Innholdsfortegnelse for August 2024 i Her World Singapore

One of the most romantic things I learnt in school was that we are all made of stardust. As strange as it may sound, this is scientifically attributed to the fact that our human bodies are made up of elements like oxygen, carbon, hydrogen, lithium and more, which are found in the stars. It was through this same elective course that I discovered the existence of supernovas. In a nutshell, stars are formed when lumps of gas start gathering and combusting, causing a nuclear reaction at its core. Bigger stars use up more fuel quickly, and when they go supernova by exploding powerfully, their remnants scatter across the galaxy, in turn seeding a new generation of stars. This beautiful imagery is especially poignant for me as I grieve the sudden…

J.M3 @jm3usic The rapper who’s challenging gender cliches J.M3 (pronounced as Jamie) is a versatile singer-rapper fluent in both English and Mandarin Chinese. She embraces a fluid approach when it comes to her musical genre, blending diverse elements and styles to challenge stereotypes about female rappers. What’s a personal goal you’ve set for yourself this year? To constantly be better at my work! I am always working to make my next music better than my last, and to feel that I got to express what I intended wholly. I’ve also made a lot of effort promoting overseas, but I want to introduce myself to Singapore more. I haven’t had the chance to perform a show overseas yet, so I hope to get to do that before the year ends. Can…

1. Brooklyn leather bag 39, $950, Coach Thanks to Bella Hadid, I’ve found a work bag that’s practical, chic and stylish all at once. Coach is dropping its latest Fall 2024 bag, known as the Brooklyn, this month, and it comes in two sizes. I love its simplicity, the trending hobo shape (which is also an all-time classic), and the attractive price. While it’s designed to be a workhorse, it still looks polished and pretty on your day off. I just adore how Bella styles the bag with chunky gold bangles and a cute tank top. 2. Chanel Premiere Sound watch, $21,450 The Premiere Sound watch has been Chanel’s best-selling timepiece since its 1987 debut. This year, it has been reimagined as a versatile three-in-one accessory, in the form of…

Marketer Ailsa Tan describes herself as the “weird” boss who would tell her employees at The Boutique Agency to go home if they had no looming deadlines – no matter if the day had just begun. “When we would get stuck creatively, I would chase people out of the office to do an activity that would spark their creativity, whether it’s going to the movies or heading home for a bath. Many people could not understand that because it broke the traditional business model, but I believe that it’s the results that matter. Sometimes, the best work we can do is not behind a desk.” When she left for a different organisation, she implemented a WFH routine once a week there. This was pre-pandemic, and long before WFH became ubiquitous…

195 PEARL’S HILL TERRACE: A THRIVING ARTS ENCLAVE This tranquil hilltop building is more than just a hidden gem – it houses a vibrant and eclectic community. However, plans to redevelop this enclave into a housing estate mean it could all disappear by 2026. Here, we spotlight the unique businesses and people that make Pearl’s Hill Terrace special. An eccentric array of statues and sculptures are placed randomly at various corners and in the courtyard of a conservation building (which used to house the Sikh Contingent of the Straits Settlement Police). Posters and cheery graffiti art cover its walls, and a DIY zen garden sits in front of a cosy Japanese-inspired cafe. Welcome to 195 Pearl’s Hill Terrace (195 PHT), a ground-up arts enclave situated at the foot of the…

1. Lancome Idole Tint, $40 Perfect for makeup beginners, this neutral-hued liquid eyeshadow offers good colour pay-off in just one swipe. The range is available in both matte and iridescent shimmer finish, so you can create a variety of makeup looks: from a light wash of colour on the lids to a statement-making smoky eye. 2. Augustinus Bader The Tinted Balm, $66 Critically acclaimed director Sofia Coppola has collaborated with science-backed skincare brand Augustinus Bader to create a trio of universally flattering lip balms. Formulated with the brand’s signature TFC8 (Trigger Factor Complex) – a mix of natural amino acids, high-grade vitamins and synthesised molecules naturally found in skin – they impart an alluring veil of colour while nourishing your lips. 3. Romi Skin Oasis Serum Mist, $22 Created for…

We know all about looking after our face with a plethora of skincare products and makeup to enhance our best qualities. But what about the rest of our body? Imagine having silky-smooth, toned and blemish-free skin on often-neglected areas like your hands, elbows, bust and stomach. Your routine shouldn’t just be about lathering on layers of creams or gels – it should involve making smart choices in selecting the right products, and addressing the specific issues you want to correct or improve. To make the most of your body care routine, we have curated a selection of products that promise the most effective results for specific areas of your skin. THE LITTLE THINGS Enjoy a few moments of pleasure as you let Dior beauty J’adore Les Adorables Shower Gel ($95,…

“What truly sets [metalcore musician] Aaron Devoy apart is a tenacity fuelled by an unapologetic passion for his craft. On stage, Aaron’s showmanship and energy captivate audiences, making each performance unforgettable. At just 22, he exhibits a sagacity that I admittedly lacked at his age. This blend of youthful energy and seasoned insight makes him not just a musician to watch, but a force to be reckoned with in the music industry.” – Inch Chua, singer, songwriter and musician “I watched actor Izzul Irfan perform in The Desert Blooms: A List of Queer Singaporean Plays from the 1980s and 1990s, and was blown away. Whatever character he was playing, whether it required gravitas, campiness, wryness or lightness of touch, he did it with such depth and connectedness. He has such…

A whopping 94 per cent of plastic waste goes unrecycled in Singapore, but 29 year-old Oh Chu Xian has a vision for creating a more sustainable environment here. The founder of Magorium, a deep tech start-up that converts plastic waste into a material called NEWBitumen to build roads, is committed to building a sustainable future by enabling businesses and developers to dispose of their plastic waste responsibly, quickly and affordably. This novel technology processes various types of plastic, including those that are contaminated. Chu Xian is no stranger to the road construction industry as she is familiar with her family’s 50-year-old business of producing materials to build and pave roads. In fact, she was already involved in researching the new technology eight years ago. However, convincing industry veterans of its…

CHIC CHECKS Give the checked shirt a new lease of life by styling it with a full midi skirt and heels, as seen at Bottega Veneta. WORK DENIMS The key to nailing the look of a relaxed business suit is to throw on a tie over a crisp white shirt, and pair it with a dark-coloured denim jacket and jeans, a la Dior. STRONG AND FEMININE Of course you can wear a sexy lingerie-inspired slip dress to the office. Follow Stella McCartney’s cue and layer it with a masculine, oversized blazer, and you’re all set.…

It’s the small things that count. The morning before we arrived at Susan Peh’s office for this photo shoot, she sent me a text message: “I’ve prepared light tea snacks for you and your crew (yes, some gluten free)”. I was touched that she remembered my dietary restriction, given that the last time we had caught up for lunch was a year ago. In addition, this had been a particularly busy period for the 61-year-old lawyer and mother of three. She had just become a grandmother in June 2024, on top of renovating her house, juggling her work and pro bono activities, sitting on the board of various charities, and being the primary caregiver for her parents, aged 88 and 97. For now, her life revolves around caring for them,…

I feel an intense need for closeness, but push my partner away when he gets too close. Is it normal to feel this conflicted? There are two types of attachment styles: secure and insecure. Under insecure attachment styles, there are anxious (or ambivalent), avoidant-dismissive, and disorganised attachment styles. A disorganised attachment style, also known as a fearful-avoidant attachment style, is characterised by an extreme desire for intimacy while simultaneously fearing it. Those with this attachment style long for intimacy and become overly anxious if their partner appears distant. However, they may also feel fearful and distance themselves from their partner. This disorganised response is due to an extreme fear of being hurt and abandoned, typically caused by adverse childhood experiences or childhood developmental trauma. It is normal to feel a…

Using sunscreen is extremely important to protect our skin from the harmful effects of the sun’s UV rays. You can choose from sunscreen variations such as lotions, sprays and sticks, with each of them available in different levels of sun protection, or even with formulas that are water-resistant. “Stick sunscreen is convenient and portable, making it easy to carry, and reducing the risk of spills,” says Dr Lai Wen Shen of Mizu Aesthetic Clinic. “It is simple to use even when your hands are dirty, and does not leave them feeling slippery or greasy afterwards. It also allows for precise application, and tends to be less greasy, providing a comfortable feel for daily use. “In contrast, cream sunscreen is easier to apply uniformly across large areas, offering thorough coverage. It…

Gone are the days when injectable aesthetic treatments were a hush-hush affair. Today, as more influencers and personalities share their experiences on social media, many of us are more open to considering fillers and Botox. Dr Rachel Ho, medical director of La Clinic, is seeing more patients in their early 20s considering Botox and fillers because “they’re concerned about wrinkles and sagging, and they want to take a proactive approach [in preventing these]”. “Young adults require lower doses of Botox, and if it’s done early and properly, they will require lesser amounts to do the same job in the future,” says Dr Lynn Chiam, senior consultant dermatologist of Children and Adult Skin Hair Laser Clinic. A person with older skin will need a larger volume and denser filler to achieve…

At only 23, Shareefa Aminah, better known as Shazza, has notched quite a few achievements under her belt, including a video of her singing with Canadian pop duo Crash Adams going viral overnight, and getting a nod from Coldplay frontman Chris Martin at their concert earlier this year. The local singer-songwriter tells us her story. Shazza appeared on a billboard at the iconic Times Square in New York City last August ( just two days before her birthday) – probably making her the first hijab-wearing Singapore singer to do so. Last year, she was named Berita Harian’s Young Achiever of the Year in November. These feats are “a dream come true” for Shazza, who has been dabbling in music for 12 years now. Her passion for music seems only natural,…

I first noticed the halterneck style making a comeback on the runways thanks to the genius of Matthieu Blazy of Bottega Veneta. In his Spring/Summer 2023 collection, Blazy showcased sophisticated halter fringed dresses in bright orange and turquoise as his finale looks. Since then, brands like Burberry, Saint Laurent, and Chloe have followed suit, solidifying the return of the halterneck trend. Halternecks used to get a bad rap for decades, largely due to Paris Hilton, who was the poster child of party-girls-gone-wild in the 2000s. These “going out tops” were often seen as tasteless and tacky. However, the landscape is changing, and the silhouette is getting a much-needed chic makeover, as seen in the recent Pre-Fall 2024 collections. Looking for an evening halter dress? Givenchy and Burberry offer plenty of…

BAG WARDROBE: A room in a three-storey house WANG WAN TING 36, banker Renovating the home of her dreams may have taken about two and a half years, but the wait was well worth it – especially considering how Wang Wan Ting envisioned the space for her walk-in wardrobe, which is situated directly in front of the lift entrance on the second floor. “The space is my dream sanctuary, and I couldn’t be happier,” she says of the wardrobe that houses her extensive luxury bag collection, showcased on specially built shelves to create a boutique-like experience. During the ideation stage, Wan Ting shared with her interior designers that she wanted a bag wardrobe to accommodate her growing collection. They conceptualised a design that catered to bags of varying heights, with plenty…

Conducted annually, Her World’s What Women Want survey provides an in-depth perspective on the pressing issues and needs of career women in Singapore. This year’s focus on career, compensation and workplace culture offers valuable insights into the challenges and aspirations of professional women. As organisations strive to attract and retain top talent, understanding these priorities becomes essential. This snapshot from our survey reveals that while salary increases are a welcome development, the broader spectrum of compensation, including perks, benefits and work-life balance, is equally crucial. These findings are just one of many insights from this year’s What Women Want survey, where we explored readers’ perspectives on career and workplace issues. With 825 answers from working women aged largely between 30 and 49, the survey gives us a peek into the…

With elevated inflation rates grabbing the headlines in the last two years, you might be wondering, will my Central Provident Fund (CPF) savings be enough for my golden years? If you’re under the age of 55, your CPF Ordinary Account (OA) savings earn 2.5 per cent interest per annum (p.a.), while your Special Account (SA) balances earn 4.08 per cent. Inflation, however, is projected to range from 2.5 to 3.5 per cent for 2024; last year, it hit 4 per cent, outpacing real median income growth for certain wage groups. Even if inflation eases, with growing longevity and changes to the CPF system, it may be wise for all of us to reconsider how we are planning for retirement, and adjust our investment strategies. Under the CPF Investment Scheme (CPFIS),…

Each fashion season, a particular trend emerges and captures everyone’s attention. This Spring/Summer 2024, the trending colour is butter yellow. Its soft yet warm tone subtly injects an uplifting mood into your look. The colour was spotted on the runways of Bottega Veneta, 3.1 Phillip Lim and Jacquemus. Stars including Rihanna, Shu Qi and Fann Wong were also seen wearing butter yellow pieces in recent months. As this particular hue is less intense and not as warm as other yellow tones, it works well for most skin tones. However, if you have an olive skin tone, bolder and brighter shades would be more complimentary, according to Jenny Goh, makeup artist at 2AM Makeup Studio. “For first-timers, butter yellow eyeshadow can be applied on the centre of the eyelids as the…

Many of us have a signature scent. It’s that one fragrance we reach for that encapsulates our personality. While it used to take years of trial and error to pick a signature scent – sometimes even having a scent we didn’t necessarily like at first grow on us – the way we are choosing one has changed dramatically. And it’s all thanks to the influence of social media. The existence of #Perfumetok has reimagined and remarketed the idea of a signature scent for a new generation of perfume connoisseurs. The flooding of perfume content on social media sites has encouraged more experimentation among consumers, and introduced a suite of fragrances to people who might not have access to them. And with over 400,000 posts with the #Perfumetok hashtag, social media…

Not just a spot for precious artefacts, the Asian Civilisations Museum (ACM) has reinvented itself as a space for celebrating local and regional talents in fashion and the arts. The museum’s latest exhibition, #SGFashionNow, showcases works by Singapore fashion designers – from Andrew Gn to Youths in Balaclava – on the first floor. Venture upstairs to Level 3 for an exquisite display of jewellery by Singapore jewellery designers and labels. We have our eye on this gold and diamond Peranakan-style Bird of Paradise brooch by Foundation Jewellers. The original version of this was worn by the late Queen Elizabeth II. Crafted by Singapore-based jeweller Thomis Kwan, it was a Diamond Jubilee gift to the Queen from Singapore Government in 2012. #SGFashionNow and #SGJewelleryNow are showing at the ACM from now…