Contents
KLANG VALLEY & SELANGOR Alamanda Putrajaya G50-51, Ground Floor +603 8889 4228 Bangsar Village II UGF-6, Upper Ground Floor +603 2283 1766 Mid Valley Megamall G69 - G70, Ground Floor +603 2283 6593 1 Utama (New Wing) G317, Ground Floor +603 7724 1090 Pavilion KL Lot 4.25.13, Level Four +603 2145 5766 KL SOGO First Floor +603 2698 0266 Empire Shopping Gallery UG 10-11, Upper Ground Floor +603 5632 3266 The Mines (Outlet) L3-2(P), Level Three +603 8943 8577 Isetan KLCC Ladies Wear Department Second Floor +603 2181 3560
PENANG Gurney Plaza Lot 170-01-02, First Floor +604 226 3013
JOHOR BAHRU Plaza Pelangi Lot K2-1D, Level Two +607 334 5882
FASHION
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MS. READ Spring 2013 R by MS. READ Spring 2013
SARAWAK The Spring Kuching Lot 147, First Floor +6082 234 916 Bintang Megamall Miri Lot G51, Ground Floor +6085 413 615
SABAH Suria Sabah, Kota Kinabalu Lot 1 – 64/65 +6088 487 202
SINGAPORE Metro Paragon Level Three, The Paragon, Orchard Road +65 6735 0182 The Centrepoint #02-30 Orchard Road +65 6735 7347
www.msreadshop.com 04
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FEATURES
28 34
FROM BUTTONS TO BOUTIQUES The MS. READ story
48
THE BIG LONG LUNCH Raising funds for Chrystal Home
STYLE
32 46
WEAR IT WITH The tailored shorts
MAKING IT WORK Helen & her daughter Kristy on working together
GET PEACHY KEEN Two colour combos that’ll keep you in-trend this season
SHOP
LIVING
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GET PERSONAL Gifting with dude & the duchess made-to-order shirts
SOFA SO GOOD Great couches to Spring for
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SHAPE UP How to hide and conceal those bumps and lumps
52 56 58 61
SPOTLIGHT
7 50 62
HELEN’S NOTE
Eat. Pay. Love Traipsing around Paris and Milan BITES Helen’s Spring Caesar Salad ENTERTAINMENT Motivational stories that inspire
ALL ABOUT BEN’S A restaurant to call home FIVE MINS WITH… Elaine Chan
Cover: Left model: Leisure bat sleeve top (D3469-T) RM139; Harem pants (D3470-P) RM149 Right model: Caftan dress (C3319-D) RM239
Back page: Model is wearing R by MS.READ: Petal sleeved blouse (D3514-T) RM169 Pencil skirt (D3523-S) RM149
Founder and Editorial Director Helen Read Editor In Chief/ Writer Farah Shamin Design Director Benedict Read Photo Fashion- Chen Kim Mun Lifestyle- Priscilla Philip
Fashion Stylist- Andrea Wong Coordinators- Illa Hadi, Sencir Lim, Tracy Tan Illustrators- Casty Ow, Hazirah Mohamed Yazid Hair- David Shaw Make Up- Geraldine Loy Sponsors: Hit &Mrs Shoes Shoes Shoes
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INSPIRATIONS
HELEN’S NOTE
I COLOUR
CRUSH YVES KLEIN BLUE A deep blue hue that was first mixed and patented in the 1960s by French artist Yves Klein, it’s also popularly known as International Klein Blue (IKB). As this season’s coolest shade, it’s vibrant, electric, bold and definitely on trend! Beautiful as a solid colour to wear, striking when paired with contrasting colours. No matter your hair or skin tone, its happy hue is guaranteed to brighten up your look.
t’s been about 16 years since I first started MS. READ and almost 34 years of being in the manufacturing business. Where have all the years gone? Time certainly flies by when you’re having fun. The past year saw many inaugural moments in the business. We launched R by MS. READ, our contemporary line of clothing, we moved into own building, Wisma MS. READ in Sungai Besi and now we’re kick-starting our Spring 2013 with the inaugural issue of our new magazine called thREAD.
“Only those with a deeply engrained capacity for continuous learning and self reflection stand a chance of surfing the waves of change successfully...” ñ Chris Lowney, author of Heroic Leadership
Helen is wearing My Everyday Shirt in Sharon (C3350-T) RM159 and slim cut jeans (C3307-P) RM159
It’ll be published twice a year, featuring our latest collections and stories that we’re eager to share with you. From MS. READ to dude & the duchess, which offers shirts for men and tops, dresses and skirts for women and Sundays; our soft furnishings and gift shop, we decided to put this issue together simply because we have lots to talk about. My team suggested that it would be great to share the story on how MS. READ all began in ‘Buttons to Boutiques’
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spring 2013
(on page 28). What started as a dream has materialised into a brand with options in fashion for plus size women, a franchising plan and an online shop for women anywhere in the world to wear MS. READ. Reflecting on the past, I can see how so many things that have happened are somehow connected to one another. From sewing button holes onto blouses, to getting a space to sell my label and then
starting a small café in one of our shops, those things led onto bigger things for my son Benjamin. In keeping things dynamic, fresh perspectives and new ideas are needed. It’s amazing to see how far we have come and exciting to think about how far else we can go and what we can hope to do.
Helen
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FASHION
C
ool consideration is given in MS. READ Spring 2013 through bright pastels, floral patterns and a bold and intense spectrum of blues in the casual range. Infinite depths of teal and Yves Klein Blue lend a sense of playfulness while dark neutrals in the Career wear anchor the palette for some chic seriousness. Jeans take on pops of colour in orange and yellow, while maxi dresses and slouchytops breathe life into the ever classic nautical-inspired blue & white stripe. Upping the ante in fashion is the collarless jacket that immediately updates any office attire. Neutrals of grey and taupe are the new black, giving simple, timeless pieces an air of sophistication in the My Everyday Shirt, three quarter sleeve tops and blouses in cotton and georgette.
Left model: Tunic with tabbed sleeves (C3360-T) RM159 Right model: Blouse with front pockets (C3348-T) RM159; High waist straight cut jeans (D3457-P) RM159
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Left model: Pleated blouse (C3345-T) RM159; Long pants (C3321-P) RM159 Frilled collar blouse (C3355-T) RM139; Long pants (C3342-P) RM169
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Right model: Raglan sleeved top (D3482-T) RM149; Straight cut jeans (D3461-P) RM149
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Left model: Kimono sleeve top (D3472-T) RM189; Straight cut jeans (D3461-P) RM149
Right model: Stand collared blouse (D3505-T) RM129; Straight cut jeans (C3310-P) RM149
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Left model: Flared top (C3313-T) RM139; Denim shorts (C3309-P) RM129
Right model: Maxi dress (C3312-D) RM169
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Pleated blouse (C3351-T) RM149; Long pants (C3318-P) RM149
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Cascading draped cardigan (D3462-T) RM139; Spaghetti strap top with lining (D3488-T) RM59; Long skirt (D3463-S) RM149
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Kaftan top (D3474-T) RM179; Long skirt (D3476-S) RM169
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Kimono sleeve top (D3500-T) RM149; Long pants (C3318-P) RM149
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Left model: Long sleeve cardigan (C3366-T) RM159; Wrap top (D3494-T) RM159; Long pants (C3322-P) RM159
Right model: Side pleated top (C3323-T) RM149; Long pants (C3318-P) RM149
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Princess cut jacket (D3496-J) RM299; Spaghetti strap top with lining (D3488-T) RM59; Long pants (D3497-P) RM189
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Double collared blouse (C3356-T) RM169; Long pants (C3315-P) RM149
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Long sleeved top (D3491-T) RM159; Long pants (C3316-P) RM149
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Collarless jacket (C3325-J) RM239; Long pants (C3327-P) RM169
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S E I T I N U T R O P P O G N I S I H C N A R F SS WORLDWIDE E AND EXPAND YOUR BUSINE HIS NC FRA NG THI CLO IZE JOIN OUR EXCITING PLUS-S
1
5 2 6
Get a business module that has everything in place:
Franchise Support
From an extensive training programme to store management, customer service, sales handling and procument, you will also be equipped with an exclusive design team that develops in-trend marketable fashion all year long.
Location selection
As a franchisee, you will be assisted in a site analysis and evaluation exercise in order to secure a feasible store location.
3
Store design
An in-house ID team is available to conceptualise your full store fit out and design.
4
Brand building
Regular image enhancing will be carried out to always maintain a fresh look for each season, drawing attention and customers to the store.
ADVERTISING & PROMOTION
Get access to a creative marketing team to assist you in developing the best marketing tools and promotions to generate high-profit sales every season.
Business Operation Support
The Franchisor is always ready to conduct regular visits to franchisee stores to evaluate the performance and provide necessary advice on a consistent basis to improve operations and sales. The Franchisor will always be there to ensure that MS. READ operation standards are adhered to.
Find out more 1. Go to www.msreadshop.com/#franchise_opportunities 2. Fill in the online application form 3. Click submit For further enquiries, email franchise@msread.com.my
FEATURE
I
’m known as Helen Read, owner of MS. READ, the 120 days of credit and usually only ended up paying after 180. fashion brand for fuller figured women. Or as they With this looming crisis, I was unable to pay my loans and the used to say back in the day, for plus size women! bank threatened to foreclose Q Corp. I gathered my courage, put on my best suit and only armed I didn’t start out with a business plan in mind. My qualifications are actually in Hotel Management, with a self-written letter appealing for support, I approached the so who would have thought that I’d end up the Managing banks and asked for an extension for the loan. When I recollect Director of a fashion label. But that’s what’s funny about life- you that day, I can’t imagine how I did that, as I was a timid person by nature back then. But I suppose the thought of all the people just never know what may happen. I’ve shared my story with friends and different groups depending on me spurred me on to try to save the business. of people and throughout the years, the term “an accidental Luckily, the bank was on my side and allowed me to pay them entrepreneur” was coined and given to me. It’s true though; back over one year with 12 postdated cheques. I didn’t start with a structured business plan with a vision and mission statement. roduction was going well as Back in 1979, my priority was taking department stores needed care of my son Benjamin, who was only designs and I continued to two years old. I decided to help a sell to other stores like Parkson and friend by investing in her start-up Isetan. However this time I had business, manufacturing clothing learnt my lesson– I imposed for departmental stores. shorter credit terms of only 30 Our little workshop, called days. Meanwhile, I started Q Corporation only had to expand my business by 10 people, including the setting up different factories two of us. I would go in at different locations. By the afternoons and help the 90s, I had four of my with the ironing and own factories producing sewing of buttons onto clothes for me. There was jackets while Benjamin a high demand for my took his afternoon nap. production as we tailored We started selling our the paper patterns from clothes to major departmental overseas to fit Asian women, THE INSPIRATIONAL STORY OF A BRAND, stores and were quite happy especially jackets, which I was THE WOMAN BEHIND IT AND with our efforts. However in known for manufacturing at that HOW IT ALL BEGAN. 1982, my friend had to leave our time. company in KL as her husband was In 1997, just before the stock transferred to Ipoh, so I bought her shares market collapsed, an opportunity was and suddenly found myself as the sole owner of given to me to start my own label. Jaya Jusco a business. (now known as AEON) requested for a production of jackets, Now, things are very different when you’re the owner but because our orders were so full, I had to decline the offer. instead of just a sleeping partner. This is where you might say I did ask them jokingly that if they were to give me some space the “accidental” part of my entrepreneurship began! The success to sell clothes under my own label I could try to accommodate. of the business and the livelihood of my employees now rested And they did! upon me. And boy was that a daunting task ahead- there were This is where things started to get even more exciting. I had so many things I needed to step up and do that I had never my own space, but what type of clothes did I want to make? done before. So that same year I, the sew-er of buttons started I started to do my research and everyday for two weeks, I running the business by going with my gut AND obtaining a went to Jusco and just sat there and observed the shoppers. small loan from the bank. The idea of plus size clothing came to me when I realised that When the recession hit us in the mid 80s, many departmental in the Malaysian market place, eight out of every ten women stores began to close down. Groups I manufactured for, such were at least a size 10 and above. Not only that, the type as The Emporium, Printemp and Kimisawa were affected and of clothes that were available in those sizes were outdated were no longer able to pay up. Back then, stores worked on and rather unflattering. There weren’t any options for fuller
O hop The first works
P
FROM
BUTT NS
n March 15,1997, MS. READ debuted in Jaya Jusco, at 1 Utama’s old wing. A few months later in July, the financial markets crashed and sent everyone reeling. To keep me from falling into a panic as well, I told myself not to be involved with conversations that involved the downturn. When suppliers or buyers visited me, I would always steer the conversation to something positive. While a lot of people were frozen into inaction because of fear, I carried on. After all, business had to continue and people just needed to keep moving forward. However, soon most of my orders from the departmental stores were cancelled. Everywhere else, people were talking
MS. READ’S HIGHLIGHTS THROUGH THE YEARS
1982 1979 Helen joins Q Corp
Taking over the
1997
manufacturing
MS. READ debuts in
1998
business
Jaya Jusco, Bandar Utama
First stand-alone MS. READ
as a sleeping partner
boutique opens at Mid Valley Megamall
TO
BOUTIQUES
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spring 2013
figured women to find flattering silhouettes for their body shape in trendy and fashionable styles. I had my answer. I was going to create the pioneering brand of plus-size fashion for women and revolutionise the clothing racks in Malaysia. I wanted to design and make clothes that were comfortable without compromising on style, and that kept up with the current trends. Most of all, I wanted these clothes to empower women to be comfortable with themselves; to walk confidently and to look and feel good.
There weren’t any options for fuller figured women to find flattering silhouettes to their body shape in trendy and fashionable styles
O
nce I knew what I wanted to do, I needed to come up with a label. My friends and family started to brainstorm with me over dinners and after tossing out a multitude of names, a friend asked me “Why not use your name, Mrs. Read?” While I liked the idea, I thought the name sounded like a maternity line and so decided: “I’ll make it MS. READ instead!”
Running the business in 19 85 about the difficulties of the business. For example, suppliers were afraid to sell their fabrics, as they were not sure by the afternoon what price it was going to be because of the rapid fluctuation of the US currency. What was I to do? There were no manufacturing orders for my clothes and we had over 80 staff. But through prayer and faith in God, I just had to keep going and soon my prayers
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clothes for my own label and I would open my own shops selling my own label of clothes. All this was just a list of big wishes, but the idea behind it was to dare to dream big and dream the impossible.
Through prayer and faith in God, I just had to keep going and soon my worries were answered
E
were answered: it was the little space I had in Jusco selling MS. READ clothing that kept the factories running which sustained us until the economy picked up again. Suddenly the department stores started to ask me to set up MS. READ shops within their premises. Their budgets had been frozen but they still had to generate income for their malls. Our first standalone MS. READ boutique opened in Mid Valley Megamall in 1998, which is still there to this day. Our MS. READ concept store opened in 1Utama in 2004. The idea came about when we noticed that while our customers
Q Corp in 1987 2011
2009
very so often, I sit back and think about where we came from and how far we’ve come, but I know success is an ever on-going process and I can’t rest on my laurels. There are always new and exciting ideas to think about. MS. READ has introduced swimwear, shape wear and belts- all for fuller figured women and our line of clothing has increased with the introduction of R by MS. READ, and we now can reach out to customers around the world with our online shop, msreadshop.com I love what I do, and I can’t imagine ever not doing it now. My goal wasn’t to build a business empire but to survive. I poured my energy into what was important to me, which was building a life for my family, and in turn, the business flourished.
With her children — Kristy, Benjamin and Benedict
My Everyday Shirt range
2007
Granted the license to
for different BODY shapes
MS. READ brings in
First international shop
franchise MS.READ
is introduced
shape wear for curvy women
opens in Singapore
msreadshop.com launches
2008
with international shipping
First shop opens in
2012
Kuching, East Malaysia
Belts
R by MS. READ,
Moved into Wisma MS. READ
a contemporary collection debuts
Swimwear comes to MS. READ
browsed the MS. READ racks, their husbands and boyfriends would while away their time waiting outside. Since our store was quite large, we thought how great it would be to have a café area where these husbands, boyfriends and fathers could sit and have some refreshments while the ladies shopped. It would also be a place for our customers to relax with a cup of tea or coffee and treat themselves to a slice of cake, or even come by with the families for a meal. That’s how the Delicious café was born. At that time, Abby, my childhood friend had just retired from her high-powered job in Hong Kong so together with Benjamin, we worked on recipes and looked for suppliers for our café. My husband and I had also just moved into our new home so all the recipe experimenting was done there by the newly recruited chefs. It was so much fun, even though there was so much to do.
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Everyday, when I got home from work, there would be lots of food to taste. It was a great way to unwind! Combining a boutique and a café, we kick-started a new concept, which was to take Kuala Lumpur’s gastronomic scene by storm. Delicious Café went on to become a great success through Benjamin’s capable hands. When I think of what I managed to achieve, it reminds me of a time many years ago in 1983, when I was in Japan and reading my first self-help book called “A Touch of Greatness” by Frank Tibolt, about the need for setting goals and the importance of dreaming big dreams. So there, in Osaka, in a little café, I wrote down all the dreams I had in my mind: I would have many factories producing
In having big dreams, it’s also good to have bite-size manageable goals that keep you motivated along the way
N
ever underestimate the driving force behind the desire to protect what is important to you. For me, it was my children. I had to make sure I had enough money to live and the business was the only means I had to bring in an income so I worked hard at it. Coming back to the turning point of my
life, to the time in Japan as I was reading A Touch of Greatness, it taught me to set goals and dream dreams. I also learnt that in having big dreams, it’s also good to have bite-size manageable goals that keep you motivated along the way. We all have within each of us, the talents and abilities we could ever want or need, to achieve our dreams or any goals we desire. The only question we need to ask ourselves is “How much do I want it?” If you want anything badly enough and you are willing to persevere long enough, nothing and no one can stop you from achieving it.
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STYLE
SHOP
it
with
Wear
T
he Get Personal service by dude & the duchess is the answer to every woman’s quest in finding the perfect gift for the man in her life. Introducing a digital technology of customising madeto-order shirts via a web app found on www.dudeandtheduchess.com/getpersonal we can now create made-to-order shirts for our partner, brother, father or spouse.
The Tailored Shorts C3340-P RM149 Tailored shorts don’t only need to be worked as part of your office attire. They can be casual, smart, flirtatious and chic. The key is in the construction and cut. Change the look you’re going for depending on how you style it and wear it in the morning, night, every day or even on your holidays.
Gift-giving
made easy
CREATING MADE-TO-ORDER SHIRTS FOR THE MEN IN YOUR LIFE
SERIOUSLY
Chic
A crisp white shirt belted, with a pair of loafers or pumps gives this a smart
GlamAZON
DOOR
casual look for work.
Add a splash of colour and dress it up with a black
...
jacket and high heels for a classy, chic look.
feminine. Accessorise with a sling bag,
My Everyday Shirt- Rania
...
sandals or wedges for a chilled day out.
D3498-T, RM139
J2399-BL, RM139
Boxy Jacket
... Black Stripe Top C3368-T, RM 139
Yellow Tank C3328-T, RM 139
spring 2013
A casual peasant blouse keeps this look
D 3483-J, RM289 Leather belt with bow
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Girl NEXT
Offering a selection of style staples from collars, cuffs and fits to buttons, thread colours and embroidery of initials, there are so many options to mix and match a multitide of colours and prints to our liking. For Spring Summer ‘13, accessories to collars have been added. Fancy a tuxedo collar with studs? The choice is yours! In making a selection, it is the personal touches and details such as what initials to have embroidered, or selecting a favourite colour for the buttons or threads that show a lot of thought and consideration behind the decision, that would definitely be appreciated by the wearer. It only takes 14 days to be tailored, upon which the GET PERSONAL shirt is packaged in a luxury box, complete with the person’s name on it. There is also an option to collect it from the shop or have it delivered to an address of your choice.
packaged with an online gift code that just needs to be keyed in upon checkout after they’ve made their selections. With GET PERSONAL, we don’t think there’ll ever be a problem in finding the right gift for our male counterparts again. After all, for guys, they can never have enough shirts, can they? GET PERSONAL shirts and gift cards are available at RM339. As GET PERSONAL can be accessed from anywhere in the world, these gift cards can be mailed to the recipient where they can create their made-to-order shirt
For those who prefer the old fashioned method of retail therapy, they can go to any dude & the duchess shop where, you can “build a shirt” by mixing and matching the various samples of fits, collars and cuffs samples there. dude & the duchess have thought of almost everything, as GET PERSONAL gift cards are also available for sale. These make great gifts when you’re not too sure of the size, colour and fit your man might like. After all, style is personal. The gift cards are
online and have it delivered directly to their chosen address. For shop listings, visit www.dudeandtheduchess.com
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FEATURE
F
or loving mothers and daughters who have always been friends, doing business together means continuing to have each other’s companionship and share in each other’s lives. Joining the family business in 2011, Kristy is the positive force known as the WIT in MS. READ.
WHAT WAS IT LIKE GROWING UP IN THE WORLD OF FASHION? Not quite as glamorous as it’s made up to be! I remember many long days & late nights for mum. A lot of my school holidays were spent in HQ on Jalan Sungai Besi, in the Designers’ rooms, pretending to be one of them. Did you always know you’d join the family business? Not at all. I grew up wanting to be in journalism but found my way through graphic design. For our parents, it was always about what our hearts followed first. What made you decide to join MS. READ? Having worked both in London and KL for a few years, I somehow couldn’t find the right fit. Don’t get me wrong, I’m thankful to all the people who’ve hired me in my previous roles as they were
Helen and one year old Kristy
34
spring 2013
very differences have enabled us to come to a meeting of the minds to produce some really great products.
IT WORK
MAKING
HELEN AND HER DAUGHTER KRISTY GET PERSONAL AND SHARE THEIR THOUGHTS ON FASHION AND THE EXPERIENCE OF WORKING TOGETHER
great learning experiences and the time seemed right…but it was only after I had been working at MS. READ for a couple of months that I realised THIS is where my goals & values are aligned.
Your position in the company is WIT. How did that title come about? Whatever It Takes – I think it was over teh tarik with some friends. But when I shared it with the family it seemed to sit well. I suppose it explains a lot on the values we have as a family and also as business owners. It means being able to step up and do whatever needs to be done, from merchandising to marketing and even making coffee. I remember my first day in MS. READ, I arrived armed with my own coffee machine. What’s it like having your mum as your boss? Haha. We have a laugh almost every morning in the lift going up to the office but the minute the lift door opens, it’s
business. Jokes aside, I couldn’t have asked for more in a leader, mentor and friend.
Do you both see eye-to-eye? Not all the time of course but we discuss most things in relation to work, and sometimes we agree to disagree but more importantly she never says I told you so! What do you admire most in your mum? Her “Sunny Disposition”. Works like Magic! What inspired R by MS. READ? Would it be self-serving to say me? Well, I’ve been plus-sized for as long as memory serves. I wouldn’t say I’m particularly INTO fashion but I enjoy wearing trendy clothes and having options. So it seemed like the right time to introduce a contemporary line to our market. After all, we believe in wearing our own brands!
Have you both ever turned up for work in the same outfit? K: Funnily no, not on the same day, but we both wear a lot of R by MS. READ. H: No.. but we may have worn an identical top or bottom at different times during the week.
W
ith MS. READ going into its sixteenth year, Helen tells us what it’s like working side by side with her daughter:
How did you feel when Kristy decided to join MS. READ? Very happy. She would bring new ideas into the business. It’s been an incredible experience having her in the company, mentoring and nurturing her talents to become all she can be in the world. How did you balance being a working mum when the children were younger? There was no proper 50-50 balance. When I was at work, I was one hundred per cent at work, and when I was at home I was one hundred per cent with my family. It always seemed like work took up much of the day. I used to drive Kristy to and from school so that would have been our little bit of extra time together. What do you admire most in Kristy? Her honesty. She works hard and takes
her responsibilities seriously. She has that discipline in carrying a task out and doing things when she needs to do it.
What hopes and aspirations do you have for Kristy and her future? That she continues to be in a position where she enjoys the business and enjoys her life and carries on making good decisions for her life.
I
t’s easy to see the camaraderie mother and daughter have with one another. Throughout the interview our chat was peppered with laughter and jokes, switching from casual to business mode as designers popped by to share designs.
Are the both of you similar? Kristy: In more ways than we’d like to let on! Helen: We both love big earrings! We value relationships, loyalty and honesty. We don’t have many similarities at work. We sometimes have different views and opinions, but it’s nice to challenge each other’s ideas and ultimately those
How do you keep work and family time separate from one another? K: There is no line of separation, that’s what our weekly family dinners are for! We love our work so I guess that’s the distinction – but there are times when mum will go “OK, switch off I need to sleep”. H: You can’t really. Family is family, whether you’re at the office or anywhere else.. you cannot NOT separate them. When we’re at work, we tend to talk more about work-related things and during family time we catch up with one another and don’t usually discuss business. But if one of us thinks of a creative idea, we’ll naturally discuss it. Any advice for mothers and daughters going into business together? K: Do it as early as you can in life and make the moments count. H: You can learn from each other. For a business to work, there needs to be mutual respect and the ability to treat one another as peers instead of adopting the “I’m your mother, so you should listen to what I say.” Because you are bonded as mother and daughter there is a powerful amount of trust.
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R
by MS. READ evokes a romantic ideal in clean lined silhouettes of the season. Peach and grey hues are favourite Spring colours that blend seamlessly with one another while low lights of daffodil yellow in tent tops and blouses provide a clean contrast for a nouveau natural combination. In-trend details are found in dainty collar studs and feminine tulip sleeves. The must-have looks are the boxy jacket and tailored shorts, which can take you from daytime work mode to off-hour chic. It’s all about simple sophistication, worn anyway you like.
Two-toned blouse (C3359-T) RM189; Tailored shorts (C3340-P) RM149
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spring 2013
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Tent top (C3328-T) RM139; Butterfly sleeved dress (C3331-D) RM229
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spring 2013
Knit jeggings (C3363-P) RM129
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Blouse with frills (C3349-T) RM219; Long pants (C3321-P) RM159
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spring 2013
Beaded collar blouse (C3329-T) RM189; Straight cut jeans (D3460-P) RM159
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Boxy jacket (D3483-J) RM289;
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spring 2013
Peter pan collared top (D3516-T) RM159;
Shoulder tabbed top (D3513-T) RM179;
Slim cut pants (D3484-P) RM189
Leggings with side PU trim (C3364-P) RM139
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spring 2013
Tri-coloured sleeve blouse (D3511-T) RM159;
Two-toned blouse (D3517-T) RM189;
Pencil skirt (D3523-S) RM149
Straight cut jeans (D3460-P) RM159
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STYLE
STYLE
SHAPE
UP
C Two Toned Top (D 3512-T) RM159
Get PEACHY Keen
Long Sleeve Top (D 3501-T) RM149
Flared Dress (D 3464-D) RM169
Freshen up your look in pastel-hues of peach and the new neutral of the season in grey. When combined together, they create outfits that are both chic and classic.
onfidence is key in how you wear your outfit, but it always helps to have a little ‘support’ to hide those bulges and enhance those curves right where you want them to. How else do you think all those women look extra stunning on the red carpet? MS. READ has brought in Body Shapers by Julie France specifically in sizes to suit the fuller figure. Seamless and lightweight, they are made out of breathable, moisture-wicking microfibre that forms an effortless shape on the body, making it hardly noticeable even under body-hugging outfits. This means staying cool in this weather while looking ‘hawt’ in your fabulous form. It’s time to toss out those old, constricting shape wears and girdles that don’t let you breath or eat. Every shape wear style carried by MS. READ is carefully considered and chosen with the fuller figured woman in mind. Available in five unique styles, each Body Shaper targets individual problem areas often faced by us fuller figured females – it tucks in the tummy and slims the waist; defines the thighs; and offers lift and support to the bust and rear. Julie France Body Shapers are internationally recognised and also include a line called Léger, which uses finer, softer yarns to produce ultra-light shape wear that offers powerful graduated compression, supreme comfort and maximum breathability to achieve a slender figure.
High Waist Capri Legging RM299 Leger Frontless Body Shaper RM259
Cami Shaper RM249
Julie France Body Shapers are available in nude and black and in sizes L, XL, XXL, XXXL. They are priced from RM199 to RM299 and are exclusively available at MS. READ stores in Pavilion KL, Bangsar Village II, Mid Valley Megamall, 1 Utama, Empire Shopping Gallery, Alamanda Putrajaya and Gurney Plaza Penang as well as online at www.msreadshop.com.
Two Tiered Top (D 3515-T) RM179
High Waist Boxer Shaper RM249
Straight Cut Jeans (D 3460-P) RM159
Shoulder Tabbed Top (D 3513-T) RM179
Cami Dress Shaper RM299
BEFORE
AFTER
Blouse with Panel Frills (C 3339-T) RM169
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FEATURE
Eating for a
goodcause A BIG Long Lunch for Chrystal Home
C
hrystal Home is a non-profit organization in Taiping that started in June 2003, for underprivileged, abandoned, abused and orphaned children. They currently have 40 children (with separate accommodations for boys and girls) and four full time staff. Chrystal Home’s mission is to provide food, shelter and education for these children, to provide a loving, environment to grow up in and instill the spirit of love and care. In November 2012, The BIG Group organised a leisure day of feasting on a long table that stretched through the length of The Boulevard in Publika. It was a day of eating for a good cause: to raise funds for Chrystal Home. Tickets were sold at RM50 with an option of two lunch sessions: 11am and 1pm and a tea session at 3pm. Lunch was a three-course meal of pumpkin soup, pan-seared herbed turkey with mashed potatoes, brussels sprouts, stuffing and gravy followed by a Christmas trifle, while those that opted for hi tea were treated to turkey sandwiches, buttery scones and other sweet treats.
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Christmas came early for all 40 children and teenagers from Chrystal Home as they joined in the merriment at the11am lunch session. Games were played, while Dignity for Children Malaysia sang carols for the guests at teatime. The Long Lunch brought in RM32, 250 and with a generous top up of RM17,750 from the BIG group, a total of RM50,000 was donated to the home. It was indeed a day of goodwill, good food and festive celebrations. For more details on Chrystal Home or to find out how you can care, contact: Chrystal Home, 191, Jalan Taman Kerjasama, Off Jalan Izuddin Shah, 34000, Taiping Perak. Tel: 0165480856 or 05-8058122
SPOTLIGHT
TALKING
BEN about ben’s
to
Of family, friends, traditions & food
b
Spicy Seafood Pasta
Nachos
Wagyu Beef Pie
en’s, the flagship brand of cafés under BIG, evokes the warmth of a familial home. From rustic and chic country clapboard to a sophisticated city loft, each ‘home’ is unique in its personality. As Benjamin Yong (Group CEO, The BIG Group) says “it’s the same philosophy and same wholesome, quality food- just with a different outlook and feel”. With cosy sofas to black & white photos of friends and family framed on the walls, stepping into a ben’s restaurant is much like going over to a friend’s home for a meal. It’s meant to be personal with traditional comfort food, much like the kind that Benjamin grew up with. Serving international cuisine, the menu ranges from refreshing tantalising appetizers like nachos and refreshing salads and pies, hearty East and West main courses, delicious snacks and luscious desserts. When asked, Benjamin notes his namesake Ben’s Nasi Istimewa (with short rib rendang, chicken berempah and sambal udang) and the Spicy Seafood pasta (with generous portions of prawns and mussels) as his firm favourites. Currently in KLCC, Pavilion and Publika, the two new additions to ben’s restaurants are ben’s BSC in Bangsar and ben’s Penang in Gurney Paragon Mall, it’s a place that entices people to visit with their friends and families, sharing good food and precious moments. For location listings visit www.thebiggroup.co
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Ben’s Nasi Istimew a
ben’s Gurney Paragon Mall
SOFA, So Good Update your space with these two and three seated couches exclusively designed for sundays. They look comfy enough to curl up on with a good book.
The
GLASS EFFECT Black SK sofa; Leather handle lanterns; Equestrian tray; Penguin paperweights; Vintage Bouteille Lamp
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From carafes, bowls, jugs and vases, glassware is elegant and timeless. It looks good in just about any space with its simple forms and clean lines. Fill it with fresh fruit, flowers or potpourri; add candles or just arrange it as decorative pieces on its own. thREAD
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Couch
cleaning tips • Baby wipes are surprisingly effective for general cleaning of upholstery because they deliver the right amount of soap and water, are quite gentle, and evaporate quickly. • Remove coffee spills by combining a small amount of dish washing liquid, water and vinegar and dab sparingly until the stain disappears. • Reduce overall dust and dirt on your upholstered furniture by vacuuming it regularly, especially if you have pets or allergies.
Stiletto sofa, Leather two-seater, Stack footstool, Adjustable chaise, Metal Moorish Lanterns
How to buy the
PERFECT COUCH Follow these tips and you’ll be sitting pretty in no time
How am I going to use it? If your couch will sit in a common area with high usage, sofas in durable fabrics in dark colors are a smart solution to rough-and-tumble living.
Is it comfy? Couches with loose back and seat cushions are the most comfortable to curl up on.
Size does matter Map out the measurements of where your couch will be placed at home and take a measuring tape with you when you go shopping.
Hinton 2.5 seater, Round pouffe, Antiek look tray
Sundays; 1F-29 & 30, Bangsar Village II, Jalan Telawi 1, 59100 Kuala Lumpur Tel: +603 2284 2308 Fax: ++603 2284 2309 Web: www.sundays.my Sundays Studio; (Mondays to Fridays, 10am – 6pm, by appointment)
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55
TRAVEL SHOPPING
TASTEBUD
HAVENS
TICKLERS PARIS
TRAVEL
ESSENTIALS
PARIS
Farmer’s roast chicken
The mecca city of designer brands. For die hard fashionistas, visit
The morning market on Avenue President Wilson
Chanel
at rue Cambon. Coco Chanel’s first
A Parisian party. Celebrating Helen’s birthday
boutique, opened in 1910, which remains
Love EAT.PAY.
on that street to this day.
foie gras pate with thick
Sunday brunch .
Milano’s best
crusty bread.
under one roof: from meat and cheese to fresh
Chez L’Ami Louis,
seafood, pastas, pizzas and delectable desserts.
32 Rue du Vert-
Bvlgari Hotel via private F.Ili Gabba
bois.
1
A neutral top that can be mixed and matched with anything.
A tip from a local shopaholic:
Batwing Sleeved Top.
Shopping is an art of
(C 3341-T) RM139
conversation in Paris. Upon entering a boutique, greet the sales people as they welcome you. When they asking you what you’re looking for and how can they help you, try not to wave them away and
MILAN
Highlights of our inspiration trip in Paris and Milan
Known for their
Retail therapy, the Parisian way:
Visit the
Piazza del Duomo
say “it’s okay.” To them, their shop is like their home, you wouldn’t just walk in and
2
Comfortable when travelling. Doubles up
ignore the owners.
as stockings under a skirt on those
(one of the oldest cathedrals) and shop at
Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II (the oldest shopping
chilly nights. Knit Jeggings.
mall housing the latest brands) next to it.
(C 3363-P) RM139
3
A pop of colour to brighten your wardrobe, pair it with a belt for a different
Baked fish in salT
silhouette. Kaftan Top
Fresh, simple and
Get ready for those Spring showers
tasty, eaten with a drizzle of olive oil
MILAN
and black pepper. Solferino via
Truffle Pizza. Lashing of truffle. The aroma
Castelfidardo
alone is mouthwatering. Paper Moon via Bagutta 1
MIND YOUR MANNERS WHEREVER YOU GO. 56
spring 2013
French Italian English Hello Bonjour Buon Giorno / Ciao Yes Oui Si Thank you Merci Grazie Good bye Au revoir Ciao
(D3475-T) RM179
4
A lightweight cardigan is great for any sudden changes in climate. Long Sleeved Cardigan
(C 3366-T) RM159
in April. Spend RM500 and
receive an exclusive world map umbrella for free.
OR Get the umbrella for only RM89 with any purchase. Trainspotting in Milan
5
An accessory for a quick silhouette change. Leather Belt with Bow
(J 2399-BL) RM139 *While stocks last
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BITES
ok? o c o t e No tim over to Head
Helen’s Spring Caesar Salad I
ngredients for Caesar dressing:
1 large soft-boiled egg 2tbs seeded Dijon mustard 2 large garlic cloves, chopped 2 tsp anchovy paste ½ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (approx. 2 lemons) 2 tsp kosher salt A pinch of freshly ground black pepper to taste 1 cup olive oil ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Know how this salad got its name?
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M
salad. r a s e a C for their
ethod:
• Place egg yolk, mustard, garlic, anchovy paste, lemon juice, salt & pepper into a food processor. • Process until smooth, with the processor running, slowly pour the olive oil in through the tube. • Stop the processor and add ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese. Pulse it three times. • Just before serving, pour the dressing over your choice of salad leaves. Personally I love Romaine and Iceberg lettuce. Add some seedless grapes and baby cherry honey tomatoes. • Sprinkle with shaved Parmesan cheese
Find out in this book.
STAY IN-THE-KNOW
We’ve got a
new
ENTERTAINMENT
&Make A Change!
Get Inspired
look!
Fill up on positive vibes and affirmations with these motivational and inspirational reads and flicks
Visit msreadshop.com for the full list of membership benefits and privileges
The READing Room
The Magic by Rhonda Byne (RM38.50) One word changes everything. Discover it here.
The Monk who sold his Ferrari by Robin Sharma (RM34.90) Learn to live fully, one day at a time.
Start Something that Matters by Blake Mycoskie (USD$10.99) (amazon.com) For every book you buy, a new book will be provided to a child in need.
Awaken the Giant Within by Anthony Robbins (RM45.90) Learn how to take immediate control of your destiny.
The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho (RM32.90) Listen to your heart and follow your dreams.
READy-to-watch
Member
Get
Member Promo
From 1 - 31 March
For Members: Shop with your friends at MS.READ, if they become a member by spending RM350 nett*, you get to enjoy an additional 10% off your purchases* on the same day! *In single receipt for purchase of all regular priced merchandise only
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spring 2013
Our top 5 inspirational movies and favourite quotes:
RENEWAL Membership cards are renewable each year. Renewal is RM20 or free with a minimum purchase of RM350 in a single receipt. Your MS. READ card must be renewed within one month of expiry, otherwise you will have to apply again with a new minimum purchase of RM500.
The Pursuit of Happyness (2006) “Don’t let anybody tell you that you can’t do something.”
Pay it Forward (2000) “When someone does you a big favour, don’t pay it back. Pay it forward.”
Life is Beautiful (1997) “This is my story. This is the sacrifice my father made. This was his gift to me.”
Dead Poets Society (1989) “Carpe Diem. Seize the day!”
Erin Brockovich (2000) “Not personal! That is my WORK, my SWEAT, and MY TIME AWAY FROM MY KIDS! If that is not personal, I don’t know what is!”
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FIVE MINS WITH...
OUR SOCIAL NETWORK
ELAINE
Chan
FROM DISCOVERING HER CALLING TO RELATING TO PRETTY THINGS AND BEAUTIFYING A SPACE. Tell us about yourself I’m an all rounder and a people-person. I love meeting people and I’m not one to sit at my desk. I have a BA Hons in Interior Design and have been in the industry for more than 15 years. I relate to pretty things and go on my gut if something looks right or it doesn’t. How did you discover your “calling”? Since I was young, I liked moving things around at home. My mum would ask my opinion on colours and placing things in the house. I’ve always been fascinated by beautifying a space. What sets Sundays Studio apart from other ID studios? People who may not buy from the shop can still enquire about design services with us. We’re different as we use one-of-a kind materials in our designs. Our ID services are separate from the shop front, Sundays. What are some of the elements/ materials that you like working with? Natural materials, like veneers, real plants, raw bricks and steel. Natural textures can’t be replicated which makes each design using these elements, unique. What are some of your most memorable spaces you designed? The BIG supermarket. We used so many elements. There are aisles and rows of steel shelving and at the same time, there are old kampung doors used as décor in the Asian food section. From a hut, housing a restaurant (BGFS) and a small tea garden (T forty two), to a container for the chocolate section (Royce) the supermarket has different areas that have little spaces created within a big space.
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What advice would you give to people looking for ID ideas or looking to engage an interior designer? Look for an ID firm that mainly meets the requirements that you want. You should have at least an idea on what you’re looking at. Different IDs do different things, as design is very subjective. If you’re building a home from scratch, it’s good to hire an ID firm and architect at the same time. This way they can work together when it comes to the plumbing and mechanical and electrical wiring to save time in unnecessary hacking later on.
(Mondays to Fridays, 10am – 6pm, by appointment) 1st Floor, Bangsar Village II, Jalan Telawi 1, KL Tel: +603 2284 2308
www.sundays.my
Contact us; we’d love to hear from you.
customerservice@msread.com.my customerservice@dudeandtheduchess.com mail@sundays.my