Innholdsfortegnelse for December 2023 i Her World Singapore

Dyson Airwrap styler, $799 “I can’t live without my Dyson Airwrap styler, and travel everywhere with it. I think few would refuse the gift of good hair this holiday season!” – ELIZABETH LEE, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Sulwhasoo First Care Activating Serum VI, $125 “Our personalities may be problematic, but our skin shouldn’t have to be. I’m obsessed with anything Sulwhasoo, so in the spirit of giving, I’d get someone this amazing serum so that this festive season, your skin will be giving. You’re welcome bestie.” – CHERYL CHAN, DIGITAL EDITOR Balmuda toaster, $539 “I recently got my hands on the Balmuda toaster – boy, it is life-changing. And as a bread lover, I would love to share the joy of warm, fluffy bread with those around me!” – CHERYL LAI-LIM, FEATURES WRITER…

“In the age of the one-click-checkout, train travel is anathema to most, but the inefficiency of train travel is exactly why I love it. It forces you to pay attention to the most mundane things.” My name is Clara and I am a train nerd. I’ve taken the train around Malaysia, Thailand, Taiwan, India, Sri Lanka and, most recently, England and Scotland. Most people I know don’t “get” train travel. Why would anyone choose to take the train for three days to get from Singapore to Bangkok, when the Thai capital is less than three hours away by plane? And who wants to spend their holidays trying to line up complicated train schedules rather than sit back and relax? Train rides seem romantic in books and movies. But in reality,…

1. Poplin pyjama set, $229, Polo Ralph Lauren If you love to lounge around the house in your PJs, you’d definitely want to check out Polo Ralph Lauren’s latest sleepwear and intimates collection. My favourite? The Iconic Stripes range, which offers pyjama sets and sleep shirts in a crisp cotton poplin – a nod to the classic, prep-inspired Ralph Lauren striped shirting. How else would I style it up? Trainers, a cute shoulder bag, gold hoops, layers of gold necklaces… and a sweep of red lipstick! 2. Zigzag straw lamp, from $1,737.95, Julie Lansom I first discovered the work of lighting designer Julie Lansom (who’s also a photographer and journalist) via her widely raved Space Age-inspired Sputnik lamps, handcrafted from wood and colourful cotton threads. Her latest design – a…

Dress it down… in a dress Try this when you hit the party circuit at the end of this month: Style your sparkly dress with a skinny corsage belt (you can even pin a corsage brooch to a skinny belt). The key to an effortless look lies in your hair and makeup, as well as your choice of footwear. Our advice? Wear your hair in a loose bun, keep your makeup minimal, and finish with a pair of leather thongs or sandals. Wear it with a tailored suit You might recognise the corsage from American rom-coms of the ’80s and ’90s as a coming-of-age symbol of high schoolers attending prom. It’s 2023, and the corsage is no longer just a prom night accessory – it can be styled with sophistication.…

ARTFULLY CURATED HOMEWARE Your crib should look like your stylish self. SWOON-WORTHY HANDBAGS Every girl loves a new handbag, but it’s a sweeter deal when it’s gifted. DASHING DEVICES Looking for a new hobby? These fun gadgets could help. FANCIFUL TIMEPIECES Watches are always a great investment, and it’s even better when they make a statement.…

After nearly two decades working in some of the world’s biggest law firms – her last role as a business manager saw her hire, fire and appraise lawyers and work on deals – Tanya Rolfe relocated from London to Singapore in 2017. Keen to start something new, she founded the Ladies Investment Club (LIC) that same year. An all-female angel investment network of investors, LIC supports female entrepreneurs across South-east Asia. It is a for-profit company that has invested in femtech businesses such as Dame Products and Maude in New York, skincare company Luxe Botanics, and Gifts Less Ordinary, a gifting company in Singapore. Tanya says that venture capitalism was something that “just happened” for her. Not long after starting LIC, she realised that she needed to raise more capital.…

It’s tempting to think of designer handbags as alternative investments that help diversify your portfolio. After all, according to London-based art and collectible analysts Art Market Research’s Luxury Handbag Report 2020, bags from the infallible trio of Hermes, Chanel and Louis Vuitton saw a valuation spike of an average 80 per cent in the last decade. This outperforms first-edition books and even watches, which saw an increase of 40 per cent and 72 per cent, respectively. And if that is not enough to convince, it has also been reported elsewhere that the price of Chanel handbags has increased by 100 per cent over the last decade, outstripping the stock market’s comparatively conservative 10 per cent and gold’s 21 per cent. At first glance, figures like that leave little room to…

With its two sandstone-and-marble minarets towering above the narrow lanes of Old Delhi, it’s no wonder that Jama Masjid is the walled city’s most emblematic attraction. More than just a place of worship, it has also emerged as an important centre of social and political life in pre- and post-independence India. My sister and I were about to walk away when a man came up to us and told us we could enter the mosque by another entrance. Right at this moment, the gatekeeper looked over and beckoned for us to enter. We were pleasantly surprised as he had turned us away a few minutes ago, saying Jama Masjid was not yet open. This was how we accidentally found ourselves in one of the largest mosques in India, built by…

In recent years, niche perfume brands have expanded their presence in Singapore. Just this year alone, French fragrance house L’Artisan Parfumeur opened its first South-east Asian store in Takashimaya. Meanwhile, multi-label luxury beauty boutique Escentials unveiled its newest outlet in Ion Orchard. But how do they differ from their mainstream counterparts? A spokesperson from distributor Luxasia Group shares that unlike mainstream perfumes designed for broad appeal, niche fragrances prioritise individuality over ubiquity, and are crafted in limited quantities by “passionate and innovative perfumers”. Another point of distinction is the dialogues established between these small-batch perfume brands and their consumers. “People are on a quest for sincerity and authenticity, and this is exactly what L’Artisan Parfumeur proposes: to go back to the essence of creation in perfumery, detached from marketing demands,…

This list consists of the hottest beauty bestsellers that have been flying off the shelves, each with the unique ability to transform your beauty game. From iconic serums to cult-favourite cleansing oils and radiant loose powders, these products have earned their spots at the top. Get ready to elevate your beauty routine. 1. An elixir that takes beauty sleep to a whole new level: Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Multi-Recovery Complex, from $91 for 20ml This fast-penetrating face serum combats signs of ageing triggered by environmental stressors. It smooths, restores radiance, and evens out skin tone. Beauty Cult Status Approximately 22 bottles sold per minute globally 2. Multitasking formula that makes your base makeup look great: Charlotte Tilbury Charlotte’s Magic Cream, $152 for 50ml This moisturiser primes and imparts…

PREP & PRIME The most important thing in making sure that makeup stays on is prepping the skin, and building thin layers with your essence, lotion, serum, sunscreen and primer. Think of your skincare routine in very much the same way that we put our clothing together in warmer weather. Instead of thick, heavy layers, you want to have sheer, transparent layers that will allow breathability and allow skin to feel more weightless. The great thing about the Shiseido Revitalessence Skin Glow Foundation ($88) [Ed’s note: a newly launched product that James helped to co-develop] is that it has actives like fermented kefir and niacinamide so it behaves like both a skincare and makeup product. This means you can get away with minimal skin prep, and still enjoy a 12-hour…

“To me, the holiday season is all about the simple but most precious things: spending quality time with my 18-month-old daughter, seeing her eyes light up with excitement when we decorate the Christmas tree, getting the biggest hug and many kisses from her when she sees her gifts, and creating unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime with dear friends and family. It’s the perfect mix of both that warms my heart during this season.” – Sabrina Ho, founder of career platform Half The Sky “The most precious gift I’ve ever received is the most expensive yet costs the least: time. I’m reminded that my time is actually all they really want from me. It’s truly a scarce commodity that I’m still learning to spend wisely. During the season of…

STAND OUT FROM THE CROWD WITH A BOHEMIAN-INSPIRED LOOK STYLE INSPO Ramya Giangola (@ramya) Fashion is all about having fun, and that’s the mantra of fashion and design consultant Ramya Giangola, who’s also the founder of New York-based brand consultancy Gogoluxe. Her eclectic sense of style is made up of strong sculptural silhouettes interlaced with a myriad of jewellery and textured pieces. GO BOLD OR GO HOME WITH CHUNKY JEWELLERY STYLE INSPO Drew Ginsburg (@dylanlex) One of the first things you’ll notice about Drew Ginsburg is her artfully layered jewellery. As the founder and chief creative of American accessories brand Dylan Lex, Drew is all about pairing chunky, statement jewellery pieces with casual basics. Start with a simple sweatshirt and jeans combo and – depending on your mood –…

With its classic, practical shape and versatile design, it’s easy to see why the flap bag is regarded as the OG of handbags. Depending on the size, it’s suitable for work as well as casual occasions. Plus, word on the street is that iconic flap bags enjoy a better resale value than other silhouettes. Enter the Louis Vuitton Go-14 bag, a new addition created as an homage to one of Nicolas Ghesquiere’s first designs for the French fashion house. Go-14 (or Ghesquiere October 2014) alludes to the date it first appeared on the runway for his debut as artistic director for women’s collections at Louis Vuitton. It is now re-emerging in 2023 in full spirit with a unique characteristic: the malletage. Inspired by the inside texture of trunks, the crisscross…

What is an appropriate gift for your boss? How about that colleague from IT? You barely know him, but he’s saved your laptop from combustion several times. As the holiday season rolls around, gift-giving can seem a little disingenuous, especially if it’s a mandated workplace activity. Whether it’s for your boss, a team member, or a client, the decision to contribute to the holiday cheer at work is a personal one, and no one should feel obligated to spend money or give a gift. However, if you choose to do so, there are several considerations. Start by understanding the prevailing culture in your workplace. Some offices have established guidelines or traditions for holiday gift exchanges. Recognising the diversity within your workplace and embracing inclusive celebrations is also key. Jackie Vernon-Thompson,…

In the past year since setting up a content consultancy, I have joined a couple of women’s only communities to meet like-minded business owners, expand my network, and learn how to build a scalable brand. One of the first events I attended was a panel discussion by Launchpad by Honeycombers (not technically a women’s club, but 95 per cent of its members are female), and I remember feeling inspired and rejuvenated post-event. It was like I had walked into a room full of positive cheerleaders – the women were friendly, supportive, and happy to share experiences, challenges, failures, and successes. I felt empowered. The next day, I connected with some of them via Whatsapp: “Let’s catch up for coffee.” “You mentioned you wanted to work with a content consultant, can…

From generating music and art to translating text, answering questions and solving problems, AI (artificial intelligence) tools such as Google Bard, OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Midjourney are starting to become a valuable part of our lives. AI is even shaping the financial planning landscape, with an increasing number of platforms helping users analyse their spending habits in real time, create budgets, minimise investment risk, and make better financial decisions. While it is unclear what percentage of Singaporeans use or have an interest in using AI for financial advice and assistance, an August survey by CNBC found that 37 per cent of US adults are interested in using AI tools to help them manage their money. The survey also found that 11 per cent are “very interested”, and 4 per cent already…

DIOR The Rouge Dior Makeup Clutch houses four of the brand’s iconic Rouge Dior lipsticks, including its universally flattering Red #999 in a velvet finish, #458 Paris (a mauve pink) in a satin finish, #772 Classic (a dusty pink) in a matte finish, and 849 Rouge Cinema (a brick red) in a satin finish. Dior Vernis comes in both glitter and metallic finishes to elevate your festive look. PRADA The Prada Paradoxe bottle is inspired by the original iconic Prada triangle logo, and the scent has a white flower bouquet and woody notes from Ambrofix, a bio-converted amber that’s usually used in masculine scents. PACO RABANNE Lady Million Eau De Parfum is a glamorous scent with juicy pomegranate adding freshness, and a floral bouquet oozing femininity. From its composition to…

“I have about 20 face serums and five eye serums at any one time.” With the wide variety of beauty products available in the market these days, it’s not uncommon for many of us to fill a drawer (or two) with serums, moisturisers and other grooming essentials that we love. Then, there are those who have a dedicated closet or an entire shelf of their precious skincare and makeup that they’re proud to show their friends in real life as well as on social media. Here are three such women whose obsession with beauty has caught our attention. LEANNE HO (@LOVEFORSKINCARE), CONTENT CREATOR Leanne boasts a 65K-strong following on social media. Her Instagram handle is a testament to her love for, well, skincare. Over the years, she has also amassed…

Some people collect cars, watches, Precious Thoughts figurines… I collect bags. Well, and shoes, but that’s another story for another day. You’d think that working in magazine publishing and having easy access to fashion launches would be the reason for my obsession, but no, this is merely a happy circumstance that also happens to be a perfect accessory. My interest in bags began – as most passions do – as a child. Blame it on my mother (as we are wont to do), my OG fashion inspiration and enabler. In her Versace jeans accessorised with an array of arm candy from Louis Vuitton to Burberry, she gave meaning to the term Sunday best. One of my distinct memories as a nine-year-old was writing down in a notepad a list of…

2023 marks the resurgence of the cinched waist, a trend that seems to have found a firm footing in the fickle world of fashion. While it is still omnipresent in Resort 2024, these iterations are more relaxed when compared to the dramatic dresses and sculptural silhouettes of seasons past. No surprise here, as quiet luxury is clearly resonating with many consumers in need of a timeout from the cacophony of ostentatious labels and logos. Dandy takes over dainty, as designers now explore waist-cinching silhouettes with an androgynous twist. For example: Dior’s classic Bar jacket, now rendered in velvet, is styled with a pair of high-waisted tuxedo trousers and topped with a smart bow tie. Creative director Maria Grazia Chiuri’s Resort 2024 collection for Dior was an ode to Mexico and…

For centuries, fashion operated as a top-down system. The concept of “fashion” as we now know it Big-Banged into being when Marie Antoinette appointed her dressmaker Rose Bertin as “Minister of Fashion” at the court of Louis XVI. Whatever Marie Antoinette wore (she was the original KOL!) trickled down as fashion trends through the aristocrats, then to the tradespeople, and the masses – cake, crumb and pink wig powder. She was known to have whims. This pyramid model of fashion remained intact over the centuries, varying but slightly up to recent times: What generations of people wore was dictated by just a mere handful of queen bee designers and editors, no questions asked. However, this elitist hierarchy bears zero resemblance to the way fashion functions today. Designers and editors are…

We know the festive season is coming up, but there’s no excuse for over accessorising. If you’re looking for a elegant jewelled timepiece that makes a statement and has a serious heritage to boot, these options are guaranteed to turn heads without being over the top. SPORTY WITH A TOUCH OF GLAM Horology has typically been a gendered affair, with the bulk of the output targeted towards men. But Chopard’s Happy Diamonds tells the tale of one particularly gutsy woman named Caroline Scheufele, heir to the Chopard family. She now runs the Swiss watch and jewellery maison together with her brother Karl-Friedrich. In 1985, when Caroline was a teenager, she designed a pendant shaped like a clown, with diamonds rotating freely in its belly, marking the birth of the first…

Most entrepreneurs will tell you that running a business is no easy feat, especially if you are operating in a niche market. Adlina Anis, a content creator and former fashion stylist, can relate: The 40-year-old is the founder of her eponymous brand (Adlinaanis.com), which offers stylish modest wear designed for Muslim women. Adlina has always been focused on innovation – she was the first in Singapore to offer a earphone-friendly hijab in 2013, as well as hijabs designed for sports, before mainstream sports brands caught on years later. The brand also sets itself apart with its assiduousness and painstaking attention to detail. “We care deeply about the quality of our products, and I think our customers appreciate that attention to detail and quality,” she says. “We don’t outsource anything, and…

“This isn’t a curry puff,” quips chef Francisco Araya as he sets a palm-sized empanada in front of us. In the low light of the 30-seater restaurant, tucked away on the first floor of The Mondrian hotel, it’s hard to tell if he’s teasing. Araya, Francisco’s eponymous fine-dining restaurant – the first in Singapore to focus on Chilean South Pacific cuisine – opened its doors in October. The 40-year-old chef and his partner, 36-year-old pastry chef Fernanda Guerrero, have been in Singapore for a little over three months. “People often assume that South America is one homogeneous continent. I believe this misconception extends to presumptions about South American food being uniform,” says Francisco, who has worked in fine dining restaurants in Spain, Japan and China, including the Michelin-starred 81 restaurant…

When it comes to packing my carry-on, I’m always at a loss. What are the essentials in your hand luggage for both short- and long-haul flights? A reusable water bottle. It seems simple, but staying hydrated during a flight is often overlooked. The air inside the cabin is typically dry, and passengers frequently forget to drink enough water, which can lead to dehydration and discomfort. Besides a water bottle, including a hydrating facial mist is a smart move. The low humidity in the plane cabin can leave your skin feeling parched. A quick spritz of a facial mist not only provides instant relief, but also helps in maintaining skin moisture throughout the flight. For those embarking on long-haul flights, prioritising sleep support is essential. One recommended item is a sleep…

1. Gucci Beauty Concentre De Beaute Liquid Concealer, $70 (8ml) Designed to be used as a concealer as well as a brightening highlighter, this lightweight formula has black rose oil, hyaluronic acid and acmella flower to condition the skin and provide coverage without emphasising dry patches. 2. Bifesta Micellar Cleansing Water Perfect Glow, $18.20 (400ml)Perfect for reviving tired, lacklustre complexion, this hard-working formula marries the pore-refining and brightening properties of vitamin C and yuzu extract with the makeup-removing benefits of micellar water. 3. Glow Recipe Pomegranate Peptide Firming Serum, $72 (30ml) This line-filling formula contains polypeptides (to stimulate collagen production), pomegranate (to fortify the skin barrier), and hyaluronic acid (to hydrate). 4. Lancome Idole Mascara, $60Smudgeproof and water-resistant for up to 24 hours, this new mascara from Lancome is a…

HAIR PETER LEE, USING GOLDWELL MAKEUP CLARENCE LEE, USING TARTE MODELS LINA AKINTIEVA/MANNEQUIN & KALYNSKYE/NOW MODEL MANAGEMENT…

French jewellery house Cartier may be synonymous with the Panthere de Cartier emblem, but its Grain de Cafe collection is just as exquisite. First unveiled in 1938 by creative director Jeanne Toussaint, the Grain de Cafe was embraced by Hollywood legends Grace Kelly and Audrey Hepburn. Today, the collection’s iconic coffee bean-inspired motif has been reimagined to capture the glamour of the French Riviera in the 1950s. Set with diamonds, the white gold Grain de Cafe necklace ($68,000) is crafted to capture the radiance of the sun-washed Mediterranean coastline, a popular playground of the well-heeled and glamorous. More than 30 craftsmen were involved, with over 60 prototypes created in the making of the collection.…