Innholdsfortegnelse for January 2025 i Her World Singapore

It’s customary to start the new year with fresh goals and perspectives, but with an increasingly unpredictable global climate, the outlook for 2025 appears murky at best. Throughout history, humanity has turned to an age-old practice – divination – for assurance and hope. In fact, influential figures like Queen Elizabeth I and Italian polymath Galileo Galilei were said to have turned to stargazing for guidance. It’s an enduring craft: According to Allied Market Research, the global astrology market was valued at $12.8 billion in 2021, and is expected to hit $22.8 billion by 2031. While divine predictions are far from scientific, it provides a fun and light-hearted way to seek validation and encouragement when we need it the most. Today, AI tools offer a fresh approach. Enter the age of…

When we meet Xenia for this interview, it’s impossible not to start with the topic everyone’s talking about: her relationship with fellow actor Shawn Thia. Fresh from their star-studded wedding, the couple are in the thick of moving into their first marital home – a five-room resale flat in Ang Mo Kio – a milestone that’s unfolding in real-time as we speak (this interview takes place on their moving day). The newly-weds first met on the set of Fresh Takes! in 2019, and their initial impressions of each other weren’t the best. Shawn felt that Xenia was a little arrogant, while she mistakenly thought that he batted for the other team. It wasn’t exactly a storybook beginning. Xenia admits, with refreshing candour, that Shawn didn’t fit her idea of a…

A HINT OF VINTAGE CHARM Take a leaf out of Alessandro Michele’s Valentino Resort 2025 lookbook by accessorising a leopard print skirt suit with granny-inspired details like a pretty hair clip, bows and good ol’ classic pearls. PRETTY CUTE Not ready for a full leopard look? Stick to small details like a leopard print trimmed jacket or skirt. If you’re feeling fancy, take notes from Sabrina Carpenter and finish the look with a leopard print trimmed hat for that pin-up girl vibe. CASUAL GLAM A head-to-toe leopard print look can still be chic, as long as you’re discerning with your accessories – simplicity is key, which means minimalist shoes and jewellery. OFFICE-APPROPRIATE STYLE Yes, you can look professional in an office setting with a loud animal print. Just keep your…

SALINA CHAI, 30 Entrepreneur and digital content creator @salinachai A multi-hyphenate entrepreneur, digital content creator, and fashion influencer, Salina’s style is a blend of classic elegance and contemporary minimalism. As the co-founder of Margo & Smith, a luxury bag restoration atelier, she possesses a deep understanding of craftsmanship and the enduring value of quality accessories. Chanel clutch with chain, $6,230 (on her) “Mini bags are always a win, but a cute clutch with a chain? There’s something so playful and quirky about the shape, it’s like a little handbag with a personality. It just makes everything feel extra fun and fresh. I can picture the perfect outfit – white jeans, a sleek black tank top, and this little bag worn as a crossbody.” 1. Louis Vuitton Slim Trunk, $4,350 “I’m…

Last November, the Singapore Government introduced the Workplace Fairness Bill, aimed at addressing discriminatory practices in hiring, appraisals and dismissals. It targets unfair practices by prohibiting employers from basing hiring decisions on factors such as nationality, race, gender, pregnancy, disabilities or mental health. According to The Straits Times, these issues represent 95 per cent of workplace discrimination complaints submitted to the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) and the Tripartite Alliance for Fair and Progressive Employment Practices. If passed by 2026 or 2027, the bill will introduce merit-based hiring practices, and create a safer environment for employees to report discrimination without fear of retaliation. ADDRESSING GENDER BIASES In 2023, The World Bank Group’s Gender Data Portal reported that 61.6 per cent of females in Singapore participated in the labour force. This context…

In a cultural pivot from the party-hard ethos of Millennials during the mid-noughties, Gen Zs are redefining what it means to maximise their youth with their sleep. Through Tiktok videos promising better health, Gen Zs are now taking things up a notch with a new obsession: “sleepmaxxing”. They are sharing tips such as reducing their evening light exposure to lessen circadian misalignment, investing in high-tech sleep trackers, and chugging their own blend of “sleepy girl” mocktails made with a mix of cherry juice or sparkling water and magnesium – all in the hopes of falling asleep quickly. But why are they trading late-night escapades for early bedtimes? With constant screen time and digital engagement, Zoomers are finding it harder to get a restful night of sleep, which has led to…

Luxury lipsticks are becoming more common these days. Besides the beauty brands that are producing them, well-known international fashion brands have now expanded their product offerings to include their own line of prestige makeup. “They are the additional extensions to the fashion houses,” says makeup artist Larry Yeo. Besides giving a weighted feeling, which in turn gives users “a sense of ‘value’”, Larry finds that “the winning textures of luxury lipsticks are similar to how a luxurious fabric feels on the skin”. Luxury lipsticks are also defined by the brand’s attention to detail when it comes to product design – “From how the cap closes and the accompanying click sound, to how smooth the lipstick turns when you uncap it,” according to Larry. Before you shop for your next investment-worthy…

It’s time for a change – and by “change”, we mean glow up! Let 2025 be the year you give your beauty routine a refresh, whether it’s for aesthetic reasons or just because you want to try something different. Here’s our guide to achieve this stylish transformation in five ways. Oxygen facials Intraceuticals oxygen treatments have been a favourite of celebrities such as Kim Kardashian and Miley Cyrus, and they’ve now made their way to Singapore. These facials use hyperbaric oxygen infusion to send luxurious vitamin- and nutrient-rich serums into skin. With the combination of oxygen under pressure and cutting-edge technology, the specially formulated serums are delivered to skin more effectively and efficiently. The method increases skin’s absorption of active ingredients, with a boost to skin’s healing, while offering added…

Botox used to have a bad rap in the past. Has that changed? When Botulinum Toxin A treatment (or BTA) was first introduced in the early 2000s, it was often associated with what we referred to as the frozen “Hollywood Housewives” look. Back then, BTA was administered through fewer injection sites and at higher doses, which could paralyse the facial muscles entirely such that the patient would not be able to animate. Fortunately, BTA formulations (like Nabota, which is an officially approved high-purity BTA from Korea) and their applications have evolved significantly in the last two decades. These days, doctors inject across more injection sites and use less product per site, which makes for more subtle, natural-looking effects. Why choose BTA treatment? BTA has been officially approved by the Singapore…

ELIZABETH LEE, editor-in-chief The Her World editor and full-time shopaholic is an INFJ, and considers herself a textbook Capricorn in a lot of ways. She also hopes to manage her finances more wisely in 2025. SHAZRINA SHAMSUDIN, senior digital writer This sleep-deprived younger millennial navigates life one day at a time with her quirky sense of humour. To ground herself, she finds balance through the rush of endorphins from a good workout, and the comfort of cuddling her beloved cat. CHELSIA TAN, senior features editor Mother of three cats, but master of none. The straight-shooting Aries is single as a Pringle. Is she looking for love? Maybe. But is she hopeful? Hardly. CHERYL CHAN, digital editor A 365 party girl on the outside and indoor cat on the inside –…

The utilitarian trend is a perennial favourite among the fashion cognoscenti, so reinventing it season after season can feel tired and overdone. While there are many trends to highlight this season, our interest has been piqued by Tory Burch’s take on the utilitarian trend – unfussy and infused with unplanned elegance. She continues to expand her design language to focus on the allure of opposites: retro and modern, classic and quirky, feminine and masculine. Standouts in the collection follow typical utilitarian codes that are loaded with form and function. Her funnel neck shackets (a combination of a shirt and jacket) with exposed snaps, workwear D-rings and oversized pockets hit all the marks, and pair perfectly with the cargo pants – meticulously engineered to have a distinct slouch – which as…

PLAYING PUNK The bubble-hem dress may be reminiscent of an ’80s prom dress, but when rendered in plaid and paired with boots, it takes on an edgier appeal. SPORTY BUSINESS Coperni’s striped sports jersey-inspired top paired with a teeny-weeny bubble-hem miniskirt is cool and casual all at once. DOUBLE UP Nicolas Ghesquiere took a more experimental route with a ruched two-tiered bubble skirt for Louis Vuitton’s Resort 2025 collection.…

The allure of jewellery is undeniable. It adorns, it accentuates, and it elevates. Building a jewellery collection is a journey similar to that of collecting art – it can be as unique and personal as the pieces themselves. But what you need to focus on is laying a good foundation, and that requires you to define your personal style. Do you prefer classic pieces or bold jewellery? Understanding your aesthetic and lifestyle will help you make informed decisions about the types of pieces you should invest in. Look for designs that effortlessly transition between work and social settings, offering both practicality and elegance. If you’re constantly on the go, you may want to opt for fuss-free, everyday pieces like a tennis bracelet or a statement ring from Boucheron’s iconic Quatre…

A freshly painted, baby pink facade sits among a row of shophouses in Holland Village. Located among restaurants, hair salons and a fitness studio is a space dedicated to new and expecting mothers. Madam Partum, a women’s health traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) clinic that opened its latest outlet two months ago, is already attracting a regular stream of women seeking treatments for pre- and post-partum issues. Among its clientele are celebrities and influencers such as actor Joanne Peh, social media personality Naomi Neo, and Rachel Lim, co-founder of Singapore fashion label Love, Bonito. It is the brainchild of Yen Lim, the second generation business owner of Chien Chi Tow, a chain of TCM clinics that was initially founded as a martial arts institute in 1969. “My father (founder Lim Choon…

1. Glow Recipe Blackberry Retinol Blemish Serum, $78 A potent 0.16 retinoid blend (retinyl ester, retinol and retinal), blackberry extract, glycerin and ectoin work hand in hand to speed up cellular turnover, while decongesting skin and reducing signs of ageing such as wrinkles and fine lines. 2. Rare Beauty True to Myself Tinted Pressed Finishing Powder, $52 Like a beauty filter, this finely milled formula nixes shine to give you that smooth, blurred finish. Designed to be worn with or without foundation, the powder offers a subtle wash of coverage to even out your skin tone. Comes in 12 shades. 3. Acqua di Parma Luce di Rosa Eau de Parfum, from $220 This contemporary take on the classic rose scent uses the freshness of noble rose harvested from Bulgaria and…

With so many different products available in the market these days, beauty companies are facing fierce competition, especially when it comes to getting consumers’ attention. One of the quickest ways to get our buy-ins is through pretty packaging and strong marketing. Having said that, not all beauty products boast Insta-worthy designs, but that doesn’t mean that they don’t deliver on the promises they make. Here, five beauty insiders share beauty finds that have proved to them that having a time-tested formula is more important than how a product looks on the outside. ANDA Content creator @andathesea Nizoral Anti-Dandruff Shampoo, $15.60 “I’ve tried it and this really helps clear dandruff in a few washes! It also fixes the issue, which prevents future itchy scalp. I highly recommend it to those who…

I never imagined that I’d find myself in such a compromising position. Perched precariously on the edge of a flimsy, foldable chair in six-inch platform heels, I gripped the brass pole with one hand and attempted a sexy body wave that ended up looking more like the Kallang Wave instead. My dance partner, a woman in her 50s, smiled at me encouragingly as I tried to avoid face-planting. I started my new pole dancing hobby over two months ago. In search of a more challenging workout on top of my regular yoga and barre classes, I signed up for a trial and was instantly hooked. What I didn’t expect was for pole dancing to become more than just a way to stay in shape. It has introduced me to an…

With Virginie Viard leaving Chanel after three decades, the appointment of Matthieu Blazy at Chanel, and Louise Trotter as Blazy’s successor at Bottega Veneta after exiting Carven, there are plenty of hits to secure from their last collections. 1. High-neck crepe wool dress, Carven If you’re a fan of Trotter, you should definitely invest in some key pieces from her Carven collection. After her nine-year tenure at English fashion label Joseph, Trotter really carved out a niche with her menswear-influenced designs based on a fuss-free uniform for working women. Some winners include the signature funnel dresses and tops, the curved shoulder and nipped waist tunic dresses, tailored trousers (her Joseph trousers have reached cult status), and padded nappa leather flats. 2. Sardine lambskin bag with sculptural metallic top handle, $6,410,…

Louis Vuitton and Takashi Murakami first came together about 20 years ago for what was to be an industry-defining collaboration. Today, the 169-year-old French luxury goods giant and the 62-year-old Japanese artist proudly revisit that moment in history with Louis Vuitton × Murakami, a joyful and comprehensive re-edition that reimagines and updates the original collection. The original collaboration, initiated in 2003 under Marc Jacobs’ tenure as Vuitton’s artistic director, was revolutionary at the time for bringing contemporary art into the luxury fashion sphere, challenging the notion that high-end fashion had to be traditional and understated. Its pop/manga styling of some of the Parisian brand’s iconic bags and accessories has transcended both time and trends, hotly coveted then, then collected and cherished subsequently. It was the mother of all collaborations, its…

CARTIER TANK LOUIS CARTIER, $18,000 Designed in 1917, the “Tank Louis Cartier” luxury watch sets the standard for all Tank watch models. Louis Cartier, who wore the watch himself, took inspiration from the purity of lines to create a new watch shape. The two parallel brancards continue to be an established signature of the Tank watch PATEK PHILIPPE TWENTY~4 4910/1200A-001, $23,500 Patek Philippe’s Twenty~4 is an elegant dress watch created in 1999, and comes in diamond-set rose gold or stainless steel versions. The 180-year-old brand is the last family-owned independent watch manufacturer in Geneva, which means it has total creative freedom to design, produce and assemble what experts agree to be some of the finest timepieces in the world. JAEGER-LECOULTRE REVERSO ONE DUETTO, $19,600 The first Reverso was invented in…

THE EXPERTS • SAMANTHA TAN HR business partner of employment platform, Seek • JULIE LEE Fractional chief human resources officer and founder of Excellia, a human resources consultancy From doing things in a “very demure, very mindful” manner to justifying your shopping buys with “girl math”, or getting the latest beauty products because “Tiktok made me buy it”, the social media platform has created several viral trends. It’s also full of well-intentioned people giving advice about various topics. #Advicetok alone has 71.5K posts covering tips on skincare, dating and relationships, and other life matters. Another popular subject on the platform? Career advice. We know the job market can be tough these days. A Ministry of Manpower report showed that while there was a drop in overall unemployment rates and retrenchments…

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is often understood as a disorder of attention – characterised by symptoms of hyperactivity or impulsivity – but it is much more complex than that. Many individuals experience symptoms that can impair relationships and lead to underperformance in school, work and life – ultimately resulting in lost potential. Common co-occurring conditions include anxiety, depression and other neurodevelopmental disorders, such as dyslexia and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). When a person with ADHD has inconsistent attention, it can significantly impact their ability to execute tasks or engage in goal-directed behaviour. Examples include difficulties with focus, time management and staying organised. WORKING WITH ADHD The ADHD brain wiring comes with many strengths – including the ability to hyperfocus on tasks that are interesting or novel – enabling individuals…

You might have come across skincare products with retinal as an ingredient and wondered if your eyes are playing tricks on you. While it does sound extremely similar to retinol, these two ingredients are different in several ways, even though they are both types of retinoids – Vitamin A derivatives widely used in skincare. Dr Melinda Goh from S Aesthetics Clinic says that retinoids target retinoic acid receptors in the skin, offering anti-ageing and regenerative benefits. Both retinal (retinaldehyde) and retinol reduce fine lines, wrinkles, discolouration and acne, but they are different in several ways. “Retinal converts to retinoic acid faster than retinol, making it more efficient,” explains Dr Goh. “They vary in potency too – retinal is stronger due to its quicker conversion, but this also makes it more…

LIFE IN PLASTIC Keep all eyes on your chocolate brown pout and opt for subtle, neutral shadows on your peepers. Clumped, doll-like lashes and manga-style eyeliner are not mandatory, but highly recommended. COLOURING BOOK Just like the colour pencils you played with as a child, the possibilities are endless with Trait d’Hermes lip and eye pencils (from $85). Taking cues from the House’s iconic silk swatches and leather hues, the creamy long-wearing pencils come in 40 shades (a mix of vibrant colours and wearable neutrals), and are made of sustainable wood. HANGING OUT Extra-long, coffin-shaped nails are statement-making on their own, but a high-shine chrome finish and colourful dangling embellishments and appliques make for an even more showstopping look. DRESS THE PART The easiest way to elevate a ponytail is…

Celebrate the new year with Dom Perignon’s Vintage 2015 Special Edition, which pays tribute to Neo-Expressionist artist Jean-Michel Basquiat. Inspired by Basquiat’s In Italian (1983), it features a set of three boxes that displays the full artwork when placed together. Offering a sensory journey with notes of roasted cocoa, delicate florals and bright citrus, the champagne comes in a bottle adorned with a bespoke emblem, blending Dom Perignon’s timeless shield with Basquiat’s regal three-peaked crown. $310 per bottle and $870 for the complete set, available at Crystal Wines, The Oak Cellars and The Moomba Wine Shop.…