Saturday 28 December 2013

3D Mini-Me!

I got a 3D miniature of myself thanks to iMakr Store. They set up a photo booth in Selfridges to capture those who were eager to have their mini-me. I am really interested in 3D printing and have seen several objects made in this technology, including a fabulous pair of shoes. So when I got a chance to pose for my very own mini-doll, you bet I was delighted.

Firstly, I was asked to strike a pose, which was actually harder than I anticipated. How do you model for your own statuette?  I decided to stand firm with two feet on the ground and twist my body slightly, hoping I would appear dynamic. A multitude of cameras took my photo, and I could inspect the images on a laptop, and pose again if the first attempt wasn`t good enough.
It took a couple of days for iMakr Store to produce (layer by layer) my figurine in their Clerkenwell office. I am thrilled with the result!
I am wearing a dress from a charity shop (Salvation Army); scarf from Missoni; and a fur gilet by James Lakeland.
 

Monday 23 December 2013

What`s Your Fashion Uniform?

In a dress by Manual Canovas – a perfect attire to welcome the festive season in high spirits

A signature look has always been used by fashion icons as a shortcut to a pulled-together getup. Your fashion uniform may consist of a pair of slim pants and an oversize jumper; or whimsical t-shirts; or wearing chunky jewellery with just about every outfit you have….. Whatever it is, if it fits your figure, and fits well with your lifestyle, just replicate it in different disguises, and wear it!
I feel at my best when I wear dresses. Especially those made from brilliantly bright, patterned fabrics. They don`t even need any additional decoration….a set of Tiffany`s earrings would be enough to complement a fabulously festooned dress.   And they pack so neatly, which is important for someone who – like me – takes pride in travelling light.

Effortless elegance – a dress by Michael Kors.; yes – he is my favourite dress designer, and yes – I am back in the UK. This photo was taken on my day trip to Chester

Friday 20 December 2013

Korean Artists` Selling Exhibition in Aid of Local Children

The Fullerton Hotel hosted yet again a selling exhibition of Korean artists, in aid of local, disadvantaged children. The Fullerton Hotel, one of my favourite landmarks, is also one of Singapore’s most prominent buildings, and represents the height of Palladian architecture.

At the entrance to the Fullerton Heritage Gallery, I am wearing a Marc Cain top, a skirt from an unknown Californian designer, a Michael Kors bag, and platforms from Kurt Geiger
My favourite piece of art was this acrylic on canvas by LEE Young Shin. It is entitled `The dreaming woman sings for the dream`; isn`t it just lovely? It was priced at S$1,850 and had a `red dot` underneath, indicating that it was sold. Oh well…….I can`t have it all……

Saturday 14 December 2013

Louis Vuitton Floating Island

After visiting Gripz in the Link Mall (I am wearing Emilio Pucci top and a skirt bought locally)....
.....I went to Louis Vuitton Island Maison at Marina Bay Sands – a perfect example of the seafaring aesthetic. It is one of a kind concept for the luxury brand, as it incorporates art and cultural elements in its retail space. When I visited, a solo exhibition by artist Daniel Arsham showcased his sculptures, drawings, and voice commentary, based on his experience of Easter Island.
Ash eroded table phone by Daniel Arsham; it is made of volcanic ash, shattered glass and hydrostone.
The exhibition is located in the underwater tunnel that joins the island to the Marina Bay Sands shopping mall.
The Louis Vuitton Island Maison is one of the two stand-alone glass and steel crystal pavilions; the other one is a nightclub. Built over several floors, with an attractive mezzanine, the specious interior features nautical- inspired décor. Several large masts of sailing ships are suspended in the air, as well as `driftwood`-style art installation. The man behind this concept is Peter Marino, the very same one who designed the newest Chanel Maison in London`s Bond Street. The Louis Vuitton Island Maison in Singapore also houses a bookstore, where I sat down to browse books on travel, and was immediately offered a delicious green tea.
My favourite part of the store is however an outdoor loggia, which is adjacent to the travel room. It has an elongated viewing deck, reminiscent of the deck of a luxury yacht, where one can sit down to consider the merchandise on offer, all devoted to travel, while enjoying spectacular views.

Wednesday 11 December 2013

The World’s Tallest Indoor Waterfall….

……is at the Cloud Forest, which sits in the Gardens by the Bay, in Singapore. The misty waterfall crushes down a 35-metre tall, verdant mountain. The air is clammy and unexpectedly cold here, and while you climb up, different species of flowers and vegetation, as well as amazing crystals fight for your attention. 
The Cloud Forest, as well as its sister-attraction, the Flower Dome, is a massive conservatory, and the world’s largest columnless greenhouse. When we visited, the monsoon was tumbling down the puzzle-like glass panels, making our stay there even more atmospheric.
Gardens by the Bay, a 101-hectare horticultural park are adorned with the iconic `supertrees` - a 16-storey-tall vertical gardens, which are truly remarkable. A suspended 128-metre-long walkway between two of these supertrees, offers a bird’s eye view of the Marina Bay, the seaport, and the financial district.
 
On the ground you can explore lush gardens, mini caverns` installations, waterfront promenades, traditional Chinese status…..and more.  One can easily spend the whole day there, and see something new and exciting right, left, and centre!
On the day, I was wearing a Manuel Canovas dress, and a Michael Kors clutch.
 

Sunday 8 December 2013

Was madam Wellington Koo the first global glamazon?

I took advantage of The Asian Civilisation Museum`s offer of half-price tickets on Friday night to see two super-interesting exhibitions.  The first one – Devotion and Desire – celebrates cross cultural art in Asia, from Indian tortoise-shell jewellery boxes, fine Chinese ceramics, Southeast Asian figures carved in wood, to exquisite bridal gowns.
This richly coloured robe and skirt dates from late 19th or early 20th century, and is made of silk, gold threat and cotton. It was worn at Peranakan wedding, which was a grand affair.

The Peranakans are well known blended communities, whose descendants were foreign traders who married local women. They would adopt many cultural traits from their new homes in the Malay, while still holding onto their original culture whether from China, India or Europe. Like many Peranakans, Oei  Hui-Ian, later known as madam Wellington Koo, was the daughter of a wealthy businessman. Raised in European splendour in Java and Singapore, and educated in Christian schools, she married a Chinese diplomat, and travelled throughout the world. Since her childhood, she successfully operated in several cultures, wearing haute couture, as well as sarong kebaya and cheongsam.  The first global glamazon perhaps?
This portrait of madam Wellingtom Koo was made in 1921 by Charles Tharp – oil on canvas.
Head of a bodhisattva Gandhara made in terracotta around 4th century, captured my imagination, as it is so realistic, and so beautifully made.
 
This chair mixes European and Indian motives and stylistic interpretation. Ebony furniture was made in the 17th and early 18th centuries on the Coromandel Coast, in Sri Lanka and Java.

Lacquer Across Asia is an accompanying exhibition to the Devotion and Desire, and dazzled me with several large scale, shiny and highly decorative pieces.
This offering vessel, in form of a hintha bird, has been made in Myanmar, Mandalay in late 19th or early 20th century, from lacquered and gilded wood, mirrors and inlaid glass.  
This carved and lacquered figure of Buddha makes a huge impression because of its size and bright colour – the red paint on the folds of the robe, and blue pigment around the moulded hair curls.  It came from China, in 18th century and was made from wood, cloth, lacquer, plaster, paint and gold leaf. Often in Buddhist tradition, many more layers of lacquer, varnish and gold leaf would be added over time.
 
Lacquer –obtained from the sap of trees in China and Southeast Asia – has been highly coveted for millennia as it is very durable as well as attractive; and having seen so many stunning examples here, I am eager to purchase some lacquer pieces for my homes.

Wednesday 4 December 2013

Rude Panda!

What can I say…..he (clearly, it is he) took one look at my husband, when my husband visited pandas` enclosure at the River Safari in Singapore, and decided to show him….everything. No consideration for decorum or good manners - rude panda!

Sunday 1 December 2013

Festive Season in Hot Climate

I am preparing for Christmas and the New Year celebrations. Today, I signed a white ball with my New Year wish. It will be floating on New Year eve, attractively lit up, on the river, in front of Marina Bay Sands, as part of a flotilla of white inflatable balls, with personal desires and aspirations, scribbled on them by thousands of Singaporeans. What a grand idea, don`t you think? What did I scrawl down? – WORLD PEACE TO EVERYONE!

Christmas trees are everywhere, some are more exquisitely decorated than others, and my favourite is the one standing  in a foyer of the Fullerton Hotel – it has a garland of soft teddy bears wrapped around it, and is as innovative as it is cute and….cuddly.   

 
On my way to visit the teddies at the Fullerton Hotel; I am wearing a dress (a birthday present from my girlfriend) by Rena Lange, shoes by Chanel and glasses by Marc Jacobs, and a bag by Michael Kors.

 Yesterday, I started buying festive gifts for my loved ones; for someone who had gone through many festive preparations in a cold climate of winter, being often wrapped up in a fur coat, to protect against chilly wind, and (on occasions) frost bites, I find it a tad peculiar to be organising Christmas celebrations in a sizzling weather.
 
Thankfully, `Christmassy` displays are everywhere, to help me get into the spirit of joyfulness…….

……….and carol singing add a festive feel to my present-hunting activities.
 
So listen up my girlfriends: if you were good to me this year, you will receive a PRECIOUS gift (note what is spelled out in capitals – this is your cue to what you will be getting!). If however, you were selfish, and obnoxious, you should expect to get nothing. Hmmmmm, which option do you think I would choose for you?
 

Saturday 23 November 2013

Leaders in Fashionable Footwear

In the late 90`s two brothers, Charles and Keith Wong opened a shoe store in Singapore, and because they were selling super-trendy shoes and accessories to style-setters, they quickly become a true institution here; you see their label being featured prominently on many pages of fashion magazines. And you are most likely to spot their handbags carried by many commuters on MRT trains. Charles & Keith brand is synonymous with cutting edge footwear, as far as fashion-savvy Singaporeans are concerned.
A model from Charles and Keith`s latest collection

The prices are reasonable, maybe because everything is made from man-made materials, rather than leather and – I guess – this focus on non-leather items must be driving prices down.
 
For even more purse-friendly options, one needs to head to Queenstown area, to a small Anchorpoint shopping mall, situated opposite Ikea, where Charles and Keith`s outlet is located. It offers up to 70% discounts on the original price.
Unfortunately, because they use man-made materials, I am not sure I can wear their footwear, especially in a humid climate of Singapore, as I am worried my feet would blister from not wearing `breathable` shoes. Having said that, I appreciate their elegant and feminine designs and find them very appealing. 

Wednesday 20 November 2013

Monsoon Season Brings its own Challenges

The monsoon season is in full swing, lowering the temperature to 25 – 28 degrees Celsius, from the usual 30 degrees. Local landmarks glister in the downpour, expertly lit up for the night. It is very atmospheric, especially in the evenings, as the curtain of droplets (some are big!) falls down, turning the dusky sky into velvety- steel colour. Pedestrians are forced to shelter under umbrellas or to find cover, which is easy in this city because it is densely populated with skyscrapers. We have watched on many occasions a flood of water sliding down glass rooftops, cocooned in the safety of an exhibition hall, a restaurant, or a shopping mall. 
 I am wearing a Michael Kores dress, and a handbag by the same designer, while watching my beloved Merlion being hosed down by the monsoon

It is not, however, all rosy, as we are reminded on a regular basis about a very real danger of dengue fever (there are a few fatalities every year), especially as there is no vaccination against it and we`ve had quite a lot of rain so far. There is a map on the internet where the government updates the recent cases of outbreak, and the local papers carry the warnings.

Engrossed in the Sunday Times in Rochester Park Starbuck`s; I am wearing a dress by James Lakeland

Prevention is the only way to safeguard yourself against it, so am extremely grateful to the cleaning lady who comes to my apartment twice a week, and I am ensuring there is no stagnant water near me. We also have a city-wide poster campaign, advising on prevention, for example one has to change water every other day in vases used for cut flowers, and check sinks regularly. The outbreaks of dengue fever are associated mainly with construction sites, but it is quite unnerving to hear that recently there were cases of Aedes mosquito bites in the famous Orchard Road and its surrounding area – the prime shopping artery of the city, making it into shopaholic`s nightmare! Thankfully, the authorities are quick in dealing with the outbreaks and hopefully escapades for shoes and other glam-inducing apparel would become enjoyable soon.

The other unpleasant side-effect of monsoon is the fact that if you are caught up in it, you can get soaked quickly. And as soon as you jump on an air-conditioned train, or step into air-conditioned office space, or a shopping arcade, you catch a chill, which can lead to more than just a case of a runny nose for a few days – I am just recovering from such an experience and – believe me – it’s no fun! 
Still, the respite to a constant heat and humidity is welcomed here, and like everything else in life, there are two aspects (good and bad) to every monsoon story being lived through on this island.

Saturday 16 November 2013

A Myriad of Orchid Blooms!

The largest display of tropical orchids in the world is in the National Orchid Garden in Singapore. Some of the orchid hybrids are dedicated, and named after well-known personalities, and visiting dignitaries, for example Margaret Thatcher has her own but I couldn`t appreciate its tiny flowers ,I am afraid; the one featured in this photo – Dendrobium -  has been named in memory of Diana, Princess of Wales, on 22 September 1997.  Standing behind the orchid, I am wearing a simple t-shirt by Great Plains (I wouldn`t dare compete with the splendour of the blooms!) and an old belt by Moschino. Sunglasses are from Marc Jacobs, and skirt by Arianna.

Check out some of my favourites, which I came across on my visit! 
 
 
 
 
I always have orchids at home, but I discovered here that placing a mirror as a backdrop to these amazing flowers, makes the display even more enchanting – lesson learnt!
 
 
The orchids have been closely associated with the Singapore Botanic Gardens since 1859, and in 1928 the gardeners embarked on a breeding programme. As a result, right now, over 1,000 species and 2,000 hybrids are calling the National Orchid Garden its home.
 
As orchids are my favourite flowers, I was pleased to find out that in 1981 an exceptionally looking orchid, discovered by Miss Agnes Joaquim in her garden was chosen to be the national flower of Singapore.
 

Tuesday 12 November 2013

Chanel in London and Singapore

In early October I went to the London College of Fashion to see a collection of portraits of Coco Chanel, painted by an American artist Marion Pike, when the celebrated designer was an elderly woman.  She famously refused Pablo Piccasso's request to paint her but found a great friend in Californian artist Pike, whom she met in 1967 in Paris.
The exhibition also featured fine gowns and classic Chanel suits that the designer gave to the artist, as well as a few examples of their correspondence. Chanel was writing to Pike in French and I wonder, was Pike fluent in French?

Last year, while living in London, I invited two girlfriends to come with me to Karl Lagerfeld`s photo exhibition, entitled `The Little Black Jacket`; unfortunately, I fell ill with a nasty flu and couldn`t see it. So can you imagine my joy when I discovered that the very same exhibition followed me to Singapore! Yes, it is now at Marina Bay, and in early November I went to see  Lagerfeld`s favourite muses – actors, musicians, models, socialites, all wearing the iconic black tweed, while being photographed by the designer. Sometimes the jacket – unmistakable symbol of Chanel`s house – is casually draped over their shoulders, at other times, wrapped around their waists.

The images are very well styled and simply stunning. My husband and I amused ourselves by recreating poses in front of the originals, and photographing ourselves while `shadowing` the beautiful people.
I am wearing a Michael Kors dress and clogs by Chanel; handbag (just visible) - from Michael Kors