Innholdsfortegnelse for February 2020 i Her World Singapore

This may seem like a simple question, but for many, it could also be a lifelong quest. Many of us belong to a generation where fathers are seen as the main breadwinners, while mothers – even when they held full-time jobs – are perceived as the main caregivers. Generally, our parents stayed married, the power dynamics between them never shifted, and familial lives remained status quo. “That’s how love and marriage will be like for us too,” many of us thought. Then, the women of our generation received more education, travelled widely, lived overseas, met people from all walks of lives and cultures, and became more independent – financially and emotionally – than the generation before. Women are feeling increasingly empowered and we are, slowly but surely, gaining traction in…

Since it was introduced in 1956, the Rolex Oyster Perpetual Day-Date has adorned the wrists of world leaders, celebrities and visionaries, so much so that it came to be known as the “Presidents’ Watch”. It is also known as the first wristwatch to display the date and day of the week spelt out in full (choose from 26 languages) in an arc-shaped window at 12 o’clock. So how does one improve on an icon? Hans Wilsdorf, the founder of Rolex, instilled a notion of perpetual excellence that still drives the company forward today, which is why we are seeing this modern update. The latest edition of this iconic timepiece is equipped with calibre 3255 – a new-generation self-winding mechanical movement that incorporates the brand’s patented Chronergy escapement for better precision…

You might be more familiar with Marc Jacobs’ Snapshot bag (that’s the must-have item at the brand’s store in Takashimaya), but the American designer’s ready-to-wear makes up a major part of his appeal too. A month after receiving the inaugural MTV Fashion Trailblazer Award 2019, Jacobs presented his SS ’20 collection, which was all about celebrating life and indulgence. On show were 61 positively happy looks of brilliant colour, dazzling sparkle and larger-than-life floral prints. The collection is meant to remind us of “the joy in dressing up (and) our unadulterated love of fashion”, shared Jacobs in the show notes. Of course, there were the voluminous tiered mini dresses and dramatic gowns that we’ve come to love from the boundary-pushing Jacobs, but overall, the runway looks were made of wearable…

Bottega Veneta Illusione For Her, $465, and For Him, $430 A balance of freshness and soft sensuality. For Her, with its bergamot, orange blossom, fig, olive wood and tonka bean is a woody-floral that’s crisp and feminine. For Him is a woody-citrus scent comprising lemon, woody fir balsam, white cedarwood, vetiver and tonka bean – the overall effect is a modern and enigmatic scent you’d want to wear yourself. Loewe 001 Woman and 001 Man, $200 each Loewe 001 Woman is an addictive gourmet trail of citrus and pink pepper, Egyptian jasmine, sandalwood, vanilla and the exclusive amber molecule, Ambar 001. 001 Man is spicier and woody, with notes like cardamom, bergamot, cypress wood, cedar, vetiver, white musk and patchouli. Maison Francis Kurkdjian Amyris Femme Extrait de Parfum, $465, and…

One is a charismatic heir to a multi-billion dollar empire. Another is an irresistible bad boy with a heart of gold, and the other is a dreamy surfer with a mega-watt smile and washboard abs. They’re hot, single, and looking for love. Who would you pick to fall in love with? If it sounds too good to be true, well, it's probably because it is. These gorgeous alphas and McDreamies exist in the world of Otome, video games with romantic storylines targeted at women. Created in the ’80s in Japan, with its origins steeped in manga comic books, Otome is seeing a resurgence in the smartphone age decades on, in the form of free-to-download apps with interactive storylines (read: saucier with sound effects), dialogue and graphics – alongside a choice…

It looks like a convenience store along the quiet corridor. Walk in and you’ll hear the catchy K-pop tunes playing in the background. You’re drawn to the towering display of neatly stocked shelves between the narrow aisles, and the walls where metal brackets groaned beneath the weight of merchandise, in the well-lit space. A convenience store, it is not. Take a closer look at the colourful packaging of adult toys, and you’ll see that this is an adult emporium and showroom. Located in the heartland, it’s tucked away in a secluded wing on the first level of the grand old dame that is Upper Serangoon Shopping Centre – home to old and new trades from traditional medicinal halls, snack shops and small offices. With no store signage, this is a…

It’s said that good things come in small packages, but not when things are taken to the extreme with the micro bag trend, and you end up forsaking function for fashion (see Jacquemus’ Mini Le Chiquito). Keep it practical and get the best of both worlds with these mini bags that are fun, yet 100 per cent functional – just big enough to store daily essentials including lipstick, a packet of tissues, keys, cards and phone (iPhone 11 Pro Max – yes, we tried).…

Prices unavailable unless stated…

SS’20 SPECIAL The White Movement Yes, it’s a cliche to start a new decade on a clean slate. What’s not: The many ways to do it – from ’90s minimalism to 19th century romanticism. The Shoe: The Roman Sandal The best versions: ankle-strapped sandals or sporty slip-ons with extra ankle ties – just as comfy as any flattie without being casual. The Skirt: Anything But Ordinary Designers are mostly only nostalgic for styles – tiered, bubble, wrapped, tulip-shaped – from the ’80s and ’90s; not the way that they were worn. The New Silhouette: Pannier During the 18th century, women wore the structured undergarment (inspired by side-slung baskets carried by donkeys) under their dresses to create an exaggerated “hip”. How does that translate for 2020? It makes for more beautiful…

OK, we gotta admit that British designer Erdem Moralioglu’s inspiration for SS ’20 wasn’t the 17-year-old Swede and Time’s 2019 Person of the Year; it was the late Italian actress/photographer Tina Modotti, whom he describes as “a revolutionary, a woman of principle”. He could have been talking about Thunberg, who is as well known for her signature plait (single or double) as her cause. For how to create Erdem’s version (because we don’t need any for Thunberg’s), turn the page. I’ve heard about a type of botulinum toxin treatment that makes you look like you had a facelift. How is it different from regular botulinum toxin injections? The treatment is called Dermal Lift and was invented by a renowned plastic surgeon in South Korea. It is a nonsurgical face-lifting treatment…

In your 20s “In general, the first signs of ageing will start to appear in your late 20s. This may vary, as it depends on genetics and environmental factors,” says dermatologist Dr Eileen Tan from Eileen Tan Skin Clinic and Associates and Mount Elizabeth Novena Hospital. “At this age, the epidermal layer starts to thin, which weakens your protective skin barrier and causes increased UV exposure,’’ she adds. To combat the ageing effects of UV rays, Dr Tan recommends using skincare with vitamin C, which offers protection against sun damage. For better results, combine it with other antioxidants like vitamin E. In your mid-30s At this point, skin barrier function starts to go downhill. “As your skin barrier gets weaker, trans-epidermal water loss increases and skin becomes drier,” says Dr…

What happened to my skin when I used it for two weeks: THE TEXTURE The serum is lightweight and absorbs quickly, yet still feels substantial on my skin. I like the velvety finish – my skin feels softer after application. AFTER TWO WEEKS I can see that my skin has a more consistent but subtle luminosity – friends even asked me about it. My skin tone looks more even and my old acne scars seem lighter. THE BIGGEST BONUS: My skin is translucent and clear enough that I can get away with not using foundation and powder. A little concealer is all I need for skin perfection.…

Nobody would say no to the fresh, glowing complexion you get after a good facial. Only, it doesn’t last for more than a couple of days. The better news is, it’s not that tough to DIY post-facial radiance. These four steps, done weekly, are all you need for a glow that should last three to five days. STEP 1 Exfoliate Slough away the debris of old, dead skin cells to see brighter skin instantly. It also smooths skin and helps it soak up the active ingredients from skincare that follows. Shiseido Waso Purifying Peel Off Mask, $45. The star ingredient is Japanese red shiso, known for its antiseptic and detoxifying properties. It helps removes dead skin cells and gunk from skin crevices and pores. 111Skin Clinical Exfoliator, $190. A super-potent…

Constance Singam, Aware’s former president “Much loved as the ‘mother of civil society’, Connie has nurtured and inspired many activists, like myself.” Dr Kanwaljit Soin, ex-NMP and Aware’s former president “An indefatigable, trail-blazing feminist who still holds the record for asking the most questions in Parliament.” Margaret Thomas, Aware’s president “Always wise, calm and clear-thinking. Her gravitas and presence is both reassuring and forceful.”…

Celebrity Jamie Yeo, 42, on self-love and what made her fall in love again. I remember love in my 20s was fleeting. Many of us are familiar with that brief spark that flares, only to be snuffed out in darkness. Then I thought, how could I possibly love someone truly if I didn’t love myself ? Like most young women, I was plagued with the usual insecurities. I wanted to be taller, prettier, the list goes on. Today, two decades later, I look at myself in the mirror, and I don’t want to look like anyone else but me. It is because I have come to love myself (again) and be grateful for the life I have. That very confidence has allowed me to love my partner better as I…

To this day, I’m not quite sure what love really is. I used to look to my folks as examples of what love is, and what I want in a romantic relationship. Time and experience have shown me that while love and care are a great source of their happiness, that’s not all I want – though I’ve always been open to a union called marriage. I’ve had my highs and lows when it comes to love. The fluttering of butterflies in my stomach, that heady rush, and the warm, fuzzy feeling. The lows: running to the bathroom to cry midway through a wedding lunch because my then-boyfriend had broken up with me the day before, and weeping on a public bus over an ex who wasn’t true to me.…

People have wandering eyes. We check out the opposite sex even if we’re happy in our relationship. If this is you – and you can’t keep your eyes off the hot dude in short shorts – don’t feel bad about it. Please. It doesn’t mean you’re falling out of love or that you don’t want to be with your current man. You’re also not being unfaithful! It just means you’re human. We are engineered to check out the opposite sex because that’s what we’ve been put here (on earth) to do. We select the best mate, procreate, then return to the dustbin of time. It doesn’t sound too sexy, but that’s the truth. It also means we are built to assess other men and women other than our partners –…

The key colour of this season Anything monochromatic. It should be something that’s visually dominant, whether you classify it as a colour, or black and white. One tricky trend every woman should try The short suit. That’s if you can get a pair of shorts fashioned in the right length. For petite Asian women in particular, she can do the shorts a little bit above the knee and wear it with a pair of flats or sneakers for the weekend. The new way to do power dressing Wear a jumpsuit. There’s an amazing white piece from Proenza Schouler that has black lapels. It felt as though [the model] was wearing a tuxedo – strong yet feminine. This season’s must-have bag Khaite’s Croissant bag – you can even remove the strap…

From Audrey Hepburn to Kim Kardashian, muses have long been an inspiration for designers. But founders Daniel Chew, 34, and Rebecca Ting, 33, say there isn’t a Beyond the Vines woman when it comes to the local fashion label. Instead, the husband-and-wife team is catering to the “woman-at-large” with their effortless aesthetic and trans-generational appeal (the couple say they often observe grandmothers, mothers and daughters shopping together in the stores). Ultimately, the pair are on a mission to instil women with a sense of “quiet confidence” with their versatile clothes that look basic but boast interesting details – think loose-fit tops with asymmetrical hems and wide-legged pants with pleats. It all started in 2015, when they set up an online store as they “couldn’t get well-designed clothes at accessible price…

Go by your skin age rather than your “real” one. The former is affected by variables such as your genes and lifestyle, so it could be lower or higher than your chronological age. Here’s where you can go to find out your skin age, which starts with a therapist taking a picture of your skin via a device, and then comparing it against the brand’s database of images and skin profiles to see where your own skin stands. Where: Shiseido counters What: Handy Skin Sensor A handheld photographic device takes a picture of skin with polarised light. Using data from 25 years of research and over 10,000 images, the device measures skin’s age by looking at its moisture and melanin levels, firmness, clarity and texture. Where: Porcelain Spa What: Skin…

TO PURIFY Ultra Lightening Mask ($160, 60ml) A purifying mask containing lemon, scutellaria and white mulberry extracts, it helps give you brighter, more radiant skin. TO CORRECT Intensive Dark Spot Corrector ($170, 7ml) Working on dark spots that form due ageing, sun exposure and skin imperfections, this spot treatment acts on the size and intensity of the spot to give your skin a more even tone. It contains extract of Barbary fig blossom and salicylic acid, both known for their gentle exfoliating properties. TO PROTECT Brightening Daily Defense Fluid SPF50/ PA++++ ($370, 50ml) This two-in-one powerhouse combines an anti-dark spot treatment with a potent skin defence system that shields against UV rays, pollution and free radicals. The 100 per cent mineral sunscreen is sweat- and humidity-resistant, and suitable for sensitive…

Berry lips and glossy skin Offset rich plum and claret hues with fresh, luminous skin. Watercolour eyes Get painterly with light washes of pastel colours diffused all over the eyelids. Grown-up glitter Elegant, not outlandish – just a smidgen on eyelids or at the corner of eyes. Star Wars-inspired knots Slay it like Rey with this youthful, plucky ‘do. Upsized wings Flicked up or drawn flat along the lash line, it’s go big or go home.…

2011 Introduced the first support service for sexual assault survivors, Sexual Assault Befrienders Service (now Sexual Assault Care Centre). 2014-15 Collaborated with the government on the introduction of new laws and policies: Protection from Harassment Act, and Tripartite Advisory on Managing Workplace Harassment. Aware launched Catalyse Consulting to prevent workplace harassment. 2016 Won the Charity Governance Award for transparency and governance practices by the Charity Council. 2017 Its #asinglelove campaign, which petitioned for more public housing improvements for single parents, led to The Housing and Development Board relaxing the conditions of the single-parent Assist scheme. 2018 Launched Power Fund, a women’s rights fund providing nine civil society organisations with financial and capacity-building support. Aware launched Aim For Zero to campaign against sexual violence. 2019 The government announced that immunity for…

I love women, like all heterosexual men. These days, I love only one – my wife. At one point of my life, I was exclusively dating fashion models. Mainly because I was one – and models usually hang out in the same circle. The plus: Fashion models are hot. The other thing about models – or anyone who makes a living off their looks in a world of “perfection” – is that even ridiculously gorgeous people have their insecurities. “It was the differences that pulled us together. She’s a constant ray of light and positivity.” The thing is, insecurity robs you blind of happiness, making you miserable inside out. Yep, no one likes to be around moody, negative people. Then, I met Sorina many years ago. When I first met…

Save And Use Flyer Miles Dave Bouskill and Debra Corbeil of travel blog TheplanetD “We use our points all the time. We travel a lot, so we accumulate miles quickly. We make sure to always fly one specific carrier to make the most out of it.” Avoid Tourist Traps Zelia Leong of travel planning service Anywhr “Commercialised performances will not give you the same experience as sharing a meal with a local.” Research For Solo Travelling Alyshia Ford, author of Where Is She?: Travel to Trauma: One Woman’s Journey To Completely Losing Herself. “I wanted to visit India for the longest time, but I was apprehensive because of the mixed reviews from solo female travellers. I planned my route carefully and contacted a few local friends before heading there.”…

How do I deal with my partner who is always comparing his salary to mine, making me feel bad about it when I shouldn’t. I make $2,000 more than him, and he’s always telling me that I should pay for everything. Should I just dump this doofus? The short answer: Yes, dump the doofus. The long answer: There is something to be said about a person who doesn’t have as much resources as his partner, but still tries to make things equal between them. That’s the mark of a gentleman, I might say. It says a lot about a person’s (good) character that he’s still willing to go fifty-fifty on everything. But in this scenario, methinks the partner who is making more bucks should be willing to pay a little…

Eat This For Hydrated Skin If you suffer from dry skin but dislike using moisturiser due to its stickiness, Orbis Defencera has an answer for your woes. Developed after 10 years of research, this is Japan’s only edible moisturiser. It contains ceramide, a molecule that’s crucial for trapping moisture in skin, that is extracted from brown rice. Once ingested, it’s said to help boost ceramide production on the surface of your skin, so your complexion is more moisturised. $54 for a box of 30 sachets, from the Orbis store at Takashimaya S.C., www.orbis.com. sg, and counters at Robinsons Raffles City and Metro Causeway Point (M Beauty). Healthy & Radiant Say goodbye to dull skin with Timeless Tomato’s line of moisturising and brightening products. The range comprises two types of oral…