MODA ISSUE 00

issue 00 | Sep 2012 www.modamagsg.com

hottest up-and-coming photographer: Darren Leow shares his secrets

SEVEN DEADLY SINS SPECIAL

desserts to pacify your inner glutton cult accessories to up your cool factor

Vest, Lion Earl. Octagon panel dress, 20:TWOTHREE. Spiky headdress, Depression.

HIGHLIGHTS 012

Seven Deadly Sins Special: Visuals that’ll make you think twice

Photography | Cornelyus Tan & Gladys Ng Styling | Azawi David Makeup | Pippin Emerald & Mich Makeover Hair | Pippin Emerald Models | Rachel, Alexa and Luke/ 21MM Text | Alessandra Marcelo

019

Regional Raunch Revealed:

028

On the cover: Let Them Eat Cake!

042

Lazy Sundays

049

It’s time for some retail therapy

056

I Moustache You…

Underwear that does more than cover your private parts

Delectable desserts to quiet your taste buds

Must-visit places for the true blue sloth

COVER PAGE PHOTO : Jacket, $98.70, Pauline.Ning. Mae Pang faux snakeskin vest, price unavailable, Actually. Max.Tan Headdress, price unavailable, Threadbare & Squirrel.

Yahn Adam metal helmet ring, $169, metal bone bracelet, $149, Hide & Seek.

For an angry person

DIY that’ll turn your friends green BACK COVER : Organza and leather top, $143.40, Pauline.Ning. Yahn Adam ribcage bracelet, $199, labyrinth ring, $109, fang two-finger ring, $299, talon ring, $279, Hide & Seek.

CONTENTS SPECIALS 010

On the cover: The Black Market It ain’t that necklace from Diva that’s gonna get people talking

064

On the cover: Mind behind the Lens The secrets to his success

REGUL ARS 008 011 066 071

Fashion - In the Spotlight Fashion - Updates Arts & Design - In the Spotlight Listings

Vest, Lion Earl. Octagon panel dress, 20:TWOTHREE. Spiky headdress, Depression.

ISSUE 00 Is produced by

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Cornelyus Tan

| cornelyus@modamagsg.com +65 9389 3852

EDITOR Alessandra Cory Marcelo | alessandra@modamagsg.com +65 8388 2512

CREATIVE DIRECTOR ay.den | ay.den@modamagsg.com

FASHION EDITOR Azawi David | azawiDavid@modamagsg.com

CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER Gladys Ng | gladys@modamagsg.com

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Akai Chew Brian Dean

Alex Low Cheong Yue Han

Gan Kah Ying

CONTRIBUTORS Aaron Han Akito Amanda Mok Benedict Bernard Lee June Fong Iewan Darwin Iskandar Ruhaizat Mark Cheng Pippin Emerald Ronalou Lau Tong Jia Han

SPECIAL THANKS Adam Flinter Pearie PeiYing Wong Jou Chyuan

For advertising enquiries: advertise@modamagsg.com If you want to collaborate/contribute/submit your work: contribute@modamagsg.com For any other enquiries or if you just want to say hi: general@modamagsg.com

005

editor’s note HELLO WORLD wide web It’s the dawn of a new age; a generation of creatives springing into life. I say, “Let me at it!” I want to know all the cool shit that’s happening here and around the region.

I mean, who cares about America? That’s gotta be so passé by now.

That’s why I’ve got M.O.D.A and you’ve got M.O.D.A. We’re here to challenge conventions, champion creatives and collaborate with whoever makes us curious. We’ve got some work to do people! Though they’ve taken the “Arts” out of MICA (Ministry of Information, Communications and the Arts), we’re not doomed yet.

I guess now, we’re our own ministry, ‘The Ministry of Magic’ I’d call it – yes, I’m an avid Harry Potter fan but the name does fit you can’t deny it. I know you hope to make a difference and I hope that M.O.D.A can too.

No. Scratch that. We will make a difference, together.

Toodles, Alessandra Cory Marcelo Editor

006

Angel (in white): Jacket, Pauline.Ning. Faux snakeskin vest, Mae Pang.

Him: Necklace, Yahn Adam.

Demon (in black): Organza and leather top, Pauline.Ning. Ribcage bracelet, Yahn Adam.

SPOTLIGHT: FASHION

THE FULL-TIME DREAMER Garments fit to have an adventure in.

GILDA SU an up-and-coming fashion

and New York as a student at Parsons the New School of Design.

designer is launching her second collection Love 2012 this September.

Her label, Revasseur (pronounced re-var-sur, French for daydreamer) was launched under Parco Next Next’s fashion incubator project last April.

Her collection was a breath of fresh air amongst the sea of black with bright colours and whimsical designs.

She spent 8 years building a foundation as a designer at two of the world’s fashion capitals, Tokyo, where she attended Bunka Fashion College

Inspired by Enid Blyon’s The Magic Faraway Tree.

She and interned at the Patricia Field Boutique whilst in NYC and came back producing garments you don’t see any Tom, Dick or Harry wearing down the street.

So who wears Revasseur? “Anyone between 18 and 40 who has fun with fashion or just some really cool grandmas all decked out with purple hair. True story,” Gilda laughs. She’ll be launching her next collection Love 2012 this month.”

THE SPIRIT OF A WARRIOR MANDY WU, the label of her namesake, is the alter-ego of an introspective rebel, the manifestation of a silent protest.

Amazingly, with nary a background in design or fashion, the jewellery designer, relies mostly on her deep urge to express, and dark sense of beauty to create strong, desirable, modern pieces.

Bringing together spikes, everyday hardware and synthetic leather cords inspired by the Shibari form to weave a story of power within fragility.

Born in the U.S. and raised in Singapore, it is interesting to learn that Mandy’s passion for jewellery design was discovered whilst pursuing a seemingly unrelated field – a B.Sc. in Chemistry!

More than being confident, creative and sociable with a strong sense of personal style, the Mandy Wu client

008

has to have an appreciation for the eclectic and original, which is made all the more apparent in her latest collection, The Fortification.

Inspired by warriors, strength and courage, the resulting creations are a series of body harnesses that bring together spikes, everyday hardware, and synthetic leather cords inspired by the Shibari form.

Design-wise, the body harnesses have been made to bind the neck, chest, waist and arms of the wearer, not so much for restriction as it is for protection, as is essential to every modern warrior who needs to be tenacious against the odds.

TEXT

|

Amanda Mok

A STYLISTIC STUDY OF THE HUMAN ANATOMY LI SHAN NG is a Singaporean Capturing the transience of the human body and our mortality in knit

apparel design student currently honing her craft at the Rhode Island School of Design in the United States and interning at Marchesa.

She is slated for graduation in June 2013, but already, her designs and concepts have been making waves both locally and internationally. Her most prestigious accolade to date has been to be the recipient of the CFDA Scholarship Award 2012.

Zooming in on her ‘Blood and Bone’ collection inspired by the vintage anatomical paintings of 18th century French artist Jacques Gautier d’Agoty, Ng did some extensive experimentation with what she’s already experienced in - machine knitting.

The resulting creations are a study of the dissected human anatomy, focusing particularly on the ribcage.

The very graphic translation of her sketches into apparel and the darkness of the topic addressed all point to one thing – the transience of the human body and our mortality.

AWAITING: FROM THE FIRST LIGHT TO THE CHANGING SUNSET

The choice for natural, sustainable fabrics that feel as good on the skin as they look.

Formerly an Associate Director in a PR agency, Singapore-born Shanghai-based DANELLE WOO made the switch to fulfill her long-held passion for fashion to start Aijek from her home studio as soon as opportunity arose.

changing colours of sunset. As a result, dresses emulate sunrays in angled pleats, in flowing georgette in mint and white.

Nightfall sees maxis in kneehigh slits and open-back draped details.

An expatriate’s wife, setting up home all over the globe in Australia, Korea, Hong Kong and Shanghai has taught her not only to curate a wardrobe that is transcendent across the seasons, but has also been a deep source of inspiration for her designs.

Danelle’s insistence on quality and workmanship means that each Aijek piece is individually handmade in small quantities by the most experienced tailors. Danelle says, “We work with the same factories that manufacture for labels such as Prada, Max Mara, and Diane Von Furstenberg!” Now how’s that for a local label that holds its own on an international platform?

Her latest collection, ‘Awaiting’ is inspired by gentle shifting of light during the waking hours – from the first glimpse of dawn to the

009

TEXT

SPECIALS:

|

Alessandra Cory Marcelo

The Black Market

Dark, moody but undeniably cool.

We source out cult jewelers with designs so fierce, we’re shaky at the knees.

Josie Chen gunmetal chain necklace with skulls, $73, THREADBARE & SQUIRREL

A.S.A.P Aztec necklace, $79, ACTUALLY A.S.A.P leather triangle necklace, $79, ACTUALLY

Josie Chen metal necklace with vintage wooden cork, $58, THREADBARE & SQUIRREL

0S-Accessories strangle necklace, $85, ACTUALLY+

A.S.A.P zipper puller necklace, $89, ACTUALLY

Mandy Wu rhodium heart necklace, $240, THREADBARE & SQUIRREL 0S-Accessories uroboros necklace, $180, ACTUALLY+

Josie Chen metal crosses chain, $58, THREADBARE & SQUIRREL A.S.A.P gunmetal spike ring, $25, ACTUALLY

0S-Accessories bone shackle, $85, ACTUALLY+

0S-Accessories spine brooch, $35, ACTUALLY+

A.S.A.P ball tassel necklace, $79, ACTUALLY

0S-Accessories knuckles ring, $35, ACTUALLY+

010

13 Lucky Monkey shatter ina metal ring, $250, BLACK MARKET NO. 2 13 Lucky Monkey adele metal ring, $250, BLACK MARKET NO. 2

TEXT

SNIPPETS: FASHION

|

Ievan Darwin & Iskandar Ruhaizat

NOT JUST A MYTH

CHANGE IT UP

MYthology, a new multi-label boutique filled with local and regional goodness will be opening its doors come late September. Look forward to Asia-only independent labels like Singapore’s Dresstonomy, India’s bohemian inspired label Nikasha and TOTON an edgy and emerging label from Indonesia. A boutique for every cosmopolitan woman who wants to dress to express.

This Autumn/Winter, DEPRESSION takes a turn back to the dark side. After a little burst of colour in Spring/Summer, they’re going black with pieces that are interchangeable, giving you the freedom to have some fun with dressing up. The new collection will be available in stores this September.

Depression is located at CINELEISURE ORCHARD, #03-05A.

Mythology will be located at 88 CLUB STREET.

SOME KIND OF WONDER-FUL

MULTI-LABEL MADNESS

The opening of WANDER WONDER’S brick and mortar store may have gotten some squeals of delight from men everywhere and it isn’t just good news for gentlemen. The move has finally found Wander Wonder a place to call their own.

Other than their latest series 4 collection of Oxford shirts and brogue shoes you can also expect premium leather products jointly created with international brands such as Viberg Boot and Tellason Denim, accessories from Tanner Goods and tote bags from Bexar Goods Co. brands all known for their outstanding quality.

Introducing WORKSHOP ELEMENT – the exciting new fashion concept by MU/AWOL’s Alfie Leong.

This generous 6000 sq ft store has given a total of 19 brands and 16 designers and curators the opportunity to grow a unique creative space from - creating a fashion ecosystem where top local brands such as AWOL, Elohim and Reckless Erika take flight, and new upstarts like Sceneplicity and Laark are nurtured. But most importantly it gives us a chic facade to enter into this fashion paradise, a one-stop shop for accessible opulence.

Drop by WanderWonder at 53A HAJI LANE.

Workshop Element is located at WISMA ARIA, #03-16 TO #03-49.

011

Seven Deadly S

Sins Lust, Gluttony, Greed, Sloth, Anger, Envy, Pride are also known as “Capital Vices” or “Cardinal Sins”, to the Christians that is.

Scary when you say it like that but somehow they all sound human.

Well aren’t we all?

So here’s the lighter side of it.

Top, Mae Pang. Green bar-knot and black necklaces, Foreword.

Lust

You know that feeling or rather, the mix of. Your palms start to sweat with nervousness, your heart starts racing excitement and all you want to do is rip her clothes off.

You try to suppress it at first but adrenaline takes over and the next thing you know, you’re skin to skin. It’s hard to resist this thing called lust, just blame it on the dopamine.

Photography

Gladys Ng

Styling

Azawi David

Assisted by

Bernard Lee

Makeup

Ronalou Lau

Hair

Mark Cheng

Model Text Special thanks

Rachel L/21MM Alessandra Cory Marcelo Haikhal Fuad, Jeri Soh, Ivan Lim, Tuck Loong

Pink hybrid cardigan, Mae Pang. Fish tail and black necklace, Foreword.

Beads and feather haute couture, Vikas Dayal.

Beads and feather haute couture, Vikas Dayal.

TEXT

| Akito

REGIONAL RAUNCH REVEALED There seems to be a wave of mystery when it comes to the undergarments worn these days. Until the situation arises, whether it be a “sleep over”, holiday or moving in with a significant other - what we wear under there is quite often an excitable mystique.

N

ot always the most convenient or comfortable to rock - where we’ve had to previously bring a change and excuse oneself to freshen up, developments in fabric technology and innovative designs are providing not only fresh but functional support when serving the most delectable dish of all.

AIMER Gong Li, ambassador for Aimer

Flaunted as the Victoria Secret of the East, notable lingerie brand Aimer was founded in 1993 and carries various inhouse brands that have been applauded for fitting Asian body shapes. All of their lines showcase Aimer’s ability to combine technical fabrics with feminine design to serve your curves.

They are currently stocked all over Asia, with five stores in Singapore and available online (http://www.aimeronline.com).

019

N

ow, lingerie isn’t only for women, the range and appeal of men’s lingerie and underwear is also on the rise (pun intended) and no longer confined to sports, fetish and comedic undergarments. If you need an upgrade, have no fear! Just step into Tangs to explore their range of brands for the boys and their boys.

TOOT

SKINXWEAR

One of the most popular brands in the region is Toot - which have been supporting men since 2000. Combining cotton, polyurethane, and other fabrics such as mesh, Toot is designed and manufactured in Japan and is both fashionable and functional.

A little closer to home is Malaysian brand Skinxwear. These racy undergarments for men not only use a variety of fabrics, but they carry a unique range with an enhanced pouch that lifts and “presents”.

Skinxwear carry a range of boxers and briefs, also a variety of “backless” underwear. Their designs are definitely much racier, and closer to a lingerie equivalent for men - guaranteed to make all men feel confident, sexy and a LOT more cheeky.

Breathable materials woven into their patented design provides the right amount of support to both the back and the front effortlessly. Their star line are the nano boxers, which offer comfortable and sexy coverage (http://www.pants-ya.com/).

Some of their boxer designs feature with a back slit, recognized as uniquely Toot.

020

Organza dimensional blouse, Pauline.Ning. Pink metallic pants, Pauline.Ning.

G luttony Eating, the most well known of Singaporean past times. Who wouldn’t love it when an all-you-can-eat buffet can induce the brightest glimmer in anyone’s eyes? Just, mind your table manners. You wouldn’t want to be seen as a glutton.

Photography Lighting Styling

Cornelyus Tan Alex Low Azawi David & Bernard Lee

Makeup

Ronalou Lau

Hair

Mark Cheng

Model

Anna/ 21MM

Text

Alessandra Cory Marcelo

Organza dimensional blouse, Pauline.Ning. Pink metallic pants, Pauline.Ning.

Green organza dress, Pauline.Ning.

Hello Kitty nightgown and throw over, stylist’s own.

Top, stylist’s own.

t a e m e h t Let

! e k Ca

Greed beyond measure is one great pleasure that might be a philosophy that’s a tad extreme for some to stomach, but even the most tight-lipped will succumb to the temptations that food begets. ISKANDAR RUHAIZAT brings you quaint little haunts where you can indulge in superfluous decadence that would make Marie Antoinette run for her money.

FRANCISCA DESSERT PARLOUR: Making your sweet dreams come true P2-35/36 PARCO MARINA BAY, 9 RAFFLES BOULEVARD

Only a month old, this baby all decked in pastels and gilded frames has some of the best chocolate pralines in the world. Made from the rare Porcelana Criollo cacao beans - so rare that only selected chocolatiers, like their familyrun Beschle Chocolatier Suisse, are allow to sell chocolate made from Porcelana Criollo beans - you can be sure that your experience here will be an experience you will never get elsewhere.

Catherine Douzel once said that each cup of tea represents an imaginary voyage, so go on a merry whimsical ride down the rabbit hole with the selection of teas available here. One worth noting is the Moscato Blanc, a holy matrimony of white tea smoked with moscato. As pleasing as it is to the olfactory, it is the same to the palette, with its light taste makes it an ideal accompaniment for the cupcakes that come with it. Our favourites being the maple pancake cupcake and the ubiquitous red velvet.

The gelatos here are the best I have ever tried, with an amazing array of flavours from your conventional cookies and cream to other interesting flavours like sakura and lavender white chocolate. The sakura flavour is light and easy on the palate, while the lavender white chocolate tantalises not only your taste buds but also your olfactory as well with its lavender essence.

028

3 INCH SIN: Simply oozing with decadence #01-103 MILLENIA WALK, 9 RAFFLES BOULEVARD

Boasting more than ten different flavours, this will definitely be the most extensive menu for lava cakes locally.

For those of you who wanted something light, try the lemon curd, a refreshing breather that surprisingly goes well with the rich chocolate cake. Before you start on the next one.

True to its name, the lava cakes here are truly 3 inch full of sinful Valrhona chocolate. Do not underestimate the plain façade of the cakes though, for the molten centres just can’t wait to ooze out in liberal amounts just screaming to be eaten.

To appease the innate (ahem) glutton in us, try the 6-inch cakes that are the nonpareil of all decadent trappings.

You can also have the French Vanilla Bean ice cream to make the perfect classic match to complete your decadent desires.

The peanut butter filling is a clear favourite, with a gratifying blend of rich chocolaty goodness and the saltiness of the peanut butter without being overbearingly cloying.

A heavenly haven for chocolate aficionados, just be careful not to spill any drop and crumb of this cornucopia that is – chocolate lava cakes.

JEWEL’S ARTISAN: Handcrafted devils that make you come back for more #02-31/32 ORCHARD CENTRAL, 181 ORCHARD ROAD

A jewel in the heart of Orchard, Jewel’s Artisan prides itself in handcrafting unique chocolates and unconventional desserts. Expect a palate pleasing experience with an interesting medley of unconventional flavours.

The chocolates here are a menagerie of classics and a curious blend of Asian elements into contemporary chocolates. One to note is the sumptuously delicate Oriental mediant – dried longans, cranberries, apricots, wolfberries, and green soy beans enveloped by luscious dark chocolate on a lollipop stick – packs a surprising healthy (well, fruits) blend of bitter and fruity notes. Another is the Coral praline, which has a hint of cola that melds into a chilli aftertaste, resulting in an oddly amazing experience that will leave you grinning.

029

The macarons are no different. Jewel’s Artisan offers a unique Asian twist to some of the French almond pastries alongside their usual cousins of chocolate ganachefilled and fruit conserve brethrens. The Black Palm Island Salt macaron is an avant-garde creation; salted egg and almond cream filling topped with black palm island salt. It is a must-try if you are bold and the saltiness of the filling actually complements the crumbly shells to make a satisfying finish.

For ice cream, the white chocolate sorbet with berries compote is a refreshing, light take to your usual white chocolate ice cream. Served with a spoonful of sweet berries compote, drizzle the sauce evenly atop the homemade sorbet for a gratifying treat to beat the midday heat.

Greed

This is the root cause of all addictions I’ll say. Greed consumes people and they’ll never know when enough is enough till loan sharks come knocking and they see a big red O$P$ (owe money pay money) outside their door.

Photography Styling Wardrobe Makeup & Hair Model Text

Brian Dean Sarah Seneque Stylist own Cedric Ianappe Melanie Andre Alessandra Cory Marcelo

Jumpsuit, 2HB. Cuff, Hadasity.

Sloth Monday - Friday, 8.30am - 6pm: Work Every other hour of any day: Chilling the f**k out

Photography Styling Makeup Hair Model Text

Gan Kah Ying Azawi David Hamshala Ariaratnam Cynthia Chanet Resa Magnus Rosen/ Upfront Alessandra Cory Marcelo

Chiffon top, Kae Hana.

Bow tie, L’ile Aux Ashby.

Chiffon top, Kae Hana.

Bow tie, L’ile Aux Ashby.

Long top, Kae Hana. Shorts, Mils. Necklace, Hadasity.

Bracelet, L’ile Aux Ashby. Gladiator zip creepers, Depression.

Lazy s y a d n u S

In our increasingly fast-paced lifestyles riddled with work and play, this one deadly sin that is near impossible to achieve.

JUNE FONG uncovers 4 great places to unwind on that well-deserved idyllic, lazy weekend afternoons.

Take a trip down a less travelled path to pampering, for being a modern age sloth has never looked nor felt this good.

BEAUTY EMPORIUM 8D Dempsey Road, Level 2

LARK: THE SPA ATELIER 36 Newton Rd, #01-03 Hotel Royal Presenting Lark, Singapore’s first literary themed boutique spa. Despite being a modest sized setup, it is a star in its own quirky league.

Lark is the lovechild of founder Ms Li Hui Jia’s deep-rooted passion in reading to her long time presence in the beauty industry.

The result?

An budding beauty haven offering the full spectrum of eye treatments, massages and an array of spa treats; but what really gets customers coming back for more are the limited edition beauty treatments inspired by your favourite literature.

For example, avid fans of the well loved children’s novel Harry Potter are able to experience a ‘magically’ concocted treatment (Beginning August 2012) such as the “Polyjuice Transformation” based on the book, a transformative spa experience inclusive of hydrotherapy bath, back massage, facial and a cup of custom blended butterbeer tea. The month of September honours popular author Roald Dahl’s birthday and of course, a series of treatments of the namesake of his books.

The good people at Spa Espirit has outdone themselves yet again; presenting Beauty Emporium, an ambitious 17,000 sq ft of space at House now holds a one-stop haven to meet all your beauty and pampering needs.

Divided into 3 segments, namely Mind, Body and Soul, it seeks to cater a top to toe wellness experience for the world-wearied.

MIND encapsulates Books Actually, bookstore supreme that needs no introduction as well as a DIY bar which offers professional customised skincare, including DIY treatments and pick-and-mix skincare.

BODY entails everything that the modern girl needs for looking good; inviting eye-catching sibling salons Strip and Browhaus. Beauty aficionados will also be happy to hear that Beauty Emporium stocks favourite cult brands such as Malin + Goetz, SCO (Skincare Options), La Companie de Provenance and Dr Hauschka.

SOUL completes your beauty journey with some choice tunes, as you unwind to the tunes of Love Da Music, the CD store, or get some fresh flora for that fast Retail therapy is also elevated into a more dynamic and fuss-free experience since all treatments and products are logged onto the given Beauty Emporium card.

Purchases are then simply consolidated for a single easy check out payment.

Finally, end your beauty journey with Lark’s variety of specially sourced teas that are paired with individual treatments to enhance the experience, thus earning an affectionate moniker, “Tea Atelier”.

Now who said that brains and beauty don’t go together?

042

EARSHOT CAFE 1 Old Parliament Lane Housed within the Arts House building, the Earshot Café is no stranger to art junkies and music lovers alike. The cafe offers soft lighting, comfortable plush couches, with soothing jazz tunes playing overhead, creating an unbeatable intimate ambience to steal away a few hours from the hustle and bustle of the city. Earshot offers a massive eclectic assortment of 130 CD titles featuring local names like JJ Lim to T’ang Quartet, as well as a whopping compendium of 700-odd book titles to enjoy whilst you relax.

LITTERED WITH BOOKS 20 Duxton Road Feeling refreshed from all that pampering, it’s time for the mind to be sated as well. Tucked in the sleepy stretch of Duxton, is Littered with Books.

Their all day menu features a good variety of casual light dining favourites such as salads, sandwiches and the ubiquitous fine selection of cake, at reasonable prices.

A restored double story shop house, it sets a tone of old world charm with glass skylight on the ground floor and topped off with large colonialinspired windows on the upper storey, allowing for good play of natural sunlight to stream into the store high ceilings

When a place is just as much a shop as it is a café, it makes sense to take some books or local music home with you. Furthermore, Earshot Café also holds periodical book launches, writer’s talks, literary cocktails and performances, so check out their online schedule to be kept abreast of exciting upcoming events.

Visitors can choose from a plethora of selected fiction and non-fiction literature, travel narratives, food literature, recipe books, crime and thrillers, sci-fi, fantasy and award winning children’s books; such as works of Haruki Murakami and Michael Cunningham.

One can certainly enjoy getting immersed into this literary world, something that can’t be experienced from sanitised cold clicks of a Kindle or iPad. It is a stone’s throw away from its more upscale sibling, Books Actually. While the comparison is unmissable, it has already gained accolades in its short 2 year stint, such as Best New Bookstore by Time Out Best of Awards 2011, and earned multiple mentioned by netizens sold on its impeccable collection of titles and the invoked nostalgic sense of good-old fashion book reading.

043

A nger

Like champagne bubbles, you can’t stop fury from rising.

“When angry, count to four; when very angry, swear.”

So says Mark Twain, author of The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and I absolutely agree. A good bout of expletives wouldn’t kill anybody.

Leather cardigan, Mae Pang. Sheen bermudas, WSDM. Shades, David Hussien. Boots, stylists own.

Photography Akai Chew | Assisted by Irene Kuok | Stylist Azawi David | Assisted by Bernard Lee | Makeup Jiny Mohandas | Hair Benedict Bernard | Model Gerald Lim | Text Alessandra Cory Marcelo

Kaal E Sukatae Mesh translucent cape, Coda. Kaal E Sukatae wool side detail pants, Coda. Shades, David Hussien. Boots, stylists own.

Thomas Wee taffeta moire ballon skirt, Coda. Choker and cuff, 20:TwoThree.

Pants, Threesixfive. Jordin De Choette coat, CODA. Boots, stylists own.

TEXT

|

Alessandra Cory Marcelo

It’s time for some retail therapy Cast that angry demon away with a flip of a coin and an addition to your wardrobe.

Déjà Fan kenya shorts, $119, Number 50

Déjà Fan rebel dress with reflector, $179, Number 50 Déjà Fan lime/ strawberry blouse, $119, Number 50

Karen Walker pegs sunglasses, $300, Blackmarket No. 2 Stone For Gold shamballa bracelet, $49, Blackmarket No. 2

Ling Wu esther python leather oversized clutch, $420, Blackmarket No. 2

Chocbar Kids Only and Candy Surprise chocolate bars, $7.50 each, Blackmarket No. 2

Stone For Gold string of sun bracelet, $59, Blackmarket No. 2

Horse on wheels tin toy, $14.90, Woodwould

Keep Smiling and Sunny Side Up 1973 cards, $6 each, Woodwould

By Airmail send me a postcard from New York bag, $59, Blackmarket No. 2

Saught pursuing peace bracelet, $79.90, Hansel

Horse carousel tin toy, $34.90, Woodwould

Rub-Adub in Frangipani, $56, Blackmarket No. 2

MC reed diffuser in lilac, $109, M Culture

049

Bead embellished silk chiffon gown, Zardoze.

Envy

Are those born with a silver spoon really something to envy? For the most of us, life is a struggle albeit a fulfilling one. So unless this person has something to show other than big eyes, a sharp nose, a beautiful pout and more than enough change in their pockets. I’d say she’s nothing to envy. After all, money can’t buy you happiness, though it could get you real close.

Photography Alex Low | Stylist Amanda Tan & Azawi David | Makeup Tina | Hair Mark Cheng | Model Ali W/ Carrie Text Alessandra Cory Marcelo | Special thanks Andrew C, Baoshun L, Cheryl G, Emmerie W, Samuel C, Sherri K

On lady: Beaded stretch satin dress, Zardoze. Shoes, stylists own.

On child: Dress, stylist own

On lady: Embellished jumpsuit, Zardoze. Wedges, stylists own.

On child: Dress and hair bow, stylist own

Crystal embellished silk georgette gown, Zardoze. Shoes, stylists own.

On lady: Crystal embellished silk georgette gown, Zardoze. Shoes, stylists own.

On child: Dress & hat, stylist own.

TEXT

|

Amanda Mok

I Moustache You...

Creative Unicorn (and of the rarest breed indeed!) AARON HAN showed us just how to pimp your kicks, without having to break into too much of a sweat!

You know how the moustache motif has been appearing everywhere of late? Be it on rings, brooches, tote bags‌we wanna jump right in and say why not on our shoes as well?

Here’s a list of what you need, plus simple, step-by-step instructions to get your shoes creatively accessorized at the envy of your friends:

Materials

1. A pair of shoes with laces of course!

2. Black felt material (the stiffer kind) 3. White paper 4. Ruler 5. Scissors 6. Eyelets (about four) 7. Eyelet puncher 8. Black string 9. White ink pen 10. Black paint marker (optional)

Step 1

Using the ruler, measure the width of your shoe.

Eg. 8cm

Step 2

Fold the white piece of paper equally in half.

Draw half a moustache perpendicular to the folded edge of the paper. (The length of your half-moustache should be half of the width of your shoe. Eg. 4cm) Cut out the half-moustache according to the outline you have drawn.

Unfold the half-moustache.

Because the paper was folded, you should now have a full paper moustache of equal lengths on both sides.

Step 3 Placing the full paper moustache on the piece of black felt material, use the white ink pen to trace its outline onto the felt material.

Cut out the shape of the moustache you have traced on the felt material.

056

Step 4

Step 5

Using the white ink pen, make a total of four small white dots on the black moustache; two dots on each side.

Using the pair of scissors, cut four tiny holes where the white dots are. (The holes don’t have to be big, just enough to push the eyelets through) Push the four eyelets through the four holes you have made.

Using the black paint marker, colour the eyelets so that they are black, blending into the moustache.

Thread the black string through the two eyelets on the same side of the black moustache.

Taking the eyelet puncher, punch down on each of the four eyelets, to securing them onto the black moustache.

Step 6

Step 7

Cut the string and tie a secure knot at the back of the black moustache, leaving a little space of about 1cm in diameter.

Do the same for the other two eyelets on the other side of the moustache.

Unlace your pair of shoes.

Thread the laces through the black moustache shoe accessory, securing it between the first and second eyelets on your shoes with your laces.

Lace your shoes back as per normal.

And you’re all done accessorizing your first shoe!

Finally

Repeat Steps 3 through 7 to create the same black moustache shoe accessory for the other shoe to match your first one!

057

P

ride

An outstanding resume, good looks, and a to-die-for figure are all good reasons to indulge in a little narcissism. It isn’t very good in excess, but I believe society could allow an ounce of conceit. What with teachers telling students to “take pride in your work!”

Photography Assisted by Styling Wardrobe Makeup& Hair Model Text

Cheong Yue Han Cai Dingyan & Gan Kah Ying Cloud Stylist own Mandy Cai Jessica Ee Alessandra Cory Marcelo

TEXT

INTERVIEW:

|

MIND BEHIND THE LENS D

arren Leow may only be in his twenties, but with multiple accolades under his belt he has certainly earned a place as one of the top up-and-coming fashion photographers in Asia.

Peter sits down with the man behind the lens to find out more about his craft and what’s next.

He has shot campaigns for local label FruFru&Tigerlily and haute couturier Vaughn Tan, directed fashion spreads featured in ELLE, Style Magazine, Appetite, Solitaire, NOISE and Urban. It’s no wonder he’s hot on everyone’s phonebooks with his effortlessly cool style.

His photography shows a depth of complexity and captures details and textures in both the light and the dark, drawing inspiration from notable photographers such as Annie Leibovitz and Stephen Meisel.

His most memorable fashion spread to date was tribal themed titled, Where the Wild Things Are, showcasing his technical abilities behind the camera and ingenuity through set design and creation.

064

Akito

What is suprising, is when asked to reveal his number one secret behind his work, the humble response was simply on building good relationships. “Taking the time to relate to the models allows for more emotions and an atmosphere where the artistic direction can flow. But it’s also important to build the relationship with your clients to understand the business side of the industry - something that a lot of the new photographers need mentoring in.”

Other tools that Darren cites as his must have essentials, include the Canon range of DSLRs which catch more saturated and richer colours, Hasselblad cameras for its ability to snap massive 60 megapixel images, and the Broncolor range of flashes which are high speed flashes which offer precision, quality and reliable lighting in his shoots.

Working in fashion gives Darren the insight of whats coming next in the scene before the campaigns are launched into the public eye.

He’s hinted at “psychadellic and paisely colored prints being on the way in and although they may be a little loud and lashing, the design will make it work - much like the H&M and Versace collaboration. However at the other end of the spectrum. I’m also a fan of Max Tan and his more minimalistic collections” that have an architechural aesthetic.

So whats next for this young talented photographer? He’s working on a campaign for a new product at the moment and remains tight lipped about the details for now, but assures us that the reveal will be undoutedly amazing.

065

SPOTLIGHT: ARTS & DESIGN

TEXT

|

Tong Jia Han

THE ANGRY HEDONIST NATALIETTE TAN 27, visual artist http://theangryhedonist.com “I find much beauty in grotesque,” revealed Nataliette, otherwise known as ‘The Angry Hedonist’.

Painted with oil or sketched with charcoal, her art has a haunting quality. Although seemingly innocent at first glance, there is something almost disturbing and disquieting about her work. “The stories I tell in my art are masked in analogy using heavy symbolism,” providing a clue on what lies beneath those still waters.

Her muse appears most strongly when she’s angry, taking you to a state of reverie through her illustrations - a place where pain is hidden beneath innocent childlike faces, and humans and beasts are of one body.

Nataliette, a strong believer in hedonism - where a hedonist is defined as a person who believes that the pursuit of pleasure is the most important thing in life - describes her art as “an open diary” and therefore “inherently selfish”. She is her own motivation, the push behind her unpretentious and almost idiosyncratic illustrations.

The talented lass sums it up, “I enjoy the macabre and the cruel ironic, violence and the abominable, duality in wordplay, and melancholic faces.”

066

HOUY. IN HOU YIN 20, photographer http://houy.in/ When this young photographer embarked on a project to photograph buildings that were new or at risk of being torn down in Singapore, he never expected to make such a splash.

Hou Yin’s series of galactic photographs touched the hearts of more than a few netizens on Facebook. His artistic shot of King Albert Park amid a spangled sky garnered close to 200 shares, a mean feat for a photographer who’s only been at it for four years.

After realizing he had a flair for both analogue and digital photography, Hou Yin found his calling and joined LiveStudios Interactive Photography, a team of photographers specialising in event photography.

Despite the popularity of his celestial snaps, Hou Yin has no plans to rest on his laurels.

He plans to photograph other familiar sites such as Raffles Place, and the old dragon playgrounds sprinkled over the island.

He says earnestly, “While exploring different photography techniques with creative and interesting ideas, I wish to develop my own style in years to come.”

067

AARON HAN AARON HAN 25, visual artist “My illustrations are slightly sad, futile and just a little aloof.”

This is plain to see; especially in this exclusive series of drawings he did for us. It features the designs of Parco Next Next designers, accompanied by phrases from the Bible’s book of Revelation.

Though he might describe his work as “aloof”, he is anything but. Aaron shares that his art is inspired by his current state of mind – sadness.

While the whimsical artist does not divulge the details of his dejection, he quips, “When the magical unicorn teaches me to be happy again, my drawings will change too.”

To him, his art depicts his “non-conformist stance” against a “perpetuated standard of beauty” and represents the “fragility of the mind against the pressures of society”. Aspiring to illustrate for luxury fashion labels in the future, the ambitious youth hopes to provide a different perception of beauty - something we feel is much needed in this society.

068

Him: Diagonal patchwork tights, Depression. Spike backbone necklace, Depression.

Gladiator buckle creepers, Depression.

Angel: Dress and headdress, Max.Tan. Silver gladiator zip wedges by Depression.

grab your copy of

now at WWW.MODAMAGSG.COM

LISTINGS ACTUALLY 29A Seah Street

ACTUALLY + 118A Arab Street

BLACKMARKET No. 2 #02-10 Orchard Central

DEPRESSION #03-05A Cineleisure Orchard

HANSEL #02-14 Mandarin Gallery

HIDE & SEEK 71 Bussorah Street

M CULTURE #03-28 Mandarin Gallery

NUMBER 50 #03-08 Mandarin Gallery

PAULINE.NING #P2-30M Parco Millenia Walk

THREADBARE & SQUIRREL 660 North Bridge Road

WOODWOULD #03-24 Mandarin Gallery

071