August N° 132
WITH KIM LIM + OTHER LOC AL CHANGEMAKERS
MODE Pocket Full of Sunshine 64 II am Indu 72 Back to the Great Wide Open 88 Fresh Lick of Paint 106 Mutha’s Nature 116 STYLE Jackie’s Strength 15 Fly the Flag 16 Mysterious Miss-chievous 18 Local Focal 22 Take a Bow 24 Split Personality 30
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BIJOUX Current Affairs 41 Top of the Game 42 Charmed Life 44 Alhambra or Nothing 45 Wrist Takers 46 BEAUTY High Contrast 54 Tress to Impress 55 No Shrinking Violet 56
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LIVING Sharp Scooter 131 Meet M=0 Y=0 K=0 132 Taste of Home 134 Meet the Latest Generation of Singaporean Creatives 138 RENDEZVOUS Edito 12 Style News 28 Finale 152
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TR U
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no 132 – august 2020 EDITORIAL EDITOR-IN-CHIEF IAN LEE
SALES & MARKETING VP, SALES & MARKETING AILEEN SOH
CONTRIBUTING WATCH EDITOR ASHOK SOMAN
SENIOR MANAGER, SALES & MARKETING CHOO YEW MENG
FASHION & DIGITAL WRITER ABIGAIL LEONG
SENIOR EXECUTIVE, SALES & MARKETING YIZHONG AW
DIGITAL WRITER KIMBERLY ONG
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ART ART DESIGNER LESLIE WONG
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no 132 – august 2020 DIRECTION Global Co-Chairmen and Members of executive and administrative boards Marie-José Susskind-Jalou Maxime Jalou
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Global Editorial Content and Archives Giulia Bettinelli
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L’OFFICIEL LIVING
Édito
While speaking to our creative collaborators around the globe in preparation for this issue, it became clear that there was one common thing on our minds, which we were all just itching to interpret creatively: being able to head out to enjoy the great outdoors (albeit in a safe and considered manner). And so as you flip the pages this month, we’re taking you all the way to the Breaux Bridge in Louisiana, to enthralling flowering fields in the UK, and even to a charming dairy farm tucked away in a corner of Singapore (heat and humidity notwithstanding, I have to say that I found the quiet 30-minute drive to the West rather therapeutic) – all accompanied by a mélange of Pre-Fall’s and Fall/Winter 2020’s most memorable looks. Equally significant for the August issue, of course, is Singapore’s 55th birthday. As our writer Abigail says in the red-and-white-themed Fly the Flag, “National Day is going to look a little different this year with the country still on alert concerning the pandemic and celebrations therefore considerably toned down, but you can nevertheless express your love for our island by busting out your red and white glad rags in a show of solidarity for our homeland.” Because there’s never been a better time to #supportlocal, you’ll also find in this issue: ingenious local food artisans in Taste of Home, three rising +65 creatives to watch, Singapore-based collage artist Mojoko, and the latest work of Singaporean fashion designers both established and new. Summing up the sentiments of this issue, cover girl, entrepreneur and champion of social causes, Kim Lim says of facing recent challenges and obstacles: “I will take 2020 in my stride, look positively at the lessons learnt, and keep my chin up.”
KIM LIM wears TIFFANY & CO. jewellery, and BOTTEGA VENETA dress EDITOR-IN-CHIEF IAN LEE PHOTOGRAPHY JOEL LOW STYLING EVON CHNG
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IAN LEE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF IAN@HEART-MEDIA.COM
STYLE L’OFFICIEL
Jackie’s Strength Almost 60 years on, one of Gucci’s most well-known styles gets imbued with new attitude WORDS IAN LEE
A veritable piece of fashion history, Gucci’s Jackie was (re)named after one of the most stylish First Ladies of the United States, paying homage to Mrs. Kennedy’s innate chicness. Did you know: Before it became synonymous with the FLOTUS in 1961, the hobo number was referred to as the Constance. And since the best-selling shoulder style got reinvented in 1999, and again in 2009, it’s back once more as Alessandro Michele declares it a “Beloved Line of the House” – in the form of the new Jackie 1961. Referencing a vintage Jackie from his personal collection, Michele first proposed a shrunken, unisex version for his Fall/Winter 2020 men’s show. Now, we’re being treated to three different sizes – medium, small and mini. Cleaner lines on the latest iteration put the leather and details – like that famous piston closure – in focus. There’s also a long, removable shoulder strap that lends the iconic number a new versatility. In black and red leather, as well as GG Supreme canvas. Our faves though, are the small and mini versions in the the playful candyfloss hues of lilac, butter, blue, and pink.
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L’OFFICIEL STYLE
Fly The Flag National Day is going to look a little different this year with the country still on high alert concerning the pandemic and celebrations therefore considerably toned down, but you can nevertheless express your love for our tiny island by busting out your red and white glad rags in a show of solidarity for our homeland WORDS ABIGAIL LEONG
Hat, Gucci
Salvatore Ferragamo Pre-Fall 2020
Plongé leather vest, Gucci
Sylvie 1969 small shoulder bag in leather, Gucci
Plongé leather flared pants, Gucci
RED HOT As far as wearable colours go, red is definitely on the “out there” end of the spectrum, but don’t let its flamboyance daunt you. This unapologetic hue is synonymous with passion, power and positivity, and donning it has been proven to boost your confidence, so channel your inner girl power and reach for red. If neutral tones are your go-to, you can start small and add a subtle pop of colour with bright and bold accoutrements, then work your way up by layering a crimson piece or print with an otherwise monochrome outfit (white perhaps?). Or crank the wattage up to the maximum and go head-to-toe rouge, if you dare. Either way, you’ll be flashing both your polish and patriotism at once.
Capucines Mini in fabric, Louis Vuitton
Silk dress, Gucci
BV Point shoes in lambskin, Bottega Veneta
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STYLE L’OFFICIEL
The Chain Cassette in lambskin, Bottega Veneta
Embellished knitted dress, Bottega Veneta
Fendi Pre-Fall 2020
Silk crepe top, Cult Gaia
Earrings in lambskin and silver, Bottega Veneta
CARTE BLANCHE There are a lot of pseudo rules associated with wearing white, but you’d do well to throw that book out of the window. Fashion is all about selfexpression, so seriously, you do you. But should you be in a quandary about how to master this crisp and cool colour, a safe bet would be to pair white with a contrasting palette or pattern – pastels, neutrals, brights, metallics, florals, animal prints… You name it, white probably looks good with it. And if you plan on going the white on white route, but don’t wish to resemble a bride, keep things interesting by combining different silhouettes, textures and shades, then top it all off with a statement accessory.
GG Marmont small shoulder bag in leather, Gucci
Leather shoes with studs, Gucci Belted cotton-blend pants, Cult Gaia
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Mysterious Miss-chievous As dusk falls, look to the fluid nightgowns, flirty babydoll dresses, and soft yet military-tinged tailoring from Fendi Pre-Fall 2020 IMAGES COURTESY OF FENDI PHOTOGRAPHY GREG SWALES STYLING GIOVANNI DARIO LAUDICINA MODELS LILY STEWART & MEGAN ROCHE
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NEWS L’OFFICIEL
The new Baguette features a double sliding metallic chain.
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L’OFFICIEL NEWS
A quilted maxi strap adorns the super soft Peekaboo XS.
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NEWS L’OFFICIEL
The Baguette buckle also appears on a new platform silhouette – a hybrid of loafers and sling-backs.
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L’OFFICIEL STYLE
Local Focal In the spirit of celebrating all things Singapore this month, we shine a spotlight on three local labels we L’Ove, whose exceptional accessories are doing our little red dot proud WORDS ABIGAIL LEONG
BAG IT When it comes to homegrown leather goods label LingWu, the devil really is in the details. Founded by Central Saint Martins and Lasalle alum Goh Ling Ling, the brand places a strong emphasis on quality with a handmade touch, highlighting timeless but functional designs that marry expert craftsmanship with thoughtful details and top-notch materials. Consider the new Stevie hobo, for instance. An ideal companion for the independent woman who’s always on the go, the Stevie is characterised by a strongly curved, half-moon silhouette with generous resin hoop handles, which draw on brutalist architecture such as the Golden Mile Tower along Beach Road. Deceptively spacious and wonderfully versatile, it arrives in black and tan corrugated lambskin, silver crackled cowhide, tawny bison leather, and sustainably-sourced python leather in mottled pink and blue. If you’re looking for a contemporary classic you can carry wherever and forever, look no further.
SHOE IN If there was ever a local designer who embodied the multicultural spirit of our nation, it would be Mashizan Masjum. Born in Singapore, he worked in New York for many years, before moving to Florence to study shoemaking under a veteran Ferragamo designer, and now he’s based in Paris. Counting numerous local and international celebrities among his fans, including Ariana Grande, Solange Knowles, Constance Wu and Zoe Tay, Masjum is renowned for his quietly sophisticated, handcrafted creations in innovative shapes and materials. His latest styles are no exception. The sharp-toed d’Orsay flat is reimagined in MASHIZAN’s signature iridescent patent leather and sunny yellow pearlised leather, while the Mary Jane kitten heel is updated in stark black and silver, and a classic pump is given a twist with a sculptural plexiglass heel. Just what you need to stride forward in these strange times.
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ROCKET (WO)MAN Rather like our beloved hawkers who specialise in a particular cuisine or a particular dish, Rocket Eyewear focuses on doing one design, but doing it well. Namely, P3 sunglasses, favoured by Grace Kelly, James Dean and Emma Stone alike, in addition to the mother of Rocket’s founders, whose habit of losing her shades led the Ong siblings to set up their own eyewear brand. Flatteringly oversized, the local label’s take on the P3 now comes in a striking blend of clear and translucent acetate on the rims and along the temples, respectively. Featuring two-toned combinations with intriguing names like “Aiyu Jelly Crystal & Kombucha” and “Smoke Crystal & Ghost”, these fresh frames offer a choice of two fits, as with every pair of Rocket sunglasses: Raised, which compliments the high cheekbones and low nose bridges typical of Asian faces, and Standard for those with a more pronounced nose bridge. You won’t be able to stop at one.
L’OFFICIEL NEWS
Take A Bow
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Sure, latex and leather will continue to enthuse Saint Laurent loyalists and the club kids – Anthony Vaccarello also let loose for Fall with smatterings of houndstooth and tartan, rich jewel tones and those playful ’80s-style earrings
L’OFFICIEL NEWS
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IMAGES COURTESY OF SAINT LAURENT
NEWS L’OFFICIEL
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L’OFFICIEL NEWS
Coming Up Roseau Accessories are Longchamp’s forte, and Fall/ Winter 2020 certainly doesn’t disappoint when it comes to swoon-worthy treats. Take the Roseau bag, for instance. A firm fan favourite since its launch back in the early ’90s, the Roseau underwent a modern makeover last year, with a blown-up toggle (inspired by bamboo), extra-wide chapes, and clean-cut edges. This season, the emblematic design continues to evolve as the Roseau Box bag, an understated but sophisticated cubiform silhouette that comes in tote, top-handle, and crossbody versions, and in black, powder or poppy red leather. Should your tastes veer toward the original, however, the trapezoidshaped Roseau top-handle also returns this season in sizes ranging from the adorable mini to the functional medium, and textures such as crocodile-embossed patent leather, “highlands” embroidered calfskin, and pebbled leather.
Surf’s Up One of the must-have collaboration drops to cop this season from Dior is a surfboard. Specifically, the Dior x Shawn Stussy surfboard. Building on the partnership begun with its groovy Pre-Fall 2020 show last December, the Maison brings Stussy back to his roots in Californian surf culture with this limited edition, “gun” style board (before leaving his mark – literally – on fashion, Stussy started out shaping boards in his garage). Bedecked in a grey and blue collage of the iconoclast’s signature scrawl on the front, and stamped with the reinterpreted Dior bee emblem on the back, this ultra-exclusive surfboard is limited to 100 numbered editions, with each piece painstakingly handcrafted by artisans at the UWL workshop in France.
This one’s for all the horological hypebeasts out there. TAG Heuer has joined forces with Hiroshi Fujiwara (aka the godfather of streetwear) for a second outing, and the result is a chronograph where form meets function in a decidedly modern take on the ’70s motor racing-inspired C-case driver’s watch. Echoing Fujiwara’s minimalist approach to design, the TAG Heuer x Fragment Design Heuer 02 is stripped of superfluous elements in favour of subtle accents like a black opaline dial, pops of red on the hour markers and hands, and a “Fragment” inscription between 4 and 5 o’clock. What’s more, the timepiece boasts an exclusive five-row steel bracelet and a red sapphire crystal caseback that gives you a clear view of the Heuer 02 manufacture movement. You’d better move fast if you want to get in on the action, though, as it’s limited to just 500 pieces.
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WORDS ABIGAIL LEONG
Tag Team
NEWS L’OFFICIEL
Robe Trotter Trace Element With sneaker releases coming in thick and fast every week, it can be hard to separate the wheat from the chaff. But Moncler makes that decision all too easy with its Leave No Trace trainer, which, despite the name, has left quite the impression on aficionados. Reflecting the label’s DNA with a design language born in the outdoors but endued with a downtown sensibility, the shoe has now been reimagined in an all-new high-top style for men and women. Retaining the signature chunky silhouette and two-block sole, this latest iteration features a knit mesh upper that extends above the ankle into “socks”, complemented by a subtle ‘M’ branding on the side, leather and suede details, and hiking boot laces. It’s available in three colourways: lemonade pink with neon highlights for women, black with grey accents for men, and a unisex variant in shades of blue.
Move aside, athleisure. There’s another portmanteau in the style stakes, and it’s a serious contender: bathleisure. ICYMI, bathleisure first flooded our feeds back in 2018 when celebrities like Rihanna and CL brought dressing gowns from the shower to the streets. And now that lockdown has reshaped what we consider everyday essentials, the laidback look has returned in full force. Which makes Versace’s latest bathrobes a timely addition to your wardrobe. Rendered in plush cotton terry for maximum comfort, this year’s range includes a brandnew Virtus print that mirrors the acanthus-embellished, Baroccostyle clasp of its namesake handbag, as well as hot pink and two-tone monochrome versions of the Drakeendorsed I ♡ Baroque bathrobe. Versace has also decked out several dressing gowns in the iconic Jungle motif, which we can totally see J.Lo in – all the more reason to snag one for yourself.
Green Shoots It’s one thing to speak of sustainability, and a whole other to put it into practice. But Longchamp proves it can both talk the talk and walk the walk with the launch of Green District, a new eco-conscious line of accessories made from ECONYL®. A regenerated nylon yarn recovered from waste found on ocean floors and in landfills, such as discarded fishing nets and fabric scraps, ECONYL® not only helps to combat plastic pollution, but also reduces the global warming impact of nylon by up to 90%. Longchamp blends the fibre with responsibly sourced leather to create a series of timelessly classic yet resolutely urban designs for all genders. The collection comprises 10 styles, including a belt bag, travel tote, modifiable backpack, phone pouch and more in black, brown, and blue tartan, unadorned save for the logo label and sporty zipper pull.
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s p s n l
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e r o a i t y Bohemian chic or all fiery and sensual – go ahead and pick your favourite Pre-Fall side
PHOTOGRAPHY KINWAI CHEUNG STYLING PATRYK CHAOU HAIR & MAKEUP GLOOMY KWOK / HK MAKEUP ARTIST BY KAREN YIU PHOTOGRAPHY ASSISTANT NIGEL FONG MODEL TANYA H / LIBERTE MODELS
Wool jumpsuit, shearling coat and leather pumps, Burberry
Silk blouse, wool pants, and brush tweed coat, ChloĂŠ
Medium Triomphe Bag with scarf, Celine by Hedi Slimane
Quilted jacket, skirt, and mesh bra, Moncler 4 Simone Rocha Leather pumps, Burberry
Wool and silk shantung dress, coral and pearl earring, coral and pearl choker, coral and pearl ring, socks, and leather pumps, Dior
Knit top, puffer jacket, and tights, Balenciaga
Medium Triomphe Bag with scarf, and dress, Celine by Hedi Slimane
T-shirt dress, beaded mesh top, bracelet, earrings, sandals, and LV Pont 9 Bag, Louis Vuitton
Velvet shirt, and cape, Gucci
L’OFFICIEL BIJOUX
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BIJOUX L’OFFICIEL
Current Affairs Introducing the electric LV Volt Fine Jewellery collection by Francesca Amfitheatrof – five variations, which riff off the LV initials, represent movement and speed in various ways WORDS IAN LEE
Volt Curb Chain Here, with the L placed on top of the V, the initials are intertwined to form links on chain-style necklaces and bracelets.
Volt Mesh As the name suggests, the initials stack to form a supple mesh.
Volt One This variation showcases the famous initials with little distraction – the V is set in the heart of the L.
Volt Multi
Volt Upside Down
If you LoVe your everyday failsafe classics: The L and V are deconstructed and repeated on rings and bracelets.
Speaking of movement and energy, here, the letters dance and form pulse-like shapes.
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L’OFFICIEL BIJOUX
Margot Robbie
RM 07-01 CARBON TPT® BRACELET (left) and RM 037 GEM-SET CARBON TPT® (right)
Michelle Yeoh
Ester Ledecká
RM07-01 GEM-SET CERAMIC AND CARBON TPT® CASE
Top Of The Game Richard Mille’s team of female brand partners is a diverse one, but whose qualities are in precise tandem with the visionary watchmaker in breaking boundaries and scaling ever new heights WORDS TAN SIOK HOON
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BIJOUX L’OFFICIEL
From the red carpet to the sporting arena and beyond, renowned and respected public figures such as Michelle Yeoh, Margot Robbie and Ester Ledecká may hail from different countries and professional realms, but their strengths, talents and accomplishments, as well as their affinity and affiliation to the watchmaking brand of Richard Mille are in absolute solidarity. Among the phenomenal females in the Richard Mille family is Malaysian-born, award-winning actress Michelle Yeoh. Known for her beauty, talent and fearless attitude towards work and life, the prolific Asian superstar with a global profile and portfolio was chosen as the first female brand partner. From the silver screen to off-screen engagements such as designing a pair of Richard Mille jewellery watches for women, serving as a UN Goodwill ambassador, and raising awareness for the ICM Brain and Spine Institute; Yeoh’s credentials in show business and humanitarian work lend great substance to her brand partner appointment. “We share the same artistic values and principles. Richard chooses his ambassadors based on the values they represent— the same ones he wants his brand to be associated with. Be that elegance, determination, integrity or any number of specific things,” said Yeoh. Another exemplary Richard Mille partner is Australian actress and producer Margot Robbie, whose ascending stardom is showing no signs of slowing down. In recent years, she has won awards and garnered nominations for acclaimed roles in films such as I, Tonya, Suicide Squad and Once Upon A Time In Hollywood from her distinguished filmography. “I was astonished by the intricacy of the watches, by the way in which, when you look closely, the detail and craftsmanship are incredible. I was simply amazed that a thing so delicate felt so sturdy on my hand,” Robbie remarked. “I am really excited to join the Richard Mille family, I have always admired the brand’s artistry and innovation. The watch we are working on embodies Richard Mille’s vision of horology; it’s beautiful, unique and modern. I can’t wait for everyone to see it.” From the grit of working in front of film cameras to the glamour of film premieres and award events from Hollywood to Cannes, we traverse to the snowcapped Alps, Olympic stadiums and high-profile sporting venues to find the Richard Mille family’s ninth female partner, Ester Ledecká. Famed for being the first athlete to combine snowboarding and alpine skiing internationally at the highest level, this trailblazer boasts a record-breaking performance in the PyeongChang 2018 Olympic Games that puts her in the league of the world’s elite sportswomen. “Richard Mille and I both love what we do. We strive to be the best in our field and enjoy it,” said Ledecká, neatly summing up the raison d’être of her relationship with the brand.
Parallel to its universe of female brand ambassadors, the Richard Mille ladies collection of watches similarly inhabit a uniquely feminine universe in fine watchmaking. What sets it apart is the juxtaposition of extreme watchmaking with beautifully elegant expressions in a quest to turn dreams and desire into reality. Case in point: the peerless and ultracreative Talisman and Bonbon collections launched in recent years boast stunning designs and inimitable technicity, being truly second to none. In constant pursuit of technical solutions, boundaries constantly being pushed at Richard Mille include creating unusual and exceptional ladies’ movements. This is encapsulated by the brand’s very first in-house automaticwinding tourbillon used to power the RM 71-01 Automatic Tourbillon Talisman collection. Designed with ten different dials and available in various permutations of stone settings and colours, the collection exemplifies watchmaking for contemporary women with a taste for the utmost. Highly focused and outstanding, Richard Mille’s ladies timepieces can be said to follow very closely behind its men’s collections in the choice of materials. In 2016, Richard Mille extended the use of its proprietary NTPT carbon, a signature feature of its men’s collections, to the case construction of its women’s collections, which gave not only a striking and powerful appearance, but ensured optimal protection for the calibre. Following this milestone, the brand charges along to mount its next apex by debuting a Richard Mille exclusive: gemset NTPT carbon, which was applied to references RM 07-01 and RM 037. Besides being a showcase of unmatched elegance, the brand’s technology of setting stones in cuttingedge materials like ceramic and Carbon TPT® is an achievement in technicity that has made it possible for the first time ever to combine 21st-century case materials with every type of setting, alongside enhancing the watches’ comfort and ease of use. The RM 037 and RM 07-01 in Carbon TPT® are available in both plain and gem-set versions. Paving the way for the brand’s next breakthrough is a full bracelet in Carbon TPT®, developed for the RM 07-01. This wristwatch is emblematic of and tailor-made for the multifaceted lives led by modern and remarkable women for its unparalleled lightness and strength, and sophistication and sportiness. It can only be concluded that the variety of settings, materials and stones in its ladies models—such as those reflected in RM 037 and RM 07-01—is symbolic of the achievement of the Richard Mille ladies collection in technicity, beyond the freedom of choice with options such as precious metal bracelets and straps in a plethora of colours and materials. Dedicated to creating the most extraordinary women’s timepieces imaginable, Richard Mille perfects its feminine realm that allows a woman to express and empower her personality, lifestyle and aspirations.
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L’OFFICIEL BIJOUX
Charmed Life A fine jewellery take on Christian Dior’s good luck charms, the Rose des Vents series is now enriched by bib necklaces, chokers, cuff bracelets, open rings, and more in gold and coloured gemstones WORDS ABIGAIL LEONG
Christian Dior was just 14 years old when he learned what the future held in store for him. A palm reader told him that he would achieve success and amass a great fortune – through women. Monsieur Dior would put his trust in signs of fate for the rest of his life, regularly consulting his clairvoyant, and always keeping a cluster of good luck charms in his pocket. His superstitious nature has left a lasting imprint on his eponymous house, as is manifested in Dior’s Rose des Vents collection. Introduced in 2015, the fine jewellery line gives prominence to a talismanic eight-pronged star. Uniting the couturier’s favourite integer (eight), flower (rose), and symbol (star), the motif also references Christian Dior’s childhood home in Granville, named after the points of the maritime wind rose, or “rose des vents” in French. This year, the series continues to unfurl with several new additions that juxtapose the star with the vivid colours of precious stones and the radiance of gold.
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Standout pieces include a jaw-dropping four-strand bib necklace enriched with emerald, malachite, diamond, mother-of-pearl and yellow gold, as well as a splendid multi-coloured choker in lapis lazuli, onyx, turquoise, tiger’s eye, cornelian, pink opal and more, punctuated by diamonds in a twisted rice grain setting. A constellation of bracelets, necklaces, and earrings, meanwhile, brings together the Rose des Vents star and the heavenly bodies of Rose Céleste, featuring reversible medallions of yellow gold, mother-of-pearl, and onyx with a smiling sun on one side and a slumbering crescent moon on the other. A final stroke of luck (one can never have enough, after all) arrives in the form of a beaded double heart charm in gold, diamond, and red lacquer or mother-of-pearl, which can be worn as a pendant necklace or a bracelet.
BIJOUX L’OFFICIEL
Alhambra Or Nothing Van Cleef & Arpels expands its Vintage Alhambra series with a new pendant in grey mother-of-pearl and rose gold, imbued with a sense of femininity and protection WORDS ABIGAIL LEONG
“To be lucky, you must believe in luck” was a mantra that Jacques Arpels lived by. The nephew of the founders of Van Cleef & Arpels would gather four-leaf clovers from his garden and give them to his staff, together with a poem titled Don’t Quit, as an encouragement to never lose hope. It was his belief in good luck charms that served as the inspiration for the Maison’s iconic Alhambra collection, which has enjoyed lasting popularity since its inception in 1968 – a stroke of fortuity indeed for the jewellery house. This year, Van Cleef & Arpels continues the fine tradition by adding another sautoir to its Vintage Alhambra series, in iridescent grey mother-of-pearl and lustrous rose gold. Blossoming in the shape of a four-leaf clover, French Polynesian mother-of-pearl forms the heart of the pendant, its silvery sheen evoking a sense of femininity, gentleness, and protection. A delicate contour of gold grains, reminiscent of the scalloped arches of the titular Alhambra palace in Spain, frames the quatrefoil motif, carefully polished by hand to summon a warm glow. Threaded onto a graceful rose gold chain, this captivating design is the quintessence of Van Cleef & Arpels’ sophistication and savoir-faire, and assuredly a modern heirloom worthy of being passed down through the generations.
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The 48mm Zenith Pilot Type 20 Tourbillon is certainly L’OFFICIEL BIJOUX a man’s watch, but so what...
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Wrist Takers Watches of different sizes and styles are a must, but are special designs for men and women really necessary? We look at contemporary examples of brands trying something different WORDS ASHOK SOMAN
In the non-binary world that we are lurching headlong towards, it seems the wristwatch is once again out of step with the times. This is a strange position for timepieces to (repeatedly) find themselves, being that they are meant to move in lockstep with the passage of time. From a purely functional perspective, watches are meant to reliably track the motion of our little blue orb as it turns on its axis and spins around the class G star that we vaingloriously call the sun. Whatever our cultural or societal proclivities, the watch has been on the job for centuries now – today a new class of tools called wearables is also making its mark here. Some think these devices might even make wearing time on one’s wrist relevant again, after the era of the smartphone put time back into people’s pockets. Unfortunately, even new technology cannot keep things from going pear-shaped. At issue here is whether there is really such a thing as gendered watches – watches meant for one sex or the other. This first problem is “sex” versus “gender” of course, but thankfully, this is not exactly relevant here, because this is not that kind of story. What is a recurring issue is the matter of timepieces made and marketed specifically to one sex or the other. Leaving aside aesthetics, the main question is about the size of the watch in relation to the size of the wearer’s wrist. Since sexual dimorphism is not that extreme in humans, the size issue (to address attendant differences in men and women) is not that relevant. In other words, watch brands might as well offer products in small, medium and large sizes rather than target males or females. Indeed, for brands as diverse as Apple and IWC, that has been the response for the most part. In the case of the Apple watch Series 5, there are only two sizes, and the implication is that one might be better suited for bigger wrists. Where Apple goes, others are sure to follow, and most such wearables do not distinguish between the sexes – when they do, they often stumble into the same traps that watch brands do. That aside, while there are certainly sociological and perhaps even psychological perspectives that could be relevant here, everything starts with the user experience. A larger person – including a person with bigger hands and wrists – might have a better experience handling a bigger watch where everything is scaled up appropriately.
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L’OFFICIEL BIJOUX SURVIVING HAUTE HORLOGERIE Not for nothing, a small watch looks positively ridiculous on a big wrist – imagine Dwayne Johnson rocking a 34mm ticker with a leather strap. On the other end of the spectrum, think Timothée Chalamet or everyone’s favourite cantankerous nebbish Larry David pushing boundaries by wearing the Audemars Piguet Survivor model. Now think of how those two would look wearing any one of the Richard Mille Bonbon watches. This is an issue that tracks in traditional watchmaking too, especially when it comes to all that delicate handwork. The watchmakers who handle the critical task of making overcoils for the balance springs and attaching them to their collets are typically women. These watchmakers are called regleuses, which is a colourful term in traditional Swiss watchmaking that is actually feminine. More broadly, when women entered the workforce during the industrial revolution in Europe, many found employment in watchmaking. There are no statistics on that – and this story does not purport to present such facts – but if one examines the photographs of people working in watchmaking, it certainly seems there was a demand for women with nimble and dexterous fingers. Of course, things are different today, with the Bonbon for example created by Cécile Guenat, the chief designer of women’s watches and jewellery at Richard Mille. Watchmaking professionals aside, size is really the only thing that distinguishes what is made for men and what is made for everyone else. A clear case in point is the so-called boy’s watch sizes, such as from IWC. This brand also has a nifty father-and-son pair of watches that can also be a his-and-hers set, if one is so inclined; given that luxury watches are somewhat exclusive, it only seems right that adults get to enjoy them, regardless of sex. Some commentators attempt to include jewellery watches as a specific type typically reserved for women, but this does not take a variety of Asian markets into consideration. Speaking of which, the aforementioned Bonbon watches are actually purpose-made as unisex offerings. This is literally horological eye candy that acknowledges that everyone likes a bit of creativity. It is the first properly unisex collection from a major name in horology that calls itself that; on the brand’s website, it is listed under both men’s and ladies’ watches, with the same watches listed for both. Excluding gem-set watches from male wrists also ignores hip-hop, EDM and a whole host of pop culture stars. One only needs to recall how Franck Dubarry combined plastic and diamonds with Techomarine watches to see how ridiculous it is to assign a sex to a watch based on the presence or absence of gems. One brand making the case for the unisex watch that goes beyond technical watchmaking or technological timekeeping is Gucci.
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BIJOUX L’OFFICIEL
A GRIPPING TALE Basically a rounded square case featuring a trio of windows showing minutes, hours and date, the Gucci Grip is one of those rare design winners that everyone raves about. If it had a mechanical movement, it would certainly echo the design logic of many digital display timepieces from A. Lange & Söhne to IWC. Its yellow gold (PVD) case and bracelet also make it entirely contemporary, while also offering cheeky commentary on smartwatch aspirations to go upmarket (you know the ones). The Gucci Grip does lay it on a bit thick with the branding (engraved on the case and bracelet) but somehow manages to keep it classy. Its success can be attributed to its sui generis quirky design and clean lines but it also owes a debt to the fearless attitude of Gucci design boss Alessandro Michele, and Gucci Timepieces and Jewelry President and CEO, Piero Braga. “Gucci creates fashion watches that are different from anything else you will see in the industry. Our timepieces bring together a unique combination of Italian creativity, Swiss watchmaking and Gucci DNA. They are bold and distinctive, and designed to encourage self-expression,” said Braga.
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L’OFFICIEL BIJOUX SEDUCTIVE LINES Certainly, no brands are rushing to push their ladies’ models to male customers – well, with the exception of Bulgari. The Italian watchmaker and jeweller has been using its women’s watches across the majority of its advertising throughout Southeast Asia for the entirety of 2019. Bulgari doubled down with the Serpenti Seduttori this year with the tourbillon version, which if you are paying attention, means that the brand now has one of the world’s most inventive shaped tourbillon movements. The crown is still a delicate affair and the overall watch is just 34mm (at its widest point). Having said that, this Serpenti is probably already amongst the favourite possessions of a true watch aficionado. Whatever the user experience of the watch, it seems clear that Bulgari is making a deliberate point. We think it is safe to say then that Bulgari, which does have quite excellent mechanical men’s models, is banking on men wanting something other than technical sports watches.
BLACKLIGHT RAINBOWS So we have a fashion label and a jeweller weighing in favour of the unisex watch, but what about “proper” Swiss watch manufactures? Well, the other spark for this think piece was a comment from Nicola Andreatta, the Swiss CEO of the Geneva watchmaker Roger Dubuis. “For sure I will stop (defining watches as) men’s or ladies’. I want us to stop talking about men’s watches and women’s watches; this is a bit anachronistic today,” said Andreatta. The watch from Roger Dubuis that fits into this conversation is the Excalibur Blacklight Rainbow, with a white strap and a riot of colours on the bezel and movement. Swiss brands seem to have collectively decided that white straps denote women’s watches, for some reason. Certainly, a woman could carry off the 42mm Blacklight Rainbow, but so could a man. Indeed, the Excalibur collection is officially for men, and this watch is technical indeed. The calibre’s sapphire bridges are specially treated to create seven different colours in a process that both penetrates the material completely while maintaining its strength and stability. Movement bridges are functional, so when special touches are applied, including skeletonising, care must be taken to preserve structural integrity.
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BIJOUX L’OFFICIEL
ART OF TIME Traditional haute horlogerie also offers great examples of what might be called “gender-free” watches, mainly in the areas of métiers d’art, dress, and even some complications. The Patek Philippe ref. 7071 (out of production since 2016 so one will need more than means and taste for this) stirred the hearts and minds of everyone who saw it in person, and even in photographs. The movement here was the sublime calibre CH 29-535 PS, which was much soughtafter in 2009, and in fact unavailable for men at that time. Despite the fact that Patek Philippe did offer it to men in ref. 5170 and later ref. 5172G, all the public attention was devoted to ref. 7071. I had the pleasure of shooting with this 39mm watch for an in-depth review in 2012, when the white gold version was released, and can report that the mobile lugs helped the cushion-shaped watch sit quite comfortably on all manner of wrists.
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L’OFFICIEL BEAUTY
High Contrast Amongst the flurry of vintage elegance that took place at Giorgio Armani’s Pre-Fall show comes a harmony of contrasts from graphic Nineties liners, Thirties-inspired dark statement brows, along with a touch of Asian influence on high, blushed cheekbones and sensual lips WORDS JOYCE FAN
Benefit Cosmetics BADgal Bang! Pencil Eyeliner in Black
By Terry Stylo Blackstar in N1 Smoky Black
Nudestix Magnetic Lip Plush Paints Liquid Lipstick in Waikiki Rose
Gucci Rouge à Lèvres Mat Matte Lipstick in 204 Peggy Taupe
Giorgio Armani
Dior Diorskin Rouge Blush in 601 Hologlam
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NARS Blush in Unlawful
BEAUTY L’OFFICIEL
Tress To Impress Your ultimate compendium of styling products for manipulating tresses into one’s desired look and bringing new life to flat, uninspired locks WORDS JOYCE FAN
HERBIVORE BOTANICALS COCONUT SEA MIST TEXTURIZING SALT SPRAY On days where you find yourself yearning for the sea or the sweet taste of coconut, you can always turn to this salt spray that offers the best of both to deliver beachy volumes of your dreams. Not only is it formulated with the same salinity as the Pacific Ocean for a glorious beach-like texture and naturally wavy finish, it also contains non-drying aloe water to hydrate the scalp, while the exotic aroma of coconut and vanilla essential oils allows for a truly indulgent experience.
VERB LEAVE-IN MIST More often t han not, a good leave-in hair mist holds the key to effortless and faultless styling. Considered to be a crucial step between washing and styling, this multitasker from VERB is a cult favourite for managing tangles, frizz and unruly fine hair, on top of adding shine; repairing split ends; protecting from heat treatments and prepping for styling. This is all thanks to its mighty formulation of elasticity-enhancing argan oil, moisturising moringa seed oil, antioxidant-rich green tea extracts and strengthening bamboo extract.
PERCY & REED ABUNDANTLY BOUNCY VOLUMISING MOUSSE We can always count on Percy & Reed to combine our love for volume and mousse into one ideal hairstyling product. True to its name, this intelligently formulated creamy mousse is all set to supersize your style in all the right ways. It features styling polymers to take your blow-dry skills to new heights (literally) with extreme, lasting volume and natural-looking bounce without the icky stiff and sticky feeling. For best results, run a wide-toothed comb through the lengths of towel-dried hair from root to tip for even distribution.
IGK GIRLS CLUB COLOR SPRAY For those looking for a quick, dramatic hair makeover minus the long-term commitment a nd per m a nent d a m age of con st a nt bleaching, this IGK temporary hair colour spray is the best for experimenting with the pink hair look. Its innovative pigment technology fuses a buildable on-trend pink hue into the tresses, and despite being transfer-proof, rinses out easily in the shower. Additionally, it comes with coconut extract and UV protection to nourish and protect the hair and scalp, respectively.
SACHAJUAN STYLING CREAM As far as styling cream goes, Sachajuan’s magical little tube exceeds all expectations. Whether you have straight or curly hair, the cream lightly coats strands to seal moisture in and shield against heat to make them incredibly soft and silky with superb shine. The secret behind its high-performing formula lies within its revolutionary Ocean Silk Technology, which combines algae and other tailor-made ingredients that leave a healing effect on your locks. The product can be left in for natural smooth curls or used before blow-dry for a straight, shiny look.
KRISTIN ESS HYDRATING CURL DEFINING CRÈME Keeping your curly locks in their best spiral shape doesn’t necessarily have to be a challenge when you have this curldefining cream by your side. Not only does it enhance natural curl patterns and create clean coils, it also kicks frizz to the curb, while replenishing moisture for a soft finish. Simply rake a quarter-sized amount evenly through semi-damp hair, scrunching once or twice as it dries to unleash your curls’ full potential. Every application is guaranteed to leave you with a head full of spiralled glory.
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We’re talking about floral flourishes that manage to be striking and delicate all at once PHOTOGRAPHY FERNANDO GOMEZ MAKEUP DE MARIA USING GRAFTOBIAN HAIR ROSA MATILLA / M.Ö.N ICON TEAM STYLING CARA CANO MODEL TINA JINN / BLOW MODELS
Earrings, LineArgent Shirt, Zara
Shirt, Massimo Dutti Blazer, COS Earrings, UtopĂa HM
Shirt, Lorenzo Martinez Top, Zara
Hat, Pablo Erroz
Shirt, Luis Pacheco
“I will take 2020 in my stride, look positively at the lessons learnt and keep my chin up,” says entrepreneur Kim Lim, who’s focusing on her new beauty ventures and giving back to the community WORDS IAN LEE PHOTOGRAPHY JOEL LOW STYLING EVON CHNG ALL JEWELLERY, TIFFANY & CO.
Worn throughout on Kim’s left hand: T1 wide diamond hinged bangle in 18K rose gold, T1 narrow diamond hinged bangle in 18K gold, T1 wide diamond hinged bangle in 18K rose gold, T1 wide diamond ring in 18K rose gold, and T1 wide ring in 18K rose gold, Tiffany & Co.
Worn throughout on Kim’s right hand: T1 narrow diamond ring in 18K rose gold, T1 narrow ring in 18K gold, T1 narrow diamond ring in 18K white gold, T1 wide hinged bangle in 18K gold, T1 narrow diamond hinged bangle in 18K white gold, and T1 wide hinged bangle in 18K rose gold, Tiffany & Co.
Before braving the humidity and working her magic in front of the camera (whilst complying with social distancing measures in place at Hay Dairies, of course), Kim Lim spoke to editor-in-chief, Ian Lee, about her new businesses, the charitable causes she holds dear, and how she has risen to the challenges of 2020.
Tell us more about Papilla Haircare and Illumia Therapeutics, which you started this year. I’ve always had the entrepreneurial spirit in me. I’m excited by beauty trends and creating, packaging, and designing. These are all the fun parts. I also wanted to find a means to sustain my charities and having a stable, successful business is a way I can achieve many of my hopes and dreams. Speaking of which, giving back and getting involved with charities is nothing new for you. Could you tell us about some of the causes you’ve been passionate about? I’ve been involved with charities for seniors and the needy for a long time. Recently, I’ve included those in essential services – cleaners, security guards, and the unsung heroes. I’ve been doing food drops for healthcare workers, police stationed at dorms, and hospitals during this time. Just to thank them for risking themselves during this period, show appreciation and spur them on. I believe that everyone has the right to spend their money and time in the way they please, and for me, the way I want to conduct myself is to do what I can, and to contribute to those who need it the most and speak up for those who cannot be heard. What are some of the challenges you’ve faced in the recent months? Covid-19 is a big reality check for me. I never imagined things would go South so quickly. My first worry was my family – many of my family members are elderly, like my ah-ma who is 100-years-old. I still needed to work, as my business is a new set-up and my staff needed me – so I decided to isolate myself from my grandparents and parents by staying in a hotel for a month. This was in March. I also have a young son, Kyden, who is twoyears-old. Being away from him for a month was very tough – it’s dreadful for a parent to be isolated from her child. But these are some sacrifices I had to make. Business-wise, I suddenly found myself struggling – my hopes and dreams became a faraway thought and it was down to pure survival. I think I’m stronger and more equipped to cope with challenges now.
The key lessons you’ve learnt are… Be nimble, and pivot your business. Use technology, and move online. My team accelerated the launch of our e-store to the second week of the Circuit Breaker – this helped to bring in some revenue, which is good because every bit counts. The good news is nothing lasts forever. And the bad news is: nothing lasts forever! Fortunes can change overnight. We have seen that long-standing businesses can fail; even big household names can close. We must not take things for granted. Life is fragile, I have friends who passed away during this period and I was unable to pay my respects. I cried alone. Treasure the important things like family and friends. There are those who wish to press fast forward on 2020… Mixed feelings to be honest, there have been many ups and downs. There is no need to fast forward, I will take 2020 in my stride, look positively at the lessons learnt and keep my chin up. What are some of your favourite style essentials at the moment? Comfort always comes first for me. Oversized joggers and sweaters. Collecting vintage pieces is my new thing. When it comes to jewellery, what are your personal preferences? I like gold, and simple and classic designs. Self-care has been quite a buzz word during this time… I’m known as a “Mask Queen”, and this was even more so when all the beauty salons were closed. Skincare is very important to me as I believe it’s more worthwhile having good skin than relying on make-up. My masks and serums are a regular part of my routine, and keeping up with machine treatments is important for me. I also do hour-long brisk walks daily. It helps me clear my mind and I feel refreshed afterwards.
Cotton dress, Bottega Veneta All jewellery, Tiffany & Co.
Lace dress, Fendi Leather corset, Moschino Silk skirt, Givenchy Leather boots, Roger Vivier Straw and leather bucket bag, Furla Leather woven tote, Loewe All jewellery, Tiffany & Co.
Acetate sunglasses, Dolce & Gabbana All jewellery, Tiffany & Co.
Lace dress, Fendi Leather boots, Dior All jewellery, Tiffany & Co.
Cotton shirt, cotton shorts, leather belt, and leather boots, Dior All jewellery, Tiffany & Co.
HAIR DAVID GAN / PASSION HAIR SALON MAKEUP MELISSA YEO USING CHANEL PHOTOGRAPHY ASSISTANT ALFIE PAN STYLING ASSISTANT KARIN TAN SPECIAL THANKS TO HAY DAIRIES
PHOTOGRAPHY KOTARO KAWASHIMA STYLING LAUREN BENSKY HAIR CHLOE CLEMENT CASTING LAYLA NEMEJANSKI RETOUCHING ARC LABS MODEL INDU / IMG MODELS
L’OFFICIEL HAPPENINGS
Dress, Givenchy
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Jacket, Moncler 4 Simone Rocha Top, Bottega Veneta
Top and shorts, Chanel
Jacket, Moncler 4 Simone Rocha Top, pants and boots, Bottega Veneta
Dress, JW Anderson Boots, Celine
Jumpsuit, Fendi Boots, Bottega Veneta
Coat, Jil Sander
Top and pants, Dior Shoes, Chanel
Cardigan, sweater and skirt, Commission Boots, Coach
Top and pants, Dior
Dress, Louis Vuitton
Suit, sunglasses and boots, Celine
BACK TO THE GREAT WIDE OPEN Step into the light in a mélange of the season’s most memorable looks
PHOTOGRAPHY CHRIS SCHEURICH STYLING ALI MCNALLY MODEL KENNA MATTHEWS / PAGE PARKES SHOT ON LOCATION IN BREAUX BRIDGE, LOUISIANA. SPECIAL THANKS TO ERIC AND GLORIA OF COUNTRY CHARM BED & BREAKFAST
Dress, belt, earrings, bag and boots, Alexander McQueen
L’OFFICIEL HAPPENINGS
Top, cardigan, skirt, belt, socks, shoes and jewellery, Dior
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Top, sash, skirt, bracelet and shoes, Chanel
Turtleneck, coat and boots, Moncler 8 Richard Quinn
Dress, Kate Spade
Dress, Kate Spade
Top, bralette, skirt, belt and boots, Longchamp
Jacket, dress, gloves and boots, Gucci
Dress, Louis Vuitton
Dress and boots, Louis Vuitton
Dress, Versace
T-shirt, jacket, jeans and boots, Burberry
Dress and boots, Celine
Blouse, scarf, jacket, shorts and earrings, Saint Laurent
FRESH LICK OF PAINT When classic black, white and lace take on surprisingly fresh shapes and forms PHOTOGRAPHY ZUZANNA BLUR STYLING SAIK GONZALEZ PRODUCTION SOCIAL CRTL STYLING ASSISTANT BARBARA ANTHOFER MODEL SCARLET HAYES / MODELS 1
Dress and shoes, Erdem
L’OFFICIEL HAPPENINGS
Dress, Erdem
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Dress, leggings and shoes, Prada
Headpiece, Erdem
Corset, Luis de Javier Pants, Arturo Obegero
Top and pants, Arturo Obegero
Dress, Alessandra Rich
Waistcoat, Carlota Barrera Swimsuit, Pursuit the Label Pants, Luis de Javier Shoes, Prada
It’s summertime – so let your imagination run wild with striking textures, embellishments and silhouettes
PHOTOGRAPHY TIMO KERBER USING KODAK PORTRA400 120 STYLING DAVID EVANS MAKEUP THERESA DAVIES PHOTOGRAPHY ASSISTANT SAM COURT MODEL AKUAC / NEVS MODELS
Dress, Miss Sohee
L’OFFICIEL HAPPENINGS
Bodysuit, cape and pumps, Jean Paul Gaultier
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Dress, Givenchy
Suit and hat, Harris Reed Shoes, Givenchy
Coat and boots, Alexander McQueen
Dress, Simone Rocha
Dress, Miss Sohee
Dress and gloves, Moncler 8 Richard Quinn Shoes, Givenchy
Dress and pumps, Valentino
Dress, Miss Sohee
LIVING L’OFFICIEL
Sharp Scooter Dior joins forces with Vespa to create a limited edition 946 scooter, complete with matching accessories, where Parisian chic meets la dolce vita WORDS ABIGAIL LEONG
The very mention of its name conjures up images of a glamorous European getaway – the salty tang of a turquoise sea filling your lungs, the sun’s rays caressing your skin, a crisp breeze tousling your hair as you navigate winding coastal paths… And now, the Vespa assumes an even greater allure, thanks to a surprise collaboration with Dior. The two renowned brands have joined forces to create a limited edition scooter that marries Parisian chic with Italian knowhow in one entirely covetable item. Giving a high fashion slant to the Vespa 946, a flagship model directly inspired by Piaggio’s original prototype, Maria Grazia Chiuri reimagines the scooter with bold graphics drawn from Dior’s lexicon. The signature streamlined curves and step-through frame of the Vespa are retained, but here the Dior Oblique motif adorns the saddle, while the Maison’s logo stripe, not unlike that of the Book Tote, swoops across the sides, and the bag hook takes the shape of the 30 Montaigne “CD” clasp. Hued in a chic palette of patent-finish beige with gold accents and a black undercarriage, the Vespa 946 Christian Dior is probably the most enthralling scooter moment since Audrey Hepburn took one out for a spin in Roman Holiday. That’s not all. For those looking to elevate their on-the-go wardrobe, the bike will launch alongside a number of coordinating accessories in Dior Oblique print, including a custom helmet, the aforementioned Book Tote, and a top case, the latter of which can be affixed onto the rear luggage rack. Gear up for the ride of your life, because the collaboration is set to roll into stores next spring.
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MEET M=0 Y=0 K=0 Born in Iran, raised in Hong Kong and educated in Europe, Mojoko is best known for a diverse career in curation, installation, interactive design and fine art WORDS JULIA ROXAN
Steve Lawler, better known as Mojoko, attended the prestigious FABRICA art residency in Treviso, Northern Italy in 2001, before starting his interactive design career at Diesel HQ. As an artist, designer and art director, Mojoko established the Kult Magazine, Gallery and Studio, quickly building a reputation for curation, installation, interactive design and fine art. Having worked with a global network of over 600 artists, designers and animators, Mojoko is now the creative director of The Unusual Network, a collective of creators, where he is responsible for the quarterly publication of EYEYAH! – an illustrated guide to the world for kids (and kidults).
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LIVING L’OFFICIEL You are British, were born in Iran, and spent your youth in Hong Kong before coming to Singapore. It seems that Hong Kong has always had an influence on your art... Hong Kong was an overload on the senses – the neon lights, the volume of people, and the sights and smells are intense. The energy is infectious and the juxtaposition of Western and Asian culture is everywhere – Chinese movies with English subtitles; Rambo movie posters with Chinese typography. I found it fascinating and still do. There is definitely an air of nostalgia about it for me, yet Hong Kong is so futuristic and still feels like one of the most exciting cities in the world. Your art is also largely inspired by B-movies and alternative culture. Where did it all start? I think it came from a rejection of the mainstream. I always hated pop music and big Hollywood films. I found alternative music and culture much more exciting and unusual. For example, in a VHS video rental store, I would be much more interested in the graphics and titles in the “weird sections” than the blockbuster films. They were much more intriguing and explicit. Where did the name Mojoko come from? The name comes from the printing process, CMYK. I was playing with colour values on my computer and I noticed M=0 Y=0 K=0. It just resonated with me, and it felt like it could be African or Japanese or Indonesian. I love that versatility of the moniker.
What is your favourite medium to work with? Everything I do has an element of collage – it’s the interplay between two separate ideas that creates a spark. The creative process is very much started by relating two previously unlinked ideas. This idea multiplies with more and more elements, so the trick is to try and control or guide it so that your concept or theme is understood. Tell us more about the collection of comic books, ’80s advertisements and B-grade movie posters you’ve amassed over the years. I must have started collecting around the late ’90s. Everything from rave flyers to typography to vintage catalogues – it just became a habit for me to find obscure things in flea markets and jumble sales. I used to make scrapbooks and anything that was not cut up was put into a kind of filing system. I still search for new (old) things – that’s what keeps me going and triggers inspiration. And yes, online has become a valuable resource for finding things, but in Asia there is very little ’60s, ’70s pop culture documented online – you have to dig for that the old fashioned way.
You’ve been in Singapore for over 13 years. What are your thoughts on Singapore’s art and design scene? I think the biggest problem is that artists can’t afford spaces to create and show work – the scene is primarily gallery driven, which means non-commercial work has very little opportunity to grow its influence. Artist-run spaces are always where you see the most progressive work, and we should recognise and try to nurture that. Are there other countries in Asia with art scenes that attract you? I have always loved the visual power of work from the Philippines and Indonesia. They would be my favourite Southeast Asian countries, followed by Thailand. I would have to say it’s Korean art that has excited me over the years. Always pushing forward, a real thrust for originality seems to be a driver there in terms of medium and subject matter. Their harnessing of kinetic sculpture and craft is most impressive. Tell us about your recent show in Singapore, The Secret Room. The Secret Room delves into mystery and intrigue of the past, with a modern twist: deconstructed antiques, traditional paintings and objects infused with contemporary internet culture. The installation features over 20 new artworks in varying traditional mediums, such as rosewood furniture, lanterns, ceramics and glass – with a twist.
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L’OFFICIEL LIVING
Taste Of Home It’s no secret that Singapore is a food-obsessed nation. And with the F&B industry one of the hardest hit by the pandemic, this vital part of local culture is now at risk, which means it has never been more important to #supportlocal. These homegrown artisanal brands are just the place to put your money where your mouth is WORDS ABIGAIL LEONG
In The Roar As the first-ever fully-fledged micro-distillery on our island, Brass Lion Distillery takes great pride in celebrating local heritage and native ingredients through its singular craft spirits. Drawing on Singapore’s role in the flourishing spice trade of the 19th century, the Alexandra-based operation uses Southeast Asian botanicals obtained from nearby TCM shops and wet markets, including torch ginger flowers, kaffir lime leaves, pomelo peel and galangal, to infuse three artisanal gins: citrusy Singapore Dry, floral Buttery Pea, and spiced Pink Pahit. Recently, in an effort to aid local communities impacted by the pandemic, the Brass Lion Distillery also teamed up with several bars to bottle ready-todrink cocktails, such as a Lavender Negroni and Merlion Spritz, all profits of which go back to its partners, on top of making its own hand sanitiser from the by-products of distillation for donation and sale.
Jam Packed It’s said that inspiration can come from anywhere, and that’s certainly true of homegrown brand Straits Preserves. Founder Sharon Lee stumbled across the art of marmalade making while searching for ways to use up a bumper harvest of calamansi limes from her balcony garden, and the rest, so it goes, is history. Now a multiple award-winning label, Straits Preserves fuses tropical fruits and spices with local flavours to create one-of-a-kind confitures like Ginger Garden, a piquant mix of ginger, turmeric and grapefruit; Singapore Sling, a non-alcoholic version of the titular cocktail with notes of cherry and orange; and Pineapple Tart, a riff on the beloved festive snack. And because there’s no combination quite as classic as PB&J, the brand has introduced the new Peaconut Butter, which puts a moreish twist on that staple spread with roasted peanuts, rich coconut, and organic gula melaka.
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L’OFFICIEL LIVING Bar None Sweet dreams are no doubt made of the treats by Fossa Chocolate. Known and loved for its exceptional confections and unusual flavours, which tap on local favourites like salted egg cereal prawns and satay, the brand started out seven years ago as a passion project, but has since morphed into a bean-to-bar company dedicated to crafting small-batch fine chocolate from ethically- and sustainablysourced cacao beans. Over the past few months, Fossa Chocolate has helped to keep spirits high with its care packages, which feature not only its latest creations (we like the sound of chrysanthemum tea milk chocolate), but also curated offerings from fellow homegrown labels, such as essential oil sprays by Hush Candle, granola by Amazin’ Graze, and Nodspark’s nail wraps. Chocolate with a side of people helping people? You can’t ask for more.
Tea Off Nasi lemak, orh nee, and ice kacang are not words you would usually associate with tea, but as far as Ette Tea is concerned, it seems nothing is beyond imagination. The brainchild of former SIA steward Victor Koh, the brand focuses on blends with a Southeast Asian slant, balancing single origin teas and tisanes with unexpected ingredients (dried chili, lotus stamen and silver dust, anyone?) for a wholly original take on local and regional fare, including the aforementioned three dishes, chicken rice, bak kwa, pandan chiffon cake, mango sticky rice and more. Animal lovers need not worry, either, as the “meaty” taste of such concoctions comes from the natural amino acids present in tea leaves. Building on the success of previous releases, not long ago Ette launched two new dessert-inspired flavours, Chocolate Gâteau and Strawberry Ispahan, along with two therapeutic herbal blends aimed at fortifying the body’s defences, the aptly-named Immunitea and Halia Citron.
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Meet the Latest Generation of Singaporean Creatives …and get familiar with their works, inspiration, hopes, and dreams for our sunny island nation WORDS KIMBERLY ONG
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Tell Your Children, an independent creative studio made up of Deon Phua, Russell Ong, Lydia Yang, Kevin Too, Denise Yap, Jialing Hoon and Bane Tan
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Tell us a bit about the work that you do. We are an independent creative studio based in Singapore. Most of the work we do is centred around certain narratives and stories that we are interested in. We are constantly looking for new ways to translate our ideas into physical art pieces and products. We do have some really exciting projects and collaborations lined up, and will be announcing them soon! How has Singapore influenced your works? One of the biggest advantages of being born in Singapore is that we are a unique blend of East meets West. Growing up, we were exposed to a lot of media from the West that has inspired and mostly stuck with us through our creative journey. At the same time, there is so much more we can learn and draw from our multicultural society and local cultures. One of our favourites is an artwork we did for local musician FAUXE in 2016 that showed him with G-Preme and the boys from Mediocre Haircut Crew, sitting at a table in a traditional coffee shop setting. The artwork was an homage to US rapper MF Doom’s Mm… Food album artwork, reinterpreted in a local context.
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Given how the pandemic has upended our usual ways of engaging with the world, what’s inspiring you right now? Many of the creators we look up to have started to use social media in more creative ways since the pandemic and that has inspired us to rethink the way we communicate our ideas. There are so many things happening in the world right now as well, and we just want to be able to spread a bit of positivity through our art. What do you hope to see in Singapore, moving forward in a post-pandemic world? That people will be kinder to each other.
Find them on instagram and facebook at @tellyourchildren Email: info@tycstudios.com
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Rachael Cheong, fashion designer and artist Tell us a bit about the work that you do, and what exciting new projects you’ve been working on. I am a fashion designer and artist, and am currently developing new work for my label and practice Closet Children. I am testing the waters now – making products that are in my own style yet wearable for every day. I’ve mostly made “unwearable things” in the past purely for artistic expression, so this time, I am looking to do a collection that will merge both artistic expression and wearability. I’ll be continuing research from my previous collection about dolls to expand into the wider topic of the artificial body. I am also working on Awkward Party, a collaborative studio practice between me and Sheryll Goh that explores our fascination with bad taste and a desire to put forth high-quality work validated by social norms. We explore notions of awkwardness through parodies of cultural kitsch, evocative of nostalgic family gatherings and festive celebrations. Currently, we are doing a year-long residency with Dance Nucleus researching kitsch aesthetics in Singapore that focuses on the aspect of communal dining and celebration. We are hoping to do a show next January!
How has Singapore influenced your works? I grew up going to Chinatown very often to visit my relatives. Obviously, as a child, I wasn’t really aware of “auntie fashion”, but I was most definitely subconsciously influenced by the eccentric style of aunties in the area. My relatives also liked covering their furniture or shelves with colourful fabric. The fabrics seemed very random and very much “make do” with what they had. Somehow it all just came together visually. I’m sure that was also an influence because in my own work as well as my work with Sheryll in Awkward Party, I love mixing prints and colours that may not seem to go together at first glance.
What do you hope to see in Singapore, moving forward in a post-pandemic world? I think the arts community was really quick to get mad about being considered “non-essential” during a pandemic and we quickly made memes about it. I was definitely one of those annoyed about the “non-essential” label. Many people still have a huge misconception about the arts and think that artists only paint or draw. Much of what we consume in our everyday lives is produced by artists and designers. I really hope that Singapore will be more open-minded and informed moving forward in a postpandemic world.
What’s inspiring you now? I’ve always been inspired by corsets and historical garments. I recently joined a community that specialises in historical replicas so I have been doing more in-depth research into construction, shapes and techniques. It’s really amazing how the body was shaped in the past and it is totally a myth that people used to have “different bodies”. The historical body presented in fashion plates was all about illusions created by padding and corsetry. I think that the techniques used in corsetry and tailoring can definitely be applied to sculpture, even if it doesn’t revolve around the body.
Find her at http://closetchildren.com Info@closetchildren.com
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Aida Sa’ad, art director and illustrator Tell us a bit about the work that you do, and what exciting new projects you’ve been working on. I’m an art director and an illustrator. I love exploring fun points of view in my work and bringing the seemingly mundane to life with humour and playfulness. A lot of my work draws from personal experiences and observations, which makes it relatable to many. I’ve just wrapped up painting a mural for a hospice in Singapore. I came up with the design based on conversations about death (e.g. “how would you like to spend your last days on Earth?”) that I shared with others on Instagram. The intention was to normalise talking about a topic that is usually considered taboo in Singapore, and to bring attention to quality end-of-life care that you can enjoy at a hospice, in the company of supportive caregivers and friends. The end product is an idyllic scene with nature, cats (!!!) and a glowing sunset. The whole process resembled a light-hearted conversation about a theme commonly perceived as morbid and depressing. How has Singapore influenced your works? Singapore is my favourite country in the world. I have a lot of pride for this country – for its shiny picture of progress that seeps into the everyday (I measure this in how you can push a wheelchair far from home. Heck, you can even push it up the Cloud Forest at Gardens by the Bay without encountering any obstacles), as well as the not-so-glamorous bits that I still find endearing and worth celebrating. A lot of people lament about how Singapore’s ruthless pursuit of pragmatism leaves no space for culture and the arts to flourish organically. However, I find that there is so much “accidental beauty” in our visual language of functionality. For example – in how the colourful stickers that are issued to mark a healthy individual during COVID temperature-taking exercises actually look like cheerful confetti strewn over perfectly manicured Singapore; in the excessive parading of flags around HDB flats during National Day, so over-the-top they look like set designs. I find so much fascination in these everyday trivialities that often get brushed off as sterile and ugly. The tension between the two gives me a restless itch to document them somehow, and to borrow the visual vernacular in my work. I feel that when you create, you have the power to portray things in a different light and present new points of view, and I want to do that with my work. I want to celebrate magic in everyday things. Earlier this year, I created a parody tour group with a full set of accompanying merchandise and conducted a tour around the popular spots in Singapore, poking fun at our glistening picture-perfect tourist facade. Currently, I am collecting temperature stickers and experimenting with creating some patterns and animations with the coloured shapes. There is a lot of magic in Singapore if you look around. What’s inspiring you now? I think the restrictions we encounter due to the pandemic have forced us to be creative in other ways and I love seeing how people work around their limitations. Creativity always finds its way, it’s in our spirit. Some examples of the projects I love include Window Swap, that allows you to gaze out of someone else’s window from across the world. I also really adore A Window to the World, a charming tale about being human, told through 62 artists and their windows. Apart from that, I find myself looking at a lot of animation and stop-motion videos as an alternative to film. Being unable to do film shoots for work during the Circuit Breaker forced us to rethink our means of storytelling. It’s a positive challenge. What do you hope to see in Singapore, moving forward in a post-pandemic world? I wish for people to be kinder. Being in a challenging “slump” right now has made us realise the importance of moving forward as a community, in helping each other, and I wish for that spirit of openness and compassion to continue as the “new normal” in a post-pandemic world. Oh, and good hygiene too!
Find her at yellowmushmellow.com yellowmushmellow@gmail.com
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Final Cut In the same vein as the recent menswear and haute couture shows, Lasalle College of the Arts went virtual for its annual graduate showcase, exhibiting the works of its 17 final year students via a digital runway called Society of the Spectacle. Take a peep at some of the highlights WORDS ABIGAIL LEONG
Samuel Xun With a collection that references high and low camp, titled FEMBUOYANT!, Samuel Xun explores queerness through the themes of artifice, aestheticism, and femsexuality.
Phang Kuan Yi Set in the year 4067, the Gear 18: Saber collection by Phang Kuan Yi tells the story of virtual warriors who take on different identities through their clothing in order to win a war.
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Kwok Minh Yen Troubled by climate change, Kwok Minh Yen created an all-white line to raise awareness on coral bleaching, incorporating 3D details that mimic reef structures as well as UV reactive pigments.
Jensen Ng Inspired by his love of sci-fi films and space travel, Jensen Ng imagines a world where plus-size is no longer a separate category in his seasonless Colossal Beings menswear line.
Adhya Tibrewala This highly personal collection expresses the journey from emotion to acceptance by dint of distorted lines, carefully chosen colours, and layers of fabric.
ŠPatrick Rougereau
Christofle Singapore Hilton Boutique 581, Orchard Road, Hilton Shopping Gallery, Singapore 238883 Christofle Singapore Takashimaya 391, Orchard Road, B1 Branded Tableware zone, Singapore 238872