David Harber`s Fun and Fantasy Pieces

David Harber is an artist whose career I`ve followed for years. And he still has a power to surprise with imaginative take on contemporary three-dimensional designs, which are elevated to an exquisite art form. He is a master of stunning sundials, water features and garden sculptures, and a man behind many bespoke pieces that decorate numerous private and public spaces around the world, from Saudi Arabia, to Singapore.

David`s `Thinking Big` exhibition at 28 Cork Street in London`s Mayfair focused on showcasing a few examples of large scale custom-made and architectural models, some smaller interior-friendly artwork, original watercolours, development sketches and maquette models. I am wearing a Michael Kors dress, my beloved snake-skin boots by Sergio Rossi, and a bag by Michael Kors.

We chatted about David`s fascination with the use of light, shadows, and water reflexions to create dream-like visual effects. No wonder his work earned him an international reputation for truly innovative designs that pay homage to the surrounding landscape, while creating delightful illusions.

http://www.davidharber.co.uk

The Most Popular Rooftop in Singapore

Sky Park Marina Bay Sands, located on three skyscrapers, which act as its `pillars` offers spectacular views towards the South China Sea, the flyer, gardens by the bay, and the financial district.

The best time to visit this viewing platform is around 18:30 in the evening when you can still catch the daylight. However, wait till 19:30hrs when dusk engulfs the city; a cacophony of lights will bring the metropolis to life and make the view even more dynamic and dramatic.

If you are not a guest at the hotel, expect to pay 23 SGD for the privilege of sitting on this most attractive rooftop in Singapore.  But trust me, it is worth the money and the effort - the views are amazing.

The sunsets are dazzling in Singapore, and can be as spectacular when seen from the street level – see photo below.

The sunrise can also bring joy, especially when it is breaking through a haze.

Rich Heritage of Singapore`s Financial District

 

Singapore's Central Business District (CBD) buzzes with activity during the week, but becomes an oasis of calm at the weekend; this is the time when it is best to explore the area`s abundant culture and traditions.
Some commercial buildings reflect the cultural Chinese heritage of Singapore, including the UOB Plaza, which uses the traditional Chinese symbol of the octagon in its design, as - according to Chinese tradition - it brings about good Feng Shui.

I adore the massive lions at the entrance to the Bank of China – the symbols of prosperity; the male lion customarily `brings the bacon`, while it’s female counterpart holds a baby-lion, ensuring longevity. I am wearing a dress by Manuel Canovas, shoes by Gripz (Singaporean brand) and my clutch is by Michael Kors.

Majority of Singapore's tallest buildings can be found in the CBD, and land, and properties in the area are the most expensive in Singapore.

The area`s love of symbolism is reflected in four impressive sculptures made by artist, Ren Zhe, which represent the four symbols of the Chinese Constellations. They are proudly guarding the inhabitants and their business interests. Here, the figure of the White Tiger represents reliable protection from harm. It is believed to defend the area from thefts, murders, and ruining.
I am wearing a top by Marc Cain, skirt by a little-known Californian label, and shoes by Chanel.

Unfortunately, nothing could prevent the damage that Nick Leeson – the original and most talked- about Rogue Trader –inflicted here on the wold`s financial markets, when his unchecked risk-taking, caused the collapse of Barings, the personal bank to HM The Queen, in 1995. I am wearing a top by Marc Cain, skirt from a local boutique, and my handbag is from Gucci.

But that is history, and today the Singapore`s financial district plays a dominant role on the global stage. Another historical reference is however still clearly visible - the exterior of the MRT station in Raffles Place - the main underground station for the area.  The façade of the John Little building (erected in 1907) was replicated in miniature on the entrances to the MRT station, when they were built in 1980s.

10 Reasons to Shop in Singapore

I have been shopping with gusto for several decades and I know what makes for an `amazing` shopping trip. And I am delighted to list 10 reasons why Singapore offers a truly outstanding shopping experience:

1. A sheer number of shopping malls means everyone will find something to satisfy their taste and the depth of their pockets, from `pile it high`, 3 for S$10 purses sold in Hazel`s Accessories in Lucky Plaza, to a rare lilac-coloured exotic skin handbag – the only one in Singapore! – sold in Louis Vuitton`s floating island boutique

2. `Theatrical` performances  take this daily occurrence to another level - entertainers are lining up the main shopping arteries and individual boutiques offer `mini-concerts` to attract the trade

 

3. Just after the Lunar New Year the sales become crazy; often reductions reach 70% and it is not difficult to find a well- made t-shirt for S$5

4. You can shop 24/7/365, as retail emporiums like Mustafa Centre stay open non-stop

5. The service is truly ` above and beyond the call of duty` - a few weeks ago, a shop assistant offered to search for a wig I wanted to buy, in a unique colour.  After tracing it through her suppliers she kept calling my home number till I arrived home (just before midnight) to share the good news. I was grateful, as I really wanted that wig, and only left my home number with her. On another occasion, a shop assistant went in search of some mineral water while she seated me on a comfy sofa, after hearing I needed to take a pill; a glass of water materialised a few minutes later. Not long time ago, another shop assistant lent me a thread and a needle and a changing cubicle so I could repair a hem of my dress which came undone mid-shopping

6. Exclusive labels, sold in some stores, ensure it would be very unlikely for your friend / or your foe, to turn up at an important gathering, in the same dress you decided to sport

7. The architecture of many shopping malls is truly amazing – here is my favourite – the Star Vista

8. The favourable weather (between 24 – 30 degrees Celsius) means you can enjoy exploring the shops indoors as well as outdoors, and many shaded walkways and trees keep the sun away

9. Designer Outlets aplenty and they sell considerably reduced past- season stock throughout the year

10. Daily papers inform customers about discounts offered by individual shops or by retail chains.

 

The weird and the wonderful of Haw Par Villa

Haw Par Villa is a theme park in Singapore`s Pasir Panjang Road. It hosts over 1,000 statues and 150 giant, three-dimensional full-size models, depicting scenes from Chinese mythology, folklore, legends, history, and illustrations of various aspects of Confucianism.

Attractions include giant models of scenes from the Legend of the White Snake, statues of mythological figures such as the Laughing Buddha, the 12 animals in the Chinese zodiac, and others.

 

 

Locals told me that as children, they were brought here to learn about traditional Chinese values, but were frightened by some of the vivid scenes, especially in the Ten Courts of Hell, which features ghastly depictions of Hell in Chinese mythology and Buddhism.

 

 

 

 

Don`t Only Carry Python Handbags-I Carry the Snake!

I took my love of carrying python handbags a bit further and carried the whole python on my shoulders.  I encountered the snake during my visit to Sentosa, which lies just 15 minutes away from the centre of Singapore. I was wearing a snake-skin-patterned dress by Michael Kors, sunglasses by Marc Jacobs and a snake-skin handbag…..I am sure the python felt `at home` with me.

I was a bit disgusted at the beginning - I have to admit -but loved it at the end. It felt a bit unusual…..a bit slimy to start with, but when I got used to it, it felt warm, soft, and light. No wonder that snakeskin products are very light; it is crocodile`s skin that is heavy.

Pythons are not poisonous but they have massive muscles - I felt its muscles - and wrap themselves around the pray and strangles the poor victim. I also run my hand from its tail upward…...just as one would do, when buying products that are made from exotic skins, and this is when I felt its scales.

Sentosa is a resort island with pristine beaches, sea sports, golf and retreats, but for me, the biggest attraction was my chance meeting with the serpent. I may add `snake charmer` to my CV.

Extreme Sailing Series 2014 - Singapore

Today, I watched the opening Act of the Extreme Sailing Series 2014 (day 4) at the Marina Bay Sands in Singapore. It was good to see the familiar teams from last year`s competition: The Wave, Muscat; Alinghi; Red Bull; and SAP, as well as some new contenders.

The Swiss Realstone team was back for a second season, with its stylish blue and red yacht.

The Extreme Sailing Series is an international inshore racing circuit, taking place all around the world, including Nice, Porto in Portugal, Brazil, the Middle East, and Singapore.

Emirates Team New Zealand got a penalty for a port-starboard incident against The Wave, Muscat, and it cost them a place on the podium.

The locals - Team Aberdeen Singapore – were in high spirits, which was admirable, after they crashed with Groupama sailing team yesterday. Today, Alinghi took the trophy, beating the reigning champions -The Wave, Muscat.

 

Al in all, Singapore delivered a truly action-packed Act!  And it was lovely to see the sky-scrapers of the financial district, the Fullerton Hotel, the Customs House, Louis Vuitton floating boutique, and Merlion – all my favorites - providing an iconic backdrop to this fast-paced and elegant race.