Innholdsfortegnelse for November 2025 i Her World Singapore

If there’s one thing I’ve learnt from the angry comments that we sometimes receive whenever we do a story about the best pandan cake, bak chor mee or Peking duck, it’s that Singaporeans love their food. We can’t help it, and we can’t stop talking about our best eats. There’s something about food that connects us… to people, to places, to memory. A bowl of fishball noodles can taste like childhood, a slice of dark chocolate cake can carry the sweetness of celebration. I’ve had friends beg me to carry the spices needed for laksa or bak kut teh to them after they’ve moved abroad. On a recent trip to Paris, I had a meal at The Hood, a bistro serving Singaporean favourites like chicken rice and kaya toast. It…

Music has a way of bringing us back – to the people we miss, the moments we hold dear. In the book Norwegian Wood, author Haruki Murakami reflects on how a familiar song can summon the ghosts of love and loss, tender and unrelenting all at once. Looking at Estelle Fly – with her trendy bleached hair, fierce onstage charisma, and steady, confident gaze – you might expect her song to be an energetic dance-pop track from her coming-of-age years, or perhaps, a fiery girl-power anthem. So it comes as a surprise when she names the 1970 hit Close to You by The Carpenters, a gentle pop ballad that sings of adoration and affection. “Growing up, I’d sing it to my grandma. She’s Cantonese, and it was one of the…

I walk into the quaint shophouse on Ann Siang Hill carrying what felt like a lost cause. Tucked under my arm: a vintage beige Chanel and a well-worn Old Celine cabas, both kept away for years, too damaged to use, too sentimental to discard. The Chanel, a flea market find from Milan nearly a decade ago, has seen better days. Its once-lustrous lambskin is now dull, the gold hardware tarnished, and the signature quilting has collapsed with time. The chain strap is completely snapped, and the interior leather peeling – a restoration challenge, to say the least. Then there’s the Celine cabas: practical, timeless, and once my constant companion from boardrooms to boarding gates. The inside lining has deteriorated badly, and I wonder if it’s beyond saving. Enter Salina Chai,…

What do Blancpain, Hublot, Louis Erard and Omega have in common? Besides Swiss roots and horological heritage, they’re all embracing the once-taboo collaboration with more accessible, mass-market names. These partnerships, perhaps once seen as gimmicky or brand-diluting, are now strategically repositioning luxury labels into the wider pop-cultural consciousness – and they’re not only finding new fans, but also creating serious collector buzz along the way. The high-low mash-up trend began, as trends often do, in the fashion world. In 2004, Karl Lagerfeld teamed up with fast-fashion giant H&M to drop a designer collection at high-street prices. The fashion world let out a collective gasp – and then camped outside H&M stores to get their fix. Not long after, Balmain, Maison Margiela, Versace and many others followed suit. Now, the watch…

A career built on flexibility and freedom ANGEL OR31, content creator (@angelorangelor) When she first started livestreaming in December 2023, Angel Or never thought it would become her full-time job. At the time, she was holding a corporate role in the retail industry, and livestreaming was just a fun side hustle. Her livestreaming journey on Shopee started when a merchant reached out to her. After a few sessions, she began streaming one to three times a week on thematic and special sales days such as 11.11. But as her income grew steadily – nearly matching that of a full-time job – she couldn’t help but wonder if she had missed an opportunity. “Livestreaming was growing on Shopee’s platform. I compared the hours I spent livestreaming with my 9-to-5 job, along…

Once reserved for Japanese tea ceremonies, matcha has entered Singapore’s bubble tea scene – evolving from a niche taste into a cultural staple shaped by wellness trends, cafe culture and social media aesthetics. A global squeeze The craze for this cup of “Gen Z green juice” has sparked a matcha shortage. High-grade matcha is becoming scarcer and more expensive due to surging international demand, US tariffs, and unpredictable weather in Japan’s tea-growing regions. In July 2025, The Straits Times reported that severe heatwaves in the Kyoto region – responsible for about 25 per cent of tencha leaf production – cut harvests to just 75 per cent of capacity. At the same time, global demand for matcha jumped 25 per cent in 2024, while Kyoto auction prices for tencha soared more…

In case you haven’t noticed, food-themed beauty is extremely popular. Trends such as glazed doughnut skin and nails, then latte makeup, strawberry girl makeup and cinnamon cookie butter hair have graced our social media feeds. Although food-themed beauty isn’t a new concept, it is one that has exploded in recent years. Product-wise, Sol de Janeiro’s Sundays in Rio Perfume Mist features notes of pink pepper and warm vanilla, Lancome’s Juicy Tubes lip glosses include coffee-inspired creations, and Laniege’s lip sleeping mask is available in triple-flavoured strawberry shortcake. Huda Beauty recently launched loose setting powder duos in shades that sound utterly delicious: cherry blossom cake, peach pie, pink velvet cookie, and pumpkin pie. Meanwhile, Lush Cosmetics launched a range of Asia-exclusive shower gels called Kakigori, inspired by the Japanese shaved ice…

BOTTEGA VENETA ALMOST DAWN PARFUM, $690 Almost Dawn is a new addition to Bottega Veneta’s Mezzanotte (“midnight” in Italian) fragrance series, which made its debut in October last year. The name Mezzanotte pays homage to the House’s Italian roots while reflecting the scent’s depth and intensity. Unlike traditional vanilla perfumes that can be cloying or overly sweet, Almost Dawn combines truffle alba and chestnut wood for a complex, luminous scent inspired by new ideas, encounters and beginnings. LANEIGE LIP SLEEPING MASK STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE, $36 A cult favourite, this lip mask is scented with vanilla cake, strawberry cream and fresh berry. Its thick, buttery texture glides on easily to hydrate and smooth dry, chapped lips, nourishing cracks without any sticky residue. Infused with a patented berry fruit complex, vitamin C, coconut…

We speak many languages in Singapore, but the one we understand best is food. Some of us may not say “I love you”, but we’ll queue 45 minutes for someone’s favourite chicken rice. Here, food has always meant more than fuel. We celebrate with it, mourn with it, offer it at altars, deliver it in tiffin carriers. When words fail, food stands in. At this year’s Chingay parade, dumpling floats drifted past a sea of spectators, edible emblems of identity in motion. Marking Singapore’s 60th National Day, the parade embraced the theme “Joy”, transforming the streets into a Food Wonderland celebrating how meals – from hawker fare to home-cooked dinners – unite families and cultures. The Singapore Food Festival’s theme, “Have You Eaten Yet?”, reframed a familiar phrase as a…

Fur being a trend for the Fall/Winter season is hardly groundbreaking – but what stood out this time was how designers reimagined faux fur beyond the traditional coats and jackets, showcasing its versatility alongside other fabrics. What we loved most was the experimental approach to faux fur, which appeared in unexpected forms: think skirts at Ferragamo or scarf-like accessories at Miu Miu, where cone bra-wearing models either wrapped the fuzzy strips around their necks, or slung them casually over one arm. Designers clearly sensed the growing fascination with all things fuzzy, prompting a wave of creative incorporations of faux fur and shearling into their collections. Even legacy fur houses like Fendi leaned heavily into a popular fur substitute: shearling. Still, the most inventive use came from Simone Rocha, who reportedly…

1. SHARP AND SUITED Tailoring adds structure, creating clean lines and a flattering silhouette that anchors your outfit. In a professional setting, a well-fitted blazer or tailored trousers act like visual punctuation, bringing clarity, confidence and authority to even the most creative ensemble – just like this fun Marni skirt suit with bold florals. 2. MIND THE COLOUR PALETTE When it comes to prints, think in a refined palette – neutrals and muted tones like navy, charcoal, ivory or olive keep your look sophisticated and office-ready. If you love colour, keep it in the same family, and preferably in darker shades. Carolina Herrera gets it right and keeps things interesting with a textured purple skirt over a basic turtleneck sweater in the same hue. 3. SOPHISTICATED TEXTURES MAKE A BIG…

From weekend bakers to after-hours designers, many women are building second income streams – but without a plan, that extra cash can easily disappear into day-to-day spending. Treating your hustle like a small business protects your time, stabilises cash flow, and turns side income into something sustainable. June Thein, 43, knows what it means to hustle. Years ago, she juggled a branding agency, a bakery, a Crossfit gym, and an online curry puff business overseas. When she returned to Singapore during the pandemic, she began training and helping out at Impact MMA, one of the city’s pioneer fight gyms. Initially supporting operations part-time, she eventually took over ownership – inheriting debt, rebuilding member confidence, and steering renovations and cash flow to steady the business. “The gym was struggling when I…

BRUNCH, THE ITALIAN WAY EGON MARZAIOLI, 33, CO-FOUNDER AND CREATIVE DIRECTOR, FORTUNA Trained in Venice and honed in Sydney, Egon Marzaioli combines precision with personality. As co-founder and creative director of Fortuna – a popular Italian trattoria and pizzeria in Tanjong Pagar, known for its authentic Sicilian and Neapolitan cuisine – he moves between kitchen and floor with ease, pairing Southern Italian comfort with cafe culture flair. His newest outpost, Fortuna Terrazza, is nestled along Craig Road and offers a breezy spin on tradition: think pizzettas, pastas and bold brunch plates designed for slow afternoons and spirited conversation. I’m Egon Marzaioli, founder and director of Fortuna. I started this with one goal in mind – to serve food that feels like home, but with a touch of spirit and surprise.…

1. Sulwhasoo Concentrated Ginseng Rejuvenating Cleansing Foam, $70 If you love Sulwhasoo’s skin longevity-boosting Concentrated Ginseng Rejuvenating Collection, you’ll be delighted to know that the K-beauty brand has just expanded the range with its first-ever foaming cleanser. Korean ginseng remains the star ingredient, an antioxidant powerhouse the brand has studied since 1955. Formulated with Ginsenomics, the hero ingredient that helps stimulate collagen production and enhance skin’s self-rejuvenating ability, this cleanser delivers the same hydrating and restorative benefits as the beloved Concentrated Ginseng Rejuvenating Serum. Infused with a patented ginseng peptide and amino complex, it gently lifts away impurities while enveloping skin in a luxuriously creamy lather. 2. L:a Bruket 328 Body Lotion Beach Rose, $62 This nourishing formula from Swedish natural skincare brand L:a Bruket blends aloe vera, shea butter…

You’ve tried face masks and eye masks – why not indulge in a lip mask too? Beyond reapplying lip balm, persistently cracked or dehydrated lips can benefit from targeted treatments, many designed as overnight formulas. “Similar to the concept of a face mask, a lip mask provides a more intense overnight treatment for the lips rather than a regular moisturising lip balm,” says Dr Evelyn Tay, consultant dermatologist and founder of Lumine Dermatology & Laser Clinic. “It often contains a higher concentration of ingredients designed to seal in moisture, as well as build on renewal and repair of the lip skin overnight.” For best results, check the ingredients. Dr Tay recommends moisturising combinations of occlusives (shea butter, petrolatum), humectants (hyaluronic acid, glycerine), and emollients (ceramides or oils like coconut, jojoba).…

“Protein is important for repairing and rebuilding muscle tissue that breaks down during exercise, and protein powders are popular because they seem like a quick way to top up our daily protein needs, especially after workouts. Women who consume protein powders often do so after their workouts, as that’s when the body uses protein for muscle repair and recovery. However, simply eating more protein – whether from powders or food – won’t automatically build muscles. Muscle growth only happens when exercises (such as resistance training, sprinting or kettlebell workouts) create tiny microtears in the muscles, which then repair and strengthen with adequate protein. In short, microtears form when you push your muscles beyond their normal workload. Women who are following a balanced diet do not necessarily need protein powders. Whole…

In Singapore, food has always been more than sustenance. It’s how we gather, a language we speak across ethnic lines, and a source of national pride. But lately, I’ve been wondering if our dining landscape is entering a more introspective chapter – less concerned with defining “Singaporean food” for the world, and more attuned to what it means to us, here at home. We used to speak of “putting Singapore on the map”, chasing Michelin stars, proving that hawker fare could sit alongside fine dining. That urgency made sense then, when we were trying to be seen. Now, as we mark 60 years of independence and reflect on who we are, the mood in our kitchens has shifted. Chefs aren’t chasing novelty for its own sake. They’re drawing from memory,…

1. Dior Small D-Journey crinkled calfskin bag, $6,000 Dior’s new D-Journey bag lands with a relaxed silhouette that’s all about everyday elegance and effortless function. With adjustable leather handles, a crossbody strap, and a roomy central compartment, it’s made to move with you. Signature touches include oversized leather pulls stamped with Christian Dior Paris, and hidden side pockets for extra storage. Available in small, medium and large, it’s the perfect carryall – stylish, versatile, and unmistakably Dior. 2. Rimowa Essential Cabin in Ballerina Pink, $1,260 For the first time ever, Rimowa is adding a pastel punch to its line-up with Ballerina Pink, a soft, dreamy shade now available in the Essential Cabin, Check-In L, and Trunk Plus. The pink takeover doesn’t stop at luggage. Rimowa’s Personal Aluminium crossbody bag also…

There is a perennial magic that blossoms at the heart of the House of Dior, an enduring symbol that connects the past, present and future of this storied maison: the rose. More than a mere motif, it is a whisper of the founder's childhood, and the very embodiment of femininity, happiness and grace that Christian Dior sought to instil in his beautiful creations. It was in the lush gardens of the family home in Granville, Normandy, that a young Christian Dior watched his mother, Madeleine, tend to her exquisite blooms, fostering a lifelong love affair with the flower. This devotion now finds its most dazzling expression in Dior Joaillerie’s eight additions to the La Rose Dior collection, a series of creations dreamt up by creative director Victoire de Castellane. With…

WHIPPING SOUTH-EAST ASIAN FLAVOURS INTO BIG DREAMS PEARLYN LEE, 42, NONETTE (@nonettebanhmi) In F&B, teamwork is everything – even if colleagues don’t always get along, the show must go on. So says Pearlyn Lee, co-founder of the South-east Asian restaurant The Hood, and its sister bakery Nonette, in Paris’ 11th arrondissement. “In F&B, there’s no ‘undo’ button; every move counts. I always tell my corporate friends: If you want real team-building, put everyone through a restaurant service,” says the former banker, who moved from Singapore to Geneva in 2011 for a commodities trading role. After a few years in finance, Pearlyn wanted a change of environment – “Geneva isn’t exactly the most exciting city to live in,” she quips – and decided to move to Paris in 2016, where she…

What are the signs of a food allergy? Allergy symptoms usually appear within minutes of eating, and may include hives, flushing, itchy skin, or swelling of the lips, face or throat (angioedema). More severe reactions can involve breathing difficulties (throat tightness, wheezing, shortness of breath), gastrointestinal issues (severe vomiting or crampy abdominal pain), and dizziness or fainting – signs of a serious allergic reaction. Do lifestyle factors like diet, gut health, stress, or even where you live affect your risk? Yes – lifestyle and environment do play a role. Factors such as microbiome development, immune system shifts, pollutants, reduced microbial diversity, frequent antibiotic use, and even stress may all contribute. However, the exact causes – and how these can be translated into reliable prevention strategies for adults – remain unclear.…

It’s not every day that you get to talk to a megastar, but when I – along with a few other regional journalists – had the chance to Zoom with Jenna Ortega, the breakout star of Netflix’s Wednesday (the series concluded its second season in September, and has been renewed for a third), I couldn’t resist asking about her go-to lipstick. Her eyes lighting up, the Dior Beauty makeup ambassador shares: “My favourite shade right now – and the one I always have in my bag – is Rouge Dior On Stage in Redwood Star. It’s a matte, brownish-red that I love for everyday wear. I adore eyeliner, but on days when I’m tired, this shade alone is enough. Its simplicity, and the confidence it gives me, makes my life…