H&M Taps On Rokh, By Korean Designer Rok Hwang, For Its Next Designer Collaboration

Here’s yet another indication that the Korean wave is still riding high in the fashion world. We’ve got k-pop and k-drama idols and celebrities dominating headlines and reports at fashion weeks, and now, H&M just announced the brand for their next designer collaboration — emerging fashion brand Rokh, helmed by Korean designer Rok Hwang.

A look at the collection confirmed everything we love about his brand, and the designer’s love for adding smart, experimental twists to wardrobe staples. The range of womenswear, menswear and accessories will launch in selected stores and online at hm.com from 18 April 2024.

“Rokh designs have a classic appearance with a radical construction for a timeless approach to design. I’m very excited to share our vision with more customers around the world thanks to this milestone collection with H&M,” says Rok Hwang, creative director at Rokh.

You’ll find everything from double-layer trench coats and double belts, corset-style co-ords and pleated designs embellished with edgy studs, as well as leather jackets, cut-outs and detachable-hem dresses; the latter takes on Rokh’s adaptable garments in a fresh way. These are mostly in surprising neutral tones of black and beige, except perhaps one floral print, though we think Rokh says it all with his deconstructed cuts and silhouettes, and how the designer explores both masculine and feminine codes. There will be bags and statement jewellery too.

In fact, Rokh’s rise in the fashion industry started as early as 2016 when the brand was founded by Hwang, and made its runway debut for Fall 2019 at Paris Fashion Week. Their designs have since been spotted on BLACKPINK, Kendall Jenner, Hailey Bieber, Lady Gaga, Kerry Washington, Hailee Steinfeld, Sydney Sweeney, and Anya Taylor Joy.

As for why H&M bet on this emerging brand, here’s what Ann-Sofie Johansson, creative advisor and head of design womenswear at H&M, has to say: “Rokh is at the forefront of a new wave of Korean designers whose conceptual-yet-wearable clothes are captivating fashion right now. We’re proud to present a curated edit of designer Rok Hwang’s adaptable wardrobe classics, and we can’t wait to see how our customers wear them.”

[click on the images below to expand.]

 


The Rokh H&M collection will be available at the Orchard Building flagship store and at hm.com from 18 April 2024.

 

The New Omega x Swatch ‘Mission To The Moonphase’ MoonSwatch Even Features Snoopy On Its Moon Phase

A new MoonSwatch has landed. In an all-white colourway and with a moon phase function to boot, OMEGA X SWATCH have collaborated once again for a Bioceramic MoonSwatch, aptly titled MISSION TO THE MOONPHASE in honour of the full moon. This latest model arrives two years after the groundbreaking, and much-hyped, launch of their OMEGA x SWATCH collaboration, and will be available from 26 March at selected Swatch stores.

The silhouette of the non-limited watch certainly follows the other models from the Bioceramic MoonSwatch Collection, though this one’s equipped with the chronograph function and a moon phase function that shows the different phases of the moon — which then marks the first time Swatch has combined a moon phase with a chronograph.

Then, there’s Snoopy. The beloved character from the Peanuts comic strip makes an appearance on the timepiece’s moon phase disc, this time lying on a crescent moon. If you too are wondering why, it’s because Snoopy has been NASA’s mascot since the 1960s and is considered a lucky charm among astronauts.

The MoonSwatch itself takes its cues from the original OMEGA Speedmaster Moonwatch, the first watch to go to the moon, with key design elements such as the asymmetrical case, iconic tachymeter-scaled bezel with the dot over the 90, and signature Speedmaster subdials. Further details include a mission statement on the caseback, OMEGA X SWATCH logos on the dial and crown, and a moon inspired by the world of Snoopy on the battery cover. Interestingly, the watch also features a spacesuit-ready VELCRO© strap as a final callback to its space inspiration.

Take a closer look at the watch here —

 


The OMEGA X SWATCH Bioceramic MoonSwatch MISSION TO THE MOONPHASE watch, is available from March 26, only in selected Swatch stores.

 

We Hear From Valentina Li On Creating CHANEL’s Ocean-Inspired Spring 2024 Makeup

CHANEL gets creative, and in fact, dives headfirst into it, by way of this stunning Spring 2024 makeup collection that’s inspired by the deep blue sea.

The first beauty collection from CHANEL’s COMETES COLLECTIVE — formed by creative partners Valentina Li, Ammy Drammeh, and Cécile Paravina — this expressive series is helmed by Valentina Li, one of China’s top makeup artists and a self-professed “face painter”, a term that more accurately describes her craft and aesthetic as one that goes beyond the ordinary realm.

Indeed, Li is eager to share how she exactly she was drawn to explore the rich and vast allure of the ocean, imagining its endless inspiration via the colour blue and its myriad of tones, as well as cherished creations such as a pearl-hued highlighter compact any mermaid would be proud to flaunt.

CHANEL SPRING 2024 MAKEUP COLLECTION — CAMPAIGN IMAGE.
LUMIÈRE DE L’OCÉAN, $107 ; LES 4 OMBRES 78 RIVAGE, $116 ; STYLO YEUX WATERPROOF 82 ABYSSE, $43 ; LE VERNIS 179 LAGUNE, $46.

“To me, the colour blue feels like diving into the ocean. The exhilaration I experience when the waves brush against my skin. In this moment, I can really open up my imagination and let it run free. Blue is the window to the soul,” says Li.

She later tells us that there’s even a peculiar story she dreamt up for this limited-edition collection, inspired by a magical afternoon a city girl spends with the ocean: “Each colour in the collection is intertwined with the narrative and represents the stunning beauties of the ocean that I am passionate about preserving.”

LES 4 OMBRES 78 RIVAGE, $116 ; LUMIÈRE DE L’OCÉAN, $107.
LES 4 OMBRES 88 CORAL TREASURE, $116 ; ROSES COQUILLAGE BLUSH DUO, $111.

The CHANEL codes of sleek black cases, and products such as the LES 4 OMBRES eyeshadow palettes and the versatile BAUME ESSENTIEL highlighting stick, are no doubt already familiar to those in-the-know, though we personally love how they take on more iridescent, blue-tinged hues that reflect the glorious ocean and the way light shifts through water.

These are imagery Li is eager to capture too with her colour palette, and like a true painter, she envisions “the graceful movements of jellyfish, the vibrant colours of coral reefs, and the mystical underwater city of Atlantis”, preserving them in glistening shades of blue, vibrant coral, and pearly glimmer.

“My endless curiosity and deep appreciation for the ocean have been the driving forces behind this collection. I hope it sparks imagination and fosters a greater appreciation for the wonders of the sea,” she adds.

Ahead, we hear from the creative on the story behind her evocative beauty series, and some innovative ways we can go about exploring the collection ourselves.

VALENTINA LI, CREATOR OF THE SPRING 2024 MAKEUP COLLECTION.

How has your experience with the CHANEL COMETES COLLECTIVE been so far? 

Valentina Li: “Its been almost two years since I first joined the CHANEL Cometes Collective, collaborating with Ammy and Cécile at the beauty studio. Each day since joining has been a learning experience, and I am truly grateful to engage with others who share the same passion for beauty. Picture an advanced beauty school level or an ongoing dialogue about beauty; thats our daily dynamic. Every day is a fresh opportunity for us. 

For the Spring 2024 collection, I aim to introduce a fresh perspective on makeup. You’ll notice vibrant colours and diverse textures in the products. My goal is to expand the ways people engage with makeup and spark their imagination. I can’t wait to see how everyone embraces this collection.”

We love how you’re inspired by the ocean and the colour blue in the Spring 2024 makeup series. What was your thought process when creating the collection? 

VL: “I have a story behind this collection, inspired by a magical afternoon a city girl spends with the ocean. Each colour in the collection is intertwined with the narrative and represents the stunning beauties of the ocean that I am passionate about preserving. 

Our exclusive highlighter, for instance, features three colour reflections in one. It draws inspiration from the mesmerising phenomenon of blue tears that occur at night. Throughout the collection, you’ll find hues reminiscent of the spring ocean view, the graceful movements of jellyfish, the vibrant colours of coral reefs, and the mystical underwater city of Atlantis. 

My endless curiosity and deep appreciation for the ocean have been the driving forces behind this collection. I hope it sparks imagination and fosters a greater appreciation for the wonders of the sea.”

LUMIÈRE DE L’OCÉAN — a transparent shade with blue shimmer.
CHANEL SPRING 2024 MAKEUP COLLECTION — CAMPAIGN IMAGE.

The LUMIÈRE DE LOCÉAN is unlike the usual pink- or gold-tinged highlighters, what are some ways you’d use it, and how else may we explore the collection? 

VL: “In this exclusive highlighter creation, the colour reflection features hues of blue, pink, and purple that shift with different angles and lighting. By incorporating three distinct colours into one highlighter, I aimed to provide versatility for users to experiment with. 

For instance, when paired with the Rivage eyeshadow, the blue hue complements the oceanic theme, while the pink and purple reflections add a touch of softness when viewed from different angles. Similarly, when combined with the Coral Treasure eyeshadow, the highlighter enhances the overall makeup look with its dynamic colour play. 

This product isn’t limited to just the face; it can also be used on the eyes, offering endless possibilities for creative expression. The joy of makeup lies in exploring it in your unique way and being open to trying new things. After all, it’s just makeup – if you don’t like the result, you can simply remove it and start anew. Let’s embrace the fun of makeup together!”

We heard the BAUME ESSENTIEL is one of your favourite products too — do tell us why!

VL: “Who doesn’t love a versatile product that can do it all? I’ve always been a fan of multi-use products myself. Before joining the Cometes Collective, I spent a lot of time working in Asia, where I discovered that contouring can be challenging for Asian figures. Instead of bronzer, I prefer to redefine our features using blush and highlight.

The Baume Essentiel is a perfect example of a versatile product that can be used on the eyelids, cheekbones, lips, or anywhere you want to add a touch of shine. Its natural texture allows for easy building, and I love how it provides a watery, glowy finish – exactly the kind of skin texture I adore.”

BAUME ESSENTIEL IN MERMAID GLOW — a sparkling shade with pink and gold shimmer.
BEHIND-THE-SCENES WITH VALENTINA LI.

Youve described yourself as a face painter“ rather than makeup artist. How would you describe your craft, and what makeup and beauty mean to you?

VL: “You know, defining my own style feels like trying to catch a slippery fish — it keeps slipping away! Honestly, I’d rather leave that task to the audience. I’m still in the D-I-Y phase of figuring out my style, so maybe check back in five years? For me, makeup and beauty are like the elements – they’re everywhere, in everything I do. It’s like the fire, water, and the air.”

Are there any up-and-coming trends in makeup we should know about? What excites you most in the current beauty world?

VL: “I am actually very curious to find out as well. To be honest, I don’t spend that much time on social media or look at the trends, I prefer to stay a clear mind and pay more attention to my life. There are lots of beautiful things that can inspire us daily, but we overlook them because we spend too much time with our phone and less attention to our surrounding.

I do love seeing the diversity of colours and textures emerging in the beauty industry though. It’s inspiring to see beauty lovers expressing themselves through bold and unique makeup looks. The idea of embracing individuality and celebrating differences gives me hope and excitement for our upcoming collection.”

ROUGE ALLURE LAQUE 92 SEA SHELL AND 93 SEA STAR, $67 ; ROUGE COCO BAUME 932 ANÉMONE AND 934 CORALLINE, $59.
LE VERNIS IN 179 LAGUNE AND 177 SUN DROP, $46.

 


The limited edition CHANEL Spring 2024 Makeup Collection, available at CHANEL Fragrance and Beauty boutiques and counters, and on the CHANEL official Fragrance and Beauty online store

 

The Cult of Polène Bags — Here are the styles that everyone’s carrying

The French luxury brand Polène was founded by three siblings in 2016, and over the years, it has grown into a cult label with long queues outside its Tokyo and New York stores, and countless reviews by fans on TikTok. In Singapore, the only way to get your hands on a piece is through Polène’s official online store. If you spot it elsewhere and the price is too good to be true, it probably is; we recommend saving up and getting it direct from Polène.

The very-first and original bag design from the brand is their iconic Numero Un (USD580) which resembles a backpack, and can be carried as a handbag, shoulder bag, or crossbody. No surprises then that the current best-seller from Polène is the Numero Un Nano, (from USD470), a smaller version that fits all our daily essentials and looks super cute when worn.

We spoke to the brand on some of the other bag models that caught our eye. See below for our Editor’s picks from Polène. Note: While we chose to feature and shoot mostly black bags, the brand does offer all their styles in several colours.

Above: Polène Numéro Neuf Mini in textured black, USD520.

The Numero Neuf Mini (USD520) is a great size for weekend outings or for all your essentials when you travel. We like the black textured version that won’t show scratches and should distress nicely over time.

Above: Polène tonca, USD540.

Polène tells us that the Numero Dix (from USD580) is the ultimate “city” bag because of its rounded shape, foam padding and hand-stitching. It’s nice, but we also like the Tonca (USD540), which has an interesting fold that’s blended into a twisted metal buckle.

Above: Polène cyme mini in textured black, USD460.

For the office and shopping trips, the Cyme and Cyme Mini bags seem to be everyone’s choice. It’s one of the most represented Polène bags online, and we can see why; it’s a sleek basket-style tote that can be worn with its sides tucked in for a rounder, more compact shape, or open for more space. Once again, we love the black textured version that we don’t have to be so precious about.

Above: Polène cyme mini in textured black, USD460.

Lastly, there’s the Neiti bag (USD360) that’s just released in a new metallic version, and features braided leather, a magnetic closure, and a removable strap so the bag can be worn as a handheld clutch or a long wallet. This is the one to wear to the clubs or out with your girlfriends for cocktails.

Above: Polène neiti metallic edition, USD360.
See  and shop Polène online at POLENE-PARIS.COM.

 

Meet Saint Laurent’s bag of the month: The Calypso, with an envelope design

This month, Saint Laurent highlights the Calypso, an envelope-style bag that can be worn on the shoulder or cross-body with its chain extended. The large version in fine-grained leather and padded quilting is most practical; it comes in three neutral shades, black, light musk (brown) and blanc vintage (an off-white), and is spacious enough for work and everyday use.

Above: the CALYPSO LARGE IN GRAINED LAMBSKIN.

The soft lambskin leather will distress nicely over time, and feels lovely to the touch. It’s recently been seen on Rosé, with Milena Smit carrying the regular-sized version. It’s available in-store and online now.

Above: Rosé carrying the CALYPSO LARGE IN GRAINED LAMBSKIN.

Above: MILENA SMIT with the Saint Laurent CALYPSO bag.
The Saint Laurent Calypso in grained leather is priced at $3,990 for the regular size and $4,770 for the Large.

 

The Must-Have Accessory from CHANEL’s Spring-Summer 2024 Eyewear Collection

As part of CHANEL’s Spring-Summer 2024 Ready-to-Wear collection, the brand’s Creative Director Virginie Viard drew inspiration from the Villa Noailles in Hyères, a modernist building designed by Robert Mallet-Stevens. The pieces are an ode to freedom and movement, and this is also referenced in the season’s accessories — the striking eyewear, in particular.

It’s a rectangular black frame adorned with CHANEL’s emblematic metal chain interlaced with leather, and this extends into a long sautoir necklace. It can be worn as a statement piece on its own, or layered with necklaces of various lengths.

We recently featured it on our March 2024 cover girl, Kimberly Wang, pairing it with CHANEL’s Spring 2024 Les 4 Ombres eyeshadow palette in Coral Treasure (get it soon though because the blue palette from the same collection is already sold out).

See more looks of the eyewear from the runway pics below.

The CHANEL Spring-Summer 2024 eyewear collection will be available in Singapore boutiques from March 22nd 2024.

 

UGG® Launches SS24 Campaign Featuring Hanni of NewJeans As Their Global Brand Ambassador

New hair, new tee, and now we’ve got new kicks too. California-based footwear brand UGG® starts off the Spring/Summer 2024 on the right foot, by naming Hanni, of popular k-pop girl group NewJeans, as their new global brand ambassador of 2024.

This major collaboration comes after several hints earlier in the week, with billboards sprouting up across Los Angeles and New York City featuring the idol, though they’re finally making it official with today’s announcement.

We’d say, it’s certainly a step in the right direction for their new series of fresh clogs and slides to appeal to a youthful demographic, seeing how the bubbly k-pop star’s only 19 years of age.

UGG® Global Brand Ambassador Hanni, wearing the GoldenGlow.
UGG® Global Brand Ambassador Hanni, wearing the Venture Daze slide.

“UGG® is a brand that I have grown up with and that exists very fondly in a lot of my younger memories, so to have been given the opportunity to work with them, let alone become their Global Ambassador is such a surreal moment for me. I am not only so, so grateful and thankful, but I’m also ecstatic and looking forward to sharing my love for UGG with you as well!!” shares Hanni.

A look at the campaign imagery and video reveal a whole lot of fun too. The key video, in particular, is a new take on the typical “To-Do List”, where UGG® and Hanni explore the adventures of a “To-Play list” instead; she’s seen taking on eccentric tasks while discovering the wonders of the city, which feels authentic to Hanni’s naturally playful personality as well.

Then, and still keeping to the joyful yet rebellious theme, there’s also a series of Spring/Summer 2024 global campaign images that features Hanni donning the new GoldenGlow sandals, and both the Venture Daze mule and slide.

the goldenglow

Made for warmer months, and who’re we kidding, our tropical climate, this UGG® line-up sees very fashion-forward platform sandals in both neutral and poppin’ shades that you’ll want to take everywhere. The versatile GoldenGlow sandal takes after the brand’s Classic Boot with its chunky yet laidback California aesthetic, in new springtime styles that embrace the spirit of self-expression. As a part of the larger Golden Collection, the shoe also features a crafted, fine-tuned fit, and is made with responsible materials such as sugarcane EVA outsoles.

UGG® GoldenGlow in Bison Brown, Mangosteen, Sea Salt, Shaded Clover, Black. $159.90 each.
the Venture Daze

For those who can’t get enough of the iconic UGG® Tasman slipper, even in Summer, you’ll love the way the brand has re-interpreted its design. That same slip-on comfort is seen across two sporty hybrid styles, the Venture Daze Mule and the Venture Daze Slide, which combine suede uppers with a new tire tread outsole. They are also crafted with responsible materials such as sugarcane EVA and Leather Working Group suede, with guaranteed softness and comfort every time you take a step.

UGG® Venture Daze Slide, $189.90 ; Venture Daze Mule, $229.90.

 


The UGG® Venture Daze styles, seen on Hanni in the global Spring/Summer 2024 campaign, will be available exclusively at Zalora.com (Singapore, Malaysia, Philippines) today, and in-stores at the Takashimaya Ladies’ Shoe Department, TANGS Orchard, Avenue JEM, Avenue IMM from 15 March 2024. The UGG® GoldenGlow will retail online and in-stores from 1 April onwards.

Follow @UGG_SEA for a chance to win a pair of shoes from the Venture Daze or GoldenGlow collection for you and your best friend!

 

Oscars 2024: The Best Dressed Stars at This Year’s 96th Annual Academy Awards

We’ve finally arrived at one of awards season’s, and Hollywood’s, biggest nights — the Oscars — and of course, the stars did not disappoint. This year’s 96th Annual Academy Awards saw actors all dressed up in their glittering, bejewelled best on Sunday, with sparkling and metallic gowns leaving quite the lasting impression on us viewers at home.

Many of them were in elegant column styles, though ‘Barbie’ actors America Ferrera and Margot Robbie gave us fun twists with a pink metal mesh design by Atelier Versace, and signature draping on Margot’s black Versace dress. Elsewhere, Jennifer Lawrence brought some fun polka dots on her refined Dior gown; Anna Taylor-Joy, Florence Pugh, and Charlize Theron showed off cool-toned silver dresses; while Best Actress winner Emma Stone stunned with her peplum Louis Vuitton number in a unique mint tone.

[click on the images below to expand.]

 

The MacBook Air with M3 chip is here and it’s fast

Earlier this week, Apple announced updates to two of its most popular laptops, and what Apple claims to be the world’s most popular laptop  — the MacBook Air 13” and 15”. The design and chassis for the machines are largely unchanged from last year’s MacBook Airs, but these new ones are fitted with the M3 chip that’s a lot faster than previous models, and more powerful too.

Above: Our first look at the Macbook air 13” in midnight. it’s a deep navy shade with a shimmery sheen.

The previous midnight shade was known to be a fingerprint magnet, but this new finish minimises this. The new M3 version has what Apple calls a “breakthrough anodisation seal” to reduce fingerprints, and it’s a similar coating to the one used for the M3 MacBook Pro. With the unit we have for review, the Midnight finish stays quite fingerprint-free with our handling, but that won’t be the case if you have greasy fingers.

Above: shade comparison between The Macbook Pro 14” in space black (top) and the new m3 macbook air 13” in midnight (bottom).

MacBook Air with M3 is about 60% faster than MacBook Air with M1, and 13% faster than any MacBook Air running an Intel system. The start-up and setup of the device is swift, but of course new computers are always speedy because they aren’t bloated with software. It’s when you start to install and use your needed work apps (eg. Adobe suite) — that’s where the power and speed kick in. Furthermore, as a consumer laptop, AI performance also benefits from the M3 chip; for example, generating backgrounds, expanding images, or enhancing photos in Adobe Photoshop.

Above: the magic keyboard comes with a full-height function row with touch id.

Another useful upgrade includes being able to support up to two external displays — and with the lid closed, and this is super useful for those who dock in and out at the office.

Both the 13” and 15” MacBook Airs have a Liquid Retina display that goes up to 500 nits of brightness, and we’re partial towards the 13” for its more compact and portable size.

Above: the macbook air 13” (top) is just 21.5cm in depth. in comparison, The macbook air 15” version is 23.76cm in depth, while the macbook pro 14” (bottom) is 22.12cm in depth.

Above: in the box, the usb-c to magsafe 3 cable in a matching midnight shade, and a 35w dual usb-c port power adapter.

The MacBook Air 13” is probably the ideal personal or student laptop. If your needs include Word documents and Excel sheets, this device is a powerhouse. If you’re in the Creative field of work and need to render large files in Adobe Photoshop or any of the other apps in the Adobe Suite, you’ll get by your work pretty smoothly. This won’t be as powerful as the MacBook Pro (it’s called Pro for a reason), but unless you’re dealing with massive 3D files or video editing software, the M3 MacBook Air will be worth your money and upgrade.

Customers can order the new MacBook Air with M3 starting Wednesday, March 6, 9am SGT, on apple.com/sg/store and in the Apple Store app.
The 13-inch MacBook Air with M3 starts at $1,599 and $1,449 for education, and the 15‑inch MacBook Air with M3 starts at $1,899 and $1,749 for education. Both are available in midnight, starlight, silver, and space grey.
The 13-inch MacBook Air with M2, available in midnight, starlight, silver, and space grey, now starts at $1,399 and $1,259 for education.

 

Beyond The Vines x CASETiFY Announce Colourful Phone Cases And Tech Accessories

Fresh from launching fun yet functional phone straps, homegrown design studio Beyond The Vines just announced their next colourful collaboration, this time with tech lifestyle brand CASETiFY. The Beyond The Vines x CASETiFY collaboration will see a series of six phone cases, and matching tech accessories such as AirPods cases and phone stands, which will launch 15 March (Friday).

This collaboration marks CASETiFY’s first design studio collaboration collection in Southeast Asia. BTV, as they’re affectionately referred to by fans in the region, have also dreamt up an entire ‘The BTV Hotel’ concept that’s as playful and imaginative as their ready-to-wear apparel and accessories, while embracing bright colours and bold illustrated motifs.

We’re invited to check in to a boutique hotel experience, hence design elements of porter hats, concierge desks, door hangers, deck chairs, and a peek of their signature Dumpling Bag. The full line-up includes the following six Phone Cases, alongside Cardholder Stands, Snappy Grip Stands, and AirPods Cases.

L – R: BTV x CASETiFY Poolside Phone Case, Multi Heart Phone Case, Multi Deck Chair Phone Case, Elements Phone Case, Deck Chair Phone Case, Hotel Phone Case.

To accompany the launch, Beyond The Vines has also designed a range of complementary merchandise including t-shirts, water tumblers, key tags, and bedroom slippers, as well as digital wallpapers of the six designs so you can even flaunt them on your screens.

Beyond The Vines x CASETiFY Wallpapers.

 


The Beyond The Vines x CASETiFY products, $50 – $99; Beyond The Vines merchandise, $18 to – $79. Available online at beyondthevines.com, casetify.com, and at selected retail stores from 15 March 2024, 12pm.

 

6 Female Photographers discuss Inspiring Inclusion for International Women’s Day 2024

Each year, the world celebrates International Women’s Day with a theme to raise awareness for gender parity. This year it’s about inspiring inclusion, and inclusion goes across gender, race, and identity. Inspiring inclusion also means celebrating women’s achievements — especially in male-dominated industries. One such industry is photography, which hits home to everyone, now that smartphones make excellent cameras (everyone’s a photographer!). For some women, photography isn’t just a passion, but a livelihood; and there are challenges we face in getting jobs and being recognised for our work.

Above: Self-portrait (@ADELE__CHAN) with the Leica M10-P (my first LEICA M camera), and taken with the LEICA M11.

I picked up portrait photography 10 years ago as a dare from my publishers, and I’ve embraced it as a profession ever since — even more so than writing and being an Editor. I sling my camera wherever I go, and many times I forego carrying a bag just so I only have one item slung around me (which is the camera), and also to keep my hands truly free to quickly take photos when the opportunities arise. This International Women’s Day, I wanted to hear from other female photographers on how they embrace their craft, and  to simply just celebrate them and what they do.

NICOLE QUEK (@nicolequek)

Above: NICOLE with her CANON, shot on LEICA M11.

NYLON: How did you get started in photography?
Nicole: My dad used to work in a production company and I used to drop by a lot when I was a kid. This exposed me to the industry and I was always amazed by the cameras and equipment on set. When I turned 12, my uncle gave me his small digital camera and back then it was the start of the K-wave. Korean pop stars started to frequent Singapore and I bought my first K-pop concert ticket and started taking photos of them. I realise it brought a lot of happiness to me and my friends or fans when they see the shots. That’s when I realised my passion for photography.

Genre and style of photography?
My genre of photography started with music, paparazzi style and candids, and it has evolved to lifestyle and portraits.

Have you faced any challenges as a female photographer? 
I started out really young at around 16 years old. I co-founded HallyuSG with my friend — it’s an online media publication for everything Korean. As we got press invites to events or press conferences, I noticed that there was discrimination towards me as I was just a teen with a camera, and I felt looked down upon or taken advantage of (for example, not being paid for a job done). But aside from that, there are some people (including males) who’ve helped me along the way by encouraging and guiding me through my photography journey.

 

Follow Nicole on Instagram @nicolequek.

AMRITA CHANDRADAS (@amritachandradas)

Above: AMRITA with her HASSELBLAD, shot on LEICA M11.

NYLON: How did you get started in photography?
Amrita: My passion for photography was ignited by my father, a seasoned infographic artist at The Straits Times. His unwavering commitment to capturing moments taught me to see the world through a unique perspective. During an internship at a production firm, I was mesmerised by a captivating black and white image of a mother and son in Istanbul, Turkey, captured by the firm’s owner. This pivotal moment propelled me to embrace photography wholeheartedly at the age of 17.

Genre and style of photography?
My photography style is a blend of documentary and emotive elements, capturing the essence of the moment with depth and authenticity.

Have you faced any challenges as a female photographer? 
Despite initial challenges and being underestimated as a female photographer, I persevered and asserted my rightful place in the industry. Over time, the narrative shifted, and I embraced the unique opportunities that being a woman in photography affords. It’s a double-edged sword at times, but it has also opened doors to exclusive realms inaccessible to male counterparts.

 

Follow Amrita on Instagram @AMRITACHANDRADAS, and explore her website at WWW.AMRITACHANDRADAS.COM.

NATALIE WONG (@nataliewongphotography)

Above: NATALIE with her CANON, shot on LEICA M11.

NYLON: How did you get started in photography?
Natalie: It was my childhood dream at the age of 10 when I was at the zoo. I used up the whole roll of film within an animal show and that’s when I knew I really love taking photos and wanted to be a photographer.

Genre and style of photography?
My style is creative lifestyle and my genre is weddings, fashion, portraits.

Have you faced any challenges as a female photographer?
Being a female photographer has helped me in the weddings’ scene as it’s a male-dominated industry. Building trust and making clients feel comfortable is crucial, and some clients may indeed prefer having a female photographer, especially during intimate moments like weddings. My potential for assistance with clothing and hair also highlights the personal and supportive role a photographer can play during such significant events.

 

Follow Natalie on Instagram @NATALIEWONGPHOTOGRAPHY and visit her website at WWW.NATALIEWONGPHOTOGRAPHY.COM.

GLIN GWEE (@glingwee)

Above: GLIN with her SONY, shot on LEICA M11.

NYLON: How did you get started in photography?
Glin: I was already naturally drawn to visuals and images since young, but it was when I started being exposed to the craft in school that my passion for capturing images blossomed. The initial exposure ignited a passion in me, and I knew I wanted to pursue a career in this field, that was when I embarked on my journey by assisting an established photographer to hone my craft. I did a lot of test shoots and collaborations to develop my portfolio, and from there, everything else fell into place.

Genre and style of photography?
My work primarily involves brand campaigns that span across different genres such as commercial, lifestyle and fashion, and I excel most when working with humans. I would say my style is centred around capturing the interplay of my subjects and their surroundings. I like to understand the brands or subjects before I shoot, and that enables me to communicate and connect better with the audience through my images.

Have you faced any challenges as a female photographer?
As a masc-presenting gay woman in the industry, I’ve found a delicate balance between embracing my femininity and womanhood, while also adopting traits traditionally associated with masculinity, which, sadly, often lends more authority and respect in the workplace. In an ideal world, this wouldn’t be necessary, and women should be respected and recognised in the industry regardless of their presentation.

I am also aware that I have lost out on some opportunities because of my gender, but I am also grateful for the clients who have supported me and provided me with many opportunities to grow and succeed in the industry. These clients, both women and men, understand the importance of diversifying the photography field and have chosen to work with me based on my skills and talent, rather than my gender.

I am grateful for their trust and for seeing my work as what it is, rather than associating it with my gender.

While my identity as a queer woman may influence my perspective and experiences, it is not the sole factor that defines my work as a photographer. Ultimately, it’s my creative vision, skills, dedication, and perspectives on the world and my subjects, that define me as a photographer.

 

Follow Glin on instagram @GLINGWEE and check out her Website at WWW.GLINGWEE.INFO.

AMANDA WONG (@beautifuladieu)

Above: AMANDA with her NIKON, shot on LEICA M11.

NYLON: How did you get started in photography?
Amanda: When I was a kid, I used to love taking photos on my disposable film camera, never thinking much of it, just enjoying the act of capturing what I see. As I grew up, I somehow found myself in the possession of point-and-shoot cameras, DSLRs, toy and vintage cameras, and somehow by a stroke of luck, that blossomed into a professional journey for the last 15 years.

Genre and style of photography?
I shoot environmental fashion portraiture using mostly natural light. My style is very soft, feminine, and dreamy, and I love taking backlight portraits during golden hours. I also like to capture portraits in a way that makes the viewer think that it couldn’t have been shot in Singapore — but it actually is, to the surprise of many! Sometimes I take self-portraits too.

Have you faced any challenges as a female photographer?
I almost only shoot females, and my aesthetic eye has been really helpful in my work. Perhaps it’s because I’m a female who can relate to similar standards of beauty, I’m able to intuitively know the angles that would bring out my models’ natural features and beauty. I’m also not technically trained, so I tend to focus on framing my models in a more flattering way, and that results in both pretty pictures and happy models (so I’ve been told, haha)!

 

Follow Amanda on Instagram @BEAUTIFULADIEU.

 

Nothing Phone (2a) offers a new trio Glyph Interface lights configuration that’s fun and functional

Nothing is still a pretty new tech brand (it was founded in 2020), but with every new product launch, it proves that it’s really nothing but innovative. The skeleton design of their earbuds and smartphones really stands out in the saturated mobile tech industry, while the Glyph Interface on the two current phone models — Phone (1) and Phone (2) — are like nothing else on the market. And this leads us to their third phone: the Nothing Phone (2a).

My first thought was that Phone (2a) is a budget-friendly version of Nothing Phone (2), but after testing it out for a day, it feels like it’s own person; it looks different, feels different, and I believe it will appeal to a different consumer than those looking at Phone (2).

Above: Unboxing Nothing Phone (2a).

DESIGN

Nothing Phone (2a) has a completely different back layout than its predecessors; the placement of the camera lenses, in particular, are now horizontal to each other, and the whole look resembles an owl. According to Nothing’s press release, the Phone (2a)’s back design is actually the brand’s first-ever internal smartphone design concept that was created in 2020, just a few months after Nothing launched, and it’s nice to see that this original design now lives and breathes in Phone (2a).

Above: The back design of nothing phone (2A).

Just looking at the back cover, it is striking in its simplicity and certainly intriguing; and Nothing tells us that it features an industry-first with a 90° angle unibody cover wrapping around the edges. It doesn’t just look and feel seamless, but it apparently makes the entire device sturdier too.

Above: nothing phone (2) has a 6.7” flexible amoled screen display..

There’s no “premium” metal feel here (like what you’ll get in the new iPhone 15 Pro series and Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra that is crafted with Titanium); what you get is something a bit plasticky, but it’s lightweight (190g) and smooth (I would definitely recommend using a case that has more grip with this phone).

Above: the Nothing Phone (2a) unibody is very slim at only 8.55mm in depth.

CAMERA

So back to the camera — the rear “eyes” include a 50MP main sensor with f/1.88 and a 1/1.56” sensor, and a 50MP ultra-wide sensor that offers a 114° field-of-view. This appears to be the same setup as Nothing Phone (2), complete with a “Portrait Optimiser” (an AI algorithm that detects faces and increases the resolution), and “Night Mode” (low-light environments are amplified by grouping together multiple pixels into a series of ‘super-pixels’ that come together to increase light intake).

Above: The camera “eyes” on the nothing phone (2a). The camera is placed inside the nfc coil and is designed to be out of the way when taking photos.

SPECS

Other features on the phone are pretty straightforward: MediaTek Dimensity 7200 Pro processor, 6.7” flexible AMOLED display reaching 1,300 nits peak brightness, 120Hz refresh rate, 5,000mAh battery, and support for 45W Fast Charging (you get 50% power in 20 minutes).

Above: the minimalistic operating system. There’s also a version in colour (if you insist).

Above: inside the box is the sleek nothing usb-c to usb-c cable and SIM eject tool. I like that there is much less packaging than nothing phone (2).

GLYPH INTERFACE

So here’s the real reason why you’ll get Nothing — it’s unique Glyph Interface. With Phone (2a), there’s a new trio light configuration and 15 functions. You can assign different patterns as ringtones for individual contacts or apps, focus your Glyph notifications to just the important stuff (and silence and ignore everything else), use it as a timer, as a camera shutter countdown, or just have it light up to the beats of your music for the fun of it.

Above: The glyph interface has three lights that flicker according to your settings.

The Glyphs can be as functional as you want them to be, or you can just turn them off (although why would you get a Nothing and do that?).

WHY NOTHING

The Nothing Phone (2a) is a strong contender in the mid-range Android market offering a unique design and operating system (the Nothing OS is minimalistic and intended to reduce distractions), and you’ll have a phone that most likely none of your friends or colleagues will own. They’ll see your phone light up and secretly envy you, while having an internal debate about deviating from their Apple / Samsung ecosystem. If you’ve ever wanted a Nothing, this is as affordable as it will get for now.

Nothing Phone (2a) is priced at $499 (12gb/256gb), available in milk and black. it launches in singapore at 11am, March 6, 2024 at Chamber, 435 orchard road, #03-24-29 wisma atria. There are just 100 devices on sale at this location, available on a first-come, first-served basis, and these will be accompanied by limited complimentary bundles, which include a custom Phone (2a) case, a CMF Watch Pro, a watch strap by Limited Edt, a Nothing branded Dupont paper bag, and more.
You can also pre-order phone (2a) on Wednesday, March 6 at Nothing retail partners.

 

Everything About The New Maison Margiela x Gentle Monster Eyewear Collaboration

Hold up, didn’t we just talk about the GENTLE JELLY collection? Yes, you’re not wrong, though a little thing like the launch of their entire Spring / Summer 2024 catalogue isn’t about to stop Korean eyewear brand Gentle Monster from coming up with newer collections and collaborations. Case in point: this upcoming series with Maison Margiela.

Following the success of last year’s epic collaboration, they’re teaming up again for a second minimalist drop, this time with new sculptural temple-less designs and leather-wrapped frames, for a total of 17 designs that reflect the cool-girl chic of the two brands, complete with the signature four white stitches.

The range of 10 sunglasses and 7 spectacle designs will be launching on 7 March 2024 at both the Gentle Monster ION Orchard and Marina Bay Sands stores in Singapore.

Along with this new chapter is, of course, a new concept, realised by photographer Jordan Hemingway in a series of campaign images that imagine the eyewear within a hyper-realistic, dream-like setting. As experimental as ever, we’re meant to have entered the same time-transcendent universe as the one that inspired Maison Margiela’s Co-Ed Spring-Summer 2024 Collection.

This imagery is then brought to life via five activation spaces worldwide, where we get to see the futuristic setting, functioning robot included, in various pop-up spaces in Seoul, Shanghai, Beijing, New York and Tokyo.

As for the styles themselves, the more statement frames are the aforementioned temple-less ones, that seem to be moulded to your face when worn, and paired with metallic accents; sleek leather-framed editions arrive in black, ivory, khaki, and blue in wrap-around, square, and round styles; while acetate frames come in colourways of black, white, grey, cream, transparent, and tortoiseshell.

[click on the images below to expand.]

 


The Gentle Monster x Maison Margiela collection will be available at Gentle Monster ION Orchard and Marina Bay Sands from 7 March 2024.

 

 

Coming Up Next… Radio Host and Media Personality Kimberly Wang, NYLON’s March 2024 Cover Girl

Here’s a familiar face you might’ve seen — and if not, heard. As a long-time radio DJ at 987FM, hers is the comforting voice wafting through your stereo, bringing us the hottest hits yes, but also companionship across the airwaves. A stranger, perhaps, but one you’ll feel a connection to. It’s this same low-key vibe that greets us when Kimberly Wang steps into our studio, and later when we sat down for a chat; she has a kind of relatable, personable presence that isn’t in-your-face but calm, cool, no-pretence, familiar like an old friend, or, as some might say, a radio DJ.

Having started in the entertainment industry as a child actress, earned her chops in the Chinese theatre scene when she was just 9 years of age, and then subsequently hopping onto radio after clinching the title of ‘champion’ in the 2011 Radio Star Competition, no biggie, Kimberly tells us that she’s been at the radio station for over a decade, 13 years to be exact. She now helms evening drive time show 987 Get Out, alongside fellow hosts Gerald Koh and Maya Davidov.

But all this is resume stuff — what can she tell us about her time in radio, and how her job scope has evolved across the years? “Initially, radio was quite ‘pure’ as a platform. Traditionally, you’d hear a voice on radio shows, and that was essentially what the job entailed,” she starts. “With social media and stuff like that though, we have all become influencers, and our job is a lot more multi-approach now. It’s not just being a radio DJ; I host events, I do beauty and lifestyle shoots, I work with a lot of brands as well. These have all become a part of my job.”

Indeed the radio host, or radio star really, is often seen working alongside brands such as CHANEL Beauty, Louis Vuitton, and adidas, or attending glitzy product launches, pop-ups, and boutique openings. If you haven’t already gotten the idea, Kimberly is that girl, an industry mainstay that’s everywhere, all at once — well, except 5 to 8pm when she’s accompanying us over the airwaves, of course, eager to share a slice of her life alongside some piping hot tea.

This is clearly a career path that the 33 year old is passionate about, to the point of romanticising the medium: “The magic of traditional media is that it will always transcend whatever the new world has to bring,” says Kimberly, when asked about its relevance in today’s age of social media. “You’ll always find a moment to come back to things like that, because there’s nothing that can replace it, some kind of magic that you just cannot replicate. It’s the same when you pick up a magazine and read it, or when you pick up a paperback book.”

Above: makeup (all chanel beauty)
LES 4 OMBRES in CORAL TREASURE, $116
BAUME ESSENTIEL in mermaid glow, $73
rouge allure laque in sea star, $67
le vernis in sun drop, $46
On Kimberly
Chanel pendant earrings

More recently though, Kimberly has joined the team at local jewellery brand Curious Creatures, not just as a designer but Creative Brand Consultant, someone who’s responsible for expanding the brand and leading it to greater heights. Here, she tells us about her journey from early days where she had hounded (her words!) co-founders Larissa Tan and Sherrin Chan for particular jewellery designs, to helming her own collaborative collections, and eventually signing up to be on board.

Bold choice? We thought so too, though Kimberly tells us about a philosophy that’s close to her heart, which puts this, and her taking the chance in radio, into perspective. “I realise most of my major decisions in life, or things that have led me to the next stage, has always been the question of ‘why not?’,” she tells us. “Essentially, if I cannot find enough reason to not do something, then I will always give it a go. What’s the worst that can happen? I end up being back at square one. But I could try it, and it could lead me to a whole new world.”

And for all that fanfare, she isn’t afraid of letting us know what, really, kind of scares her as well. After all, being in the public eye for most of her life can’t be that easy. She shares: “I think I’m still scared of being vulnerable… But I’m very grateful for the people who do understand, who do seek me out when I’m quiet. I think the people who do hear you when you’re quiet, care about you the most — that’s something that has been very true for me, especially in the last few years. When I’m in a safe space, that’s when I feel like I can be vulnerable.”

That said, it’s a heartwarming moment when Kimberly also expresses how she’s incredibly grateful to the community of followers she has built up over the years; these include the people who send her direct messages or comment on her posts over on Instagram, lovingly read and received she says, as well as listeners who dial into the station. To all those listening in, here’s what she has to say: “To those who’ve sent [me a message], if you’re reading this, and if you’ve always offered a kind word to people around you, know that it’s a lot more significant than you might realise. I do read most of your messages, even if I don’t say it! It makes a difference — all the difference in the world.”

PHOTOGRAPHED BY ADELE CHAN USING LEICA M11.
MAKEUP BY PETER KHOR using CHANEL BEAUTY.
HAIR BY JAMES CHIUN.

Above: makeup (all chanel beauty)
LES 4 OMBRES in CORAL TREASURE, $116
BAUME ESSENTIEL in mermaid glow, $73
rouge allure laque in sea shell, $67
le vernis in sun drop, $46
On kimberly
Chanel glasses in acetate, embellished with a chain
Chanel bracelet in metal and strass

Hi Kim! What have you been up to recently?

Kimberly: “I currently host the evening drive-time show on 987, together with Gerald and Maya, so yeah, that’s what I’ve been up to. I actually made the switch last year in April, on 1 April, so a lot of my friends thought it was a joke; I have since gotten my social life back too. This is also my 13th year with the station!”

Was being a radio DJ something you’ve always wanted to do?

K: “It didn’t start as a career path that I had planned for. I was always in the media industry since I was a kid. So when I got into radio, it was because I thought it was amazing to do something that I like, which was hosting. I listen to music for gigs, and also work in an air-conditioned studio with a small group of people, you know, it wasn’t so front-facing (at a point in time), so I thought it was really fun, and I did it! Obviously the job has evolved dramatically ever since, but I’ve grown into that role as well.”

How would you say the job has evolved over the years — and how do you feel about these changes?

K: “Initially, radio was quite ‘pure’ as a platform. Traditionally you’d hear a voice on radio shows, and that was essentially what the job entailed. You hear us but don’t see us — that’s kind of one of my favourite super powers! With social media and stuff, we have all become influencers, and our job is a lot more multi-approach now. It’s not just being a radio DJ; I host events, I do beauty and lifestyle shoots, I work with a lot of brands as well. These have all become a part of my job.

A lot of people are like, ‘oh, when you apply for a job nowadays, you can’t just have one role anymore’, and I actually think that’s really fun. I like that my job has opened up many, many doors and opportunities for me to do things that I think are fun, in terms of content creation and creativity.

I was from an advertising background during university, and I’ve always wanted to be on the strategy team, where you come up with campaign ideas and all. My job has evolved so much that it has allowed me to do that, to use the skills I thought I would not need after graduation, from planning campaigns with clients, to creating digital content for them, all that kind of constant play, I really enjoy it. Even radio allows me to do that because I will have to come up with game ideas and segments on air.”

Above: makeup (all chanel beauty)
LES 4 OMBRES in rivage, $116
stylo yeux waterproof in BLEU abysse, $43
Lumière de l’ocèan illuminating powder, $107
Rouge coco bloom in opportunity, $67
le vernis in lagune, $46
on kimberly
Chanel hairband embellished with black velvet flowers
Chanel necklace in metal and strass

What would you say is an underrated aspect of the job?

K: “I think it’s that because you’re on and you’re talking, you don’t really hear instant feedback from people unless it’s a phone call. But there are people who will still send DMs (direct messages), and it’s like ‘oh, there are people who are listening’, who tell us that what we shared was applicable to their lives, who thank us for sharing about things like that. Sometimes, you don’t think your opinion is that significant, but then you’re reminded that actually, maybe it is, and that people are really listening; I’m very thankful for that.”

That’s nice to hear! What is this community like, and how has it supported your journey over the years?

K: “I feel very lucky because I’m blessed with a very encouraging community. One of the things about social media is that it can get quite scary, like people who are very quick to voice their opinions without much care about how it’s going to be read, but I haven’t really had that. I’ve always had really encouraging and positive experiences.

This is something that I don’t really express, but I am very, very thankful for that even when I don’t reply. Just reading them brings me a lot of comfort. I’m not one for expressing my emotions, but I feel things very deeply and I actually hold things very close to my heart, and this support is what gives me the motivation and encouragement to continue doing what I’m doing.

To those who’ve sent them, if you’re reading this, and if you’ve always offered a kind word to people around you, know that it’s a lot more significant than you might realise; I do read most of your messages, even if I don’t say it! It makes a difference — all the difference in the world.”

As someone who’s a lot more in the public eye now, beyond just sitting in a booth, how do you feel having to be ‘out there’ and being more vulnerable than before?

K: “I think I’m still scared of being vulnerable, because life throws you some curveballs, and I’ve always been the kind of person who deals with them on my own. In fact, I’ve just been told three times already this year that I’m someone who’s easily misunderstood because I don’t really react in some situations. I’d be like ‘okay’, and they would ask, ‘don’t you feel angry or whatever’. It’s not that I don’t, but I feel like the world is already so noisy with so many opinions, and I don’t think mine is necessary to put out there, that every situation needs a reaction. Apparently, this has been misunderstood as me not really giving a shit about it.

I do care deeply, I just usually think about what’s the most constructive way of taking it from there, and if I have nothing to offer, I’d just hold my tongue. But I’m very grateful for the people who do understand, who do seek me out when I’m quiet. I think the people who do hear you when you’re quiet, care about you the most — that’s something that has been very true for me, especially in the last few years. When I’m in a safe space, that’s when I feel like I can be vulnerable.”

Above: makeup (all chanel beauty)
LES 4 OMBRES in rivage, $116
stylo yeux waterproof in bleu abysse, $43
rouge allure velvet in rouge vie, $67
le vernis in lagune, $46
On kimberly
Chanel necklace in metal, glass beads and strass (choker)
Chanel necklace in metal, resin and strass

Do you feel that radio is still relevant in today’s world?

K: “I think I’ll always romanticise it. I might be wrong for saying this, but I think the magic of traditional media is that it will always transcend whatever the new world has to bring. It might have a smaller impact, or a smaller share of the pie, but it’s not because people are consuming less but because they’ve got more options.

It’s like how people like old-school things, or still like going to the cinema. You’ll always find a moment to come back to things like that, because there’s nothing that can replace it, some kind of magic that you just cannot replicate. It’s the same when you pick up a magazine and read it, or when you pick up a paperback book. I have a Kindle, but I still go to Kinokuniya and I still like to buy paperback books — it feels different.”

It sounds like you’ve got quite a sentimental love for radio! Is this the same love that drew you to it, or has that evolved too?

K: “The job has evolved quite a lot, but the main bulk of it is the same, like going on air, making people laugh when you’re on the go. and stuff like that. I don’t have a magical story like ‘this was my dream’, I just really wanted to do it, especially when I was in university, because I was always a child host and actress, and hosting was one of those things that I enjoyed doing, but got a little bit shy as I got older.

When I was younger, as a kid, I had less inhibitions I guess, then as you get older, and your hobby becomes a job, you realise that there are other things that come with it. As a person who’s actually very introverted, it was a learning curve for me. When I heard about radio, I was like, ‘oh, I get to host and I get to listen to music without the very front-facing element at that point in time’. It felt like a dream job — so I was, why not?

I realise most of my major decisions in life, or things that have led me to the next stage, has always been the question of ‘why not?’. Essentially, if I cannot find enough reason to not do something, then I will always give it a go. What’s the worst that can happen? I end up being back at square one. But I could try it, and it could lead me to a whole new world. That was what it was for me. Why not? Let me try it. And now it has become such a big part of my life.”

What would you say to someone who’s eager to be a radio DJ as well?

K: “I actually think it’s easier now.  Before, it was like, you had to email in your auditions and stuff, but now there are competitions, and we do TikTok contests to scout people and all. I feel like you could just put yourself out there. Don’t be afraid, you never know what could happen. Like I said, why not? You could try it, and it might not happen, but it won’t be different from where you’re at right now. Just go for it!”

Speaking of ‘why not?’, what’s a major decision in your life, other than radio, where you applied this philosophy?

K: “So many! Even when I was a kid, going to theatre school; radio was definitely one of them; going into my university (Wee Kim Wee School of Communication and Information) was one as well, I knew little to nothing about the major at first. In recent years though, that would definitely be joining Curious Creatures, a local jewellery brand that I am now a co-owner of since last year.”

Yes, do tell us more about your partnership with Curious Creatures! How did you get started collaborating with the jewellery brand as, first, a co-designer, and subsequently, co-owner?

K: “I’ve always loved jewellery, and it goes all the way back to when Curious Creatures first started. I found them on Etsy and started buying from them then. Eventually, I started asking them, ‘can you make something like that, do you have something like that?’, and they were like ‘why don’t you just design a collection with us’. This first collaboration launched in 2019, but the questions and the hounding started coming in way earlier!

For the first collection, I was looking for something that was asymmetrical, with a specific stone and colourway that did not exist at that point in time, or just couldn’t find — a cranberry stone paired with a very pale, almost pistachio-green stone on gold. So we created it and the collection sold out very, very quickly, which was surprising to me. I was terrified! I was designing something that I think I would like, but I don’t know if anyone else was going to like it.

That kind of started the whole idea of like, maybe I could do jewellery design, and we did another collaboration after that. And in the midst of that, we were in talks of how I can be a bigger part of the brand, because they were also looking to expand and we were talking about certain things that were very aligned, for example, wanting to start a luxury needle piercing studio and creating more elaborate earrings for people who have cartilage piercings, or going more into the 14k range while still being accessible in price. A lot of things were super aligned! Eventually, it just seemed natural to go into it, and like I said, it was one of those situations where I could not think of a ‘why not’ reason.”

How would you describe the person you’re designing for, and is that in line with your personal style?

K: “For me! I am not presumptuous enough to think that my collections appeal to everyone, but I suppose people who are looking for something that is simple, with a bit of detail, which also encapsulates my personal style. I like very minimalist, simple, clean silhouettes, but with a bit of detail. So if it’s going to be a white t shirt, that white t shirt is going to look a little different. Like, there’s a different lining in the pocket, a red thread running through a black piece of clothing, something that’s very small but draws your eye to it immediately without calling too much attention. That was what I had in mind for most of my collections.

For personal style, I also go from looking like a 15-year-old teenage boy with a snapback, t-shirt and shorts, to a very clean, elegant kind of style. And I can’t say I’m more one or the other — I am both depending on my mood and on the occasion, like get a girl who can do both, right? I do say that I pick comfort over style, but my stylist would be like, ‘no girl, you would die for fashion’, because I’d be in a dress and be like, you have to tie this corset tighter’, and he’d be like, ‘can you breathe?’, and I’d be, ‘I’m fine. I’ll survive’.”

Is there a dream person you’d like to see your jewellery on, perhaps one of your own style inspirations?

K: “Absolutely, I’d say Heart Evangelista! She’s one of my jewellery idols and I love that she wears her own in her photoshoots and stuff; she’s that badass. She has this tennis necklace made up of stones that she collected over the years, that she then customised into this beautiful piece! She’s got such a strong sense of personal style, and for it to be so specific to what she wants that she decided to just create her own stuff and wear it, that, to me, is amazing.”

How about beauty — what’s your approach to it? Do let us in on some of the products you just can’t do without too!

K: “Oh, beauty is a big journey for me. I had really bad skin as a teenager, like acne and stuff, and my dad would drive me across clinics in Singapore to try to resolve my skin issues. It would get to a point where I felt so unconfident I just didn’t want to go to school. Eventually, when I started to learn a bit more about skincare, I realised that it was really science, not just brands or products or marketing, but what’s most suitable for your skin. I always say, go to a dermatologist first to get your skin assessed. I can tell you this product is good for me, but you won’t know how it is for you.

That’s why a lot of the brands that I do work with are brands that are very conscious of the science behind the products. I love it when brands make a conscious effort to educate us, because we then get to share that with the public in a more informative way that’s less based on opinions, but based on the science that they have spent years of research on. [Editor’s Note: Kimberly has been collaborating with Chanel Beauty for years now, and shares many of her favourite products from the brand on her Instagram feed.]

 

Once you understand the product a little bit more, you also know how to use it better, like why would you choose to use it in the day versus at night, all of that makes a very big difference. I would say skincare is a lot of homework, and if you love learning it’s fun, but the payoff is like 1,000% worth it. It is so imperative that people learn about the products that they’re using, instead of just buying into the idea of like, ‘oh everyone says this is good’. I’m very lucky to be in a position where I get to have access to brands that will tell me what they’re about and stuff like that, and this is something that I will never take for granted.

For makeup, I’d say, skincare gives me confidence for makeup. If my skin isn’t good, no amount of makeup can help me to feel confident. That’s the honest truth. With makeup, I like playing around. I have a specific look that I go for, which is like very chill, clean and simple, but I do like playing around with colours sometimes. I am quite adventurous when it comes to people saying ‘let’s try this different look’.”

What’s next! Is there anything new that you’re looking forward to doing in 2024?

K: “I’m toying with the idea of doing some acting, which I have not done in many years and I do miss. People are still surprised to learn that I speak Mandarin as well, so I don’t mind shocking people and doing more Mandarin-speaking shows.

I’m very excited for new and unexpected things too, perhaps more exciting collaborations with Curious Creatures, where I hope I can bring something that’s more interesting and refreshing. I hope to bring the brand beyond Singapore — let’s see!”

FOLLOW kimberly ON INSTAGRAM @OHHOWSTRANGE.

 

The CHANEL Rouge Allure Velvet Nuit Blanche Lipsticks Take Us From Night To Day

Forget day to night, CHANEL’s latest lipstick launch takes us from night to day, with eight hues of the Rouge Allure Velvet, each corresponding to eight specific hours of the night. This one’s for the night owls who get energised at the stroke of midnight, or those who appreciate the magic of city lights that come alive only when the sun’s gone down.

The limited-edition Rouge Allure Velvet Nuit Blanche collection is as stylish as ever, this time in exclusive white cases trimmed with black, while retaining the signature and highly satisfying click of the Rouge Allure series. These are luminous matte colours as well, meant to be elegant yet comfortable on the lips, as seen on actress Margot Robbie.

CHANEL’s take on a night about town starts the moment the clock strikes midnight, starting with a vibrant sienna red (0:00) and energising brick orange (01:00) to kickstart an unforgettable night; this then continues with more vivid hues such as orange red (02:00) and vibrant fuchsia (03:00) as the party goes into full swing, followed by intimate shades of warm brown (04:00) and a luminous purple (05:00). Just as we’re approaching dawn, the colours then give way to light cool tones of a burnished rosewood (06:00) and a fresh pink (07:00).

The full list of shades are as follows:

  • 00:00 – A Sienna Red
  • 01:00 – A Brick Orange
  • 02:00 – An Orange Red
  • 03:00 – A Vibrant Fuchsia
  • 04:00 – A Warm Brown
  • 05:00 – A Purple
  • 06:00 – A Burnished Rosewood
  • 07:00 – A Fresh Pink

The lipsticks also arrive in a set of 2 with shades 00:00 and 06:00, and a set of 4 with the additional shades of 02:00 and 06:00.

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CHANEL Rouge Allure Velvet Nuit Blanche, $70 each, available from 29 February at CHANEL Fragrance and Beauty boutiques, and on the CHANEL Official Fragrance & Beauty Online Store, and from 8 March at CHANEL Fragrance and Beauty counters.

 

Dyson Airstrait™: What You Need To Know About The New Wet-To-Dry Hair Straightener Tool

Let’s be real, we can’t be the only ones that hate drying our hair, what with the general wasted time, tired arms, and unfortunate frizzy results. It seems like we’ve hit a new era of fuss-free hair tools though, with the launch of the Dyson Airstrait™ hair straightener, the technology brand’s next-level beauty tool. It’s set to launch in Singapore from 29 February 2024.

Their first hair care launch since the Corrale in 2020, this nifty innovation does away with the conventional hot plates usually found in similar styling tools, and instead relies on a powerful focused airflow technology for wet-to-dry straightening. The difference is a more efficient drying process without using high heat, up to 60% less damage to hair in fact, so we can enjoy healthy and shiny hair — much like brand ambassador Jisoo.

The most exciting part of the Dyson Airstrait™ is, of course, how we can now dry and straighten hair at the same time, which shortens the usually time-consuming styling process into a single step; according to Dyson’s tests, you’re looking at cutting time spent by 25%. This feat is achieved without hot plates, done by directing a precisely-angled high-pressure blade of air in a downward force to straighten hair as it dries.

You’ll also see a smooth and shiny finish, due to the directional airflow helping align hair strands so there’s less reliance on extreme heat, while using lower temperatures while going from wet to dry hair also means its internal structure is protected, and thus, will reflect light to look sleeker.

Further technology, especially with a particular Root Drying function, relies on diffusers that ensure heated air is directed away from the user while styling, so the straightener can move closer to one’s hair roots; this ensures that they are moisture-free in order to maintain a healthy scalp.

And if you’re wondering, the Dyson Airstrait™ straightener is powered by the small and lightweight  Hyperdymium™ motor that’s been specifically-engineered for Dyson’s Hair Care technologies, alongside intelligent heat control that accompanies the rest of their hair tools as well.

We’ve yet to try it, but the demos and lifestyle images indicate that both natural straight hair and bouncy J-Curls are possible. across a diverse range of hair types as well.

 


The Dyson Airstrait™ straightener, $799, will be available from 29 February 2024 at Dyson stores and online. Sign up here to be the first to know when it launches.