE MAIN STAGE SETS ONBOARD IT’S THE SHIP 2015.

You’ve got countless releases and awards to your name since beginning your career in the ’90s.

Now that you’re in your 40s, has your perspective on music changed?

I think I approach music a lot more scientifically; there’s a lot more thought into what I’m doing and why I’m doing stuff than before. Before it was just like, “I like this, go for it”. Now when I’m in the studio, I’m thinking a lot more about what I would use things for and in what way. It’s definitely a lot more levelled in that sense.

Do you still feel just as ambitious in coming up with sonic concepts like L.E.F (Loud, Electronic Ferocious)?

Absolutely! It’s not easy to come up with something new all the time, but when it happens, when the coin drops, I go full force – ‘Full On Ferry’ [laughs].

When you have a concept in mind, rather than a selection of tracks that you put out as an album, your goal becomes a lot clearer and it becomes easier to find the right tracks and the right pieces to the puzzle.

The second instalment of your Hello World EPs seems less focused on vocals and more on

atmosphere than its predecessor. Can you share why you took that direction?

I think the fun part of Hello World in general is that it is a selection of music, but it’s not one album that’s released with a selection of music that took me a year and a half to make. All the music on each EP is very current. It also means that if my mood shifts from one thing to the next, you will hear it in the next EP. Where EP1 was very vocal, almost like radio, EP2 is like going back to my old style, and that’s exactly where I’m headed. It’s what I’m feeling right now and what I hope the scene will do, and it’s a personal departure from today’s music. I’m not excited by it anymore. In my mind, it all sounds the same; there’s nothing really special about it other than just being loud.

You’ve been dubbed the ‘King Of Crossover’ and are not afraid to mix genres like trance with house. What are your thoughts on the segmentation and narrowing of electronic music today?

That’s a shame. I’ve been asking myself that same question all the time. Our attention spans are so small, or even reversed; we can’t wait for anything longer than a day, so all the music is

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catered to instant gratification, instead of back in the day where people were excited about a record they didn’t know. I really would love if things could go back to about having an identity again – that’s what I’m missing right now. Everybody’s playing the same stuff, especially at the main stage at big festivals. Why not create your own identity?

We’re about to see you play on a cruise ship, but what’s the most absurd show you’ve ever played?

Earlier this year in Singapore at the SEA Games.

I was hovering over the Indoor Stadium in a little basket for 40,000 people at the end of the parade.

I played an hour set live through Wi-Fi, which is super scary because if that connection broke, then I’d be done. When I did the rehearsal in the afternoon, it was an empty stadium and that was already crazy enough. When I walked over to that basket on the night itself, I was like, “This is the stupidest but coolest thing I’ve ever done in my life”.

Read the extended interview at juice.com.sg. ferrycorsten.com

Text Trent Davis Image & Interview courtesy of It’s The Ship

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*SCAPE The Invasion – A Music and Maker Festival

Text Austen Choo Images Various Sources

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It is undeniable that the indie music scene here is burgeoning with promise. As homegrowns saturate local airwaves with original tunes, we are beginning to hear the bellowing of a change many have fought so hard for. With the emergence of local festivals like *SCAPE The Invasion – that celebrate young musicians and makers made in Singapore – perhaps their time is now. The full-day event will see some of Singapore’s most established creatives as they take to the heart of Orchard Road, transforming it into a festival village littered with over eight hours of performances and activities.

Three separate stages will feature different hometown glories like Charlie Lim, Nathan Hartono and The Summer State. In a way, the event is almost an acknowledgement of the youths who have been propelling a vibrant scene

that was once under the shadows of their foreign compadres. The dazzling lineup is packed with over 20 young local acts running the gamut of genres that have emerged in our diverse scene.

You can also expect a speck of mystery as bands like A Vacant Affair, The Fire Fight and Caracal take on special sets.

However, if the year-end holidays and festivities call out to you in a different fashion (we’re talking retail therapy), then the *SCAPE Marketplace has got you covered as well. The mini shopping district will see over 30 young makers hawking their inventive creations – from hand-crafted items and accessories to artisanal goods, all of which marked with unique flair. The speciallycurated zone will also be dotted by budding street performers, who will keep you entertained throughout the shopping experience. music

In an attempt to offer platforms for young musicians to flourish, *SCAPE conceptualised the Invasion Tour, where local musicians can reach out and connect to the youths around the island. Working alongside Invasion Singapore, the tour allowed them to play for and connect with students from over 30 secondary schools and tertiary institutions this year. *SCAPE The Invasion is ultimately the closing of a chapter and a celebration of the combined effort of those involved in the tour. Their vision for the music scene in Singapore has come full circle, and it goes right back to the youths who help proliferate it.

*SCAPE The Invasion happens on December 5, from 2pm to 10pm at *SCAPE. Admission is free via registration at scapers.sg/theinvasion.

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LICENSE TO SWILL

BOND: A VIEW TO KILL @ 1-ALTITUDE & ALTIMATE Maybe you’re a smooth-operating Sean Connery or Roger Moore, or perhaps you channel the brooding grit of Timothy Dalton or Daniel Craig. Whichever incarnation of 007 suits your fancy, there’s no better place for your inner James Bond to get a martini on NYE than at the soaring heights of 1-Altitude and Altimate. Celebrating the world of Bond with an explosive year-end Spectre-cle, the sky-high Bond: A View To Kill year-end blowout will have you partying in style as we put a cork in 2015 and pledge to Die Another Day.

dangerous liaisons to the tunes of DJs Leonard T, Jack T, and The Octoberries, before marvelling at an unrivaled 360-degree view of the fireworks at midnight and welcoming the new year with class.

After dropping a post-mortem pun or two, Skyfall your way down to level 61 and embark on an Altimate Bond experience, where the recently reinvented nightclub opens a world of thrills and intrigue to ring in The Living Daylights of 2016. Armed and dangerous with high-tech visual and sound systems (that could’ve only been devised by Bond’s most formidable foes), Altimate’s multi-sensory party experience sees DJ NLVi at the helm of elevating the revelry with heart-stopping sounds and dazzling light shows. And with a dedicated team of guest relation managers and creative consultants delivering VIP experiences that’d make an evil Blofeld proud, party the night away with your PPKs holstered for an evening that pulls out all the stops.

Having dined with death on countless occasions, Bond would have no qualms diving into gastronomic glamour for his last meal of the year at Stellar at level 62. Unveiling an exclusive New Year’s Eve dinner menu by executive chef and Krug ambassador, Christopher Millar, expect the height of luxury with culinary delights fit for an agent On Her Majesty’s Secret Service, with seatings from 6pm to 7.30pm priced at $180++, and another session offered to those making late escapes from 10.30pm to 11:30pm priced at $350++ ($408++ for window seating).

Dress to kill and round up the martinis – you know the rule.

$88++ cover charge (inclusive of one house pour and one glass of Möet Brut) for Altimate; $300++ (9pm to midnight, free-flow premium pours) and $88++ (after midnight, inclusive of one house pour and one glass of Möet Brut) for 1-Altitude. For reservations and more info, visit 1-altitude.com.

Upon completion of your epicurean mission, ascend to glorious heights at 1-Altitude Rooftop & Bar from 6pm, where secret agents, Bond girls and villains alike get together to clink glasses and live on the edge, 282m above sea level. Boasting a magnificent sunset spectacle and toting a range of 007-inspired cocktails and bubbly Möet Brut, tango with

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Text Trent Davis Images Various Sources

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focus artiste

KATE BOY

that’s where the similarities with others in the same lane end. Unlike their Chvrches-sounding peers, they don’t lay claim to any sort of moral or emotional higher ground in their unabashedly heart-on-sleeve songs.

This is youth-centric music made for the young at heart, for the millennials of the world running headfirst into every new feeling – and they stand by it.

You’ll know it when you hear it – that ultra-processed, bass-buoyed, beat-chasing rain of harmonies that surges with skyward propulsion, leaving a huge emotional blast radius. That is the sound of pop in 2015 and everyone is doing it.

These days, you can’t have big pop aims and not align yourself with the electronic world. Swedish trio Kate Boy is strong evidence of this, making music that checks all the trending categories by colliding pop hooks with electric feels. But unlike most, their story is interesting because they are bent on questioning the very essence of ‘pop’ itself.

Give One a listen and you’ll come upon hooks like, “It’s adrenaline that you’re travelling”, and “everything that we touch turns to gold”, over and over again, much to the chagrin of critics. Not us, though. Pop is about instant gratification, that instant high you receive when you listen to something that makes you feel that the possibilities are endless. And we love that Kate Boy tells it like it is.

Sorry not sorry, indeed.

In November this year, the band, made up of vocalist Kate Akhurst, and producers Markus Dextgen and Hampus Nordgren, released its debut album, One. And in stratospherereaching highlights, like “Northern Lights” and “Lion for Real”, they revealed themselves as makers of pounding, heady synth pop. But

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FOREVER YOUNG

Text Karly Jenner Images Various Sources

THESE BANDS TOO, DO NOT GO GENTLY INTO THE NIGHT. SAY LOU LOU

JAPANDROIDS

THE DISTRICTS

MARCHING CHURCH

Twins sisters Elektra and Miranda Kirby were born to a Swedish father and Australian mother, and grew up always, as Miranda puts it, “missing someone and feeling like you want to be somewhere else”. Peep their 2015 debut album, Lucid Dreams, for the Tumblr-ready tropes of longing, yearning and wishing – for something. sayloulou.com

Over two albums of life-affirming indie rock, the Canadian duo of guitarist-vocalist Brian King and drummer David Prowse extol the virtues of youthful pursuits (drinking, falling in and out of love, etc) with a fashion-resistant zeal. Cue the highspeed “Younger Us” for the band’s manifesto. japandroids.com

Forged in the crucible of rock & roll and all-consuming teenage angst, this Pennsylvania quartet’s music is like a fist to the gut. If you need any proof that angry, red-blooded tunes you can soundtrack the X Games to still exists, hit up their first full-length, A Flourish And A Spoil. thedistrictsband.com

Obnoxiousness is one of youth’s manifestations and Iceage frontman’s lesser-known guise emanates its cooler-than-thou charms. He’s stated that it’s the result of him wondering what a picture he had in his head of himself draped in a golden robe and leading a band while a girl poured him champagne would “sound” like.

C’mon, man. marchingchurch.bandcamp.com

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HE SINGS THE BODY ELECTRIC It takes a whole lot more than skill to possess what Jean-Michel Jarre has in his pocket – he has paved the way for electronic music in his expansive career that spans four decades. The French pioneer bears colossal statistics – he’s sold over 80 million albums to date and broke the record (three times!) for highest attendee numbers at a concert, the last at a 1997 gig in Moscow with over 3.5 million fans.

Jarre’s ingenuous artistry is a product of constant creative exploration.

After all, he’s studied–under sonic mastermind Karlheinz Stockhausen and Pierre Schaeffer, the iconic developer of musique concrète – all of which led him to the melding of avant-garde and pop music with unparallelled finesse. Unlike Kraftwerk and Giorgio Moroder, Jarre’s sound was bathed in contemporary melodies and bore an impressionistic treatment that has since augmented over an evolution of time and vivid experimentation. Yet, one underlying thread that remains is the emotional link he fosters with the audience – which explains his disdain for the valuing of music, in CDs and the era of the Internet.

Looking back, his first album of mainstream success, Oxygène, seemed like more of an overture to his musical reign. His career at the time was defined by the immensity and scale of his international shows – a symbolic representation of his popularity. Besides, he was the first western musician to play in China after the Cultural Revolution in 1981.

One reinvention followed the other, as Jarre took to working with vocals – first seen in Métamorphoses in (2000), and subsequently Sessions 2000 (2002), which resulted in synth-laden jazz pieces unlike his previous creations.

However, the 67-year-old shows no signs of stopping. His recent release is the first of his two-part electronica project titled, Electronica I : The Time Machine. The album itself is completely collaborative, featuring a stellar cast of artistes and producers like M83, Moby and John Carpenter. The end result is a vibrant and accessible mix eight years in the making. As Jarre carries on with his electronic craft today, he believes that it will transition into the classical music of tomorrow. And we couldn’t agree more – the future is now.

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JEAN-MICHEL JARRE

“GLORY” (WITH M83) For an artiste who grew up inspired by Jarre’s music, it is strange to then hear two halves coalescing on a track.

Anthony Gonzalez of M83 brings the band’s synth-pop aesthetic seamlessly onto the texture of Jarre’s melodies.

“IF…!”

(WITH LITTLE BOOTS) You might overlook the fact that this piece has Jarre’s name on it, because at first listen, it might sound like mere electropop. However, this collaboration is a fresh and accessible take to Jarre’s distinct sound.

“CLOSE YOUR EYES” (WITH AIR) Through layering beats, hi-hats and synths, this track crescendos thematically into a tech-melodic instrumental piece with Air’s signature haunting vocals. music music

“ZERO GRAVITY” (WITH TANGERINE DREAM) A shimmering mix between the two legends, Zero Gravity flutters around a ’70s vibe with distinct hints of analogue sounds. This tune will please longtime fans of the two in an otherworldly experience.

“STARDUST” (WITH ARMIN VAN BUUREN) Reminiscent of Jarre’s signature in Chronologie (1993), “Stardust” brings van Buuren’s trance patterns in a hard-hitting track that defies the decades. Expect a complete synergy of electronic proportions.

Text Austen Choo Image Various Sources

A JOURNEY THROUGH THE DECADES

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STANDING TALL DR MARTENS STAND FOR SOMETHING TOUR

Text Austen Choo Images Dr Martens

Shuffling past fences, grunge fixtures and plastered posters, the intimate entrance at TheatreWorks saw a transformation to something that was more than just punk-inspired. It was a projection of artistic rebellion that came with the Dr. Martens brand and a reflection of their Stand For Something campaign. And with Riot !n Magenta opening in the background as many trickled in, the whole affair felt like we were sneaking past the gates into an underground gig.

Eugenia Yip’s powerful vocals led us in the band’s synth-driven electronic melodies as they rattled the early crowd with their meticulous ensemble.

Charged with a whole lot of soul and polarising emotions, the local five-piece warmed up the crowd well – extending their sonic reverberations into the sea of people. With licks of ambient rock, like Khairyl Hashim’s rhythmic guitar numbers, their set was sonically collected and carefully executed – almost like the calm before the storm.

It wasn’t too long before British headliners Circa Waves came on to a roaring crowd. Opening with “Young Chasers”, the title track from their new album, the band got the ground shaking as the audience throbbed to the infectious melodies. The quartet’s indie rock aesthetic is comparable to that of classic outfits of the noughties – Arctic Monkeys or The Strokes – and was marked by upbeat

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sing-a-long tunes that centre around teenage fervour. Their energy was undeniable, pogoing around the stage while frontman, Kieran Shudall, belted out popular tracks like “So Long” and “Fossil” that most sang along to resoundingly.

The Liverpool band went through most of their album in record speed – a lot of their songs aren’t too long anyway, and it felt as though they were slipping away like the adolescence they sang about in “Stuck In My Teeth”. The tempo of the night rarely took a dive even in between tracks, where Shudall chipped in on how much he loved chicken rice (who doesn’t?). However, Circa Waves’ performance reached fever pitch with the set closer, “T-Shirt Weather”, which we assume to be a song that the crowd found extremely relatable.

As the Stand For Something Tour brings us yet another act that hit the sweet spot – in a campaign that bridges fashion and music culture – we were left this time around with a taste of what Circa Waves has on indie rock. Having only been in the scene for a short amount of time, the band perhaps did not have too much in their musical stash to offer, but they made it up to adoring fans with simple dynamic jams that punctuated the short set.

Gaining traction fast around the world, we’re sure the four of them would come back for an encore next time around.

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JUICE ‘BARELY LEGAL’ 17TH ANNIVERSARY PARTY

Another year, another birthday, and another reason to party! Well, it’s not like we needed one to begin with anyway. For the past 17 years, we’ve braved every gig, scoured every clothing and beauty shelf, and pinned down every up-and-coming cafe to bring you the freshest news on all your favourite bands and brands. So for our 17th birthday, we threw ourselves a wicked good bash with our dear readers in toll.

Despite the sudden downpour, partygoers turned up to be greeted by our squad, dressed as law enforcement officers. Okay, we got a bit carried away with the police caps and the FBI badges, but that was just the start of more things to come. The first 400 earlybirds also received complimentary goodie bags, which saw a fresh design with plenty of goodies in it. As an added incentive, the first 100 entrants also received a complimentary tote bag from American Eagle Outfitters.

Prior to the event, we promised our guests that they’d be in for a multi-sensorial treat, and that started the moment they stepped into Zouk.

The first thing that greeted everyone was a sculpture of the well-loved desert boot from Clarks Originals. Thanks to the use of image-mapping, the sculpture took on a life of its own, as different textures and patterns zoomed across the surface of the boot. Guests were also invited to partake in a lucky draw, where five winners would walk away (no pun intended) with complimentary pairs of Clarks Originals desert boots. Fun fact: Bryan Cranston wore these exact boots in hit series, Breaking Bad. While we don’t encourage the making of questionable substances in your basement, these boots are as close as it gets to being Walter White – minus the HAZMAT suit, of course. The good people at Clarks Originals even had two models come in to showcase the best of the brand’s line of desert boots, while they handed out cups of shocking pink candyfloss.

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Speaking of shocking pink, merrymakers were then ushered through a tunnel lit in – you guessed it – ’s shade of pink. Before hitting the bars and the dance floor, guests posed for their mugs at the photobooth set up by Aww Snap. In front of a black and white background, our guests struck their more righteous (and most nefarious) poses, while some went the extra mile and created light paintings using the LED props provided.

After taking their mugshots, partygoers made a beeline to the first bar they could find and quenched their thirst with ice cold ale from the official beer, Heineken, and house pours by official spirits, Martell and Chivas. At this point, spirits were high as the night’s activities kicked into full gear.

First up was the Miss Angel Singapore competition, presented by Vidal Sassoon. A recurring contest that tested participants’ hairstyling skills, the prize this year included a trip to Tokyo to rep Singapore in the final regional competition. Supporters of the contestants pooled together in full force to cheer on their favourite competitor, but it was Beckie Loh, a 29-year-old dancer, who flew away with the top prize and a ticket to the finals.

After the runner-up and consolation prizes were handed out, revellers partied the night away as DJ

033 Fauxe took to the stage, where he dropped the sickest beats for an hour-long set. Donning his signature half-face mask, the deck-master dished out his unique brand of alternative electronica, complimented with deadly visuals from SSYSTM. Revellers watched as film noir-inspired videos flourished on the overhead screens, while Fauxe shuffled out ambient tracks from behind a specially-built console stage that featured large pyramidal protrusions. Like the Clarks Originals boot that partiers witnessed out front, this specially-sculpted piece of art played canvas to SSYSTM’s image-mapping ingenuity.

Text Aaron Kok Images Daniel Chia

On this note, we’d like to send out a rousing thanks to everyone who showed up to celebrate this milestone with us. You came, you toasted, and you cut a rug with us. Now, allow us to indulge in a couple more drinks before we begin planning a bigger, even better soiree for our next birthday bash. Adios!

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Squaring in on funky, upbeat jams that flutter around polished synths and catchy choruses, Mutemath pulls off a palette of irresistible, dance floorready tunes. A product of immaculate production and strong framework, Vitals exemplifies the band’s textural prowess in a frenzy of carefully selected instrumentals. As Paul Meany sings of impetuous passion in “Monument”, we feel share his sentiment – this is their time. mutemath.com

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Over enigmatic melodies, Jordan Asher’s chops are pleasantly dissonant, flanked by clanky technical beeps, patchy hi-hats and industrial beats. Occasionally, his lyrics are almost spoken rhythmically, a la tracks like “Ghost” in Beyonce’s self-titled album, which he produced the bulk of. Pushing the boundaries of pop music, AQUARIA is a thoughtful blend of compositions that draw from the recesses of rock and contemporary R&B.

EAGLES OF DEATH METAL SPEAKS OUT ON PARIS TERROR ATTACK Speaking for the first time after the terror attack that both shook their

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performance at The Bataclan and the rest of the world, the fun-loving rock & rollers – fronted by the charming Jesse Hughes – give horrific accounts of what unfolded on that tragic evening. But only before vowing to continue where they left off by being the first band to play at the venue once it reopens.

ERYKAH BADU DROPS LESSON IN PHONE ETIQUETTE Amidst an indie scene filled with cut-and-paste theatrics, this sophomore attempt by the four-piece out of Nashville is a refreshing breath of fresh air. While clever lyricism elevates the individually diverse tunes, the album is ultimately a beacon for independent bands and listeners alike. Above all, their unwavering creativity keeps the high-octane dance numbers of Kid Tiger characteristically distinct. danielellsworthandthegreatlakes.com

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While Drake has been lamenting a lack of calls on his cellphone, audience at Erykah Badu’s recent Soul Train Awards performance will likely be too afraid to take ’em out ever again. Irritated by front-row folks chatting and texting on their phones during her show, Badu proceeded to confiscate them while singing the track, “Phone Down”. Was it staged? Perhaps – but we’ll be keeping our phones out of sight so long as she’s running things.

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singled out It is not often that misery can sound this potent.

WET

PAINS OF BEING PURE AT HEART

DAUGHTER

As Kelly Zutrau brings us into a nostalgic narrative

Along with several other demos that did not make

based trio, then perhaps this latest extraction out

with her subdued vocals and wispy tone, “It’s All

it on Days of Abandon, “Hell” was first posted

of their next LP will present you with a facade you

In Vain” sees the Brooklyn-based trio excelling in

online by band leader Kip Berman, and now given

won’t see coming. Taking a stronger and more

their own element. Low hums, simple beats and

its own EP treatment. Sonically, it’s almost like

dynamic approach to the melancholy we’ve come

minimal instruments complement Zutrau’s lyrics,

Orange Juice’s “Rip it Up”, with a disco vibe that

to love, Elena Tonra’s performance in “Numbers”

and a refined melody seals the track as a strong

happens to fall in nicely with the band’s recent

is riveting as it is powerful. If their bold strides are

opening of their debut album Don’t You. Simply

bout of tributes and experimentation. A jolly track

any indication of what is to come, Not to Disappear

put, this track is soaking Wet.

with a chorus accented by handclaps, this release

will definitely be a wait that is worthwhile.

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will tide you by till their next full-length.

ohdaughter.com

If you’re used to the delicate charm of the London-

thepainsofbeingpureatheart.com

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Text Austen Choo & Trent Davis Images Various Sources

Amongst recent chart anthems that bear repetitively simple iterations, Into Focus stands out with Peter Kirk’s discernment for catchy hooks and witty lyrics. Having won us over with Parallel Play, the crew’s latest release is a step toward a polished indie-pop production. With deliberate technical incisions that dot tracks like “Halfway To Heaven” and “Younger Love”, the four-track presents a formidable release with an uptempo sonic cadence. soundcloud.com/panamawedding

Artistes who feature a musicality marked by forays into genre-crossing territories might often yield results that are conflicting, but The Neighbourhood manages to expand their take on alternative rock seamlessly. Lead singer Jesse Rutherford sounds almost like Miguel or The Weeknd – with hazy vocals that sit atop downtempo instrumentals, capturing the essence of an eternal Southern Californian sunset. thenbhd.com Recently signed to Mad Decent, Grandtheft is no stranger to the game. From remix collaborations with performers like Calvin Harris and Florence Welch, the Toronto DJ and producer diverges from his work with big-name creatives to lesser-known artistes – like Sleepy Tom and Kabaka Pyramid – in his latest EP, Quit This City. The title track off the record is somewhat of a bass-heavy trap ballad that is anything but familiar to his previous style, and will leave fans pleasantly surprised. soundcloud.com/grandtheft

Brooding atmospherics rumble within their latest offering, as Lindsay Pitts emerges from the darkness like a semblance of hope, crooning in hook-driven melodies. Her sonic tango with Clifford John Usher’s aesthetic sees a quaint juxtaposition of her airy tone with his dense production of dream-pop and rock. As we take to Kill The One You Love to relinquish our heartbreak, perhaps we are starting to find strength in the duo’s alluring sensibilities. killtheoneyoulove.com music

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FOR THE RECORD

BY SOFIE CHANDRA

TO ZOUK

W ITH L OVE Proud.

I’ve always said this and I wouldn’t know any other way to express how I feel about Zouk.

I fell into the Zouk family by chance 10 years ago. I didn’t even know at that point what house music was. The concept of DJs was foreign to me – I’d always thought it was just a guy turning some knobs to make sure the music came on and off.

ART ANGELS

A decade later, Zouk has given me a whole new world.

Today, I dare say I have a firm grasp and understanding of the music industry, and what Zouk means to the dance music scene in Asia.

GRIMES (4AD)

Pivotal.

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When Lincoln started Zouk in 1991, he always had this vision of bringing people together through music. In 2011, with the release of “Hey Mama” and “Titanium”, David Guetta became one of the world’s key DJs/producers to turn the whole meaning of EDM around. Suddenly, Lincoln’s vision for Zouk – “One World, One Music, One Tribe, One Dance” – became so real. It was the rise of the mainstream.

Zouk has always been very unique as a brand. Those of you who’ve actually researched it as a marketing case study might not understand its successes, or why it became an institution, or why people love it the way it is being loved, or why others remain fiercely loyal to it.

As with the convergence of social media, the Internet and everything digital-driven, we have also seen pop music’s fringes and the mainstream merge. Grimes is one prime example of an act straddling both sides. But Claire Boucher doesn’t so much straddle as stamp all over and swallow whole – the elements of pop, even the politicised, feminist ones, to regurgitate balls of messed-up, post-Internet (groan) pop. And we take them in – she invites Taiwanese rapper, Aristophanes, to spill all over the industrial “SCREAM”; plays as a bonafide synth pop star on the super-potent and radio-friendly “Flesh without Blood”; and even reworks “REALiTi”, her ‘thank you’ song to her Asian fans earlier in the year. But really, we thank Boucher for being unashamedly herself.

I have – after my 10 years of growing it, loving it and some days hating it – come to realise that the answer lies in the Zouk magic. It is made up of the people who make it what it is, through dedication, passion and hard work.

It is also made up of the faith that musicians, artistes, designers, and creative individuals have in it.

It is that feeling you get after that one Mambo Jambo night, where for a moment you felt united as one in a sea of synchronised dance moves. Or it could be locking eyes with that dream girl standing at Phuture, whom you knew you would do anything to call your own. Or that one night in Velvet Underground where Azari & iii made you pledge to forever wearing flats, instead of heels, in a club.

It doesn’t actually matter why Zouk means so much to me, or you, or him, or her. But what continues to amaze me is how it is special to all of us for completely different reasons.

WORK IT OUT

That is why I’m still here, and why it draws me to keep challenging my team to inspire. We have the Steve Aokis and the Showteks; we also have the Apparats and the Marco Carolas. I couldn’t be more proud to be a part of the Zouk family, and to be a very small, tiny speck (I hope) of this magic.

We love nothing more than an act that splits the critics.

The detractors say: boring; nondescript; anodyne mesh of synth pop and folk; “Bombay Bicycle Club’s backing singer sings BBC’s b-sides” (ouch). The fans say: adventurous; finely-tuned melodic pop; an English Rose trying to flower into a newer bloom – a newer sound. We see the views of both camps. Rose’s pure voice is couched in a commercial bouquet of indie synth beats that spell ‘radio-friendly’ rather than ‘envelope-pushing’. But this is the album she fought her bigwig label to make. Listen to “Nebraska”, “Our Eyes”, “Till the End”, and “Like An Arrow” to decide which camp you belong to.

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LUCY ROSE (Sony Music)

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OF THE MONTH

EVERY OPEN EYE Chvrches

(Virgin Records Ltd) If you don’t know who Chvrches are, then the only salvation is to listen to their sophomore now. The Glasgow trio broke out so big in 2013 that they became head of the neon synth pop class. Can they top the competition again? Yes, because they retain and polish their catchy synths to have currency and edge, yet remain familiar enough to keep their disciples loyal.

ZEALOTS

CARACAL

UNITED WE ARE

(Flowers in the Dustbin Records) Of Monsters and Men, Noah and the Whale, Belle and Sebastian, Arcade Fire – Glasgow’s The Deadline Shakes brings all these acts to mind in their debut. Opener “Bright Spot In A Bad Year” is a power pop + country folk toe-tapper; “Slipping From Your Heart” is the sweetest and peppiest lovelorn ballad ever; while the melancholic interlude “When Will I Ever Learn” lulls you in before they spring back with “You Bring The Class”.

(Island Records) Clever or too safe? Conscious pull-away or attempt to turn down the heat?

We know Guy and Howard Lawrence put house back on track a couple of years ago; now everyone’s on their tail and back. Their sophomore is more considered, and hence, less fun. It’s the duo playing it cool, with Miguel, The Weeknd, Sam Smith, and Lorde, hanging back with them. But let’s hope they don’t chillax for too long.

(Revealed Recordings) We’re a little late on this but we’re sure fans of mainstream EDM had no probz with the debut of DJ Magazine’s No. 1 DJ, Hardwell. Robbert van de Corput knows what makes the masses go rabid, and so he packs the album full of the stuff that makes rooms go boom: Big-room tunes; widescreen synths; OTT vocals; major build-ups; major breakdowns.

The Deadline Shakes

Disclosure

Hardwell

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GET TO HEAVEN

THE BRIGHT SIDE

(Sony Music) Everything Everything has always made music that makes people stop, listen and even double over. Guitars are not so much picked as pecked at; beats skirt around fussily; Johnathan Higgs curls and speeds around lyrics as a man won’t to falsetto. The third is their most friendly and most encompassing of everything that passes as pop, with “Distant Past”, “Regret” and “Fortune 500” being the attention grabbers.

(Sony Music) Ah, Lenka makes such happy music. So happy that they fit adverts of any kind; so happy that she titles her fourth album, The Bright Side. Too much sugar in one sitting, though there ain’t no wrong in being sunflowery-sunshiny – especially when one sounds like a complete sweet twee like the Aussie singer does in “The Long Way Home”, “Unique” and “Get Together”.

Text Chris Ong Ujine Images Various Sources

Everything Everything

MOODSWINGS

Ships Have Sailed (Independent label) “Drive” was A-okay – an Imagine Dragons-meets-Snow Patrol (or any other synth pop boy band) kind of track.

But then came “Summertime” – an instant earache, a boy band pop-filler that only made one’s mood swing to ‘eew’ mode for MoodSwings, the latest from LA duo, Will Carpenter and Ben Hange. Mid-tempo synth pop-rock that’s easy to fall into, like summer flings, but just as easy to forget.

LOVETAP!

Lenka

Smallpools

SET THE FIRES Alpha Shallows

(RCA Records) (Independent label) Teen-young adult summer-fun pop is the Queens Of The Stone Age meets Pearl cocktail that Smallpools serves, and in Jam; that’s what Alpha Shallows Lovetap!, their debut, the LA quartet serves sounds like to one’s ears on their them out like they were bar freebies. The brief bluster of an EP. Gaz (bassist), songs are refreshing on first listen – a spritzy Ben (drummer), Ken (vocalist) and mixer of Bombay Bicycle Club, the 1975, Joice (guitarist) go in hard and heavy. and Fall Out Boy – but there’s little beyond Waking up from the angry languor surface impressions. Get gleeful on glasses of “Temper”, thudding the hard rock of “Karaoke”, “Street Fight” and title track onward towards the grungy “What’s That A Picture Of?”.

“Solace”, and ending with the dark metal menace of “Flatline”.

ME

Empress Of

(Terrible) While Grimes has been recrafting pop for a while now, Lorely Rodriguez is only now fully stepping out on her own. And what a debut as Empress Of. Rodriguez went into Mexico for five weeks, and came back so raw, so Me – Rodriguez wrote, sang and produced everything by herself. Listen to “Kitty Kat” and “Water Water” to hear the sound of a woman undergoing pop catharsis with fierce confidence.

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ONE

RIOT BOI

(Island/Fiction) Kate Boy’s “Northern Lights” in 2013 caught our attention. Fast forward to 2015 and we have MØ, Chvrches, and the like. So the debut has come a little late for this Swedish band. Kate Akhurst still commands attention with her voice, steering them towards a blend of The Knife and Empire Of The Sun, but one wished for more depth and newness than glass-sharp, electro pop.

(Terrible/XL) Zebra Katz, Mykki Blanco, and now Le1f. LGBT African-American rap and synth music has never seen such a hyped presence in the mainstream.

Khalif Diouf showed the world who’s what with “Wut” and “Soda” in 2012, and returns now to make sure no one forgets him as Le1f. Aggro, sexual, and proud, it’s Houseball-fitted hip-hop that’s meant to turnt-up yer heads.

Kate Boy

Le1f

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NAKADIA

GENTLE BONES LIVE IN CONCERT

SATURDAY DECEMBER 2 AT CANVAS SINGAPORE Having emerged from humble beginnings in Thailand, Nakadia’s persistence in crafting an individual style – a convergence of deep, tech house and techno – has propelled her to international success, touring the likes of Berlin and Ibiza. As she heads to Canvas, she brings along a body of work that includes illustrious sets and sounds that would bathe the dance floor in audial intoxication. canvasvenue.sg

THURSDAY DECEMBER 10 AT ESPLANADE CONCERT HALL Amongst one of the first few local acts to headline the grand Esplanade Concert Hall, Gentle Bones AKA Joel Tan, will take to the stage with a mix of tunes from his self-titled debut EP and forthcoming release. After a string of successes that include performing at the SGMUSO Live Showcase in London, we’re confident that this crooner will have no problem filling up the classic venue. esplanade.com

RECESS X BASSIC PRESENT DILLON FRANCIS & CASHMERE CAT WITH LINCEY

FORWARD FEAT. TINI

SATURDAY DECEMBER 12 AT KYO With career beginnings from the age of seven and her first attempts at production being on an Atari game console, tINi was undisputedly born to make music. It didn’t take long for the German Goldilocks to take up residencies in Ibiza, London and Italy – the house/techno producer is unafraid to do things her own way, which we will witness with the ferocious thrashing of her golden curls. clubkyo.com

FRIDAY DECEMBER 4 AT ZOUK Given his adoration for kitties, it seems only natural for LA-based DJ/producer Dillon Francis to pair up with Cashmere Cat for a night on the decks at Zouk. While the former is sure to get the ground shaking with his unique blend of moombahton and electro, the Norwegian feline’s genre-bending production and turntablism that had Kanye’s ears perking up will have us doing the same. zoukclub.com.sg

STOPGAP: TOTEMS LP LAUNCH

LAST CHRISTMAS AT JIAK KIM: THE KEY TO NEVERLAND WITH SICK INDIVIDUALS & HONG

THURSDAY DECEMBER 24 AT ZOUK Christmas may get us giddy when the presents are unwrapped, but Zouk promises to take us back to our childhoods for real with an elaborate Neverland-inspired wonderland. As we celebrate one last Christmas at the Jiak Kim institution, Dutch duo, Sick Individuals, brings destructive prog-house bangers to fire things up like a standoff between the pirates and The Lost Boys. zoukclub.com.sg

SLEEPWALKER: PERFUME GENIUS

FRIDAY DECEMBER 4 AT TAB Unravelling the intricacies behind Perfume Genius’ music is like picking up fragments of a broken heart. The Seattle-based musician, who goes by Mike Hadreas offstage, takes to tackling conventionalism through dark lyrics and a magnetic delivery. Hadreas’ vulnerable narratives are cloaked in a powerful sound and elegant visuals that are reminiscent of Bowie, and we can’t wait to be enthralled by this new age oddity. othersounds.asia

REWIND FEAT. OSUNLADE

FRIDAY DECEMBER 25 AT KYO From kick-starting his career with compositions for Sesame Street, to producing the first album ever for Interscope Records, Osunlade has no shortage of accomplishments to his name.

Having previously dabbled in dance and house at the cusp of electronic music’s boom, the producer’s unique brand of ambient funk, soul and jazz amalgamates his illustrious career into a distinctive sound that’s unlike any other. clubkyo.com

ZIMMER

SATURDAY DECEMBER 5 AT OVEREASY FULLERTON Anyone who’s bold enough to rework Rod Stewart and Tina Turner with disco flavour is just fine by us – and with the aroma of burgers on the grill wafting over the dance floor, the Parisian producer’s spicy disco reworks and feelgood house numbers are sure to get feet shuffling to work off those calories. overeasy.com.sg

CREW LOVE

THURSDAY DECEMBER 31 AT REFUGE The end of the year may be nigh, but the party’s only just getting started. Sending off 2015 in style and swagger, Refuge assembles the baddest crew to raise the roof, with DJ NashD, DJ Shai, ShiGGa Shay, Charles Enero and Lineath delivering an onslaught of relentless hip-hop rhymes and rhythms to get bodies moving right. If your New Year’s resolution is to work off some weight, then look no further. refuge.sg music

Text Austen Choo & Trent Davis Images Various Sources

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FRIDAY DECEMBER 4 AT *SCAPE THE GROUND THEATRE From winning the Noise Singapore award in 2013 to playing at festivals nationwide, the indie rock quintet now kicks off the next chapter with the launch of the debut album, Totems. Touted to feature “bad puns” amidst visual installations and guest performances by .gif and wyd:syd, audiences are free to pay whatever entry fee they desire at the door.

Now that’s next-level busking. scape.sg

THE MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR IS HERE! DO YOU FEEL THE FESTIVE SPIRIT YET? WITH FAMILIAR FAIRY LIGHTS GLOWING IN THE WINDOWS, WARM CUPS OF CHEER (AND ICE COLD BEER) BEING PASSED AROUND, AND EVERYONE HOLDING ON TO THEIR CHRISTMAS WISHES, THE ONLY THING LEFT IS TO TALLY YOUR ‘NAUGHTY’ OR ‘NICE’ LIST FOR THIS YEAR’S GIFT-GIVING. TO TAKE THE LOAD OFF, WE’VE SCOURED THE MALLS AND MORE FOR SOME OF THE BEST PRESSIES ONE CAN COVET. WHETHER YOU’RE SHOPPING FOR THE FOLKS, TREATING YOUR BOO, OR BUYING FOR THE HOHO-HOMIES, THERE’S SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE, EVERY DAY FROM NOW TILL CHRISTMAS. SO GO AHEAD AND SHOP AWAY! PHOTOGRAPHY WENG BAY CREATIVE DIRECTION JAZMIN KELLY SIX ART DIRECTION CINTHIA TJAYADI TEXT AARON KOK COORDINATION AARON KOK , JAZMIN KELLY SIX & TRENT DAVIS ASSISTED BY HANNAH TANG SPECIAL THANKS TO DREAMS & CONFETTI

SCRUB-A-DUB-DUB Remember when we were kids and bath times were the highlights of our day?

Relive that moment of joy with this bath set. Toss in a glittery bath bomb, or slather on a velvety lotion and feel your daily anxiety melt away.

Rubber duckies not included.

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Christmas Deer Set, $89, LUSH.

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BUNDLE OF JOY Sure, we don’t enjoy snowy temperatures, but why wait till hell freezes over to invest in a chunky knit jumper? Your man will thank you for keeping him warm when the monsoon season and office AC come together to bring down the mercury.

TAKE THE CAKE Seriously, why wouldn’t you? This delightful treat is a fluffy confection of cream cheese and berries, nestled atop a scrumptious base of red velvet cake.

Not one for weight-watchers, but hey, it’s the holidays!

Very Berry Cheesecake, $48, Cedele.

Cotton jumper, $69.90, Zara.

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HOVA NIGHTS Mr “99 Problems” may have debuted Magna Carta… Holy Grail at the top spot on the Billboard 200 chart, but Jay Z sure ain’t done yet. This collection of 7-inch vinyls features glossy pages of abstract lyrics and photos of Renaissance artwork.

Jay Z Vinyl Box Set, $180, The Analog Vault.

5 STRIKE A POSE Document every holiday moment with a new snapper. This one from Canon does away with grainy low-light photos and dull-coloured shots. And if you’re planning to chase some stars, it will capture the night sky in pin-sharp quality.

Canon PowerShot G9 X, $619, authorised retailers.

A WHIFF OF LUXURY

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When it comes to Chanel, ask any girl which number she loves and you’ll hear a resounding “5”. So take a cue from that, and splurge on a set of bath and fragrance products from the brand.

Sometimes, good things come in fives.

Chanel No. 5 products, from $34 to 133, Chanel Beauty.

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STARS IN HER EYES Planning a surprise island vacay with your girl for a tropical good time? Top that ticket off with a pair of supercute sunnies from Miu Miu, which features in-lays of suede strips and Swarovski crystals.

They are honestly too cute to resist!

Plastic Sunglasses, $470, Miu Miu.

8 JARS OF BLISS Satiate those teatime munchies with a selection of buttery cookies. These come topped with chunks of chocolate or laced with hints of lavender for an altogether delightful (and very English) treat that’s perfect for your inner dame/dandy.

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KEEPING TIME The perennial need for fancy wrist swag is real. For those who lead an active lifestyle, get a timepiece that can keep up – like these functional rubber-strapped tickers that are sure to keep you on time in style.

(From left) $99 and $103, both from Swatch.

Mini Biscuits Set, $68, Crabtree & Evelyn.

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ALL THAT JAZZ Kamasi Washington seduces with a collection of vinyls featuring the liquid jazz that fans know and love him for.

Housed in three separate sleeves, the set also includes exclusive prints that’ll look great on your wall.

Kamasi Washington Vinyl Box Set, $60, The Analog Vault.

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AURAL CANDY Don’t be fooled by its syrupy shade of teal. Slip these crushers on and you’ll be blown away by the sound quality, and convenience of the in-built slider – so you can control the bass and customise your listening experience.

Skullcandy Crusher Headphones (in Bunny Teal), $165.90, authorised retailers.

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BILLS, BILLS, BILLS Loose notes and cards have no place in a gentleman’s pocket so help him keep things organised with a handsome billfold. Minimalist and thoroughly functional, this leather design will last for ages to come.

Leather Billfold, $335, agnès b.

13 TRES SUCRÉ!

Invited to a house party but don’t want to show up empty-handed? Grab a box of delectable macarons that’ll leave a sweet impression. Better yet, these adorable orbs of joy come in a limited edition box for the festivities. C’est jolie!

Macarons, $42 (box of six) and $78 (box of 14), Ladurée.

EASY LISTENING Whether you’re throwing a rager or putting on smooth tunes to set the mood, this all-in-one wireless speaker will accompany the occasion perfectly. Built for 360-degree listening, it delivers optimal sound and beauty at the same time.

ARCHT One Speaker, $999, authorised retailers.

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15 PLUM PICKINGS Lather up in this limited edition bath set, infused with the sweet notes of Turkish plums, magnolia and peony.

Best of all, this fruity-floral skin treat comes in an apple-shaped tin, making it the cutest stocking stuffer.

Seasonal Feel Good Tin in Frosted Plum, $42.90, The Body Shop.

IT’S IN YOUR EYES

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With 20 new shades from neutrals to pop colours, you can easily change up your look from party to party. Back for the fourth time, this season’s Vice palette is dressed in a gorgeous geometric casing with iridescent oil-slick tones that are oh-so-pretty.

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Vice 4 Palette, $88, Urban Decay.

18 MORE THAN WORDS In an age where digital communication overwrites the romance of posting letters, kikki.K makes penmanship fun again with this beautiful gift set – complete with festive stationery, quote cards and a miniature candle.

GUITAR HERO

Mindfulness Gift Pack, $59.90, kikki.K.

By Day 18, you’ll probably be sick of the Christmas tunes blasting from speakers of every mall in town. Play to your own tune with Epiphone’s handsome, new Masterbilt AJ-45ME guitar that’s made from solid mahogany.

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Epiphone Guitar, $869, Swee Lee.

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JOIN THE CLUB Clink your glasses and toast to a year well-lived with a pour of whisky from Haig Club. This single-grain malt embodies notes of toffee and vanilla, with supporting hints of oak and nougat. If you can’t bend it like Beckham, at least you can drink like him.

Haig Club Whisky, POA, leading establishments.

THE SEASON TO SPARKLE Every girl loves a good dose of glitz, and there’s no better time than the holidays to don those baubles. If dainty chains are all too delicate for roaring soirees, gift her with a bejewelled necklace that’s sure to impress.

Ek Thongprasert Silicone Crystal Necklace, $830, Pedder On Scotts.

SCRATCH THIS Ready to bust out your bedroom DJ chops? Then you’ll need a turntable to match your skills. Plug this baby straight into your home stereo, speakers or laptop and start throwing beats out to get your house party going.

Audio Technica AT-LP60 USB, $188, authorised retailers.

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22 BURNIN’ LOVE For that added Christmas glow to warm up the room, light some candles and enjoy the delicate scents that waft through the air.

Better yet, go with a festive-friendly fragrance like Roasted Chestnut for a truly yummy season.

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Home and Deluxe Candles, $118 and $354, Jo Malone London.

BAGGING RIGHTS As each holiday season brings its onslaught of sequins, bells, and glitter, a minimalist bag feels so quietly refreshing for the festive parties to come. Sling it, shoulder it, or tuck the strap inside the bag for a louche carrier look.

23 GIVE ’EM THE BOOT For ultra stylish footwear that rank high on comfort, go for these desert boots. The suede upper features geometric patterns and come in two colourways – the white on camel and a black-on-black version.

PATTERNITY x Clarks Originals Suede boots, $239, Clarks Originals.

APC Leather bag, $645, kapok Singapore.

AN APPLE A DAY… …keeps the Grinch away, yay! We all know the iPhone by now, but we can’t get enough of the new rose gold casing. Nor its super smart 3D Touch capabilities and uber-cool Live Photo setting.

Apple iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus, from $1,048 and $1,218 respectively, apple.com/sg

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Text Aaron Kok Images Fyodor Golan

TE RA THE INB OW

Mix every colour you can find inside a Skittles pack with My Little Pony graphics and ’60s silhouettes, and you’ll get an idea of what Fyodor Golan’s Fall/Winter 2015 collection looks like. Based in London, the label throws out the rulebook with its line of dresses and separates flushed in glaring hues and swingy silhouettes – perfect for ringing in the festive season. Meanwhile, saccharine cartoon graphics are juxtaposed by cut-up-to-there hemlines and thigh-high boots, adding a racy cheekiness to a line that brims with party-ready frocks.

fyodorgolan.co.uk

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BANNED TEES

KIDDY COUTURE

OH NO, HE DIDN’T!

RUNWAY BANDIT

WHEN SEX STOPS SELLING

The Low-down: This one had us shaking our heads at the sheer audacity of the act. Earlier this year, a Thai seller on eBay, who goes by the name of Nuchyk, drew flak from netizens when he began selling baseball tees printed with Kurt Cobain’s hand-written suicide note.

While some folks are plain missing tact, we can’t even fathom how he’d think it was a great idea to print something this personal on cheap cotton tees and sell them for personal gain.

Thankfully, after having gone viral on Reddit, eBay pulled down the listing, citing a prohibition on the sale of “items that promote or glorify human tragedy, hatred, violence, racial, sexual, or religious intolerance”. Tsk.

The Low-down: Complaints of young’uns looking too sexual can sound like the kind of angry comments made from our parents’ generation, but there’s a legit cause for furrow here. In a French publication’s fashion shoot, Thylane Blondeau, who was 10 at that time, was photographed lying on a bed dressed in a slinky gold number and towering heels, while sporting heavy makeup and a slick updo.

The fashion spread found itself in the midst of a brewing controversy, with finger-waggers complaining that the portrayal was irresponsibly sexualising Blondeau at an early age.

The Low-down: Here in Singapore, you’d know Abercrombie & Fitch either for its topless male model stunts during its opening, or because local authorities ordered a removal of its racy billboard ad from Orchard Road. But in 2013, the American fashion retailer landed itself in further trouble when CEO Mike Jeffries commented that he didn’t want larger people shopping at his brand as he preferred to dress only the good-looking crowd.

This also probably explains why the label doesn’t stock anything sized XL or above, but Jeffries’ fat-shaming remarks drew ire from pretty much every media channel.

The Low-down: People storming the runway isn’t exactly news these days – what with naked PETA protestors and the occasional flasher all finding their way onto fashion week runways.

However, in 2008, actor Sacha Baron Cohen crashed the Agatha Ruiz De La Prada show at Milan Fashion Week to get footage for his movie, Bruno.

Dressed in what can only be described as a hodge-podge of clothing and dangling pom-poms, Cohen found giggles in some of the audience members, but was eventually arrested and detained by the Italian police soon after.

The Low-down: From being called “that brand that makes missing persons posters” to “branded porn”, American Apparel has gotten itself quite a reputation for putting out the most brashly sexual ads in the industry. Often, its campaigns involve nubile young girls in provocative poses, with the voyeuristic photos resembling stills taken off a dirty video. We’re no prudes here, but there must be better ways of selling leg warmers than on a naked girl reclining on a couch. Surprisingly – or unsurprisingly, depending on how you look at it – American Apparel filed for bankruptcy in October this year, thereby ending a long and dragged-out downward spiral for the brand.

The Verdict: Aside from all the ethical questions it raises, banking on a person’s demise to turnover a quick buck is just clumsy and insensitive.

The Verdict: Let kids be kids, we say! Leave the makeup and scintillating dresses till when they’re older.

The Verdict: It’s a pretty rich comment, coming from a man who looks like that albino orc from Lord Of The Rings, but to each brand its own... we suppose.

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The Verdict: It’s a joke, and no one was hurt – even if a few of the brand’s staff were left red-cheeked and seeing red.

The Verdict: We’re talking about the company who put pubic hair on their mannequins. Is there really any contest here?

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Text Aaron Kok Images Various Sources

IF THERE’S ONE THING FASHION WEARS MORE OFTEN THAN CLOTHES, IT’S THE CONTROVERSIES. AFTER ALL, WE’RE TALKING ABOUT ONE OF THE MOST PUBLICISED INDUSTRIES IN THE WORLD – WHERE THE SILLIEST COMMENTS AND ETHICAL GAFFES ARE IMMEDIATELY MADE AVAILABLE TO OUTLIERS WHO LAP IT UP WITH OPEN CRITICISM. WITH THAT, WE BRING YOU THE 10 OCCASIONS FASHION HAS GOTTEN ITSELF TAKEN OFF SANTA’S ‘NICE’ LIST.

RACIAL RUCKUS

MIGRANT MIGRAINE

SEEING RED

A FURRY SITUATION

DRUNK DISASTER

The Low-down: Another French title’s fashion spread with a major boo-boo in its pages. First published in 2013, the spread was themed around Africaninspired fashion. And while the shoot exhausted every stereotypical cliche you can associate to tribal fashion, the magazine was slammed for practicing blackface when they used a white model and darkened her skin liberally with bronzers.

Defiantly responding to critics, the magazine insisted that it was an “artistic statement of the photographer’s…who insist on the melting pot and the mix of cultures; the exact opposite of any skin colourbased discrimination”.

Um, right.

The Low-down: Anyone who knows the news, knows the migrant crisis that Europe has on its hands. And in between the searing images of children drowning and a certain monster operating a camera kicking fleeing migrants, someone thought it would be a great idea to do a refugee-chic fashion shoot. The photographer, Norbert Baksa, defended his work by claiming that it was to bring more awareness to the situation, but needless to say, his defense did not sway many.

The Low-down: Catch a glimpse of red soles on heels and Christian Louboutin instantly comes to mind. So important is that shade of the colour wheel that the French designer took a rival brand to court to contest the infringement of his trademark. The shoe in question? A pair of stilettoes made entirely in fiery crimson. Monsieur Louboutin was then left high and dry when the court ruled that a fashion designer cannot own the trademark to a colour, and that the trademark only reaches to instances when the colour of the sole is in contrast with the colour of the shoe’s upper. Thankfully for him, an appeal ruled in his favour, so he gets to stand his ground for now.

The Low-down: On one hand, designers are hard-pressed to find more outrageous ways to present their collections each season. On the other, animal activists have a special vitriol reserved for fur fashion. So when models walked down the Fendi runway covered in goat fur, you could just about hear a thousand knickers twisting in horror. Yards of 100 per cent goat fur covered the fashion house’s runway, where models stomped up and down on it before it was presumably discarded.

The Low-down: If you thought your drunk texts were bad, you don’t have anything on John Galliano.

Filmed by onlookers at a Parisian bar located in a historically Jewish neighbourhood, Galliano began hurling anti-Semitic slurs to the couple next to him, triggering his rapid fall from grace amongst the fashion circles. After being fired from his position as creative director at Christian Dior in 2011, he was slapped with a hefty fine and later issued a public apology to anyone who felt offended.

Thankfully, he’s since cleaned up his act, and is now making fashion waves once again at the helm of Maison Margiela.

The Verdict: If you’re gonna title your spread “African Queen”, then hiring a model of the opposite skin tone is just privileged foolishness.

The Verdict: A misguided attempt at awareness?

We think it’s a misguided attempt at trying to be provocative.

The Verdict: We can’t decide which is worse: this guy essentially owning a sole-design, or Taylor Swift wanting to trademark “This Sick Beat”.

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The Verdict: Fashion can be excessive but this is just batsh*t crazy.

The Verdict: Drunk or not, remarks about one of the worst war crimes in human history is a big no-no.

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DRESS FOR THE FEST IF YOU WANT TO BE SEEN WHERE IT MATTERS, MAKE SURE TO INCLUDE ZOUKOUT ON THE AGENDA BEFORE 2015 ENDS. WHETHER YOU’RE HITTIN’ ON THE BABES (OR HUNKS!) OR DROPPIN’ IT LOW ON THE SANDY STRIP, LOOK YOUR BEST IN BEACH-APPROPRIATE GEAR THAT’LL TAKE YOU FROM DUSK TO DAWN. HERE’S A PACKING LIST OF CHIC MUST-HAVES. PHOTOGRAPHY WENG BAY ART DIRECTION CINTHIA TJAYADI TEXT & STYLING AARON KOK STYLING ASSISTANT HANNAH TANG

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FOR HIM 1 NYLON AND MESH CAP, $24.90, RIP CURL 2 PLASTIC SUNGLASSES, $350, RAY-BAN 3 COTTON T-SHIRT, $39.90, RIP CURL 4 WATCH WITH NATO STRAP, $259, DANIEL WELLINGTON AT COCOMI.SG 5 ZOUKOUT 2015 WRISTBANDS, POA, ZOUK 6 BEACH VOLLEY SHORTS, $54.90, RIP CURL 7 RUBBER SLIPPERS, $49.90, ZOUKOUT X HAVAIANAS AT COMMONTHREAD & H STORE 8 DRAWSTRING NYLON BAGS, $35 EACH, LESPORTSAC 9 BEADED BRACELETS (PACK OF THREE), $33.90, TOPMAN 10 METAL CUFF, $19.90, TOPMAN 11 LEATHER CARDHOLDER, $360, MAISON MARGIELA AT PEDDER ON SCOTTS

FOR HER METAL SUNGLASSES, $350, RAY-BAN 1 CANVAS BUCKET HAT, $29.90, RIP CURL 2 ZOUKOUT 2015 WRISTBANDS, POA, ZOUK 3 METAL BRACELET, $16.90, TOPSHOP 4 METAL CUFF, $16.90, TOPSHOP 5 BIKINI TOP, $33.90, RIP CURL 6 BIKINI BOTTOM, $44.90, RIP CURL 7 KAKI LIMA NYLON POUCH, $65, LESPORTSAC 8 NYLON ‘SNOOPY’ BACKPACK, $215, LESPORTSAC 9 RUBBER SLIPPERS, $49.90, 10 ZOUKOUT X HAVAIANAS AT COMMONTHREAD & H STORE DISTRESSED DENIM SHORTS, $79.90, RIP CURL 11 COTTON TANK TOP, $34.90, RIP CURL 12 STRIPPED COTTON VEST, $14.90, ZARA 13 GOLD-PLATED NECKLACES WITH ROCK GEM (PACK OF THREE), POA, H&M 14

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LIBERTINE FALL/WINTER 2015

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Based in New York, designer Johnson Hartig understands that fashion need not be boring, clothes need not be all that cerebral and, sometimes, the right spoonful of megawatt sparkle and nonchalance can lift a holiday look out from the plain and onto any party’s bestdressed list. This season, the key focus is placed on ’60s-inspired dressing. Designers are visiting this trend tirelessly all around – each aiming to capture the stylistic freedom and emancipation that the Mods brought with them – but it is in a swingy cherry-red cape with slogans sequined across the front that sends the message back home in this collection. In fact, almost every look feature some sort of decorative element – be it crystals racing across a cardigan, acidic prints pieced together over a coat, or mismatched patches of cloth haphazardly arranged on a fitted duffel coat.

There is a strong leading of artistic indulgences here – you’ll find that the clothing, while cut in wools and tweeds, lose their seriousness to

the deliberately messy scribbles that took quotes from French artist, Jean Cocteau. Elsewhere, cartoon sketches of eyeballs, tigers and erupting volcanoes are interpreted through a surrealist’s vision to decorate outerwear that’ll certainly leave an impression. There is a celebration of clothing that is fun, free and never monotonous – and that seems to be the message that Hartig wants you to embody.

A couple of looks fall into the previously-mentioned zone of staid party clothing – where column dresses in the lightest of silk tulle float effortlessly over the wearer’s body – but Hartig is careful to leave elegance to other designers. Instead, he pushes one to embrace the quirky side of their style persona, and that comes through in his choice of accessories. Bulging fur stoles are thrown over the shoulders with a devil-may-care attitude, and the vintage telephone motif – a key design element of the season – is converted into a box clutch, to be worn with a colour-blocked fur cape and a skirt that Morticia Addams would covet.

Shoes are also kept in line with the interspersing of fur throughout the season, with the stiletto du jour being a T-bar pump in gold, covered with a strip of burgundy fur. These are the shoes that you’ll want to be in when you’re bossing the party as the dancing queen you are.

ilovelibertine.com fashion

Text Aaron Kok Images Various Sources

There are many brands known for great party outfits; this much is obvious. But in a time when excessiveness seems staid and the term ‘great’ is debatable by different views, Libertine manages to find that sweet spot and delicate balance to approach fun fashion in its cheeky, DIY-inspired exuberance.

SUNTEC CITY, WEST WING, 01-375/376/377 (NEW) | VIVOCITY, B1-06/07 AMERICANEAGLESINGAPORE

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DENIM MASTERS WHETHER IT’S A SPECIAL COLOUR TO MATCH YOUR STYLE OR A VERSATILE CUT FOR EVERYDAY UTILITY, BE SPOILT FOR CHOICE WITH AMERICAN EAGLE OUTFITTERS’ VAST ARRAY OF DENIM OPTIONS.

Women’s, Café X Skinny Kick Jean in Azure Aroma, S$79

CAFE X

Men’s, Café X Slim Straight Active Flex Jean in Light Wash, S$99

Women’s, Café X Hi Rise Jegging in Dark Cappu-Jean-O, S$ 79

Men’s, Café X Slim Active Flex Jean in Dark Wash, S$99

Women’s, Café X Hi Rise Jegging in Doppio Destroy, S$99

At American Eagle Outfitters, you’ll always have options aplenty with its huge inventory of denim pieces, covering a wide variety of washes, fits, cuts and styles. On top of that, you can expect to find many other denim offerings, such as shirts and shorts, to suit your dressing mood. After all, the brand is known as America’s favourite jeans label for good reason. This season, you can find a range of Café X, Denim X and Flex Denim styles to don, with each line boasting its own set of attributes and fits.

The Cafe´ X range keeps up on the innovative thread that runs with the rest of American Eagle Outfitters’ jeans. Each pair of Cafe´ X jeans features recycled coffee grounds, and is designed to provide its wearer with protective qualities from external UV rays, perfect for shielding yourself from the local weather. Moreover, every pair of Cafe´ X jeans also showcases the brand's commitment to well-fitting jeans with the highperformance stretch in all of its denim. This ingenious synthesis of science and fashion runs through both of the men’s and women’s lines of jeans, with four and six styles for the respective genders.

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Men's, Super Skinny Extreme Flex Jean in True Black, S$89

The Denim X line is a celebration of the practicality and utility that have made denim one of the most well-loved fabrics in the world. Employing the best assembly technique and material production, the range promises jeans that retain their fit and shape – thus giving you a pair that promises to last longer. Featuring a good amount of lycra in the make of the fabric, each pair of Denim X jeans ranks high on stretchability when worn, and boasts excellent recovery when taken off. What's more, each pair of jeans is cut from super soft denim, allowing for more comfort when wearing them.

Men's, Skinny Active Flex Jean in Dark Rinse, S$79

Women's, Denim X Skinny Jean in Glacier Crush, S$79

Women's, Tomgirl Jean in Abraded Blue, S$79

Men’s, Original Straight Active Flex Jean in Medium Crackle, S$79

If you're looking for more stretch in your jeans, check out the Flex Denim range. Expect to enjoy the revolutionary control that each pair offers, as well as top-notch durability and shape retention. You'll find nothing more comfortable than your Flex Denim that is made to move with you.

Men’s, Slim Extreme Flex Jean in Medium Crackle , S$ 99

FLEX DENIM

Women's, Super Super Stretch Jegging in Vintage Teal Destroy, S$69

Women’s Skinny Kick Jean in Dark Atlantic, S$69

DENIM X

MORE DENIM PLEASE The promising traits of American Eagle Outfitters' denim doesn't end at the jeans rack. In fact, the brand prides itself on being the go-to label to satisfy all your denim style needs. Featuring jackets, shirts, skirts and shorts, the many options will tickle your fashionable fancies. Looking for more beyond jeans? Check out these complementary denim options.

Men's, Lined Denim Jacket in Blue, S$135

Women's, Western Denim Shirt in Light Wash, S$60

Women's, Festival Shorts in Medium Destroy, S$79

Women's, Denim Mini Skirt in Dark Wash, S$65

The Cafe´ X, Denim X and Flex Denim collections are available at American Eagle Outfitters #B1-06/07 VivoCity and at #01-375/376/377 Suntec City (West Wing).

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CLASSIC RE-BOOT

RED WING ‘HUNTSMAN 2015’ COLLECTION Since its creation, boots have grown to become one of humankind’s most beloved styles of footwear, thanks to their intrinsic quality of style and incredible practicality. It wasn’t always like this, however, as a well-crafted pair of shoes was a commodity few could afford back in the 20th century. This, in turn, spurred a frustrated Charles Beckman into starting his own company dedicated to the production of quality footwear – the legendary brand of shoes we know today as Red Wing Shoe Company.

It may seem exceedingly ordinary these days, but at that time when leather soles were the norm, Red Wing established itself as a bona fide innovator by introducing rubber soles in its designs. Keeping to the original formula that’s served many of its other styles, the Huntsman 2015 gets a similar outsole made from a premium blend of leather and Grocord that not only pays homage to the brand’s history as a luminary, but also makes the shoes slip-proof.

Whether you’re scaling mountains or making a grand entrance onto the dance floor, Red Wing’s boots enjoy the covetable status as the go-to shoe for any man with an equal emphasis on function and form. Stylish, comfortable and built to last a lifetime, Red Wing has unequivocally stayed true to its promise of delivering top-notch quality since its establishment. In celebration of its 110th anniversary, fans can rejoice with the release of a limited edition version of the iconic Red Wing #668s – a reworked, modern take, aptly titled ‘Huntsman 2015’.

Another symbolic design element is the usage of Black Klondike leather – a nod to the age-old methods used in leather dyeing that were employed on the original hunting boots. Unlike conventional leather that is dyed a deep black, Black Klondike leather sports a lighter treatment that harks back to days when elementary leather-dyeing methods caused the artificial colour to come off easily. The black dye gradually rubs off as natural wear-and-tear occurs, revealing the material’s brownish surface and produces a boot that is uniquely rugged. The boot’s individual character is represented with every discoloration and mark that no two boots will ever share – thus epitomising the personal appeal that has drawn people towards Red Wing shoes for all these years.

Just like most of the other styles, the original #668s was once conceptualised to serve the working man, which, in this case, was the all-American hunter. Originally produced as the ‘Bird Shooter’s Boot’, this pair sported Gro-cord soles that allowed hunters to move silently while on the go, and are commonly referred to as the forefathers to Red Wing’s legendary #877s.

$628, available at all Red Wing Shoe Store, The Denim Store, Leftfoot, Feder Sports, Tuckshop and Sundry Supplies. fashion

Text Hannah Tang Images Red Wing Shoe Company

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Minnetonka X M么ko Kobayashi Beading that makes you smile M么ko Kobayashi and her Japanese accessory line, Maison des Perles, are recognized for their haute couture French beading techniques and playful graphic pins. Minnetonka x M么ko moc collection, a limited edition this Fall 2015, brings together the quality craftsmanship of our best selling suede moccasin with the intricate beading of M么ko, featuring a whimsical reindeer sure to make you smile each time you look at your toes.

Connect with us: Like us on Leeden Classic

Follow us on Minnetonka Singapore

Retail @ S$99, available at Leeden Classic Address: 277 Orchard Rd, #04-17 orchardgateway, Singapore 238858 Phone: +65 6337 0088

WITH THIS SEASON’S INFATUATION FOR ALL THINGS ’60S, DO A LITTLE DANCE IN FLASHY EMBELLISHMENTS, GLEAMING METALLICS AND COSY KNITS. PHOTOGRAPHY MICKY WONG STYLING AARON KOK STYLING ASSISTANT HANNAH TANG MAKEUP BENO LIM USING M.A.C COSMETICS HAIR VERONICA NG AND NICK CHONG / KIMAGE SALON MODELS GABRIELLE M, ELVIRA M, CHEYNE V AND JEROME G / LOOQUE SPECIAL THANKS TO ZOUK SINGAPORE

(ON OPPOSITE PAGE) ON JEROME DENIM SHIRT ZARA WOOL SUIT TOPMAN KNIT TIE TOPMAN CANVAS SLIP-ON SNEAKERS PEDRO ON ELVIRA COTTON TURTLENECK SANDRO POLYESTER DRESS MAJE LEATHER STUDDED BELT BIMBA Y LOLA LEATHER STUDDED FLATS SANDRO RINGS (WORN THROUGHOUT) CHARLES & KEITH (ON THIS PAGE) ON GABRIELLE COTTON TURTLENECK TOPSHOP EMBELLISHED LACE DRESS ALICE + OLIVIA LEATHER BELT ZARA RINGS (WORN THROUGHOUT) TOPSHOP ON CHEYNE DENIM SHIRT H&M WOOL SUIT COS KNIT TIE TOPMAN

ON ELVIRA SEQUINNED TULLE TOP H&M SUEDE SKIRT LOEWE WOOL COAT DKNY METAL EARRING LOEWE ON JEROME CORDUROY SHIRT UNIQLO DENIM JEANS CLUB MONACO WOOL PEACOAT UNIQLO LEATHER BOOTS PEDRO

ON GABRIELLE COTTON SEQUINNED JUMPER MARKUS LUPFER AT OUTNET.COM POLYESTER SKIRT MAJE LEATHER GLITTER BOOTS ROGER VIVIER EMBELLISHED HEADPHONES DOLCE & GABBANA X FRENDS ON CHEYNE COTTON JUMPER TOPMAN WOOL PANTS COS LEATHER JACKET COACH LEATHER SNEAKERS COACH

ON JEROME COTTON JUMPER H&M DISTRESSED DENIM JEANS TOPMAN ON GABRIELLE COTTON SEQUINNED JUMPER MARKUS LUPFER AT OUTNET.COM WOOL BLEND SKIRT TOPSHOP LEATHER GLITTER BOOTS BIMBA Y LOLA CRYSTAL EAR CUFFS SWAROVSKI METAL BOW BANGLE CHARLES & KEITH MARBLE BANGLE CHARLES & KEITH EVIL EYE BANGLE SWAROVSKI LEATHER BAG WITH CHAIN STRAP IRIS & INK AT OUTNET.COM ON CHEYNE COTTON TURTLENECK UNIQLO COTTON JACKET LOEWE

ON GABRIELLE SILK PUSSYBOW SHIRT IRIS & INK AT OUTNET.COM SILK SEQUINNED SKIRT HAUTE HIPPE AT OUTNET.COM FAUX FUR JACKET CARINE ROITFELD X UNIQLO SUEDE SHOULDER BAG BIMBA Y LOLA GOLD EARRINGS H&M ON ELVIRA COTTON SEQUINNED T-SHIRT H&M POLYESTER SKIRT TOPSHOP FAUX FUR JACKET SANDRO LEATHER BAG ROGER VIVIER PATENT LEATHER MARY-JANE SHOES STUART WEITZMAN METAL BOW BANGLE CHARLES & KEITH MARBLE BANGLE CHARLES & KEITH EVIL EYE BANGLE SWAROVSKI STONE EARRINGS H&M ON CHEYNE COTTON SHIRT TOPMAN LEATHER JACKET WITH FUR COLLAR SANDRO DENIM JEANS UNIQLO LEATHER SNEAKERS SANDRO X REEBOK

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RED ALERT

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Don a fiery shade of scarlet for the circuit of Yuletide parties ahead and create a statementmaking entrance. Play things up by experimenting with textures and hues, finished with a jolly serving of accessories.

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wardrobe trend

canvas hat, $25, stussy

leather cardholder, poa, coach

nylon jacket, $183, topman

cotton fleece jumper, poa, marc by marc jacobs

merino wool cardigan, $29.90, uniqlo

floral printed cotton shirt, poa, denim & supply at ralph lauren

cotton jumper, $440, christopher raeburn at thecorner.com

leather bracelet, $95, miansai at miansai.com cashmere scarf, $199, j.crew at jcrew.com

Text & Coordination Aaron Kok Images Various Sources

cotton chinos, poa, ted baker

cotton stretch skinny chinos, $66, topman

suede “superstar 80 cities� sneakers, poa, adidas originals

polyester backpack, $109, zara

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paint-splattered leather sneakers, poa, maison margiela

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wardrobe trend

polyester top, $35.90, stradivarius merino wool sweater, $109.90, h&m wool blend turtleneck, $59.90, zara

leather belt, $150, maison margiela pvc ruffle collar, poa, mary katrantzou at club 21

plastic earrings, $168, yazbukey at thecorner.com

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polyester blend skater skirt, $59.90, zara

pu shoulder bag with pom pom, $78, mango

jacquard wrap skirt, $40, new look

leather heels, $820, sophia webster at on pedder

polyester dress, $56.90, dorothy perkins

leather bag, $270, pedder red x kye raw edge flared denim jeans, $560, marques’almeida at matchesfashion.com

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micro trend

earrings, poa, shourouk at on pedder collar, poa, marni

dress, $650, elizabeth and james at intermixonline.com

dress, $156, topshop

LIGHT UP

ADD A DOSE OF SHIMMER AND SPARKLE WITH THE HELP OF SEQUINED FABRICS THIS HOLIDAY SEASON. camisole, $49, h&m

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skirt, poa, opening ceremony at openingceremony.com

Text & Coordination Aaron Kok Images Various Sources

slip-on sneakers, $340, kurt geiger

bolero jacket, $143, dorothy perkins

clutch, $500, kate spade

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top, $149, topshop

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silk bow tie, $40, h&m

silk bow tie, poa, fendi

silk reversible bow tie, $92, brooks brothers

polyester bow tie, $15,90, zara

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TAKE A BOW

silk bow tie, $112, j.crew at jcrew.com

JUST BECAUSE YOU’RE GONNA HAVE A BOOZY GOOD TIME, DOESN’T MEAN YOU CAN’T SPIFFY-UP FOR A PARTY. A PRINTED BOW TIE WILL ADD A TOUCH OF RAZZLE DAZZLE TO ANY SOIREE SUIT, AND KEEP YOU LOOKIN’ TIP-TOP ALL NIGHT.

silk bow tie, poa, alexander mcqueen

silk bow tie, $140, edward armah at butterflybowties.com

silk bow tie, $89, ted baker

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Text & Coordination Aaron Kok Images Various Sources

cotton bow tie, $18, asos at asos.com

silk bow tie, $60, calibrate at nordstrom.com

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SEASONAL SHADES

Christmas is here and if you’re still undecided on gifts for your loved ones, let OWNDAYS sort you out with spiffy new sunnies that are guaranteed crowd-pleasers.

YOUR DAD

OWNDAYS COLLECTION, $78 He’s the most important man in your eyes – always there with you through every stage

YOUR MUM ZOO COLLECTION, $78

YOUR PARTNER

ROEN COLLECTION, $198

YOUR BESTIE ZOO COLLECTION, $78

YOUR BOSS OWNDAYS COLLECTION, $78

AVAILABLE AT ALL OWNDAYS STORES. CHECK OUT THE FULL RANGE AT OWNDAYS.COM/SG, AND ON INSTAGRAM AT @OWNDAYS.

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KIDILL AS STREETWEAR BRANDS CONTINUE THEIR PERMEATING REIGN ON THE EVERYDAY WARDROBE, ONE BRAND IS TAKING THE SUBVERSIVELY SERIOUS WORLD OF STREET FASHION AND TURNING IT ON ITS HEAD. DESIGNED FOR LOVERS OF MISCHIEF AND QUIRK, KIDILL TURNS OUT A SIGNATURE LOOK OF LOOSE SILHOUETTES AND YOUTHFUL STYLING. WE SPEAK TO THE BRAND’S DESIGNER, HIROAKI SUEYASU, TO FIND OUT MORE.

What was the biggest challenge you faced when starting your brand?

Well, I started KIDILL in 2014, and I was the sole designer. Even though we were young, we were already slated to participate in the Mercedes Benz Fashion Week in Tokyo for the Autumn/Winter 2014 season – which was also our runway debut. So I’d have to say that managing the entire process – from designing to merchandising and planning for the show – was the most difficult. Nonetheless, it was a really fulfilling and worthwhile time; I’ve definitely achieved growth with the brand.

Can you share your inspiration for this season’s collection?

The collection is titled ‘Imperfect Rhyme’, and it’s an idea that combines the past with the present.

What we’ve experienced before can be made new again with hybridity in design and through the senses – like smell, touch and hearing. They coexist together in the present and the past, which makes the past a reality, even today.

Prints are heavily featured in this collection. How did you develop them?

They were mostly inspired by the Teddy Boys of the ’50s. I referenced ’50s icons and symbols like the cherry and the cat, and brought this inspiration into the prints and shapes of the garments. It even seeps into the hairstyling for the show.

Do you have a muse?

Not really, no. My main mantra when I create a collection is that the designs must bring out the essence of the wearer. I like to think of that as a significant influence in my work. My aim is to

create clothing that I can wear in my daily life, and that I can imagine my friends wearing too.

On to the arts scene in Japan – who are you obsessed with currently?

I love this designer named Shintaro Yamamoto, who is a shoe designer from Tokyo. He designs for Kids Love Gaite, and he makes it a point to abide by the finest craftsmanship techniques. We did a collaboration collection of shoes this season actually.

Lastly, since it’s Christmas, have you been naughty or nice?

Both! I really dislike carrots – that’s my naughty side. And I’m looking forward to opening up a new KIDILL store in Tokyo sometime in 2016 – that’s my ‘nice’!

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Text Aaron Kok Images KIDILL

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Hi Hiroaki! When did you decide to design for your own brand?

It was in 2004; I was living in London at that time.

I began by upcycling old garments and reworking them into new pieces for myself. From there, I put myself through design school where I learnt about pattern-making and how to create a ready-towear line. London was a great experience as I got to meet many like-minded friends – who really stimulated my creative process.

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TOO COOL FOR SCHOOL MASH-UP SPRING/SUMMER 2016 SHOW

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Mash-Up knows how to have fun; that much is clear, since its debut collection of tribal prints strewn across denim streetwear and Stabilocoloured slogan jerseys. Rallying the champs of the local indie scene with its #mashuptribe, the label has used its collections to discuss almost everything from digital warfare to ocean life – all done in a voice that engages the Instagram crowd.

With the huge revival of references from the ’90s and the early ’00s – think snarky quotes from Clueless, Mean Girls and Bring It On scattered over GIFs and graphic patterns – the team, comprising Nathanael Ng, Shaf Amis’aabudin and Daniela Monasterios Tan, revisits the cliches and identities of the noughties in their Spring/Summer 2016 collection titled ‘Mash-Up High’, showed recently at Digital Fashion Week. Sharing how the collection is a love letter to the high school tropes that we all know and love from American varsity movies, Ng says, “We wanted something lighthearted and fun, and because we relate so well to these movies, it became a natural progression to use these well-loved films as a starting point for the designs”.

A huge part of the ’90s was when Kate Moss made that period synonymous with the slip dress. This Spring/Summer 2016, designers everywhere are championing the idea of slip dressing, so it’s interesting to see the team take on a major trend and turn it into a look that vibes with the Mash-Up DNA. Their interpretation comes in the form of a cotton knit dress that kicks out into trumpet pleats at the bottom – worn with a plain white tee for a look that’s dramatic and saccharine at the same time.

In the final part of the show, the drama picks up even more as the designers present a series of shirt-dresses and men’s suits in denim and monochromatic tartan. We never expect to watch a suit go down the Mash-Up runway, but as the designers tell us backstage, they wanted to prove that they can do different things. “We wanted to show more variety and options for people who wear the brand”, shares Amis’aabudin. Closing on a high, key looks include a splashy dress sequined with an unapologetic “UGH” and “OMG”, while ruffles explode from the shoulders of a bodysuit.

So start taking notes, because next season, class is in session.

mashupcollective.com

Text Aaron Kok Images Mash-Up

On cue with a soundtrack featuring Spice Girls, Britney Spears and a variety of movie quotes like “Regina George is flawless”, the collection begins with a series of gossamer looks cut from holographic organza and embroidered with slogan patches. The brand once again proves that it can toe the line between good taste and bad with wit, as models march down the runway sporting day-glo makeup and super-crimped hair. You could consider this tacky on anyone else, but with a swimsuit underneath a sheer organza jersey, it becomes a signature Mash-Up look.

The designs progress to another key segment of the collection – a selection of looks featuring a notebook print. It’s an expansion on the idea of teenage diaries and the silly lovey-dovey notes you used to pen to your crush, but these prints come alive as fabrics are layered onto dresses and oversized tees, each resembling an open book of dirty secrets.

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NIKE SB DUNK LOW In the spirit of the season, cop a pair of these limited edition kicks. Dressed up to resemble everyone’s favourite holiday candy, the racy red-and-white stripes are contrasted by a minty green lining. Match with a festive sweater for a ho-ho-wholly celebratory look.

$145, available at thepremierstore.com.

For fellas who want to turn up in their best street gear, Stüssy has the answer. After a year of dedicated collections that revisit the brand’s roots, the Holiday 2015 collection is here for one last gander at the label’s most iconic pieces from the last 35 years. The seasonal line pays homage to the boys of the ’60s, with a contemporary focus on sporty jackets, fleece, knits and accessories to keep you warm this winter.

From $15 to $99.90, available at Stüssy, #03-03 Cineleisure.

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A new round of collabs are brewing this season, with everything from clothes to watches for the stylo-milo fella. Get to know ’em here.

Puma x BAPE Alexander Wang x The Weeknd

No monkey business here, only straight up swag. Teaming up with the sportswear giant, BAPE has applied its prints and design DNA onto

One’s known for his high-flying r&b tracks, and the other is

some of Puma’s most loved styles. The R698 and Disc Blaze are given

synonymous with producing the most covetable clothing each season.

new life with BAPE’s classic camo treatment, while football jerseys are

Together, they’ve come up with a buzzy collection of monochromatic

plastered with the iconic logos of both brands.

streetwear that will undoubtedly sell out fast. Titled ‘WANGXO’, the drop

From $50 to $690, available at Limited Edt.

features a hoodie, graphic tees, black leather high-cut sneakers and a bandana – all so you can channel your sleekest soul moves.

From $60 to $820, available at alexanderwang.com.

Happy Socks x Komono Looking to make time for fun? Perhaps

Hype x Spongebob Squarepants Everyone’s favourite talking sponge comes to fashion in this collab,

one of these timepieces might interest.

Taking the geometric shapes that frequently show up in the sock brand’s collections, these patterns are mashed together on timepieces to create colourful, slightly zany tickers – set on

featuring a line of streetwear patched with characters from the series. Display your allegiance with a cheery tee, or sneak Spongebob into your daily wear with a small rendering of his mug embroidered on a dress.

leather-backed fabric straps to ensure

From £12.99 to £44.99, available at

your watch is always in good hands.

justhype.co.uk/hypexspongebob.

$US89.95, available at komono.com.

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Dior’s sunnies have gained cult status, thanks to the endorsement of style heavyweight, Rihanna. With the #MyDiorSoReal platform, you can now own your pair and, literally, make it your own. The digital service allows you to customise your frames and lenses, tailoring the most minute details to your liking. Choose from a pantone chart of colours for your lens and frame, and make it extra special with a personalised engraving. $1,050, available at dior.com.

THE WORLD IS YOUR OYSTER Much like the name suggests, this Hong Kong-based brand is a celebration of living – and dressing – freely.

We catch up with designers Calvin Chan and Joyce Kun for a quick chat.

FASHION FUTURES SELECTS SIX NEW BRANDS FOR THEIR SECOND INCUBATION PROGRAMME, INCLUDING BIRO, LIONELOW AND RÊVASSEUR.

HERSCHEL SUPPLY HOLIDAY 2015 Hi guys! First up, how did the brand come about?

The idea of launching this brand came from chatting with some of our male friends. Many of them commented that it is harder for guys to find great clothes. We agreed that a market niche exists between high fashion and street wear, hence, we started this brand to provide quality designs for the modern dresser at reasonable prices.

‘The World Is Your Oyster’ sounds like a very hopeful

$79, available at all Bratpack stores.

phrase. Is that idea intentional?

Definitely. The phase is our shared motto in life. We hope to spread the idea that everyone has the ability to achieve what they want in life by seizing the right opportunities.

Tell us about the idea behind your FW15 collection, ‘Teens Club’.

The posters and stickers that were stuck on street lamps and the alley-walls in Hong Kong played a huge role for us this season. We felt that behind this poster art, there was a group of teenagers who felt abandoned and neglected by society. These lonely hearts gathered to form a bond to seek connection, and to develop a stronger presence – hoping that one day, the world will acknowledge their existence and ideas. The collection embraces the traditionalism of tailoring

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with a touch of streetwear, as evidenced in the tailored items patched with pop slogans.

What are you currently inspired by – be it for work or leisure?

We’ve visited many museums during our last trip to New York. Our favorite has to be the Museum of Metropolitan Art. We were both especially attracted to the sculptures from the

Guitars series by Pablo Picasso. The lines, composition and colours really caught our eyes.

facebook.com/theworldisyouroyster.co

Text Aaron Kok Images Various Sources

The ’90s have long been a reference for many fashion brands, with various designers trying to capture the questionable tastes and rainbow haze of the era.

This is done better by none other than Lazy Oaf, who visits the age of garish sweaters and bold slogans in its Winter 2015 collection. Colour-blocking is used extensively – adding life to the line of cosy knits – while childlike prints streak across separates and dresses rebelliously. The hit of the collection, however, has to be the cheeky slogans like “Mediocre” and “Disco Sucks”.

POA, available at Actually, #03-18 orchardgateway.

Text Aaron Kok Image The World is Your Oyster

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Thanks to the good people at Bratpack, you can stuff your Christmas stocking with a bag from this covetable collection. While we’re huge fans of the brand’s utilitarian backpacks – which can fit our entire lives in with space for plenty more – it’s the flashes of metallic that have our hearts racing. We’re sending our wish list to Santa, with this zip wallet ranking right on top.

Text Jazmin Kelly Six Images (clockwise from top left) Eudon Choi FW15, Kenzo FW15, Fendi FW15, Daks FW15, Fashion East FW15, Proenza Schouler FW15, Zero Maria Cornejo FW15, Kenzo FW15, Desigual FW15

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Those who lament the lack of steady hands when it comes to makeup application should give beauty’s painterly trend a go. Whether it’s casual pointillism or unbridled brush strokes, makeup is taking an artistic spin this season – giving us good reason to use all the colours in our eyeshadow palettes and nail lacquer arsenal. Like putting brush to canvas, Fall/Winter’s miens and digits are haphazardly dressed in dynamic hues – from crosshatches at Fendi and Fashion East, to bold flicks at Kenzo, and fun dots at Eudon Choi. A sprightly departure from the sombre winters we know.

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HOLIDAY BEAUTY WHEN IT COMES TO BEAUTY, SEASONAL GIFT SETS ARE A DIME A DOZEN – BUT THESE LIMITED EDITION TEAM-UPS ARE SO COVETABLE, WE’RE PENNING ’EM DOWN ONTO OUR CHRISTMAS WISHLISTS.

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BIOTHERM X SABRINA TRANSISKUS sabrina transiskus

CLARISONIC X KEITH HARING FOUNDATION

WHO:

WHAT:

A controversial activist and contemporary pop artist, Haring’s instantly recognisable artworks have graced galleries the world over – including permanent displays in New York’s MOMA, Paris’ Centre Georges Pompidou, and Cologne’s Ludwig Museum. His public murals and sculptures can also be found in cities like Pisa, Melbourne, Berlin, and Chicago.

Since his death in 1990 (from AIDS-related complications), the Keith Haring Foundation has gone on to further the late artist’s work in financing AIDS and HIV research, and provides educational opportunities for underprivileged kids.

WHO:

Most designers make a name in the fashion world with their mastery in textiles and cuts, but Sabrina Transiskus carved a niche with art of the paper kind. Having taken the industry by storm as a stylist who dresses models with her intricate paper couture pieces, the German-born, Paris-based artist and set designer has since worked on campaigns for top fashion houses – including Chloe, Balenciaga, Louis Vuitton and Prada.

WHAT:

Skillfully weaving a story – of a snowflake floating across the world to bring beautiful wishes – onto well-loved Biotherm products, Transiskus dresses the brand’s classics, like Aquasource, as well as special gift sets that include the Hydration, Whitening, Anti-Ageing, and Body Hydration ranges. Biotherm is also pledging a portion of the proceeds from this limited edition collection to fund rescue research on the Arctic’s Emperior Penguin.

With Clarisonic’s ever-popular Mia 2 heading the collab, this partnership sees Haring’s energetic stylised graffiti art adorn the sonic cleansing device in three eye-catching designs – Love, Pop, and Dance (unavailable here). Each set also includes the Keith Haring water-resistant travel pouch and a deluxe-sized gel cleansing foam.

Aquasource Limited Edition Jumbo, $120 (125ml) Life Plankton Essence Limited Edition, $178(125ml) Lait Corporel Limited Edition, $58 (400ml) Available at Biotherm counters.

Keith Haring Mia 2 Facial Sonic Cleansing Brush, $220 each Available at Sephora (Love), and Robinsons Raffles City (Pop). made up

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WHO:

One of the most famous platinum blondes of our time, this creative mogul hardly needs an introduction. From rockin’ out on stage as frontwoman of No Doubt, to strutting down runways as designer of L.A.M.B., and gracing the silver screen, Gwen Stefani has just about done it all in the last two decades. Her love for trends has also led her to designing accessories and perfume lines, and being a spokesperson for beauty giant, L’Oreal.

WHAT:

The first drop in a series to come, this palette contains 15 shades of neutrals and three pop colours, so you can recreate the singer’s looks. Besides naming ’em after her songs, Stefani also dressed the case with black-and-white graphic prints and included samples of four lippie shades to pique your interest until the next reveal.

pierre hermé

olivier baussan

L’OCCITANE X PIERRE HERME

gwen stefani

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URBAN DECAY X GWEN STEFANI

WHO:

One bite into his dainty, cream-filled orb and you’ll see why this chef is dubbed the ‘King Of Macarons’. Having grown up in a family of patissiers over four generations, Hermé first cut his teeth at renowned Parisian institutions, Fauchon and Laduree, before starting his own pastry empire. Hermé was also the youngest ever to be named France’s 'Pastry Chef Of The Year'.

WHAT:

You may think that a pastry chef has nothing in common with perfumes but who better to concoct new scents with?

Banking on Hermé’s flair for flavours, the brand rolls out three enchanting ranges – Jasmin Immortelle Neroli, a unique floral blend that’s light and sensual; Pamplemousse Rhubarbe, a vibrant, fresh grapefruit-based scent; and Miel Mandarine, boasting notes of mandarin honey and orange.

Jasmin Immortelle Neroli EDT, $97 (75ml) Pamplemousse Rhubarbe Silky Body Lotion, $48 (250ml) Miel Mandarine Hand Cream, $15 (30ml) Available at L’Occitane.

UD | Gwen Stefani Eyeshadow Palette, $85 Available at Urban Decay.

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Text Jazmin Kelly Six Images Various Sources

WHAT:

francois nars

peter max

mr. bones

WHO:

Deeply influenced by colour, yoga and jazz music, Max’s signature psychedelic style of art propelled him into success during the hippie ’60s. Along with two friends, he started a design studio and subsequently landed assignments for major TV commercials and even graced the cover of LIFE magazine in September 1969. Thereafter, the pop artist bounced from one commission to another, eventually becoming the official artist for large-scale events – including the 1994 World Cup and the Grammy Awards.

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NARS X STEVEN KLEIN

KIEHL’S X PETER MAX

WHO:

Being the go-to guy for queens of pop, Madonna and Lady Gaga – he’s worked on their music videos and films – Klein is famed for creating powerful visual statements, thanks to his subversive eye. Originally a painter, the iconic photographer got his break in 1985 when he scored a Christian Dior campaign, and has since gone on to shoot for major high fashion brands – including Chanel and Tom Ford.

WHAT:

Klein’s provocatively menacing snaps meet Nars’ seductive colours in a holiday collection that offers 21 items. The colour range comprises 13 shimmery options for the eyes, lips, cheek and nails, while the gifting range includes eight covetable sets – from blush and eyeshadow palettes, to mini lippies and an all-nude colour kit.

Taking inspiration from Max’s ‘The Cosmic Runner’ piece, signature Kiehl’s products – including Crème de Corps, Ultra Facial Cream and Calendula Herbal-Extract Toner – are dressed in festive colours and imagery to coincide with the season. His whimsicality also extends to special gift sets, like lip balm boxes and limited edition hand creams.

Ultra Facial Cream, $48 (50ml) Creme de Corps, $60 (250ml) Calendula HerbalExtract Toner, $58 (250ml) Available at Kiehl’s. made up

Tearjerker Eye Set, $55 Humoresque Audacious Lipstick Coffret, $220 One Shocking Moment Cheek Studio Palette, $120 Available at Sephora.

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Text & Coordination Jazmin Kelly Six Images Various Sources

TALON TIME

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NAIL YOUR HOLIDAY GET-UP WITH SHIMMERY DIGITS.

1) Nail Lacquer in Give me Space, $16, O.P.I at alexislinksgroup.com/opi.

A sparkly midnight-blue that is elegant and sophisticated.

6) Nail Polish in Superstar, $30, Deborah Lippmann at Luxola.com.

Upgrade your mani with glittery flecks of copper against a brown base.

2) Vernis In Love Nail Lacquer in Prune Reve, $30, Lancome.

For glamorous nights about town, this deep plum is the answer.

7) Nail Varnish in Beam, $32, Illamasqua.com.

This pearlescent gold dazzles with a multi-hued shimmer.

3) Hypergel Glitter Nail Polish in Star Burst, $11.02, Model’s Own at asos.com.

Enriched with lotus flower oil to deliver a glossy, gel-like finish.

8) O2M Breathable Nail Enamel in 644, POA, Inglot.

Colours in a bright teal and cares by ensuring air and water permeability.

4) Nail Lacquer in Lead Vocals, Me!, $23, NCLA at Luxola.com.

This electric blue wears well without chipping and sparkles with ’tude.

9) Miracle Gel in 560 Spice Age, POA, Sally Hansen at Watsons.

A no-curing-required DIY gel mani that gives nails an ultra shiny look.

5) Nail Lacquer in Crystal Waters, $14, SpaRitual at zalora.com.

This lush aqua boasts a three-free vegan formula and a soft lustre.

10) Colour Crush Nails in Sequins Gold, $12.90, The Body Shop.

Apply as a top coat to give your base hue an added dose of glitz.

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home & body Christmas treats that will pamper and relax you this festive season.

MT. SAPOLA SETS Good things come in threes and this is

Taking Christmas collections to a whole new level, Philosophy’s offerings this season exude nothing but the joy of Yuletide, made complete with the loveliest packaging. Soak up the festivities with the Peppermint Stick Duo Set – which includes a deeply moisturising shampoo and a peppermint stick balm to ready those puckers for mistletoe mayhem. If you’re looking to gift the gift of good skin, look to the Most Wonderful Things set – which includes the Purity cleanser, Microdelivery Peel, Time In A Bottle serum, and Renewed Hope In A Jar moisturiser – for the ultimate rejuvenation and anti-ageing protection. $38 (Peppermint Stick Duo Set) and $129 (Most Wonderful Things),

especially true in Mt. Sapola’s case. Purveyor of the ultimate spa experience at home, the brand rolls out the Glittery Botany Mini Diffuser Set, which offers three aromatic scents of bergamot, frankincense lemongrass and ginger-peppermint – perfect to scatter around the home for a sweet-smelling abode. For more pampering, immerse yourself in the fragrance of lavender with the Room + Body

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FRESH SUGAR LIP LOVERS SET It’s the most magical time of the year and in preparation for all the Xs and Os, you’d be wise to smooth your puckers out. Fresh’s holiday-exclusive Sugar Lip Lovers set pampers, protects and perfects that pout with the ultimate lip care ritual that will fast become a daily routine. Start with exfoliation using the Lip Polish, then condition and nourish with the Lip Serum and Lip Treatment.

For a dash of colour, use the Rose Tinted or Rose Shine Lip Treatment for kissers that gleam with life.

Love Series: Lavender set, which contains an invigorating Body Wash, moisturising Body Lotion, and a Home Scent.

$94.90 (Glittery Botany Mini Diffuser Set) and $95.90 (Room + Body Love Series: Lavender, available at Mt. Sapola.

$72, available at Fresh.

LUSH CHRISTMAS WISHES

Boasting vivid colours and an even cuter packaging, Etude House’s Snowy Dessert Christmas collection has definitely got you covered if you’re looking to put your cutest face forward this festive season. Shower your lips with the delightfully creamy Pudding Tint – available in five saccharine shades – or doll up your peepers with the Play 101 Pencil, which offers multiple finishes (shimmer, glitter and creamy). For a flawlessly sculpted face that’s complete with a pink flush, try the Ginger Cookie Blusher and Cookie Contour Maker – they even double up as decorative mini ovens! $9.90 to $24.90, available at Etude House.

Instead of being a mundane, daily chore, Lush brings life back into bath time with a collection of soaps shaped after everyone’s festive favourites. Peeping Santa watches on Snowman Fun – a multi-purpose soap, shampoo or whatever your imagination calls it – pulling shapes on the dance floor, while Butter Bear spins on his cocoa buttery tummy. Conjure up some tub magic with your snow-dusted star wand or lather up a gift box that’s complete with an adorable moulded ribbon; the possibilities are endless! There may be 12 days of Christmas, but make seven of them extra magical with these bath trinkets.

$99, available at Lush.

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BYREDO

Just like its founder, Ben Gorham – a native Swede with roots from India and Canada – Byredo’s line of fragrances are as eclectic, and draws from the colourful memories and experiences of his life. Flowerhead pays homage to his mother’s Indian heritage with a sweet medley of lingonberry, rose petals and angelica seeds – invoking memories of a traditional Indian wedding. His obsession with gypsy mythology spurred him to recreate the musk of fresh soil, evergreen forests and campfires, encapsulated in Gypsy Water, while Seven Veils – a spicy oriental composition – was inspired by the biblical tale of Salome’s dance of the seven veils and throws back to his Catholic school education growing up.

You have to admit: there’s nothing quite as dazzling as the panorama of a starspangled night sky. This Christmas, Majolica Majorca takes some of that magic and injects twilight-inspired hues into its holiday drop, titled ‘Chapter 45: For Romantic Night’. Capture the splendour of the Holy Night in your eyes with the Majolook Illuminator, boasting a seductive palette of smoky pinks and lilacs for peepers that captivate. Plus, the Perfect Automatic Liner allows for effortless ease when it comes to creating the perfect wing that’s resistant to sweat and oil. Charm away without worry!

From $12.90 to $27.90, available at Watsons.

$191 (50ml), $281 (100ml) and $482 (250ml), available at escentials.

Text AHannah Tang Images Various Sources

Whether you’re looking for an all-encompassing makeup kit that’s perfect for travel, or the ultimate gift for your bestie, you won’t go wrong with Make Up For Ever’s limited edition Holiday Treasures range. With 15 intense shades that’ll cover you from one party to another, the versatile 15 Artist Shadow Palette portrays delicate femininity in the day and wild sass by night. To top it off, the Cult Make Up Set combines all the essentials needed into one glitzy holiday pouch, including a trusty Aqua Liner, skin-equalising Primer, compact powder, Aqua Eyes cream liner, Smokey Extravagant mascara mini and Aqua Lip liner. $53 (Cult Make Up Set) and $116 (15 Artist Shadow Palette), available at Sephora.

Highly anticipated, the Benefit Holiday collection struts out in full force with flashy, neon canisters.

We especially fancy the Your B.Right to Party set – which includes minis of That Gal brightening primer, the POREfessional, Benetint, High Beam, Chachatint, Posietint, Stay Flawless primer, They’re Real! lengthening mascara, Ultra Plush lip gloss in Dandelion, Stay Don’t Stray eyelid primer in light/medium, Fakeup concealer in 02 medium and It’s potent! eye cream. The perfect all-inone gift if you ask us! $79, available at Benefit counters.

With great skin comes an even greater commitment to good skincare. Firm believers of this philosophy, Skin Inc’s holiday treats include bundles that will help you achieve that flawless complexion. For the perfect #iwokeuplikethis mien, the Get Perfect set includes a peel that effectively sloughs away dead skin cells. Top it off with the Soothing Serum, which penetrates and deeply hydrates, before sealing it all in with an overnight hydrating mask. For that coveted K-beauty glow, the Get Glowin’ set includes the peel, a brightening serum that corrects skin tone, and a mask that delivers an instant radiance boost. $148 each, available at Skin Inc.

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GROOMING GEMS IT’S THAT TIME OF THE YEAR AGAIN TO EXPRESS OVERDUE GRATITUDE TO OUR LOVED ONES. WITH AN ABUNDANCE OF SEASONAL GIFT SETS TO CHOOSE FROM, WE’VE SUSSED OUT THE PACK AND PUT TOGETHER A LIST OF GOODIES THAT MAKE PERFECT STOCKING STUFFERS.

NEAL’S YARD REMEDIES MEN’S ORGANIC GROOMING COLLECTION Packed with all the good stuff your skin needs, the Close Shave Cream is a comforting agent that prevents angry post-shave skin with a blend of purifying red clay and softening olive oil.

To further cool skin, follow with the Calming Aftershave Balm that’s infused with refreshing olive, witch hazel and lavender, then finish with the Invigorating Body Wash that’ll pamper with a luxurious blend of 13 pure plant oils. $98, available at Neal’s Yard Remedies.

INNISFREE GREEN CHRISTMAS COLLECTION

AESOP CEPHEUS GIFT KIT Referencing Cepheus, King of Aethiopia and precursor to the classic Greek tale of hubris and heroics, Aesop’s Cepheus Gift Kift harnesses the goodness of geranium leaf into three body care staples. Enjoy an aromatic bath experience with the Body Cleanser that washes gently but thoroughly, and exfoliate for smooth skin with the Body Scrub, before ending your ritual with the Body Balm, which hydrates and nourishes parched skin.

The set also comes with informative trivia about the constellation and mythological background that inspire it. $115, available at Aesop.

THE BODY SHOP MODERN GENT’S KISTNA FRAGRANCE KIT

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ARAMIS HOLIDAY BLOCKBUSTER SET A classic symbol of male sophistication, Aramis by Aramis has long charmed with its leathery chypre scent – composed of a blend of bergamot, clary sage, clove bud oil, patchouli, sandalwood and vetiver. For a complete experience, the set includes an invigorating Body Shampoo, a handy Soap On Rope, a refreshing Aftershave and Balm, as well as an uplifting Eau De Toilette spray. $149, available at leading departmental stores.

Combining the freshness of grapefruit, lemon, cedarwood and vanilla, the revitalising scent of Kistna is sure to refresh and invigorate. To make sure you are fully recharged to take on the festivities, the kit comes with an aftershave balm for a smooth complexion; a convenient two-in-one Hair & Body Wash that’s perfect for time-crunchers; and an EDT fragrance to ready you for a night about town. $70.90, available at The Body Shop.

ORIGINS COSY COMFORTS SET Cocooning the body in a warm, revitalising delight is the Ginger Burst Savoury Body Wash, which eliminates stiffness and tension, thanks to the star ingredient. For a thorough cleanse, slather on the mineral-rich Salt Stud Foaming Body Wash, which promises a good, exfoliating scrub.

Thereafter, pamper skin with the Ginger Souffle Whipped Body Cream, infused with a nourishing blend of olive, grape seed and rice bran oils; or refresh your senses with the Smoothing Souffle Whipped Body Cream. $78, available at Origins.

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Text Hannah Tang Images Various Sources

This Christmas, Innisfree teams up with the Children’s Cancer Foundation to spread the Yuletide cheer to less fortunate kids. Contribute to the cause by purchasing a DIY block kit ($2) on top of your gifting stash. We recommend the all-natural Warm Wood Scented Candle, which calms with sweet cinnamon and vanilla; the Snowy Tree Scented Diffuser, which boasts an aromatic blend of yuzu, pine and mandarin; and the Olive Real Body Lotion Christmas set, which includes a nourishing body cleanser, lotion and shower ball.

From $20 to $30, available at Innisfree.

B AL L O F

A ME TI

Text Trent Davis Images Various Sources

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What happens when you’re at a music festival and you want to capture the action around you as much as what’s happening in front of you? You could do a little twirl and catch disgruntled faces on your smartphone, or you could get a Sphericam 2. Packing 4K and VR capabilities in the size of a tennis ball, the solid aluminium orb will capture 360-degree video at 60fps through six cameras and a global shutter. Whether mounted on your head or thrown up into the air, Sphericam 2 captures the moment from every angle, allowing you to reminisce later through a VR headset and live in the moment as the action happens.

US$1,999 (pre-order), available at sphericam.com.

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SILVER SCREEN SOIREES B A C H E LO R PA R T Y ( 1 9 8 4 )

WEIRD SCIENCE (1985)

Bachelor parties usually mean all kinds of trouble, but when one collides with a bachelorette party, you better expect a big clean-up bill from hotel management. We’re all for inexplicable headgear, belly dancers, live donkeys, and general pre-marital destruction – but what really drives the debauchery is Tom Hanks’ go-go dancing on a countertop.

When the dream girl you’ve created with your computer invites a blockfull of kids into your house to let loose, it’s probably best to just roll with it. After all, nothing says ‘party’ like a pack of mutant bikers taking your love interests hostage and a missile emerging from your living room floor.

Oh, and Robert Downey Jr. wearing a bra for a hat.

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C A N ’ T H A R D LY W A I T ( 1 9 9 8 ) While the 21 Jump Street reboot taught us that the high school social hierarchy has long eroded, this house party would’ve been one of the first to break the barrier. The nerds reign supreme in the party scene as the all-grown-up kid from Hook wins over the cool kids, while beating Axl Rose at his own game in his rendition of “Paradise City”.

AMERICAN PIE (1999)

T H E M AT R I X R E LO A D E D ( 2 0 0 3 )

Whether it’s Jim, Kevin, or Oz you identify with, everyone wants to throw a party like Stifler. Sure, he’s crass, callous and overall repugnant, but his lavish house parties (he has no shortage of mansions) deliver what high school dreams are made of – red cups and all. And they’re seemingly open to everyone – even those who think his mum has it going on.

Who said the red pill doesn’t promise any fun? While the rest of humanity sleeps under watch of the machines in tubs of goo, the residents of Zion are raving like there’s no tomorrow – literally. Maybe they had a little too much of Dozer’s moonshine, but a sweaty dance orgy seems like a perfectly reasonable way to prepare for a post-post-apocalypse.

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’TIS THE SEASON TO GET GROGGY! WHILE WE’RE INUNDATED WITH END-OF-YEAR CELEBRATION INVITES, WE’D RATHER GET STUCK IN SOME MOVIES. BEFORE YOU START CALLING US PARTY POOPERS, WE DON’T MEAN IN THE ‘NETFLIX AND CHILL’ KIND OF WAY – WE MEAN THAT THESE ON-SCREEN CELEBRATIONS LOOK SO OUT OF CONTROL, WE WISH WE’D RECEIVED INVITES.

THE HANGOVER (2009)

P R OJ E C T X ( 2 0 1 2 )

You know you had a blast when you can’t remember a thing about what you did the night before. While we only get snapshots of what ‘the wolf pack’ got up to during the closing credits, a tiger in the hotel bathroom, missing teeth, Spring Break beads and a visit from Mike Tyson mean it was one heck of a ride.

There are plenty of real-life house parties getting wildly out of hand, but they’re just not…big enough. Add a bouncing castle, some makeshift skate ramps, drive a car straight into the backyard pool, and get a cameraman with real shaky hands to capture it all on video – now we’re talking! Did we mention a dude with a flamethrower obliterating the neighbourhood?

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SNOWPIERCER (2013)

Text Trent Davis Images Various Sources

While there’s no joy to be had in the lowest class of this dystopian train ride, up at the front of the vessel is a whole other story. A 24-hour party carriage full of revellers that look like they were dressed by The Hunger Games’ costume department, this is a non-stop party if we’ve ever seen one. Just avoid the opium den ahead.

THIS IS THE END (2013)

JOHN WICK (2014)

The best thing about being caught in the Armageddon at James Franco’s house is that the party continues long after the chaos has begun. As if watching Michael Cera act like a complete jack*ss in the midst of Hollywood’s A-list isn’t entertaining enough, the magic truly happens when the group of survivors get to work on making Pineapple Express 2.

The music must’ve been bangin’ at this club, ’cos even a shootout on the dance floor didn’t seem to kill the vibe. Then again, if Keanu Reeves comes waltzing through your club and punching Russian mobsters in the chest with bullets to avenge his dog and stolen car, who wouldn’t stick around to see the show and cheer him on?

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PYRO

FREEWRITE

If you’ve ever put your hands together and hoped a fireball whooshed out of them as a result of Dragon Ball Z or Street Fighter, then Pyro is here to make your dreams come true (and give your parents nightmares). Discrete enough to fool your friends into thinking you’ve been granted mutant powers, the wrist-worn device is equipped with four individually triggered barrels that ignite ammo constructed from flash cotton and paper.

Keep it off the streets, obviously.

It’s tough staying focused on the task at hand when you have a cascade of multitabbed windows lurking in the background. Liberating you from clutter and the distraction of endless Facebook-scrolling, Freewrite brings it back to basics in a typewriter-style device. Sporting an easy-toread E-Ink display and portable aluminium housing that allows for on-the-go creativity, it has a four-week battery life to keep you typing up that novel you’ve always talked about.

US$174 (pre-order), available at ellusionist.com.

OPENROV TRIDENT

SPHERO BB-8 DROID

We’ve seen personal drones conquer the skies (and occasionally billboards), so naturally the next frontier is the seas. Efficient, versatile and easily controlled, the OpenROV Trident is the next best thing to being James Cameron. Able to manoeuvre tight spaces at a depth of up to 25m (extendable to 100m with an add-on tether), the drone will take your underwater adventures far beyond searching for your car keys in the swimming pool.

We’ve all secretly wished for a cheeky droid companion since seeing R2-D2 for the first time, and now, Sphero is turning the Star Wars fantasy into a reality.

Just in time for the latest instalment in the franchise, BB-8 is an app-enabled droid that adapts its personality to yours. Exhibiting autonomous behaviour and an ability to recognise your voice, the adorable robot can even record and play holographic videos should you have a distressed princess in your midst.

US$1,999 (pre-order), available at openrov.com.

US$149.99, available at store.sphero.com.

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TBA, visit astrohaus.com for updates.

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THE PHRASE ‘TECH ESSENTIALS’ IMPLIES THAT YOU SHOULD ALREADY HAVE THEM. BUT CHRISTMAS GIFTS ARE HARDLY ABOUT THE THINGS YOU NEED; THEY’RE ABOUT THE THINGS YOU WANT. HERE ARE THE UTTERLY UNNECESSARY GADGETS WE’VE PUT ON OUR WISH LIST THIS YEAR. ENJOY.

GEST

TRUEBUDS

What do you do when your smartphone is too small for quick typing, but you don’t want the burden of carrying around a keyboard? You hook yourself up with Gest. Like something straight out of a Philip K. Dick novel, the wearable links up to PCs, tablets, and even the smart lighting in your home.

Capable of much more than simple typing, this device allows you to program gestures, while switching between apps with the tap of a finger.

Opting for wireless headphones often comes at the cost of added bulk. Truebuds, on the other hand, combine the size and portability of earbuds with the wireless freedom of over-the-ear audio devices.

Subtle, snug and stylish, the pear-shaped Bluetooth stereo earphones pack distortionreducing armature audio transducers and noisecancelling modules to deliver CD-like quality. Whether it’s festive playlists or A Christmas Carol on audiobook, Truebuds can keep the noise coming for six hours on a single charge.

Text Trent Davis Images Various Sources

From US$149, available at gest.co.

COMET

ARTIPHON

Having a water-resistant mobile is all well and good for the occasional splash, but what happens when your butterfingers fail you in the middle of the ocean? If it’s a Comet, it’s not a matter of sink or swim – just swim.

The world’s first buoyant smartphone, the Androidpowered device sports a 2GHz processor, 4.7-inch HD display, IPx7 water resistance and 16-megapixel cameras in the front and rear. And it ain’t afraid to get a lil’ wet.

If you’re a multi-talented type who can’t decide which instrument to take with you on your year-end vacay, then Artiphon is your answer.

Designed to cater to numerous playing styles, the all-in-one electronic instrument can be bowed like a violin, strummed like a guitar, played like a piano, and looped like a drum machine. Better yet, you can modify sound and tuning configurations through the Artiphon app to get into the right creative headspace.

From US$249 (pre-order), available at cometcore.com.

US$449 (pre-order), available at artiphon.com.

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From US$155 (pre-order), available at indiegogo.com.

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THE HUMAN TOUCH IN TODAY’S E-WORLD, MUSIC STREAMING SERVICES HAVE CHANGED THE WAY WE CONSUME OUR TUNES. NOT ONLY DO THEY BRING CONVENIENCE BY PROVIDING INSTANT ENTERTAINMENT ON THE GO AND DOING AWAY WITH TEDIOUS MANUAL CD RIPS, THEY ALSO OPEN UP NEW WORLDS OF MUSIC WE MAY OTHERWISE NOT KNOW. FROM ITS GOOD OL’ CLICK-WHEEL DAYS TO THE LATEST TOUCHSCREEN IPOD, APPLE HAS LONG BEEN THE GOTO GUARDIAN OF OUR MUSIC VAULTS. NOW WITH ITS APPLE MUSIC APP, THE TECH GIANT IS ELEVATING OUR LISTENING EXPERIENCE TO THE NEXT LEVEL – COMPLETE WITH HIGHLY PERSONALISED CURATION THAT'S SETTING THE NEW STANDARD. IF YOU HAVEN’T GIVEN IT A WHIRL, HERE ARE FOUR REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD.

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SEAMLESS INTEGRATION

YOUR MUSIC BUDDY

CURRENT CONNECTION

CREATIVE PLAYLISTS

After years of ripping CDs and purchasing music via the iTunes store, you bet our music library is overflowing with albums and tunes.

The app allows you to put all your music into one place, so you can keep the old and stream the new as you please. Should you come across a recommendation that you like and want to keep, a simple click will take you straight to the iTunes store for your purchase.

With automation and algorithms taking over on the daily, it’s nice to receive recommendations from a program that feels just like a buddy.

From the get-go, the app prompts you to select the genres and artistes you enjoy. Thereafter, it presents various playlists and albums under the ‘For You’ tab, tailored closely to your preferences. And we must say that the recommendations are pretty spot-on. Plus, the more you listen, the better it will get at identifying your favourite sounds.

Instead of playing a bunch of songs over and over again, Apple Music actually has its own live radio station called Beats 1, which streams tracks a la traditional airwaves, 24/7. Being on the Apple platform also means that Siri is well-woven into the program, and can pull out any song you please on demand – be it the top song of 1995 or best tracks of 2015.

The ‘Connect’ function also acts like a micro social network, where fans can keep in touch with artistes and get the latest updates.

On top of the customisation abilities of the ‘For You’ section, we also enjoy the refreshing variety of playlists that are put together for every situation you can imagine – like ‘Friends Forever’, which contains tracks about friendship; ‘Get Jacked!’, which contains upbeat dance anthems; and ‘Run Far, Run Fast’, which features a bunch of songs that’ll match up to your speed on the treadmill.

TOUCH AND GO APPLE IPOD TOUCH Armed with a new 8-megapixel iSight camera and a speedier A8 chip, the new iPod Touch delivers seamless music streaming, elevating your entertainment experience on the go. Its improved processor also allows you to enjoy gaming and video playback without a hitch, while capturing clearer images even in low light. $278 (16GB), $348 (32GB), and $398 (64GB), available in five new colours at apple.com/sg.

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Text Jazmin Kelly Six Images Apple & Apple Music

Download the Apple Music app via the iTunes App Store for free and enjoy a three-month trial at no cost.

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REDEFINING SOUND AUDIO-TECHNICA EXPLORES PERSONAL AUDIO WITH ITS INTERACTIVE EXHIBITION

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Held over one week at Capitol Piazza, the exhibit painstakingly recreated four different interactive zones, where headphone wearers commonly dive into the delight of music: the recording studio, the gym, the living room, and – of course – the MRT cabin. Simulating each environment and the nature of outside noises that play a part in our listening experiences, visitors were given the chance to try the audio specialist’s range of situation-specific headphones and find out first-hand how to pick the right pair.

Despite the precision and attention to detail that’s required by musicians and producers when recording music, often the headphones with which these details are scrutinised fall short. Showcasing the brand’s best-selling models – including the world-acclaimed ATH-M50x – visitors discovered and experienced how the ATH-M50x had evolved over the years and become a favourite amongst studio professionals and music-makers alike.

Inviting visitors to heat things up in a simulated gym, Audio-Technica’s Sports Series took no issue with getting a little wet. Boasting IPX5-certified water-proofing across the ATH SPORT1iS, SPORT2, SPORT3 and SPORT4 models, the earphones are an ideal companion for individuals with active lifestyles and wet weather listening. Equipped with Active Fit Safety Ear

Tips, the earphones also allow wearers to hear ambient noise, such as car horns or cyclists’ bells, so that safety is never compromised for sound.

Cosying up to Audio-Technica’s living room environment opened up an entirely different world of sound, where high-resolution audio took precedence with the ATH-MSR7 headphones. Recreating a space where high-fidelity sound and authentic reproduction is enjoyed during listeners’ downtime, visitors also discovered the wonders of analogue audio with the AT-LP5-USB turntable, where the warm allure of vinyl is relished in the comfort of one’s home.

But before we reach home, our commutes are other instances where we escape the hustle-and-bustle through music. While we’re all guilty of turning up the volume a little higher than we should, Audio-Technica’s Active Noise Cancelling headphones demonstrated the safer way of blocking out unwanted noise on the MRT, while producing a rich sound without the dangers of hearing loss. To highlight the importance of using appropriate audio equipment, specialists from The Hearing Solution Group shared ‘healthy hearing habits’ and even offered free ear checks for guests.

Extending beyond delivering renowned audio products, Audio-Technica’s inaugural exhibition demonstrated the importance of tailoring different audio solutions for different needs – whether it’s working up a sweat at the gym or battling a barrage of noises on the train. By redefining our relationship with sound, we redefine our lives too.

Discover Audio-Technica’s full range of headphones at sea.audio-technica.com.

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Text Trent Davis Images Audio Technica

Deciding which headphones are right for you can be a daunting task.

The way they fit, look, and sound are all factors that come into play when perusing a pair in-store – but we don’t often get the chance to see how they weigh up in the environments where we depend on them the most. In a bid to reshape how we interact with sound, Audio-Technica’s experiential exhibition, Redefining Sound, explored the settings in which we enjoy our audio so as to fine-tune our aural delight.

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FIT FAST FOOD

WITH MUSIC FESTIVAL WEEKENDERS AND NYE CELEBRATIONS RIGHT AROUND THE CORNER, GRABBING A QUICK BITE WHILE YOU FLOCK FROM PARTY TO PARTY WILL UNDOUBTEDLY BE IN YOUR GAME PLAN. BUT RATHER THAN GREASY BURGERS AND FATTY FRIES SLOWING YOU DOWN WHEN YOU SHOULD BE DANCING YOUR BUTTS OFF, THESE FAST FOOD JOINTS WILL WHIP UP NUTRITIOUS GRUB-TO-GO IN A FLASH.

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Grain Traders’ open kitchen and wholesome menu makes it a natural choice for comfort food in the CBD. Reconnecting people to the origins of what they eat, the ingredients on the eatery’s marketplace-style counter present an abundance of choice. From $16 a bowl, diners can construct their own meal of grains, proteins, greens, and sauces, or go with tried-and-tested formulas like the El Hibaro – a rich medley of striploin beef, salsa verde, charred vegetables, wafu tomato and bean sprout salad on white sushi rice. Also good is The Beebop – a tongue-in-cheek combination of braised pork shoulder, furikake corn, crudites slaw and mixed bean pico de Gallo on brown rice.

138 Market Street, grain-traders.com.

SNATCH You’d be foolish to underestimate how far a salad can go, and Snatch lets you go all out if you choose to.

Nestled in the heart of the CBD, the grab-and-go salad bar caters to lean-and-clean and musclyand-mean eaters alike – with sizes ranging from Rogue ($12 for one protein) to Hero ($18 for three proteins). With hefty portions of proteins like chicken, sirloin and ahi tuna on offer – atop garden greens, wholesome carbs and nutritious supplements like sundried tomatoes and sous-vide egg for texture – dressings like the sweet and tangy Yuzu Goma and aromatic Basil Pesto add subtle yet exciting flavours to a dish that’s often mistaken as dull. #01-06, 1 Shenton Way, tel: 6509-4513.

YOLO Committed to offering alternatives to salads in the realm of healthy eating, the restaurant’s namesake reflects its philosophy of eating to the fullest. Dividing its menu based on specific fitness goals – including ‘Shape Up’ to get your beach-bod ambitions back on track, and ‘Build’ to bulk up and inspire envy at the gym – YOLO’s extensive and diverse menu has something for everybody.

Where the Cauliflower “Fried Rice” ($9.90) with chicken and Asian veggies is a light and invigorating substitute for rice dishes, Arnie’s Meatballs ($13.50) with pasta, olives and eggplant presents the same tantalising comfort food without any nasty preservatives.

12 Gopeng Street, tel: 6221-3029.

Text Trent Davis Images Various Sources

GRAIN TRADERS

ALOHA POKE Inspired by Hawaiian raw fish salad appetisers, or poke, Aloha Poke’s flavourful bowls can be likened to ceviche and chirashizushi combined. With fresh fish flown in every day and a list of exceptional ingredients, a single bowl packs all the protein, greens and carbs to square up your stomach for a night out about town. While the Standard Nalu Tuna or Salmon bowls ($15.90) are ideal for diners who can’t make up their minds, the Spicy Ahi Tuna and Wasabi Mayo Salmon (from $11.90 to $19.90) pack plenty of heat, mellowed by hearty additions of brown rice, quail’s egg and fresh greens.

92 Amoy Street, tel: 6221-6165.

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IN HER GOOD BOOKS LINDY LO

Hey Lindy! What drew you to work as a DJ booker?

I’ve always been drawn to the world of festivals, with Belgium’s Tomorrowland being my main inspiration; it is truly a whimsical festival with so much creative thought and production put into it. Music is just an equally important element that brings a whole festival together – and for me, looking to be part of that world, being a DJ booker just made sense my passion for electronic music and production. There is no other club given better to go on this journey with than Zouk.

Lead us through one of your typical days.

On a regular weekday, the bookings team is busy with emails, dealing with contracts and advancing all international artistes and their crew coming through. We also assist with booking shows for our Zouk resident DJs and media requests for artiste interviews. Come weekend, we prep for artiste arrivals, sound check, and take artistes out for dinner as or when requested. We ensure that artistes are comfortable with their equipment setup prior to shows and that the performance they give is of their best.

Which DJs have you booked that were particularly memorable?

Zedd. He and his crew stayed in Singapore for almost a week, so we had some time to get to know each other – truly down to earth and genuinely great guys.

What do you look out for when booking artistes?

Whether the DJ is right for the Singaporean market. It’s important that we not only provide our audience with a good show, but for the DJs coming through to experience the best atmosphere we have to offer.

What sort of things do you do with DJs during their off time?

Most of them are familiar with Singapore, but they don’t usually go out of their hotels as their stay is short. However, for those who haven’t been here and want to explore, we’ve had requests to visit the Singapore Zoo,

the S.E.A Aquarium, shopping and, most popularly, a visit to Universal Studios Singapore.

Is there something most artistes are always keen to do when they arrive?

Most artistes are happy to just lock themselves in their hotel rooms and rest. We have to remember that they do travel extensively; it’s tough always being on the road and working in the nightlife industry where their hours of work are opposite from most.

Have you ever had any bizarre tour rider requests?

One DJ requested for ‘a lock of Tiesto’s hair’. If you’ve figured out a way to achieve this request, please share it with me!

Are there any preconceived notions people have about working in a nightclub that you’ve found to be incorrect?

That we party and drink all the time. We like to remain sober too and save our feet for another potentially long night ahead!

Do you think that Zouk’s new location will bring any significant changes, for better or worse?

The new location will definitely be an exciting new journey, not only for us but also our loyal fans. We’re aware that Clarke Quay is a little more tourist-friendly, and in that sense, we’re more than happy and ready to spread the Zouk culture and our love of music to all.

What are some things you’d like to see change in the nightlife scene?

I’d personally like to encourage the younger generation to dive in to other genres of electronic music, like deep house or drum & bass – you just might be pleasantly surprised by what you find.

zoukclub.com.sg

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Text Trent Davis Image Colossal Photos

094

PARTYGOERS WHO’VE DONE THE ROUNDS AT ZOUK WILL KNOW THAT WHEN IT COMES TO BRINGING IN DJS BRIMMING WITH TALENT, THE RITE-OF-PASSAGE NIGHTCLUB ALWAYS DELIVERS. BUT WE OFTEN WONDER HOW THEY MANAGE TO PULL THESE FELLAS IN. TO UNVEIL THE MYSTERY BEHIND THEIR WORK, WE SPEAK WITH ZOUK’S ASSISTANT DJ BOOKING MANAGER, LINDY LO, TO EXPLORE WHAT GOES INTO BEING ONE OF THE BEST NIGHTLIFE VENUES ON THE PLANET.

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clink to collabs Spark off the festive celebrations with these limited edition bottles.

G.H.MUMM X DAVID GUETTA Who else other than the French forerunner of EDM to get on board and design the world’s first audio-visual champagne

A specialist at soothing the senses with its range of refreshing tea blends, The 1872 Clipper Tea Co. partners with local perfumery, To Be Calm, to take you on an aromatic voyage around the world.

Neatly packed in a miniature suitcase, The Romance Of Travel collection comprises three scented candles inspired by global cities – including Singapore Sunrise, a blend of passion fruit, mango and green tea; Love In Paris, an evocative combination of roses and chamomile; and London Carousel, an elegant combination of caramel and cream, black tea and bergamot. $23 each or $60 (set of three), available at Tangs Orchard and Robinsons The Heeren.

bottle? Pop the cork from the ‘connected’ Magnum bottle and you’ll get much more than bubbles – expect an interactive audial and visual spectacle emanating from the bottle’s platinum veneer.

Available exclusively at TRACE from December 18.

MARTELL VSOP X ETIENNE DE CRÉCY Designed by the veteran DJ, producer and visual artist, the iconic VSOP gets an electric blue makeover titled ‘La French Touch’. Channelling the visual cues of nightlife and club culture, the bottle’s reference to the French musical and artistic trend celebrates House of

095

Martell’s legacy with a modern edge.

Available at select nightlife venues until January 31.

The selfie fad has gone well beyond the point of no return, so we might as well follow suit – but the least we can do is make sure our front-facing camera has enough guts to get us at our best.

Armed with front and rear 13-megapixel PixelMaster cameras – with dual-colour and dual LED Real Tone flash – the ASUS ZenFone Selfie’s impressive autofocus and low-light capabilities means you can worry less about blurry shots in dim environments and more on perfecting your angle for your Christmas e-cards. $399, available at authorised retailers.

Always in the spirit to get into holiday happenings, contemporary furniture curator DREAM teams up with interior design outfit Bloesem to bring jolly cheer with the immersive Christmas market, Stock Up!. While stocking up and saving moolah on trendsetting homewares and furniture from the finest craftsmen and designers around the world, you can also stuff stockings and stomachs with over 20 lifestyle and F&B vendors – including Cat Socrates, The Refinery, Stale & Co. and Sarah’s Loft, to name a few – while soaking up the vibe to live music performances. It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

From December 4 (4pm to 9pm) to 5 (11am to 7pm) at 456 River Valley Road. RSVP at dream.com.sg.

The culmination of seven years of tireless development and research, Bowers & Wilkins presents the reimagined 800 Series Diamond to delight audiophiles in preparation for its 50th anniversary. Dedicated to delivering an unrivalled aural experience, the line of loudspeakers features a sleek, polished aesthetic with improved cabinets and design features. Ranging in size and power, from the uncompromising 802 D3 to the accessible 805 D3, the series’ new Turbine heads and Matrix bracing systems ensure you’ll be immersed in the music, whichever you choose.

POA, available at authorised retailers.

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Offering fresh takes on guides to global cities from Hong Kong to San Francisco, The HUNT Guides Box Set compiles insider perspectives for some of the world’s most popular destinations, including 100 independentlyowned venues and other hidden gems. Unlike most, The HUNT Guides are written in the first person, making it feel like you’re reading a friend’s recommendations to the best of each city. If you’re short on time, the ’48 Hours’ section of the guides will have you whizzing through the essentials before boarding your flight back home. $95, available at selected bookstores and lifestyle boutiques, including Kinokuniya and Keepers.

OPPO R7S Amongst the pack of formidable flagship killers, OPPO inspires awe once again with the high-spec R7s. Boasting a whopping 4GB RAM to support the unorthodox Color OS, the R7s is as powerful as it is fancy, with a metal unibody design in luxurious gold and rose gold tones. Its 5.5-inch AMOLED 2.5D Corning Gorilla Glass display provides plenty of room for both work and play, while a hefty 3070mAH battery will keep you connected throughout the day without a worry. And after all that, OPPO still managed to trim some of the fat and produce a lighter, slimmer smartphone than its predecessor.

PASARBELLA OPENS ITS SECOND LOCATION AT SUNTEC CITY (#01-455 TO 461 NORTH WING) WITH 13 GOURMET CONCEPT STALLS. THE NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTION FOR BEACH BODS WILL HAVE TO WAIT.

$599, available at OPPO Concept Stores and authorised retailers.

Bringing their naughty nature from the CBD to the heart of the shopping district, OverEasy sets up a second location at Orchard Road to deliver mouth-watering comfort grub.

Bringing over all-American classics like the Grilled Three Cheese Sandwich ($16) and The “To Die For” Burger ($22), the new diner boasts exclusive menu items like the overflowing Reuben Pastrami Sandwich ($18) (free for anyone named Reuben!) and the crisp and juicy, 24-hour marinated Beer Can Chicken ($58). Don’t forget to bring your shopping bags – you wouldn’t want to miss out on free lemonade, would you? #01-01 Liat Towers, tel: 6684-1453.

The purveyor of professional cameras is back with yet another addition to its lineup of luxurious shooters, this time going all out on features with the mirrorless Leica SL. Equipped with a 24-megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor and 4K video, the SL’s sturdy aluminium body also houses the brand’s first viewfinder to feature Leica EyeRes technology and a touchscreen to bring tonal control to the forefront of your shots. With a high-performance Maestro II processor and 2GB of buffer memory ensuring instantaneous responses, the SL is a serious contender for professional photographers looking for the distinctive look that Leica cameras offer.

POA, available at all Leica stores. navigate

An expert in curating all the essentials for a bangin’ party, Dreams and Confetti pairs up with local stationery designer and retailer The Paper Bunny to bring smiles to those on your Christmas gifting list, while saving you the hassle. Offering four pre-packed gift boxes tailormade for inspirational women – from the apple of your eye to your one and only mama – each gift box contains the perfect combination of items to warm one’s heart, including eclectic homewares, delectable candies, and coffee tumblers for the busy woman.

From $99 to $120, available at Dreams And Confetti, #02-20C/D Great World City.

Sony clearly succumbed to the Dark Side when redesigning this limited edition Playstation 4 bundle. Sporting a minimal black-out design with none other than the Sith Lord, Darth Vader himself, printed on the console, the 500GB gaming system comes packaged with the hotly anticipated first-person shooter, Star Wars: Battlefront – where players are transported to a galaxy far, far away and have to choose between the forces of good and evil in epic battle sequences captured in the original film trilogy. So long as there’s no Jar Jar Binks, we can’t wait to embrace The Force. $599, available at Sony Stores, Sony Centres, and selected authorised dealers.

Text Trent Davis Images Various Sources

096

scene

BARELY LEGAL AT ZOUK JUICE 17TH ANNIVERSARY

097

THE WITCH HUNT AT ZOUK LAST HALLOWEEN AT JIAK KIM STREET

098

HALLOWEEN WITH VICTORIA CHENG X COINTREAU AT VANITY TIPPLES AND TERROR

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H E L L’ S G AT E AT 1-ALTITUDE SKY-HIGH SIN

099

CIRQUE LE SOIR AT CE LA VI WELCOME TO THE FREAK SHOW

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MIDNIGHT SHIFT 6TH ANNIVERSARY FEAT. DEETRON AT K YO TECHNO O’CLOCK

100

GLAM WEDNESDAY AT ATTICA BRAG YOUR SWAG

S H O P AT T H E S E ADIDAS ORIGINALS PACIFIC PLAZA, #01-09 TO 12 ALEXANDER MCQUEEN LEVEL 1 SCOTTS SQUARE BROOKS BROTHERS KNIGHTSBRIDGE, #01-07 CLUB 21 FOUR SEASONS HOTEL, #01-07 COACH TAKASHIMAYA, #01-03 DOROTHY PERKINS ORCHARD GATEWAY, #01-12 FENDI NGEE ANN CITY, #01-31/32 H&M ORCHARD BUILDING KATE SPADE ION ORCHARD, #03-27

KURT GEIGER THE SHOPPES AT MARINA BAY SANDS #B2-117

RALPH LAUREN LEVEL 1 SHAW HOUSE STRADIVARIUS ION ORCHARD, #B2-15

MAISON MARTIN MARGIELA THE SHOPPES AT MARINA BAY SANDS, #B1-01

STUSSY 313@SOMERSET, #04-30

MANGO 313@SOMERSET, #02-23/24

TED BAKER THE SHOPPES AT MARINA BAY SANDS, #B2-02/03

MARC BY MARC JACOBS ION ORCHARD, #03-21

TOPSHOP/ TOPMAN KNIGHTSBRIDGE, #01-05/06

MARNI PARAGON, #01-06

UNIQLO 313@SOMERSET, #03-27 - #03-34

NEW LOOK 313@SOMERSET, #B2-34 TO 37

ZARA LIAT TOWERS

ON PEDDER NGEE ANN CITY, #02-12P/Q PEDDER RED NGEE ANN CITY, #03-04

RETURNING!FAVORITE RETURNING!FAVORITE

P P RMINT RMINT MOCHA MOCHA

NEW NEW

CHRISTMA CHRISTMA PAN PANT T N N LAT LATE E

RETURNING!FAVORITE RETURNING!FAVORITE

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Available at your nearest Starbucks for afor limited timetime only.only.

Available at your nearest Starbucks a limited Connect withwith us: www.starbucks.com.sg Connect us: www.starbucks.com.sg

BARS & CLUBS

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ARTS, DESIGN & MUSIC

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HOTELS

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SCHOOLS

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EVERYWHERE ELSE

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STAY GOLD AND RING IN 2016 FEATURING

SUPERSTAR D KEZA AND CYBORG MC K2 (FRA) Thursday, 31 December 2015

$50 NETT (EARLY BIRD) $70 NETT (ACTUAL DAY) INCLUSIVE OF A GLASS OF CHAMPAGNE/ HOUSE POUR WINE / SPIRITS / BEER The Far Card privileges are applicable.

Please note that photos taken during the event may be used for promotional purposes Terms and Conditions Apply

NewAsiaBarSingapore

FOR RSVPS AND ENQUIRIES, PLEASE CONTACT NEW ASIA AT +65 9177 7307, EMAIL NEWASIABAR@EQUINOXCOMPLEX.COM. LEVEL 71, EQUINOX COMPLEX, SWISSÔTEL THE STAMFORD 2 STAMFORD ROAD, SINGAPORE 178882

final word

DEAR UNEMPLOYMENT OFFICERâ&#x20AC;¦ WITH SO MUCH VITRIOL IN THIS WORLD (HAVE YOU SEEN AN AVERAGE YOUTUBE COMMENT SECTION LATELY?), ITâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S NO WONDER SANTAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S OUT OF A JOB. ANY TAKERS FOR MR CLAUS? GENDER

NAME

NICHOLAS KRIS SANTA CLAUS

MALE

DATE OF BIRTH

AGE

NOT EXACTLY SURE......1773?

242

FEMALE

EMAIL

MOBILE

HOHOHO.73@GMAIL.COM

ONLY DURING CHRISTMAS

ADDRESS

1 NORTH POLE, #01-01 CITY

COUNTRY

GAYARTIC CIRCLEU

TURKEY

POSTAL CODE

251225

LAST EMPLOYMENT AGENCY

LAST POSITION HELD

ELVES & TOYS PTE LTD

CEO & FOUNDER

DATE OF LEAVING POSITION

NAME OF LAST SUPERVISOR

26/12/2014

GERTRUDE CLAUSE (MRS.)

REASONS FOR LEAVING

We couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t generate enough love and cheer in the world to sustain the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s operations, so the company went under after our IPO plans failed. There was also a strike amongst the elves, who demanded better wages, more worker benefits and free shuttle buses home each night. Lastly, rarely do people believe in my existence or work anymore. Even kids these days only care about the Kardashians and updating their iPads with new games.

YES

HAVE YOU BEEN LOOKING FOR NEW EMPLOYMENT?

NO

NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENTS AND SKILLS:

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Â&#x2122; E^dcZZgZY i]Z BdkZbWZg bdkZbZci! initially launched as Mecember

YES

DO YOU HAVE A CRIMINAL RECORD?

NO

IF YOU ANSWERED YES, PLEASE EXPLAIN:

Â&#x2122; 7gZV`^c\ VcY ZciZg^c\ k^V X]^bcZn Â&#x2122; 7g^W^c\ X]^aYgZc l^i] idnh Â&#x2122; ;gZfjZcian egdiZhiZY Wn Vc^bVa g^\]ih VXi^k^hih PLEASE GIVE US THE NAME OF THREE REFERENCES, WHO ARENâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;T RELATED TO YOU AND HAVE KNOWN YOU FOR MORE THAN A YEAR: NAME

OCCUPATION

RELATION

EARTHA KITT

Singer

Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m her baby, apparently.

TIM ALLEN

Actor

Observed me for a whole year for his role in my autobiography.

NORTH AMERICAN AEROSPACE DEFENSE COMMAND (NORAD)

Military dudes / Creeps

I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know them, but they stalk my movements every single year on some website. Actually, can I report them?

Text Aaron Kok Images Various Sources

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