Innholdsfortegnelse for January 2024 i Her World Singapore

You know that saying, “Birds of a feather flock together”? As I grow older, I find this adage truer than ever. One of the biggest lessons for me in 2023 was to learn and accept that not everyone will be my biggest fan, and you know what? That’s totally okay. We can’t all be the whole world’s cup of tea – how boring would that be? Instead, surround yourself with the right people. The ones who believe in you, uplift you, and are there for you when you’re down and out. In the wise words of a popular meme, my goal for 2024 is simply this: Unbothered. Moisturised. Happy. In my lane. Focused. Flourishing. I wish you good vibes, and good vibes only. @BETHRLEE…

WHAT SHE SAID During my tenure as an investigative journalist at New Nation, a now-defunct English language newspaper, I was assigned to magazine publisher Times Periodicals to breathe new life into Her World. The magazine, first published in 1960, was once emblematic of household routines and traditional crafts, and seemed to have fallen behind newer and buzzier competitors. Before that, perusing women’s magazines hadn’t been part of my routine, so I looked at best-selling women’s magazines abroad. I found the glamorous US-based Cosmopolitan, helmed by then editor-in-chief Helen Gurley Brown, to be the perfect reference. Her idea that a woman could have it all resonated with me. A NEW VISION In 1977, I commenced the overhaul of Her World, ushering in a fresh image and content line-up. Our ambition was…

THE BRAND Former investigative journalist and TV producer Gaelle Drevet opened the brand’s flagship brick-and-mortar boutique in 2014 in New York City’s Lower East Side, before launching her online store in 2016. After living in NYC for 25 years, the Franco-American returned to Paris in 2017, and established her first Parisian store in the chic Marais neighbourhood. The brand quickly rose to fame with its directional designs that are elegant, minimal and androgynous. THE LOW-DOWN The popularity of The Frankie Shop soared after its online launch in 2014. According to The Business of Fashion, which coined it “Instagram’s Favourite Brand” in 2022, the brand yielded net sales of US$40 million ($53 million) that year. Gaelle’s philosophy has always been to design with longevity in mind, hence the conceptualisation of the…

1. Wool maxi coat, price unavailable, Naiomi Glasses x Polo Ralph Lauren Among the numerous fashion collaborations, one partnership that really resonated with me is the Polo Ralph Lauren x Naiomi Glasses capsule collection. Conceptualised via Ralph Lauren’s inaugural Artist-in-Residence programme, almost all of the collection’s 32 pieces incorporate elements from the work of Indigenous textile artist Naiomi Glasses. The renowned seventh-generation Dine weaver, who hails from the Navajo Nation of Rock Point in Arizona, hopes this collaboration will serve as a starting point for Indigenous artists and designers to share their pieces with the world. ralphlauren.com 2. 5AC Classique mini bag, $5,148.80, Maison Margiela On a recent trip to Tokyo, I spotted a Japanese lady carrying the 5AC Classique mini bag on the subway – and I’ve been…

1 What: Arc de Triomphe powder case (1945) Where (to find it): Time – Paris Why: After World War II, Van Cleef & Arpels paid tribute to Paris and its famous landmarks by creating a collection of clips, charm bracelets and precious objects. This powder case in yellow gold, and adorned with rubies, emeralds and diamonds, depicts two figures strolling down a street against the backdrop of the Arc de Triomphe, the famous monument that honours those who fought and died for France. 2 What: Bird clip and Walska pendant (1971-1972) Where (to find it): Time – Visibility Why:This impressive piece showcases a flying bird carrying a staggering 96.62-carat briolette-cut yellow diamond. One of the Maison’s special orders, it was once owned by socialite and opera singer Ganna Walska, who…

As the global chief DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion) officer at Shell PLC, Lyn Lee has had her fair share of foot-in-mouth moments. She was in London to speak at the 2021 Business Disability Forum Smart Awards, where Shell was a finalist. During the coffee break, another conference attendee asked her where the milk was. Without thinking twice, she pointed it out. “The waiter serving the beverage looked at me, and told me that the person who asked me was visually impaired,” she says with a sheepish smile. “For a split second, I felt embarrassed, like I was an imposter. I was attending a conference on disability inclusion, [with] the research that my organisation had sponsored. How could I have missed the nuance of a person who needed my help…

Daniel Savov is a Bulgarian based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. He’s been living in the region for almost a decade, and describes himself as a growth leader working with start-ups to help them scale across acquisition, retention and monetisation. For 12 years, the 35-year-old held a full-time job, working in marketing and then data, followed by product management, for various companies. It was only recently that he transitioned to consultancy and advisory gigs. Throughout his career, Daniel forged a strong understanding of company dynamics, and developed the skill of being able to pinpoint where companies needed to focus in order to grow. A few months ago, he was “matched” with a Singapore-based fintech company through Wizly, a growth management platform that specialises in fractional recruiting. Since then, he has been…

While sifting through a deluge of e-mails each morning, I often notice myself either holding my breath or taking shallow breaths. Initially, I thought it was a personal quirk, but I later discovered that several colleagues shared similar experiences. What could be the reason behind this phenomenon? This is something called screen apnea, a term I coined in 2007. I was doing daily morning breathing exercises before work. After these exercises, I’d check my e-mails, and I’d notice that my breathing had completely changed! In front of the screen, my breathing became more shallow, or I’d be holding my breath. As I observed myself and others, I could see that posture changes while sitting in front of a screen contributed to the problem. We are often more hunched over –…

You might currently be contemplating a New Year’s resolution – perhaps focusing on a healthier diet or getting more sleep. But have you considered adding your skin’s health to the list? After the indulgences of the end-of-year festivities, it might be a good time to cut back on the sweets and carb-heavy meals. Don’t get us wrong: An occasional indulgence is perfectly normal, but it can become problematic not only for your cholesterol levels, but also for your skin when you overdo it. When our body absorbs excess sugar, the production of collagen and elastin proteins in our skin become impaired. As a result, skin appears saggy, and you may even notice that your face looks greasier than usual as sebum production reaches an all-time high. Dehydration and rough skin…

The search for an optimal haircare routine has led many women to consider the benefits of silk pillowcases and hair accessories. Do these silk products truly make a difference, or are they just another overhyped trend? We ask Leonica Kei, founder and principal trichologist of Leonica K Trichology, and Shine Seetoh, marketing manager at Silky Miracle, a British lifestyle brand that specialises in mulberry silk apparel and home furnishing items for their insights. “The impact of friction caused by hair rubbing against your pillow can cause hair shafts to dry, weaken and break,” says Leonica. This effect is particularly noticeable in fine, thin, curly and longer hair. It’s a concern that affects not just adults, but even newborns, who often experience a “balding” phase at around three months old. To…

“One powerful way to encourage others is to recognise their potential. Doing so conveys that you believe in them, and see them for their best self. So, take effort to notice what others do well. For example, you can say: ‘I see how your all-rounded thinking makes our analysis more robust.’” – Yeo Chuen Chuen, managing director, Acesense Agile Leadership, and author of Leaders People Love “The impact of positive reinforcement is transformative through consistently guiding and uplifting, recognising strengths, and fostering a culture of support.” – Catherine Li-Yunxia, Global CEO & C-Suite coach “As a leader, you can create an environment where employees feel supported and aligned with the company’s goals by clearly communicating the ‘why’ behind tasks, having consistent check-ins, and being approachable. Regular meetings ensure workload optimisation…

At just 23, Iman Fandi has already dedicated almost a decade to being in front of the cameras as a model and singer-songwriter. Facing personal challenges, such as dyslexia and contending with hate comments from a young age, has undoubtedly added complexity to her journey. Iman Fandi is – for the most part of our conversation – open, honest and genuine. The 23-year-old lights up when we talk about her three cats: Two of them are short-haired black and white felines, and she has recently welcomed a cream Maine Coon kitten into the fold. She shares that she’s fuelled by numerous goals – one of which is to make her family proud – and has a penchant for embracing new challenges, despite the anxiety that comes with trying new things…

THE WINNING WHITE DRESS Consider ’90s-inspired, short and minimalist versions for your next white dress purchase. THE ESSENTIAL CROPPED JACKET Oversized silhouettes have been dominating the runways, but we have also observed a resurgence of cropped jackets last year. Prada started showcasing sportier versions in either nylon or denim that were perfect for day-to-day wear. Since then, they've maintained their popularity among street style aficionados. THE MIGHTY TANK TOP The versatility of the humble tank top continues to flourish as designers expand their creativity every season with interesting ways to style it – it’s no wonder that this foundational piece has earned a spot on our list. THE SEXY MINISKIRT The doyenne of fashion trends Miuccia Prada has consistently unveiled new miniskirts for Miu Miu in recent seasons – a…

Start with your sneakers Take it from us: The easiest way to dress down a tailored vest is with a pair of sneakers – the sportier-looking, the better. You can even wear a matching vest-and-trousers ensemble with a tank top underneath. Choose a relaxed fit A pair of linen shorts, a cute straw hat and a simple beaded necklace will quickly transform your office vest into a casual weekend outfit. Channel a sassy and sexy vibe Slip on a lacy black bra and throw on a vest. A pair of loose fit trousers and a minimalist but chunky chain give an androgynous touch. Go effortlessly posh The weekends are not always about dressing down in flip-flops and athleisure, especially if you’re heading out for a fancy champagne brunch. Here’s how…

Have you noticed that some brands like Hublot and Vacheron Constantin no longer categorise their watches according to gender? In fact, an increasing number of brands are releasing gender-neutral watches, perhaps in response to a two-fold market trend: Men are looking for smaller timepieces, and women are seeking oversized timepieces with heft. Here, we highlight collections that started as men’s only, and have come to be coveted by both genders. ICON OF OUR TIMES The word “icon” is bandied around too freely these days, but few watches can actually lay claim to that desired status. The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak is a bona fide icon. That was not the case when it was first launched in 1972. An exorbitantly expensive luxury watch made in steel, with visible gaskets and screws?…

When Christina Rasmussen signed on to work full-time with world-acclaimed restaurant Noma in Copenhagen in 2017, she never thought that her job as a forager would open her eyes to the ruinous impact of human activities on the environment. “There is this forest, Rude Skov, located on the outskirts of Copenhagen, where we sourced for ingredients. It’s a breathtaking place with thin, majestic trees. The following year, it was all cut down for a mountain bike trail. The impact was devastating – the once vibrant place turned barren,” recounts the 27-year-old, who left Noma in 2021, and joined Copenhagen-based dining group Ark Collection as general manager that same year. “My job as a forager was tied closely to seasonal changes, weather events, and human intervention. I’ve developed a deep relationship…

In the first quarter of 2024, venture capitalist Sharon Sim will be releasing her first book, titled Why Women Don’t Talk Money. Co-authored with her secondary school friend Serena Wong, the book features interviews and essays with Singapore’s most influential women from the finance, sports and arts industries about their relationship with money. “The book is more on the psychology of money, and how we deal with it. A lot of women don’t do enough investing, or don’t talk enough about what they want to do with their finances. I believe it’s something quite psychological, and it goes back to our childhood, as well as our relationships with our mums, dads, our husbands. All these relationships colour our feelings about money. “And these could be some of the reasons holding…

The bob is a timeless hairstyle that has spun off several variations over the decades. What’s currently trending is the Italian bob, which is more casual and bouncier. The cut was first seen on Italian singer and actor Raffaella Carra in the 1960s. The trend has taken over social media after hairstyling duo The Hair Bros made a viral video showcasing the hairstyle, which has been seen on the likes of Zendaya and Hailey Bieber. What is an Italian bob? According to Jerry Lin, chief director of Chez Vous: Private Space, the cut is typically chin length and characterised by subtle layers at the top, while the tips are slightly frayed and blunt, deviating from the regular bob’s one-length, gradually concave precision. One of the best things about an Italian…

At the recent Fashion Awards in London last month, actor, model and author Pamela Anderson showed up without a lick of makeup. This is not the first time the Baywatch star has chosen to go makeup-free on camera. Back in September 2023, she made waves at Paris Fashion Week with her bare face. Speaking to foreign news outlets, the 56-year-old describes discarding her heavy makeup as “freedom” and “a relief”, adding that she is “much more comfortable in my own skin”. Anderson’s decision to discard heavy makeup is part of a larger foundation-free movement that is rooted in skin positivity and self-acceptance. “I also am in an industry that really focuses on beauty. And I thought: I’m going to challenge beauty,” she says. “I want my skin to still look…

Eschewing the elaborate tea sets that have become synonymous with its porcelain ware, Hermes turns extravagance on its head with quirky drawings of French illustrator Jochen Gerner, whose work has been published by papers such as Le Monde and The New York Times. Inspired by the world of Parisian show jumping, motifs such as the horseshoe and jockey helmet appear as subtle and abstract emblems on plates, teapots, mugs, and saucers. A fun conversation starter for a tete-atete, anyone? Prices for the Saut Hermes collection start from $90 for a coffee cup.…

WHAT SHE SAID One minute he would be personable, sharing Netflix recommendations and places to check out over the weekend; the next, he would point out my tiniest mistakes and control my every move. He was gung-ho about offering direction, yet resistant to receiving advice. He wanted a say in how I crafted my e-mails and messages, even dictating the exact words to write in a Powerpoint slide. He chose who I had to spend my lunch hour with, and kept tabs on everything (down to my toilet breaks!). I disliked him, yet desperately craved his validation. He was my supervisor. And I spent close to two years in what in hindsight was a toxic relationship that allowed him to chip away at my self-worth, and ensnare me in a…

Trends from the ’90s have been dominating street style and the runways for a while now, but unlike the miniskirt, slip dress or low-rise bottom, the humble pencil skirt (often associated unfavourably with “corporate office attire”) has yet to have its moment – until now. Since appearing in the Fall 2023 runway shows, it is now trickling into the Resort 2024 season. Johanna Ortiz, Carolina Herrera and Coach are just some brands that have given it a new lease of life. Metallic versions seem to be one of the more popular iterations, seen at Johanna Ortiz, Diesel and Christopher Kane, who pushed the envelope further with a fur-trimmed version. Combining two ’90s trends together, Korean-born, London-based designer Eudon Choi experimented with a low-waist style. For something more feminine and grown-up,…

Few fashion curators can say that their work has served as a source of inspiration for one of the biggest fashion houses in the world. When Dior’s creative director Maria Grazia Chiuri attended the exhibition, Frida Kahlo: Beyond Appearances at the Fashion Museum Palais Galliera in Paris in 2022, she was so enamoured with what she saw that she rang its curator up. “She loved the show, and was truly inspired and moved by it. She called me to collaborate with her on her Dior Cruise Collection 2024, and asked me to help her work with Mexican artisans,” says Circe Henestrosa, head of the School of Fashion at Lasalle College of the Arts, and University of the Arts Singapore. It wasn’t the only time her work had caught Maria’s eye.…

Are you considering a career change? You’re not alone. According to a recent global survey by recruitment agency Apollo Technical, 32 per cent of those aged between 25 and 44 have considered a career change in 2023. However, a career change is an important undertaking, and not one to be taken on a whim, says Olga Valadon, a career strategist and founder of leadership, strategy and culture consultancy Change Aligned. Whether you are changing industries, moving from full-time to freelance work, or pursuing an entrepreneurship, here are three key questions to ask yourself: Why are you driving this career change? Utilise assessment tools to gain a more objective perspective. Even taking personality assessments, such as Myers-Briggs or DISC (Dominance, Influence, Steadiness, Conscientiousness), can help you understand your preferred work style…

Picture this: You’re getting on well with a colleague over drinks when she confides in you her salary, and asks if you’re comfortable sharing yours. What do you do? There has been ample research stating that salary transparency – the act of disclosing one’s salary – has played a crucial role in helping workplaces bridge the gender pay gap. It helps job applicants and employees determine whether they are being fairly compensated in line with both industry and company standards. In 2022, a study published in the journal Nature Human Behaviouranalysed the salaries of 100,000 academics over 20 years. The salaries were made public online, an action that resulted in the gender pay gap improving by almost 50 per cent. It was found that in response to transparency shocks, institutions…

“I first started tracking my moods around mid-2020, as I noticed that they were really affected by the lockdowns during the pandemic,” says Jean Ong, a 25-year-old accountant. She keeps tabs on her daily moods by using a self-drawn template in her planner to log her emotions. “By keeping track of my moods, I’ve discovered which routines affect them, and I can make small improvements in my life.” Studies indicate that tracking one’s mood can heighten an individual’s awareness and active self-regulation of their emotional well-being. According to a 2018 research paper by American Medical Informatics Association, maintaining a positive mood yields positive outcomes, such as improvements in cardiovascular, hormonal and immune functions. It also fosters better sleep and exercise habits, as well as promotes open-minded thinking and effective problem-solving.…

Situated at the end of a cavernous corridor in an industrial building, Pelangi Pride Centre (PPC) is housed in an unremarkable unit, save for a small pride flag plastered on the glass door. For many in the queer community here, the library and resource centre is a familiar name. PPC – “pelangi” means rainbow in Malay – was set up in 2003 by LGBTQ+ activists Benedict Thambiah, Roger Winder, Charmaine Tan, Eileena Lee and Dinesh Naidu, who wanted to create a daytime venue where people could gather for free. At its current location in One Commonwealth, PPC is hosted by Free Community Church, an inclusive Christian congregation known for openly welcoming LGBTQ+ individuals. “It was primarily focused on creating a safe space for LGBTQ+ individuals. At that time, such spaces…

1. Aesop Bar Soap, $29 Suitable for the hands and body, it will leave your skin feeling smooth and supple with a subtle, soothing scent. Available in two variants: Refresh (rosemary leaf, cedar atlas and lavender stem) and Nurture (bergamot rind, ylang ylang and lime). 2. Make Up For Ever HD Skin Concealer, $50 High coverage yet barely detectable, it’s the perfect formula for no-makeup makeup days when you want to conceal blemishes or an uneven skin tone without wearing foundation. It is formulated with skin-loving ingredients such as hydrating hyaluronic acid and jojoba oil. Comes in 22 shades. 3. Nishane Wulong Cha X Extrait de Parfum, from $343 Citrusy bergamot, yuzu, litsea and mandarin are teamed with creamy magnolia to power this green fragrance from Turkish brand Nishane. Thyme…

One of the easiest ways to elevate your daily skincare routine is to incorporate a facial tool or device. Whether it’s a gua sha massager or LED device, these tools can help to improve the appearance and health of skin. Like with most things in skincare, your at-home gadgets work best when used with the right topical products. To help you take the guesswork out of choosing a gadget-skincare combination that works for you, here are five of our favourite facial toning devices and massagers, and the skincare products to pair them with. 1. Sisley Ginkgo Gua Sha, $180 Made with a naturally cooling metal alloy, zamac, this luxurious gua sha tool is inspired by the shape of the key ingredient, ginkgo biloba leaf, found in Sisley’s products. It perfectly…